SBA says it's listening to businesses impacted by Tijuana sewage

Small businesses in South County, near the sewage-laced Tijuana River, are attributing years-long revenue losses to the ongoing pollution crisis. While construction projects designed to stop the flow of untreated wastewater are underway, business owners say relief cannot come sooner.

This week, William Briggs, the deputy administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), visited the communities most affected, including Imperial Beach, to hear directly from business owners.

He is the latest federal official to meet with people who live and work near the Tijuana River in San Diego. In February, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin also visited the region to highlight how the federal government is working with its Mexican counterparts to end the decades-long problem.

Voice of San Diego reporter Jim Hinch followed along during Briggs' visit to Imperial Beach. He joined Midday Edition on Wednesday to share his biggest takeaways.

Guest:

• Jim Hinch, South County reporter, Voice of San Diego