U.S.-MEXICO BORDER OPERATING PLAN
EPA REGION 9
FISCAL YEAR 1994
I. BACKGROUND
A. LA PAZ AGREEMENT AND INTEGRATED BORDER ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN
The 2983 la Paz Agreement signed by Presidents Reagan and De
la Madrid named EPA and SEDUE (Secretary for Urban Development and
Ecology) as National Coordinators to implement a progran of
cooperation on border environmental issues. SEDUE has since been
dissolved and EPA is now working with the newly created Secretary
for Social Development (SEDESOL). The La Paz Agreement established
a ir.echanism fcr creating Binational Workgroups. It also
established 'a mechanism for negotiating specific technical
agreements [annexes!. There are. five annexes to the La Paz
Agreement:
Annex I; Tijuana Wastewater Treatment Facilities
Annex II: Establishment of Inland Joint Response Teem
Annex III: Procedures governing transboundary shipment of
hazardous waste
Annex IV: Copper smelters compliance with NSPS
Annex V: Air quality assessment in sister cities
The Integrated Border Environmental Plan for the U.S./Mexican
Border (Border Plan) was released on February 25, 19S2. The Border
Plan is a bi-nationally negotiated document that summarizes
specific actions EPA and SEDESOL intend to ~ake over a three year
period to address the most immediate environmental problems in the
border area. EPA and SEDESOL recently developed Progress and
Priorities Reports on Border Plan activities. These reports
summarize Border Plan progress to date and identify •priority
projects for 1994 that have been: agreed upon by both' countries.
This year's Region 9 U.S./Mexico Border .Operating Plan is based on
the 1994 priorities identified in the Bi-national Priorities
Report. In the future, a second phase of the Border Plan (1995-
2300) will refine and redirect bilateral environmental protection
efforts based on information obtained through implementation of the
first phase of the Border Plan.
B. INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES
Six Binational Workgroups are the formal mechanism through
which EPA and S3DESOL are cooperating to implement the Border Plan.
Tne Workgroups, which were formed as a result cf the La Pas
Agreement, are: Hazardous Waste, Pollution Prevention, Contingency
Planning and Emergency Response, Water, Air and Enforcement.
Currently, reorganization of the existing workgroup structure is
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under consideration by EPA and SEDESQL. The workgroups may be
reorganized to more closely reflect the functional roles of Mexican
agencies that are responsible for environmental programs and the
broader-scale institutional changes which may take place in 1994
(See below).
Recently, Mexico's environmental programs underwent a ma^or
reorganization. In 1992, SEDUE was reorganized. Environmental
programs now reside in SEDESGL within two semi-autonomous
institutions. . The National Institute of Ecology (INE) is
responsible icr developing- regulations .and st-andards_ and for
issuing permits. The Environmental Prosecutor's Of£ice'(PFPA) is
responsible for environmental enforcement. In addition, water
quality regulatory activities were transferred from SEDUE to the
National Water Commission (CNA). All of these changes required
that EPA establish working relationships with a new host of players
on the Mexican side and has stalled progress on implementation of
some Border Plan activities.
Finally, if the Congress approves the North American Free
Trade Agreement (NAFTA), a new trilateral Commission on
Environmental Cooperation and a new bilateral Border Environmental
Cooperation Commission and North American Development Bank will be
created. It is unclear how these new bilateral and trilateral
institutions will affect the Agency's future role in the border
area and the La Paz agreement activities.
C. RESOURCES
In FY-93, Region IX was successful in transferring over S2
million in extramural funds for border projects and $32,5 million
for the Tijuana international facility. Significant amounts of
extramural resources were requested by the Administration for
border environmental initiatives in FY 94, In addition, Mexico
will likely receive funding from the World Bank for infrastructure
development and institutional support ($3 to 4 billion over the
next ten years).
EPA's total request for 1994 amounted to $153 million, with
S150 million going towards water sanitation projects and $13.2
nillion in extradural funding for air quality, hazardous waste and
enforcement initiatives. Congressional action on the 94 budget
reduced water sanitation funding to $58 million (earmarked for the
Tijuana project only) and will likely reduce other extramural
funding by about 15 percent. In spite of these reductions, Region
IX will be faced with the daunting task of effectively managing
these fur.ds without any parallel increase in personnel.
Finally, it is unclear how the outcome of the imminent
Congressional vote on NAFTA will affect resource availabilitv in
both countries.
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D. BORDER TRAM ROLE
The Border Team coordinates U.S./Mexico program efforts
internally within Region 9 and externally with SEDESOL, the State
Department, Headquarters, Region 5, and State and Local agencies.
The Border Team helps formulate Region 9 policy on issues unique to
the Mexican Border area. Due to the political nature of the Border
initiatives, the Border Team spends a significant .amount of time-
preparing briefings and responding to requests from Headquarters.
The Border Team has the lead on • handling • communications between
Region 9 and SEDESOL.- In addition,, the Border Team responds to
information requests from congressional offices, the media,
nongovernmental organizations, industry, and the public.
Because of competing priorities in Region IX and the
institutional uncertainties outlined above, Region IX will
reevaluate the Team's role after the Congressional vote on NAFTA
(1st quarter).
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II. FY94 PRIORITIES
A. OVERAjLL ROALS FOR FY94
The goals of the first phase of the Border Plar. are to
characterize the nature and severity of environmental conditions in
the Border Area and take action on known priority problems. EPA
and SEDESOL developed the 1994 Priorities Report in order to
identify those.Border Plan projects which should be implemented in,
1594 based on resource availability. This attempt. '.to set
priorities among Border Plan activities should enable Region IX to
wcr'.< toward tangible results on specific projects. In basing this
operating plan or. the binationally agreed upon Priorities Report,
we have narrowed the field of Region 9 border projects to
concentrete our efforts on discrete projects which both EPA and
SEDESOL have agreed to implement this year. In so doing, we hope
to assure success on these discrete projects.
Clearly, the success of this operating plan will depend to a
large extent on the collaboration of the staff and nanagers
throughout Region 9. This operating plan reflects many weeks of
deliberations with staff and managers throughout Region 9 in an
effort to maintain and, in some cases, improve integration of
Border Plan implementation activities within the operation of the
program branches and sections. In this operating plan, we identify
those branches and sections and their roles in Border Plan
implementation. The leadership and participation of these branches
and sections in implementation of specific projects is particularly
critical this year as much of the Border Team's time will be
devoted to responding to expectations that are placed on the Region
as a result of the Administration's commitment to assuring passage
of NAFTA. As this aspect of the Border Team's role increases, the
importance of branch and section contributions efforts on project
implementation grows.
8. FY94 MANAGEMENT AMD COORDINATION PRIORITIES FOR THE BORDER
TEAM
1. Backarojnd
Region 9 created the Border Team to better respond to the
bma-ional responsibilities under the Border Plan and to improve
Region 9's ability to address the serious health and environmental
problems in the border area. While Mexico's reorganization of its
environmental programs impeded our ability to implement specific
projects durir.g FY93, the Border Team fulfilled an essential role
in serving as a Regional focal point for U.S./Mexico border issues
at a time when increased public ana political attention has been
focused on the border environment. As the NAFTA debate is taken up
by Congress this fall, pressures on the Region with regard to the
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border environment are likely co increase. The Team will be
focusing much of its attention on providing OIA and other
Headquarters offices with information on border activities and
responding to inquiries from outside the Agency. The Team's
coordination role will remain critical as we work with Region 9 and
with entities outside of Region 9 (EPA headquarters and Region 6,
SEDESOL and other Mexican governmental agencies, other federal
agencies, state and .local agencies, elected officials and their
staff, academia, industry representatives, and the public at Isrge}
on numerous programmatic, budgetary and policy issues in the
politically charged climate of the NAFTA debate.
2. Improve Planning and Tracking
Improve cur ability to reassess priorities in light of
resource constraints, unforeseen, "coordination" burdens, and other
complicating factors through the use of internal planning and
tracking systems.
a. The Border Coordinator will continue to track Team
activities on a monthly basis, identify potential areas
for priority/activity readjustment, - and develop
recommendations for senior managers for work load
adjustments and focus.
b. The Border Coordinator and/or the Team member will meet
with the respective senior manager at least twice every
quarter to assess progress in operating plan
implementation.
c. The Border Coordinator and Team will meet at least twice
every Quarter with the Border Steering Committee to
review overall progress in operating plan implementation,
especially those activities requiring a multi-medie
approach.
d. Team members will meet, regularly-with branch'and section
managers and staff to track and coordinate implementation
(Ongoing). .
3. Improve Staff Support
The Border Coordinator will maintain overall Team
effectiveness and efficiency through various staff development
activities and supplemental staff assistance.
a, The Border Coordinator will continue efforts to transfer
responsibility for implementing the Tijuana wastewater
project from the Team to the Municipal Assistance brunch,
b. The Border Coordinator will develop tasks for potential
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rotational assignments from within and outside of Reg.cn
9 (November) and advertise rotational/detail opportunity
(January).
c. The Border Coordinator will oversee AARP
administrative/clerical support.
4. Maximize' Resources
The Border Team will maximize Region 9 resources for
implementation through direct participation in the budget planning
and allocation process and through use of appropriate funding
mechanisms.
a. For FY 94 resources, the Border Team will determine
amounts, program elements, and appropriate funding
vehicles for implementation activities (e.g., grants,
contracts, interagency agreements, etc.)" (1st quarter).
b. For FY 94 resources, the Border Team will work with
program staff to allocate funds through appropriate
mechanisms (2nd quarter).
c. With Region 6, the Border Coordinator will develop an
estimate of Border implementation travel needs and
request additional travel funds from EPA headquarters
(1st quarter).
d. .For FY 95 resources, the Border Coordinator will work
wizh EPA headquarters and Region 6 to solidify
Congressional support for funding levels (2nd, 3rd and
4th quarters) .
e. For FY 96 resources, the Border Coordinator will work
with Region 9's Office of Policy and Management, Region
6 and EPA headquarters- to define.-funding • levels and
develop appropriate .support' documents (2nd and 3rd
quarters).
5. Improve External Coordination
The Eorder Coordinator and Team will ensure efficient use of
Region B and Agency resources through effective external
coordination of Border Plan implementation.
a. The Border Coordinator and Team will coordinate regularly
with Region 6 counterparts to ensure minimal duplication
of effort and equitable balance of border-wide tasks.
b. The Border Coordinator and Team will coordinate with
state and local agency representatives, through
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established sub-workgroups, to ascertain overall non-
federal implementation capabilities (Ongoing),
S. Coordinate with Public and Elected Officials
The Border Coordinator and Team, working with the Office of
External' Affairs (OEA), will ensure that the public and elected
officials are informed of border plan activities.
a. The Team will participate in conferences,, workshops, etc.
Level of participation-wi 1.1 depend on travel resources,
overall workload, and competing priorities.
b. The Team will meet intermittently with non-governmental
organizations on a local level to communicate Border Plan
activities and listen to their concerns.
c. The Border Coordinator and Team will assist OEA in
responding to inquiries from the press, public, ar.d
elected officials.
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C. FY94 MULTI-MEDIA/PROGRAM PRIORITIES
1. Arobos Nogale3 Ground Water Monitoring initiative
Project/Initiative Description: The Ambcs Nogales Ground Water
Monitoring Initiative is a quarterly monitoring program to
determine the extent,and possible origin of VOC contamination in
the transboundary aquifer under the Nogales Wash in Ambos Nogales.
Background; Ground water¦studies in the Nogales, Arizona, area
have indicated the presence of Volatile Organic'Compound (VOC) and
Trihalomethane contamination in the transboundary aquifer under the
Nogales Wash. The problem appears to be on both sides of the
border and, to date, the problem has not been satisfactorily
studied on a binational level.
There will be equal numbers of wells on each side of the border
with quarterly split sampling. ADEQ will take the lead in the
implementation of this project on the U.S. side. To this end, EPA
is funding an ADEQ hydrologist position to provide technical
guidance and to coordinate the details of the project on the U.S.
side.
objectives;
o To quantify VOC contamination in the ground water under Ambos
Nogales, particularly under the Nogales Wash,
o To assist ground water contaminant source
control/identification efforts.
o To establish a baseline for VOC contamination in the
transboundary acuifer.
Resource Requiremente:
o Staff/Coordinate;
EPA: 0.2 full-tiirie person, $80,000 grant to ADEQ
IBWC: 0.2 full-time person
Mexico: 0.4 full-time-person
o Monitoring Program (U.S. pays'for construction of monitoring
wells, U.S. sampling and analysis, equipment, administrative
costs; Mexico pays for split sampling):
$275, 0 DO EPA grant to ADEQ/I BWC, assuming 6 wells or each
side of the border (12 total).
each additional well would cost $20,000 (site prep,
construction, pump, samples, shipment, analysis, etc.)
Mexico Oost for split samples {estimated at $30,000 plus
$2300/additional well).
* Depending on relative priorities and available resources, the
monitoring program could be increased or scaled back.
Time Frame: Construct wells and begin sampling in 1994; complete
sampling in 1995.
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Milestones:
Border ream (Paul Valdez - lead)
Coordinate the involvement within the /region and outside the
Region to ensure that the project objectives are met. (On-
going)
Manage IAG with . IBWC zo ensure money is being spent
effectively and to monitor progress. (On-going)
Assist Jim DuBois (ADEQ hydrologiat funded by'EPA) however
possible and monitor his progress. (On-going)
Provide assistance however needed to ensure that the project
objectives are met. (On-going)
2 . Nog-ales Multimedia Industrial Source Control Inventory
initiative Description2 The Nogales Multimedia Industrial Source
Control Inventory is an information gathering and technology
transfer effort focusing on: developing 'an inventory of industrial
facilities on both sides of the border, conducting cooperative
training visits, and facilitating binational information exchange.
The multimedia industrial source control inventory will be the
basis for many projects in the Ambos Nogales area and will aid
pollution control efforts on both sides of zhe border (air, water,
c.nd hazardous waste) .
Background; The multimedia industrial source inventory will aid
pollution, cor.trol efforts on both sides of the border. Che data
for the inventory will be gathered through cooperative training
visits to the facilities in which officials from one country's
environmental authority participate as observers at the invitation
of the other country's environmental authority. These visits will
facilitate the exchange of inspection techniques, pollution
prevention strategies, and suggested control technologies,. All the
data on hazardous chemicals and waste discharges and emissions from
the. inventory will be compiled and . event ual-ly storad in a shared
binational computer system. Data gaps may be filled with surveys
distributed by mail.
Objectives: -Develop an inventory that will aid pollution control
efforts on both sides of the border,
-Conduct cooperative training visits to facilities in which
officials from one country's environmental authority participate as
observers at the invitation of the other country's environmental
authority ar.d both authorities exchange information on industrial
release control technologies.
-in the field training and technology transfer on pollution
prevention strategies and industrial release control
technologies.
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~Exchange information on the full spectrum of applicable federal
and staze statutes, regulations, procedures and their development.
Resource Requirement *
•staff;
WMD, RCRA, ATI), ESB, UST: 1 representative of each inspection
program for 2 weeks (SPA].
representatives from SEDESOL and CNA inspection programs (Mex)
project coordinationt .3 PTE (EPA) & .1 FTE (Mex)
•laboratory support: 580,000 (EPA AC&C)
-.some of the work may be done in EPA's .regional lab to.offset
some AC&C costs.
•Depending or. the future project direction, the staff requirements
and laboratory support costs may be increased or scaled back.
Time Frames 1994 ===> begin and complete
Milestones:
Border Team (Paul Valdez - lead)
Revise workplan and scale back project from previous year.
(Quarter 1)
Coordinate the team of inspectors from Air, Water, UST, and
RCRA. (On-going)
- Assist in the exchange of information between EPA and SEDESOL
concerning applicable federal and state statutes, regulations,
policies, procedures and their development. (On-going)
Maintain open communication with SEDESOL counterparts
concerning status of the project. (On-going)
Coordinate logistics of information gathering site-visits to
prioritized facilities on both sides of border. (Quarter 1)
Assist- in compiling reports 'for each of'the facilities' that
were visited. (Quarter 2 & 3)
Compile collected cata which will serve as the basis for the
binational data base on border discharges and releases.
(Quarter 2 & 3)
Collect feedback on the Nogales initiative and incorporate
into draft workplan for Tijuana/San Diego Multi-media Source
Control initiative. (Quarter 4)
Coordinate with SEDESOL to devise an ongoing procedure for
updating the inventory on both sides of the border. [Quarter
4)
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Begin establishing contacts on all levels in the Tijuana/San
Diego area to facilitate the progress of the initiative when
it is carried out in the area. (Quarter 4)
AID Stationary Source Branch, WMD Permits and Compliance Branch,
HWMD Waste Compliance Branch, and the OPM Environmental Services
Branch
Conduct TOint site-visits with SEDESOL cojnterpar-s in Ambos
Nogales and Sample Wastestrearns. (Quarter 1. & 2}
Write site-visit reports including quantification of
wastesfcreams and recommendations for pollution prevention and
waste handling and storage. (Quarter 1, 2, & 3)
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D. FY94 PRIORITIES FOR THE HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT DIVISION
1. Rackarcund
The transportation arid disposal of hazardous wastes in that
area are of serious concern to both the United Spates and Mexico.
Annex III of the La Pez Agreement addresses the transboundarv
movement of hazardous waste between the U.S. and Mexico. Annex III
requires reedmission of hazardous wastes and hazardous substances
to the country of, origin' in specific situations. , In cases of
illegal exports of hazardous wastes .between the U.S. and Mexico,
the Guidelines for Repatriation of Hazardous Wastes Illegally
Exported/imported {Repatriation Guidelines) established by the
Binational Hazardous Waste Workgroup require that the country o£
origin of an illegal export accept the illegally exported waste at
the border. Implementation of the Repatriation Guidelines in
specific instances poses extensive legal, logistical, political and
financial issues. Region 9 has led the Agency in addressing and
resolving these issues. Repatriation cases are likely to remain a
significant focus in FY94.
Under the terms of Mexico's jnaqui.ladora policy and Anr.ex
ill, any wastes generated from raw materials transported from the
U.S. to maquiladoras in Mexico must be transported back to -he U.S.
or recycled in Mexico. In the past SEDESOL and EPA have debated
who is responsible for problems created by waste abandoned in
Mexico by U.S. owned maquiladoras. As NAFTA has focused increased
attention on the border environment, the question as to how much
hazardous waste is being transported across the border and the fate
cf wastes generated by raaquiladora facilities has been of
increasing concern to Congress, the media and the public. This has
resulted in a joint EPA/SEDESOL effort to create a computerized
binational hazardous waste tracking system (HWTS). Participation
in ongoing development of the system will be a high priority in
FY94. ¦
The management of municipal solid waste is also an issue of
environmental concern because of inadequate collection systems and
disposal facilities in the border area. EPA Region 9 has provided
SEDESOL with landfill design, operation and closure training and
has offered technical assistance wi~h regard to the Nogales, Sonera
municipal landfill.
The potential for accidental releases, explosions, or spills
of hazardous substances in the border area requires responsible
contingency planning and preparation for response ;o such
emergencies. Currently Sister City Plans are under development
for all Region 9 Sister Cities.
2. Hazardous Waste Tracking System
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RCRA Enforcement Branch (H-4) Responsibilities:
a. Serve as primary Region 9 HWTS contact with Region
5, Headquarters Offices, U.S. Customs, California
and Arizona. (On-going)
b. Serve as Region 9 lead in efforts to work with
Region 6 to clearly define the goals of the.HWTS.
.Assist Border Team in clarifying system goals with
3EDES0L. {First Quarter)
c. Serve as work assignment manager on any contracting
activities related to the HWTS. (As needed)
d. Negotiate and oversee any grant funding provided to
Region 9 states to support state participation in
the HVfTS, (As needed)
e. Manage any transfers of funds from Region 9 to
Region 6 related to the HWTS. (As needed)
f. Work with U.S. Customs, California, Arizona, Region
6, SEDESOL and other entities as necessary to
identify information and data necessary in order to
develop and support an effective tracking system
(including waste entering the U.S. through sea
ports). Work with these same entities to develop
procedures for ensuring that this information is
collected for entry into the HWTS.
(On-going)
g. Develop an understanding of Mexico's hazardous
waste tracking documents. Work with Region 6, The
Region 9 Border Team, and Sedesol to ensure that
Mexican documents - necessary to support -development
of an effective system'are incorporated into the
HWTS. (On-going)
h. Develop an understanding of any Headquarters
efforts to develop a national hazardous waste
import tracking system. Develop an understanding of
the relationship be-ween such a systent, and the
HWTS. Provide input to Headquarters on the
development of any national hazardous waste import
tracking system highlighting areas of overlap wxth
the HWTS. (On-goingi
i. Serve as Regional lead in coordinating responses to
Freedom of Information Act and Congressional
requests related to.the HWTS. (As necessary)
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j. Support enforcement initiatives based on
information derived froir. the HWTS. (As needed)
k. Identify and elevate inadequacies in current EPA
import regulations highlighted during development
• of the HWTS. (On-going)
1. Identify and elevate inadequacies • in current
.manifest requirements as they pertain to imports.
(On-going)
RCRA Information Management Section (H-3-4) Responsibilities:
a. Transfer knowledge of issues related to HWTS to
RCRA Enforcement Branch. (First Quarter)
b. During transition of responsibilities and
institutional knowledge to RCRA Enforcement Branch,
take lead role in conveying details of Region 9
concerns about the HWTS to Region 6.
(First Quarter)
c. Provide technical support on development of data
base system. (On-going)
d. Work with RCRA Enforcement Section to ensure that
effective quality assurance/quality control
protocols are built into the systeir and to ensure
that procedures are in place to update the system
on a regular basis. (On-going)
U.S./Mexico Border Coordinator (K-l) Responsibilities
a. Serve as consultant to RCRA Enforcement Branch and
RCRA Information -Management Section on policy
ramifications of the HWTS¦ as 'it - relates to the
international relationship 'between "he U.S. and
Mexico and the North American Free Trade Agreement.
(On-going)
b. Serve as primary Regional contact for initial
communications with SEDESOL to clarify goals of
HWTS. Begin to transfer communications with
SEDESOL on HWTS development to RCRA Enforcement
Section as appropriate. (On going)
c. Track ratification cf the Basel Convention and how
it may relate to the HWTS. (On-going)
3• Repatriation of Illegally Exported Hazardous Waste
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Field Operations Branch (H-8) Responsibilities
a. Continue to provide Che Border Team and the Office
of Regional Counsel technical assistance in framing
issues surrounding repatriation of hazardous wastes
illegally exported to Mexico from the United
States, (On going)
b. Continue to provide technical .expertise in
repatriation of hazardous wastes illegally exported
to .Mexico ¦ from the. -United . States, should .EPA
continue to uphold the Repatriation-Guidelines. [As
Necessary)
U.S./Mexico Border Coordinator (H-2) Responsibilities
a. The HWMD Border Coordinator will coordinate with
Field Operations Branch, ORC, KEIC, Criminal
Investigations Division, Region 5, OIA, State
Department and SEDESOL as necessary to address
repatriation issues as they arise and to ensure
that specific cases are handled in accordance with
Annex III and the Santa Fe repatriation guidelines.
(On-going)
b» The HWMD Border Coordinator will work with the
Office of Regional Counsel end the Field Operations
Brgnch to frame policy issues surrounding
repatriation of hazardous wastes illegally exported
to Mexico from the United States. (On-goingj
Consultative Mechanism for Border Area Sites
a. The Municipal Solid Waste Section (H-3-1} will continue
to provide updated information on the Campo and site on
a quarterly basis (or a .semi-annual basis should the Bi-
national Hazardous Waste workgroup aQtee to decrease the
frequency of information exchange) and information on any
new facilities proposed for the border area. (Quarterly)
b. The Alternative Technology Section {H-3-3) will continue
to provide updated information on the La Pasta site on a
quarterly basis (or a semi-annual oasis should the Bi-
national Hazardous Waste Workgroup agree to decrease the
frequency of information exchange) and information on any
new facilities proposed for the border area, (Quarterly)
Nogal.es Landfill Technical Assistance
a. The Municipal Solid Waste Section (H-3-1) will coordinate
with the Border Team - and Office of Research and
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Development (ORD) on providing technical assistance to
SEDESOL cn development of a closure plan for the Nog,ales
landfill. (As necessary}
6- Mooales Multimedia Industrial Source Inventory
a. The RCRA Enforcement; Branch (H-4) will participate ir.
site visits and project development should SED3S0L agree
to revive the Nogales Multimedia Industrial Source
Inventory. (As necessary)
7. Maquiladora Conference
a. The RCRA Enforcement Branch (H-4) and the Border
Coordinator (H-l) will assist in development of Region 9
presentation for the November Maquiladora Conference.
(First Quarter)
8• Abandoned Site Identification
a. The Field Operations Branch (H 8) will conduct some
Preliminaiy Assessments/Site investigations in Imperial
County based on the results of * FYS3 geo-targecing
efforts. (First Quarter)
9~ Enforcement
a. The RCRA Enforcement Branch (H-4) v/iil participate in
future border enforcement initiatives by identifying and
taking er.force.nent ac-ion against U.S. companies involved
in illegal export cases. (As necessary)
10. Contincencv Planning'
a. OHEP Sister City Planning Efforts
The San Diego/Tijuana profile and -plan will be completed
in the first quarter and a telephone exercise of the plan
v/ill be conducted in the second quarter. Further Hazmat
training needs will be determined. (First and Second
Quarters)
The Nogales/Nogales profiles are completed and exercise
planning will be dene in the second quarter with the plan
exercised in the third quarcer. Kazmat training needs
have beer, assessed for the B-hour and 24-hour training
and training courses may be delivered during FY 94,
depending upon resource availability. (Second and Third
Quarters)
The Calexicc/MexicaJi profiles are complete and exercise
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planning will be done in the first quarter with an
exercise in the second quarter. Training needs have been
assessed for the eight-hour, twenty-four-hour, and fcrty-
hour Hazmat training and training courses may be
delivered during FY 94, depending upon resource
availability- {First and Second Quarters)
The Yuma/San Luis Rio Colorado profile draft is finished
and the plan will be completed in the first quarter; an
exercise will be planned during the third quarter, with
the exercise in the fourth quarter. Eight-hour and 24 ••••
hour 'Hazmat training are planned. {First, Third and
Fourth Quarters)
The EOuglas/Agua Prieta profile draft is finished and zhe
plan will be completed in the second quarter; exercise
planr.ing will be done in the fourth quarter. (Second and
Fourth Quarters)
7h& Naco/Nazo plan will be completed with the Douglas
plan in the second quarter and planning of a joint Naco-
Douglas exercise will occur in the fourth quarter.
Hazmat training needs have been assessed for both for the
eight-hour and 24-hour training. (Second and Fourth
Quarters)
b. OHEP participation in the Joint Response Team (JRT) -
Inland "US/Mexico Border and Pacific Marine
JI*T focuses for FY 94 include:
1) expansion of the JRT membership to include other
pertinent agencies (similar to the RRT membership
on the U.S. side);
2) integration of marine and inland plans, "working
closely with the U.S. Coast-Guard; and'
3) improvement of communication • and notification
procedures wher. there are releases.
JRT activities will be scheduled in FY 94 to address
these focus areas.
In the first quarter OHEP will participate in a meeting
planned for the U.S. side JRT members during the week in
which the National Response Team meats with the Regional
Response Team CoChairs. This meeting will be part of the
agenda for the regular Region IX Mainland Regional
Response Team meeting. in this way, issues of coircrvon
concern can be shared with national representatives.
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11. Technology Transfer grid Training
The Municipal Solid Waste Section (H- 3-1) will continue
to serve as Co-chair of the TechnoLogy Transfer and
Training Subworkgroup of the Binational Hazardous Waste
Workgroup. (On-going)
The Municipal Solid Waste Section (K-3-1) will oversee
development of panel discussions on U.S/Mexico border
recycling issues to be included in 'Southwest Public
Recycling Association's annual conference in'October.
(First Quarter)
The Underground Storage Tank Section (H-2-1) will oversee
delivery of underground storage tank (UST) training to
Mexico and facilitate observation of U.S. inspections by
Mexican inspectors as a training exercise, (First
Quarter)
The Field Operations Branch (H-8) will provide informal
in-field technology transfer to SEDESOL staff as
opportunities arise during repatriation of illegally
exported hazardous wastes which are being repatriated to
the United States in accordance with the Repatriation
Guidelines. (On-going)
OHEP will deliver a four-hour bi-lingual crisis
management course for government agencies in the Border
Area in Nogales during the first quarter. Depending upon
the effectiveness of the first training session and upon
local needs, future iterations of this training may be
given in FY 94, (First Quarter)
£. OHEP intends to pertacipate in efforts being undertaken
by the EPA Office of Enforcement COE) and NEIC to develop
a training module for U.S. Customs. OE and NEIC have
expressed interest in development of existing OHEP Kaz
Mat training resources into a separate module for U.S.
Customs/Mexican Aduana, Initiation of these efforts in
FY 94 is anticipated.
12. Coordination
a. The HWMD Border Coordinator (H-l) will coordinate border
hazardous waste projects and implementation of HWMD
Border Operating Plan within the Division and the Region.
In consultation with the Division Director and the
Regional Border Coordinator the HWMD Border Coordinator
will define Regional interests and policies on border
hazardous waste issues. .(On-going)
b.
c.
d.
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b. The HWMD Border Coordinator (H-l) will act as the
primary Regional contact with EPA Region 6, EPA
Headquarters, Federal, state and local agencies,
SEDESOL, the Southwest Consortium for Environmental
Research and Policy ISCERP) and the public on
hazardous waste aspects of the Region's border
program and will provide information and advice tc
these entities as necessary. (On-going)
c. The HWMD Border Coordinator (H-l) will track Divisional
Border activities on a monthly basis and will consult
with the Regional Border Coordinator and Division
Director to assess progress ir. operating plan
implementation. (On-going)
d. The RCRA Enforcement Branch (H-4) will continue to serve
as Region 9 cor.tact with U.S. Customs and will serve as
project officer on EFA's Interagency Agreement with
Customs for sampling and analysis support. (Cn-gcing)
-3. Funding, Contracts and Grants Management
a. The Arizona, Nevada and Pacific islands Section (H-2-2)
will coordinate with the Border Team to rncnitor Arizona
Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) border
activities funded through the RCRA Grant. (On-going)
b. The Program Development Section (H-2-3) will coordinate
with the Border Team to monitor California Department of
Toxic Substances (DTSC) border activities funded through
the RCRA Grant. (On-going)
c. The RCRA Enforcement Branch (H-4) will serve as work
assignment manager on any contracting activities related
to the HWTS. ;as necessary)
d. The RCRA Enforcement Branch (H-4) will negotiate and
oversee any grant funding provided to Region 9 states to
support state participation ir. the HWTS. (As necessary)
e. The RCRA Enforcement Branch (H-4) will manage any
transfers of funds from Region 9 to Region 6 related to
the HWTS. (As necessary)
f. The Municipal Solid Waste Section (H-3-1) will oversee
and manage any grants cr contracts issued to provide
technical assistance to SEDESOL on development of a
closure plan for the Nogales landfill. (As necessary)
g. The HV7MD Border Coordinator (H-l) will determine amounts,
program elements, and appropriate funding vehicles for
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iraplenter*tation activities. (First and Second Quarter]
The HWMD Border Coordinator (H-l) will work with program
staff to allocate border funds through appropriate
mechanisms. (First and Second Quarter)
The WJMD Border Coordinator {H-l) will work with the HWMD
Administrative Officer to develop and implement a
strategy for distribution of border¦ travel funds .for.
FY94. (First Quarter)
OHEP will be involved in overview and technical
assistance for EPA Innovative Technical Assistance Grants
From Headquarters, Two States have received special
grants for work on biriational infrastructure:
California will receive $94,000 from a FY 93 grant
over a two-year period for development of
Binational Infrastructure, Computer Equipment,
Workshops, Training, and for conducting :wc Hazmat
Exercises, including Tecate. San Diego/Tijuana
activities will coincide with local program
development using Innovative Grant monies.
¦ Arizona has been granted a one-year $49,000 Cor
Computer hardware and software; low power AM radio
for an Emergency Broadcast System, pamphlets, and
workshops with Cochise County.
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E. FT94 PRIORITIES FOR THE AIR AND TOXICS DIVISION
1. Anticipated Resources for Border Air, Toxics and Pesticides
Activities
Boarder Air Activities; $2, 000, OOP1
El Paso-Juarez Air Monitoring $ 650,000
San Diego-Tijuana Air Monitoring .$ 300,000
Imperial Valley-Mexicali Air Monitoring $ 300,000
AttJbos Nogales ¦ FM-10 Study . • $' 150,000. .
Lower Bio Grande 'Valley $ 100, 000
Training Need3 Assessment and Referral $ 200,000
Technology Transfer;Air Control/Prevention $ 203,000
TACB Advisory Committee Seed Money $ 100,000
QIA Btipport of border air activities: $ 550,OOP3
Training Meeds Assessment and Referral $ 50,000
[to fully fund activity listed above)
Technology Transfer; Air Control/Prevention $ 50,000
(to fully fund activity listed above)
El Paso- Juarez Air Monitoring $ 100,000
(to fully fund activity listed above)
Pesticides Training and Outreach $ 150,000
TACB Acvisory Committee (supplement) $ 100,000
Continued support of GCVTC project $ 100,000
FTB: 1.5 (Region IX ATD from OAQPS)
TRAVELs 10,000 (Region IX ATJ> from OIA)
2. Imperial Vallev-Mexical PM-10 Study
LEAD: Barbara Bates (A 2 2)
SUPPORT: Bill Jones (A-l)
CONTRACTOR: Desert Research Institute -through CARB)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: In cooperation with SEDESQL, CARB, Imperial
Valley APCD complete- a study with 'the' following technical
objectives: 1) to estimate the spatial and temporal cistribution of
PM-10 concentrations in Imperial¦ County and Msxieali; 2) to
apportion PM-10 concentrations to source emissions; 3) to estimate
' Border Air $ in President's FY94 Budget $1,500,000
Air Allotment of Region VI Geographic Initiative $ 100,000
FY94 105 Grant $ for CAAA Section 815 Support $ 400,000
"*$6,300,000 has been allocated for OIA In the President's FY94 budget to support
implementation of the Integrated Border Environmental Plaa Alan Hecht has indicated that the
Binational Workgroups will receive the majority of these funds. Thus, it is not unreasonable to
assume that these funds will be available.
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cross-border fluxes of FK-10; 4J to develop control strategies; and
5) to transfer technology.
BACKGROUND: PM10 concentrations exceed U.S. federal standards in
California's Imperial Valley (among the highest in the nation).
Due to the proximity of these sites to the international border
with Mexico, a comprehensive internaltional control strategy may be
needed to reduce emissions for standard attainment. Little
information beyond routine PM10 compliance mon.ito.ring is available,
and the sources of excessive concentrations have not been
determined. A monitoring and data analysis plan is needed. An
additional goal of this project is to transfer measurement and
modeling technology to Mexican Agency officials for use in further
air quality assessment programs.
OBJECTIVES: Coordinate with DRI ar.d project team to ensure
completion of chemical analysis of intensive and long-term samples,
performance of flux calculations, determination of specific
emitters from spatial distributions and microinventories, ana
production/distribution of final report in March 1994.
RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS?
SEDESOL: o Project Oversight through the Binational Workgroup
EPA: o Project Oversight through the Binational Workgroup
MILESTONE; o Final report released 3rd Quarter.
3. Mr Related Rapid Emissions Inventory Development Project
ATD TECHHICM. SUPPORT: Pallarino (A-2-2), .1 FTS3
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: In coordination with EPA and SEDESOL, the
Grand Canyon Visibility Commissi or. (GCTVC) will develop a
methodology for a non-traditional emissions inventory assessment
for areas in Mexico which lack complete inventories'. Membership-on
the GCVTC consists of the Governors,-of the eight impacted 'states,
EPA and federal land managers.
BACKGROUND: * Emissions inventories are the basic building blocks
for air quality planning and management. The Grand Canyon
Visibility Commission (GCVTC), EFA and SEDESOL have common needs
for emissions inventory information. Mexico is embarking on a
number of air quality planning efforts and may eventually need
country-wide emissions data. The GCVTC is engaged in a project to
develop an emissions inventory for areas, including parts of
Mexico, s-jspected of contributing haze on the Colorado Plateau (as
'Does not entail any additional responsibilities beyond current liaison function with the
Grand Canyon Visibility Transport Commission.
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mandated by 7.he 1990 CAAA) .
The GCVTC's ability to assess the magnitude of visibility
impairment caused by Mexican sources is limited. Data on
emissions, source mixes and source technologies does not appear to
be readily accessible or available. The absence o£ this
information limits the GCVTC's options for developing the most
cost-effective iteans for addressing visibility impairment. In
addition, the GCVTC is precluded from exploring creative solutions
that may serve the environmental and economic -interests of both
Mexico and the United States.
OBJECTIVES J
A. Foster Cooperative Arrangements: The project would attempt
wherever possible to ensure maximum utility to SEDESOL while
minimizing demands on limited resources with an ultimate objective
of developing options for emissions management strategies that have
economic and environmental benefits for both Mexico and the U.S.
B. Determine Possible Contributors to Transport: Review existing
research; assemble and analyze existing meteorology and air quality
data; perform back and/or forward trajectory analysis for key
sources and source regions; collect additional ambient air quality
data to validate results of trajectory analyses as needed.
C. Develop an Emissions Inventory Methodologyt Develop en
emissions inventory methodology to address mobile, area and point
sources. Existing inventories would be collected and suir«narized
and gaps in this data would be filled by developing "non-
traditional" inventory methods using such approaches as surveying,
categorizing, targeting and extrapolation methods rather than using
a source by source approach.
RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS:
SEDESOL: o Project Oversight through the Binational Workgroup
EPA: o Project Oversight through the Binational Workgroup
o $235,000 In grant funds have been awarded.
o An additional $10 3,000 (?Y94 funds) has been requested.
MILESTONES: o FYS4 Grant Awarded by end o£ 2nd Quarter
4. San Diego-Tijuana Ambient Air Monitoring '
ATD TECHNICAL SUPPORTS Lopez (A-2-4!, .2 FTE4
PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS Continue in the development of a monitoring
network for NOx, 03, CO, S02, PM-10, lead, and wind speed/wind
direction to determine ambient air pollution concentrations,
apportion sources and their relative impacts, recc-mmend cost
effective control strategies, and measure progress/compliance in
the long-term.
'Mexico funds have supported Max Fantillo (AARP) to help "backfill."
23
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BACKGROUND: Given the physical, demographic, vehicular traffic,
and industrial characteristics of the border zone of Tijuana - San
Diego, it is crucial to evaluate the levels of air quality in the
airbasin. Annex V to the 1983 La Paz agreement directs EPA and
SEDESOL to a undertake a quantitative appraisal of urban air
pollution problems in Ciudad Juarez/El Paso, Tijuana/San Diego, and
Mexicali/Calexico. For each study area, SEDESOL and EPA are
instructed to coirpile emissions inventories (including major
stationary, mobile and area sources), estimate requirements needed
to attain control levels, conduct ambient air quality monitoring,
and perform air modeling. ,
In addition to mandates in the La Pas agreement, Section 815 of the
Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 authorizes EPA, m cooperation
with SEDESOL and the affected States, to monitor and improve air
quality in regions along the border between the U.S. and Mexico.
OBJECTIVES;
o In coordination with state and local agencies, continue
sampling for NQx, 03, CO, S02, PM-1CI, lead, and- wind
speed/wind direction at the Institute Tecnologico de Tijuana
I ITT) monitoring site,
o Establish/operate second site to continue network development,
o Provide training/technology transfer to SEDESOL staff,
RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS 5
SEDESOL; o Project Oversight through the Binaticnai Workgroup
o 1 full-time staff person, to assist in routine operation
o Electricity costs
o Monitorlag equipment for second aite
EPA: o Project Oversight through the Binational Workgroup
o EPA has requested $300#000 to CARB for equipment and
staff support: - Acceptance testing of equipment
- Calibrations of equipment
. - Performance Audits
- Operation and Maintenance
- Equipment Repair
- Hands-on Technology Transfer/Training
- Additional Instrumentation at Second Site
- Tech. Assistance in Development of Tijuana
QA/QC Manual
- Continued Loan of Equipment for ITT site
- Technical Assistance in Data Reduction and
Analysis
MI1< 1 STONE: o Grant awarded by end of 2nd Quarter
Imperial Valley-Mexicali Ambient Air Monitoring
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ATD TECHNICAL SUPPORT: Lopez (A-2-4), .1 FTB5
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Begin development of a monitoring network for
NOx, 03, CO, S02, PM-1G, lead, and wind speed/wind direction to
determine ambient air pollution concentrations, apportion sources
and their relative impacts, recommend cost e£feelive control
strategies,'and measure progress/compliance in the long-term.
BACKGROUND: Given the physical, demographic, vehicular traffic,
and industrial characteristics of the border zone ¦ of Mexicali-
Imperial Valley, it is crucial to .evaluate the levels of air
qualify in the airbasin. Annex V to the 1983 La Paz agreement
directs EPA and SEDESOL to a undertake a quantitative appraisal of
urban sir pollution problems in Ciudad Juarez/El Paso, Ti;.uana/Sar.
Diego, and Mexicali/Imperial Valley, For each study area, S3DES0L
and EPA are instructed to compile emissions inventories (including
major stationary, mobile and area sources), estimate requirements
to attain control levels, conduct ambient air quality monitoring
and modeling. In addition to mandates in the La Paz agreement,
Section 815 of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 authorizes EPA,
in cooperation with SEDESOL and the affected States, to monitor and
improve air quality in regions along the border between the U.S.
and Mexico.
OBJECTIVES 2
In coordination with state and local agencies, establish a second
monitoring site in Imperial Valley and an initial monitoring site
in Mexicali to sample for NOx, 03, CO, S02, PM-10, lead, wine
speed/v/ind direction, and air toxics. Provide training and
technology transfer to SEDESOL technical staff.
RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS:
SEDESOL; o Project Oversight through the Binational Workgroup
o 1 full-time staff person to assist in routine operation
o Electricity costs
o Monitoring shipment for Mexicali site
EPA.: o Project Oversight through the Binational Workgroup
o EPA has requested $300,000 to provide CAMB with the
following
equipment and staff support: - Acceptance testing
of equipment
Assistance in station
establishment/set-up
- Calibrations of equipment
- Performance Audits
- Operation and Maintenance
- Equipment Repair
Hands-on Technology
5Mexico funds have supported Max Faniillo (AARP) to help "backfill,"
25
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Transfer/Training
- Additional Instrumentation
- Trailer to house Mexicali site
- Tech. Assistance to develop
OA/QC Manual
Tech. Assistance in Data
Reduction/Analysis
MILESTONES o Grant awarded by end of 2nd Quarter
6. Ambos Nooales PM-10 Study
ATD TECHNICAL SUPPORT* Bates (A-2-2), .1 FTEfc
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Continue implementation of PM-10 study to determine ambient air
pollution concentrations, apportion sources and their relative
impacts, recommend cost effective control strategies, and measure
progress/compliance in the long-term,
BACKGROUND:
Given the physical, demographic, vehicular traffic, and industrial
characteristics of the border zone of Ambcs Nogales, it is crucial
to evaluate the levels of air quality that occur in the airbasin.
The spirit of Annex v to the 1983 La Paz agreement directs EPA and
SEDESOL to a undertake a quantitative appraisal of air pollution
problems in border areas of primary concern.
In addition to mandates in the La Paz agreement, Section 815 of the
Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 authorizes EPA, • in cooperation
wizh SSDESOL and the affected States, to monitor and improve air
quality in regions along the border between the United States and
Mexico,
OBJECTIVES;
In coordination with state and local agencies, continue development
of preliminary emissions inventory and select the location and
begin operation of four long-term monitoring 'sites: two in Nogales,
Sonera and two in Nogales, Arizona. • •
Provide training and technology transfer to SEDESOli technical
staff.
RESOURCE REQUIREMENTSt
SEDESOL: o Project Oversight through the Binational Workgroup
6Barbara will serve as a technical advisor to this project in her capacity as PM-10
lead for the Region and in light of her expertise on the Imperial Valley-Mexicali
Project.
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o Participation or. the project team.
o Continue funding for support froa Nogales Technical
institute staff
o Electricity coata for nogales, Soaora site
EPA: o Project Oversight through the Binational Workgroup
o EPA has requested $150,000 for equipment and staff
support to supplement 200,000 provided in 1993.
MILESTONE: o Grant awarded by end of 2nd Quarter,
7V Pesticides Training and Outreach . ¦ ... -
ATD TECHNICAL SUPPORT: Grisier (A-4) , .1 FTE7
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
In response to a request from SEDESOL, EPA will coordinate with
SEDBSOL to provide bilingual training and outreach programs on
border pesticides-related issues for the Lower Rio Grand Valley
(Texas-Tamaulipas) and Imperial Valley-Maxicali areas.
BACKGROUND;
There are agricultural lands or. both sides of the border utilized
for crop production, particularly the Imperial Valley in California
and the Mexicali Valley in Baja California, and the Rio Bravo/Rio
Grande Valley. Growers in both the Mexico and the U.S. use
'significant Quantities of pesticides in the production of these
crops, particularly for fruits and vegetables. Training and
outreach is crucial in light of the potential for health or
environmental problems due to worker exposure or air and water
contamination.
OBJECTIVE?
In response tc a request from SEDESCL, funds will be provided
to and utilized by the California Department of Pesticide
Regulation (DPP.) and the Texas Department of Agriculture to develop
and conduct bilingual pesticide training." for pesticide'applicators
and outreach to the affected border communities along the Imperial
V3lley-Mexicali and the Lower Rio Grand Valley {Texas-Tanau1i pa s)
border areas.
RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS?
SEDESOL: o Project Oversight through the Binational Workgroup
o Participation on the project team,
EPA: o Project Oversight through the Binational Workgroup
o EPA has allocated $145,000 to support these activities
o An additional §150,000 has been requested for 1994.
7WilI provide technical oversight and liaison for grant with California Department
of Pesticide Regulation.
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MILESTONE: o Grant awarded by end of 2nd Quarter
a. Training Needs Assessment and Referral (0AQP3 lead)
AID SUPPORT: JoneB J. «L V i£ *
Building infrastructure and expertise in Mexico to deliver needed
air quality management. Efficient and.coordinated use of training
'resources.
RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS:
SEDESOL: o Oversight through the Binational Workgroup
EPA: o Rotational assignments to assist in development and
adaptation, and in country coordination,
o A base funding of $253,000 per year with as needed
costs covered on a case by case basis.
TIMING: OAQPS has established a trial rotational position to
develop this approach. Pull funding and operation in
1994.
10. Technology Transfer: Air Control/Prevention 'CAQPS Lead)
ATD SUPPORT: Jones (A-l)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Develop an air control/prevention technology center for Mexico.
Includes an extension of the current US center, access to
expertise, information though phone and electronic bulletin boards.
BACKGROUND:
One of the major needs identified by SEDESOL is assistance in
developing emissions controls and prevention programs for
Maquiladora and related border industries. Would greatly expand
28
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current level of assistance, which has been in. response to ad hoc
projects.
OBJECTIVES i
Provide means to access pertinent information for border controls
that will assist in real emissions reductions.
RESOtFRCES REQUIREMENT:
SEDESOL: o Provide input and support through' appropriate staff
EPA: o One to two full time staff people with a budget cf
- . . $250,000 that could expand-as need dictate. Staff time
in Mexico to establish
procedures and contact points,
TIM IMG; Establish hardware connections, staffing ir. 1994, and
shift enphasis on delivery of services thereafter.
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F. FYS4 PRIORITIES FOR THE WATER MANAGEMENT DIVISION
1. Tijuana Sanitation
1) Project/Initiative Descriptions The Tijuana International
Wastewater Treatment Facility will' be located in San Diego,
California, and will treat sewage from Tijuana, Baja California,
for discharge'to the Pacific Ocean in U.S. waters. In 1994, the
U.S. will continue design of the international wastewater treatment
plant and ocean outfall and complete environmental planning. The
U.S. will seek to accelerate the 'design and construction .schedule
Cor the facility, which is currently, scheduled for completion in
1958. In addition, the U.S. and Mexico, through the IBWC, will:
agree on design of international plant and on sludge management and
disposal procedures; agree on U.S. and Mexico's financial
participation in the project? and agree on plans for flows in
excess of the international plant's capacity in accordance with
Minute 283.
3ecause of the delay in plant operation, Mexico will work with the
United States to identify additional measures to handle Tijuana
sewage flows in the interim.
2} Backgrounds The current Tijuana wastewater system cannot
collect, convey, and treat all of the wastewater being generated'
there. This has resulted in uncontrolled raw sewage from Tijuana
flowing across the border into San Diego. The U.S. and Mexico are
cooperating on a joint solution to this sanitation problem, in
accordance with IBWC Minute 283.
Minute 283 envisions (1) construction of a 25 mgd (1100 Ips)
international treatment plant and ocean outfall; (2) application of
Mexico's industrial wastewater control laws; (3) continued Mexican
operation of its existing 25 mgd {1100 lps) plant with ocean
discharge and collection works,* and (4) elimination by Mexico of
ell uncollected wastewater flows' into the United States. IBWC has
opened talks on a Minute agreement for-design and construction of
the international'plant. This Minute will also'cover handling of
anticipated wastewater capacity shortfall.
Environmental impact assessment and design developments "have
delayed the anticipated completion date of the international
facility to 1998.
3) Objectives*
o Continue design of the treatment plant and ocean outfall,
o Complete the environmental review process,
o Conclude the IBWC Minute on design and construction,
o Continue Tijuana sewage characterization for subsequent
development of binational pretreatment program using Nogales
program as model.
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t) Resource Requirementa:
o Section 510 of Che U.S. Water Quality Act of 1987 authorises
EPA to make gran-s to the IBWC for construction of the
international facility. EFA has received $128,900,000 to date
and President Clinton has requested an additional $7 0,00 0,000
fox 1994'.
o Estimated $16,000,000- to $2 0,000,000 from Mexico as coats
otherwise incurred for Alamar plant,
o International collector joint financing $4,000,000 U.S. and
$4,000,00C Mexico,
o In- 1994, EPA 'requires, two • full-time . people to oversee the
project;
o In 1994, IBWC requires staff to negotiate design and
construction Minute.
5) Time Frame: The international facility is expected to begin
operation in 1998.
6) Region 9 Milestone! for FY 94:
1st Quarter:- - Oversee publication of supplemental draft EXS [W-l
and W-2]
- implement mechanism to pay SWRCB for technical
assistance on project [w-l and W-2]
2nd Quarter; - Oversee completion of preliminary design for
treatment plant (W-l and W-2]
- Oversee completion of preliminary design of ocean
outfall [w-l and W-2]
- With City. IBWC, and SWRCB, amend MOA for design
and construction of ocean outfall [w-l and W-2J
3rd Quarter; - Oversee completion of 50% design for treatment
plant [W-l and W-2]
- Oversee publication of final EIS and ROD [W-l and
W-2]
4th Quarter: - Oversee completion of 95% design for ocean outfall
[W-l and W-2]
2. New River Sanitation
1) Project/Initiative Description: The U.S. and Mexico, in
accordance wi~h Minute 288, will undertake the following actions:
review and approve the specific projects; complete final design o£
the Mexicali II wastewater treatment plant; define the terms of
financial participation for the U.S.; and agree on arrangements for
the IBWC to design, construct, operate, and maintain the system.
2) Background: The New River, originating south of Mexicali, flows
north carrying both raw and partially treated sewage, industrial
wastes, and agricultural runoff into the Imperial Valley,
California, where additional agricultural runoff enters the river.
The river terminates at the Sal ton Sea, Mexico has made
improvements in the Mexicali wastewater system, but it remains
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insufficient.
Minute No. 288, which entered into force in December 1992, calls
for new and improved wastewater collection and treatment works in
Kexicali. The Minute (1) provides for possible U.S, participation
in project financing; (2) envisions pretreatrtient of industrial
wastewater discharged to the collection system; and (3) allows for
removal of Mexicaii wastewater away from the Mew River basin.
Mexico has provided the U.S. with its conceptual plans, begun
design cf the improved wastewater infrastructure system, and begun
construction of some components.
3) Objectives:
o U.S. will review and approve plans submitted by Mexico,
o ibwc will negotiate Minute(s) for design, construction,
operation, and maintenance of the proposed Mexican workg,
o Characterize industrial wastewater for subsequent binational
pretreatment program using Nogales program as model.
4) Resource Requirements;
o Mexican financing in place for collector and associated works
through 1994.
o Mexican' financing for treatment facilities under consideration
for 1994 and out years,
o U.S. financial participation under consideration for
$10,000, 000 (EPA construction grant funds) in 1994 and yet
undetermined for out years,
o If construction grant funds are appropriated, EPA will require
a person working half time -0.5 full-time person) to oversee
project in 1994.
5) Time Frames Construction of the facilities will be completed in
1998 or 1599.
6) Region 9 Milestones for FY 94:
1st Quarter: - Review.Mexico's designs and project plans fw-l] ¦
- Meet with IBWC and State to-discuss Mexico's plana,
U.S. financial participation, 'in project,- and
discuss monitoring program [W-1I
- Review revised draft monitoring program [W-l, w-3,
and ?-3]
- Discuss with State what level of water quality can
be expected in the New River for various treatment
scenarios and develop options for ambient water
guality requirements for new IBWC Minute (W-l]
- Assist HQ in drafting language for obtaining
Congressional authorization for the proiect iw-l]
2nd Quarter: - Propose water quality requirements to IBWC ^K-IJ
- Review draft IBWC Minute on ambient requirements
and facility designs and meet wirh IBWC and State
[W-l ]
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Review HQ proposed language for obtaining
Congressional authorization for the project [w-1]
Review revised draft monitoring progran IW-l, w-3,
e.nd P-3 j
Agree to monitoring program at Water Work Group
meeting [W-1J
Review final IBWC Minute and recommend clearance to
OWEC IW-l]
Prepare and sign 2AG with IBWC to transfer
authorized and appropriated funds [W~l]
Participate in implementation of monitoring program
(W-1 and P-3]
Review Mexico's designs and project plans and meet
with IBWC and State [W-1]
Review results of monitoring program [W-1, W-3, and
P-3]
3. Noaales Sanitation
1) Project/Initiative Description! Through the IBWC, the U.S. and
Mexico will investigate expansion of the Nogales International
Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is located in ihe U.S. and is
expected to reach capacity in the near future. As an alternative,
Mexico will prepare a conceptual design for a treatment facility in
Mexico ar.d evaluate the feasibility of treating and reusing the
excess wastewater in Mexico. In addition, Mexico will complete
construction of the wastewater collection system and work with the
United States to develop a control program for industrial
discharges in both Nogales'.
2) Background: The Nogales sanitation project addresses the
problem of fugitive and untreated wastewater flows in the Ambos
Nogales area. The international wastewater treatnent plant was
originally constructed in the 1950's and moved to its present
location in 1972. Expansion of the treatment plant was authorised
in .ibwc Minute ko. 276 and completed in 1992. The Minute commits
Mexico to complete its collection 3ystemto eliminate untreated
sewage discharges to natural drains.
Capacity at the existing plant is adequate for existing flows, but
flows are expected to continue to increase. Talks on providing for
future flows were underway in 1993.
3) Objectives: Consider alternatives for future wastewater flows.
4) Resource Requirements!
o Mexicar. financing for completion cf collection works,
o Planning and operations supervision expenses for the existing
international plant ($800,OOC per year) for the U.S. and
Mexican Sections of IBWC.
3rd Quarter: -
4th Quarter: -
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o EPA construction grant funds ($5,000,000) for facility
planning and initial design of additional conveyance and
treatment works.
o If construction grant funds are appropriated, EPA will require
a person working half time (0.5 full-tiir.e person) to oversee
project.
5) Time Frame: Facility planning in 1994 will determine schedule
for design ana construction of ar.y additional facilities .
6) Region 9 Milestones for FY initiative Description: Mexico and the United States will
develop an industrial discharge control program requiring
industrial and commercial users of the Nogales wastewater treatment
system to pretreat their wastewater before it is discharged into
the sewer system in order to preserve the efficiency of the plant,
prevent health and safety hazards to plant workers, prevent pass
through of industrial pollutants to receiving waters, prevent
contamination of sewage sludge, prevent corrosion and obstructions
of the collection systems, and prevent explosion ar.d fire hazard.
Discussions will begin on applying the results o£ this pilot
project to Tijuana/San Diego and Mexicali.
2) Background: The Nogales International Wastewater Treatment
Plant (NIWTP) provides a capacity of 434 liters per second (9.9
mgd) for Nogales, Sonora and 320 lps (7.3 uigd) fcr Nogales, AZ, or
a combined capacity of 753 lps <17.2 mgd). The NIWTP is an aeration
lagoon system. The treated effluent is discharged to the Santa
Cruz River downstream of its confluence with the Nogales wash. The
co-permitees on the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(npdks) permit for discharge limits are the City of Nogales, AZ and
the international Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC).
The elements of the international industrial wastewater
control program include: 1) identifying pollutants of
international concern? 2) joint identification of industries; 3)
joint characterization of inflows and effluent; 4) joint
information development of corrective actions; 5) review process.
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3) Objectives:
Develop an international program to:
•preserve the efficiency of the NIWTP,
-prevent health and safety hazards to NIWTP workers,
• pi-event pass through of industrial pollutants to receiving
waters,
•prevent contamination of sewage sludge,
' -prevent corrosion and obstructions of the collection systems,
and
•prevent explosion and fire hazard,
4) Resource Requirement:
Option 1-
•IBWC hires contractor to;
produce sampling plan ====> $10,000 (EPA grant)
calculate headworks allocations ¦ ¦==» $50,000 (EPA grant)
develop headworks requirements ====> $50,000 (EPA grant)
- staff implementation/coordination
EPA; .2 FTE
IBWC: .5 FTE (IBWC)
CNA: .4 FTE (CNJU
Cotion 2-
-EPA transfers money through the IBWC to the Nogales, Sonora office
of the Corratission of the Sewer System and Drinking Water for the
State of Sonore (COPAES) to hire a full-time person to begin
implementation of the Minute-
Opt i on 3 -
•Seme permutation of the above options, combining contractor
assistance (direct or indirect) and IBWC staff.
5) Time Frames FY94 => Implement on-going program and continue
joint characterization.
6) Milestones:
1st Quarter: Meet with IBWC and locel Nogalec, Sonera water
authority to discuss project and funding needs.
|w-l)
2nd Quarter - Enter TAG wi~h IBWC to implement Nogeles
Pretreatment Minute.
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2) Backgroundj Mexico has expressed concerns about toxic pollutant
contamination of the Colorado River. U.S. and Mexico will review
existing data, determine additional data needs, and conduct a
bir.ationai study of the Colorado River. Participating in the study
are 3FA, the States of California and Arizona, the U.S. Geological
Survey, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the International Boundary
and Hater Commission (U.S. & Mexican Sections), and the National
Water Commission of Mexico.
3} Objectives: The main objective of the study is to screen the
Colorado River for. the prevalence", magnitude,. and impact of toxic
chemical"contamination. The study will provide a baseline of data
for future studies, clarify concerns about present conditions in
the river, and help determine if additional regulatory actions are
needed.
4) Resource Requirements: In 19S4, up tc $400,000 will be needed
to provide a grant to the States of California and Arizona to
coordinate the study. One full-time SPA person is required to
coordinate these activities and manage the funding.
5) Time Frame: The initial study will be carried out in 19S4.
6) Region 9 Milestones for FY94:
Review IBWC proposal and meet with IBWC, Mexico, AZ
and, CA to discuss [w-1]
Review revised IBWC draft monitoring program and
summary of existing data [W-1, W-3. and P-3 J
Agree to monitoring program at Water Work Group
meeting [W-1]
Participate in implementation of rtionitoring program
(W-1 and P-3]
Review results of monitoring program (W-1, W-3, and
P-3]
6. Ambos Nocrales Ground Water Protection Initiative - Wellhead ¦
Protection (WHP) Program
1) Project/Initiative Description: The Nogales, AZ Ground Water
Protection Initiative is a preemptive effort, employing Whp
strategies to protect the quality of the drinking waters in the
aquifer under Nogales. Mexico and the U.S. will continue the
exchange of information that could lead to the implementation of a
WHP program in ambos Nogales.
2} Background: Protecting a region's ground water before it
becomes contaminated is both wise and cost effective. A WHP
program_focuses on the apparent, but often ignored, link between
activities that take place on the land near aquifer recharge areas
around ground water wells and the quality of ground water supplied
1st Quarter: -
2nd Quarter: -
3rd Quarter: -
4th Quarter: -
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by those wells pumping from the aquifer. General elements of a WHP
program include citizen involvement, defining the land area to be
protected, identifying and locating potential source of
contamination, managing the protection area, and planning
accordingly.
3) Objectives: To improve the protection of Amfcos Nogales' ground
water by implementing a proactive, cooperative program involving:
o increased and improved local voluntary involvement in the
management of ground water quality;
o public education on ground water quality;' and
o measures of direct environmental and human health benefit for
the wellhead protection area.
4) Resource Re 1994, ongoing if community feels it's important (AZ> .
- Program in Sonora would begin after the Arizona program.
S) Milestones:
1st Quarter: - Assist in revision of workplan [W-l]
- Manage grant with SEAGO and monitor progress >}-l J
- Provide guidance and assistance as requested by
SEAGO; this could 'include, attending Ccirununi ty
meetings fW-1]
- Provide guidance and assistance as needed fW-6-3)
2nd Quarter: - Manage grant with SEAGO and monitor progress W-l)
- Provide -guidance and assistance as requested by
SEAGO? this could include attending coiraumizy
meetings [W-l]
- Provide guidance and assistance as needed (W-6-3)
3rd Quarter: - Manage grant with SEAGO and monitor progress [W-1J
- Provide guidance and assistance as requested by
SEAGO; this could include attending ccrrcnunicy
meetings [W-l]
- Provide guidance and assistance as needed [w-6-31
4th Quarter: - Manage grant with SEAGO and monitor progress ;w 1]
- Provide guidance and assistance as requested by
SEAGO; this could, include attending community
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meetings fW-lJ
- Provide guidance and assistance as needed [W-6-3J
G. FYS 4 PRIORITIES FOR TH1 OFFICE OT REGIONAL COUNSEL
Background
While recognizing the sole and sovereign responsibilities of
each government for law enforcement in its respective jurisdiction
and territoryMexico and the U.S. recognize that damage to human
health and the environment in the border area- may be ' reduced
through increased cooperation. A cooperative enforcement' strategy
between the two governments to promote compliance wich their
respective environmental laws can achieve and convey a more
effective message of deterrence.
In 1991 / EPA and SEDESOL's predecessor agency, SEDUE, created
a Binational Enforcement Strategy Workgroup to coordinate and
report on the various media-specific, irtulti-media, . programmatic,
and geographic enforcement initiatives. The Region S Office of
Regional Counsel IORC), under the auspices of the Binational
Er.forecment Strategy Workgroup, is organizing en Cerement subgroups
with its SEDESOL counterparts. Region 9 will have two subgroups:
1) a Sonora/Arizona subgroup,- and 2) a California/Baja California
subgroup. The California/Baja California subgroup had its first
meeting in April,*1993. The group included the SED3SCL office for
Baja California, USE?A Region 9, U.S. Customs, the FBI, the San
Diego County Task Force, the California Office of Attorney General,
Cal EPA, ar.d the South Coast Air District. The Sonera/Arizona
subgroup has noz yet ir.et but will include the SEDESOL office for
Sonora, USEPA Region 9, and, possibly Arizona and border city
enforcement representatives, representatives from the State of
Sonora, end US and Mexican Customs.
Objectives and Milestones
1. Exchange information and expertise regarding" legal' and
enforcement issues with SEDESOL.
Convene meetings of the California/Ban"a California
enforcement subgroup (quarters 2 end 4)
Convene first meeting of zhe Arizona/Sonora enforcement
subgroup {quarter 2)
2. Support efforts to resolve enforcement problems caused by
transboundary transport and disposal of hazardous wastes and
substances under Ar.nex III of the La Paz Agreements ar.d US law.
- Support enforcement efforts, repatriation and cleanups of
illegally exported hazardous waste (eg. A&W Smelter waste).
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- Resolve legal problems associated with trarisboundary movement
of hazardous wastes and substances.
- Wor'.t with the Border Crime Task Force being organized by the
U.S. Attorney for Arizona and the Arizona Attorney General.
Work with the San Diego Ta3k Force.
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