Matadero Canyon runs from Tijuana neighborhoods to the border, where it becomes Smuggler's Gulch on the U.S. side. Mexico built a sediment basin in the canyon to catch soil and debris before it crosses.
Why it matters
Sediment and trash from Matadero Canyon have repeatedly clogged and shut down the U.S. collector at Smuggler's Gulch, letting sewage through to the valley.
Where it stands
Done. Mexico finished the basin in May 2026, ahead of the 2026–27 rainy season, as committed in Minute 333.
Who's responsible
Mexico built it. Keeping it working depends on regular clean-out, which Minute 333 folds into plans for dredging and sediment and trash removal.
What to watch
How it performs in the first storms, and whether it's cleaned out on schedule.
Related
Smuggler's Gulch improvements. The map: Smuggler's Gulch.
Sources
- U.S. EPA, Tijuana River watershed public updates, quarterly updates from November 2025 to June 2026
- U.S. EPA, announcement of Minute 333, December 2025