Past the 560,000-gallon sewage spill tipping point

On Wednesday, February 14, members from San Diego's Regional Water Quality Control Board will discuss whether to file a lawsuit against the United States International Boundary and Water Commission, the agency responsible for overseeing water quality at the border.

In September of last year, the cities of Imperial Beach, Chula Vista, San Diego, as well as the County and Port of San Diego, sent a notice of intent to sue.

The flow of raw sewage from Mexico has forced periodic beach closures in Imperial Beach and other South Bay beaches for decades. Recent investigations of Tijuana's wastewater plant showed that over $500 million in repairs is needed.

And, this past weekend, lifeguards closed beaches in Imperial Beach after 560,000 gallons of untreated sewage flowed into the ocean from a wastewater plant in Tijuana.

While local governments wait to file suit, the water-control board appears poised to jump onboard.

According to the agenda, the state water board will "consider initiating litigation against the USIBWC over matters within the San Diego Water Board's jurisdiction."

The board will discuss the item during a closed session meeting at 9am at its headquarters in Mission Valley.