Public Safety

Local Businesses Asked to Report Damage from South Bay Sewage Spill

Saturn Boulevard flooded by a sewage spill from south of the border that flowed into the Tijuana River.
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The County wants to hear from businesses that have been hurt by the significant sewage spill in the South Bay that started last month.

The spill, which began in early February on the Mexican side of the border, triggered an estimated 143 million gallons of sewage to flow into the Tijuana River. This has led to beach closures and other potentially far-reaching consequences to the environment, as well as to residents and businesses.

Has the spill caused your business substantial economic or property damage? If so, the County is asking that you let us know, in an effort to potentially qualify for an economic injury disaster loan through the U.S. Small Business Administration. Our communities could receive low-interest federal disaster loans to help offset economic losses due to the spill. Any business in the County that has suffered significant losses may be eligible. Please report damage to the County by the end of the day, Friday, April 21.

To report substantial damage to your business, please fill out and submit an economic injury worksheet through the County Office of Emergency’s Recovery website. The form asks about adverse economic impacts and physical property damage due to the spill. Completing the form does not guarantee assistance, but will help the County demonstrate the need for help.

If the County’s Office of Emergency Services receives enough reports of damage to businesses, the office will work with the state’s Office of Emergency Services to connect those businesses with the loan program.

 

Yvette Urrea Moe is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact