Warning signs cautioning dangers of Tijuana River sewage unveiled in the South Bay

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)-- San Diego County officials installed warning signs in the South Bay on Wednesday morning to alert the community of the dangers of toxic gases and contaminated air that have emerged from cross-border sewage pollution near the Tijuana River.

The warning signs began being installed around 8:30 a.m. at two major Tijuana River sewage hot spots in the U.S. near Saturn Boulevard, which is located just northeast of the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve.

According to a press release from San Diego County officials, "The Tijuana River has long carried untreated sewage, industrial waste, and chemicals across the U.S.-Mexico border, creating an ongoing environmental and public health crisis."

San Diego County Supervisor Paloma Aguirre and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria were expected on site to unveil the warning signs. Additionally, Gabriel Uribe, a South Bay resident, was slated to speak at the ceremony to share firsthand accounts of how the pollution has affected the community.

According to the press release, "Recent Airborne Contaminants of Emerging Concern (ACE) studies and case reviews by health officials have documented dangerous hydrogen sulfide and other toxic gas emissions near polluted sites, raising concerns for residents, visitors and outdoor workers."

While the signs serve as a visual warning, officials say they continue to push for long-term pollution control solutions.