Zeldin to visit border where 'disgusting Mexican sewage' is harming US environment

Fox News - Apr 1st, 2025
Open on Fox News

California beaches in Long Beach and San Pedro have been closed due to millions of gallons of sewage being discharged into the ocean. EPA Chief Lee Zeldin announced plans to visit the California-Mexico border to address the ongoing issue of sewage from the Tijuana River polluting US beaches. This visit aims to push for permanent solutions from Mexico to stop the sewage runoff that is impacting public health and the environment. San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond highlighted the severity of the crisis, emphasizing the danger it poses to local residents and military personnel, as well as its impact on tourism.

The problem of sewage flowing from Tijuana into the United States is not new, with similar incidents occurring in the past. In 2018, a broken sewage pipe in Mexico resulted in significant beach closures, and earlier this year, a malfunction at a wastewater pump station led to another major spill. The situation underscores a long-standing cross-border environmental challenge, where calls for action have often gone unanswered. Zeldin's visit is seen as a crucial step towards holding Mexico accountable and finding a sustainable solution to protect the shared coastal ecosystem.

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RATING

6.2
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article effectively highlights a significant environmental issue affecting California beaches due to sewage spills from the Tijuana River. It provides a clear narrative with timely relevance, focusing on the involvement of EPA officials and local authorities. However, the story could benefit from a more balanced perspective by including responses from Mexican officials and environmental experts. The reliance on political figures for information may introduce bias, and the lack of detailed data and methodology limits transparency. Despite these shortcomings, the article is well-written and accessible, making it a valuable piece for raising awareness and encouraging public discourse on cross-border environmental challenges.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story provides a detailed account of sewage issues affecting California beaches due to spills from the Tijuana River. The claim about Lee Zeldin visiting the California-Mexico border to address these issues is consistent with past reports of EPA officials engaging in similar environmental concerns. The article accurately reports the malfunction of the Hollister Wastewater Pump Station and its environmental impact, citing specific incidents like the 30,000-gallon spill. However, the story could benefit from more precise data on the frequency and volume of sewage spills, as well as the health and environmental consequences. The use of historical incidents, such as the 2018 sewage spill, adds credibility, but further verification from independent sources would strengthen the narrative.

6
Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of U.S. officials and local authorities, highlighting their concerns and criticisms of the Mexican government's handling of the sewage issue. While it emphasizes the environmental and public health risks, it lacks a balanced view by not including responses or perspectives from Mexican officials or environmental experts. This omission may lead to a skewed perception of the issue, focusing mainly on U.S. grievances without exploring potential diplomatic or cooperative efforts between the two countries.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and easy to follow, with a logical progression from the problem's description to the responses of various stakeholders. The language is clear and straightforward, making it accessible to a general audience. The use of direct quotes and specific examples, such as the 2018 and January sewage incidents, enhances understanding and keeps the reader engaged. However, the narrative could benefit from more detailed explanations of technical terms or processes related to sewage treatment and environmental impact.

5
Source quality

The story cites Fox News Digital and includes quotes from public officials like Lee Zeldin and Jim Desmond, providing a certain level of authority. However, it relies heavily on statements from political figures, which may introduce bias. The lack of diverse sources, such as environmental scientists or independent agencies, limits the depth and reliability of the information. The inclusion of a Reuters photo credit suggests some degree of external validation, but more comprehensive sourcing would enhance credibility.

5
Transparency

The article provides a clear narrative of the events and statements from involved parties, but it lacks transparency regarding the sources of some claims, such as the exact impact of the sewage spills on public health. The absence of detailed methodology or data supporting these claims makes it difficult to assess the full scope of the problem. Additionally, there is no disclosure of potential conflicts of interest or biases that might affect the reporting, which is crucial for maintaining journalistic integrity.

Sources

  1. https://www.factcheck.org/2024/12/where-trumps-picks-for-epa-interior-and-energy-stand-on-climate-change/
  2. https://www.foxnews.com/category/us/immigration
  3. https://www.foxnews.com/media/epa-administrator-lee-zeldin-calls-out-cnn-face-plant-misunderstanding-press-release
  4. https://www.foxnews.com/us/us-doesnt-give-a-crap-about-mexico-sewage-spills-sickening-calif-beachgoers-critics-say
  5. https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-launches-biggest-deregulatory-action-us-history