SEMIANNUAL REPORT ON
UNITED STATES-MEXICO BORDER
CONTINGENCY PLANNING
ACTIVITIES
.' NUEVO
; LEON
! TAMAULIPAS
| Plan Signed
| Activity in Progress
EPA 000-0-00-000
January 2003
Issue Numbers
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LIST OF EPA AND STATE CONTACTS
U.S. EPA AND STATE CONTACTS
U.S. EPA Headquarters
Kim Jennings
202-564-7998
Armando Santiago
202-564-8002
U.S. EPA Region 6
Fendol Chiles
214-665-2283
U.S EPA Region 9
Lauren Volpini
415-972-3076
Texas
J.W. "Jack" Colley
512-424-2443
New Mexico
Larry Austin
505-476-9613
California
Mike Dorsey_(San
Diego) 619-338-2395
Joseph Buzo (Imperial)
760-355-1191
Arizona
Placido Dos Santos ,
520-628-6744
PUBLISHED BY:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response
Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Office
Ariel Rios Building
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20460
Contacts and e-mail addresses:
Kim Jennings (jennings.kim@epa.gov)
Armando Satiago (santiago.armando@epa.gov)
ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS:
Fendol Chiles, U.S. EPA, Region 6
Lauren Volpini, U.S. EPA, Region 9
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INTRODUCTION
The U.S.-Mexico border region is an area of incredible natural beauty,
scarce hydrological resources, and burgeoning metropolitan areas. In the
past decade, the North American Free Trade Agreement has sparked new
business growth and more industries have opened plants near the border.
This increase in border commerce has increased cross-border traffic and,
in turn, the potential for chemical spills.
Chemical emergencies do not respect international boundaries. In 1983,
in La Paz, Baja California, the United States and Mexico signed the
Agreement on Cooperation for the Protection and Improvement of the
Environment in the Border Area, otherwise 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. Since the establishment of the La Paz Agreement,
the United States and Mexico have collaborated on efforts to protect the
health and environment of border communities.
In 1988, the Joint U.S.-Mexico Contingency Plan was developed to
provide a framework for cooperation between the United States and
Mexico to respond 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. This plan was
revised and signed in June 1999 in order to reflect legislative, regulatory,
policy, and procedural changes within the countries.
Table of Contents
News, Alerts, and Upcoming Events . 5
First Bioterrorism Field Exercise and
Tabletop Exercise along the Border.. 6
Operation: Border Safeguard 8
Sister City Planning 10
Activity Update: Sister City Plans ... 12
Activity Update: Exercises 13
Activity Update: Training 14
Activity Update: Hazard
Assessment
16
Activity Update: Program Development
and Outreach 18
Activity Update: Hazardous Materials
and Emergency Response
Resources 19
State Activities 20
References 24
KEY DECISION POINTS AND DOCUMENTS
August 1983 La Paz Agreement — Established cooperation for the protection and improvement of the
environment in the border area.
January 1988 U.S. - Mcxieo Joint Contingency Plan for Accidental Releases of Hazardous Substances Along
the Border — Provides a framework for cooperation between the United States and Mexico to
respond to incidents that may pose a significant threat to both parties.
October 1996 Border XXI Plan, Framework Doeunicnt — Addresses the most challenging environmental
and human health problems in the border region while promoting sustainable development.
October 1996 Border XXI Work Plan—A comprehensive planning program aimed at both defining and
implementing a shared binational vision for the future promoting environmental protection
and sustainable development.
June 1999 Joint United States Mexico Contingency Plan (replaces 1988 Contingency Plan)
March 2003 Border 2012 Program Document—Protects public health and the environment in the U.S.-
Mexico border region consistent with the principles of sustainable development through
partnerships among Federal, state, local and U.S. tribal governments.
The Border XXI Program, initiated in 1996, was a five-year plan for addressing the most challenging environmental and
human health problems in the region. The goal of Border XXI was 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. The governments of the United States and Mexico sought to advance the concept of sustainable
development by finding ways to assist border communities in their decision-making processes, including providing
information, financial assistance, and opportunities to exchange ideas among the various stakeholders. The two countries
are currently working on a new border plan, "Border 2012 U.S.-Mexico Environmental Program," which is to be published
in March 2003.
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A critical element of the U.S.-Mexico border cooperation program is the development of sister city partnerships between
municipalities in the United States and Mexico. Sister cities are building confidence along the U.S.-Mexico border by
planning to help each other when there is an emergency on either side of the border. Plans call for police, fire, paramedics,
and other personnel from both sides of the border to respond quickly to large fires, dangerous chemical spills, or other
emergencies. The plans also address preparedness issues including: hazard identification; pollution prevention; risk
reduction; training; exercises; and equipment. The first sister city emergency plan was signed in 1997 with Brownsville,
Texas, and Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Currently, there are ten contingency plans in place along a booming border
area to ensure adequate response for large-scale emergencies. Six other pairs of sister cities also are working on plans
along the 2,000-mile border that spreads from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Ocean.
The purpose of the Semiannual Report on United States-Mexico Border Contingency Planning Activities is to consolidate
information on U.S.-Mexico border joint response and contingency planning efforts by U.S. EPA Regions, border states,
and sister cities in order to promote the exchange of information, communication, and coordination among these groups.
The types of U.S. and binational activities presented in this report include efforts such as developing Sister City Plans,
response exercises, training courses, and responses to actual hazardous material and environmental incidents. Essential
documents, Web sites, and contact information also make this report a useful reference document. Updates are published
twice a year by the U.S. EPA's Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Office (CEPPO).
CEPPO provides leadership, advocacy, and assistance to:
• Prevent and prepare for hazardous material (Hazmat) emergencies;
• Respond to environmental crisis; and
• Inform the public about chemical hazards in their community.
To protect human health and the environment, CEPPO develops, implements, and coordinates regulatory and non-regulatory
programs. The office carries out this work in partnership with U.S. EPA Regional Offices, domestic and international
organizations in the public and private sector, and the general public.
In order to protect human health and the environment throughout the United States and along the borders,
CEPPO administers programs jointly with Canada and Mexico to prepare for and prevent chemical emergencies
along the northern and southern borders of the United States. Each of these three countries organizes its
efforts according to its government structure. For the United States, CEPPO depends primarily on the support
of the respective EPA regions, the border states, and the local communities. Additional support is provided by
other agencies, such as the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration.
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NEWS, ALERTS, AND UPCOMING EVENTS
U.S. - Mexico Joint Response Team Meeting
The Joint Response Team (JRT) met on May 13-14, 2002, in Brownsville, Texas. Key topics discussed
during the meeting were: communications; plans for future training and exercises in Sister Cities; language
to address terrorist threats in the Sister City Plans; funding for JRT projects; and continuing work on
plans with prospective sister cities. The sessions were held in Spanish and English and simultaneous
interpretation was provided.
National Coordinators Meeting
The National Coordinators of the La Paz Agreement will hold a meeting in conjunction with the completion
and signing of the New Border 2012 Plan. During this meeting the various workgroups under the La Paz
Agreement and New Border 2012 Plan, including the Joint Response Team, will meet to discuss the
future directions of their programs and develop a work plan for the coming year. The meeting will be
held in the border area in the Spring of 2003. The place and exact date have not yet been determined.
Border 2012 U.S. - Mexico Environmental Program
The comment period for the new border plan has recently been completed and the plan is scheduled to be
published in March of 2003. The mission of the new border plan is to protect public health and the
environment in the U.S.-Mexico border region consistent with the principles of sustainable development
through partnerships among Federal, state, local and U.S. tribal governments.
The new border plan includes goal and objectives for various border programs, including contingency
planning and emergency response. The goal and objectives are included below. It should be noted
that while the new border plan has not been signed by the two countries, based on public comments
received to date, the final language of the goal and objectives for the contingency planning and
emergency response program should not substantially change from the language in the draft plan.
Goal #5: Reduce exposure to chemicals as a result of accidental chemical releases and/or
deliberate acts of terrorism
Objective 1: By 2004, have a clearly established chemical emergency advisory/
notification mechanisms between Mexico and the United States.
Objective 2: By 2008, have all 14 sister cities joint contingency plans in place
and operating (including exercises), with the establishment of binational committees
for chemical emergency prevention (or similar border forums).
Objective 3: By 2012, 50 percent of sister city joint contingency plans would
have been supplemented with preparedness and prevention related efforts, such as
risk and consequence analysis, risk reduction, and counter-terrorism.
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FIRST BIOTERRORISM FIELD EXERCISE AND TABLETOP
EXERCISE ALONG THE BORDER
Overview
On September 5 and 6,2002, U.S. EPA coordinated a border exercise in Eagle Pass/Piedras Negras to test the effectiveness
of the area's joint emergency response planning. This was the first Sister City exercise involving a biological threat, and
the first time a Native American Tribe partnered in a border exercise. The bioterrorism exercise included a four-hour
tabletop exercise held in Eagle Pass, Texas, on the Kickapoo Indian Reservation. Planning for the exercise began when
the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), which is co-located with U.S. EPA Region VI was
invited to participate with U.S. EPA.
The U.S. EPA Binational Bioterrorism Table Top Exercise was held on
September 5 as part of the week-long hazardous materials exercise. The
table-top exercise was facilitated by Miguel Trevino. Enrique Delgado
facilitated the simulation of biological agents. The table top exercise
simulated a release of a biological agent of sufficient magnitude and
consequence as to engage state and Federal responses from both sides of
the border. The bioterrorism scenario revolved around a terrorist driving
a large truck carrying illegal aliens exposed to a biological agent destined
for the United States. The truck was to collide with a train loaded with
chemicals. The first responders (fire, emergency medical services (EMS),
Red Cross) from both the United States and Mexico would have been
exposed to the biological agent and would expose citizens from both
countries including the members of the Kickapoo Reservation. Initially,
40 to 50 people would become symptomatic; however, there was an escalation in the first 24-hours where several hundred
people became sick. Signs and symptoms increased in severity, and fatalities occurred. The biological agent was not
divulged to better simulate the necessary actions required during the exercise. The main objective of such a scenario was
to orient the participants to the likelihood of a biological incident in this community and the importance of coordination.
Actions were focused on the local response for the Public Health and Medical Communities.
Goals of Exercise
The goals of the bioterrorism exercise were:
• To identify the outbreak, diagnosis, containment, and treatment;
• To identify areas for improvement; and
• To bring together the local, state, and Federal agencies of the two
nations to encourage networking and establishment of new contacts
and resources.
It was anticipated that, as a result of the exercise, the local participants
would have a better appreciation as to whether existing local emergency
response plans were adequate to address a bioterrorism attack. The
exercise also emphasized the importance of developing a bioterrorism
response plan.
Participants
Participants in this Bioterrorism Tabletop Exercise included representatives from the Kickapoo Nation and local responders
from Eagle Pass, Texas, and Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. Also in attendance were:
• Dr. Lillian-Riveria Rodriguez, Secretaria de Salud/Direccion General de Servicios Escolares (Secretary of Health/
Department of Scholastic Services)
• Ms. Debbie Dietrich, Co-Chair of the Joint Response Team for the U.S.;
• Rocio Sarmiento Torres, Co-Chair of the Joint Response Team for Mexico;
• Mr. Myron Knudson, Director Superfund Division of EPA Region VI;
• Dr. J. Rawlings, Texas Department of Health;
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• Captain Enrique Delgado, Health and Human Services Region VI;
• Commander K. Meeks, Indian Health Service Area Office;
• Lieutenant Commander Patrick Young, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, RegionVI;
• Bob Hendrix, Federal Emergency Management Agency Region 6; and
• Dr. Miguel Trevino, Quimica Fluor, S.A. de C.V.
New Considerations That Came out of the Exercise/Tanletop
During this exercise many regional issues were addressed. Some issues that emerged during the exercise include:
• The need for a coordinated plan for local hospitals and public health and emergency response personnel within Eagle
Pass, Piedras Negras, and the Kickapoo Indian Nation;
• The need for coordination among the state and local communities regarding resource availability and the sharing of
these resources;
• The possible need to adopt a Metropolitan Medical Response System plan as this particular border community
population approaches 160,000; and
• The need to make local health agencies more aware of existing emergency response structures.
Since this exercise, another bioterrorism exercise was held and similar exercises are planned in the future. See Exercises
section on page 13.
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OPERATION: BORDER SAFEGUARD
The large metropolitan center of Mexicali, Mexico and the border
gateway town of Calexico, Imperial County, California, sit next
to each other with only a canal of water to demarcate an
international border. The life, health, and vibrancy of the two
communities are intimately interrelated. Of economic and social
importance to both communities are the businesses along the
border, especially the trucking companies that move commodities
through the U.S. and Mexican Customs' ports. Any disruption to
the trucking lanes or to the Customs' Ports impacts the communities
and commerce of both countries on Dec. 12, 2002. U.S. EPA and
the Mexican Procuraduria Federal de Proteccion al Ambiente
(PROFEPA) cooperated to simulate a port disruption in order to
prevent or minimize the consequences of a real event in the future.
The simulation Operation: Border Safeguard involved a hazardous materials release scenario that allowed for Binational
local, state, and Federal resources to support each other during a full-scale exercise. While Operation: Border Safeguard
was the main event, U.S. EPA also conducted a variety of emergency response training and participated in associated
table top exercises and evaluation sessions.
For PROFEPA, Operation: Border Safeguard was an essential component of a "Safety, Health and Environmental
Protection" week it hosted in Mexicali. Imperial County and Mexicali currently support each other under a Mutual Aid
Agreement, part of which calls for exercises with binational support. Imperial County agencies decided to take advantage
of Operation: Border Safeguard to not only provide cross border mutual aid, but also to stage a parallel incident on the
U.S. side of the border. U.S. Customs joined in by offering their facility as an exercise site and seized the opportunity to
strengthen their own preparedness procedures.
Insights gained for improved preparedness and response protocols from Operation: Border Safeguard, will ideally be
woven into a Binational Prevention and Emergency Response Plan between Imperial County and the City of Mexicali.
Sister City Planning in the Imperial County/Mexicali region is an U.S. EPA Region 9 priority and this exercise and
training activities helped fortify the binational cooperation needed for initiating plan development. It also highlighted
the need for better cooperation between the Mexicali Fire Department, Proteccion Civil, and PROFEPA.
U.S. EPA worked closely with numerous and highly dedicated governmental officials to develop and conduct Operation:
Border Safeguard. Key participants include representatives from city and county fire departments, state and Municipal
Proteccion Civil, Federal and state PROFEPA, health services, Offices of Emergency Services from Imperial County and
Mexicali, Mexican and U.S. Customs, Immigration and Naturalization Services, California Highway Patrol and Mexicali
Police, the Mexican Army, and California's Department of Toxic Substances Control. Two of the exercise evaluators
came from San Diego County Environmental Health Department.
Planning the Exercise
For a large scale binational event, requiring significant resources and coordination, it was important that all of the
involved agencies be able to meet their own objectives related to the safety and security of the border in the event of a
hazardous substance release. With this in mind, the multi-agency Exercise Design Team agreed upon two general exercise
goals and ten objectives.
Goals
• Activate a binational, multi-agency emergency response between Imperial County and Mexicali; and
• Be better prepared to respond to a terrorist-related event involving hazardous materials at the U.S.-Mexican Border.
Objectives
• Activate the 2002 Imperial County-Mexicali Mutual Aid Agreement. This field tested the recently signed Mexicali-
Imperial County pledge of cooperation.
• Coordinate international, federal, state and local agency response protocol. Exercise training under non-emergency
conditions helped responders get to know each other and work together in preparation for a real incident. Changes
and needs for improvement areas can be identified and resolved now.
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• Make appropriate notifications. Binational agreements and Federal and state notification requirements need testing.
Making all required notifications and doing so immediately, initiates critical response procedures to task personnel
and provide technical assistance and resources.
• Use of the Incident Command System. The ICS was used on both sides of the border. Agreeing to standardize
response operations and being prepared to activate the system requires training and field testing.
• Mobilize U.S. resources into Mexico. Trained local Hazmat Team personnel and their equipment crossed the border.
Crossing the border safely and quickly in an emergency situation is important. State and Federal resources also may
be requested to provide local and/or cross border mutual aid. Under the U.S.-Mexico Joint Contingency Plan (JCP),
there are situations where the U.S. EPA may cross into Mexico to respond to a Hazardous Materials spill and/or
provide technical assistance.
• Activate the U.S. Customs Emergency Response Plan. The plan was tested with a hazardous materials and terror-
related incident. Evaluating the Plan's effectiveness during and after the Exercise is helping Customs to improve its
operations and make appropriate Plan revisions.
• Respond to a terrorist-related incident. A terrorist-related incident requires expanded training, resources, and
coordination. It requires participation of the FBI and related law enforcement not normally involved in the response
to an accidental release.
• Incorporate law enforcement into the ICS. Response Teams and law enforcement personnel partnered together.
• Obtain required resources to assess and mitigate hazards. Resources (local, state, Federal and binational) were
requested, coordinated, shared, and integrated into the response activities. U.S.EPA On-Scene Coordinator (OSC)
assistance was requested by the U.S. Incident Commander and the duty OSC from Region 9 was deployed.
• Communicate with other agencies, especially across the International Border. Effective communication and the
use of various types of equipment and transborder frequencies, in two languages, was practiced between the two
countries and among the numerous, domestic agencies involved.
As the planning progressed, various agencies used the final scenario situation as a guide to evaluate their own internal
notification and response procedures, obtain additional training, and discuss mutual aid protocols.
In preparation for the full-scale exercise, two separate tabletop exercises were held during the preceding week. PROFEPA
hosted a tabletop exercise for the Mexican responders and government officials in Mexicali, and U.S. Customs/Imperial
County hosted a tabletop for U.S. responders and customs personnel. These tabletops were held on different days so that
agency representatives from both countries could attend or participate in both tabletops.
Exercise Evaluation
On Thursday, December 12, 2002 an exercise evaluation of the activities on the U.S. side was conducted. A Player's
Exercise Critique Form and facilitated discussion helped determine whether plans, procedures, and resources used during
the exercise were adequate, whether there was sufficient and timely information to carry out responsibilities, and whether
exercise objectives were met. The evaluations will help identify what future training and equipment are needed, and
where our plans and protocols need improvement. A written After Action Report is being developed.
The exercise scenario focused on a truck carrying weaponized chemicals
which tried to illegally enter the U.S. at the Calexico Port of Entry. U.S.
Customs discovered that the driver was part of a terrorist-related plan to
bring a weapon into the country. The driver saw that his illicit plan could
not work and tried to drive away. In his haste, the truck overturned and
spilled the chemicals in the Custom's compound. The Imperial County
Hazmat Team suited up to respond to the overturned truck.
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SISTER CITY PLANNING
! TAMAULIPAS
| Plan Signed
| Activity in Progress
Sister City Planning Overview
Activities completed, in progress, and planned
SISTER CITIES SISTER CITY DOCUMENTS STATUS
City and County of
San Diego,
California, and
Tijuana, Baja
California
City of Calexico-
Imperial County,
California, and
Mexicali, Baja
California
San Luis, Arizona
San Luis Rio
Colorado, Sonora
Nogales, Arizona
Nogales, Sonora
"
A
A
A binational steering committee has formally been
established: plan development is underway.
A mutual aid agreement was signed in September
1993 between the City of Calexico and Mexicali,
Baja California. A mutual aid agreement was signed
in August 2002 between Imperial County, California
and Mexicali, Baja California.
Binational Prevention and Emergency Response
Plan between San Luis, Arizona
San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora
Binationa! Prevention and Emergency Response
Plan between Nogales, Arizona, and Nogales,
Sonora
Draft #3 in
progress
Planning to be
initiated in 2004
Signed
February 25,
2000
Signed
March 1 7, 2000
Plan Signed
Activity In Progress
10
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Sister City Planning Overview
Activities completed, in progress, and planned
SISTER CITIES SISTER CITY DOCUMENTS STATUS
Cochise County,
Arizona
Naco. Sonora
Douglas, Arizona
Agua Prieta, Sonora
Columbus, New
Mexico
Ascension-Puerto Las
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
Me A lien. Texas
Reynosa, Tamaulipas
Weslaco, Texas and
Rio Bravo-Progresso
Norte, Tamaulipas
Brownsville.Texas
Matamoros,
Tamaulipas
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Binational Prevention and Emergency Response
Plan between Cochise County, Arizona, and Naco,
Sonora, Mexico
Binational Prevention and Emergency Response
Plan between Douglas, Arizona, and Agua Prieta,
Sonora
Cross Border Contingency Plan, U.S. /Mexico Sister
Cities, ( 'oluinbiis/Ascension-Puerto Las Palomus.
This plan is still in draft stage.
Meetings were held in July 2001 regarding tiie
preparation of the Sister City Plan.
Cross Border Contingency Plan, U.S. /Mexico Sister
Cities, Del Rio/Ciitdad Acuna.
Cross Border Contingency Plan, U.S. /Mexico Sister
Cities, Eagle Pass/Piedras Negras
Cross Border Contingency Plan, U.S. /Mexico Sister
Cities, Laredo/Nuevo Laredo
Cross Border Contingency Plan, U.S. /Mexico Sister
Cities, McAllen/Reynosa
Cross Border Contingency Plan, U.S. /Mexico Sister
Cities, Weslaco/Rio Bravo-Progresso Norte
Cross Border Contingency Plan, U.S. /Mexico Sister
Brownsville Matamoros
Signed
October 4. 2002
Signed
November 9.
2001
Signed
November 2 1 ,
2002
This plan should
be finalized in
2003.
This plan should
be finalized in
2003.
Signed October
19^2002
Signed
March 25, 1998
Signed
December 21,
1998
Signed
February 19,
2000
Still pending.
Signed
May 5, 1997
Updated May
2002
Plan Signed
Activity In Progress
11
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ACTIVITY UPDATE: SISTER CITY PLANS
Completed Since Last Issue:
October 19,2001
Del Rio, Texas, and Ciudad Acuna, Coahuila
A Sister City Plan was developed cooperatively between the communities of Del Rio, Texas, and Ciudad Acuna, Coahuila.
The Sister City Plan was signed by the Mayors of each city at the Lake Amistad Dam on October 19, 2001, and the plan
was registered with Secetaria de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mexico City.
he niiwllofwil Pf*v<
Rrtpml-f I'll"
November 9, 2001
Douglas, Arizona and Anna Prieta, Sonora
A Binational Prevention and Emergency Response Plan Between
Douglas, Arizona and Agua Prieta, Sonora was signed November
9,2001.
May 13-14, 2002
Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, Tamaulipas
The Joint Response Team (JRT) met on May 13-14, 2002, in Brownsville, Texas. The meeting opened with a special
signing of the update to the Brownsville/Matamoros Sister City Plan and a welcome by Blanca Vela, Mayor of Brownsville,
and Mario Zolezzi, Mayor for Matamoros.
October 4, 2002
Cochise County, Arizona and Naco, Sonora
A Binational Prevention and Emergency Response Plan Between Cochise
County, Arizona and Naco, Sonora was signed on October 4, 2002.
November 21,2002
Columbus, New Mexico, and Las Palomas, Chihuahua
The Sister City Plan for Columbus, New Mexico, and Las Palomas, Chihuahua, was signed
November 21, 2002.
Plans In Progress or Outstanding:
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December 11,2002
City and County of San Diego, California and, Tijuana, Baja California
A second draft of the Binational Prevention and Emergency Response Plan Between the City/
County of San Diego, California and the City of Tijuana, Baja California has been developed.
Early 2003
El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua
Planning efforts are continuing for the development and signing of the Sister City Plan for El Paso,
Texas, and Cuidad Juarez, Chihuahua. The Mayors of both communities are in favor of the plan
and progress is being made within the fire departments of each city. A signing is anticipated in early
2003.
2003
Weslaco, Texas, and Rio Bravo-Progresso Norte, Tamaulipas
A final draft of a Sister City Plan for Weslaco, Texas, and Rio Bravo/Progresso Norte, Tamaulipas has been completed.
The Mayors of both communities are in favor of the plan and a signing is pending.
2002-2003
Presidio, Texas and Ojinaga, Chihuahua
Continuing to develop the Sister City Plan for Presidio, Texas/ Ojinaga, Chihuahua.
12
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ACTIVITY UPDATE: EXERCISES
Conducted Since Last Issue:
September 5-6, 2002
Eagle Pass, Texas, and Piedras Negras, Coahuila—Bioterrorism Exercise
Bioterrorism exercise; see article on page 6.
September 20, 2002
Santa Cruz County, California and Nogales Sonora—Table Top Exercise
An all day Table Top Exercise was conducted for the Santa Cruz County LEPC and Nogales, Sonora agencies. A total of
74 personnel from 31 agencies and departments representing Federal, state, county, military, and Mexican agencies
attended. The purpose of the exercise was to provide participants with an opportunity to evaluate current response
concepts, plans, and capabilities for response to an explosion and chemical terrorist event in Santa Cruz County. The
exercise focused on key local emergency responder coordination, critical decision making, and the integration of state
and Federal assets necessary to save lives and protect the public health following a terrorist event. The scenario involved
a Mexican "Crucero" Tour Bus, a U-haul and a High School bus at a Border Patrol Checkpoint 14 miles north of the Point
of Entry.
December 12, 2002
Imperial County, California and Mexican, Baja California—"Operation: Border Safeguard"
Chemical and Terrorist-Related Exercise; see article on page 8.
Exercise Preparations in Progress:
February 25, 2003
U.S.-Mexico Marine Contingency Plan Exercise
U.S.EPA will participate in the activation of emergency response protocol when the U.S. Coast Guard and the Second
Mexican Naval Zone conduct a Table Top Exercise in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico on February 25th. The Sister
City Steering Committee will be observers and many will take part in the play as well as the evaluation. On February
26th, the U.S. and Mexico will sign a MEXUSPAC Annex of the MEXUSPLAN, a formal cooperative agreement between
the two countries in the event of an oil or Hazmat spill in the marine environment.
Spring 2003
Other Sister Cities: McAllen, Laredo, Eagle Pass, and El Paso, Texas—Bioterrorism Exercises
U.S. EPA plans to work with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to continue this series of
bioterrorism exercises in the following cities along the U.S.-Mexican border in: McAllen, Laredo, Eagle Pass, and El
Paso, Texas.
13
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ACTIVITY UPDATE: TRAINING
Conducted Since Last Issue:
October 15-18, 2001
Eagle Pass, Texas, and Piedras Negras, Coahuila—Hazardous Materials Workshop
Ninety certificates of completion were presented for a hazardous material workshop for first responders conducted in
Piedras Negras, Mexico. The class was presented primarily in Spanish with no simultaneous English to Spanish
interpretation.
November 7-8, 2001
Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, Tamaulipas— Field Operations Guide (FOG) Course
Sixty-three certificates of completion were presented for the Field Operations Guide (FOG) course conducted in Spanish
in Matamoros, Mexico. The FOG course was a presentation of the incident and unified command systems utilized by
U.S. EPA.
December 5-6, 2001
Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, Tamaulipas—Hazardous Materials and Radiological
Besponse Course
A presentation by Weapons of Mass Destruction /Civilian Support Team (WMD/CST) members was conducted for
hazardous materials and radiological response in English and Spanish at the University of Texas in Brownsville, Texas.
There were 40 attendees in the English session and 25 attendees in the Spanish session.
April 2-4, 2002
Bel Bio, Texas, and Ciudad Acuna, Coahuila—Hazardous Materials Workshop
One hundred and forty-one certificates of completion were presented for a hazardous materials workshop for first responders
conducted at the Teatro Solidaridad Auditorium in Ciudad AcuZa. The class was presented primarily in Spanish with no
simultaneous English to Spanish interpretation.
June 11-12, 2002
Laredo, Texas, and Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas—FOG Course
Sixty-three certificates of completion were presented for a presentation of the FOG course that was conducted in Spanish
in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. The FOG course was a presentation of the Incident and Unified Command Systems utilized by
U.S. EPA.
September 2001 and September 2002 Continuing Challenge
Continuing Challenge Training and Conference
Region 9 provided invitational travel and conference registration for 20
local emergency responders from agencies at the U.S.-Mexico Border.
September 2-4, 2002
Eagle Pass, Texas, and Piedras Negras, Coahuila—FOG
Course
Seventy-four certificates of completion were given for a presentation of
the FOG course that was conducted in Spanish in Piedras Negras, Mexico.
The FOG course is a presentation of the Incident and Unified Command
Systems utilized by U.S. EPA.
October 21-22, 2002
Brownsville, Texas, Incident Command System/Unified Command System Training
In response to the South Padre Island mishap where a barge destroyed a bridge last year resulting in mass confusion, a
two-day workshop was held on the Incident Command System/Unified Command System. ICS/UCS training was held
in Cameron and Hidalgo counties of Texas. This activity was coordinated with the Division of Emergency Management
from the state of Texas to include local public officials, police, fire, and medical services, Federal customs inspectors,
and the Texas Department of Public Safety Officers. The workshop was conducted at South Padre Island Convention
Center on October 21-22, 2002.
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December 2002
Mexican, Baja California—Hazardous Materials Awareness and Response Course
U.S. EPA provided two days of Spanish language, Hazmat awareness classes in Mexicali as part of PROFEPA's "Safety,
Health and Environmental Protection Week" during December 2002. The classes were geared for local responders and
health care workers who may need to identify and safely respond to hazardous materials as part of their professional
duties. The classes were also opened to workers, industry personnel and educators who wanted to be more aware of the
chemicals that are transported through their communities and/or are used by many local Mexicali businesses.
December 2002
Mexicali, Baja California—Incident Command System Course
The "Operation: Border Safeguard" Exercise Design Team agreed that utilizing the Incident Command System (ICS)
would be an essential objective of the exercise. To be better prepared, local Mexican emergency responders requested an
additional two-day Spanish language course on ICS just prior to the exercise. U.S. EPA agreed to provide this additional
course and deliver it in Mexicali. Imperial County Fire offered to host a shorter, three-hour English-language ICS
overview at the U.S. Customs building for customs agents, law enforcement, and other U.S. responders who wanted to
learn ICS or refresh their skills.
Training Planned:
US/MEXICO BORDER
January 28-30, 2003
Arizona and Sonora—U.S. Mexico Border Tire Pile Project
Audit Training
To kickoff the field work portion of the Tire Pile Project (see page 16),
Region 9 has developed and is scheduled to conduct a three-day Audit
Training in English and Spanish. The course will include one day in the
classroom and two days in the field, where the Project Team will implement
the Audit Protocol and conduct pilot audits at Arizona and Sonora waste tire
sites.
September 2003
Sacramento, California—Continuing Challenge Hazmat
Training and Conference
Region 9 will sponsor up to 20 emergency responders to attend this conference hosting nearly 1,000 emergency responders
and planners.
TBD
Laredo, McAllen, Eagle Pass, and El Paso, Texas—Seminars on Available Technical
Assistance for Bioterrorism Exercises on Weapons of Mass Destruction
Logistics are being planned by EPA for four one-day seminars to be held in Laredo, McAllen, Eagle Pass, and El Paso,
Texas. The objective of these seminars are to provide up-to-date information on available technical assistance for
bioterrorism exercises on weapons of mass destruction (WMD), biological, chemical, and nuclear exposures. These
courses will be taught by the WMD/CST teams from the state of Texas.
TBD
El Paso, Texas—Week of Training and International Exercises
A week of training and international exercises is planned for next year at a site yet to be determined (potentially in El
Paso, Texas, after the signing of their Sister City Plan with Cuidad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico). This training will
include Incident Command System, site characterization for first responders, personal protection, equipment,
decontamination, and National Response System/Protection Civil Systems training for officials and responders in the
respective cities.
TBD
Brownsville, McAllen, Laredo, and Eagle Pass, Texas—Spanish "Be Prepared" Brochure
Plans are underway to distribute a Spanish "Be Prepared" brochure for shelter-in-place and evacuation for school children
along the border. This brochure, which will be distributed to the border cities, provides an introduction to safety issues
for hazardous materials and dangerous substances. U.S. EPA has a ten-minute video for this "Be Prepared" brochure that
will be provided to the school systems for fire week activities.
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ACTIVITY UPDATE: HAZARD ASSESSMENT
Conducted Since Last Issue:
SEFW AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC INVENTORY
OF TIRE PILES
UNITED STATES • MEXICO BORDER
California and Arizona, USA -
Baja California and Sonora. Mexico
March 2002
Eagle Pass, Texas, and Piedras Negras, Coahuila—Hazardous Materials CFS
A hazardous materials commodity flow study (CFS) was conducted for the City of Eagle Pass, Texas. This CFS included:
inspection of transport commercial truck traffic carrying hazardous commodities entering and leaving the United States
by way of the Camino Real Bridge in Eagle Pass; fixed facility inspections and analysis; and risk and vulnerability
analysis of the commodities of concern for the fixed facilities and major truck transportation routes. The final report was
completed on March 2002.
April 2002
Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, Tamaulipas—Hazardous Materials CFS
A hazardous material CFS was conducted in Cameron County, Texas. This CFS included an inspection of inbound and
outbound commercial truck traffic carrying hazardous commodities at the Veteran's International Bridge in Brownsville,
Texas, and inbound traffic at the Los Indios Free Trade Bridge in Los Indios, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Truck inspections
involved an examination of compliance with transportation regulations, including insurance documentation and vehicle
condition. Tier II Reports provided the basis for a fixed facility analysis and a risk and vulnerability critique for human
receptors in the vicinity of principal transport routes. The final report was completed in April 2002.
May 2002 - January 2003
Arizona, California, Sonora, and Baja California— U.S.-Mexico
Border Waste Tire Pile Project
Region 9 is moving ahead with its study to identify and evaluate high-risk waste tire
piles in the California/Baj a California, Arizona/Sonora border area, in order to prevent
and plan for catastrophic fires. Tire pile fires in the last decade in the United States,
as well as the existence of large piles in Mexico (such as El Cerro Centinela), which
pose the risk of fire, have shown the urgency for locating and assessing waste tire
piles, and planning for response actions and contingencies in the case of tire pile
fires. These fires have the attributes of serious fires, air releases, and hazardous
waste releases combined, and are a threat to citizens on both sides of the border, and
emergency responders. After a preview at the Joint Response Team Meeting in
Brownsville, Texas, in May 2002, draft copies of the "U.S.-Mexico Border Tire Pile
Study for Fire Prevention and Mitigation" were distributed for peer review and
comments, along with a supporting document, "Aerial Photographic Inventory of
Tire Piles / United States - Mexico Border." In October, a Border Tire Project Team,
made up of academics and agency officials from both sides of the border, met in
Bisbee, Arizona, to review the revised information and schedule training. This
gathering also provided an opportunity for solid waste experts from the United States
(Arizona, California, and Texas) and Mexico (Baja California and Sonora) to discuss
other waste tire issues, such as recycling. At this time, team members are gathering
additional information on the U.S. border tire piles identified in the report, and have
developed site assessment training to familiarize future audit participants with the
required forms and equipment. In January 2003, training and pilot audits will be
held at waste tire sites in Yuma, Arizona and San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico. A
logo for T-Shirts that Project Team Members will wear while conducting their site
audits was developed.
o Border
Tire Pllo Study lor Firs Prevention
AnH Mitigation
. 6ord
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2002
Nogales, Arizona—CyberPort Project
Region 9 is participating in a project to conceptually redesign the Mariposa port of entry in Nogales, Arizona. The project
employs a binational perspective to address port issues through the involvement of key U.S. and Mexican stakeholders
including business owners, government, trucking industry representatives and commercial trade associations. The project
seeks to optimize the port facility's efficiency and effectiveness while strengthening safety and security and may ultimately
serve as a model for other U.S.-Mexico port of entry's. U.S. EPA has been most involved and interested in project
components that relate to hazardous material commodity flows and emergency response preparedness at the port of entry
and other potential inspection points. To provide a comprehensive overview of the wide variety of environmental issues
at the Nogales POE, Region 9 hosted the Proj ect Team Directors from the University of Arizona and the Arizona Department
of Transportation at the Region 9 Regional Offices in mid-2002. U.S. EPA experts on Nogales' water quality, air quality,
waste exports/imports, pesticides, and Hazmat emergency response issues provided the Project Team with a day-long
briefing. Region 9 continues its involvement with the project.
In Progress:
2003
El Paso, Texas, and Cuidad Juarez, Chihuahua— Hazardous Materials CFS
A plan to conduct one CFS in the city of El Paso, Texas, is underway because of traffic patterns of hazardous materials in
trucks egress and ingress at the border. The new CFS information is vital for the Local Emergency Planning Committee
(LEPC) to plan for emergencies between the Sister Cities. The information compiled will provide the hazardous materials,
vulnerability, and risk analysis for the fire department to respond to potential spill incidents.
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ACTIVITY UPDATE: PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND
OUTREACH
Conducted Since Last Issue
November 9, 2001
Brownsville, Texas and Matamoros, Tamaulipas—Joint Response Team tJRTl Public
Outreach Strategy Conference
The Joint Response Team (JRT) Public Outreach Strategy Conference was held in Matamoros, Mexico. The one-day
mini-JRT meeting was attended by 74 participants representing Federal, state, and local agencies from the United States
and Mexico, as well as representatives from private industry. The sessions were held in Spanish and English. The following
five major needs of the JRT meeting were identified: 1) the creation of a binational emergency response multi-disciplinary
team capable of meeting and responding to an emergency through its completion; 2) biological Hazmat response trailer
to cover the border region; 3) training, equipment, facilities and possible funding to improve the quality of emergency
response in accordance with the Sister City program; 4) production of a video which presents the correct communication
regarding biological threats, which can be utilized by first responders down to the elementary school level; and 5)
improvement of the communication training, and equipment system which is to be used to expedite information from an
incident to Mexico City, Mexico, and to Washington, D.C., and Dallas, Texas, and thus allow for the quick release of
funds, reducing response time to an incident.
December 2002
San Diego, California and Tijuana, Baja California—U.S.-Mexico Sister City Planning Outreach
Because the San Diego/Tijuana Plan is so complex and will require approval by two metropolitan cities and a county,
Region 9 developed an informational brochure that all participating entities may distribute to their management and to
the public during the planning process. It is a colorful, oversize brochure with a brief overview of the Plan and Planning
process, and describes the responsibilities of the participating U.S. and Mexico Steering Committee members.
2001 - September 2002
Various Cities—U.S.-Mexico Border Conference Presentations
Formal presentations on Region 9's U.S.-Mexico Border Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Response program
were made at the following conferences:
• CA/EPA Region 9 U.S.-Mexico Border Retreat, Tiburon, California (September 2002)
• Regional Response Team, Alameda, California (July 2002)
• Joint Response Team, Brownsville, Texas (May 2002)
• AZ/Sonora Commission Plenary Session, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico (2001)
October 2002
San Diego, California and Tijuana, Baja California—Program Development
Region 9 has provided funding and direction to support a half-time, bilingual, emergency planner/responder to work
with U.S. EPA and support a variety of preparedness activities in the border area. Funding also is being provided for a
technical supervisor at one-quarter time. These part-time positions are being funded for two years and will expire in
October 2004.
In Progress:
December 2002
Arizona, California, Sonora, and Baja California— Border 2012 Task Forces
In anticipation of Border 2012's new organizational structure, Region 9 has entered into discussions with Arizona,
California, Sonora, and Baja California officials to form Task Forces of the Regional Workgroup Structure. Representatives
from each of the 4 Binational Emergency Planning Committees of Arizona/Sonora would form a Chemical Emergency
Preparedness and Response Task Force and report to that Regional Working Group. In California, the Sister City Steering
Committee of the San Diego/Tijuana area would form the basis of a new Task Force and the Imperial Valley/Mexicali
area would form another Task Force.
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ACTIVITY UPDATE: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND
EMERGENCY RESPONSE RESOURCES
Obtained Since Last Issue:
City of Calexico, California—Trailer and Equipment
Members of the Calexico Hazmat Team stand with Lauren Volpini, U.S. EPA Region
9 in front of their new Hazmat Trailer. The Trailer is stocked with decontamination
equipment and was used in the recent Imperial County/Mexicali cross border exercise.
San Diego County, California—Hazmat Emergency Response
Vehicle
With grant funds provided by the U.S. EPA, the county of San Diego, Department of
Environmental Health, Hazardous Materials Division has just completed building a
specialized hazardous material emergency response and environmental sampling van.
This specialized vehicle will be used to respond to incidents along the U.S./Mexican
border in the San Diego region. The van is equipped with a wide variety of
communications gear including Global Positioning System (GPS) and global satellite
cellular communications. The new van also contains direct reading air monitoring
and sampling instruments ranging from a portable GCMS, and X-Ray Fluorescence
metals analyzer, to radiological chemical and bio-agent detection and sampling
instrumentation. Personal protective equipment staged in the vehicle will allow
response staff to enter and operate in environments that are immediately dangerous to
life and health.
In Progress:
Spring 2003
Arizona, California, Sonora, and Baja California— Hazmat Emergency Response Resource
Capability Assessment Protocol
Having found that the best way to advocate for needed additional resources is to know (and
document) a jurisdiction's current state of readiness, groundwork has been laid for a Hazardous
Material Emergency Resource Capability Assessment to be conducted by Region 9. The
Assessment will seek the answers to the question: How are our border communities preparing
to address the increasing hazardous material risks posed by industrial and transportation-
related activities including those that may be caused deliberately? The objective is to identify
resources that are rapidly available to the border cities and counties within the 60-mile border
areas of California and Arizona. Although most of our U.S. border cities are relatively low
in population and industrial risk, they are the gateways for significant amounts of hazardous
materials awaiting export and also must consider the hazards posed by their adjacent and
more populous Sister Cities. U.S. local responders must not only be prepared to protect
thousands of tourists and respond to accidental releases from commercial rail and truck
traffic that constantly move through their own communities, but they must be ready to help
their Mexican neighbors in the event of a catastrophic chemical release. It is believed this survey tool can be applied to
a variety of locations, and when translated into Spanish, could be utilized by Mexican authorities. The San Diego/Tijuana
Sister City Steering Committee has agreed to conduct the study on both sides of the border for incorporation to their
Sister City Plan.
Hazardous Material
Emergency Response Resource
Capability Assessment
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ACTIVITIES IN ARIZONA
Sister City Planning
Cochise County, Arizona and Naco, Sonora (page 12)
Douglas, Arizona and Agua Prieta, Sonora (page 12)
Training
Arizona and Sonora—U.S.-Mexico Border Tire Pile Project Audit Training (page 15)
Hazard Assessment
Arizona, California, Sonora, and Baja California—U.S.-Mexico Border Waste Tire Pile Project (page 16)
Nogales, Arizona—CyberPort Project (page 17)
Program Development and Outreach
Arizona, California, Sonora, and Baja California—Border 2012 Task Forces (page 18)
Hazardous Materials and Emergency Response Resources
Arizona, California, Sonora, and Baja California—Hazmat Emergency Response Resource Capability Assessment
Protocol (page 19)
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ACTIVITIES IN CALIFORNIA
California
Sister City Planning
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^™^^^^^^^^» ^
City and County of San Diego, California and, Tijuana, Baja CalifomiaT^age 12)
Exercises
Imperial County, California and Mexicali, Baja California—"Operation: Border Safeguard" (page 13)
Santa Cruz County, California and Nogales Sonora—Table Top Exercise (page 13)
Training
Sacramento, California—Continuing Challenge Hazmat Training and Conference (page 15)
Hazard Assessment
California, Arizona, Sonora, and Baja California—U.S.-Mexico Border Waste Tire Pile Project (page 16)
Program Development and Outreach
Alameda, California—U.S.-Mexico Border Conference Presentations (page 18)
California, Arizona, Sonora, and Baja California—Border 2012 Task Forces (page 18)
San Diego, California and Tijuana, Baja California—U.S.-Mexico Sister City Planning Outreach (page 18)
San Diego, California and Tijuana, Baja California—Program Development (page 18)
Tiburon, California—U.S.-Mexico Border Conference Presentations (page 18)
Hazardous Materials and Emergency Response Resources
City of Calexico, California—Trailer and Equipment (page 19)
San Diego County, California—Hazmat Emergency Response Vehicle (page 19)
California, Arizona, Sonora, and Baja California—Hazmat Emergency Response Resource Capability Assessment
Protocol (page 19)
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ACTIVITIES IN NEW MEXICO
Sister City Planning
Columbus, New Mexico, and Las Palomas, Chihuahua (page 12)
22
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ACTIVITIES IN TEXAS
Sister City Planning
Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, Tamaulipas (page 12)
El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua (page 12)
Del Rio, Texas, and Ciudad Acuna, Coahuila (page 12)
Presidio, Texas and Ojinaga, Chihuahua (page 12)
Weslaco, Texas, and Rio Bravo-Progresso Norte, Tamaulipas (page 12)
Exercises
Eagle Pass, Texas, and Piedras Negras, Coahuila—Bioterrorism Exercise (page 13)
Other Sister Cities: McAllen, Laredo, and El Paso, Texas—Bioterrorism Exercises (page 13)
Training
Brownsville, Texas—Incident Command System/Unified Command System Training (page 14)
Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, Tamaulipas—Field Operations Guide (FOG) Course (page 14)
Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, Tamaulipas—Hazardous Materials and Radiological Response Course (page 14)
Brownsville, McAllen, Laredo, and Eagle Pass, Texas—Spanish "Be Prepared" Brochure (page 15)
Eagle Pass, Texas, and Piedras Negras, Coahuila—FOG Course (page 14)
Eagle Pass, Texas, and Piedras Negras, Coahuila—Hazardous Materials Workshop (page 14)
El Paso, Texas—Week of Training and International Exercises (page 15)
Del Rio, Texas, and Ciudad Acuna, Coahuila—Hazardous Materials Workshop (page 14)
Laredo, Texas, and Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas—FOG Course (page 14)
Laredo, McAllen, Eagle Pass, and El Paso, Texas—Seminars on Available Technical Assistance for Bioterrorism
Exercises on Weapons of Mass Destruction (page 15)
Hazard Assessment
Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, Tamaulipas—Hazardous Materials CFS (page 16)
Eagle Pass, Texas, and Piedras Negras, Coahuila—Hazardous Materials CFS (page 16)
El Paso, Texas, and Cuidad Juarez, Chihuahua—Hazardous Materials CFS (page 17)
Program Development and Outreach
Brownsville, Texas and Matamoros, Tamaulipas—Joint Response Team (JRT) Public Outreach Strategy Conference
(page 18)
Brownsville, Texas—U.S.-Mexico Border Conference Presentations (page 18)
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REFERENCES
Documents ot Interest
Sister City Plans
• Binational Prevention and Emergency Response Plan between Douglas. Arizona and Agua Prieta. Sonora
(November 2001; bilingual copies available from the U.S. EPA Region 9 Border Office, (619) 235-4765)
' Binational Prevention and Emergency Response Plan between Cochise County. Arizona and Naco. Sonora
(October 2002; bilingual copies available from the U.S. EPA Region 9 Border Office, (619) 235-4765)
' Binational Prevention and Emergency Response Plan between Nogales. Arizona and Nogales. Sonora (March
2000; bilingual copies available from the U.S. EPA Region 9 Border Office, (619) 235-4765)
* Binational Prevention and Emergency Response Plan between San Luis. Arizona and San Luis Rio Colorado.
Sonora (February 2000; bilingual copies available from U.S. EPA Region 9 Border Office, (619) 235-4765)
' Brownsville-Matamoros Sister Citv Emergency Response Plan (May 1997; available from Fendol Chiles, U.S.
EPA Region 6, (214) 665-2283)
' Eagle Pass-Piedras Negras Sister Citv Emergency Response Plan (March 1998; available from Fendol Chiles,
U.S. EPA Region 6, (214) 665-2283)
• Laredo-Nuevo Laredo Sister Citv Emergency Response Plan (December 1998; available from Fendol Chiles,
U.S. EPA Region 6, (214) 665-2283)
• McAllen-Revnosa Sister Citv Emergency Response Plan (February 2000; available from Fendol Chiles, U.S.
EPA Region 6, (214) 665-2283)
General Information
• "Border Visions," a 50-minute, bilingual education video about Border XXI {December 1999; For information
about viewing or obtaining a copy, contact the U.S. EPA Region 9 Border Office, (619) 235-4765)
• Fact Sheets for the Border XXI Workgroups (available from U.S. EPA Region 9 Border Office, (619) 235-
4765.)
• Joint United States-Mexico Inland Contingency Plan {signed June 4, 1999; available in English and Spanish
from Kim Jennings, U.S. EPA Headquarters, (202) 564-7998 and on the Web at;
http://www.epa.gov/ceppo/pubs/border/ipmicp-e.pdf)
• Semiannual Report on United States-Mexico Border Contingency Planning Activities {Issue Number 1,
February 1998; Issue Number 2, August 1998; Issue Number 3, January 1999; Issue Number 4, September
1999; Issue Number 5, April 2000; Issue Number 6, October 2000; Issue Number 7, August 2001; available
from Kim Jennings, U.S. EPA Headquarters, Tel.# (202) 564-7998 and on the Web at;
http://www.epa.gov/swercepp/ip-bopr.htmtfniexicoj
• United States-Mexico Border Environmental Indicators 1997 {June 1998; available from Kim Jennings, U.S.
EPA Headquarters, (202) 564-7998 and on the Web at: http://www.epa.gov/usmexicoborder/indica97/index.htm)
Guidance Documents
• Clean Air Act Risk Management Plan, manual in Spanish {1998; translation of 157-page English manual; available
on CD-ROM from Fendol Chiles, U.S. EPA Region 6, (214) 665-2283)
• Emergency Response Guidebook 2000 (available in English and Spanish from the U.S. Department of Transportation
through the Government Printing Office (http://bookstore.gpo.gov) and through your state coordinator for emergency
response organizations (http://Hazmat.dot.gov/gydebook.htm)
• Enhanced Exercise Design Course Manual (CA Specialized Training Institute under U.S. EPA contract; available
from U.S. EPA Region 9 Border Office, (619) 235-4765)
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• Imperial and San Diego Counties Pesticide Episode Response Plans (September 1998; available from the California
Department of Pesticide Regulation, (760) 339-4314)
• Personal Safety Plan: Chemical Emergencies (1998; available from Corpus Christi Nueces County LEPC, (361)
880-3960)
• Response Procedures for 45 Chemicals (November 1998', available from Corpus Christi Nueces County LEPC,
(361) 860-3960)
• U.S. Coast Guard ICS Basic Student Guide and Field Operations Guidelines/ICS Guia de Qperaciones de
Campo para Derrames Petroleros and ICS Basico Guia de Estudiante (available in Spanish at http://www. epa. gov/
usmexicoborder/cper/ics.htm under the"Training" link)
Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Studies
• Hazardous Material Commodity Flow Studv: Calexico. California Area (January 2001; available from U.S. EPA
Region 9 Border Office, (619) 235-4765 and at http://www.epa.gov/ceppo/ip-bopr.htm)
• Hazardous Material Commodity Flow Studv: San Diego. California (June 2001; available from U.S. EPA Region
9 Border Office, (619) 235-4765 and at http://www.epa.gov/ceppo/ip-bopr.htm)
Internet Sites of Interest
• EPA CEPPO — http://www.epa.gov/swercepp EPA Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Office's
Web site that contains such information as Risk Management Plans, laws and regulations, and numerous tools and
resources for chemical emergency preparedness and prevention^
• EPA Region 6 Border Program — http://www.epa.gov/r6border/index.htm EPA Web site provides information on
cooperative efforts to protect the environment along the U.S.-Mexico border region.
• EPA Region 6 Border Program/U.S.- Mexico Border XXI Contingency Planning and Emergency Response
Workgroup — http://www.epa.gov/r6border/ef-erp.htm
• EPA Region 9 Border XXI Program — http://www.epa.gov/usmexicoborder EPA Web site includes details on the
proposed Border 2012 Program which is designed to protect public health and the environment in the U.S.-Mexico
border region.
• U.S. National Response Center — http://www.nrc.uscg.mil The homepage to the National Response Center, which
is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. The NRC is the sole Federal point of contact for reporting oil and chemical
spills.
• Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Mexico Border Program — http://www.adeq.state.az.us/environ/
regional/sro/border.html The Southern Regional Office's Border Programs Unit manages environmental programs
and issues along the Arizona/Sonora border.
• Border EcoWeb by San Diego State University — http://www.borderecoweb.sdsu.edu This Web site is home to
the Border EcoWeb which is designed to facilitate public access to environmental information for the U.S.-Mexican
border region. This site is a working draft, so many pages are still under construction. Please check back periodic ally
to find out what is new.
• Border Environment Cooperation Commission — http://www.cocef.org This Web site is the homepage of the
Border Environmental Cooperation Commission whose goal to assist local communities and other sponsors in
developing and implementing environmental infrastructure projects, and to certify projects for North American
Development Bank financing.
• Border Information & Solutions Network — http://www.bisn.org/ This Web site is the homepage of the Border
Information & Solutions Network (BISN) whose mission is to promote sustainable development of the U.S.-Mexico
border by enhancing collaboration and communication through the Internet.
• California EPA Border Environmental Program — http://bep.calepa.ca.gov The Web site is the homepage to the
California-Baja California Environmental Program whose mission is to work towards a better environment within
our shared border by identifying and resolving unique environmental and natural resources challenges and the
resulting public health issues.
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City of Brownsville, Texas — http://www.brownsville.org/brownsville/ Web site for the City of Brownsville, Texas.
Corpus Christi Nueces County Local Emergency Planning Committee — http://www.cclepc.org This Web site
contains information details hazardous chemical currently stored or transported through the City of Corpus Christi
and Nueces County, Texas. It also contains information on what individuals can do to protect themselves, families,
and businesses from a emergency involving hazardous materials.
Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission — http://www.tnrcc.state.tx.us/ is forwarded to http://
163.234.20.106/index.html The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. TCEQ is the lead environmental
agency for the state. This commission's responsibilities include those of permitting, licensing, compliance, enforcement,
pollution prevention programs and education related to preservation and protection of our air and water quality and
safe disposal of waste.
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