Unstabilized Sludge Storage Tanks (USSTs). USST #1 was inoperable due to the condition of pipes and pumps prior to the storm. USST #2 was in service during the storm and the storm accelerated damage. One of three pumps is in operation, two are required for normal operation. Therefore, it is being operated at 50% capacity with no redundancies.

Before Hurricane Hillary, SBIWTP needed rehabilitation and expansion due to excessive flows coming from Mexico. The Tijuana River and Ocean by San Diego contain unsafe amounts sewage forcing the Beaches to close. The Hurricane further damaged the plant. Without these repairs the Plant highly likely to fail, if subjected to another storm before these repairs can be made, and result in an even larger discharge of raw sewage.