United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
International Activities
(2621)
EPA 160-D-96-001
June 1996
US/Mexico Border XXI Program
Draft Framework Document
Recycled/Recyclable • Printed with Vegetable Based Inks on Recycled Paper (20% Postconsumer)
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BORDER XXI PROGRAM
LETTER OF PRESENTATION
Mexico City, May 7,1996
The governments of Mexico and the United States are pleased to release the
Border XXI Framework document for public review. The Border XXI program
seeks to promote the transition to sustainable development in the border region
of Mexico and the United States. It represents a binational effort directed toward
conserving natural resources and protecting the environment and the
environmental health of border area communities taking into account the present
and future needs of the region.
The program is an unprecedented example of bilateral cooperation to address
serious transboundary environmental problems by integrating the efforts of all
responsible border environmental, natural resources and health agencies from
both countries.
This document establishes many objectives in a wide range of areas, including
environmental infrastructure, to advance the program's goals in the period 1996 -
2000.
The Border XXI program furthers both countries' shared commitment to public
involvement and decentralization. One of the principal objectives of the program,
indeed its most important challenge, is to take advantage of participation by
border communities and local and state authorities in priority-setting and
environmental decision-making in their own geographic areas.
This document is the result of an extensive consultative process with the public
and state and local authorities; it is not, however, a finished product. It still
requires further enrichment and input by residents on both sides of the border.
Upon the release of the official draft document, we will open a 45 day public
comment period. We invite border residents and other entities to fully participate
in this joint effort so that communities and governments in both countries can
come together to achieve the goal of sustainable development.
BRUCE BABBITT
JULIA CARABIAS
JUAN R. DE LA FUENTE
DONNA E. SHALALA
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Table of Contents
Glossary of abbreviations
Chapter I: Introduction
Chapter II: Description of the Border XXI Program
Chapter III: Borderwide Issues and Objectives
Introduction
1. Environmental Information Resources
2. Natural Resources
3. Water
4. Air
5. Hazardous and Solid Waste
6. Pollution Prevention
7. Contingency Planning and Emergency Response
8. Environmental Health
9. Enforcement and Compliance Cooperation
Chapter IV: California-Baja California
Brief Overview
Environmental Issues and Problems
Past and On-going Projects
Objectives for the Next Five Years
Chapter V: Arizona-Sonora
Brief Overview
9
Environmental Issues and Problems
Past and On-going Projects
Objectives for the Next Five Years
Chapter VI: New Mexico-Texas-Chihuahua
Brief Overview
Environmental Issues and Problems
Past and On-going Projects
Objectives for the Next Five Years
Chapter VII: Texas-Coahuila-Nuevo Leon
Brief Overview
Environmental Issues and Problems
Past and On-going Projects
111.34
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1.1
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HI.1
HI.8
III. 17
111.22
111.29
111.31
111.37
IH.40
IV. 1
IV. 1
IV.2
IV.6
IV. 10
V.I
V.I
V.2
V.8
V.14
VI. 1
VI. 1
VI.2
VI.6
VI. 16
VII. 1
VII. 1
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Objectives for the Next Five Years
VII. 12
Chapter VIII: Texas-Tamaulipas
Brief Overview
Environmental Issues and Provelms
Past and On-going Projects
Objectives for the Next Five Years
Annexes
1996 Border XXI Workgroup Initiatives (Draft)
VIII. 1
VIII. 1
VIII.2
VIII.5
VIII. 15
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Glossary of Abbreviations
ACAAN Acuerdo de Cooperation Ambiental del Norte (See NAAEC)
ADEQ Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
ADHS Arizona Department of Health Services
ADWR Arizona Department of Water Resources
AID U.S. Agency for International Development
ATSDR Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry
BAND AN Banco para el Desarollo del America Norte (see NADBank)
BBS Bulletin Board System
BECC Border Environment Cooperation Commission (see COCEF)
BHO Border Health Office
BLM Bureau of Land Management
BOR Bureau of Reclamation
Cal-DTSC California Department of Toxic Substances Control
CAMEO Computer Aided Management of Emergency Operations
CARB California Air Resources Board
CCA Comision de Cooperation Ambiental de America del Norte (see CEC)
CCPS Comite Consultivo Publico Conjunto de la CCA (see IP AC)
CDC Centers for Disease Control
CDHS California Department of Health Services
CEC Commission for Environmental Cooperation (see CCA)
CERCLIS Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
Information System
CESPM Comite Estatal de Servicios Publicos de Mexicali (State Committee for Public
Services of Mexicali)
CFC Clorofluorocarbons
CFP Cooperative Fisheries Program
CICOPLAFEST Comision InterSecretarial para el Control de Plaguicidas, Fertilizantes, y
Sustancias Toxica (Interagency Commission for Control of Pesticides,
Fertilizers and Toxic Substances)
CIESIN Consortium for International Earth Sciences Information Network
CILA Comision International de Limites y Aguas (see IBWC)
CITES Convention on International Trade for Endangered Species
CLAM Comite Local para Ayunda Mutua (Local Committee for Mutual Assistance)
CNA Comision Nacional de Agua (National Water Commission)
CO Carbon Monoxide
COCEF Comision de Cooperacion Ecologico Fronterizo (see BECC)
COLEF El Colegio de la Frontera Norte (College of the Northern Border)
CONABIO Comision Nacional para el Conocimiento y Uso de la Biodiversidad (National
Commission for Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity)
CONACYT Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnolgia (National Advisory Council for Science
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and Technology)
COSAE Comision de Servicios de Agua del Estado de Baja California (Water Utilities
Commission forthe State of Baja California)
DFG Department of Fish and Game (California)
DGPS Differential Geographic Positioning System
DOC U.S. Department of Commerce
DOI U.S. Department of Interior
DOJ U.S. Department of Justice
DOS U.S. Department of State
D OT U. S. Department of Transportation
DUMAC Ducks Unlimited de Mexico, A.C.
EOF Environmental Defense Fund
EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EPA/OW U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Office of Water
EPA R6 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 6
EPA R9 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 9
FCC U.S. Field Coordinating Committee (DOI)
FDA Food and Drug Administration
FNSI Finding of No Significant Impact
FWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
FY fiscal year
GIS Geographical Information Systems
GNEB Good Neighbor Environmental Board
GPS Global Positioning System
HAZTRAKS Hazardous Waste Tracking System
HHS U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
HMMD County of San Diego - Hazardous Materials Management Division
HRSA Health Resources and Services Administration
HUD U.S. Housing and Urban Development
IBEP Integrated Border Environmental Plan, Integrated Environmental Plan for the
U.S.-Mexico Border Area, First Stage (1992-94) [SeePIAF]
B3WC International Boundary and Water Commission (see CILA)
ICC Interagency Coordinating Committee
ICMA International City/County Management Association
IID Imperial Irrigation District
IMSS Instituto Mexicana del Seguro Social (Mexican Institute for Social Security)
INAH Instituto Nacional de Antropologia e Historia (National Institute for Anthropology
and History
INE Instituto Nacional de Ecologia (National Institute for Ecology)
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INEGI Institute Nacional de Estadistica, Geografia, Y Informatica (National Institute for
Statistics, Geography, and Information)
INIFAP Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agricola y Pecuaria (National
Institute of Investigations for Forests, Agriculture and Livestock)
INP Instituto Nacional de Pesca
ISO 14000 International Standards Organization 14000 (14000 is a series of standards on
environmental management)
ISSSTE Instituto de Seguridad Social y Servicios para los Trabajadres del Estado
ITESM Instituto Tecnologico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (Technology Institute
of Superior Studies of Monterrey)
IMWMB Integrated Waste Management Board
IWRC Iowa Waste Reduction Center
IWTP , International Wastewater Treatment Plant
JCP Joint Contingency Plan
JMAS Junta Municipial de Alcantarillado y Saneamiento de Ciudad Juarez (Sewer and
Sanitation Authority for Ciudad Juarez)
JPAC Joint Public Advisory Committee for the CEC (see CCPC)
JRT Joint Response Team
LEPC Local Emergency Planning Commission
LOI Letter of Intent
LPS Liters per second
MMS U.S. Minerals Mines Service
MOU Memorandum of Understanding
NAAEC North American Agreement on Evironmental Cooperation (see ACAAN)
NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NADBank North American Development Bank (see BAND AN)
NAFTA North American Free Trade Agreement (see TLC)
NAWQA National Ambient Water Quality Assessment
NBII National Biological Information Infrastructure
NBS National Biological Service
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
NIEHS National Institute Environmental Health Sciences
NIH National Institute of Health
NIWTP Nogales International Wastewater Treatment Plant
NJDEP New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
NMDOH New Mexico Department of Health
NMED New Mexico Environment Department
NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service
NM-GIC New Mexico Geographic Information Council
NMSU New Mexico State University
NOAA U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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NOS U.S. National Ocean Service
NOx Nitrogen Oxides
NFS National Park Service
NRCS U.S. Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service
NTDs Neural Tube Defects
NWR National Wildlife Refuge
O3 Ozone
ONG Organizaciones no Gubernamentales (see NGO)
OPS Organization Panamericana para la Salud (See PAHO)
OWM Office of Wastewater Management
PAHO Pan American Health Organization (see OPS)
Pb Lead
PCS Permit and Compliance System
PEA Poblacion Economicament Activa (Economically active sectro of the populaion)
PEMEX Petroleos Mexicanos (Mexican Petroleum Company)
PM-10 Particulate Matter (size = less than 10 microns)
PROFAUNA *Asociacion para la Proteccion de la Fauna, A.C. (Association for the Protection of
wildlife)
PROFEPA Procuraduria de Proteccion al Ambiente (Attorney General for Environmental
Protection)
PRTR Pollution Release and Transfer Registry
QA/QC Quality Assurance/Quality Control
RTP Research Triangle Park
RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board
SAGAR Secretaria de Agriculture, Ganaderia. Y Desarollo Rural (Mexican Secretariat for
Agriculture, Cattle, and Rural Development)
SAHOPE Secretaria de Asentamientos Humanos y Obras Publicas del Estado (Baja California
State Secretariat for Human Housing and Public Works)
SARH Secretaria de Agricultura y Reucursos Hidraulicos (Mexican Secretariat for
Agriculture and Hydraulic Resources)
SCT Secretaria de Comunicaciones y Transportes (Mexican Secretariat of
Communication and Transportation)
SDSU »San Diego State University
SEAGO South Eastern Arizona Governments Organization
SEDESOL Secretaria de Desarollo Social (Mexico's Secretary for Social Development)
SEDUE Secretaria de Desarollo Urbano y Ecologia (Mexican Secretary for Urban
Development and Ecology)
SEMARNAP Secretaria de Medio Ambiente Recursos Naturales y Pesca (Mexico's Secretary for
the Environment, Natural Resources, and Fisheries)
SIP State Implementation Plan
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SIUE
so2
SRE
SSA
SWRCB
Secretaria de Infraestrucura Urbana y Ecologia, Sonora (Secretary for Urban
Infrastructure and Ecology, Sonora)
sulfur dioxide
Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores - (Mexico's Secretariat y for External Affairs)
Secretaria de Salud - Mexico (Secretary of Health)
,. State Water Resources Control Board (California)
TB Tuberculosis
TDK Texas Department of Health
Texas (STEP) Texas Small Towns Environment Program
TGLO Texas General Land Office
TIGER
TNRCC
TNRIS
TPWD
TRI
TRIP
TWDB
TX-GISPC
UAAAN
UABC
UACH
UAG
UAM
UAS
UAT
UCD
UNAM
UNM
UNT
USAGE
USD
USDA
USFS
USGS
USMBA
USMBHA
UT
UTA
Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing
Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission
Texas Natural Resource Infromation System
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Toxics Release Inventory
Transboundary Resource Inventory Project
Texas Water Development Board
Texas Geographic Information Systems Planning Council
Universidad Autonoma Agraria Antonio Narro (Antonio Narro Autonomous
Agrarian University of
Universidad Autonoma de Baja California (Autonomous University of Baja
California)
Universida Autonoma de Chihuahua
Universidad Autonoma Metropolitania (Autonomous Metropolitan University)
Universidad Autonoma de Sonora
Universidad Autonoma deTamulipas
University of California at Davis
Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (Autonomous National University of
Mexico
University of New Mexico
University of North Texas
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
United States Dollars
U.S. Department of Agriculture
U.S. Forest Service
U.S. Geological Survey
U.S.-Mexico Border Association
U.S.-Mexico Border Health Association
University of Texas
University of Texas at Austin
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UT-BEG University of Texas at Austin, Bureau of Economic Geology
UTEP University of Texas at El Paso
U of U University of Utah
VOCs Volatile Organic Compunds
WGA Western Governors Association
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Overview
The Border-XXI Program (Border XXT) is an innovative binational effort which brings together the
diverse U.S. and Mexican federal entities responsible for the shared border environment, to work
cooperatively toward fulfilling the mutual goal of sustainable development through protection of
human health and the environment and proper management of natural resources in both countries.
Attempts to address border environmental concerns require a coordinated binational response. The
ecosystems, watersheds, rivers, and air basins that make up the environment and natural resource
base of the border region transcend political boundaries.' Regardless of where they originate, border
environmental problems significantly impact communities and ecosystems on both sides of the
border. Accordingly, Border XXI integrates environmental protection with natural resource
management and attention to environmental health.
The central strategy of Border XXI emphasizes public involvement, decentralization of
environmental decision-making through state and local capacity building, and improved
communication and cooperation among federal, state and local government agencies. The federal
governments of both nations acknowledge the importance of cooperative efforts and are committed
to working with their state and local counterparts and with residents of the border region to further
define and realize the vision of sustainable development underlying Border XXI.
This Border XXI Framework Document (Framework Document) outlines the Border XXI Program
and identifies general environmental objectives for the border region through the year 2000. It also
describes mechanisms and strategies for fulfilling these objectives.
The Border XXI Program seeks to identify environmental needs, quantify resource requirements,
delineate possible sources of financing, and allocate resources for specific projects which address
these needs, in a sustainable and viable manner for the border region.2
Historical Background
For many years, the U.S. and Mexico have been involved in formal and informal cooperative efforts
associated with protecting the environment and natural resources of our common border. Numerous
bilateral agreements guide both countries' efforts in the border area.3
Despite these bilateral efforts, unsustainable practices in the border region have resulted in
degradation of environmental conditions. Industrialization has brought important economic benefits
to the border region; however, it has also been accompanied by population growth and unsustainable
production and consumption models which surpass the capacity of the natural resource base
1 Throughout this document, the terms "environment" and "environmental" are broadly defined so as to encompass issues
related to the environment, environmental health, and natural resources of the border region.
2 See Annex 4 for a discussion of sources of funding.
3 These agreements are described in greater detail in Annex 3.
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(particularly water resources), pose a threat to biodiversity and air and water quality, and exceed
basic infrastructure capacity. Currently, these conditions pose health risks to border residents.
In order to protect, improve, and conserve the environment of the border region, in 1983 both
Governments signed the Agreement for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in the
Border Area (La Paz Agreement) which provided a foundation for cooperative environmental efforts.
The La Paz Agreement defined the border region as the area lying 100 kilometers/60 miles to the
north and south of the U.S.-Mexican border.
In February 1992, the environmental authorities of both governments released the Integrated
Environmental Plan for the Mexican-U.S. Border Area (ffiEP). While the IBEP represented a
reasonable point of departure for addressing environmental concerns in the border region, critics
held that it was limited in scope, implemented without sufficient public input, and failed to
adequately address natural resource and environmental health concerns. The Border XXI Program
will attempt to overcome these identified shortcomings as it coordinates the efforts of partners and
participants, organizes environmental information, and includes critical elements for environmental
and resource' management.
The Northern Border Environmental Project, a loan agreement between the World Bank and the
Government of Mexico signed in 1994, provides additional resources to fulfill the objectives of
Border XXI in Mexico.
Participants
The success of Border XXI is contingent upon broad-based, bi-national participation by federal, state
and local governments, international institutions, academia, non-governmental organizations, the
private sector, and border citizens and communities.
The key federal agencies involved in developing and implementing Border XXI include:
1) Environmental Protection: Mexico's Secretariat for Environment, Natural Resources and
Fisheries (SEMARNAP) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
2) Natural Resources: SEMARNAP, the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) and the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA).
3) Border Water Resources: U.S. and Mexican Sections of the International Boundary and
Water Commission (IBWC), DOI, SEMARNAP (National Water Commission or CNA), and
EPA.
4) Environmental Health: Mexico's Secretariat of Health (SSA) and the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS).
Other important federal participants involved in the Border XXI Program include: Mexico's
Secretariat of Foreign Relations (SRE), Secretariat of Social Development (SEDESOL), National
Institute for Statistics, Geography, and Information (INEGI), the U.S. Department of State (DOS),
the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Agency for
International Development (AID), and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
In a parallel agreement to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Mexico and the
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United States established the Border Environment Cooperation Commission (BECC) and the North
American Development Bank (NADBank) to improve environmental infrastructure in the border
area. The BECC and the NADBank will be integral partners in fulfilling the goals of Border XXI.4
State, local, and tribal entities have a broad understanding of the particular problems and solutions
impacting their communities. In Mexico, the six border states and principal border municipalities
will be actively engaged in Border XXL In the U.S., the four border states, as well as counties,
municipalities, and Indian Nations located in the border region will be involved in the Program.
Border XXI identifies nine areas of concern where the expertise and efforts of these participants may
converge. The goals and objectives for the border region will be processed through nine binational,
multi-agency Border XXI Workgroups that correspond to the following issues: (1) environmental
information resources, (2) natural resources, (3) water, (4) air, (5) hazardous and solid wastes (6)
pollution prevention, (7) contingency planning and emergency response, (8) environmental health,
and (9) cooperative enforcement .5
The implementation of activities which advance the goals and objectives identified in this document
will occur via existing bi-lateral agreements and mechanisms, however, through the Border XXI
Workgroups both governments will ensure effective coordination of the various bilateral efforts,
particularly at the regional level. These workgroups will meet individually as necessary, and will
convene as a whole on an annual basis. New workgroups may be added in the future should the need
arise on a specific border environmental concern.
In order to facilitate public input into Border XXI, the federal governments are enlisting the
assistance of their respective public advisory boards - the Advisory Council for Sustainable
Development (Region 1) in Mexico, and the Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) for the
U.S. - in their efforts to engage border communities.6 New mechanisms for facilitating public
involvement under Border XXI are described in the following chapter.
Additional information on participating agencies, is attached in Annex 2.
To further their commitments to environmental protection, the NAFTA partners (Mexico, the United States and Canada)
signed an environmental side agreement to the NAFTA. This agreement established the Commission for Environmental
Cooperation (CEC). Some trilateral projects and programs developed by the CEC will have impacts on and provide
opportunities for improving U.S.-Mexico border environmental and natural resource management.
Each group will build on past and on-going efforts and will determine its own organizational structure and mechanisms for
funding and implementing specific projects. The Water, Air, Hazardous and Solid Waste, Contingency Planning and
Emergency Response, Cooperative Enforcement, and Pollution Prevention Workgroups will continue and expand on the work
of the EPA-SEMARNAP La Paz Workgroups which have been in existence for a number of years. The Natural Resources
Workgroup will build on existing bi-national agreements and cooperative projects between the two countries. The
Environmental Information Resources Workgroup will build on recent binational attempts to improve environmental data
collection and management efforts in the border region. The Environmental Health Workgroup will build on the efforts of
the U.S. Interagency Coordinating Committee and its on-going and expanding work with Mexico's Secretariat of Health
(SSA).
In Mexico, the Regional Advisory Council for Sustainable Development is a national advisory council with four regional sub-
groups created by SEMARNAP in 1995 to provide for public consultations with SEMARNAP. In the U.S., the GNEB is
Congressionally mandated to advise the President and Congress on matters concerning environmental and infrastructure needs
within the U.S. states contiguous to Mexico.
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Organization of the Border XXI Framework Document
This document identifies goals and objectives for the border region through the year 2000. Chapter
n describes the Program strategies which will guide the efforts of the partners involved in Border
XXI: public participation, decentralization of environmental management, and interagency
cooperation. Chapter IH identifies environmental issues, problems and objectives for the entire
border area for the nine Border XXI Workgroups.
In recognition of the diversity of the border area and the need for integrated, regional planning, the
Framework Document is organized around five distinct geographic regions: California-Baja
California, Arizona-Sonora, New Mexico-Texas-Chihuahua, Texas-Coahuila-Nuevo Leon, and
Texas-Tamaulipas.
To ensure correlation of short-term budget realities with multi-year planning efforts, every year
priorities will be weighed against available resources. With broad based participation, the Border
XXI Workgroups will identify specific annual Border XXI Workgroup Initiatives. These Initiatives
will advance the goals and objectives identified in the Framework Document. The 1996 Initiatives
for each of the Border XXI Workgroups are attached to this document.
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CHAPTER II
DESCRIPTION OF THE BORDER XXI PROGRAM
Goal: Sustainable development
Agenda 21, a series of international environmental objectives which emerged from the United
Nations Conference on the World Environment held in Brazil in 1992, provides guiding principles
for sustainable development on a global basis. Agenda 21 encourages citizens and governments at
various levels to define specific programs that support sustainable development as it applies to their
own community.
Accordingly, the principal goal of the Border XXI Program is to promote sustainable development
in the border region by seeking a balance among social and economic factors and the protection of
the environment in border communities and natural areas. Border XXI promotes sustainable
development in the border region which "meets the needs of the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own needs."1 It is critical that any attempt to promote
sustainable development evaluate and address environmental concerns at the local level. The
governments of the U.S. and Mexico hope to enlist the aid of border communities to help define and
apply the principles of sustainable development as they pertain specifically to each local community.
Within the context of Border XXI, sustainable development is defined as conservation oriented
social and economic development that emphasizes the protection and sustainable use of resources,
while addressing both current and future needs, and present and future impacts of human actions.
Strategies
The Border XXI Program emphasizes the following strategies in advancing the goal of sustainable
development:
• Ensure public involvement in the development and implementation of the Border XXI
Program.
• Strengthen state and local institutions and decentralize environmental decision-
making to ensure border communities a stronger voice in the decision-making process.
• Ensure interagency cooperation to maximize available resources and avoid duplicative
efforts on the part of government and other organizations, and reduce the burden that
coordination with multiple entities places on border communities.
1 Our Common Future. World Commission on Environment and Development.
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Public Involvement
Both governments aim to engage the creativity, ideas and energy of border residents in the
development and on-going implementation of the long-term objectives identified in this Framework
Document. The border community is closest to border environmental problems, and experiences the
effects of degradation of the environment, environmental health, and natural resources most directly.
As a result, the border community is uniquely positioned to help identify solutions to localized
problems. Through the public's participation in the decision-making process, both federal
governments will have better information when making decisions on how environmental resources
are allocated and managed.
This document was developed by identifying environmental goals and objectives articulated by the
public, state and local governments, federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and public
advisory committees. Both governments initiated the development of the Border XXI Program by
sponsoring a series of domestic public information sessions and public meetings in key locations in
their respective border areas. In August of 1995, SEMARNAP hosted public meetings in Mexicali,
Baja California; Nogales, Sonora; Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua; and Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas. In
October of 1995, EPA hosted public meetings in San Diego and Calexico, California; Yuma,
Nogales and Douglas, Arizona; Las Cruces, New Mexico; and Brownsville, McAllen, Laredo, Eagle
Pass and El Paso, Texas. The purpose of these meetings was to seek input from border communities
in setting goals and objectives for Border XXI.2
As a culmination of the domestic meetings held on both sides of the border, the two governments
collaborated to host two public binational symposia, one in Tijuana, Baja California on October 30,
1995, the other in El Paso, Texas on November 1,1995. These meetings brought together citizens,
as well as representatives of federal, state, and local governments from both countries to discuss
border environmental issues. The public comments received during the domestic and binational
meetings, as well as written comments submitted to EPA and SEMARNAP, are reflected throughout
this Framework Document. Summaries of these binational meetings appear in Annex 8.
In 1995, EPA awarded a series of Border XXI Community Grants to local entities to address
environmental issues in the border region by supporting community efforts to identify specific
environmental and health-related needs and priorities. EPA will make an effort to issue a second
series of grants to border communities. In recognition of repeated requests by border residents for
the creation of mechanisms for more effective and coordinated communication between federal
agencies and local communities, EPA will attempt to structure future grants to support community
environmental organizers along the border.
Both governments recognize that public involvement in the implementation of Border XXI will be
most beneficial when the public .has access to pertinent environmental information and
environmental education resources. To this end, the U.S. and Mexican governments have agreed
2 For each border community, the U.S.-Mexico Border XXI Program Summary of Domestic Meetings, released by EPA in May
1996, captures public input from the U.S. domestic meetings. This report is available upon request from the EPA U.S.-
Mexico Border Liaison Offices by calling 1-800-334-0741. The summaries of Mexico's domestic meetings are available at
SEMARNAP federal delegation offices in the border states and at SEMARNAP's International Affairs Office in Mexico City.
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to take a variety of domestic and bilateral actions including:
• Establishment of SEMARNAP public Environmental Information Centers in the
Northern Mexico border area.
• Establishment of public computer workstations connected to environmental on-line
services and the Internet, and maintenance of the toll free Border XXI information
telephone line in the EPA Border Liaison Offices.
• Development of an environmental information and data management directory which
includes available resources and general data and information generated by the Border
XXI Workgroups.
• Execution of a series of environmental education conferences.
These activities and objectives are discussed in greater detail in Chapter IHl.
Both governments have agreed to engage the assistance of the Good Neighbor Environmental Board
and the Advisory Council for Sustainable Development (Region 1) in the implementation of the
Border XXI Program. Both governments have agreed to release annual Border XXI Workgroup
Initiatives to border communities and will convene a joint, annual public meeting of their respective
advisory boards to review and provide comments on the Initiatives.
In addition, a Border XXI Program Status Report will be prepared and distributed biennially for
public comment to ensure that the objectives outlined in the Framework Document reflect the
dynamic qualities of the border environment. This report will provide the public a means for
evaluating the accomplishments of the Border XXI Program.
To support the public's evaluation, the two governments will hold public meetings along the border.
Through this process, the public will have an opportunity to modify or redefine long-term Border
XXI objectives to reflect the changing dynamics of the border region. Public input will be compiled
and summarized in a Biennial Border XXI Program Public Comment Report which will be taken into
consideration by the Border XXI Workgroups in their annual planning efforts and allocation of
resources.
Institutional Strengthening and Decentralization
Current Status
Strengthening state and local government and encouraging decentralization of decision-making and
project implementation are essential for promoting sustainable development. Federal support of state
and local planning efforts will result in more effective strategies, such as regional, community-based,
or ecosystem-based approaches to environmental management.
Both governments have domestic and bilateral programs in place to foster institutional strengthening.
In Mexico, SEMARNAP is actively promoting decentralization of environmental management
throughout the entire country through various mechanisms. For the border area, the subcomponent
for state and municipal strengthening under the World Bank Northern Border Environmental
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Program (NBEP), coordinated by the National Institute of Ecology (INE), aims to strengthen the
environmental technical capacity in the Mexican border states, as well as in 10 principal
municipalities. This will be achieved through personnel training, capacity building, the provision
of appropriate equipment, and specific studies that will allow authorities to develop a strategy for
environmental planning and management. The project seeks to strengthen:
• state and municipal ecological offices;
• state and municipal environmental legislation;
• capacity for environmental monitoring, analysis, and evaluation;
• state and municipal capacity for environmental planning;
• shared social responsibility for environmental management.
Under the NBEP, action plans for the states of Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, and Tamaulipas were
approved by the World Bank during 1995, and the Baja California action plan is expected to be
approved soon.3 Financing for the projects began in 1996. Similarly, the action plans should be
approved for the municipalities of Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua; Nogales, Sonora; and Nuevo Laredo
and Matamoros, Tamaulipas. Implementation of these action plans will also begin this year.
In the U.S., the federal government has delegated certain authorities to state and local governments,
and increased consultations on the management and implementation of federal responsibilities. In
addition to the delegation of most of its programs and associated resources, EPA has enlisted the
direct assistance of state and local environmental authorities in the implementation of its border
projects. EPA and HHS have included state and local health authorities in the Interagency
Coordinating Committee (ICC) for U.S./Mexico Border Environmental Health, the federal vehicle
for interagency coordination on border environmental health issues. The USDA's Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) works with locally established Resource Conservation Districts to
identify and resolve conservation concerns related to soil, water, air, plant and animal resources.
Finally, the BECC and NADBank are both charged with assisting state and local authorities in
coordinating, preparing, developing, implementing, and overseeing environmental infrastructure
projects in the border area through various mechanisms.
Future Activities
Mexico and the U.S. are committed to meeting the goals of institutional strengthening and
decentralization of environmental decision-making. To this end, both governments have agreed to
the following:
3 These action plans are NBEP instruments that define the environmental conditions in each state and municipality, as well as
the strategies and projects for strengthening border entities.
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EPA, SEMARNAP, IBWC, BECC, and other entities from both countries will work together
to reinforce environmental planning capabilities in state and local authorities, especially with
respect to environmental infrastructure (wastewater, drinking water, solid waste, and road
paving). Both governments will work with BECC to deliver technical assistance to these
entities for project certification.
SEMARNAP will develop and implement an important decentralization project that will
attempt to bring decision-making and associated resources to the local level and foster
environmental planning, implementation and evaluation at the level of government closest
to the community. As a general strategy, the technical and institutional capacity of the states
and municipalities will be strengthened, in such a manner as to enable them to effectively
carry out their responsibilities under Mexico's General Law for Environmental Equilibrium
and Environmental Protection. Subsequently, the federal government intends to gradually
decentralize certain actions that are currently its responsibility, transferring the corresponding
resources to the appropriate authorities. This process requires specific coordination
agreements between each local entity and the federal government. This strategy also assumes
legislative changes that will soon be presented to the Mexican Congress.
In an effort to include state and local decision makers, both nations will encourage the
development of regional sub-groups to the Border XXI Workgroups along the lines of those
established by the Air, Hazardous and Solid Waste, and Cooperative Enforcement
Workgroups.
EPA will continue to fund U.S. state personnel to help implement border environmental
objectives.
The Border XXI Workgroups are focal points to ensure effective coordination and
prioritization of transborder projects initiated at both the state and federal level. In
recognition of both the disparity of financial and human resources and diplomatic
considerations that are associated with bilateral efforts, both governments will continue to
encourage direct transborder communication between state environmental authorities with
the understanding that formal Work agreements be raised to responsible federal authorities
through the Border XXI Workgroups.
EPA and SEMARNAP have reached agreement on the establishment of a Joint Advisory
Committee for the Improvement of Air Quality which will recommend strategies for the
control of air pollution in the Paso del Norte air basin. The Joint Advisory Committee will
include representatives of both local government agencies and non-governmental
organizations. The two nations will analyze the results of this effort as a model for local
involvement in trans-boundary environmental management.
DOI has been involved in and will continue to develop international, state, and local training
programs in environmental education outreach, ecosystem management, protected areas
management, resource protection, and planning for protected areas.
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• The governments will provide access to federal research which supports state and local
environmental decision-making.
Interagency Cooperation and Coordination
The creation of SEMARNAP in 1994 unified the environmental responsibilities which had
previously resided in numerous federal agencies under one Secretariat, thereby enhancing efficiency
in environmental planning and programs in Mexico. As a result, in Mexico, environmental
protection, environment-related enforcement and inspections, natural resources management
(including water), and fisheries all come under the authority of SEMARNAP. This new organization
has created an historic opportunity to integrate binational environmental and natural resource
priorities in the border region.
Border XXI brings together the efforts of SEMARNAP and other U.S. and Mexican agencies
conducting border environmental work and strives to integrate efforts to address border
environmental, natural resource and environmental health issues. This integration will create new
mechanisms for problem-solving and will support the effective use of available resources. To
improve this process for coordinating the multitude of federal and state programs, both governments
have agreed to the following domestic and bilateral actions:
• At least once a year, the two governments will convene a special annual meeting of the
Border XXI Workgroups to exchange information on all federal tribal, and state program
activities dealing with environmental issues along the U.S.-Mexico border. By providing
a forum which allows federal, state and tribal agencies to identify opportunities for
optimizing the use of available resources, the meeting will serve to promote long-term
regional planning and will enhance overall coordination and prioritization of bilateral
activities.
• DOI will continue to utilize the U.S. Field Coordinating Committee (FCC) which is
composed of representatives of eight Bureaus to promote, facilitate, and enhance
communications and coordination among DOI Bureaus and other U.S.-Mexico federal and
state entities in addressing natural resource issues at the local level along the border.
• EPA and SEMARNAP Water and Hazardous and Solid Waste Workgroup representatives
will serve as technical advisors to their respective representatives on the BECC and
NADBank Boards of Directors. BECC and NADBank representatives will also participate
in meetings of the Border XXI Water and Hazardous and Solid Waste Workgroups.
Because of its role in solid waste infrastructure, Mexico's Secretariat of Social
Development (SEDESOL) will also be invited to actively participate in these activities.
• In their capacity as federal representatives on the BECC Board of Directors, EPA and
IBWC will establish appropriate mechanisms to fully coordinate comprehensive U.S.
federal input from agencies such as DOI and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD), into BECC Board decisions.
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The Interagency Coordinating Committee for U.S.-Mexico Border Environmental Health
(ICC) will continue to serve as the coordination vehicle between EPA and the U.S. Public
Health Service (PHS) to address environmental health issues in the border area. The ICC
will also continue to involve the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the U.S.-
Mexico Border Health Association, as well as actively engage the collaboration of SS A.
HHS and SSA have signed an umbrella agreement to provide a framework for bilateral
cooperation and foster collaboration in areas of mutual interest. This agreement supports
existing linkages and relationships, and will facilitate future collaborative efforts in all
public health areas, Including environmental health. In 1995, SEMARNAP and SSA
signed a cooperative agreement for research and coordination on environmental health
concerns.
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CHAPTER III
RORDERWIDE ISSUES AND OBJECTIVES
Introduction
The border area encompasses four states in the United States (California, Arizona, New Mexico,
and Texas) and six states in Mexico (Baja California Norte, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo
Leon, and Tamaulipas). There are 14 major sister city pairs along the border. The 200 kilometer
wide border area is home to almost 10 million people.
TABLE 3.1
POPULATION IN THE BORDER AREA
STATE
California
Baja California
Arizona
Sonora
New Mexico
Chihuahua
Texas
Coahuila
Nuevo Leon
Tamaulipas
TOTAL
1990
2,607,000
1,401,000
235,000
395,000
21,000
870,000
1,549,000
191,000
17,000
1,015,000
8.301,000
1995 Estimate
2,850,000
2,108,000
287,000
440,000
63,000
1,085,000
2,030,000
230,000
18,000
1,194,000
10,574,000
The 1990 information for Mexican cities was obtained from the XI National Census of Population and Housing, INEGI;
The 1995 information for Mexican cities was obtained from the Population and Housing Count, INEGI 1995;
The 1990 California, Texas, and New Mexico figures are from the 1990 U.S. Census;
The 1990 figures are from the 1993 Arizona State Almanac;
The 1995 California estimates are from the California State Government (Finance);
1995 Arizona estimates are from Arizona Department of Economic Security, and 1994 Rand McNalley Commercial Atlas;
1995 estimates for Texas and New Mexico are from the 1994 Rand McNalley Commercial Atlas and projections using the 1990
Census and assuming the average annual border growth rate of 3%/year (which varies from city to city);
1995 estimates for Texas and New Mexico include estimates of people living in 'colonias';
Arizona figures include the population of the Tohono O'Odham Nation, from the Bureau of Indian Affairs;
The border region is characterized by a great wealth of natural resources, stretching from the Pacific
Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. The region's highly diverse topography and climate create an
incredible variety of habitats, from tropical areas to deserts and mangrove wetlands to cloud forests.
We are now beginning to appreciate the vast biological diversity that occurs in the border
ecosystems of our two countries.
Over the last 30 years, this region has experienced a dramatic surge in population and
industrialization. Unfortunately, this growth has exceeded the existing infrastructure capabilities
of the region, leading to inadequate sewage treatment and hazardous and solid waste infrastructure,
reduced drinking water supplies, and dramatic impacts on habitats and the biodiversity they support.
In addition to these pressures, increased urbanization and lack of paved roads along the border has
impacted air quality.
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In approaching complex border environmental issues, it is important to recognize the border area
as a unique geographic, cultural, economic and political interface of two sovereign nations. The
cultures of both countries are inextricably bound by hundreds of years of history, migration, and
trade. The explosion of both U.S. and Mexican artistic and literary expression which deals with the
border region serves as a testimony to the unique culture which characterizes the area. Over time,
the free trade zone that has developed in the border region will provide a distinctive context for
examining the effects of industrial growth on the environment, as well as on health, demographics,
society, and culture. Given this situation, the United States and Mexico are challenged to
demonstrate that economic and industrial development can coexist with a healthy environment.
In identifying borderwide concerns and objectives, this chapter presents a broader context which
serves as the underpinning for the geographic chapters which follow with more specific objectives.
The chapter is organized under nine specific topic areas that correspond to the Border XXI
Workgroups. Under each of these topic areas, the borderwide situation is outlined in terms of issues
and problems, past and on-going projects, and objectives for the next five year. Realization of many
of these borderwide objectives will also lead to beneficial results in specific geographic areas.
It is important to note that the objectives highlighted in this borderwide chapter and the subsequent
geographic chapters are not static. While the Framework Document identifies several objectives
for the border environment, opportunities for reviewing and updating these objectives will be
presented to the public as part of the Border XXI Program, as described in Chapter II.
Resource requirements are being developed and will be provided in the final version of this
document.
1H.1 Environmental Information Resources
Issues and Problems
The explosion of data and information on the border environment represents the increased attention
placed on border environmental issues by government agencies, academic institutions, non-
governmental organizations, the private sector, and border residents. It also reflects the challenges
posed by the information age. The two governments have established the Environmental
Information Resources Workgroup to respond to this situation.
A recurring theme raised by the public on both sides of the border during the Border XXI public
meetings was the need for increased public access to a wide variety of environmental information
presented in a form that is comprehensible and serves the needs of the different users. Public
information requests range from the results of technical studies to curriculum for elementary
schools.
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In order to successfully respond to the public's strong desire for increased access to information, the
two governments must first determine the types of environmental information that are currently
available. While a tremendous amount of information about the border environment has been
collected and generated by a variety of interests, currently there is no comprehensive inventory of
existing border environmental data and information. It is critical that the U.S. and Mexico
systematically identify and inventory past and on-going federal and state government efforts and
programs to collect information on the border environment. Given the lack of such an inventory,
information gaps and duplicative efforts are inevitable. A comprehensive inventory will enable the
governments to identify and address the most urgent information needs, and effectively foster
cooperative rather than redundant efforts in the future.
Cooperative efforts are contingent upon the development of effective mechanisms to facilitate
communication and information sharing within and among the Border XXI Workgroups. The
Environmental Information Resources Workgroup is committed to developing an organized
approach to information management, and to working with the other Border XXI Workgroups to
institutionalize effective communication and information sharing.
The two governments also recognize that certain types of information serve as foundational
elements on which other efforts can build. To this end, the two governments are developing a joint,
common Geographic Information System (GIS), as well as environmental indicators which will
serve as fundamental tools for measuring whether environmental policy is addressing the most
urgent border environmental problems. The Environmental Information Resources Workgroup will
ensure that the other Workgroups are aware of these initiatives and have input into their
development and access to their products.
TABLE 3.2
ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION RESOURCES
Past and On-Going Projects - Borderwide1
• v>1 ~* '^ ~£°i'< '% ^c^ >° '' '' °' i'^"''-''- £
Common Information
System Architecture
Public Access
Lotus Notes Development
GIS Database
Development
GIS Database Conversion
§JERA:ltft^
1995-
On-going
1995-
On-going
1995-
On-going
1995
1994
f '* ''
**+*<,? #A$$l&t,t&, 5? ^''"'l 1>JW
CJ<'> > C'A^<& ?>* C/^ --'
EPA,
SEMARNAP
EPA
EPA,
SEMARNAP
EPA R6&E9
EPA (R6 &
RTP)
:SS;:^ci^P^MliS^^;rl'',^
p%^gc;:-^ % • t^if: K4 \H. *:>S';y i::
Established local area network in the EPA
attache's office in US Embassy in Mexico
City.
Compendium of EPA Binational and
Domestic US/Mexico Activities available
on EPA home page.
Lotus Notes installation to key personnel
in EPA and SEMARNAP.
Common TIGER92 based Arc/Info
Library for the border region.
Conversion of DMA/DCW database to
Arc/Info format.
1 Some of these projects were initiated prior to the formation of this workgroup.
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ACTIVITY
GIS Database
Development
Directory of spatial
datasets to support
environmental research
along the US/Mexico
border
GIS Database
Development
An Integrated Cross-
Border GIS for the San
Diego-Tijuana Interface
GIS or Environmental
Health
Arizona-Sonora
Biosphere Reserve - GIS
ElPasodelNorte-GIS
Laguna Madre - GIS
Tyuana River Watershed
-GIS
Texas-Mexico
Borderlands Data and
Information Center
Water Related GISs
along the U.S.-Mexico
border
TIME
FRAME
1993
1995
1992-
On-going
1992-
On-going
1995-
On-going
1994-
On-going
1995-
On-going
1995-
On-going
1994-
On-going
TWDB/
TNRIS
1993
PARTNERS
EPA R9
SDSU, EPA
UofU/SDSU/CO
LEF/EPA
SDSU, COLEF,
EPA
ADHS, ADEQ,
CDHS,
NMHO, TDK,
UTEP
Arizona-Sonora
Desert Museum,
Centro Ecologia
De Sonora
UTWP, El Paso
City Planning,
IBWC, New
Mexico Bureau
of Mines,
JMAS, CNA
ITM, TGLO,
UT.DUMAC,
UAT
SDSU, COLEF,
NOAA
1994 - On-going
EPA/OW
1 . , ACCOMPLISHMENTS ™ ' , ,
J > ' 7 ?
Acquired SPOT imagery for California
border region.
An inventory of United States and
Mexican agencies along the Baja
California-California segment of the
border: Steps toward a Regional Data
Cooperative.
Initial GIS database development for
Ambos Nogales and Mexicali-Calexico
region.
Initial GIS database development for the
San Diego - Tijuana region.
A GIS database inventory for the Arizona
border region of possible databases to be
integrated for environmental health GIS
projects.
Initial step to provide a mechanism to
exchange data information via the
Internet with a focus on cultural
sensitivity index and endangered species.
Initial steps to prepare a binational GIS to
address environmental concerns focusing
on air/water quality and health in the El
Paso-Cd. Juarez-Las Cruces region.
Initial steps to prepare a binational GIS to
address environmental concerns in the
Laguna Madre area with a focus on
coastal issues.
Initial development of GIS for Tijuana
Watershed.
Established a center at TNRIS, the state
data clearinghouse agency, to deal
specifically with border data, expand data
holdings and inventory border data sets.
Secured services of Mexican National GIS
professional through US-Austin.
Compiled and published information on
26 GISs along the border.
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SS^-^-:-'^IA?I'€'^?'*^
GPS location of
State/EPA regulated
facUities
GIS/GPS Workshop for
UT-E1 Paso Well Head
Protection Program
Border State-EPA data
sharing partnerships
Border XXI presentations
to state GIS Coordinators
National Aerial
Photography Program
(NAPP)
Update and revise al
USGS standard map
products in the border
region
Improve availability and
monitoring of biological
resources and coordinate
methodologies
Baseline Indicators
Workshop
] 'C ^4^"^f^ V''
1994-
1996
1996
TIGER
90: 1994-
1995
TIGER
92: 1996
1996
1993
1995-
on-going
1995-
on-going
Sept
1995
^'•'?-f<-6% >J,'%? yZ&jtk
UT-Austin-BEG,
EPAR6
EPA/R6,
TNRCC, UTEP,
UNT
EPA/R6,
TNRCC,
TWDB, TNRIS,
NMED, others
EPA/R6, TX-
GISPC, NM-
GIC TRIP
USFS, USGS,
SEMARNAP
USGS, Texas
NBS,
CONABIO,
Smithsonian
USEPA,
SEMARNAP
fe||fel^^
s^^^:^^^!^^^^:';y^MM
During year 1 over 700 sites were
accurately located using real-time GPS.
Year 2 priorities: complete El Paso,
Hidalgo County, TX and Dona Ana, NM.
TRI, PCS and CERCLIS.
Develop and present 3 day work shop to
UT-E1 Paso Well Head Protection project
staff (students). Topics are GIS basics,
GPS and hands-on GIS analysis.
Provide base TIGER GIS data sets and
technical training on data set use to
primary State environmental agencies and
State Data Clearinghouse agencies.
Present overview of Border XXI
Environmental Information Resources
Workgroup to State GIS planning and
coordination groups. Participate in
efforts to identify and fill border data
gaps.
Provide aerial photography maps every
five years to include U.S. states as well as
northern Mexican states. Agreement was
signed
DFU, DRGS, and public land survey and
boundaries to be completed this year.
Agreement signed and held workshop on
NBII. Initiated information exchange of
existing collections information,
inventories, and monitoring.
Initial phase of the development of key
environmental indicators and a
comprehensive inventory of programs that
involve the collection, management, and
dissemination of border environmental
data.
Objectives for the Next 5 Years
Through the efforts of the Environmental Information Resources Workgroup, both governments
hope to develop a more systematic approach to the collection and dissemination of border
environmental data and information. The Workgroup has agreed to the following objectives:
1. Establish an inventory of environmental information for the border region:
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a. Create an inventory of all existing border environmental information with the aim of
defining information gaps, eliminating duplication, and encouraging the capability of
exchange between electronic systems.
b. Establish an environmental information directory which includes relevant institutions,
experts, projects, investments, and sources of information on both sides of the border.
c. Identify common border environmental information sources and methodologies and
establish mechanisms to efficiently house this information by employing existing meta-
data type methodology to further categorize the information for easier access.
d. Work with the Border XXI Workgroups to clearly document information collection,
analysis methods and specific data sets (main applications).
2. Create effective mechanisms for sharing information with government agencies and among
Border XXI Workgroups:
a. Establish compatibility of information channels, and assure some connectivity between
the environmental information systems of the two countries.
b. Exchange technology methodologies to ensure the execution of common system
infrastructure.
c. Facilitate general communication, and information exchange by establishing
communication infrastructure through the development of a consistent and centralized
collaborative platform. This platform will accomplish the following:
• establish electronic connectivity among government agencies and the Border
XXI Workgroups;
• serve as a medium for the Border XXI Workgroups to provide progress reports
and updated activities; and,
• house information on border projects and activities.
3. Improve and increase public access to information
a. Establish regional environmental information databases to focus on the most important
border environmental needs of specific border communities and disseminate this
information to the respective communities.
b. Draw on the collaborative platform to publish selective information on border projects
and activities via the Internet for public access. Not all information from the
collaborative platform will be made publicly available as each government must follow
its own confidentiality procedures before information is released for public access.
c. Devise a variety of non-electronic mechanisms for the dissemination of environmental
information including hard copy production of public information available from the
collaborative platform for inclusion in border information centers and repositories.
d. Establish public Environmental Information and Training Centers in the Mexican border
states this year. Centers will include hard-copy publications and public workstations that
will be connected to the Internet and both SEMARNAP and EPA on-line environmental
services.
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e. Maintain and expand the U.S. Border XXI repositories, and establish public
workstations connected to the Internet and both EPA and SEMARNAP on-line services
in the EPA U.S./Mexico Border Liaison Offices (located in San Diego, CA and El Paso,
TX).
f. Compile, distribute and maintain an electronic binational environmental information
directory which includes existing resources such as EPA's Project Compendium, EPA's
environmental indicators resource list, information on subject experts, information on
project funding, and general information generated by the Border XXI Workgroups.
g. Initiate use of the us-mexborder listserver as a focal point for discussion of the Border
XXI Program.
4. Establish a unified GIS system for the U.S.-Mexico border area
a. Establish a joint, common Geographic Information System (GIS) data base for the U.S.-
Mexico border. GIS acquisition, analysis and reporting is a key component of this
initiative. DOI's U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in the U.S., and SEMARNAP/ESfEGI
(National Institute for Statistics, Geography, and Information) on the Mexican side will
coordinate in an aerial photographic survey of the border zone to support this effort
(please see Annex 10). The Workgroup will keep the other Border XXI Workgroups
informed of the progress on this project.
b. DOI/USGS, SEMARNAP, and INEGI, with the support of EPA, IBWC, state
governments, and non-governmental partners such as the Transboundary Resource
Inventory Project (TRIP) will continue to pursue the multi-scale baseline mapping to
address the needs of Border XXI Workgroups. This will be based on appropriate aerial
photography and satellite imagery.
c. The Workgroup's GIS subgroup will address compatibility standards for Border XXI
geospatial data themes.
5. Promote environmental education opportunities in border communities
a. Work with the Border XXI Workgroups and with local communities to identify each
border community's most important environmental education, training and capacity
needs, and establish regional bases of information that respond to those needs.
b. Organize a series of conferences on formal environmental education in the border region
to inventory existing curriculum and environmental education resources, and identify
additional needs.
6. Develop environmental indicators for the border region to systematically measure the extent
to which environmental policy addresses the most urgent environmental issues.
Resource Requirements
Resource requirements are being developed and will be provided in the final version of this
document.
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IH.2 Natural Resources
Issues and Problems
The border region includes a vast wealth of resources and diverse ecosystems that occur in both
countries. Freshwater, marine and wetland ecosystems, deserts, rangelands, and several forest types
exist along the 1,948 miles (3,117 km) of international border.
Various federal and state entities, tribal nations, and other institutions are responsible for the
management of these ecosystems. In Mexico, flora and wildlife management authority, and the
supervision of the use of forests, fisheries, and aquaculture rest with the federal government, while
the conservation of other natural resources is shared with state and municipal authorities. In the
United States, management of natural resources is shared between state and federal governments.
Tribal Governments within the United States have management authority for resources within the
confines of their nations.
Our mutual objective is to manage and protect these resources through a coordinated binational
effort to ensure their availability and enjoyment for succeeding generations. Meeting this objective
will require recognition of legal mandates and authorities.
As human populations increase on each side of the border, more demands are placed on
transboundary natural resources. Examples of the threats to these resources include: degradation
of air, soil and water; introduction of exotic species; habitat loss; illegal trade in protected species;
increased wildfires; the illegal exploitation of forest and marine resources; overgrazing; and trespass
livestock. Addressing these problems requires an in-depth knowledge of biodiversity, species, and
habitats which can only be obtained through scientific study, inventory and monitoring.
Another relevant challenge we face is to communicate to border citizens the importance and
necessity of wise management to ensure the sustainability of natural resources. We also need to
encourage public community participation together with appropriate management authorities.
The two countries have identified areas of common interest related to the border specific to selected
natural resources issues in which both countries desire to continue and/or enhance working
relationships. As our two countries gain experience in working together, there will be additional
and increased opportunities for further cooperation in the management of other natural and cultural
resources (such as historic sites).
As a result of public meetings in the U.S. and Mexico, three topic areas of interest were identified:
biodiversity and protected areas, forest and soil conservation, and marine and aquatic resources.
Issues and problems associated with these topics are discussed in the following sections.
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Biodiversity and Protected Areas
Significant natural areas, hydrologic basins and biological resources are common to the U.S. and
Mexico. Each country is concerned about the status and distribution of biodiversity, protected
natural areas, and other factors necessary to conserve biological resources along the border (Please
see Annex 10). Approximately 85 threatened or endangered species of plants and animals are found
in the border area. These ecosystems also support more than 450 rare or endemic species. More
than 700 neotropical migratory species (birds, mammals, and insects) use the borderland habitats
during their annual migrations. Extirpated species from one country have often found refuge
within another country. Efforts to reestablish species to their historical ranges have been possible
because of these refugia and binational cooperation. Since plants and animals do not recognize
political boundaries, a means to assure the continuous exchange of information and cooperative
interaction is needed to help ensure their survival.
Management of protected areas in the border region is of mutual interest and concern among
multiple agencies in both countries. In the U.S., these include wilderness areas, National and State
Parks, National Forests, historic and archeological sites, wildlife refugia, recreation areas, wild and
scenic rivers, and estuarine research reserves. In the Mexican border area, these areas include
biosphere reserves, flora and fauna protected areas, national parks, and national forest reserves.
Protection of these areas tends to ensure the continuation of natural ecological processes, and the
conservation of important cultural and historical sites in both countries, while at the same time
providing a renewable and sustainable economic base for border residents.
Other problems that confront protected areas in Mexico include: resource impacts from the growing
number of visitors and uncontrolled human activities; the need for better coordination between
federal and state agencies to further sustainable development at the local level by linking resource
conservation with resource use; limited financial resources for conservation initiatives; and, up to
now, the limited participation by local institutions and residents in the protection of these areas.
Forest and Soil Conservation
Long-term viability of both forest and soil resources is necessary to sustain both wildlife and border
communities. In some cases, the rural economies are shifting from extractive uses to recreational
uses. Both extractive and non-exhaustive uses will be necessary for future viability. Specifically
and foremost, land use planning at the landscape level is needed to address issues relative to forest
and agricultural insects and diseases, reforestation, genetics and silviculture practices. The health
of intermingled agricultural and forest lands associated with the border is also an issue. The
sustainable use of soil and water resources are also critical for the prevention of desertification. The
control and management of fires as well as use of fire as a management tool is particularly
important to all associated resources. Sustainable use of these resources is hindered due to a lack
of research, monitoring of research trends, and transfer of this research into management practices.
Marine and Aquatic Resources
A variety of aquatic environments extend from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific. From east to
west the area is characterized by a coastal delta and associated wetlands and lagoons; cienegas and
streams course through the interior's basin and range; marine waters combine with a delta rich in
bodiversity; and marine embayments can be found along the Pacific coast.
June 1996
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Freshwater aquatic resources vary in abundance and biodiversity along the border. When viewed
within border ecosystems, these areas are rich in unique ecological assemblages. Many of the
species have evolved in isolated and seemingly harsh environments. The interior mountains contain
cold-water species, whereas the same streams passing through arid lowland desert biomes harbor
a completely different fauna adapted to warm water and often intermittent streams. It is critical that
these aquatic resources have water in the quantity and of the quality necessary to maintain their
ecosystem.
The Gulf of Mexico supports a productive fishery. This productivity is largely dependent on the
estuaries, embayments, wetlands and freshwater flows to the Gulf. The Gulf and its associated
habitats are particularly important as breeding grounds and juvenile rearing areas for shellfish and
commercial finfish.
The Alto Golfo de California has unique characteristics and a high level of biodiversity; many
marine species, however, are endangered and need protection. Although the estuaries of southern
California may be small with respect to the Pacific coastal system, they are important for a variety
of species. The estuaries of southern California have a close affinity with those of northern Baja
California, Mexico.
In general, many specific issues such as contamination, habitat destruction, coastal development,
introduction of exotic species, and illegal harvest directly affect the marine and aquatic flora and
fauna of the border region. Continued and increased support for binational efforts to provide
information to characterize and manage marine and aquatic resources is necessary.
The Cooperative Fisheries Program (CFP), lead by SEMARNAP and NOAA's National Marine
Fisheries Service (NMFS), provides an excellent mechanism for information sharing and joint
activities relative to protection and conservation of marine species. The CFP can avoid duplication
of efforts in matters specifically related to marine fisheries. Border XXI, however, could be the
appropriate forum for other projects related to inland and freshwater fisheries and those projects
with a small fisheries component. Information on current CFP projects is available from both
SEMARNAP and NMFS.
In this regard, the MEXUS-Gulf and MEXUS-Pacific Memoranda of Understanding provide a
collaborative forum for both countries to work together on their research efforts in order to resolve
problems.
June 1996
111.10
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TABLE 3.3
NATURAL RESOURCES
Past and On-going Projects - Borderwide
%'• "•*' "'•&?• ' «»'? ?*.' •V.fs™ J;?" fefv. :*
,C. *&?& \-?:f ;•••*/,; jf< •;'£&<;
Conference of the
U.S.-Mexico border
states on parks,
recreation, and
wildlife
Protected areas
management training
Workshop on general
management
planning for natural
protected areas
Key identification
aids for tadpoles
Ecology and
conservation of
herpetofauna
Exchange of
biological data and
information networks
with CONABIO
Fire suppression
binational response
and training
,,'"/', •>'"?''''•!* . .<».
-:plME^;
1988-1995
1988-1995
1989-1995
1995-1997
1996
1995
1988
; ": .a^Wo-tn*. ',,*?-•<;,-;••<'>; f*°J?%*
•i>- '- v, -y^ ?'"**; A- '^'i% 4 *•
NPS, FWS, TPWD,
INE, UACH, UAAAN,
NMSU, ProFauna
A.C., McAHen City
Parks
NPS, INE, FWS
UAAAN, ProFauna
A.C.
NPS, INE, FWS,
ProFauna A.C.
NBS,UNAM,
CONABIO,
Smithsonian
NBS, CENTRO
ECOLOGICO DE
SONORA
NBS, CONABIO
USFS, SEMARNAP
v',^^ ."«;•' , •>„ ^-^-s-l?", '^is"\ -;'•* -,«• =•
|^^<^;^^
•: J%i^>r^., '''•• :-;.'. <:•%£?, S, '- '- ~^i^/-> rtr^ •!**>'
Six international conferences have been
held alternating between the United
States and Mexico (i.e. Laredo, Texas;
Saltillo, Coahuila; McAHen, Texas;
Chihuahua, Chihuahua; Las Cruces,
New Mexico; Cd. Victoria, Tamaulipas,
etc.).
Eight training courses on "Introduction
to Protected Areas Management" have
been completed for US-Mexico natural
resources managers.
Four specialized training courses on
"General Management Planning" for
US-Mexico natural resources managers
have been completed.
Draft general management plans were
developed as byproducts of the training
courses for field study sites (i.e.
Cuatrocienegas, Coahuila; Ruinas
Arqeologicas de la Quemada, Zacatecas;
Maderas del Carmen, Coahuila;
Bavicora, Chihuahua, etc.).
A draft manuscript is in preparation.
Developing cooperative mechanisms for
sharing biological data and information.
Development of binational fire crew
from Sonora and Coronado National
Forest to respond to border fires in
those areas. Training in fire suppression
techniques including, controlled burns
and basic training in prevention and
control of fires.
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ACTIVITY
Transboundary
Resource Inventory
Project
Risk assessment of
introduced forest
pests and diseases
Volunteer Exchange
Program
Training for
instructors in
environmental
education in the
northeast zone of
Mexico and
production of
educational materials
Environmental
education and
community outreach
in Mexico's northern
border states
Second National
CITES Training
Course in Mexico
Mammals of the
northern Mexican
border
Biodiversity in
southwestern
ecosystems
TIME
FRAME
1995
1995
1994
1995
1995
1995
1995
1996
PARTNERS -
USFS, FWS, USGS,
universities, NGO's,
state agencies, along
the border.
USFS, APHIS,
SEMARNAP,
INIFAP, FORESTRY
CANADA
USFS, SEMARNAP,
INIFAP
US/Mexico Joint
Committee for
Wildlife Conservation;
Association for the
Protection of Fauna,
A.C.; FWS
US-Mexico Joint
Committee for
Wildlife Conservation;
Universidad
Pedagogica Nacional
Unidad Mexicali
(National Educational
University of
Mexicali); FWS
US-Mexico Joint
Committee for
Wildlife Conservation
SEMARNAP, FWS
EME, DIAAPROY
NBS, UNAM,
CONACYT, FWS
ACCOWMSHM1WS''° ^
Joint measurement, mapping, and
sharing of GIS information in order to
create a digital base map.
Develop risk assessment rating and
improve identification and inspection
practices along the border.
Provide training in various forestry
areas including insect and disease
training, helitack training, wildlife
management, GIS/GPS systems, and fire
management.
Train instructors in environmental
education so that they can raise
awareness in communities regarding the
understanding and conservation of
natural resources.
Through these programs the institutions
will try to involve the communities of the
northeastern Mexico border states in
environmental education activities
related to natural resources.
Train personnel in the identification of
CITES species, and inspection and
enforcement to prevent species
trafficking.
A mammal list was compiled for the
Mexican border area, based on the
collection of scientific data from the
ENCB of the National Polytechnical
Institute and previous work in the area.
Developing working relationships to
survey and monitor biodiversity in order
to provide status and trends of
transboundarv natural resources.
June 1996
IH.12
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•;. ACTTVto
U.S.-Mexico initiative
for the conservation
of migratory bats
A training course for
the management of
cultural and natural
resources.
Conservation and
management of
wetlands in Mexico:
production of a
training manual
Training in special
technical
investigations for
Mexican wildlife
authorities
Study of aquatic bird
gathering
Formation of
committees of diverse
members for the
inspection,
protection, and
verification of
natural resources at
the state level.
First training course
regarding CITES
inspection and
enforcement
Training course for
inspectors in
identifying CITES
species skins.
TIME
'IRAME
1995
1994
1995
1995
1994
1995-1996
1995
1996
\.vfaftmss f
US/Mexico Joint
Committee for
Wildlife Conservation
Bat Conservation
International; FWS
SEDESOL, INAH,
NFS
US-Mexico Joint
Committee for
Wildlife Conservation;
ITESM, Guayamus
Campus; FWS
US/Mexico Joint
Committee for
Wildlife Conservation;
FWS
US/Mexico Joint
Committee for
Wildlife Conservation;
Ducks Unlimited de
Mexico, A.C.; FWS
PROFEPA
PROFEPA, USFWS,
Environment Canada
PROFEPA, CWS
Canada
ACCOMPLISHMENTS *
.> & ~"
Understand and protect these bat species
that inhabit both sides of the U.S.-
Mexico border
Train personnel in the management of
natural and cultural resources in
protected natural areas.
A manual was developed for the
conservation and management of
wetlands
Technical studies were distributed
focussing on Mexican wildlife for the
authorities in the area
Train technical personnel to identify
aquatic birds existing in priority regions
and to capture them for study.
The committees are instruments that
incorporate social participation,
commercial associations, and the state
government organizations in the
protection of natural resources in each
of the 6 Mexican border states.
Train technical personnel in the
identification and inspection of CITES
species.
Train personnel on the identification of
skins, products, and derivatives of
species included in CITES.
June 1996
IH.13
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ACTIVITY
Technical courses
and training
regarding the many
aspects of
verification,
inspection, and
protection of natural
resources
Observation and
verification program
of hunting activities
relating to the
cimarron sheep,
bura, berrendo,
white tail deer, and
wild turkey.
Formation of
committees of diverse
members for the
inspection and
protection of natural
resources at the
municipal level in the
northern border
TIME
FRAME
1995-1996
ongoing
ongoing
PARTNERS -'
PROFEPA
PROFEPA
PROFEPA
J A6d0MPLlSH3^flNTS* , %
Carry out this program in the northern
border states to ensure compliance with
hunting schedules and prevent poaching.
The formation of these committees will
be carried out in municipalities in
priority regions.
Objectives for the Next 5 Years
The Governments of Mexico and the U.S. have committed to maintaining biodiversity; conserving,
managing, and restoring the natural resources along the border, in a sustainable manner; and
strengthening regulatory compliance in the use, conservation and protection of natural resources.
These objectives will be met through the coordination of the involved agencies of both countries,
and the participation of the public for the benefit of the same. Specific objectives for the next five
years are provided below.
Biodiversity and Protected Areas
1. Improve and expand the protection of species and habitats in the border zone.
a. Promote the establishment of biological corridors that permit the free movement of species
and guarantee complementary actions and policies for both countries.
b. Identify habitats in need of protection.
c. Promote the protection, conservation, and utilization of a biodiversity program in the
border region, and the establishment of controlled production units as strategies for
restoring threatened and endangered flora and fauna.
d. Strengthen law enforcement capabilities along the border necessary to carry out the laws
June 1996
IH.14
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
and agreements stipulated under the Convention on International Trade for Endangered
Species (CITES), as well as illegal trafficking of wildlife and wildlife products.
e. Educate communities on both sides of the border regarding the negative impacts of illegal
trafficking and smuggling of threatened and endangered species across the border on
public safety and natural resources.
2. Establish mechanisms for increasing the base of scientific knowledge to support improved
protection and management of natural resources.
a. Cooperate in the development of mutually accessible information systems, identifying
status, trends, and research priorities of shared biological resources.
b. Promote research and investigations of habitats and species of flora and fauna, to initiate
management and protection programs that concentrate on biodiversity and the sustainable
use of resources.
3. Promote sustainable management of natural resources in the entire border zone through
productive projects to improve the quality of life for local communities such as supporting the
adoption of ecosystem management principles that further sustainable development in local
communities.
4. Management of natural protected areas to guarantee the conservation of ecosystems and
biodiversity
a. Develop and implement management plans for all federal protected areas in the border
zone and exchange relevant experiences.
b. Establish and implement conservation plans for species of special interest.
c. Facilitate participation from state and municipal authorities, Indian Nations, non-
governmental organizations, and local communities in all aspects of conservation
activities.
d. Establish an organizational structure and joint inspection committees for protected areas.
e. Develop funding strategies to strengthen conservation activities.
5. Design and conduct training courses and workshops regarding protected area management,
protected area planning, environmental education, legislation, and new conservation methods
along the border.
6. Improve binational law enforcement capabilities through cooperation and training, including
implementation of international agreements on endangered, threatened, protected and rare
species, and programs to combat illegal trafficking of fauna and flora.
Forest and Soil Conservation
1. Encourage the conservation and sustainable use of forest, rangeland, soil, and wildlife
resources as a fundamental part of ecosystem management, through collaboration with local
communities and public participation.
a. Implement programs to restore and enhance soil and forest activities, including nursery
management, silvicultural methods, and soil protection.
June 1996
111.15
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b. Refine mechanisms for preparing, preventing and responding to wildfires through
expansion of regional collaboration and improved fire management activities.
c. Promote voluntary soil conservation programs and practices.
d. Promote reforestation in urban zones to mitigate the impacts from industrial emissions
and other sources.
2. Reduce the effects of global climate change through improvement of local air quality by
promoting forestation and reforestation within the border area.
3. Improve forest health through strengthened monitoring and enforcement with respect to
forestry and wildlife uses, and land use modifications. Promote verification of phytosanitary
conditions of forestal species, products and by-products during transportation, storage, and
trade, with a focus on ports and border crossings.
4. Continue to build and expand links between investigation and management of forests,
rangeland and soils. Fundamental to this is promoting a consistent and compatible
classification and inventory system for soils and ecosystems to better coordinate binational
research activities and resource management planning.
5. Promote educational opportunities to local landowner and indigenous communities about non-
wood products, the recreational values of forests, and the beneficial role of prescribed burning
hi order to maintain ecosystems in a natural balance.
6. Encourage training, education, and research to identify and address forest and soil resource
problems.
7. To identify and solve resource and soil problems, support capacity building, education and
research.
Marine and Aquatic Resources
1. Protect, conserve, and restore marine and freshwater ecosystems and species in the border area
with special consideration to endangered and threatened species and their habitats.
a. Promote mitigation of adverse impacts to coastal and freshwater ecosystems resulting
from natural resource exploitation, tourism, and other human influences.
b. Prevent and reduce disease and environmental disturbances due to the introduction of
exotic aquatic species, through technology transfer and cooperative research efforts.
c. Promote and encourage legal compliance relative to agrochemical usage to prevent water
and soil degradation and reduce impacts to aquatic resources.
d. Monitor aquacultural enterprises to enforce permit compliance, prevent water degradation
and increased soil salinity, and diminish environmental impacts on aquatic habitats.
2. Promote sustainable aquaculture development while preventing habitat degradation and
declines in resident species.
a. Promote compliance with domestic regulations for the protection of interior, coastal and
ocean fisheries.
b. Cooperate to control illegal trafficking of species and illegal use of aquatic resources.
June 1996
m.16
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3. Initiate training, educational programs, and outreach activities that support marine and aquatic
resources through cooperative investigations, exchange of technology and improved user
access to data.
Resource Requirements
Resource requirements are being developed and will be provided in the final version of this
document.
III.3 Water
Issues and Problems
Surface water resources in the border area include two major river drainages, the Colorado River
and the Rio Grande. Other important river systems include the Tijuana River, New River, Alamo
River, Gila River, Santa Cruz River, San Pedro River, Rio Yaqui, Rio Casa Grande, Rio Conchos,
Pecos River, Rio Salado, and the Rio San Juan. These surface water resources are complemented
by numerous ground water basins, both of which feed important wetland areas that support
biodiversity and the region's natural systems.
Water pollution is one of the principal environmental and public health problems facing the border
area. Deficiencies in the treatment of wastewater, the disposal of untreated effluent and the
inadequate operation and maintenance of treatment plants result in health risks to border
communities. Additionally, the lack of adequate collection, treatment and distribution systems for
drinking water constitutes a potential exposure risk for, among other things, gastrointestinal
infections. In some cases raw or insufficiently treated wastewater is discharged or flows to surface
and ground water drinking water sources. In the Rio Grande, for example, raw wastewaters are
often discharged upstream from drinking water intake works.
Along the Mexican side of the border there are 23 cities with a total population on the order of 5
million inhabitants. In these cities, 88 percent of the population has access to drinking water, and
69 percent has access to sewage collection systems. The capacity of the treatment plants within
these cities is 34 percent. It is worth noting that the sewer systems in the majority of the cities are
very old and have exceeded their useful life, thereby requiring rehabilitation. The greatest need is
for water and wastewater infrastructure in the urban areas; however, a need also exists in the small
communities.
Strong budget restrictions limit the investments in water infrastructure in Mexico. In addition, the
operating entities on the Mexican side of the border require significant subsidies for the provision
of'services due to the fact that user fees are insufficient to cover the cost of operation and
maintenance, and a lack of public awareness regarding water conservation issues results in
inefficient water usage.
June 1996
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In the U.S. border area, all the sister cities are serviced by public drinking water authorities that are
required to meet the drinking water standards of the Safe Drinking Water Act. In addition, the vast
majority of U.S. municipalities have EPA-permitted publicly owned treatment works, and new
housing developments cannot be approved unless they are connected to a locally approved septic
system or an EPA-permitted treatment system. The major exceptions to this situation are the
'colonias' or unincorporated communities lacking basic public services. In the U.S. border area, the
greatest need is for water and wastewater infrastructure in the colonias and small communities. It
is estimated that over 390,000 people live in Texas colonias and over 42,000 live in New Mexico
colonias. Texas and New Mexico have both passed laws which prohibit the development of such
communities without basic sanitary and municipal infrastructure.
An amazing abundance and diversity of wildlife, both migratory and resident species, are found in
the border region and are dependent upon a limited supply of water. This same water is necessary
to sustain the growing human population. The development of a comprehensive understanding of
the quantity and quality of water resources that are present in the region is critical to the selection
of conservation and management alternatives.
The systematic and consistent collection and analysis of water resources data can generate the
hydrologic information and knowledge needed by water managers along the border. In turn, this
data can be used to conduct water resource appraisals in which the occurrence and availability of
surface and ground waters and their physical, chemical, and biological characteristics can be
described on a binational basis. The collection, synthesis, and analysis of hydrogeologic data is
important in establishing and evaluating water resource protection strategies and policies, and
supporting related environmental baseline studies. Due to the transboundary nature of water issues
it is important that efforts to characterize water resources are international in scope. In order to
alleviate water-resource problems and provide a greater understanding of hydrologic systems
sufficient to predict their response to natural or human-caused stress, basic applied hydrologic
research is necessary.
Along the border, there are a large number of authorities and institutions that in some cases have
duplicative functions, resulting in inadequate coordination of decision-making. To resolve this
problem increased communication, cooperation and coordination among responsible authorities is
required.
Binational agreements exist for monitoring the quality of principal water bodies. Within these
agreements the detailed study of salinity, flows and transport of sediments in the lower Colorado
River Watershed are of vital importance.
In the context of wastewater treatment, the U.S. and Mexico have established bilateral agreements
which determine that wastewater treatment in each country will be guided by the respective national
standards. Mexico is adapting its regulations and standards regarding wastewater discharges,
considering the water uses of the receiving bodies, instead of regulating the discharges from
sources. In this sense, the new official Mexican standards will contemplate incremental compliance
of the quality of water that is discharged to receiving bodies.
Given the importance of water as a natural resource, the Water Workgroup recognizes the need to
interact on a continuing basis with the Natural Resources Workgroup. Similarly, it is important for
the Water Workgroup to cooperate effectively with the other Border XXI Workgroups to maintain
an awareness of each others needs and to work collaboratively when appropriate.
June 1996
IH.18
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Past and On-going Projects
From 1989 through 1995, through the efforts of CNA, Mexico completed many planning studies
and project designs in the areas of drinking water, sewer systems, sanitation, and the institutional
strengthening of operating entities. This information is outlined in the following table (Table 3.4).
TABLE 3.4
NUMBER OF COMPLETED PLANNING AND DESIGN STUDIES
State
Baja California
Sonora
Chihuahua
Coahuila
Tamaulipas
TOTAL
General
Planning
10
8
4
4
13
39
Drinking
Water Design
13
6
1
2
10
32
Sewer Systems
Design
9
4
2
2
7
24
Treatment
Systems
3
2
2
2
7
16
Institutional
Strengthening
2
1
3
6
To date, borderwide activities pertaining to water programs have basically involved wastewater
infrastructure funding, training courses for utilities operators, and water quality studies. The
specific infrastructure and water quality monitoring projects are discussed in more detail in the
appropriate geographic chapters. Table 3.5 identifies borderwide past and on-going projects related
to water issues.
TABLE 3.5
WATER
Past and Ongoing Projects - Borderwide
Pre-treatment
inspector training
1992
EPA, SEDUE
SEDUE staff accompanied EPA staff during
pre-treatment inspections in Southern
California.
Wastewater treatment
inventory
1993
EPA, IBWC,
Binational inventory of waste water systems in
the border area.
Drinking water
inventory
1994-1996
EPA, IBWC,
CNA
Binational inventory of public drinking water
systems in the border area.
Translate pre-
treatment manuals
1995-1996
EPA, Water
Environment
Federation
Draft manuals due summer 1996: Local
Limits Guidance, Industrial User Inspection &
Monitoring and Industrial User Permitting
Guidance.
Industrial wastewater
pre-treatment
program training
1994-1995
EPA, IBWC,
CNA
Course provided to wastewater technicians in
Ciudad Juarez and Mexicali.
Identification of water
data needs for border
characterization
1995-1997
EPA, DOI,
IBWC, CNA,
INEGI
Inventory of information gaps and
development of strategy for addressing them.
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In support of environmental infrastructure development, the U.S. and Mexico created the NADBank
to finance infrastructure for water, wastewater, and solid waste. To date, both governments have
capitalized the NADBank for a total of USD $1,275 million in callable capital and USD$225
million in direct capitalization.
The Border Environment Cooperation Commission (BECC) was created to collaborate with state
and municipal authorities, national and international institutions, and with private sources of
investment capital to certify environmental infrastructure projects located in the border region. In
coordination with NADBank, the BECC analyzes the financial and economic feasibility prior to the
certification of projects which will be presented to the NADBank or other credit institutions. The
Water Workgroup will support the BECC by providing guidance regarding environmental
conditions and water resources at risk.
To date, the following seven projects have been certified by the BECC, whose total costs are
approximately $80 million USD as reflected in the following table (Table 3.6).
TABLE 3.6
PROJECTS CERTIFIED BY THE BECC TO DATE
LOCATION
Ensenada, B.C.
Nogales Son.
FINSA, Matamoros, Tamps.
Brawley, Ca.
Douglas Az.
El Paso, Texas
Naco, Son
TYPE OF PROJECT
wastewater treatment plant
drinking water supply
wastewater treatment plant
drinking water supply
drinking water and sewer networks
water reuse
drinking water supply and wastewater
collection and treatment
Under the NBEP, Mexico has an agreement with the World Bank for a credit of $368 million USD
to support environmental development of the cities in the northern border area, of which $80
million USD is for drinking water and sanitation projects.
Objectives for the Next 5 Years
In an effort to protect and improve water quality in the border region, the two countries have agreed
to focus the efforts of the Workgroup on the following objectives during the next five years:
4. Develop and, when necessary, rehabilitate drinking water, wastewater collection, and
wastewater treatment infrastructure.
• Work with the operating entities to develop integrated plans that will include analyses
of water infrastructure projects and technical, economic, financial, and social feasibility
studies. This effort will assist the operating entities in complying with the BECC
certification criteria necessary to secure future financing.
• Streamline EPA/SEMARNAP/IBWC cooperation to accelerate the transfer of
functions and responsibilities to regional federal offices, and state and local agencies.
• Increase institutional coordination to make decision-making more efficient and
optimize available resources.
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2. Pollution Prevention
• Establish binational priorities and guidelines for developing pretreatment programs, in
accordance with each country's standards, for industrial wastewaters discharged into
the municipal collection system and the treatment plants whose effluent is discharged
to common watersheds.
3. Watershed Planning and Management
• Establish binational priorities and provide technical assistance for the development of
studies and projects on a watershed basis including groundwater and surface water.
4. Water Quality Monitoring
• Continue, and if necessary expand, the programs for monitoring the quality of surface
and ground waters to characterize and determine the status of the water resource.
5. Training and Development
• Develop personnel training and development programs related to water management
issues.
6. Promoting Water Conservation
• Promote the efficient and rational use of water among the users.
7. Public participation
• Promote public participation in the assumption of responsibilities and decision-making
related to water infrastructure projects.
Resource Requirements
In Mexico, investment needs over the next five years have been identified totaling approximately
$442.3 M USD to improve the level of water services. These funds will be invested as a function
of their relative priorities, the availability of resources at federal and state levels, and ability to pay
on the part of the water users. These investments are distributed as shown in Table 3.7.
TABLE 3.7
RESOURCE REQUIREMENT ESTIMATES FOR WATER INFRASTRUCTURE*
Project Component
Drinking water
Sewer systems
Treatment
Consolidation
Increased Efficiency
Studies and projects
Total
Investment (Million $USD)
Urgent
1996-1997
38
32
51
15
15
3.3
154.3
Short term
1998-1999
46
.41
34
11
12
1.6
145.6
Medium term
2000
48
48
28
4
14
.4
142.4
Total
132
121
113
30
41
5.3
442.3
These estimates are based on studies and evaluations conducted by the Government of Mexico
considering domestic standards
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To support the operating entities of the Mexican border localities, CNA contemplates making
investments in these local authorities to improve plant operations as well as increase capacity and
financial efficiency. CNA has identified the facility planning and design requirements for the next
three years at a total cost of $5.5 million USD.
In 1995, EPA received nearly $150 million for border environmental infrastructure projects: $50
million for colonias, $52.5 million for construction of the South Bay Ocean Outfall (part of the
Tijuana International Wastewater Treatment Facility), $37.3 million for wastewater infrastructure
planning and construction in Imperial Valley-Mexicali and Nogales-Nogales, and $10 million for
wastewater infrastructure planning for projects along the Rio Grande-Rio Bravo.
In 1996, the President's budget request included $100 million for border environmental
infrastructure. To date, EPA has received $30 million of this amount from Congress and expects
to use these funds for several purposes: (A) constructing current EPA-assisted project; (B)
providing technical assistance to BECC applicants; (C) constructing BECC-certified projects, in
combination with other funding sources; and (D) preparing comprehensive watershed management
planning projects. Refer to Annex 7 for detailed information on funding distribution.
IH.4 Air
Issues and Problems
Many border residents are currently exposed to health-threatening levels of air pollution. Ozone,
particulate matter, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide are among some of the air pollutants of
concern in the border region. EPA and INE have developed national strategies to improve air
quality that are centered around basic sets of national ambient air quality standards. Both countries
have established similar ambient air quality standards for carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide
(SOa), nitrogen dioxide (NO^, ozone (O }, particulate matter of 10 microns or less in diameter (PM-
10), and lead (Pb). Table 3.8 compares the Mexican and U.S. health-based ambient air quality
standards.
June 1996
HI.22
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
TABLE 3.8
COMPARISON OF MEXICAN AND U.S. HEALTH-BASED AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS
POLLUTANT
0,
SO2
NO2
CO
TSP
PM-10
Pb
MEXICO
Units
0.11 ppm
0.13 ppm
0.03 ppm
0.21 ppm
11 ppm
260 ug/m3
75 ug/m3
150 ug/m3
50 ug/m3
1.5ug/m3
Average
1 hour
24 hours
annual
1 hour
8 hours
24 hours
annual arithmetic
mean
24 hours
annual arithmetic
mean
3 month
arithmetic mean
U.S.
Units
0.12 ppm
0.14 ppm
0.03 ppm
0.25 ppm
0.053ppm
9 ppm
35 ppm
N/A
150 ug/m3
50 ug/m3
1.5ug/m3
Average
1 hour
24 hours
annual arithmetic
mean
1 hour
annual arithmetic
mean
8 hours 1 hour
N/A
24 hours
annual arithmetic
mean
3 months
Table 3.9 lists border cities that exceed ambient air quality standards. Currently in Mexico, there
is no guidance by which to determine "nonattainment" with Mexican air quality standards.
Additionally, there is insufficient air quality monitoring data to determine if Mexican cities meet
the Mexican air quality standards. Aside from these limitations, Table 3.9 indicates various
Mexican cities presumed to not meet the Mexican air quality standards based on knowledge of
sources and their potential emissions.
June 1996
ra.23
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
TABLE 3.9
BORDER CITIES THAT EXCEED AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS
BORDER NON-ATTAINMENT AREAS2
El Paso, TX
Dona Ana County, NM
Imperial County, CA
San Diego, CA
Douglas, AZ
Nogales, AZ
Yuma, AZ
Tijuana, B.C.
Mexicali, B.C. ,
San Luis Rio Colorado, SON.
Nogales, SON.
Agua Prieta, SON.
Ciudad Juarez, CHIH.
PM-10 - SO,
X
X
X
X X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X
X
CO
X
__3
X
X
X
X
o.
X .
X
_4
X
X
X
X
Border air quality problems are due to emissions from mobile, point and area sources driven by
economic growth in the region. The size of the vehicle fleet in Mexico is increasing and many cars
are obtained from abroad. This impacts air quality as a large portion of these cars do not comply
with auto emission standards because they have been poorly maintained and contain after-market,
used, or inappropriate replacement parts. In addition, authorities have been unable to perform
adequate planning and design of roadways to allow free flow and movement of traffic, which
likewise contributes to the deterioration of air quality.
Another problem of importance is the large amount of pollution produced by mobile sources at the
border crossings, since large vehicle lines form during peak crossing-hours. The problem is
compounded by the poor condition of the vehicles and the extended idling times required to cross
into U.S. cities. This produces noticeable air pollution.
With respect to point sources, industrialization has accelerated with the increased location of
industrial operations in the border zone. In combination, the maquiladora sector and national
industry emit large quantities of a variety of pollutants from the combustion of fuel and fugitive
emissions from their industrial processes. The area is experiencing additional air pollution from
service and commercial activity that accompanies industrial growth.
Finally, the rapid urbanization and resulting lack of infrastructure to support growth results in the
creation of large stretches of unpaved roads that contribute significantly to particulate matter in the
air, further reducing air quality.
2 Mexico is currently in the process of defining procedures and criteria for determining official attainment or non-attainment
status.
3 Currently designated as "unclassifiable/attainment," although last year there were 11 violations. Based on 1994-95 data,
design value would be 12.9 ppm ("high" moderate). •
4 Currently designated as "transitional" non-attainment for ozone. Based on 1993-1995 data, the county's design value would
likely be .16 or above (serious).
June 1996
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Annex V to the 1983 La Paz Agreement directs the U.S. and Mexico to assess the causes of and
develop solutions to air quality problems in border sister cities. Given the increase in population,
vehicular traffic, and industrial activity in the El Paso-Ciudad Juarez-Sunland Park, San Diego-
Tijuana, Imperial Valley-Mexicali, ambos Nogales and Douglas-Agua Prieta airbasins, there is an
immediate need to evaluate levels of targeted air pollutants. Other areas may likely be added to this
list as needs arise. In particular, the Air Workgroup will build on the existing efforts of its
geographically specific sub-workgroups to promote regionally-based air quality monitoring
networks, emissions inventories, and regional air quality modeling and improvement strategies.
The Workgroup will work in close partnership with U.S. and Mexican state, tribal, and local
governments and NGOs in managing the air quality in the region.
TABLE 3.10
AIR QUALITY
Past and On-Going Projects - Borderwide
Air quality programs in
priority sister cities -
The workgroup is
focusing on three
priority areas over the
long-term: San Diego-
Tijuana; Imperial
Valley-Mexicali; and El
Paso-Ciudad Juarez-
Sunland Park. In
addition, short-term
studies are underway
in other areas (e.g.,
ambos Nogales,
Douglas-Agua Prieta).
On-going
EPA, INE, Border
State and Local
Through the Air Workgroup, the two
governments are working together to
improve air quality through air quality
monitoring and the development of air
pollution abatement strategies
throughout the border region. These
efforts include components for training,
technical assistance, and public
participation.
June 1996
IH.25
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ACTIVITY
TIME
FRAME
PARTNERS
Training needs
assessment and referral
- Build the technical
capacity and expertise
in Mexico to deliver
needed air quality
management training
in an efficient and
coordinated manner.
On-going
EPA, INE, UAM,
UTA, border state
and local
governments
- In process of finalizing assessment of air
quality training needs for 5 cities along
the border.
- Produced plan for the creation of three
regional training centers along the
border.
- In process of developing repositories for
training materials and resources within
the training centers.
- Provide access to satellite courses
through EPA-sponsored Distance
Learning Network.
- Developed procedures for course
development and delivery.
- Establish train-the-trainer programs.
Air Emissions
Inventory Methodology
Project-
Provide foundation for
development of
consistent industrial,
area, and mobile source
inventories for large
urban centers of
Mexico.
On-going
INE.PROFEPA,
PEA, WGA,
border states
- Developed implementation plan for
emissions inventory methodology.
- Prepared training course materials and
emissions inventory development
manuals.
- Identified technical studies including:
special studies and refinement of
emissions inventory methods testing,
validation of emissions estimates,
emissions factor applicability to Mexico,
and uncertainty analysis.
June 1996
111.26
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U.S.-Mexico
Information Center on
Air Pollution (CICA) -
developed and
operating an
information center for
the border area to
provide access to
pertinent information
related to assessment of
air pollutant emissions,
ambient monitoring,
air quality modeling,
and control
technologies and
pollution prevention
programs that will aid
in the achievement of
emissions reductions.
On-going
INE, EPA
- Continue to provide technical assistance
to Mexican Government and industrial
clients.
- In addition, the clearinghouse will make
available a wide variety of information
(e.g., air monitoring data) through a
bilingual hot-line (919-541-1800) and an
Internet homepage
(http://www.epa.gov/oar/oaqps/cica.html)
Objectives for the Next 5 Years
Over the course of the next five to ten years, both nations hope to be in a position where we
have developed and are implementing air quality improvement strategies along the U.S.-Mexico
border, with the ultimate goal of meeting the health based ambient air quality standards of each
nation. In order to meet this goal, EPA and SEMARNAP have agreed to focus the efforts of the
Workgroup on the following objectives during the next five years:
1. Develop air quality assessments and improvement programs:
a. Evaluate levels of targeted air pollutants through regionally-based air quality
monitoring networks.
b. Determine the source of the pollutants through the development of emissions
inventories.
c. Load information into computer models which calculate pollutant concentrations
throughout the area.
d. Compare the model's theoretical computations with the actual measured values
obtained from the monitoring networks and adjust the model.
e. If necessary, perform additional modeling computations, based on the emission
inventory, source emission profiles, and statistical "fingerprinting" methods ("source
attribution"), which can be used as important aids in determining the most efficient and
cost-effective control strategies.
June 1996
111.27
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f. Conduct air quality modeling with future year emissions, considering population
growth and potential impacts of control strategies to predict future ambient air quality
concentrations and associated health risks. Analyze air quality impacts of alternative
control strategies.
g. Based upon analyses, recommend air quality improvement strategies to attain health-
based air quality standards.
2. Continue to build institutional infrastructure and expertise in the border region
a. Provide technical assistance in the development and implementation of control
strategies.
b. Continue to build the necessary institutional infrastructure and expertise in the border
region to deliver air quality management training in an efficient and coordinated
manner. Training courses will be developed in Mexico City as well as the border states
and municipalities and delivered at training centers located in Tijuana, Juarez and
Matamoros (additional training centers may be added as needs arise)
c. Continue to provide and improve as necessary the technical assistance and information
dissemination efforts of the U.S.-Mexico Air Pollution Clearinghouse.
3. Encourage ongoing involvement of local communities. The air sub-workgroups will meet
with interested parties on a geographically-specific basis to discuss projects and solicit
suggestions on ways to better facilitate information dissemination and community
involvement in air quality improvement strategies.
4. Review and recommend implementation of air pollution abatement strategies that do not
require extensive technical evaluations (e.g., reduced automotive vehicle emissions related
to idling at binational border crossings, reductions in emissions from family-owned auto
paint and body shops, curtailed open trash burning, lessened emissions from high-emitting
residential heaters, and lowered emissions from brick kilns).
5. Study the potential for economic incentive programs for reducing air pollution more quickly
and at less cost than conventional "command and control" methods that require specific
technologies and/or emissions reductions. These evaluations would present the economic
and environmental advantages/disadvantages in both the U.S. and Mexico in terms of
applying such programs in a transboundary context.
Resource Requirements
Resource requirements are being developed and will be provided in the final version of this
document.
June 1996
IH.28
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
III.5 Hazardous and Solid Waste
Issues and Problems
In the border, rapid industrialization and the associated increase of population has created a need
for improved hazardous and solid waste management infrastructure.. Some of the specific waste
issues that have been identified by federal and state agencies, as well as the general public include
the illegal transboundary shipment of hazardous waste; improper disposal of hazardous and solid
waste; health and environmental risks posed by inactive and abandoned sites; the need for proper
development of new sites; and the proper operation and closure of existing sites.
The Hazardous and Solid Waste Workgroup undertakes projects and activities that promote sound
waste management practices. An over-arching goal of the Workgroup is to build improved
capability along both sides of the border to develop and implement waste management programs.
Other primary goals of the Workgroup are to improve the monitoring of transborder movements of
hazardous wastes and toxic substances, and to promote pollution prevention and waste reduction
practices. The Workgroup seeks to involve key local, state and federal officials from both
countries in its activities.
The Workgroup recently changed its name from the Hazardous Waste Workgroup to the Hazardous
and Solid Waste Workgroup. This change was made with the acknowledgment that hazardous and
solid waste management and disposal issues often present similar concerns and challenges to
environmental and regulatory officials along the border. In addition, the U.S. and Mexico have
differing definitions of hazardous and solid waste, thereby increasing the need to develop common
approaches to both hazardous and solid waste management.
TABLE 3.11
HAZARDOUS AND SOLID WASTE
Past and On-Going Projects - Borderwide
(Please see Annex 7 for additional U.S. state and local solid and hazardous waste projects)
ACTIVITY. -''-
i f "* * *
Further develop and expand
binational computerized
tracking system for
transborder movement of
hazardous wastes and
substances (HAZTRAKS)
Binational development of
information on detection of
illegally imported/exported
hazardous waste
Exchange information on
siting of new and existing
hazardous, radioactive, or
solid waste facilities along the
border
Inventory of hazardous waste
generation and inventory of
management infrastructure
'* TlMEfjV
-FRAME :
1992 - On-
going
1992, 1996-
1997
1992
1996 - On-
going
' PARTNERS
EPA,
SEMARNAP,
States
EPA,
SEMARNAP
EPA,
SEMARNAP,
States
EPA,
SEMARNAP,
States
:ACCQ3^PBIS^MENTS • *
Improved binational monitoring
of hazardous waste movements.
Improved binational enforcement
of import/export regulations.
Established guidelines for the
repatriation of Hazardous Waste.
Adopted consultative mechanism
to ensure information exchange
on a quarterly basis.
Identify facilities and determine
amounts of wastes generated.
June 1996
m.29
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
ACTIVITY
Improve hazardous waste
field sampling and lab
analysis capability (including
creation of Mobile Lab Units)
Utilize Regional Geographic
Sub-Work Groups to
implement hazardous and
solid waste and enforcement
workgroup objectives.
Outreach and training to
maquiladoras on regulatory
requirements for transborder
shipments of hazardous waste
TIME
FRAME
1995 - On-
going
1996 - On-
going
1992-1993
PARTNERS' ,
EPA,
SEMARNAP,
State
EPA,
SEMARNAP,
States, and local
authorities
EPA,
SEMARNAP,
TNRCC, NMED,
US an Mexican
Customs, US DOT,
National
Maquiladora
Association
- 4 A^COlSiraSHMENTS?' ,
S "" -J •"
Improved ability to detect
violations of hazardous waste
management and import/export
regulations.
Establish regional binational
groups to develop and implement
geographic specific projects.
Two border-wide conferences
were held in El Paso and Tijuana,
respectively, to increase
understanding by maquiladoras
and U.S. parent companies of
import/export regulations.
Objectives for the Next 5 Years
EPA and SEMARNAP have agreed to focus the efforts of the Hazardous and Solid Waste
Workgroup on the following objectives over the next five years:
1. Develop a vulnerability atlas for the U.S.-Mexico Border to target geographic priorities for
waste management activities.
2. Improve monitoring of the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes and substances in
the border region:
a. Maintain and improve the HAZTRAKS system.
b. Attempt to correlate and harmonize the definitions of "hazardous waste" between the
two countries.
c. Provide training to, and work cooperatively with, U.S. and Mexican Customs officials.
d. Coordinate development of HAZTRAKS with other international tracking systems.
3. Continue enforcement activities related to illegal waste practices:
a. Deliver training to enhance capabilities in regulating hazardous waste.
b. Continue to repatriate illegally exported hazardous wastes.
c. Review and improve the repatriation guidelines.
d. Improve monitoring of the movement and generation of hazardous waste.
4. Improve waste management practices and promote waste minimization and recycling:
a. Develop partnerships with industry to encourage waste minimization and safe material
management.
b. Provide site-specific compliance and technical assistance on an as-needed basis.
June 1996
111.30
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
c. Train government officials, community leaders, and industry on waste reduction and
pollution prevention.
d. Create mobile laboratory capability in the border region (address equipment needs,
sampling methods and training of personnel).
5. Build institutional expertise and capability:
a. Exchange technical information (regarding the criteria for the design, construction.
b. Exchange information on waste facilities in the border area.
c. Identify and address training needs of regulatory officials and industry.
d. Develop closer coordination with the BECC and the CEC to help target projects and
priorities.
e. Utilize regional sub-workgroups to implement the hazardous and solid waste
workgroup objectives.
Resource Requirements
Resource requirements are being developed and will be provided in the final version of
this document.
III.6 Pollution Prevention
Issues and Problems
In recent years, the border area has undergone rapid urban and industrial growth which in turn has
negatively affected the environment. Investing resources to reduce or prevent pollution from being
generated in the first place is often a much more cost effective means of improving the environment
and avoiding environmental health problems than spending resources on regulation, treatment,
storage, and disposal. The mission of the Pollution Prevention Workgroup is to demonstrate and
promote the benefits of pollution prevention to protect the environment and promote sustainable
development in border communities. To achieve its mission, one of the Workgroup's principal
objectives is to coordinate efforts to define and implement pollution prevention projects in the
border area. As such, public input is crucial as a means of learning where to focus pollution
prevention efforts and obtain new ideas on how to effectively communicate the benefits of pollution
prevention practices. These practices must be viewed in accordance with the regulatory, socio-
economic, and cultural aspects that are unique to each country.
Because pollution prevention is a tool to be implemented in all the Border XXI Workgroups, close
coordination and cooperation is needed between the workgroups to ensure that they complement
one another's agenda. In addition, the Pollution Prevention Workgroup will support the efforts of
the other workgroups to direct attention to useful pollution prevention practices.
June 1996
IH.31
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
TABLE 3.12
POLLUTION PREVENTION
Past and On-Going Projects - Borderwide
ACTIVITY
Bilingual Pollution
Prevention Manuals
for selected industrial
sectors:
- Woodfinishing
- Metal Finishing
Industry
- Electronics Industry
- Textile and Apparel
Industry
Bilingual pollution
prevention technical
conferences
- Woodfinishing
- Metal Finishing
Industry
- Electronics Industry
- Textile and Apparel
Industry
Bilingual video on
pollution prevention
as a tool for
enforcement
(Cooperative
Enforcement
Workgroup)
Pollution Prevention
Curriculum
Conference for
students and
graduates in
engineering
TIME
FRAME
10/94
completed
5/95
completed
expected 8\96
expected 3\97
1995
1993-1994
1996
1997
Summer 1996
1995,
ongoing
' PARJNH®!
' ;^i/^£iSlf;
EPA, TNRCC,
ADEQ, CDTSC,
NMED, INE
EPA, TNRCC,
ADEQ, CDTSC,
NMED, INE
EPA, PROFEPA,
ITESM
f
EPA, TNRCC,
ITESM,
University of
Texas-Pan
American,
Monterrey
Institute of
Technology,
University of
Nuevo Leon
-•;^?;:^^clllil^iiiW^1ilf
^Mi^^::^SM^^SfSi&
Completion of bilingual pollution
prevention manuals for the wood
finishing and metal finishing industries.
Bilingual manuals for the electronics
industry and textile and apparel industry
are forthcoming.
Previously held conferences on pollution
prevention in the wood finishing industry
and metal finishing industry.
Conferences to also be held on electronics
industry and textile and apparel industry
upon completion of bilingual manuals.
Video to assist maquiladoras'compliace
through voluntary auditing. The video is
currently being reviwed and translated
into the final draft by PROFEPA.
Conference was held November 1995 on
development of a Pollution Prevention
Curriculum for students and graduates
in engineering. Guideline chapters are
under development and should be
completed by October 1996. Another
conference is being organized to further
the curriculum on pollution prevention,
disseminate available information
materials, and exchange creative problem
solving approaches.
June 1996
IH.32
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
'XV' ,\'V >^'<'?s ^x^> < ^7-sv',,
' !>.sfc "•-•?• >V"M?' T* &x-(l&£; ,
Develop sector
manuals to assist
Mexican Pollutant
Release and Transfer
Register (PRTR)
covering the
following issues:
enforcement and
compliance
assurance, release
estimation
techniques, and
pollution prevention
Technology transfer
and capacity building
on pollution
prevention with INE
V,;,V> <^ ''^£J XV ,
g;:|§5pMpRStv5'
fS^:lft'^:$l*^
EPA,INE,NJOEP
EPA, INE,
TNRCC
•:, -•;:?::• • ,v**» ' v y:f •* --: * 2.\'.i i . ?," ' 4»r *.;'.<,"• '.*,-'" k'? f. , .
* ^1-iJ^^^;jV^^\ '^^'"^^*\- SsJi,, «>** , '-
Planning Stages of developing more
standardized TRI (Toxic Release
Inventory) manuals to aid in enforcement
compliance issues, release estimation,
techniques, and pollution prevention.
Scope of the services are still being
developed.
Working together to train personnel in
voluntary auditing compliance through
technology transfer and capacity
building. Conferences and meetings have
been held in order to share information
with INE, PROFEPA, and the
Maquiladora Association
Objectives for the Next 5 Years
Both countries will continue with their pollution prevention activities directed at industry, state and
local governments, and private citizens to promote pollution prevention as a cost-effective means
of reducing levels of contamination, improving the quality of life for border residents, and
promoting economically and environmentally sustainable development. In order to implement this
strategy, both governments have agreed to focus on the following pollution prevention objectives
over the next five years:
1. Increase technical exchange at all levels of government to enhance assistance and outreach
to industry:
a. Develop additional bilingual pollution prevention manuals for priority industrial
sectors.
b. Expand pollution prevention technical assistance to small business operations.
c. Expand pollution prevention assistance to maquiladoras.
2. Increase technical assistance and outreach to federal, state, and municipal authorities, and
the general public:
a. Develop an initiative on recycling and solid waste handling activities.
b. Deliver workshops on recycling and municipal waste treatment.
c. Create, in association with the Cooperative Enforcement Workgroup, a pollution
prevention component in the audit program that can be used in both countries.
d. SEMARNAP's National Institute of Ecology will develop a pollution prevention office.
June 1996
IH.33
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
e. Initiate a Pollution Release and Transfer Registry [PRTR (RETC in Spanish)] in
Mexico and develop common information dissemination procedures and compatibility
between the Mexican PRTR and the EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI).
f. Provide technical support to Mexican state governmental agencies in recycling and
pollution prevention.
g. Assist Agency for International Development (AID) in the provision of technical
information to aid facility personnel to identify and implement pollution prevention
and energy efficiency improvement opportunities within their respective plants, and in
turn to disseminate this information to other facilities and industries within Mexico.
3. Increase cooperation and coordination with other Border XXI Workgroups and other entities
involved in promoting pollution prevention.
Resource Requirements
Resource requirements are being developed and will be provided in the final version of this
document.
IIL7 Contingency Planning and Emergency Response
Issues and Problems
The fundamental purpose of the Contingency Planning and Emergency Response Workgroup is to
increase municipal and local capacity to prepare for and respond to hazardous material emergencies
and optimize the use of Mexican and U.S. resources in environmental emergency situations,
ultimately working to provide for public safety as well as protect the environment. A key element
of contingency planning and emergency response is the involvement of the public and the local
officials in the development of strategies to implement safeguards for preventing or controlling
hazardous situations. The Workgroup has met with communities on a geographic sister city basis
to discuss strategies and solicit suggestions on ways to better facilitate information dissemination
and community involvement.
One area of concern raised in the Border XXI public outreach meetings is that the planning has
focused on sister city areas. This leaves out large areas which are not major population centers, but
where there still may be a risk of hazardous incident because of increasing cross-border traffic (i.e.,
trucks carrying loads of hazardous materials through Indian Reservations or isolated roads that are
short cuts that traverse small communities).
June 1996
111.34
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
TABLE 3.13
CONTINGENCY PLANNING AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Past and Ongoing Projects - Borderwide
'' & * ^'ivir* «•£ =5f M^X^-
,'v ,i^x^<;t<^*;-t'-: ^$i
»>,;kCH'wX?il!'.<1:^^?-:,«:".!
Formation of the
expanded Joint
Response Team
(JRT)
Revisions to the
Joint Contingency
Plan (JCP)
Development of
protocols and
notification
procedures
Promote
CLAM/LEPC
cooperation in the
development of
hazardous materials
inventories and in
participating in
contingency
planning
Workshops and
training courses in
Calexico-Mexicali;
McAllen-Reynosa,
Nogales-Nogales,
and Eagle Pass-
Piedras Negras.
° 1 1> ?' .'fJTtfa/fif <•> ••'»'• '> •>
-sy/^-a «JL JUMoEfsV- &,:--,
:•.•'.•", -<•«••'•; ?'•••*• ' - !A' •'*• v\w >
':^. ^A^ °."S, W' ^\^^t^^> ,* '*'
> > ^s* ^V*'" ",T'"V'i^ *>•>'•"
,^|>I»A|«fe^
1994
1996-1997
1996-1997
On-going
1996
Cf?SRllMlSlf:%
^;;fe??S3'v "£f?<:pSf::
'?":W^ 'r^ll^t '%'*•* £'^>'£V ' '-
PROFEPA, EPA and
all appropriate federal,
state, and local
agencies
JRT Members
PROFEPA, EPA
PROFEPA, EPA
ICMA, EPA
'^^i&^3^s^iB^i^>^
"* '.,;."' -T" '". :* ,'^."-f^';-f- ff'if'l ,- F
;.,!;',-.,.;' -^ i;',,\ -, KJ >•• '•--•?•..•' «-,-;'.,- -,V' ..;';>-
' f-?;"1! :/;! >?"'JV;> ''-• t n """'•' ;i- F;'V;-, ? ;i- ',*' ',"«'",'- V '
Federal, state, and local entities
responsible for contingency
planning and emergency response
activities on both sides of the
border accepted the expansion of
the JRT in 1994.
At the last JRT meeting in March
1996, changes were made to the
original JCP and will be presented
to the remaining federal, state,
and local officials for their review
and approval.
Will address adequate procedures
to coordinate with National
Response Center in the U.S. and
National Communication Center
in Mexico.
These groups have information on
the key hazardous materials
present at the border and the JRT
will work to support and provide
assistance to these groups on a
continuous basis.
Technical assistance workshops
for sister cities, for emergency
prevention, preparedness, and
response.
Objectives for the Next 5 Years
The Workgroup will work to complete revision to the binational Joint Contingency Plan. In
addition, it will work with the sister cities to develop binational plans for each of the 14 sister cities
in the region. It will explore ways to solve the issues raised by states and locals including ways to
reduce the barriers to the free movement of equipment and personnel across the border (in both
directions) in times of response to chemical emergencies. Specific objectives over the next five
years include:
1. Implement and Complete the following pending activities: joint contingency plan,
notification system, transboundary shipping, and a pilot project with CAMEO (Computer-
June 1996
111.35
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
Aided Management of Emergency Operations).
2. Create an Emergency Response Center in each neighboring city, with adequate computer
equipment and chemical substances databases.
3. Acquire mobile units equipped with protective suits for chemical substances, and devices
for measuring explosivity, toxic gases, etc.
4. Establish a Communication Center in a sister city for fast and effective response to
notification of an incident that requires the help of the other country and thus notify
organizations that they should respond to the emergency.
5. Promote the creation of and coordination between Local Emergency Planning Committees
(LEPCS) in the U.S. and Local Committees for Mutual Assistance (CLAMS) in Mexico
in developing the information on Hazardous Materials inventories in computer data bases.
6. Integrate a specialized team of emergency response personnel and prepare training and
simulations for the Response Center, the Communications Center, and for the management
of the mobile units.
7. Create a fund for maintenance of the Response Center, the mobile units, the Communication
Center, and for the training of specialized and other involved personnel.
8. In order to create an awareness in the population that lives around the high risk zones for
increased participation in an emergency, initiate communication to the public about the risk
in the area.
9. Train personnel currently involved in actual emergencies and subsequently train additional
personnel in the Response and Communication Centers.
10. Exercise and test annually the established procedures for cross-border notification and
response systems for all emergencies that activate the international system.
11. Government officials in both countries will work to remove impediments - legal, political
and liability issues - related to emergency response, including compensation from
responsible parties.
12. The issue/incident - specific Joint Response Team (JRT) will be responsible for effective
implementation of the Inland Plan on a regional level in the U.S. and on a State and local
level in Mexico in accordance with the policies of the JRT and the JCP.
13. Encourage industrial facilities to make use and storage of chemicals information and
inventories available to local response officials; and provide response equipment and
assistance in the event of a chemical emergency.
June 1996
IH.36
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Resource Requirements
Resource requirements are being developed and will be provided in the final version of this
document.
III.8 Environmental Health
Issues and Problems
Human health and the environment are inextricably linked. The border area is characterized by
heightened public health concerns as a result of a variety of demographic, economic, and
environmental factors. Conditions which present challenges to the environmental health5 of border
communities include the following: rapid urbanization without commensurate development of
health and environmental infrastructure; increased industrial/manufacturing development and the
attendant occupational risks; changing age demographics as a result of immigration producing
increases in the number of young, working adults and children; the poverty under which a high
percentage of residents live; lack of sufficient drinking water supplies of adequate quality;
inadequate treatment and disposal of domestic and industrial wastewater, domestic solid and
hazardous waste and industrial wastes; and improper handling and storage of pesticides.
Further complicating the efforts to address these factors is the absence of adequate environmental
monitoring and health surveillance mechanisms to document the extent of these problems and,
insufficient environmental training and education within the health and medical professions, as well
as the general community to anticipate, recognize, and address these conditions.
In 1993, HHS and EPA established the Interagency Coordinating Committee for U.S.-Mexico
Border Environmental Health (ICC) to address these concerns. The ICC was sanctioned formally
through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between EPA and HHS in the spring of
1995. The ICC is composed of federal and state environment and health officials and the Pan
American Health Organization representatives. Building upon efforts previously undertaken by
HHS, EPA, and border state agencies, the ICC will continue to work to better identify and address,
in a coordinated fashion, the priority environmental health needs of the area. A program strategy
which defines a blueprint to guide long-term planning and priority-setting has recently undergone
ICC review and has been provided to Mexico's health ministry, SSA for comment.
In Mexico, a similar process is being implemented. SEMARNAP and SSA have signed a detailed,
national agreement on joint efforts related to the generation of information, investigations, auditing
and control of environmental and health risks. SSA has designed programs and defined action steps
for the decentralization of environmental health in the border states. The implementation of these
programs will be a major emphasis in the immediate future.
5 In this context, environmental health is defined as human health influenced by exposure to chemical, physical, and biological
agents in the community, workplace or home.
June 1996 m.37
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Currently, the ICC is increasing coordination with SSA and SEMARNAP. The two countries have
agreed to promote activity on environmental health issues by encouraging members from each
country's health and environment authorities to work closely together and with their respective
communities to create and implement solutions and improve the quality of their services. Both
governments view the ICC and SSA as the principal mechanisms for implementing environmental
health solutions on the border. Close coordination between health and environmental agencies will
assist in identifying priorities, evaluating mutual progress, and enhancing collaboration in related
activities. In this context, environmental health efforts also will be coordinated with the other
Border XXI Workgroups as well as key international entities such as PAHO, BECC, and CEC.
TABLE 3.14
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Past and On-Going Projects - Borderwide
ACTIVITY
U.S.-Mexico Border Health
Data Infrastructure
Texas Environmental
Health Survey
FDA Market Basket
Survey
Evaluation of Hispanic
NHANES Data Base
Neural Tube Defects
Program
TIME
FRAME
On-going
1996-1997
On-going
1995-1996
On-going
; PARTNERS" ,
HRSA, CHDS, EPA,
State Border Health,
USMBHA
Texas Department of
Health, CDC, EPA
FDA, EPA
EPA, CDC
PAHO, EPA, CDC,
health departments in
border states
. ' AtfGOM|LISHM!NTS .
Pilot project to improve health
data infrastructure for disease
surveillance and monitoring
risk factors.
Data base on demographic,
environmental, and health
conditions for border
households.
Determine relationship between
lead in cookware and blood
lead levels.
Determine prevalence of
hepatitis A in 1-6 year olds.
Determine feasibility of survey
for border-wide use.
Provide data base on levels of
nutrients, pesticides, and metals
in diet including sampling of
community-specific items in 3
border cities.
Resurrect and validate this
data base as a reference data
set (e.g., levels of metals and
pesticides in biological fluids)
for current/planned studies.
Establish process/program to
share binational surveillance
data on NTDs as results of
epidemiological investigations.
June 1996
111.38
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;HS=IIIIISISSte
Environmental Health/GIS
System
Birth Defects Registry
Cancer Registry
Border Environmental
Health Study
Communications/Training/
Education
1995-1997
1994-1997
1992-1997
1996-97
On-going
1994-1995
1993-1995
1984-Present
On-going
'Cl ' *^ *V^>V^J ;^>W>3' ii^-x"* ^> ' '' "•' "•" * !\
'vJ- '£$&}•}*&&%?.&, ^";,,A
California Dept.
Health Services,
NIEHS
Border States, SSA,
PAHO
Mexican Border
States, SSA
EPA, SSA,
SEMARNAP
Multiple
ATSDR, PAHO
ATSDR, State and
Local Health
Departments
ATSDR, ADHS,
CDHS, TDH
NIH, NIEHS, Rural
Coalition,
CONACYT
* :>\'¥J*%l'r<,%*^"^"'v r,;;>t'5'?p.~.!V'«y-"f"-i i'J ; •'.',•-'•*
'*•' ;;/;; v4 ;-.?4^v:>';-<-! % >&,«: *• - . :%•$&• •
Provide detailed geo-coded
data base to document and
track changes in demographic,
health, and environmental
quality for California-Baja
California.
Determine feasibility of
extending effort borderwide
and binationally.
Establish process/program to
share binational surveillance
data on NTD as a result of
epidemiological investigations.
Morbidity-mortality specific
database.
Support U.S.-Mexico Border
Health Association and similar
meetings.
Provide bilingual information
and training opportunities to
enhance community awareness
and self-directed actions.
Sister city public environmental
health training courses.
Environmental emergency
preparedness.
Guidance on
treatment/transport of persons
with acute exposures.
Preparation of public health
response to community
petitions and identified border
hazardous waste sites.
Binational workshop on farmer
families and environmental
justice.
Objectives for the Next 5 Years
The parties involved in the Border XXI Environmental Health Workgroup seek to increase
binational collaboration between environmental and public health entities to improve the health of
border communities. These collaborative efforts will improve the ability to identify and address
those environmental conditions that pose the highest health risks. To this end, the following
objectives have been defined:
June 1996
HI.39
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
14. Improve the capacity of state, tribal, and local health and environmental agencies to assess
the relationship between human health and environmental exposures by conducting
surveillance, monitoring, and research.
15. Improve the capacity of state, tribal, and local health and environmental agencies to deliver
environmental health intervention, prevention, and educational services.
16. Increase the opportunities for stakeholders on the border (e.g., individuals, community
organizations and occupational groups) to participate in environmental health initiatives.
17. Improve training opportunities for environmental and health personnel.
18. Improve public awareness and understanding of environmental health problems by
providing information and educational opportunities.
Resource Requirements
Resource requirements are being developed and will be provided in the final version of this
document.
III.9 Enforcement and Compliance Cooperation
Issues and Problems
Effective enforcement of and compliance with environmental laws in the U.S.-Mexico border area
is essential to ensure realization of each country's environmental goals, as well as to prevent
transboundary environmental problems. EPA and Mexico's Attorney General for Environmental
Protection (PROFEPA) have worked to mutually enhance both countries' capacity to enforce and
promote compliance with their respective environmental laws, and to resolve mutual environmental
problems caused by noncompliance. Border activities pertaining to enforcement and compliance
have centered on: cooperation in detecting violations and targeting enforcement; cooperation in
specific case investigations and sharing enforcement information; capacity building through training
and technical consultations; and promoting voluntary environmental compliance through
environmental auditing and pollution prevention.
Because enforcement and compliance are cross-cutting themes which are important for protecting
all environmental media, close coordination and cooperation is needed between the Border XXI
Cooperative Enforcement Workgroup and the other Border XXI Workgroups to ensure that they
complement one another and to enhance cross-cutting attention to enforcement and compliance.
June 1996
HI.40
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Official Draft - for PubJic Comment
A diverse range of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies are essential partners of EPA
and PROFEPA in assuring environmental compliance and in building enforcement capacity. The
Workgroup has strived to develop a borderwide network of enforcement and compliance
cooperation, among all relevant agencies at all levels of government on both sides of the border.
This borderwide network forms a significant regional component of a North America-wide
enforcement and compliance cooperation network. Many activities initiated bilaterally are now
forming the basis for North America-wide cooperative work under a Permanent Working Group
on Enforcement and Compliance of the North American Commission for Environmental
Cooperation (CEC). (See Annex 2). In implementing the Border XXI Program, the U.S.-Mexico
Cooperative Enforcement Work Group will continue to coordinate its activities with broader, North
America-wide enforcement efforts, and to identify bilateral initiatives which could benefit from
trilateral cooperation.
TABLE 3.15
ENFORCEMENT AND COMPLIANCE COOPERATION
Past and On-Going Projects - Borderwide
r ACTIVITY '
^ 1 ^ ^
j °i *
Building networks of
interagency
cooperation
Cooperative targeting
and detection of
violations
Case-Specific
cooperation
Enforcement results
information sharing
•- -TIME'4'
s- w *?
FRAME
On-going
On-going
On-going,
as cases
occur.
On-going
PARTNERS \
^ "" * ^ -
' ' - "*
Regional Enforcement Subgroups
established for Texas/Chihuahua and
California/Baja California in March
1996, to enhance local interagency
cooperation EPA provides to the state
environmental agencies support for
national and binational cooperation
along the entire border.
HAZTRAKS is being successfully used as
a tool to detect violations. EPA is
refining a model using industry data to
predict maquiladora waste generation
rates for enforcement targeting.
Cooperation in case investigations has
supported several enforcement actions;
e.g., U.S. prosecution of illegal hazardous
waste exports (A&W Smelter/Mina La
Union; Sbicca); California state
enforcement action leveraging funds to
clean up a contaminated site in Mexico
(Alco-Pacifico). EPA and Cal-DTSC
supported PROFEPA in the investigation
of a contaminated fertilizer at several
ranches in Baja California.
Annual exchanges of enforcement
statistics have been taking place. (See
Annex).
June 1996
111.41
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ACTIVITY
Transboundary
hazardous waste
compliance training
for customs and
environmental
inspectors
Training to detect
CFC smuggling
Multimedia inspector
training
Principles of
Environmental
Enforcement
Workshop
Field investigations,
sampling, and
laboratory analysis
training
Consultation on
enforcement laws and
policy
TIME
FRAME
Systematic
repetition
of courses
at major
border
crossings
since
November
1994.
By
September
1996
Periodic
since 1992
May 1995
Under
develop-
ment
San Diego,
California,
before
October
1996
PARTNERS,
EPA, PROFEPA, U.S.
and Mexican
Customs, DOT, SCT,
Cal-DTSC, San Diego
County Health Dept.,
ADEQ, NMED,
TNRCC, Regional
Environmental
Enforcement Network
Associations.
Enforcement and
Hazardous Waste
Work Groups.
EPA, PROFEPA,
CICOPLAFEST, U.S.
and Mexican
Customs, State
Environmental
Agencies, DOT, SCT,
DOJ.
EPA, PROFEPA,
CNA and municipal
water discharge
inspection authorities.
EPA, PROFEPA,
INE, CNA, local
environmental
authorities (D.F.)
EPA, PROFEPA,
INE, Cal-DTSC, San
Diego County Health
Department, TNRCC,
ADEQ, NMED,
Regional
Environmental
Enforcement Network
Associations, DOJ,
U.S. Attorneys.
Cooperative project
of Enforcement and
Hazardous Waste
Work Groups.
EPA, PROFEPA,
Environmental Law
Institute, State
Environmental
Agencies. DOT.
ACCOJMPUSHJ$ENTS ' , '
Over 230 U.S. and Mexican customs and
environmental inspectors trained at 13
border crossings, resulting in improved
field cooperation and detection of illegal
hazardous waste and CFC shipments.
Training piloted at El Paso Customs,
May 1996. Course enhancements in
progress. Additional deliveries to be
programmed.
Over 600 Mexican inspectors trained
(450 in border states). Course enhanced
to include pollution prevention and water
discharge information. Train-the-trainer
efforts ongoing.
First workshop held in Mexico City, May
1995. EPA and PROFEPA are exploring
possible workshops in the northern
Mexican border and in Central and
South America.
PROFEPA provides training for
inspectors in taking samples and
laboratory analysis in the northern
Mexican border area. PROFEPA
attended a course in this area provided
by the Southern Environmental Network
in Little Rock, Arkansas in February
1995. EPA, PROFEPA, and U.S. States
are working on developing cooperative
training in this area.
Consultation will involve case studies
exploring legal and technical
practicalities of enforcement in U.S. and
Mexico.
June 1996
111.42
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Statistics on
information regarding
enforcement
Initial
report:
June 1995;
Follow-up
ongoing
EPA, PROFEPA,
Environment Canada,
the North American
Commission for
Environmental
Cooperation, World
Bank.
EPA developed report on enforcement
data systems, and provided to PROFEPA
in June 1995 for their analysis and use in
improving their own system. Follow-up
being explored as trilateral activity under
CEC, to supplement SEMARNAP/World
Bank data systems project.
Consultation on
calculation of
economic sanctions for
infractions of the law
Under
develop-
ment.
EPA, PROFEPA
EPA provided information used to
determine the amount of sanctions for
infractions of the law. EPA and
PROFEPA will initiate consultations
regarding methodologies of both
countries in calculating economic
sanctions in enforcement cases, taking
into account the benefit to the violator of
non-compliance.
Consultation and
training in criminal
environmental
enforcement
On-going
EPA, PROFEPA,
DOJ, TNRCC,
Southern
Environmental
Enforcement Network
EPA and PROFEPA have conducted
technical consultations to assist
PROFEPA in developing program to
support prosecution of environmental
crimes. PROFEPA attended Advanced
Environmental Crimes Training
Program at the Federal Law
Enforcement Training Center, November
1995. TNRCC has invited PROFEPA to
participate in environmental crimes
training course in Austin, May 1996.
Protocol for
cooperation in
environmental
enforcement
investigations
Under
develop-
ment
EPA, U.S.
Department of
Justice, U.S.
Department of State,
U.S. state
environmental
agencies, and
PROFEPA.
Negotiating process to be identified by
May 1996.
June 1996
111.43
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ACTIVITY
Promotion of
voluntary compliance
through
environmental
auditing
Governmental
consultations on
voluntary compliance
and environmental
auditing
Video,
"Environmental
Auditing and
Pollution Prevention:
Strategies for
Voluntary Compliance
in the Maquiladora
Industry"
TIME
FRAME
On-going
On-going
On-going
PARTNERS; ,
EPA, PROFEPA,
Environment Canada,
North American
Commission for
Environmental
Cooperation, Cal-
DTSC, TNRCC.
EPA, PROFEPA,
Environment Canada,
North American
Commission on
Environmental
Cooperation, state
environmental
agencies.
EPA, PROFEPA,
Cal-DTSC, TNRCC
ACCOMPLISHMENTS ,f:
/ ^ ^ ^
EPA sent letters to 31 U.S. parent
corporations of maquiladoras
encouraging participation in
PROFEPA's voluntary environmental
audit program in May 1995, and is
preparing a second round of letters to be
sent by June 1996 to up to 200 additional
U.S. parent corporations. At
PROFEPA's request, EPA also sent
letters to 70 parent corporations of
maquiladoras located in Chihuahua in
March 1996, encouraging voluntary
compliance with Mexico's regulations
governing transboundary shipments of
hazardous waste. PROFEPA, EPA,
Environment Canada, and the North
American Commission on Environmental
Cooperation hosted conferences in
Juarez (9/95) and Tijuana (12/95) for
over 300 industry participants on
Voluntary Compliance and
Environmental Auditing in North
America.
Intergovernmental consultations initiated
in 1995 regarding the governments'
respective programs and policies to
promote voluntary compliance through
environmental auditing.
Initial version produced 9/95. Final
revisions and distribution of video in
1996 subject to allocation of adequate
resources.
Objectives for the Next 5 Years
The following are the broad objectives for enforcement and compliance cooperation over the next
five years, taking into account the resources that may be available to the parties.
1. Continue efforts to achieve compliance with environmental requirements in the border area
through:
a. Planning inspections on both sides of the border, with institutionalized national
training programs, quality inspections, and prioritizing inspections for maximum
effectiveness.
June 1996
ni.44
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b.
c.
Official Draft - for Public Comment
Taking legal actions when violations are detected, and conducting follow-up to ensure
future compliance.
Effective deterrence through sanctions which take into account the economic benefit of
noncompliance and discourage contempt of the laws; and through effective public
communication of enforcement activities and results in accordance with the legal
framework of each party.
2. Establish and enhance networks of cooperation among the various state, local and federal
agencies on both sides of the border involved in environmental enforcement and
compliance.
a. Promote the establishment of subgroups for each geographic region, to enhance
multi-agency binational cooperation and identify priorities for regional enforcement
cooperation.
b. Promote the participation of the representatives of the different competent agencies,
through the coordinators of the border subgroups, to explore solutions to specific
environmental problems.
c. In a manner which respects the sovereignty of each party, the Cooperative Enforcement
Work Group will analyze and, as appropriate, approve for implementation the
proposals of the subgroups.
3. Encourage voluntary compliance by industry, through strategies such as environmental
auditing and pollution prevention.
4. Develop similar systems of reporting regarding compliance and enforcement, in accordance
with the legal framework of each party.
5. Promote the evolution of mechanisms to enhance the evaluation of compliance with
environmental law.
6. Promote pollution prevention as a mechanism for solving compliance problems.
7. Continue to promote public participation, within the legal framework of each party.
Resource Requirements
Resource requirements are being developed and will be provided in the final version of this
document.
June 1996
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CHAPTER IV
JLJFORNIA-BAJA CALIFORNIA
In order to promote a regional approach to environmental problem solving, this chapter focuses
on environmental issues and problems, past and ongoing projects, and objectives that are
specific to the Califomia-Baja California area of the border region. The borderwide objectives
and on-going activities described in Chapter III also pertain to the Califomia-Baja California
border region.
Brief Overview
The California-Baja California region stretches approximately 138 miles (222 km) along the
International Boundary from the Pacific Ocean to the Colorado River and includes four areas of
concentrated population. The primary sister city pairs along this western stretch of the border are
San Diego-Tijuana and Calexico-Mexicali. Ensenada, south of Tijuana, and Tecate, between
Tijuana and Mexicali are also located in this part of the border region. This area is an important
center of agricultural production, particularly in Imperial County and the Mexicali Valley.
TABLE 4.1
POPULATION
Population Center
San Diego (County),CA
Tijuana, BC
Ensenada, BC
Tecate, BC
Calexico, CA
Mexicali, BC
Total
1980 population
1,862,000
428,000
175,000
31,000
14,400
511,000
3,021,000
1990 population
2,498,000
747,000
261,000
52,000
19,000
602,000
4,179,000
1995 Estimate
2,721,000
989,000
314,000
62,000
25,000
696,000
4,807,000
1980 and 1990 CA figures are from the U.S. Census.
1995 CA projections are from CA State government (Finance)
1980 and 1990 BC figures are from the X and XIINEGI census
The data for 1995 in Baja California comes from the 1995 INEGI Count of Population and Housing
In addition to industrial and commercial population centers, this region includes many protected
areas that are rich in biodiversity and natural beauty - the Tijuana Estuary (which includes the
Tijuana Slough Wildlife Refuge and Estuarine Resource Reserve), the Cleveland National Forest and
the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in the U.S.; and the Constitucion de 1857 National Park, Sierra
de Hansen, Mesa del Final, Sierra de San Pedro National Forest Reserve and the Alto Golfo de
California-Delta del Rio Colorado Biosphere Reserve in Mexico.
June 1996
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The area is characterized by coastal scrub and chaparral ecosystems that occupy the coastal and
southern inland ranges of California and continue into Baja California. At higher elevations and near
the ocean, chaparral is interspersed with coniferous forests and riparian vegetation along valleys and
intermittent streams. Flora and fauna are quite diverse, and many of these interspersed areas provide
an extraordinarily valuable habitat for neotropical birds as nesting and migration stopovers. These
ecosystems support numerous U.S. federal and Mexican state-listed endangered species.
An important natural feature of the region is the Colorado River system. The delta of the Colorado
River in Mexico was once a great desert estuary supporting riparian, freshwater, brackish and
intertidal wetlands in this most arid portion of the Sonoran Desert. Development and water usage
in the Colorado River Basin have impacted ecological resources. The Alto Golfo de California-Delta
del Rio Colorado Biosphere Reserve is an important area for the protection of rare and endangered
marine species, some of which are dependent upon the Colorado River Estuary. It is also an
important breeding grounds for commercial species such as shrimp.
Environmental Issues and Problems
Natural Resources
Habitat alterations are the principal concern affecting biodiversity in this region. In Baja California,
chemical contamination also poses biodiversity concerns. The illegal extraction of wild flora
species, such as cacti, and the introduction of exotic species that alter natural habitat are ongoing
problems in both countries. Illegal hunting and trafficking of wildlife species are also problems.
The ecosystems in northern Baja California are very similar to those in southern California. Highly
fire dependent ecosystems in Baja California and southern California can no longer be allowed to
burn naturally because they are too close to urban areas and because of the potential for extremely
dangerous wildfires. Additionally, because of the increased population along the border the demand
for wood and wood products continues to increase while the land availability for wood production
is decreasing.
Because so much industry is concentrated along the border area, there is also a concern regarding
the effects of acid rain deposition on the nearby ecosystems and its potentially significant negative
impacts.
Increased sedimentation in the Tijuana River resulting from urbanization has affected aquatic and
land resources in the Tijuana Estuary.
Residual flows from the Colorado River into Mexico, along with irrigation return flows and brine
waters have greatly affected the ecology of the Upper Gulf of California and the Cienega de Santa
Clara. In the Alto Golfo de California some marine species, such as the Totoaba fish and Vaquita
dolphin are being affected by over-exploitation, for which protective measures have been
established.
Water
Members of the California-Baja California community and both governments view resolution of
water pollution problems and their effects on human and natural populations as a high priority.
Consistently, beaches in the San Diego area must be closed because of high levels of fecal coliform
June 1996 IV.2
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
due to insufficiently treated sewage discharged into the ocean. Local authorities and the public are
also concerned with the lack of control of industrial waste in sewage discharges. Impacts from
sewage flows, excessive dry-weather freshwater inflows, and additional contaminant runoff from
agriculture and urban development, also threaten the ecological integrity of the Tijuana watershed
and estuary. In addition, the tidal area in the Tijuana Estuary has been reduced by 80 percent.
Because adequate tidal flushing is considered key to the health of the entire system, marine habitat
management efforts directed at enhancing the Tijuana Estuary's tidal prism (flushing capacity) are
a high priority. Although interim measures by the U.S. and Mexican governments have minimized
negative impacts of raw and partially treated sewage on the ocean, beaches, and estuary on a short-
term basis, the problem requires a long-term, basin-wide solution.
Due to the arid climate and the burgeoning population of San Diego, Tijuana, Tecate and Ensenada,
there is a critical need for a local, integrated water management plan. Some studies predict that by
the year 2000 there will be serious drinking water shortages in the area.
The Colorado River begins in the U.S. and flows for over 1200 miles (1920 km) to the international
boundary where it enters Mexico east of Mexicali and continues for nearly 100 miles (160 km)
before ending in the Gulf of California. Colorado River water is used as a source of drinking water
and irrigation for communities on both sides of the border in the California-Baja California region.
Thus, the quantity and the quality of the Colorado River water are very important to the border
communities in this region. Among other responsibilities, IBWC is charged with activities related
to the waters of the Colorado River.
The New River, often cited as one of the most polluted rivers in the U.S., flows through the Mexicali
Valley into California's Imperial Valley and discharges into the Salton Sea. Water quality of the
river is very poor due to large amounts of raw and partially treated sewage from Mexicali and
agricultural drainage from the U.S. and Mexico. Mexicali is grappling with an inadequate
wastewater collection and treatment system. The existing treatment plants are operating at a capacity
far greater than that for which they were designed. Consequently, discharges to the New River are
not sufficiently treated. Additional volumes of uncollected and untreated sewage flow directly into
the New River or its tributaries. High bacterial and viral concentrations in the New River pose
serious public health risks to residents along the entire stretch of the river.
Through analysis of the region's water infrastructure needs, CNA found that for the four most
populous cities in Baja California (Tijuana, Mexicali, Ensenada and Tecate), 92 percent of the
population receives quality drinking water, 65 percent of the residences are connected to a sewer
system, and 44 percent of the total wastewater is treated (although in many cases the operation and
maintenance of treatment systems is deficient). Improvement and expansion of the sewer systems
in these cities are of critical importance in the short-term. In the medium- and long-term, responsible
authorities should focus attention on drinking water supply options. At this time, CNA has estimated
resource requirements to meet the present region's infrastructure deficiencies as shown in Table 4.2.
June 1996
IV.3
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TABLE 4.2
RESOURCE REQUIREMENT ESTIMATES FOR WATER INFRASTRUCTURE*
Project Component
Drinking water
Sewer systems
Treatment
Consolidation
Increased Efficiency
Studies and projects
Total
Investment (Million $USD)
Urgent
1996-1997
38
32
51
15
15
3.3
154.3
Short term
1998-1999
46
41
34
11
12
1.6
145.6
Medium term
2000
48
48
28
4
14
.4
142.4
Total
132
121
113
30
41
5.3
442.3
These estimates are based on studies and evaluations conducted by the Government or Mexico to meet
domestic standards.
Environmental Health
Along the California-Baja California border, there is a need for improved binational capacity for
environmental health and exposure surveillance, intervention, prevention, evaluation, research and
training/outreach by the state and local agencies. These efforts should involve key stakeholders such
as community residents, health care providers, academic institutions, trade groups, unions and other
non-governmental groups.
Growers in the U.S. and Mexico use significant quantities of pesticides in the production of their
crops, particularly for fruits and vegetables. Training and outreach on the proper handling of
pesticides are crucial, given the potential for health and environmental problems due to worker
exposure and air and water contamination.
Ak
Air quality is of particular concern in the region's urban areas. Increased transboundary traffic has
resulted in a dramatic increase in air pollution from mobile sources, particularly due to unpaved
roads and congestion at border crossings.
In terms of regional air quality, the San Diego area is designated a non-attainment area for U.S.
ambient air quality standards for carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone (O3). Imperial County is
designated a non-attainment area for U.S. ambient air quality standards for PM-10, O3, and CO.
Hazardous and Solid Waste
Residents of California-Baja California border communities expressed significant concern about the
types, quantities and destinations of hazardous materials and wastes. Community and government
concerns stem from the high number of crossings of the California-Baja California border and
projections that commercial transportation across the international boundary will likely increase with
the phase-in of NAFTA.
June 1996
IV.4
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Citizens want information about the presence of hazardous materials and wastes in their community.
In addition, this information has important implications for emergency response planning and
contingency preparedness, as well as for authorities and regulators trying to ensure compliance with
state and federal requirements governing the discharge and disposal of hazardous wastes in the
region. To date, binational efforts aimed at gathering this information have focused on tracking the
transboundary movement of hazardous waste. However, many citizens and local authorities in the
region expressed that while ongoing tracking of hazardous waste crossing the border remains very
important, knowing the types and quantities of raw materials crossing the border is also critical,
especially for purposes of emergency response planning.
Insufficient waste management infrastructure has the potential for encouraging improper and
potentially unsafe disposal of waste as well as illegal dumping; practices that have a negative impact
on the urban and natural environment and pose threats to public health. Though industries in Baja
California generate hazardous wastes, currently no hazardous waste management facilities exist in
the state. SEMARNAP has identified the following waste management infrastructure concerns in
Baja California: lack of sanitary landfills for solid waste; a lack of treatment, neutralization, or
incineration systems for hazardous and toxic wastes; a lack of motivation and training to promote
hazardous waste minimization; and lack of an official laboratory equipped to analyze hazardous
wastes.
Emergency Planning and Contingency Response
In all the region's major urban areas on both sides of the border, emergency response capabilities are
inadequate, particularly with regard to training and equipment. The volume of materials, goods, and
waste moving through California-Baja California communities underscores the need for adequate
emergency response capabilities, including properly trained and equipped personnel to respond to
accidents which may pose a threat to public health and the environment.
Environmental Information
Through the Border XXI public outreach meetings, citizens in the California-Baja California sister
cities expressed a need for increased education and awareness regarding general, regional, and local
environmental issues including air, water, waste, natural resources, health impacts from
environmental degradation, and the relationship between the environment and quality of life. Many
members of the California-Baja California border community consider lack of information and
general environmental awareness on local and regional problems and solutions an impediment to
raising environmental quality and increasing public involvement in preventing and solving
environmental problems. Similarly, throughout the region there was a call for pollution prevention
information which is tailored and delivered to appropriate domestic, agricultural and industrial
audiences.
June 1996
IV.5
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
TABLE 4.3
PAST AND ON-GOING PROJECTS - CALIFORNIA-BAJA CALIFORNIA
ACTIVITY 1
TIME
FRAME
PARTNERS
0 ° f /-^
t ^ * V '
NATURAL RESOURCES
Revcgetation and
Rehabilitation of Sand
Dunes Habitat in the
Tijuana Slough NWR,
California
Habitat Protection of
Endangered Species in
the Tijuana Slough
NWR, California
Ground Water Study
San Diego Formation
Groundwater Study
Survey of Nesting
Osorevs
Management Program
for the Alto Golfo de
California and Delta
del Rio Colorado
Biosphere Reserve
Status of the beaver
(Castor condenses) in
the Mexicali Valley
Terrestrial mammals of
Baja California
Assessment of Forest
air pollution impact in
western and eastern
U.S. and Central
Mexico
Sierra de Hansen
National Forest
Reserve, Final Mesa
and San Pedro Martir
1
Constitution 1857
National Park
1995-
1996
1995- .
1996
1995-
1997
1996
1994
Sept 1995
-Dec 95
On-going
On-going
1994
1993
FWS, California Fish
and Game, Nature
Conservancy
FWS, California Fish
and Game, Nature
Conservancy
USGS, Tia Juana
Valley Water District
NBS, SEMARNAP
BSJE-CICTUS, CES,
CIDESON, CEDO,
COLEF, UABC, INP,
CICESE,
PRONATURA, A.C.
BME-CICESE
ESE-IB, UNAM
USFS- PSW Station,
BMIFAD, Penn State
University
Undersecretariat for
Forests and Wildlife,
SARH, Promotora
agropec. univ. SA
Undersecretariat for
Forests and Wildlife,
SARH, Advisory
Group for Ecology
and Environment
Habitat restoration of the Sand Dunes
located at Tijuana.
Slough NWR is currently on-going.
Various maintenance management
projects that support habitat protection of
endangered species.
Drilling multi-depth wells to collect
geohvdraulic data.
Survey nesting ospreys along California-
Baja California.
The management program which guides
actitivites in the Reserve was finalized.
The program was agreed to by local
communities, local authorities, and
NGO's.
The study provided understanding of sites
with beaver activity in the Mexicali Valley
and the Colorado River Delta.
To gather information on the state of
knowledge of mammals in B.C. and
identify the areas of high species
concentration.
Improve genetic quality of local species in
southern California as a result of
monitoring of ozone injury to native trees
species and climate variables at forest
sites.
Flora and fauna study of the National
Forest Reserve
Study of the natural resources in the
National Park
June 1996
IV.6
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
1 > ^c?-^ 4 v IVJ",*>A'Y>:.'> i*&.<<^'^ >s^ ^
Evaluation of the
impacts of air pollution
on the forests of the
west and east of the
U.S. and the Central
part of Mexico
5 i°^ffil%
'- *'¥tf&ftffr!'
- ^; JPJwjteklyM>^
On-going
i '',<- '- %*$• -', f/ /YYV-^ -^ ^-5 *v K*
f> ,V*,^ *"*?.«3ft.f, ?'„<§'- i-K'-yS^j, Je 'v?*T;?o<
INIFAP, USFS - PSW
Station, Penn State
University
* ;^""'> &£\ '??*"' /*'<* ^^^^^'^^^^^^-'^^'^^'l^^^^K^
Improved the genetic quality of the
species located in Southern California as a
result of the monitoring of the damage of
ozone to native tree species and climatic
variations in forests.
WATER
Tijuana Wastewater
Mexicali Wastewater
New River toxics model
Lower Colorado
River/New River data
synthesis
Lower Colorado
River/New River toxics
survey
Tecate wastewater
treatment plant
Drinking water and
1 sewer system in Tecate
1990-
1996
1995-
1999
1995-
1996
1995-
1996
1994-
1996
1993-94
1996-
1997
U.S.: EPA, IBWC,
USAGE, SWRCB,
RWQCB 9, City of
San Diego
Mexico: IBWC, CNA
U.S.: EPA, IBWC,
SWRCB, RWQCB 7,
HO, Imperial County
Mexico: CNA, IBWC,
SAHOPE, CESPM,
COSAE, City of
Mexicali
U.S.: EPA, UCD
U.S.: EPA, UCD
U.S.: EPA, USGS,
IBWC, UCD, DFG,
State of Arizona
Mexico: CNA, IBWC
CNA, SAHOPE,
COSAE, CESPT
CNA, SAHOPE,
COSAE. CESPT
Construction of land outfall has been
completed. Construction of advanced
primary IWTP and ocean outfall has been
initiated. Design of canyon collectors and
secondary treatment facilities (activated
sludge) has been completed.
The Government of Baja California and
CNA will contribute to the construction of
the binational plant with an investment
equal to the cost of constructing the
treatment plant in Tijuana, B.C. ($16.8M
USD)
USIBWC has procured contractor to
develop binational facility plan. A
binational technical team (subgroup) has
been formed.
Mexico has initiated construction on
several projects to rehabilitate the
existing collection and conveyance system.
Several discharges of raw sewage to the
New River have been eliminated or
reduced.
UCD has collected samples along the
length of the New River and is developing
a model to predict behavior of toxic
organic pollutants in river sediments and
water.
EPA has issued a grant to UCD to
prepare bilingual reports summarizing
and synthesizing existing water quality
data for the Lower Colorado and New
Rivers.
Two rounds of water, sediment and fish
tissue samples have been collected on the
Lower Colorado and New Rivers.
Construction was completed and the plant
is in operation with a capacity of 200 IDS
Rehabilitation and expansion of the
drinking water system and sewer system.
June 1996
IV.7
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
ACTIVITY
Ensenada wastewater
treatment plant
Colorado River-
Tijuana Aqueduct
Colorado River/New
River water quality
Colorado River
NASQAN
TIME
FRAME
1996-
1998
1996-
1997
1995-
1997
On-going
PARTNERS „ <„
CNA, SAHOPE,
COSAE, CESPM
CNA, SAHOPE
USGS,EPA,IBWC,
CNA
uses
BECC has certified the wastewater
treatment plant project. The state
authorities are reviewing the project
which may be modified and resubmitted
to the BECC.
Additional pumps will be installed
between the Pumping Plants 4 and 5. In
addition, a new internal coating will be
applied to the water transport line.
One year of samples collected using new
field protocols. Training provided.
Analysis still in progress.
Long-term data sets: water quality,
sediments and discharge.
A/1?
Tijuana-San Diego air
programs
Imperial County-
Mexicali air programs
On-going
On-going
EPA, BME, State of
Baja California,
CARB, San Diego,
Tijuana
EPA, INE, State of
Baja California,
CARB, Imperial
County, Mexicali,
Calexico
Operate an ambient monitoring network
measuring for CO, NOX, SO2, PM-10,
Lead, O3, meteorological parameters, and
air toxics (12 sites exist in San Diego; 5
sites in Tijuana are completed, and one is
planned for summer).
Emissions inventory complete in San
Diego and being developed in Tijuana. A
Mexican inventory of 173 industrial
sources now exists.
Completed and released a PM-10 source
apportionment study.
Complete development of ambient
monitoring network measuring for CO,
NOX, SO2, PM-10, Lead, O3,
meteorological parameters, and air toxics
(8 sites exist in Imperial County and 2
additional sites have been completed and
will soon be in operation; 6 sites in
Mexicali are planned for 1996).
Emissions inventory development.
HAZARDOUS 1 SOLID WASTE
(Please see Annex 7 for additional solid and hazardous waste projects of U.S. state and local agencies)
Improve hazardous
waste field sampling
and lab analysis
capability (including
creation of mobile lab
units)
1995-
1997
EPA, SEMARNAP,
SINALP, Cal-DTSC,
San Diego County
Improved ability to detect violations of
hazardous waste management and
import/export regulations.
June 1996
IV.8
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Utilize Regional
Geographic Sub
Workgroups to
implement the
Hazardous and Solid
Waste and Cooperative
Enforcement
Workgroup objectives
Conduct hazardous
waste management
training
Conduct San Diego-
Tijuana solid waste
stream analysis and
develop a binational
recycling market
development zone (in
cooperation with
Pollution Prevention
work group)
Facilitate adoption and
implementation of a
remediation plan for
the Alco Pacifico site
Train Customs
inspectors in detection
of illegal
transboundary
hazardous waste
shipments
Participate with
Enforcement
Workgroup in
Environmental
Auditing Workshop
Binational training on
design, operation and
closure of municipal
solid waste landfills
Train import/export
industry representative
on regulations and
requirements pertinent
to shipments of
hazardous waste to and
from California
' 'TIME
;iRAME
On-going
1996-
1997
1996-
1997
On-going
1995-
1996
1995
1994-
1995
1996
, : ^PARTNERS '
EPA, SEMARNAP
CAL-DTSC Cal-EPA,
US and Mexican
Customs, San Diego &
Imperial Counties
EPA, SEMARNAP
EPA, Cities of San
Diego, Tijuana, Cal-
EPA/IWMBSD State
University UABC
SEMARNAP, EPA,
Los Angeles County
EPA, SEMARNAP,
San Diego County
U.S. and Mexican
Customs, Cal-DTSC
EPA, SEMARNAP,
CEC, Cal-DTSC
EPA, SEMARNAP
Cal-DTSC, EPA,
SEMARNAP
* **' ACCOMPLJSMMEffTS •"
Development and delivery of geographic
specific projects.
Increase capability of agency and
industry managers and inspectors.
Increase recycling and waste prevention
within the commercial and industrial
sector along the border; create a
binational recycling market development
zone.
Adoption of a plan for stabilization or
remediation of the Alco Pacifico site.
Increased capability by U.S. and Mexican
Customs to detect and handle illegal
hazardous waste shipments.
Contribute information on Mexican
environmental auditing program; begin a
tri-national dialogue on ISO 14000.
Increased capability for management of
solid waste landfills.
Increase industry awareness of and
compliance with pertinent hazardous
waste and export/import requirements.
June 1996
IV.9
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
ACTIVITY
U.S7Mexico Border
Projects
Investigations of
import/export of
hazardous waste
shipments
TIME
FRAME
On-going
On-going
• PARTNERS ,^-
,'.'•• &"-:". ->"*
Cal-DTSC, EPA
San Diego County
HMMD, U.S.
Customs, California
Highway Patrol
>;*:-/lr ^ACCOJMKiaSlHMESpfS-'Mf- •>, f-
". , ! ' r:C/ '\ * "•"- 1 - •> '.' . - *? = "'*< * I , ,vt i" " 1"~ '^i:'
Tracking of hazardous waste shipments
across the border.
Training on California requirements of
hazardous waste shipment and
management.
Coordination with San Diego and
Imperial Counties.
Technical assistance to Mexico.
Support federal prosecutors and local
District Attorneys' investigations and
enforcement.
Staff of HMMD conduct investigations of
import/exports of hazardous waste
shipment between California and Mexico
for conformance with applicable laws and
regulations, focused on Otay Mesa, San
Ysidro, and Tecate border crossings.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
New River, Imperial
County
Training on
occupational medicine
GIS survey of
environmental and
health outcome
information
1995-
1996
1996
1995-
1997
CDHS,ATSDR
CDHS, Local
Association of
Maquila Doctors,
Baja California
Health Ministry
CDS,NIEHS
On-going development: environmental
health education for community and
health care providers.
Began development of teaching modules
and establishing collaboration with key
labor, management, and medical groups.
Initial step of evaluating existing data
bases and collaborating with border states
that are developing concurrent GIS
survey projects.
Objectives for the Next Five Years
Natural Resources
Promote research on habitats and species of flora and fauna to initiate habitat protection
programs that emphasize biodiversity and sustained use in the California-Baja California region,
such as sand dune habitat rehabilitation; and prioritize habitat management efforts directed at
enhancing the Tijuana Estuary.
June 1996
IV.10
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
SEMARNAP will implement management plans for the Constitucion del 1857 National Park,
and the Alto Golfo de California-Delta del Rio Colorado Biosphere Reserve and establish
organizational structures and oversight and inspection units. These plans will include design
strategies for the long-term financial maintenance of these protected areas and promote projects
and activities that offer an alternative for economic sustainable development for inhabitants who
live close to these areas.
Pursue opportunities for collaboration in developing windbreaks around agricultural lands as
well as the development of commercial plantations for wood products and non-wood products
(e.g. jojoba, Christmas trees, etc.). Mexico is particularly interested in U.S. technical assistance
in establishing plantations in the Tijuana, Mexicali, Guadalupe and Tecate areas.
Establish an aquaculture program for rural areas that includes a training component for the
inhabitants of the region.
Design and establish a pollution monitoring program in the California-Baja California coastal
zone to determine the actual state, trends, and the concentration of critical contaminants that may
be impacting the natural resources shared by both countries.
Establish standards for the import, export, and quality control of aquatic and marine species
utilized for aquaculture and fishing.
Conduct specialized research on aquaculture to define management plans and sustainable
utilization of resources of mutual interest to both countries.
Incorporate aquaculture activities that are productive with minimum environmental impacts, that
benefit local populations, and that promote the conservation of endemic, rare, and/or endangered
aquatic species.
Water
The International Wastewater Treatment Plant (IWTP), now under construction, is part of a regional
solution that will play a large part in restoring the environmental quality of the Tijuana River Valley,
protecting the water quality of the ocean and the area's beaches, and safeguarding the health of the
area's residents.
• The advanced primary treatment facilities should be completed by March 1997, and the
Ocean Outfall should be completed by June 1998.
• Responsible authorities will develop and implement an industrial wastewater source
control program to minimize the release of toxic pollutants into the sewer system or
water bodies and ensure proper operation and maintenance of the IWTP so as to protect
the health of local residents, habitats and natural resources.
• Tijuana will implement a City Sanitation Plan which contemplates wastewater collection,
treatment, and reuse for industrial or agricultural irrigation.
To address the wastewater needs in Ensenada, a new wastewater treatment plant will be constructed
in the near future.
June 1996
IV.ll
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The wastewater situation in the New River area calls for an action plan that includes short-term
actions to make immediate improvements to the existing Mexicali system and examines options for
long-term solutions to wastewater infrastructure deficiencies.
• Short-term projects to improve the existing system will be identified and constructed or
implemented, if they lead to an immediate improvement in the amount or quality of
treated effluent or a reduction of raw sewage in the New River.
• A facilities plan will be prepared that presents the technical, financial, and environmental
aspects of the available project options through the year 2000.
CNA, Baja California's Secretariat of Human Settlements and Public Works, EPA,
E3WC, the California State Water Resources Control Board, the Colorado River Basin
Regional Water Quality Control Board, Imperial County, and the Imperial Irrigation
District must work together with the BECC and NADBank to assist the affected
community in devising solutions to the wastewater infrastructure problem which take into
account the entire watershed and the relationship between water supply and wastewater.
• In conjunction with developing solutions to the wastewater infrastructure situation,
responsible authorities must develop and implement an industrial wastewater source
control program to minimize the release of toxic pollutants to surface and ground waters.
To ensure that the municipalities of Mexicali, Tijuana, Tecate and Ensenada receive quality water
from the Colorado River, both federal governments in conjunction with regional, state, and local
authorities will conduct a study to determine the levels of toxic pollutants in the lower Colorado
River and in the New River and will monitor for conventional pollutants in the New River.
The IBWC will continue to implement agreements that exist between the U.S. and Mexico to find
a solution relating to the salinity problems of the Colorado River and thereby contribute to the
improvement of the ecosystem along the river, and of the ecosystem in the delta where it discharges.
Environmental Health
In depth discussion of binational, geographic-specific five-year objectives have only commenced in
earnest with the issuance of the Framework Document. The intent is to translate the overall
environmental health objectives outlined in Chapter HI into objectives/priorities/projects specific for
this region benefiting from further binational discussions and the input obtained from community
outreach meetings. Based on past and on-going efforts, the following is an example of the types of
objectives that will be developed for this region:
Building on the successful and cooperative relationship between the California Department
of Pesticide Regulation and Baja California authorities, EPA and SEMARNAP through
CICOPLAFEST, plan to support these agencies in developing and implementing programs to
minimize risk to human health and the environment from the use of pesticides. Development
and implementation of the following programs would help meet this objective:
• an emergency response strategy for pesticide-related incidents along the border;
June 1996
IV.12
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
a notification and information exchange strategy for pesticide residue detection on both
sides of the border;
a food safety information exchange strategy;
general pesticides regulation and information exchange; and
a strategy and system to track pesticides bought in California and used in Mexico, and
vice-versa.
Air
Given the recent increases in population, vehicular traffic, and industrial activity in the San Diego-
Tijuana air basin, there is an on-going need to evaluate levels of PM-10, CO, and ozone air
pollutants targeted as problems in the area. In order to meet the goal of attaining health based
ambient air standards, the California-Baja California Air Sub-workgroup will build on existing
efforts to promote regionally-based:
• air quality monitoring networks;
• emissions inventories;
• models;
• air quality improvement strategies; and
• ensure ongoing involvement of local communities, the people directly impacted by air
pollution.
Hazardous and Solid Waste
SEMARNAP will facilitate projects that result in the construction and operation of environmentally
responsible controlled landfills for hazardous and industrial waste to build waste management
capacity.
Proper management, treatment and disposal of hazardous and solid waste and compliance with
regulations for transboundary shipments of hazardous waste will remain a priority for the San Diego-
Tijuana region. Continued cooperation among the state and local offices will focus on:
• ongoing information and technology transfer;
• cooperative training,
• building laboratory sampling and analysis capabilities;
• developing recyclables markets, and
• using and improving HAZTRAKs as a tracking tool.
June 1996
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Emergency Response and Contingency Planning
Both governments will develop state and local capacity for contingency preparedness and emergency
response in San Diego-Tijuana and Calexico-Mexicali.
Environmental Information
Both governments will build upon the existing San Diego-Tijuana GIS project to promote further
integration among academia, government, and non-governmental organizations on both sides of the
border. Future efforts will focus on human demographic data such as the number of people with
access to sewer lines.
Enforcement
The PROFEPA inspection program expects to carry out 3,700 inspections between 1996 and 2000
to monitor regulatory environmental compliance.
The California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal-EPA) with the support of EPA, will be
organizing a multimedia enforcement Task Force to coordinate efforts of all state, local, and federal
enforcement agencies with jurisdiction in the California border area. The State of California and
Imperial County will cooperatively execute enforcement activities and investigations in Imperial
County.
For additional objectives and efforts that will impact this region please refer to Chapter HI.
June 1996
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CHAPTER V
ARIZONA-SONORA
In order to promote a regional approach to environmental problem solving, this chapter focuses
on environmental issues and problems, past and ongoing projects, and objectives that are
specific to the Arizona-Sonora area of the border region. The borderwide objectives and on-
going activities described in Chapter III also pertain to the Arizona-Sonora border region.
Brief Overview
The Arizona-Sonora border region includes five areas of concentrated population, which are also the
locations of the five principal border crossings, and a sovereign Indian nation. The urban areas are
Yuma-San Luis Rio Colorado; Lukeville-Sonoita; Nogales-Nogales; Naco-Naco; and Douglas-Agua
Prieta. The Tohono O'Odham Nation is located1 between Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
and ambos Nogales, and has a population of over 17,000 people.2
TABLE 5.1
POPULATION
Population Center
Yuma, AZ
San Luis Rio Colorado
Nogales, AZ
Nogales, Son
Douglas, AZ
Agua Prieta, Son
Naco, AZ
Naco, Son
Tohono O'Odham Nation
TOTAL
1980 population
42,000
93,000
15,700
68,000
12,800
34,400
N/A
4,400
N/A
N/A
1990 population
55,000
112,000
19,500
107,000
13,000
39,000
700
4,600
17,300
368,000
1995 Estimate
60,000
133,000
20,700
133,500
14,800
56,000
870
4,900
19,000
442,770
1980 and 1990 population figures for AZ come from 1993 Arizona State Almanac.
1980 and 1990 population figures for Mexican cities come from INEGIX & XI Census of General Population and
Housing. For 1995, the data was obtained from the 1995 INEGI Count of Population and Housing.
1995 estimate for population in AZ cities come from Arizona Department of Economic Security (except Naco
which comes from the 1994 Rand McNally Commercial Atlas).
1995 estimate for Tohono O'Odham Nation comes from Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Acreage north of the International Boundary.
In the U.S., the Tohono O'Odham Nation is located on a reservation of 2,846,372 acres.
June 1996
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The Sonoran Desert and the Mexican highlands/Sierra Madre Occidental are part of this region. The
Sonoran Desert includes southcentral and southwestern Arizona and southeastern California,
extending into Sonora. The Mexican highlands/Sierra Madre Occidental cover central and eastern
Sonora and portions of Arizona and New Mexico, and include grassy plains with semi-desert
pastures and both arid and forested mountains.
The Sonoran Desert is rich in diversity of flora and fauna. The rugged topography, variety of
substrates, and scarcity of water bodies, deciduous and perennial forests, small trees with cactus, and
elements of subtropical fauna and flora of the Sierra Madre Occidental, maintain a diversity of
species of fish and wildlife as well as plant communities. These include threatened and endangered,
rare and unique species. More than 560 vascular plant species have been identified in the Sonoran
Desert.
The upper region of the Gulf of California maintains diverse marine species that are in danger of
extinction. It is also the breeding grounds for commercial species that depend on the estuary of the
Colorado River.
Surface water resources in this area include the Lower Colorado River which drains in the Gulf of
California and supports the Cienega de Santa Clara. Groundwater resources are principally aquifers
associated with the river systems or as independent hydrologic systems in the Mexican highlands
basins
The biodiversity of the borderland region is well represented in eleven special management areas:
Cabeza Prieta, Buenos Aires and San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuges; Organ Pipe Cactus
National Monument; Coronado National Memorial; Coronado National Forest; San Pedro Riparian
National Conservation Area; Tohono O'Odham Indian Nation in Arizona; Alto Golfo de California-
Delta del Rio Colorado and El Pinacate-Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserves; and Sierra de
los Ajos, Buenos Aires y La Purica National Forest Reserve in Sonora. With the exception of the
Tohono O'Odham Nation, all of these areas are operated and managed by federal agencies in
collaboration with state agencies and surrounding communities to achieve cooperative conservation
and sustainable resource management. In addition, there are other protected areas in the region
managed by federal and state agencies.
Environmental Issues and Problems
Natural Resources
Three primary habitat types are critical to the biodiversity of the Arizona-Sonora border region:
riparian and aquatic areas, grasslands, and mountain "Sky Island." These areas are threatened by
human-related activities which ultimately affect the biodiversity of this geographic region. The
illegal extraction of wild flora species, such as cacti, and the introduction of exotic species that
alter natural habitat are ongoing problems in both countries.
June 1996
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The Pinacate-Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve is confronted by illegal extraction of
species, especially cacti, introduction of exotic species like Buffelgrass, and illegal hunting. In
addition, cattle grazing alters the indigenous vegetation, and the unregulated extraction of
volcanic ash known as morusa, which is utilized in the construction industry, has adverse impacts
on the topography and vegetation. The increased tourism to this area has the potential to
adversely impact natural resources and needs to be properly managed.
The delta of the Colorado River in Mexico is one of the world's great desert estuaries and
supports vast freshwater, brackish, and intertidal wetlands in this most arid portion of the
Sonoran desert. Some of the brackish wetlands are not natural marshes but are the incidental
creations of water management decisions in the U.S. and Mexico. The marine zone of Alto
Golfo de California-Delta del Rio Colorado Biosphere Reserve is an important area for the
protection of rare and threatened marine species that constitute a rich source of biological
diversity, some of which have been affected by over-exploitation. There is a need to continue
management efforts for the protection of these resources.
The Natural Protected Area designation in Mexico allows for moderate use of renewable
resources, much like the USDA Forest Service multiple use philosophy. Natural resource
managers in Sierra de Los Ajos are faced with the challenge of maintaining a balance between
the need to harvest forest commodities and the protection of the unique environment. Sky Island
mountains, located in the southern part of Coronado National Forest, have been impacted by fire
suppression, and other human-related activities.
General concerns with respect to forestry and soil conservation in this region include: the need to
control soil erosion, loss of forest land due to slash and burn agriculture, grazing management,
conflicts with threatened and endangered species (i.e. introduction of Buffelgrass), and the need
to protect some species and/or areas from over utilization (e.g. ironwood is valued for carvings,
and mesquite is used to make charcoal for domestic use and for export to the United States). In
Mexico, there is a need to develop valuable products other than sawlogs (such as mesquite,
willow for baskets, etc.) for local sale or export. There is also a need to address the conflicts of
traditional uses of threatened and endangered species among the indigenous people.
Water
The lack of basic inventory and monitoring information pertaining to border water resources and
water-dependent environments prevents a comprehensive understanding of watershed and
regional natural resource issues. Lack of quantitative information concerning the natural
recharge and the possible limitations of many of the ground water supplies, lead to uncertainties
as to the future of these water resources. State, federal, and international divisions of the affected
jurisdictions make water management a complicated task, especially in the absence of sound
hydrologic data and assessments. Increased ground water pumping and agricultural development
has affected draw-down of natural desert springs and impacted the propagation and management
of endangered fish species.
In the western area of the region, the local community expressed concern that the Colorado River
Delta lacks a comprehensive environmental management plan which could, among other things,
address the impacts of water quantity and quality from the Colorado River on the Northern Gulf
June 1996
V.3
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
of California, on communities dependent upon the Northern Gulf of California, the local fishing
industry, and threatened or endangered species in the area.
Residual flows from the Colorado River into Mexico, along with irrigation return flows and brine
waters have greatly affected the ecology of the Upper Gulf of California and the Cienega de
Santa Clara. Preserving the remaining wetlands will require a binational water management plan
for flood and irrigation-return freshwater inflow into the delta. Sea water spills into this basin
only during the highest tides or during storm surges. Tidal effects alone may not push the salt
water northward for sufficient quantities to reach this unique wetland area.
Since the area around Yuma-San Luis Rio Colorado is primarily rural and is composed of many
small communities, the people living in the area have special needs. U.S. communities in the
area highlighted the fact that EPA must redirect some of its attention from large urban
communities to address the specific needs of small communities. The needs identified include:
technical and financial assistance, awareness and attention to local conditions, and assistance in
the design and construction of water lines and sewage treatment systems.
In San Luis Rio Colorado, construction of a wastewater treatment plant and rehabilitation and
expansion of the sewer system are needed to prevent untreated discharges into the Colorado
River. Please refer to Chapter IV for more discussion on Colorado River issues, projects, and
objectives, as the watershed is divided between Chapters IV and V.
Located nine miles north of the International Boundary, the Nogales International Wastewater
Treatment Plant (NIWTP) is an aerated lagoon system3 that treats sewage from Nogales, Sonora
and Nogales, Arizona. The City of Nogales, Arizona, operates the NIWTP, but the U.S. permit
responsibilities are shared by the City of Nogales, Arizona, and the US Section of the IBWC4.
The effluent from the treatment plant enters the Santa Cruz River which flows north and supports
a riparian corridor. Nogales, Sonora is utilizing its full capacity allotment at the treatment plant
and requires additional capacity. Deficiencies in the current system result in raw sewage flows
and non-point runoff into the Nogales Wash and in an adjacent wash, which flows through
downtown Nogales, Sonora and Nogales, Arizona.
The public has expressed significant concern about direct public exposure to contaminated water
in the Wash. Monitoring studies have found high fecal coliform bacterial levels, ammonia,
heavy metals, and the parasites Giardia and Cryptosporidium. The potential for ground water
contamination by percolation of contaminated surface water into the shallow alluvial aquifer
along the Nogales Wash raises additional public concern. Preserving drinking water quality is a
high priority for the ambos Nogales community. ADEQ's records show that city-owned wells in
Nogales, Arizona, provide quality water since the Nogales, Arizona, municipal wells tap into a
deeper aquifer and are not directly threatened by the potential pathway for ground water
contamination associated with the Nogales Wash. However, a portion of Nogales, Sonera's
municipal drinking water comes from the shallow aquifer, and several shallow private wells in
the U.S. are located near the Nogales Wash.
3 The system has a capacity of 753 LPs (17.2 mgd).
4 Required permits are National Pollution Discharge Elimination System or NPDES permits which set discharge water quality
requirements.
June 1996 V.4
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Changes in land use and infrastructure development along the Santa Cruz River will alter the
aquatic fauna and flora along the riparian greenbelt. The problems associated with insufficient
data are well illustrated in the uncertainty surrounding the Santa Cruz and San Pedro River
systems, where the understanding of the origin of surface flows, the ground water/surface water
relations, and the importance of the riparian systems, is very poor.
The San Pedro River originates in Mexico in a ranching, agriculture, and mining area, and flows
into the U.S. adjacent to a rapidly expanding urban/military complex. Most land uses along this
river have put major demands on water within the river basin, while impacting the water quality,
and biodiversity of the basin. The riparian corridor along the river may be in danger from over-
pumping due to the demand for drinking water in Sierra Vista.
The water requirements of the mining industry, the Riparian National Conservation Area,
municipalities, industry, military and agriculture are all dependent on the same interrelated water
source. The withdrawal of ground water, the principal source of water supply for municipalities,
industries, mining, and agriculture, is greater than the natural ba'sin recharge. Inevitably,
conflicts presented by various users competing for a limited water resource in the San Pedro
Basin will escalate.
Douglas and Bisbee residents have indicated a need for rehabilitation of the drinking water
distribution system in both cities. Sewer system and wastewater treatment rehabilitation is also
needed in Naco, Arizona. Citizens of these communities raised concerns that EPA must redirect
some of its attention from large urban communities to address the specific needs of small
communities, as small communities do not have the population or tax base to support their
infrastructure needs. With regard to ground water, there is some community concern that
abandoned and active mines in the Douglas-Agua Prieta and Naco-Naco area may be a source of
ground water contamination, though current data does not indicate a health hazard. Additional
water-related concerns in the region center around the need for protection of the area's drinking
water supply. Surface water quantity and quality are important issues in the area.
Through analysis of the region's water infrastructure needs, CNA found that for the five most
populous Mexican cities in the region (Nogales, Agua Prieta, Naco, Sonoita and San Luis Rio
Colorado) 86 percent of the population receives quality drinking water, 62 percent of the
residences are connected to a sewer system, and 41 percent of the total wastewater is treated
(although in many cases the operation and maintenance of treatment systems is deficient). At
this time, CNA has estimated resource requirements to meet the present region's infrastructure
deficiencies as shown in Table 5.2.
June 1996
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TABLE 5.2
RESOURCE REQUIREMENT ESTIMATES FOR WATER INFRASTRUCTURE*
Project Component
Drinking water
Sewer systems
Treatment
Consolidation
Increased Efficiency
Studies and projects
Total
Investment (Million $USD)
Urgent
1996-1997
5
2
1
6
2
0.6
16.6
Short term
1998-1999
19
4
7
1
3
0.5
34.5
Medium term
2000
18
10
5
3
0.2
36.2
Total
42
16
13
7
8
1.3
87.3
* These estimates are based on studies and evaluations conducted by the Government of Mexico to meet domestic
standards.
Environmental Health
The Arizona-Sonora border region, like the entire U.S.-Mexico border region, is grappling with
several serious public health problems that are or may be associated with toxic environmental
exposures. Contamination of air, water, and soil by heavy metals, volatile organic compounds,
(VOCs), hazardous waste, pesticides, nitrates, and/or bacteria are believed to be key factors
contributing to the presence of envkonmentally-related diseases in populations residing in Arizona-
Sonora communities. Although community-specific problems do exist, most communities in the
Arizona-Sonora border region face similar environmental health problems. Chief among these
problems are the following: respiratory infections, particularly asthma; elevated blood lead levels
in children; multiple myeloma, a form of bone-marrow cancer; systemic lupus erythmatosus (SLE);
Hepatitis A; diarrhea! diseases and other enteric infections such as Giardiasis and Amoebiasis; and
pesticide poisonings.
Community specific health concerns, however, clearly exist. These include pesticide-related
illnesses in the Yuma-San Luis Rio Colorado area, where agricultural production is the principal
economic activity and aerial spraying occurs year round. In ambos Nogales, inadequate sewerage
and/or breaks in the existing system, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall and ensuing
flooding, result in raw sewage flows in the Nogales Wash. The wash flows directly through
downtown ambos Nogales, creating a breeding ground for infectious disease. In the Douglas-Agua
Prieta area, past mining activities, specifically toxic emissions from a smelter in the Dougals-
Pirtleville area, are believed to be associated with previously high blood lead levels in children and
lung cancer in smelter workers.
At present, relatively little scientific data exists in the Arizona-Sonora border region to establish a
definitive link between pervasive chronic diseases and environmental exposures. Nevertheless, a
perception prevails among many residents of Arizona-Sonora border communities that
environmental contamination and concomitant exposure are responsible for many of the health
problems that people are experiencing. In an effort to ascertain the prevalence and incidence of
suspected environmentally-related diseases as well as causal factors,.the Arizona Department of
Health Services, in collaboration with other entities such as the University of Arizona College of
Medicine, Sonoran Ministry of Health, and local health departments in Arizona and Sonora border
communities, are currently undertaking binational epidemiological studies on the issues of air quality
June 1996
V.6
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and asthma, and lupus and multiple myeloma. (See Table 5.3 on On-Going Projects.)
Air
Since air quality monitoring began in 1985, both the 24-hour and annual PM-10 National Ambient
Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) have been violated in the Yuma, Nogales, and Douglas areas. In
accordance with the Clean Air Act, ADEQ has prepared a State Implementation Plan for the area
identifying specific control measures and mechanisms for implementation to bring the Yuma area
into attainment of PM-10 NAAQS and maintain the NAAQS through 2000. The NAAQS Plans for
Nogales and Douglas have yet to be prepared. The primary concern in the Arizona-Sonora area is
an increase in air pollution from mobile sources, particularly due to the increased transborder traffic
congestion at border crossings. Additional concerns relate to emissions from manure burns and the
burning of wire casings for the recycling market.
Hazardous and Solid Waste
Through the Border XXI Program public outreach meetings, it became evident that there is much
concern in the Arizona and Sonora border communities about the types, quantities and destinations
of hazardous materials and wastes. Community and government concerns stem from the high
number of crossings of the Arizona-Sonora border and projections that commercial transportation
across the international boundary will likely increase with the phase-in of NAFTA.
There have also been historical concerns in the region about toxic emissions from uncontrolled
burning at a former solid waste disposal site in Nogales, Sonora. Located just a few miles south of
the border and the neighboring community of Nogales, Arizona, the site had been the source of
emergency health warnings by Santa Cruz County during certain intervals of burning. The
government of Mexico has now constructed a new sanitary landfill more than 15 miles (25
kilometers) from the border for Nogales, Sonora, making it possible to close the old landfill.
However, the burning of manure in the stockyards located along the border in Nogales, Sonora, has
concerned officials in Mexico and the U.S.
Emergency Planning and Contingency Response
Currently, the need for emergency response capabilities, particularly with regard to expertise and
equipment, is greater in the Sonoran cities than in the Arizona cities. The emergency response
training and equipment needs are highlighted by the fact that the sister cities in this region are spread
out along the border and are relatively distant from other large cities in the interior of both countries.
Thus, the sister cities require their own emergency response capabilities; they cannot depend upon
other cities inside or outside the region.
In contrast to other sister cities, Yuma and San Luis Rio Colorado are located approximately 20
miles (32 kilometers) apart, with San Luis Rio Colorado on the international boundary, and Yuma
to the north. Because there is a single road to and from the border crossing, delays are common, and
hazardous materials and waste are transported through residential neighborhoods, raising concerns
about emergency response capabilities. EPA has provided a grant to the State of Arizona to assist
the border cities in improving their emergency response capabilities.
June 1996
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Environmental Information
Through the Border XXI public outreach meetings, citizens in the Arizona-Sonora sister cities
expressed a need for increased education and awareness regarding general, regional, and local
environmental issues including air, water, waste, natural resources, health impacts from
environmental degradation, and the relationship between the environment and quality of life. Many
members of the Arizona-Sonora border community consider lack of information and general
environmental awareness on local and regional problems and solutions an impediment to raising
environmental quality and increasing public involvement in preventing and solving environmental
problems. Similarly, throughout the region there was a call for pollution prevention information
which is tailored and delivered to appropriate domestic and industrial audiences.
TABLE 5.3
PAST AND ON-GOING PROJECTS - ARIZONA-SONORA
ACTIVITY
TIME
FRAME"
• ... '-^^PRS-^S
NATURAL RESOURCES
Surveys to document life
history and habitat needs
of the Sonoran pronghorn
(Antilocapra Americana)
and to complete a
management plan for the
subspecies in Sonora
Sonoran pronghorn
antelope conservation
Masked quail conservation
Biodiversity conservation
and protection, Southern
Arizona
Restoration of riparian
habitat along the Santa
Cruz River
Conservation and
management of native
fishes in Southern Arizona
Restoration of wetlands
habitat along the Lower
Colorado River
Environmental education
program (Organ
Pipe/Pinacate)
1995-1996
1995-1996
1995-1996
1995-1996
On-going
On-going
1995
FWS, INE,
University of
Arizona, Arizona
Game and Fish, NFS
FWS, INE, NPS,
Arizona Game and
Fish
FWS
FWS
FWS
FWS, Arizona Game
and Fish, INE
FWS
NPS
A management plan for the
protection of the pronghorn
antelope. More specific
information obtained on the life
history of the Sonoran pronghorn.
Continue conservation efforts with
various partners for the Sonoran
pronghorn.
Continue conservation efforts for
the masked quail habitats.
Continue to protect and manage
flora and fauna in southern
Arizona.
Initiated riparian restoration
projects with partners along the
Santa Cruz River.
Continue to survey Sonoran Desert
streams, determine to population
trends for native fishes.
Improve habitat through
revegetation along the lower
Colorado River.
June 1996
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Environmental education
and public outreach
program
Coronado National
Forest/State of Sonora
Sister Forest Program
Management of Sierra de
Los Ajos Natural
Protected Area
Reintroduction of Gould's
Turkey
Forest health monitoring
Fire ecology
Biodiversity of Madreem
Archipelago
On-going
On-going
On-going
On-going
On-going
On-going
1995
NFS, INE, Sonora
state government,
Centro Ecologico de
Sonora, UAS,
Sonoran Institute
USFS-Region 3,
SEMARNAP
TJSFS-Coronado
National Forest,
SEMARNAP, Centro
Ecologio de Sonora
USFS-Coronado
National Forest,
Arizona State Fish &
Game, USF&WS,
SEMARNAP
(Chihuahua)
USFS-Coronado
National Forest,
SEMARNAP-Sonora
and Chihuahua
USFS-Coronado NF,
Prescott NF, Rocky
Mountain Ranger
Station, Univ. Of
Arizona, Univ. Of
Sonora,
SEMARNAP-
Sonora.
USFS-Coronado
National Forest,
RMRS, INIFAP,
SEMARNAP and
various U.S. &
Mexican Universities,
SUFS, USGS
^^^•^^•'^V,:^,^!^^!^;^^^";
Design and development of special
environmental education programs
for neighboring US-Mexico
communities adjacent to Organ
Pipe Cactus-El Pinacate regarding
function and management of
federal protected areas.
Held public town hall meeting in
the vicinity of Organ Pipe Cactus
NM to discuss joint US-Mexico
conservation efforts and issues.
Forest health detection and
treatment of insects. Provide GIS
training and use this and GPS
technology to improve mapping
information in Sonora. Fire
prevention and prescribed burning
training.
Develop ecosystem management
plan for Sierra de Los Ajos NPA
with emphasis on fire
management.
Reintroduce Gould's Turkey, an
extirpated species in U.S., into the
Coronado National Forest from
Chihuahua.
Improved identification and
management to reduce effects of
pine bark beetles, cronartium rust
and dwarf mistletoe.
Host symposium of fire effects in
Madreem Archipelago in 1996.
Demonstration areas &
management practices to highlight
important role of fire in
maintenance of this ecosystem.
June 1996
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:•:•;:::••• ACTIVITY,; „ ,:
• j " ' "
Management program for
the Alto Golfo Biosphere
Reserve and the Colorado
River Delta
Management program for
El Pinacate and Gran
Desierto del Altar Reserve
Sierra de los Ajos, Buenos
Aires, and La Purica
(Bavispe) National Forest
Reserve
Inventory of the coastal-
marine flora and fauna of
the northeastern Gulf of
California
Analysis of the status of
the flora in riparian
habitats in the northern
border zone of the State of
Sonora
Status and distribution of
the spotted owl in the state
of Sonora.
Status of the Desert
tortoise (Gopherus
agassizii) in the State of
Sonora
Evaluation of the cimaron
sheep population and
determination of the rates
of use in Sonora
TIME. •
FRAME
1/94 - 12/95
1/94 - 12/95
1993
9/95-12/95
On-going
1/94-12/94
1/94 -12/94
1/94 - 12/94
;, ; IP^I^M^;^:
:"'•->-. -*:s?ixx:.',-;y •-,:-,»;;
INE, CICTUS, CES,
CIDESON, CEDO,
COLEF, UABC, ESfP,
CICESE,
PRONATURA. A.C.
INE, CES, CEDO,
UABC, UNISON,
INAH, Tohono
O'Odham Nation
Undersecretariat for
Forestry and
Wildlife, SARH,
Wildlife Society of
Mexico
INE, ITESM
INE, CICTUS
INE, FWS, Centre
Ecologico de Sonora
INE, FWS, Centro
Ecologico de Sonora
INE, FWS, Centro
Ecologico de Sonora
and the Department
of Fish and Game in
Sonora
^^ggip^pif^p
^^r-l-^>-K^v.^^-4t':;-A,:'"^?-. %•"«:.;,
There is a program that guides the
actions in the Reserve and that was
agreed to by local communities,
local authorities, and NGO's.
There is a program that guides the
actions in the Reserve and that was
agreed to by local communities,
local authorities, NGO's, and
indigenous groups.
A flora and wildlife study was
conducted as well as an analysis of
natural resources and topography.
A species list was generated of
vascular plants present in the
coastal zone of the Alto Golfo in
the State of Sonora, saltwater fish,
macroinvertebrates, mammals,
and marine and coastal birds and
reptiles. A species distribution map
was also generated.
Inventory of the flora of riparian
habitats, through a review of
relevant literature and scientific
collections
Conduct a population and
distribution study of the spotted
owl in Sonora.
Understand the status of the
population of the Desert tortoise in
Sonora.
Understand the structure of the
population and determine rates of
use of the cimaron sheep in
Sonora.
June 1996
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
Lower Colorado
River/New River Data
Synthesis
Lower Colorado
River/New River Toxics
Survey
INogales Wellhead
Protection
Nogales groundwater
monitoring
Central Arizona Basins
NAWQA
Drinking water treatment
and recharge for the City
of Nogales, Son.
Integrated drinking water,
sewer system, and
»wastewater treatment
Dlant project for Naco, Son
1995-1996
1994-1996
1993-1996
1993-1996
On-going
1996-1998
1996-1997
WATER
U.S.: EPA, UCD
U.S.: EPA, USGS,
IBWC,UCD,DFG,
State of Arizona
Mexico: CNA, IBWC
U.S.: SEAGO,
ADEQ, Santa Cruz
County
Mexico: future
involvement to be
determined
U.S.: ADEQ, IBWC,
EPA
Mexico: CNA,
IBWC, State of
Sonora
USGS
CNA, COAPAES
(Nogales)
COAPES (Naco)
', 'l>'^^$S!^tfi]$T>l^*iW&&
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
':''
Nogales Wastewater
U.S.: EPA, IBWC,
ADEQ,ADWR,
Santa Cruz County,
City of Nogales,
Arizona
Mexico: IBWC,
CNA; SIDE; City of
Nogales, Sonora
US Section of the IBWC has
procured a contractor to develop
binational facility plan. Binational
policy committee and technical
team (subgroups) have been
formed.
Study of infiltration and inflow
into Nogales, AZ collection system
has been initiated.
US Section of the IBWC has
procured a contractor to prepare
analysis of toxic pollutants
entering IWTP headworks.
AIR
Ambos Nogales PM-10/Air
Toxics Study
1994-1996
EPA5INE,ADEQ,
State of Sonora, City
of Douglas, City of
Agua Prieta
Finalized particulate and air toxics
ambient sampling at six sites in
ambos Nogales.
Emissions inventory is being
developed.
A draft study report should be
available for public comment by
the end of 1996 and will include
exposure/risk assessment, source
attribution, and recommended
control strategies.
Douglas-Agua Prieta PM-
10/Air Toxics Study
1996-1997
EPA, ENfE, ADEQ,
State of Sonora,
Ambos Nogales,
Initiating particulate and air toxics
ambient sampling study in Agua
Prieta-Douglas with sampling to
occur at six sites.
Emissions inventory will be
developed.
A draft study report should be
available for public comment by
summer 1997 and will include
exposure/risk assessment, source
attribution, and recommended
control strategies. ;
HAZARDOUS I SOLID WASTE /ENFORCEMENT
(Please see Annex 7 for additional solid and hazardous waste projects of state and local agencies)
Utilize Regional
Geographic Sub
Workgroups to implement
the hazardous and solid
•waste and enforcement
workgroup objectives
1996 - On-
going
EPA, SEMARNAP,
ADEQ, local
authorities, US and
Mexican Customs
Development and delivery of
geographic specific projects.
June 1996
V.12
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
:->C«w^s.?x?X\?xts^«?^2Mfe«SS^c&v§'
Conduct hazardous waste
management training
Improve hazardous waste
field sampling and lab
analysis capability
(including creation of
mobile lab units)
Binational training on
design, operation, and
closure of municipal solid
waste landfills
Technical assistance with
closure of old Nogales,
Sonora solid waste
disposal site
Implement a pollution
prevention program for
ambos Nogales (in
cooperation with Pollution
Prevention Workgroup)
Train Customs Inspectors
on detection of illegal
transboundary hazardous
waste shipments
Conduct surveys of small
quantity hazardous waste
generators
TO^f^ftl!HP?£*
1996-1997
1996-1997
1993
1994-1995
1996-1997
1995-1996
On-going
IKf^fe'^ifi^^^S^
sScyfe^a;^?*.**^.^^ ^
EPA, SEMARNAP
EPA, SEMARNAP
EPA, SEMARNAP
EPA, SEMARNAP
EPA, SEMARNAP,
ADEQ, AMBOS
Nogales
EPA, SEMARNAP,
ADEQ, U.S. and
Mexican Customs
ADEQ, EPA
Increase capability of agency and
industry managers and inspectors.
Improved ability to detect
violations of hazardous waste
management and import/export
regulations.
Increased capability for
management of solid waste
landfills.
Technical review and assessment
of site closure plan.
Direct assistance to industry to
implement in-house pollution
prevention measures; pollution
prevention award program; co-
sponsored seminars attended by
public and private sector
environmental professionals from
both countries.
Increased capability by U.S. and
Mexican Customs to detect and
handle illegal hazardous waste
shipments.
ADEQ through funding support
from EPA, to conduct surveys of
small quantity hazardous waste
generators along the border to
develop a multi-media industrial
POLLUTION PREVENTION
Technology transfer and
capacity building on
pollution prevention with
PROFEPA
1996-
ongoing
EPA, ADEQ,
PROFEPA-Sonora
Maquiladora site assistance visits
are envisioned.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Health consultations
1995 - On-
going
ADHS
Consultation in Nogales in process,
other sites to be determined.
June 1996
V.13
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
f:j'"; ACTIVITY „
Arizona-Sonora border
environmental health GIS
Arizona-Sonora Border
Data Infrastructure
Proiect
Ambos Nogales Asthma
Study
Binational Cancer/Lupus
Study
Douglas/Pirtleville Blood
Lead Level Study
Binational Childhood Lead
Screening
Project
Environmental Health
Education Project
Binational Pesticides
Project
Binational community
environmental health
TIME; •
•FRAME,' '•'•
1995 - On-
going
1996
1996
1995 - On-
going
1995-1996
1995 - On-
going
1993 - On-
going
1995 - On-
going
1995 - On-
going
*• y^«iNi^(!s:&i
• S-^'i-;^;^,
ADHS, ADEQ
CDHS, ADHS, SSA,
Local health
Departments
ADHS, ADEQ,
University Of
Arizona, Nogales
Unified School
District
ADHS, CDC, Local
Health Departments,
SSA
ADHS, Local Health
Depts, University of
Arizona, SSA
ADHS, Local Health
Depts, NOSs, School
Districts
ADHS, ADEQ,
ATSDR, Local
Health Depts, NOSs,
School Districts
ADHS, ADEQ,
Arizona Dept of
Agriculture, Sec de
Agriculture, Local
Health Department,
University Of
Arizona, SSA
ADHS, ADEQ, SSA,
SIVE
^^L-t^^W^fiisti^fl^W^
M^Wsif^^M^'^^t^
Draft inventory of existing health
environmental and demographic
databases for Arizona border
region; work is beginning on
developing the inventory for
Sonora.
Project in development stage to
improve health data
infrastructure.
Study is in development stages; it
will have research and education
components
Study in development stage.
Prevalence of elevated blood lead
levels in children was assessed;
study found a low prevalence rate.
Project in development stage.
Public forums; CME seminars;
Educational materials
development.
Train-the-Trainer Program on-
going in Yuma and San Luis Rio
Colorado; will include research
and education components.
Held five workshops in Nogales,
Sonora in Nov. 1995 and in Yuma
in April 1996.
Objectives for the Next Five Years
Natural Resources
Enhance protection of natural resources and long-term sustainability of flora and fauna in the
Upper San Pedro River Basin. Complete a basic inventory of the flora and fauna and monitor
water quality.
Protect, restore and mange the following threatened and endangered species in the Arizona-
Sonora region: masked bobwhite quail, Sonoran pronghorn, various native fishes, thick-billed
parrot and the Aplomado falcon.
June 1996 V'14
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Implement management programs, educational opportunities and conservation in the following
protected areas: Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife
Refuge, El Pinacate - Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve, Alto Golfo de California and
Delta del Rio Colorado Biosphere Reserve.
Establish the organizational structure and joint inspection committees for the Pinacate-Gran
Desierto de Altar, and Alto Golfo de California-Delta del Rio Colorado Biosphere Reserves.
Design strategies for the long-term financial maintenance of these protected areas. Promote
projects and activities that offer an economic alternative for sustainable development to
inhabitants who live close to these areas.
Finalize an agreement between the Coronado National Forest, Arizona, and Sonora to pursue the
coordination of fire fighting brigades, and also increase the number of fire crews with locations
in Agua Prieta, Sierra de los Ajos, and Mazatan.
Increase the number of fire fighting teams in Agua Prieta, Sierra de los Ajos, and Mazatan.
Establish an aquacultural program for rural areas that includes a training component for the
inhabitants of the region.
Conduct specialized aquaculture studies to define management plans and sustainable utilization
of resources of mutual interest.
Establish policy and guidelines for the protection of aquatic species that inhabit the Alto Golfo de
California-Delta del Rio Colorado Biosphere Reserve.
Design and establish a contaminant monitoring program in the California-Baja California coastal
zone to determine the concentration of critical contaminants that may be impacting natural
resources.
Establish standards for import, export and quality control of aquatic and marine species utilized
for aquaculture and commercial fishing.
Restore and protect aquatic riparian corridors along the Santa Cruz River.
Complete a basic inventory of aquatic iota and monitor the quality of water in the San Pedro
River.
Monitor and inventory native fish and aquatic organisms in the Sonora Desert Ecosystem.
Water
Design a watershed plan and evaluate potential impacts to the New River drainage system and the
Colorado River delta based on information derived from the Colorado River water quality
monitoring program.
Provide technical assistance, as needed, for meeting water and wastewater infrastructure needs in
Yuma, San Luis Rio Colorado, and small communities in the area.
June 1996
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EPA and CNA with coordination by IBWC will continue to monitor surface waters to:
assess water quality and the need for additional wastewater infrastructure;
• assess ground water contamination issues; and
• take appropriate actions to monitor and prevent contamination.
EPA and CNA, in close coordination with local authorities and the BECC, will support the efforts
in planning and obtaining financial resources to design and construct needed wastewater treatment
infrastructure in ambos Nogales to protect public health and the environment from raw sewage
flows. These efforts will take the entire watershed and the relationship between water supply and
wastewater into account. In future years, additional funding for this project may come from EPA
or the NADBank with certification from the BECC.
In conjunction with the development of wastewater infrastructure for ambos Nogales, further
development and implementation of an industrial wastewater source control program is crucial to
minimize the release of toxic pollutants to surface and ground waters and to protect the existing and
planned treatment works and its operators.
Knvironmental Health
In depth discussion of binational, geographic-specific five-year objectives have only commenced in
earnest with the issuance of the Framework Document. The intent is to translate the overall
environmental health objectives outlined in Chapter HI into objectives/priorities/projects specific for
this region benefiting from further binational discussions and the input obtained from community
outreach meetings. Some examples of the types of objectives that will be developed for this region
include:
EPA and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) will work closely
with the Environmental Health Interagency Coordinating Committee (ICC) in their ongoing
efforts to address the serious health concerns of the Nogales, Arizona, community and its
potential relationship to environmental factors. The agencies will continue to work closely
with the State of Arizona and the University of Arizona to study possible risk factors and
conduct a community health survey. Because of the complexity of establishing a causal
relationship, more elaborate studies will likely be needed to further explore links between the
environment and disease in Nogales. EPA and ADEQ will transfer environmental data to
the ICC and ATSDR as it is developed, and will attempt to accelerate collection of this
information as much as possible. In addition, Arizona health authorities and SSA are
mounting a significant effort to provide environmental and health information to their
respective communities and provide consistent medical support.
Develop and deliver training and outreach on the proper handling of pesticides. Tailor
pesticide programs developed by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation and Baja
California authorities to suit the needs of the Arizona-Sonera community. Programs to
consider include:
• an emergency response strategy for pesticide-related incidents along the border;
• a notification and information exchange strategy for pesticide residue detection
on both sides of the border;
June 1996
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• a food safety information exchange strategy;
• general pesticides regulation and information exchange; and
• a strategy and system to track pesticides bought in Arizona and used in Mexico
and vice-versa.
The Sonoran Office of Agronomy, the Arizona Department of Agriculture, Enlace Ecologico,
the northeast Sonora-Cochise County Health Council and others, in cooperation with school
districts in northeast Sonora and southern Cochise County, Arizona, will attempt to develop
Integrated Pest Management Programs in border region schools and public buildings in order
to reduce the risk of exposure of school children, faculty, staff, and the general public.
Air
Given the physical, demographic, vehicular traffic, and industrial characteristics of the ambos
Nogales and Douglas-Naco air-basins, there is an immediate need to evaluate levels of PM-10, an
air pollutant targeted as a problem in these areas. The Arizona-Sonora sub-workgroup will build on
existing efforts to recommend and implement air quality improvement strategies, with the ultimate
goal of meeting health-based ambient air quality standards.
In the Yuma air basin, EPA and ADEQ will continue to implement reasonable available control
measures as evaluated in the State Implementation Plan to attain PM-10 NAAQS and maintain the
NAAQS through 2000.
Environmental Information
Responsible authorities plan a concerted effort to characterize environmental conditions and trends
and their potential links to health issues. Long-terra air and water monitoring efforts are intended
to be developed or improved. Coupling these efforts with soil sampling at regional areas of concern
will foster the compilation of necessary data for multimedia analysis. This information will facilitate
risk based decision-making.
Such environmental data gathering efforts will develop a comprehensive base of environmental
information which will augment pollution prevention and control programs on both sides of the
border and support environmental health assessments.
Pollution Prevention
EPA will work with the Cities of Nogales, Arizona, and Nogales, Sonora, to implement a pollution
prevention program that will provide technical assistance to industry, institute a pollution prevention
award program, and provide outreach and education to the public.
June 1996
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The bilingual environmental education curriculum, being prepared for ambos Nogales school
districts as part of the ambos Nogales Wellhead Protection Program, will be shared with all of the
school districts in the Arizona-Sonora region as the beginning of a larger effort to develop local
environmental education resources. Public education efforts will continue to improve local and
regional awareness about environmental issues and needs. Pollution prevention and partnering in
pollution prevention efforts throughout the Arizona-Sonora border region are intended to be
enhanced by small business technical assistance offerings and technology transfer.
Enforcement
The PROFEPA inspection program estimates that it will carry out 2,600 inspections between 1996
and 2000 to monitor regulatory environmental compliance. Implementation of this program requires
a budget of 1 million USD.
For additional objectives and efforts that will impact this region please refer to Chapter III.
June 1996
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CHAPTER VI
NEW MEXICO-TEXAS-CHIHUAHITA
In order to promote a regional approach to environmental problem solving, this chapter focuses
on environmental issues and problems, past and ongoing projects, and objectives that are
specific to the New Mexico-Texas-Chihuahua area of the border region. The borderwide
objectives and on-going activities described in Chapter III also pertain to the New Mexico-
Texas-Chihuahua border region.
Brief Overview
The New Mexico-Texas-Chihuahua regions stretches approximately 500 miles (800 km) along the
International Boundary from the Coronado National Forest to Big Bend National Park and includes
the following major sister cities: Columbus-Las Palomas, Sunland Park-El Paso-Ciudad Juarez, and
Presidio-Ojinaga.
The States of New Mexico, Texas, and Chihuahua come together in the area of Sunland Park, New
Mexico; El Paso, Texas; and Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. This area is commonly known as Paso del
Norte. Almost 2 million residents live in the urban and semi-urban area and it is projected that by
the year 2010, there will be 3.5 million people living in Paso del Norte alone. This population forms
an important part of the growing binational economy of the region. In Ciudad Juarez, of the
working-age population nearly 50% works in the industrial manufacturing sector; 15% works in the
service sector; and 5% works in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries.
TABLE 6.1
POPULATION
Population Center
Columbus
Ojinaga
Sunland Park
El Paso
Ciudad Juarez
Presidio
TOTAL
1980 Population
410
26,000
4,300
425,300
567,000
1,603
1,025,000
1990 Population
640
24,000
8,200
515,300
850,000
3,000
1 401 000
1994 Estimate
770
23,600
9,100
579,00
1,010,000
3 500
1 625 970
U.i. population figures for 1980 and 1990 come from the US Census. U.S. figures for 1995 are
estimated from the 1994 Rand McNalley Commercial Atlas.
Mexican population figures for 1980 and 1990 come from the X and XIINEGI National Census of
Population and Housing. The 1995 data comes from the 1995 INEGI Count of Population and
Housing.
June 1996
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This region is a part of the Chihuahuan Desert Ecosystem that is primarily comprised of arid to semi-
arid biotic communities. Vegetation characteristics are primarily shrubs which occupy open stands,
sometimes forming low closed thickets. Short grass species grow in association with shrubs, such
as creosote bush, yucca, gray thorn, various forbes, and cacti. Some isolated mountains in the
Chihuahua Desert (Chisos and Guadalupe Mountains in the U.S. and Sierra Rica in Mexico) are high
enough to sustain oak, juniper, and pine woodlands in the higher altitudes with unique ecological
characteristics.
The Rio Grande-Rio Bravo, Pecos River, and Rio Conchos are the only perennial streams. These
water bodies form an important riparian corridor for neotropical wildlife. As many as 80 species of
native Chihuahuan Desert fishes are known to inhabit this unique, yet geographically vast ecosystem.
These aquatic habitats are subject to a wide variety of natural and artificial water stresses
There are numerous adjacent parks and reserves that have been established to protect Chihuahuan
Desert habitats in the United States and Mexico. Big Bend National Park and the Big Bend Ranch
State Natural Area are located in Texas and border the Mexican states of Coahuila and Chihuahua.
Mexico established the Canon de Santa Elena Reserve for the Protection of Flora and Fauna in
Chihuahua.
Environmental Issues and Problems
Natural Resources
Habitat alterations are the principal concern affecting biodiversity in the region. The illegal
extraction of wild flora species such as cacti and the introduction of exotic species that alter natural
habitats are ongoing problems in both countries. Illegal hunting, wildlife trafficking, and in general
the over-exploitation of resources are also an important problem.
Increased human population along the border has increased the demand for wood and wood products
while land availability for growing trees is decreasing. For this reason, erosion control and
restoration and revegetation of areas is necessary, especially in those areas with high saline soil.
Some native species previously used only for fuel wood are being extensively harvested for other
consumptive uses including saw logs. Other wood products are valued and need to be developed
more fully in Mexico for local sale or export. These consumptive uses threaten forest stand
sustainability, but a balance must be reached between commercial use and conservation of the wood.
Water
The potential for over-use and pollution of ground water and surface water are serious concerns and
affect human health and natural resources along the Rio Grande including protected areas such as
Big Bend National Park, Canon de Santa Elena, and the Big Bend Ranch State Natural Area.
June 1996
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The public has identified drinking water quality and ground water contamination as major concerns
in this geographic area. High consumption of bottled water indicates a lack of confidence in the
water supply. Residents of New Mexico believe a large number of colonias in Dona Ana County
have contaminated water supplies and are worried about potential contamination of ground water
sources by the new pipeline at Lakeside and by the proposed low level radioactive nuclear waste
disposal site in Hudspeth County, Texas.
These cities depend on the Bolson deposits of both the Mesilla and the Hueco Aquifers as the major
source of ground water for municipal and industrial needs of the area. However, due to the low rate
of ground water recharge, the level of fresh water from these sources has been declining for a number
of years, and as pumping increases with population growth, the water reserve will become saltier and
will be more quickly depleted. Therefore, demand for surface water to meet municipal and industrial
needs will increase.
In Ciudad Juarez the current water supply is sufficient to meet the present population demand.
However, due to the fact that the current source has manganese contamination problems and is
becoming depleted, the Hueco Bolson (a new source) is required for the short term. To address this
problem, construction of the Conejos-Medanos Aqueduct is necessary. For the city of Ojinaga, the
current water supply is sufficient to meet present and future population demands.
Current sewage collection systems in both cities (Ojinaga and Juarez) are sufficient to handle the
projected wastewater volume until the year 2015. However, the effluent is not pretreated prior to
discharge, causing ground water pollution and soil saturation due to insufficient drainage. In Ciudad
Juarez, the construction of treatment plants have been put out for bid; however, construction has not
been initiated due to lack of resources. Nonetheless, the Municipal Board is carrying out a
wastewater pretreatment and control program for industrial discharges to the municipal sewage
system. Ojinaga has a stabilization pond which is not operational due to a blockage problem.
Through analysis of the region's water infrastructure needs, CNA found that 90% of the population
receives quality drinking water, 75% of the residences are connected to a sewer system, and there
is no treatment for wastewater. At this time, CNA has estimated resource requirements to meet the
present region's infrastructure deficiencies as shown in Table 6.2.
June 1996
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TABLE 6.2
RESOURCE REQUIREMENT ESTIMATES FOR WATER INFRASTRUCTURE BORDER*
Investment (Million $USD)
These estimates are based on studies and evaluations conducted by the Government of Mexico considering
Domestic water supply in the New Mexico and Texas colonias is a serious community concern. The
lack of adequate wastewater treatment and improper hazardous and solid waste management are
considered major contributors to the insufficient environmental conditions and the high risk to
human health. These polluted conditions are most evident in agricultural drains within the
boundaries of those colonias. The public expressed a need for a consolidated plan to introduce basic
water supply and sewerage services in the colonias. In New Mexico, the public is aware of the funds
available for colonia improvements, but believes lack of coordination among the numerous agencies
involved in the process interferes with the resolution of problems in their communities.
Many colonia developments are located on former agricultural lands within the service area of
Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) projects, particularly in the Lower Valley of El Paso. Many colonia
residents are sold land without the proper infrastructure, i.e., sanitary and potable water. Most
residents of the colonias built their own dwellings and either haul their drinking water to their lots
or drill shallow wells. Wastewater is typically handled onsite with cesspools or septic tanks and leach
fields. Over time, the absence of adequate infrastructure may have resulted in the contamination of
the ground water from which the water supply is sometimes drawn.
Environmental Health
A significant public health threat has developed among the population in the colonias. Health
surveys indicate that a large percentage of the colonias population has been infected with Hepatitis
A. It is believed that the spread of Hepatitis A in this area is a direct result of polluted well water.
These conditions could lead to potentially greater threats from waterborne amoeba and to outbreaks
of more serious diseases such as cholera.
Ak
A serious consequence of accelerated growth in the region is sustained deterioration of the
environment, particularly with regard to air quality. Communities in the El Paso-Ciudad Juarez area
indicated a critical need for more air monitoring within the binational air basins. This is seen as an
essential first step in identifying air problems and working towards improvement of air quality in the
region. Border residents are concerned that air quality problems in the region have important
implications to their health.
June 1996
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In addition to industrial sources, burning landfill sites in Chihuahua were also identified as a concern
by area residents as a potential source of air pollution. Recognizing the high volume of vehicles
crossing the international boundary in this region, residents also called for more automobile
emissions testing on both sides of the border. Enforcement of heavy vehicle transportation routes
was put forth as a partial solution to congestion and pollution problems.
Two areas in the border region of New Mexico and Texas do not meet all of the U.S. standards for
air quality. Portions of El Paso County, Texas, do not meet the National Ambient Air Quality
Standards (NAAQS) for paniculate matter (PM-10), carbon monoxide (CO), or ozone (O3). In the
state of New Mexico, air quality in the City of Sunland Park in Dona Ana County does not meet the
federal standard for O3. Also within Dona Ana County, the City of Anthony contains a small area
that does not meet the federal standard for PM-10.
In addition to potential human health effects, there is concern that poor air quality in the El Paso-
Juarez area may adversely effect the ecology of the San Andres National Wildlife Reserve. Air
pollution appears to be one of the primary management issues facing this unique refuge. Air quality
problems also continue to be a serious concern to the ecological integrity of Big Bend National Park,
Canon de Santa Elena, and the Big Bend Ranch State Natural Area.
Hazardous and Solid Waste
Residents of the region expressed significant concern about the types, quantities and destinations of
hazardous materials and wastes. Community and government concerns stem from the high number
of crossings of the El Paso-Ciudad Juarez border and projections that commercial transportation
across the international boundary will likely increase with the phase-in of NAFTA.
Sunland Park colonia residents feel their concerns over the types of materials deposited in the local
landfill site are not receiving enough attention. They also expressed concern about the proximity of
the landfill to their residential area. Community residents, as well as both governments, realize that
landfill sites in the area require special attention because of the potential for runoff into the Rio
Grande.
TABLE 6.3
PAST AND ON-GOING PROJECTS - NEW MEXICO-TEXAS-CHIHUAHUA
NATURAL RESOURCES
Santa Elena Canyon Project
1990-1995
NFS, INE, State of
Chihuahua, UACH,
INAH
UACH/INE Base line inventory of
natural and cultural resources
completed. Declared a reserve for
protection of flora and fauna in 1995.
Environmental Education
Program
On-going
NFS, PROFAUNA
A.C. UACH, UTEP,
State of Chihuahua
Design and presentation of special
Environmental Education Programs
for school children on the US-Mexico
border.
June 1996
VI.5
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ACTIVITY
TIME
FRAME
PARTNERS
ACCOMPLISHMENTS;
Conservation education and
community outreach in
Canon de Santa Elena
Wildlife Refuge
1995
FWS,NPS,INE
Develop conservation education
opportunities to communities in the
Canon de Santa Elena Reserve.
Yaqui catfish (ictalurus
pricei) and Yaqui sucker
(Catostomus bernardini)
collection: Rio Bavispe, in
Chihuahua and Sonora,
Mexico
On-going
FWS, ME, Arizona
Game and Fish
Baseline surveys and population
studies of Yaqui sucker and Yaqui
catfish in the Rio Bavispe, Mexico.
Biodiversity conservation in
the Rio Grande, New Mexico
and Texas
1995-1996
FWS
Resource protection involving
habitat conservation planning,
coordination of federal projects and
recovery of endangered species.
Aplomado falcon habitat
Characteristics
1996
Autonomous
University of
Chapingo, NBS, FWS
Gain understanding of the ecological
characteristics of the Aplomado
Falcon, in order to establish
conservation programs.
Advance study seminar on
Mexico Values
1993-1995
NFS
Improvement of forest
genetics of threatened and
endangered tree species
On-going
USFS-NE Station,
INIFAP,
SEMARNAP-
Chihuahua, Canada
Improve seed quality of pine species
such as Chihuahua Pine and
Chihuahua Fir.
Program for the
Management of the Santa
Elena Flora and Fauna
Protected Area
1/1995-
12/1996
INE-UACH
Preliminary version of management
program is developed, and will be
presented for consideration and
agreement with local citizens and "
authorities for the final version.
Biological diversity of the
Northern Mexican prairies
On-going
INE, Centra
Ecologico, UNAM
Conduct a biological inventory of the
vertebrates and flora of the northeast
prairies of Chihuahua, based on
information from relevant literature,
scientific collections, and field work.
Distribution of the Wild
Turkey, habitats, and
genetics
1994
INE,FWS,UACH,
Ecology Center of
Sonora
Conduct an ecological and genetic
study of the wild turkey for its
management and conservation in the
northern border area of Mexico
Conservation of the 'Cotui
Enmarscarada' quail
1994
INE,FWS,UACH
Organize a conservation program for
the codorniz Cotui enmascarada in
Chihuahua.
Conservation of the Imperial
wood bird
1994
U.S.-Mexico Joint
Committee for
Wildlife Conservation
of the Autonomous
University of
Chihuahua
Evaluation of the 'Gray
Crane' in the State of
Chihuahua
1993
SEDESOL, FWS,
UACH
Understand the population structure
of the Gray Crane in the State of
Chihuahua to establish conservation
June 1996
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fel^t5^?^'wXv5%V^j<;ft«^l»;''^-,';lj;Vs:vS
Colonias Wastewater
Construction Grants
Program (CWCGP)
New Mexico Colonias
enforcement action
Constructed Wetlands
Wastewater Treatment
Model Project
Colonias Wastewater
Treatment Assistance
Program (CWTAP)
Economically Distressed
Areas Program (EDAP)
Colonia Plumbing Loan
Program (CPLP)
Texas Colonias Enforcement
Strike Force
Study of barriers to colonias
infrastructure
Colonias Assistance and
Management Support
Program (CAMSP)
Investigation of nonpoint
source impacts to the
agricultural drains in the
colonias in El Paso County
'•' &§j^5^fe^ifS^^i
'fi^::^^ff^[^^-r^^^<~^^"^^S.
WATER
1993-
Ongoing
1995-
Ongoing
1993-
Ongoing
1993-
Ongoing
1989-
Ongoing
1991-
Ongoing
1994-
Ongoing
1993-1994
1994-
Ongoing
EPA, NMED
EPA, New Mexico
Attorney General
EPA, NMED,
Mesquite, N.M.
EPA, TWDB
TWDB
EPA, TWDB
EPA, Texas Attorney
General
EPA, International
City/County Mgt.
Association
EPA, TWDB, El Paso
Water Utilities Public
Service Board
TNRCC
Funds are provided for planning,
design and construction of
wastewater infrastructure to eligible
New Mexico colonias. Currently
there are 12 projects underway at
different stages from planning
through construction. This program
is administered by NMED.
This program supports the New
Mexico Attorney General in the
enforcement of State laws relating to
colonia development.
Construction of a model constructed
wetlands to address wastewater
treatment is currently underway in
the colonia of Mesquite, New Mexico.
Grants are provided to local
governments and non-profit water
supply corporations for design and
construction of wastewater collection
and treatment faculties. The
program is administered bv TWDB.
Loans are made available to low
income colonia residents in
designated border counties for
residential plumbing improvements.
Funds are administered at the local
level.
This program supports the Texas
Attorney General in the enforcement
of State laws relating to colonia
developments. .
A report on identifying barriers to
achieving local government interest
in colonias sanitation problems has
been published.
This program provides overall
management and coordination to
eligible colonias in order to submit
an application for financial
assistance to implement needed
drinking water and wastewater
facilities improvements.
June 1996
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ACTIVITY
TIME
FRAME
PARTNERS
' ACCOMPLISHMENTS
El Paso City/County
Wellhead Protection
Demonstration
1993
EPA, EPCCHED,
TNRCC
This project implemented the City of
El Paso's groundwater protection
program throughout El Paso County
with special emphasis on the area's
colonias.
Las Cruces Wellhead
Protection Demonstration
1993
EPA, Las Cruces
This project demonstrated 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. Thirty-eight public water
supply wells participated in the
program.
Ciudad Juarez/El Paso
Wellhead Protection
/Ground Water Pilot Project
1994-
Ongoing
EPA, TNRCC
On-site assistance is provided leading
to development and implementation
of a wellhead protection program.
The following communities now have
wellhead protection program: Fort
Davis, Fort Hancock, Marathon,
Marfa, Van
AmeriCorps Ground Water
Protection
1994-1996
EPA,TJTEP,
TNRCC, Corp. for
Nat. & Comm.
Service
The objective of this project is to
inventory and provide
recommendations of controls for
existing and potential sources of
groundwater contamination located
around the public water supply wells
for the City and County of El Paso.
The inventory of contaminant
sources has been completed; the
focus is turning to ground water
protection in Colonias in the area.
Characterize
Transboundary Aquifers -
El Paso/ Ciudad Juarez
1994-1996
EPA, IBWC, TWDB,
NM State Univ.
This study included reviewing
existing literature and water quality
information to identify gaps where
additional information is needed to
characterize the area's shared
groundwater resources, focusing on
the chemical and physical
characteristics of the aquifers. The
final report is due June 1996,
Circuit Rider for technical
assistance for public water
systems along ILS.-Mexico
border.
1994-
Ongoing
EPA, TNRCC
The objective of this program is to
help utilities along the border to
comply with State and Federal
regulations in a cost effective
manner. It also helps to ensure that
water and wastewater utility services
are maintained and expanded, where
possible, by identifying financial
resources and helping utilities access
these resources.
June 1996
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;;. ; ACWjlTT* ; '
Municipal On-Site
Wastewater Assistance
Program
Technical assistance for
small community drinking
water systems in the New
Mexico/Mexico border
Binational wastewater
operator training
Binational water supply
operator training
Rio Grande Toxics Baseline
Study
Rio Grande Toxics Study -
Follow-up
Hueco-Bolson groundwater
model
Rio Grande/Rio Bravo
NASQAN
Upper Rio Grande Basin
NASQAN
Watershed Alliance for the
Rio Grande
Sewer system in Ojinaga
Rio Grande cities facilities
planning
' TIMt
"FRAME
1994-
Ongoing
1994-
Ongoing
1995-
Ongoing
1995-
Ongoing
1992-1993
1995-
Ongoing
1995-1999
On-going
1991-1997
On-going
1995-
Ongoing
1990-1994
1995-
Dngoing
PARTNERS \[" ACCOMPLISHMENTS' -
,:, • . | . .; • -• ^. i* • '
EPA, TWDB
EPA, UNM
EPA, Water
Environment Fed.
(WEF)
EPA, American
Water Works
Association
EPA, IBWC, DOI,
TNRCC, TDK,
TPWD
EPA, IBWC, TNRCC
USGS, El Paso Water
Utilities
USGS
USGS
EPA, TNRCC
JMAS
EPA, IBWC
1 Small communities have been
assisted with an on-site technical
assistance program for small
community wastewater treatment
plant operators developed by the
TWDB.
Provides technical assistance on
organizational structure and finance
of small water supply systems along
the border.
The first training session for
wastewater treatment plant
operators along the border has been
conducted in a bi-national forum.
The first training session on the
requirements of the Safe Drinking
Water Act has been conducted in a
bi-national forum.
Binational report completed in
September 1994 . While the study did
not indicate that toxic contamination
was widespread, several areas with
elevated levels of toxic contamination
were found, primarily below sister
cities and in tributaries.
Field work completed. Report will
help identify areas where additional
water pollution control is needed.
Developing necessary GIS of
available data and landforms.
Proiect on-going.
Long-term databases of water
quality, sediment and discharge.
Provide consistent description of
water quality conditions, define
trends and sound scientific
understanding off factors affecting
water quality.
The TNRCC internal Rio Grande
Water Quality Workgroup has been
established. An internal TNRCC
workgroup has prepared a list of
recommended stakeholders that will
comprise the Alliance..
The sewer system was rehabilitated
and expanded.
USIBWC has procured A/E firms to
develop planning of wastewater
facilities to control wastewater
discharges from Mexico into the Rio
Grande/Rio Bravo.
June 1996
VI.9
-------
Official Draft - for Public Comment
ACTIVITY
Dona Ana County
Wastewater Improvements
Aquifer storage and
recovery study • Hueco
Bolson
Rio Grande/Rio Bravo Basin
International Water
Resources Assessment
Mesilla Basin (TX/NM)
groundwater monitoring |
. TIME
FRAME
1995-
Ongoing
1995
1996-1999
On-going
MBTNERS_
EPA, NMED, Dona
Ana County
BOR
BOR
uses
-, ACCOMPLISHMENTS ; '
' •>' ' '*V"< ' ' ,-f » •
' >. •* ' - ->
Funds have been provided for
planning, design and construction of
wastewater improvements in Dona
Ana County, New Mexico. Project is
currently in the planning stage.
Data collection in process.
AIR
Ciudad Juarez-El Paso-
Sunland Park Programs
Ongoing
SEMARNAP, EPA,
TNRCC, State of
Chihuahua, NMED,
Ciudad Juarez, El
Paso, EOF
- Operation of ambient air
monitoring network for CO, NOX,
SO2, PM-10, lead, ozone (18 sites in
El Paso County, 5 manual and 3
automatic in Ciudad Juarez).
- Hot spot monitoring.
- LIDAR field study - determine
highest PM-10 concentrations to help
establish permanent sites and field
study sites.
- Emission inventory complete in El
Paso. Mexico has developed an
inventory of 135 industrial sources
for Ciudad Juarez.
- Collection of upper air wind speed
and direction data for air modelling
purposes.
- Assessment of vehicle "smog check"
programs.
- Collection of ozone precursor and
air toxics data.
- Identification of innovative
emissions controls.
- Completion of negotiations with
Mexico to create the Air Quality
Improvement Committee for the El
Paso/Juarez/Sunland Park Air
Quality Basin.
June 1996
VI.10
-------
Official Draft - for PuWfc Comment
K^Mf S^fe$$® I^Stw- R:'r
iSS^Sfflifflillt
'•f '.Z *,^*f* JTs ' J'-S, 4, f-f <•." *• * *& •', «•'*!$'"*.. '.''
^ f1'" ,"•*• ^ ^, S\.J , -. At.ftr-S/Vl'l V ^ *••*,* ' J V V
'; ;->*^;^ vvv^ **/r«*''^vVW'''
" S@^X^^^^ J^tfr^^
COOPERATIVE ENFORCEMENT / HAZARDOUS / SOLID WASTE
(Please see Annex 7 for additional solid and hazardous waste projects of U.S. State and local agencies)
Enforcement Subgroup
Education and Training
Enforcement of hazardous
waste regulations using
manifests and associated
shipment data from
HAZTRAKS, a binational
computerized tracking
system, to identify potential
violators
Inspection/investigations of
hazardous waste
transporters at key border
crossings (e.g., weigh
stations, transporter yards,
waste warehouses) to find
illegal shipments
International bridge
exercises
EPA/PROFEPA cooperation
CFC Training
Transboundary enforcement
On-going
On-going
On-going
1993-
Present
On-going
March
1996
March
1996
On-going
EPA, PROFEPA, US
and Mexican
Customs, US DOT,
SCT, TNRCC,
NMED
EPA, TNRCC
EPA, TNRCC
EPA, PROFEPA,
TNRCC,
NMED, Usand
Mexican Customs,
US DOT, TOPS, TDK
EPA, PROFEPA,
TNRCC,
US DOT, US and
Mexican Customs
EPA, PROFEPA
EPA, US Customs
EPA, TNRCC
Multi-agency involvement in
environmental enforcement
addresses enforcement issues which
affect the geographic area.
Pursuant to an EPA grant, TNRCC
provides training to address
transboundary hazardous waste
issues. TNRCC also established an
information program and hot line for
the public.
A number of enforcement actions
have been filed.
Pursuant to an EPA grant, monitor
the import/export of hazardous
wastes through a cooperative multi-
agency initiative to determine if
shipments conform to applicable laws
and regulations.
Two joint international bridge
exercises were conducted in El Paso
to examine binational procedures
and requirements for transboundary
movement of hazardous wastes.
Pursuant to PROFEPA request, EPA
sent letters to U.S. parent
corporations of maquiladoras
encouraging compliance with
Mexican laws.
EPA presented a course to U.S.
Customs on CFC import/export
requirements.
EPA funded two TNRCC positions in
El Paso to enforce regulatory
requirements pertaining to
transboundary movement of
iazardous wastes.
June 1996
VI.11
-------
Official Draft - for Public Comment
TIME
FRAME
ACTIVITY
Hazardous waste
enforcement
International bridge
inspections
U.S. Customs training
course
PARTNERS ',;
Pursuant to an EPA grant,
conducted 110 inspections of
facilities, primarily in El Paso, which
handle hazardous wastes imported
from Mexico.
Pursuant to an EPA grant,
conducted 18 international bridge
inspections on transboundary
movement of hazardous wastes.
EPA, TNRCC, US
and Mexican Customs
Pursuant to an EPA grant, TNRCC
conducted two Customs training
courses on regulations pertaining to
transboundary movement of
hazardous wastes, _____
Transporter Training
Course
PROFEPA, SCT,
TNRCC
SCT conducted hazardous waste
training courses at Mexican facilities.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
ATSDR Health Consultation
1994-1996
TDH,NM
Department of Health
(NMDOH); Border
Health Office(BHO);
NM Environment
Dept. (NMED);
ATSDR
Health consultation to determine
health impacts of ASARCO and Nu-
Mex landfill on Sunland Park, NM
residents.
Environmental Health
Assessment
1995-1996
TDH, UT Houston
School of Public
Health; BHO
Environmental health assessment for
Sunland Park, New Mexico.
Water quality monitoring of
private drinking water wells
1995-1996
TDH, BHO
Monitoring of private drinking water
wells for viruses, heavy metals,
VOCs, and pesticides.
Environmental health GIS
1995-1996
TDH, BHO; NMED
Develop GIS coverage of water
quality and health status for
NM/Mexico border area.
Hepatitis A surveillance
1995-1996
TDH, BHO;
Epidemiology Div.
Surveillance and study of Hepatitis A
in Chaparral, New Mexico.
El Paso Multiple Sclerosis
Cluster
Present to
2+years
TDH
Preliminary confirmation of possible
cluster. Preliminary review of
available environmental data. In the
process of writing grant proposal for
funding. Working to find members
of cohort.
June 1996
VI.12
-------
Official Draft - for Public Comment
A'CTIOTY
FRAME
PARTNERS
' ACCOMPLISHMENTS^
Survey of health and
environmental conditions in
selected Colonias in £1 Paso
County, TX.
9/1994
TDK, University of
Texas, Houston
School of Public
Health at El Paso
Preliminary border environmental
health survey of 269 households in 4
El Paso county colonias which lacked
piped drinking water.
Results show risk of water-borne
disease transmission persists;
adequate wastewater disposal is
lacking; children experienced
relatively high levels of diarrhea;
hygienic behaviors need to be
improved; solid waste disposal also
need to be addressed.
Proyecto Juntos (Texas-
Chihuahua)
5/1995-
present
TDK, EPCCHD-
PAHO, SSA
Open lines of communication at the
state level.
Provisions for confidentiality and
joint presentation of data.
Proyecto Juntos (El Paso-
Juarez)
1990-
present
TDK, EPCCHD-
USMBHA, SSA
First binational TB project.
Improve communications and
bidirectional referral.
Increase lab capacity and supervised
therapy for TB in Juarez.
Presidio Community and
Environmental Health
Assessment
12/1995
TDH, University of
Texas - Houston,
School of Public
Health at El Paso
A comprehensive survey of 316
households in the City of Presidio,
including demographic information,
health assessments related to chronic
diseases, immunizations, health
education on AIDS, TB and Hepatitis
A, nutrition, diabetes, water and
food sanitation.
Other aspects included access to
health care, environmental block
survey, waste and water sanitation,
rabies control, and exposure to other
environmental risk factors.
Data analysis will be completed by
July 1996.
June 1996
VI.13
-------
Official Draft - for Public Comment
ACTIVITY
Texas Small Towns
Environment Program
(STEP)
NTD Field Surveillance
Interventions, and case-
control study
Border Cancer Registry
Border Environmental
Health Survey
Grupo Sin Fronteras
Binational/Mgr and
Tracking and Referral
System
Mercury Poisoning
Prevention
TIME ,
FRAME
3/1994-
present
10/1995-
02/1996
On-going
5/1996-
5/1997
4/1995-
present
12/1995-
present
12/1995-
present
PARTNERS" ,
TDH, TNRCC, TX
Dept of Housing &
Community Affairs,
TX General Land
Office, TX Water
Development Board
TDH, CDC, EPA
TDH, CDC
TDH, EPA, CDC
TDH, SSA, ISSTE,
IMSS, PEMEX
TDH, EPCCHD
Migrant Clinician's
Network
TDH, Amistad
Binational
Council/USMBHA
•ACCOMPLISHMENTS ' ; ;
Interagency project to assist small
communities to meet their water and
wastewater needs through self-
help/sweat-equity.
Interagency work group.
Initial thrust is in colonias along the
TX-MX border.
Four current border projects; one in
construction, three in various stages
of design/planning/assessment.
Newsletter.
Three years of surveillance data are
complete.
More than 50% of high risk women
are taking folic acid.
Case-control study for risk factors
for NTD occurrence has been
implemented.
Completed cancer incidence data
collection and analyses for 18 border
counties for 1990-1992.
Continuing to collect incidence data
for 1993 and forward.
About 2,100 household surveys will
be conducted along the Texas-Mexico
border to collect data on household
structure, general sanitation, health
conditions, and potential sources of
exposure to environmental
contaminants.
Increase availability to TB lab
services.
Increase supervised therapy.
Increase referrals for contact
investigation.
Under development.
Toll-free access to TB information.
from anywhere in Mexico or the U.S.
Completed investigation.
Presentation made to Mexican
physicians.
June 1996
VI.14
-------
Official Draft - for Public Comment
W^^!f^S^!i$^^W^
TX-Chihuahua TB
Agreement
1990-1997
iXPl^S^lrSri
TDH, SSA-
Chihuahua, UACH
S?;^S^^^-^!^^lcl^S.
-------
Official Draft - for Public Comment
Objectives for the Next Five Years
Natural Resources
Protect, recover, and manage species in danger of extinction in the New Mexico-Texas-Chihuahua
border region including the black bear, the peregrine falcon and the beaver, among others.
Implement management plans, educational opportunities and conservation projects in the following
protected areas: Santa Elena Canyon Flora and Fauna Protected Area, Big Bend National Park, and
the Big Bend Ranch National Area.
Conduct biological inventories, coordinated by INE and CONABIO, in the Santa Elena Canyon Flora
and Fauna Protected Area.
Establish the organizational structure and joint inspection committees in the Santa Elena Canyon
Flora and Fauna Protection Area. Design strategies for the long-term financial self sufficiency of
these protected area. Promote projects and activities that offer an economically viable alternative
which supports sustainable development for the residents that live in or around this area.
In the area of forestry, develop jointly a "best management" practices plan. Carry out environmental
impact assessments to determine the effects of human activities on the soils and vegetation.
Strengthen collaboration in the sustainable management of forests through training and exchange
of personnel. Also, continue collaboration between the two countries for the prevention of forest
fires.
Increase reforestation efforts, including nursery management, to improve the quality and quantity
of seedling survival in plantations as well as natural forests.
Pursue opportunities for collaboration in developing windbreaks around agricultural lands, as a soil
conservation method, as well as the development of commercial plantations for wood products and
non-wood products (i.e., jojoba, Christmas trees, etc.).
Establish a rural aquaculture program to train local residents in how to manage aquaculture activities
with available resources. Incorporate aquaculture as a productive activity, with a low environmental
impact, that represents benefits to the local populations and contributes to the conservation of
endemic aquatic species or species in danger of extinction.
Water
In the U.S., water and wastewater infrastructure in the colonias and small communities are the
highest priority. In Mexico, water infrastructure in the municipal areas is the highest priority,
however, a need also exists in the small communities. Specifically for this area, new/renovated
wastewater treatment facilities are needed in Ciudad Juarez. In conjunction with any wastewater
treatment systems that are built, there will need to be an industrial wastewater pretreatment program
to control industrial discharges to sewer systems and water bodies. The U.S. and Mexico will
continue to work with the appropriate organizations to assist these communities in developing
facilities plans and obtaining funds to address these needs.
June 1996
VI.16
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
The TNRCC and EPA will continue to share information with CNA and other appropriate Mexican
authorities regarding the creation of the Rio Grande Alliance. The U.S. and Mexico will continue
to work with different state and federal agencies regarding management of their ecosystem and
watershed activities. Comprehensive planning for the Rio Grande watershed will help both
governments develop solutions to identified water quality problems. Similar collaboration of efforts
will be encouraged along of the rest of the border.
A continuing effort in surveillance, monitoring, and data acquisition will be undertaken to determine
the status of surface and ground water resources in the Rio Grande Watershed. The United States-
Mexico technical subgroup will continue the process of data exchange and the development of
regional hydrogeologic studies for the El Paso-Ciudad Juarez groundwater.
The U.S. and Mexico will continue to work together to complete the ongoing Rio Grande water
quality studies, begin analysis of the data, and evaluate the need for additional monitoring.
Inherent in the efforts to protect surface and ground water resources is the need to improve urban
infrastructure associated with the supply of drinking water and the disposal of wastewater.
Recognizing the importance Rio Grande in terms of sustainable development, the U.S. and Mexico
will work together on a watershed based analysis of drinking water and wastewater infrastructure
needs for the cities, towns, and communities near the river. EPA and CNA will continue to work
with the IBWC and BECC to facilitate the development of the Rio Grande Cities Facilities Planning
projects.
Environmental Health
In depth discussion of binational, geographic-specific five-year objectives have only commenced in
earnest with the issuance of the Framework Document. The intent is to translate the overall
environmental health objectives outlined in Chapter HI into objectives/priorities/projects specific for
this region benefiting from further binational discussions and the input obtained from community
outreach meetings.
Air
Bilateral agreement was reached to establish a Joint Advisory Committee for the Improvement of
Air Quality which would recommend strategies for the prevention and control of air pollution in the
Paso del Norte Air Basin. The twenty-member Committee (ten from each country) will include
governmental representatives and will draw at least half of its members from local non-governmental
sectors. These local participants from El Paso, Texas; Dona Ana County, New Mexico; and Ciudad
Juarez, Chihuahua; will represent business, academia, and environmental organizations. The
Committee will provide a unique mechanism for facilitating a "bottom-up" cooperative approach to
addressing local air quality issues.
Both countries are working on an overall strategy to develop a comprehensive air quality control
program that will bring the region into compliance with the appropriate national federal standards.
Each country plans to take measures to improve air quality, which may include gathering and
analyzing data, developing a pollution control program, measuring the long term improvement in
air quality, and continuing the exchange of technical information.
June 1996
VI.17
-------
Official Draft - for Public Comment
The U.S. and Mexico plan to expand the air monitoring network to include more pollutants that are
of concern to local residents and cover more of the region. Under the auspices of Annex V of the
La Paz Agreement, additional intensive field study may be undertaken to provide the information
necessary to develop a binational air quality improvement plan.
Hazardous and Solid Waste
Proper management, treatment, and disposal of hazardous and solid wastes as well as compliance
with regulations for transboundary shipments of hazardous wastes will remain a priority for the
Texas-Chihuahua-New Mexico region. Continued cooperation among the state and local offices will
focus on information exchange and technology transfer, cooperative training, and using/improving
HAZTRAKS as a tracking and compliance tool.
Enforcement
The PROEEPA inspection program expects to carry out 2,600 inspections between 1996 and 2000
to monitor regulatory environmental compliance in the State of Chihuahua.
For additional objectives and efforts that will impact this region, please refer to Chapter III.
June 1996
VI.18
-------
Official Draft - for Public Comment
CHAPTER VII
TEXAS-COAHUILA-NUEVO LEON
In order to promote a regional approach to environmental problem solving, this chapter focuses
on environmental issues and problems, past and ongoing projects, and objectives that are
specific to the Texas-Coahuila-Nuevo Leon area of the border region. The borderwide
objectives and on-going activities described in Chapter III also pertain to the Texas-Coahuila-
Nuevo Leon border region.
Brief Overview
Eagle Pass and Del Rio in Texas, and Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acufia in Coahuila are in the
central portion of the border between Texas and Mexico. Table 7.1 contains some general
population figures for these cities.
TABLE 7.1
POPULATION
Population
Del Rio, TX
Ciudad Acufia, Coah
Eagle Pass, TX
Piedras Negras, Coah
Anahuac, N.L.
TOTAL
1980 population
30,000
42,000
21,400
80,300
N/A
173.700
1990 population
30,700
56,800
36,400
98,200
17,300
239.400
Estimate for 1995
population
35,400
81,600
N/A
116,000
18,300
N/A
• US population figures for 1980 and 1990 come from the US Census; 1995 estimates are based on the 1994 Rand
McNalley Commercial Atlas.
• Mexican population figures for 1980 and 1990 come from the X and XIINEGI Census. For 1995, the data was
obtained from the 1995 INEGI Count of Population and Housing.
In this area, the Chihuahuan Desert consists primarily of arid to semi-arid biotic communities.
Vegetation characteristics are primarily shrubs, such as creosote bush, yucca, various forbes, as well
as cacti, usually in open stands, but sometimes in low closed thickets. Short grass species grow
together with shrubs.
The Rio Grande is the largest perennial river in the area. It forms an important riparian corridor for
neotropical wildlife and is an important source of water for urban, agricultural and light industrial
needs of the region. As many as 80 native Chihuahuan Desert fishes are known to inhabit this
unique and vast aquatic ecosystem. The Falcon and Amistad Reservoirs are important for water
storage, conveyance, recreation, and the conservation of wildlife.
June 1996
VII.1
-------
Official Draft - for Public Comment
The Maderas del Carmen region in the northeast of Chihuahua is a relatively isolated zone. It
contains ecosystems representative of the Chihuahuan Desert, all of which have a large diversity of
flora and wildlife species, with vegetation such desert shrubs, grasslands, oak forests, pine-fir forests,
and riparian vegetation. The area's composition, altitude and continuity make it an important
biological corridor because of its dispersion of plants and animals, as well as a migratory corridor
for neotropical birds, raptors, and insects. The area is also a habitat for animals in danger of
extinction or with special status such as the black bear, golden eagle, peregrine falcon, whitetail dear,
kit fox, rock squirrels, and others.
Its proximity to Big Bend National Park in the U.S. has prompted cooperative projects and studies
among the U.S. National Park Service, Mexico's INE, and local organizations.
Environmental Issues and Problems
Natural Resources
Wildlife populations in the region are threatened by activities such as human population growth,
industrialization, proposed bridge crossings, and illegal species trafficking. Illegal hunting and dry-
season forest fires are of particular concern.
Sporadic mining in the Maderas del Carmen protected area should be regulated to prevent major
impacts. The long-term viability of this region depends on the management partnership between the
U.S. and Mexico at the federal, state and local levels to minimize environmental threats to the area.
As part of the effort to encourage efficient land use practices and sustainable production along the
border, the joint support of regular exchanges and workshops between indigenous communities
along the Texas-Coahuila-Nuevo Leon border should be implemented. Technical assistance is
needed in order to develop agroforestry activities. Demonstration agroforestry and soil capacity sites
will be established.
Technology transfer is needed for natural resources conservation, development of urban forests, and
soil conservation. There is also a need for Geographical Information Systems and Global Positioning
Systems to enhance basic data about forestry and soils, wildlife, and other natural resources.
Water
The most significant environmental challenges in this region are related to water quality and quantity
and their effects on human population and natural habitats. Water quality in the Rio Grande is of
great concern to residents in the area, who identified illegal transport and dumping of waste products
and lack of sewage systems in colonias as major problems.
The State of Coahuila has identified the following as significant water infrastructure issues: drinking
water distribution; improvements to the Ciudad Acufia water treatment plant; insufficient sewage
collection capacity; and the need for upgrades to inefficient sewage treatment plants. A new
wastewater treatment plant is being constructed in Piedras Negras.
June 1996
VII.2
-------
Official Draft - for Public Comment
Through analysis of the region's water infrastructure needs, CNA found that 89% of the population
receives quality drinking water, 56% of the residences are connected to a sewer system, and
approximately 43% of the current waste water is treated, although the operation and capacity of the
treatment plants is inadequate.
CNA has estimated resource requirements to meet the present region's infrastructure deficiencies
as shown in Table 7.2.
TABLE 7.2
RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER INFRASTRUCTURE*
Project Component
Drinking water
Sewer systems
Treatment
Institutional Strengthening
Increased Efficiency
Studies and projects
Total
Investment (Million $USD)
Urgent
1996-1997
1.0
4.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
0.4
8.4
Short term
1998-1999
8.0
4.0
1.0
0.2
13.2
Medium term
2000
1.0
3.0
1.0
5.0
Total
2.0
15.0
5.0
1.0
3.0
06
26.6
These estimates are based studies and evaluations conducted by the Government of Mexico considering domestic
standards.
There are a wide variety of natural and artificial water stresses to aquatic habitats in this area of the
border. Quantity and quality of water in the Rio Grande impact the biodiversity of aquatic resources,
tourism, and local business.
The Rio Conchos, joins the Rio Grande and normally provides significant flows. These flows are
important determinants of water quality and quantity in the region and thus have an important impact
on the diversity and integrity of flora and fauna of the area.
Sewage and industrial discharge from the El Paso-Ciudad Juarez area, as well as upstream water use
and reservoir release practices, affect the living resources that depend on water as a critical habitat.
Air
At present, residents of this area are concerned with the potential for air-quality problems due to,
among other things, growth of the sister cities. In addition, residents believe that increased truck
traffic due to NAFTA may be negatively impacting air quality. Traffic idling at border crossing
points poses a threat to air quality in the downtown areas. Border cities that have high volumes of
cross border commercial traffic, and sister cities with a high concentration of maquiladora plants are
the most concerned about future air quality.
In addition, U.S. residents have expressed concern about potential air quality and its impact on
protected natural areas, especially as it pertains to visibility impairment in Big Bend National Park.
June 1996
VH.3
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
Areas of current concern include the Maderas del Carmen Reservoir of Santa Ana Canyon, Big Bend
National Park, and the Black Gap (Texas) State Refuge Area. Frequent haze diminishes or obscures
scenic landscapes in these areas and is a visual indicator of deteriorating air quality. While reduced
visibility represents a significant threat to the aesthetic value of these natural areas, a potentially
more devastating consequence of poor air quality is the impact of airborne pollutants on the region's
flora and fauna.
Hazardous and Solid Waste
Residents also expressed significant concern about the types, quantities and destinations of
hazardous materials and wastes transported through their neighborhoods and city centers.
Community and government concerns stem from increased crossings of the Eagle Pass-Agua Prieta
border and projections that commercial transportation across the international boundary will likely
increase with the phase-in of NAFTA.
Enforcement
A monitoring program is addressing the problem of pollution generated by the maquiladora industry,
dictating preventive or corrective measures so that the companies comply with the parameters
outlined by the Official Mexican Standards. PROFEPA has visited 100% of the maquiladora industry
and the national companies with the highest pollution potential, requiring the installation of
emissions control equipment, adequate facilities for with hazardous-waste control, and for companies
with high risk, an accident prevention program.
TABLE 7.3
PAST AND ON-GOING PROJECTS - TEXAS-COAHUILA-NUEVO LAREDO
ACTIVITY
TIME
FRAME
PARTNERS^
ACCOMPLISHMENTS /!
•5- <
- "' ' ~ ' ' '
NATURAL RESOURCES
Maderas del Carmen Wildlife
Refuge, in Coahuila, Mexico;
Conservation Education and
Community Outreach
Management Program for the
Maderas del Carmen Flora
and Fauna Protected Area
1995-1996
9/1995-
12/1996
INE, NPS, FWS
INE, PROFAUNA
Specialized environmental
education, ecotourism
workshops, and conservation
training courses designed for
communities adjacent to the
protected reserve.
The first draft of the
management plant has been
generated and will be proposed
and discussed with local citizens
and authorities to create a final
version.
June 1996
VH.4
-------
Official Draft - for Public Comment
s%l^jfi^*f&i^iMi^f
$#&; =¥ ^Mi Wf|«^% ?a
«->5, ;/.v ,-s •*'/; /^V^tfe^-v' KV *-(7°* ^? C>-
il^$c®iti|gSinm
Ecology of the black bear
(Ursus americanus) in the state
of Coahuila and two studies in
Maderas del Carmen
Assessment of the "cotorra
enana" (Rhynchopsitta terrisi)
endangered in the Sierra
Madre Oriental
Biological inventories in the
Maderas del Carmen Flora
and Fauna Protected Area,
Coahuila
Exploring the Cotorra Serrana
Oriental endangered species of
the northern portion of the
Sierra Madre Oriental
Maderas del Carmen Wildlife
Refuge in Coahuila,
community education
regarding conservation
Impacts of Environmental
Contaminants on the
Aplomado Falcon and Ocelot
of the Lower Rio Grande
Valley
Bit
12/1996
1994
On-going
1993
1995
1996 - On-
going
''^{p ,., ^'V' "^"^'^j^&t 'V*1~V£'£ '
Caesar Kleberg
Wildlife Research
Institute, UANL; Joint
U.S.-Mexican
Committee for Wildlife
Conservation
Joint U.S.-Mexican
Committee for Wildlife
Conservation;
Universidad Autonoma
Agraria Antonio Narro
(UAAAN)
INE, CONABIO, NBS
Joint U.S.-Mexican
Committee for Wildlife
Conservation; UAAAN
Joint U.S.-Mexican
Committee for Wildlife
Conservation;
PROFAUNA
NBS, FWS, TPWD
Hfc;^t&f ^;;-*V5~?J;' ^
;,"•-;> :vf>^::,v^,v,,-:-''v\-^r;y /-.,,;?,{':,,,-,-',
Carry out a population study of
the black bear in northern
Coahuila and Sierra del
Carmen.
Know and protect the
populations of the 'cotorra
enana' in the northern Sierra
Madre Oriental.
Begin the flora and fauna
inventories in the Protected
Area.
Carry out a population study of
the cottora serrana oriental in
the northern region of the
Sierra Madre Oriental.
Organize environmental
education programs for
communities in order to teach
the importance of resource
conservation in the protected
area.
Blood samples have been
collected and analyzed. Report
in progress.
WATER
Colonias Wastewater
Treatment Assistance Program
(CWTAP)
1993-
Ongoing
EPA, TWDB
Grants are provided to local
governments and non-profit
water supply corporations for
design and construction of
wastewater collection and
treatment facilities. The
program is administered by
TWDB.
June 1996
VII.5
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
ACTIVITY
Economically Distressed Areas
Program (EDAP)
Colonia Plumbing Loan
Program (CPLP)
Texas Colonias Enforcement
Strike Force
Study of Barriers to Colonias
Infrastructure
Colonias Assistance and
Management Support Program
(CAMSP)
Circuit Rider for Technical
Assistance for Public Water
Systems along U.S. Mexico
Border.
Municipal On-Site Wastewater
Assistance Program
TIME
FRAME
1989- On-
going
1991-
Ongoing
1994-
Ongoing
1993-1994
1994-
Ongoing
1994-
Ongoing
1994-
Ongoing
'PARTNERS 'c:
TWDB
EPA, TWDB
EPA, Texas Attorney
General
EPA, International
City/County
Management
Association
EPA, TWDB,
EPA, TNRCC
EPA, TWDB
^ AfcCOptaSHMENf S J
Loans are made available to low
income colonia residents in
designated border counties for
residential plumbing
improvements. Funds are
administered at the local level.
This program supports the
Texas Attorney General in the
enforcement of State laws
relating to colonia
developments.
A report on identifying barriers
to achieving local government
interest in colonias sanitation
problems has been published.
This program provides overall
management and coordination
to eligible colonias in order to
submit an application for
financial assistance to
implement needed drinking
water and wastewater facilities
improvements.
The objective of this program is
to help utilities along the border
to comply with State and
Federal regulations in a cost
effective manner. It also helps
to ensure that water and
wastewater utility services are
maintained and expanded,
where possible, by identifying
financial resources and helping
utilities access these resources.
Small communities have been
assisted with an on-site technical
assistance program for small
community wastewater
treatment plant operators
developed bv the TWDB.
June 1996
VII.6
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
P^;^^Si§SK^^
K¥? •' -, :ri^^'.f?S-*V^!'5frT5^ '*'•'''/"•' • 'f
te^^^55||gi|g|
Binational Wastewater
Operator Training
Bi-National Water Supply
Operator Training
Rio Grande Water Quality
Middle Basin Monitoring Plan
(Amistad to Falcon Reservoir)
Groundwater Assessment
Rio Grande Toxics Baseline
Study
Rio Grande Toxics Study -
Follow-up
Watershed Alliance for the Rio
Grande
Rio Grande Cities Facilities
Planning
Drinking Water Treatment
Plant ion Piedras Negras
HI}
1995-
Ongoing
1995-
Ongoing
1996
1992-1993
1995-
Ongoing
1995-
Ongoing
1995-
Ongoing
ongoing
>V> C,O •'V''1' '^ffjC' C% V'V ; ^^i^-^K t^r
EPA, Water
Environment Fed.
(WEF)
EPA, American Water
Works Association
TNRCC/USGS
TNRCC, USGS, TWDB
EPA,IBWC,DOI,
TNRCC, TDK, TPWD
EPA, IBWC, TNRCC
EPA, TNRCC
EPA, IBWC
CNA
^^*^;:'^^jf^-^:^t^s
•;', ••ijttf^v • Uii:S&5f -.*£'"••*' -f' $( •' •' - " " ' •-' •
The first training session for
wastewater treatment plant
operators along the border has
been conducted in a bi-national
forum.
The first training session on the
requirements of the Safe
Drinking Water Act has been
conducted in a bi-national
forum.
Developing monitoring Plan;
sampling will initiate in 1997.
Binational report completed in
September 1994 . While the
study did not indicate that toxic
contamination was widespread,
several areas with elevated
levels of toxic contamination
were found, primarily below
sister cities and in tributaries.
Field work completed. Report
will help identify areas where
additional water pollution
control is needed.
The TNRCC internal Rio
Grande Water Quality
Workgroup has been
established. An internal
TNRCC workgroup has
prepared a list of recommended
stakeholders that will comprise
the Alliance.
U.S. Section of the IBWC has
procured A/E firms to develop
planning of wastewater facilities
to control wastewater
discharges from Mexico into the
Rio Grande/Rio Bravo.
One module for 250 LPs was
completed and a second
treatment module with the same
capacity is near completion.
June 1996
VII.7
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
, ACTIVITY
Sewer system in Piedras
Negras
Sewer System in Ciudad Acufia
Texas Border Infrastructure
Needs Assessment
TIME
FRAME
1994-1996
1994-1996
PARTNERS , _,
CEAS
CEAS
TNRCC, TWDB
, ACCpMH^HMENTS
' ' '• ^ , ' ; '
Some of the sewers and
collectors have been
rehabilitated and/ or replaced
leaving the major part of the
project still to be completed.
Some of the sewers and
collectors have been
rehabilitated and/ or replaced
leaving the major part of the
project still to be completed.
AIR
Big Bend Air Quality Work
Group
Piedras Negras air quality
monitoring
Eagle Pass air quality
monitoring
Ongoing
On-going
On-going
SEMARNAP, EPA,
TNRCC, NFS
INE, State of Coahuila,
EPA, Piedras Negras,
Ciudad Acufia
TNRCC
EPA has conducted extensive
modeling studies. Both
countries have agreed to
conduct a regional study of
possible pollution sources
impacting Big Bend National
Park.
INE provided five PM-10
samplers and an SO2 analyzer.
EPA is currently providing
technical assistance in the areas
of monitoring network siting
and human resource
requirement for operation and
maintenance of monitoring
networks.
Conducted air toxics monitoring
from a mobile station.
COOPERATIVE ENFORCEMENT / HAZARDOUS / SOLID WASTE
(Please see Annex 7 for additional hazardous and solid waste projects U.S. state and local agencies)
Enforcement Task Force
On-going
TNRCC, EPA,
PROFEPA,
US and Mexican
Customs, US DOT,
TOPS
Pursuant to an EPA grant,
TNRCC established a multi-
agency task force in Del Rio to
explore enforcement issues of
the area.
June 1996
VH.8
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
^^iH'':*^V--''l'i'>/"'\S;\>>K*?$:«*^^'°'fc^,
Education and training
Enforcement of hazardous
waste regulations using
manifests and associated
shipment data from
HAZTRAKS, a binational
computerized tracking system,
to identify potential violators.
Inspections/investigations of
hazardous waste transporters
at key border crossings (e.g.,
weigh stations, transporter
yards, hazardous waste
warehouses) to find illegal
shipments
Transboundary enforcement
International bridge
inspections
U.S. Customs Training Course
Establish an information
program and a direct
telephone line.
. "sSS.'stfe'vy- • '"'*<•
fe4^^0l|,
• '•"•^'•:-'.\:'-''f'\'/.< ' .'.:
On-going
On-going
1993-
present
On-going
On-going
1995
1996
?i" *fe?i), (-fsv^Si^V.^I-j,- '• 1°™°%%^-%,
fsXrt °-n>- 'r^iA-W-A;^;^
».,; ;->^ 1:t;lS&i?- *S-'t*;fe ,,t~? :
EPA, TNRCC
EPA, TNRCC
EPA, PROFEPA,
TNRCC, U.S. and
Mexican Customs, US
DOT, TDPS, TDH
EPA, TNRCC
EPA, TNRCC
EPA, U.S. and Mexican
Customs, TNRCC
EPA, PROFEPA
v**is -,-f -' ^;'"*?/*4'^F*!' *°;-/§-.° •~':'-;'. •**?*'*
V' -•'/ ^ > ' * •> •$'* #& •• * ^ * rt *i k ' ' / l
f ?; *'%%? f^"'" : <•':•• - ,-' :"/•*: ft >x'< | '".?*- /,;;'-x «,si
Pursuant to an EPA grant,
TNRCC provides training to
address transboundary
hazardous wastes issues.
TNRCC also established an
information program and hot
line for the public.
A number of enforcement
actions have been filed.
Monitor the import/export of
hazardous wastes through a
cooperative multi-agency
initiative to determine if
shipments conform to applicable
laws and regulations.
EPA funded one TNRCC
position to enforce regulatory
requirements on transboundary
movement of hazardous wastes.
Pursuant to an EPA grant,
TNRCC conducted two
international bridge inspections
on hazardous wastes shipments
crossing the border.
Pursuant to an EPA grant,
TNRCC conducted one Customs
training course on regulations
pertaining to transboundary
movement of hazardous wastes.
A forum for border
communities to approach issues
that may effect them like the
transborder movement of
hazardous waste
June 1996
VH.9
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
ACTIVITY
Outreach to maquiladoras on
the regulatory requirements
for transboundary shipments
of hazardous wastes
TIME
FRAME
PARTNERS; -, -
\
*i ?
EPA, SEMARNAP,
TNRCC
^ccoMmism/mms^ \
^ * a
^ / *
, Increased understanding by
maquiladoras of regulations and
the import/export community of
shipment requirements,
pollution prevention
opportunities and waste
management
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Birth Defects Registry
Border Cancer Registry
Border Environmental Health
Survey
Mercury poisoning prevention
Pilot begin
1994 in
TDK
Regions
11&6
Expansion
in 1997 to
Regions
8,9,10
On-going
5/1996-
5/1997
12/1995-
on-going
TDH, March of Dimes,
CDC
TDH, CDC
TDH, EPA, CDC
TDH, Amistad
Binational
Council/USMBHA
Pilot Birth Defects Registry.
Expansion of Birth Defects
Registry.
Statewide cluster investigation.
Referral information services.
Folk Acid
Campaign/Assessment.
Establishment and coordination
of Scientific Advisory
Committee on Birth Defects in
Texas.
Completed cancer incidence
data collection and analyses for
18 border counties for 1990-
1992.
Continuing to collect incidence
data for 1993 and forward.
About 2,100 household surveys
will be conducted along the
Texas-Mexico border to collect
data on household structure,
general sanitation, health
conditions, and potential
sources of exposure to
environmental contaminants.
Completed investigation.
Presentation made to Mexican
physicians.
June 1996
VII.10
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
Binational/M anager and
Tracking and Referral System
12/1995-
on-going
TDK, EPCCHD
Migrant Clinician's
Network
Under development.
Toll-free access to TB
information from anywhere in
Mexico or the U.S.
Grupo Sin Fronteras
4/1995-on-
going
TDK, SSA, ISSSTE,
IMSS, PEMEX
Increase availability to TB lab
services.
Increase supervised therapy.
Increase referrals for contact
investigation.
NTD Field Surveillance
Interventions, and case-control
study
10/1995-
02/1996
TDH, CDC, EPA
Three years of surveillance data
are complete.
More than 50% of high risk
women are taking folic acid.
Case-control study for risk
factors for NTD occurrence has
been implemented.
POLLUTION PREVENTION
Video Conference on
Permanent Pollution
Prevention Program (P4)
broadcast through ITESM
7/95-
ongoing
TNRCC, ITESM
A four hour video broadcast
was downlinked at 8 Mexican
cities through ITESM. Ongoing
plans are developing for an
extension of this P4 to downlink
to 26 satellite campuses
throughout Mexico to reach the
maquiladora industries
Technology transfer and
capacity building on pollution
prevention with PROFEPA
1995-
ohgoing
EPA; TNRCC;
PROFEPA offices in
Chihuahua, Coahuila,
Tamaulipas, and Nuevo
Leon
Joint partners site assessments
and follow-up site visits are
focused on determining
opportunities to implement
pollution prevention and clean
technology for Mexican
industrial facilities. These have
resulted in reductions in wastes
and air emissions and have also
cumulatively saved facilities
over a million dollars through
pollution prevention.
June 1996
VII.11
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
ACTIVITY
Pollution Prevention
Assistance to Small Business
Operations
Technical Assistance to
Mexican State Environmental
Agencies
Solid Waste Recycling
Initiatives
TIME
FRAME
1996
1995-
ongoing
1995-
ongoing
< PARTNERS '
f ^5,
EPA; TNRCC;
PROFEPA offices in
Chihuahua, Coahuila,
Tamaulipas, and Nuevo
Leon; Environmental
Defense Fund
EPA; TNRCC;
PROFEPA offices in
Chihuahua, Coahuila,
Tamaulipas, and Nuevo
Leon
EPA
ACCO%MSH^EMtS '
, • » , ;
Demonstration of a model spray
booth for training of operators
in the auto and paint shop
industry, machines.
Continue capacity building with
Mexican state and federal
environmental agencies by
providing training and
technical assistance in the four
Mexican states bordering Texas.
Solid Waste and Recycling
Conferences were held on April
1995; October 1995; and
February 1996. On May 22-23,
1996 a conference was held in
Nuevo Laredo.
Objectives for the Next Five Years
Natural Resources
Promote studies to research habitats and wildlife species to begin management and protection
programs (e.g., rehabilitation of Chihuahuan Desert habitats). This research should focus on
biodiversity and the sustainable use of resources in the Maderas del Carmen Protected Area.
Promote protection and conservation programs, and establish controlled production units as a
strategy for the restoration of threatened and endangered wildlife species, such as the black bear,
whitetailed deer, puma, bats, cactus, conifers, and others.
Begin a program for the management of the Maderas del Carmen Protected Area in Coahuila.
Establish an organizational structure and inspection and monitoring committees for protected areas.
Promote projects and activities that offer sustainable development alternatives for nearby residents.
Carry out biological inventories in the Maderas del Carmen Protected Area, coordinated with
CONABIO and ESJE, and hi Big Bend National Park and its environs, coordinated with the U.S.
National Biological Service.
Carry out training, workshops, and exchanges of experiences between people from both countries
in conservation and management of protected natural areas and sustainable use of natural resources.
June 1996
VH.12
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
Assess existing agroforestry activities, compliance with regulations, and technology in the Texas-
Coahuila-Nuevo Leon area. Following the assessment, demonstration sites of preferred agroforestry
systems will be implemented and will be used as an educational site for local landowners.
Provide training in nursery management and planting techniques in order to improve the quantity and
quality of nursery stock as well as to improve the survival rate of seedlings planted in the field.
Pursue opportunities for collaboration in developing windbreaks around agricultural lands as well
as the development of commercial plantations for wood products and non-wood products (e.g.
Christmas trees).
Establish an aquaculture program for rural areas, including a training component for local residents.
Design and establish a pollution monitoring program in the U.S.-Mexico coastal area to verify the
status, tendencies, and concentration of critical contaminants that may be impacting shared natural
resources.
Develop a fish-stocking program in the La Amistad Reservoir, under the Convention for the Use of
Surface Waters.
Water
Inherent in the efforts to protect surface and ground water resources is the need to improve urban
infrastructure associated with the supply of drinking water and the disposal of waste water. Also,
a continuing effort in surveillance, monitoring, and data acquisition to determine the status of water
resources on the border will be required.
The second phase of the Rio Grande Survey began in 1995. In 1996, the U.S. will continue to work
with Mexico to complete the studies and begin analyzing the data and preparing the reports.
In the U.S., the greatest need is for water and wastewater infrastructure in colonias and small
communities. In Mexico, the greatest need is for water infrastructure in municipal areas; however,
this need also exists in smaller communities. Comprehensive planning for the Rio Grande watershed
will help both governments identify water quality problems.
Environmental Health
In-depth discussion of binational, geographic-specific five-year objectives have only commenced
in earnest with the issuance of the Framework Document. The intent is to translate the overall
environmental health objectives outlined in Chapter m into objectives/priorities/projects specific for
this region benefiting from further binational discussions and the input obtained from community
outreach meetings.
Air
Air monitors are needed in the Eagle Pass and Del Rio areas to assess baseline air quality.
June 1996
VH.13
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If baseline air quality measurements indicate violations of health standards, the following data
objectives should be established: expansion of the emissions inventories and the monitoring network,
increased equipment, operation and maintenance of the Automatic Air Quality Monitoring Network,
and sample analysis and quality assurance of the data. This information will be compiled to assist
in the application of models for designing control activities.
The public's concern regarding air quality in Big Bend National Park is a part of the overall goal
of preventing further deterioration of the environment. The U.S. and Mexico have agreed to perform
an extensive regional field study aimed at assessing the issues of visibility and air quality at Big
Bend.
Emergency Planning and Contingency Response
U.S. and Mexican environmental authorities will establish a support program for environmental
contingency response in the cities of Acuna and Piedras Negras, Coahuila and Del Rio and Eagle
Pass, Texas.
Hazardous And Solid Waste
Proper management, treatment, and disposal of hazardous and solid wastes as well as compliance
with regulations for transboundary shipments of hazardous wastes will remain a priority for the
Texas-Coahuila-Nuevo Leon region. Continued cooperation among the state and local offices will
focus on information exchange and technology transfer, cooperative training, and using/improving
HAZTRAKS as a tracking and compliance tool.
Enforcement
A group, formed by the agreement between the Attorney General for Environmental Protection and
the Government of the State of Coahuila, will provide technical and legal support, and laboratory
analysis, for the State General Ecology Directorate to share with municipalities requiring such
services. This will permit local authorities, in coordination with PROFEPA, to address ecological
problems within its capacity, using federal infrastructure and expertise.
The PROFEPA inspection program expects to carry out 3,700 inspections in Coahuila and 2,600
inspections in Nuevo Leon between 1996 and 2000 to monitor regulatory environmental compliance.
For additional objectives and efforts that will impact this region, please refer to Chapter III.
June 1996
VH.14
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
CHAPTER VIII
TEXAS-TAMAULIPAS
In order to promote a regional approach to environmental problem solving, this chapter focuses
on environmental issues and problems, past and ongoing projects, and objectives that are
specific to the Texas-Tamaulipas area of the border region. The borderwide objectives and on-
going activities described in Chapter III also pertain to the Texas-Tamaulipas border region.
Brief Overview
The Texas-Tamaulipas region stretches approximately 335 miles (540 km) along the International
Boundary from just north of the Laredo area to the Gulf of Mexico. The major sister cities include:
Laredo-Nuevo Laredo, McAllen-Reynosa, and Brownsville-Matamoros. This population forms an
important part of the growing taxational economy of the region. Of the working-age population in
the Tamaulipas border zone, nearly 30% works in the industrial manufacturing sector; 15% works
in the service sector; and 5% works in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries
TABLE 8.1
POPULATION
Population Center
Laredo, TX
Nuevo Laredo,Tam
Reynosa, Tarn
McAllen, TX
Brownsville,TX
Matamoros, Tarn
TOTAL
1980 population
99,000
203,000
295,000
66,000
85,000
239,000
987.000
1990 population
133,000
220,000
377,000
84,000
99,000
303,000
1,216,000
Estimated 1995
population
150,000
275,000
337,000
95,000
113,000
363,000
1 333 000
US population figures for 1980 and 1990 come from the US Census for the metropolitan areas; 1995
estimates are based on the 1994 Rand McNalley Commercial Atlas.
Mexican population figures for 1980 and 1990 come from the X and XIINEGI Census. Data for
1995 comes from the 1995 INEGI Count of Population and Housing.
The Tamaulipan Ecosystem, which is semiarid and hot, extends throughout Texas and northeastern
Mexico. Tamaulipan brushland is composed of several distinct biotic communities. All are
characterized by dense, woody, and usually thorny vegetation and a very high degree of biological
diversity. Vegetation is more lush and taller in the riparian areas than in the dry uplands. Uplands
are sometimes veined with thin riparian areas known as 'ramaderos', which not only provide
important nesting and feeding habitat, but also serve as corridors for animal movement. Tamaulipan
brushland is home to more than 600 vertebrate species and more than 1,100 species of plants. Many
animals and plants of this area are not found anywhere else in the United States and Mexico. Many,
June 1996
vm.1
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including the jaguarundi and the ocelot, are endangered throughout their range. This ecosystem is
also home to hundreds of thousands of migratory birds and many other endangered species.
The Rio Grande can be considered the major watershed within this ecosystem, and is critical to the
survival of countless species of plants and animals. The narrow greenbelt surrounding this corridor
supports nesting and wintering habitat and can be considered the northern boundary of the
geographical range for many neotropical species.
The coastal prairie essentially encompasses the Gulf Coast region of the Laguna Madre. Coastal
marshes, dominated by Spartina grass, are continuous along the Gulf Coast. As one of only two large
hypersaline lagoons in the world, the Laguna Madre is rich in biodiversity. Its fragile estuaries are
extremely productive, providing a base for a significant commercial and recreational fishing industry.
Many coastal species, such as the redhead duck, overwinter in the Laguna Madre. Some of the most
important habitats of the zone are islands that have the necessary conditions for the nesting of birds
such as the "espatula rosa," stork, different species of crane, sea gulls and pelicans.
The lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge System was established to protect and
preserve rapidly disappearing habitat in the lower Rio Grande, with particular emphasis on
neotropical wildlife. Padre Island National Seashore and Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
host hundreds of species of migrant bkds during their stopovers in migration routes to Mexico and
South America, including winter nesting areas
Environmental Issues and Problems
Natural Resources
In the Lower Rio Grande Valley, human activities associated with increased industrialization,
urbanization, infrastructure development, and agricultural development have negatively affected
habitat and important national historic sites. This zone is impacted not only by chemicals and
fertilizers from crop production, but also a wide range of municipal and industrial pollutants, which
are having an effect on the fish and wildlife fauna. Specifically, water of sufficient quality and
quantity must be maintained in the Lower Rio Grande to ensure the biodiversity of aquatic fauna and
flora.
Construction of additional international bridges and bridge expansion could increase significantly
in the future. The cumulative effects of bridge proliferation are considered likely to significantly
affect fish and wildlife resources as well as recovery efforts for the endangered ocelot and
jaguarundi.
Dkect discharges of waste water into the Texas Laguna Madre is causing extensive loss of seagrass
habitat, vegetation that is critical to the Laguna's productivity, and its ability to serve as the over-
wintering ground for redhead ducks.
Mariculture is a new and expanding agro-industry in the region, and is an additional source of
contaminants and nutrients to the Arroyo and the Laguna. The threat of introduction of non-native
species and their diseases by mariculture operations is currently a high-visibility environmental
concern.
June 1996
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Effective management of migratory species will continue to require the coordination of federal, state
and international regulatory actions. Accurate determination of the status of western Gulf of Mexico
resources will require increased information exchange.
Some fish and shellfish caught by shrimpers are currently at low stock levels. Incremental measures
should be taken to restore stock levels. Marine debris from shrimpers and commercial shipping is
a major problem on Padre Island beaches.
As part of the effort to encourage improved land use practices along the border, the joint support of
regular exchanges and workshops between indigenous communities along the Texas-Tamaulipas
border needs to be expanded. Technical assistance is needed in order to develop agroforestry.
Demonstration sites can be established to provide a working example of the agroforestry and the
capabilities of the soils.
Water
Water supplies in the Lower Rio Grande are limited, and increasing demands are a growing problem.
Shared water of the Rio Grande and its tributaries from below international Amistad Dam to the Gulf
of Mexico is currently the primary source for meeting all multiple uses on both sides of the border.
But as population and water demands increase, the use of groundwater may also increase as
competing water needs include municipal and industrial use. It is necessary to protect water quality
in the Rio Grande, adjacent streams, oxbows (resacas), bays, estuaries, and aquifers. Controlling
point and nonpoint biological and chemical pollution demands effective enforcement.
Other water-related issues raised by local residents include: illegal dumping of waste in water bodies
that flow into the Rio Grande; the need for domestic water supply and the lack of coordination of
infrastructure services in the colonias, the need for a binational watershed plan, the negative impact
ocean dumping has on the fishing industry and on beaches, and the need for cleanup of the small
lakes and oxbows (resacas) along the Rio Grande. The Gulf of Mexico Beaches near Brownsville
were cited as areas of concern for surface water quality.
Valle Hermoso and Matamoros are constructing aqueducts as part of the decommissioning of intakes
from the irrigation district. Nuevo Laredo has constructed a new treatment plant and another
treatment plant is planned in Matamoros.
Through analysis of the region's water infrastructure needs, Mexico's CNA found that 80% of the
population receives quality drinking water, 66% of the residences are connected to a sewer system,
and 35% of the total wastewater discharge is treated. The principal problem with the sewer systems
is the need for infrastructure expansion, while sewage treatment plants are required in Rio Grande,
Matamoros, and Guerrero. All existing plants require maintenance and some require improvements.
Though unable to identify long-term resource commitments at this time, CNA has estimated the
following resource requirements to meet the region's infrastructure deficiencies as shown below in
Table 8.2.
June 1996
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TABLE 8.2
RESOURCE REQUIREMENT ESTIMATES FOR WATER INFRASTRUCTURE*
Project Component
Drinking water
Sewer systems
Treatment
Institutional Strengthening
Increased Efficiency
Studies and projects
Total
Investment (Million $USD)
Urgent
1996-1997
14.0
10.0
21.0
4.0
5.0
0.2
54.2
Short term
1998-1999
7.0
14.0
7.0
4.0
3.0
0.6
35.6
Medium term
2000
5.0
13.0
7.0
2.0
3.0
30.0
Total
26.0
37.0
35.0
10.0
11.0
0.8
119.8
* These estimates are based on studies and evaluations conducted by the Government ot Mexico considering
domestic standards.
Air
Air pollution is seen as a significant problem by residents of Laredo, Brownsville and Hidalgo
County, particularly with regard to the air quality impacts of high commercial vehicle traffic.
Residents called for more air quality monitoring in order to fully understand the extent of air
problems, and to characterize the contribution of industry to air pollution within the binational air
basins. Given public concerns regarding the potential connection between air pollution and the
incidence of neurological defects, community residents requested a study to evaluate the nature of
these potential associations.
Hazardous and Solid Waste
The public is aware of inadequate solid waste disposal practices, and perceives a lack of landfills and
other resources required for the proper operation of community garbage disposal programs. Area
residents called for the reduction of hazardous and solid waste by industry and commercial facilities
such as paint shops. Curbside recycling is seen as incomplete in Brownsville. Residents called for
recycling efforts by small businesses such as automobile repair and paint shops. Brownsville
residents are concerned about the possible impact of the burning of municipal waste in Mexican solid
waste facilities on the binational air shed.
Residents of the region expressed significant concern about the types, quantities and destinations of
hazardous materials and wastes transported through their neighborhoods and city centers.
Community and government concerns stem from the high number of crossings and the projections
that commercial transportation across the international boundary will likely increase with the phase-
in of NAFTA.
June 1996
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TABLE 8.3
PAST AND ON-GOING PROJECTS - TEXAS -TAMAULIPAS
NATURAL RESOURCES
Develop a management program
and emerging program to
determine the need for legal
protection of natural areas
High priority habitats for wild
species conservation will be
established with mechanisms
guaranteeing their protection.
Determine policies will be
consolidated for the Laguna
Madre zone.
Baseline study to determine the
area for a natural protected area
in the Laguna Madre region of
the State of Tamaulipas
Flora and fauna inventory of the
Laguna Madre, Tamaulipas
Restoration of the native habitat
on Beaver Island in the Lower
Rio Grande corridor
Conservation program for the
Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle in
Rancho Nuevo, Tamaulipas
,
Biodiversity conservation in the
Lower Rio Grande Valley, TX
Revegetation of Tamaulipan
brushland in the Lower Rio
Grande Valley, TX
On-going
1995
1991-
on-going
1995-1996
1995-1996
inji, 1SU1V1AI,
INE, Institute de
Ciencias del Mar y
Limnologia,
UNAM
INE,FWS,Los
Caminos del Rio,
A.C.
FWS,
SEMARNAP/INP,
NBS
FWS, Texas Parks
and Wildlife, and
TNRCC, IBWC
FWS
ims stuay would propose an
area of interest, with a
description and dimensions of
the area to justify
establishment of a protected
area.
An inventory will be obtained
of the flora and fauna species
of the northern region of the
estuary system of the Laguna
Madre through field work, the
review of collections and
herbariums, and through a
review of relevant literature.
Initiate a reintroduction and
restoration program of the
endemic flora species on
Beaver Island in the Lower Rio
Grande corridor.
Concentrated efforts to
recover the Kemp's Ridley sea
turtle which nest in the State of
Tamaulipas, Mexico. Carry out
reproduction, movements,
migration, and population
dynamics.
Maximize resources protection,
habitat conservation planning,
Section 7 consultations and
recovery efforts in the Lower
Rio Grande Valley.
Revegetation of characteristic
plant communities in order to
increase available wildlife
habitats and link habitat for
neotropical wildlife such as the
Ocelot.
June 1996
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ACTIVITY
TIME
FRAME
Point and non-point source
contamination offish and wildlife
of the Lower Rio Grande, XX
1995
FWS, NBS, Texas
Parks and Wildlife,
IBWC
Identify point and non-point
source pollution to fish and
wildlife resources from Falcon
Reservoir to the mouth of the
Rio Grande. ___
Natural resource conservation
through education/outreach
1995-1996
FWS
Emphasize public outreach and
environmental education of
conservation initiative along
the U. S. - Mexico border.
Falcon Reservoir Sediment Core
Study
1996-1998
USGS, TNRCC
Data collection has been
initiated.
Palo Alto Historic and Cultural
Outreach Program
NFS
Develop an environmental
outreach program for the Palo
Alto National Historic site.
Improvement of forest genetics of
threatened and endangered tree
species '
On-going
USFS, NE Station,
INIFAP (Canada),
SEMARNAP
Accomplished improved seed
quality of pines species such as
Chihuahua pine.
Practices for the sustainable
ongoing use of forests
On-going
USFS,
SEMARNAP-
Chihuahua, ejidos
Develop "Best Management
Practices" manual and
training seminars in both U.S.
and Mexico ^__
Aplomado Falcon Habitat
Characteristics
1996
Colegio de
Postgraduados,
Institucion de
Ensenanzee
Investigacion en
Ciencias Agricolas
(Postgraduate
College, Institution
of Scientific Learn-
ing and Research),
NBS, FWS
Understand the ecological
characteristics of the
Aplomado Falcon's habitat in
order to establish conservation
programs.
Linking contaminant impacts to
the status of biological resources
of the Lower Rio Grande
1995 - On-
going
NBS, UNM
1995 sampling completed -
report in progress. 1996
sampling underway.
Lower Rio Grande Ecosystem
Initiative
1996
NFS, FWS, USGS,
CONABIO, NBS
Information currently being
developed; Biodiversity
research underway.
Advance study seminar on
natural resources of Mexico
1993-1995
NFS
Completed three workshops on
understanding cultural and
natural resources of Mexico.
WATER
Colonias Wastewater Treatment
Assistance Program (CWTAP)
1993-
Ongoing
EPA, TWDB
Grants are provided to local
governments and non-profit
water supply corporations for
design and construction of
wastewater collection and
treatment facilities.
Administered by TWDB.
June 1996
vm.6
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Economically Distressed Areas
Program (EDAP)
Colonia Plumbing Loan Program
(CPLP)
Texas Colonias Enforcement
Strike Force
Study of barriers to colonias
infrastructure
Colonias Assistance and
Management Support Program
(CAMSP)
Wellhead protection program
Circuit Rider for technical
assistance for public water
systems along U.S. /Mexico
border.
Municipal On-Site Wastewater
Assistance Program
Binational wastewater operator
training
1989-
Ongoing
1991-
Ongoing
1994-
Ongoing
1993-1994
1994-
Ongoing
1994-1997
1994-
Ongoing
1994-
Ongoing
1995-
Ongoing
TWDB
EPA, TWDB
EPA, Texas
Attorney General
EPA, International
City/County
Management
Association
EPA, TWDB
EPA, TWDB
EPA, TNRCC
EPA, TWDB
EPA, Water
Environment Fed.
(WEF)
Loans are made available to
low income colonia residents in
designated border counties for
residential plumbing
improvements. Funds are
administered at the local level.
This program supports the
Texas Attorney General in the
enforcement of state laws
relating to colonia
developments.
A report on identifying
barriers to achieving local
government interest in colonias
sanitation problems has been
published.
This program provides overall
management and coordination
to eligible colonias in order to
submit an application for
financial assistance to
implement needed drinking
water and wastewater facilities
improvements.
Programs in McAllen and
Brownsville
The objective of this program
is to help utilities along the
border to comply with state
and federal regulations in a
cost effective manner. It also
helps to ensure that water and
wastewater utility services are
maintained and expanded,
where possible, by identifying
financial resources and helping
utilities access these resources.
Small communities have been
assisted with an on-site
technical assistance program
for small community
wastewater treatment plant
operators developed by the
TWDB.
The first training session for
wastewater treatment plant
operators along the border has
>een conducted in a binational
June 1996
vra.7
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:.;;. .:. ACTIVITY;;'.',;;;;;.,;.
Binational Water Supply
Operator Training
Rio Grande Toxics Baseline
Study
Rio Grande Toxics Study -
Follow-up
Laredo Ground Water Study -
Webb County
Aquifer Storage and Recovery
Study - Hueco Bolson
Rio Grande/Rio Bravo Basin
International Water Resources
Assessment
Lower Rio Grande Basin study
Amistad International Dam to
Gulf of Mexico
Watershed Alliance for the Rio
Grande
Rio Grande cities facilities
planning
TIME
1995-
Ongoing
1992-1993
1995-
Ongoing
1996-1999
1995-1997
1996-1999
1992-1995
1995-
Ongoing
1995-
Ongoing
M'llTNEI%-
, ^ f. #• ^ •% '
EPA, American
Water Works
Association
EPA, IBWC, DOI,
TNRCC, TDK,
TPWD
EPA, IBWC,
TNRCC
USGS, City of
Laredo Water
Utilities
BOR
BOR
BOR
EPA, TNRCC
EPA, IBWC
' A££01Si^LI$JJMlW ,
*>-*;v'^ - / f •> • - • \" <"'«
The first training session on
the requirements of the Safe
Drinking Water Act has been
conducted in a binational
forum.
Binational report completed in
September 1994 . While the
study did not indicate that
toxic contamination was
widespread, several areas with
elevated levels of toxic
contamination were found,
primarily below sister cities
and in tributaries.
Field work completed. Report
will help identify areas where
additional water pollution
control is needed.
Well inventory, retrospective
data analysis, define data
collection activities.
Awarded contract to
investigate opportunities for
groundwater recharge of Rio
Grande excess flows.
Study outlined and now in the
process of accessing
transboundary data
availability.
A report was completed and
released in December 1995.
The TNRCC internal Rio
Grande Water Quality
Workgroup has been
established. An internal
TNRCC workgroup has
prepared a list of
recommended stakeholders
that will comprise the Alliance.
U.S. Section of the IBWC has
procured A/E firms to develop
planning of wastewater
facilities to control wastewater
discharges from Mexico into
June 1996
vm.8
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Nuevo Laredo Treatment Plant
Laredo, Texas water and
wastewater improvements
Gulf of Mexico Program
Rio Grande water quality
monitoring: Middle basin
(Amistad Falcon Reservoir)
Evolution of bed-sediment
chemistry in the Rio Grande
River
Nonpoint Source Toxic
Substances Project for Manadas
Creek Watershed, Laredo
Drinking water supply for the
City of Matamoros
Drinking water supply for the
City of Valle Hermosa (first
stage)
Laredo, Texas, Jefferson and
Chacon Water and Wastewater
Improvements
Anzaldnas-Reynosa aqueduct
1994-1996
1995- 1999
1988-present
1996-1999
1996-1997
1996-1999
1995-1996
1995-1996
1995-
Ongoing
1993-1996
: i^^ft^Krk'^^i
CNA, COMAPA,
Tamaulipas State
Government,
IBWC
EPA, TWDB, City
of Laredo
US: EPA,USDA,
NOAA, USFWS,
USACE, FDA,
MMS, Florida,
Mississippi,
Alabama,
Louisiana, Texas
Mexico:
EPOMEX
USGS, TNRCC
USGS
TNRCC, City of
Laredo, USGS
CNA
CNA
EPA, TWDB, City
of Laredo
CNA
Construction of the treatment 1
plant with a capacity of 1360
LPS was completed. Also the
sewer system was expanded
the collectors and pumping
plant were rehabilitated and
expanded.
Planning complete. Design at
95%. FNSI in process.
Working to improve the flow
of environmental information
between U.S. and Mexico and
responding to environmental
problems in the Gulf of
Mexico.
Developing monitoring plan-
sampling will initiate in 1997.
Retrospective analysis prior to
data collection.
Developing QA/QC framework
documents outlining data
collection, analytical methods
and data management
protocols
Construction will soon be
completed to change the
drinking water source of the
city.
Construction will soon be
completed to change the
drinking water source for the
city.
Funds have been provided for
planning, design and
construction of water and
wastewater improvements in
Laredo, Texas. Planning has
been completed. The design
phase is 95% complete.
Construction of the Anzalduas-
Reynosa aqueduct has been
completed for the city's water
June 1996
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F; '^crrviTY
TIME/;
vf»&**&™
AIR
Air Monitoring in Laredo, TX
Air Monitoring in Brownsville,
TX
Transboundary Air Monitoring
Project, Cameron County, TX
Air Toxics Monitoring in Hidalgo
County, TX
On-going
On-going
On-going
On-going
EPA, TNRCC
EPA, TNRCC
EPA, TNRCC
EPA, TNRCC
Operating a monitoring site for
03, CO, VOC's, PM-10,
pesticides and hydrocarbons.
Conducted a mobile
monitoring effort in 1995.
A site monitors 03, CO, SO2,
PM-10, Pb, Arsenic, VOCs,
PAH, and meteorological
conditions.
Conducted a pilot project in
Brownsville to identify and
evaluate the manner and extent
to which Valley residents are
exposed to environmental
pollutants.
Examine extent of
transboundary air pollution
through monitoring or mobile,
industrial, and agricultural
activities and collection of
meteorological data.
Adding air toxics monitoring
equipment at two existing 03
monitoring sites in Hidalgo
County and scheduling mobile
laboratory sampling in the
border areas.
ENFORCEMENT 1 HAZARDOUS 1 SOLID WASTE
(Please see Annex 7 for additional solid and hazardous waste projects of U.S. state and local agencies)
Enforcement Task Force
Education and Training
On-going
On-going
TNRCC, EPA,
PROFEPA,
US and Mexican
Customs, US DOT,
TDPS
EPA, TNRCC
Pursuant to an EPA grant,
TNRCC established a multi-
agency task force in Laredo
and Brownsville to explore
enforcement issues of the area.
Pursuant to an EPA grant,
TNRCC provides training to
address the transboundary
hazardous waste issues.
TNRCC also established an
information program and hot
June 1996
VHI.10
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Official Draft - for Public Comment
^oS$ ^ ^^Siy^tenSdpif^^ v^ f^^x&j^
.; q.'V^S"-''^***^ '^l ^ •£ ^V^^^vi^^* Jv^.''**V'-sSi SfwS|;V,'-'p \V-^v\Js*
Enforcement of hazardous waste
regulations using manifests and
associated shipment data from
HAZTRAKS, a binational
computerized tracking system, to
identify potential violators.
Inspections/investigations of
hazardous waste transporters at
key border crossings (e.g., weigh
stations, transporter yards, .
hazardous waste warehouses) to
find illegal shipments.
Hazardous Waste Enforcement
International Bridge Inspections
U.S. Customs Training Course
Multi-Media Inspector Training
»'5i%^j.t§l%^"'ii>^
On-going
1993-
Present
1995
On-going
On-going
November
1995-
Present
EPA, TNRCC
EPA, PROFEPA,
TNRCC, US and
Mexican Customs,
US DOT, TOPS,
TDH
TNRCC
TNRCC
TNRCC, US and
Mexican Customs,
EPA
EPA, PROFEPA,
CNA
A number of enforcement cases
have been filed (administrative
and judicial).
Monitor the import/export of
hazardous wastes through a
cooperative multi-agency
initiative to determine if
shipments conform to
applicable laws and
regulations.
Pursuant to an EPA grant,
conducted 115 inspections of
facilities which handle
hazardous wastes imported
from Mexico.
Pursuant to an EPA grant,
conducted 55 international
bridge inspections on
hazardous waste shipments
crossing the border.
Pursuant to an EPA grant,
TNRCC conducted 13 Customs
training courses on regulations
pertaining to the
transboundary movement of
hazardous wastes.
EPA provided multi-media
training to 47 Mexican
inspectors from PROFEPA
and CNA.
CONTINGENCY PLANNING AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Organize Workshop on
Innovative Technology
Grant to State of Texas to
address environmentally sensitive
areas
EPA, ICMA
EPA, State of
Texas
Grant to State of Texas, for
$23,950 to organize a
workshop similar to the ICMA
workshop in Laredo/Nuevo
Laredo.
Grant to State of Texas, for
$100,000 to assist in preparing
a sister city plan and create a
binational environmental plan
to address environmentally
sensitive areas in Laredo and
Nuevo Laredo.
June 1996
vm.ii
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ACTIVITY
TIME
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Dengue Fever Surveillance &
Interventions
8/1995 -
2/1996
TDH, CDE,
University of Texas
Medical Branch,
UT School of
Public Health,
Cameron, Hidalgo
and Webb counties
local health
departments
Human disease surveillance
identified 7 indigenous cases.
Mosquito surveillance found
vectors in all counties of
concern, but none resistant to
pesticides.
Survey of public found more
than 80% with appropriate
knowledge of Dengue.
Brownsville Leukemia Cluster
7/1993
On-going
investigation
data
collection
TDH
Performed preliminary data
analysis and recommended
additional data collection
efforts which are now ongoing.
South Texas Rabies Initiative
6/1994-
present
TDH, USDA, CDC,
Canadian
Government
Largest oral rabies vaccine
distribution ever for 2
successive yrs.
Developmental work on safety
and efficacy of the vaccine in
the field.
Apparently succeeded in
stopping the northward spread
of canine rabies in Texas.
Laredo HazMat Task Force
Subcommittee #3: "Resources
for Hazardous Materials
Education and Public
Awareness"
2/6/95-
present
TDH, City of
Laredo Staff
First Subcommittee meeting
held on 3/3/96. Developed
three work products for the
subcommittee: (1) an outreach
education shopping mall trade
show on hazardous materials
planned for the fall of 1996. (2)
a compliance outreach
conference on hazardous
materials regulations for local
industries planned for late fall
of 1996, and (3) development of
brochures on chemical right-
to-know programs and the
concept of sheltering in place
during a chemical emergency
(printed in English and
Spanish) for distribution by
loral aqpnrips in T.i*i*pHf>.
June 1996
VIH.12
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Laredo Hazardous Materials
Task Force
Binational TB Campaign
NTD Field surveillance,
interventions, and case-control
study
Border Cancer Registry
Border Environmental Health
Survey
Grupo Sin Fronteras
Binational/Manager and
Tracking and Referral System
8/1995-
present
6/1995-
present
10/1995-
2/1996
On-going
5/1996-
5/1997
4/1995-
present
12/1995-
present
TDH, **See
separate listing of
partners
TDH, SSA, HHS,
PAHO, USMBHA,
health departments
of all 10 border
states corporate
partners
TDH, CDC, EPA
TDH, CDC
TDH, EPA, CDC
TDH, SSA, ISSTE,
IMSS, PEMEX
TDH, EPCCHS
Migrant
Clinician's
Network
Education of all participants
on each agency's role with
respect to regulations of
hazardous materials.
State-to-State TB Agreements
signed between TX-
Tamaulipas and TX-
Chihuahua.
Circulated draft of TB White
Paper.
Held Binational TB
Symposium, 2/1996.
Beginning initiatives for
Internet communication and
provider education.
Three years of surveillance
data are complete.
More than 50% of high risk
women are taking folic acid.
Case-control study for risk
factors for NTD occurrence
has been implemented.
Completed cancer incidence
data collection and analysis for
18 border counties for 1990-
1992
Continuing to collect incidence
data for 1993 and forward.
About 2,100 household surveys
will be conducted along the
Texas-Mexico border to collect
data on household structure,
general sanitation, health
conditions, and potential
sources of exposure to
environmental contaminants.
Increase availability to TB lab
services.
Increase supervised therapy.
Increase referrals for contact
investigation.
Under development.
Toll-free access to TB
information from anywhere in
June 1996
vm.i3
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ACTIVITY
Mercury poisoning prevention
TX-Chihuahua TB Agreement
IH^QB
12/1995-
present
1991-1997
PA&IOTS& -',
*. ^ " *
TDH, Amistad
Binational
Council/USMBHA
TDH, SSA-UACH,
Chihuahua
: XCC01VJFLISHMEMTS . ^
N \<>^* ^ » , ^ ' t
Completed investigation.
Presentation made to Mexican
physicians.
Binational registry and follow-
up of TB cases.
POLLUTION PREVENTION
Video Conference on Permanent
Pollution Prevention Program
(P4) broadcast through
Monterrey Institute of
Technology
Technology transfer and capacity
building on pollution prevention
with PROFEPA
Pollution prevention assistance to
small business operations
Technical Assistance to Mexican
state environmetal agencies
7/95 -
ongoing
1995-ongoing
1996
1995-ongoing
TNRCC, ITESM
EPA; TNRCC;
PROFEPA offices
in Chihuahua,
Coahuila,
Tamaulipas, and
Nuevo Leon
EPA; TNRCC;
PROFEPA offices
in Chihuahua,
Coahuila,
Tamaulipas, and
Nuevo Leon
EPA; TNRCC;
PROFEPA offices
in Chihuahua,
Coahuila,
Tamaulipas, and
Nuevo Leon
A four hour video broadcast
was downlinked at 8 Mexican
cities through the Monterrey
Institute of Technology. On-
going plans are developing for
an extension of this P4 to
downlink to 26 satellite
campuses throughout Mexico
to reach the maquiladora
industries
Joint partners site assessments
and follow-up site visits are
focussed on determining
opportunities to implement
pollution prevention and clean
technology for Mexican
industrial facilities. These
have resulted in reductions in
wastes and air emissions and
have also cumulatively saved
facilities over a million dollars
through pollution prevention.
Demonstration of a model
spray booth for training of
operators in the auto and paint
shop industry.
Continue capacity building
with Mexican state and federal
environmental agencies by
providing training and
technical assistance in the four
Mexican states bordering
Texas.
June 1996
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Solid waste recycling initiatives
Pollution prevention curriculum
conference for students and
graduates in engineering
Development of the EPS Program
in Mexico under the Agency for
International Development
1995-ongoing
1995-ongoing
1996-
ongoing
EPA
EPA, TNRCC,
ITESM, University
of Texas-Pan
American,
Monterrey
Institute of
Technology,
University of
Nuevo Leon
EPA, AH), BSfE
Solid Waste and Recycling
Conferences, the next
conference will be held May
22-23, 1996 in Nuevo Laredo.
Others were April 1995;
October 1995; Februarv 1996
Conference was held
November 1995 on
development of a pollution
prevention curriculum for
students and graduates in
engineering. Guideline
chapters are under
development and should be
completed by October 1996.
Another conference is being
organized to further the
curriculum on pollution
prevention, to disseminate
available information materials
and exchange creative
problem-solving approaches.
Objectives for the Next Five Years
Natural Resources
Conduct studies and investigations of flora, wildlife, and aquatic habitats, to initiate management
and protection programs for biodiversity, and the sustainable use of resources in the Laguna Madre
region. Conduct biological inventories.
Protect, recover, and manage species in danger of extinction in the Tamaulipas-Texas border region
including the jaguarundi, the ocelot, and others.
Promote biodiversity protection, conservation, and use programs in the Mexican border region and
establish the neccesary controlled production units as a strategy for restoring threatened and
endangered with the participation of the Rescue and Rehabilitation Center for Wild Species, in
Tolchic, Tamaulipas.
Identify joint areas of priority and link the NBS National Biological Information Infrastructure
(NBII) with the development of the CONABIO biodiversity information system focusing on the
Texas/Tamaulipas/Nuevo Leon/Coahuila/Chihuahua area (Lower /Rio Grande-Rio Bravo) as a pilot
area.
June 1996
vm.i5
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Establish a protected national area in the region of the Laguna Madre, Tamaulipas, for the
conservation of aquatic migratory birds and residents of this habitat. Develop the activities necessary
for their protection, and a management program which considers the sustainable development of
resources for the people that inhabit the surrounding area.
Promote and conduct training courses, education, and projects on the conservation of protected
natural areas and habitats of interest like the ecological corridor along the Rio Grande, Laguna Madre
in Tamaulipas, the Padre Island Wildlife Reserve , and the Atascosa Laguna in Texas.
The USDA Forest Service will provide a series of forest nursery workshops and training which focus
on improvement of quality and quantity of seedling production, as well as reforestation efforts in
places like many Tamaulipas border communities.
Increase the number of forest nurseries and improve planting practices.
Establish reforestation programs for the cities of Camargo, Ciudad Mier, Guerrero Viejo,
Matamoros, Miguel Aleman, Nuevo Guerrero, Nuevo Laredo, Reynosa, Rio Bravo, San Fernando,
and Valle Hermoso, and also their industrial parks and the borders of the Rio Grande.
Characterize the levels of wastes dangerous for fish and wildlife reources in the Laguna Madre
Continue to monitor sources of marine debris on Padre Island, Texas and the Gulf of Mexico.
Protect and manage the Kemp Ridley sea turtle by restoring its habitat
Characterize the plankton in the Laguna Madre, Texas.
Establish a rural aquaculture program, training the residents in the area of aquatic uses with the
available resources.
Design and establish a contamination monitoring program in the coastal zone of Mexico for the
determination of the current status and the general concentration of critical contaminants, that could
result in regulations for the use of natural resources shared by both countries
Establish regulations for the import, export, and quality control of the aquatic organisms to be used
in aquaculture, as well as fishery products.
Carry out specialized studies in the area of aquaculture in order to define the resource management
and utilization plans that would take place along the border.
Develop a fish stocking program in the La Amistad Reservoir, under the Convention for the Use of
Surface Waters.
Water
Inherent in the efforts to protect surface and groundwater resources is the need to improve urban
infrastructure associated with the supply of drinking water and the disposal of wastewater. In
particular new treatment plants or the rehabilitation of existing facilities for the treatment of
wastewater are needed in Reynosa and Matamoros. Recognizing the importance of the Rio Grande
to sustainable development, the U.S. and Mexico will work together on a watershed based analysis
June 1996
VIH.16
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of drinking water and waste water infrastructure needs for the cities, towns, and communities near
the river. EPA and CNA will continue to work with the IBWC and BECC to facilitate the
development of the Rio Grande Cities Facilities Planning projects.
The TNRCC and EPA will continue to share information with CNA and other appropriate Mexican
authorities regarding the creation of the Rio Grande Alliance. U.S. and Mexican state and federal
agencies will continue discussions regarding managing their ecosystem and watershed activities.
Comprehensive planning for the Rio Grande watershed will help both governments develop
solutions to identified water quality problems. Similar collaboration of efforts will be encouraged
along of the rest of the border.
The U.S. and Mexico will continue to work together to complete the ongoing Rio Grande water
quality studies, begin analysis of the data, and evaluate the need for additional monitoring.
Environmental Health
In depth discussion of binational, geographic-specific five-year objectives have only commenced in
earnest with the issuance of the Framework Document. The intent is to translate the overall
environmental health objectives outlined in Chapter in into objectives/priorities/projects specific for
this region benefiting from further binational discussions and the input obtained from community
outreach meetings.
Air
The U.S.and Mexico will continue baseline air quality monitoring. As more data is developed, both
countries will be able to assess current air quality, and develop a strategy to prevent these areas from
deteriorating into nonattainment. EPA will support continued short-term air toxics investigations by
TNRCC in the border area, using the TNRCC mobile sampling lab.
Hazardous And Solid Waste
Proper management, treatment, and disposal of hazardous and solid wastes as well as compliance
with regulations for transboundary shipments of hazardous wastes will remain a priority for the
Texas-Tamaulipas region. Continued cooperation among the state and local offices will focus on
information exchange and technology transfer, cooperative training, and using/improving
HAZTRAKS as a tracking and compliance tool.
Enforcement
The PROFEPA inspection program expects to carry out 3,700 inspections between 1996 and 2000
to monitor regulatory environmental compliance in the State of Chihuahua.
For additional objectives and efforts that will impact this region please refer to Chapter III.
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ANNEXES
Annex 1 Social and Economic Overview of the Border
Annex 2 Brief Description of Government Agencies Involved in the
Program
Annex 3 Brief Description of US-Mexico Border Environmental
Agreements and International Institutions
Annex 4 Sources of Funding
Annex 5 Summary of Health Impacts from Air Pollution Criteria
Pollutants (O3, CO, SO2, LEAD, PM-10)
Annex 6 On-going U.S. State Hazardous and Solid Waste Projects
Annex 7 Additional Information Regarding Past and On-going
Accomplishments of the Information Resources
Workgroup
Annex 8 Summary of Binational Public Symposia
Annex 9 Maps
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ANNEX 1
Social and Economic Overview of the
U.S.-Mexico Border
The U.S./Mexico border area, defined as the area within 100 km on either side of the international
boundary includes four U.S. border states, six Mexican border states, 35 Mexican municipalities, 25
U.S. counties and 14 pairs of sister cities. This area stretches almost 3000 km from the Pacific
Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.
The international boundary defines not only the political jurisdictions of the two countries but also
distinguishes two nations with distinct social, cultural and political models. At the same time, the
border area emerges as a space in which these differences converge and become less distinct. Some
of the defining characteristics shared by border communities are:
a) the intense inter-relationship between communities on both sides of the border;
b) the rapidly growing population;
c) the strong presence of new economic factors, such as maquiladoras, with a high social,
economic, and environmental impact;
d) the constant transboundary movement of people, goods, and resources.
Population
The border region is currently home to more than 9.7 million people with about 5.5 million in the
U.S. (57%) and 4.2 million in Mexico (43%).
Almost 90% of the border population lives in urban areas. For the most part, these urban areas are
sister city communities composed of a U.S. and Mexican cxity closely related by proximity,
commerce, and shared resources. The sister cities are the main points of commercial and human
transboundary movement and are the industrial centers of the region.
The sister cities of San Diego and Tijuana have a population of more than two million people and El
Paso and Ciudad Juarez have more than one million. Six other sister city pairs have combined
populations of over 150,000 each: Imperial Country-Mexicali, Laredo-Nuevo Laredo, McAllen-
Reynosa, Brownsville-Matamoros, Nogales-Nogales and Yuma-San Luis Rio Colorado. The region
of California-Baja California, including the counties of San Diego and Imperial County and the
municipalities of Tijuana, Tecate, and Mexicali, alone makes up 44.5% of the total population in the
border area, while the area of El Paso-Ciudad Juarez makes up 15.4% of the border area's total
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population. Most other parts of the border area are sparsely populated with several counties and
municipalities having fewer than ten persons per square mile (approximately 4 persons/km2).
Population growth on both sides of the border has been noticeably rapid, growing far faster than that
of the population as a whole in either country. In the border area of Mexico the growth rate is 3%
and in the U.S. the growth rate is 2.7%. Between 1950 and 1980, the population of the Mexican
border states tripled and that of the U.S. border states doubled. The birth rate in 1990 for the
Mexican border states (27.6 births/1000 people) was less than the national average (32.2 births/1000
people), however, according to the 1990 U.S. census, the birth rate in the U.S. border states (19.1
births/1000 people) is higher than the national average (16 births/1000 people). The differences in
the birth rates in both regions may reflect cultural and economic differences between the border
region and their respective countries, but also may reflect a common influence between the two
communities.
Life expectancy in the Mexican border area is higher than the national average. In 1992, life
expectancy in the Mexican border states was 70.3 years. In the U.S. border area, life expectancy in
1990 was 75.4 years, almost the same as the U.S. national average of 75.5 years (1992). Mortality
rates in the Mexican border states are slightly below the national average; similarly mortality rates
in U.S. border states are slightly lower than the national average. However, it is worth noting that
in border municipalities with a large migratory influx there is a high rate of infant mortality.
Despite recent setbacks in the Mexican economy, expected long-term economic growth in the
border region is likely to stimulate continued rapid population growth in the border area. Current
population projections forecast a doubling of the border population over the next 20 years.
The U.S. border area is more ethnically diverse than the rest of the country with about 57 percent of
the border population consisting of ethnic minorities, versus about 20 percent in the U.S. population
as a whole. For example, in El Paso 69 percent of the population is Latino, as is 90 percent in
Brownsville. More than 97 percent of the Starr County (Texas) population is Latino. Ten of the 25
U.S. counties with the greatest number of people born outside the U.S. are in the border region.
Spanish is the dominant language of many U.S. border communities.
Income, Employment, and Quality of Life
The six Mexican border states have poverty rates considerably below the national average, with the
exception of Tamaulipas which has a rate closer to the national average ('poverty' as defined by
Mexico). These Mexican border states also tend to have a more uniform income distribution than
for Mexico as a whole. At the municipal level, this equity in income distribution is even more
evident. However, these communities confront deficiencies in the provision of basic services, and
have more unmet needs than the national average.
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The U.S. border population, on the other hand, tends to be poorer than the rest of the country with
more than 20 percent living below the poverty level as compared to 12 percent in the country as a
whole. There are big differences in income along the U.S. border ('poverty' as defined by the U.S.).
About 8 percent of San Diego, California's population is below the poverty line while in Stan-
County, Texas about 55 percent of the population lives in poverty. Three of the ten poorest
counties in the U.S. are located in the border area and 21 U.S. border communities have been
designated as economically distressed.
In terms of employment, in Mexico many of the manufacturing jobs and associated service jobs
reflect the effect of Mexico's maquiladora program which was created in the mid-1960s. The
program grew significantly during the 1980's as a result of Mexico's peso devaluation which made
labor rates highly competitive. An increase in maquiladoras also occurred in 1995 because of the
1994 peso devaluation. From fewer than 100 maquiladoras in the 1960s there are now, over 1500
employing more than 350,000 workers and representing the second largest source of export earnings
in Mexico. The largest concentrations of maquiladora plants are in Tijuana with 515 plants
employing 95,500 employees and Ciudad Juarez with 263 plants employing 149,200.
The effect of border municipalities on Mexican national economic indicators is significant, especially
in the areas of employment and goods purchased. Also, these border municipalities have a
concentration of 11.6% of the national manufacturing workers.
In Mexico, the manufacturing activity of the border region is concentrated in the municipalities of
Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua; Tijuana and Mexicali, Baja California; Matamoros and Reynosa,
Tamaulipas, and Nogales, Sonora. These municipalities contribute 83% of the employment
generated in the region and contribute 87% and 85% of the total production and value added in the
region respectively.
In both countries, the percentage of the population engaged in agriculture is generally lower than in
the rest of the country; although in a few border counties, primarily in the lower Rio Grande area
and Imperial County, California, agriculture is important.
Colonias:
Colonias are rural settlements with substandard housing and poor living conditions along the U.S.-
Mexicah border. They are found mostly in New Mexico and Texas. It is estimated that over
390,000 people in Texas and 42,000 people in New Mexico live in colonias. These communities
often lack basic services of potable water, waste treatment, drainage, electricity, and paved roads.
The federal government and the states of Texas and New Mexico have undertaken steps and are
exploring new ways to address colonias problems.
Education:
The Mexican border states have better access to education and education levels greater than the
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national average. For example, in Nuevo Leon and Sonora about 90 percent of the population ages
5 to 14 have access to education. Data on the percent of the population considered to be without
schooling shows about 18 percent at the national level versus less than 10 percent in the border area.
In the U.S. there are great variations in levels of education among border counties. For example,
over 90% of the population in San Diego, California have completed nine years of school while
only 52% of the population in Maverick, Texas has done so. Similar data on the percent of the
population who are high school graduates show about 82 percent of the population of San Diego
County as having earned high school diplomas while only 20 percent of the population in Zapata,
Texas has graduated from high school.
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The information contained in this annex was drawn from the following sources:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
County and City Data Book 1994, U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census Government
Printing Office, Washington D.C., 1994.
The Colegio de la Frontera Norte and its investigation entitled: Social and Economic Structure of the
Northern Border: Feb 1995.
Institute Nacional de Estadistica, Geografia e Informatica, in their published works: Collection of
Annual statistics for the Northern Border States. (1994 Edition)
Institute Nacional de Estadistica, Geografia e Informatica, Northern Border Basic Tabulated
Information, Volumes I and II of the XI General Census, 1990.
National Center for Health Statistics.
Sweedler, reprinted from David Lowrey ed., United States Border Statistics Since 1990 Los Angeles,
UCLA Latin America Center Publications, University of California, Los Angeles, 1990.
Report of the Public Advisory Committee, State of the U.S.-Mexico Border Environment, September
The U.S. Mexico Border Environment Report-Surface Water Quality (Draft), USEPA and Lockheed
Texas Water Development Board, Colonias Needs Survey (executive summary).
Twin Plant News, June 1996.
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ANNEX 2
A Brief Description of Government Agencies involved
in the Border XXI Program
Mexico and the United States have a history of environmental cooperation extending over the past
100 years. Both nations have a federal system of government; therefore, in addition to environmental
agencies and laws of each government on the national level, state and local environmental laws and
institutions also exist and are very important. The following is a brief description of governmental
agencies at the national level involved with the environment and natural resources of the border area.
A. Agencies within the Federal Government of Mexico
SEMARNAP:
Secretrariat of Environment, Natural Resources, and Fisheries
Some of the principle lines of action of SEMARNAP are the promotion of the transition towards
sustainable development, reduction of the processes of environmental deterioration, development of
rational use of natural resource potential, and improvement of environmental aspects of productive
processes that drive development.
SEMARNAP was established by presidential order and published in the Official Register of the
Federation on December 28, 1994. Some of the other priority actions of this institution, are
encouragement of consumption patterns which are more favorable for sustainable development' and
development of natural resource programs which favor the eradication of poverty.
To this end, SEMARNAP promotes public involvement and transparent environmental and natural
resource policies, and pursues a process of decentralization of functions to achieve more efficient
integrated regional coordination.
Along these lines, the Secretariat organized the integration of four regional consultative councils, as
well as a national consultative council which convened state governments, social agencies and
businesses, non governmental organizations, and academia and centers of scientific research to
promote a partnership in the development and oversight of environmental policy and the beneficial
use of natural resources.
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*
Within this context, SEMARNAP both strengthens the legal framework and enforcement of laws,
standards and programs, and promotes the modernization of institutional practices to achieve a
functional and versatile management approach and transparent performance at all levels of the
Secretariat.
SEMARNAP is composed of three subdivisions: 1) Planning, 2) Natural Resources and Fisheries, and
3) five decentralized administrative departments - the National Water Commission (CNA), the
National Institute of Ecology (INE), the Federal Attorney General's Office of Environmental
Protection (PROFEPA), the National Fisheries Institute (INP), and the Mexican Institute of Water
Technology (DtfTA).
The National Commission for the Use and Knowledge of Biodiversity (CONABIO) is a centralized
division of SEMARNAP.
Subsecretrariat of Natural Resources
This agency is responsible for formulating and conducting policy for SEMARNAP for protection and
sustainable use of forestry resources, restoration and conservation of soils, administration of beaches,
the federal maritime zone, and national waters.
It's objective is to establish a structure that combines, organizes, and systematizes these issues in legal
and administrative terms, so as to operate them in an integral way which furthers sustainable
development. •.
To fulfill its mission, the Subsecrtariat of Natural Resources is organized in three general divisions:
Forestry, Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zones, and Restoration and Conservation of Soils.
Stibsecretariat of Fisheries
This administration has planned the growth of the Mexican fishing industry under the concept of
sustainable development. This entails the consistent application of policy oriented toward the rational
use of resources, respect for biodiversity and ecosystems, and the active participation of fishermen
under the concept of responsible fishing.
Within this framework the federal government, through SEMARNAP, has proposed to reorganize
its traditional fisheries and develop new options within the industry.
These options include the revision of fishing laws based on strategies developed by the nation's
cooperatives and commercial fishermen; the realization of a study of fishing activity and of the most
important fisheries; development of policies which foster effective administration of living marine
resources; development and promotion of aquaculture; infrastructure and renovation of the fishing
fleet; the strengthening of investigative programs and species protection; financing and investment;
and strengthening of international policy.
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The Fisheries Subsecretariat has four general divisions to fulfill its mission: Fishery Promotion,
Fisheries Administration, Infrastructure and Fishing Fleet, and'Aquaculture.
PROFEPA: Federal Attorney General for Environmental Protection
PROFEPA was created in mid-1992 under the direction of the Secretariat of Social Development
and is currently an autonomous satellite of SEMARNAP. PROFEPA's primary objective is to
increase compliance with environmental regulations so as to further sustainable development.
Initially, PROFEPA was conceived as the institution in charge of verifying industrial activities within
federal jurisdiction, through a combination of oversight actions and voluntary compliance under the
General Law of Ecological Equilibrium.
Since the creation of SEMARNAP, the Federal Government has a new organizational plan that
integrates environmental and natural resources policies. Under this structure, PROFEPA increased
its functions and roles in very significant ways, and is now charged with oversight in forestry matters,
fisheries, flora and fauna, as well as federal maritime terrestrial zones and national waters.
In order to fulfill this mission, PROFEPA has three subdivisions dedicated to: Industrial Compliance
Monitoring, Natural Resource Compliance Monitoring, and Environmental Audits.
CNA: National Water Commission
The National Water Commission (CNA) is an autonomous satellite of SEMARNAP, whose primary
objective is the administration of national waters to satisfy the needs of different social sectors, in
terms of quantity, quality, time, and space.
As the heir to a very important hydraulic tradition, CNA is a service institution that promotes the
sustainable development of a strategic and vital resource for the country: water.
In order to fulfill its responsibilities, CNA has five general subdivisions: Construction, Operation,
Technical, Planning, and Administration.
INE: National Ecology Institute
INE is an autonomous satellite of SEMARNAP which has the under its authority design of general
environmental regulations and standards and their application through various mechanisms.
Its responsibilities covers the following concerns: development of regulations and standards;
development of economic incentives; licensing and permitting systems; evaluation of the
environmental impacts of activities and projects; ecological classification; risk assessment and
accident prevention; approval of programs and projects for the management of hazardous and solid
wastes; control of transboundary movement of hazardous materials and hazardous wastes; municipal
solid waste policy; promotion of environmental infrastructure; creation and management of natural
protected areas (including national parks); conservation and management of wild flora and fauna;
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sustainable management of wild flora and fauna; fulfillment of international agreements in Mexico;
technologies for the sustainable use of resources and environmental quality of productive processes,
services and transportation; promotion of scientific research and technology; and environmental
information systems.
In order to fulfill its responsibilities, INE is organized in five general divisions: Environmental
Regulation, Environmental Impact and Ecological Management, Waste Materials and Hazardous
Activities, Conservation and Ecological Use, and Management and Environmental Information.
CONABIO: National Commission for the Understanding and Use of Biodiversity
CONABIO was created by Presidential Decree on March 16, 1992, with the purpose of coordinating
and promoting the efforts that are being carried on by numerous institutions and groups in Mexico
through three principal lines of action: 1) knowledge of the nation's biodiversity specifically through
inventories, networks and databases, 2) sustainable use, and
3) dissemination of information on biodiversity to the public.
Because CONABIO has a promotion and coordination role, the largest part of its resources are
channeled to support studies and projects of existing institutions or groups. Priorities are established
through consultations with experts or interested organizations. CONABIO has made possible various
meetings with the directors of the most important research institutions, and with some of the most
important international and Mexican experts on issues related to their areas of expertise.
Secretarial of Health
SSA: General Division for Environmental Health
Assigned to the sub-Secretariat of Hygiene Regulation and Development, the General Division for
Environmental Health (SSA) has been assigned the following responsibilities: determination of the
maximum concentration levels of environmental contaminants permissible for humans; establish and
coordinate the oversight system and the certification of water quality; issue norms and criteria for
environmental health, occupational and basic sanitation; enforcement and oversight of health
standards in establishments where toxic and hazardous agents represent a health risk; establish
priorities concerning environmental health impact studies; exercise control and oversight in import
and export processes and final disposition of pesticides, fertilizers, and toxic substances that pose
health risks; and promote the development of educational activities on environmental health.
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B. Agencies within the Federal Government of the United
States
EPA: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EPA is charged by Congress to protect the nation's land, air, and water systems. Under a mandate
of national environmental laws, the Agency strives to formulate and implement actions that lead to
a compatible balance between human activities and the ability of natural systems to support and
nurture life.
EPA works in partnership with state, county, municipal, and tribal governments to carry out its
mission. State and local standards may exceed federal standards, but they cannot be less stringent
EPA works with states and municipalities so they can carry out federal standards consistently but
flexibly. The Agency also makes extensive efforts to involve the public in environmental protection
Some laws specifically invite public monitoring; others allow individuals to sue polluters or to notify
environmental agencies of violations.
Through research, development, and technical assistance, EPA generates and disseminates
sound science and engineering to support its missions. These efforts provide the data that the Agency
needs to set and address priorities in identifying, assessing, and managing serious risks to public
health and the environment. EPA's research combines the in-house expertise of Agency scientists and
engineers with complementary research by universities and nonprofit organizations under a
competitive, peer-review extramural program.
EPA was formally established as an independent agency in the Executive Branch in December 1970
The Agency incorporated various departments and independent agencies, responsible for air and
water pollution control, solid-waste management, pesticide regulation, a program for monitoring
radiation, and the drinking-water program.
Today, EPA administers eleven comprehensive environmental protection laws: the Clean Air Act the
Clean Water Act; the Safe Drinking Water Act; the Comprehensive Environmental Response
Compensation, and Liability Act ("Superfund"); the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act the
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act; the Toxic Substances Control Act; the Uranium
Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act; the Lead Contamination Control Act; the Ocean Dumping Ban
Act; and the National Environmental Education Act.
The Agency is directed by an Administrator and a Deputy Administrator, both appointed by the
President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Nine Assistant Administrators the Agency's
General Counsel, and its Inspector General, also are named by the President and are subject to Senate
confirmation.
The nine Assistant Administrators manage specific programs, such as those protecting the air water
and land of Americans, or direct other Agency functions, such as enforcement of environmental laws'
and international activities. > '
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Three Associate Administrators are named by the Administrator to carry out programs for public
affairs, congressional and legislative relations, and regional, state, and local relations.
Ten Regional Administrators work closely with state and local governments to carry out the Agency
mission.
DOI: U.S. Department of Interior
As the Nation's principal conservation agency, DOI has responsibility for most of our nationally-
owned public lands and natural and cultural resources. This includes fostering wise use of our land
and water resources, protecting our fish and wildlife, preserving the environmental and cultural values
of our national parks and historical places, and providing for the enjoyment of life through outdoor
recreation The Department assesses our energy and mineral resources and works to assure that their
development is in the best interests of all our people. The Department also has a major responsibility
for American Indian reservation communities and for people who live in Island Territories under U.S.
administration.
The Department of the Interior has a headquarters and regional structures and each Bureau has
headquarters, regional, and field structures. On August 11, 1994, an Environmental Charter was
executed in Washington, D.C. and signed by all eight of the DOI Bureaus that have activities in the
border region. This charter formally established a DOI U.S./Mexico Border Field Coordinating
Committee and recognizes that "the border region contains nationally significant natural and cultural
resource protection areas such as national parks, national wildlife refuges, national forests, national
conservation areas, wilderness areas, waterways, natural resources, and special areas for protection
on the Outer Continental Shelf." The charter also recognizes that "a myriad of federal trust species,
including federally endangered or threatened species, migratory birds, and some marine mammals,
occur in the border area." The eight DOI bureaus agreed to form this cross-bureau committee with
a mandate to promote, facilitate, and enhance communication and coordination between and among
the signatories of the Environmental Charter on U.S./Mexico border-related issues. The committee
acts as DOI's principle mechanism to increase coordination with our counterparts in Mexico and other
agencies to focus attention on environmental issues along the border.
BIA: DOI Bureau of Indian Affairs
BIA's mission is to enhance the quality of life, promote economic opportunity, and carry out the
responsibility to protect and improve the trust assets of American Indians, Indian tribes, and Alaska
Natives. BIA manages a complex, multifaceted organization that includes programs in education,
social services, law enforcement, courts, housing improvement, financial services, irrigation, road
construction, natural resource management, and land tenure. BIA's priority is to support and enhance
tribal governments by fostering cooperation and coordination in consultation with Indian tribes, while
supporting self-determination and tribal sovereignty.
BLM: DOI Bureau of Land Management
BLM is responsible for sustaining the health, diversity, and productivity of public lands for the use
and enjoyment of present and future generations. BLM administers 2.8 million hectares (6.9 million
acres) of public land located in California, Arizona, and New Mexico, within 100 km (62 miles) of
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the U.S.-Mexico border region. BLM administers these public lands within a framework of numerous
laws. The most comprehensive of these is the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976
(FLPMA). FLPMA requires that public lands are managed under the principles of multiple use and
sustained yield. All BLM policies, procedures, and management actions must be consistent with
FLPMA and other laws that govern use of public land
BJR: DOI Bureau of Reclamation
BR's mission involves management, protection, and enhancement of water and related resources in
an environmentally and economically sound manner for urban, agricultural, and wildlife uses, as well
as flood control and recreation. While the economic basis for many BR projects was irrigated
agriculture, because of rapid population growth, including areas along the border, there is a shifting
emphasis in water demand for municipal, industrial, and environmental uses. In response to changing
national priorities and values, BR is now engaged in integrating innovative technologies that focus
on a balanced approach to water resources management in order to meet these changing needs.
FWS: DOI Fish and Wildlife Service
FWS has a broad mandate to conserve, protect, and enhance fish and wildlife resources and their
habitats for the continuing benefit of people. The FWS's major responsibilities are for migratory
birds, endangered species, certain marine mammals, and freshwater and andadromous fish FWS
accomplishes this by managing a system of National Wildlife Refuges, provides compliance with
federal laws and regulations, and offers technical assistance and funds to other federal agencies
States, Tribal, local governments, and private land owners. FWS has international mandates under
such laws and treaties as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, the North American Wetlands
Conservation Act, and international agreements under the Endangered Species Act and the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
MMS: DOI Minerals Management Service
MMS is responsible for the management of the Federal Outer Continental Shelf- submerged lands
off U.S. coasts, in which the U.S. has sovereignty over the natural resources, in a seabed that parallels
the U.S. shoreline. These lands, seaward of State waters, have the potential to supply a significant
portion of the U.S. Energy and mineral needs. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) leases currently
account for about one-fourth of U.S. domestic natural gas production and one-eighth of our U S
domestic oil production.
NFS: DOI National Park Service
The principal responsibility of NPS is the protection of park resources in support of the 1916
legislation that created NPS and charged the agency "to conserve the scenery and the natural and
historic objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner
and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations " The
system now comprises more than 349 areas of great diversity including parks, monuments, historic
sites, battlefields, seashores and lakeshores, and recreation areas. NPS also directs programs to assist
states, other federal agencies, local governments, and individuals in the protection of historical
natural, and archeological resources. '
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USGS: DOT U.S. Geological Survey
USGS is the largest earth-science research and information agency in the U.S. It was established to
conduct systematic and scientific "classification of the public lands and examination of the geologic
structure, mineral resources, and products of the national domain." USGS provides geologic,
topographic, and hydrologic information that contributes to the wise management of natural resources
and promotes the health, safety, and well-being of the people. This information consists of maps, data
bases, and descriptions and analyses of water, energy, and mineral resources, land surface, underlying
geologic structure, and dynamic processes of the earth.
NBS: DOINational Biological Service
NBS is devoted to providing quality biological science. The mission of NBS is to work cooperatively
with other entities to provide scientific understanding and technologies needed to support sound
management and conservation of our national biological resources. The primary role of NBS is to
meet biological research needs of other organizations within DOI, other federal agencies, states, local
entities, tribes, and private and nonprofit users.
USDA-NCRS:
U.S. Department Of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation
Service
The mission of NRCS is to provide leadership and administer programs to help people conserve,
improve, and sustain our natural resources and environment." In order to achieve our mission, NRCS
provides technical and financial assistance to private landowners as well as federal, state, and local
government. Assistance is provided to plan and implement soil and water conservation and
improvement practices on private lands used for crop and timber production, livestock grazing and
other domestic uses. Assistance is provided through partnerships with Soil and Water Conservation
Districts on private, state and federal lands. Soil and Water Conservation Districts are composed of
private citizen volunteers interested in the conservation of natural resources.
HHS: U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services
The Department of Health and Human Services the United States government's principal agency for
protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those
who are least able to help themselves.
The Department includes some 250 Programs, covering a wide spectrum of activities. HHS works
closely with state and local governments, and many HHS-funded services are provided at the local
level by state or county agencies, or through private sector grantees. The Department's programs are
administered by 10 principal HHS operating divisions:
National Institutes of Health
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration
Agency for Health Care Policy and Research
• Food and Drug Administration
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Indian Health Service
Health Resources and Services Administration
Health Care Financing Administration
Administration for Children and Families
• Administration on Aging
Commerce: U.S. Department of Commerce
The activities of the Department - promoting economic growth through civilian technology, export
growth, sustainable development, economic development, and economic information and
analysis-have worked in strategic harmony to provide increased economic security for all Americans.
The Department of Commerce is the only federal agency tying together economics, environment,
trade, technology and information, making the whole greater than the sum of its parts.
Protecting the natural environment and creating high-quality jobs are central goals of Commerce. The
Department works with the private sector to create opportunities and incentives so businesses,
communities and individuals can prosper through environmentally sound growth. The late Secretary
Brown served on the President's Council on Sustainable Development which is tasked with
developing practical approaches to implement sustainable development principles.
Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has established several
strategic sustainable development goals to be accomplished in the next century. These include
building sustainable fisheries, recovering protected species and promoting healthy coastal ecosystems.
Commerce led an interagency group that issues a Strategic Framework for Environmental
Technology Exports. Commerce's International Trade Administration (ITA) and its newly formed
Office of Environmental Technologies Exports established the Environmental Technology Trade
Advisory Committee. The committee will provide direct industry input into developing and
managing programs to expand U.S. sales of environmental technologies.
In partnership with the private sector, the Department of Commerce supports our country's
fundamental goal: enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy and the economic security
of the American people. The Department will continue to work towards partnering with the private
sector to expand experts; develop and deploy civilian technology, provide economic and
environmental information; assist economically troubled communities; and create sustainable
development at home and abroad.
NOAA: National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's mission is to describe and predict changes
in the Earth's environment and conserve and manage wisely the Nation's coastal and marine resources
to ensure sustainable economic opportunities. NOAA predicts environmental changes, protects life
and property, provides decision makers with reliable scientific information, and fosters global
environmental stewardship. NOAA's two primary missions, environmental assessments and
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prediction, and environmental stewardship, are implemented in an integrated manner through its line
organizations and programs including the National Weather Service, National Marine Fisheries
Service, National Ocean Service, Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, and National
Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service.
DOJ: U.S. Department of Justice
The Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice (the "Division") is
the United States' environmental lawyer. The Division is responsible for representing federal
agencies in environmental and natural resources litigation before federal and state courts. Together
with colleagues in the 94 U.S. Attorneys' Offices, the Division works closely with our client agencies,
such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Interior, to enforce and defend
the nation's environmental and natural resources laws.
A significant portion of the Division's work involves litigation under statutes governing pollution
control and environmental protection. This work includes initiating civil enforcement actions to
assess liability, prevent pollution, and ensure cleanup; prosecuting those who violate criminal laws
intended to prevent pollution; and defending actions that have been brought against federal agencies.
The Division also represents the United States in all matters concerning the protection, use and
development of the nation's natural resources and public lands, wildlife protection, Indian rights and
claims, and the acquisition of federal properties. Finally, the Division also works on policy,
legislative, and international matters relating to environmental and natural resource protection.
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ANNEX 3
A Brief Description of U.S.-MeYiVo
Environmental Agreements and
International Institutions
IBWC: International Boundary and Water Commission
The United States and Mexico signed a treaty in 1889 creating the International Boundary Com-
rmSS10n (IBC). The mandate of the me was to resolve problems of boundary demarcation be-
tween Mexico and the United States caused by changes in the courses of the Colorado and Rio
Grande overs. In 1944, the two nations signed the Treaty on Utilization of Waters of the Colo-
rado and Tyuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande (the Water Treaty) transforming the International
Boundary Commission into the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) The
Water Treaty extended the Commission's purview to include maintaining the land boundary and
apportioning the waters in the aforementioned rivers. It also enhanced the Commission's author-
ity to address issues regarding water quality, conservation, and use along the boundary In addi-
tion to these duties, the IBWC was given authority, to deal with border water sanitSion issues
through projects mutually agreed upon by Mexico and the United States.
La Paz Agreement: 1983 United States-Mexico Agreement
on Cooperation for the Protection and Improvement of the
Environment in the Border Area
In 1983 the United States and Mexico signed, in La Paz, Baja California, the Agreement on
Cooperation for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in the Border Area oth-
erwise known as the "La Paz Agreement" or the "1983 Border Environmental Agreement"' This
document established a framework for cooperation between the two countries to prevent reduce
and eliminate sources of air, water, and land pollution in the zone extending 100 kilometers along
each side of the international boundary. The La Paz Agreement creates a procedure for establish
mg annexes which facilitate cooperation on specific environmental issues. Currently there are
rive such annexes. J'
Annex I provides for the construction and operation of the Tijuana/San Diego wastewater treat-
ment fccdrt.es. Activities related to this project are carried out in coordination with the IBWC
This annex was signed by Mexico and the United States on July 18, 1985.
Annex II authorizes the establishment of the Inland Joint Response Team (JRT) to respond to
accidental spills of hazardous substances in the border area. It was signed on July 18 1985 and
is complemented by the 1988 Joint U.S,Mexico Contingency Plan for Accidental Releases of
Hazardous Substances Along the Border.
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Annex III establishes procedures governing the transboundary shipment of hazardous wastes and
hazardous substances between the U.S. and Mexico. Annex III was signed on November 12,
1986.
Annex IV requires certain copper smelters in the border area to comply with specific limits on
emissions; contains reporting requirements; and provides for the exchange, between the U.S and
Mexico, of emissions and compliance monitoring data on copper smelters in their respective bor-
der states. The annex was signed on January 29, 1987.
Annex V calls for an assessment of the causes of, and solutions to, binational urban air quality
problems in the border area. Annex V was signed on October 3, 1989.
Orieinallv four binational workgroups of technical experts were established pursuant to the La
Paz Agreement to implement the Agreement and its annexes. In 1991, two new workgroups
were created The six workgroups are: Water, Hazardous Waste, Air, Contingency
Planning/Emergency Response (the Inland Joint Response Team - JRT), Coope^ Enforce-
ment and Pollution Prevention. The Water Workgroup works closely with the IBWC and the
Border Environmental Cooperation Commission (BECC) to establish binational funding priorities
for wastewater treatment plants and drinking water facilities in the border area.
Work carried out under the La Paz Agreement is coordinated by two National Coordinators: the
International Affairs Coordinator in SEMARNAP and the Assistant Administrator for In-
ternational Activities of EPA. The National Coordinators meet at least once per year to review
the progress on implementation of the Agreement and environmental cooperation activities be-
tween the two countries.
IBEP: Integrated Environmental Plan for the Mexico/U.S.
Border Area
The Integrated Environmental Plan for the Mexican-U.S. Border Area Environmental'Plan
First Stage 1992-94 commonly referred to as the Integrated Border Environmental Plan (IBEP)
grew out of a meeting between the President of Mexico and the President of the United States on
November 27 1990 in Monterrey, Mexico, on the potential economic benefits and environmental
effects of trade liberalization between the two countries. The IBEP reflected the idea that long-
term economic growth is not possible without environmental protection and long-term environ-
mental protection is not possible without economic growth. The goal of the Plan was to protect
human health and natural ecosystems along the border. It had four specific objectives: (1) to
strengthen the enforcement of environmental laws; (2) to reduce pollution through new initiatives;
(3) to increase cooperative planning, training and education; and (4) to improve the understanding
of border environmental problems.
NAFTA: The North American Free Trade Agreement
The North American Free Trade Agreement contains a number of environmental provisions, and
an additional trilateral environmental agreement was negotiated to supplement it. Subsequently, a
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bilateral agreement was signed to address the deficiencies in water and waste infrastructure in the
border area.
NAAEC: The North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation
The North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC) was negotiated by the
United States, Canada and Mexico. The NAAEC entered into force together with the NAFTA on
January 1, 1994. Its two main objectives are to promote cooperation to improve environmental
conditions in North America and to improve national enforcement of each country's laws related
to environmental protection.
To help achieve these objectives, the governments agreed to establish the trinational Commission
for Environmental Cooperation (CEC). The CEC, headquartered in Montreal, Canada, is led by a
Council, composed of the three environment ministers. The Council of Ministers meets at least
annually for a regular session. All decisions and recommendations of the Council are to be made
public, except when the Council decides otherwise or where the NAAEC specifically requires oth-
erwise. The Council of Ministers may take up any environmental matter within the scope of the
NAAEC. r
The day-to-day work of the CEC is carried out by a permanent, independent Secretariat headed
by an Executive Director who is chosen by the Council. The Executive Director selects the Secre-
tariat's staff, taking into consideration candidates suggested by the three governments and the
trinational Joint Public Advisory Committee (JPAC) established by the NAAEC. The Secretariat
develops the Commission's annual program and budget to be approved by the Council.
The CEC reports annually to the public on certain issues and on actions by the three countries
regarding their obligations under the agreement. It reports periodically on the state of the envi-
ronment of the three countries and the Secretariat may report publicly on any matter brought to
its attention that is within the scope of the Annual Program or related to the cooperative functions
of the agreement, unless the matter is related to a country's failure to enforce environmental laws
and regulations or the Council objects by a 2/3 vote to the preparation of a report The Secretar-
iat may also prepare a factual record based on a submission from the public that a country is fail-
ing to effectively enforce its environmental law, as long as the submission meets certain criteria
and two-thirds of the Council agrees the record may be prepared.
Advice is given to the Council of the CEC by the JPAC, composed of five non-governmental ad-
visors from each country. The JPAC meets at least once each year, concurrent with the regular
session of the Council of Ministers. In addition to advising the Council, the JPAC provides tech-
nical, scientific, or other information to the Secretariat. It also provides input on the annual pro-
gram, budget, and reports of the CEC.
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation is designed to support and augment NAFTA and
its institutions, such as the NAFTA Free Trade Commission. The CEC is a primary point of pub-
lic inquiry and point for receipt of public comments regarding NAFTA's environmental objectives
It may also assist the Free Trade Commission in dispute resolution, dispute avoidance and other
environment related matters.
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U.S./Mexico Agreement on the Border Environmental Cooperation
Commission and the North American Development Bank
The second environmental agreement negotiated to augment the NAFTA is the U.S./Mexico
Agreement Concerning the Establishment of a Border Environmental Cooperation Commission
and the North American Development Bank ("BECC-NADBank Agreement"). Like the
trinational NACEC, it entered into force together with NAFTA on January 1, 1994. The BECC-
NADBank Agreement targets certain environmental problems in the border region in order to
remedy transboundary environmental or health problems. It establishes two institutions to address
such environmental issues.
BECC- The Border Environmental Cooperation Commission
The Border Environmental Cooperation Commission (BECC), located in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico,
helps formulate effective solutions to environmental problems in or near the border region by
working with state agencies, local communities, and other project sponsors to develop and
implement environmental infrastructure projects. The Agreement defines BECC's project priori-
ties as water wastewater, municipal solid waste, and related matters. The BECC determines
whether a project that meets certain technical, financial and environmental criteria should be certi-
fied as eligible for North American Development Bank financing. Although the BECC does not
develop or manage projects itself, it may provide technical, environmental, and.financial expertise
to all phases of a project.
The BECC has a staff of professionals from both the United States and Mexico, who work with
the engineering staff of the IBWC and private contractors to provide a foil range of project
services including engineering, design, project siting, environmental analysis, and oversight of
construction and operation. The principal professional staff members are a General Manager and
a Deputy General Manager, who must be of different nationalities.
The BECC is governed by a Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is comprised of two ex
offlcio members and three appointees from both Mexico and the United States, for a total often
members The two nations alternatively select a chairperson who serves for a one year term and
may be reappointed. For the United States, the two ex officio members are the Administrator of
the EPA and the Commissioner of the U.S. IBWC. For Mexico, the two ex officio members are
the Secretary of SEMARNAP and the Commissioner of the Mexican Section of the IBWC. The
three other members from each country must have expertise in environmental planning, econom-
ics engineering, finance, "or other related matters." One member from each country must be a
representative of a border state and one, a representative of a locality in the border region. The
third position from each country is filled by someone who is a resident of the border region.
The Board of Directors consults with an Advisory Council. The Advisory Council plays a consul-
tative role regarding general guidelines, criteria applied to projects, and other aspects of the
certification process and of the work of the BECC. It must meet at least quarterly.
The Advisory Council consists of nine members from the United States and nine from Mexico,
totaling 18 members serving two-year terms. Each nation chooses from among its members one
co-chair to lead the Council. The Agreement requires six of the nine members from the U.S. to
be residents of U.S. border states, with at least four states represented. These six members must
represent states, localities, or local community groups. The three remaining members of the Advi-
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sory Council from the United States are selected from the public. One must represent a scientific,
professional, business, non-profit or public interest organization or association.
The Agreement requires Mexico to have six of its nine members of the Advisory Council be resi-
dents of Mexican border states, one from each state. These six people must represent states
localities, or local community groups. The three remaining members are drawn from the general
public. One must represent a scientific, professional, business, non-profit or public interest
organization or association.
In September 1995, the BECC adopted its Project Submission Guidelines and Certification
ntena, and has used them to certify seven water-related infrastructure projects in Texas Califor-
nia, Arizona, Tamaulipas, Sonora, and Baja California. The BECC has also adopted rules of pro-
cedure, certification criteria, instituted an extensive outreach program, and is developing a
technical assistance program.
NADBank: The North American Development Bank
The second institution created by the Border Environmental Cooperation Agreement is the North
American Development Bank (NADBank), located in San Antonio, Texas. The NADBank's pur-
pose is to arrange for public and private investment in environmental infrastructure projects certi-
fied by the BECC. The NADBank is capitalized and governed equally by Mexico and the United
States. It uses 90 percent of its capital to leverage approximately $2 billion or more of private
funds in capital markets in order to finance construction of border environmental projects through
bond and other financial instruments.
Its binational Board of Directors comprises three ex officio members from both Mexico and the
United States, for a total of six members. The members from the United States are the Secretary
of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Administrator of the EPA. The three Mexican ex
officio members are the Secretary of Finance, Secretary of SEMARNAP, and the Secretary of
Trade and Industry (SECOFI).
The nationality of the chairperson, who is chosen from among the six ex officio members alter-
nates between the two countries. The chairperson serves a one-year term. The Board of Direc-
tors must meet at least annually, and at least one meeting a year must be open to the public.
The NADBank's principal professional staff members are a Manager and Deputy Manager who
are of different nationalities.
The NADBank adopted its financing criteria in December 1995, and will use them to consider
BECC-certified projects for financing.
Agreements Governing Natural Resources
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES)
signed by the U.S. in 1973 and by Mexico in 1991. CITES establishes a worldwide system of im-
port and export regulations to prevent the over-exploration of plants and animals listed in the
three appendices to the Convention.
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Convention on Nature Protection and Wildlife Preservation in the Western Hemisphere. Under
this 1940 treaty, the governments of Mexico, United States, and 16 other American republics ex-
pressed their wish to "protect and preserve in their natural habitat representatives of all species
and genera of their native flora and fauna, including migratory birds" and to protect regions and
natural objects of scientific value.
Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially Waterfowl Habitats Convention,
1973. This Convention maintains a list of wetlands of international importance and works to en-
courage the wise use of all wetlands in order to preserve the ecological characteristics from which
wetland values derive.
Convention between the United States of America and the United Mexican States for the Protec-
tion of Migratory Birds and Game Mammals, signed 1936, amended 1972.
Mexico-U.S. Gulf ofMexico-U.S. Pacific, Cooperative Fisheries Program, 1983.
Agreement between the Secretary of Agriculture and Hydraulic Resources (SARH) and the U.S.
Department of Agriculture to facilitate information exchange and sustainable forestry develop-
ment, 1984.
U S /Mexico/Canada Tripartite Agreement on the Conservation of Wetlands and Their Migratory
Birds, signed 1988; modified in 1994 to include the North American Waterfowl Management
Plan.'
Letter of Intent on Scientific Investigation between Mexico's SARH Subsecretariat for Forestry
and Wildlife, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's U.S. Forest Service, 1992.
Supplemental Agreement on Scientific and Technical Cooperation on Forest Matters between
SARH's Subsecretariat for Forestry and Wildlife, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's U.S.
Forest Service, 1993.
Management Plan for Aquatic Birds of North America, 1994.
Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. National Park Service and the National Insti-
tute of Ecology, 1994.
Memorandum of Understanding to Realize Cooperative Scientific and Technical Actions between
the National Commission for the Understanding and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO) and the
U.S. Biological Service, 1995.
Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Canada/Mexico/United States Trilateral Commit-
tee for Wildlife, Plants, and Ecosystem Conservation and Management, 1996 (replaces the Joint
Committee of 1995 and the Tripatriate Committee of 1988).
Memorandum of Understanding between USGS and INEGI on border map, digital spatial infor-
mation database in the El Paso-Juarez area, 1992.
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Memorandum of Understanding between USGS and the National Autonomous University
(UN AM) in Mexico on cooperative geoscience research, hydrology, geology and mapping sci-
ences, 1994. .
Memorandum of Understanding between U.S. National Park Service and SEDESOL on coopera-
tion in management and protection of national parks and other protected natural and cultural sites
1988.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and SEDESOL Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation
establishing the Joint Commission on Wildlife Conservation, 1984.
Agreement to Prevent and Fight Forest Fires between the border states of Sonora and Arizona
signed by SARH and USD A, 1988. '
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ANNEX4
Sources of Funding
EPA Water Infrastructure Funding for 1996
In 1996, EPA expects to receive $100 million for border environmental infrastructure. EPA expects
to use these funds for several purposes: (A) constructing current EPA-assisted projects; (B)
providing technical assistance to BECC applicants; (C) constructing BECC-certified projects, in
combination with other funding sources; and (D) preparing comprehensive watershed management
planning projects.
For category A, EPA would continue funding for ongoing EPA-assisted projects (e.g., Imperial
Valley/Mexicali, Nogales/Nogales, and Rio Grande city pairs) through transition to BECC-certified
projects where possible.
For category B, EPA would assist additional communities in preparing the facility planning which
includes financial, technical and environmental feasibility analyses required for BECC certification,
especially at the BECC Step 2 application level. EPA is planning to provide approximately $10
million to the BECC for this purpose. This technical assistance program will be particularly helpful
to small communities on both sides of the border seeking to develop environmental infrastructure
projects. EPA recognizes the special needs of small communities and may consider additional
measures to provide assistance to small communities to help them understand and participate in the
project development process.
For category C, EPA would use its funds in combination with funds from SEMARNAP, the World
Bank, and other sources to make NADBank loans for BECC-certified projects more affordable.
BECC/NADBank would make an initial determination whether EPA funds are needed to make a
project affordable, and if so, request that EPA consider making funds available. Upon receipt of
such a request, EPA would work with BECC/NADBank to determine if the project is eligible and
if funding would be appropriate. EPA would evaluate BECC/NADBank requests on a case-by-case
basis, using criteria yet to be developed. EPA would work through the Water Work Group to help
establish priorities.
For category D, EPA would consider using some of the funds for comprehensive watershed
management planning projects. This would assist EPA in understanding the environmental and
human health needs along the border.
Currently only information regarding EPA Water Infrastructure Funding is available in this
document. However, for the final draft, we expect to additionally include information on the
following sources, among others: World Bank Northern Border Environment Loan,
Development Bank, NADBank, SEMARNAP's annual budget, andEPA's annual budget.
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ANNEX 5
Summary of Health Impacts From
Air Pollution Criteria Pollutants
(O3, CO, SO2, lead, PM-10)
Many border residents are currently exposed to health-threatening levels of air pollution. Ozone,
paniculate matter, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide are among air pollutants of concern in the
border region.
Ozone causes lung damage and reduced respiratory function in as short a time as one hour. Ozone
oxidizes the soft passages of the nose, mouth, and throat causing coughing, choking and eye
irritation. In addition, ozone can make the lungs brittle which reduces people's ability to breathe.
This limited lung capacity can aggravate preexisting respiratory conditions, such as asthma, to
dangerous levels and even in healthy people reduces resistance to disease.
Particulate matter is a complex mixture of soot, ashes, dirt, dust, pollens, molds, and other carbon-
based particles and acid aerosols. Sources include motor vehicles, mining, construction activity,
agricultural activity, unpaved roads, electric power generation, boilers, home heating systems, wood
burning and waste combustion. The small particles inhaled deeply into human lungs are especially
harmful to people with asthma and chronic pulmonary disease. High levels of exposure to PM-10
(particles less than 10 microns in diameter) are associated with increased emergency visits and
hospital admissions as well as to premature death. Tens of thousands of deaths every year in the
United States are associated with paniculate air pollution.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas which displaces oxygen from the blood and
thereby reduces brain and muscle activity. Carbon monoxide is fatal at high doses. Sources of
exposure include motor vehicles, gas and wood stoves, faulty heaters, and passive tobacco smoking.
Sulfur dioxide is produced by the burning of sulfur-containing impurities in fossil fuels. Sources
include large utility and industrial boilers, smelters, numerous small coal and oil combustors and
emissions from heavy-duty vehicles (e.g., trucks, buses). Health effects include increased broncho-
constriction in asthmatics to an extent that may be perceived as a mild asthma attack and respiratory
symptoms (e.g., wheeze, chest tightness) in asthmatics.
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ANNEX 6
Ongoing U.S. State and Local Hazardous and Solid
Waste Projects
CALIFORNIA
The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) Border Coordinator, through an
EPA grant, and other DTSC staff carry out a variety of U.S.-Mexico Border projects including
tracking movement of hazardous waste shipments across the state border, providing training on
California requirements for hazardous waste management and shipping, coordinating efforts by San
Diego and Imperial Counties, providing technical assistance to Mexico upon request, and supporting
Federal prosecutors' and local District Attorneys' investigations and enforcement cases as needed.
Staff of the San Diego County Hazardous Materials Management Division (HMMD) conduct
investigations of import/export of hazardous waste shipments between California and Mexico for
conformance with applicable laws and regulations. Investigations focus on the Otay Mesa, San
Ysidro, and Tecate border crossings, and involve close coordination with U.S. Customs and the
California Highway Patrol. County staff also conduct training on the basics of hazardous waste
labeling, recognition, documentation, handling and transportation.
Cal-DTSC has provided an on-site inspector to assist the Imperial County Health Department in its
hazardous waste enforcement and compliance efforts. The Cal-DTSC inspector conducts
unannounced truck stops at the border crossing in Calexico; conducts investigations of suspicious
waste shipments as requested; responds to complaints regarding waste management in the county;
conducts enforcement actions resulting from truck stops and complaint investigations as necessary;
provides technical support for criminal investigations in the county; provides training on hazardous
waste regulations, inspections, and sampling techniques to Customs and other government officials
in Imperial County; and participates in California border workgroups.
ARIZONA
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), through funding support from EPA, is
conducting surveys of small quantity and conditionally exempt small quantity hazardous waste
generators along the border as part of a broader effort to develop a multi-media industrial source
inventory. ADEQ is collecting data on raw materials, industrial processes, control technologies, and
waste handling practices of industries along the border. The data will be used to track and manage
hazardous waste disposal in the region. ADEQ has also conducted preliminary site assessments in
the border area. Sites were evaluated for evidence of possible hazardous substance releases and
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potential impacts. Preliminary assessments and site inspections were conducted through a mutual
agreement with the EPA under the Superfund program.
NEW MEXICO
New Mexico's Environment Department Hazardous and Radioactive Materials Bureau (HRMB) will
develop the Santa Teresa Border Crossing project, an enforcement plan to be in place when the new
border port of entry opens in 1998. The plan will draw from existing efforts and experience from
PROFEPA, EPA, TNRCC and other Border authorities.
TEXAS
The State of Texas will continue to conduct workshops for industry and the community covering
compliance with import/export requirements, and pollution prevention opportunities with sound
materials and waste management. They will also work with local border communities and local, state,
federal and Mexican agencies on issues related to hazardous waste. Five TNRCC staff along the
border conduct inspections at bridges, warehouses, etc., to ensure compliance with RCRA and Article
III of the La Paz Agreement along the Mexico-Texas border. In addition, TNRCC's Border Solid
Waste Program is currently funded by an EPA grant to facilitate compliance assurance in Texas'
border region. The primary focus of this program is identifying the scope and magnitude of illegal
dumping problems in this region, toward ultimately developing recommendations for feasible long-
term, cost-effective solutions to illegal dumping problems. This is a particularly critical issue since
many illegal dumps in this region have developed due to lack of solid waste services in many of Texas'
border colonias, a situation which can also lead to health problems and water quality issues. Program
staff will be working borderwide with colonia residents, regional and local government officials,
NGO's and other entities to ensure workable solutions.
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ANNEX 7
Information Resources
Past and On-going Accomplishments
Common Information System Architecture
One of the main goals of the workgroup is to develop a common information system architecture between
SEMARNAP and EPA. A first step in achieving this goal was to establish an local area network in the
EPA attache's office in the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. In the spring of 1995 a network, including a
Lotus Notes Server, which provides communication linkage to EPA, other agencies and other internet
users was installed in the EPA attache's office in Mexico City. The installation included a redesign and
reconstruction of the system environment, and training for the EPA attache office staff on the new system.
Lotus Notes
The workgroup recommended the use of Lotus Notes as the private communication software. Lotus
Notes is an EPA standard which is used by Region 9, Region 6 and Headquarters personnel involved in
the US/Mexico Border issues. Personnel in SEMARNAP have had Lotus Notes installed in their offices
and have been trained on the use of the system. This has facilitated bilateral communication and electronic
exchange of information.
Public Access
Public Access to information is an important aspect of Border XXI. With this in mind, EPA has made the
Compendium of EPABinational and Domestic U.S.-Mexico Activities available on the EPA Home page
on the internet. The Compendium is a description of environmental projects along the U.S.-Mexico
border that are funded by EPA.
EPA is in the process of establishing a public workstation and Internet access in the San Diego Border
Liaison Office. This will allow for public access to border information available on EPA's and other home
pages on the internet.
Baseline Indicators Workshop
In September 1995, EPA sponsored a binational workshop on Baseline Indicators for the U.S.-Mexico
border. The objectives of the workshop were to identify key environmental indicators, associated data and
data access opportunities. The development of draft inventory of environmental databases, published in
conjunction with the workshop, was considered the first phase in the comprehensive documentation of
federal, state and private programs that involve the collection, management and dissemination of border
environmental data. Specific recommendations were presented at the workshop that address areas of
additional work needed to serve the information needs of the stakeholders in the area.
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US-Mexico Border GIS Projects
Since 1992, University of Utah and San Diego State University have received EPA funding to develop GIS
databases along the border. Project have included data collection for the sister cities of Calexico-Mexicali,
and Nogales-Nogales and development of a data inventory for the California-Baja California region of
the U.S.-Mexico border area. These projects have involved the on-going investigation of the use of a GIS
for: modeling dense gaseous contaminant pathways in Ambos Nogales, modeling of urban dynamics in
AmbosNogales for the estimation of future air and water contaminant loads, the formulation of sister city
response planning based on analysis and modeling of the vulnerability of the residents of Ambos Nogales
to a hazardous contaminant release, and the application of Mexicali-Calexico GIS database in the
identification of agricultural sites at high risk from non-point source water contamination.
US-Mexico Border GIS - Environmental Health
A GIS database inventory of possible databases to be integrated for environmental health GIS projects has
been complied for the Arizona border region. This it the first step in a project to compile a detailed geo-
coded database which will document and track changes in socio-demographics, health and environmental
quality along the U.S.-Mexico border. The other U.S. border states are also surveying existing available
data that are common to these states in the areas of health, environment and socioeconomic factors. GIS
will be employed to examine the relationship between sentinel health events and environmental quality
(such as air and water quality, proximity to hazardous material sites, and pesticide use), and population
demographics (such as population density, migration, and population growth). This project is also cross
listed in the Environmental Health Workgroup project list.
San Diego-Tijuana Integrated Cross-Border Geographic Information System
The purpose of this project is to create a GIS for the San Diego-Tijuana interface and examine its
application to a set of environmental concerns. The specific goals of the research are: 1) to create an
integrated environmental GIS along the border between San Diego, California and Baja California; 2) To
employ GIS techniques for modeling air pollution in the Tijuana region; 3) to model urban change in the
Tijuana region; 4) to model industrial pollution using a GIS; 5) to extend recent vegetation mapping in San
Diego County to the adjoining areas south of the border; 6) to provide transferred GIS education and
training; and 7) to investigate opportunities for transborder GIS data sharing.
GIS Database Development
EPA regional offices have developed and purchased GIS and remote sensing data for. the US/Mexico
Border Region. Regions 6 and 9 have developed a common Arc/Info Library of the Bureau of Census
TIGER92 database for the whole border region. Region 6, with the assistance of Research Triangle Park
(RTP), has converted the digital chart of the world database into an Arc/Info format for use in borderwide
GIS projects. Region 9 has acquired SPOT satellite imagery for the California border region.
GIS - Arizona-Sonora Biosphere Reserve
The purpose of this project is to prepare a binational GIS to address environmental concerns in the
Arizona-Sonora area and provide a mechanism to exchange data and information via the internet with a
June 1996
Annex 7.2
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focus on cultural sensitivity index and endangered species. More detailed information on this project can
be found on the TRIP home page.
GIS - Paseo del Norte
The purpose of this project is to prepare a binational GIS to address environmental concerns in the El
Paso-Las Cruces-Ciudad Juarez area and to provide a mechanism to exchange data and information via
the internet. This project will focus on air quality, water quality and health issues. More detailed
information on this project can be found on the TRIP home page.
GIS - Laguna Madre
The purpose of this project is to prepare a binational GIS to address environmental concerns in the Laguna
Madre area and to provide a mechanism to exchange data and information via the internet. This project
will focus on coastal issues. More detailed information on this project can be found on the TRIP home
page.
GIS - Tijuana River Watershed Project
The goal of the Tijuana River watershed project is to produce a comprehensive geographic information
system. The initiatives of the project are the development of a GIS to be used for discussion support,
public outreach, environmental education, scientific research, and watershed management.
Texas-Mexico Borderlands Data and Information Center
The Texas Natural Resources Information System (TNRIS) at the TWDB serves as a data clearinghouse
in Texas. TNRIS serves all state agencies, federal agencies, academia, the private sector and the public.
In FY93, TNRIS through an EPA grant, established the Texas-Mexico Borderlands Data and Information
Center to provide natural resource and demographic data for both sides of the border. TNRIS used these
fUnds to purchase maps, aerial photos and data sets along both sides of the border and to establish a
bulletin board system (BBS) and a separate area dedicated to border data. In 1995, the grant was
extended to provide the manpower needed to coordinate with other related border activities to develop
and publish an inventory of available data along Texas-Mexico border in the state clearinghouse. TNRIS
efforts will help integrate and institutionalize access to a wide variety of related border data activities,
including CIESIN and TRIP, into the state's natural resources clearinghouse.
UT-Austin GPS International Border Initiative
In FY94, the Region funded a project to develop a Geographical Information System (GIS)
relational database, using real-time GPS technology (DGPS), of pollution sources regulated along
the Mexican border in Texas and New Mexico. The first year focused on methods development
and major sources in the counties around sister cities. During the second year, the project will be
expanded to include additional areas along the Region 6 border area and to locate additional
minor or hard to find sites.
UTEP WHPA GIS/GPS Workshop May 15-17,1996
June 1996 Annex 7.3
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This three-day workshop 1) introduced basic GIS concepts and GIS project planning, 2) provided
a hands-on introduction to collecting and processing GPS data, and 3) presented a GIS project
developed in ArcView. The primary focus of the workshop was the UTEP Well Head Protection
Area program in El Paso County, Texas. The Workshop included a mix of classroom lecture,
field data collection (GPS), and hands-on computer exercises. On days two and three the class
was split to accommodate space in computer labs.
Border Water-related GIS Catalog
The Office of Water published the first edition of Water-Related GISs Along the United States-
Mexico Border (EPA-832-B-93-004) in July 1993. Some 26 systems were summarized.
Border State-EPA Data sharing Partnerships
An important aspect of the EPA GIS regional programs is building GIS partnerships to promote
better cooperation with and assistance to states, and to advance compatibility among GIS's in the
ten EPA regional offices and the EPA Headquarters program offices. This effort will address
expansion of GIS along the border with more users and projects in the states. The effort will
promote cooperation and technology transfer among states and EPA regional offices through
exchange of data, training, establishing standards, and coordinating data acquisition and
development.
June 1996
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Region 9
Border XXI
Information Repository Listings
California and Arizona Border Region
City/Area
San Diego
Chula Vista
Imperial Beach
San Ysidro
Otay-Mesa
Potrero
Jacumba
Alpine
Library
Central Library
820 E Street
San Diego, C A 92101
Chula Vista Library
365 F Street
Chula Vista, CA 91910
San Diego County - Imperial
Beach Branch
810 Imperial Beach Blvd.
Imperial Beach, CA 91932
San Ysidro Branch Library
101 W.San Ysidro Blvd.
San Ysidro, CA 92173
Otay-Mesa Branch
3003 Coronado Ave.
San Diego, C A 92154
Potrero Public Library
24955 Library Lane
Potrero, CA 91963
Jacumba County Library
44511 Old Highway 80
Jacumba, CA 91934
Mailto: P.O. Box 186
Alpine County Library
2130 Arnold Way
Alnine CA 91901
Phone #
619.236.5800
619.691.5069
619.424.6981
619.424.0475
619.424.0474
619.478.5978
619.766.4608
619.445.4221
Contact Person
Frances Bookheim
Eric Rhee
L. Robinson
Jim Frazier
Christine Gonzalez
Candy Bonner
Sherry Davis
Pat Szelenyi
June 1996
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Citv/Area
Campo
Imperial
Calexico
Yuma
Nogales
Bisbee
Douglas
Library
Campo Marina County
Library
P.O. Box 207
Campo, CA 91906
Imperial Public Library
200 West 9th St.
Imperial, CA 92251
Mail to: P.O. Box 3A
Camarena Memorial Library
850 Encinas Ave.
Calexico, CA 92231
Yuma County Library
350 S. 3rd Ave.
Yuma, AZ 85364
Nogales-Santa Cruz County
Public Library
518N. Grande Ave.
Nogales, AZ 86521
Copper Queen Library
6 Main St.
Bisbee, AZ 85603
Mail to: P.O. Box 1857
Douglas Public Library
625 10th Street
Douglas, AZ 85607
Phone #
619.478.5945
619.355.1332
619.768.2170
520.782.1871
520.287.2285
520.432.4232
520.364.3851
Contact Person
Sherry Davis
Gregorio M. Ponce
Sandra Tauler
Maggie Menard
Suzanne Haddock
Lise Gilliland
Jule De Voe
June 1996
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Region 6
Border XXI
Federal Depository Libraries in Texas
City/area
Library
Phone#
EPA El Paso Border Office
Region 6
4050 Rio Bravo, Suite 100, El Paso,
TX 79902
(915) 533-7273
EPA Region 6 Dallas
EPA Library
1445 Ross Ave
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 665-6444
Washington, DC
U.S. EPA Public Information Center
401 M Street, SW, Washington DC
20460
(202) 260-2080
Edinburg, TX
0610 University of Texas- Pan
American Library Government
Documents Division 1201 West
University Drive
Edinburg, TX 78539-2999
(210) 381-3304
El Paso, TX
0611 El Paso Public Library
Documents/Genealogy Section 501
North Oregon Street
El Paso, TX 79901
(915)543-5433
El Paso, TX
0611A university of Texas at El Paso
Library Documents and Maps
Department
El Paso, TX 79968-0582
(915)747-5685
Laredo, TX
0595A Laredo Community college
Harold R. Yeary Library
Government Documents Section
West End Washington Street
Laredo, TX 78040-4395
Las Cruces, NM
0382 New Mexico State University
Branson Library Documents Dept
3475 P.O. Box 30006 Corner of
Frenger & Williams Street
Las Cruces, NM 88003-0006
June 1996
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ANNEX 8
Notes from Binational Public Symposia
Tijuana: October 30,1995
1. Environmental Information Resources Session, Tijuana
Conclusions
Based on the needs and suggestions identified through the domestic meetings, as well as through
the bi-national panel discussion, the following were raised as concerns and proposals:
Needs
• Information needs to be translated for the general public in order for it to be practical.
• Educate the community to further the understanding of legislation.
• The lack of information about the management of hazardous substances and risks to human
health is of particular concern.
• Improve coordination between organizations and groups charged with the management of
information.
• Environmental information between the two countries is scattered and incompatible.
Proposals
• Work toward making the data generated by agencies and other organizations more
compatible.
• Make advances in the identification of concrete problems.
• Bring together direct and "real-time" information in the different environmental spheres of
those impacted.
• Look for coordination mechanisms between NGOs, government institutions and
organizations that generate information.
• The environmental information group could function as a focal point, with the purpose of
facilitating the process and preventing duplicative actions.
• Take those groups which have started to integrate information into consideration.
• Further the compilation of existing information in order to identify gaps and outstanding
information needs.
• Prioritize information.
• Eliminate bureaucratic barriers.
• Clearly specify the right to information in Mexican legislation.
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• Educate those in charge of technical information on Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• "Project Cuenca" and Universidad Autonoma of Baja California offer their program for the
management of information as one possible starting point.
• Work towards the homogenization of hazardous waste classification and expenses in the two
countries.
• Broaden the power to convene meetings related to environmental information.
• Consider cultural differences. ; .
• Determine the 20 principal environmental programs of the region, as a whole and eliminate the
"us-them" perspective.
• Strengthen the binational information centers located in cities along the border.
• Broaden the potential of the directory of environmental information, specifying data such as
sources, processes and destination in the case of hazardous materials.
• Implement effective environmental education programs for the community.
• Complete the development and monitoring of data.
• Do not disregard the importance of interpersonal communication in the interchange of
information.
• Define the state of the environmental information workgroup under the La Paz Agreement,
either as a distinct group or as a liaison group.
• To begin the integration of information: information clearinghouses are proposed that will be
capable of incorporating different types of data, formats, languages, and accommodating
different user objectives.
• Begin with the identification of concrete groups and tasks.
2. Natural Resources Session, Tijuana
Conclusions
• Complete an inventory of natural resources to determine their present state, and identify
the agents causing their deterioration.
• Natural Resource Monitoring systems for binational preservation.
• Implement programs of cross-cultural education.
• Create a binational system to prioritize the management of natural protected areas and
implement management plans.
• With the participation of communities, create programs of sustainable development, which seek
alternatives for the rational use of natural resources and deliver educational activities.
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• Develop participatory environmental contingency programs which, as in the case of fighting
forest fires, are accomplished with the direct participation of the community.
• Increase binational participation to address matters such as traffic, inspection and monitoring of
natural resources.
• Develop a directory of binational environmental agencies for the exchange of information and
technology.
• Unify the ecological planning criteria for both countries.
• Develop educational programs at all levels that emphasize reuse of natural resources, stopping
deterioration caused by urban growth, and renewal of damaged soils by planting tree's with
commercial value arid commercial uses.
3. WATER SESSION
Conclusions
Based on the principal considerations mentioned in this break out session, the panel members and
the general public arrived at the following conclusions:
• Greater efficiency in the financing mechanisms of projects related to water is needed.
• The development of long-term projects to resolve problems of lack of resources must consider
development and urban growth.
• Environmental education is aimed at social groups, public institutions, maquiladoras and
students, is necessary in order to create a "water culture".
• The participation of students and academic groups in water related projects needs to be
promoted.
• Resolution of operation and maintenance problems is required for greater efficiency in existing
treatment plants.
• Recycling of treated water as well as adequate handling of sludge from treatment systems is
needed.
• Greater municipal government participation in water problems is needed.
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• More private industry investment is required in order to incrementally raise the efficiency in
treatment and re-use of wastewater.
• The application of ISO-14,000 norms in the construction of wastewater treatment plants is
needed.
• Promote fiscal incentives to improve wastewater treatment and drinking water systems.
• Strict application of water legislation is needed.
• Promotion of local technology is needed.
• Watershed management approaches are needed in order to ensure integral management of
water resources.
• Institutions that specialize in water issues must promote assistance and technical support to the
public and to local governments.
• The integration of different factors involved in water management is needed.
• Water resources must be considered as a whole or as part of an ecosystem without political
boundaries, so as to promote multi-media management and a multi-jurisdictional approach.
• The problem of salinity and flow in the Lower Rio Colorado Basin must be studied in depth.
• A program that permits the control and regulation of different industrial discharges is needed.
• A policy for long-term groundwater management is needed.
• Promotion of sustainable development is required for the management of water resources.
4. AIR SESSION
A wide range of stakeholders from the Mexico and the U.S. actively participated in the binational
meeting, including representatives from federal state and local government, public interest
groups, industry, academia and the general public.
There was a consensus among the participants that joint actions are needed by the U.S. and
Mexico to address border air quality problems, to protect our shared air resources, and to build
on our mutual progress to date.
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Most binational Air Workgroup projects are being implemented through geographically specific
sub-workgroups which involve participation from federal, state and local environmental
regulatory agencies. In some cases, academia and non-governmental organizations are involved.
Meeting participants commented that the air sub-workgroups should increase efforts to involve all
interested stakeholders.
There was a universal desire for increased public access to information in both technical and non-
technical forms. In addition, there was a call for public education programs to increase awareness
of air quality problems and potential solutions.
Action Items
The U.S.-Mexico Air Pollution Clearinghouse will make more information available that is
oriented to the general public through its bilingual hotline (919-541-1800), its homepage on the
Internet, and through the increased availability of documents. It will continue to update and
provide technical information to industry, academia, and other interested parties.
The air sub-workgroups will meet with interested parties on a geographically specific basis to
discuss projects and solicit suggestions on ways to better facilitate information dissemination and
community involvement. In particular, the Arizona-Sonora Air Sub-workgroup will be meeting
in late January or February to review the draft results of the Nogales PM-10/Air Toxics Study and
discuss the implementation of a similar study Douglas-Agua Prieta. The Baja California-
California workgroup will meet around the same time frame to discuss the development and
operation of the Tijuana and Mexicali air monitoring networks and advancement of emissions
inventories in these areas.
The Workgroup Co-chairs will provide periodic updates on border air projects.
Meeting participants will provide ongoing feedback on ways to facilitate public involvement and
information dissemination as well as provide information on border environmental activities to
their local constituencies.
5. HAZARDOUS/SOLID WASTE SESSION
The panel session on hazardous and solid waste had active participation and wide-ranging
suggestions. A summary of the main comments appear below, followed by a more detailed list of
comments.
Overall Summary
There appeared to be a consensus on the need to address the following recommendations to
improve the program:
Annex 8.5
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Improve tracking of hazardous waste to give us a better understanding of the destination of
wastes, and expand the tracking system to include materials. Develop a common definition of
hazardous materials and waste.
Emphasize the importance of pollution prevention, reducing the amount of waste that is
generated. Need to emphasize reuse and recycling, and create financial incentives for industry.
Increase adequate solid and hazardous waste capacity. Work together to look at regional
capacity needs and opportunities for technical assistance. Ensure public participation for facilities
sited or needed in the border area.
Identify specific hazardous waste site problems and jointly address providing technical assistance
where appropriate. Develop concrete solutions to past problems to build credibility.
Develop and establish environmental education programs emphasizing public right-to-know and
understanding multi-dimensional impacts.
Establish regional subgroups to broaden our binational vision with local government input.
Involve all appropriate state and local agencies.
Implement projects to improve emergency response capabilities through contingency plans. (This
item was provided to the representative of the emergency response work group.)
Specific Comments
Better Education
- There is a desire for better education on a number of fronts: for workers using hazardous
materials, such as farm workers handling pesticides; for the public who live around use areas.
- There is a need for better binational education via TV and radio on the dangers of materials
being used, and the work of the La Paz and other working groups.
- An environmental education curriculum should be developed from pre-school to high school.
- There is a need for more educational programs on health effects of hazardous materials and
wastes, and regulations that are easier to understand.
- There is a need for more education about energy recycling of solid wastes
- There is a need for increased public awareness, both of the positive uses of hazardous materials
and the need for adequate treatment and disposal of hazardous wastes.
Tracking
Comments indicated a need for:
-cradle-to-grave tracking of raw materials as well as wastes;
- better public access to this information by citizens from both countries;
- common definitions of hazardous wastes and materials;
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- better efficiency in tracking;
- a registry of pollutant release for the border environment; and
- tracking types and uses of materials so that mass balances can be used to determine amounts of
wastes generated.
Capacity/Technical Needs and Suggestions
- There is a need for additional facilities for treatment and disposal of hazardous wastes.
- We need better siting to increase capacity and address concerns about groundwater
contamination.
- Concern was expressed over the use of the Nogales sanitary landfill for industrial wastes.
- There is concern that wastes are abandoned or stored too long at customs facilities.
- There is a need for planning and engineering standards for landfill/recycling siting.
- Maquiladoras should be encouraged to conduct their own industrial pretreatment.
- Mexico should consider revising its regulations to allow trade between industries of hazardous
wastes where the waste can be used as a material.
- Economic incentives should be developed for industry to reduce use of hazardous materials and
generation of hazardous wastes.
- More resources are necessary to clean up existing hazardous and solid waste problems, as well
as to plan for future treatment and disposal.
- The countries should develop legislative initiatives for waste exchange programs.
- We need to look at existing infrastructure and support it as best we can. We need to look at
changes that will come into effect as foil implementation of NAFTA eliminates the maquiladora
border "zone".
- A request was made to consider the need for a commercial port at Yuma for hazardous waste
border crossings.
Information
- We should establish a central repository for information, like a clearinghouse.
- Municipalities in Mexico should get copies of manifests from maquiladoras. Currently they do
not.
- Mexican regulations should be expanded to deal with hazardous wastes
- There is a desire for increased right-to-know about materials used and wastes generated both for
the public and for emergency responders. We should conduct more community meetings.
- We should exchange more information between governments
- Some citizens expressed concern that complaints about specific sites in Mexico are not being
investigated and followed up.
- Better communication among States and locals would contribute to better coordination of
projects.
- A request was made for more information on hospital biological incinerators in Mexico.
- Environmental audits should be made available to the public.
- The public should have input to the siting and planning of landfills.
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Communication/Coordination
- There is a need for better communication between the Eastern and Western parts of the Border.
- There was a proposal for joint EPA/PROFEPA efforts in doing environmental audits, for the
purposes of identification of hazardous materials and wastes, and exchange of information.
- We should consider development of bilingual labeling.
- We should work jointly to clean up existing hazardous waste sites.
- One individual suggested supporting privatization of emergency response to chemical spills.
- We should focus on source reduction and pollution prevention.
- Both nations should support local efforts to handle the binational regional solid waste stream as
a business opportunity rather than waste.
- Hazardous waste importation should be handled through INE, not SEMARNAP.
- There is a need for State leadership on environmental risk along the Border, rather than current
centralization in Mexico City.
- There is a need for integrated regulations for the Border area.
- States and municipalities should be accorded the authority to manage hazardous and solid waste
generation.
- There was a request to consider the special needs of Native American tribes in coordinating and
managing hazardous and solid materials and wastes.
- We need to remember to include the needs of rural communities when developing strategies to
manage large volumes of hazardous wastes.
- Comments indicated a desire for standardized regulatory compliance issues and enforcement.
6. POLLUTION PREVENTION SESSION
The group attempted to expand the definition of pollution prevention to distinguish its role from other
Work Groups, and clarify its focus. Inherent in the definition should be the "reduce, reuse, recycle"
motto. Comments indicated the group should expand its mandate to include: use reduction; phaseout
of specific substances; risk reduction; education; waste management on site; and economic benefits.
Point and non-point sources of pollution should be included. It was also noted that past mistakes,
where pollution prevention projects have negatively affected communities, need to be acknowledged.
Comments from the panel and public are grouped here in several broad categories: needs assessment,
education/training, coordination, regulations, and outreach.
Needs Assessment
A number of suggestions were made to better assess what is needed in the pollution prevention field:
-Develop and implement a pollutant release and transfer registry for North America, beginning with
existing efforts at universities in Mexico. The public should have access to this information.
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-Explore the economic benefits to industry of incorporating pollution prevention practices by getting
information from existing industries.
-Need for industry, sector, and regionally specific analyses of material use.
-Attempt to measure the public's awareness/perception of the problem in various communities. We
could use an investigative model such as the Kolberg model to measure moral parameters.
Education and Training
A great number of comments indicated a need or desire for more education of all sectors and training.
Suggestions included developing or expanding:
Careers and degrees for applied technologies;
A glossary of terms;
State level, regional, and binational education programs;
Appropriate/ environmentally friendly alternatives to pesticides;
Training for community leaders on pollution prevention for household wastes;
Industry education programs;
Worker training;
Better understanding of border population issues;
Process for review of education and training programs by inter-disciplinary groups;
Programs to recognize industries with successful pollution prevention plans;
On-site technical assistance via contractors;
Clearinghouse of information to share technology and innovative solutions;
Small business assistance programs;
Up-front emergency response planning;
Use of ISO 14000, and total environmental management systems within industry;
Economic or fiscal incentives for industry;
An educational handbook on pollution prevention measures for the Border area and
complaints procedures;
Curriculum including ways to reduce environmental impact of certain substances or processes;
Using existing agreements between universities, to increase their involvement.
Regulations
Comments on regulations in general were made by members of Mexican institutions and Mexican
citizens:
-It was proposed that Mexico develop a legal framework to clarify regulations affecting pollution
prevention activities, compliance and follow-up.
-It was noted that actions need to be supported by regulations which should focus on defining
pollution prevention, and defining the will of the government to commit to pollution prevention.
-It was suggested that Mexico speed up the process by which it defines rules and regulations to
minimize pollution.
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Outreach
Many proposals for outreach paralleled those for education and training. Additional comments
included suggestions to:
Disseminate information and consult on clean technologies;
Promote incentives for industry to adopt pollution prevention practices;
Establish a technical hotline on pollution prevention;
Encourage adoption of the ISO 14000 standards;
Promote the trend in industry to adopt a proactive stance - invest in prevention rather than
in control equipment;
Acknowledge and leverage the degree of control existing within industry, such as in water and
energy use;
Conduct more frequent meetings with the public and appropriate authorities;
Promote replication of successful projects; and
Build capacity by accessing existing information.
Coordination
A desire for better coordination on all fronts was expressed by a number of panelists and the public.
Specifically, there was a call for:
Focus on region-specific issues through creation of a Binational Regional
Workgroup/Committee with participation from all appropriate authorities;
Clarification of the Pollution Prevention Workgroup vis-a-vis other binational workgroups;
Better coordination within the workgroup;
Establishment of sub workgroups in the following areas
- Appropriate technologies and quality standards
- Waste minimization
- Efficient use of water and energy
- Clean technologies (for products and processes)
- Registry of contaminants
- Planning group to develop projects for the $400,000 AID fund targeted at pollution prevention
along the border
- Development of a unit on pollution prevention within INE.
7. CONTINGENCY PLANNING AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
SESSION
A proposal was made to carry out an analysis of the structural capacity of each of the
governments, as well as the industrial and production sectors, in terms of emergency response
capability on both sides of the border.
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There is a lack of adequate training for first response staff with regard to hazardous waste
principally chemicals. '
With regard to the aforementioned lack of first response staff, the State of Baja California has
formed a single group of civil protection and fire department officials. As it is the only state in
Mexico organized m this manner, investment in this joint organism should be a priority.
Binational cooperation has been hampered by a series of Customs "red tape" and by the
inclinations of border governments that have not been coordinated as a single region.
There is a lack of compatible equipment on both sides of the border.
There is a need for resources for the acquisition of equipment, training, etc.
It was suggested that civil protection undertake an inventory of existing equipment and identify
equipment needs. J
The civil population is skeptical as to whether industry reporting corresponds to the actual level
of emissions emitted to the environment.
A specific proposal was made for the identification on transportation equipment of the types of
materials being transported.
Because of industry's particular knowledge of the types of hazardous materials handled and
™aff for ^TsTr^ni mat6rials' induStry must be motivated to participate in the training of
8. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SESSION
Major Themes
-Health and well-being is a right and the government has the responsibility to care for the health
or its citizens.
- Heredity, environment, life-style, and medical attention affect health.
-Protection of the environment in order to protect health
-Illnesses due to parasites affected by environmental conditions
-Children and adults are affected by many illnesses along the border
-Impacts of pesticides
-Lack of potable water
-Lack of adequate sewage facilities
-Lack of adequate solid waste facilities
-Must not just aim to protect the environment, but must include health factors in setting priorities
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Health as a priority in the border
-Actions considered a priority
-Inventory of resources (human, material, financial) - what resources we can count on for
diagnosis of problems
-Analysis discussion and resolutions
-Execution of these plans
-Environmental education
-Level of awareness of health problems is low compared to environmental awareness
-Professional assistance is needed
-Information system at regional or state level needed
-More explicit indicators needed (statistics are very scattered over many institutions) uniform
system of information difficult to obtain
-Combine efforts with other institutions
-State solutions and proposals, not just hypotheses
-Need to continue to do epidemiological research
Assessing environmental health
-Risk assessment phase
-Need to research problems derived from industrial activities
-Organic solvents (VOCs) evaporate into air affecting health
-Need to monitor affects of these solvents
-Need to monitor acute, chronic affects of phosphates and chlorides
-Recycling lead
-Affects children's development
-Need to start implementing solutions to these problems
Monitoring centers (proposal
-Risks are ever-increasing
-Need to maintain an information center to disseminate information on risks
-Share information with other institutions that request it
-Need one center for every 500,000 inhabitants
-Lack of personnel trained in toxicology (limited information)
-Need to train people in these areas
-Need to treat patients affected
-Information center on chemicals (proposed)
-Need personnel trained in toxicology, computers, access lines
-Treatment center (proposed)
Collaboration ...
-Greater collaboration between governments, industry, schools, health care institutions
-Border XXI can serve as link
Annex 8.12
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Education/Information
-Need more information
-Public not well informed
-Only 7% of people think that there are environmental problems
-Continued emphasis on transparency and right-to-know issues
-Understanding differences between communities (size, location)
-May have shared problems and solutions, but also need to look locally
-Public awareness/education program (need to stop blame on where problems originate and try to
resolve them in a binational format) couuuyio
-Binational solutions needed for binational problems
-Discussion on environmental degradation leading to health risks, including solutions
-Create priorities (20 key priorities)
-List should include both sides of the border
-Target as many people, and use as many approaches as possible to get information out
-Environmental health issues won't get funds, support if public is not aware of problems
Decision-making should be at regional and local level
-Use the people who are already working on these issues
Outreach at all levels
-Through multiple sources (high school, clinics, city hall), partnerships needed among all involved
groups to coordinate information
-Good Neighbor Environmental Board
-Advises president and congress of needs
-Limited because no Mexican input -just had one person appointed
-Preliminary recommendations
-Integration of other issues with environmental issues ~ look within context
-Long-term approach
-Indigenous peoples must be included in the border issues to achieve equity
-Local, regional communities must have access to planning data
-Provide funds to support border health training programs
-Move binationally and quickly for tuberculosis control
-Community based electronic systems be strengthened and expanded
-Federal agency reports on federal programs available for integration
-Reduce duplicities
-Data gathering and analysis on health issues along the border - contract just awarded
Geographic Information System
-GIS linking environmental and health data
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Surveillance - Emerging Issues .
-Surveillance and capacity to carry out investigations and capacity to provide technical assistance
to apply to new problems
-Inventories are still not complete
-New chemicals introduced into the market whose implications are not fully understood
-Need program that allocated resources on Mexican side of the border - specifically directed
-Research or education centers - this work can be done there, but centers are trying to gam profit
before they serve the community
-Preservation of health ~ rational use of energy resources
-Problems will get out of control if solutions aren't found soon
Effects of NAFTA on Environment *XTATJT^
-U S /Mexico border areas -- border environmental health (second largest concern about NAFTA)
-Need to find for-profit solutions for materials, etc. for integration of trade between U.S. and
Mexico
-Need to use by-products of industry, not just dump them
Sustainable Development .
-Proposed definition: not compromising needs of future generations, protection of diversity,
prevention, use of appropriate technology, democracy and participation (Arizona Toxics
definition- more complete)
-Each community should be allowed to provide their own definition
-United Nations definition will be used by BECC
9. COOPERATIVE ENFORCEMENT SESSION
Summary of Proposals
The integration of a communication forum between the different levels of government from both
sides of the border that would accomplish clear communication.
There should be greater coordination between the different levels of government. Government
response to transborder environmental issues should be agile and the results of government
actions should be practical.
Binational meetings should be held with greater frequency.
The enforcement workgroup should be subdivided into regional subgroups that meet at least once
every three months.
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The right to information about the decision-making process and to a healthy atmosphere should
be made explicit.
Greater public education through the information on: legislation, regulations, and assistance on
how to pursue requests and complaints.
Hazardous Wastes
Modifications to Articles 5, 7, 21, and 1 13 of the General Ecological Equilibrium and
Environmental Protection Law were suggested. It was also suggested that the implementation of
Article 170 of the same law be carried out by qualified staff.
The creation of a regulation that covers the hazardous waste transport companies.
Create programs to reduce the emission of hazardous wastes.
Change the definition of hazardous wastes to clarify the classification of gases.
The National Ecological Institute should manage the regulation of hazardous wastes.
General Recommendations
Because enforcement is an important factor in the effectiveness of the environmental regulations
as well as a factor that reinforces environmental education, the following are proposed:
Allocation of more human and financial resources for the implementation of environmental control
activities.
Improve the effectiveness of enforcement of existing regulations and improve training.
Improve industrial processes to reduce the generation of hazardous wastes and improve quality of
Standardization of regulations between countries.
Establish a commission to take into account the different parameters which must be considered
such as differences in development etc.
Proposals to the Public
Participation of other agencies such as customs and transport.
Channel the collection of fines to impacted areas to mitigate environmental harm.
Define efficiency indicators for enforcement and compliance.
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Incorporate statistics into problem solving.
Apply the General Environmental Protection Law to NAFTA, complying with international
regulations, including ISO-14000, for the application of audits and the intervention of the public.
B. El Paso: November 1,1995
1. ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION RESOURCES SESSION
Recommendations from the session participants are partially summarized as follows:
• Generate a centralized information system that can be used by all stakeholders on both sides of
the border in a common binational language, that is easily accessible and managed.
• Develop a Geographic Information System (GIS) which is useful to the entire border area with
complete, comprehensive, and accurate information about existing natural resources.
• Define data sets and establish priorities to support overall environmental needs.
• Define who will gather the information and will be responsible for its dissemination.
• Ensure that resources are available to support an information system and ensure that these
resources are not duplicated.
• Ensure the availability of information regarding current legislation and environmental
regulations are available on both sides of the border for consultation by regulators, industry,
academics and community.
• Also discussed was the lack of decentralized information in Mexico. Centralization of
information in Mexico City makes accessibility difficult for the states and/or municipalities.
• To that end the participants recommended regional bases of information to support community
environmental education and awareness.
2. NATURAL RESOURCES SESSION
The following are the recommendations and observations that were made in the work group:
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• The priorities in Las Cruces and Laredo were overgrazing, loss of land, aquifer protection, and
the chemical impacts.
• Conservation of the resources along the border under the forestry protection, conservation of
the protected natural resources and biodiversity.
• It is proposed an increased participation by the public through councils and/or trusts, intending
to create biologic corridors conserving sovereignty.
• Participation by both nations for the conservation and protection of flora and fauna species,
having data banks up to date.
• It is proposed the creation of a Mexican network of biotic information.
• It is suggested to give more importance to the Tarahumara Range (forest and lake).
• Care of the border resources with risk emphasizing the importance of the species preservation
areas through the tridimentional studies.
• More participation of the citizens in the conservation of natural resources.
• The universities have to work in the area of environmental education for children to teach them
to love the desert.
• The biodiversity of Mexico has to be tied to the life of the indigenous people of those regions.
• It is proposed to have an inventory of natural resources along the border.
• Creation of a mechanism for the care and conservation of the forest through the prevention of
forest fires, zoning, and management of germoplasma.
• Watchfulness, supervision, and verification of the natural resources.
• Creation of training programs and emergency response.
• In the area of marine resources, projects of damming and in the Rio Grande.
• Regulation of ground and surface water.
• Coordinated effort in the development of management plans for protected natural resources
and the protection of new areas.
• It is proposed a photographic program of the border.
• It is proposed 8 alternatives: zoological, national parks, botanic gardens, biosphere reserves,
professorship for the cities with agroecology and the Agroecology University.
• It is proposed the use of alternative sources of energy.
• Evaluate the intercostal project.
• The search for alternatives in the acquiring of water.
• Cooperative effort to resolve the problems of the mud deposits.
3. WATER SESSION
Following a brief presentation by panel members, the public had an opportunity to provide some
very good input. Some of the comments received from both the public and panel members for
inclusion into the border plan are summarized below:
• Comprehensive basin planning for water including ground and surface water.
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Inventory of transboundary groundwater resource with a provision to better manage and share
the data and information.
A groundwater treaty was suggested but first we need to do an analysis of the current status of
resources and evaluate alternative supply methods.
Make more effective use of studies by taking the results and making them available to policy
makers for decision making.
Compile an assessment of technologies that would assist in developing a comprehensive basin-
wide approach to water conservation and drought management.
• Implement an educational program to inform citizens along the border about sources of water,
water quality, water planning, and the future cost of water and water reclamation.
» Development and implementation of an information sharing system for improving water
management for both countries. Ensure that public has access to the information.
> Seek and obtain input from the public health sector on issues of water management.
> In the development of various levels of water management, ensure that the communities are
well informed and educated about the costs to implement necessary water and wastewater
programs.
» Funds should be made available for the planning and preliminary design of projects.
> Growth and development needs to occur only with the sustainability of available water
resources and with consideration given to the ecological system.
» Population is increasing but water resources are finite which demands emphasis on water reuse.
4. AIR SESSION
In the Air Discussion Session there were panel members representing the governments of Texas,
Chihuahua, and New Mexico, as well as non-governmental organizations and universities. In this
session, panel members gave presentations on activities and issues geographically by border State.
The State of Texas reported that many of its border air activities are focused on El Paso-Juarez
air monitoring and data collection. It also mentioned the U.S.-Mexico efforts to establish an Air
Quality Management Basin. Texas has also established new air monitors in Brownsville and
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Laredo and is performing mobile air toxics sampling throughout the border, and providing
technical assistance in establishing new air monitoring networks in Mexico.
The State of Chihuahua emphasized the importance of obtaining an air emissions inventory in
Juarez and in establishing air monitors in cities throughout the State. New Juarez monitoring sites
and recent work to collect emissions information for Juarez vehicles were discussed.
Several States are expanding their abilities to monitor air quality.
A representative from the State of Coahuila discussed new air monitoring sites it is deploying in
Ciudad Acuna and Piedras Negras.
New Mexico said that Sunland Park had just been declared "nonattainment" for ozone and
mentioned its efforts to expand its ozone and particulate matter monitoring networks in Sunland
Park.
Tamaulipas has established new particulate monitors in Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo.
In Nuevo Leon emissions inventories are being compiled for Monterrey, and computer simulation
modeling is being planned to determine what kinds of sources should be controlled to improve air
quality there.
There were many questions and comments raised by panel members and the audience. These
topics included the following:
- the need for additional infrastructure to address air problems
- Is more oversight needed of industry?
- Is a common air quality reporting index going to be adopted for El Paso-Juarez?
- What are the appropriate roles of States versus the Federal Government in the border zone in
addressing air pollution?
- The need to educate border industries on environmental compliance
- The need for environmental education for our children and the need to address health impacts
on children
- Hazardous and medical waste disposal versus construction of hospital and hazardous waste
incinerators
- The need for natural gas as a viable alternative for brick-making plants in Juarez
- Air monitoring data availability
Near the end of the discussion session, the positive influence of the many non-governmental
organizations was pointed out by a representative of the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF).
EDF is sponsoring technology transfer, emissions inventorying, and quickly implementable
projects to improve air quality in the El Paso-Juarez-Sunland Park area.
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In conclusion, there were lively discussions during the air quality discussion session, and several
new areas of focus were raised.
There was a general consensus among the participants that joint actions are needed by the U.S.
and Mexico to address many of these problems, to protect our shared air resources, and to build
on our mutual progress to date.
5. HAZARDOUS/SOLID WASTE SESSION
The following are the general conclusions that were discussed by the 12 panel members and public
participants, and the recommendations that were made:
The need to have a clear definition regarding the concept of hazardous waste. It was noted that
up until now what is classified by one side as hazardous waste it is not on the other side of the
border. It was recommended that it is viewed with common sense as to what is hazardous waste
and to respect definitions.
Unify the measurement system.
To advance in the process of bilingual information, and to make the design and data gathering
that would make possible a more active and less bureaucratic the management of hazardous
waste.
To consider the necessary infrastructure to have an adequate management of hazardous waste,
that is because there are sites along the border that can give a safe management of hazardous
waste. It is necessary to invest in this type of infrastructure.
It was concluded that it was necessary to restructure and remediate those sites that had severe
contamination problems, so it is necessary to consider the financing of programs that have as their
objective the restructuring in the border of products that contaminate.
Two very concrete problems were noted: 1) the hazardous waste contamination problems at
Sierra Blanca, of which a denouncement was made as to the violation of the La Paz Agreement
and that the EPA take matters in their own hands, and 2) a group of people use barrels for the
storage of water for domestic use, which represents a severe public health problem. It was
proposed to inspect and have a better control in the usage of such barrels.
Additional Proposals:
Participation by the United States
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Texas-Chihuahua
- Provide low income persons with 50-gallon barrels to be used only for drinking water, in the
County of El Paso.
- UTEP will utilize substances to treat the barrels.
- A master list, catalogued, that includes the hazardous waste in Mexico and in the U.S.
- A domestic Hazardous Waste program. Educate the public on the recycling of household
hazardous waste.
- To equalize the classification of hazardous waste by the two countries.
- To make a study by the advisory groups with money of the two governments.
- Waste of low recycling in Sierra Blanca
- In forums such as these, to complete a classification for the equaling of the hazardous waste.
New Mexico-Chihuahua
- Directory of the differences in the classification of hazardous waste to be able to clearly
identify and continue with the equalizing of the same.
- Data base in the United States that could be used by Mexico.
- Environmental Education. Demographic planning for the more efficiency in the programs.
Tamaulipas-Texas
- Adequate disposal for the contamination of water from low level radiation, should be modified
in the U.S.
- The necessity to define what hazardous waste respecting the sovereignty of the countries.
- Prompt information, useful data base.
- Infrastructure to give adequate management of hazardous waste. Identify the new sites for
municipal solid waste.
- Disposal sites for hazardous waste.
- Restoration and remediation if sites for hazardous waste, and to start such a program.
- Human Resources
Pollution prevention
Quality and quantity of human resources, academic institutions
- Temporary import of Mexican products, the containers of these products are waste, according
to Mexican legislation.
- Customs classifications, assimilate the two countries.
6. POLLUTION PREVENTION SESSION
Following introductions of the U.S./Mexico Pollution Prevention Work Group and guests on the
panel, the activities of the Work Group to date were reviewed. The historical focus of the
activities has been on large scale industrial facilities in the Border Area. The bilingual pollution
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prevention manuals and associated technical training has covered metal finishing, wood finishing
and electronics. Limited attention has been paid to the small business operations, non-industrial
sectors of the economy, or non-maquiladora facilities.
The United States and Mexican state pollution prevention programs were presented. Texas
representatives discussed the 10 maquiladora technical site visits made by the Texas Natural
Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) and the Mexican Attorney General for the
Environment (SEMARNAP-PROFEPA); the recycling conferences and workshops; a 4 hour
pollution prevention video in Spanish used during a televised training conference in association
with Monterrey Technical Institute; and, planned future activities such as a Pollution Prevention
Curriculum Conference to be held in Edinburgh, Texas, on November 30 and December 1 & 2.
The Mexican Co-Chair and representative of Coahuila, outlined their pollution prevention
outreach program for industries "Coahuila Clean." This program calls for industries to make
investments in prevention measures today that will yield benefits for future generations. Of the
350+ facilities approached, over 130 have signed on. The state of Coahuila also has a major
emphasis on environmental education, at all levels to incorporate pollution prevention into the
mind set of future generations.
In Chihuahua, areas of concern include prevention of air pollution including many transportation
issues such as the waiting times at the international bridges, car pool lanes to facilitate traffic flow,
a new urban plan to enhance the use of public transportation; and, encourage the conversion of
private and public vehicles to alternative, cleaner fuels. The state has several projects proposed
for the World Bank's Northern Border Project to support infrastructure and training needs.
The Tamaulipas representative outlined changes in the solid waste management approach
including waste collection by private contractors. This approach could enhance recycling
activities. With the Department of Culture, they are actively engaged in training over 2000
teachers with materials on environmental education courses.
INE representative outlined a number of new issues including: need to develop a rationale for the
use of water; promotion of information dissemination in an organized fashion; greater use of
alternative fuels; and, implementation of the Pollutant Release and Transfer Registry (PRTR) in
Mexico.
The PROFEPA representative discussed the differences between the environmental auditing
program under Mexican law and the voluntary technical assistance site visits conducted by
TNRCC and PROFEPA. The voluntary program is not focused on compliance with regulatory
requirements, but is primarily to examine technical advancements in environmental management
systems that could be implemented that would reduce the amount and toxicity of waste materials
at the source of production.
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Based on the comments received from the U.S. and Mexican domestic meetings held in border
area communities, and the comments from the audience in the El Paso bi-national public forum,
the Pollution Prevention Panel recommended that the following areas be examined by the
U.S./Mexico Pollution Prevention Work Group be explored such possible expansions of the Work
Group agenda: Environmental Education at all levels; Transportation; Small Business Operations;
Consumer or Household Programs; and, Agriculture. The Work Group has carried out limited
programs in these areas and to develop new program areas would be a change from the traditional
large scale industrial focus maintained by the Workgroup since its inception in 1992.
In conclusion, the Pollution Prevention panel noted that its mission of reducing waste generated at
the source could and should be adopted as the foundation for all of the other Work Groups.
Pollution Prevention is the best technical and cost effective approach to address water quality, air
quality and hazardous and solid waste management issues.
7. CONTINGENCY PLANNING AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
SESSION
The group started with a demonstration of the CAMEO system, which is being translated into
Spanish and will be an important tool for the first response actions in the border. This system will
be available in each of the sister cities, which will have the location of the related risks with the
management of the hazardous chemical substances, with the possibility of considering population
centers, meteorological conditions, and areas and spaces with difficult evaluation.
The following are the recommendations that were made in the work group:
On the side of Mexico it was presented that there are no necessary resources for the emergency
response, and it is urgent that the trained staff and adequate equipment for emergency response be
available, and that information regarding the toxicity of the chemicals for the adequate handling
during emergencies.
It was requested to the federal institutions more information regarding hazardous materials that
are handled in each city and that such information be available for all the emergency responders
and people in general.
It was also highly emphasized in strengthening the possibilities for the states and municipalities to
respond, through emergencies and equipment.
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A comment was made regarding the importance of more participation of the immigration agencies
for the easier movement of hazardous waste across the borders, for the reduction of the time
these are at the border crossings, thus reducing the risks.
It was proposed that the emergency response group make an in-depth study to prevent risk
situations. Also, the outline of the safest routes for the transportation of risk substances in the
cities.
The U.S. side said that it has the necessity to give more resources and responsibilities in the
emergency response cases in Mexico.
Implement efficient systems of notification for the communities at the time of the emergency, the
utilization of sirens, because those currently used are limited in its reach.
The necessity to inform, educate, and involve the community so they know what to do in case of
an emergency.
8. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SESSION
The Environmental Health Session of the Border XXI Binational Meeting in El Paso, TX began at
3:00 PM November 1, 1995. United States Panel members were from the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6, El Paso Health and Environmental District, Physicians for
Social Responsibility, and the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS). Mexican panel representatives
were from Consejo Consultivo, State of Nuevo Leon, and Secretaria de Salud.
The session began by reporting on the companion Border XXI meeting held in San Diego. The
PHS representative stated that the environmental health session was sparsely attended. A
discussion by the panel members ended with agreement that the connection between
environmental problems and health concerns must be better understood and communicated by the
public and health officials.
The Physicians for Social Responsibility representative reported on the El Paso public meeting.
The meeting re-affirmed the lack of perceived association between environmental conditions and
health, expounded upon the need for environmental health in the school curriculum, and strongly
supported the increased use of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) for public outreach.
The representative from the El Paso Health and Environmental District and the Mexican panel
members spoke to the lack of health services infrastructure and resources to address the basic
health issues associated with water quality, water availability, air pollution, and economic stress in
the Border region. The binational tuberculosis screening program, in place in El Paso,
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was mentioned as an example of U.S./Mexico shared health efforts. Panel members and public
attendees agreed that the Border was a unique part of the world deserving of special attention.
Several participants in the public audience spoke to specific issues. A pharmacist from the West
Texas Regional Poison Center explained the need for a binational poison center to assist Mexican
and American residents. The savings of lives and resources, if such a system were jointly
established were discussed. The Center would serve as a binational health data gathering and
tracking system for Border residents.
An El Paso resident spoke to the dangerous health conditions in border Colonias citing lack or
resources and regulations to improve these areas. The use of city information services to border
residents was encouraged. The possible permitting of low level radioactive waste sites in Border
counties was discussed, and it was stated that this was in direct violation of the La Paz agreement.
Also useful transportation data from the U.S. government was mentioned.
The session ended with Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) discussing
the on-going and completed health studies conducted by EPA/the U.S. Public Health Service and
TNRCC. It was recommended that future Border XXI environmental health discussion be
included into all the breakout sessions rather than discussed separately.
9. COOPERATIVE ENFORCEMENT SESSION
The session started with the introduction of the panelist who represented the Texas Attorney
General's Office, Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission, U.S. Customs,
Environmental Protection Agency, New Mexico Environment Department, PROFEPA
"Delegada" for Chihuahua, and the Mexican Co-Chair for the Binational Enforcement Work
Group.
The discussions began with a review of public comments expressed at the domestic meeting in
Mexico and U.S. The panelist and general public then expressed their views regarding concerns
involving enforcement matters in each of the U.S. and Mexican States.
In the discussions by the panelists and the general public, there was consensus that the following
subjects needed to be addressed:
(1)
(2)
abandoned or illegal dump sites;
unauthorized discarding of hazardous waste;
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(3)
(4)
the transboundary movement of hazardous waste; and
enforcement at colonias.
Through public comment, it was recommended that there be greater enforcement of regulations
by Mexico and U.S. and that enforcement activities in the respective countries be coordinated
between federal, state, and municipal agencies involved with environmental matters. The public
also recommended that both countries coordinate their enforcement activities with each other in
order to more effectively address common environmental problems.
An additional recommendation from the public was that the regulatory requirements involved in
the transportation of hazardous waste should be harmonized so that transboundary hazardous
waste may be more effectively handled and monitored.
Several colonias residents objected to the creation of the landfill in Sierra Blanca, Texas and the
management of the landfill in Sunland Park, New Mexico. The protests mainly involved siting
issues. A common theme of the colonia residents was that the "La Paz" agreement was not being
followed by the U.S.
The public also expressed a general concern that environmental laws were being weakened by the
U.S. Congress and by the Mexican Government. They felt that the public needs more information
regarding the proposed changes to environmental laws and the impact the changes may have on
the environment.
Annex 8.26
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ANNEX 9
Maps
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1996 Border XXT Workgroup Initiative
DRAFT
0 Information Resources
0 Natural Resources
0 Water
OAir
0 Hazardous and Solid Waste
0 Pollution Prevention1
0 Contingency Planning and Emergency Response
0 Environmental Health
0 Enforcement and Compliance Cooperation
the
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1996 Border XXI Workgroup Initiatives
As described in Chapter I, each year the Border XXI Workgroups will develop annual project-specific
Workgroup Initiatives. These Initiatives identify projects that will be funded in a given year The
projects identified in the Workgroup Initiatives will further the long-term Border XXI objectives put
forth in Chapters HI through XIII of the Framework Document. The Workgroup Initiatives are the
key implementation mechanism for the Border XXI Program as they provide a critical link between
annual budget allocations and long-term planning.
The 1996 Workgroup Initiatives appear here in draft form. Due to budget uncertainties and the
timing for the release of this Draft Framework Document, the 1996 Draft Workgroup Initiatives do
not include firm resource commitments. The two governments anticipate that resource information
will be included m the final Framework Document.
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Environmental Information Resources Workgroupl996 Initiatives
ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION RESOURCES WORK GROUP
1996 INITIATIVES
Project Name: U.S./Mexico Aerial Photography and Mapping Initiative
Purpose and Objectives: As part of environmental information resource workgroup there is a
formal binational initiative to acquire aerial photography and create new and revised maps in the
U.S./Mexico Border Region. This addresses the longterm goal of establishing a Unified GIS for
the U.S./Mexico Border Area.
Funding: USGS is funded for the aerial photography acquisition and the FY96 DEM,
DRG, and DLG (PLSS and Boundaries) production. Funding for FY-97 and beyond is
now being planned. Funding sources include DOI/USGS.EPA, ffiWC, state and local
agencies.
SEMARNAP and INEGI is anticipating receipt approximately $130,000 to initiate work
in the priority areas. Funding sources include the North American Commission for
Environmental Cooperation and the U.S.
Partners: DOI/USGS, SEMARNAP, INEGI
Description: The new aerial photography will be used as the foundation for all
subsequent binational digital mapping efforts and for populating geographic information
systems (GIS). GIS systems will be used to integrate and analyze geospatial data in a
compatible format, on both sides of the border to develop effective and appropriate
strategies for decision makers on issues such as:
Natural Resources and Biodiversity Protection
Land Use Planning
Environmental Impact Assessments
Water Resources
Geologic Studies
Forest Management
Waste Disposal Sites
Pollution Detection and Monitoring
Emergency Response
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is now acquiring color infrared (CIR) photography
for the entire U.S. portion of the Boundary region. Photography acquisition was initiated
in January 1995 and will be completed in September 1996.
Based on the requirements of SEMARNAP, Institute Nacional de Estadistica, Geografia
e Informatica (INEGI) will acquire color infrared and black and white photography in
priority areas to complete coverages of the Mexico border region. 70 percent of this
June 1996 Draft
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Environmental Information Resources Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
region has existing black and white photography that was acquired from 1993-1995.
During 1996INEGI will begin the acquisition of CIR imagery over the priority areas as
determined by SEMARNAP. These priority areas cover approximately 30 percent of the
border area and additional areas will be considered as additional resources become
available.
The USGS is producing l:24,000-scale geospatial data, within the U.S. 100 mile border
region, consisting of 2581 7.5-minute quadrangles. During FY-96 the USGS will
produce all digital elevation models (OEM's), Digital raster graphics (DRG's), and
digital line graphs (DLG's) for boundaries and the public land survey system (PLSS). In
FY 97, USGS is planning to begin the production of digital orthophotography
quadrangles (l:12,000scale) and revision of the 7.5-minute quadrangles.
INEGI is producing l:50,000-scale geospatial data in the border region based on black
and white photography, digital elevation models will be produced as part the digital
topographic map production. 1:20,000 digital maps will be produced for the priority
areas using the CIR imagery as a source.
Project Name: Common Information System Architecture
Purpose and Objectives: Establish and maintain communications with
binational/national committees and other workgroup to assist and advise on
environmental information management issues. Continue development of the common
Information System Architecture (ISA) by establishing connectivity among the interested
parties.
Funding: To Be Determined
Partners: EPA/SEMARNAP
Description: Continue to support the local area network in the EPA attache's office in
the US Embassy in Mexico City. Assist Workgroups in the creation of Lotus Notes
Databases for workgroup initiatives.
Project Name: Home Page Development
Purpose and Objectives: To create an effective mechanism of sharing information.
EPA and SEMARNAP will create a BORDER XXI hompage and utilize the
usjmexborder to facilitate discussion on Border XXI Programs.
Funding: $20,000
June 1996 Draft
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Environmental Information Resources Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
Partners: EPA/SEMARNAP
Description: In order to promote public access to the maximum extent possible through
the Internet, create a home page of border-related environmental information on the
internet which would include but not be exclusive to:
Border XXI Accomplishments and Plans
Compendium of EPA binational and Domestic US/Mexico Activities
On-going and Planned Community Project Status
Points of Contact
Environmental Education Information
Links to related home pages
Initiate discussion of Border XXI on the us_mexborder listserver.
Project Name: Information Centers
Purpose and Objectives: Improve and Increase public access to information through
the establishment of information and training centers in Mexico and the continue
maintenance and expansion of the EPA Border Liaison Offices.
Funding: To Be Determined
Partners: EPA/SEMARNAP
Description: Maintain and expand the Border XXI repositories established in El Paso
Texas and San Diego, California Border office Liaison offices. Establish workstations '
connected to the Internet and other on-line environmental services in the EPA Border
Liaison Offices.
Establish public Environmental Information and Training Centers in Mexico. Center
patrons will be able to review hard-copy publications and access information on
workstations that will be connected to the Internet and SEMARNAP and EPA on-line
environmental services.
Project Name: Environmental Indicators
Purpose and Objectives: Environmental Indicators, by systematically organizing
information, serve as a fundamental tool for measuring whether environmental policy
addresses the most urgent environmental issues. They provide clear and comprehensive
information to the public on the status of the environment on the U.S./Mexico border
June 1996 Draft
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Environmental Information Resources Workgroupl996 Initiatives
Funding: To Be Determined
Partners: SEMARNAP/EPA
Description: The Office of Policy and Program Evaluation, U.S. EPA sponsored a
Workshop on Baseline Indicators for the U.S.-Mexico Border which was held between
September 18-20, 1995 in San Diego. It successfully brought together a diverse group
from the United States and Mexico to discuss issues of information and data relevant to
decision-making within the border area. Approximately fifty organizations (10 from
Mexico) were represented at the Workshop, including individuals from the federal, state
and local governments, nongovernmental organizations and universities. The specific
Workshop objectives, which included the identification of border indicators, supporting
data and opportunities for data access, were addressed through small work group
discussions and plenaries.
Initial feedback from several Workshop participants highlights some Workshop
successes. Participants found the technical discussions on indicators, framed within the
broader context of the border region, particularly useful. Some participants, whose
work is based on a state or more local level, for the first time saw how their efforts fit
with others across the region. In addition, the Workshop poster sessions gave
stakeholders' valuable opportunities to view other participants' displays and use of border
information (see attachment B). The Workshop was also an important educational effort
regarding the value of indicators for decision-making.
At the end of the Workshop, participants called for follow-up to build on the progress
made. The Workshop work groups also recommended that the Border XXTs
Environmental Information Resources work group follow-up on at least those
recommendations that support its role as a central clearinghouse of border data and
information and that it is inclusive of all data and information sources. There was also
general consensus on the need for a data inventory that is kept current as new data
collection and information efforts emerge. In this regard, the Workshop data inventory
is a good foundation for such a comprehensive inventory. The Workshop data inventory
was designed to identify data gaps, eliminate duplication of efforts and facilitate the
exchange of information.
9
Project Name: GIS Support to Regional Border Team
Purpose and Objectives: The purpose of this effort is to develop and share GIS data
sets and projects required by the Region 6 Border Team members and our International,
State and local partners along the Border. Objectives include adding data from "media"
projects into the Regional and state GIS systems developing base and EPA regulated
facility data.
June 1996 Draft
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Environmental Information Resources Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
Funding: $157,000.00
Partners: EPA/Region 6 and our International, State and local partners.
Q
Description: Specific activities will be determined through the "Region 6 GIS Project
Selection Process" and coordination with the Border Team.
The general objectives of the GIS Border efforts are to:
Develop base GIS and related data on pollutant sources, environmental resources
and human activities,
Conduct spatial analysis and mapping projects to support Regional Border XXI
activities, and
Produce maps and graphics for Regional Border XXI reports and presentations.
June 1996 Draft
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Natural Resources Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
Natural Resources Workgroup
FY 1996 BORDER XXI WORK PLANS
(Other Potential Outyear Work Plans Will Also Be Included in the Final Annex)
Project Name:
Training Course on Management Planning of Protected Areas
Mexico
in
1) Purpose and Objectives: To provide participants with a general introduction and field
experience on management and strategic planning of protected natural areas.
2) Partners: National Park Service, Instituto Nacional de Ecologia, ProFauna, Nature
Conservancy.
3) Funding: To be determined.
4) Description: This is a course on "Introduction to Park Management" for Mexico
protected areas managers. It includes formal classroom sessions and field trips
to protected areas in Mexico and the United States F.nH nmdnrt;« » «*«*-«;,.
plan for a Protected Area.
i United States. End product is a strategic
Project Name!
Exchange of Biological Data and Information Networks with
CONABIO
N °TbJ*ctives;. To id^tify joint areas of interest and link NBS efforts on the
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) with development of the CONABIO
biodiversity information system. -^^
2) Funding: To be determined.
3) Partners: NBS, Information and technology Services Office; Mexican Commission on the
Understanding and Use ofBiodiversity (CONABIO).
I®? ff CONfBI° wil1 P™ cooperative activities to establish meta-data
standards for biological data and information. They will develop directories oftaxonomic expertise
and taxononuc collections in the U.S. and Mexico. They will pilot a project to electroSty
catalog selected specimens of plants and animals collected in Mexico that reside in the
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Other activities will also be initiated and
information summarizing activities are already available at the Internet address-
http ://www. nbs.gov/nbii/.
June 1996 Draft
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Natural Resources Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
Project Name; Lower Rio Grande Ecosystem Initiative
n Purpose and Objectives: To improve multisector user access to biological data and
infoSon about the ecosystem and to assess the status, trends and threats to biological diver**
and ecosystem integrity.
2) Funding: 175,000 US$.
3) Partners: Midwest Science Center, NBS; National Park Service; US Fish and^Wildlife
Service; USGS; Biological Evaluation of Status and Trends (BEST), NBS; CONABIO.
4) Description: To ensure better management and conservation of biological resources while
supporting sustained development, it will be necessary to understand all of the interdependent
facets that interact on the landscape. This activity is intended to facilitate data gathering and
access to information that will promote enlightened management decistons that are based on
sound science.
Initial efforts will focus on developing an extensive bibliography of existing information related to
biological diversity and sources of threats to biodiversity in the lower Rio Grande Valley^
Emphasis at first will highlight species and activities in protected areas. Results are intended to
assist conservation managers and developers in promoting good conservation and sustained
development.
Project Name; Binational Fire Management Agreement.
1) Purpose and Objectives: To develop and implement a binational agreement for international
fire management. The objective is to establish a mechanism for the U.S. Department of the
Interior and SEMARNAP to 1) provide cooperative fire management along the international
border, 2) address needs for technical assistance, and 3) cooperate in the use of fire as a natural
resource management tool.
2) Funding: This is primarily a cooperative effort with in-kind services
contributed by each partner.
3) Partners: U.S. Department of the Interior and Secretaria del Medio Ambiente,
Recursos Naturales y Pesca.
4) Description: The significant natural and cultural resources shared by Mexico and the United
States can quickly be consumed by human-caused or natural fires. A mechanism is needed to
efficiently manage fires which threaten a neighboring country's resources. Opportunities for
technical assistance also need to be identified and addressed in the agreement. This will strengthen
and build capacity to manage fires quickly and with the least loss of natural and cultural resources.
The use of fire also can be an excellent management tool for manipulating vegetation
communities. Cooperative efforts will improve shared ecosystems and reduce the spread of
undesirable plant communities.
June 1996 Draft
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Natural Resources Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
Project Nanfe; Upper San Pedro River Basin Binational Education/Training Project
1) Purpose and Objectives: To share knowledge and scientific and cultural information with
concerned parties to enhance protection and the long-term sustainability of the Upper San Pedro
River Basin. The long-term objective is binational sustainable resource management of the Uooer
San Pedro River Basin. FF
2) Funding: A cooperative effort primarily with in-kind services contributed by each partner.
3) Partners: U.S. Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, University of Arizona,
U.S. Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Service, Sonora Department of Ecology
Centra Ecologico de Sonora, and University of Sonora.
4) Description: The Upper San Pedro River Basin is a shared resource, with human and wildlife
communities depending on the limited water and interconnected resources which are dependent
on the river. The Basin and its associated resources are a common concern to the United States
and Mexico. A collaborative Ecosystem Program Team has been organized to define issues and to
develop an environmental education/training package for the Upper San Pedro River Basin
Resource managers, technicians, scientists, and academia are part of the team that will exchange
information between Mexico and the U.S. A workshop for 20 participants (10 from Mexico and
10 from the US) is scheduled on the Upper San Pedro River Basin in September 1996. Issues are
to be identified and an action plan for further education/training efforts in subsequent years is
to be developed at that workshop.
Project Name: The Restoration of Desert Riparian Vegetation in the Santa Cruz
River.
TT 0bJectives: T° Protect and restore ecosystem values for riparian habitats
alongthe U. S ./Mexico border.
2) Funding: To be determined.
3) Partners: U.S.F.W.S., NRCS, AGFD, Nature Conservancy, Instituto Ecologico de Sonora
4) Description: The Santa Cruz River is considered one of the most important riparian corridors
in Southern Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. This area is of extreme importance to neotropical
migratory birds, such as cuckoos, orioles sulphur-bellied flycatcher and the willow flycatcher The
narrow riparian zone provides migratory stopovers, resting and nesting habitat for neotropical
June 1996 Draft
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Natural Resources Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
Protect Name; National Aerial Photography Program
1) Purpose and Objectives: To coordinate the collection of aerial photography every
five years to include border states of Mexico.
2) Funding: ° To be determined
3) Partners: USFS, USGS, other federal agencies
4) Description: The original objective of this project was to update aerial photography maps of
the 48 contiguous states every five years. In order to improve resource management programs
and update inventories of natural resources on an ecosystem scale, it is being proposed to expand
this aerial photography mapping effort to include the northern states of Mexico In that way
research and resource projects along the border could be monitored, interpreted and analyzed
more effectively.
Project Name; Arizona Fire Ecology Program and Border Area Fire Suppression
1) Purpose and Objectives: To improve research, management and local community
understanding of the important role of fire in maintaining certain ecosystems; continue to jointly
suppress fires along the Coronado NF, States of Sonora/Chihuahua border, and continue to
provide fire suppression training to those located along the border.
2) Funding: "To be determined.
3) Partners: USDA Forest Service Coronado NF, SequiaNF, Lincoln NF, Prescott NF, Rocky
Mountain Research Station, Univ. of Arizona, University of Sonora, and SEMARNAP-
Sonora/Chihuahua.
4) Description: Historically, the naturally induced fires in the remote forest areas have not been
put out while fires in forests nearby the more populated areas have been suppressed. Little was
understood about the relationship between the vegetation and fire. The role that fire plays in the
maintenance of ecosystems along the Arizona/Sonora/Chihuahua border is now better
understood Many species within these ecosystems are dependent on fire to regenerate. We now
have a unique opportunity to set up research plots in areas where fire has been suppressed as well
as where it has been left to bum within the same ecosystem. Much can be learned by comparing
the vegetation within these areas to determine the role that fire has played to maintain this
vegetation type. For those species that we now know are dependent of fire for survival, like
apache and ponderosa pine, use of prescribed burning to maintain these species should be
implemented This program also proposes to develop an education effort to assist local
communities identify a process for deciding whether to extinguish existing fires or let them
continue to burn.
June 1996 Draft
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Natural Resources "Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
A binational crew exists to respond to fires along the Coronado NF/States of Sonora/Chihuahua
border. However at this time there are four trained crews to respond to protect nine million
hectares (22,500,000 acres) of land. It is proposed that three additional crews be assembled and
that these crew be based '
outside the communities (located closer to likely occurance of fire breakouts) on
the Mexico side of the border. Through the North American Forestry Commission
Fire Management Study Group, helitack and basic fire training could be given to
these crews as well as instruction on the use of prescribed burning to reduce
fire danger.
Project Name; Reintroduction of Gould's Turkey
1) Purpose a"hd Objectives: Continue the transfer of Gould's Turkey, an extirpated
species in the U.S., from Chihuahua to Arizona while assuring the maintenance of
a healthy population in Chihuahua.
2) Funding: To be determined
3) Partners: USFS-Coronado NF, Arizona State Fish & Game, USF&WS, SEMARNAP-
Chihuahua.
4) Description: Gould's Turkey is a species that used to be found in Arizona in the
Coronado National Forest. It disappeared from the area but is still prevalent in
the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. For the last two years, 10-20 turkey's a year
have been brought into Arizona from Chihuahua. It is proposed that this transfer
ofturkey's from mexico continue. In addition, it is important that an inventory
of the turkey population in Chihuahua is completed this year to ensure that the
Mexico population continues to grow.
Project Name;
Assessment, Inspection and Training for Reduction of Forest Pests
and Disease at the Border
1) Purpose and Objectives: Assess the potential risks that insects and diseases
transported across the border, may have on forests on either side of the border.
Increase inspection efforts to minimize these risks and implement training
efforts for foresters on either side of the border on the recognition of cross
border forest insects and diseases.
2) Funding: To be determined.
3) Partners: USFS, APHIS, SEMARNAP, PROFEPA, U.S. Customs Service
4) Description: Due to the increased transfer of logs between the U.S. and Mexico
an increase in the number of forest insects and diseases crossing the border has
June 1996 Draft
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Natural Resources Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
also increased. In some areas like Oregon and Washington, diseases and insect
problems are on the increase. A risk assessment is already underway to determine
the potential effects on forests. What is also needed is an increase in the
number of inspectors and additional training of these inspectors to help them
more effectively identify disease or pest infected logs. In addition, foresters
along either side of the border need additional training to accurately recognize
the insects and diseases as well as the visible early signs and symtoms on the
trees.
Project Name:
Assessment of Forest Air Pollution Impact in Western and Eastern
United States and Central Mexico
1) Purpose and Objectives: Improve the genetic quality of local species in Southern
California as a result of monitoring of ozone injury to native trees species and
climatic variables at forest sites.
2) Funding: To be determined.
3) Partners: USFS-PSW, SEMARNAP, INIFAP, Pennsylvania State University
9
4) Description: Climatic conditions have a decisive influence on forest response to
ozone injury and the cumulative effects of nitrogen and sulfur compounds. The
study will standardize proceedures and methods, and begin simultaneaous
measurements of climate, pollution exposure and tree response at sites with
distinctly different climates in California, Pennsylvania, and Central Mexico.
Results will aid asessment of global climate changes influences on forest
ecosystem response to photochemical oxidant pollution.
Project Name:
Practices for the Sustainable Use of Forests
1) Purpose and Objectives: Develop "Best Management" practices manual and provide
training seminars on the implementation of'Best Management" practices in both the
U.S. and Mexico.
2) Funding: To be determined.
3) Partners: % USFS-R3, SEMARNAP, Ejido Basaseachi
4) Description: This project will support the implementaion of sustainable forestry
practices through the development of a forest management plan that addresses
environmental impacts of management actions, forest road planning and the
application and evaluation of silvicultural practices. Best practices will be
demonstrated as a site in Ejido Basaseachi.
June 1996 Draft
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Natural Resources Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
Project Name; Coronado National Forest/State of Sonora Sister Forest Program
1) Purpose and Objectives: Through long-term inter-disciplinary sharing of managers
and resources, current as well as newly arising issues and problems can be
jointly solved. Another of the objectives will be to improve management and
conservation capabilities within the Sierra de Los Ajos Natural Protected Area
while continuing to harvest comodities.
2) Funding: To be determined.
3) Partners: USFS-Coronado NF, SEMARNAP-Sonora, Centra Ecologico
4) Description: Various issues have been identified for implementation in FY 96.
They include the training and use of GIS and GPS equipment to improve mapping
information in Sonora; assist in the detection and treatment of insects; training
in fire suppression, prescribed burning for fuels reduction and fire ecology
research development. In order to assist NPA managers in maintaining a balance
between harvesting commodities and preserving the resources, SEMARNAP State
representatives and an interdisciplinary team from the Coronado NF will develop
an ecosytem management plan for Sierra de Los Ajos with an emphasis on fire
management. The plan will also focus on the improvement of the transportation
system, improve watershed management and continue management of the Gould's
turkey.
Project Name; Implementation of the Management Program for the Alto Golfo de
California y Delta del Rio Colorado Biosphere Reserve.
1) Purpose and Objectives: Develop activities aimed at protecting and preserving the
enforcement of environmental policies, lines of authority, and standards established by the
Reserve, through the cooperation of federal, state, and municipal governments, local
communities, academia, etc.
2) Funding: $1,770,157 from INE
3) Partners: INE's Center for Scientific and Technological Investigations at the University of
Sonora. J
4) Description: The protection and preservation projects for implementation of the Management
Program will be developed during the first year, and will be carried out by Reserve personnel
The program consists of supervision, protection, and conservation of the natural resources in the
area; zoning and dissemination; analysis of the current situation of fisheries; and a specific
program for ecotourism management.
June 1996 Draft
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Natural Resources Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
Project Name; Implementation of the Management Program for El Pinacate y Gran
Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve.
1) Purpose and Objectives: Develop activities aimed at protecting and preserving the
enforcement of environmental policies, lines of authority, and standards established by the
Management Program.
2) Funding: $1,331,007 from INE
3) Partners: INE and academic and research institutions.
4) Description: During the first year, the following Management Program projects will be
implementedf
a) Protection and preservation: will be carried out by Reserve personnel, and consists of
supervision, monitoring, protection, and preservation of the natural resources of the Reserve.
b) Zoning and dissemination: will be carried out by the Sonoran Ecological Center, and consists
in defining priority areas to place the signs and create brochures and placards for the Reserve.
c) Study of non-metallic mineral extraction activities, to determine those sites where the
extraction of morusa can take place with minimal impact.
Project Name; Emerging Program for Area de Proteccion de Flora y Fauna Maderas
del Carmen, Coahuila.
1) Purpose and Objectives: Develop a program from which human, material, and financial
resources allow the establishment of basic administration, protection and dissemination actions for
the Area de Proteccion de Flora y Fauna Maderas del Carmen.
2) Funding:'$1,174,142 from INE
3) Partners: INE
4) Description: The Emerging Program consists of the following activities:
a) Resource protection that includes traversing the area, forest fire prevention and control, and
community participation in the protection of resources and species.
b) Basic administration and operation: contracting personnel to administer financial, human, and
material resources; and operation and enforcement indicators of the Emerging Program.
c) Zoning and Dissemination, consisting in the location, manufacturing, and placement of placards
and signs in the Reserve, design, publication, and circulation of a brochure with basic information
for the protected area.
June 1996 Draft 8
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Project Name:
Natural Resources Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
Emerging Program of Areas de Proteccion de Flora y Fauna Canon de
Santa Elena, Chihuahua.
1) Purpose and Objectives: Develop a program from which human, material, and financial
resources permit the establishment of basic administration, protection, and dissemination actions
for the Area de Proteccion de Flora y Fauna Canon de Santa Elena de Chihuahua.
2) Funding: $1,033,806 from INE
3) Partners: INE
4) Description: the Emerging Program consists of the following activities:
a) Protection of resources that includes traversing the area, prevention and control of forest fires,
and community participation in the protection of species and resources.
b) Basic administration and operation: contracting personnel for the administration of financial,
human, and material resources; operation; and enforcement indicators for the Emergent Program.
c) Zoning and Dissemination, consists in the location, manufacturing, and placement of placards
and signs in the Reserve, design, and circulation of a brochure with basic information of the
protected area.
Project Name:
Base Study for the establishment of a Natural Protected area in
Laguna Madre, Tamaulipas.
1) Purpose and Objectives: Analyze the physical, biological, and social setting for the Laguna
Madre, Tamaulipas region to determine if it would support a designation of a Natural Protected
Area. Determine the area and category of protection.
2) Funding: $116,000 from INE
3) Partners: INE-DUMAC
4) Description: Integrate in one document the basic information with the zone characterization
and the analysis of the physical, biological, and socioeconomic aspects of the area of study.
Define the area proposed for protection, and the values and overriding issues of the zone that
justify designation.
Project Name:
Implementation of capacity courses and meetings on experiences in
the administration and operation of Natural Protected Areas in the
Northern Border.
1) Purpose and Objectives: Create capacity courses and public participation workshops that
allow the personnel of the Natural Protected Areas and the communities an adequate management
June 1996 Draft
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Natural Resources Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
and use of natural resources, in order to attain sustainable development.
2) Funding: $520,000 from INE
3) Partners: INE and other yet to be identified institutions.
4) Description: Implemetation of public participation workshops, as well as courses on the
management and operation in the Natural Protected Areas of the Northern Border.
Project Name:
Flora and Fauna Inventory for Laguna Madre, Tamaulipas.
1) Purpose and Objectives: Create and inventory of the flora and fauna species of the northern
estuary system of Laguna Madre.
2) Funding: $64,800 from INE
3) Partners: INE-Ocean Sciences Institute of UNAM
4) Description: Review recent bibliographical information, and scientific literature, and in
addition, field trips will be integrated in the inventory for Laguna Madre.
Project Name; Biologic Diversity of the meadows of the Northeast of Mexico.
9
1) Pupose and Objectives: Create a biologic inventory of the terrestial vertebrates and flora of
the meadows of the northeast of Mexico, in the State of Chihuahua.
2) Funding: $67,056.
3) Partners: INE-Ecology Center
4) Description: Compile bibliographical information in scientific literature of vertebrates and flora
of the region, in addition, field trips to confirm the collected information.
Project Name; Mammals of Baja California
1) Purpose and Objectives: Create an inventory on the terrestial mammals of Baja California.
2) Funding: $32,580 from INE
3) Partners: JNE, Biological Institute, UNAM.
4) Description: Integrate the inventory of terrestial mammals of Baja California through
bibliographic research and review of scientific literature.
June 1996 Draft
10
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Natural Resources Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
Project Name:
Review of the current situation of floral estuary habitats in the boder
zone of the State of Sonora.
1) Purpose and Objectives: Obtain current information on the floral estuary habitats in the
border zone of the State of Sonora.
2) Funding: $54,096.
3) Partners: INE, Scientific Research and Technology Center of the University of Sonora.
4) Description: Review of the bibliography and plant collections.
Project Name;
Species with status
1) Purpose and Objectives: Implement various species studies with north status with the
objective of integrating a current data base of the condition that wild and aquatic flora and fauna
species are in.
2) Funding: $982,000.
3) Partners: INE and diferent academic and/or NGOs institutions
4) Description: Integrate a data base with the information of each of the contracted studies.
June 1996 Draft
11
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Water Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
DRAFT
U.S.-MEXICO
WATER WORK GROUP
1996 Workplan
OBJECTIVES
Develop relationships and establish mechanisms which encourage ongoing binational
communication and information exchange to increase effectiveness of project planning and
implementation.
Act on the binational priorities for environmental infrastructure development, pollution
prevention and watershed planning, water quality monitoring, environmental training, and public
education and involvement.
INTRODUCTION
The Water Work Group proposes the following ongoing and future activities for 1996.
1) Environmental Infrastructure Development
Rio Grande Cities Facilities Planning — The U.S. has made available financial support
(US$10 million) to Mexico, through the EBWC, to develop plans, studies and projects for
wastewater treatment facilities in communities along the Rio Grande. EPA will continue to work
with the IBWC to facilitate the development of these projects.
The U.S. and Mexico, recognizing the importance of the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo to
sustainable development, will work together on a watershed based analysis of drinking water and
wastewater infrastructure needs for the cities, towns and communities near the river.
EPA/ffiWC Sanitation and Water Quality Projects in Mexicali and Nogales ~ The
U.S. has offered financial support ($36 million) to Mexico and will work toward developing
sustainable projects. Some projects are underway to address problems with existing local systems
and longer term facilities plans are also being developed.
Existing projects at Tijuana — The U.S. will work with Mexico to develop an
operation and maintenance plan for the international wastewater treatment plant and a plan for
disposal of the international plant sludge.
The U.S. will work with Mexico to select the most appropriate alternative for handling
wastewaters pending the construction of the ocean outfall.
The U.S. will complete construction of the advanced primary treatment facilities.
June 1996 Draft
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Water Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
In addition to activities being performed by the Mexican border states and municipalities,
CNA will assign resources to partially finance work for 37.3 million dollars in 1996, according to
the following amounts (in millions):
Baja California (Tijuana, Mexicali, Tecate, and Ensenada) 20.0
Sonora (Nogales) 3.4
Tamaulipas (Nuevo Laredo, Reynosa, and Valle Hermoso) 13.9
TOTAL 37.3
Water Reuse -- The U.S. will work with Mexico to develop a water reuse subgroup.
This subgroup may consider such subjects as water conservation and drought management. The
goal is to develop specific tasks for both countries, optimizing available human and technical
resources. The U.S. will work with Mexico regarding the mid and long term sanitation planning.
(2) Pollution Prevention
Municipal Wastewater Monitoring at Nogales/Nogales, San Diego/Tijuana — The
U.S. will continue to work with Mexico regarding the monitoring program for municipal
wastewaters in Nogales/Nogales and San Diego/Tijuana.
In Mexico, CNA will provide guidance to the wastewater operating entities in the
wastewater pretreatment program implementation. State authorities will be in charge of following
up the pretreatment program.
3) Watershed Planning and Management
Rio Grande Alliance — The U.S. and the Texas Natural Resources Conservation
Commission will continue to share information with Mexico regarding the creation of the Rio
Grande Alliance and related projects. Similar collaboration of efforts will be encouraged along the
rest of the border.
Colorado and Rio Grande Estuaries -- The U.S. will continue talk to Mexico regarding
studies for the Colorado River and Rio Grande estuaries. The U.S. proposes a basin-wide
approach for the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo.
Ecosystems Issues — The U.S. and Mexico will continue to be engaged by different state
and federal agencies regarding their ecosystem and watershed activities.
Data Management ~ The U.S. will continue to work with Mexico in sharing various
information and data base systems.
The U.S. will continue with actions leading to resolutions for sediment and salinity
June 1996 Draft
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Water Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
problems in the Colorado River.
4) Water Quality Monitoring
El Paso/ Cd. Juarez Groundwaters ~ The United States/Mexico technical subgroup will
continue the process of data exchange and the development of regional hydrogeological studies.
Ambos Nogales Groundwater ~ The U.S. will continue working with Mexico in the
installation and sampling of groundwater monitoring wells in this area and in the development of
regional hydrogeological studies.
Rio Grande/Colorado-New River Toxicity Studies - The second phase of the
binational Rio Grande and the initial binational Colorado/New River surveys began in 1995. In
1996, the U.S. will continue to work with Mexico to complete the studies and begin analyzing the
data and preparing the reports.
5) Training.
In Mexico, CNA will continue with the training programs for the certification of
wastewater plant operators as well as for the operation and maintenance of drinking water and
sewerage systems.
In addition, the U.S. will develop a training course concerning surface and groundwater
sampling to standardize the respective sampling methodologies.
6) Promoting Water Conservation - Development of a Water Culture
Mexico will continue to promote public outreach on the efficient and rational water use.
7) Public Participation
Mexico will increase the creation of public forum committees at state and local levels to
involve the public on the decision making process in hydraulic infrastructure projects.
The specific project descriptions follow:
June 1996 Draft
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Water Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
PROJECT NAME; NOGALES POTABLE WATER AND WASTEWATER
1) Purpose and Objectives: The project consists of an potable water component and a
wastewater component. The purpose of the Integral Project for the Use of Potable Water,
Treatment, and Recharge in Nogales, Sonora, (first stage) is to improve the services and
infrastructure of the city to optimize the use of water; the objective is the sustainable development
of the Nogales, Sonora, water supply to make the most efficient use of water in accordance with
all of the services that COAPAES provides. The purpose of the wastewater component is to
provide adequate wastewater treatment for the Ambos Nogales area to protect public health and
the environment; objectives include providing more treatment capacity for Nogales, Sonora, and
implementing an effective pretreatment program.
2) Funding: For the potable water project, the funding is to be determined using a combination
of funds from COAPAES-Nogales, State of Sonora and NADBank loans. The government of
Mexico is analyzing the possibility of assisting with federal resources. For the wastewater
component, EPA has $36,058,414 available for this and other border wastewater projects in
Arizona and California. For this project, EPA has provided funds to (a) IBWC (U.S. and
Mexican Sections) for contractor support and project coordination; (b) Arizona Department of
Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to provide technical assistance on the project; and (c) City of
Nogales for an Infiltration/Inflow study and improvements. Additional U.S. funding for this
project could come from EPA or BECC/NADBank funds in future years. In addition, EPA has
provided IBWC U.S. Section $200,000 for development of a pretreatment program.
3) Partners: For the potable water project the partners are CNA, COAPAES-Nogales, and the
State of Sonora. For the wastewater component, the primary U.S. partners are EPA, IBWC U.S.
Section, ADEQ, Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR), Santa Cruz County and City
of Nogales, Arizona, and the primary Mexican partners are IBWC Mexican Section, CNA, SIUE,
and City of Nogales, Sonora.
4) Description: The potable water project has been conditionally certified by BECC. Thus,
CNA will support COAPAES with a comprehensive study that will allow the project to satisfy the
remaining requirements for complete certification, such as analyzing the priority elements to be
realized. In this first stage, only drinking water elements have been included. In future stages,
wastewater elements will be added, based on a facility planning effort.
Regarding wastewater, the Ambos Nogales area is currently served by the Nogales International
Wastewater Treatment Plant (IWTP). However, deficiencies in the system result in raw sewage
flowing across the border in the Nogales Wash and in adjacent washes. Also, Nogales, Sonora,
is utilizing its'full capacity at the IWTP and additional capacity is needed. The project involves
planning, design, and construction of wastewater collection, conveyance, and treatment facilities.
This year we will continue or initiate the following activities.
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Water Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
Wastewater Facility Planning U. S. and Mexico have agreed to jointly study the
wastewater needs and issues of Ambos Nogales and identify possible solutions to provide
additional treatment capacity. The facility plan/study will analyze the environmental, technical,
and financial aspects of different wastewater alternatives, in close coordination with planning
aspects of the potable water project. Architectural and engineering consultants have been hired to
prepare the study and facilitate public information activities. The study will commence this spring
and will conclude with a facility plan and design for a proposed project that may be presented for
BECC certification.
Wastewater Immediate-Need Projects: Reduction of extraneous flows in the wastewater
collection systems of Nogales, Arizona and Nogales, Sonora is urgently needed. In Arizona, an
intensive study to identify sources of infiltration and inflow (I/I) and limited rehabilitation of the
collection system is underway. The study results are expected by May 1996. Similarly, an I/I
study for Sonora will be conducted this year. The findings of the studies will become the basis for
a program of I/I improvements for each collection and conveyance system.
Wastewater Pretreatment Program IBWC U. S. SECTION has completed its procurement of a
consultant to calculate the maximum levels of toxic pollutants that can safely be treated at the
IWTP (headworks analysis). IBWC will then allocate the allowable amounts to the two countries,
which will regulate users of the system to ensure compliance. The headworks analysis will take
approximately 10 months to complete, starting in 1996.
PROJECT NAME; NOGALES GROUNDWATER 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 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 levels of
VOC and inorganics, assist in ground water contaminant source identification and control, and
establish a baseline for VOC and inorganics in the transboundary aquifer.
2) Funding: EPA has provided $200,000 to IBWC U.S. SECTION and $65,000 to Arizona
Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to implement this project. EPA is also funding 2
positions at ADEQ in part to provide technical support on this project.
3) Partners: ADEQ will be the lead for the U.S. and IBWC U.S. Section will also be a primary
partner. Mexican partners include IBWC Mexican Section, CNA and State of Sonora.
4) Description: Past studies of ground water quality in the Nogales, Arizona, area have indicated
the presence of VOC's 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
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studied on a binational level.
The project consists of the construction and monitoring of equal numbers of wells on each side of
the border. The wells on the U.S. side have been drilled and developed. Well construction
equipment has been purchased and transferred to Mexico for their use. Drilling of wells in
Mexico still needs to be scheduled. After all the wells are constructed, samples will be taken by a
binational team and analyzed on a quarterly basis for a period of one year. We hope to begin
sampling by May 1996. All samples will be split for separate analysis by the U.S. and Mexico.
IBWC is arranging OSHA training in April 1996 for the Mexican members of the sampling team;
the training is necessary for their participation in the sampling activities in the U.S.
PROJECT NAME: NOGALES WELLHEAD PROJECTION
1) Purpose and Objectives: The purpose is to employ wellhead protection strategies in a
proactive effort to protect the quality of the ground water in the transboundary aquifer under the
Ambos Nogales/Santa Cruz River area. Objectives include enhancement of local voluntary
involvement in the management of ground water quality, education of the public on ground water
quality, and measurement of direct environmental and human health benefits for wellhead
protection.
2) Funding: EPA is providing $195,078 to the Southeastern Arizona Governments Organization
(SEAGO) to implement the project, including the funding of an EPA staff person on loan to
SEAGO. EPA is also funding a position at ADEQ in part to provide technical support on this
project.
3) Partners: Primary U.S. partners include SEAGO, ADEQ, Santa Cruz County, and City of
Nogales, Arizona. Discussions on extending the effort into Mexico would involve the IBWC.
4) Description: This project is intended to protect the region's ground water before it becomes
contaminated. The project focuses on the apparent, but often ignored, link between activities that
take place oirthe land near aquifer recharge areas around ground water wells and the quality of
ground water supplied by those 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. At this time, the project is focussed on developing a
wellhead protection program for the Nogales, Arizona, area, but the effort could be extended into
Mexico, if Mexico is interested.
Wellhead protection areas for the 6 active City of Nogales wells have been completed, as have the
identification and mapping of potential sources of contamination within those areas. The maps
will be presented to the Groundwater Users Advisory Council and the Mayor and City Council as
soon as Mexico has an opportunity to review them. IBWC has been asked to arrange a meeting
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Water Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
with Mexico for this purpose. A set of lesson plans to form the Drinking Water Protection
Curricula was completed in October 1995. A general public education plan has been developed,
focusing on a set of drinking water protection-related pamphlets and a Water Festival. Drafts of
train-the-trainer pamphlets have been completed and are undergoing review. The pamphlets
should be finalized by May 1996. The first phase of the project has concentrated on the technical
issues, and the scientific and engineering analyses have been documented in technical papers. The
second phase is focusing more on policy analyses having to do with reviewing protection
measures already in place and assessing what additional protection measures would likely provide
the needed benefits.
PROJECT NAME; LOWER COLORADO/NEW RIVER TOXICS SURVEY
1) Purpose and Objectives: The purpose is to determine the levels of toxic pollutants in the
lower Colorado River and in the New River. Mexico has requested monitoring of the lower
Colorado River due to concern about the quality of the water supply for Mexicali and Tijuana.
Interest in New River monitoring was elevated when Imperial County and a coalition of
environmental justice groups filed petitions under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
2) Funding: EPA has provided a total of $361,000 for this project: $240,000 to the United
States Geological Survey (USGS) to monitor for toxic pollutants in water and sediments; $72,000
to the University of California at Davis (UCD) to measure aquatic toxicity and assist in data
compilation; and $49,000 to California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) for analysis of
bioaccumulation in fish tissue.
3) Partners: Primary U.S. partners include EPA, USGS, UCD, DFG, State of Arizona, and
IBWC U.S. Section. Mexican partners include IBWC Mexican Section and CNA.
4) Description: A binational program for monitoring toxic pollutants in the Colorado and New
Rivers has been developed. Three sites on each river were monitored during the first round. Five
sites were monitored on the Colorado River during the second round. The second round of
sampling on the New River is scheduled for April. Then, work will begin on the preparation of a
binational report describing the results of both rounds of sampling.
PROJECT NAME; SANTA CRUZ BASIN WATERSHED ASSESSMENT
1) Purpose and Objectives: To develop a workplan for planning and management of water
resources in the Santa Cruz Basin.
2) Funding: In kind services from ADEQ and ADWR
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Water Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
3) Partners: ADEQ, ADWR, IBWC, EPA, DOI, CNA, State of Sonora, local governments in
the watershed
4) Description: Santa Cruz Basin is a transboundary system Utilization of waters in the basin
may have a potential for transboundary impacts. The Basin provides domestic water supply for
ambos Nogales and is one of the last remaining natural riparian ecosystems in the southwest. The
workplan will focus on defining mechanisms for compiling existing information and identifying
data gaps.
PROJECT NAME; LOWER COLORADO/NEW RIVER DATA SYNTHESIS
1) Purpose and Objectives: The purpose is to understand what information is currently
available on water quality of the Lower Colorado and New Rivers.
2) Funding: EPA has provided $150,000 to the University of California at Davis (UCD) for this
project.
3) Partners: EPA and UCD.
4) Description: UCD will prepare bilingual reports summarizing and synthesizing existing water
quality data for the New and lower Colorado Rivers.
PROJECT NAME: NEW RIVER TOXICS MODEL
1) Purpose and Objectives: The purpose is to understand the fate of toxic organic pollutants in
the New River.
2) Funding: EPA has provided $70,000 to the University of California at Davis (UCD) for this
project.
3) Partners: EPA and UCD.
4) Description: UCD has collected samples along the length of the New River and is using the
results to develop a model which will predict the behavior of toxic organic pollutants in river
sediments and water.
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PROJECT NAMtt; MEXICALIWASTEWATER
1) Purpose and Objectives: The purpose is to provide adequate wastewater treatment for the
City of 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 $36,058,414 available for this and other border wastewater projects in
Arizona and California. For this project, EPA has provided funds to (a) IBWC (U S and
Mexican Sections) for contractor support and project coordination; and (b) the State of California
(State Water Resources Control Board [SWRCB] and Regional Water Quality Control Board
Colorado River Basin Region [RWQCB 7]) for technical assistance and water quality monitoring
Additional U.S. funding for this project could come from EPA or BECC/NADBank in future
years. Mexico is currently studying the possibility of providing resources for improvements to the
various components of sanitation in Mexicali.
3) Partners: Primary U.S. partners are EPA, IBWC U.S. Section, SWRCB, RWQCB 7 and
Imperial Irrigation District. Primary Mexican partners are IBWC Mexican Section CNA, and
State of Baja California Norte. '
4) Description: Existing deficiencies in the existing Mexicali wastewater system 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. In November 1995 a
bmational agreement was signed committing both governments to the preparation of a binational
facility p an which will analyze the technical, financial, and environmental aspects of the available
project alternatives. The facility plan will examine options for the long-term solution to the
wastewater problem, but 11 short-term projects, which are relatively inexpensive and certain to be
part of the overall solution (quick fixes), were also identified and construction of those projects
has begun. IBWC is in the process of issuing a contract for engineering services to assist in
development of the facility plan and implementation of the quick fixes. RWQCB 7 is monitoring
the New River for conventional pollutants and metals to document improvements in water quality
associated with the project. Monitoring of the New River will help document progress resulting
from implementation of the Mexicali wastewater project
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Water Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
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 (IWTP), 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 IWTP
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 $5,300,000 for the
outfall facilities. Mexico will contribute funds to the IWTP 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, ocean outfall, and canyon collectors, but funding
is not sufficient for construction of the secondary treatment facilities as currently designed.
3) Partners: Primary U.S. partners include IBWC, State of California (SWRCB), and City of
San Diego. Mexico is participating through IBWC.
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 IWTP 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 contamination 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 IWTP); the IWTP; and the outfall
pipelines. Minute No. 283 also calls for Mexico to develop and implement an effective
pretreatment program. The City of San Diego has been working with the City of Tijuana on
program development.
The primary treatment phase of the IWTP is under construction. The secondary treatment
facilities (activated sludge) and canyon collectors have been designed. The South Bay Land
Outfall has been constructed and construction of the ocean outfall has begun. Wastewater
samples have been collected at three locations in the Tijuana collection system. Supplemental
environmental reviews are underway to (1) examine options for operating the advanced primary
IWTP pending completion of the ocean outfall and secondary treatment facilities and (2) examine
potentially less expensive alternatives to activated sludge for providing secondary treatment.
Construction of the advanced primary treatment plant and ocean outfall will be completed in
February 1997 and May 1988, respectively. Design of the activated sludge secondary treatment
facilities and canyon collectors will be completed in March 1996. A draft supplemental
environmental review regarding interim treatment options is scheduled for release in the summer
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Water Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
of 1996 and a draft of the analysis of alternative secondary treatment technologies will be released
in 1997.
PROJECT NAME; BORDER DRINKING WATER INVENTORY FOR ARIZONA AND
CALIFORNIA
1) Purpose and Objectives: The purpose is to provide basic information on the drinking water
supply systems in the U.S-Mexico border area for the states of Arizona and California.
2) Funding: Project is being implemented by staff of EPA with assistance from stafffrom the
states of Arizona and California.
3) Partners: Partners are EPA, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, and California
State Water Resources Control Board.
4) Description: EPA is preparing a summary of basic information for each the public water
supply systems along the border area in Arizona and California.
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.
3) Partners: EPA 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. 6
NAME; NEW MEXICO COLONIAS WASTEWATER CONSTRUCTION
PROGRAIM
1) Purpose and Objectives: To make grants to construct eligible wastewater treatment
improvements which address the existing wastewater treatment needs of the unincorporated
colomas in existence before November 28, 1 990.
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Water Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
2) Funding: On December 22, 1992, EPA awarded $10,000,000 to the New Mexico
A awarded $10,000,000 to the New Mexico Environment Department.
3) Partners: EPA Region 6 and the NMED.
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.
PROJECT NAME: CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS WASTEWATER TREATMENT
MODELPROJECT 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 by EPA..
3) Partners: Mesquite Mutual Water Association , the New Mexico Environment Department,
and EPA Region 6.
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.
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Water Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
PROJECT NAME: ENVIRONMENTAL PARTNERSHIP EFFORT ALONG THE
U.S./MEXICO BORDER: CIUDAD JUAREZ/EL PASO WELLHEAD
PROTECTION/GROUND WATER PILOT PROJECT
,u 0bJ'ectives: The PurP°se of this project is to implement the State of Texas-
Wellhead Protection CWHP) 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
*reZth TiT T* Tl T1! in ^ added levd °f Protection for ^e 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, IB WC, EPA Region 6
4) Description: The TNRCC is responsible for implementing the State's approved WHP
ITT T A?6'* *? ^ thu 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
200+^ W^ ? m f^ d*vel°Pment of a 8round ^ter protection program for that city's
200+ public water supply wells. The project is essentially complete. However TNRCC has
requested an extension of the budget/project period until August 1997 to allow for completion of
tPp,°P Ct reP°rt "? t0 6nSUre that the EPA/^riCorps project with the University of
at El Paso is coordinated.
C°LONIA WASTEWATER TREATMENT ASSISTANCE
1) Purpose and Objectives: To expedite the construction of eligible wastewater treatment
sttog — •— °f «* -i— °«
Cr
2) Funding: On December 22, 1992, EPA awarded a $50,000,000 grant to the Texas Water
increase d ^e amount by
wfi oatei" Devel°Pment Board (TWDB) provides a 100% match to the FY
EPA funds and a 20o/0 match to the FY 1995 funds. Various local water and wastewater
June 1996 Draft
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Water Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
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 regional facility planning studies underway in
Cameron County and in Hidalgo County.
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 «£«*»oMl
solution. The TWDB has rural facility planning studies underway in Cameron, Hidalgo, Webb
and El Paso Counties. .
The TWDB has awarded grants totalling over $70 million for construction and rural/urban
planning.
PROJECT NAME: CHARACTERIZATION OF TRANSBOUNDARY AQUIFERS IN
THE EL PASO/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 September 1994, EPA awarded a $50,000 grant to the Texas Water Development
Board for the Texas and Mexico portion of the study. Texas provided $299,416 in matching
funds.
In September 1994, EPA awarded a grant for $74,821 to New Mexico State University's Water
Resources Research Institute for the New Mexico portion of the study. The project icludes
$97,288 in State and local matching funds.
3) Partners:• EPA Region 6 , the Texas Water Development Board,
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Water Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
New Mexico State University's Water Resources Research Institute, IBWC, City of Las Cruces
New Mexico '
4) Description: 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 bi-
national study focused on the chemical and physical characteristics of the aquifers..
Existing water quality information has been collected in an electronic format and is being
reviewed for consistency. The areal extent of the transboundary aquifers have been delineated
and mapped electronically using Geographic Information System technology. An agreement has
been negotiated with the Mexican government that will facilitate the international exchange of
water quality data. The report has been completed. The Sunland Park public water system
investigation element of the project has been completed and the interim final report has been
submitted.
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.
**'
Water Development
3) Partners: EPA Region 6 and the Texas Water Development Board
4) Description: The Texas Water Development Board has developed an on-site technical
wastewater treatment plant operators and
The TWDB has mailed out a flier describing the program. Assistance has been provided to more
than 10 communities and approximately 30 projects are underway. A number of communities
on a waiting list for assistance in evaluating their collection systems by using TWDB smoke
testing equipment purchased under this project. The TWDB loans out the equipment after
training the local staff in its operation.
are
PROJECT NAME: BI-NATIONAL WASTEWATER OPERATORS TRAINING
cr£2K±Provide trahin8 for wastewater treatraent plant operators •"•«
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Water Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
2) Funding: In 1995,, EPA awarded grants totaling $150,000 to the Water Environment
Federation (WEF) for this project.
3) Partners: EPA Region 6 and the WEF.
4) Description: Wastewater treatment 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 wastewater treatment plant and the
collection system. This grant will cover a 4 to 5 year period.
PROJECT NAME: BI-NATIONAL WATER SUPPLY OPERATORS TRAINING
1) Purpose and Objectives: Provide training for drinking water treatment plant operators along
the border in a bi-national forum.
2) Funding: In August 1995, EPA awarded a grant of $100,000 to the American Water Works
Association (AWWA) for this project.
3) Partners: EPA Region 6 and the AWWA.
4) Description: Water treatment plant operators will be provided bilingual training in the
importance of source protection (surface and ground water supplies); treatment techniques and
and methods to maintain the distribution system. This grant will cover a 4 to 5 year period.
PROJECT NAME: CIRCUIT RIDER TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR PUBLIC
WATER SYSTEMS ALONG THE TEXAS/MEXICO BORDER
1) Purpose and Objectives: Provide training for wastewater treatment plant operators along the
border in a bi-national forum.
2) Funding: In September 1994, EPA awarded a grant of $140,000 to the Texas Natural
Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) for this project.
3) Partners: EPA Region 6 and the TNRCC.
4) Description: Drinking water treatment plant operators at approximately 125 utilities in 16
border region counties are provided hands on assistance with an experienced "circuit rider."
Assistance is in the area of financial, management and technical operations. This grant will cover
a 2 year period.
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Water Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
PROJECT NAMF.. TOXICS STUDIES OF THE RIO GRANDE
1) Purpose and Objectives: The purpose of these studies is to screen the Rio Grande for the
prevalence, magnitude, and impact of toxic chemicals.
2) Funding: EPA has provided $1,006,000 to the Texas Natural Resource Conservation
SSJr?!^™^00 10 C0ordinate water 000- In FY94 and FY95, Regional Geographic Initiative
funds of $325,000 and $200,000 were provided, respectively. P^ initiative
3) Partners: U.S. and Texas agencies involved are EPA, 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 are the National Water Commission of
Mexico and the International Boundary and Water Commission, Mexican Section These
agencies are involved in workplan development, data collection, and data evaluation.
4) Description: The studies include determinations of toxic pollutant concentrations in water
sediment, and fish tissue; toxicity testing of water and sediment using minnows and waterfleas'
and biological assessments offish and macroinvertebrate communities that live in the river The
stady area is from El Paso/Juarez to Brownsville/Matamoros. Binational reports will be issued
that will helpoidentify areas where water pollution control is needed.
Binational toxics sampling began in November 1992. A binational report was issued in September
1994 In evaluating the Rio Grande, the U.S. and Mexico found that the river is not heavly
Z* t'o h* t°,X1CS- Fo 10W-UP toxics ^Pling began in May 1995, with a second binationd
sdendsts toteT " ' ^ " ^"^ co°Peration am°*g the Mexican and U.S.
PROJECT NAMF,: U.S. - MEXICO PEER MATCHING WASTEWATER
TREATMENT FACILITIES OPERATION DEMONSTRATION PROJECT
1) Purpose and Objectives: To foster ongoing peer relationships between wastewater treatment
" tfon anT
EPA awarded $i5o'oo° to the university °f Texas Enginee^
3) Partners: 'EPA Region 6, TEEX and the Texas Water Utility Association.
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Water Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
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 to encourage ongoing peer relationships.
Sites have been selected, training modules have been developed, and coordination is underway
with Mexican contacts.
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- In FY94 EPA provided $134,300 to the Texas Natural Resource Conservation
Commission (TNRCC) to develop the Watershed Alliance. In FY 95 Region 6 i provided Ian
additional award of $169,000 from the Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds and $221,700
from the Office of International Activities 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 address water quality issues in 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 qualitywithin the 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. .
The TNRCC Internal Rio Grande Water Quality Workgroup was established in February, lyyx
An internal TNRCC workgroup prepared a list of recommended stakeholders that will compose
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 March, 1995
PROJECT NAME; RIO GRANDE CITIES FACILITIES PLANNING
1) Purpose and Objectives: Planning of wastewater facilities to control wastewater discharges
from Mexico into the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo.
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Water Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
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).
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: Facilities plans for wastewater treatment and collection systems which may be
based on criteria developed by the Border Environmental Cooperation Commission Projects will
include, but not be limited to, Ciudad Acuna, Piedras Negras, Ojinaga and Reynosa.
Engineering firms have been selected by the IBWC. .
PROJECT NAME; LAREDO, TEXAS, JEFFERSON AND CHACON WATER AND
WASTEWATER IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
1) Purpose and Objectives: Construction of improvements to Laredo's water and wastewater
systems. ^waici
2) Funding: In January 1995, the City of Laredo, Texas was awarded $8,200 00 in Federal
Funds that was matched by $6,861,000 in local funds.
3) Partners: City of Laredo, Texas, USEPA Region 6, and potentially the Texas Water
Development Board.
4) Description: Planning, design and construction of 60 MOD raw water intake for the Jefferson
Water Treatment Plant and the Chacon Creek Interceptor that is approximately 8 miles in length.
PROJECT NAME; SHARED WATER RESOURCES CHARACTERIZATION
Purpose & Objective: To describe and assess transboundary water resources from a hvdroloaic
and qualitative perspective. Project would identify data gaps, establish regionally compatible
hydrologic protocols and databases, and promote exchanges of information and related
technology.
Funding: To be developed.
Partners: DOI, JJBWC/CILA, EPA, INEGI, and SEMARNAP/CNA.
Description: Critical to the selection of water conservation and management alternatives is the
development of a comprehensive understanding of the quantity and quality of water resources that
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Water Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
are present. This understanding can be generated through the systematic consistent
and analysis of water-resources data. Surface water drainage basins would be used as the primary
basis for defining the assessment area.
PROTECT NAME: CHARACTERIZATION OF TRANSBOUNDARY AQUIFERS IN
THE DEL RIO TO EAGLE PASS SEGMENT OF THE RIO GRANDE REGION
Purpose and Objectives: This project is a continuation of an existing joint effort by the
Governments of the United States and Mexico 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 first phase of the initiative focused on the transboundary aquifers in the El
Paso/Ciudad Juarez/Las Cruces area. The project area for the continuation of the effort will be
focused on the transboundary ground water resources in the Del Rio to Eagle Pass area.
Funding: Funding for Phase II is being requested in the amount of $200,000 for the Del Rio to
Eagle Pass segment of the transboundary resource characterization. The Texas Water
Development Board will be the recipient of the funds through a cooperative agreement with EPA.
Partners: Texas Water Development Board and the IBWC
Description: This project will identify and characterize the regional aquifers that extend across
the international border between Del Rio and Eagle Pass in Texas. Aquifer characterization will
include the evaluation of the natural and induced chemical quality, availability of ground water
supplies and the ground water flow direction and its relationship to the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo.
Ground water data will be converted to Geographic Information System coverages that will be
useful to hydrologists and planners with municipal, state, and federal agencies m both countries.
Mexican hydrologists and engineers will participate in the project by providing data from the
Mexico side of the border. A report summarizing this segment of the region's transboundary
aquifers will be prepared along with graphic presentations for the project area.
PROJECT NAME; WATERSHED BASED ASSESSMENT OF BORDER
INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS
Purpose & Objective: To compile a watershed based assessment of the existing surface and
ground water quality to determine water supply and wastewater infrastructure needs to meet bi-
national health and environmental quality goals in the border area.
Funding: To be determined.
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Water Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
on infrastructure priorities and other control strategies
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Air Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
AIR WORK GROUP 1996 INITIATIVES
NOTE: Funding for the following projects is based on a continuation of resources at
Fiscal Year 1995 levels. Given that the 1996 budget picture remains
uncertain, projects may be delayed or reduced in scope.
Project Name: Ciudad Juarez - El Paso - Sunland Park Air Programs
Purpose and Objectives: Continue a wide variety of programs including: advanced monitoring
emissions inventory development, modeling and identification of innovative emissions controls
1 he 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.
Funding: Although complete $1.2 million has been requested in FY 1996, complete funding is
unlikely. Likely priorities for funding include: 1) funds to the Texas Natural Resource
Conservation' Commission (TNRCC) for support to the Summer 1996 O3 study, Juarez emissions
mventory special long-term air monitoring, and Mexican border States liaison; 2) funds to the
City of El Paso to operate Juarez monitoring stations and continue in training Mexican technicians
totake over operation of these stations; 3) funds to the New Mexico Environment Department
?! T°J! °Z,T m°nitorinS sites in the Sunjand park area and to assist with the
§ f°r additional contra<*or support for the Summer 1996
P^ners: Instituto 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, EOF, possibly other U.S. Federal agencies for the Summer 1996 O3 ' '
CiuTp,p ?0Pulation> vehicular tr^ and industrial activity of
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 assets
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 border regions.
Ongoing and new activities include: 1) operation of five-station monitoring network in Juarez for
otZh°^T n,m°n°, ' SUl&r diOXid6' Particulates (PM-10X and wind speed/wind direction and
±cent 0°F?POS *""?*"* 2} COntlmed ^^^ *** ***&*«* of new monitoring sites
adjacent to El Paso in southern Dona Ana County, NM; 3) operation of hot-spot monitoring 4)
collection of upper air wind speed and wind direction data for air 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)
collection of air pollutant and meteorological information in an intensive Summer 1996 O3 study;
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Air Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
9) development of a data collection workplan for ozone and potentially air toxics pollutants in El
Paso-Juarez; and 10) promotion of widespread community involvement m the implementaton of
Innovative, cost-effective air quality solutions through the continued support of the Ration
of El Paso - Juarez Sunland Park as a U.S.-Mexico Air Quality Management Basin (AQMB) with
a joint Air Quality Improvement Committee. It is anticipated that the Joint Air Quality
ImprovTrnent Committee would investigate ways to ease bridge queuing 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.
Project Name: Tiinana-San Diego/Mexicali-Tmpe.rial Valley Air Programs
Purpose and Objectives: Develop and operate monitoring networks in Tijuana and Mexicali for
nitrogen oxides, ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfiir dioxide, particulates (PM-10), lead, se ected
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 pollutant concentrations, apportioning sources and their
relative impacts, recommending cost effective control strategies, and measuring
progress/compliance with the National air quality standards of each country.
Funding: In an ongoing attempt to foster State and local involvement, EPA FY96 grant funds
have been requested to support the following efforts of the California Air Resources Board
(GARB)- 1)$300 000 for Tijuana Air Monitoring; 2) $450,000 for Mexicali-Impenal Air
Monitoring A total of $500,000 in FY96 grant funds have been requested to support the
development of emissions inventories inMexicali and Tijuana. Funds include resources for a
Border Coordinator position at the CARB.
Partners: Primary U.S. partners are EPA, CARB, the San Diego Air Pollution Control District,
and the Imperial Valley Air Pollution Control District. Primary Mexican partners are Instituto
Nacional de Ecologia (INE), Procuraduria Federal de Protection al Ambiente (PROFEPA) m
Mexico City and Baja California, and the Tijuana Technical Institute (ITT).
Description: Given the recent increases in population, vehicular traffic, and industrial activity in
the Tijuana-San Diego and Mexicali-Imperial Valley airbasins, 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, m
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 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 technical support.
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Air Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
Emissions inventory work will be based on the recently developed Mexican emissions inventory
methodology. The methodology identifies the most appropriate emissions estimation methods by
individual source type for point area, motor vehicle, and natural sources. A variety of inventory
methods are utilized in the methodology including: source sampling, modeling surveying
census-based emissions factors, activity data, and material balance.
The California-Baja California Technical Sub-workgroup of the Binational Air Workgroup has
met regularly to discuss the projects and a contractor is providing technical support in the
inflation, operation and maintenance of the network. The sub-workgroup will be meeting in
April to discuss ongoing operation of the Tijuana network, selection of sites for the Mexicali
network, and initiation of emissions inventory work.
Project Name: Ambos Nogales Air Programs
Purpose and Objectives: Complete the ongoing paniculate (PM-10)/air toxics study with an
overall goal of determining ambient air pollutant concentrations, apportioning sources and their
relative impacts, recommending cost effective control strategies, and measuring
progress/compliance with the national air quality standards of each country.
Funding: In an ongoing attempt to foster State and local involvement, $150 000 in EPA FY96
grant funds have been requested to support the efforts of the Arizona Department of
Environmental Quality (ADEQ). These funds include support for an ADEQ Border Air
Coordinator.
Partners: Instituto National de Ecologia (INE) and Procuraduria Federal de Protection al
Ambiente (PROFEPA), EPA, ADEQ, the State of Sonora, the City of Nogales, Sonora
to, M ^ -^ ^ inCreaS6S ln P°Pulation> vehicul*r traffic, and industrial activity in
the Ambos Nogales airbasm, 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 assL the causes of
and develop solutions to air quality problems in border sister cities. In addition to the La Pa?
"
to? ean * ACt r110^ EPA> ln C°°Peration
agencies, to monitor and improve air quality in regions along the border.
i- 6S meaSUrinS PM-10 and meteorological parameters and four sites measuring
^ °Peratlng °n b°th SldeS °f ^ b0rder' SitCS have been in °Peration
°I! a™nter-f TiVe ° in 3'day cycle> samPIinS sch^ule from October 1994
M T? ' Subsequently returned to the «gular (1 in 6-day cycle) sampling
schedule. The monitoring portion of the study has terminated, one base site will contfnue
operating on each side of the border for ongoing measurement of PM-10 and meteorological
parameters. Preliminary emissions inventory work has begun and a workplan has been finalized.
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Air Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
Emissions inventory development will continue through September 1996. Subsequent to the
completion of these activities, a draft final report will be prepared by November 1996 and will
include exposure/risk assessment, source attribution, and potential control strategies. A final
report should be ready by January 1997.
Project Name: Apua Prieta-Pouglas Air Programs
Purpose and Objectives: Initiate a paniculate (PM-10)/air toxics study with an overall goal of
determining ambient air pollutant concentrations, apportioning sources and their relative impacts,
recommending cost effective control strategies, and measuring progress/compliance with the
national air quality standards of each country.
Funding: In an ongoing attempt to foster State and local involvement, $225,000 in EPA FY96
grant funds has been requested to support the efforts of the Arizona Department of
Environmental Quality (ADEQ). These funds include support for a ADEQ Border Air
Coordinator.
Partners: Instituto Nacional de Ecologia (INE) and Procuraduria Federal de Protection al
Ambiente (PROFEPA), EPA, ADEQ, the State of Sonora, the City of Douglas, and the City ot
Agua Prieta.
Description: Given the recent increases in population, vehicular traffic, and industrial activity in
the Aeua Prieta-Douglas 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 four sites measuring PM-10, selected air toxics and meteorological parameters will be
sited on the both sides of the border.
A workplan has been developed and a project team meeting is scheduled for April 1996.
An emissions inventory will be developed by December 1996 and sampling will run frorn January
1997 through December 1997. Subsequent to the completion of these activities, a draft final
report will be prepared by March 1998 and will include exposure-risk assessment, source
attribution, and potential control strategies. A final report is scheduled for completion by by May
1998.
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Air Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
Project Name: Air Quality Management Training Needs Assessment and Referral
Purpose and Objectives: Build infrastructure and expertise in Mexico to deliver needed air
quality management training in an efficient and coordinated manner.
Funding: $325,000 grant to University of Texas Arlington (UTA)
Partners: INE and PROFEPA, Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana (UAM), Institute
Tecnologico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM), and UTA.
Description: This project is divided into two main components: the border air pollution training
needs assessment and the training program blueprint. The air pollution training needs assessment
identifies the current and future training needs of Federal, state and local air quality management
staff in five cities along the border. Based upon the training needs assessment, the training
program blueprint serves as a plan for building air pollution training course development and
delivery infrastructure in Mexico.
Recent accomplishments include: Air Pollution Training Institute courses have been delivered to
Mexico through satellite downlink and on-site delivery; development of Control of Particulates
course - completed by UAM; delivery of Control of Particulates, Mexico City July 1995- Ciudad
Juarez downlink site assessed, August 1995.
On-going and future activities include the creation of the first air pollution training center in
Tijuana; establishment of a permanent satellite downlink site in Ciudad Juarez; development of a
tram-the-trainer program; continued training course development and delivery including Control
of Particulates course - to be delivered March 1996, Tijuana.
The current status of this project include: Needs assessment completion - October 1995- Needs
assessment report - available March 1996; draft training program blueprint - available March
U.S./Mexico Information Center on Air Pollution Centrn
Informacion sobre Tontaminacion del Aire - ncA.
Project Name:
Purpose and Objectives: Develop and operate an information transfer center for the U S -
Mexico border area as an extension of the existing Control Technology Center (CTC) The
center (CICA) provides Mexican Federal, state and local environmental officials and universities
working along the U.S.-Mexico border with access to pertinent information related to assessment
of air pollutant emissions, ambient monitoring, dispersion modeling, and control technologies and
pollution prevention programs that will aid in achievement of emission reductions.
Funding: FY95-$247,000 to CICA/CTC/OAQPS; FY96-$50,000
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Air Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
Partners: INE, Border State and local agencies
Description: The CICA capabilities include: access to EPA technical expertise through a
Spanish-language hotline; technical assistance on particular air-related problems; Spanish-
language versions of technical documents and air quality models; development of a U.S. -Mexico
ambient air quality monitoring clearinghouse; establishment of a Spanish-language bulletin board
system on the Technology Transfer Network to answer technical questions provide information;
development of a U.S./Mexico Border Home Page on the World Wide Web.
Recent Accomplishments - Status:
CICA HOTLINE (bilingual - Spanish/English) (919) 541-1800 initiated 5/1/95 - folly
funded through FY96 (Senior Environmental Employee Program). 59 requests have been
rGCGlVGQ
168 publications delivered; software and documentation for 19 EPA models provided.
Projects- 1 Ozone and precursor data analysis for Mexico City - complete; 2. Spanish
versions of SCREEN III and ISC III Models - draft manuals in review; 3. Piedras Negras-
Ciudad Acufia monitoring plan - Work Assignment in process; 4. Scope out alternative
methodologies for development of emissions factors and emissions inventories for street
vendor cooking devices, open sewage impoundments, canals and conveyance systems, and
waste-derived, fuel-fired residential heaters .
Spanish/English BBS for CICA and AMIGO (Ambient Monitoring Information Gathering
Operation Clearinghouse) on OAQPS, TTN - under development
CICA Home Page (Spanish/English) currently operational and expanding - ongoing
(http://www.epa.gov/oar/oaqps/cica.html)
Participated and presented material at first border technical conference in Austin, TX,
(6/14-16/95) and briefed local agencies in the El Paso/Ciudad Juarez area (9/6-8/95).
CICA Brochures in English and Spanish are available from EPA
Project Name: Big Bend Air Quality Study
Purpose and Obj ectives: Determine the existence of significant visibility problems in Big
Bend National Park due to environmental pollution. Assuming these problems exist, identify
regional sources which may be responsible.
Funding: A total of $95,770 in F Y 94 funds have been awarded to the National Park Service
(NPS); an additional $300,000 has been requested in FY96.
Partners: NPS, Institute Nacional de Ecologia (INE), Procuraduria Federal de Protection
al Ambiente (PROFEPA), Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC)
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Air Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
Description:1 Preliminary monitoring will begin with the operation of 10-12 stations equally
distributed in both countries. Based on the information from at least 50 existing meteorological
stations, average wind speed and directions will be estimated for the period of 1981- 1995. Based
on the results obtained, sites will be identified where monitoring and meteorological stations
should be located and operated to meet the objective of determining the relative importance of the
areas in contributing contaminants to the National Park. At least 40 sites will be established in the
U.S. and Mexico.
The intensive monitoring in the National Park will include: aerosol sampling; SO2 measurements;
light dispersion and suppression measurements; measurements of vertical gradients for
temperature, relative humidity, and solar radiation intensity; high sensitivity measurements; and
photographic monitoring of scenic views. The other 39 sites will be limited to daily sampling of
SO2 and aerosols. U.S. and Mexican personnel will jointly conduct the laboratory analyses,
operate .sampling equipment, supervise all the activities, and develop a final report.
NPS is in the process of identifying additional resources for the Big Bend Monitoring Study. U S
and Mexico plan to initiate the study in the summer of 1996.
Project Name: Brownsville /Laredo Air Programs
Purpose and Objectives: Develop and operate monitoring station networks in Brownsville and
Matamoros for ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, particulates (PM-10), pesticides and
meteorological parameters (e.g., wind speed/wind direction). These efforts are designed to
acquire better baseline air quality information for these cities.
Funding: Expected funding in FY96 will support continued operation of either the Brownsville
or Laredo monitoring site; if additional funding is available, both will be operated by the Texas
Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC).
Partners: TNRCC
Description: Given the recent increases in population, vehicular traffic, and industrial activity of
the Brownsville-Matamoros and Laredo-Nuevo Laredo airbasins, there is an immediate need to
evaluate levels of targeted air pollutants. These communities have expressed concern that they
have inadequate monitoring data to determine if current trends will lead to violations of the air
standards. Annex V to the 1983 La Paz agreement directs EPA and Institute Nacional de
Ecologia (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,
cooperation with counterpart Mexican agencies to monitor and improve air quality in regions
along the border. Brownsville site is in operation; Laredo site in place but awaiting data logger
activation for start-up. Continued operation in 1996, funds permitting.
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Air Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
Project Name: Emissions Inventory Methodology Pilot Project
Purpose and Objectives: Phase I, development of the methodology has been completed and
Phase H implementation has begin. It involves evaluating and refining the methodology as well as
technology transfer.
Funding: A total of $229,000 in grant funds remain from last year and will be used toward
continued implementation of Phase II. The funds were awarded to the Western Governor's
Association (WGA). Additional funds are required to complete Phase II.
Partners: INE, PROFEPA, EPA, WGA, Border States
Description: The Grand Canyon Visibility Transport Commission of WGA and Mexico have
common needs for developing emissions inventory information. The GCVTC is sponsoring
projects to develop an emissions 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.
The final implementation plan for the methodology has been developed. Training course materials
and inventory manuals are being prepared. Technical studies have been planned and will consist
of five parts: 'special studies and refinement of inventory methodology; methodology testing;
validation of emission estimates; emission factor applicability to Mexico; and uncertainty analysis.
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Hazardous and Solid Waste Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
HAZARDOUS AND SOLID WASTE WORK GROUP 1996 INITIATIVES
The Binational La Paz Hazardous and Solid Waste Workgroup undertakes projects and
activities that promote sound waste management practices. An overarching goal of the Workgroup
is to build improved capability along both sides of the border to develop and implement waste
management programs. Other primary goals of the Workgroup are to improve the monitoring of
transborder movements of hazardous wastes and toxic substances, and to promote pollution
prevention and waste reduction practices. The Workgroup seeks to involve key local, state and
federal officials from both countries in its activities.
Project Name: Binational Field Sampling and Lab Capability (FSLO Project
Purpose and Objective: Improve the ability to detect violations of hazardous waste management
and import/export regulations along the U.S./Mexico Border.
Partners: These efforts will be carried out in partnership with the Binational Enforcement Work
Group. Other partners include EPA, SEMARNAP, INE, PROFEPA, SINALP, U.S. and Mexican
Customs, the Western States Hazardous Waste Project, California Department of Toxic Substances
Control (DTSC), Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Texas Natural Resources
Conservation Commission (TNRCC), and San Diego and other relevant border counties.
Description: Conduct at least two training courses in the Binational FSLC Project training series,
with emphasis on building field sampling and analysis capability. Explore possibility of implementing
other projects outlined in Region 9's "Proposal to Expand and Improve Hazardous Waste Field
Sampling and Lab Capability along the U.S./Mexico Border" (e.g. personnel exchanges, lab
inventory, regulatory comparison). Explore creation of a mobile lab for the Border area.
Project Name: Establish Regional Sub-Work Groups
Purpose and Objective: The establishment of geographically based sub-work groups would allow
for enhanced coordination on work group initiatives, enforcement issues and other matters of mutual
concern. The sub-groups would facilitate the development of improved networks for information
exchange and coordination among key local, state and federal officials on both sides of the border.
Partners: Participants include EPA, SEMARNAP, PROFEPA, INE, US and Mexican Customs
DOT, SCT, Cal-EPA, California DTSC, Arizona DEQ, TNRCC, New Mexico's Hazardous and
Radioactive Materials Bureau (HRMB) and appropriate local agencies.
Description: The first regional work group meeting for the California/Baja California region took
place on February 22, 1996 in San Diego and addressed, among other things, the Binational Field
Sampling and Lab Capability Training. A Texas/New Mexico/Chihuahua regional sub-work group
June 1996 Draft ,
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Hazardous and Solid Waste Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
has been formed and held its first meeting on March 4, 1996. Six additional meetings over the rest
of 1996 have been planned. Similar regional sub-work groups are being organized for the
Arizona/Sonora, Texas/Coahuila, and Texas/Tamaulipas border areas.
Project Name: Technology Transfer - Hazardous Waste Training
Purpose and Objective: Improve waste management capability among environmental and
regulatory officials along the U.S./Mexico border.
Partners: Participants include EPA, PROFEPA, INE, California DTSC, Arizona DEQ, San Diego
County.
Description: We will conduct two or more training courses with INE and PROFEPA on hazardous
waste management with a focus on specific sites that present good opportunities for field training.
The course will cover site identification and inspections, preliminary assessments and prioritization,
stabilization options, removal and remediation options, and the most appropriate use of risk
assessment. Other topics include the U.S. approach to community relations and public participation
in siting, enforcement options, and determining and handling liability.
Project Name: Environmental Technology Initiative - San Diego/Tijuana WasteWiSe Project
Purpose and Objective: Work with the Cities of San Diego and Tijuana to assess the solid waste
stream of the maquiladora/industrial sector along the border and the extent of current binational
recycling efforts. Identify and implement opportunities for recycling, reuse and solid waste
prevention.
Partners: EPA, Cal-EPA Integrated Waste Management Board, Cities of San Diego and Tijuana,
San Diego State University, Universidad Autonoma de Baja California.
Description: Provide on-site waste reduction opportunity assessments and develop binational
electronic database for tracking recycled materials, products and recycling companies. This project
will be managed and implemented in conjunction with the Recycling Market Development Zone
project described below and in cooperation with the Pollution Prevention Work Group.
Project Name: San Diego/Tijuana Recycling Market Development Zone Initiative
Purpose and Objective: Work with the Cities of San Diego and Tijuana to develop a Binational
Recycling Market Development Zone that will divert materials with value from the waste stream of
commercial/industrial entities along the border and seek to attract businesses that manufacture with
recycled materials to the area. This project will be carried out in cooperation with the Pollution
Prevention Work Group.
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Hazardous and Solid Waste Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
Partners: EPA, Cities of San Diego and Tijuana, Cal-EPA Integrated Waste Management Board
Description: Assess current cross-border trade of recyclables and barriers to expanding current trade
levels. Evaluate options for creating regulatory, financial and other incentives for attracting recycling
businesses to a designated geographic area in Tijuana that will adjoin with the current Otay Mesa
Recycling Market Development Zone. This project will be carried out in cooperation with the
Pollution Prevention Work Group.
Project Name: City of Nogales Pollution Prevention Program
Purpose and Objective: Establish a pollution prevention program for Ambos Nogales.
o
Partners: EPA, Cities of Nogales, Arizona and Nogales, Sonora, Arizona DEQ
Description: Work with the Cities of Nogales, Arizona and Nogales, Sonora to implement a
pollution prevention program that will provide technical assistance to industry, institute a pollution
prevention award program and provide outreach and education to the public.
Project Name: Alco-Pacifico
Purpose and Objective: Facilitate adoption and implementation of a remediation plan for a former
lead recycling facility, known as the Alco Pacifico site. Provide technical assistance on an as needed
basis. Conduct at least one training course in conjunction with remediation of the site.
Partners: EPA, PROFEPA, L.A. District Attorney's Office
Description: Provide technical reviews of proposals for site remediation as requested Provide
other technical or administrative assistance as requested by PROFEPA to facilitate stabilization and
remediation of the site.
Project Name: HAZTRAKS
Purpose and Objective: Assess current functions and overall effectiveness of the Haztraks
transboundary waste tracking system in order to improve binational monitoring of hazardous waste
movements and enforcement of import/export regulations. Assess feasibility of expanding system to
include data from and electronic interchanges with other agencies in Mexico and the U.S. Plan the
future direction of HAZTRAKS, with respect to system expansion and overall system operating plan
Coordinate decisions and activities through the binational sub-work group on HAZTRAKS and
transboundary shipping issues.
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Hazardous and Solid Waste Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
Partners: EPA, SEMARNAP, INE, PROFEPA, and with assistance from Arizona, California, New
Mexico and Texas.
Description: Develop draft and final assessment report, including recommendations for system
improvements. The draft report will be widely distributed to solicit comments and additional
information to be included in the final report. The final report will serve as a basis for the
HAZTRAKS/Transboundary Tracking sub-group to select and implement recommendations for
system improvement or expansion.
Project Name: Training for Customs Inspectors
Purpose and Objective: Facilitate information sharing and increase capability by U.S. and Mexican
Customs personnel to detect and handle illegal hazardous waste shipments.
Partners: EPA, Enforcement Work Group, California DTSC, Arizona DEQ, TNRCC, New Mexico
HRMB, San Diego County, Western States Hazardous Waste Project and the Southern
Environmental Enforcement Network.
Description: Partner with the Enforcement Work Group to repeat the successful training courses
that were held along the California/Baja California and Texas borders on detection of illegal
transboundary hazardous waste and hazardous materials shipments in Fiscal Year 1995. Hold at least
one course, and more if possible, along the Arizona/Sonora border in 1996. One course in each of
the border areas of Cd. Juarez/El Paso, Acuna/Del Rio/Eagle Pass, and Neuvo
Laredo/Laredo/Matamoros/Brownsville.
Project Name: Vulnerability Atlas
Purpose and Objective: Develop a map to assist with identification of potential areas for the siting
of waste management facilities and to help target geographic priorities for waste management
activities.
Partners: EPA, SEMARNAP, INE
Description: Project scope to be developed.
Project Name: Environmental Auditing
Purpose and Objective: Partner with Enforcement Work Group to hold a technical seminar for
U.S. and Mexican industry to stimulate participation by border industries in Mexican and U.S.
environmental auditing programs.
June 1996 Draft
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Hazardous and Solid Waste Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
Partners: EPA, Enforcement Work Group, CEC, California DTSC, PROFEPA
Description: Provide information on each country's environmental auditing programs and policies,
the development of programs or systems that include routine environmental auditing, and the
potential for use of pollution prevention techniques or strategies to address compliance issues.
Project Name: Technical Support to the Border Environmental Cooperation Commission
(BECO
Purpose and Objective: The BECC will soon be considering border solid and possibly hazardous
waste infrastructure projects for funding. The Work Group will seek to provide technical support
to the BECC during the review and selection process for such projects.
Partners: EPA, SEMARNAP, California DTSC, Arizona DEQ, TNRCC
Description: See above.
Project Name: Information Exchange
Purpose and Objective: Provide INE with information on clean up levels and risk based corrective
action levels for petroleum leaks and spills to be used in remediation of PEMEX sites. Provide INE
with information on conditions under which PCBs may be imported into the U.S. Provide compliance
information on companies exporting hazardous wastes without Mexican Guias. Company names will
be provided by Mexico.
Partners: EPA, INE, California DTSC, Arizona DEQ, TNRCC
Description: See above.
June 1996 Draft
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Contingency Planning and Emergency Response Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
CONTINGENCY PLANNING AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE WORKGROUP
1996 INITIATIVES
PROJECT NAME; BORDER MOVEMENT OF PERSONNEL AND
EQUIPMENT
Purpose and Objectives: Establish working plan to facilitate the transborder movement
of personnel and equipment, and resolve problems related to legal responsibility.
Funding: The project will be realized through the participation of U.S. an Mexican
federal agencies.
Participants: Joint Response Team
man
Description: Transborder movement of personnel and equipment must be quick ir _
emergency situation. Consequently, customs and immigration have a very important role
Furthermore, legal problems specific to each sister city pair must be resolved to allow for
transborder assistance.
PROJECT NAME; CAMEO
Purpose and Objectives: Provide a computer database as a tool for entities in charge of
chemical substance emergencies.
Funding: EPA resources
Participants: EPA and PROFEPA
Description: Cameo can hold information on hazardous substance, industries emergency
response groups, maps, etc. This will aid in the decision-making process in an emergency
situation. This system is being developed for Windows, and will be translated into
Spanish. A pilot project will be undertaken in several sister cities to ensure effective use
of the system.
PROJECT NAME; JOINT CONTINGENCY PLAN (JCP)
Purpose and Objectives: Completion of JCP and implementation in sister cities so as
to have a basis for coordination at the local, state, and federal levels. Indian Nations will
also be included in the JCP.
Funding: The project will be funded through the contributions of all participants.
June 1996 Draft
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Contingency Planning and Emergency Response Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
Participants: Expanded Joint Response Team and fourteen sister city pairs.
Description: The last version of the TCP will be revised by the Expanded Joint Response
Team, and once completed, the plan will be implemented in the 14 sister cities, adjusting it
to the particular needs and problems of each sister city pair as necessary.
PROJECT NAME; U.S.-MEXICO NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES
Purpose and Objectives: Develop a fast and effective notification procedure in cases of
environmental emergencies.
Funding: The project will be funded through the Joint Response Team.
Participants: Joint Response Team
Description: The notification system will contain information about public and private
entities at the federal, state and local level for both countries that could assist in
emergency response. Each country will develop its' database with this information, and
will circulate the information to all Expanded Joint Response Team members. In support
of this effort, EPA will arrange for PROFEPA representatives who are involved with
Mexico's new response center to visit the U.S. National Response Center, CHEMTREC,
and other installations. EPA will also explore opportunities for training for Mexican
personnel in the national Response Center.
PROJECT NAME; ENVIRONMENTAL CONTINGENCIES AND BORDER
NATURAL RESOURCES
Purpose and Objectives: Coordinate between the Natural Resources and the
Contingency Planning and Emergency Response Workgroups.
Funding: Natural Resources and the Contingency Planning and Emergency Response
Workgroups through the Joint Response Team
Description: The Joint Response Team will establish a sub-committee to analyze
problems that could result from emergencies that would affect border natural resources.
June 1996 Draft
Environmental Health Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH WORK GROUP 1996 INITIATIVES
Project Name: Health Risk From Multiple Pathway, Cumulative Pesticide Exposure
Purpose and Objective: To develop a protocol to examine the cumulative risks (especially to
children) from persistent exposure to pesticides via multiple sources and pathways.
Funding: Multiple agency. Final decisions will depend on the study design and available
resources.
Partners: EPA/ORD, PHS, SSA, SEMARNAP
Description:, For many border communities a major concern is the risks from persistent often
year-round, exposure to pesticides. The issue is complicated by the fact that these exposures are
to multiple pesticides from a variety of sources (land use, residential practices, etc) via many
pathways (food, water, dust, etc.) so that the cumulative impact is unknown. Of special concern
is the developing children whose behaviors (e.g., pica, playing in the dirt, etc.) and developmental
vulnerability may substantially increase their risk. Since no standardized protocol exist to study
this issue, the first year will be directed at exploring various approaches and defining options and
costs to address this question.
Project Name: U.S.-Mexico Border Environmental Health Geogranhic Information System
Purpose and Objectives: The long-range objective would be to establish a comprehensive
border geographic information system (GIS) to enable standardized and coordinated bi-national
exchange of health, environmental, and socio-demographic data; to track the distribution and
movement of environmental pollutants; and to provide a basis for surveillance of environmentally
associated health events. To explore the utility of such a system, the initial short-term goal would
be to establish contacts with the relevant health and environment departments of the U S and
Mexican border states and conduct an inventory of available data on a specific environmental
problem, potential associated health events, and socio-demographic data. The short-term product
would be the generation of a bi-national border-wide map showing the location and levels of the
selected environmental contaminant, rates of associated health event(s), and important
socio-demographic
indicators.
Funding: The California Department of Health Services (CDHS), Environmental Health
Investigations Branch, has received funding from the National Institute of Environmental Health
Sciences to develop an environmental health GIS for the California/Baja California border
Currently, no funding is available for the other U.S. and Mexican border states. Representatives
from the border health and environment departments of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas the
University of Texas, and the Southwest Center for Environmental Research and Policy, along
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Environmental Health Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
with CDHS, are currently pursuing potential funding from both federal and international
governmental sources.
Partners: CDHS has formed a coalition to explore the development of this project with the
Arizona Department of Health Services, the New Mexico Border Health Office, the New Mexico
Environment Department, the University of Texas Health Science Center, and the Texas Border
Health Office. This coalition has received the support of the Southwest Center for Environmental
Research and Policy (SCERP), and the Transboundary Resource and Inventory Project (TRIP).
The coalition is actively pursuing partnerships with the health and environmental departments of
the six Mexican border states and with Mexican federal agencies - so far, contacts have been
made with the Institute Nacional de Ecologia and SEMARNAP, who have expressed interest in
the project.
Description: CDHS is currently working on a 5-year project to develop a environmental health
GIS which will track and analyze changes in environmental quality, population demographics, and
health over the last 10-15 years on the California/Baja California border. The objective of this
project is to identify sentinel health events (preventable illnesses such as childhood asthma, birth
defects, diarrheal illness, and hepatitis-A) and examine their relationship to environmental quality
(e.g. air and water quality, hazardous/toxic waste, pesticide use) and population demographics
(growth, density, migration).
The initial goal of a border-wide environmental health GIS would be to begin to extend the
California model by identifying a common, regional environmental health problem, such as
diarrheal illness or hepatitis-A associated with poor water quality. Each U.S. and Mexican state
would inventory, compile, and geo-code relevant health, environmental, and socio-demographic
data, and assess for accuracy, representativeness, and completeness. Coordination of each state's
activities would be necessary to standardize common data elements, scales, field formats, and data
layer naming conventions. Coordination would also be undertaken with complement any GISs
already under development, such as SCERP's San Diego-Tijuana interface, the SDSU /COLEF
Tijuana River watershed project, and TRIP'S digital base map of the border. Also, a community
involvement protocol would be developed, outlining a process for dialogue and communication
with affected communities, so that resulting environmental health monitoring systems are
responsive to local concerns.
The long-term goals of a border-wide environmental health GIS would be to develop an on-going
surveillance system of SHEs and a mechanism for tracking environmental contaminants across the
border region. Decision criteria ("action levels") would be developed at each local border area to
determine when excess numbers of SHEs should trigger a public health response, including for
example, more detailed monitoring or the initiation of analytic studies. Rates of health events and
information on environmental quality would be mapped and displayed for community-based health
planning and hazard identification.
June 1996 Draft
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Environmental Health Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
Project Name: Determination of asbestos exposure in Cd. Juarez
Purpose and Objectives: To assess the potential for environmental contamination and
population exposure to asbestos
Funding: SSA, PAHO, and other sources
Partners: SSA, SEMARNAP
Description: Asbestos importation to Mexico has been limited through better industrial practices
and legislation. Efforts to minimize workers exposure are underway in different areas of the
country. The border area, especially Cd. Juarez is still receiving significant amounts of asbestos
for brakes and water container production (more than 2,000 tons per year) and little is known
about environmental emissions and population exposure. The initial approach includes
determination of environmental and biological markers.
Project Name: Waterborne Cadmium and Lead Exposure
Purpose and Objectives: To assess the risk of high blood camdium and lead levels in population
that stores water in 200- liter drums.
Funding: SSA, PAHO, and other sources are being sought
Partners: SSA, ICC
Description: A common practice among population that lack piped water is to store water in
200-liter drums. These are metallic drums used to transport chemical substances. Once empty
they are rinsed and sold for different purposes. Storage of water carries a double risk First
water corrodes metal and the substance that was contained in the drums is released. Second the
metal is soldered with lead that is also released in significant amounts to the water (a previous
study showed that this represents close to one-third of the total intake). The study will comprise
a population survey and blood samples as the initial stage; an intervention is also sought to replace
such drums and evaluate its impact in blood lead levels contents.
Project Nante: Estimating Multimedia Emissions of Hazardous Waste for Tijuana (and it;
relationship to sentinel health events through
Purposes and Objectives:' This project will generate a multimedia inventory of hazardous waste
emissions in Tijuana, using the Decision Support System for Industrial Pollution Control, which
Mexico hopes will be a critical planning instrument for all of the country.
Funding: The first stage is being supported by PAHO and the German technical agency, GTZ.
June 1996 Draft
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Environmental Health Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
Complementary pilot funds are being sought from EPA.
Partners: Mexican General Directorate of Environment Health
National Institute of Ecology
PAHO
EPA
Description: Using the Mexican census of high risk industries developed by the General
Directorate of Environmental Health, the Decision Support System for Industrial Pollution
Control (a program developed by the World Bank and WHO) will be used to estimate hazardous
waste emissions into air, water, and soil for the city of Tijuana. This first phase will be completed
in 1996 and in 1997 will be linked to sentinel health events from mortality and morbidity data
bases available to the Secretary of Health, through a GIS system. The second phase will be closely
coordinated with parallel efforts underway in U.S. border states.
Project Name: Improving Binational Data Bases on Neural Tube Defects
Purpose and Objectives: This project will promote bilateral pilot efforts to improve surveillance
data for neural tube defects on the US-Mexico border and its use to identify the relationship with
environmental factors.
Funding: Funding has been approved by EPA.
9
Partners: Mexican Secretary of Health and Northern border health departments;
U.S. investigators from the 4 border states, state academic institutions, and federal agencies;
PAHO, USEPA
Description: A meeting of investigators and public authorities involved in this issue was
organized in January 1996. Several country pilot projects were proposed as priority issues,
including the estimation of the incidence of neural tube defects using capture/recapture techniques
already applied in New Mexico; strengthening of surveillance activities in high incidence rates
areas in border states and in "hot spots" in the interior of Mexico, in preparation for followup case
control studies to identify etiologic factors; development of improved questionnaires to refine the
etiology for the gradient in the incidence of neural tube defects among acculturatmg Mexican
migrants to the U.S.; development of a pilot food fortification program in a state to be selected in
Mexico.
Bilateral teams for these activities have been identified, and pilot funding is available to begin
collaboration in 1996.
June 1996 Draft
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Environmental Health Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
Project Name: Twinning Poison Control Centers to Improve Capacity for Service and
Surveillance, with a Special Focus on Pesticides
Purpose and Objectives: To improve the capacity of poison control centers to respond to
pesticide and other toxic emergencies, in support of state environmental inspectors.
Funding: Available for bilateral training exchanges in 1996.
Partners: General Directorate of Environmental Health
Pan American Health Organization
EPA
Poison Control Centers in Chihuahua and Texas
Description: In 1996, a staff exchange will be funded between the Poison Control Center in El
Paso and Ciudad Juarez in Chihuahua City, in order to improve the exchange of information and
access to data bases, and to the strengthen capacity for response to pesticide emergencies. Data
collected by the centers will be used for surveillance purposes for use by policy makers. A special
focus of this project is the impact of pesticide poisoning and the improvement of the capabilities
of poison control centers to support state authorities.
Project Name: Occupational Medicine Training in the Mexico-US Border Area
Purpose and Objectives: The ultimate purpose is to increase occupational medicine training
opportunities for medical personnel on both sides of the border that work with individuals in the
maquila industries. The initial short-term goal is to establish a model training program in the
Northern Baja California involving key binational personnel. The hope is that the experience and
teaching documents developed will then be utilized and adapted for training along the remaining
border area.
Funding: Currently, there is no formal funding for this project. Key individuals working on this
project (Dr. Victor Brondo of AMETAC and Dr. Ana Maria Osorio of the California Department
of Health Services, CDHS) are actively pursuing potential financing from governmental agencies
pharmaceutical companies and other non-governmental agencies. AMETAC (Associacion de
Medicos de Empresa de Tijuana y Tecate, Associacion Civil) is roughly translated to mean an
association of maquila physicians for the areas of Tijuana and Tecate in Northern Baja California.
Because the CHDS already has many teaching documents and curricula (some of which are
already translated into Spanish) which have been developed for work done in California, there can
still be some basic training going on while formal funding is being secured.
Partners: Dr. Victor Brondo, AMETAC, and Dr. Ana Maria Osorio, CDHS. Dr. Gustavo
Olaiz, Secretaria de Salud, also stated that he would support our efforts at the recent Border XXI
meeting in El Paso.
June 1996 Draft
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Environmental Health Workgroup 1996 Initiatives
Description: After meeting at the US-Mexico Border Health Annual Meeting in San Diego last
year, Dr. Brondo contacted Dr. Osorio to inquire about possible lectures on occupational health
in the Tijuana area for his association. After further discussions, the idea of a more formal
training project was developed. Since what occurs within the maquilas can potentially affect
worker health as well as lead to environmental contamination, it is imperative that consultants to
these companies become well versed in the preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of
occupational medicine and related environmental health issues.
The initial short-term goal is to set up meetings with AMETAC and other key groups on both
sides of the border (e.g. health departments, universities and non-governmental organizations).
These meetings will help to more specifically tailor the proposed training project. Some of the
details needing discussion include: (1) what particular occupational medicine topics are of interest
and in what order of priority, (2) which types of training methods are preferred, (3) who should
be included in the planning, teaching and any potential grant, and (4) who should be invited to
attend these training opportunities. There currently is health and safety training being provided to
AMETAC by a group affiliated with APHA. There will be a need to coordinate any medical
training that is developed with this related training.
The long-term goal is to develop a model with formal teaching curriculum and manuals that could
be used and adapted for other parts of the Mexican-US border area. A secondary goal will
address the lack of information available on health conditions associated with the maquilas. For
those health care providers completing the model training, there will hopefully be opportunities
for these individuals to go back to their respective maquilas and apply the surveillance techniques
that will be presented. Thus, active disease/exposure monitoring, trend analysis and appropriate
intervention of occupational diseases could occur in certain industries. The teaching staff
developed for the model training can serve as senior consultants so that trainees can get the
needed ongoing support for their activities.
June 1996 Draft
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Cooperative Enforcement 1996 Workgroup
Cooperative Enforcement Workgroup
1996 Initiatives
D
I. Cooperative Targeting
EPA and PROFEPA will address problems in which they may coordinate their activities
within their frames of competence. The cooperative activities may be directed for
example, at specific problems identified in the industrial sector. To achieve th^ *hn
EPA and PROFEPA will target efforts that will include:
sector. To achieve the above,
1. The sharing of information held by one country which may assist the other in detecting
non-compliance with the latter's environmental regulations.
2. The planning, programming and realization of activities necessary to assure compl
with the laws of the respective countries.
lance
m
3. When the country where the source of contamination is located considers it
appropriate, it may request from the other technical support, such as information and
equipment, which the other will provide as feasible.
H. Enforcement Results Information-Sharing
EPA and PROFEPA will conduct an annual exchange regarding enforcement activities ,
the border zone, for which it will be necessary to define the type of information and the
format in which it will be presented.
To complement this, EPA and PROFEPA will consider, in specific cases to share
information regarding the nature and severity of the violations detected and the sanctions
imposed. It will be necessary to define the criteria to determine the specific cases.
HL Training
Transboundary Hazardous Waste Shipment Compliance Training for Customs and
Environmental Inspectors
EPA and PROFEPA will continue to work together to deliver this course at the primary
customs facilities established along the U.S./Mexico border. Goals will include involving
inspectors on both sides of the border as instructors, and promoting cooperative
interaction among customs and environmental inspectors from both countries.
Timeframe: Provide courses in a systematic manner.
A.
June 1996 Draft
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Cooperative Enforcement 1996 Workgroup
B. Training to Detect Possible CFC Smuggling
EPA and PROFEPA will develop and deliver courses for environmental inspectors and
customs agents of both countries to detect possible illegal shipments of CFCs.
Timeframe: By September, 1996.
C. Multimedia Inspector Training
EPA and PROFEPA will continue training inspectors with the participation of instructors
from PROFEPA, and the next courses will include water quality inspection information.
Timeframe: Next course will be in Merida, Yucatan, May, 1996.
D. Principles of Environmental Enforcement Workshop
EPA and PROFEPA will explore additional presentations of this workshop in one or more
border states of northern Mexico, integrating previous participants as workshop
facilitators. EPA and PROFEPA will explore the possibility of working together to
present this workshop to Central or South American countries (or inviting them to
participate in future workshops in Mexico).
Timeframe: Next course in El Salvador in May, 1996. EPA and PROFEPA will develop
a proposal to the World Bank to finance courses in northern Mexico.
E. Field Investigations and Sampling
In cooperation with the Hazardous Waste Work Grouup, EPA and PROFEPA will
explore the development of workshops or courses in the conduct of field investigation and
taking of samples.
TV. Technical and Legal Consultations
A. Policies regarding enforcement of the environmental laws and regulations
EPA and PROFEPA will hold a conference for technical and legal enforcement personnel
of the Mexican and U.S. governments considering legal and technical aspects involved in
enforcing their environmental laws and regulations. The conference will be based on case
studies developed by the participants of the conference.
Timeframe: San Diego, California, before October, 1996.
B. Improvement of Enforcement Data Systems
June 1996 Draft 2
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Cooperative Enforcement 1996 Workgroup
EPA and PROFEPA will continue the technical consultations regarding enforcement and
compliance data systems management, in coordination with Canada and the North
American Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC).
Timeframe: To be defined in the next meetings of the CEC.
C. Calculation of Economic Sanctions
EPA and PROFEPA will conduct a technical consultation regarding methodologies of
both countries to calculate economic sanctions.
D. Criminal Environmental Enforcement
EPA and PROFEPA will continue consultations regarding criminal environmental law
enforcement.
Timeframe: TNRCC has invited PROFEPA to participate in an environmental crimes
training course in Austin in May, 1996.
V. Case Specific Investigations
A. Case-by-case Cooperation
EPA and PROFEPA will continue to cooperate in specific enforcement cases, including
the participation of the existing regional subgroups.
B. Protocol for Cooperation in Investigations
:ore
In cooperation with the Hazardous Waste Work Group, EPA and PROFEPA will explu
the possibility of establishing a protocol for cooperation in the development of evidence
for enforcement cases of each country, including exchange of information, sampling and
analysis and provision of legal testimony to give basis to legal proceedings.
Timeframe: By May 6, 1996, EPA and SEMARNAP will define the process and
timeframe for concluding the protocol.
VL Promotion of Inter-Agency Cooperation
EPA and PROFEPA will work to improve the coordination among the state and federal
agencies on both sides of the border involved in enforcement of environmental legislation,
m accordance with the attributes which have been conferred to them and their resources
To facilitate these efforts, EPA and PROFEPA have established regional subgroups for El
Paso/Juarez and California/Baja California, and will analyze the possibility of creating of
June 1996 Draft
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Cooperative Enforcement 1996 Workgroup
additional subgroups, in accordance with the availability of human and financial resources.
The 1996 workplan for the El Paso/Juarez subgroup is included as an annex to this Plan
The Mexican Section of JJBWC (CILA) and the National Water Commission (CNA) will
be invited to participate in the Cooperative Enforcement Strategy Work Group s efforts.
The work group will work with the Hazardous Waste Work Group to improve field
coordination of customs officials of both countries, and will develop multiagency task
forces to ensure compliance with the regulations regarding transboundary shipments.
VTI. Environmental Auditing and Voluntary Compliance
A. Industry Outreach/Promotion
EPA and PROFEPA will continue the efforts initiated in 1994 to provide information to
U S parent corporations of Mexican industries regarding, and stimulate their participation
in' PROFEPA's environmental auditing programs. EPA and PROFEPA will expand their
coordinated efforts to promote voluntary compliance in industrial sectors, including by
means of environmental auditing and the adoption of pollution prevention practices and
technologies as solutions to problems of compliance. Such efforts will include industry
seminars and workshops to promote environmental auditing.
Timeframe: In June, 1996, EPA will send a letter to the U.S. parent companies ^
previously approved by PROFEPA promoting their voluntary participation in PROFEPA s
environmental auditing program. Subject to the allocation of additional resources, EPA
and PROFEPA will explore the possibility of developing a third conference on voluntary
compliance by means of environmental auditing in Tamaulipas in 1996.
B. Government Consultations.
EPA and PROFEPA, in coordination with Canada and the CEC, will continue with
mutual technical consultations regarding their respective programs and policies for
environmental auditing as a tool to assure voluntary compliance and promote pollution
prevention.
Timeframe: Next intergovernmental meeting will be scheduled by June, 1996. Following
that EPA and PROFEPA, in conjunction with Canada and CEC will explore meetings
with industrial associations in 1996 to inform them of the intergovernmental activities.
C. Production of Video on Pollution Prevention and Compliance
a
In coordination with the Pollution Prevention Work Group, EPA will complete in 1996
June 1996 Draft
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Cooperative Enforcement 1996 Workgroup
production of video, "Environmental Auditing and Pollution Prevention: Strategies for
Voluntary Compliance in the Maquiladora Industry". The video will include a focus on
environmental auditing as a tool to assure compliance and identify pollution prevention
opportunities. EPA and PROFEPA will discuss possible uses of the video in compliance
promotion efforts.
Timeframe: By the end of April, PROFEPA will provide EPA comments on the
preliminary version of the video. Final revisions and distribution of the video subject to
allocation of additional resources.
June 1996 Draft
'U.S. Government Printing Office: 1996 - 719-995/82801
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