The United States and Mexico recently signed an agreement to jointly fund wastewater treatment projects in the Tijuana River basin. This memorandum of understanding aims to address the persistent issue of untreated wastewater flowing from Tijuana into southern San Diego.
The accord outlines specific actions to be taken by both governments by 2027. Both nations have recommitted to funding the construction and renovation of vital water treatment infrastructure on both sides of the border, with an emphasis on expediting several key projects over the next two years.
Asheville Approves Contracts for Temporary Treatment Systems
The City of Asheville (North Carolina) council has unanimously approved two contracts totaling $55.7 million for temporary pretreatment systems at its water treatment plants. A $36.9 million contract with CDM Smith Inc. will establish a temporary system at the North Fork Water Treatment Plant, which supplies 70% of the city's water. Additionally, an $18.8 million contract with Bering-Weston JV will manage a temporary pretreatment system at the William DeBruhl Water Treatment Plant.
These emergency measures are in response to significant damage caused by Hurricane Helene, which clogged the North Fork Reservoir with mud and shut down both of its main pipelines.
Portland Gains Approval to Resume $2 Billion Water Plant Construction
Portland is set to restart construction next week on its $2 billion water filtration plant near Gresham, following a legal challenge that halted the project in February. The Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals had initially overturned a portion of the project's land-use permit, ruling that officials failed to adequately assess potential impacts on the rural area's natural resources.
However, a county land use hearings officer has now reapproved the project, determining it will not adversely affect natural resources. The approval includes new requirements for the city, such as planting over 3,000 trees and upgrading stormwater management.
Continue reading for free
