&EPA
SEMARNAP
United States
Environmental
Protection Agency
Office of Solid
Waste and
Emergency Response
EPA 550-R-99-006
June 1999
Secretariat of Environment,
Natural Resources, and
Fishing
Joint United States-Mexico
Contingency Plan
for Preparedness for and Response to
Environmental Emergencies Caused by
Releases, Spills, Fires, or Explosions of
Hazardous Substances in the
Inland Border Area
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United States-Mexico Joint Contingency Plan
for Preparedness for and Response to Environmental Emergencies
Caused by Releases, Spills, Fires, or Explosions of
Hazardous Substances in the Inland Border Area
EPA 550-R-99-006
&EPA
SEMARNAP
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CONTENTS
100 INTRODUCTION 4
101 Purpose 4
102 Objectives 4
103 Scope 4
104 Authority 4
105 Joint Policies 5
200 ORGANIZATION 6
201 National Coordinators for the La Paz Agreement 6
202 Joint Response Team (JRT) 6
203 Issue/Incident-Specific Joint Response Team (ISJRT) 6
204 On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) 7
205 Coordination with State and Local Preparedness and Response 7
206 Technical Assistance 8
300 RESPONSE OPERATIONS.
301 Notification 8
302 Preliminary Assessment 8
303 Joint Response Team Activation 8
304 Joint Response Team Deactivation 9
305 Joint Response Procedures 9
306 Documentation fora Joint Response 9
307 Public Information 10
308 Health and Safety 11
400 PREPAREDNESS 11
401 Inland Plan Review, Update and Revisions 11
402 Exercises 12
403 Educational Activities 12
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APPENDIX A Notification Procedures 13
APPENDIX B Notification Form 15
APPENDIXC Activation/Deactivation Information (Flowchartsand Forms) 16
APPENDIX D Response Operations Flowcharts 21
APPENDIX E Report Formats 24
APPENDIX F Acronyms 26
APPENDIX G Definitions 27
APPENDIX H Joint Response Team (JRT) Agencies 29
APPENDIX I Roles and Responsibilities 36
APPENDIX J Map of Border Area and Sister Cities1 40
APPENDIX K Plans 41
1 For the purposes of this Joint Response Plan, the term "sister cities" in the English version will mean "ciudades fronterizas" in
the Spanish version.
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100 INTRODUCTION
This United States-Mexico Joint Contingency Plan for Preparedness for and Response to Environmental Emergencies
Caused by Releases, Spills, Fires, or Explosions of Hazardous Substances in the Inland Border Area (the Inland Plan)
provides a mechanism for cooperation between the United States (U.S.) and Mexico in response to a polluting incident
that may pose a significant threat to both parties or that affects one party to such an extent as to justify warning the other
party or asking for assistance.
101 Purpose
101.1 Based on Article II of Annex II of the La Paz Agreement, the purpose of this Inland Plan is to protect human health and
safety and the environment by providing for coordinated joint responses to polluting incidents affecting the inland border
area of the U.S. and Mexico.
102 Objectives
102.1 The objectives of this Inland Plan are:
• To provide a bi-national coordination mechanism to assure appropriate and effective cooperative preparedness and
response measures between the United States and Mexico for polluting incidents; and
• To develop systems for notification of a polluting incident within the area covered by the Inland Plan.
103 Scope
103.1 This Inland Plan applies to all polluting incidents, as defined by Annex II of the La Paz Agreement, that have the potential
to affect the inland border area [see Appendix J for map]. Polluting incidents affecting the marine environment are covered
in the United States-Mexico Joint Contingency Plan Regarding Pollution of the Marine Environment signed on July 24,
1980.
103.2 This Inland Plan does not provide for response to radiological incidents.
103.3 Nothing in the Inland Plan shall prejudice existing or future agreements concluded between the United States and Mexico,
or affect the rights and obligations of the parties under international agreements or arrangements to which they are or may
become party.
103.4 The Inland Plan will be fully coordinated with the "United States - Mexico Joint Contingency Plan Regarding Pollution of
the Marine Environment" (Marine Plan) should both plans be activated for the same incident.
104 Authority
104.1 This Inland Plan is governed by the Agreement Between the United States of America and the United Mexican States on
Cooperation for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in the Border Area, signed August 14,1983 (known
as the La Paz Agreement) and is authorized by and established in accordance with Annex II to the Agreement dated July
18,1985.
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104.2 The Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Office (CEPPO) of the United States Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) is the coordinating authority for the United States for this Inland Plan. For Mexico, the coordinating authority
for this Inland Plan is the Secretariat of Environment, Natural Resources, and Fisheries (SEMARNAP) through the Office
of the Federal Attorney General for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA). A Joint Response Team (JRT) composed of
representatives of EPA and SEMARNAP and appropriate support agencies, shall coordinate responses to polluting
incidents as outlined in Section 300 and Appendix I of this Inland Plan. The coordinating authorities shall be responsible
for securing the involvement of agencies of their respective countries. These efforts are conducted with the cooperation
of the Department of State in the United States and the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs in Mexico.
104.3 EPA and SEMARNAP may jointly revise and/or modify this Inland Plan provided such revisions and/or modifications are
in keeping with the Agreement described in 104.1 and Annex II thereof.
104.4 Responsibilities of specified U.S. agencies are set out in the United States' National Oil and Hazardous Substances
Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) (and its supplementary guidance) which is the implementing regulation for the U.S.
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) (as amended); and responsibilities
for specified agencies in Mexico by the General Law of Ecological Equilibrium and Environmental Protection and the
National System of Civil Protection.
104.5 In the event of a spill or release of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant into international rivers and waters
along the inland border area, the Mexican and U.S. Commissioners of the International Boundary and Water Commission
(IBWC) would respond to such incidents to the extent that their authority, responsibility and resources would permit. The
Commissioners will notify the Co-Chairs of the Joint Response Team and local and state authorities in their respective
countries of such responses. The notification would follow the procedures established in this Inland Plan (Appendix A).
The Commissioners also are responsible for informing the Co-Chairs of any actions to be taken under the authority and
responsibility of the Commission under terms of existing treaties and agreements. If an incident exceeds the Commission's
response capacity, the IBWC commissioners are responsible for contacting the NRG and the CENACOM respectively,
using the procedures set forth in Appendix A, to assure that a response will take place.
105 Joint Policies
105.1 When a joint response is necessary to mitigate the effects of a polluting incident, the National Coordinators will provide
assistance to the other party. Such assistance may include officials of one country entering the territory of the other
country and providing assistance, at the request of the other or with the other's prior consent; coordination of federal
response efforts, activities, and resources of both countries; and/or the exchange of information between the two Parties.
105.2 The National Coordinators encourage the development of Joint Sister City Contingency Plans which are coordinated with
State and Tribal officials.
105.3 Effective communication between the U.S. and Mexico is vital to the successful implementation of this Inland Plan. The
Coordinating Authorities will develop and maintain the necessary notification systems to allow for effective communication
with respect to polluting incidents. Any polluting incident that presents a potential threat to the other country shall be
reported promptly through the procedures outlined in Appendix A.
105.4 Actions taken to implement this Inland Plan shall be consistent with the laws, operational requirements, and other
obligations of each country.
105.5 In a response situation that falls within the scope of this Inland Plan, the National Coordinators shall make every effort to
obtain resources that could be used for joint response operations, subject to the availability of appropriated funds and
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resources. In addition, each party shall have in place procedures to facilitate obtaining necessary resources from the public
and private sectors that may be brought to bear to achieve a successful outcome to a joint response operation.
105.6 In accordance with national legislation, each National Coordinator will encourage appropriate officials in their country to
ensure the timely implementation of customs, immigration, and other necessary authorization mechanisms to facilitate the
free entry and exit of persons and equipment to ensure an efficient joint response.
105.7 Each country shall follow its own decision-making process to determine whether chemical/biological additives (e.g.,
dispersants) will be used to mitigate a polluting incident within its territory.
200 ORGANIZATION
The federal response structure that will provide the nucleus for coordinating a joint response to a polluting incident under
this Inland Plan is summarized below. A detailed list of duties and responsibilities of federal entities can be found in
Appendix I.
201 National Coordinators for the La Paz Agreement
201.1 The national coordinators for the 1983 La Paz Agreement, to coordinate and monitor implementation of the La Paz
Agreement are:
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the United States; and
• The Secretariat of Environment, Natural Resources, and Fisheries (SEMARNAP) for Mexico.
201.2 The national coordinators will be kept informed by their respective coordinating authorities for this Inland Plan of all key
activities and emergency activations conducted under the Inland Plan.
202 Joint Response Team (JRT)
202.1 The JRT is the policy and decision making body with overall responsibility for the maintenance and effective implementation
of the Inland Plan.
202.2 The Co-chairs of the JRT are EPA and SEMARNAP who also serve as the coordinating authorities for implementation of
this Inland Plan. For the United States, the Co-chair will be a representative from EPA Headquarters CEPPO. For Mexico,
the Co-chair will be a representative from PROFEPA.
202.3 Membership on the JRT is comprised of relevant supporting agencies from each country.
202.4 The JRT co-chairs will assure coordination with the JRT support agencies.
203 Issue/Incident-Specific Joint Response Team (ISJRT)
203.1 The Issue/Incident-Specific Joint Response Team (ISJRT) is 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.
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203.2 The general function of the Issue-Specific Joint Response Team includes planning and preparedness prior to a polluting
incident. This Issue-Specific Joint Response Team may be convened to resolve a preparedness issue which requires
localized geographic action. The Issue-Specific Joint Response Team will be led by a representative from the U.S. and/or
Mexico as designated by the JRT Co-chairs.
203.3 The general function of the Incident-Specific Joint Response Team includes monitoring and support of response operations
during a polluting incident. This Incident-Specific Joint Response Team may be convened when a polluting incident has
occurred and coordination of response and follow-up is required or when there is a threat to a specific geographic area
which requires coordination of appropriate personnel. The Incident-Specific Joint Response Team will be led by:
• For the United States, the United States Regional Response Team (RRT) co-chairs of the appropriate EPA Regional
area; and,
• For Mexico, the State Civil Protection representative and the respective PROFEPA delegate.
203.4 The Issue/Incident-Specific Joint Response Team may be composed of Regional, State, and local agencies of each
country.
204 On-Scene Coordinator (OSC)
204.1 The On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) is the official designated by each country to exercise the functions and responsibilities
for coordinating joint response action at the site of a polluting incident in the inland border area of that country and
providing information on the polluting incident to the ISJRT.
204.2 The OSC may:
• Provide advice, assistance, and support to the local or state incident commander and as coordinator direct the federal
government activities at the scene of a polluting incident; or,
• Direct the response to the polluting incident when it is under federal jurisdiction or in accordance with federal or state
agreements, or when the polluting incident is beyond the capabilities of the local and state incident commander.
204.3 For the U.S., the On-Scene Coordinator shall be provided by the Regional EPA Office having jurisdiction over the incident
location. For Mexico, the On-Scene Coordinator will be designated by the PROFEPA delegate within the zone of the
incident.
204.4 For the U.S., the State and local participation will be coordinated through a Unified Command system, as identified in
Appendix G.
205 Coordination with State and Local Preparedness and Response
205.1 Initial responsibility for responding to incidents rests with local authorities unless otherwise identified as being under federal
jurisdiction. Therefore, the Inland Plan anticipates that each country will encourage Sister Cities to have up-to-date
contingency plans and information about potential hazards as well as adequate equipment and trained personnel for
responding to potential incidents within the Sister City's jurisdiction.
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205.2 Whenever an incident exceeds local capabilities, local officials should seek the assistance of state agencies and should
coordinate with nongovernmental organizations when appropriate.
205.3 To ensure that authorities do not overlap during a polluting incident, the Inland Plan and its Annexes should be coordinated
with the comprehensive emergency plans prepared for U.S. local emergency planning districts on the international border
in compliance with the 1986 Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) Title III (the Emergency Planning
and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986) as well as the Area Contingency Plans developed under the Oil Pollution Act
of 1990, and equally with existing Mexican plans and arrangements.
205.4 Nothing in this Inland Plan imposes formal obligations on state or local authorities.
206 Technical Assistance
206.1 Specialty teams and expertise are available through the ISJRT to assist the OSCs in conducting response actions under
this Plan. Those resources include experts with backgrounds in clean-up techniques, chemistry, engineering, biology,
hydrology, health effects, toxicology, and communications as well as historical, archaeological, cultural, and natural
resource expertise.
300 RESPONSE OPERATIONS
This Section sets forth the general procedures for an integrated and coordinated joint response at the federal level to
supplement state and local emergency response actions following a polluting incident in the inland border area. The
specific details of these procedures for a joint response are outlined in Appendices D and I.
301 Notification
301.1 Any local, state or federal officials of one country who are aware of any polluting incident affecting or having the potential
to affect the other country should immediately report the polluting incident to the appropriate national communication center
of the other country using the notification procedures described in Appendix A of this document.
301.2 The OSCs shall ensure that all appropriate internal notifications in their respective country have been made as described
in Appendix D.
302 Preliminary Assessment
302.1 Upon notification of a polluting incident to the inland border area, the OSC in consultation with the ISJRT shall conduct
a preliminary assessment to assess the need to activate the Inland Plan and shall relay this information via fax to the JRT
Co-chair from its country in accordance with Appendix C.
303 Joint Response Team Activation
303.1 If the ISJRT determines, after completion of the preliminary evaluation by the OSC, that a response action would exceed
their capabilities and resources, then they can request the JRT be activated. The ISJRT will make that recommendation
to the Co-Chair of the JRT. The Co-Chair of the JRT will contact and consult with his/her counterpart from the other
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country to determine if the Joint Response Team should be activated. If they determine that an activation is necessary,
the JRT Co-Chairs will fax the activation form to their National Coordinators and the ISJRT, and the Joint Response Team
will be activated and will function as described in Appendix I.
303.2 Upon receipt of an activation form, the National Coordinators will notify their respective foreign relations departments that
an environmental emergency has occurred (or has the potential to occur). For the United States such officials are located
in the Department of State; and in Mexico, the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs.
304 Joint Response Team Deactivation
304.1 If the JRT co-chairs determine that a JRT activation is no longer necessary, then they will de-activate the JRT by faxing
the deactivation form in Appendix C to the National Coordinators and the ISJRT.
305 Joint Response Procedures
305.1 In the event of a JRT activation or a joint response, the OSCs, in conjunction with the ISJRT, will confer with each other
regarding coordination of the joint response efforts including:
• Joint response actions to be undertaken;
• Status of response efforts in each country;
• Personnel, equipment, and financial resources available;
• Information to be provided to the public;
• Health and safety issues; and
• Ecological/natural, historical, archaeological, and cultural considerations.
305.2 Any issues that cannot be settled by the OSCs, will be brought to the ISJRT for resolution. If need be, the JRT will be
consulted.
306 Documentation for a Joint Response
306.1 The OSC, ISJRT, and the JRT under this Inland Plan are required to prepare appropriate documentation as summarized
below.
306.2 The OSC(s) are responsible for providing:
• Preliminary Assessment describing the nature and effects of the polluting incident (see Appendix E) which may
include, but is not limited to identification of the source and nature of the polluting incident including quantity and
location of the hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant; evaluation of threat to human health or the
environment; evaluation of the magnitude of the release or threat of release; and, determination if a potentially
responsible party is undertaking a proper response.
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• Situation Reports (SITREPs) which provide up-to-date information on the emergency incident and response action
conducted under this Inland Plan. The SITREPS should describe the current status, the actions taken, future plans,
recommendations, and requests for assistance and forwarded to the ISJRT co-chairs and JRT co-chairs as frequently
as necessary (frequency to be determined in consultation with the co-chairs).
306.3 The ISJRT is responsible for providing:
• Final Incident Report. After a joint response has been terminated, a final incident report shall be prepared in
conjunction with the OSCs and transmitted to the JRT. The Final Incident Report shall accurately describe the
situation as it developed, the actions taken, the resources committed, the problems encountered, and
recommendations.
• Final Issue Report. If an ISJRT is convened to address a preparedness issue in the inland border area as specified
in §203.3, a Final Issue Report shall be prepared and transmitted to the JRT. The Final Issue Report shall describe
the specific issue in detail, the specific geographic area, members of the ISJRT who worked on the issue and their
roles, actions taken, ideas and options considered for resolving the issue and, if applicable, the pros and cons of each,
and final recommendations.
306.4 The JRT is responsible for providing:
• Activation Statement which formally activates the JRT, provides a brief description of the polluting incident, and
discusses initial responsibilities.
• De-activation Statement which formally de-activates the JRT.
307 Public Information
307.1 When an incident occurs, the public should be provided with timely and accurate information on the nature of the incident,
the steps that are being taken to cope with the problem, and what individuals should do to protect themselves. This
information is intended to protect human lives, to encourage understanding among the public, to ensure cooperation from
all interested parties, and to reduce the possibility of the spread of concern or alarm through misinformation.
307.2 When activated, the JRT is responsible for developing a public information strategy (in conjunction with the ISJRT and the
OSC(s)) incorporating the guidelines in Section 307.1.
307.3 Each co-chair of the JRT shall assign from the resources of their respective country an on-scene public information
specialist who will maintain liaison with the interested parties in their respective country, including but not limited to the local
and state authorities, news media, government press offices, the public, special interest groups, and concerned industries.
These specialists shall support the ISJRT and the OSC(s) by advising them on public relations.
307.4 The public information specialist of each country, in conjunction with the OSCs, will jointly issue news releases and other
public information relative to the joint response established in Section 307.2. The news released will contain operational
information. Policy issues will be discussed by the JRT Co-chairs and other representatives (as co-chairs deem necessary)
before release. The OSC will notify state and local authorities and the ISJRT of all public relations and news release
activities.
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308 Health and Safety
308.1 Medical. Each coordinating authority is responsible for notifying appropriate agencies of the need for coordinating medical
services related to polluting incidents.
308.2 Worker Health and Safety. All government agencies and private organizations are directly responsible for the health and
safety of their own employees. Each agency and organization should assure that a program for occupational safety and
health is made available for the protection of its workers at the response site, and that its workers entering the response
site are informed of the response site hazards and provisions of the health and safety program. The provisions of the
health and safety program include: (1) standard operating procedures for entering and leaving the response site, using
equipment, and decontamination; (2) accountability for personnel entering and leaving the response site;
(3) recommended safety and health equipment; (4) personal safety precautions; and (5) other measures as warranted.
308.3 Evacuation and Relocation. In the event of evacuation, local and state authorities' procedures will be followed to identify
evacuation zones and notification, transportation, and location of private citizens.
400 PREPAREDNESS
This section discusses the planning and preparedness activities which will take place prior to a polluting incident. The
specific roles and responsibilities of the JRT, ISJRT, and OSC(s) prior to a polluting incident are outlined in Appendices
H and I.
401 Inland Plan Review, Update and Revisions
401.1 Revisions to the Inland Plan may be recommended by the coordinating authorities, in consultation with the JRT and
approved by the National Coordinators for the La Paz Agreement and shall take effect in accordance with Article V of
Annex II of the La Paz Agreement.
401.2 The coordinating authorities for the Inland Plan are responsible for developing implementing guidance for their respective
countries.
401.3 The JRT may establish any subcommittees or workgroups deemed necessary to address preparedness, response, and
other issues related to the successful implementation of the Inland Plan.
401.4 The coordinating authorities, in consultation with the JRT are responsible for keeping the Inland Plan up to date. The
coordinating authorities shall review the Inland Plan annually in consultation with the JRT's and recommend any necessary
changes to the National Coordinator.
401.5 When considering revisions to the Inland Plan, the coordinating authorities, in consultation with the JRT, shall review,
among others, the following:
• Final reports developed by an ISJRT after the termination of a joint response, especially the recommendations for
improving the joint response;
• Lessons learned from simulations and exercises;
• Final Issue Reports developed by the ISJRT; and,
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• Changes in the national policies and/or procedures in the U.S. and Mexico.
402 Exercises
402.1 There will be periodic exercises of this Inland Plan, as necessary.
402.2 To promote greater efficiency, JRT or ISJRT meetings could be held to coincide with exercises and could include more
than one Region or State.
403 Educational Activities
The parties will participate in an exchange of other educational activities including academic courses, seminars, workshops,
and conferences to contribute to implementing this inland plan.
Activities under the Joint Response Plan will commence on the date in which it is signed and approved by the Governments
and will continue until the Governments decide to terminate it, communicating their intention in writing ninety days prior
to termination.
Done at Mexico City, in duplicate, this fourth day of June, 1999 in the English and Spanish languages, both texts being
equally authentic.
Peter D. Robertson
Acting Deputy Administrator
Environmental Protection Agency
Antonio Azuela
Attorney General for the Environment
Ministry of the Environment, Natural
Resources and Fisheries
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APPENDIX A
Notification Procedures
Any spill, release, fire, or explosion or the threatened spill, release, fire or explosion of a hazardous substance or pollutant which
has the potential to affect the other country shall be reported by any local, state, or federal official in the following manner:
United States
In the United States, the National Response Center can be reached at:
1-800-424-8802
For callers from Mexico, the National Response Center can be reached in two ways:
(1) By dialing 001-880-424-8802 (not a free call), or
(2) By dialing the AT&T access number at 001-800-462-4240 and then 800-424-8802 (both of these calls are free).
(NOTE: The U.S. National Response Center has the ability to receive notification in Spanish.)
When providing notification of a polluting incident to the U.S. National Response Center, the caller shall provide as much of the
information listed in Appendix B as possible.
Once the U.S. National Response Center has been notified of a polluting incident, they will provide notification (via fax) to both
countries in the following manner:
* To CENACOM in Mexico;
* To the federal level representative in SEMARNAP;
* To the ISJRT (in Mexico, the appropriate region/state PROFEPA delegate; in the U. S., the U.S. EPA Region
delegate); and
* To the U.S. State representative in the appropriate geographic area(s)
The notification will include all the information provided by the caller and will be provided in the format laid out in Appendix B.
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Mexico
From within Mexico, the National Communications Center (CENACOM) can be reached at any of the following numbers:
01-800-00-403
01 (5)616-55-58
01 (5)616-55-60
01 (5)616-55-61
01 (5) 550-48-85
01 (5)550-14-85
01 (5)550-14-96
To reach CENACOM from the U. S., call any of the following numbers:
011 (525)616-55-58
011 (525)616-55-60
011 (525)616-55-61
011 (525)550-48-85
011 (525)550-14-85
011 (525)550-14-96
Once CENACOM has been notified of a polluting incident, they will provide notification (by fax) to both countries in the following
manner:
* To the U.S. National Response Center;
* To the JRT Co-chairs;
* To the leaders of the IS JRT; and
* To the Mexican State Civil Protection representative in the appropriate geographic area(s).
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APPENDIX B
Notification Form
When any party is notified of an actual or threat of spill, release, fire or explosion of a hazardous substance conforming to this Inland
Plan, the following information should be provided:
a Reporting party (name of functionary or responder, telephone
number, and address)/informante (nombre del funcionario o de el
que responde, numero de telefono y direccion):
b Suspected responsible party (name, telephone number, and
address)/probable entidad responsable (nombre, numero de
telefono y direccion):
c Description of incident (how the release, spill, fire, or explosion occurredj/descripcion del incidente (como ocurrio la fuga, el derrame, el
fuego o la explosion):
d Date and time of incident/fecha y hora del incidente:
Vehicle identification number/numero de identification del vehiculo:
f Location/lugar:
g Type of container and capacity/tipo de contenedor y capacidad:
h Specific identifiers (e.g., cross road, railroad milepostj/identificadores especificos (e.g., intersection, kilometre de la via del ferrocarril):
i Hazardous substances involved/sustancias peligrosas
involucradas:
Quantity/cantidad:
k Spill or release to air, soil, or water: Where is it going? How much to water?/derrame o escape al aire, suelo o agua:
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APPENDIX C
Activation/Deactivation Information (Flowcharts and Forms)
Activation Flowchart
Activation Form
Deactivation Flowchart
Deactivation Form
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Activation Flow Chart
NO ACTIVATION
POLLUTING INCIDENT OR THREAT
TELEPHONE
NOTIFICATION
NRC
OR
CENACOM
NOTIFICATION
OSC AND ISJRT
LEADER
NO
PRELIMINARY
EVALUATION:
RECOMMEND
JOINT RESPONSE
YES
JRT CO-CHAIR
FROM THE COUNTRY
NOTIFICATION
JOINT AGREEMENT
NATIONAL COORDINATOR FROM
THE COUNTRY
NOTIFICATION
STATE DEPARTMENT
FOREIGN RELATIONS
OSC AND ISJRT
LEADER
NOTIFICATION
JRT CO-CHAIR
FROM THE OTHER COUNTRY
NOTIFICATION AND
ACTIVATION
NOTIFICATION
NATIONAL COORDINATOR FROM
THE OTHER COUNTRY
NOTIFICATION
STATE DEPARTMENT
FOREIGN RELATIONS
17
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Activation Form
If the Joint Response Team is activated, the following information is required in addition to the information provided in the
Notification Form (see Appendix B):
a Summary description of incident (a summary of the information provided in the Notification Form)/descripcion resumida del incidente (un
resumen de la informacion incluida en el Formulario de Notificacion):
Justification for joint response/justificacion para la respuesta conjunta:
Date and time of joint response activation/fecha y hora de la activacion de la respuesta conjunta:
Assistance required/asistencia requerida:
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Deactivation Flow Chart
osc
AND
ISJRT LEADER
RECOMMEND
DEACTIVATION
JRT CO-CHAIR
FROM THE COUNTRY
JOINT AGR
EEMENT
JRT CO-CHAIR
FROM THE OTHER COUNTRY
NO DEACTIVATION
NO
RECOMMEND DEACTIVATION
NATIONAL COORDINATOR
FROM THE COUNTRY
ISJRT LEADER
OSC
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
FOREIGN RELATIONS
YEsI
NOTIFICATION
OF
DEACTIVATION
NATIONAL COORDINATOR
FROM THE OTHER COUNTRY
ISJRT LEADER
OSC
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
FOREIGN RELATIONS
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Deactivation Form
If the Joint Response Team is deactivated, the following information is required in addition to the information provided in the
Notification Form (see Appendix B):
a Summary description of incident (a summary of the information provided in the Notification Form)/descripcion resumida del incidente (un
resumen de la informacion incluida en el Formulario de Notificacion):
Justification for deactivation of joint response/justificacion para la desactivacion de la respuesta conjunta:
Date and time of joint response deactivation/fecha y hora de la desactivacion de la respuesta conjunta:
i Assistance required/asistencia requerida:
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APPENDIX D
Response Operations Flowcharts
Response Operations Flowchart: U.S. Response
Response Operations Flowchart: Mexico Response
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Response Operations Flowchart: U.S. Response
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United States-Mexico Joint Inland Contingency Plan
22
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Response Operations Flowchart: Mexico Response
fc-
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CENACOM Conducts Daily
Monitoring together with the
Various Civil Protection Units of
States and/or Municipalities
N0/Dida\ YES
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NO 1
CENACOM Rece
oftheOccurrenc
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Phenomenon v YES
Detected
Before Causing ,
Emergency Response Agency (DAE)
Publishes Bulletins and Sends Them
to the Various Entities Possibly
Affected and/or Affected and to the
Civil Protection Agency (DGPC)
I
CENACOM Requests Report on Specific Damages,
Including Physical and Human Damages (If They Exist)
I
DAE Receives the Report and
in Turn Writes a Report
I
CENACOM Informs the
DAE and the DGPC
DAE Records the Relevant
Data in the Database
DGPC Receives and Informs
Superiors. Analizes the Possibility
of Emergency Support
DAE Writes Summaries
and/or Statistics Notebook
DAE, Depending on the Magnitude of
the Calamity, Establishes Urgent
Communication with the State Civil
Protection Unit of the Affected Site
DGPC Establishes Permanent
Communication with the
Site and Coordinates Support
I
DAE Instructs CENACOM
of the Measures to be
Observed from this Moment on
23
United States-Mexico Joint Inland Contingency Plan
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APPENDIX E
Report Formats
1. Preliminary Assessment
• Date
• Time
• OSC name and phone number
• Receptor name and address
• SITREP number
• Location of the incident
• Status
• Response actions
• Recommendations
• Future Plans
2. Situation Reports (SITREPs)
The updated information about the emergency situation and the response action(s) taken in accordance with this Plan will
be provided by the OSC to the leader of the ISJRT (frequency to be determined) using the situation reports (SITREP) which
will describe: the present situation, actions taken, future plans, recommendations, and all the requirements for assistance.
The SITREP should be prepared according to the following format and transmitted by fax or similar means to the leaders
of ISJRT and JRT.
• Date
• Time
• Name and Phone Number of Sender
• Name and Address of Receiver
• Number of this SITREP
• Situation
• Action(s) Taken
• Recommendations
• Future Plans
3. Final Incident Report
After a joint response has terminated, the ISJRT, in conjunction with the OSCs, shall prepare a Final Incident Report for
transmittal to the JRT. The Final Incident Report shall accurately describe the situation as it developed, the actions taken,
the resources committed, the problems encountered, and recommendations. The format for the Final Incident Report shall
be as follows:
United States-Mexico Joint Inland Contingency Plan 24
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• Summary of Events -- a chronological narrative of all events, including:
* The cause of the spill, release, fire, or explosion;
* The initial situation;
* Efforts to obtain response action by those responsible for the spill, release, fire, or explosion;
* The organization of the response, including participation by public and private sector organizations;
* The resources committed;
* The location of the hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant released, spilled, or burned in a
fire or explosion;
* Details of any threat abatement action taken; and
* Public information and community relations activities.
• Effectiveness of Removal Actions -- A thorough analysis of the removal actions taken by:
* Those responsible for the spill, release, fire, or explosion;
* State and local response personnel;
* Federal agencies; and
* Private groups, volunteers, and others.
• Problems Encountered -- A list of problems affecting response.
• Recommendations -- OSC recommendations are a source for new procedures and policy and should include:
* Means to prevent a recurrence of the spill, release, fire, or explosion;
* Improvement of response actions; and
* Any recommended changes in the Joint Contingency Plan.
4. Final Issue Report
If an ISJRT is convened to address a preparedness issue in the inland border area as specified in Section 203.3, a Final
Issue Report shall be prepared and transmitted to the JRT. The Final Issue Report shall describe the specific issue in
detail, the specific geographic area, members of the ISJRT who worked on the issue and their roles, actions taken, ideas
and options considered for resolving the issue and, if applicable, the pros and cons of each, and final recommendations.
The format for the Final Issue Report should be as follows:
• Description of issue;
• List of support agency members on the ISJRT and their specific roles;
• Specific steps taken to resolve the issue;
• Ideas and options considered and pros and cons of each;
• Final resolution;
• Next steps; and
• Final recommendations.
25 United States-Mexico Joint Inland Contingency Plan
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APPENDIX F
Acronyms
ENGLISH
CENACOM
CENAPRED
CEPPO
CERCLA
CNA
EPA
FEMA
IBWC
ISJRT
JCP
JRT
NCP
NRC
NRT
OSC
PROFEPA
RRT
SARA Title III
SEMARNAP
SINAPROC
SITREP
USCG
National Communications Center (Mexico)
National Disaster Prevention Center (Mexico)
Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention
Office (U.S.)
Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (U.S.)
National Water Commission (Mexico)
Environmental Protection Agency (U.S.)
Federal Emergency Management Agency (U.S.)
International Boundary and Water Commission
Issue/Incident Specific Joint Response Team
Joint Contingency Plan
Joint Response Team
National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution
Contingency Plan (U.S.)
National Response Center (U.S.)
National Response Team (U.S.)
On-Scene Coordinator
Federal Attorney General for Environmental
Protection (Mexico)
Regional Response Team (U.S.)
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act
Title III (the Emergency Planning and Community
Right-to-KnowActof 1986) (U.S.)
Secretariat of Environment, Natural Resources, and
Fishing (Mexico)
National Civil Protection System (Mexico)
Situation Report
U.S. Coast Guard (U.S.)
SPANISH
CENACOM
CENAPRED
CEPPO
CERCLA
CNA
EPA
FEMA
CILA
ERCIE
PCC
ERC
NCP
NRC
NRT
CEE
PROFEPA
RRT
SARA Titulo III
SEMARNAP
SINAPROC
REPSIT
USCG
Centra Nacional de Comunicaciones (Mexico)
Centra Nacional de Prevencion de Desastres
(Mexico)
Oficina de Preparacion y Prevencion de
Emergencias Quimicas (E.U.)
Ley General de Respuesta, Compensacion y
Responsibilidad (E.U.)
Comision Nacional del Agua (Mexico)
Agenda de Proteccion Ambiental (E.U.)
Agenda Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias
(E.U.)
Comision Internacional de Limites y Aguas
Equipo de Respuesta Conjunta de Asunto /
Incidente Especifico
Plan Conjunto de Contingencias
Equipo de Respuesta Conjunta
Plan Nacional de Contingencias por Contaminacion
de Petroleo y Sustancias Peligrosas (E.U.)
Centra Nacional de Respuestas (E.U.)
Equipo Nacional de Respuesta (E.U.)
Coordinador en Escena
Procuraduria Federal de Proteccion al Ambiente
(Mexico)
Equipo de Respuesta Regional (E.U.)
Ley de Planeacion de Emergencia y del Derecho-
de-Estar-lnformados de la Comunidad de 1986 de la
Ley de Enmiendas y Reautorizacion del Superfondo
(E.U.)
Secretaria de Medio Ambiente, Recursos Naturales
y Pesca (Mexico)
Sistema Nacional de Proteccion Civil (Mexico)
Reporte de Situacion
Guardia Costera de los E.U. (E.U.)
United States-Mexico Joint Inland Contingency Plan
26
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APPENDIX G
Definitions
Agreement of 1983 (also known as the La Paz Agreement) - The Agreement between the United States and Mexico on Cooperation
for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in the Border Area (August 1983).
Bi-National - Involving two countries.
Coordinating Authorities - The Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Office (CEPPO) of the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the coordinating authority for the United States for this Inland Plan. For Mexico, the
coordinating authority for this Inland Plan is the Secretariat of Environment, Natural Resources, and Fisheries (SEMARNAP) through
the Office of the Federal Attorney General for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA).
Drinking Water Supply - Any water source created or treated for use by a public water system or for human consumption.
Environment - The atmosphere, land surface or subsurface strata, and surface and ground waters, including the natural resources
contained therein, such as fish, wildlife, forests, farm and pasture lands, rivers, streams, aquifers, and all other components of the
ecosystem.
Facility - (a) Any building, structure, installation, equipment, pipe or pipeline (including any pipe into a sewer or publicly owned
treatment works), well, pit, lagoon, impoundment, ditch, landfill, storage container, motor vehicle, rolling stock, or aircraft, or (b) any
site or area where a hazardous substance has been deposited, stored, disposed of, placed, or otherwise come to be located; but
does not include any consumer product in consumer use or any vessel in marine waters.
Groundwater - Water in a saturated zone or stratum beneath the land surface.
Hazardous Substances - Elements and compounds which if discharged present or may present an imminent and substantial
danger to the public health, welfare, or environment, in accordance with the laws of each of the parties and the determination by
the Joint Response Team (JRT).
Inland Border Area - Means the area on both sides of the inland international boundary as defined in Annex II of the La Paz
Agreement, i.e., the area situated 100 kilometers on either side of the inland international boundary.
Inland Plan - The Joint United States/Mexico Joint Contingency Plan for Preparedness for and Response to Environmental
Emergencies Caused by Releases, Spills, Fires, or Explosions of Hazardous Substances in the Inland Border Area published
pursuant to Annex II of the Agreement of 1983.
Joint Response - The assistance of one Party to the other Party in relation to a polluting incident, including: (1) one Party entering
the territory of the other Party and providing assistance, at the request of the other Party or with the other Party's prior consent; (2)
coordination of federal response efforts, activities, and resources of both Parties in response to a polluting incident; (3) the exchange
of information between the two Parties concerning response to a polluting incident.
Natural Resources - Land, fish, wildlife, plants, air, water, groundwater, drinking water supplies, and other such resources.
On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) - Those persons designated by the EPA and PROFEPA to coordinate and direct responses under
this Plan.
Party - A signatory of the Agreement of 1983, i.e., the United States or Mexico.
27 United States-Mexico Joint Inland Contingency Plan
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Pollutant or Contaminant - Includes but is not limited to any element, substance, compound, or mixture, including disease-causing
agents, which after release into the environment and upon exposure, ingestion, inhalation, or assimilation into any organism, either
directly from the environment or indirectly by ingestion through food chains, will or may reasonably be anticipated to cause death,
disease, behavioral abnormalities, cancer, genetic mutation or physiological malfunctions, or physical or reproductive deformations
in such organisms or their offspring.
Polluting Incident - A release or threat of release of any hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant on either side of the Inland
International Boundary of a magnitude that causes or threatens to cause imminent and substantial adverse effects on the public
health, welfare, or the environment.
Release - Any spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping, or
disposing of hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants into the environment including the abandonment or discarding of
barrels, containers and other closed receptacles containing any hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. It excludes: (a)
any release which results in exposure to persons solely within a work place, (b) emissions from the engine exhaust of a motor
vehicle, rolling stock, aircraft, vessel, or pipeline pumping station engine, and (c) the normal application of fertilizer. For the purpose
of this Inland Plan, release also means substantial threat of release.
Response Action - The removal of hazardous substances, or pollutants released, spilled, or burned from the environment; actions
to abate a threat of release, actions to monitor, assess, and evaluate the threat (or actual release) of a hazardous substance,
pollutant, or contaminant, the disposal of removed material, or other actions intended to prevent or mitigate damage to human
health, welfare or the environment.
State - a) Those States of the United States of America bordering Mexico: Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California; and, b) the
Mexican States bordering the United States of America: Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon, Coahuila, Chihuahua, Sonora, and Baja
California.
Unified Command - An incident command mechanism that can be used in managing complex responses. A Unified Command,
as part of an Incident Command System, brings together the "incident commanders" from each organization involved in a response
to allow key decision-makers to develop consensus, coordination, and cooperation. Under the National Oil and Hazardous
Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP), the Unified Command typically consists of the Federal On-Scene Coordinator (OSC),
the State on-scene coordinator, and the incident commander of the responsible party (RP).
United States-Mexico Joint Inland Contingency Plan 28
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APPENDIX H
Joint Response Team (JRT) Agencies
Primary Agencies
For the United States, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has primary responsibility for providing assistance
and coordinating the U.S. response under this Plan. On the part of Mexico, the Secretariat of Environment, Natural Resources and
Fisheries (SEMARNAP) has the primary responsibility to give assistance and to coordinate the Mexican participation in this Plan,
in accordance with the Secretariat of Government through the National Civil Protection System. General responsibilities of these
agencies include:
• Coordinating, integrating, and managing the overall joint effort to detect, identify, contain, clean up, dispose of, or
minimize the danger of releases of hazardous substances, or prevent, mitigate, or minimize the threats of releases;
• Maintaining close coordination with the affected locality, the ISJRT, the OSC, and the other party; and
• Providing administrative assistance, facilities, communications, and personnel to support response efforts under this
Plan within that Agency's jurisdiction.
Support Agencies
Assistance available from federal support agencies of the United States and Mexico is presented below. Each support
agency will provide assistance to preparedness and response efforts under this Plan in their respective areas of expertise and
consistent with agency capabilities and legal authorities.
Bi-National Agencies
The International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) may respond to incidents in international rivers and waters
to the extent that its authority, responsibility and resources permit. The IBWC Commissioners would notify the JRT Co-chairs and
respective state and local authorities of such responses. The U.S. section of the IBWC would coordinate with the appropriate
federal, state and local authorities, and the Mexican section of the IBWC would coordinate with the Mexican National Water
Commission (CNA) in fulfilling their responsibilities regarding international waters of the United States and Mexico.
The IBWC functions as an international organization, consisting of a U.S. and a Mexican Section. The two sections operate
under the policy guidance of the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and the Mexican Secretariat of Foreign Relations, respectively.
The IBWC is charged with implementing the provisions of existing treaties dealing with boundary and water matters affecting the
United States and Mexico, including: preservation of the international boundary, distribution of waters of the boundary rivers between
the two countries, control of floods on the boundary rivers, regulation of boundary rivers through joint storage works to enable
division and utilization of the waters by the two countries, improvement of the water quality of the boundary rivers, solution of border
sanitation problems, and, use of international waters of the Rio Grande to jointly develop hydroelectric power. During a
transboundary response to a pollution emergency, the IBWC Commissioners would inform the Co-Chairs of the Joint Response
Team (JRT) of incidents related to this Inland Joint Contingency Plan that come to their attention, such as a spill or release of a
hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant into international rivers or waters. Also the Commissioners would: inform the Co-
Chairs of appropriate actions being taken under the authority and responsibility of the Commission pursuant to bilateral agreements
and treaties in force. In the event IBWC is unable to contain a spill, it would seek the assistance of the NRG and the CENACOM
to assure that responsible action is taken.
29 United States-Mexico Joint Inland Contingency Plan
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For the United States
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) co-chairs the U.S./Mexico Joint Response Team, chairs the National
Response Team, co-chairs the standing RRTs, and the Issue/Incident Specific Joint Response Team (ISJRT) at the response level,
provides predesignated On-Scene Coordinators for the inland zone, and generally provides scientific support coordinators for the
inland zone. EPA provides expertise on environmental effects of releases and on environmental pollution control techniques. EPA
provides guidance, technical assistance, and training in hazardous materials preparedness and response and also provides legal
expertise on the interpretation of environmental statutes.
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) provides On-Scene Coordinators for the coastal zone, co-chairs for the standing
RRTs, and the NRT vice-chair. The USCG staffs and administers the National Response Center; maintains the continuously
manned facilities that can be used for command, control, and surveillance of releases in coastal waters; and serves as fund manager
for the Pollution Fund established under the Oil Pollution Act. The Coast Guard's National Strike Force is specially trained and
equipped to respond to major marine pollution incidents. In water pollution incidents in which the USCG has financial responsibility
jurisdiction, the USCG ensures that responsible parties, both U.S. and foreign, are able to compensate the U.S. and other damaged
parties through the Certificate of Financial Responsibility program.
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) has scientific and technical capability to measure, evaluate, and monitor, either
on the ground or by use of aircraft, situations where natural resources including soil, water, wildlife, and vegetation have been
impacted by hazardous substances. Agencies within USDA with relevant expertise are: the Forest Service, the Agriculture Research
Service, the Soil Conservation Service, the Food Safety and Inspection Service, and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
The Department of Commerce (DOC), through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), provides
scientific support for responses and contingency planning in coastal and marine areas, including assessments of the hazards that
may be involved, predictions of movement and dispersion of oil and hazardous substances through trajectory modeling, and
information on the sensitivity of coastal environments to oil or hazardous substances. NOAA provides scientific expertise on living
marine resources it manages and protects. It also provides information on actual and predicted meteorological, hydrologic, ice, and
oceanographic conditions for marine, coastal, and inland waters as well as tide and circulation data.
The Department of Defense (DOD) takes all action necessary with regard to releases of hazardous substances where
the release is on, or the sole source of the release is from, a facility or vessel under jurisdiction, custody, or control of the DOD. DOD
may also, consistent with its operational requirements and at the request of the On-Scene Coordinator, provide locally deployed
U.S. Navy oil spill equipment and provide assistance to other Federal agencies on request. The following two branches of DOD
have particularly relevant expertise:
• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has specialized equipment and personnel for removing navigation obstructions
and accomplishing structural repairs.
• The U.S. Navy (USN) has an extensive array of specialized equipment and personnel available for use in ship salvage,
shipboard damage control, and diving.
The Department of Energy (DOE), except as otherwise provided in Executive Order 12580, provides designated On-
Scene Coordinators that are responsible for taking all response actions with respect to releases of hazardous substances where
either the release is on, or the sole source of the release is from, any facility or vessel under its jurisdiction, custody or control. In
addition, under the Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan (FRERP), DOE provides advice and assistance to other On-
Scene Coordinators for emergency actions essential for the control of immediate radiological hazards.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is responsible for providing assistance on matters related to the
assessment of health hazards at a response and protection of both response workers and the public's health. HHS is delegated
United States-Mexico Joint Inland Contingency Plan 30
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authorities under CERCLA relating to a determination that illness, disease, or complaints may be attributable to exposure to a
hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. Agencies within HHS that have relevant responsibilities, capabilities, and expertise
include the U.S. Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry (ATSDR) and the National Institutes for Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).
The Department of the Interior (DOI) manages a wide variety of natural, cultural, historical and mineral resources and
has certain responsibilities for native Americans and U.S. territories. DOI manages almost 40 percent of the land base in the U.S.
along the Mexico border. These areas consist of Internationally and Nationally significant parks and monuments, wildlife refuges,
biosphere reserves, wilderness areas, public lands, a wild and scenic river and other waterways. DOI has additional management
responsibility for federally-listed threatened and endangered animals and plant species, migratory birds and certain marine
mammals. The nine DOI bureaus with jurisdiction over and with expertise on these resources may be contacted during hazardous
material emergency incident response through DOI Regional Environmental Offices in Albuquerque (representing Texas and New
Mexico) and San Francisco (representing Arizona and California). DOI's Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance is the
designated DOI representative to the U.S. RRTs and the JRTs.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) provides expert advice on legal questions arising from discharges or releases, and
Federal agency responses. In addition, the DOJ represents the Federal government, including its agencies, in litigation relating to
such discharges or releases.
The Department of Labor (DOL), through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the States'
operating plans approved under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, has authority to conduct safety and health
inspections of hazardous waste sites to assure that employees are being protected and to determine if the site is in compliance with
safety and health standards and regulations. On request, OSHA will provide advice and assistance regarding hazards to persons
engaged in response activities.
The Department of State (DOS) leads the negotiation of international agreements that provide for international joint
contingency plans. It also helps to coordinate an international response when discharges or releases cross international boundaries
or involve foreign flag vessels. Additionally, DOS coordinates requests for assistance from foreign governments and U.S. proposals
for conducting research at incidents that occur in waters of other countries. DOS also will work with U.S. immigration and customs
authorities to conduct any needed bilateral negotiations to establish mechanisms to expedite the entrance of emergency personnel
and equipment into the U.S. The U.S. section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) coordinates with
the Bureau of Reclamation, the Corps of Engineers, and appropriate agencies or U.S. border states.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) provides response expertise pertaining to transportation of oil or hazardous
substances by all modes of transportation. Through the Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA), DOT offers
expertise in the requirements for packaging, handling, and transporting regulated hazardous materials. RSPA provides technical
assistance in the form of Emergency Response Guidebooks and planning support in the development of protective action decision
strategies and exercise scenarios.
The Department of the Treasury/U.S. Customs Service, as the principal border enforcement agency, enforces customs
and related laws and collects revenue from imports. Specific responsibilities of Customs include: processing persons, carriers,
cargo, and mail into and out of the United States; assessing and collecting customs duties, excise taxes, fees, and penalties on
imported merchandise; interdicting and seizing contraband; administering certain navigation laws; detecting and apprehending
persons engaged in fraudulent practices designed to circumvent customs laws, copyright, patents, trademarks, or quotas; and
enforcing over 400 provisions of law on behalf of more than 40 government agencies.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides guidance, policy, and program advice, and technical
assistance in hazardous materials and radiological emergency preparedness activities (planning, training, and exercising) to state
and local governments. When the Federal Response Plan is activated, FEMA provides advice and assistance to the lead agency
on coordinating relocation assistance and mitigation efforts with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, and the
31 United States-Mexico Joint Inland Contingency Plan
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private sector. FEMA may enter into an agreement with the appropriate political entity to implement relocation assistance in a
response.
The General Services Administration (GSA) provides logistical and resource support to federal response operations.
Such assistance includes emergency relief supplies, office and other space, office equipment, office supplies, telecommunications,
contracting services, transportation services, and personnel required to support immediate response activities.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission responds, as appropriate, to releases of radioactive materials by its licensees.
In addition, the NRG will provide advice to the On-Scene Coordinator when assistance is required in identifying the source and
character of other hazardous substance releases where the Commission has licensing authority for activities utilizing radioactive
materials.
For Mexico
The Secretariat of Government (SEGOB) through the National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC) has the authority
to coordinate the activities of the agencies of the public sector - federal, state and municipal - as well as private institutions in order
to help the population in the areas where an accident might occur.
The Secretariat for National Defense (SEDENA) is the institution that has the function to guarantee the national security,
aid the civil population and cooperate in case of public need as well as to collaborate in social work. These missions will be
executed jointly with the army when they are ordered to do so or when circumstances make it necessary.
The Secretariat of the Navy (SM) protects the fluvial and maritime traffic in the federal jurisdiction; develops rescue
operations on the ocean and in national waters; and helps to protect the civil population in disaster zones or emergencies, acting
by itself or jointly with the army and air force according to the Plan.
The Secretariat of Health (SS). This agency enters into action in case of an emergency caused by a sudden deterioration
of the environment that would put the population in risk. The agency will adopt the prevention and control measures necessary to
protect the health without interfering with the Secretariat of Environment, Natural Resources, and Fisheries.
Special actions in matters of general health will be taken by the Secretariat of Health, which will organize special brigades
that will act under its direction and responsibility and will entrust the federal, state and municipal authorities the execution of activities
these brigades deem necessary.
The Secretariat of Environment, Natural Resources, and Fisheries (SEMARNAP), and the National Ecology Institute
(INE) as decentralized members of the Secretariat, have the authority to determine the norms that will assure the conservation or
restoration of the fundamental ecosystem for the development of the community, especially in emergency situations or environmental
risk, as well as highly dangerous activities, with such participation as appropriate by other dependencies of the Federal Public
Administration and the State and Municipal governments.
The Office of the Federal Attorney General for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA), as a decentralized office of the
SEMARNAP, has the authority to verify compliance with environmental norms, as well as to carry out environmental audits of private
or public firms under federal jurisdiction, with respect to the activities that might be of potential risk to the environment, and to verify
the measures and ability of the public or private firms or organizations to prevent and act in case of environmental contingencies
and emergencies, and provide specialized guidance for spills, explosions, fires, and releases of chemical products, creating plans
for immediate response to emergencies and contingencies that may occur with hazardous chemical substances, that may affect
the community or the environment.
United States-Mexico Joint Inland Contingency Plan 32
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The National Commission of Water (CNA), as a decentralized member of SEMARNAP, is the authority for control of the
country's water bodies.
The Secretariat of Communications and Transport (SCT) has the authority to regulate the traffic through the Federal
Road Police (PFC), as well as maritime and air transport; to freely use all the transport equipment that belong to the state, no matter
what legal regime they belong to; to freely use and prioritize the telecommunication services in general, as well as the radio and
TV transmissions; and to command and control the communications, operations and maintenance of the communication networks.
The Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, and Rural Development has authority to control the foods that can be
affected during an emergency.
The National Center for Disaster Prevention (CENAPRED) has the authority to develop research strategies, apply and
coordinate technologies for the prevention and mitigation of disasters, promote professional and technical training, as well as support
the dissemination of preparation and self-protection measures for the population before the contingency of a disaster and, by this
means, support and assist the National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC).
The Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE) will help the immigration and customs authorities to conduct bilateral
negotiations to establish mechanisms to expedite the entrance of emergency response equipment and personnel into Mexico. The
Mexican section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) coordinates with the CNA regarding domestic
aspects of U.S./Mexican management of international waters in fulfillment of bilateral treaties and agreements.
The Secretariat of Housing and Public Credit (SHCP) through the General Customs Administration has the authority
for establishing mechanisms in order to facilitate and expedite rapid crossing of vehicles, equipment, and general cargo needed
for the emergency.
The National Immigration Institute (INM), in conformance with the Decree under which it was created as a decentralized
technical agency, and as part of the Secretariat of Government, has as its objective the planning, execution, control, supervision,
and evaluation of immigration services and implements the necessary coordinating mechanisms in order to facilitate the entry and
exit of persons into and out of the country, thus assuring an efficient joint response in the case of polluting incidents that affect the
inland border area between Mexico and the U.S.
The INM will carry out these activities in accordance with the immigration related authority vested in the Secretariat of
Government under Articles 7(11), 10 to 13,15 to 18, and 20 of the General Immigration Law and its implementing regulations.
The Secretariat of Energy (SE), through the National Commission of Nuclear Security and Safeguard (CNSNS),
advises federal, state, and local entities concerning nuclear and radiation safety measures that would be required in the case of an
incident or accident. The SE also is responsible for, when technically prudent, the containment equipment and the securing of
ionizing radiation sources.
Responsibilities
According to the legal bases, the SEMARNAP, through the Office of the Federal Attorney General for Environmental
Protection, will coordinate this Plan through its state representatives and the representations of the federal sector in the Border
States.
At the State level, the governments of the Border States will provide security to the community; will protect lives as well
as public and private property; will maintain communication channels between the Border States; and will coordinate the activities
of the Fire Department, specialized personnel, brigades, etc.
33 United States-Mexico Joint Inland Contingency Plan
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The representation of the federal sector in the Border State, will intervene at the appropriate level and will provide human
and material resources in order to respond to the emergency.
The representations of the federal sector are:
• The Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA) and the Secretariat of the Navy (SM), according to their respective
jurisdiction areas, are in charge of providing the elements to help the civil population, adapting their organizations of
response and adjusting their procedures according to the actions resulting from this Plan.
• The Secretariat of Health (SS) will coordinate the institutions and dependencies of the health sector and other public,
social and private medical service centers, that will participate in the emergency. The Secretariat will provide the
medical attention required by the population, the workers, and the aid personnel, during the entire emergency.
• The Mexican section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), which functions under the
Mexican Secretariat for Foreign Relations and in coordination with the National Water Commission (CNA), will
evaluate the consequences of spills or releases of hazardous substances into international waters and will implement
emergency actions.
• The Mexican Petroleum Company (PEMEX), which is part of the Federal Government, will promptly report the
existence of an emergency should a spill or release of hazardous substances to international waters occur in one of
its plants in the Border Zone. It will implement the first response action measures until the authorities legally in charge
for the response arrive. Also, in case of an emergency in the Border Zone, PEMEX will help with response personnel
and equipment.
• The Secretariat of Communication and Transport (SCT) will facilitate the communication (via telephone and radio)
with other dependencies and institutions during the emergency.
• The Federal Road Police (PFC), which is under the jurisdiction of the SCT, will isolate the accident area and will turn
away the traffic during the emergency in order to protect the population. In case an evacuation is necessary, the PFC
will be in charge of completing this operation as quickly as possible.
• The National Commission of Nuclear Security and Safeguard (CNSNS) will collaborate jointly with other
dependencies in the evaluation of the consequences of a radiological emergency, as well as the implementation of
the security measures to protect the population and the natural environment (ecosystem).
• The Secretariat of Environment, Natural Resources, and Fisheries (SEMARNAP) through the PROFEPA and the
National Ecology Institute (INE) will evaluate the consequences of the spill or release of hazardous substances, and
will apply corrective measures that are necessary.
• The National Center of Disaster Prevention (CENAPRED), which is an agency under the jurisdiction of the
Secretariat of Government, will promote the training of emergency response personnel in the different institutions
participating.
• The Mexican General Customs Administration member under the jurisdiction of the Secretariat of Housing and
Public Credit (SHCP), will implement policies and facilitate legal formalities for border crossing of the emergency
response team.
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The National Immigration Institute (INM), as part of the Secretariat of Government, will implement the necessary
coordination mechanisms in order to facilitate the entry and exit of persons into and from the country, thus assuring
an efficient joint response for the population in case of polluting incidents that affect the inland border area between
Mexico and the U.S.
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APPENDIX I
Roles and Responsibilities
1.1 Duties and Responsibilities of the Joint Response Team (JRT)
The JRT co-chair of each country will identify its support agencies, designate its members on the JRT, and communicate
its designations to the other country. When the JRT meets in the United States, the U.S. Co-Chair will preside. When the
JRT meets in Mexico, the Mexican Co-Chair will preside.
Listed below are the specific preparedness and activation duties and responsibilities of the JRT.
1.1.1 Specific Preparedness Duties and Responsibilities of the JRT
When the JRT is not activated, it shall:
• Develop and update procedures for carrying out a joint response to a polluting incident including procedures to
promote the coordination of federal, state, and local government and private response to polluting incidents;
• Foster the development and international cooperation of local action groups such as the Local Emergency
Planning Committees (LEPCs) on the U.S. side, and Local Mutual Help Committees (CLAMs) and units under
the Awareness and Preparation for Emergencies at the Local Level (APELL) program on the Mexican side;
• Promote the preparation, maintenance, and exercises of joint sister city contingency plans that will ensure
emergency preparedness at the local level;
• Review and/or revise the Inland Plan annually incorporating as necessary any findings from:
* Final Issue Reports developed by the ISJRT after the termination of a joint response, especially the
recommendations for improving the joint response;
* All reports developed by the ISJRT;
* Lessons learned from simulations and exercises; and,
* Changes in the national policies and/or procedures in the United States and Mexico;
• Conduct annual meetings to discuss preparedness and activation issues related to the successful implementation
of the Inland Plan. The JRT co-chairs may meet more frequently;
• Maintain a contact list of names and telephone numbers of all support agencies, of the JRT as well as appropriate
persons to contact under this Inland Plan. This list shall be updated annually;
• Develop recommendations for training of federal, state, and local planners and responders;
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• Develop recommendations (based on each country's requirements) for equipping and protecting response
personnel; and,
• Conduct periodic exercises of this Inland Plan.
1.1.2 Specific Activation Duties and Responsibilities of the JRT
When the United States and Mexico have agreed to activate the JRT, the JRT shall:
• Activate the JRT as stipulated in Section 303;
• Notify the national coordinators designated under the 1983 La Paz Agreement and keep them informed;
• Notify each country's embassy (in Washington, DC and Mexico City) as well as consulates close to the incident;
• Coordinate national-level activities of all involved federal departments and agencies;
• Develop a joint public information strategy (in conjunction with the ISJRT and the OSC(s));
• Facilitate information exchange between the countries;
• Provide assistance to the Incident-Specific JRT. This assistance could include:
* Facilitating the provision of emergency resources, support, and invocation of other related emergency
plans such as those involving customs and immigration;
* Advising the ISJRT and the On-Scene Coordinators (OSCs) about possible measures to take in
response to the polluting incident and about the resources available to carry out these measures; and
* Evaluating and making recommendations concerning the response activities and measures taken by the
ISJRT and the OSCs.
• Address policy issues and procedures as they arise; and,
• De-activate the JRT as stipulated in Section 304.
I.2 Duties and Responsibilities of the Issue/Incident-Specific Joint Response Team (ISJRT)
The Issue/Incident-Specific Joint Response Team (ISJRT) is 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.
Listed below are the duties and responsibilities of the Issue-Specific JRT and the Incident-Specific JRT. The Issue-Specific
JRT will address all preparedness activities and the Incident-Specific JRT will address all response activities during an
activation.
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.2.1 Duties and Responsibilities of the Issue-Specific JRT
The Issue-Specific JRT shall:
• Conduct annual (or more frequent) meetings to plan, review actions and activities in the border area, address
emerging issues, resolve outstanding issues, and exchange information;
• Assist in the preparation, maintenance, and exercises of joint sister city contingency plans that will ensure
emergency preparedness at the local level;
• Develop procedures (in coordination with the JRT) for a joint response to a polluting incident;
• Conduct exercises of this Inland Plan;
• Develop and forward to the JRT a Final Issue Report as stipulated in Section 306.2 and Appendix E; and,
• Recommend to the JRT any changes and/or improvements needed to this Inland Plan.
.2.2 Duties and Responsibilities of the Incident-Specific JRT
The Incident-Specific JRT shall:
• Monitor incoming reports, evaluate the possible impact of reported polluting incidents and be fully aware at all
times the actions and plans of the OSC;
• Seek arrangements with appropriate agencies having services, facilities, or equipment that may be useful to
response to the polluting incidents;
• Coordinate the actions of the various agencies in supplying the necessary resources and assistance to the OSC;
• Advise the OSC about the resources and assistance available to carry out the OSC response activities;
• Make recommendations and provide advice to the OSC concerning the response activities, as requested;
• Coordinate all reporting to the JRT on the status of the polluting incident;
• Ensure that the OSC has adequate public information support and assist in the preparation of information releases
in compliance with the joint public information strategy (see Section 307.3);
• Provide the liaison and advisory role between the JRT and the OSC(s);
• Review post-incident reports from the OSC(s) on the handling of pollution incidents for the purpose of developing
the Final Incident Report as stipulated in Section 306.2;
• Develop, in conjunction with the OSC(s), a Final Incident Report as stipulated in Section 306.2 and Appendix E;
and,
• Provide the Final Incident Report to the JRT.
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1.3 On-Scene Coordinator
The functions and responsibilities of the OSC, as detailed under the framework of the laws, rules, and operating procedures
of each country, are:
• Coordinate and direct measures related to the detection of polluting incidents;
• Determine the facts concerning the polluting incident, including: the nature, quantity, and location of the
hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant; the direction and probable time of travel of the hazardous
substance, pollutant or contaminant; the available resources and those resources required; and the potential
impacts on public health and welfare, and on the environment;
• Develop a Preliminary Assessment based on their findings (as stipulated in Section 302.1 and Appendix E);
• Coordinate and direct all phases of the response action within his or her jurisdiction;
• Make detailed situation reports (SITREPs) to the ISJRT about all aspects of the polluting incident and the
progress of the response operation (see Appendix E);
• Recommend to the ISJRT the termination of a joint response action; and
• Prepare and submit (in conjunction with the ISJRT) to the JRT a Final Incident Report on each polluting incident
as stipulated in Section 306.3.
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APPENDIX J
Map of Border Area and Sister Cities
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APPENDIX K
Plans
K.1 LIST OF FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL PLANS
K.1.1 Bi-National Plans
United States/Mexico Joint Contingency Plan Regarding Pollution of the Marine Environment, September 1983.
United States/Mexico Agreement of May 3,1968 on Cooperation in Cases of Natural Disasters:
* Plan for Geological Phenomena (San Diego-Tijuana).
* Plan for Hydrometeorological Phenomena (Brownsville-Matamoros).
* Brownsville/Matamoros Sister City Contingency Plan (May 1997).
K.1.2 For the United States
National Plans
• National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP)
• Federal Response Plan
• Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan
• National Drinking Water Plan
Regional Plans
• Region VI Oil and Hazardous Substance Pollution Contingency Plan
• Region IX Mainland Oil and Hazardous Substance Pollution Contingency Plan
State Plans
• Arizona
• California
• New Mexico
• Texas
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K.1.3 For Mexico
National Plans
• National Civil Protection Program
• National Program for Medical Attention During Disasters (Secretariat of Health)
• Operations Manual for CONASUPO and Affiliates During Disasters
• Plan SM-A-87: Citizen Assistance During Disasters (Secretariat of Navy)
• Plan DN-III-E: Civilian Population Assistance (Secretariat of National Defense)
• Manual of Emergency Attention for Hydroecological Emergencies Related to Continental National Waters
(CNA)
State Civil Protection Programs
• Baja California
• Sonora
• Chihuahua
• Coahuila
• Nuevo Leon
• Tamaulipas
Local Plans
• Plan for Management of Toxic Substances and Frequently Used Chemicals (Federal Electricity Commission)
• Plan for Solid Waste Management
• Plan for the Preventive Management of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (Civil Protection Units)
• Emergency Control Systems
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K.2 LIST OF SISTER CITIES
United States Mexico
Tijuana, Ensenada, Tecate,
San Diego, California and Playas de Rosarito, Baja California
Calexico, California (including Imperial County) Mexicali, Baja California
Yuma, Arizona San Luis, Sonora
Nogales, Arizona Nogales, Sonora
Naco, Arizona Naco, Sonora
Douglas, Arizona AguaPrieta, Sonora
Columbus, New Mexico Puerto Palomas, Chihuahua
El Paso, Texas Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua
Presidio, Texas Ojinaga, Chihuahua
Del Rio, Texas Ciudad Acuna, Coahuila
Eagle Pass, Texas Piedras Negras, Coahuila
Laredo, Texas Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas
McAllen, Texas Reynosa, Tamaulipas
Brownsville, Texas Matamoros, Tamaulipas
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