TIJUANA (KGTV) — Tijuana's Parallel Gravity Line — which transports wastewater in Tijuana — collapsed Friday night, according to the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission.
The exact reason for the collapse is unknown at this time, but Mexico has shut down several pumps along the border to allow crews to make repairs, which are expected to take several days
According to a news release sent to ABC 10News, USIBWC Commissioner Chad McIntosh contacted Commissioner Adriana Reséndez of the Mexican IBWC section (CILA) to request a 24/7 effort on repairs and "demanded Mexico do everything possible to keep wastewater out of the Tijuana River."
Replacement piping arrived at the site on Saturday night, according to the USIBWC.
USIBWC says flows are high at the USIBWC canyon collectors on the border, but no problems have been reported to USIBWC.
Residents may see increased wastewater flows in the Tijuana River Channel along with stronger odors.
The USIBWC will monitor expected flows, sediment and trash in the canyon collectors and coordinate with Mexican water authorities to ensure that all suspended pumps are online as quickly as possible.
The South Bay International Wastewater Treatment plant is operating normally.
The USIBWC says this is the second time in nearly two weeks that Mexico has had to respond to a rupture in the 10-mile line.
