After nearly eight months of delays, malfunctions and redesigns, the San Antonio de los Buenos Wastewater Treatment Plant partially came online recently and has begun treating raw sewage that comes from the city of Tijuana. The facility, built near the coast about 6 miles south of the border, is still not operating at full capacity. Mexican officials say they are still conducting tests and going through the certification process before the plant can be geared up to treat 18 million gallons of raw sewage per day — its maximum capacity. Despite going into partial service, communities north of the border, where much of that sewage ends up, have seen little to no relief. Beach closures in Imperial Beach and the city of Coronado to the north, remain in effect. In Imperial Beach, beaches have been off limits for more than three years.

Other Tijuana River sewage news:

• Times of San Diego: Imperial Beach mayor calls for stronger, faster local action on Tijuana River pollution crisis
• Times of San Diego: Sewage surge prompts water pollution advisory along Silver Strand