vvEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
International Activities
(2621)
EPA 160-B-95-001
June 1995
Compendium Of EPA
Bi national And Domestic
U.S./Mexico
United States -Mexico
International Border Area
Recycled/Recyclable Printed with Vegetable Based Inks on Recycled Paper (20% Postconsumer)
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This document is the product of the combined effortsof the following EPA offices:
Region 6
Region 9
Border Offices (San Diego-& El Paso)
Office of Water
, Office of Air and Radiation
Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance ' ,
Office of Planning, Policy, and Evaluation ' "
Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances
Office of Research and Development
Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response
> Office of General Counsel
Office of international Activities
Compiled by Brent Maier and Paul Yaldez (Office of International Activities)
- Cover Acknowledgement
EPA Region 6 GIS Program
Environmental Services Division
Dallas, Texas
Map created on 5/5/95 by CDSI for
EPA Office of International Activities.
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Compendium of EPA Binational and
Domestic U.S./Mexico Activities
This compendium represents an effort by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to
compile a comprehensive inventory of ongoing United States/Mexico projects receiving EPA
funding and/or involving EPA participation. These projects are designed to protect and improve
the environment of the U. S ./Mexico border area, improve our understanding of the border ,
environment, increase cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico in the environmental arena, and
address priority environmental issues of the two countries, both inside and outside the border
area. Much of this work is done by state and local governments with EPA grants. Also
described herein are recently completed projects and proposed projects likely to be implemented.
EPA, in addition, sponsors expert speakers to participate in numerous conferences and
' workshops in Mexico and in the U.S. in support of the above goals and to share EP As
experiences on environmental protection and management; this is not specifically represented in
the compendium.
Compendium Organization
For simplicity, the projects are primarily organized by binational La Paz working groups.
Binational efforts not organized under the La Paz Agreement, U.S. domestic projects in the
border area, and projects funded through the Southwest Center for Research and Policy (SCERP)
have separate sections. For some projects, discerning the working group with the primary
responsibility is not easy, since working groups often collaborate on joint projects and much of
the work is inter-related. >
La Paz Agreement
EPA formally began working with the environmental authorities in Mexico (at that time the
Secretariat for Urban Development and Ecology- SEDUE) to address issues of common concern
in the border area through the Agreement between the United States of America and the United
Mexican States on Cooperation for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in the
Border Area (1983 La Paz Agreement). SEDUE has since been replaced with the Secretaria de
Desarollo Social (SEDESOL) and the Secretaria de Medio Ambiente, Recursos Naturales, y
Pesca (SEMARNAP). The La Paz Agreement created a framework for binational working
groupsjto address the priority environmental problems of the border area. Currently, there are
six binational La Paz working groups: Air, Contingency Planning and Emergency Response,
Cooperative Enforcement, Hazardous Waste, Pollution Prevention, and Water. These binational
working groups meet regularly to set priorities, report on progress of project implementation,
and exchange relevant information,; Much of the work described in the following pages is the
direct result of the efforts of these La Paz working groups or domestic subgroups,of these
binational La Paz working groups. Some other projects had their genesis through associated
environmental agreements.
f
New Institutions '......",?. ,
To ensure the environment was protected with establishment of the North American Free Trade
Agreement (NAFTA), the U.S., Mexican and Canadian governments created the Commission for
Environmental Cooperation (CEC). Also, in an effort to address the long-neglected
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environmental infrastructure needs of the border region, the U.S. and Mexico created the Border
Environmental Cooperation Commission (BECC) and the North American Development Bank
(NADBank) to provide the necessary funding and technical assistance to border communities.
The appendix of this document includes summaries, of progress to date on the CEC, the BECC,
and the NADBank. These new institutions will play a large role in addressing the priority
environmental concerns in the U.S./Mexico border area and throughout the North American
continent.
Next Steps
During 1995, a review of ongoing environmental initiatives will be undertaken with the Mexican
government and efforts will be focused on developing a new border plan, Border 2000. Border
2000 will cover the period 1995-2000, and build on achievements and lessons learned from the
1992 Integrated Environmental Plan for theMexican-U.S. Border Area, First Stage. Together
with the CEC, BECC, NADBank, state, and local governments, and Mexico's environmental
authorities, EPA, will continue to work to improve and protect the environmental quality of the
U.S./Mexico border region.
As written currently, the document has not been formally reviewed by agencies in Mexico or
U.S. agencies other than EPA: future versions will seek to incorporate such input. The -
compendium will be updated periodically and expanded as necessary. We hope it will be used as
a tool to better inform federal agencies, border states and border communities how EPA is
directing its resources and to foster discussion on how EPA can maximize the benefit to the
border communities with its limited resources. Any feedback on the utility of this document
' would be appreciated for incorporation into future versions.
EPA Border Program Contacts
EPA Headquarters:
William Nitze
Assistant Administrator
Office of International Activities
Attention: Mexico Team
401 M Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20460
(202) 260-4870
EPA Border Program Office- El Paso
4050 Rio Bravo
Suite 100
El Paso, Texas 79902
(915)533-7273
EPA Border Program Office- San Diego _
610 W. Ash Street
Suite 703
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 235-4769
EPA Region 6 "
Attention: Oscar Ramirez
1445 Ross Ave., 12th Floor
Dallas, TX 75202-2733
214-665-2210
EPA Region 9
Attention: John Hamill
75 Hawthorne St.
San Francisco, C A 94105
(4^5)744.1281
EPA-Mexico
Enrique Mahzanilla
Environmental Attache
U.S. Embassy-Mexico .
P.O. Box 3087 ..-'".
Laredo, TX 78044-3087
Tel: Oil 52 52 11 00 42, ext. 3595
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
XlR WORK GROUP 1
Tijuana-San Diego/Mexicali-Imperial Valley Air Programs 2
Ambos-Nogales Air Programs 3
Agua Prieta-Douglas Air Programs .....-..; 4
. Ciudad Juarez-El Paso-Sunland Park Air Programs . .5
Big Bend Air Quality Study and Carbon I-II AD VACATE Feasibility Study 6
Toxic Sampling in Hidalgo County, Texas . . .r. ....." .7
Training Needs Assessment and Referral 8
Emissions Inventory Methodology Pilot Project :...'; 9
Pesticides Training and Outreach ... ...:....:..... .'.... .'.. 10
Brownsville/Laredo Air Programs ...;.............. . . -.'. . . . . 11
U.S./Mexico Information Center on Air Pollution - Centre de Infbrmacion Sobre
. Contamination de Aire (CICA) '..... . . .... 12
WATER WORK GROUP ,,.."'.'. 13
Tijuana'Wastewater . . ... . . : . .............. 14
Mexicali Wastewater -.. '' '. ...,.,!............., 15
Colorado River and New River System Monitoring ,..'...' 16
Nogales Wastewater ........ a:.' ......,........:. 17
Nogales Grround Water Monitoring .:...... . 18
Nogales Wellhead Protection . . . :,.,'.... 19
Inventory of U.S. Drinking Water Facilities Along the US/Mexico
Border in Region 6 . . . 20
Technical Assistance for Small Community Drinking Water. Systems in the
New Mexico/Mexico Border ....... . . . . . , . . . ... .... .... . . . . 21
Demonstration Of Safe Drinking Water Treatment Technologies in Mexico ......... 22
Las Cruces, New Mexico, Wellhead Protection (WHP) Demonstration Project ...... 23
Environmental Partnership Effort Along the U.S./Mexico Border: Ciudad Juarez/
El Paso Wellhead Protection/Ground Water Pilot Project '. ........ 24
Characterization of Transboundary Aquifers in the El Paso/Ciudad Juarez/Las Cruces
Region of the U.S./Mexico Border .25
Wastewater Pretreatment Curriculum for Mexican Officials ..................... 26
U.S..' - Mexico Peer Matching Wastewater Treatment Facilities Operation
Demonstration Project . . ., v.. 27
Toxics Study of the Rio Grande . :...........,........ . . . ....... 28
Watershed Alliance for the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo Basin .-. ..... . . ......'. . .29
Interagency Agreement Between the International Boundary and Water Commission
and the Environmental Protection Agency in the Administration of a
U.S./MexicO Wastewater Initiative 30
Bi-national Water Supply Operators Training . ; ...... .31
Bi-national Wastewater Operators Training . 32
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HAZARDOUS WASTE WORK GROUP 33
Nogales Municipal Landfill Closure Training Project ; 34
Binational Sampling and Analysis Capacity Building 35
Sampling and Analysis Training '. . .:.... .36
Tijuana Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Operations Training Class .... . . . . . . . : . ... . 37
Recycling Initiative ... . . .'.'. . .... . . 38
Repatriation of Illegally Exported Hazardous Waste ..'.... . 39
Transborder Hazardous Waste Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
Reporting Program . . . .--. . . ', . . . . . . 40
U.S./Mexico Hazardous Waste Tracking System (HAZTRAKS) ......'. 41
Texas Border Intercept Program .... .:. 42
New Mexico Environment Department Border Hazardous Waste Grant . . . . 43
Review of SEDESOL's Environmental Impact Assessment and Risk Assessment
Programs .. . .... 44
Technical Assistance on the Regulation of Combustion of Hazardous Wastes in
Cement Kilns ,.45
* U.S./Mexico Consultative Mechanism for the Establishment of New Sites and for
Existing Sites 46
COOPERATIVE ENFORCEMENT WORK GROUP .. '.'.;..,. '.'..-. ...', ; 47
Multimedia Inspection Course for Mexican Environmental Inspectors 48
Enforcement Data Management Technical Consultation/ Cooperative Targeting
Data Analysis . \ :.... 49
U.S. and Mexican Border Customs Training Course 50
Enforcement/Hazardous Waste Subworkgroups 51
Principles of Environmental Enforcement Training Course 52
Binational Conference on Environmental Laws and Enforcement . . 53
Enforcement Data Management Technical Consultation ... 54
Enforcement Results Data-Sharing ,. . . . .55
Consultation on Enforcement Penalty Policies .................... . . . . .'.' 56
Voluntary Compliance and Environmental Auditing Outreach and Technical
Consultation , 57
Protocol for Investigatory Cooperation 58
Transboundary CFC Shipment Training and Outreach 59
Third International Conference on Environmental Enforcement, .
Oaxaca, Mexico, April 25-28, 1994 ... .;...,. 60
Promoting Inter-Agency Cooperation . ......... 61
POLLUTION PREVENTION WORKGROUP 62
Pollution Prevention San Diego-- Tijuana .......................'. ..63
Border Environmental Technology Conference 64
Bilingual Pollution Prevention Manuals . 65
Video on Pollution Prevention as a Solution to Compliance Problems in the
MaquiladoraIndustry '.....'. . 66
Border Pollution Prevention Technical Assistance - Industrial Facilities .'...... 67
Border Pollution Prevention Technical Assistance - Small Business Operations 68
Bilingual Pollution Prevention TechnicalConferences 69
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Infrastructure Development Exchange With Mexico .' ................... 70
Development of Mexican State Governmental Programs on Recycling and Solid
Waste Reduction .... "... . . :'.'.' : ...-. ....;. .-. .71
Baja California Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Operations Training '. . 72
Recycling Initiative ',..".. 73
Pollution Prevention Curriculum Conference ..'.......,........ 74
CONTINGENCY PLANNING AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE WORK GROUP 75
Sister City Profiles . . ....:.. . . ...... .\ ........ ...:........;. ..... 76
The International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
Sister City initiative 77
Revision to U.S./Mexico Joint Inland Contingency Plan ................:....... 78
Contingency Planning and Emergency Response Grants to States . 79
CAMEO Translation and Training ......... .^... ... . ... ...... r. . . '. .80
Miscellaneous'Training and Grants in the Border.Communities . .'. . 81
DOMESTIC BORDER INITIATIVES 82
: ' COLONIAS,. .:......... .'...v. .'-.',. ,. :'...'.. ..... .-.-. .-. . . .-, .:.>,> -, -82
Wastewater Assistance for U.S. Colonias ...!.....: ...'...,... 83
Texas Colonias Plumbing Loan Program :......<. .'. ..... . . .... . .'...;. . .84
Identify Barriers to Local Government Participation in WaterAVastewater
Assistance to Colonias . . i . ................................. 85
Constructed Wetlands Wastewater Treatment Model Project to Address
Wastewater Treatment in the Colonias :". .. .86
Texas Colonia Wastewater Treatment Assistance Program .;.... .... ....... 87
New Mexico Colonias Wastewater Construction Grants Program 88
Evaluation of Wastewater Treatment Ponds for Use Along the .
U.S.-MexicoBorder . . "... . , .". . 89
Colonia Assistance and Management Support Program . . . . . . ...... 90
Texas Colonia Enforcement Strike Force ...... ; ...................... 91
New Mexico Colonias Enforcement Action 92
Municipal On-site Wastewater Assistance Program .....'................. 93
Circuit Rider Technical Assistance for Public Water Systems along the
" U.S./MexicoBorder ..,:.,.;.. ..V. .......; ._'. ...."'..,.-...-.'. 94
1 Cameron Park Colonia Recycling Program ................. .... . . .... . . . .95
OTHER DOMESTIC INITIATIVES ,. , . ... . . . .. 96
El Paso City/County Health and Environmental District r Wellhead
.Protection (WHP) Project ............... : . ... . ........ . . 97
Intergenerational AmeriCorpsฎ Ground Water Protection Program:
El Paso, Texas Wellhead Protection Project :........... 98
Sunland Park Health Consultations . ;. \ ... ........ 99
Geographic Targeting of Abandoned and Inactive Sites Activities ... .... , . . 100
Global Positioning System (GPS) Location of Regulated Facilities
along the Region Vl-Mexicari Border 101
U.S.-Mexico Cooperation on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) .'. . . . 102
Environmental Justice Border Community Grants ...................... 103
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California Department of Toxic Substances Control Grant . . . : . . 104
, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Grant .'..'../..'.'.'.'.'..... . . 105
OTHER U.S./MEXICO PROJECTS (NOT SPECIFIC TO THE BORDER) 106(
Strengthening State and Local Environmental Policymaking and Enforcement
Capacity in Mexico .- 107
Eco-Industrial Park Feasibility Study ':. . . .;.-. . .". ... . .'. 108
Groundwater Protection Workshop: Underground Storage Tank (UST) and
Underground Injection Control (UIC) Training for Mexican Regulators
and Industry . . ..... . 109
United States Environmental Training Institute (USETI) Mexico Program ........ 110
University of New Mexico Environmental Finance Center (EFC) ./. Ill
Technical Assistance and Training for Border Communities 112
U.S.-Mexico Pesticide Residue Standards Working Group ..,. . . . .... 113
U.S.-Mexico Border Interagency Project and the Office of Research and
Development's (ORD'S) Lower Rio Grande Valley Monitoring Study, ...... 114
Community Empowerment Grant - Communities in New River Area 115
Pollutant Release and transfer Register (PRTR) Development in Mexico ... ...... . 116 '
Assessment of Land cover, Carbon Dynamics and Forest Management Options in
Southeastern Mexico '..... ..:..........-.... 117
Epidemiologic Studies of Criteria Pollutant Particles and Gases ........... . .... .11*8
Lead Poisoning Education and Outreach 119
Technology Transfer under the Montreal Protocol Multilateral Fund ............. 120
EPA's Ozone Partnerships Program Activities in Mexico . . . . .,' 121
Semi-Arid Land Surface Atmospheric (SALSA) Experiment . . . ... . '... .... 122
North American Landscape Characterization (NALC) Landsat Pathfinder . ... . . .. . 123
Intergovernmental Information Systems Architecture (ISA) and Data
Coordination Initiative '-. '124
US/Mexico Border Data Management Initiative . 125
CIESIN'S U.S./Mexico Border Environmental Information System 126
Committee on the Use of the Mexico City Water Supply . . .... . .'. . 127
Detecting Plant Community Condition and Pattern From AVHRR
Imagery in Arid Systems ....'. _. . . . ..... . . .128
Technical Assistance on Health Risk Assessment for Latin America
and the Caribbean . '!...... . 129
Climate Change Country Study for Mexico ....../....... ...,.' 130
SOUTHWEST CENTER FOR ENVmONMENTAL RESEARCH AND POLICY 131
Overview of Cooperative Agreement with the Southwest Center for Environmental
Research and Policy (SCERP) . . . . .'. '.'. ..!..: ... . .... . 132
'Quantitative Analysis of Dynamic Video Images and Static Images of the Paso Del
Norte Air Basin: Years 1992-1994 . ; . . 133
The Provision of Safe Drinking Water for Low Income Border Communities Using
Appropriate Water Purification/Waste Water Techniques . ......;. 134
Study of Brick Kiln Designs and Development of Technical Courses for the
Brickmakers Training Center in Ciudad Juarez . . . 135
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Upper Atmospheric Wind and Temperature Profiile Data for the '
El Paso-Juarez Airshed 136
The Border Basket: Analysis of Toxic Metals in Retail Food, El Paso-Juarez . .". ... . 137
University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) Geographic Informatioh Systems
(GIS) Development ........ ..... . . . ,. . . ..... -.' ~ - - - , - 138
Prevention of Air Contamination: VOC Reduction in Paint and
Body Shops in Juarez'........... . . . 139,
Flows and Regional Risk Assessment of Transporting Hazardous Waste in the
U.S.-Mexico Border Region .......... . . . . . . ... . .... . ... ; ... . . .... 140
Seasonal characterization of inorganic and Organic contaminants associated to \
suspended particle matter and evaluation of its possible effects on children's
respiratory health in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico ................:..,...... 141
/ Database Coordination Initiative Sources of Air Pollution Along the Border:
, Analysis of Data, Databases, and Information. Economic Incentives
, for Pollution Reduction . ... 142
*.,,,' . , . , . . .
An Integrated Cross-Border Geographic Information System for the -
San Diego-Tijuana .Interface . ; 143
Characterization and Dynamics of Air Pollutants in the Southeastern
Mexican-U.S. BorderArea . ...... .1 .. .;. .._,.:.... . . . :.-. . . ... .... ... ... 144
Selection and Analysis of the Use of Alternative Fuels in Brick Manufacturing . . . . . . 145
Drinking Water Quality in the U:S. Mexican Border Region: Assessment of
Water Supplies, Treatment and Distribution ,. . , . ............. . . ...... 146
Database Coordination Initiative .'.. :.;... -.-. . . ...... ; .. . . . .147
Geographic Information Systems Development Ambos Nogales .... . . . . . . . 148
APPENDIX A - Border Environmental Cooperation Commission / North American
Development Bank .....:....'........ . ...... 149
APPENDIX B - Commission for Environmental Cooperation .................... 160
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AIR WORK GROUP
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Project Name; Tijuana-San Diego/Mexicali-Imperial Valley Air Programs
1) Purpose and Objectives: Develop and operate six station networks in Tijuana and Mexicali
for nitrogen oxides, ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, particulates (PM-10), lead, selected
airborne toxic compounds, and meteorological parameters (e.g., wind speed/wind direction).
These efforts are intended to lay the foundation for an air quality management program with
overall-goals of determining ambient air pollution concentrations, apportioning sources and their
relative impacts, recommending cost effective control strategies, and measuring
progress/compliance in the long-term.
2) Funding: Iri an ongoing attempt to foster State and local involvement, the following grants
are in the process of being awarded to the California Air Resources Board (GARB): 1)$300,000
for Tijuana Air Monitoring; 2) $200,000 for tjie Tijuana Air Toxics Monitoring and Analysis;
and 3) $400,000 for Mexicali-Imperial Air Monitoring. Funds include resources for a Border
Coordinator position at the CARB..
3) Partners: Primary U. S. partners are CARS, San Diego Air Pollution Control District,
Imperial Valley Air Pollution Control District, and City of Nogales, Arizona: Primary Mexican
partners are Institute Nacional de Ecologia (INE) and Procuraduria Federal de Protection al .
' Ambiente (PROFEPA) in Mexico City and Baja California. '
4) Description: Given the physical, demographic, vehicular traffic, and industrial
characteristics of the Tijuana-San Diego airbasin, there is an immediate need to evaluate levels
of targeted air pollutants. Annex V to the 1983 La Paz agreement directs EPA and INE to assess
the causes of and develop solutions to air quality problems in border sister cities. In addition to
the La Paz agreement directives, the Clean Air Act directs EPA, in coordination with Mexican
agencies, to monitor and improve air quality along the border.
The Tijuana-San Diego and Mexicali-Imperial Valley projects represent a continuation of efforts
to complete and operate the Tijuana air monitoring network, initiate monitoring in Mexicali,
purchase equipment to complete and operate the Mexicali network, analyze samples, quality
assure data, and provide overarching technical support.
5) Status: CARB has procured the ambient monitoring instruments, instrument racks and will
be acceptance testing the equipment. The California-Baja California Technical Sub-workgroup
of the Binational Air Workgroup has met regularly to discuss this project. In response to a
request for proposal, the sub-workgroup'has selected a contractor to provide technical support in
the installation, operation and maintenance of the network.
6) 'Schedule: The sub-workgroup will be meeting in April 1995 to discuss a draft workplan for
the project including roles and responsibilities, schedule and data collection and exchange.
7) U.S. Contacts: Bill Jones, EPA Region 9, (415) 744-1283
Gaspar Torres, Imperial County Bill Oslund, CARB
Don White, San Diego
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
May 1995
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Project Name:
Ambos Nogales Air Programs
1) Purpose and Objectives: Complete the ongoing particulate (PM-l,0)/air toxics study with an
overall goal of determining ambient air pollution concentrations, apportioning sources and their
relative impacts, recommending cost effective control strategies, and measuring
progress/compliance in the long-term.
2) Funding: In an ongoing attempt to foster State and local involvement, a $300,000 FY95
grant has been awarded to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). These
funds include support for a ADEQ Border Air Coordinator.
3) Partners: Institute National de Ecologia (INE) and Procuraduria Federal de Proteccion al
Ambiente (PROFEPA), the State of Sonora, the City of Nogales, Sonora, ADEQ
4) Description: Given the physical, demographic, vehicular traffic, and industrial characteristics
of the Ambos Nogales airbasin, there is an immediate need to evaluate levels of targeted air
pollutants. Annex V to the 1983 La Paz agreement directs EPA and INE to assess the causes of
and develop solutions to air quality problems in border sister cities. In addition to the La Paz
agreement directives, the Clean Air Act authorizes EPA, in cooperation with counterpart
Mexican agencies, to monitor and improve air quality in regions along the border.
A total of six sites measuring PM-10 and meteorological parameters and four sites measuring
selected air toxics are operating on the both sides of the border. Sites have been operating since
April 1994. ,
5) Status: All sites ran on a winter intensive (3-day cycle) sampling schedule from October 5,
1994, through February 19, 1995, and subsequently returned to the regular (6-day cycle)
sampling schedule.
6) Schedule: The monitoring portion of the study will terminate on June 30, 1995, although 2
base sites will remain in place for ongoing measurement of PM-10 and meteorological
parameters. Emissions inventory development will begin in March 1995 and continue through
July 1995. Subsequent to the completion of these activities; a draft final report will be prepared
by November 1, 1995, and will include exposure/risk assessment, source attribution, and
potential control strategies. A final report should be ready by the end of 1995; '
7) U.S. Contacts: Gerardo Monroy, ADEQ
Bill Jones, EPA-Region 9, (415) 744-1283
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
May 1995
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Project Name;
Agua Prieta-Douglas Air Programs
1) Purpose and Objectives: Initiate a paniculate (PM-10)/air toxics study with an overall goal
of determining ambient air pollution concentrations, apportioning sources and their relative
impacts, recommending cost effective control strategies, and measuring progress/compliance in
ythe long-term.
2) Funding: In an ongoing attempt to foster State and local involvement, a $150,000 FY95 ,
grant has been awarded to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). These
funds include support for an ADEQ Border Air Coordinator.
3) Partners: Institute Nacional de Ecologia (INE) and Procuraduria Federal de Protection al
Ambiente (PROFEPA), the State ofSonora and the City of Nogales, Sonora, ADEQ
4) Description: Given the physical, demographic, vehicular traffic, and industrial characteristics
of the Douglas-Agua Prieta airbasin, there is an immediate need to evaluate levels of targeted air
pollutants. Annex V to the' 1983 La Paz agreement directs EPA and INE to assess the causes of
and develop solutions to air quality problems in border sister cities. In addition to the La Paz
agreement directives, the Clean Air Act authorizes EPA, in cooperation with counterpart
Mexican agencies, to monitor and improve air quality in regions along theborder.
A total of four sites measuring PM-10, selected air toxics and meteorological parameters are
operatingonjthe both sides of theborder. ,
5) Status: A draft workplanhas'been developed.
6) Schedule: A rough emissions inventory will be developed and sampling sites located starting
in August 1995, with an aim for completion by the end of the year. Sampling is scheduled to ;
begin on February 1, 1996, with a winter intensive study to be undertaken October 1, 1996,
through February 1, 1997. A final report is expected to be completed by July 1,. 1997.
7) U.S. Contacts:
Gerardo Monroy, ADEQ
Bill Jones, EPA-Region 9, (415) 744-1283
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
May 1995
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Project Name; Ciudad Juarez-El Paso-Sunland Park Air Programs
1) Purpose and Objectives: Continue a wide variety of programs including: advanced monitoring,
emissions inventory development, modelling and identification of innovative emissions controls.
The overall goal of these efforts is an air quality management program which assesses and protects
the air quality and consequently the public health of the El Paso-Juarez border community.
2) Funding: In an ongoing attempt to foster State and local involvement, the following FY95
grants are in the process of being awarded: 1) $539,900 to the Texas Natural Resource
Conservation Commission (TNRCC); 2) $200,000 to the City of EL Paso; 3) $100,000 to the New
Mexico Environment Department (NMED); 4) $30,000 to the Environmental Defense Fund (EOF);
5) $60,000 to the U.S. Department of Energy; and 6) $639,800 for contractor support. These
resources include support for a TNRCC Border Air Coordinator position and technical staff
expenses. . .
3) Partners: Institute Nacional de Ecologia (INE), the State of Chihuahua, the City of Juarez,
TNRCC, City of El Paso, NMED, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS), U.S.
Department of Energy, EDF. ' : ,
^ . . . .
4) Description: Given the physical, demographic, vehicular traffic, and industrial characteristics of
the Ciudad Juarez-El Paso-Sunland Park airbasin, there is an immediate need to evaluate levels of
targeted air pollutants. Annex V to the 1983 La Paz agreement directs EPA and INE to assess the
causes of and develop solutions to air quality problems in border sister cities. Annex V has
specifically designated El Paso-Ciudad Juarez-Sunland Park as Study Area A, the only such
designation made thus far under this annex. In addition to the La Paz agreement directives,- the
Clean Air Act authorizes EPA, in cooperation with counterpart Mexican agencies, to monitor and
improve air quality in border regions. '
Ongoing and new activities include: 1) operation of five-station monitoring network in Juarez for
nitrogen oxides, ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide,' participates (PM-10), lead, and wind,
speed/wind direction and other meteorological parameters; 2) operation of 17 monitoring sites in El
Paso county testing for ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, PM10, lead,
toxics, and meteorological conditions; 3) operation of hot-spot monitoring; 4) collection of upper -..
air wind speed and wind direction data for ah- modeling purposes; 5) refinement of existing
emissions inventories; 6) utilization of advanced technologies to estimate Juarez mobile source
emissions; 7) improvement of Juarez industrial emissions inventory; 8) adaptation of the new PM-
10 dispersion model for use in the area; 9) development of a,workplan for collecting, and data > "
collection of, ozone and potentially air toxics pollutants in El Paso-Juarez; and 10) promotion of
widespread community involvement in the implementation of innovative, cost-effective air quality
solutions through the continued support of the identification of El Paso - Juarez Sunland Park as a
U.S.-Mexico Air Quality Management District (AQMD) with a joint Air Quality Improvement
Committee. It is anticipated that the Joint Air Quality Improvement Committee would investigate
ways to ease bridge,queing to reduce air emissions from idling vehicles; training Juarez I/M
mechanics; and sponsoring a symposium to explore economic incentives and locally-based clean-up
programs.
5) Status/Schedule: For a detailed discussion please contact Jim Yarbrough.
6) U.S. Contacts: Jim Yarbrough, EPA-Region 6 (214) 665-7232
Cecilia Williams, NMED , Archie Clouse, TNRCC
Jesus Reynoso, City of.El Paso Pete Emerson, EOF* .
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
May 1995
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Project Name;
Big Bend Air Quality Study and Carbon I-H ADVACATE Feasibility
Study
1) Purpose arid Objectives: Determine by monitoring methods the likely impact from the
Mexican Carbon I-II power plants on Big Bend National Park. Study the applicability of
ADVACATE (dry scrubbing technology for S02 removal) to Carbon J-II.
i . - . "' .. . - '
2) Funding: A total of $95,770 in FY94 funds have been awarded to the National Park Service
(NPS); [a total,of $450,000 has been made available from various EPA offices for the ORD
ADVACATE demonstration]. ,
3) Partners: NPS, Institute Nacional de Ecologia (INE), Procuraduria Federal de Protection al
Ambiente (PROFEPA), Texas Natural Resource Conservation CommissionXTNRCC)
4) Description: Many visitors to North America's national parks and wilderness areas are unable
to enjoy some of the beautiful and dramatic views that would prevail in the absence of air
pollution. Scenic vistas in most U.S. parklands are often diminished by haze that reduces
contrast, washes out colors, and renders distant landscape features indistinct or invisible.
Visibility-reducing particles and their precursors can remain in the atmosphere for several days
and can be carried tens, hundreds, or thousands of kilometers downwind from their sources to
remote locations, such as national parks and wilderness areas. The major, cause of visibility
impairment is sulfate particles formed principally from sulfur dioxide (SO2) emitted by coal
combustion in electric utility boilers. The Big Bend Air Quality Study will involve source-
receptor analysis of monitoring data to "fingerprint" source types responsible for visibility
degradation in the area.
Carbon I-II are coal-fired electricity generating facilities located approximately 20 miles south of
Eagle Pass,.Texas arid 130 miles southeast of Big Bend National Park. Carbon I was constructed
in the 1980's and Carbon II is still under construction. Carbon I-II taken together would be the
7th largest SO2 source in the U.S. were they located there. Neither plant is equipped with
pollution controls for sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions. Mexico and the U.S. are considering a
feasibility study of sulfur dioxide controls based on the ADVACATE technology applicable to
the Carbon I-II near Rio Escondido, State of Coahuila, Mexico. The performance criteria and a
system design would be developed for application of ADVACATE, a low cost calcium silicate
flue gas desulfurization technique that could potentially reduce SO2 emissions from the facilities
by as much as 70 percent. EPA estimates that the cost of retrofitting AD VACATE on a unit of
Carbon I-II is one-third to one-fifth of the costs of retrofitting a unit of Carbon I-II with
convehtional"wet scrubbers."
5) Status/Schedule: NPS is in the process of locating additional resources for the Big Bend
Monitoring Study: A draft workplan for the study is being reviewed by EPA and revisions are
pending given final commitments from other project participants. Both governments are
investigating mechanisms for implementing the workplan, pending final approval.
6)U.S. Contacts:
Jim Yarbrough, EPA Region 6, (214) 665-7232
Charlie Sedman, EPA - ORD, (919) 541-7700,
Prepared by the U,S. Environmental Protection Agency
6
May 1995
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Project Name: Toxic Sampling in Hidalgo County,, Texas
1) Purpose and Objectives: Expand toxic sampling along the border through the deployment of
sampling equipment in Hidalgo County, Texas and other.border communities.,
2) Funding: A grant of $38,250 has been awarded to. the Texas Natural Resource Conservation
Commission (TNRCC). . ,
3) Partners: TNRCC.
? , ' -
4) Description: TNRCC will deploy monitoring equipment at two existing ozone monitoring
sites in Hidalgo County to sample for selected air toxics and schedule mobile laboratory
sampling in the border areas. Sampling of toxics in the Lower Rio Grande Valley has been an
issue of extreme importance due to concern among the local population about potential human
health exposures to airborne toxics. ' . !
f ' . ' - ,
5) Status/Schedule: The TNRCC is currently operating 2 monitors in Brownsville and is in the
process of establishing a new continuous air monitoring site in Laredo. Additional sites are also
planned for Cameron County. :
6) U.S. Contacts: Jim Yarbrough, EPA Region 6, (214) 665-2164
Scott Mgebroff, TNRCC , ,, \
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
May 1995
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Project Name: Training Needs Assessment and Referral
1) Purpose and Objectives: Build infrastructure and expertise in Mexico to .deliver needed air
quality management training in an efficient and coordinated manner.
2) Funding: The University of Texas, Arlington (UTA) has been awarded a grant of. $325,000.
3) Partners: ' Institute National de Ecologia (INE), Procuraduria Federal de Protection al
Ambiente (PROFEPA), Universidad Autonoma Metropolitan (UAM), Institute Tecnologico de
Estudios Superiores de Monterey XITESM), and UT A.
4) Description: This project is divided into two main elements: 1) air pollution training needs
assessment- 2) Mexico's air pollution training program. The first element, air pollution training
needs assessment, will identify the current and future training needs of federal, municipal and
state staff in 5 cities along the border ( Tijuana, Nogales, Ciudad Juarez, Ciudad Acufia, and
Matamoros) The second element, Mexico's air pollution training program will identify and _
develop needed infrastructure to efficiently prepare and deliver air quality management training
inMexico. , , ' . . ,. . ,
5) Status: Due to SEDESOL organizational changes, the schedule for completion of the needs
assessment has been delayed and is in the process of being revised. Regarding Mexico's air
pollution training program, the, preparation of a blueprint, development of infrastructure for
satellite downlink sites, and preparation of training courses are underway.
6) Schedule: Needs assessment completion: November 1995; Training program blueprint:
August 1995; First satellite downlink site: August 1995.
7) U.S. Contacts: Lourdes Morales; EPA - OAQPS, (919) 541-4940
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
May 1995
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Project Name; Emissions Inventory Methodology Pilot Project
1) Purpose and Objectives: Design a methodology for the development of an 'emissions "
inventory for Mexico, field test and refine methodology, and train Mexican air quality
management officials in the development of emission inventories.
2) Funding: The following 1995 grant has been awarded to the Grand Canyon Visibility
^^Association (WGA): Phase I
3) Partners: Institute Nacional de Ecologia (INE); GCVTC; Texas Natural Resources
Conservation Commission (TNRCC); California Air Resources Board (CARB); and the Arizona
Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ).
4) Description: The GCVTC and Mexico have common needs for emissions inventory
information The GCTVC is sponsoring projects to develop an emission inventory for areas
including Mexico, that potentially contribute to regional haze on the Colorado Plateau Mexico
is conducting a variety of air quality planning efforts that will benefit from country-wide
emission information. In particular, INE is interested in developing a national methodology for
their emission inventory program. &y
C PrฐJeCt iS the develฐPment of an emissions inventory methodology that can be
used by Mexican State air quality management officials. Phase Hof the project will be to
evaluate and refine the methodology and to train Mexican officials in emission inventory
me SrOeet^11venadtothed^
5) Status: The final workplan has been developed and the contractor is finishing a needs"
assessment of Mexico's emission inventory development capabilities and developing a draft
methodology.
6) Schedule: The technical advisory committee (see aforementioned list of partners) is
tentative y scheduled to meet in Mexico City on May 8 - 9, 1995, to review the draft
methodology arid discuss next steps.
7) U.S. Contacts:
John Leary, GCVTC - .
Bill Jones, EPA - Region 9, (415) 744-1283
Bill Kuykendal, EPA -, OAQPS, (919) 541-5372
Gary Neuroth, ADEQ
Carl Snow, TNRCC
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
May 1995
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Project Name:
Pesticides Training and Outreach
1) Purpose and Objectives: Provide bilingual training and outreach programs as well as
ongoing technical assistance on priority pesticides-related issues in the California-Baja
California, Texas-Tamaulipas and Arizona-Sonora border areas.
2) Funding: the following grants have been awarded: California Department of Pesticide
Regulation (CADPR) - $75,000; the Texas Department:of Agriculture (TDA) - $75,000; and
the Arizona Structural Pest Control Commission (AZ SPCC) will receive a grantof $70,000.
3) Partners: U.S. partners include CA DPR, TDA, and the AZ SPCC. Mexican partners include
the Secretariate Medio Ambiente, Recursos Naturales, y Pesca (SEMARNAP), Agriculture and
Water Resources (SARH), and Health (SDS) as well as other relevant Mexican agencies.
4) Description: There are agricultural lands on both sides of the border utilized for crop
production. Growers in Mexico and the U.S. use significant quantities of pesticides in the
production of these crops, particularly for fruits and vegetables. Training and outreach is crucial
in light of the potential for health or environmental problems due to worker exposure and/or air
and water contamination. .
In addition to day-to-day technical assistance and outreach, training sessions for the safe and
effective use of pesticides, recognition and management of pesticide poisoning symptoms for
medical staff, and investigative sampling techniques have been developed. '
5) Current Status/Schedule: Ongoing.
6) U.S. Contacts:
Nicholas Surj an, DPR '
Bud Paulson, AZ SPCC
Bill Jones, EPA - Region 9, (415) 744-1283
Jim Yarbrough, EPA Region 6, (214) 665-2164
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
10
May 1995
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Project Name: Brownsville /Laredo Air Programs
1) Purpose and Objectives: Develop and operate monitoring station networks in Brownsville
and Matamoros for nitrogen oxides, ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, particulates (PM-
10), lead, pesticides, and meteorological parameters (e.g., wind speed/wind direction). These
efforts are.designed to acquire better baseline air quality information for these cities.
2) Funding: A grant of $80,000 has been awarded to the Texas Natural Resource Conservation
Commission (TNRCC).
3) Partners: TNRCC
4) Description: We all pay, individually and as a community, an immense price for polluted air
both in terms of our health and our economy - in lost work days, diminished job performance
crop damage, reduced property values and increased health cots. Given the physical,
demographic, vehicular traffic, and industrial characteristics of the Brownsville-Matamoros and
Laredo-Nuevo Laredo airbasins, there is -an immediate need to evaluate levels of targeted air
pollutants. Annex V to the 1983 La Paz agreement directs EPA and Institute Nacional de
Ecologia (TNE) to assess the causes of and develop solutions to air quality problems in border
sister cities. In addition to the La Paz agreement directives, the Clean Air Act authorizes EPA,
cooperation with counterpart Mexican agencies to monitor and improve air quality in regions
along the border.
5) Current Status: Sites are in operation.
6) Schedule: Continued operation in 1995.
7) U.S. Contacts: , Stuart Dattner, TNRCC
Jim Yarbrough, EPA Region 6, (214) 665-2164
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
11
May 1995
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Project Name;
U.S./Mexico Information Center on Air Pollution - Centro de
Informaeion Sobre Contaminacion de Aire (CICA)
1) Purpose and Objectives: Develop a technology transfer center for Mexico as an extension
of the existing Control Technology Center (CTC), The center will provide Mexican Federal,
state, local environmental officials, and universities with access to pertinent information on
control technologies and pollution prevention programs that will aid in achievement of emission
reductions. ,
2) Funding: $150,000 to Control Technologies Center. /
3) Partners: Institute National de Ecologia (INE), Office of Air Quality Planning and
Standards (OAQPS) _ ' . .
4) Description: The technology transfer center capabilities will include: access to EPA
technical expertise through a Spanish-language hotline; specific technical assistance on
particular air-related problems; and Spanish-language versions of technical documents (e.g.,
control techniques guidance documents); feasibility study of implementation of a Spanish-
.language bulletin board system on the Technology Transfer Network through which specific
questions can be answered or information obtained. .
5) Status: We have now a'full-time person through the Senior Environmental Employment
(SEE) program to staff the Spanish-language hotline. Current contract support for, technical
assistance.
6) Schedule: The Spanish language hotline is currently operating and is fully funded through
September 30, 1996. Contractor support is available for technical assistance projects. Brochures
describing services and information available through CICA are available from EPA contacts "
listed below.
7) U.S. Contacts:
Bob Blaszczak - EPA, OAQPS, CTC,,(919) 541-5432
Jaime Mendieta - EPA, OAQPS, (919) 541-0547
Allyson Siwik - EPA, OAQPS, (919) 541-7775
CICA Hotline (919) 541-1800
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
12
May 1995
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WATER WORK GROUP
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
13
- May 1995
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Project Name:
Tijuana Wastewater
1) Purpose and Objectives: The purpose is to provide adequate wastewater treatment for the
Tijuana, Baja California, area, to reduce a serious existing threat to public health and the
environment. Objectives include construction of the South Bay International Wastewater
Treatment Plant (ITP), Land Outfall, and Ocean Outfall and implementation of an effective
pretreatment program. ,
2) Funding: EPA has received $239,400,000 for planning, design, and construction of the ITP
and outfall facilities. The City of San Diego will pay a pro rata share (40% for the ocean outfall)
for its use of the outfall facilities. The State of California has contributed $5,3 00,000 for the
outfall facilities. Mexico will contribute funds to the ITP in the amount it would have spent to
construct its own-plant in Mexico. Current estimates indicate that sufficient funds are available
to construct the advanced primary treatment plant and ocean outfall, 'but funding may not be
sufficient for the canyon collectors and secondary treatment plant.
3) Partners: Primary U.S. partners include USIBWC, State of California (SWRCB), and City of
San Diego. Mexico is participating through MxDBWC. , .
4) Description: Raw sewage from Tijuana contaminates the Tijuana River and results in
adverse impacts to the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve and quarantine of
U.S. beaches. IBWC Minute No. 283 calls'for the construction of the ITP and outfall facilities to
supplement Tijuana's existing treatment plant. This construction, in conjunction with
improvements in Tijuana's collection system, will eliminate the dry-weather contamination1 of the
river. Three types of structures will be constructed: canyon collectors (to convey renegade
sewage flows from canyons which drain to the U.S. to the ITP); the ITP; and the outfall
pipelines.,' Minute No. 283 also calls for Mexico to develop and implement an effective
pretreatment program. <
5) Status: The primary treatment phase of the ITP is under construction. The secondary
treatment facilities and canyon collectors .are being designed. The South Bay Land Outfall has
been constructed and the design of the ocean outfall has been completed. Cooperation on
pretreatment program development is being discussed by IBWC. '
6) Schedule: Construction of the advanced primary treatment plant will be completed in
February 1997. Design of the secondary treatment facilities will be completed in December
1995. Canyon collector design will be completed by October 1995. Construction of the ocean
outfall will begin in July 1995 and be completed in May 1998. ,
7) U.S. Contacts:
Doug Eberhardt, EPA Region 9, (415) 744-1280
Bill Ruth, USIBWC, (915) 534-6690
Bart Christensen, SWRCB, (916) 227-4426
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
14
May 1995
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Project Name:
Mexicali Wastewater
1) Purpose and Objectives: The purpose is to provide adequate wastewater treatment for
Mexicali, Baja California, and thereby improve the quality of the New River. Objectives include
improvement of the existing wastewater treatment system (Mexicali I), development of a second
system (Mexicali II); and implementation of an effective pretreatment program. Control of '
industrial and domestic wastewater will result in considerable improvement in the quality of the
New River, where it crosses the international boundary, reducing a serious existing public health
threat. ' " ' . , ., '
2) Funding: EPA has given $47,500,000 to USIBWC for this and other border wastewater ',
projects. Additional U.S. funding for this project could come from EPA or BECC/NADBank.
3) Partners: Primary U.S. partners are USIBWC and State of California (State Water Resources
Control Board [SWRCB] and Regional Water Quality Control Board, Colorado River Basin
Region [RWQCB 7]). Primary Mexican partners are MxIBWC, CNA, and State of Baia
California Norte (CESP).
1 - . f i , "' '
4) Description: The City of Mexicali is currently served by the Mexicali I wastewater
collection, conveyance, and treatment system and by the Gonzales-prtega treatment plant. The
Mexicali I system needs to be repaired and upgraded and the Gonzales-Qrtega plant is badly
overloaded. Existing deficiencies result in the discharge of considerable amounts of untreated or '-
partially treated domestic and industrial wastewater to the New River; and the Alamo River is
also threatened. The project, as defined in IBWC Minute No. 288, involves the planning, design,
and construction of improvements to the Mexicali I system and a new Mexicali II system'(which'
will replace or augment the Gonzales-Ortega plant). .
' i ' "
5) Status: In December 1994, the U.S. proposed the idea of a facility plan which will analyze
the technical, financial, and environmental aspects of the available project alternatives. The
facility plan would examine options for the long term solution to the wastewater problem, but
short-term, projects, which are relatively inexpensive and certain to be part of the overall'
solution to the (quick fixes), will be identified and constructed immediately. In February 1995
Mexico submitted a facility plan to the U.S. for review. One short-term project, to build a weir
across the Alamo River at the border, was announced by Mexico.;
6) Schedule: The U.S. will soon respond to Mexico's facility plan. No schedule has been
identified for construction of the Alamo River weir.
7) U.S. Contacts:
Doug Eberhardt, EPA-Region 9, (415) 744-1280
Bill Ruth, USIBWC, (915) 534-6690 /
Bart Christensen, SWRCB, (916) 227-4426
Phil Gruenberg, RWQCB 7, (619) 346-7491
Prepared by the US. Environmental Protection Agency
15
May 1995
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Project Name:
Colorado River and New River System Monitoring
1) Purpose and Objectives: The purpose is to determine the quality of selected waters in the
Colorado River system! Objectives include determining the levels of toxic pollutants in the
lower Colorado River and in the New River, as well as monitoring of the New River for
conventional pollutants. Mexico has requested monitoring of the lower Colorado Riyer due to
concern about the, quality of the water supply for Mexicali and Tijuana. Monitoring of the New
River will help document progress resulting from implementation of the Mexicali wastewater
project. Interest in New River monitoring was elevated when Imperial County and a .coalition of
environmental justice groups filed petitions under Toxics Substances Control Act (TSCA).
2) Funding: EPA has dedicated $769,000 to monitoring of the Colorado and New Rivers.
3) Partners: EPA.funds have been awarded to United States Geological Service (USGS),
California Regional Water Quality Control Board (Colorado River Basin Region), and
University of California at Davis: Additional U.S. partners include USIBWC, USER, United
States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and State of Arizona (Department of Environmental
Quality, Department of Game and Fish). Mexican partners include MxIBWC and CNA.
4) Description: A binational program for the monitoring toxic pollutants on the Colorado and
New Rivers has been developed. Three sites on each river will be monitored:' For the U.S.,
USGS will analyze water and sediment samples for specific toxic pollutants, UC Davis will
analyze water samples for toxicity, and CA Fish and Game will analyze fish tissue samples for
bioaccumulation. the U.S. is undertaking several related monitoring efforts." The regional board
is continuing its monitoring of the New river at the international boundary for heavy metals and
conventional pollutants. UC Davis is collecting samples along the length of the New River and
will use the results to develop a model which will predict the behavior of toxic organic pollutants
inriver sediments and water. EPA will also fund the preparation of bilingual reports ,
summarizing and synthesizing existing water quality data for the New and lower Colorado
Rivers'. ...' '' " / . '. ; _. -.- .' . . . ;- ,.
- ' "'..' , ,{
5) Status: EPA funding has been awarded to USGS, the Regional Board, and UC Davis.
Binational sampling of the New River occurred in March/April 1995. UC Davis collected its
initial samples in February 1995. Discussions are underway with Mexico on expanding the
Regional Board effort into Mexico. ;
6) Schedule: Binational sampling of the Colorado River will occur in June 1995. Second round
binational sampling is.scheduled for November 1995.
7) U.S. Contacts:
Doug Eberhardt, EPA Region 9, (415) 744-1280
Roy Schroeder, USGS, (619) 637-6824
Bill Ruth, USIBWC, (915)534-6690
Phil Gruenberg, RWQCB 7, \619) 346-7491
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
16
May 1995
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Project Name:
Nogales Wastewater
1) Purpose and Objectives: The purpose is to provide adequate wastewater treatment for the
Ambos Nogales area to protect public health and the environment Objectives include providing
additional treatment capacity for .Nogales, Sonora, and implementation of an effective
pretreatment program.
' . , ' "V
2) Funding: EPA has given $47,500,000'to USffiWC for this and other border wastewater
projects. Additional U.S. funding for this project could come from EPA or BECC/NADBank
funds in future years. In addition, EPA has provided USffiWC $200,000 for development of a
pretreatment program. . -
3) Partners: Primary U. S. partners are USffiWC, State of .Arizona (Arizona Department of
Environmental Quality), and City of Nogales,, Arizona. Primary Mexican partners are MxffiWC,
State of Sonora, and City of Nogales, Sonora.
4) Description: The Ambos Nogales. area is currently served by the Npgales International
Wastewater Treatment Plant (ITP). However, deficiencies in the current system result in raw
sewage flowing across the border in the Nogales Wash and in adjacent washes and canyons.
Also, Nogales, Sonora, is utilizing its full capacity at the ITP and additional capacity is needed.
The project involves the planning, design, and construction of facilities to provide for improved
wastewater collection and conveyance and additional treatment capacity.
The project also involves the development and implementation of an effective pretreatment
program for the ITP. ffiWC will hire a consultant to calculate the maximum levels of toxic
pollutants that can safely be treated at the ITP (headworks analysis). ffiWC will then allocate
the allowable amounts to the two countries, which will regulate users of the system to ensure
compliance. ffiWC will also monitor wastewater arriving at the ITP and at various points in the
collection system and set-up laboratory equipment for binational use. .
5) Status: In January 1995, the U.S. proposed that a facility plan be prepared which will analyze
the technical, financial, and environmental aspects of the available project alternatives. EPA is
considering the proposal from the City of Nogales, Arizona to make immediate improvements
(quick fixes) and conduct further study of infiltration and inflow into the collection system in
the U.S. Issuance of the pretreatment contract for preparation of the headworks analysis,
development of a QA/QC plan for wastewater monitoring, and set-up of the laboratory
equipment have been delayed while IBWC staff complete other assignments.
6) Schedule: The U.S. .will soon make a more detailed proposal regarding (1) preparation of a
, facility plan and (2) immediate improvements (quick fixes) to the collection system to reduce
infiltration and inflow. Once initiated, the facility plan should be completed in about a year.
7) U.S. Contacts:
Doug Eberhardt, EPA-Region 9, (415) 744-1280
Bill Ruth, USffiWC, (915) 534-6690
Mario Castanada, ADEQ, (602) 207-4409
HughHolub, City of Nogales, Arizona, (602) 287-6571
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
17
May 1995
_
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Project Name;
Nqgales Ground Water Monitoring
1) Purpose and Objectives: The purpose is to determine the extent and possible origin of
volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the transboundary aquifer under the Nogales Wash in
ambos Nogales, which could pose a potential public health threat. Objectives include the
construction of monitoring wells and implementation of a quarterly monitoring program to
quantify VOC and other contaminant levels, assist in ground water contaminant source
identification and control, and establish a baseline for VOC levels in the transboundary aquifer.
2) Funding: EPA has provided $200,000 to USIBWC and $65,000 to Arizona Department of
Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to implement this project. EPA is also funding a position at
ADEQ in part to provide technical support on this project. '
3) Partners: ADEQ will be the lead for the U.S. and USIBWC will also be a primary partner.
Mexican partners include MxIBWC and CNA.
4) Description: Past studies of ground water quality in the Nogales, Arizona, area have
indicated the presence of VOCs and trihalomethanes in the transboundary aquifer under the
Nogales Wash. The problem seems to be on both sides of the border, but the problem has not
, been satisfactorily studied on a binational level. The project will consist of the construction and
monitoring of equal numbers of wells on each side of the border. Samples will be taken and
analyzed on a quarterly basis. All samples taken will be split for separate analysis by the U.S.
and Mexico.
5) Status: The U.S. has prepared a workplan for well .construction and USIBWC has solicited
bids from contractors. ADEQ is in the process of obtaining rights-of-entry from U.S. property
owners to drill wells on their property. Mexico has indicated that it has some concerns with the
well construction workplan and has requested a meeting.
6) Schedule: IBWC is trying to resolve concerns regarding the workplan and will schedule a
binational meeting. The U.S. will be proceeding with construction of wells on the U.S. side of
the border and the wells oh the Mexican side of the border will be constructed later. Well
construction on the U.S. side is scheduled to start in May 1995. .
7) U.S. Contacts:
Doug Eberhardt, EPA Region 9, (415) 744-1280
Bill Ruth, .USIBWC, (915) 534-6690
Mario Castenada, ADEQ, (602) 207-4409
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
18.
May 1995
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Project Name:
Nogales Wellhead Protection
1) Purpose and Objectives: The purpose is to employ wellhead protection strategies in an effort to
protect the quality of the ground water in the transboundary aquifer under the ambos Nogales area.
Objectives include enhancement of local voluntary involvement in the management of ground water
quality, education of the public on ground and drinking water issues, and direct environmental and
human health benefits for the wellhead protection area.
: " ' '
2) Funding: EPA is providing $195,078 to the SouthEastern Arizona Governments Organization
(SEAGO) to implement the project, including the funding of a staff person (IPA). EPA is also
funding a position at Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) in part to provide
technical support on this project. EPA has reserved funds to extend the IP A, if necessary.
>*' - - ~ ' . , ' '
,3) Partners: U.S. partners include SEAGO, City, of Nogales, AZ, Santa Cruz County, ADEQ.
4) Description: This project is intended to protect the region's ground water to prevent it from
becoming contaminated. The project focuses on the apparent, but often ignored, link between
activities that take place on the land near aquifer recharge areas and the quality of ground water
supplied by wells. General elements of the project include defining the land area to be protected,
identifying and locating potential sources of contamination, managing the protection area, and
planning accordingly through possible measures such as inter-community agreements, a zoning,
overlay district, technical assistance to industry, and/or others. . '
5) Status: Currently, the project is focussed on developing a wellhead protection program for the
Nogales, Arizona, area, but the effort could be extended into Nogales, Sonora, if Mexico is
interested, through the IBWC at the federal level, and through the Mayors' Binational
Environmental Advisory Committee at the local level. A Planning Advisory Committee, comprised
of two subcommittees: Technical Committee and Education Committee, has been formed. The
Technical Committee conducted a technical workshop for the Education Committee members to
assist them in developing curricula to use in Nogales schools. A Core Educators Group has been
formed and is drafting bilingual curricula for grades K through 12. The Technical Committee has
decided that the first phase of the wellhead protection area delineation and data collection effort will
address City-owned and operated wells. ADEQ has produced a GlS-based preliminary basemap of
the study area. The map will be revised to include the wellhead protection areas and other resource
information (e.g., rivers and streams)., ADEQ has also produced a preliminary delineation of the
wellhead protection areas of three of the City's six public water supply wells. The other WHPA will
be finalized next week, and field work in support of the source identification was completed last
week. , -
6) Schedule: Drafts of the K -12 school curricula and finals of the delineation of wellhead
protection areas for water supply wells will be completed in May 1995. Curricula materials will be
used in schools beginning in September 1995. Draft wellhea'd protection management options will
be presented by the Technical Committee to decision makers in late 1995 and a final plan will be
adopted in early to-mid 1996.
7) U.S. Contacts:
Evelyn Wachtel, EPA R9, (415) 744-1948 Bill Ruth, USIBWC, (915) 534-6690
Mario Castenada, ADEQ, (602) 207-4409 , Michele Kimpel, SEAGO, (602) 432-5301
_
Prepared by the US. Environmental Protection Agency
19
May 1995
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Project Name;
Inventory of U.S. Drinking Water Facilities Along the US/Mexico Border
in Region 6
1) Purpose and Objectives: To accumulate current information on water supplies and identify
current as well as future financial needs of water systems within 100 kilometers of the border
2) Funding: Internal EPA study.
3) Partners: The partners are EPA Region 6, Texas Natural Conservation Commission (TNRCC),
New Mexico Environment Department (NMED). :
4) Description: To review 307 public water systems for water quality compliance with state and
Federal Drinking Water Regulations, Chemical/bacteriological violations were evaluated using
EPA's Federal Reporting Data System. TNRCC conducted a survey need of 249 public water
supply systems for system capacity, and infrastructure needs. These needs were identified for
. upgrading water distribution systems., water production, and upgrade of plant equipment.
5) Status: U. S ./Mexico border drinking water study for New Mexico and Texas is currently out
for peer review in draft form, however some copies have been released as final.
6) Schedule: Review next steps of the study. .
7) U.S. Contacts: Blake Atkins, EPA, (214) 665-2297
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
20
May 1995
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Project Name!
Technical Assistance for Small Community Drinking Water Systems in
the New Mexico/Mexico Border
1) Purpose and Objectives: To provide technical assistance on organizational structure, and
finance of small water supply systems along the border. .
2) Funding: On September 22, 1994, EPA awarded $50,000 to The University of New Mexico
Board of Regents, NM Engineering Research Institute. On December 16, 1994, EPA increased the
amount by $23,000 for a total award to-date of $73,000.
3) Partners in the Project: The partners in the project are EPA Region 6 and the University of
New Mexico Environmental Finance Center (EFC).
4) Description of Project: To address viability concerns related to the technical, financial and
managerial components of small water system viability. To address legal organizational structure
and finance options to small systems, To conduct a workshop with the Border Environmental
Cooperation Commission (BECC) to address the range of finance alternatives to meet border
infrastructure improvements for small community drinking water systems in the U.S.- Mexico
border area. . ' ' -
5) Status: Work is being initiated.
6) Schedule: Continue with tasks in the workplan.
' I
7) U.S. Contacts: David Reazin, EPA Region 6, (214) 665-7501
Tracy Eagle, Environmental Finance Center, The University of New Mexico ,
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
21
May 1995
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Project Name: Demonstration Of Safe Drinking Water Treatment Technologies in Mexico
. - - " " ' - " v - - '
1) Purpose and Objectives: To demonstrate cost-effective package treatment plant technologies
for cqntroLof toxic chemicals and pathogenic microorganisms in drinking water in Mexico. The
intent is to use a mix of proven and advanced treatment technologies, one each at three Mexico
sites. Knowledge gained might provide a competitive advantage for the U.S. environmental
industry. . ; , , '~:. ,
2) Funding:
FY94r$KV FY95C$KY FY96r$KV
U.S. EPA, Environmental
. Technology, Initiative (ETI)
U.S. Dept. of Agr., (In-kind) ,
Contractor (Anticipated).
Manufacturers (Anticipated)
TOTALS
450
25.
475
90 ,
15 .
15
120
41
10
15
66
3) Partners: U.S. EPA, ETI (technieaUead); U.S,D.A.(admimstrative oversight); Contractor
(oversee design, installation, sampling,, analysis); U.S. Package Plant Manufacturers (plant-
operation); Mexican Contractors (site selection, plant operation); Mexican community
representatives (site selection). ; . :
.4) Description: The process will be (1) to select candidate ^demonstration sites in Mexico in
communities of less than 500 people, (2)'to select appropriate treatment technologies based on ' ...-
water quality, performance criteria, and water source, (3) to install and field.test selected package
plants, (4) to collect and analyze a sufficient number of water samples to fully demonstrate the
performance of the treatment systems, (5) to collect system operation and maintenance data, and (6)
to assess communities'acceptance of the treatment systems. -,. . '
5) Status: The EPA-Department of Agriculture inter-agency agreement was completed;and signed
on September 20, 1994. the project is now expected to start in June, 199.5; ..
6) Schedule: June, 1995 - June, 1997. .
7) U.S. Contacts: Ben W. Lykins, Jr., U!S. EPA. Phone: (513) 569-7201
Elizabeth Mayhew, U.S.D.A. Phone: (202) 690-2870
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
'22
May 1995
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Project Name: Las Cruces, New Mexico, Wellhead Protection (WHP) Demonstration
Project
1) Purpose and Objectives: Demonstrate the feasibility of using county SIC codes in the process.
of conducting a contaminant source inventory for the public water supply wells of Las Cruces, New
Mexico. Demonstration project will provide an additional level of protection to the City's 40+
public water supply wells. . ,
2) Funding: In October 1992, the City of Las, Cruces, New Mexico, was awarded assistance funds
in the amount of $3 9,000. ' , ' -
3) Partners: New Mexico Environment Department, EPA Region 6, City of Las Cruces, New !
Mexico State University
4) Description:, The City of Las Cruces is engaged in a four part WHP project. This assistance
agreement funds the implementation of Phase II and Phase III. Phase II will identify potential
contaminant sources within the delineated WHP areas and store that information into, a
Geographical Information System and Pha'se III is the methodology the City plans to use in
developing a city ordinance for their program. .';,.. .
5) Current Status: The project has been completed. A final report of the demonstration project is
available. -
6) U.S. Contacts:
Patty Senna, EPA Project Officer, (214) 665-7178
Debbie Kartell,-City of Las Cruces, (505) 527-7841
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
May 1995
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Project Name: Envirbnmental.Partnership Effort Along the U.S./Mexico Border: Ciudad
Juarez/El Paso Wellhead Protection/Ground Water Pilot Project
1) Purpose and Objectives: The purpose of this project is to implement the State of Texas1'
Wellhead Protection (WHP) Program in all communities along the U.S. border with Mexico. The.
project will also provide technical assistance to Ciudad Juarez's Junta Municipal de Agua y
Saneamiento as: they develop a WHP program for the 200+ public drinking water wells in Ciudad
Juarez^. The project will result in an added level of protection for the drinking water supply wells
along the U.S. side of the border and will set a standard for which future Mexican ground water '
protection efforts may use as a template.
2) Funding: In September 1993, EPA awarded assistance funds to the Texas Natural Resource
and Conservation Commission (TNRCC) in the amount of $150,000; ;
3) Partners: Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, Junta Municipal de Agua y
Saneamiento de Ciudad Juarez, Comision Nacional del Agua, Cqmision International de Limites y
Aguas, EPA Region 6, U.S. Section, International Boundary and Water Commission, the University
of Texas at El Paso, and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.
4) Description^ The TNRCC is responsible for implementing the State's approved WHP program.
This project funded the implementation of the State's program in all U.S. communities along the
Texas/Mexico border that rely on ground water,as a source of drinking water. The Commission
was also funded to provide technical assistance and programmatic guidance to Ciudad Juarez to aid
in the development of a ground water protection program for that city's 200+. public water supply
wells. The TNRCC also assists in providing technical assistance to 20 university students and 10
senior citizen mentors in the EPA AmeriCorps ground water protection project. ' ,
i -.'./-. . . , ;
5) Status: The project has been completed with twelve communities albng the Texas/Mexico
'border currently participating in the State's WHP program. Oh February 3, 1995, Ciudad Juarez
held an official launch of it's WHP program and the inventory efforts are underway. Mexico's
inventory of potential sources of contamination is being placed into an international data base.
6) Schedule: The project is essentially complete. However, TNRCC has requested an extension of
the budget/project period to allow for completion of the final project report. '. ,
7) U.S. Contacts: Ken Williams, EPA Project Officer, (214)665-7129
Brad Cross, TNRCC, (512) 239-4753
, Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
24
May 1995
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Project Name:
Characterization of Transboundary Aquifers in the El Faso/Ciudad
Juarez/Las Cruces Region of the U.S./Mexico Border
1) Purpose and Objectives: This study is a joint effort by the governments of the United States
and Mexico and the States of Texas and New Mexico designed to identify the region's
transboundary aquifers, quantify the natural and induced chemical quality of each aquifer,
characterize and quantify the available supply of each aquifer, determine the direction of ground
water flow and its relationship to the flow of the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo, and develop Geographic
Information System coverages of the region. '...-'.'
The New Mexico portion of the study will also include a Sunland Park, New Mexico public water
system investigation to determine the cause of and recommend solutions to nematodes and other
invasive organisms in the distribution system.
2) Funding: In August 1994, EPA awarded $50,000 to the Texas Water Development Board for
the Texas and Mexico portion of the study. .
In September 1994, EPA awarded $74,821 to New Mexico State University's Water Resources
Research Institute for the New Mexico portion of the study.
3) Partners: EPA Region 6 , the Texas Water Development Board,
New Mexico State University's Water Resources Research Institute, Comision
Internacional de Limites y Agiias (CILA), -'.
City of Las Cruces, New Mexico
4) Description: The project will review existing literature and water quality information to
identify gaps where additional information is needed to characterize the area's shared ground water
resources. The study will be "blind" to political boundaries and will focus on the chemical and
physical characteristics of the aquifers.
5) Status: The partners are currently gathering/reviewing information and establishing a common
GIS database.
6) Schedule: The study is scheduled to be completed in June 1996.
7) U.S. Contacts: Ken Williams, EPA Project Officer, (214) 665-7129
John Ashworth, TWDB, (512) 445-1433
Bobby Creel, JNMSU-WRRl, (505) 646-4337
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
.25
May 1995
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Project Name: Wastewater Pretreatment Curriculum for Mexican Officials
1) Purpose and Objectives: Responds to Mexican interest in the U.S. Pretreatment Program
restricting incompatible discharges to municipal sewer systems. EPA will present, and repeat
several times, a five-day training course for Mexican environmental officials. The course meets a
commitment of the Integrated Environmental Plan for the Mexican-U.S. Border Area, 1992-1994"
(IBEP) for specific actions to address border area environmental issues, and will be applicable to '
the interior of Mexico as well. Course objectives include: ;
Support the goals of the IBEP and other USG environmental initiatives
Relate environmental management and pollution reduction to: .-
- Health and safety of Mexican citizens
- Protection of ecosystem and natural resources
- Protection of wastewater treatment plants
- Economic growth (NAFTA, commercial development, and tourism)
Foster the development of a binationalpretreatment program
2) Funding: EPA Office of Wastewater Management/Permits Division (OWM) has provided the
following for contractor assistance: ,
FY94: $260,000 FY95: $ 90,000 from OWM ;
3) Partners: U.S. EPA (OWM, Office of International Activities, Region 9 & Region 6) and the
U. S. and Mexican Sections of the International Boundary and Water Commission.
4) Description: The course will coyer environmental protection and the components of a
municipal pretreatment program, usjng a "train the trainer" approach to: -\
Demonstrate how a municipal pretreatment program can help to attain the
goals of environmental protection
Describe how to protect the environment using a multimedia approach
Describe available wastewater treatment technologies
Describe pollution reduction techniques, including pollution prevention,
technology-based controls, and environmentally-based limits
Demonstrate the benefits of environmental measurements and data ,,:-
management
Demonstrate skills to help future instructors to achieve course goals ,
5) Status: The course was provided to wastewater management technicians in Ciudad Juarez in'
June 1994 and was very well received. . .
6) Schedule: The next session, to be held in Mexicali, Mexico in the summer of 1995, will be
taught in Spanish, with Spanish course manuals. Funds are available for an additional session in
FY95.
- ^ \ ---'- -
7) U.S. Contacts: Bryan Holtrop, U.S. EPA, (202) 260-6814
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
26
May 1995
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Project Name: U.S. - Mexico Peer Matching Wastewater Treatment Facilities Operation
Demonstration Project
1) Purpose and Objectives: To foster ongoing peer relationships between wastewater treatment
operators and managers in the U. S. and Mexico to facilitate the exchange of information and
technology. , ....-.'
2) Funding: On July, 12, 1994, EPA awarded $150,000 to the University of Texas Engineering'
Extension Service (TEEX). ,
3) Partners: EPA Region 6 and the Texas Water Utility Association and other TEEX Divisions
4) Description: The Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), Water and Wastewater
Division will form partnerships with the Texas Water Utility Association and other TEEX Divisions
and conduct bi-national seminars attended by wastewater treatment operators from both countries toj
encourage ongoing peer relationships. - '
5) Status : Sites have been selected, training modules have been develpped, and coordination has
been made with Mexican contacts.
6) Schedule: Demonstration Seminars will be conducted from March through July 1995.
7) U.S. Contacts: Oscar Cabra, Jr. PJE., EPA, (214) 665-7110
Clark Benson, TEEX, (409) 845-6247 -
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
27
May 1995
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Project Name: Toxics Study of the Rio Grande
1) Purpose and Objectives: The purpose of the study is to screen the Rio Grande for the
prevalence, magnitude, and impact of toxic chemical contamination.
2) Funding: EPA has provided $806,000 to the Texas Natural Resource Conservation
Commission to coordinate water quality studies with Mexico on the Rio Grande. Regional
Geographic Initiative funds of $325,000 were part of the EPA total funding for this effort.
3) Partners: U.S. and Texas- agencies involved in monitoring the river include EPA, the Texas
Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC), the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department,
the Texas Department of Health and the International Boundary and Water Commission, U.S.
Section. Mexican agencies involved include the National Water Commission of Mexico and the
International Boundary and Water Commission, Mexican Section. These agencies were involved in
workplan development, data collection, and data evaluation. ' . ,
4) Description: The study included determinations of toxic pollutant concentrations in water,
sediment, and fish tissue; toxicity testing of water and sediment using minnows and water-fleas; and
biological assessments offish and macroinvertebrate communities that live in the river. The study
area was from Brownsville/Matamoros to El Paso/Juarez, with sampling conducted in eight
stretches of the river where the greatest likelihood for, toxic chemical contamination exist.
5) Status: Sample collection began in November 1992 and was completed March 1993. There
was excellent cooperation among the Mexican and U'.S. scientists involved. A final binational
report was released September 1994. In evaluating the Rio Grande, the U.S. and Mexico found that
the fiver is not heavily impacted by toxic substances. ,
6) Schedule: Additional binational studies are scheduled to begin in April 1995. EPA has
provided $400,232 to the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission to coordinate these
studies. Additional funds will be needed to continue joint monitoring studies being conducted by
Mexico and the State of Texas. These funds will be used to develop additional binational water
quality reports. These reports will help identify areas where additional water pollution control is ,
needed. '
7) U.S. Contacts: Federal: Carl Young, EPA, (214) 665-6645 . . .'.
State of Texas: Patrick Roques, TNRCC, (512) 239-4604.
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
28
May 1995 ,
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Project Name: Watershed Alliance for the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo Basin
1) Purpose and Objectives: To establish a Watershed Alliance that will facilitate the
development and implementation of a Basin Management Plan for the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo basin.
2) Funding: EPA has provided $134,300 to the Texas Natural Resource Conservation
Commission (TNRCC) to develop the Watershed Alliance. An additional award of $169,000 is
currently in process to assist with the project. .
3) Partners: The TNRCC is developing a list of Rio Grande/Rio Bravo stakeholders that will
form the Watershed Alliance. The identified stakeholders will become partners in this project,
4) Description: The project will develop and establish a formal coordination framework, a
"Watershed Alliance," that will lead to a water quality management program for the Rio Grande/Rio|
Bravo Basin. The Alliance will recognize and coordinate the roles and responsibilities of the
Federal, State, local agencies, international Boundary Water Commission and organizations active
in the area of water quality within Basin. The overall focus of the project is to build partnerships,
focus on pollution prevention, identify environmental justice opportunities and integrate activities
with an ecosystem focus. :
5) Status: Award of the FY94 104(b)(3) Cooperative Agreement with TNRCC was made on
August 30, 19,94. TNRCC is developing a final workplan that addresses the development of the
Watershed Alliance, prioritization of water quality issues in the basin, and an implementation plan.
TNRCC is also working on an internal workgroup that will integrate border activities within
TNRCC. ,
6) Schedule: The TNRCC Internal Rio Grande Water Quality Workgroup has been established
and will meet in February, 1995. The internal workgroup will prepare a list of recommended
stakeholders that will comprise the Alliance. The workgroup will also make preliminary contact
with potential Alliance members to provide background information prior to the first meeting. The
first Alliance meeting is scheduled for November, 1995. .
7) U.S. Contacts: EPA-Susan Branning, (214) 665-8022 '
TNRCC" - Terry Buchanan, (512) 239-4620 or Qail Rothe (512) 239-4617
_
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
29
May 1995
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Project Name: Interagency Agreement Between the International Boundary and Water
Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency in the
Administration of a U.S./Mexico Wastewater initiative
1) Purpose and Objectives: Planning and design of wastewater facilities to control wastewater
discharges from Mexico into the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo. , ' ,
2) Funding: In accordance with the Appropriations Act of 1995, EPA awarded $10 million in
January 1995 to the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC).
j - , ' i - ,
3) Partners: EPA's primary contact will be the; U.S. Section of the IBWC, however the Mexican
Section of the IBWC will, participate as will the National ,Water Commission (CNA) in Mexico.
4) Description: The Interagency Agreement is to create facilities plans and designs for wastewater
treatment and collection systems which may be based on criteria developed by the Border
Environmental Cooperation Commission. Projects will likely include,: but not be limited to, Ciudad
Acufia, Piedras Negras arid Reynosa. ,
5) Status: Work has just begun.
6) Schedule: The initial task will be the development of project proposals by the IBWC. The IAG
is in effect for one year and may be renewed. :
,7) U.S. Contacts: Federal: Oscar Cabra Jr. P.E., EPA, (214) 665-7110 .
; IBWC: Bobby Ybarra, USIBWC, (915) 534-6700
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
30
May 1995'
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Project Name; Bi-national Water Supply Operators Training
1) Purpose and Objectives: To conduct training for water supply operators along the border to ,
provide information on the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in a bi-riational
forum. , ' -\
ป , '
2) Funding: EPA expects to award $100,000 to the American Water Works Association
(AWWA).
3) Partners: The partners in the project are EPA Region 6 and the AWWA.
4) Description: Drinking water operators will be trained in the importance of source protection
(sanitary survey for surface supplies or wellhead protection "for. ground water supplies); treatment
techniques and the importance of testing and quality 'control; and methods to, maintain the quality of
the finished water within the distribution system. This grant will cover a 4 or 5 year period.
'-'''. '" -'',', " - , ' - "
5) Status: Grant process is underway. ' / ,
6) Schedule: Develop workplan Outlining training program. , / . ,
' '
. _ . ....
7) U.S. Contacts: bavidReazin, [EPA Region 6, (214) 665-7501
Randy Goss, A'WWA , ' ^
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
31
May 1995
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Project Name: Bi-national Wastewater Operators Training
.. * ' . . '''.',. . ' .'.-'" ' '
1) Purpose and Objectives: To have the Water Environment Federation (WEF) conduct training
for wastewater treatment plant operators along the border in a bi-national forum.
. " i.
2) Funding: EPA expects to award $100,000 to the WEF. ! . '
3). Partners: The partners in the project are EPA Region 6 and the WEF,
4) Description: Wastewater plant operators will be trained in the importance of source protection
(surface and,ground water supplies); treatment techniques and the importance of testing and quality
control; and methods to maintain the treatment plant and the collection system. This' grant will
cover a 4 or 5 year period. !
5) Status: Grant processing process is underway. _
6) Schedule: Develop workplan outlining training program.
7) U.S. Contacts: EPA: Oscar Cabra Jr. P.E., (214) 665-7110 - ,
WEF: Rhonda Harris, (214) 985-7147
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
-' 32
May 1995
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HAZARDOUS WASTE WORK GROUP
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
33
May 1995
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Project Name: Nogales Municipal Landfill Closure Training Project
1) Purpose and Objective: Assist federal, state and local authorities from Mexico with site-
specific training on closure of a municipal landfill. The training will primarily focus ohhowto
prepare a landfill closure plan and will use the Nogales, Sonora landfill as a case study. The overall
goal of this technical assistance project is to address health and safety concerns on both sides of the
U.S.-Mexico border caused by the old Nogales landfill. , ,
2) Funding: The project budget is $139,000. EPA has entered into an Interagency Agreement
with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for technical assistance with this project. Most of the funds
are going to Harding Lawson Associates who i's under contract with the Corps of Engineers.
3) Partners: Army Corps of Engineers, City of Nogales.
4) .Description: The Nogales, Sonora site is a municipal landfill located approximately two to
three miles south of the U.S. - Mexico border and the neighboring community of Nogales, Arizona.
During the last, few years, various parties have expressed concerns to officials in Mexico and the
U.S. about the occurrence of fires at the Nogales, Sonora landfill. The migration of air emissions
from the landfill into Santa Cruz County, Arizona has been documented by local health officials.
Emergency health warnings have.been issued by the County during certain intervals of burning.
The government of Mexico has constructed a new sanitary landfill for Nogales. Construction
of the new Nogales, Sonora landfill makes it possible to close the old landfill. At the April, 1994
National Coordinator's meeting in Tucson, Arizona, EPA and SEDESOL agreed that EPA will
provide SEDESOL with technical assistance on closure of the existing landfill.
5) Status: A copy of an existing closure plan that was used for closure, of the Nogales landfill has
been obtained from the City of Nogales, AZ. EPA and Harding Lawson Associates are currently
reviewing the closure plan. EPA plans to provide PROFEPA and the City of Nogales with an
analysis of the closure plan, including' recommendations for next step.s in the closure process.
6) Schedule: EPA will submit a report on the Nogales, Sonora landfill closure plan to PROFEPA
and the City of Nogales by AprillS, 1995. The report will address health and safety issues related
to post-closure use of the landfill site. We will then work with PROFEPA and the City of Nogales
to plan a landfill closure training seminar and to identify additional needs for technical assistance at
the site. . * '
i!
7) U.S. Contacts: Donna Orebic, EPARegion 9, U.S.-Mexico Border Team, (415) 744-1284
Pat Zurick, Director, Santa Cruz County Health Department ,
Tibaldo Canez, Arizona.Department of Environmental Quality '_-'*
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
34
May 1995
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PrejecLNamei Binational Sampling and Analysis Capacity Building
1) Purpose and Objectives: The goals of this project are to reach an understanding between thl
U.S. and Mexico on sampling and analytical protocols, chain of custody procedures, quality
assurance/quality control procedures, and how best to provide testimony in enforcement
proceedings. In addition, this project will aim to improve the capacity of personnel on both
sides of the border to carry out these understandings.
2) Funding: The amount of funding and recipient have,not yet been determined.
3) Partners: California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Arizona Department of
Environmental Quality, County of San Diego
4) Description: The. investigation and prosecution of transborder cases relating to transportation|
and disposal of hazardous waste has been hampered by the different protocols and testing
procedures of the two countries. In addition, delayed communication between the U.S. and
Mexico regarding suspected illegal transportation of hazardous waste and lack of a norm for
coordinating cross-border evidence gathering has caused evidence to be lost. This project is
intended to result in increased cooperation and coordination between the two countries on all
issues related to sampling, analysis, evidence gathering and testimony.
5) Status: A work group is now being formed which will look at a variety of issues including:
the need to expand the "Guidelines for Repatriation of Hazardous. Waste," improving field
sampling capacity on both sides of the border, improving lab capacity on both sides of the
border, assessing the compatibility between Mexico and U.S. sampling and analysis requirements]
and assessing the need for a binational laboratory. Region 9 has developed a draft "Proposal to
Expand and Improve Hazardous Waste Field Sampling and Lab Capacity along the U.S./Mexico
Border" and is currently seeking comments on the proposal.
6) Schedule: The work group for this project will finalize a proposal for presentation to the
Hazardous Waste Work Group and the Enforcement Work Group at the next Binational
Coordinator's meeting which is scheduled for some time in June 1995.
7) U.S. Contacts:
John Rothman, EPA Region 9, Office of Regional Counsel, (415) 744-1353
Donna Orebic, EPA Region 9, U.S. Mexico Border Team, (415) 744-1284
Peter Husby, EPA Region 9, Environmental Services'Branch, (510) 412-2331-
Larry Sperling, EPA HQ, OECA/IEP, (202) 260-3087 '
John Misleh, County of San Diego, Hazardous Materials Management Division
Pam LePen, Cal-EPA, Department of Toxic Substances Control
Melanie Pierson, U.S. Attorney's Office, San Diego
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
35
May 1995
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Project Name; Sampling and Analysis Training
' . ' ' S ' ' . . , ' -
1) Purpose and Objectives: To develop and implement a training program for border officials on
sampling and analysis of samples. ,,
,2) Funding: The budget for this project is $50,000. :
3) Partners: Western States Hazardous Waste Project, California EPA Department of Toxic
Substances Control, San Diego County
-4) Description: The investigation and prosecution of transbordef cases relating to transportation
and disposal of hazardous waste has been hampered by the different protocols arid testing
procedures of the two countries. In addition, there is a growing need to improve overall sampling
and analysis capacity on both sides' of the border in order to achieve increased compliance and
enforcement under both country's hazardous waste laws. This training will cover topics such as
personal protection, sample collection and preservation, proper field QA/QC procedures, the chain"
of custody process, procedures for analyzing samples, interpreting analytical results, and record
keeping and documentation of findings. We will work with local and state officials in California
and Arizona to develop and implement the course.
5) Status: We plan to enter into a cooperative agreement with the Western States Hazardous Waste
Project to conduct the training sessions. We have received a proposed course outline from the
County of San Diego which we have provided to the Westerr^States Project.
6) Schedule: We have received a draft workplan from the Western States Project and will soon
commit the fundsi We plan to conduct the first course in the San Diego/Tijuana area this summer
and to hold another training along the Arizona/Sonora border later in the year.
7) U.S. Contacts:
Donna Orebic, EPARegion 9, U.S.-Mexico Border Team, (415) 744-1284
Peter Husby, EPA Region 9, Environmental Services Branch, (510) 412-2331
Larry Sperling, EPA HQ, OECA/IEP, (202) 260-3087
John Misleh, County of San Diego, Hazardous Materials Management Division
PamLePen, Cal-EP A, Department of Toxic Substances Control
Melanie Pierson, U.S. Attorney's Office, San Diego
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
36
May 1995
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Project Name: Tijuana Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Operations Training Class
1) Purpose and Objectives: Provide training on municipal solid waste landfill design, operations
and closure for officials and other interested parties in Baja California.
2) Funding: The budget for this project is $55,000. The recipient is Eastern Research Group who 1
is under contract to the Center for Environmental Research Information at EPA's Office of Research!
and Development in Cincinnati.
3) Partners: Eastern, Research Group, EPA's Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati
4) Description: In November, 1993 EPA held a Seminar on the Design, Operation and Closure of
Municipal Solid Waste Landfills in Nogales, Sonora. Approximately 60 individuals from, local
state and federal agencies in Mexico attended the seminar. The course was based on an Office of
Research and Development seminar-held across the U.S. after the RCRA Subtitle D landfill criteria
were promulgated. Over 90% of the attendees rated the seminar as either very good or excellent
We would like to replicate this .successful training project in Tijuana.:
5) Status: Although we have received written communications from Mexico City confirming
interest in the seminar, we have as yet been unable to begin.plans for holding the seminar with
officials in Baja California.
6) Schedule: We are hoping to select dates and a location for the seminar in the near future. We
will then commence with selecting speakers and other logistics for the seminar.
'
7) U.S. Contacts: Donna Orebic, EPARegion 9, U.S. Mexico Border Team, (415) 744-1284
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
37
May, 1995
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Project Name: Recycling Initiative
1) Purpose and Objectives: Research existing cross-border trade of recyclables and identify ways
to expand binational markets for recycled commodities.
2) funding: $60,000 is available for this project. We do not yet have a funding recipient.
3) Partners; To Be Determined , ,
4) Description: The public outreach goals of the IBEP addressed the need to involve the general
public in efforts to prevent illegal dumping and to foster pollution prevention and waste reduction.
In, October, 1993 Regions 9 and 6 co-sponsored a conference held by the Southwest Public
Recycling Association to promote markets for recycled materials. The conference included a U.S.
Mexico border track that addressed recycling along the border and the impact of NAFTA on border
trade of recyclables. x , \
With the passage of NAFTA, we would now like to look more closely at ways to promote ,
binational markets for recycled materials. While a great deal of trade in recycled materials and
products already occurs, the potential to expand existing markets is enormous. This project will
seek to assess current trade of recyclables across the border and identify obstacles to expanding,
such trade. Ultimately, we would like to identify steps needed to stimulate markets for cross-border
trade of recyclables.
5) Status: Project not yet started,
6) Schedule: We will develop a scope of work for the project and identify a contractor to carry out
the first phase of the project by July 1, 1995.
,7) U.S. Contacts: Donna Orebic, EPARegion 9, U.S. Mexico Border Team, (415) 744-1284
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
38
May 1995
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Project Name; Repatriation of Illegally Exported Hazardous Waste
1) Purpose and Objectives: Provide technical assistance in repatriation of hazardous waste
illegally exported to Mexico from the; United-States in accordance with the Repatriation Guidelines
adopted in 1992 by the Hazardous Waste Working Group.
2) Funding: To Be Determined
3) Partners: To Be Determined
">
4) Description: In FY 94, EPA Region 6 assisted the Secretaria de Desarollo Social (SEDESOL)
in facilitating the safe shipment of 600 abandoned drums of maquiladora waste from Ciudad Juarez
to U.S. disposal facilities. In addition Region 9 facilitated the safe shipment of 600,0 abandoned
drums of maquilaciora waste from the Mexa'co site to. the U.S. for disposal. EPA and SEDESOL
exchanged technical information on maquiladora facilities that generate hazardous wastes.
5) Status: The Hazardous Waste Workgroup is prepared to assist in similar repatriation efforts in
the future as needed.
6) Schedule: Ongoing.,
7) U.S, Contacts: John Rothman, EPA Region 9, Office of Regional Counsel, (415) 744-1353
Don White, EPA Region 9, Field Operations Branch, (415) 744-2353
BonnieRomo, EPA Region 6, (214)665-8323
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
39
May 1995
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Project Name;
Transborder Hazarddus Waste Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Reporting
Program , -
1) Purpose and Objectives: EPA Region 6 has initiated a project to electronically transmit
Hazardous Waste Manifest (HWM) data from Mexican maquiladora facilities to EPA Regional and
State offices and other federal agencies.
I ' " " - " .
2) Funding: $135,000 expended for EDI contractor support.
3) Partners: Participants in the project include a number of Maquiladora companies and their U.S.
parent company, the USEP A Region 6 Office, the Texas Natural Resource Conservation
Commission (TNRCC), the Mexican Institute Nacional de Ecologia (INE), treatment,, storage, and
disposal (TSD) facilities, U. S. Customs, and associated customs brokers and transporters.
, . . ' ' I .'''.,
4) Description: "Maquiladora facilities" are non-domestic industries operating in Mexico. Many
of these industries transport hazardous waste from their Mexican facilities, through customs border
ports, to TSD facilities in the U.S. :These transboundary shipments require submittal of extensive
environmental compliance documentation and reporting to multiple agencies on both sides of the
border. '"-.- . ..." . '.. . ' ' -.
- ... / . . . '
EPA long-term goals include promoting a uniform approach to compliance reporting across
EPA programs and states, improving data quality, providing more timely access to data for the
US/Mexico hazardous waste tracking system (HAZTRAKS) and achieving cost savings for data
submission and acquisition. Associated with this process is the elimination of manual data entry
bottlenecks. \ ' =. . ,7 '
In this EDI project system, environmental shipment information is exchanged between trading
partners in the form of electronic transaction sets, which equate to paper business documents. Each
transaction set may carry the same information as a completed paper form. EDI transaction
standards and conventions have already been defined, reviewed and approved by the Accredited
Standards Committee (ASC) X12 of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
5) Status: The current phase includes field testing of the viability of electronic reporting of
manifest and compliance data required of industry for the transboundary shipments of hazardous
waste imported from Mexico and shipped tp the U.S. for treatment, storage and disposal.
' ' ' ' '' ' ' ' ' ' ..;'' '''"
6) Schedule: A final report is expected at the conclusion of the current 90-day field test phase.
1) U.S. Contacts: Joe Schultes, Region 6, (214) 665-2244 '
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
40
May 1995
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Project Name; U.S./Mexico Hazardous Waste Tracking System (HAZTRAKS)
1) Purpose and Objectives: The U.S. and Mexico focused early efforts on developing a joint
capability to monitor trarisboundary waste shipments in accordance with their bilateral
commitments. These efforts culminated with development of a U.S./Mexico Hazardous Waste
Tracking System (HAZTRAKS) in October 1992. The first effort of its kind, HAZTRAKS was
developed to track transboundary waste shipments between the United States and Mexico by the
U.S. This is an on-going project.
2) Funding: $160,000 expended for contractor support.
3) Partners: The information needed for the HAZTRAKS database is received from EPA Region
6states, EPA Region 9 states, U.S. Customs and from Mexican Institute Nacional de Ecologia
(INE). ' , ; . "
4) Description: HAZTRAKS was designed to track volumes and types of waste crossing the
U.S./Mexico border. The information received in the database is based on the manifests required tc
import or export hazardous waste. In Mexico, INE must authorize an import or export of hazardoi
waste by issuing an Ecological Guide (Guia Ecologica). This "Guia" is compared with the U S
Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest by the U. S. Customs Port Hazardous Waste Coordinator wher
the waste reaches the U.S. border, and the Customs pfficial sends the manifest to EPAReeion 6
SA^ lnfor^ation is entered into the HAZTRAKS data base. INE also enters the Guia data int
HAZTRAKS reporting all of the Guias issued by INE in each of the Mexican border states TSD
import notifications are also collected by the U.S. Border States and entered into HAZTRAKS.
5) Status: As a result of the tracking system, EPA and INE can track the volumes and types of
waste crossing the U.S./Mexico border. The tracking system enables environmental enforcement
officials from both countries to monitor and confirm the movement of hazardous waste and thus
detect violations of import/export regulations of the respective countries. '
As a result of HAZTRAKS, EPA has filed seven complaints with the total proposed penalty
amount of $295,000. The EPA complaints generally dealt with violations of manifest requirements
in the transportation of hazardous waste, such as failure to list the foreign generator, failure to
obtain the EPA identification numbers, and use of transporters without. EPA identification numbers
and DOT registrations.
6) Schedule: Since HAZTRAKS is now in full operation, it is anticipated that many more cases
will be developed as a result of the tracking system. Efforts are underway to place HAZTRAKS on
an electronic platform to enable all participants with prompt and current access.
7) U.S. Contacts: Joe Schultes, Region 6, (214) 665-2244
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
.41
May 1995
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Project Name; Texas Border Intercept Program
1) purpose and Objectives: Since the inception of the maquiladora industrial operations in the
border area, the U.S./Mexico.transboundary movement of hazardous waste has been a continuing
subject of public concern. The Border Intercept Program, through funds granted to the Texas
Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TRNCC), provided an outreach to the maquiladora
industry to ensure regulatory compliance of transboundary shipments of hazardous wastes traveling ,
to and-from Mexico.
2) Funding: EPA awarded a total of $743,000 (funds from Headquarters and Regions) to the
Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission (TNRCC) and the Office of the Attorney ,
General, State of Texas for FY 1995 and 1996. , ,
3) Partners: TNRCC, Texas Office of the Attorney General, Secretaria de Medip Ambiente,
Recursos Naturales, y Pesca (SEMARNAP), U.S. Customs, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Texas
Department of Public Safety, State Fire Marshalls, and the Laredo Fire Department.
4) Description: The Grant calls for inspections and investigations of transporters of hazardous
waste travelling to/across the Texas/Mexican border. This includes inspections at U.S. Customs
inspections areas, weigh stations, and transporter yards. Inspections will investigate cargo,
.containers, manifests, packaging, markings, labeling, and; vehicle placarding. Samples and
photographs will be taken as necessary.
The Grant also calls for training regarding regulations, requirements, and enforcement matters
related to the transboundary shipment of hazardous waste. Training will be offered to U.S. Customs
inspectors,,TNRCC inspectors, U.S. based brokers, transporters, and other interested parties.
TNRCC will conduct at least two bilingual training sessions at selected border locations with the
goal of encouraging U. S ./Mexico customs cooperation in detecting transboundary shipment
violations. '
, Furthermore, the Grant calls for the establishment of a task force of representatives from U. S.
Customs, EPA, DOT, Texas Department of Public Safety, TNRCC, and appropriate local
authorities to address transboundary waste issues.
'-'{,- ' - ';-,'.
5) Status: Of the more than 400 warehouses identified in Laredo, nearly 40 were inspected by
five teams of inspectors. Nine facilities received Notices of Violation (NOV) letters and 3 were
referred to TNRCC for enforcement action. Similar activity is ongoing elsewhere along the Texas
f ' '- j, ' -. - . *
border.
6) Schedule: To be conducted in FY 1995 and 1996 ;
7) U.S. Contacts: Walter Biggens, EPA Region 6, Chief of Grants and Authorization
(214)665-6705
Joe Schultes, Region 6 (214) 665-2244
John Young (TNRCC), FOD Program Director (512) 239-0400
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
42
May 1995
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Project Name: New Mexico Environment Department Border Hazardous Waste Grant
1) Purpose and Objectives: To hire an inspector for New.Mexico who will be dedicated to :
hazardous waste inspections for facilities located in the U.S./Mexico border area and to monitor
shipments of regulated materials in the area.
2) Funding: EPA awarded $70,000 to the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) for 1
1995. The amounts comprising this grant are: $60,000 from Region 6 and $10 000 from OECA
In FY 1994, OECA provided NMED-$50,000 grant for this purpose. ' ' '
3) Partners: New Mexico Environment Department
4) Description: The areas of responsibility of the inspector hired pursuant to the grant will be to .
enforce RCRA Hazardous Waste Regulations and will also participate in other media areas. The
funds will be used for training and outreach for NMED inspectors in the regulations pertaining to
transboundary shipments of hazardous waste. This enables NMED inspectors to provide training to
U.S. Customs inspectors and Mexican inspectors. , ' , '
The State of New Mexico will conduct 36 border checks at the Santa Teresa Border Crossing
and 12 at the Palomas Border Crossing. The inspections will be conducted in cooperation with the
U.S. Immigration, U.S. Customs, and Mexican officials. The State will also conduct 10 compliance
evaluation inspections at facilities that are known to handle hazardous waste which is imported
from Mexico.
s ^ ' "
5) Status: The New Mexico inspector was hired in October 1994/
6) Schedule: To be conducted in FY 1995.
7) U.S. Contacts:
Walter Biggens, EPA Region 6
Chief of Grants and Authorization
(214)665-6705
Benito Garcia, Bureau Chief
Hazardous and Radioactive Materials Bureau
New Mexico Environmental Department
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
43
May 1995
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Project Name; Review of SEDESOL's Environmental Impact Assessment and Risk
Assessment Programs
1) Purpose and Objectives: At Secretaria de Desarrollo Social (SEDESOL's) request, to provide
technical assistance and input into development of SEDESOL's procedures.
2) Funding: No grant or contract funds were involved. Investment was staff time arid travel T
dollars for four EPA Region 6 team members. ,
3) Partners: EPA Region 6 and SEDESOL, Institute National de Ecologia (INE) and
Procuraduria Federal de Protection al Ambiente (1PROFEPA)
' " ' . ' i /
4) Description: A team of Region 6 staff visited SEDESOL in September 1993 to review
SEDESOL's environmental impact assessment and risk assessment programs. The review was
requested by Arq. Rene Altamirano, who was then the Mexican Co-Chair of the Hazardous Waste
Work Group and a Director of INE. The team interviewed numerous SEDESOL officials and staff
and reviewed its procedures .
5) ; Status: The team developed a draft report, which was transmitted to
Arq. Altarnirano on November 3, 1993. (The report was never finalized, as Arq.' Altamirano left
this;position and his successor did not request further action on the issue.)
6) Schedule: No further action anticipated.
7) U.S. Contacts: Bill Honker, EPA-Region 6, (214) 665-6770
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
44
; /
, May 1995
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Project Name; Technical Assistance on the Regulation of Combustion of Hazardous Wastes
in Cement Kilns
1) Purpose and Objectives: At Secretaria de'Desarrollo Social (SEDESOL's) request, to provide
technical assistance and input into development of SEDESOL's regulatory program.
2) Funding: No grant or .contract funds were involved. Investment was staff time and travel
dollars for EPA staff.
3) Partners: EPA Region 6 and SEDESOL,Instituto National de Ecologia (INE)
4) Description: SEDESOL made several requests for inforrnation and assistance on this issue
during F Y94. Region 6 provided copies of EPA regulations and guidance relating to cement kilns
and provided speakers'on the subject for two conferences in Mexico:
5) Status: Project complete. i , -
6) Schedule: No further action anticipated.
7) U.S. Contacts: Bill Honker, EPA-Region 6, (214) 665-6770 . ,
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
45
May 1995
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Protect Name;
U.S./Mexico Consultative Mechanism for the Establishment of New Sites and
for Existing Sites
1) Purpose and Objectives: To ensure timely and thorough exchange of information on siting of
new hazardous/radipactive/solid waste facilities and on existing hazardous/radioactive/solid waste
facilities in the U.S./Mexico border zone.
2) Funding: No grant or contract funds were involved. Investment was staff time and travel
dollars for EPA staff. ,
3) Partners: EPA Regions 6 and 9 and OIA; U.S. Department of State; States of California,
Arizona, New Mexico,-and Texas; Secretaria de Desarrollo Social (SEDESOL), Institute Nacional
de Ecologia (INE) and Procuraduria Federal de Proteccion al Ambiente , .
(ProFePA); Mexican State Department.
4) Description: The U.S./Mexico Hazardous Waste Work Group adopted the Consultative
Mechanism on June 25,-1992, and has implemented it since that time. Actions include timely
provision of information on newly-proposed sites within 100 km of the border, an inventory of
existing solid and hazardous waste sites in this area, and quarterly updates of the status of proposed,
sites in.the border zone. ,
5) Status: Region 6 has provided a large volume of information to SEDESOL on proposed sites in
the border zone in Texas, as well as the quarterly reports required by the Mechanism. With the
transfer of the Work Group lead to EPA Region 9, it has assumed the lead responsibility for the
quarterly reports and information exchange. ,
6) Schedule: Quarterly reports to be submitted.
7) U.S. Contacts: John Hamill, EPA-Region 9, (415) 744-1281 :
Linda Pratt, EPA Region 9, (619)338-2215 ..*"'-.
Donna Orebic, EPA Region 9, (415) 744-2184
Eileen Sheehan, EPA Region 9, (415) 744-2190 , .
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
46
May 1995
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COOPERATIVE ENFORCEMENT
WORKGROUP
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
47
May .1995
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Project Name;
Multimedia Inspection Course for Mexican Environmental Inspectors
1) Purpose and Objectives: The purpose of this training course is to prepare Mexican
environmental inspectors to conduct multimedia inspection of the regulated industries within their
country; arid to provide cooperative assistance to Mexico's PROFEPA in its efforts to develop an in-
house training capacity.. ' - ,..-''
2) Funding: $130,000 in FY1995 ;
3) Partners: A total of 561 Mexican environmental inspectors have been trained thus far through
the joint cooperation and participation of the U.S. EPA and the Mexican Federal Government. U.S.
State environmental officials will be invited as trainers and participants in 1995 course deliveries.
f .' ' ' ' ''")., ' _. , , ' .:
4) Description: This 5-day course prepares Mexican environmental inspectors to conduct
inspections and to be familiar with a number of industrial processes and related pollution. The
course includes a plant site visit on the final day, following 4-1/2 days of intensive classroom
lectures, discussions, and reference materials. Course improvements in 1994 included adding -"
information on Pollution Prevention opportunities in specific industries. _
5) Status/Schedule: The 5-day Course has been presented thus far at six locations as follows:
Tijuana
Ciudad Juarez
Matamorbs
Mexicali
Mexico City
Guadalajara
Monterrey
March 23-27, 1992
June 8-12, 1992
September 14-18, 1992
September 21-25, 1992
April 26-30, 1993
July 19-23, 1993
August 29-Sept. 2, 1994
55 trainees
79 trainees
80 trainees
86 trainees
93 trainees
88 trainees
63 trainees
In addition, a 4-day "train-the-trainers" seminar to teach Mexican officials to conduct the
course for their own inspectors has been presented in Mexico City, May 31-June 3, 1994, with 17
trainees. A total of 561 inspectors have received training. In 1995, the course will be improved to
include water quality inspections, in accordance with the consolidation of water quality
implementation under a single Mexican environmental agency. Two additional course deliveries
are being planned for 1995-1996. These.deliveries will continue "train-the-trainer" efforts by
beginning to use trained Mexican instructors.
6) U.S. Contacts: JAichard Emory, (202) 260-9667
Lawrence Sperling, EPA/OECA, (202) 260-3087
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
48
May -1995
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Project Name:
Enforcement Data Management Technical Consultation/ Cooperative
Targeting Data Analysis
1) Purpose and Objectives: The purpose of this project is to support possible bilateral
enforcement targeting initiatives in the border area. -Additionally, this project will support an '
evaluation of the enforcement data systems needs of Secretaria de Medio Ambiente, Recursos
Naturales, y Pesca (SEMARNAP). "'.'."
2) Funding: To Be Determined
3) Partners: To Be Determined,
i " . ' - ' '
4) Description: This project will assist EPA in its development and evaluation of data to support.
U.S./Mexico exchange of environmental enforcement information and possible bilateral cooperative |
targeting initiatives. Such data may include data maintained on EPA databases on the enforcement
and compliance status of facilities operating on the U.S. side of the U.S./Mexico border area, as
well as data on the export of chemical products for use in Mexico's maquiladora industry and the
importation of finished products and wastes 'by Maquiladora firms. Sources of such export or
import data may include data which EPA may obtain rpm the U.S. Census Bureau and/or Customs
Service, as" well as data on hazardous waste imports in the EPA/SEMARNAP binational
HAZTRAKS database. Based on consultations with SEMARNAP, EPA will determine the precise
nature of the data on facility enforcement/compliance and on product and waste" import and export
to be evaluated (e^, which industries; which chemicals of concern; which geographic regions;,
which types of facilities). This analyses will allow EPA to exchange enforcement information with
SEMARNAP and to identify possible targets for further investigation by EPA or SEMARNAP into
possible violations of U.S. or Mexican environmental laws and regulations.
In addition to conducting data analyses, this project will evaluate the enforcement data
systems needs of SEMARNAP, in support of the cooperative efforts of the Cooperative
Enforcement Strategy Work Group. Such evaluation will be conducted with regard to enhancing
the compatibility and comparability of enforcement systems, and to facilitating possible bilateral)
cooperative enforcement initiatives between EPA and SEMARNAP.
5) Status: Preliminary data analysis work will begin soon. The evaluation of SEMARNAP's
enforcement data systems is on-going. '
6) Schedule: Data analyses to support targeting initiatives will be conducted over the next few
months, and will continue throughout the summer as dictated by consultations with SEMARNAP.
The evaluation, of SEMARNAP data systems will be completed in 4/95.
7) Contacts: Lawrence Sperling, OECA-EPA, (202) 260-3087 .
Ing. Alfredo Gidi. PRFA-SEMARNAP
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
49
May 1995
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Project Name: U.S. and Mexican Border Customs Training Course
1) Purpose and Objectives: The purpose of the project is to deliver a training course for Customs
and environmental inspectors on both sides of the U.S. and Mexican border using the "Hazardous
Waste Compliance Monitoring for Customs Inspectors" video as a primary training tool. The
training course provides inspectors with information and procedures to assist in increased detection
of international hazardous waste shipments and enable inspectors to assist.EPA and the Mexican r
environmental secretariat in their continuing efforts to enforce and monitor compliance with
hazardous waste regulations. ' ... . ...
2) Funding: $150,000 - . .. : , ".
3) Partners: EPA (Headquarters, Region 9, Region 6), U. S. Customs, Procuraduria Federal de
Protection al Ambiente (PROFEPA), Mexican Customs, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT),
County environmental agencies and Regional Environmental Enforcement Associations . '
4) Description: The project consists t>f expanding existing training materials and facilitating
delivery of U.S. and Mexican training course at several border locations. The training course is
interactive and covers detection, inspection, regulatory compliance of transboundary hazardous
waste shipments, and, to a limited extent, safety considerations.. The training course will be
presented to both U.S. and Mexican Customs and environmental inspectors in cooperation with
EPA regional offices, state agencies, and the Mexican environmental secretariat..
The video and training manual are the main training tools used during delivery of the course.
These tools are enhanced through interactive participation between course instructors and trainees
and through the use of existing EPA, Mexican, and state environmental agency speakers and
training course materials. . -
The training course is delivered in English and Spanish and enhances interaction among
officials from both sides of the border. Each session consists of a Spanish-speaking group and an
English-speaking group. A trainer facilitates each group, discusses'the video, and reviews the
training manual with participants. This will be followed by a facilitated joint-discussion or case
study. .
5) Status: An initial training focus group and initial training pilot delivery took place at Otay
Mesa, California on September 28, 1994 arid November 17, 1994. San Diego County conducted a
similar training session in Tecate in February 1995, supported by EPA grant funding. The course
was delivered at the Calexico U.S. Customs facility on March 28 and 29, 1995. Additional
trainings will be scheduled at key locations along the border throughout 1995.
6) Schedule: The next training is anticipated to be held at a Texas border crossing in June.
Subsequent trainings and a train-the-trainers session will then be scheduled at key border locations.
7) U.S. Contacts: Mr. Lawrence Sperling, EPA OECA, (202> 260-3 087
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
50
May 1995,
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Project Name; Enforcement/Hazardous Waste Subworkgroups
1) Purpose and objectives: To target and coordinate enforcement actions and to organize
response to and prevention of illegal transport of hazardous waste among federal, state and local
enforcement agencies on both sides of the border.
2) Funding: Only travel and interpretation expenses needed.
3) Partners: The California/Baja California group includes Cal EPA, Cal Attorney General, San
Diego Task Force (local, state and federal enforcement agencies), Procuraduria Federal de
Protection al Ambiente (PROFEPA) and, we hope, the Procuraduria de la Republica (PGR) and
the State of Baja California. The Arizona/Sonora group will include Arizona Dept. of
Environmental Quality, the Arizona Attorney General, U.S. Attorney's Office, PROFEPA for
Sonora and,' we hope, the PGR and the State of Sonora,
4) Description: These groups provide the means for targeting and coordinating enforcement in
the Region and organizing the prevention of and response to the illegal transport of hazardous
waste across the border. The contacts made at the group meetings will allow rapid response to
violations on either side of the border .and will develop the trust necessary to coordinate
binational enforcement targeting and more effective prevention.
5) Status/Schedule: The group for California/Baja California had its first meeting more than
one year ago; the Arizona/Sonpra group has hot yet met. The groups were temporarily
suspended pending agreement on binational enforcement initiatives and the Mexican presidential
elections. If the Binational Enforcement and .Hazardous Waste Workgroups reach agreements
for action, the subgroups will meet soon thereafter. Subworkgroups anticipate at least two
meetings for each group per year. .
6) U.S. Contacts:
Donna Orebic, EPA Region 9, (415) 744-1284
John D. Rothman, EPA Region 9, (415) 744-1353
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
51
May 1995
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Project Name: Principles of Environmental Enforcement Training Course
1) Purpose and Objectives: To present the training course to policy makers in the Mexican
Environmental Ministry and to representatives of public interest groups and the regulated
community. .
. 2) Funding: $50,000 from U.S. Agency for International Development (AID) will pay for
travel and expenses of presenters. Mexico will pay for expenses for participants and, probably,
for interpreters. .
3) Partners: US AID is funding the presentation of the course! Region 9 is taking the lead;
with assistance from the Office of Enforcement (OE) and Region 6, in presenting the course.
- ' ' t-' . . . - ". : \ _ - " '
4) Description: This is an intensive, 3-day course in fundamental principles for designing and
implementing environmental enforcement programs.
5) Status/Schedule: First course delivery currently scheduled for late May 1995, If Mexico
desires, we plan to present the course a second time, with Mexican presenters assisting, and a
third time, presented completely by Mexico. This will allow Mexico to take over the course and
use it independently.
6) U.S. Contacts: John D. Rothman, EPA-Regioh 9, (415) 744-1353
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
52
May 1995
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Project Name: Binational Conference on Environmental Laws and Enforcement
1) Purpose and Objectives: To promote mutual understanding among lawyers and policy
makers of how each of our agencies and laws, work and what motivates the behavior that each
agency finds so baffling in the other. . .. ,.
2) Funding: $65,000 that have been awarded to EPA Office of Regional Counsel (ORC),
Region 9;
3) Partners: The Binational Enforcement Workgroup would sponsor the conference.
4) Description: This would be a 2-3 day conference based on the presentation of case studies
by each of the participants that demonstrate concretely how environmental law and enforcement
function in real contexts. The conference will be directed to lawyers and policy makers at
USEPA and the Mexican Environmental Ministry and allied environmental enforcement -
agencies (eg. Department of Justice, Procuraduria General de la Republica; state agencies).' '
5) Status/Schedule: The conference will follow presentation of Principles of Environmental
Enforcement training course, which has been delayed. Subject to scheduling with PROFEPA,
we hope to hold this conference in the Fall of 1995., Conference could be repeated periodically.
6) U.S. Contacts: John D. Rothman, EPA Region 9, (415) 744-1353
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
53
May 1995
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Project Name: Enforcement Data Management Technical Consultation
1) Purpose and Objectives: The purpose of this project is to develop an analysis of
PROFEP A's enforcement data management needs, and make appropriate recommendations
regarding the development of data systems to support enforcement and compliance activities.
2) Funding: $25,000, in EPA Work Assignment with DPRA, Inc.
3) Partners: EPA and Procuraduria Federal de Protection al Ambiente (PROFEPA)
4) Description: By analyzing available data, enforcement resources can be targeted to ensure
their effective utilization in addressing priority concerns and in maximizing the role of
enforcement in achieving environmentally beneficial behavioral changes. This project involves
evaluating the enforcement data systems needs of PROFEP A, and making recommendations to
enhance PROFEP A's ability to utilize data for enforcement targeting purposes. Such evaluation
will also consider the issue of comparability of U. S, and Mexican enforcement data, and
facilitating possible U. S ./Mexican bilateral cooperative enforcement targeting initiatives.,
5) Status: EPA is reviewing a draft report prepared by the contractor.
6) Scheduler Recommendations paper will be finalized this spring. Paper will be used to inform
additional cooperative efforts in this area. It is hoped this effort will assist SEMARNAP and .
PROFEP A in utilization of World Bank funds for enforcement data management systems
development. ;
7) U.S. Contacts: Lawrence Sperling, EPA/OECA (202)260-3087
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
54.'
, .. May 1995
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Project Name; Enforcement Results Data-Sharing
1) Purpose and Objectives: To exchange data on environmental enforcement activities in the
border area, on both sides of the border.
2) Funding: EPA and Procuraduria Federal de Proteccion al Ambiente (PROFEPA) relying on
.in-house personnel. ' , . ,.
3) Partners: EPA; PROFEPA, U.S. border state environmental agencies; United States
Attorneys Offices; U.S. Customs :
4) Description: The U.S. and Mexico have periodically exchanged data on enforcement
activities in the border area. Mexico provides periodic aggregate summaries of numbers of
inspections, facility shut-downs, and penalties imposed. EPA provides periodic reports on
enforcement actions initiated and completed in the border area, and press releases or other
descriptive information on individual cases. EPA also provides Mexico with its annual
enforcement accomplishments report summarizing environmental enforcement activities
nationwide. -
5) Status: EPA and PROFEPA are discussing regularizing the exchange of border area
Enforcement Results Data on a semi-annual basis, as part of the Cooperative Enforcement Work
Group's Work Plan. EPA and PROFEPA are also discussing exchanging more anecdotal
information on individual cases in the border area; however, Mexico is concerned regarding the
applicability of its industrial secrets data to sharing of specific information on completed
enforcement cases. In the context of the North American Commission on Environmental
Cooperation, EPA, PROFEPA, and Canadian environmental authorities will be addressing the
comparability of enforcement statistics. ', .
6) Schedule: 1995 Work Plan Draft for Cooperative Enforcement Strategy Work Group calls for
semi-annual data exchanges, and for EPA and PROFEPA tojdentify criteria for exchanging
detailed case-specific information and to examine issues pertaining to public disclosure,
confidentiality, and the use of case-specific information.
7) U.S. Contacts: Lawrence Sperling, EPA/OECA (202)260-3087 .'
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
, 55
May 1995
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Project Name; Consultation on Enforcement Penalty Policies
1) Purpose and Objectives: To exchange information about each country's respective policies
for calculating economic sanctions in enforcement cases, and to provide cooperative^ assistance
in ensuring that environmental enforcement actions :are effective in eliminating the economic ,
benefit of non-compliance.
i ' ' ' . ' '
2) Funding: EPA and Procuraduria Federal de Protection al Ambiente (PROFEPA) relying on
in-house personnel, Pursuant to cooperative agreement, regional environmental enforcement
networks may provide cooperative assistance in arranging future technical consultation.
3) Partners: EPA and PROFEPA; potential contribution of regional environmental enforcement
networks in the U. S. (the Western States Project and Southern Environmental Enforcement
.Network).
4) Description: In 1993-1994, EPA and PROFEPA exchanged substantial information regarding
their respective policies for calculating economic sanctions in enforcement cases. "
The Cooperative Enforcement Strategy Work Group's draft 1995 Work Plan proposes to hold a
more detailed technical consultation pn the calculation of economic sanctions, wherein EPA
would share with PROFEPA detailed information regarding EPA's methodology and computer
program for calculating the economic benefit of non-compliance, and ensuring that penalties
exceed that amount.
5) Status: Technical consultations to be scheduled in 1995, pending finalization of Enforcement
WorkGroup's 1995~Work Plan,
6) U.S. Contact: Lawrence Sperling, EPA/OECA (202)260-3087 , '
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
56
May 1995
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Project Name:
Voluntary Compliance and Environmental Auditing Outreach and
Technical Consultation
1) Purpose and Objectives: To promote voluntary compliance with Mexican environmental
laws, pollution prevention, and environmental auditing, by U.S. industries operating in Mexico;
to conduct technical exchange among EPA and Procuraduria Federal de Protection al Ambiente
(PROFEPA) of information regarding each country's programs and policies to encourage
environmental auditing and voluntary compliance.
2) Funding: $50,000 in work assignment with SAIC to assist in outreach to U.S. companies with
Mexican operations; possible additional assistance of U.S. regional environmental enforcement
networks (Western States Project and Southern Environmental Enforcement Network) in
sponsoring technical consultations.- '
3) Partners: EPA, PROFEPA, U.S. border state environmental agencies, regional environmental
enforcement networks. ,
4) Description: Mexico has implemented an innovative program of assuring compliance through
voluntary environmental auditing. EPA has translated into English PROFEPA's Terms of
Reference for its Environmental Auditing Program, and is preparing a letter to a number of U.S.
parent companies operating in Mexico to encourage their participation in the program.
Contractor will assist in followup and expanded outreach efforts.
EPA has proposed to PROFEPA to conduct one to two technical seminars for U.S. and Mexican
industry in key border cities, providing information on each country's programs and policies for -
environmental auditing and voluntary compliance.
EPA has also proposed to engage with PROFEPA in a technical exchange regarding each
country's environmental auditing programs and policies. Topics of discussion would include the
role of environmental auditing in identifying pollution prevention opportunities while assuring
environmental regulatory compliance.
5) Status: EPA outreach efforts underway Spring, 1995.
6) Schedule: Pending PROFEPA approval, EPA has proposed border technical seminars for
industry and interagency technical exchange to take place in 1995.
! .
7) U.S. Contact: Lawrence Sperling, EPA/OECA (202/260-3087).
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
57
May 1995
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Project Name: Protocol for Investigatory Cooperation
1) Purpose and Objectives: To enhance case-by-case cooperation in enforcement investigations
involving transboundary aspects, including sampling, evidence-gathering and technical
assistance. ; , .
2) Funding: EPA staff time only. .
3) Partners: EPA, U.S. Department of Justice, Procuraduria Federal de Protection al Ambiente
(PROFEPA)
4) Description: The draft Work Plan for the U.S./Mexico Cooperative Enforcement Strategy
Work Group calls for EPA and PROFEPA to explore the possibility of developing a protocol for
cooperation in the development of evidence for enforcement cases, including exchange of
information, taking of physical samples, use of laboratory analysis, and provision of testimony.
The Cooperative Enforcement Work Group will coordinate this effort with the Hazardous Waste
Work Group's "Bmational Sampling and Analysis Capacity^Building Project" '
5) Status: EPA hopes to begin discussions with PROFEPA regarding a possible protocol in
1995. Such a protocol may be considered as part of expanded Guidelines for Repatriation of
Hazardous Waste.
6) U.S. Contacts:
John Rothman, EPA Region 9 ORC
Lawrence Sperling, EP A/OECA
Charles Sheehan, U.S. Department of Justice
(415) 744-1353
(202)260-3087
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
58
May 1995
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Project Name: Transboundary CFC Shipment Training and Outreach
1) Purpose and Objectives: To enhance capacity for compliance monitoring and enforcement
of regulations pertaining to.the transboundary shipment of chlorpfluorocarboris and other ozone-
depleting chemicals, and promote voluntary compliance,
2) Funding: $100,000, in contract work assignment.
3) Partners: EPA, U.S. Customs, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), state environmental
agencies, Mexican Customs, Procuraduria Federal de Protection al Ambiente (PROFEPA)
4) Description: Under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, the
U.S. is phasing out the use of chlorofluorocarbons and other ozone-depleting chemicals, and has
imposed taxes, labelling requirements, and other restrictions during the phase-out period. As a
result of increasing prices for CFC's as the U.S. phases them out, CFC's are increasingly being
illegally imported from Mexico to the U.S. Under this project, EPA and its contractor will
develop and deliver training, directed toward U. S. Customs and other federal and state agencies,
involved with enforcement of transboundary environmental laws, and possibly Mexican Customs
and environmental authorities, to enhance vigilance and enforcement of EPA's regulations
implementing the U.S. commitments under the Montreal Protocol. In addition, EPA and its
contractor will develop and propose procedures for Customs for cooperation in investigating
illegal CFC shipments and disposing of contraband CFC chemicals. Finally, EPA and its
contractor will launch a public outreach effort, directed to potential CFC importers, to increase
public awareness about the CFC import requirements arid possible enforcement ramifications,
thereby encouraging voluntary compliance with these regulations.
5) Status: Contract Work Assignment has been drafted and is pending finalization.
6) Schedule: Training, procedure development, and outreach activities to take place in 1995-
1996. . .'...
7) U.S. Contacts:
Phyllis Rimmer, EPA Region 6
Alan Zemsky, EPA Region 9
Craig Haas, EPA/OECA-Air
Lawrence Sperling, EPA/OECA (202) 260-3087
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
59
May 1995
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Project Name;
Third International Conference on Environmental Enforcement, Oaxaca,
Mexico, April 25-28,1994
1) Purpose and Objectives: Mexico hosted, and U.S. EPA co-sponsored, a global conference to
promote effective environmental compliance and enforcement programs world-wide.
2) Funding: Funding and logistical support for the Conference was provided by U.S. EPA and
the Agency for International Development, the Governments of Mexico, Canada and the
Netherlands, the United Nations Environment Program, and the World Wildlife Fund.
3) Partners: Sponsors were EPA, Mexico's SEDESOL, Netherlandls Ministry of Housing,
Spatial Planning and the Environment, United Nations Environment Program, and the World
Wildlife Fund. The Executive Planning Committee also included officials from Canada, Chile,
Costa Rica, Jamaica, Indonesia, and Nigeria.
4) Description: The Conference was perhaps the most successful in a growing series of
international efforts to promote effective environmental compliance and enforcement programs
world-wide. Fifty-four countries and nine international organizations participated in the
Conference, giving Mexico an opportunity to highlight its commitment to environmental
enforcement. . .
Key topics included the relationship between environmental compliance and sustainable
development; frameworks for environmental compliance/enforcement; challenges to
environmental compliance; designing compliance and enforcement programs; and building
international enforcement networks. Special workshops addressed illegal transboundary
shipments; CFC controls; criminal enforcement; government facilities; voluntary, compliance;
field citations; and enforcement of economic instruments. Mexico presented a paper on its
enforcement program. U.S. officials presented several papers, including one on the development
of a North American Environmental Enforcement Network.
A one-day workshop was held presenting a shortened version of the Principles of Environmental
.Enforcement international training course. The course materials were translated into Spanish.
Five new case studies, emphasizing pollution prevention and control options, were developed to
offer realistic situations for Mexico and other countries: petroleum, mining, residential and
industrial waste disposal, deforestation and tourism along with stand-alone technical support
documents on these subjects.
5) Status: The Conference was successfully held in April, 1994. The Fourth International
Conference on Environmental Enforcement is being planned for Thailand in April, 1996.
Mexico and U.S; EPA are heavily involved in planning,
6) U.S. Contacts: Cheryl Wasserman, EPA/OECA (202)260-4486
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name: Promoting Inter-Agency Cooperation
1) Purpose and Objectives: Enhance effectiveness of environmental enforcement on both sides
of the border by building networks of cooperation among the various agencies at local, state and
federal government levels. -
2) Funding: $100,000 cooperative agreement in 1995 with regional environmental enforcement
networks (Western States Project and Southern Environmental Enforcement Network) includes,
inter alia, enforcement network-building activities. $50,000 grant each to Texas and New
Mexico Attorneys General in 1995 to support Colonias Enforcement Activities ($50,000 grant to
Texas Attorney General in 1994); $50,000 grants each to California Department of Toxic
Substances Control and Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to support hazardous
waste enforcement activities in the border area. In 1993-1-994, $150,000 grant to Texas and
$60,000 to New Mexico for border area hazardous waste enforcement. (Note: these figures
reflect EPA/OECA funds, which were supplemented by additional funds from other offices. For
a more detailed description of each of the state grants, see the sections on Hazardous Waste
Work Group and Domestic Border Initiatives).
3) Partners: EPA, U.S. and Mexican Customs, U.S. border state environmental agencies and
Attorneys General, U.S. regional environmental enforcement associations; PROFEPA. Potential
additional partners include Mexico's National Water Commission, the EBWC, and Mexican state
environmental agencies. .
4) Description: The draft 1994 Cooperative Enforcement Work Plan calls for EPA and
PROFEPA to work to improve coordination among all the state and federal agencies on both
sides of the border involved in environmental enforcement, including working with the
Hazardous Waste Work Group to improve field coordination among customs officials, and to
develop multiagency task forces to stimulate compliance.
San Diego County's Environmental Task Force is a model of interagency cooperation in the
border area. EPA and the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission are working to
develop similar task forces in the Texas border area, and EPA's grants to the border states for
border area enforcement encourage similar cooperation. The Customs training effort:, discussed
elsewhere in this section, has a prime goal of promoting transboundary cooperation among the
Customs and environmental agencies of both countries. The regional environmental
enforcement network associations will play a valuable role in enhancing the interagency
cooperation which has been growing border-wide.
5) Status: Activities ongoing .
6) U.S. Contact: Lawrence Sperling, EPA/OECA (202/260-3087)
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
61
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POLLUTION PREVENTION
WORKGROUP
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name: Pollution Prevention San Diego - Tijuana
* ,' v
1) Purpose and Objectives: The project is designed to provide opportunities to focus on the
economic and environmental benefits associated with pollution .prevention. It is a partnership
between businesses and the San Diego County Environmental Health Services, and EPA. The
project provides training and educational outreach programs to businesses on both sides of the
border, advocating a commitment to "environmental excellence." .
2) Funding: $74,100 " ,
3) Partners: A wide range of governmental and business leaders from both sides of the border.
4) Description: Information packets were sent to 36 businesses in San Diego County which
were listed as having maquiladora facilities in the Tijuana region. The packets contained a
description of the project and a brief application form to complete if the business wanted to
participate with the educational outreach component of the Tradex project. The mailing was
followed up by a telephone survey. A new list of 60 business has been used for a second mailing
and followup telephone survey: .-"'
* Jj :.'''-' - ซt ' >
5) Status/Schedule: Five of the companies contacted were very supportive of the program and
said that they are ready to participate. The first group of 5 companies will be offered free
pollution prevention assessments at their facilities in both San Diego and the Tijuana region.
The remaining 60 will be invited to participate in a ILS. -Mexico roundtable discussion to be held
in summer of 1995.- .. , . -
March 1995:
April:
May-June 1995:
End of July:
Mid September:
End of September:
7) U.S. Contacts:
Final list of businesses willing,to participate in the assessments and/or the
roundtable , .
Initial visit to facilities
Assessments along with written recommendations
Roundtable -
Second Roundtable
Final report
Linda Pratt, San Diego County Pollution Prevention
Donna Orebic, EPA Region 9, (415) 744-1284
Eileen Sheehan, EPA Region 9, (415) 744-2190
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
63
May 1995
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Project Name; Border Environmental Technology Conference
1) Purpose and Objectives:; To, facilitate an exchange of information regarding community '
based partnerships and pollution prevention principles in the border area.
2) Funding: $25,000 in Regional Geographic-Initiative Funds which Texas Natural Resources
Conservation Commission matched on 25/75 state to federal dollar ratio. Additional funding
was received from the Ford Foundation; University of Texas at Austin, Lyndon Baines Johnson .
School of Public Affairs; and, University of Texas at Austin, Institute for Latin American
Studies. ,, . '
3) Partners: Co-sponsors of the conference in addition to Texas Natural Resources
Conservation Commission included: Centre de Calidad Ambiental, Monterrey Technical
Institute; Environmental Defense Fund; U. S. EPA, Region 6; University of Texas at Austin,
Lyndon Baines Johnson School of Public Affairs; University of Texas at Austin, Institute for
Latin American Studies; University of Texas at El Paso, Center for Environmental Resource
Management; and, the Western Governors'Association.
4) Description: On October 4 & 5, 1994, the Texas Natural Resource Conservation
Commission (TNRCC) hosted a bi-national environmental conference "The Border'
Environment: An Exchange" in El Paso, Texas, Over 350 individuals from both sides of the
border participated. The theme for the conference was brought out in a series of case studies and
presentations highlighting cross-border cooperation on environmental issues; overviews of new.
institutions created under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) including the
Border Environment Cooperation Commission (BECC), the North American Development Bank
(NADBank), and the Commission on Environmental Cooperation (CEC); overview of the World
Bank's Northern Border Environment Project; and, current institutional relationships.
The conference included case studies of successful bi-national partnerships in the
environmental arena; concurrent media discussions of problems and potential joint solutions for
water and wastewater, air quality, municipal solid waste, industrial hazardous waste, and
.pollution prevention; and, concurrent panel sessions on how to create public-private
partnerships. . .
5) Status: Completed ; - , ,
6) Schedule: TNRCC has applied for grant funds to hold a second conference in 1995.
7) U.S. Contacts: Rob Lawrence, EPA Region 6, (214) 665-6580
David Guarino, TNRCC, (512) 239-3169
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name; Bilingual Pollution Prevention Manuals
1) Purpose and Objectives: Translate pollution prevention information material into Spanish
for use in maquiladora facilities. . *
2) Funding: $90,000 in Regional Geographic Initiative and Office of International Activities
funds for the development of the manuals. '
3) Partners: The U.S./Mexico Pollution Prevention Work Group, which is leading this effort is
composed of the following agencies: EPA Region'6; EPA Region 9; EPA Office of Prevention,
Pesticides, and Toxic Substances (Environmental Analysis Division and Pollution Prevention
Division); 'Arizona Department of Environmental Quality; California Department of Toxic
Substances Control; New Mexico Environment Department; Texas Natural Resource
Conservation Commission; and, the Institute for National Ecology within SEMARNAP.
4) Description: The U.S./Mexico Pollution Prevention Work Group has developed and
published two bilingual pollution prevention manuals for use in the border area. The first
manual focused on the metal finishing industry. The second manual dealt with pollution
prevention options and techniques for wood finishing operations. A third manual, targeted at the
electronics industry, is being'produced in 1995. . ,
5) Status: The contractor, PRC Environmental Management Inc., is conducting a literature
search for case studies and relevant techniques for the computer circuit board manufacturing, .
small appliance assembly, and wiring systems, ' ;
6) Schedule: Region 6 is funding a fourth-bilingual manual on an industrial sector as yet
undetermined. Primary candidates include printing/publishing and textile/tannery facilities.
7) U.S. Contacts: Rob Lawrence, EPA Region 6, (214) 665-6580
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
65
May 1995,
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Project Name;
Video on Pollution Prevention as a Solution to Compliance Problems in
the Maquiladora Industry
1) Purpose and Objectives: The purpose of this project is to develop a video that will provide
visual information on the link between pollution prevention and compliance to compliance
officials and industries oh both sides of the border. The video will emphasize the industrial
subsectors prevalent among the maquiladoras, and will provide information about pollution
prevention opportunities to achieve or exceed compliance and to resolve compliance problems.
The video will attempt to stimulate voluntary adoption of pollution prevention practices as a way
to resolve compliance problems. Both English and Spanish versions will be produced,
2) Funding: $81,000"- / '
3) Partners: EPA, Institute Naciorial de Ecologia (INE) and Procuraduria Federal de
Protectional Ambiente(PROFEPA) . ..
4) Description: The video will highlight pollution prevention practices-for selected industries,
and provide basic information on the role of pollution prevention in reducing regulatory burdens
and enforcement risks. ..'"''..,.
Location filming will be completed in approved areas. The footage will include current
activities of industries on both sides of the border and the pollution prevention opportunities
available to those industries for achieving or exceeding compliance standards. A professional
narrator will narrate the video in English and in Spanish. The video will be finalized and
distributed, possibly with brief written materials providing contact and background information.
5) Status: Industries, pollution prevention practices, and level of technical detail have been
completed. A script is currently being drafted incorporating this information. Representative
industries incorporating pollution prevention practices are being identified as filming candidates.
Once identified, candidate industries will be contacted and a filming and production schedule
established. , .
6) U.S. Contacts: Lawrence Sperling, EPA OECA, (202) 260-3087
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
66
May 1995
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Project Name: Border Pollution Prevention Technical Assistance - Industrial Facilities
1) Purpose and Objectives: To provide voluntary on-site evaluation of operations to highlight
opportunities for pollution prevention implementation by Mexican industrial facilities.
2) Funding: $40,000 - ,. ' .
3) Partners: Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) is currently working
on a series of agreements with environmental .agencies in Mexico to codify their working
relationships. Over the past year, TNRCC personnel have made a number of pollution
prevention presentations to Mexican government officials, consulting engineers, and facility
managers.
4) Description: The Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) is
implementing the Permanent Pollution Prevention Programi(P4) in the El Paso area. The
program is designed to approach pollution prevention on a regional basis. P4 brings together
several facilities, providing them with a framework and the technical assistance to implement
permanent pollution prevention programs. This approach allows the pooling of knowledge and
sharing of information on common issues and solutions. P4 builds industrial and governmental
cooperation, assists facilities td develop environmental partnerships, and fosters environmental
leadership. . ,
5) Status: The introductory training and corporation kick-off breakfast was held on September 7
with 26 facilities from both sides of the border represented, TNRCC was invited to hold a
similar session for 50 maquiladora facilities located in a single industrial park in Juarez on
September 30. Facility Team training was conducted-on September 27 for the El Paso based
industries. TNRCC staff members conducted on-site assessment visits with 5 facilities in the El
Paso area. A follow-up training workshop on P4 for all of the participants was held on October
27 in El Paso, in which over 50 industry representatives took part. The facilities that were
provided with on-site assessments made presentations and share their pollution prevention
programs.
6) Schedule:
in 1995.
Upon approval by SEDESOL, TNRCC will conduct additional facility site visits
7) U.S. Contacts: Rob Lawrence, EPA Region 6, (214) 665-6580
Pierre Lichaa, TNRCC, (512) 23 9-313 2
Prepared by the US. Environmental Protection Agency
67
May 1995
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Project Name;
Border Pollution Prevention Technical Assistance - Small Business
Operations
1) Purpose and Objectives: To address a prevalent source of volatile organic compound
(VOCs) emissions which directly impact ozone pollution in border communities, practical a
common sense solutions are being used.
2) Funding: $30,000
3) Partners: Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) and the Small
Business Advocate for the State of Texas
.' ' . . ' . , ' -. ' " ' ' )
4) Description: TNRCC will build a model paint spray booth at El Paso Community College
that will be used as a demonstration site for training of operators in the auto body and paint
shops industry. Fourinstructional workshops will be held at the community college and the
attendees will receive a pollution prevention and compliance assistance information packet.
Included in the materials will be a construction blueprint and materials list to assist these small
businesses with building their own paint booths with pollution prevention techniques. Blueprints
for the demonstration paint booth have been drafted and are under revision. Dates for the
initiation of the instruction aspect have not been established pending the construction of the
demonstration booth.
5) Status: TNRC.C has developed a pollution prevention and compliance packet for the auto
body industry. The material has been translated into Spanish. To date, three workshops have
been held in the Rio Grande Valley for this industry sector. Over 150 people have participated
in the workshops. ;
6) Schedule: Whjle TNRGC has been able to reach a wide audience of the auto body industry
with the technical workshops, the construction of the demonstration paint booth in El Paso will
.allow "hands-on" training for paint operators from that area. Unfortunately, for logistical
reasons, the operators in other border communities will not receive the "hands-on" training
unless they travel to the El Paso Community College.,
7) U.S. Contacts: Rob Lawrence, EPA Region 6, (214) 665-6580
Kerry Drake, TNRCC, (512) 239-1112
Prepared by the US: Environmental Protection Agency
68
May 1995
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Project Name; Bilingual Pollution Prevention Technical Conferences
f\ " ' , - ' '
1) Purpose and Objectives: In order to encourage the use of pollution prevention information,
the Work Group decided to hold technical conferences for maquiladora facilities based on
industrial sectors. , .
2) Funding: $50,000 in funding through a Regional Geographic Initiative as well as Office of
International Activities funding to contract with Waste Reduction Technologies for development
and presentation of the courses.
j _,
3) Partners: The U.S./Mexico Pollution Prevention Work Group is composed of the following
agencies: EPA Region 6; EPA Region 9; EPA Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic
Substances (Environmental Analysis Division and Pollution Prevention Division); Arizona
Department of Environmental Quality; California Department of Toxic Substances Control; New
Mexico Environment Department; Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission- and the
Institute for National Ecology within SEMARNAP. '-'
4) Description: Based on the first two bilingual pollution prevention manuals have been used
as the case materials for technical conferences held in the El Paso/Ciudad Juarez and
Laredd/Nuevo Laredo areas. Metal finishing technical conferences have been held in Juarez and
Laredo. A wood finishing technical conference was held,in El Paso.
5) Status: It is anticipated that technical conferences held following publication of the
electronics manual will receive a great deal of attention due to the extensive presence of this
industry within the border area.
6) Schedule: Region 6 is funding a series of bilingual technical conferences based on the
electronics industry manual currently under development.
7) U.S. Contacts: Rob Lawrence, EPA Region 6, (214) 665-6580
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
69
May 1995
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Project Name: Infrastructure Development Exchange With Mexico ,
1) Purpose and Objectives: To provide technical assistance to Mexico as it develops its
pollution prevention and clean technology programs ,
' ' ''.,.' / ->,-.
2) Funding: Pending amount of $110,000 through a Regional Geographic Initiative and Office
of International Activities as a grant to the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission
(TNRCC).. - , '-" '. -, v. ' '-' ."--.'v.;.. , '.:.'. . ./.;...; _ '..; '; -
3) Partners:" TNRCC and Secretaria de Medio Ambiente, Recursos Naturales, y Pesca
(SEMARNAP) -.. . . , ' :''.-:- _ , . / ' "
4) Description: There are several components including:
Provision of technical assistance to the SEMARNAP's Attorney General for the
Environment (PROFEP A) in development of a pollution prevention focused element to the _
Mexican environmental audit program. Assistance will be in the form of an exchange of
technical materials and.qn-site visits to industrial facilities in Texas and Mexico by a team of
TNRCC, EPA and SEMARNAP technical staffs.
Exchange of technical materials from U. S.; environmental agencies and field visits by INE
staff to TNRCC and other state environmental agencies with active pollution prevention
programs. INE. staff would be invited to participate in regional and/or national pollution
prevention roundtables to study evolving U.S. programs.
Extension of the TNRCC's Permanent Pollution Prevention Program (P4) to the'maquiladora
indu'stries through the Monterrey Institute of Technology's interactive video network which
downlinks to 26 satellite campuses throughout Mexico. Classroom instruction in pollution ,
' prevention methods could be augmented by on-site waste audits provided by Monterrey Tech,
SEMARNAP, and TNRCC staff members. In addition to the provision of in-plant pollution
prevention techniques, the program will serve as a training device for SEMARNAP inspectors
and Monterrey Tech extension service engineers.
5) Status: TNRCC has filed a grant application for the project. -
6) Schedule: Funds should be awarded in the Spring of 1995, with work to start in the Summer
of 1995,
7) U.S. Contacts: Rob Lawrence, EPARegion 6, (214) 665-6580
'Pierre Lichaa, TNRCC, (512)239-3132 ...--
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
-'"'" 5* ' '
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Project Name: Development of Mexican State Governmental Programs on Recycling and
Solid Waste Reduction
1) Purpose and Objectives: To assist in the development of local recycling and solid waste
reduction programs . , ,
2) Funding: $25,000 in Office of International Activities funds as a grant to Texas Natural
Resource Conservation Commission ' , ' .
3) Partners: TNRCC, Secretaria de Medio Ambiente, Recursos Naturales, y Pesca
(SEMARNAP), Mexican state governmental agencies
4) Description: Training for state governments and maquiladora associations related to
developing and improving workplace recycling and community recycling programs. A major
focus will be on the reduction of solid waste material generation and disposal. Process will also
identify potential markets for recyclable materials in the border region and opportunities for the
development of recycling industries. , -
5) Status: Grant was awarded in Spring of 1995 '
6) Schedule: Implementation expected to begin in Summer of 1995. ,
7) U.S. Contacts: Rob Lawrence, EPA Region 6, (214)665-6580
David Guarino, TNRCC, (512) 239-3169
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name: Baja California Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Operations Training
1) Purpose and Objectives: Provide training on municipal solid waste landfill design,
operations and closure for officials and other interested parties in Baja California.
" - ' ' .' /'
2) Funding: The budget for this project is $55,000. :.the recipient is Eastern Research Group '"-
who is under contract to the Center for Environmental Research Information at EPA's Office of
Research and Development in Cincinnati.
3) Partners: EPA's Office of Research and Development
4) Description: In November, 1993 EPA held a Seminar on the Design, Operation and Closure
of Municipal Solid Waste Landfills in Nogales, Sonora. Approximately 60 individuals from
local, state and federal agencies in Mexico attended the, seminar. The course was based on an
Office of Research and Developmentseminar held across the U.S. after the RCRA Subtitle D .
landfill criteria were promulgated. Over 90% of the attendees rated the seminar as either very
good or excellent We now plan to replicate this successful training course for officials in Baja
California.
/ ... .' -
5) Status: We have begun discussions with PRQFEPA officials in Mexicali about course
content and logistics. We have also begun the process of selecting speakers for the seminar.
6) Schedule: We willhold the training course in Mexicali on June 22-23.
7) U.S. Contacts: Donna Orebic, EPA Region,9, U.S. Mexico Border Team, (415) 744-1284
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
72
May 1995
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Project Name: Recycling Initiative
1) Purpose and Objectives: Identify ways to expand bmational markets for recycled materials
and commodities. " :
2) Funding: $60,000 is available for this project. We have not yet selected a funding recipient.
= - ''-- J
3) Partners: We hope .to partner with the City of San Diego and the California EPA Integrated
Waste Management Board on* this project. *
4) Description: The public outreach goals ,of the Integrated Border Environmental Plan (IBEP)
addressed the need to involve the general public in efforts to prevent illegal dumping and to
foster pollution prevention and waste reduction. In October, 1993 Regions 9 and 6 co-sponsored
a.conference held by the Southwest Public Recycling Association to promote markets for
recycled materials. The conference included a U.S. Mexico border track that addressed
recycling along the border and the impact of NAFTA on border trade of recyclables.
With the passage of NAFTA, we would' now like to look more closely at ways to promote
binational markets for recycled materials. While a great deal of trade in recycled materials and
products already occurs, the potential to expand existing markets is enormous. This project will
seek to assess current trade of recyclables across the border and identify obstacles to expanding
such trade. Ultimately, we would like to identify steps needed to stimulate markets for cross-
border trade of recyclables. ,
5) Status: We have begun discussions with the City of San Diego about the possibility of
creating a Binational Recycling Market Development Zone for the Cities of San Diego and
Tijuana. The general goal pf such an endeavor would be to identify industrial areas within
Tijuana that are contiguous with the existing San Diego Recycling Market Development Zone,
and work to attract appropriate (i.e. non-hazardous waste) recycling facilities and recycled
product manufacturers to the binational area. This could be accomplished by creating a variety
of incentives (e.g. permitting or financing assistance) to help foster the growth of reuse and
recycling industries within the Zone.
6) Schedule: The Cities of San Diego and Tijuana are currently exploring the possibility of
putting together a funding proposal to the EPA. EPA plans to discuss the project with San Diego
and Tijuana officials at a Binational Recycling Workshop to be held in San Diego in June.
7) U.S. Contacts: Donna Orebic, EPA Region 9, U.S. Mexico Border Team, (415) 744-1284
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Project Name; Pollution Prevention Curriculum Conference
1) Purpose and Objectives: To foster exchange of pollution prevention curriculum for
technical colleges and universities in order to shape the scientific and technical leaders of the
next generation _
2) Funding: $25,000 provided by EPA Office of International Activities
3) Partners: Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC), University of
Texas - Pan American, Monterrey Technical University
4) Description : Assistance support in the development of a conference focused on the
development of .pollution prevention curriculum for undergraduate and graduate engineering
courses. University of Texas - Pan American's College of Engineering is organizing the
conference to include engineering programs from Mexico, Canada, and U.S. Conference goals
include 1) creation of prevention based engineering curriculum materials; 2) dissemination of
available information materials; and 3) exchange of creative problem solving approaches.
5) Status: Grant was awarded in Spring of 1995
6) Schedule: Grant implementation will begin in the Summer of 1995
7) U.S. Contacts: Rob Lawrence, EPA Region 6, (214) 665-6580
Pierre Lichaa, TNRCC, (512) 239-3132 ,
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May 1995
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CONTINGENCY PLANNING AND
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
WORKGROUP
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May 1995
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Project Name; Sister City Profiles
-1) Purpose and Objectives: The purpose of this project is to collect information arid analyze
activities related to chemical emergency preparedness and response in order to promote
- effective contingency planning for hazardous material emergencies.
2) Funding: $84,699
3) Partners: Partners in the program included EPA Regions 6 and 9 as well as each of the
specific U.S. sister cities. ,
4) Description: The project consists of developing profiles on each of the sister cities along the
border which includes the following information: physical description of the. Sister City; local
leadership; response systems and capabilities currently in place; notification procedures and
protocols for emergency response situations; on-going process for plan development on the U.S.
and Mexican side Of the border and issues remaining unresolved; status of the local plans; and
status of community-industry-governmental interactions. This information will, in turn, be used
to assist sister cities begin development or further develop sister city contingency plans.
5) Status: Project has been completed for the sister cities in Region 6 and is currently on hold
for the sister cities in Region 9.
6) Schedule: Project is pending ' ;
7) U.S. Contacts:
Jim Staves, EPA Region 6, (214) 665-2277
Kathleen Shimmin, EPA Region 9, (415) 744-2100
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May 1995
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Project Name: The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Sister
City Initiative
\, .'__- ' '
1) Purpose and Objectives: The purpose of this project is to assess the emergency planning
needs of the border communities, with the long-term objective of facilitating the creation of joint
contingency plans in the sister cities. '.-'.-,
.-','.'.': U." , ,. ,
2) Funding: $100,000 to the International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
3) Partners: Partners in.the program included ICMA, Region 6, Region 9, and the cities of
Douglas/Aqua Prieta; Del Rio/Ciudad Acuna; and Yuma/San Luis Rio Colorado.
4) Description: ICMA, in cooperation with EPA Regions 6 and 9, conducted three (3)
binational workshops (in Douglas/Aqua Prieta; Del Rio/Cuidad Acuna; and Yuma/San Luis Rio
Colorado) for members of Local Emergency Planning committees (LEPCs), city, county, and
state officials, and community groups in the United States and Mexico. In addition, Region 6
organized three (3) similar workshops in Laredo, Brownsville, and El Paso. The ICMA sister
city workshops were modeled after ICMA's SARA Title III Peer Exchange Program, which
brings together members of LEPCs that need to strengthen there contingency planning and .
emergency response efforts with their counterparts in LEPCs that have already established
successful programs. In order to determine the strengths, weaknesses, and needs of each, of the
sister cities, ICMA sent a "needs assessment" questionnaire to each LEPC and Proteccion Civil
officials along the border. Based on those needs and consultations with EPA, six sister city pairs
were selected for workshop sites. These binational workshops were designed to bring together
city officials, first responders, industry .representatives and interested citizens to discuss chemical
emergency contingency planning and response. Initial presentations at the workshop focused on
highlighting planning and response resources, followed by work group discussions focused on
issues identified by the sister cities. ' J
5) Status: Completed
6) Schedule: The EPA is considering providing additionally resources to ICMA for further
workshops.
7) U.S. Contacts: Kim Jennings, EPA Headquarters, (202) 260-5046
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995'
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Project Name; Revision to U;S./Mexico Joint Inland Contingency Plan
1) Purpose and Objectives: The purpose for this project is to revise the U.S./Mexico Joint
Inland Contingency Plan to better reflect the realities and changes in each of the countries.
2) Funding: Approximately $5,000 to contractor to assist with incorporation of comments,
changes, etc. , ,
3) Partners: Federal representatives from EPA and Secretaria de Medio Ambiente, Recursos
Naturales, y Pesca (SEMARNAP) - ,
4) Description: Working together, the U.S. and Mexico are revising the 1988 U.S./Mexico
Joint Inland Contingency Plan (JCP). Since 1988, there have been significant changes to
legislation, policies, procedures, and organization structures in both countries related to chemical
emergency prevention, preparedness, and response. Therefore, the representatives from the U.S.
EPA and SEMARNAP (PFPA) have been working to revise the JCP to reflect these changes. A
meeting was held in June 1994 of the entire U,S./Mexico Joint Response Team to discuss this
overall project and suggested format and a workgroup was established. In October 1994, the
\yorkgroupmettodevelopanoutlineandsuggestlanguageforthereyisedJCP.
5) Status: Ongoing
6) Schedule: The revised JCP will be distributed at the next U.S./Mexico Joint Response Team
(JRT) meeting for comment. Following the JRT review,:it will be distributed to the states and
sister cities for their review and comment. The document will have a final review by the JRT ,
" and be finalized. . .
7) U.S. Contacts: Kim Jennings, EPA Headquarters, (202) 260-5046
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May 1995
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Project Name: Contingency Planning and Emergency Response Grants to States
1) Purpose and Objectives: The purpose of this project is to provide funding to States along
the U. S./Mexican border to improve their contingency planning and emergency response
programs in the border area. ,.
2) Funding: $95,000 to New Mexico; $100,000 to Texas; $49,350 to Arizona; arid $94,000 to
California for a total of $338,350. , ,
3) Partners: Partners in the project include the four states, EPA Region 6 and Region-9, and
the sister cities along the border. ^
4) Description: Under these grants, the States are: providing training for international border
city planners and responders in the area of contingency planning and emergency response and
coordinating and hosting interagency workshops on applicable regulations, risk assessment
issues, and information exchange. ,
5) Status/Schedule: Ongoing--until 9/96
6) U.S. Contacts: Kim Jennings, EPA Headquarters, (202) 260-5046
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name; CAMEO Translation and Training
1) Purpose and Objectives: The purpose of this project is to translate the international version
of the CAMEO computer system into Spanish, distribute it and provide training in each of the
sister cities along the border, and collect the data for the system.
2) Funding: To Be Determined . , r :
3) Partners: EPA and Procuraduria Federal de Proteccion al Ambiente (PROFEPA)
4) Description: CAMEO is "Computer Aided Management of Emergency Operations" and is a
software package used as a tool to aid emergency planning efforts involving a chemical accident.
It was initially designed for Use in the U.S. by local emergency responders to assist them with
their obligations under SARA Title III. Recently, however, a. new windows version of CAMEO
has been developed which is a "generic, international" version, for use in any country, which
does not'reflect any specific legislation. This new version will be used by UNEP in their APELL.
program. There are four steps to this project: (1) CAMEO will be-translated into Spanish; (2)
identify needed data and collect data as necessary; (3) input data; and (4) provide 'software and
train U.S. and Mexico border localities on use of the system.
5) Status: Ongoing ,
6) Schedule: A meeting was held in Matamoros on February 16-17, 1995 by the Mexican
government to develop a strategy including goals, objectives, and milestones for the project.
7) U.S. Contacts: Kim Jennings, EPA Headquarters, (202)260-5046
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name; Miscellaneous Training and Grants in the Border Communities
TRAINING:
Description: 8 HAZMAT Emergency Response Courses at Mc'Allen, Del Rio,
Eagle Pass, Brownsville, Laredo, Harlingen, El Paso, Texas and Deming, New Mexico
Funding: Hours-1536 Cost -$45,072
Description: Air Monitoring and Emergency Response Operations in Laredo-Nuevo Laredo
Funding: Hours-310 Cost-$16,255
Description: 2 HAZMAT Emergency Response in El Paso (in 1995)
Funding: Hours-154 Cost-$4,043 ' -,".-'
Description: 3 40- hour Health and Safety courses (including Incident Command System) in
Spanish, in Juarez, at request of the El Paso LEPC/Fire Department. Planned for March/April.
Funding: Hours- 855 Cost - $27.000
GRANTS;
Description:
State of Texas:
State of New Mexico:
State of Arizona:
State of California:
EPA Innovative Technology Grants
Cameron County $24,000
El Paso County , $45^,250
Laredo $23,950
Val Verde-Del Rio $2,800
$95,000
$49,350
$94,000
Description: DOT HMTA Grants (5-year) (Through State of Texas)
Cameron County 1st year $24,000
Laredo 30,000
Description: Workshop - Laredo (to review grants) (Sponsored by State of Texas)
$4,000 :
Contact (for all the above): Kim Jennings, EPA Headquarters, (202) 260-5046
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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DOMESTIC BORDER INITIATIVES
COLONIAS
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May 1995
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Project Name: Wastewater Assistance for U.S. Colonias
1) Purpose and Objectives: To improve and protect environmental and human health along
the U.S.-Mexico border by providing wastewater facilities in U.S. colonia communities.
2) Funding: Total EPA infrastructure grants awarded for wastewater treatment improvements
(FY 93 through 95):'Texas: $150 million; New Mexico: $20 million. Additional EPA grants:
FY 1994: $197,000 to provide wastewater managerial/technical services to Texas colonias; FY
1994: $200,000 grant to assist Texas Attorney General's Office "Colonias Strike Force"
enforcement initiative; FY 1995: $100,000 to Texas and New Mexico ($50,000 each) for
enforcement activities in colonias; FY 1994-95: $185,000 for wastewater managerial/technical
services to colonias in Texas.
' *> '
3) Partners: EPA Office of International Activities (OIA), EPA Office of Enforcement and
Compliance Assurance (OECA), Environmental Justice, Housing and Urban Development
(HUD), U. S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Association (RD A), Department of
Justice (DOT), Department of Commerce (DOC), Health and Human, Services (HHS)
' / ' . ,
4) Description: Planning, design, construction and management assistance for wastewater
facilities to serve U.S. colonias located along the U.S.-Mexico border.
5) Status: 16 Texas water and wastewater construction projects are underway with a total
commitment of $123 million. About 40 plans have been initiated for projects which will result
in some $160 million of construction. No estimate available for New Mexico.
6) Schedule: $50 million requested for Texas colonias in FY 96 President's budget. Next steps
include funding authorization for FY 96 through 98 ($150 million needed for Texas).
Participation in Interagency Plan Group to develop a national strategy for addressing colonia
needs. Continue to organize and chair subgroup meetings at state level in New Mexico and
Texas, to coordinate state/federal efforts.
7) U.S. Contacts: Steve Hogye, U.S EPA, (202)260-5841
Oscar Cabra, U.S. EPA Region 6, (214) 665-7110
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May 1995
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Project Name: Texas Colonias Plumbing Loan Program
1) Purpose and Objectives: To improve public health for the colonia residents by providing
safe and sanitary drinking water and wastewater service. ,
2) Funding: Amount of money invested and recipient(s) of funds: On September 27, 1991,
EPA awarded a $ 15,000,000 grant to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB).
3) Partners: EฃA Region 6 and the TWDB. .
4) Description: Loans are made between the TWDB and a local government.
Loans to low income residents are made available and administered at the; local level for
residential plumbing improvements to improve public health for the colonia residents in
designated border counties.
5) Status: Loans have been made to: the City of Pharr, the City of Edinburg and El Paso
County.
6) Schedule: The TWDB is continuing to make the program available.
7) U.S. Contacts: Federal: Oscar Cabra Jr. P.E., EPA Region 6, (214) 665-7110
State: Fernando Escareega, TWDB, (512) 475-2068
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name; Identify Barriers to Local Government Participation in
Water/Wastewater Assistance to Colonias
; ป
1) Purpose and Objectives: This project will provide a report on identifying barriers to
achieving local government interest in colonias sanitation problems.
2) Funding: In August 1993, EPA awarded a $50,000 grant to the International City/County
Management Association.
3) Partners: EPA Region 6 and the International City/Gounty Management Association.
4) Description: The project report is to provide the views and opinions on various barriers of
assisting colonias from the local government perspective. This report-will assist State' and
Federal assistance providers to assess possible changes to their programs and delivery methods.
5) Status: A brief overview of the final document was provided in December 1994.
6) Schedule: Final Report submission-February 15, 1995
7) U.S. Contacts: Federal: Oscar Cabra Jr. P.E., EPA Region 6, (214) 665-7110
ICMA: Ann McKinney, (202) 962-3544
Prepared by tho U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name: Constructed Wetlands Wastewater Treatment Model Project to Address
Wastewater Treatment in the Colonias
1) Purpose and Objectives: This project will demonstrate the Constructed Wetlands type of
wastewater treatment technology in a colonia as provided for in the FY93 "Appropriations Act.
2) Funding: On December 22, 1992, a $650,000 grant was awarded to the New Mexico
Environment Department (NMED). ,
3) Partners: Mesquite Mutual Water Association
-4) Description: The NMED administers the planning, design and construction of this project.
EPA provides the performance standards to be achieved by the treatment facility, technical
consultation during design and assists NMED in oversight during construction. EPA also
provides technical consultation to NMED during the design of the monitoring program and
oversight during monitoring.
5) Status: Final plans, specifications and contract (bid) documents have been reviewed and
approved. .
6) Schedule: Expect request for bids (advertisement) in April 1995. Expect construction to
begin by June 1,995. Expect construction completion by end of 1995.
7) U.S. Contacts: Federal: Oscar Cabra Jr. P.E., EPA Region 6, (214) 665-7182,
State: Patrick Oleachea, NMED, (505) 827-2812 . ;
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name: Texas Colonia Wastewater Treatment Assistance Program
1) Purpose and Objectives: To expedite the construction of eligible wastewater treatment
improvements which address the existing wastewater needs of the unincorporated colonias in
existence as of November 9, 1989. >
k ' ' ' ' ' " , . ' ..'.,'
2) Funding: On December 22, 1992, EPA awarded a $50,000,000 grant to the Texas Water
Development Board (TWDB). On January 22, 1995, EPA increased the amount by
$100,000,000. , , , ;.-
3) Partners: The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) provides a 100% match to the FY
1993 EPA funds and a 20% match to theFY 1995 funds. Various local water and wastewater
service providers participate in the project.
4) Description: The TWDB administers this program and provides grants to local governments
and non-profit water supply corporations for design and construction of wastewater collection
and treatment facilities in the colonias. The TWDB has set aside $2 million for regional facility
planning studies to address areas where a regional solution is possible. The TWDB has set aside
$2 million for rural planning to. provide direct technical support and financial assistance for
facility planning in areas not well suited to a regional or sub-regional solution.
' " , I ' ' ; ''.'- . *
5) Status/Schedule: TWDB has awarded grants totalling over $70 million for construction and
rural/urban planning. Two projects have completed construction and seven projects are,under
construction. 31 projects are in planning/design., .The TWDB has regional facility planning
studies underway in Cameron County and in-Hidalgo County. The TWDB has rural facility
planning studies underway in Cameron, Hidalgo, Webb and El Paso Counties. ~
6) U.S. Contacts: Federal:
State:
Oscar Cabra Jr. P.E., EPA Region 6, (214) 665-7110
Fernando Escarcega, TWDB, (512) 475-2068
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May 1995
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Project Name: New Mexico Colonias Wastewater Construction Grants Program
t 'V ' . ' ' -" . - . , ,
1) Purpose and Objectives:- To make grants to construct eligible wastewater treatment
improvements which address the existing wastewater treatment needs of the unincorporated
colonias in existence before November 28, 1990. '''.' -''.'.
2) Funding: On December 22, 1992, EPA awarded $10,000,000 to the New Mexico
Environment Department (NMED). On January 20, 1995, EPA awarded $10,000,000 to the
New Mexico Environment Department.
3) Partners: TheNMED provided a 5% match to the funds awarded in 1992 and a 20% match
to the funds awarded in 1995. ; r,
4) Description: The NMED administers this program and provides grants to local governments
and non-profit water supply corporations for planning, design and construction of wastewater
collection and treatment facilities in the colonias.
5) Status: NMED has awarded 13 grants totalling $4.9 million for planning, design and
construction. . , -
6) Schedule: Approximately 15 grants are targeted for FY 95. . , .
7) (U.S. Contacts: Federal: Oscar Cabra Jr. P.E., EEARegion'6, (214) 665-7110
. State of New Mexico:: Patrick Oleachea, NMED, (505)827-2812 '-
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name; Evaluation of Wastewater Treatment Ponds for Use Along the U.S.-
Mexico Border '
1) Purpose and Objectives: To evaluate ponds as a low-cost, low-technology method of
municipal wastewater treatment under Mexico border climatic conditions; and to provide
information for planners and engineers preparing preliminary border project designs.
2) Funding: FY94: $25,000 U.S. EPA Office of Wastewater Management (OWM)/Municipal'
Construction Division ,
3) Partners: U.S. EPA Office of Wastewater Management, EPA Region 6 & Region 9 and
International Boundary Water Commission (D3WC) . , ,
4) Description: A technology transfer-style evaluation report will'be based upon an
independent assessment and summary of available information, and afield trip to border
facilities in California, Arizona, and Texas. The report will summarize potential municipal
wastewater pollution removal capabilities of conventional stabilization ponds, aerated ponds, and
other pond treatment alternatives for municipal wastewater. It will also address operations and
maintenance issues; the technology's applicability to treating domestic, industrial, agricultural,
and mixed waste sources; and innovative technologies for retrofitting existing pond systems to
increase their efficiency. The report will identify areas of inadequate information and
recommend corrective measures. It wjll be closely coordinated with related EPA efforts to
support wastewater treatment improvement in the border region.
5) Status & Schedule:
Project concept approval Spring 1994
Funding approval .: , Summer 1994
Work Plan development ..;...........: Sept. 1994
Work Plan approval ; '. Dec. 1994
Final Report ....:..... ; Sept. 1995
6) U.S. Contacts: Bob Bastian, U.S. EPA/OWM, (202) 260-7378
Oscar Cabra, U.S. EPA Region 6, (214) 665-7110
Doug Eberhardt, U.S. EPA Region 9, (415) 744-1280
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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.May 1995
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ProjectName: Colonia Assistance and Management Support Program
1) Purpose and Objectives: Provide assistance to eligible political entities in border counties
regarding 'wastewater and water supply. Provide overall management and coordination
assistance to colonia areas which will result in an application for financial assistance to
implement needed drinking waterand wastewater facilities improvements. Prepare any required
engineering and/or legal documents necessary in order for an eligible entity to submit an
application for financial assistance for design and construction.'
2) Funding: In September 1994, EPA awarded a $142,000 grant,to the Texas Water
Development Board (TWDB). EPA awarded a $55,000 grant under the Colonia Assistance and
Management Support Program (CAMSP) to.the El Paso Water Utilities Public Service Board
(PSB), in July 1994. In January 1995, EPA awarded an additional $150,000 to the Texas Water
Development Board. ..,."
3) Partners: Texas Water Development Board
El Paso Water Utilities Public Service Board
4) Description: Grants to local political subdivisions and non-profit water supply corporations
that would be willing to perform management, engineering and other activities on behalf of the
colonias that will result in an application for,financial assistance,to implement needed drinking
water and wastewater facilities improvements
5) Status:, The TWDB has identified the cities of Hidalgo, Mission and McAllen to receive
funding thus far under this program. The PSB is actively working on the Westway colonia in the
El Paso area. ...
6) Schedule,: TWDB will continue to contact potential colonia.sponsors. The PSB expects to
complete its work in the Westway colonia during 1995. v ; '. -"",'.'
7) U.S. Contacts: Federal: Oscar Cabra Jr. P.E., EPA Region 6, (214) 665-7182
'.....' State of Texas: Fernando Escarcega, TWDB, (512) 475-2068
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name: Texas Colonia Enforcement Strike Force
1) Purpose and Objectives: Support the Texas Attorney General in the enforcement of State
laws relating to colonia development.
2) Funding: On June 15, 1994, EPA awarded $150,000 to the Office of the Attorney General,
State of Texas. This amount was increased by $50,000 for a total of $200,000 on September 13,
1994. In 1995, EPA awarded an additional $50,000 for this project. -
3) Partners: EPA Region 6 and the Texas Attorney General's Colonias Strike Force.
4) Description: Funding for personnel and office equipment to support the Colonias Strike
Force in Austin and in McAllen, Texas, to investigate and prosecute violations of State law
involving illegal subdivisions. ; ' '
5) Status: Two attorneys on duty. Two investigators are being hired. ,
6) Schedule: Three cases in litigation, two cases being investigated, one case pending trial, one
case under consideration for litigation. - ;:
7) U.S. Contacts: Federal: Oscar Cabra Jr. P.E., EPA Region 6, (214) 665-7182
Lawrence Sperling, EPA-OECA (202) 260-3 087 . :
State'of Texas: Gregg A. Cooke, Asst. Atty. Gen., (512) 463-2012
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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,-;<...: VMay-. 1995 .
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Project Nanie: New Mexico Colonias Enforcement Action
1) Purpose and Objectives: Support the New Mexico Attorney General in the enforcement of
State laws relating to colbhia development: , -
2) Funding: In 1995, EPA awarded $60,000 for this project. Funding for this grant is being
provided by EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) and the Office of
International Activities (OIA).
3) Partners: New Mexico Attorney General will provide $15,000 (in-kind) for this project.
4) Description: Funding for personnel and supplies to fund the expenses of litigation and
support the effort to stem the development of colonias and alert potential purchasers to the
environmental and health dangers of colonia development through innovative use of state
enforcement authorities.
5) Status: Application received January 16, 1995.
6) Schedule: Project period is one year. The project schedule is dependent upon the court
imposed litigation schedule.
7) Contacts: Federal: Oscar Cabra Jr. P.E.,EP!A Region 6, (214)665-7110
Lawrence Sperling, EPA OECA, (202) 260-3087
- ' State of New Mexico: Eugene I. Zamora, Asst.Atty. Gen., (505) 827-6060
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name; Municipal On-site Wastewater Assistance Program
1) Purpose and Objectives: Provide on-site technical assistance to small communities in
Texas along the U.S. - Mexico border. ,
2) Funding: On July 28, 1994, EPA awarded a $50,000 grant to the Texas Water Development
Board (TWDB). 5
3) Partners: EPA Region 6 and the Texas Water Development Board
4) Description: The Texas Water Development Board will develop an on-site technical
assistance program for small community wastewater treatment plant operators and managers
along the U.S./Mexico border.
S) Status: The TWDB has mailed out a flier describing the program. Assistance has been
provided to 8 communities, including Presidio which was under an enforcement order. A
number of communities are on a waiting list for assistance in evaluating their collection systems
by using TWDB smoke testing equipment. .The TWDB loans out the equipment after training
the local staff in its operation. ;
6) Schedule: TWDB will continue to provide the assistance until resources are exhausted or the
end of the project/budget period, August 31, 1995.
7) Contacts: Federal: Oscar Cabra Jr. P.E., EPA Region 6, (214)665-7182 ,,..-'
State of Texas: Joe Meridoza, TWDB, (512) 936-0802
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name;
Circuit Rider Technical Assistance for Public Water Systems along the
U.SJMexico Border
1) Purpose and Objectives: To provide for concentrated management and technical assistance
to water utilities along the border over a two year period. The Texas Rural Water Association
will provide the hands-on assistance with an experienced "circuit rider" personnel. The goals are
to decrease by 50 % the number of public drinking water systems in substantial noncompliance
with drinking water standards, and to ensure that 100 % of the regulated water and wastewater
utilities provide reliable and adequate^ customer 'service in a cost effective manner.
2) Funding: On September 1, 1994, EPA awarded $140,000 to the Texas Natural Resource
Conservation Commission (TNRCC).
3) Partners: The partners are EPA Region 6, the Texas Natural Resource Conservation
Commission (TNRCC) and the Texas Rural Water Association (TRWA).
4) Description: To help utilities comply with State and Federal regulations in a cost effective ,
manner, and to ensure that water and wastewater utility services are maintained and expanded,
where possible, by identifying financial resources and helping utilities to access those resources.
5) Status: Work is being initiated. -'
6) Schedule: Continue contacting utilities along the border and assessing need. '
7) .U.S. Contacts: David Reazih, EPA'Region 6, (214) 665-7501
George Fritag, TNRCC - , ;
Tommy Duck, TRWA
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name; Cameron Park Colonia Recycling Program
1) Purpose and Objectives: The citizens of Cameron Park Colonia have requested financial
assistance to establish a solid waste recycling program, along with an educational outreach
program for the Colonia and the surrounding neighbors.
2) Funding: $40,000 has been requested by the Lower Rio Grande Valley Council of
Governments (LRGVCOG). .'.-,'
3) Partners: EPA, Lower Rio Grand Valley Council of Governments, Cameron County,
Colonia Residents , ,
4) Description: The project will develop and distribute to the citizens of Cameron Park and
other surrounding communities in Cameron County, educational materials on what, how, when,
where and why to recycle. The materials will be printed in English and Spanish. The project
will also establish a collection center for recyclable materials at Cameron Park Community
Center. ,
5) Status: EPA is awaiting a formal application from the Lower Rio Grande Valley Council of
Governments. Application was expected in March 1995. .
6) Schedule: EPA anticipates making the grant award by August 1995.
7) U.S. Contacts: Paul Thomas, Region 6', (214) 665-6707 ''"''.
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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OTHER DOMESTIC INITIATIVES
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
96
May 1995
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Project Name:
El Paso City/County Health and Environmental District - Wellhead
Protection (WHP) Project
1) Purpose and Objectives: The purpose of the El Paso City/County WHP project is to
implement the City of El Paso's ground water protection program throughout El Paso County
with special emphasis on the area's colonias. The project will add an additional level of
protection to the area's drinking water supply wells by using WHP program tools.
'. '.' ' . .
2) Funding: Amount of Money Invested and Recipient of Funds: In September 1992, the El
Paso City/County Health and Environmental District was awarded assistance funds in the
amount of $42,100. ' .
3) Partners: Texas Natural Resource Cpnservation Commission,. City of El Paso-RSVP
program, EPA Region 6
4) Description: The El Paso City/County Health and Environmental District's WHP
demonstration project borrows elements of the City of El Paso's WHP program to develop and
implement a WHP program for the public drinking waiter supply wells in the county. The project
focused a significant portion of it's resources to the water quality problems associated with the
county's colonias. , . ',.-' ,
5) Status: The project has been completed. However, the District,is requesting an extension of
it's budget/project period to continue working on the project by providing technical assistance to
the UTEP AmeriCorps project. , '
6) Schedule: The necessary paperwork is being processed for an extension of the
budget/project period until June30, 1995.
7) U.S. Contacts: Ken Williams, EPA Project Officer, (214) 665-7129
Godwin Ubany, El Paso City/County Health and
Environmental District, (915)771-5792 . .
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Naifle:
Intel-generational AmeriCorpsฎ Ground Water Protection Program: El
Paso, Texas Wellhead Protection Project
1) Purpose and Objectives: The project is designed to add an additional level of protection for
the 200+ public water supply wells providing drinking water for the El Paso area.
III. Amount of Money Invested and Recipient(s) of Funds: An assistance agreement in the
amount of $126,370 ($108,910 Corporation for National and Community Service - CNCS
[L6Q], $6,000 EPA [BUH^ and $11,460 TNRCC) was awarded to the University of Texas at El
Paso in September 1994. '
2) Funding:
. CNCS (Grant to EPA-$42,833, AmeriCorps
Members Living Allowance $69,677,
:, .Education Awards $47,260) ,......,...$ 159,770 '
EPA Headquarters Matching Funds (Includes
, contributions from Region 6, TNRCC,
UTEP, and the City of El Paso)...,......: ,........$119,682
TNRCC Matching Funds (Required 15% match
- , N for AmeriCorps member's Living ,'
Allowance) -11.460
, .. , ' . $290-912
3) Partners: EPA Headquarters, EPA Region 6, TNRCC, UTEP, City of El Paso RSVP .
Program. : , >'.
V , ' - ' :
4) Description: The El Paso, Texas AmeriCorps project is designed to combine federal, state,
and city governments together with an intergenerational, bilingual team of local citizens. The .
team is comprised of Retired Senior Volunteer Program members and 20 University of Texas at
El Paso AmeriCorps members, and is involved with the inventory of and the recommendation of
controls for existing and potential sources of ground water contamination located around the
public drinking water supply wells for the City and County of El Paso. The initiative is an ,
enhancement to an existing EPA Region 6 funded Wellhead Protection Demonstration, project
that is being implemented by the City/County of El Paso through the Texas^Natural Resource
Conservation Commission. ' ; >
S) Status: All AmeriCorps members have received training on the Wellhead Protection
program and will soon begin the contaminant source inventory process of the project.
6) Schedule: The project is funded for FY95,'with additional funding being requested for
FY96. - .. ' ' . ' : *' ' : '-' . ' -' "' ; ' :
7) U.S. Contacts: Ken Williams, EPA Project Officer, (214) 665^7129 \
, Dr. RomyLedesma, UTEP, (915) 747-6850
Helga Butler, EPA National NSP Coordinator (20,2)'260-4179
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Prof ect Name: Sunland Park Health Consultations
1) Purpose and Objectives: The Border Health Office, New Mexico Department of Health,
requested that the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) address the
potential health impact that the Nu-Mex Landfill in Sunland Park and the ASARCO smelter in
nearby El Paso, Texas, might-have on the community. Findings and recommendations are to be
reported in one or more health consultations completed by ATSDR.
2) Funding: Both ATSDR and the New Mexico Border Health Office (NMBHO) are, using
program funds for the project. No grants or specifically identified funds have been requested at
this time. v
3) Partners: ATSDR and New Mexico Border Health Office
4) Description: The impact of the facilities on the community will be based on an evaluation of
existing environmental and biological information/data. Additional data may be generated if
significant gaps in the existing data bases are identified. Recommendations for follow-up
actions will be provided if appropriate.
5) Status: Scoping visits by ATSDR and NMBHO representatives have been made to the two
facilities. Meetings have been held with governmental agencies (EPA/Texas and New Mexico
health and environmental agencies/local health agencies) to identify and collect existing data.
Representatives from the Gadsden Independent School District and elected officials have been
briefed. A Community Forum was held to allow localresidents and other individuals an
opportunity to voice their concerns,
6) Schedule: The project is in the data collection, evaluation and analysis stage. Further action
is expected in Summer, 1995.
7) U.S. Contacts: NMBHO - Dan Reyna, Director, Border Health Office, NMDOH
ATSDR - Jennifer Lyke, Regional Rep., Region 6, (214) 665-8362 '
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name: Geographic Targeting of Abandoned and Inactive Sites Activities
I 1) Purpose and Objectives: As part of the Integrated Border Environmental Plan (JEEP), a
1 ', strategy to identify inactive and abandoned dump sites along the U. Suborder area was
l^'\~ developed. This is an on-going project from 1993: : . -
2) Funding: $ 800,000 in extramural funds were obligated in order that EPA contractors could
complete this project. , '
..;,,",, 3) Partners: EPARegion 6 ,- , ,. .
i 4) Description: EPA Region 6 is using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools to
generate maps showing areas of concern in which further aerial photography should be utilized
to identify any potential abandoned and inactive sites that may be eligible for evaluation under
,,.,,;, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). The
' ' 1 "r.!J.. criteria used to select these areas of concern include population, ground water and surface water
7 " ''*,.use,, sensitive environments (wetlands, etc.), as well as ,types of industry, and types of wastes
generated by industry. Available technology, including GIS and available databases have been
utilized in the site identification strategy. Once this information is compiled, potential sites are
identified for the EPA contractor to conduct field surveys from which sites could later be
^'r'" selected for Preliminary Assessments (PAs). :
,5i) Status: Field surveys were performed in the Brownsville area in July 1993, Information
fromthese surveys led to the^identification of ten siteswhich were selected for PAs. The
assessments were completed in 1994. None of the sites assessed in the Brownsville area were
eligible for the National Priorities List.
GIS studies in the ElPaso and Laredo areas were started in 1994 as well as field surveys.
This information was used to determine number and location of sites for PAs. Nine sites were
tasked in the El Paso area. Sites in the Laredo area, located in Webb County, were also
; ; evaluated. None of the sites were tasked for PAs as a result of the study. The El Paso/Las
Cruces area was also evaluated using available databases. PAs were conducted at 10 sites.
A two-week training course on Remote Sensing and Aerial Photography was held from
May 16-27, 1994, for the staff from the Procuradoria Federal de Protection del Ambiente, who
had requested this type of training from EPA.'
. , 6) Schedule: Complete the GIS study for Webb and El Paso counties and complete the
evaluation of contractor-generated PAs for the El Paso area. ,
'''. 7) U.S. Contacts: Ed Sierra, EPA Region 6, (214)665-6740 , ,
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
100
:. May 1995
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Project Name:
Global Positioning System (GPS) Location of Regulated Facilities along
the Region VI-Mexican Border
1) Purpose and Objectives: The goal of this project is to develop a comprehensive Geographic
Information System (GIS) database containing the location of all environmentally regulated
facilities impacting the U.S.-Mexico border area of Region VI, : .
2) Funding: On September 23, .1994, FY94 funding for this project was approved and a
$150,000 cooperative agreement was awarded to the Bureau of Economic Geology (BEG) at the
University of Texas at Austin. Additional FY95 funds have been appropriated, but not yet
awarded, to complete all remaining GPS project work not completed with FY94 funding and/or
commence work on developing similar comprehensive locational databases for other critical
environmental areas of Region VI.
3) Partners: The BEG will furnish final relevant GIS database info to the following:
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Region VI, Texas Natural Resource Conservation
Commission (TNRCC), New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), and other local
environmental groups such as 1) through the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council
(LRGVDC) to their Regional Arc/Info System Database^ and 2) through the Texas Natural
Resources Information System to their Texas/Mexico Borderlands Data and Information System
In addition, field data collection activities conducted within the LRGVDC region will be
coordinated with the LRGVDC office. , , '
4) Description: GPS, currently considered the best practicable geocoding technology by the
Agency, is being utilized to accurately locate regulated facilities (to within +1-25 meters) in the
States of New Mexico and Texas and along the U. S.-Mexico border, hence, complying with
Agency Locational Data Policy. The majority of the regulated facilities are located in and
around major U.S. population centers of New Mexico (Las Cruces and Columbus) and Texas,
(Brownsville, McAllen, Laredo, Presidio, Eagle Pass and Del Rio). '
5) Status/Schedule: The BEG has submitted a preliminary and revised Quality Assurance
Project Plan (QAPP) for the project, which Region 6 has reviewed and conditionally approved,
recommending only minor changes. Region 6 has downloaded and forwarded to the BEG
electronic data files and printed hard copy listings .of facility information contained in its
relevant program databases. The downloaded facility info will be incorporated into the final GIS
database; In addition, the BEG has completed testing of real-time GPS equipment specifically
purchased for use in this project and has verified the accuracy of corrected locational data
collected using the equipment to within-f/-5 meters.
6) U.S. Contacts: BEG: Jay Raney, Associate Director
TNRCC: Databases- Rodney Peschel (512)239-0983
GIS- Barry Allison (512) 239-0850. GPS- Mary Smith '
NMED: Databases- Jane Lockwood (ORACLE) (505) 827-2771
DonDitmore(STORET) (505)827-2822
GIS: Fred Gross (505)827-2771 , GPS: Eric Galloway (505)827-2923
(512)471-1534
(512)239-0848
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency '
101
May 1995
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Project Name: TJ.Sl-Mexico Cooperation on Environmental Impact Assessment
1) Purpose and Objectives: Upgrading EIA methodology and procedures.
;2) Funding: $75,000 ($55,000 for development of EIA course by SAIC, Inc.; $20,000)'for
travel and related logistics for delivery of existing basic course on EIA and more advanced
course under development and consultation on review of EIA documents
3) Partners: Mexican environmental staff and officials concerned with El A.
4) Description: (1) Repeat presentation of basic EIA course originally presented in Dallas,
Texas in 1992. (This will be done only if Mexican environmental staff and officials concerned
' with EIAslbelieve that new staff members wpuld benefit from repeating the original course and
based on the willingness of previously trained facilitators to assist instruction.) (2) Present
advanced EIA course currently under development which will focus on mechanisms and tools
.for carrying out EIA. This course will be oriented towards applications of EIA assessment
techniques, and will have a more technical focus than the first course. (3) Technical conference
on review of EIA documents with EPA and Mexican environmental staff and officials who are
responsible for reviewing EISs (U.S.) and EIA documents (Mexico) will meet and discuss
approaches to carrying out reviews and common problems. This will cover: determining the
level of review, coordinating reviews by. different technical experts, criteria for evaluating El As,
process for getting comments on EIAs to proponents, process for resolving issues, etc. (4) On-
going coordination between EPA Region 6, EPA Region 9, and Mexican environmental staff and
officials should become an integral part of U.S./Mexico coordination on EIA.
1 j . " V >
5) Status: In December 1992 EPA initiated technical cooperation on El A by providing a basic
course on EIA to SEDESOL staff at EPA's regional office in Dallas. IriFY 1994 EPA initated'
development of an advanced EIA training course targeted for first use in Mexico. In May 1994
EPA wrote to SEDESOL proposing the next course of action (see above), and there has been
follow-on discussion between EPA Region 6 and Mexican environmental staff and officials
concerned with EIAs, Due to re-organization in Mexico plans have not been finalized. '
Meanwhile U.S. EPA is developing the course and expects to have it ready fpr delivery in
Mexico % early fall. EPA is prepared to deliver the basic EIA course and/or a .technical
confernce on EIA document review within several weeks of agreement with Mexico On meeting
time and place. -
6) Schedule: Complete development of advanced course, await reaction from Mexico on
proposed plan of action. . :
7) U.S. Contacts: Joe Montgomery, EPA (202)260-8793
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
102
May 1995
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Project Name: Environmental Justice Border Community Grants
1) Purpose and Objectives: The purpose of the grants program is to provide financial
assistance and stimulate a public purpose by supporting projects for affected border communities
that are eligible under applicable statutory authorities and are working or plan to carry out
projects to address environmental justice issues. Funds can be used to develop a new activity or
to substantially improve the quality of existing activities. "
2) Funding: In FY 94 one $30,000 grant was awarded to the Arizona Department of
Environmental Quality and one $8,000 grant was awarded to Prescott College.
3) Partners: Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, Prescott College
4) Description: In its 1992 report, Environmental Eauitv: Reducing Risk for All Communities
EPA found that minority and low-income communities experience higher than average exposure
to toxic pollutants than the general population. The Office of Environmental Justice (GET) was
established in 1992 to help these communities identify and assess pollution sources, to
implement environmental awareness and training programs for affected residents, and to work
with community stakeholders to devise strategies for environmental improvements.
Fiscal year 1995 is the second year of the Environmental Justice Small Grants Program.
This year an additional $50,000 in grant funds is being made available through EPA Region 9
specifically for awards dealing with environmental issues of concern along the U.S. Mexican
Border. Priority for funding under this grant program will be given to community- ,
based/grassroots organizations whose projects will: 1) develop an environmental justice project,
activity, method, or technique that has wide application, 2) enhance the community's skills in
addressing environmental justice issues and problems,, and 3) establish or expand environmental
and public health information systems for local communities.
InFY 94 EPA funded two border-related projects through this grants program. One grant
was awarded to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality for development of a video
about environmental and health issues along the border and one grant was awarded to Prescott
College to support development of Binational Teacher Education Workshops on environmental
education in Ambos Nogale,s.
. t "" * \ ';
5) Status: Project proposals were due to EPA regional offices on February 4, 1995.
6) Schedule: EPA program officials wi}l review, evaluate and select FY 95 grants by March 31,
1995. The grants will then be processed and awards will be made by May 31, 1995. Grantees
projects or activities will begin around June 1, 1995 -'
7) U.S. Contacts:
Donna Orebic, EPA Region 9, U.S.-Mexico Border Team, (415) 744-1284
Lori Lewis, EPA Region 9, Environmental Justice Coordinator, (415) 744-1561
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
103
May 1995
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Project Name: California Department of Toxic Substances Control Grant
1) Purpose and Objectives: Fund Border Coordinator position in the California Department of
Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) to support implementation of the Border Plan in California,
and fimd several specific border projects through the Coordinator. . .,
" ' ' ' - - , ' '" .!'-' ' ' ' :
2) Funding: DTSC has approximately $300,000 for border activities in BY 95. This figure"
may fluctuate during the fiscal year. Approximately $300,000 has been proposed to support
DTSC border work in FY 96. :
i -
3) Partners: California Department of Toxic Substances Control, County of San Diego
4) Description: The general activities being conducted under the grant are: 1) Serve as a liaison
to EPA on all significant border activities and issues; 2) Develop a DTSC strategy for border
issues; 3) Manage a contract with the County of San Diego to monitor the import/export of
hazardous waste shipments between California and Mexico and determine if these shipments
conformwith applicable laws and regulations; 4) Increase technical support to federal, state and
localagencies and the public related to imports and exports of hazardous waste; and 5) Conduct
complaint inspections and provide technical assistance on criminal investigatibns within 100 km
of the border or involving import/export of hazardous waste from/to Mexico. ,
5) Status: We had a mid year meeting with DTSC in March 1995. Good Progress is being
made on most activities under the grant
6) Schedule: All grant activities are ongoing throughout the duration of FY95.
6) U.S. Contacts:
Donna Orebic, EPA Region 9, U.S. Mexico Border Team, (415) 744-1284 ,
Frances Schultz, EPA Region 9, California Project Officer, (415) 744-2058
Pam LePen, Cal-EP A, Department of Toxic Substances Control, (31.0) 590-5909
Preparedby the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name: Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Grant
1) Purpose and Objectives: Fund Border Coordinator position in the Arizona Department of
Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to support implementation of the border plan in Arizona, and
one and one half inspectors in Tucson and Nogales. "
2) Funding: $214,300 was provided to ADEQ to support FY 95 border activities. ForFY96,
$285,700 has been proposed. ,
3) Partners: Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
4) Description: In FY 94, ADEQ hired a new hazardous waste border coordinator and a
hazardous waste inspector for the Tucson office. The inspector will also coordinate emergency
responses. The major border tasks included in the FY 95 workplan are: TSD and LQG
inspections, hazardous waste Complaints and referrals, technical support activities, formal and
informal enforcement, and compliance activities, permits-related activities, import/export
manifest tracking, and participation in broader border program activities.
5) Status: Activities during the first quarter were Jimited due to the departure of the Waste
Programs Manager from the Tucson office. ADEQ is currently in the process of filling this
vacancy.
6) Schedule: All grant activities are ongoing throughout the duration of FY95.
6) U.S. Contacts: ,
Donna Orebic, EPA Region 9, U.S. Mexico Border Team, (415) 744-1284
Bridget Coyle, EPA Region 9, Arizona Project Officer, (415) 744-2032
Tibaldo Canez, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, (602) 207-2234 /
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
105
May 1995
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OTHER U.S./MEXICO PROJECTS
(NOT SPECIFIC TO THE BORDER)
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
106
May 1995
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Project Name; Strengthening State and Local Environmental Policymaking and
, Enforcement Capacity in Mexico
1) Purpose and Objectives: To evaluate and help strengthen the legal framework and the
enforcement capacity for environmental protection at the state and Ideal levels in Mexico:
2) Funding: FY95: $200,000 U.S. EPA; $10,530 Environmental Law Institute (ELI).
3) Partners: U.S. EPA; ELI team (incl. four Mexican attorneys),
4) Description: The project involves a thorough examination of state and local environmental
laws and institutions within the Mexican states of Baja California, Nuevo Leon, Mexico,
Veracruz and Oaxaca. Teams of U.S. and Mexican attorneys are to review all relevant legislation
and regulations in these five states, and are to interview state and local officials regarding the
interpretation and implementation of legal standards. The project is compiling information not
only on environmental laws and regulations, but also on the institutional mechanisms and
practices that have been established to monitor compliance with, and enforce, those laws and
regulations. " ','-..-
5) Status and Schedule: As of March, 1995, the project team has completed its review of
legislation in all five states, and has completed interviews with officials in .those states. The
team is now completing its draft report, which will be made available in Spanish'and English
versions to be circulated in Mexico and the United States for comment. The project final report
is expected to be ready for distribution by the end of the summer, 1995.
6) U.S. Contacts:
Patricia Koshel, EPA HQ, OIA, (202) 260-0797
Susan Bass, ELI, (202) 328-5150
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
107
May 1995
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Project Name: Eco-industrial Parjk Feasibility Study (PIE No.52) '_
1) Purpose and Objectives: To explore the applications of industrial ecology theory (re-using
wastes, conserving water and energy) to economic development in the U.S.- Mexico border area.
To publish a case study and a field guide on eco-industrial parks (to be released by September,
1995) delineating which environmental technologies are needed for eco-industrial development
and assessing government's role in fostering such development.
2) Funding: FY94: $295,000 U.S. EPA Office of Policy, Planning and Evaluation (OPPE)
3) Partners: U.S. EPA (OPPE, R6, R9, Border Offices); Research Triangle Institute; Inc. (RTI);
Indigo Development (Oakland, California); President's Council on Sustainable Development;
U.S. DOE; Urban Land Institute; Nat'l. Assn. of Industrial and Office Parks; Environmental
Defense Fund; California Environmental Technology Center; Texas Natural Resources
Conservation Commission; City of Brownsville, Texas; City of Matamoros, Mexico.
4) Description: RTI has formed a study team that is developing three scenarios in a case study
involving business development and environmental management in the U.S.- Mexico border
area. The baseline scenario models "business as usual." The second'scenario models
opportunities to go beyond simple compliance with law ~ by reusing wastes, and conserving
water, energy and other resources within the Brownsville - Matamoros area. The third scenario
examines opportunities to create value-added production in the community by establishing
businesses applying technologies that re-process wasted materials, water and energy emanating
from traditional businesses. The study team will also examine the role of environmental '
technology development and transfer as well as regulatory and policy barriers affecting each, of
the three scenarios. *
5) Status/Schedule: Draft technical niemos and workshop materials have been prepared. The
case study is almost completely drafted. About $120,000 has been expended to date. A draft
report and field guide is to be available in early May, 1995. A project workshop is scheduled for
May 4th and 5th, 1995. The final report is to be completed by October, 1995; "The President's
Council on Sustainable Development will include the Brownsville - Matamoros case study in its
March, 1995 report to the President. ,
6) U.S. Contact: Brendan Doyle, US EPA, OPPE; (202) 260-2693
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
108
May 1995
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Project Name: Groundwater Protection Workshop: Underground Storage Tank (UST)
and Underground Injection Control (UIC) Training for Mexican
Regulators and Industry
1) Purpose and Objectives: To help build a U.S.- Mexican environmental partnership through
training on UST leak detection methods, as well as UST and UIC cleanup technologies, for ,
Mexican regulatory inspectors and the Mexican regulated community.
2) Funding: FY94:$40,000 U. S. EPA Office of International Activities (OIA) and EPA Region
9 Underground Injection Control (UIC) program '/'.. .
3) Partners: U.S. EPA; San Diego Emergency Response Team.
4) Description: Week-long classroom and field training of 35 participants from Mexican private
industry and cleanup contractors; from SEMARNAP offices in Tijuana, Juarez and Mexico City;
from State of Baja California Department of Ecology; from PEMEX; and from Mexican ,
consulting firms working for SEMARNAP. ',.';.
5) Status and Schedule: This was a one-time training course, Mar.22 - 25, 1994
6) U.S. Contacts:
, Dana Tulis, US EPA Office of Underground Storage Tanks, (703) 308-8891
Armando Aparicio, EPA Region 9, (415) 744-2081
Prepared by the US. Environmental Protection Agency
109
May 1995
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Project Name; United States Environmental Training Institute (USETI) Mexico Program
1) Purpose and Objectives: To develop training courses to address Mexico's immediate
environmental training needs^ to be a vehicle for Mexican public and private sectors access to
U.S. environmental technology products and services, and to develop a long-term "in country".
presence in Mexico. , _
-* ^ . - - "
2) Funding: Total EPA funds to USETI for Mexico Program are $500,000.00. USETTs
contributions will amount to at least $89,995.00.
3) Partners: U.S. EPA and USETI. USETl's partners in the Mexico Program are from both
public and private sectors in Mexico and the US. For example: National INstitute of Ecology
(INE), R.E. Baker Company, Inc., Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), Bip-rSure
Environmental, Ltd., PAHO/CEPIS (Lima, Peru), Medical Compliance Service, Joab, Inc.,
Institute Tecnologico de Ciudad Juarez, and National Confederation of Industrial Chambers
(CONCAMIN). Other U.S. companies are: Grupo WMX, IT Corporation, DimCorp, and
Pollution Prevention International. .
4) Description: USETI, a nonprofit organization that holds training programs using
governmental and non-governmental instructors, is developing a series of training courses for its
Mexico Program to address the enormous needs of environmental training and promote the US
environmental technologies in Mexico. The program will span a 3-year period beginning March
14, 1994 and ending pn March 13, 1997.
5) Status and Schedule: During 1994, USETI organized one course regarding "Medical Waste'
Management and Proposal Development" in Ciudad Juarez. During 1995, USETI is planning to
have a minimum of six environmental training courses and also hire a Mexican national staff
person to serve as USETI's liaison in Mexico. The schedule for the training courses is as
follows:
s ' ' ^ - ' -
Industrial and Municipal Wastewater :
Treatment Technologies. .......... .March 24-31,1995
Hazardous Waste Management '...,.May 15-19, 1995
Pollution Prevention:........,......, June 19-23, 1995
- Medical Waste Management and Proposal "
.Development................... !... July 10-14, 1995
Municipal Solid Waste Management.. October 2-6, 1995 '
Air Pollution Control Technologies-
Stationary.Sources,..,. ...,.: November 13-17, 1995, .--,_...
6) Contacts: Mark Kasman, U.S.EPA/OIA,.(202) 260-0424 '..,,-
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
110
, ' May 1995
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Project Name: University of New Mexico Environmental Finance Center (EFC)
1) Purpose and Objectives: To offer graduate-level educational courses through a regular
university curriculum, as well as train practicing professionals in traditional and innovative
finance techniques for environmental infrastructure; to provide technical assistance to state and
local governments and the private sector relating to the management and finance of new or
existing environmental infrastructure; and to perform research and analysis of issues relevant tb
current problems in the field of environmental finance. >
2) Funding: Since 1992, the Environmental Finance Center (EFC) has received a total,of
$288,750.00 from the following sources: /
- $225,000 from U.S EPA;
-$20,000 from U.S. Department of State; ' '''..'
-$ 30,000 discretionary funding from U.S. EPA Region 8
- $ 13,750 as 5% match from various sources. ,
3) Partners: U.S. EPA Office of Administration and Resources Management (O ARM) & EPA
Region 6; U.S. Department of State , . "'.
4) Description: Since its creation in 1992S the EFC has provided training/assistance in
traditional and innovative finance techniques for environmental infrastructure tb a variety of
communities and governmental entities. It has also hosted a number of conferences, including
the Border Environmental Infrastructure Colloquy for top U.S./Mexican environmental officials
in 1992 and the BECC/NADBank Environmental Financing Conference in 1994, jointly
sponsored by U.S. Department of State and US. Environmental Protection Agency. '
5) Status & Schedule: The EFC is exploring various ways to assist communities to develop,
finance and manage environmental infrastructure along the borderareas. Currently, it is ',
analyzing the regionalization of small water systems via two separate grants from the U.S. EPA:
a) Under a $50,000 grant, the EFG will identify various types of legal and organizational
structures available to the colonias in Dona Ana County, New Mexico, which are not served
by water systems, sewer treatment facilities, or electricity. The EFC will also assist in
analyzing user fees to pay for the operation, maintenance and debt service for selected ' , '
systems. . .
b) Under a $20,000 grant, the EFC is analyzing options to link 15 to 20 existing small
water systems together into a'regionalized water supply consortium by means other
than physical connection. Regionalization will allow these systems to improve
operations and maintenance, capital planning and financing, and overall systems
management functions. The outcome of this project will provide a useful model for
mobilizing rural systems to better meet-the requirements of the SDWA.
6) U.S. Contacts:
Norm Falk, NM Engineering Research Institute, (505) 272-7343
Tracy Eagle, NM Engineering Research Institute, (505) 272-7372
George F. Ames, U.S. EPA/OARM, (202) 260-8227
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name; Technical Assistance and Training for,Border Communities
1) Purpose and Objectives: This project will provide assistance to border communities in
finding financial and management solutions for infrastructure development among the U.S. "
colonias in New Mexico and Texas.
2) Funding: Amount of money invested and,recipient(s) of funds: On September 15, 1993, a
$50,000 grant was awarded by EPA to the University of New Mexico, Environmental Finance'
Center,(EFC). , : : . . ' .' .' \ , , ' /
,'*""'"--" .""- '":'- ' -
3) Partners: EPA Region 6 and the University of New Mexico
4) Description: The EFC worked with Dona Ana County officials on wastewater plans and
preparations for training assistance on the County's water system development program.
5) Status: The grant has been closed out < '
6) U.S. Contacts: Federal: Oscar Cabra Jr. P.E., EPA: Region 6, (214) 665-7182 .
EFC: Norman Falk. NMEFC, (505) 272-7343
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995 .
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Project Name; U.S.-Mexico Pesticide Residue Standards Working Group
1) Purpose and Objectives:, To identify and where possible resolve differences in pesticide
residue standards between the two countries ;
2) Funding: OIA/AID PAS A funds supported April 20-23 meetings between EPA and FDA
officials and Mexican counterparts. (Approximately $4600) ,
3) Partners: EPA, Comision Intersecretarial para el Control de Plaguicidas, Fertilanzantes, y
Sustancias Toxicas (CICOPLAFEST), FDA, and some USD A involvement .
4) Description: Working group members are identifying key crop-pest-pesticide combinations
that are important to Mexican agriculture but lack necessary U.S. pesticide residue tolerances.
The U.S. has provided information on possible alternatives and FDA residue violation data, and
preliminary contacts to assess likelihood of tolerance data development support have been made.
5) Status: Ongoing ,
6) Schedule: Talks on these issues began in 1990-91; no final "completion" date has been set,
since we expect residue standards in the two countries will continue to change and there will be
an ongoing need for consultation. We are currently investigating merging this activity with the
U.S.-Canada Technical Working Group, creating a trilateral forum. .
~f ' " - " ' - . . , * ' -
7) U.S. Contacts: Mary Frances U>we, EPA, (703) 305-7102 ,
. John Wessel, FDA, (301) 543-1815 ;
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name:
U.S.-Mexico Border Interagency Project and the Office of Research and
Development's (ORD'S) Lower Rio Grande Valley Monitoring Study
1) Purpose and Objectives: Representatives from EPA, the Department of Health and Human
Services, and the US border States of Texas, California, Arizona, and New Mexico have formed
a partnership to address environmental quality and health concerns along the US-Mexico border.
Activities of the ICC have focused on developing an in-depth program strategy to address border
concerns in a coordinated and timely manner to ensure that credible science and research are
incorporated at the onset, establishing priorities, maximizing use of available resources and
increasing community acceptance of decisions. Initial efforts have concentrated on the Lower
Rio Grande Valley because of the community's concerns about the potential health impact of
local environmental pollutants in the Valley. However, the intent is to develop a strategy that is
applicable border-wide. .,
2) Funding: FY93-$1.5M, FY94-$l'.5M, FY95-$2.5M; funding has been used by EPA's
laboratories, EPA ^contractors, USPHS, Texas State agencies, and academic institutions.
3) Partners: USEPA, USPHS, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California
4) Description: In collaboration with the ICC, EPA's ORD is .conducting an exposure . .
monitoring study in the Rio Grande Valley to (1) identify and evaluate exposures and (2)
identify sources and major pollutant pathways contributing to these exposures. Phase I, a pilot'.
project, was conducted during 1993 and was designed as a scoping study-to..collect,
environmental data at a limited number of sites. The results of the pilot study were reported
back to the participants and the community in June 1994. Data from these pilot studies are being
used to design a second phase of the study - the exposure characterization - which will be a
series of projects/activities to provide more substantial data to targeted exposures and for which
health risk can be more effectively evaluated. 'Phase II is expected to begin in 1995.
5) - Status/Schedule: Finalize the development of an MOU between EPA and HHS/PHS or
collaboration on environmental public health programs along the US-Mexico border. Finalize
the interim interagency research strategy document Continue the coordination of activities and
capabilities of multiple agencies. Continue to increase involvement of other border states and
develop state and community capacity. Affirm the ICC's role as the health conduit for the US-
Mexico Border 2000 Action Plan, , .
6) U.S. Contacts: HalZenick, US EPA,(919) 541-2283
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name: Community Empowerment Grant - Communities in New River Area
1) Purpose and Objectives: The purpose of this project is to address industrial pollutant issues
raised by the communities in the vicinity of the New River. EPA received three citizens'
petitions in 1993 and 1994 regarding the pollution in the New River. The purpose of the project
is to gather information on chemical discharges to the river in order to determine if there is risk
of imminent hazard to human health or the environment. -As part of EPA's efforts to assist the
community to understand information and monitoring data about the river, EPA provided a
community empowerment grant to the Environmental Health Coalition (EHC).
This project is being coordinated with and compliments other activities being undertaken by
EPA's Region 9 office, other EPA offices, and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry (ATSDR). The other activities taking place to address the pollution in the New River
include an ATSDR health consultation; monitoring of the New River; chemical fate study of the
New River; industrial wastewater pretreatment training; bilingual training for pesticide
applicators; and support, to the extent possible, of upgrades to the Mexicali wastewater treatment
facilities.
2) .Funding: Community Empowerment Grant to EHC in FY94 of $50,000 .
3) Partners: EPA and ATSDR
4) Description: EPA launched an information gathering effort on September 21, 1994, by
issuing administrative subpoenas under TSCA section 11 to 95 U.S. parent companies with
facilities in the vicinity of the New River in the Mexicali area. EPA is currently evaluating
responses to the subpoenas in order to .determine if there is a risk of imminent hazard to human
health or the environment. The data gathered from the subpoenas will be used to focus the
monitoring program of the New River. EPA is compiling and aggregating the data into a report
which will be available to the public in the spring of 1995.
The community empowerment grant will be used by EHC to assist the communities most
affected by pollution in the New,River; Calexico, California, USA and Mexicali, Baja
California, Mexico. The.grant will be used to help create an appropriate community
organizations to identify research and information needs and develop and implement a
community involvement and education strategy.
5) Status/Schedule: EPA is currently evaluating responses to the subpoenas and preparing a
report which will be publically available this spring. In addition, they are planning to obtain the
necessary technical assistance so they can review the information gathered by EPA through the
subpoenas. The EHC is in the process of creating a Calexico/Mexicali citizens' 'advisory
committee for the New River. Project period for the EHC grant is 10/1/94 to 9/30/95.
6) U.S. Contact: Michelle Price (202) 260-3372
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name: Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) Development in Mexico
1) Purpose and Objectives: The purpose of this project is to establish chemical emissions
inventories, like the US Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) in Mexico and other industrializing
nations.
- - \ . '' '"",*
2): Funding: FY94 $115,000
FY95 $200,000 / . /
3) Partners: OECD, United Nations Institute for Training and Research (pNITAR), ,-
International Registry of Potentially Toxic Chemicals (IRPTC)
4) Description: Agenda 21, the action plan from the 1992 Earth Summit, called for the
establishment of national chemical emission inventories, or PRTRs The United States, with its
experience from TRI, was the'primary advocate for this position.
UNITAR is the international organization tapped to work with industrializing nations to develop
PRTRs. The initial stage of UNITAR's work is the selection of four nations to serve as pilot
nations. One of these four countries, Mexico, is of particular interest to the US. A Mexican
PRTR would provide needed data on chemical emissions from facilities on the Mexican side of
the heavily industrialized US-Mexican border. A Mexican PRTR also would complement US
and Canadian PRTR data, giving a picture of toxic emissions for all of North America.
To facilitate the development of the Mexican PRTR, the US EPA is providing financial support
to UNITAR through a cooperative agreement. This agreement between EPA and UNITAR
ensures that Mexico receives the technical and logistical help needed to implement a PRTR.
5) Status: UNITAR, which began its PRTR work in October 1994, presently is working with
representatives from the Mexican Government in the preliminary stages of the PRTR
development process. These people are tasked with creating work plans, consulting with
industry and NGOs, and holding a national workshop for interested parties.
6) Schedule: During 1995, Mexican Officials will attend three PRTR meeting held by OECD;
UNITAR will complete six guidance papers for PRTR development; Mexico implements steps
prepared by UNITAR for PRTR development; Mexico selects region for pilot PRTR; US EPA
works with Mexico and other parties to gather industry data for border region.. '
7) U.S. Contact: John Harman (202) 260-6395 , . ,'
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name;
Assessment of Land cover, Carbon Dynamics and Forest Management
Options in Southeastern Mexico
1) Purpose and Objectives: To model biogenic carbon flux with the atmosphere due to land
cover change and forest management in tropical Mexico, Products from this research will
provide insight into forest and other land use planning to optimize terrestrial carbon
conservation and sequestration. ,
2) Funding: $2,781,528 FY93: ERL-C, $334,491; EMSL-LV, $522,657; AID-M, $200,000
FY94: ERL-C, $411,491; EMSL-LV, $289,380; AID-M, $200,000
FY95: ERL-C, $359,000; EMSL-LV, $250,000; AID-M, $100,000
FY96: ERL-C, $115,000 ' ,
. TOTALS: ERL-S, $1,219,491; EMSL-LV,. $1,062,037? AID-M; $500,000
3) Partners: Universidad National Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico City
- Centro de Ecologia (UNAM-GE)
- Institute de Geografia (UNAM-IG) , '.
Centro de Investigaciqnas Ecologias del Sureste - San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas (CIES)
Centro de Investigacion Cientifica de Yucatan - Merida, Yucatan (CICY) '
U.S. EPA, ERL - Corvallis; U.S. EPA, EMSL - Las Vegajs; U.S, AID, Mexico
Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR (OSU); U.S.D.A. Forest Service - '
--'-'" . . . : , - . \
4) Description: The Environmental, Research Laboratory - Corvallis (ERL -C), through the
Agency's Global Change Research Program, is characterizing and quantifying carbon
dynamics and emissions of carbon from land cover/land use change in tropical Mexico over
the past twenty years. Using remote sensing imagery analysis, field measurement of ecosystem
biomass density, and ancillary data, ERL-C is modelling carbon pools and flux over time for
the terrestrial .biosphere. In addition, field research will be used to label, verify and validate
land cover characteristics data derived from satellite imagery, mechanisms used to complete
the project include Cooperative agreements, Interagency Agreements, contracts and in-house
modeling capabilities. Outputs will enable forest managers hi Mexico tp evaluate practices in
light of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change.
5) Statusr 1993 - 1996 ERL-C has entered into Cooperative Agreements with OSU and
CIES and a contract with CICY. Also, ERL-C has entered into an on-site LOE contract with
MERSC and an IAG with USDA-FS. All of these instruments have been funded for two of
three total anticipated years. Funding for the third year is in the approval process in EPA
headquarters. Approximately 50% of the research data ha;s been collected and is in the process
of analysis and preparation for modeling at ERL-C.
6) Schedule: Funding packages for final year, IAG, Cooperative and contract agreements are
currently being prepared. The remaining '50% of the data collection will be completed in
1995-96. In-house modelling will proceed through FY96. . '
Contact: ERL-C: Michael Cairns (503) 754-4378
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name; Epidemiologic Studies of Criteria Pollutant Particles and Gases
1) Purpose and Objectives: To support research in Mexico City examining the health
effects of ozone, partieulate pollution, and other ambient pollution on respiratory illness,
school absenteeism, lung function level, lung function growth, lung function in excercising
children, emergency room visits, hospital admissions and mortality.
2) Funding: Year 1994 Mexico Subcontract: Total Costs: $161,156
- --.-' Cost Sharing: $19,700
- Total Cost to EPA: $141,456
Year 1995 Mexico Subcontract: Total Costs: $168,401
-..' Cost Sharing: $21,381 '' . ' '.
Total Cost to EPA: $147,020
3) Partners: EPA and.Brigham and Women's Hospital -;-
4) Description: Project includes conducting field studies in Mexico City and analysis of .data
resulting from those field studies. In addition, existing data sets have been identified and are
being utilized to investigate the health effects of air pollution. %
-:",,'-- ' '
5) Status: Project has completed studies on the relationship between ambient pollution and
baseline lung function, and between pollution and lung function in exercising children. Data
has been gathered on pollution and emergency room visits, daily respiratory symptoms,
absenteeism, and mortality in the southwest of Mexico City. .
6) Schedule: Remaining project plans include analyzing data on emergency room visits, daily
respiratory symptoms, absenteeism, and mortality in the southwest Of Mexico City, where
ozone levels are high and partieulate levels are relatively low. Additional collection and
analysis of data on emergency room visits, daily respiratory symptoms, absenteeism, and
mortality in the northeast of Mexico City, where ozone levels are moderate and partieulate
levels are high. ' , ....
7) Contacts: Dr. William McDonnell, US EPA, (919) 966-6220
Dr. Diane Gold, Brigham and Women's Hospital
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name: Lead Poisoning Education and Outreach
1) Purpose and Objectives: The purpose is to develop a model lead poisoning education
project for the U.S.-Mexico border area^ fostering international cooperation in addressing lead
exposure and environmental contamination issues and problems involving the two countries.
The project is to" be piloted in the San Diego/Tijuana metropolitan area, with the idea that it :
may be,replicated in sister cities all along the border.
2) Funding: EPA Region 9 plans to fund the pilot project at $49,999, with the participating
organizations contributing over 25% of the total project costs.
3) Partners: The University of California, San Diego Extension Department of
Environmental Management will partner with the U.S.-Mexico Border Progress Foundation
and will work in collaboration with San Diego County and State of California Departments of
Health Services, and Tijuana public health agencies. ' . . -
4) Description: The project will create and deliver a system to motivate local residents to be
more environmentally conscious in making informed decisions and taking responsible actions
to reduce lead exposures from paint, dust, soil, home remedies, and ceramics. Using a
neighborhood needs assessment tool developed for the occasion (a standard survey and
interview accompanied by user instructions, written material in Spanish, and pictures), trained
Community Health Workers will work in neighborhoods to assess community awareness of
lead hazards, and remediate as necessary. Informational brochures will be developed for the
target population to help increase awareness of lead issues such as the importance of
preventing lead poisoning and ways of avoiding contamination.
5) Status/Schedule: EPA Region 9 is planning to fund this project in April 1995. Grant
activities are scheduled to be finished by 3/31/96. :
6) U.S. Contacts:
Adam Browning, EPA Region 9, (415) 744-1121
David Carey, UCSD, Program Director (619) 534-6157
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name: Technology Transfer under the Montreal Protocol Multilateral Fund
1) Purpose and Objectives: The Montreal Protocol Multilateral Fund was created to help
developing countries bear the costs of phasing out of CFCs and other -stratospheric
ozone-depleting chemicals (ODS). In addition to the World Bank and UNDP, EPA's
technology transfer partners are typically Ozone Protection Units in developing country
governments that coordinate their country's'efforts to phase put ODS. The U.S. can use up to
20% of its contribution to the Fund to support developing country phase-out activities.
2) Funding: $2.0 million contract; $0 Travel. These funds constitute part of the U.S. .
contribution to the Montreal Protocol Multilateral Fund. FTE: 4.0
3) Partners: All projects are completed in conjunction with United Nations Environment
Program (UNDP) and the World Bank. .,.-'.
4) Description: Activities are underway or have been completed in Mexico, Venezuela,
'China, Malaysia, Uruguay, Panama, Ecuador and Argentina. A'pound of ODS emitted
anywhere in the world affects the stratosphere. Under Section 617(b) of the Clean Air Act of
1990, the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator is charged with providing technical
and financial assistance to developing countries for phaseout programs, Typically,
we develop a partnership with the Ozone Protection Unit in the host country. We then
identify, prepare, or implement projects, or conduct any combination of those activities, to
eliminate ODS use in that country's industrial sector.
5) Status: Ongoing -
6) Schedule: To date the program has concentrated on halon, mobile air conditioning MACs),
solvent, and building air conditioners and commercial refrigeration. The major focus of our
current work is MACs, halon, and commercial refrigeration.
7)U.S. Contacts: Jeff Wells, EPA HQ, (202)233-9148 .
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name; EPA's Ozone Partnerships Program Activities in Mexico
1) Purpose and Objectives: Assisting the government of Mexico to reduce Mexico's use of
ozone-depleting substance.s (ODS) such as CFC's. EPA has aided Mexican companies
applying for assistance from the Multilateral Fund, has held training workshops, has provided
technical assistance facilitating change to alternative production processes,,and has helped
strengthen Mexican government capacity to work toward reducing ODS emissions from a
wide spectrum of sources. Current assistance is in the area of mobile air conditioning. '
Possible future assistance may be in the halon and methyl bromide sectors.
2) Funding: $1.85 million
3) Partners: National Institute of Ecology, Ozone Protection Unit; ICF Kaiser International
and its subcontractors; Mexican businesses; the World Bank; the United Nations development
Programme; the United Nations Environment Program; the United Nations Industrial
Development Program.
4) Description: Not Provided
5) Status/Schedule: On-going for years 1991-1995
6) Contacts: Not Provided
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name: Semi-Arid Land Surface Atmospheric (SALSA) Experiment
1) Purpose and Objectives: To develop a long-term monitoring and research program to
quantify land degradation related to human-induced impacts using remote sensing platforms.
Research will determine ecosystem vulnerability and trends in conditon usiing landscape
pattern indicators derived from land cover information generated from remote imagery.
Specifically, the program is modelled to answer questions related to sustainability and
ecosystem resilience, watershed integrity (water supply and quality), and biological integrity.
2) Funding: ' FY95-$100K (State of Arizona)
FY96 - $10'OK Proposed (State of Arizona)
total Proposed Funding for Project Period - $6,761,782 (multiple sources)
3) Partners: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Monitoring Systems
Laboratory; U.S. Agricultural, Research, Service ; U.S. Geological Survey, EROS Data'Center;
U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Bureau of Land Management; U.S. Forest Service;
University of Arizona.; Rutgers University, University of Maryland; Utah State University;
Institute of Hydrology; Jet Propulsion Laboratory Los Alamos National Laboratory;
ORSTOM (Mohtpellier, France); OLERTS (Toulouse, France); CIDESON (Hermosillo, ,
Sonora, Mexico); Institute de Recuros Naturales (Montecillo, Mexico) .
4) Description: The project involves a multi-national mix of interdisciplinary scientists to
conduct watershed research in the upper San Pedro River. The San Pedro River is a semiarid_
mountainous region that transitions between the Chihuahuan and Sonoran Deserts. The study
basin originates near Cananea, Sonora and flows north into southeast Arizona. The project
will acquire multi-temporal imagery from a variety of sources, i.e. Landsat Thematic Mapper,
Landsat Multi-spectral Scanner, NOAA advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer, aerial
photography, etc. Conservation of natural resources necessary for sustainable agriculture and
protection of the environment are goals of highest priority for the United States and Mexico.
The proposed research is significant to both countries in meeting their individual natural
resources and environmental research and conservation goals. The research will provide
improved scientific knowledge and new technology for the selection of improved, or
development of new, conservation management systems for sustainable natural resources.
5) Status: The project is scheduled to commence in FY96 and will be conducted over a
period of 3-10 years, depending on funding. r ' '
6) Schedule: Project planning will occur during FY95-96. Separate tasks will be completed
by FY2005. '.
7) U.S. Contacts: Primary contacts for the project include David Goodrich and Russell
Scott of the U.S. Agricultural Research Service (Southwest Watershed Research Center,
Tucson, AZ 602/670-6481). Primary contacts within the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (Environmenta Monitoring Systems Laboratory, Las Vegas, NV) include Bill Kepner
(702) 798-2193 and Bruce Jones (702) 798-2671.:
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name:
North American Landscape Characterization (NALC) Landsat
Pathfinder
1) Purpose and Objectives: Derive land cover and land cover change products for the
North American continent for ecological trend assessment and carbon flux tracking. Current
scope covers Mexico and the contiguous U.S.A. .
2) Funding: All funding for the NALC image processing and land cover generation
activities has been provided through the EPA Global Climate Change Research Program
administered through OPPE. Funding levels were $1.8M for FY94, and $1..67M for FY95.
3) Partners: The USGS EROS Data Center (EDC) is a partner with EPA in the production
of the NALC data, and the NALC project is part of the NASA Landsat Pathfinder Global
Research Program. NALC land cover activities involve further partnerships with the Canada
Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS) and the Instituto de Geografia, Uuiversidad Nacional
Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM).
4) Description: Landsat. MultiSpectral Scanner (MSS) imagery was identified and acquired
from the Landsat archive for each path/row .(satellite image scene area) of the North American
continent representing the peak gowing season for each of three decadal epochs ,- the early
1970's, the mid 1980's, and the e.arly 1990's. The imagery is being registered to a precision
map base and precisely coregistered image-date to image-date. Subsequently, the spectral
image data is being statistically clustered and land cover labels assigned. Labeling is most
advanced for the Mexican portion, which is being done by Instituto de Geografia, Universidad
Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM) through an EPA Cooperative Agreement.
5) Status: NALC was initiated in 1991. The image registration and three-date assembly will
be completed in FY96. Land cover labeling of the imagery should continue into FY98.
Current funding constraints limit image production and land cover categorization to the
coterminous United States and Mexico. ' ' f
6) Schedule: Al 1 project funding has been expended or committed, with several FY95
funding documents, including the UNAM Cooperative funding increment, in process. The
outlook for continued funding is uncertain. EPA GCRP planning documents for FY96 project
$800K for NALC. FY95 funding will pre-pay the processing and registrwtion costs at EDC
for the coterminous U.S. and Mexico, and should be completed by the end of FY9. Land
cover work in Mexico is covered through the current Cooperative with FY95 funds and
should be completed by the end of FY96. Completion of land cover generation for the U. S.
will depend on future funding sources. Anticipated sources of cooperative labeling efforts
include the National Biological Service Gap Analysis Program (GAP) 'and EWP Landscape
Ecology. The U.S. land cover effort is anticipated to be completed by FY98.
7) U.S. Contacts: Project information can be obtained from Curtis Edmonds (702)798-2264,
Mason Hewitt (702)798-2377, and Bruce Jones (702)798-2671, EPA EMSL-LV, EPA project
coordination; Michael Cairns, EPA BRL-Corvalis, EPA field studies; Roman Alvarez and Jose
Palacio, Instituto de Geografia, UNAM, Mexico project coordination; and Burt Guindon,
CCRS, Canadian project activities.
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Protect Name:
Intergovernmental Information Systems Architecture (ISA) and Data
Coordination Initiative ,
1) Purpose and Objectives: To implement an intergovernmental Information Systems
Architecture between the NAFTA parties to improve the sharing and co-management of
environmental data. Homogeneously coordinate how environmental data is collected, analyzed
and reported, across borders. Provide a shared platform for data capturing and dissemination
that can be made available to government entities, other interested parties and to the public,
2) Funding: To Be Determined
3) Partners: EPA, Institute Nacional de Ecologia (INE) , OIA, IRM Branch Region 9, Dave
Bittenbenter, Telecommunications, National Data Processing Division at Triangle Park.
(Canada partners to follow)
4) Description: Phase I - Implement an Intergovernmental Information Systems Architecture.
EPA negotiated with INE to develop an information system architecture (ISA). This ISA will
provide a reliable intergovernmental platform that will facilitate the .sharing and co-management
of data and information, systems, between EPA/TNE. It will provide a much needed
communication network link between EPA and INE. This effort will also serve to streamline
ihteragency information management and statistical reporting as it relates to EPA. It is
. intended that the ISA also be integrated with Canada's architecture so that we achieve a
trilateral homogenous information and technology bridge among the partners. The ISA will
create another level of partnership between Mexico, Canada and the United States.
Phase II - Information Systems and Data Management initiatives: Parallel to the development
of the shared ISA we are implementing a data management committee that will identify
environmental indicators that the partners are interested in tracking, analyzing and reporting.
This effort includes the overall management of data including the capturing of data, selection
and/or development of comprehensive data management systems. The main objective being: to
make available the needed information for trend analysis and planning to the partners and the
general public. .
5) Status: In November of 1994, The,;EPA IRM branch at Region 9 contracted ah
Information Systems Specialist who is coordinating these efforts with EPA /INE. This
individual is stationed in Mexico and is working with the Environmental Attache and with INJp
to ensure that the new governmental network and infrastructure that is pending installation at
INE will be compatible with the EPA's existing and planned initiatives related to information
systems. As part of the implementation of the ISA and data management initiative, we are also
identifying unnecessary duplication of effort and resources within EPA. Via this initiative we
are also providing the Mexican Government with the transfer of USA technology, ^
methodologies and with development, data management and enduser training and support.
6) Schedule: The communication network is schedule to be in place by June 1995. The data
management and coordination efforts have began and the committee will be active as of June
1995. ' . - ,
7) U.S. Contacts: Dave Henderson, IRM Chief, R9, (415) 744-1811
Enrique Manzanilla, EPA Attache 52 52 11 0042 x3595
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name; US/Mexico Border Data Management Initiative
1) Purpose and Objectives: A baseline of information will both complement the many
individual efforts underway to characterize the border environment and establish a benchmark
to measure environmental change due to free trade. This is the first time a comprehensive,
regional baseline of border statistics and information will be compiled. The effort directly
supports the Office of International Activities in its next phase of environmentalplanning with
Mexico. '
' _/ ,
2) Funding: Three FTE's and $130K in grants to develop baseline. Inter-Agency
Agreement (IAG) with Department of Energy (DOE) to use Battelle NW Labs to support
baseline development. One FTE and S65K to plan and conduct first Border workshop.
3) Partners: Development of a baseline of border statistics is not.possible without the full
cooperation of federal (including EPA regional and border offices), state and local
government agencies (including environmental, public health, economic and social welfare
agencies, among others), non-profit organizations, academic institutions and any other experts
conducting research on the environment and quality of life in the border area.
4) Description: The Environmental Statistics and Information Division (ESID) within the
Office of Policy, Planning, and Evaluation (OPPE) is developing a baseline of environmental
statistics that will integrate national (and some state) data bases to develop a regional picture
of the quality of the air, water and life in the border area. The baseline will be "ground-
truthed" and enhanced using additional data and information that have been generated by other
local studies. This project will be coordinated with EPA Regional and Border offices, other
federal agencies, .state and local agencies, and environmental and statistical organizations in
Mexico. As part of this project ESID is planning, with contract support from Science '
Applications International Corporation, a series of binational workshops that will bring
together the expertise to compile and integrate, to the extent possible, the data and
information, that are available on the border environment.
5) Status/Schedule: Products that will be generated'within fiscal years l'995 and 1996
include a baseline of border environmental statistics, an inventory of border data bases. A
review draft presenting baseline statistics for .the US side of the border area is near
completion. The review draft compiles and displays data from the major EPA national
databases to characterize environmental quality in the border area. The US/Mexico Border
Information workshop will allow us to expand this effort.
6) U.S. Contacts: Ronald Schafer, EPA-HQ (202)260-6966
Judy Calem, EPA - HQ (202)260-8638
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May 1995
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Project Name: CIESIN'S U.S./Mexico Border Environmental Information System
1) Purpose and Objectives: The Consortium for International Earth Science Information
Network (CIESIN), under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. EPA, is developing an
inventory of the existing environmental data and information in the U.S./Mexico border area.
The purpose is to make this data and information available to decision makers and resource
managers who are developing plans to augment environmental assessment, mitigation, and
monitoring efforts in the region.
2) Funding: Amounts To Be Determined.
3) Partners: Bureau of Economic Geology, University of Texas at Austin, EPA's
Environmental Statistics and Information Division, and Office of International Activities
4) Description: The project will further develop the catalog system component of the
Regional Environmental Information System (REIS) for the U.S./Mexico border area. This
regional system will provide directory and guide information for EPA national-level resources,
as well as EPA and select non-EPA geographic initiative resources. The system will be
compatible with the interagency Global Change Data and Information System (GCDIS), and
the Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). CIESEN will expand the accessibility of data
sets in border states and adjacent northern Mexico, advance the compilation of the
environmental atlas, and provide a capability for multi-attribute analysis. The project will
result in a system capable of addressing targeted socioeconomic, public health, and
environmental issues. .
5) Status: Portions of this project are currently underway, contingent on future funding.
6) Schedule: Deliverables from this project during a two year time period will include such
items as management summary/quarterly reports, compendium of Regional data sets for the
U.S./Mexico border area, data set guides, implementation plans for 1-2 non-EPA sites. Year
two deliverables is contingent on year two funding and would include a U,.S./Mexico Border
Area Catalog System User's Manual, and Non-EPA Regional Catalog System Nodes.
,7) U.S. Contacts:
Dr. Thomas H. Mace, U.S. EPA National Data Processing Division,
Research Triangle Park, (919) 541-2710
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name: Committee on the Use of the Mexico City Water Supply
1) Purpose and Objectives: To assess the physical limitations on the use of the aquifer in
the Valley of Mexico to supply the present and future needs of the metropolitan area, and
examine water transfers, water quality and health issues, conservation .measures,- and
institutional responsibilities and to further the binational relationship between the U.S. and
Mexican academies and foster the National Research Council model of providing independent
advice to the government. ,
2) Funding: $340,000 U.S., ($50,000 from EPA's Office of Ground Water & Drinking
Water Program) as well as Mexican expenditures of approximately $126,000
3) Partners: Ford Foundation, Tinker Foundation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
and the National Research Council. ,
ซ f .'
4) Description: The comittee's report resulted from a binational, non-government partnership
between the UlS. National Research Council and the Mexican Academies of Science and
Engineering. The purpose of the partnership is to sustain and strengthen science in both
countries through collaborative activities. \
5) Status: A prepublication copy of the report was produced for dissemination at meeting -
held on March 21, 1995 in Mexico City. The Mexican academy also produced their own,
more expansive version in Spanish that is directed to local water planners. The bilingual
report is recognized as the formal product of the study, having gone through the review
process of both academies. The experience with the water study was instrumental in the
formation of the Mexican National Research Council.
6) Schedule: Final report completed. The bilingual publication available from National
Academy Press. v ' .
7) U.S. Contacts:
Charles DuMars, University of New Mexico
Ismael Herrera Revilla, Mexico National University
Ron Hoffer, EPA Office of Ground Water & Drinking
Water, (202) 260-7096 .
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1-27
May 1995
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Project Name;
Detecting Plant Community Condition and Pattern From AVHRR
Imagery in Arid Systems
1) Purpose and Objectives: Evaluate the degree to which spatial patterns in plant
communities of arid ecosystems can be derived from AVHRR spectral signatures. The primary
objective is to develop a remote sensing approach to assess status and trends in plant
community composition and pattern in arid landscapes.
2) Funding: Funding for FY94 - $100K (EPA/ORD/EMAP Rangelands)
Funding for FY95 - $20QK (EPA/ORD/EMAP Rangelands' and Landscapes)
Organizations receiving funds include tbe ARS in Las Cruces, N.M. (via an Interagency
Agreement) and New Mexico State University Geography Department (via COOP with ARS).
3) Partners: "The primary partners (in addition to the EPA EMSL-LV Lab) are the
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and New Mexico State University. Collaboration with
Mexican scientists (to be determined) will begin in mid to late F.Y95. ,
4) Description: The project involves acquisition of AVHRR imagery for most of the
Chihuahuan Desert, including portions in northern Mexico, est Texas, southern New Mexico,
and southeast Arizona. We will attempt to calibrate temporally-robust spectral signatures
derived fronx AVHRR with plant community composition and pattern on long-term research
sites within the region. Currently, 16 sites have been selected covering the broad geographic
area listed above^ including: (1) Big Bend National Park, (2) Waste Isolation Pilot Plant
(between Hobbs.and Carlsbad, N.M.), (3) Carlsbad Caverns National Monument, (4) Fort
Bliss, (5) White Sands Missile Range, (6) Hollaman Air Force Base, (7) Jornada Experimental
Range, (8) New Mexico State University Ranch, ,(9) Sevielleta LTER and Wildlife Refuge,
(1O) Fort Huachucha, (11) San Pedro Riparian area, (12) Empire Cienega Ranch, (13) Santa
Rita Experiment Range, (14) Elgin Research Ranch, (15) Walnut Gulch Watershed, (16) and
the La Campana Research Ranch in Chihuahua, Mexico. In FY94, this work was restricted to
the area in and around the Jornada LTER site. Preliminary results on the Jornada showed that
AVHRR can detect changes in grass and shrub compositions in the Chihuahuan Desert. In
FY95 and FY96, the pro-ect will be expanded to the larger desert region and compared to
field data on the 16 sites. The aim is to develop a cost-effective remote sensing approach that
will assess status and trends in plant communities over large areas within arid regions of
North America. These data will be used to assess issues of desertification, rangeland
productivity, and .biodiversity. \
5) Status: The project started in FY94 and will be completed at the end of FY97.
6) Schedule: The project will be expanded to cover most of the Chihuahuan'Desert in FY95
and FY96, including northern Mexico. A primary spin-off benefilt is the application of this
technique in other North American deserts as well as other deserts of the world, to address
desertification, rangeland productivity, and biodiversity.
.'"-''-- . ** "
7) U.S. Contacts: Dr: Walter Whitford (505) 646-8017, Daniel T. Heggem (702) 798-2278
K. Bruce Jones (702) 798-2671 Dr. Al Peters (505) 646-1892.
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name;
Technical Assistance on Health Risk Assessment for Latin America and
the Caribbean
1) Purpose and Objectives: To promote the use of environmental epidemiology
methodology in Latin American and Caribbean countries as an instrument to evaluate adverse
health effects which may result from environmental exposure to chemical agents and
ultimately to help develop policies and intervention projects that will improve the
environmental health in these countries. . .
2) Funding: U.S. EPA-Pan American Health Organization Cooperative Agreement
proposed funding
- Total Costs 'Cost Sharing Total Cost to EPA
FY93 $400,000 $100,000 $300,000
FY94 $325,000 $ 75,000 $250,000
FY95 $325,000 $75,000 $250,000
3) Partners: U.S. EPA and the Pan American Center for Human Ecology and Health
4) Description: The cooperative agreement provides for the conduct of training in the basic
concepts of risk assessment and management, comparative risk, ecological risk and
cost/benefit analysis. In addition, opportunities for future epidemiological studies in the
region are being identified. Specific studies that focus on environmental epidemiology and
related areas that cover gaps in the knowledge needed to support risk management decisions
are now beginning.
5) Status: A risk assessment course developed by the U.S. EPA was modified for use by
PAHO and given in Managua, Nicaragua and Concepcion, Chile. Book entitled
Environmental. Epidemiology: A Project for Latin American and the Caribbean has been
produced which describes the four*specific priority areas of air pollutants, heavy metals,
pesticides, and solvents. Based on the recommendation of the working groups dealing with
each specific priority area, several studies are being funded; these include: 1) a study on
exposure-related saturation of the mechanism of inorganic arsenic methylation and its
implications for setting a,drinking water standard; 2) assessment of neurological effects in
children exposed to arsenic, lead, and cadmium near a smelter in San Luis Potosi, Mexico;
and 3) a pilot study comparing health risks derived from exposure to various environmental
chemical contaminants in Mexico. .
6) Schedule: Well-planned studies which elucidate the human health effects in the four
priority areas of interest (pesticides, metals, air pollution, and solvents) and which fill
knowledge gaps needed to support risk management decisions will be sought out .by requests
for proposals for preliminary sutdies. PAHO representatives in each country and a journal '
advertisement will be used to facilitate this solicitation. Scoping excercises will be conducted
to review research needs in the epidemiology of exposure to hazardous waste via an ad hoc
working group. Risk assessment courses for Mexico, the Andean Region, and the English
speaking Caribbean are planned for this year. A course in environmental epidemiology
developed by PAHO, U.S. EPA, and WHO will be given also.
7) U.S. Contacts: Dr. Chori Shoaf, U.S. EPA (919)541-4155 ' = '
Dr. Rob McConnell, ECO
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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.,,.,,May 1955
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Project Name; Climate Change Country Study for Mexico
1) Purpose and Objectives: Through'the U.S. Climate Change Country Studies Program,
twelve federal agencies are providing technical and financial assistance to developing and
transition countries in order to build expertise and capacity to respond to climate change.
Countries participating in the program agree to produce a greenhouse gas inventory, and may
also assess their vulnerabilities to climate change and their options for mitigating greenhouse
gas emissions. The studies should help the participating countries to comply with their
commitments under the Framework Convention on Climate Change, and in particular, to
communicate their national climate change policies and measures.
2) Funding: US $1,036,19,0 in FY93 funds :
3) Partners: The Institute Nacional de. Ecologia (formerly in SEDESOL) is the recipient
and project manager for the cooperative agreement. UNAM"s Centre de Ciencias de la
Atmosfera is the technical coordinator. Approximately two dozen other Mexican research and
government agencies are participating in the project.
'" - ' ' [ - - ' - --N. ,
4) Description: Under this agreement, Mexico will produce a greenhouse gas inventory for
the year 1990 (and other years). They will assess their vulnerabilities to climate change,
including in the agriculture, coastal, hydrological, human settlements and other areas. They
will also examine future scenarios of economic and energy development to Identify
greenhouse gas implications and cost and other impacts.
5) Status: The agreement began in early 1994, First full reports from each of the three
main areas of work (GHG inventories, vulnerabilities, and mitigation scenarios) are now
available, and review will begin. A full final report is expected before the end of 1995.
6) Schedule: Work is expected to be complete before the end of 1995,
7) U.S. Contact: Jane Leggett Emil, ,OPPE/Climate Change Division
(202) 260-8624 .
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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SOUTHWEST CENTER FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND
POLICY (SCERP)
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
131
May 1995
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Project Name;
Overview of Cooperative Agreement with the Southwest Center for
Environmental Research and Policy (SCEKP)
1) Purpose and Objectives: EPA's FY 1995 appropriation included "$2,000,000 for the
Southwest Center for Environmental Research and Policy." EPA's objective with this
cooperative agreement is to provide for .the improvement of the health and environment along
the U.S./Mexico border. Since no media focus (i.e., air, water,; waste, etc.) was specified by
the appropriation language, SCERP and the Office of Air and Radiation will pursue efforts in
most, if not all, media. EPA is working together with member institutions to better
Coordinate on-going activities, minimize duplication of efforts, and ensure that research
projects are relevant to the border community. . . '
2) Funding: $2,000,000 Congressionally directed to SCERP. An .additional $100,000. is
provided by. the recipient as a 5 percent matching contribution.
3) Partners: SCERP Institutions
University of Utah < ..".'
San Diego State University
University of Texas, El Paso
New Mexico State University
' ^ Arizona State University ' , . .
SCERP Partners - " . .
Institute Technologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey
Universidad Autonoma de Baja California
Institute Tecnqlogico de Ciudad Juarez
f Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez ,
Office of Air and Radiation, U.S. EPA
Region 6, U.S. EPA
Region 9, U.S. EPA
r~ ' '"
4) Description: Under a cooperative agreement with EPA, SCERP institutions will conduct
10 to 15 projects that address health and environmental problems of the border region. The
projects are selecte'd through a competitive process involving individuals, from SCERP' s
management committee, EPA Headquarters, EPA Regions 6 and 9, and private industry.
Some of the projects will focus on one med^a while others may be multimedia in nature (e,g.
xboth air and water). Also, some of the projects may be continuations from last year's SCERP
program which focused exclusively on the air media. The agreement covers a one year
.period. Detailed project descriptions follow. -
5) Status: The cooperative agreement is in place and individual project proposals under the
grant have been selected.
6) Schedule: The one year project period of this agreement begins April 1, 1995 and
continues until March 31, 1996; *
7) U.S. Contacts: Todd Rinck, EPA HQ, OAR, (202) 260^2178
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name:
Quantitative Analysis of Dynamic Video Images and Static Images of
the Paso Del Norte Air Basin: Years 1992-1994
1) Purpose and Objectives: This project will investigate the use of quantitative analysis of
both static camera and dynamic video images of the El Paso-Juarez airshed. Images have
been recorded by the Texas Natural Resource and Conservation Commission (TNRCC). One
anticipated outcome is a cost-effective quantitative means of measuring air quality.
2) Funding: $84,000 SCERP FY95 funds (EPA) ~ . '
3) Partners: University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), TNRCC, Instituto Tecnologico y de
Estudios Superiores de Monterrey ,
4) Description: For three years TNRCC has taken periodic static camera and dynamic video
images of the El Paso-Juarez airshed. This project will use computerized imagery analysis to.
produce quantitative information about the air quality of the basin. The project will analyze
images from a two year period and will correlate quantitative image characterization with,air
quality data from existing monitoring stations. . .
5) Status: To begin upon receipt of funding (Jun-1, 1995).
6) Schedule: Estimated completion date is March 1996.
7) U.S. Contacts:
Dr. Charles Turner, Dept of Civil Engr, UTEP (915)747-6908
Dr. Norris J. Parks, Dept of Civil Engr, UTEP (915)747-6920 ป
Bob Currey, Ctr for Env Resource Mgmt, UTEP (915)747-6274 -
Todd Rinck, EPA (202) 260-2178 . , .
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
133
May 1995
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Project Name;
The Provision of Safe Drinking Water for Low Income Border
Communities Using Appropriate Water Purification/Waste Water
Techniques
1) Purpose and Objectives: To improve drinking water quality and promote hygiene
education in low-income communities still unserved by water and waste water infrastructure
in the El Paso-Juarez area. The intent is to transfer to local community agencies the Hygiene
Education and Appropriate Technologies (HEAT) Model, a low-cost, communityrbased
program which trains volunteers in water purification techniques and hygiene promotion and
introduces appropriate technologies. In 1994, the model was successfully field tested in six
communities ~ training 51 volunteers who worked with a total of 525 families.
- . " . }, - \
2) Funding: $70,000 SCERP FY95 Funds (EPA)
3) Partners: University of Texas El Paso (UTEP); Direction de Desarrollo Comunitario, .
Sistema Municipal para el Desarrollo Integral'de la Familia (DIP); El Paso City/County
Health and Environmental District; Kellogg Community, Partnership Institute for Border
Community Health Education; Secretaria de Salud, Jurisdiction Sanitaria II; Universidad
Autonpma'de Ciudad Juarez; University of Houston School of Public Health at El Paso.
4) Description: Project, tasks:
a. Transfer the technical and educational skills developed in the pilot project to community
agencies already serving low- income border communities (colonias) in the'El Paso-Juarez
area. ..-'-..,' .. ' ' " .''.','
b. Supervise the implementation of the model by these community agencies; provide
materials for the implementation and on-going technical support.
c. Develop mechanisms and procedures to enhance the long-term sustainability of the
project. ,
d. Conduct a sample survey of participants in the pilot phase to determine continued levels
of utilization and develop remedial techniques, as appropriate. >
, 5) Status: A sample of the participating households from the pilot phase are taking part in the
follow-up survey, The project is currently producing a training video to assist in the transfer
phase. ' : ; '
6) Schedule: Estimated completion date is May, 1996
7) U.S. Contacts-
Amy Liebman, Ctr for Env Resource Mgmt, UTEP (915) 747-5494
Bob Currey, Ctr for Env Resource Mgmt, UTEP (915) 747-6274
' Todd Rinck, EPA OAR (202) 260-2178 . .
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
134
May 1995
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Project Name;
Study of Brick Kiln Designs and Development of Technical Courses for
the Brickmakers Training Center in Ciudad Juarez
1) Purpose and Objectives: To continue work to develop techniques to reduce environmental
pollution by designing methods to incorporate the use of less polluting energy sources into the
brickmaking process. This project will explore the use of solar dryers that will lessen brick
firing time, thus reducing fuel consumption and pollution emitted during the firing process.
2) Funding: $71,000 SCERP FY95 funds (EPA) '
3) Partners: University of Texas El Paso (UTEP), Instituto Tecnologico y Estudios
Superiores de Monterrey, Los Alamos,,El Paso Natural Gas, and Instituto de Investigaciones
Eco Tecnologicas
4) Description: An ongoing program, this project will field test solar dryers designed by the
previous project; determine the most appropriate type of solar dryer for use by brickmakers;
and transfer this technology through, an on-site demonstration model constructed at the
Brickmaker's Training Center in Cd. Juarez and the integration of results into courses taught
at the Center. '
5) Status: Currently the project is working to determine the most effective methods to >.
incorporate solar drying into the process and to increase the overall efficiency of the
brickmaking industry. A model dryer has been designed and is being tested at the UTEP
campus. Results will determine the design of the dryer to be field tested by Juarez
brickmakers over summer 1995. Those results will lead to final modifications and the
construction, installation, and monitoring of working prototypes in Fall 1995 and Spring 1996.
6) Schedule: Project completion date is March 31, 1996 ,
7) U.S. Contacts: ^
Nancy Lowery, Ctr for Env Resource Mgmt, UTEP (915) 747-6648 .
Dr. Ryan Wicker, Dept of Mech & Ind Engr, UTEP (915) 747-7099
Bob Currey, Ctr for Env Resource Mgmt, UTEP (915) 747-6274
Todd Rinck, EPA (202)260-2178
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
135
May 1995
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Project Name;
Upper Atmospheric Wind and Temperature Profile Data for the El
Paso-Juarez Airshed
, 1) Purpose and Objectives: This project samples upper air temperature and wind velocity
profiles. These data are necessary, to develop computer models For the airshed. .
2) Funding: $14,400 SCERP FY95 funds (EPA)
3) Partners: University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) and Texas Natural Resource Conservation
Commission (TNRCC) , ;
4) Description: This is an ongoing project in its third year. Upper air temperature and wind
velocity profiles are sampled using a pulsed doppler radar and a radio acoustic sounder. A
data base is maintained, and one hour averages of the parameters are processed and analyzed
to provide seasonal averages and expected wind and temperature associated with particular
' weather events. These profiles can be used in computer models to determine diffusion and
transport of pollutants in the airshed. .
5) Status: Monitoring continues.
6) Schedule: Project completion date is March 31, 1996
7) U.S. Contacts:
Dr. Jack Smith, Dept of Electrical Engr, UTEP (915) 747-6959
; Bob Currey, Ctr for EnvResourpe Mgmt, UTEP (915) 747-6274 ,
Todd Rinck, EPA (202) 260-2178 '. .
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name;
The Border Basket: Analysis of Toxic Metals in Retail Food, El
Paso-Juarez
1) Purpose and Objectives: This project investigates the role of diet as a source of exposure
to toxic metals for residents of the El Paso-Juarez border region.. It will establish use patterns
of food, utensils, and medicinals and determine the levels of toxic metals and other elements
in those items. < '
2) Funding: $159,000 SCERP FY95 Funds (EPA)
3) Partners: University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) and Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad
Juarez '.'-' '' " "' / '. ~ ' ' ' ' ''" .'"'' ' ' .'-''. ''... ;-.',
4) Description: This project will examine samples of both US and Mexican manufacture and.
origin, and pay particular attention to popular Mexican products which are commercially
imported or purchased by individuals for consumption in the US. This study is expected to
document whether diet is a significant route of exposure to toxic metals in the border
population. The project will also be a watchdog and serve as a mechanism for alerting
appropriate health agencies to products substantiated to be hazardous.
/ " ' ~ .. > ''
5) Status: To begin upon receipt of funding (Jun 1, 1995).
.."''"" ' ' .' i
6) Schedule: Project completion date is March 31, 1996 ;" ,
7) U.S. Contacts:
Dr. Nicholas E. Pingitore, Jr., Geol Sci, UTEP (915) 747-5754
Dr. Maria Amaya, Nursing & Allied Health, UTEP (915) 747-7231
Bob Currey, Center for Env Resource Mgmt, UTEP (915) 747-6274 . ,
Todd Rinck, EPA (202) 260-2178 ,
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May, 1995
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Project Name; University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) Geographic Information Systems
(CIS) Development
1) Purpose and Objectives: This project will integrate UTEP's GIS environmental research
, and outreach programs with existing of SCERP and the El Paso-Juarez region.
2) Funding: $20,000 SCERP FY95 Funds (EPA) *.-..'..,' -
3) Partners: UTEP and other SCERP consortium memb'ers
4) Description: The project will determine what agencies and organizations' are maintaining
geographic data of the El Paso-Juarez region, and what data are being 'maintained. It will
explore data formats and determine compatibility among existing GIS users. The goals are
integration of existing GIS to reduce duplication of effort, and expanded availability of
information.
5) Status: To begin upon receipt of funding (Jun 1, 1995).
6) Schedule: Although SCERP funding for FY95 expires Mar 31, 1996, this will be an
ongoing project at UTEP. ;
7) U.S. Contacts:
Bob Currey, Ctr for Env Resource Mgmt, UTEP (915) 747-6274,
ToddRinck, EPA (202) 260-2178 ' ."'.'''''
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995
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Project Name; Prevention of Air Contamination: Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)
Reduction in Paint and Body Shops in Juarez .
1) Purpose and Objectives: To train paint and body shop owners in Ciudad Juarez in
methods of reducing volatile organic compounds. .
2) Funding: $34,800 SCERP FY94 Funds (EPA)
t ' ' - . *
3) Partners: University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) and the Environmental Defense Fund
(EDF) ----; '.,.
4) Description: This project provides training about less polluting products/and methods to
paint and body shop owners in Juarez, Mexico. '
5) Status: Project team is working with Juarez participants, including representatives from
Junta Municipal de Agua y Saneamiento, Direction de Ecologia; Institute Tecnblogico y
Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, and Procuraduria Federal de Protection Ambiental
(PROFEPA) to develop training materials and set training dates.
6) Schedule: Project period is May 1 to September 30, 1995. " ;.
7) U.S. Contacts:
Jan Hartman, Gtr for Env Resource Mgmt, UTEP (915) 747-,5721.
Dr. Carlos Rincon, EDF, El Paso (915) 747-6644
Bob Currey, Ctr for Env Resource Mgmt, UTEP (915) 747-6274 v- ''-.
Todd Rinck, EPA (202) 260-2178. '
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
139
May 1995
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Project Name; Flows and Regional Risk Assessment of Transporting Hazardous Waste
in the U.S.-Mexico Border Region .
1) Purpose and Objectives: To develop estimations of hazardous waste generation by
industry type to be used to determine transportation flows in he border region. Flow matrices
will be developed under various policy scenarios. The transportation risk assessment will be
completed for the Sonora area in Year I b^sed on population and ecological factors. Year II
will complete the GIS-risk assessment tool for the entire border region.
2) Funding: A $85,524 SCERP FY 1995 (EPA) grant has been awarded for year I. This
covers the period 04/01/95 to 03/31796.
3) Partners: Arizona State University and EPA > .
4) Description: The implementation of the NAFTA and enforcement of Mexican
environmental regulations may result in a substantial increase in shipments; of hazardous waste
throughout the border region and into the United States. Research is needed to assess the
risks resulting from transportation accidents and policies to avoid and reduce these risks. The
study has already begun to collect data and has developed a GIS for the Sonoran region.
Management scenarios will be applied to measure their effects on overall environmental risk.
5) Status: EPA and state manifest data have been collected and a database has been
established of existing lows. In addition, the risk analysis model (excluding the ecological
parameters) has been completed and the GIS for Sonora is operable/ Data is being collected
on waste generation, employment, and by SIC to determine waste projection factors. ,
6) Schedule: The database for hazardous waste generation and projection assumptions will be
completed by September 1995 and the projections of shipments by November 1995. The risk
assessment will be undertaken between October 1995 and March 1996.
7) U.S. Contacts:
Duncan T. Patten, ASU, (602) 965-3051
Todd Rinck, EPA (202) 260-2178
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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May 1995.
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Project Name;
Seasonal characterization of inorganic and organic contaminants
associated to suspended particle matter and evaluation of its possible
effects on children's respiratory health in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico
1) Purpose and Objectives: Due to rapid development and the subsequent increase in
vehicular traffic through the twin cities of Lafedo-Nuevo Laredo and their recent industrial
growth, a good deal of air contamination is to be expected with Total Suspended
Matter (TSM) and many associated chemical contaminants. The adverse health effects in the
respiratory system may be magnified by the presence of certain chemical substances within
the PM10 fraction. A retrospective epidemiological study will be perfornied with the data
from the health institutions about respiratory illnesses in primary school children to determine
negative health effects due to high suspended particle pollution. A database of respiratory
health in children in the border area will be compiled and will be useful in proposing-the
necessary preventive or remedial actions wherever environmental risk exists. The study will
enhance the effort to better understand the environmental problems of the U.S.-Mexican
border at the Nuevo Laredo-Laredo commerce and vehicle zone. , '
2) Funding: a $67, 160 SCERP FY 1995 (EPA) grant has been awarded for year I. This
covers the period from 4/1/95 to 3/31/96. .-
3) Partners: Arizona State University, University of Texas, El Paso and Instituto Tecnologico
y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey
4) Description: In this proposal 24 metals and 16 Polyciclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons are
chosen as indicators of the chemical pollution carried by the PM10 fraction. It is also ,
expected that the data obtained from the quantification of PM10 and their associated chemical
indicators can be correlated to the proposed epidemiological health studies of respiratory
function in children in the City of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. The sampling methodology is
based on Mexican and USEPA accepted methods. A retrospective epidemiological study will
be performed with data from the health institutions about respiratory tests including
standardized spirometric valves and anthropometric measurements at 3 month intervals will be
performed in 100 children in each one of the nearby schools of the sampled areas.
5) Status: Bibliographic, research and selection of the sampling sites has begun. Sampling
with Hi-Volume method will begin July 15, 1995. _
! , I ,,..'-'
6) Schedule: By January 1996, we will have collected enough data to begin to compile and
evaluate results with similar studies with the purpose of obtaining a more complete analysis of
the behavior of the contaminants.
7) U.S. Contact:
Duncan T. Patten, ASU, (602) 965-3051
Todd Rinck, EPA (202) 260-2178
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Project Name;
Database Coordination Initiative Sources of Air Pollution Along the
Border: Analysis of Data, Databases, and Information. Economic
Incentives for Pollution Reduction ' -
1) Purpose and Objectives: To develop a binational data base that identifies and
characterizes principal sources of air pollution along the US-Mexico border. The data will be
incorporated into related Geographipal Information Systems (GIS) being developed for the , .
bordei; regions. The information will be used as a basis for developing realistic, cost effective,
mitigation strategies to reduce air pollution in the border region. Strategies that address the
technical aspects of abatement; economic costs and benefits of various scenarios, and
institutional barriers on both sides of the border will be addressed. Because a large fraction of
the air pollutants in the border region originate from the energy sector, e.g., power plants and
vehicles, we will focus our efforts on the power generating and transportation sectors on both
sides of the border. ' ,
2) Funding: $190,000 SGERP FY95 Funds (EPA) ,
3) Partners: Universidad Autonoma de Baja California (UABC), Institute of Engineering,
Mexicalij Universidad Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico City; San Diego Association of
Governments (SANDAG), San DiegO, California; Air Pollution Control District,
San Diego, California. .
4) Description: Project Tasks: ; , ,
a) Collect data on both sides of border" for point sources of air pollution. Develop contacts
within CFE (Mexican National Electric Utility), PEMEX, Mexican state and local statistical .
offices. . ... . '" ,'',-. -.,- . , V. '''.-.'.- ;'...
b) Design standard data formatting for .use on both sides of border .-
c) Develop GIS procedures for both sides of border. .
d) Adapt SANDAG and CALTRANS transportation models for use in Mexican border
cities. . . . '.''_ - * -. . ,.-.:"' ;.' :' ...'.''-'.: .,.
e) Develop mitigation strategies for air pollution reduction in border region, particularly in
the prinqipaltwin-city regions. ,
f) Develop economic incentive approaches to reduce air pollution in the border region.
5) Status: Most of the data for the US and about 30% of the data for the Mexican side of the
border has been collected. Transportation modelling for Mexican border cities has -begun.
Preliminary input to border GIS systems has taken place.
6) Schedule: Estimated completion date is May 1996 . ,
7) US Contacts:
Alan Sweedler, SDSU, (619) 594-6155
Paul Ganster, SDSU, (619) 5940-5423
Todd Rinck, EPA (202) 260-2178
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, May 1995
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Project Name;
An Integrated Cross-Border Geographic Information System for the
San Diego-Tijuana Interface
1) Purpose and Objectives: This project involves the development of a comprehensive GIS
for the San Diego-Tijuana interface and its utilization in a set of environmental concerns. .
2) Funding: $184,441 SCERP FY 1995 funds (EPA) . :
3) Partner: San Diego State University and El Colegio de la Frontera Norte
4) Description: The goals of the research are: 1) to inventory GIS databases and GIS users in
the California-Baja California section of the U.S.-Mexico border; 2) to develop a
comprehensive GIS database for the San Diego-Tijuana region; 3) to develop a customized '
user-friendly interface for using the GIS database; 4) to investigate options for transborder
GIS data sharing; 5) to integrate air quality data in me San Diego-Tijuana interface with GIS
and remote sensing technologies; 6) to analyze the impact of urban expansion within the study,
area on air quality and downstream water demand, quality, and pollution; 7) to model,multiple
species preserve designs; and 8) to integrate and train researchers from Mexico and the United
States. . , ;'
* .-'
5) Status: Good progress is being made on most goals, but especially goals 1, 2, 4, and 6.
6) Schedule: At, this time we are beginning:to examine goals 3, 5,1, and 8. The GIS
development is being coordinated with other SCERP institutions, namely, the University of
Utah, Arizona State University, New Mexico State University, and the University of
Texas, El Paso. A final report will be ready after April 30, 1996.
7) U.S. Contact:
Richard Wright, SDSUi (619) 594-5466
Todd Rinck, EPA (202) 260-2178
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May 1995
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Project Name;
Characterization and Dynamics of Air Pollutants in the
Southeastern Mexican-U.S. Border Area
1) Purpose and Objectives: the eastern US Mexico border region (Brownsville-Matamoros
to McAllen-Reynosa) is of great interest to both countries, since several cities^ colonias and
industries are located at both sides. Also, agricultural activities in the region are extensive
and, due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico meteorological conditions play an important
role in the dispersion of pollutants in the air.' The principal thrust of this project is to perform
chemical speciation and source apportionment of volatile organic compounds (VOC's) as well
as chemical and biological characterization and source apportionment,of PM10 and study its_
dynamics and fate in air at selected monitoring locations along the border region.
2) Funding: $125,000 Year One, FY 1995 SCERP Funds (EPA). -
3) Partners: Centre de Calidad Ambiental, ITESM Monterrey, Mexico; Centro de Desarrollo
Biotecnolgico, ITESM Monterrey, Mexico; and" Center for Micro Analysis (202) 260-2178 ,
and Reaction Chemistry, University of Utah ,
4) Description: - This project is based on two environmental priority study areas of the U.S.
Mexico Border Plan: (1) binational monitoring of PM10 and other target pollutants; and .
(2) .development and verification of regional airshed models in non attainment areas along the^
border. The activities of the project will include a chemical speciation and source
apportionment of VOCs as well as chemical and biological characterization and source
apportionment of PM10 and study its dynamics and fate in the' air at selected monitoring
locations along the border region (Brownsville-Matamoros to McCallen-Reynosa).
PM10 receptor and source samples will be characterized by pyrolysis GC/MS as well as
microscopic techniques to determine their chemical or biological nature and origin. Principal
component analysis; rotation and regression methods will be used for source apportionment of
PM10;as well as VOC constituents. At the same time, selected atmospheric dispersion models
recbmrmended.by EPA will be used to study the dynamics of PM10. A geographic
information system (GIS) will be developed with the information generated from this project,
including the develop-ment of a better understanding of the pollutant dynamics and their
impact on population and the environment. ,
*' t ' ' - - .- '-,'
5) Status: This project relates to the 1983,La Paz agreement, annex V, which directs the
EPA and INE to assess the causes of and develop solutions to air quality problems, as well as
make recommendations for reducing PM10 concentrations/ pollutants in the border region.
6) Schedule: Project period 24 months (4/11/95-3/31/97).
During the first part of year one, the meteorological conditions and ecological variations of ,
/the surrounding areas will be studied to determine the best monitoring sites. At these sites,
concentrations of PM10 and VOCs will be monitored over 24 hour period at different times
of the year in order to address diurnal as well as seasonal variations.
7) U.S. Contacts:
Henk Meuzelaar, University of Utah (801) 581 8431
Todd Rinck, EPA (202) 260-2178 V
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Project Name:
Selection and Analysis of the Use of Alternative Fuels in Brick
Manufacturing
1) Purpose and Objectives: Reduce the amount of natural gas or LP gas needed to
completely fire each brick thereby increasing the economic attractiveness of using the low
polluting fuels. To achieve this goal, a combined experimental and analytical study will-
examine four key issues: (a) Can the gas fired burner (and/or) the gaseous 'fuel be slightly
altered io increase the radiant flux from the flame and thus enhance overall heat transfer? (b) '
Can scrap wood or sawdust be used in conjunction with the gas to decrease the overall
demand for gas and still not increase pollutant emissions'? (c) Can the overall thermal
efficiency of the process be improved by altering the furnace configuration and/or cycle
scheme? (d) What can be done to improve energy recovery and reduce the sensible heat losses
associated with cool down'of the bricks? .
2)'Funding: $95,000 SCERPFY 1995 funds (EPA). _' ' . ! :
3) Partners: University of Utah, REMAP. Brickmaker's Training Center and the 'El Paso :
Natural Gas Company. ."-...
4) Description: The firing of bricks in small, privately owned kilns has been identified as a
major source of air pollution in the border area. Fortunately, a community group, FEMAP,
with strong support from El Paso Natural Gas and many others has built a major training and
development center which is currently helping the local population convert these kilns from
high polluting waste fuels to natural gas and propane. However, the high cost of natural gas
and propane makes it highly desirable to supplement these clean burning fuels with other fuels
such as saw dust.
This project will support the on going efforts of the Brickmaker's Training Center in Ciudad
Juarez, Mexico. The project will specifically focus on the question of how gas consumption
can be reduced through the use of locally available, lower cost fuels (in conjunction with gas
firing) and through other changes in the brick kilns to improve thermal efficiency.=20
All proposed modifications of brick kiln design or operation will be evaluated in terms of
effectiveness and affordability in regard to the kilns' owners, The project will involve
experimental testing in a typical brick kiln to be built at the University of Utah's combustion
laboratory and system modeling The modeling will be used to evaluate the effects of
modifications to the kilns such as increased insulation, location of burners, distribution of
waste fuels, kiln geometry and brick stacking patterns.
5) Status: Ongoing
6) Schedule: A twelve month period,(4/11/95-3/31/96) to include tasks involving facility
design and construction; experimental testing and measurement; model development, analysis,
modification, and simulations:
7) U.S. Contacts: Dr. Geoffrey D.Silcox (801) 581 8820, and
Dr. JoAnnLighty, (801) 581 5763, University of Utah '
Todd Rinck, EPA (202) 260-2178
Mexican Contact: Dr. Octayio Chavez, Centre CompetividadJnterriacional. , '
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Project Name:
Drinking Water Quality in the U.S. Mexican Border Region:
Assessment of Water Supplies, Treatment and Distribution
1) Purpose and Objectives: Assess the status of drinking water sources, treatment, and
distribution in the border region; assess the^ quality of drinking water consumed in the border
region, not only in the larger metropolitan areas, but also in the vast rural areas along the
border; and identify the primary drinking water concerns in the border region.
[ . ' . . - - *<.'' ' -
2) Funding: $45,000 year one, SCERP FY 1995 funds (EPA) . '..'.'' :
3) Partners: University of Utah and Collaboration of SCERP database and GIS projects.
4) Description: Rapid population growth along the U.S./Mexico border in recent years has
resulted in large-increases in municipal, industrial, and agricultural water usage to local
streams and groundwater reservoirs have also occurred. Infrastructure improvements have
failed to keep up the population growth and modern municipal services (e.g., water supply
and sewage collection remain intermittent or non existent in some areas). .
'..'." . i . --
: , ' - \ ' ",.' - ' - -" ' '
This study will document drinking water quality, treatment and distribution practices in the
border region. Existing data sources will be used to determine the status of drinking water ori
both sides of the U.S./Mexican border in rural, suburban, and urban communities. Data on
the quality, reliability, and'type of water .resources serving as raw water sources will be
collected and synthesized. Water treatment methods and practices prior to distribution and
consumption will also be summarized. Samples of raw water sources and finished water will
. be obtained from a number of representative locations and tested for the constituents of major
concern such as total coliform, TSS, turbidity, conductivity, pH, TDS, TOC, metals,
hydrocarbons, and COD. The combination of this information will provide a realistic picture
of the. drinking water quality in the region. Additionally, distribution methods and their impact
upon water quality .at the point of consumption will be investigated. This informatin will be.
presented in a final report with action oriented recommendations for state and local
government agencies concerned with drinking water quality.
5) Status: Not yet begun ,. /.
6) Schedule: The operational tasks of this project'are scheduled to begin July 1995 and
-continue through June 1997. The tasks are as follows: ' , \
Task 1: conduct extensive complete literature survey (Sept 1995); ! v
Task 2: gather data on status of drinking water supplies on the U;S. side of the border (Dec.
1995); . ' ' ! , ','''-''
Task 3: Gather data on status of drinking water supplies on Mexican side jof the border.
7) U.S. Contacts:
, Dr. Donald F. Hayes, (801) 581 7110, University of Utah ,
Todd Rinck, EPA (202) 260-2178 . ' ' '.
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Project Name;
Database Coordination Initiative
1) Purpose and Objectives: Coordinate and make available to the environmental community
the data and databases developed by the tSCERP projects -
2) Funding: $115,000 Southwest Center for Environmental Research & Policy FY1995.
' " ''
3) Partners: University of Utah, Arizona State University, New Mexico State University,
San Diego State University, University of Texas at El Paso, Institute Tecnplogico y de
Estudios de Monterrey (ITESM), Instiruto Tecnologico de Ciudad Juarez, Universidad
Aut6noma de Baja California and Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez.
4) Description: This project will coordinate databases and data generated by SCERP projects
and make important information available through the existing SCERP Gopher server and new
World Wide Web sever, on Internet to communities, researchers, the private sector, and the
public sector. This system will provide a central contact point for obtaining information
about SCERP projects. It will also facilitate development of an urgently needed border wide
environmental information system to support all sectors and to assess progress on border
problems in the environmental areas of: air quality; water quality; hazardous waste and
materials; environmental health, training, educatipn, and policy.
5) Status: This continuation project has been revised to facilitate a centralized GIS/database
information system on the SCERP environmental research activities implemented in the U.S.
Mexico border region: . ', '
6) Schedule: The activities planned for this project will cover a 12 month period
(3/1/95-4/30/96). They include: (a) acquisition of SCERP project data; (b) development of a
baseline text for World Wide Web; (c) Demonstration .hypertext to SCERP Pis, the EPA, and
other environmental groups in the U.S. Mexican Border region; (d) promote use and access to
SCERP project data; (e) development of a pilot database of SCERP contacts; (f) implemention
of the database project in at least four Mexican border communities; (g) development and
distribution of at least four issues of SCERP.net connections; (h) implemention of a SCERP
World Wide Web system, and develop presentation template; (i) preparation of quarterly
progress and final reports.
7) U.S. Contacts: ',
Dr. Ray H. Beckett, (801) 581 3795, University of Utah
Todd Rinck, EPA (202) 260-2178 " s,
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Project Name;
Geographic Information Systems Development Ambos Nogales
1)'.Purpose and Objectives: The basis of our GIS research effort is a regional ecological
characterization and database development for the Nogales Sonora/Arizona and the
Mexicali/Calexico areas. The ecological database processed in a GIS provides the foundation
for the primary research foci which include (a) -analysis and modeling of the effects of urban
land use dynamics in Nogales on hazardous materials sources, (b) the identification and
.modeling of surface and subsurface contaminant migration pathways, and (c) the estimation of
vulnerability, of human populations to hazardous materials incidents in Ambos Nogales.
2) Funding:' $130,000 SCERPFY 1995 funds .(EPA).
3) Partners: University of Utah and collaboration of Colegio de la Frontera Nprte and other
rSCERP GIS projects. - : ,
4) Description: This research project is multi faceted and involves on going scientific
investigations using a geographic information, systems (GIS) approach for: (a) modeling dense
gaseous contaminant pathways in Ambos Nogales; (b) GIS modeling of urban dynamics in
Ambos Nogales for the estimation:of future air and water contaminant loads; (c) the
formulation of sister city response planning based on analysis and GIS modeling of the ,
vulnerability of the residents of Ambos Nogales to a hazardous contaminant release; and (d)
the application of the Mexicali/Colexico GIS database in regard to the identification
agricultural sites at high risk from non point source water contamination. The project will
continue the development of a geographic database (satellite imagery, maps, terrain models,
land use classification) for the Mexicali Colexico region. Programs for training and
technology transfer of GIS expertise and analytical products to U.S./Mexican SGERP
collaborators, governmental agency personnel and the scientific community will continue to be
offered. The Overall intent is to combine the construction of border GIS. databases with a
wide spectrum of faculty and graduate student expertise to address critical environmental
problems on the Border. .
.- , . . - . . v - - . j . .- ,. . ,- . .'_..; .^ --..', - -. ' .
5) Status: Continue development of a geographic database (satellite imagery, maps, terrain
models, .land use classification) for the Mexicali-Calexico region. Programs for training and
technology transfer of GIS expertise and analytical products to U.S. Mexican SCERP
collaborators, governmental agency personnel and the scientific community will continue to be
offered.
6) Schedule: This project's Nogales study area and the Mexicali study area will cover a 12
month period (4/1/95-3/31/96). This includes enhancement of the Nogales database for
emergency response planning; integrating cameo with ARC/INFO database; urban
dynamics/GIS model implementation, benchmarking and code refinement; the construction of
a model for nitrate transport; testing and validation of a non point source contaminant model;
and the planning and hosting of a GIS workshop
7) U.S. Contacts:
Dr. George Hepner, (801) 581 8218, University of Utah
Todd.Rinck, EPA (202)260-2178 .:.'.-.'
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APPENDIX A - Border Environmental Cooperation
Commission / North American Development Bank
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Wastewater Management
BECC AND THE NADBANK FINANCING ENVIRONMENTAL
INFRASTRUCTURE ON TflE U.S.- MEXICO BORDER
BRIEF FACTS-;;, ... /-. _ . ,v ;:. ;..;,, .. ,;;,.., .\,,:, /,. -
o The new BECC-NADBank Agreement signed by President Clinton in November,
1993 creates a new environmental infrastructure program, giving U.S.-Mexico border
communities a much greater role in determining needs and how to fill them, and
incorporating a mix of federal, state, local and private sector funding.
o The Border Environment Cooperation Commission (BECC) is a joint U.S.-Mexico
organization, headquartered in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, that will help states, localities,
and the private sector to develop and find financing for environmental infrastructure
projects along the U.S.-Mexico border. , ,
The BECC Board will be .advised by a binational Advisory Council.
o The North American Development Bank (NADBank), with its principal office in
San Antonio, Texas, will provide loans and, loan guarantees to projects certified by the
-' '' BECC ; . V '_._.'. '.,-_. .'.-... ';/' ' ' :
NADBank will also have a "Community Adjustment and Investment Program"
' office in Los Angeles, California.
.-'*' . . . - " . ' '-^ ''
o Both organizations have installed boards of directors, selected general managers,
deputies and staff, and have established interim office space, bank accounts, etc. ,
'''' ' The first organizational meeting of the BECC Board of Directors was held
October 12, 1994, in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. The first BECC public meeting
was held November 17, 1994, also in Ciudad Juarez.
--,.' The first meeting of the NADBank Board of Directors was held June 17, 1994,
in San Antonio, Texas. ,
'.- The first joint meeting of the BECC and NADBank Directors was held
February 15, 1995 in San Antonio, Texas.
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o The charter provisions of the BECC and NADBank provide that:
The two main functions of the BECC are to:
v
(1) Assist states, localities, public agencies and private investors in:
Developing projects.
Analyzing project environmental and financial aspects. :
Evaluating project social and economic .benefits. '
Arranging public financing for projects.
,(2) Certify project financing applications to the NADBank or others.
The three main functions of the NADBank are to:
(1) Promote public and private capital investment in BECC projects.
(2) Supplement such investment with NADBank loans and guarantees.
(3) Provide technical assistance for financing BECC projects.
Infrastructure Financing Sources
o About $8 billion is expected to be available for U.S.-Mexico border environmental
infrastructure finance during the next 10 years:
$2 billion in U.S. financing from existing sources:
State and federal grants and loans
^- State revolving funds , _.... ;
State and local tax-exempt bonds
$2 billion is .expected over the next several years from World Bank arid Inter-
American Development Bank loans to Mexico :to support border environmental
activities. . . ; ,
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. . May .1995 ,
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;$4 billion is expected from new joint financing mechanisms:
$600 million or more from private sources. ,
;"",,- More than $2 billion by leveraging NADBank capitalization from each
country. ,
- Starting in Fiscal Year (FY) 1995 each country will capitalize
., .;.; , the NADBank through four annual contributions of $56;25
.million. The $225 million from each country will provide a total
' '.'.'-.. of $450 million in capitalization.
' . ," /' - t' ~
- Additional capitalization is provided by "callable capital."
' . $1.4 billion in grant funds ($700 million from each country.)
EPA Financing
o , In concert with the BECC, Federal EPA grants will be used for initial project
assistance, and to supplement funding for projects which cannot be completely
;i financed by NADBank, state or lo.eal governments, or on the private market.
.--.- Mexico and the U.S. have, eaph committed to provide $700 million from each
nation in federal grants over 7-10 years.
The president requested, and Congress-has appropriated, $100 million to EPA
, for FY 19,95. for border, infrastructure funding to begin meeting that"
; commitment. : :
EPA's FY 1995 appropriation includes funds for the Tijuana-South Bay
International Wastewater Treatment Plant, and wastewater treatment
projects in Mexicali, JNogales, and .other border cities. ;','.
' ' - . " , N ''-..'
U.S. colpnias wastewater treatment infrastructure funding will be authorized
and appropriated, separately from' other border infrastructure funding.
EPA's FY 1995 appropriation includes $50 million for this purpose.
o EPA and the government of Mexico are developing a new Border 2000 Plan, the next
phase of the Integrated Environmental Plan for the Mexican-U.S. Border Area (First
Stage, 1992-94), to include opportunities for improved funding management and
coordination with BECC and NADBank; utilizing the coordinated capabilities of
government agencies; and obtaining substantial input from border residents, groups and
communities. .
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FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT BECC
o BECC headquarters are in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, directly across the
border from El Paso, Texas. 'While permanent facilities are under design, temporary
. office space has been leased at:
Comision de Cooperation EcologicaFronteriza/
Border Environment Cooperation Commission
Torres Compestre, piso 6 ^
Blvd. Tomas Fernandez # 7940
Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua
C.P. 32470 '..".'''
Mexico ,
i^- -- ,'
Apartado Postal 3114.-J . '
Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua
Mexico
A U.S. point of contact has been established for the BECC:
Border Environment Cooperation Commission
P.O. Box 221648
El Paso, Texas, 79913 , ,
Telephone service from the U.S. is: 011-52-16-292395 , . ,
Facsimile transmission service is: 011-52-16-292397
' ' ' ^
O' The provisions of the BECC and NADBank charter provide that
The bi-national Board of Directors comprises two ex officio members and three
appouitees on each side,-, for a total of 10 members.
Nations alternately select a chairperson who serves for one year.
A quorum consists of at least three U.S. and three Mexican members.
Decisions require a majority vote, which consists of at least three U.S.
and three Mexican votes. r
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o
The Board must meet at least quarterly; more often if it or. the General
Manager directs. The Board: '. '..'-.
- Accepts requests for assistance from states, localities, other public
entities and private investors. May evaluate social and economic
benefits and financial feasibility of proposed environmental
infrastructure projects within 100 kilometers of either side of the U.S.-
Mexico border,
May coordinate, prepare, develop, implement, and oversee (but not
operate) environmental infrastructure projects, , ,
May arrange financing packages including grants, loans, loan guarantees,
or other financial assistance.
Will focus first on wastewater treatment, water supply, and municipal
solid waste management facilities. . .
The BECG's principal professional staff members are a General Manager and
, Deputy General Manager of differing nationalities.
The General Manager is H. Roger Frauenfelderj formerly of San Diego, -
California, U.S.A. > .
The Deputy General Manager is Luis Raul Dominguez, formerly of
Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
U.S. BECC Board requirements and membership are: . ,
- Two members ey officio (authorized byvirtue of position):
1. Administrator, EPA Carol M. Browner
2. Commissioner, IBWC ' John Bernal
.; Three members authorized and subject to appointment by the President. Must
have expertise" in environmental planning, economics, engineering^ finance "or
- related, matters." , , .... ,
3. A representative of one U.S. border state (CA, AZ, NM, TX):
Ygnacio Garza
Chair, Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission
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4. A representative of a "locality in. the Border region":
Peter Silva
Deputy Director, San Diego Division of Water Utilities
t. . . . .
5. , A member of the U.S. public "who is a resident of the border region":
Lynda Taylor ,
Southwest Research and Information Center, Albuquerque, NM-
Mexican BECC Board requirements and membership are:
Two members ex officio (authorized by virtue of position):
1. Secretary, SEMARNAP Julia Carabias Lillo
2. Commissioner, CILA Arturo Herrera Solis
Three members authorized and subject'to appointment by the President of
Mexico. Must have expertise in environmental planning, economics,
engineering, finance "or related matters."
3. A representative of one Mexican border state: -
Dr.,Rogelio Montemayor Seguy
Governor of the State of Coahuila
4. A representative of a "locality in the Border region":
Horatio Garza Garza
Mayor of the City of Nueyo Laredo, Nuevo Leon
5. A member of the Mexican public "who is a resident of the border
region":
Dr. Jorge Bustamante
President of the College of the Northern Frontier, Baja California
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FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE BECC ADVISORY COUNCIL
o The provisions of the BECC and NADBank charter provide that:
The bi-national Council comprises 18 members serving two-year terms.
Each nation selects one Council co-chairperson.
The Council must meet at least quarterly; more often if members wish or the
BECC Board so requests. The Council: -- , -
Must be consulted by BECC Board when.acting on a request for
assistance. ' '
: . - .May: ''''",-.. - , ' * " '
,-s Advise the BECC Board on project certification and
implementation.
"...perform such other functions as directed by the Board",
1 ".-"-' " " i
- Comment on the Commission draft annual report, program and
budget.
o U.S. membership requirements are: " - !
Six residents of U.S. border states, at least one from each of the four states.
Must represent states, localities, or "localCommunity groups." No knowledge.
or skill requirement.
Three members of the public. These positions have ho residency, knowledge or
skill requirements,/but one must represent an NGO (defined as a scientific, *
' . .< professional, business, non-profit or public interest organization or association.)
o The U.S. Advisory Council members are:
Thomas L. Soto, California ~ '
Kathleen Marr, New Mexico
Daniel W. Eckstrom, Arizona
Deborah Kastrin, Texas
Sandra Farniza, Arizona .,..-'
Travis C. Johnson, Texas ,
Cynthia Miscikowski, California -
Rick Reyes, Texas
Arthur Trujillo, New Mexico
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Mexican membership requirements are:
Six residents of Mexican border states, one from each state. Must represent
states, localities and/or community groups.
Three members of the public. One must represent an NGO (defined as a
scientific, professional, business, non-profit or public interest organization or
association.) ' > - -
The Mexican Advisory Council members (to date) are:
Arq. Oscar Romo, Baja California
Ing. Refugio A. Del Campo Perez, Coahuila
Dra. Elida Rizo Garcia, Nuevo Leon _,.-<
Ing. Vernon Perez Rubio, Sonora
. Arq. Arturio Sepulveda Lerma, Tamaulipas
Ant. Laura Durazo, Baja California ;
FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE NADBANK
o The NADBank's principal office is in San Antonio, Texas:
/ , '.'"'> ' .
North American Development Bank
425 Soledad, Suite 610 '
San Antonio, Texas 78205-1506
Telephone service is: 210-231-8000 - ',. '
Facsimile transmission service is: 210-231-6232
o " The bi-national Board comprises three ex officio members on each side, for a total of
six members. ....,
Nations alternately select a chairperson who serves for one year.
, ' '" ' ' ,-'' "
A quorum consists of two U.S. and two Mexican members or alternates. "
Decisions require a majority vote, which consists of at least two U.S. and two
Mexican votes. .
* ' . .'*.."' !''.-'
o The Board must meet at least annually, and more often if it so decides. At least one
annual meeting must be open to the public. Votes may be held independently of
meetings. .
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
157
May 1995
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o
o
TheNADBank:
Provides financing for BECC-certified projects "as appropriate" and, on request,
otherwise assists the BECC.
, Encourages private investment in projects, enterprises arid activities contributing
to its purposes. "
, Supplements private investment with its own capital, funds raised by it in
financial markets, and other available resources when private capital is not
available on reasonable terms and conditions.
Provides technical and other assistance for the financing and, in coordination
with the BECC, the implementation of plans and projects.
Reserves 10% of its capital for nationwide "Community Adjustment and
Investment" needed to offset any adverse effects from implementation of the
North American Free Trade Agreement
The NADBank's principal professional staff members are a Manager and Deputy
s Manager, of differing nationalities. The Manager and Chief Executive Officer is
Alfredo Phillips of Mexico City. The Deputy Manager and Chief Operations Officer
is Victor Miramontes of San Antonio, Texas.
U.S. NADBank Board requirements and membership are: ,
Three members ex, officio (authorized by virtue of position):
1. Secretary of State Warren Christopher
(Alternate: Alexander Watson, Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-
American Affairs) .''. ,
2. Secretary of the Treasury Robert Rubin .
(Alternate: Jeffrey Shafer, Assistant Secretary for International Affairs)
3. Administrator, EPA Carol M. Browner
(Alternate: William Nitze, Assistant Administrator for International
Activities)
Prepared by'the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
158
May 1995
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Mexican NADBank Board requirements and membership are:
Three members ex qfficio (authorized by virtue of position):
1.
2.
3.
Secretary of Finance Guillermo Ortiz
(Alternate: Jonathan Davis, Under Secretary of Finance) -
Secretary of Social Development (SEDESOL) Carlos Rojas
(Alternate: Attorney General for Environmental Protection)
Secretary of Trade and Industry (SECOFI) Herminio Blanco
(Alternate: Hector Marquas, Under Secretary for International
Negotiations) ,
INFORMATION ABOUT THE NADBANK COMMUNITY ADJUSTMENT AND
INVESTMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
* . i .. ' :
o Will include low-income community and non-governmental organization
representatives. ' ,
o The Committee's charter directs it to provide advice on "critical issues" and the
guidelines for the NAFTA "Community Adjustment and Investment Program."
o An ombudsman will facilitate communications between the Committee, the public and
the NADBank. The ombudsman will also establish procedures for independent
inspections of the Community Adjustment and Investment Program.
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
159
May 1995
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APPENDIX B-
Commission for Environmental Cooperation
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
160
May 1995
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Commission for Environmental Cooperation
The North American Agreement for Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC) was
negotiated as a side-agreement to NAFTA to safeguard environmental protection on the
continent as we pursue increased economic growth through trade. The Agreement provides for a
Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) which will ensure that each country is
effectively enforcing its national environmental laws, will facilitate cooperation among the three
parties in addressing environmental problems of mutual concern and will serve as a mechanism
for the public of all three countries to participate in shaping North American cooperative
environmental policy. ,
The EPA Administrator has been designated by the President to serve as the U.S.
representative, along with the environment ministers of Canada and Mexico, to the CEC Council
which oversees implementation of the Agreement and the operations of the CEC.
A Secretariat, headquartered in Montreal, will be the operational arm of the CEC and is
charged with developing and implementing the annual work program and budget and handling
citizen submissions. Victor Lichtinger, of Mexico, has been selected, by,the Council to serve as
the Secretariat's first Executive Director. Jean Hennessy will serve as the U.S. national Deputy
and Janine Ferretti will serve as the Canadian national Deputy. :
The CEC also includes a Joint Public Advisory Committee comprised of fifteen
members (five from each country) representing diverse public and private views. The JPAC met
for the second time January 11 and 12. Jacques Gerin, of Canada, was selected by the JPAC to
be the Committee's Chairman.
The Council approves a yearly budget for the CEC based on a program of work for that
year. The Council formally agreed at the outset, that the budget of the NACEC would have a
budget ceiling of a per country, $5.0 million yearly contribution!
.In 1995, the CEC is funded at $9.0 million (a per country contribution of $3.0 million).
In 1996, the NACEC will be fully operational and is projected to receive up to the full funding
level of $15.0 million (a per country contribution of $5.0 million).
The 1995 Annual Program and Budget was formally approved on February 8 by the
Council. The work program sets an ambitious course for the CEC in its first full year. The first
challenge for the CEC is to identify what activities are currently being engaged in by the three
countries so that the CEC can begin its function to improve cooperation among the countries on
addressing mutual challenges. ' , .
Many of the initial projects are aimed at identifying current programmatic activities and
accumulating and establishing baseline information/data in areas of conservation and ecosystem
protection, potential effects of NAFTA on the environment, enforcement and compliance
practices, pollution prevention techniques, arid technology cooperation and capacity building.
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
161
May 1995
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The CEC will also be assisting the parties to negotiate an agreement to improve handling of
transboundary pollution issues.
Almost a tUrd of the 1995 Budget is held m a Project Implementation Fund (PIF). The
Secretariat, the Parties and interested members of the public and private sectors will work to
develop and further define projects based on the information gathering and scoping
accomplished by the first tranche of projects and to reflect evolving environmental needs or
opportunities. "
The USG has proposed PIF project concepts to the CEC Secretariat for partnerships in
energy efficiency methods, developing recommendations on the regional elimination of high-risk
pollutants (DDT, PCBs), demonstrating the feasibility of regional environmental management
standards (akin to ISO 14,000), and establishing new approaches to bi-rcatch fisheries issues.
Mexico, Canada, business associations, environmental groups and other interested parties are
also in the process of proposing tangible new projects for funding by the Project Implementation
Fund. . '..- .. . ' ,. -. , ., ", ': -, , .
Currently, no citizen submissions on the non-enforcement of a country's environmental
laws (Articles 14 and 15 of the NAAEC) have been received by the CEC. The GEC is in the
process of drafting guidelines for the clear and consistent handling of these submissions. The
CEC intends to begin 60-90 days of public consultation on the guidelines to ensure the correct
level of transparency. This public comment period will begin by summer 1995.
These citizen submissions guidelines and Model Rules of Procedure for dispute
settlement are the last remaining rules and procedures needed in order for the CEC to be fully
operational. .'-
In 1998, the Agreement stipulates that a thorough review of the CEC and its activities
and accomplishments be performed to measure its productivity and utility. Outyear funding of
the NACEC will be dependent on a positive outcome to this review.
Commission for Environmental Cooperation
Secretariat
393, rue St-Jacques Quest, bureau 200 .
Montreal (Qc) H2Y 1N9
Canada ""' .
phone: (514)350-4300 .
fax: (514) 350-4314- , :
Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency .
162 /''.; May 1995
; ซU.S."GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFF1CE:1995-625-025/82418
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