EPA Region 6: Border Program News
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environmental stewardship. Sixteen (16) Region 6
projects were highlighted in this report.
Texas-New Mexico-Chihuahua Regional Workgroup:
Improving air quality monitoring in Ojinaga
(Goal 1: Air)
New Mexico-Chihuahua border study on air
quality (Goal 1: Air)
Urban keyhole gardens rainwater-harvesting
techniques (El Paso Water Utilities) (Goal 2:
Water)
Bio solids recycling agriculture at Juarez valley
(Goal 3: Waste)
Tire amnesty collection events in El Paso
County (Goal 3: Waste)
Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Community Collection
Center (Goal 3: Waste)
Regional plan for waste management in
Ascension and Janos (Goal 3: Waste)
Hazardous railcar leak mitigation preparedness
in the Paso del Norte region. (City of El Paso)
(Goal 4: Emergency Response)
Texas-Coahuila-Nuevo Leon-Tamaulipas Regional
Workgroup:
• Characterization of drayage vehicle activities and
emissions in the Laredo air shed (Goal 1: Air)
• Management of fat, oil and grease in Nuevo
Laredo (Goal 3: Waste)
• Conservation of the Arroyo Las Vacas in Acuna
(Goal 3: Waste)
• Waste generation diagnostic for the Northeast
Border Region (Goal 3: Waste)
• Alamo RecyclingTeam Includes Everyone (ARTIE)
Program (Goal 3: Waste)
• Supporting Pharr efforts to maintain a clean
community (Goal 3: Waste)
• Bi-national exercises at the cities of Harlingen
and Matamoros (Goal 4: Emergency Response)
• Promotoras-led environmental health education
to children in Eagle Pass (Environmental
Education & Environmental Health)
Both Regions / Borderwide:
• COOPERATION TO IMPROVE
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH (Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) - US/MX Border
Health Commission Collaborative Agreement)
Children's Symposium (El Paso
September 2015)
Promotora Trainings
• Enhance joint preparedness for environmental
emergencies
• End-of-life Vehicles Guide
• U.S.-Mexico Border Water Infrastructure
Program.
State of the Border: Indicators Interim
Report (2016)
Border 2020: US-MEXICO ENVIRONMENTAL
PROGRAM
State of the Border Region
Indicators Interim Report
2016
The State of the Border Region 2016 Interim Report
provides information on the status and trends of
environmental quality in the U.S.-Mexico border
region. In doing so, it also illustrates progress made
under the U.S.-Mexico Border 2020 program. This
report builds on the flagship 2005 State of the Border
Region report and the 2010 State of the Border Region
report. It refreshes and updates key indicators from
2010 and adds new indicators to reflect new areas of
Border 2020 focus and activity. As with previous
reports, this report is structured around the goals of
Border 2020 with chapters on air, water, land,
environmental readiness and response, and
enforcement and compliance.
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Indicators are presented with brief data source
information below each indicator. Complete
underlying data and details on indicator data sources
are available in a companion document, State of the
Border Region 2016 Interim Update: Indicator
Metadata and Data Tables.
Types of Indicators:
Pressure: indicators that describe human activities
that place stresses on the environment.
Need: indicators that inform our understanding of
the magnitude or type of need for a programmatic
response.
Output: Indicators that measure activities,
products, or services resulting from a project or
program.
Outcome: Indicators that measure changes in the
state of the environment or the effects of
environmental conditions on human and/or
ecological health
REPORT INDICATORS
Goal 1: Air
Number of Days Exceeding Air Quality
Standards in Border Monitoring Areas
Goal 2: Water
Number of Unserved Homes Connected to
Safe Drinking Water through the Border Water
Infrastructure Program
Number of Unserved Homes Connected
Wastewater Collection and Treatment Services
through the Border Water Infrastructure
Program
Goal 3: Waste
Per-Capita Municipal Solid Waste Disposal in
U.S. Border States and Counties
Per-Capita Municipal Solid Waste Generated in
Mexican Border States
Number of Electronics Refurbishers and
Recyclers in the Border Region Certified to R2
or e-Stewards
Goal 4: Emergency Response & Preparedness
Number of Incident Notifications in the Border
Region Received by the National Response
Center (NRC)
Number of Incident Notifications in the Border
Region Received by the Centro de Orientacion
para la Atencion de Emergencias Ambientales
(COATEA) or Centro Nacional de
Comunicaciones / Sistema Nacional de
Proteccidn Civil (CENACOM)
Binational Capacity Building and Training
Events
Goal 5: Compliance Assistance
Regulated U.S. and Mexican facilities in the
border region
Number of State and Federal Inspections for
Federal Programs in the U.S. Border Region
Number of Federal Inspections in the Mexican
Border Region
Pollution Reduction from Federal Enforcement
Actions in the U.S. Border Region
Joint Advisory Committee
El Paso, Texas - Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua
On January 19, 2017 the Joint Advisory Committee
(JAC) held its 68th Meeting in Ciudad Juarez,
Chihuahua, Mexico. A total of 62 people participated,
including 6 through Go-To-Meeting, Mayor Armando
Cabada, of Ciudad Juarez, welcomed the members of
the JAC and public. Arturo Blanco from Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Environmental
Justice, Tribal and International Affairs (OEJTIA) served
as the U.S. Co-Chair, as Guy Donaldson was not able to
attend the meeting, along with Ana Patricia Martinez
from Mexico's Secretarfa de Medio Ambiente y
Recursos Naturales (SEMARNAT), who serves as the
Mexican Co-Chair. During the meeting three new JAC
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members were introduced: Dra. Cecilia 0. Olague from
the Secretarfa de Desarrollo Urbano y Ecologfa (SDUE)
of the state of Chihuahua; Psic. Jesus D. Cardenas from
Comision Estatal para la Proteccidn contra Riesgos
Sanitarios (COEPRIS); and Jurgen Ganser, director for
the Department of Ecology for the Ciudad Juarez,
Chihuahua.
(UTEP). For more information on the meeting please
visit the Border 2020 website.
The JAC serves as the air taskforce for the Border 2020
Program for the Texas-New Mexico-Chihuahua
Regional Workgroup (3-State RWG). More information
regarding the JAC can be found at: www.cccjac.org
Highlights from the meeting included presentations on
the:
PROAIRE - The program focuses on reversing
air quality deterioration of the main cities or
areas in the State of Chihuahua through the
implementation of measures and actions
carried out by the public and private sectors
and with participation of citizens, for the
protection of public health and the
environment.
Update from Ciudad Juarez Ecology
Department on its state vehicle programs, the
importation of vehicles, wait times at Port of
Entries and air quality associated with POEs,
and a health awareness campaign "For Better
Air Quality" launched in December 2016
focused to increase citizen awareness on the
importance of vehicle inspection program and
maintenance.
Project "Space-time Variation of Heavy Metals
in Particulate Material less than 10 micrometers
in Ciudad Juarez" by Dr. Alba Corral from the
Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez
(UACJ). The study is focusing on 4-years' worth
of data to carry out an air quality space-time
analysis based on the quantification of PM10
and heavy metals in air filters of the monitoring
network and eventually evaluate the presence
of heavy metals in biological samples in
children in Ciudad Juarez.
A regional initiative to address public health
risks associated with extreme heat by Gregg
Garfin from the University of Arizona.
Cattle Ranching: Building or Destroying the
Environment? By Alejandro Carillo from the
Fundacidn Pasticultores del Desierto.
The next meeting for the JAC is set for May 25th in El
Paso, Texas at the University of Texas at El Paso
New arsenic treatment facility begins
operating in Tornillo, Texas
Ribbon cutting ceremony for the Tornillo Facility
(photo courtesy of BECC)
On March 23, 2017 the El Paso County Tornillo Water
Improvement District (EPCTWID) held a ribbon-cutting
ceremony for its new Wastewater Collection and
Arsenic Treatment Plant which began construction in
June 2016. Gilbert Tellez, from Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6's Water Division -
Border Environmental Infrastructure Fund (BEIF)
Program was in attendance at the event. The EPA
Region 6 BEIF Program provided $3.75 million in grant
money for the construction of the project. The project
also received $100,000 in technical assistance through
EPA Region 6's Program Development Assistance
Program (PDAP) that assisted with the preparation of
environmental documents and perform a water audit
of EPCTWID.
The facility will have the capacity to treat 600 gallons
per minute (gmp) to help reduce naturally-occurring
arsenic concentration levels, as well as, remove iron
and manganese ions. The project also provided first-
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time access to sewer connections to 19 households
who were using substandard on-site wastewater
disposal systems, eliminating approximately 5,600
gpm of inadequately treated and untreated
wastewater.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Rural Development program also provided funding for
additional projects in the community, bringing the total
investment of projects to $6.75 million USD,
benefitting approximately 1,560 residents.
For more information, visit the North American
Development Bank (NADB) website:
http://www.nadb.org/pdfs/state_projects/Arsenic%20T
reatment%2Qand%2oWastewater%2oCollection%2oProj
ect.pdf
Waste Taskforce Public Meeting
(Texas-New Mexico-Chihuahua Regional Workgroup)
On February 7, the Texas-Chihuahua-New Mexico
B2020Task Force Goal 3 for the Promotion of Materials
Management, Recycling, Waste Management and
Clean Sites held a public meeting, attended by over 35
Taskforce Co-leader's, MC. Rene Franco Ruiz (MX) and
Cristina Viesca - Santos (US) , welcomed participants
representing from the Procuradurfa Federal de
Proteccion al Ambiente (PROFEPA), the Secretari'a de
Desarrollo Urbano y Ecologfa (SDUE) Cobierno,
Municipalities of Ciudad Juarez and Ascencion,
Chihuahua Public Works and Ecology department, as
well as, private partner, Cementos de Chihuahua,
Chihuahua, Cattle Ranchers Association, the University
of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), Ciudad Juarez Autonomous
University (UACJ) faculty and students and concern
citizens along with the Border Environmental
Cooperation Commission (BECC). and general public.
The meeting included a brain-storming-session on
input on priorities to be included in the Two-Year
Action Plan (2017-2018) for the Texas-New Mexico-
Chihuahua RWC. Ing. Gustavo Nunez, of Cementos de
Chihuahua, presented on how the reutilizes used tires
and solid waste in their process to produce co-
generation for their pant. The reutilization of the tires
is part of a private - public partnership that has existed
over several years and has served as a model that
highlights how using used tires can become an
economic driver for other business. From the
partnership, over 6 million tires were eliminated from
Ciudad Juarez's landfill by 2015. In 2016,1.5 million tires
were eliminated from the landfill.
A private company in Mexico, COLUSOL, presented on
a project has been reutilizing waste water sludge in
generation of clean energy. Ing. Francisco Sanchez,
from Ecorecikla, presented on the events they have
partnered with the Municipality of Ciudad Juarez, on
recycling and e-waste collection events. Last, Pam
Aguirre, who leads the Tire Advisory Committee gave a
presentation on private sector participation on scrap
tire management in the Paso del Norte Region. Mrs.
Aguirre presented on how some local businesses have
been reutilizing scrap tires in pavers and tiles. In
addition, the City of El Paso has done several paving
projects using crumb rubber. Mrs, Aguirre presented
on Tire Amnesty Days that three local communities
(Lower Valley of El Paso, City of San Elizario and Village
of Vinton) have been having on a regular basis. Last,
two new tire bills were proposed by Senator Rodriguez
to address the issue of scrap tires in Texas.
Waste Taskforce attendees in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua
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Waste Taskforce Meeting:
Tire Advisory Committee (TAC)
(Texas-New Mexico-Chihuahua Regional Workgroup)
Ori March 7 the TAC met to discuss ongoing activities
from committee members. Topics on the agenda
included discussion of the Texas House Bill 490,
introduced by State Rep. Mary Gonzalez, regarding
"Tire Dumping Enforcement Grant Program", and
Senate Bill 570, introduced by State Senator Rodriguez,
Status of Tire Haulers in New Mexico. The three other
committees: Enforcement Working Group, Ends
Markets Working Group and Securing Funding
Working Group did not have any updates to present.
Participants included representatives from EPA El Paso
Border Office, City of Vinton, San Elizario, private
companies-3 Pesetas, Michelin Tires, Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), New
Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and others.
The TAC was formed from a Border 2020 Goal 3
workshop held in 2014 that focused on rethinking scrap
tires as a resource - not a waste. The TAC was one of
four actions from the workshop, with the goal of
establishing a permanent scrap tire advisory
committee in the Paso del Norte Region that meets
regularly to address the topic of scrap tires. The next
TAC meeting is expected to take place in September
2017.
Environmental Education
Taskforce Public Meeting
(Texas-New Mexico-Chihuahua Regional Workgroup)
The Border 2020 Environmental Education Taskforce
held a public meeting, attended by over 60
stakeholders, on February 1, 2017 in El Paso, Texas.
Participants included University of Texas at El Paso
(UTEP) faculty and students, US-Mexico Border Health
Commission (BHC or Commission), Mexican Consulate,
City of El Paso representatives, Ciudad Juarez City
Staff, Mexican university faculty, U.S.-Mexico Border
Health Commission, Border Environmental
Cooperation Commission (BECC), NGOs, private
business and general public.
Participants at the Environmental Education Taskforce meeting on
February 1, 2017.
The meeting included five presenters: Dr. Bruce San
Filippo (Border 2020 Environmental Health TF Co-
leader); Dra. Veronica Gonzalez Sepulveda (Ciudad
Juarez Office of Sustainability); Patricia Juarez-Carillo
(UTEP); Esmeralda Cervantes Rendon (El Colegio de
Chihuahua) and Maria Sisneros (Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) Border Office).
Dr. Filippo, who also represents the BHC in New
Mexico, presented on the Commission's initiatives
along the border which includes a strong push on
training and empowering promotoras. The
Commission has been a partner with EPA on their
children's health symposium and promotora trainings
that took place in 2015-2016 throughout several cities
along the Texas border. Dr. Filippo also highlighted
several local projects focused on Education on Heat
Resiliency and air quality.
Dr. Gonzalez who was hired as the Chief Resiliency
Officer for Ciudad Juarez under the Rockefeller
Foundation Grant, presented on Ciudad Juarez's
sustainability initiatives. Through several public forums
five initiatives were identified under the program. In
addition, the office has already begun to undertake
several projects focuses on bringing health awareness
on extreme heat events, green infrastructure and a
woman's program on "Safe Perimeter/Environment"
Dr. Juarez-Carrillo presented on several activities that
took place in 2016 with UTEP. UTEP in April 2016 held a
public forum focused on "Environment, Social Justice
& Sustainable Development".
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T
Participants on April 2 Public Forum on "Environmental, Social Justice &
Sustainable Development"
During the forum participants stated that there needs
to be more actions towards addressing basic needs
(i.e. housing, energy, water, food, etc.); more
empowerment of a broader range of stakeholders on
the issues through education, communication, risk
awareness and knowledge transfer; promotion of a
cohesive and engaged community through social
connectivity and community participation; and also
learn what local government is doing (i.e. projects and
policy).
Esmeralda Cervantes presented on a 3-day conference
focused on "Renewable energy and Sustainability"
that took place in October 2016 in Ciudad Juarez
attended by over 353 participants. The conference
focused on renewable energy and sustainability and
how to address social problems. The conference
highlighted the continued need to educate the public
on the issue and ensuring they are involved in various
forums and activities.
Maria Sisneros presented on the 3-State RWG priorities
under the Two-Year Action plan (2016-2017) and a
summary of the previous Action Plan.
The final portion of the meeting included conducting a
"World Cafe" where participants broke up into five
groups to discuss what should be the priorities for the
taskforce, what are the challenges and how to address
them. The results of the activity were presented at the
February 14 Regional Workgroup meeting.
World Cafe activity with participants at the EETF mtg.
Environmental Health Taskforce
Public Meeting
(Texas-New Mexico-Chihuahua Regional Workgroup)
The Environmental Health Taskforce public meeting
took place on March 30, 2017. Participants included
representatives from U.S.-MX Border Health
Commission (BHC or Commission), Las Cruces City,
New Mexico Department of Health, Border
Environmental Cooperation Commission (BECC), Doha
Ana County, University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
The meeting had six presenters. A brief summary of
each is presented below.
Lisa LaRoque from the City of Las Cruces highlighted
some of the city's ongoing efforts to address heat
resiliency. Projects currently ongoing include a green
infrastructure project focused on creating a "green
Corridor" to connect two large major streets with a
walking and cycling pathway. A second project will
focus on capturing stormwater and using it to irrigate
public spaces. A third project is a partnership with
utilities where people can be given a tree to plant in
front of their home to create more shade. A fourth
project is a collaboration with City of El Paso and Juarez
on a health assessment survey on extreme heat.
During the month of May, the City of LC along with El
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Paso Juarez will have several extreme heat outreach
events to the public.
Jose Velasquez from the Commission provided a
presentation on the Commission's efforts to enrich and
build capacity with promotoras. These efforts are also
part of a collaboration with EPA. During June, the US-
MX BHC along with the 10 border states will host a
binational "Vector-borne Diseases" conference in El
Paso.
Claudia Macias from NM Dept. of Health gave an
overview of New Mexico's Promotora history and
Certification Volunteer Program (CVP). Currently there
are 120 certified promotoras in the state of NM. The
certification program consists of 100 hours focused on
developing 10 core promotora competencies. The
health department looking into growing the
promotora network. The state of NM is the second
state in the US to have legislation recognize utilizing
Medicaid funds to be used to reimburse the work
promotoras do.
Patricia Juarez, US Coleader of Environmental
Education and Sustainability Taskforce (EESTF) of
Border 2020, presented over overview of the EESTF
public meeting held February 1. During the public
meeting the following were stressed as priorities on
environment and environmental health: train the
trainers; comprehensive environmental education;
increase literacy - education empowers your
community to make decision (geared towards
promotoras, leaders, etc.); conduct public education
campaigns in a language and medium they can
understand; strategy that includes various sectors;
spread the knowledge of laws and regulations to
promote environmental literacy.
Comprehensive environmental
education to prevent impacts ft
empower individual and societal
responsibility
Literacy: Health, social, economic and justice issues
Sustainability & Resilience
Regulations/ordinances
Air, water, waste, land use, & extreme weather events
Urban infrastructure ft mobility, clean transportation
Culture and perceptions
Promote connectivity & conservation with open spaces
What to address on
EE for this region?
Spread knowledge of laws ft
regulations and promote
revisions to update to
current context and follow
pnnciples of sustainability
and resilience
Design a comprehensive
strategy that is inclusive
and based on ample
collaboration
Conduct public
educational campaigns
All B2020 work groups & taskforces
All government levels
Businesses, community, academia,
associations, coalitions, etc.
Social media, app, websites
Radio, TV, newspapers
Social marketing
Community centers, schools,
conferences, workshops, local
events, etc.
it TF Public Input Priorities & Needs
Jagan Butler from the Border Environmental Health
Coalition (BEHC) presented on Environmental Literacy.
His presentation provided an overview on how, in
some cases, the public falls short of understanding the
environment and its effects on human health and vice.
Jagan advocates that Environmental Literacy is needed
in the community in order for residents to understand
this relationship. Environmental Health doesn't carry a
negative connotation. Having clean air, clean water
and a good food source then that promotes good
environmental Health.
Ken Scholar from Doha Ana County Vector Control
Program, presented on some of the Counties activities
the county is taking to combat vector borne-illnesses.
The County has focused not so much on enforcement
but collaborations and partnerships and good
environmental Stewardship and compliance to address
mosquitos' issues. They have worked with farmers to
address standing water and have also focused on
environment outreach with kids to help bring the word
to parents in the home.
Vector Control Staff obtaining samples
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Junta de Los Rios Taskforce
Public Meetings
(Texas-New Mexico-Chihuahua Regional Workgroup)
The Junta de Los Rios Taskforce which address border
environmental issues in the Presidio, Texas - Ojinaga,
Chihuahua are held two task forces meetings: 1)
November 3-4, 2016 in Ojinaga and 2) March 23, 2017 in
Presidio.
other Task Force partners' web page for public
viewing.
View of the Municipal Building in Ojinaga, Chihuahua
The November 3-4 meetings were held at the City of
Ojinaga City Council Chambers. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) staff, Carlos Rincon, met with
Martin Sanchez, the mayor of Ojinaga, along with the
City of Ojinaga Ecology Department's Director and
those of the Office of City Manager, Public Works and
Chief Advisor to the Mayor for a day and a half work
program to discuss ongoing priorities regarding air
quality and city trash collection and landfill
infrastructure needs. Technical staff from the City of
Juarez Air Quality Monitoring Program worked with
the City of Ojinaga Monitoring technical personnel
preparing the three PM10 units the city has to begin
running in the near future, so that the air quality
monitoring network will start running as per the
stations' schedule. A Border 2020 Grant assisted with
the bringing the monitors back to operational function
and also training three Ecology Department Ojinaga
technicians on topics such as: units operational
procedure systems, filter change-handling and
shipment to Centro de Investigacion en Materiales
Avanzados (CIMAV) laboratory in Chihuahua City. Once
the monitors are running, Dr. Alfredo Campos Trujillo
from CIMAV will analyze the filters and will have the
data ready for publication, at City of Ojinaga and at
Overlooking Presidio, Texas
On March 23, 2017, the Junta de los Rios had their first
public for the year. During the meeting, Ojinaga city
officials presented on the city's 2-year government
planned priorities. Secretary Cecilia Olague from the
Secretarfa de Desarrollo Urbano v Ecologi'a (SDUE)
Gobierno (SDUE) presented the Governor's 5-year
program on the Environment and Environmental
Health Plan. Last, the taskforce members and
stakeholders present provided input on priorities for
the Two-year Work-plan (2017-2018) for the Regional
Workgroup.
New Mexico-Chihuahua Rural Taskforce
Public Meeting
(Texas-New Mexico-Chihuahua Regional Workgroup -
3State RWG)
El Paso Border Office Director, Dr. Carlos Rincon,
attended the public meeting of the New - Chihuahua
Rural Taskforce on March 30, 2017 held at the
Palomas's Public library in Palomas, Chihuahua. Dr.
Rincon was accompanied by Gerardo Tarin,
representing Secretarfa de Medio Ambiente y Recursos
Naturales (SEMARNAT), to discuss environmental
education and environmental health priorities and
projects in the New Mexico - Chihuahua rural area.
Approximately 22 stakeholders attended the public
meeting. Attendees included Local government
officials including the Mayor of Ascencion, Chihuahua
and Palomas, Chihuahua, Ascencion, Chihuahua and
Columbus, New Mexico City Council members, New
Mexico State University (NMSU) staff and State of
Chihuahua Health Science, Health Secretariat in
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Chihuahua, the Village of Columbus Economic
Development, NGO (Border Partners), Rural
Chihuahua's Agriculture University, Chihuahua Cattle
Ranchers Association and Border Environmental
Cooperation Commission (BECC).
Dr. Dave Dubois presenting to taskforce meeting attendees
Dr. Dave Dubois (NMSU) presented an update on a
Border 2020 Project funded that looks like the public
health risk of exposure to dust from bare cattle
ranchers and unpaved streets and preventative
measures that can be taken. In addition, Roberto
Nunez, of the Village of Columbus, presented an
overview of Columbus's drinking water reserves
osmosis system, which helps to meet the water quality
standard for fluoride and arsenic. The meeting
concluded with attendees providing input on the rural
taskforce's priorities for 2017 - 2018. Comments
regarding the priorities included water quality and safe
drinking water access to residents of the rural area, as
well as, addressing issues with waste management for
the region.
(left to right) Carlos Rincon (EPA), Gerardo Tarin (SEMARNAT), Noel Dolores
Loya Lozano (Mayor of Ascencion), Briselda Duarte (BECC), Ramon Rodriguez
Prieto (Mayor ofPalomas)
Amistad Taskforce
Public Meetings
(Texas-Coahuila-Tamaulipas-Nuevo Leon Regional
Workgroup - 4State RWG)
The Amistad TF held its 2016 public meeting on
December 6 in Eagle Pass, Texas. About 40 persons
attended the meeting that included attendees from
city of Eagle Pass, Maverick County, Departamento de
Ecologi'ade Piedras Negras, Departamento de Ecologfa
de Ciudad Acuna, Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) Region 6 El Paso office, Secretariat of
Environment in Coahuila (SEMA), Secretariat of the
Environment and Natural Resources in Tamaulipas
(SEMARNAT) -by Go to Meeting, Border Environment
Cooperation Commission (BECC), Mexican Consulate in
Eagle Pass, non-profit organizations and academic
institutions.
There were four presentations during the meeting. Dr.
Carlos Rincon shared updates on the projects under
the 2015-2016 Border 2020 Action Plan for the Amistad
Task Force. There are 15 projects in the Action Plan, one
is from the U.S. side and 14 are being developed on the
Mexican side.
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Amistad TF Meeting December 2016
Oscar Flores, Secretariat of Environment in Coahuiia
(SEMA), provided an update on a Border 2020 funded
project focused on a used electronics program the
Secretariat is developing. The objectives of the project
are to develop storage capacity of used electronics,
prevent the unauthorized disposal of this type of waste
in landfills, lots and near water bodies, educate the
general population on used electronics recycling, and
strengthen recycling methods for specific electronic
materials.
Victor Ibarra of the Technological Institute of Piedras
Negras reported on the status of the used electronics
awareness project in Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras
that was funded under the Border 2020 Program. The
objective of the project is to promote the integrated
management of used electronics and identify waste
flows. More than 80% of the project has been
completed.
Vanessa Rosales-Herrera of the City
of Eagle Pass presented on the
plastic bag ordinance passed by the
Eagle Pass City Council in February
2017. The objectives of the ordinance
are to protect the environment from
the adverse effects of plastic bags,
protect life and property from flooding, protect fish
and rivers, and promote the overall beautification of
the city of Eagle Pass.
The final portion of the meeting had attendees
conduct a working session where they split into groups
by goal (air, water, waste, emergency response,
compliance & enforcement, and environmental
health/education) to get any input from stakeholders
on environmental priorities and projects sent to EPA
for consideration for the next Border 2020 Request for
Proposals and the Two-Year Action Plan (2017-2018).
Falcon Taskforce
Public Meetings
(Texas-Coahuila-Tamaulipas-Nuevo Leon Regional
Workgroup - 4State RWG)
The Falcon TF held its 2016 annual public meeting on
December 7, 2016 in Laredo, Texas. The meeting was
attended by 42 people that included officials from the
city of Laredo, Municipio de Nuevo Laredo, Municipio
de Anahuac, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Region 6 El Paso office, Secretariat of Environment in
Tamaulipas (SEDUMA)—through Go To Meeting,
Secretariat of the Environment and Natural Resources
in Tamaulipas (SEMARNAT) -through Go to Meeting,
Secretariat of Sustainable Development in Nuevo
Leon—through Go To Meeting, PROFEPA
Tamaulipas—through Go To Meeting, Border
Environment Cooperation Commission (BECC),
Mexican Consulate in Laredo, non-profit organizations
and academic institutions.
Dr. Carlos Rincon represented EPA at the meeting. Dr.
Carlos Rincon shared updates on the projects under
the 2015-2016 Border 2020 Action Plan for the Falcon
Task Force. There are 16 projects in the Action Plan.
Dr. Juan Antonio Herrera of the Autonomous
University of Tamaulipas (UAT) discussed the status of
a legislative reform and environmental education
project that was funded by the Border 2020 Program.
The objectives of the project are to propose reforms to
environmental regulations in Nuevo Laredo, train
inspectors, and measure the level of environmental
awareness through surveys. Mr, Herrera reported on
several activities under the project that included:
• Educating 250 people through interviews with
local authorities about regulations to lay the
ground for legislative proposals. The results of
the surveys showed that there is a lack of or we
11
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needed to strengthen recycling and water
conservation programs.
• Staff of UAT collaborated with the Nuevo
Laredo ecology staff and Cornision Municipal
de Agua Potable y Alcantarillado (COMAPA -
Nuevo Laredo's water system) to train schools
on recycling and water conservation. The
original goal was to train 150 people but the
project has trained over 750 people on these
topics.
• Steve Landin, Fire Chief of the Laredo Fire
Department discussed the Laredo and Nuevo
Laredo Joint Emergency Response
Contingency Plan updated in July 2016. The
plan doesn't allow staff of the Laredo Fire
Department to cross equipment or to
physically respond to contingencies, but it
identifies communication and training as
important components. Chief Landin stressed
the importance of organizing a tabletop and
contingency exercise with Nuevo Laredo
officials in one of the crossing points.
• Marco Garza of the Technological University of
Nuevo Laredo provided a status on a
wastewater treatment project. The university
is partnering with Caterpillar (a global
equipment services company) to design a
project to extend the connection of their
sewer lines on campus to the municipality's
sewer system.
The final portion of the meeting included a working
session where attendees grouped by goal come up
with environmental priorities and projects for the next
Border 2020 Request for Proposals, sent to EPA Border
Program staff, and the Two-Year Action Plan (2017-
2018).
Gulf Taskforce
Public Meetings
(Texas-Coahuila-Tamaulipas-Nuevo Leon Regional
Workgroup - 4State RWG)
On December 9 ,2016, the Gulf Taskforce held its
annual public meeting in Harlingen, Texas.
Approximately 50 people attended including officials
from the cities of Reynosa, Valle Hermoso, Matamoros,
Pharr, San Juan, Brownsville, Harlingen, as well as
representatives from Matamoros and Valle Hermoso
water and wastewater utilities, Matamoros
commissioner and Matamoros local state
representative, Secretarfa de Desarrollo Urbano y
Medio Ambiente (SEDUMA), Secretarfa de Medio
Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (SEMARNAT),
Secretary of State Colonias staff and Lower Rio Grande
Valley (LRGV) Development council staff. Maria
Sisneros, from the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) El Paso Border Office attended the meeting
representing EPA Sam Coleman who serves as the 4-
State RWG Federal Co-Chair. Opening remarks for the
meeting included: Lie. Jesus Gonzales Macias,
SEMARNAT- Tamaulipas Delegado, Border 2020's
federal Co-chair, Claudia Lozano of the Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ -
representing Chairman Bryan Shaw Border 2020's
State co-chair) John Wood, Brownsville Navigation
District Commissioner and Gulf Task Force US
Coleader, Jesus de la Garza, Matamoros Mayor and
Gulf Task Force Mexican Co-facilitator, Jim Darling,
McAllen Mayor and Delfino Ramirez, representing
Reynosa's Mayor.
Cirilo Rodriguez, McAllen Fire Department, addresses participants at the
December 9 meeting
Six presentations were conducted during the meeting:
• Gulf Task Force' Two-year Action Plan (2015-
2016) (Maria Sisneros, EPA). Ms. Sisneros
12
cowmtivt smrrofODR cokhpvity
-------
provided updated information on the 2015-
2016 Action Plan for the Guif TF, which included
24 projects.
Binational Tabletop and Functional Exercises
between the cities of Harlingen and
Matamoros, City of Harlingen (Cirilo Rodriguez,
McAllen Fire Department). Mr. Rodriguez
presented on a Border 2020 funded project
that provided 40 HR-HAZMAT training to
Matamoros, Tamaulipas responders. The grant
also included a binational tabletop and
function exercise.
Let's Clean it Up and Green it Up, City of Pharr
(Maya Acosta, City of Pharr). Ms. Acosta
presented on a Border 2020 funded project
whose objectives were to: conduct solid waste
disposal events; increase recycling efforts by
offering drop off areas around the city;
education on recycling; provide curbside
recycling to residents, schools and small
business; increase electronic waste efforts.
Strengthen Solid Waste Programs in Rio Bravo
and Valle Hermoso, Tamaulipas (Francisco
Guerra, SEDUMA Tamaulipas). Mr. Guerra
presented on a Border 2020 funded project
that focuses on assisting the municipalities of
Rio Bravo and Valle Hermoso, Tamaulipas to
conduct a diagnosis to develop a
comprehensive management workplan on
municipal solid waste
Emergency Preparedness in Colonias (Josue
Ramirez, Texas Housing, and Ramona Casas,
ARISE). Both speakers provided an overview of
the conference held in August 2016. Both these
two organizations along with EPA's Border
Program, EPA's Environmental Justice
Program and other stakeholders hosted a
conference in August 2016 to provide
information to Colonia Residents on
Emergency Preparedness efforts, before,
during and after an emergency event.
Matamoros' Clean Beach Certification
(Eduardo Castilla, City of Matamoros). Mr.
Castiila provided information on Matamoros'
clean beach certification whose objectives are
to: promote the sanitation of the beach, the
watershed and water bodies associated with
associated with the beach; prevent pollution in
order to protect and preserve beaches,
respecting native flora and fauna; improve the
quality of life by protecting the health of users;
and raise the competitiveness levels of tourist
destinations with coordinated actions of the
various orders of Government and private,
social and academic sectors.
Texas-New Mexico-Chihuahua
Regional Workgroup
Public Meeting
Regional Workgroup Leadership & Co-Chairs, (left to right) Arturo Bianco
(EPA), Dra. Cecilia Olague Caballero (SDUE), Sam Coleman (EPA), Juan Carlos
Borrego (NMED), Steve Niemeyer (TCI.Q), and Evaristo Cruz (Ysleta del Sur
Pueblo)
Sam Coleman, US Co-Chair for the Texas-New Mexico-
Chihuahua Regional Workgroup (3-State RWG),
participated on February 14, 2017, in the regional
workgroup's 2017 public meeting held at the Ysleta del
Sur Tribal Court in El Paso, Texas. The meeting was also
chaired by the 3state RWG State (Dra. Cecilia Olague
Caballero - Secretarfa de Desarrollo Urbano y Ecologfa
(SDUE); Steve Niemeyer represented Chairman Bryan
Shaw - Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
(TCEQ), Juan Carlos Borrego, Deputy Secretary for
New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and
Tribal Co-Chair (Evaristo Cruz representing Pueblo
Governor Carlos Hisa, from Ysleta del Sur Tribe).
Mexican Co-Chair Brenda Rios was unable to attend
the jstate RWG meeting but briefly addressed
participants via phone at the beginning of the meeting.
Each of the federal, state and tribal co-chairs provided
13
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(Left to Right) Rene Franco Ruiz(WasteTF MX Co-chair), Rene Franco Barreno
(Water TF MX Co-Chair) and Lorenzo Arriaga (former Water TF US Co-Chair)
Texas-Coahuila-Tamaulipas-Nuevo Leon
Regional Workgroup
Public Meeting
On February 14, 2017, the Texas-Coahuila-Nuevo Leon
Regional Workgroup (4-State RWG) conducted their
annual 2017 Public meeting. The binational meeting
was attended by approximately 79 stakeholders from
government, academia, non-governmental
organizations, private industry and general public. The
purpose of the RWG Annual Meeting was to present
the progress of binational projects in the two-year
Action Plan (2015-2016) and to agree on and identify
priorities that can be included in the two-year Action
Plan (2017-2018).
input of their respective agency work and priorities
along the border. The public meeting was attended by
51 stakeholders from government, academia and
private sectors, as well as, NGOs.
The meeting was comprised of ten presentations, a
presentation on an overview of the Border 2020
Indicators Report published in December 2016 and
each of the nine Taskforces within the 3-State RWG.
The taskforce co-leaders each presented an overview
of priorities and ongoing projects to be included in the
Two-year Workplan (2017-2018) for the regional
workgroup. In addition, each highlighted recently
completed projects and their impact within the
community. Presentations and minutes from the
meeting are available on the Border 2020 Program
website.
Attendees at 3-State RWG Meeting on February 14, 2017
Other notable news from the meeting included the
announcement of U.S. Co-Chair for the Water
Taskforce, Lorenzo Arriaga, stating that he would be
retiring from the taskforce as co-chair. The U.S. - MX
Border Program would like to thank Mr. Arriaga for his
service. Mr. Arriaga served as the Water Co-Chair
during the Border 2012 and Border 2020 Program.
Leadership panel at the 4-State RWG meeting on February 16, 2017
The City of Laredo Mayor, Hon. Pete Saenz, and Council
Member, Lie. Carmen Canturosas Vilarreal,
representing Mayor Enrique Rivas of Nuevo Laredo,
14
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welcome the meeting participants. Sam Coleman, U.S.
Federal Co-chair for the regional workgroup, along
with Lie. Jesus Gonzalez Macfas, Mexican Federal Co-
Chair who joined via Go-to-iVleeting, presided over the
meeting, along with the other US and Mexican State
Co-Chairs. Each of the leadership partners provided a
message regarding their Agency participation in the
Border 2020 program, their objectives and strategies in
their Focused Entities and they generally discussed the
commitment of their States to the efforts for follow-up
of this Binational Program.
Thirteen speakers presented on the progress of each
of the Taskforces (Amistad, Falcon, Gulf), as well as,
regional points of interest. The Taskforce Co-leaders
presented the Progress Report of each of the
subcommittees, the objectives achieved and the
projects still in progress, as well as, the priorities and
strategies in these regions. The final session of the
meeting concluded with a public comment period
where attendees presented their concerns and
proposals to the RWG leadership.
Public comment session during RWG meeting.
Participants from both the US and Mexico at the end of the RWG meeting
Mi
In December 2016, the
Environmental Protection
Smart Growth A§ency se,ec^ed th<~
| Housing Authority of the City of
Brownsville to receive technical
assistance for Creating Equitable Development under
Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities Program.
The technical assistance provided will help evaluate
their priorities to work toward equitable development
and support community goals for housing, local
businesses, jobs, transportation, and preserving
opportunities for residents. Technical assistance is
delivered by EPA staff and EPA-hired consultant teams.
Each technical assistance project includes:
Public engagement through a one- to two-day
workshop; Direct consultation with relevant decision-
makers and; A memo outlining specific steps the
community could take to implement the ideas
generated during the workshop. The technical
assistance workshop is set to take place June 19 -21,
2017.
Smart Growth
GREENING AMERICA'S
COMMUNITIES
The City of Brownsville,
Texas has been working
with EPA on a Sustainability
Initiative. In June 2016, EPA
announced it is providing
the city with technical
assistance with sustainable design strategies under its
Greening America's Communities (GAC) program.
EPA Initiatives in Brownsville, Texas
Under the GAC Program, Brownsville will add green
infrastructure to the International Greenway along the
U.S.-Mexico border to manage stormwater, create a
more walkable street, and add shade and plants to cool
an area experiencing higher temperatures due to
climate variability. A design team funded through the
program has been working with the city to implement
the project. EPA funds a team of designers to visit each
community to produce schematic designs and exciting
illustrations intended to catalyze or complement a
larger planning process for the pilot neighborhood.
Additionally, these pilots are often the testing ground
for citywide actions, such as changes to local codes and
ordinances to better support environmentally
sustainable growth and green infrastructure. The
15
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design team and EPA, along with partners from other
federal agencies, also help city staff develop specific
implementation strategies.
EPA at Work in the Community
Border Office Presentation on "International Air
Pollution and International Law"
On March 14, 2017, Dr. Carlos Rincon of the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Border office
presented to approximately 30 high school students a
35 min presentation on "International Air Pollution" at
the Chamizal Theatre in El Paso, Texas. The
presentation is part of a week long program a
University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) student, in their
Environmental Justice Club helped to organize. The
high school students were part of a Magnet Program,
in the Socorro Independent School District, called
Libertad which focuses on preparing students to
pursue careers in Environmental Law and
Environmental Policy Making. The Magnet Program
received a grant from the Hatton W. Sumners
foundation whose mission is "For the Study and
Teaching of the Science of Self-Government".
Dr. Rincon presented on air quality issues in the Paso
del Norte and its relationships with the Border 2020
Program. The presentation highlighted the work of the
Joint Advisory Committee (JAC): Projects from the JAC
worked, how partners interacted, what it took to
achieve the international projects and the challenges
that exist. The presentation highlighted the bottom up
approach of the Border Program, how the JAC is a
model for other groups where, local stakeholders
sometimes drive the solutions to the challenges that
exist.
Activities such as this gives EPA Border Program staff
the opportunity to engage and expand public
awareness in the education community on the
environmental issues the Border Program helps to
address.
Texas Parks & Wildlife 16th year Anniversary
Celebration of Aerial Tramway
On Saturday, March 28, 2017, the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) Border Staff, Maria Sisneros,
participated in the Texas Parks & Wildlife 16th
Anniversary Celebration of Aerial Tramway state park.
Over 1,036 attended the event. EPA hosted a booth at
the event that distributed EPA publications for adults
and children on clean air, clean water, waste
management and recycling and environmental health.
EPA is committed to engaging the public and bringing
awareness to environment issues in the Paso del Norte
Region.
General public at Texas Parks & Wildlife outreach event on March 18
View of El Paso, Texas -Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua from
Ranger Peak in Franklin Mountains
-------
Region 6 Environmental Protection
Agency Border Team Members
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR - Sam Coleman (Acting)
DRA, Coleman, Sam 214-665-3110
R6 U.S. Federal Co-Chair for Border 2020
Blanco, Arturo - OEJTIA Director
EJ, Tribal and International Affairs Office 214-665-3182
• Japhet Cruz- OEJTIA/Border Bilingual Environmental
Specialist 214-665-3176
Smith, Rhonda - Deputy Director 214-665-8006
• Laura Gomez Rodriguez- Team Lead, White House
Council on SC2 956-578-1547
• Paula Flores-Gregg, Texas EJ and Border Liaison
214-665-8123
El Paso Border Office
Main / Public Line 915-533-7273
Fax 915-544-6026
Conference Room ext. 226
VTC 915-532-3410
Border Program 1800# 1-800-334-0741
Address: Region 6, El Paso Border Office
4050 Rio Bravo, Suite 100, El Paso, TX 79902
Rincon, Carlos ext. 222
• Director, R6 El Paso Border Office,
Air Quality, Environmental Compliance Assistance,
Texas / Chihuahua Rural Task Forces, and
TX/Coahuila/Nuevo Leon /TamaulipasTask Forces
Sisneros, Maria ext. 224
• TX/Coahuila/Nuevo Leon/Tamaulipas Regional
Workgroup Liaison
• Water Quality, Emergency Preparedness and
Response TF; Environmental Health Task Force;
Environmental Education TF for TX/NM/CHIH
Regional Workgroup
• Program Communications and Outreach
• Publications and Website
Tellez, Debra ext. 229
• NM/TX/Chih Workgroup Liaison
• Chihuahua / New Mexico Rural TF
• NM-EJ Liaison
Vasquez, Maria ext. 222
• El Paso Border Office Manager
Office of External Affairs
Gray David - Director 214-665-2200
Wang, Jonathan 214-665-2296
• Border/EJ Liaison
Vela, Austin 214-665-9792
• Congressional Liaison, NM &TX
Office of Regional Council
Payne Jr., James O 214-665-8170
• Office of Regional Counsel
Benn Harrison 214-665-2139
• Deputy Regional Counsel
Multimedia Division (Goals 1 and 3)
Stenger, Wren - Director 214-665-6583
Price, Lisa - Deputy Director 214-665-6744
Goal 1: Reduce Air Pollution
Guy Donaldson 214-665-7242
• Chair, Joint Advisory Council & Technical Advisor for
BECC grants on Air
Goal 3: Promote Materials Management, Recycling and
Clean Sites
Bellew, Renee 214-665-2793
• Waste Policy Forum Liaison
• Technical Advisor for BECC grants on Waste
Lawrence, Rob 214-665-6580
• Energy and Climate Change
Selzer, Paula 214-665-6663
• Children's Public Health & Technical Advisor for
BECC grants on Children's Health
Wilson, Monica 214-665-6719
• Grants Administration
Water Division (Goal 2)
Honker, Bill- Director 214-665-3187 Goal
2: Improve Access to Clean and Safe Water
Tellez, Gilbert 915-533-7273
• Water Policy Forum Liaison & Technical Advisor for
Border Water Infrastructure
Gandara, Salvador 214-665-3194
• Project Officer for BECC, NADB Infrastructure Grant
Ruiz, Thomas 214-665-3153
• Community Outreach Coordinator
Superfund Division (Goal 4)
Edlund, Carl - Director 214-665-8124
Goal 4: Enhance Joint Preparedness for
Environmental Response
Todd, Brandi 214-665-2233
• Emergency Preparedness and Response
• Border 2020 Emergency Preparedness and Response
Policy Forum Liaison
• Representative on the U.S.-Mexico Joint Response
Team & Technical Advisor for BECC grants on
Emergency Response
Enforcement Division (Goal 5)
Seager, Cheryl - Director 214-665-3114
Goal 5: Enhance Compliance Assurance &
Environmental Stewardship
Potts, Mark 214-665-2723
• Goal 5, Enforcement and Compliance
Enforcement Group & Technical Advisor for BECC grants
Liaison.
17
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Texas-Coahuila-Nuevo Leon-Tamaulipas
Regional Workgroup Co-Chairs & Staff
U.S. Federal Co-Chair:
Sam Coleman
Regional Deputy Administrator, U.S. EPA
Staff: Carlos Rincon, EPA Region 6 Border Coordinator,
Rincon.Carlos@epa.gov 915-533-7273
Japhet Diaz-Cruz, Region 6 4state RWG Liaison,
Cru7-dia7.japhet@epa.gov. 214-665-3176
U.S. State Co-Chair:
Bryan W. Shaw, Ph.D., P.E.
Chairman, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Staff: Steve Niemeyer. P.E., Border Affairs Manager and
Colonias Coordinator 512-239-3610
TCEQ-Austin
steve.niemeyer@tceq.texas.gov
Claudia Lozano-Clifford, REM.,
Lead Border Team Coordinator
TCEQ- Harlingen office, Gulf Task Force
956-430-6035
claudia.lozano@tceq.texas.gov
Victor Wong,
Border Program Coordinator
TCEQ- Laredo Office, Falcon and Amistad Task Forces
956-753-4050
victor.wong@tceq.texas.gov
Eddie Moderow, Program Coordinator
TCEQ-Austin
512-239-0218
eddie.moderow@tceq.texas.gov
Desiree Ledet, Program Coordinator
TCEQ-Austin
512-239-6132
desiree.ledet@tceq.texas.gov
Tribal Co-Chair:
Estavio Elizondo
Chairman, Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas
Staff: Margie Salazar
Public Works Director
Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas
Ph: (830)773-2105
margie.salazar@ktttribe.org
Andres Monreal
Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas
Ph: (830)421-5365
andres.monreal@ktttribe.org
Mexican Federal Co-Chair:
Lie. Jesus Gonzalez Macfas
Delegate, SEMARNAT Tamaulipas
Horacio del Angel, Subdelegado de Proteccion al Ambiente y
Recursos Naturales, SEMARNAT Tamaulipas
834-318-5254 horaciodelangel@tamaulipas.semarnat.gob.mx
Mexican State Co-Chairs:
Ing. Roberto Russildi Montellano. Secretary of Sustainable
Development, State ofNuevo Leon
Roberto.russildi@nuevoleon.gob.mx
81 2033 1950
Dr. Alfonso Martinez Munoz,
Subsecretario de Proteccion al Medio Ambiente y Recursos
Naturales
alfonso.martinezm@nuevoleon.gob.mx
81-2033-2100
Dr. Jose Gonzalez Salinas
Director de Planeacion
jgonzalez@nuevoleon.gob.mx
81-2033-2100
Mtra. Ana Fernanda Hierro
Secretaria Tecnica
afhierro.sds@gmail.com
81-2033-1950 ext. 52661
Biol. Eglantina Canales. Secretary of the Environment, State of
Coahuila
Oscar Flores, Subsecretario de Gestion Ambiental
844-698-1090
oscar.flores@sema.gob.mx
Alejandra Carrera, MC., Directora de Conservacion
844-698-1098
844-122-8932
Alejandra.carrera@sema.gob.mx
Ing. Giberto Estrella Hernandez
Secretary of Urban Development and Environment, State of
Tamaulipas 834 107-8286 seduma@tamaulipas.gob.mx
Ing. Roberto Salinas
Subsecretario de Medio Ambiente
834-107-8286
ssma@tamaulipas.gob.mx
Ing. Celestino Alani's
834-107-8289
ssma@tamaulipas.gob.mx
Mexican Staff Liaison forWorkgroup:
Gustavo Pantoja Villarreal (BECC Contractor)
867-718-6336 or 867-727-0486
gustavopantoja@hotmail.com
18
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Gulf
Falcon
Amistad
U.S. Task
Force Co-
Leaders
John Wood, Port of Brownsville
Commissioner 956-778-7175
jwarealty(a)aol.com
Joe Rathmell, County Judge, Zapata County
956-765-9920
zcjo(a)zapatacountvtx.orp
Pete Saenz Jr., Mayor of Laredo, TX
qs6-7qi-7^8q mayorsaenz(a)ci.laredo.tx.us
Staff: Riazul Mia. QS6-721-2000 rmia(a)ci.laredo.tx.us
Ramsey Cantu, Mayor of Eagle Pass, TX
Staff: Ivan Morua, 830-773-1111
imorua(a)eaglepasstx.us
MX Task
Force Co-
Leaders
Lie. Jesus de la Garza Diaz del Guante,
Presidente Municipal, Matamoros, Tamps.
868 8108000
Staff: Lie. Gerardo Morales
868 8108000
pGerardo.mpffi) hotmail.com
Lie. Oscar Enrique Rivas Cuellar, Presidente
Municipal ofNuevo Laredo, Tamps.
Staff: Lie. Luis Mata Bernal, 8677147973,
8luismata (a) gmail.com
Lie. Juan Manuel Morton Gonzalez, Presidente
Municipal Anahuac, Nuevo Leon
Staff: C. Rodolfo Villarreal Hernandez, 873 7370440,
rodolfo.villarreal(a)anahuacnl.gob.mx
Lie. Ana Gabriela Fernandez Osuna,
Alcaldesa de Nava, Coahuila
Staff: Ing. Jesus Flores de la Garza,
862 624 6765
jmfdelagisla) hotmail.com
WASTE COMMITTEE CO-FACILITATORS
U.S.
Art Rodriguez, Director of Public Health,
Brownsville, TX 956 542-3437, ext. 6514,
art.rodriguez(a)cob.us
John Porter, Director of Environmental Services,
Laredo, 956-794-1650
jporter(a)ci.laredo.tx.us
Isaak Ruiz, City of Eagle Pass
Recycling Center, 830-773-5136
iruiz(a)eaplepasstx.us
MX
Lie. Martha Garcia Fortaney, Director de
Ecologia, Valle Hermosa, Tamps 894842082
fortanevla) hotmail.com
Ing. Atilano Ramirez, Consultant, CAREME, Nuevo
Laredo. 867 712-4^-06 rasatrn(a)hotmail.com
Ing. Alfredo Lucero, Director de
Ecologia, Piedras Negras, 878 782-
6666 or 878 789-9419,
aalm68(® hotmail.com
WATER COMMITTEE CO-FACILITATORS
U.S.
Joe Hinojosa
Santa Cruz Irrigation District # 15
956-383-3441
josehinojosa2Q0(a) pmail.com
jhinojosa8o(a)vahoo.com
Jose Garza, FrankTejeda Center, 956-326-2896
jose.parza(a)teexmail.tamu.edu
No committee
MX
Ing. David Negrete, CILA-Reynosa 899
¦R26q64 dneprete(a)cilamexeua.pob.mx
David.neprete(a)prodipv.net.mx
Agustin Boone, CILA, 867 713-49-73
aboone(a)cila.pob.mx
No committee
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH COMMITTEE CO-FACILITATORS
U.S.
BeatrizTapia, MD, UT Health Science Center,
956-365-8820
beatriz.tapia(a)utrgv.edu
Genny Carrillo, MD Texas A&M Health
McAllen Cqs6 668-6^21
gcarrillo(a)sph.tamhsc.edu
Dr. Hector Gonzalez, Laredo Health Department, 956-
795-4922
hgonzalez(a)ci.laredo.tx.us
Ivan Santoyo, Laredo Environmental Services, 956-
7Q4-16S0 isantovo(a)ci.laredo.tx.us
Vacant
MX
Ing. Alfredo Hassanille, Asociacion de
Maquiladoras, Matamoros,
868-125-0218
alfredo.a. hassanillela) pmail.com
Ing. Marco Garza,
UniversidadTecnologica de Nuevo Laredo,
867 789-00-0000 ext. 112,
utnl mparza(a)hotmail.com or
dirvinc(a)utnuevolaredo.edu.mx
Ing. Victor Manuel Ibarra, Instituto
Tecnologico de Piedras Negras,
878 7836580 or 878109 4173
ing victor m(a)prodipv.net.mx
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE CO-FACILITATORS
U.S.
Ricardo Saldana, Hidalgo Co. EMC
956- 318-9615
ricardo. saldana(a)co.hidalgo.tx. us
Steve Landin, Fire Chief, City of Laredo, 956-795-2150
slandin(a)ci.laredo.tx.us
Manuel Mello, Fire Chief, City of Eagle
Pass, 830-757-2698
mmello(a)eaglepasstx.us
MX
Ing. Manuel Montiel, CLAM Matamoros,
AMMAC
868 8137938 or 868 9076414
Manuelmontiel48fa)hotmail.com
Ing. Juan Pablo Villarreal, Universidad Autonoma de
Tamaulipas, 867-113-0682
juanp reyes(a)yahoo.com
Brigido Ivan Moreno, Director de
Proteccion Civil de Acuna,
877 888-2106
proteccioncivilacunala) gmail.com
19
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Texas-New Mexico-Chihuahua
Regional Workgroup
U.S. Federal, State, Tribal
RWG Co-Chairs
U.S. Federal:
Sam Coleman, EPA Acting Regional
Administrator, 214-665-6701
coleman.sam@epa.gov
Support Staff:
Debra Tellez, 915-533-7273
tellez.debra@epa.gov
U.S. State Texas:
Bryan W. Shaw, Chairman
512-239-5515
(for appts/mtgs):
Grace Barr (512)239-5519
grace.barr@tceq.texas.gov
Support Staff:
Steve Niemeyer, 512-239-3610
steve.niemeyer@tceq.state.gov
Gina Posada, 915-834-4962
eugenia.posada@tceq.texas.gov
U.S. State New Mexico:
Butch Tongate, Secretary
505-827-2855
butch.tongate.state.nm.us
Staff Support:
Linda Vigil 575-827-2855
Iinda.vigil2@state.nm. us
Ysleta del Sur Pueblo:
Carlos Hisa, Governor, 915-859-8053
hisac@ydsp-nsn.gov
Support Staff:
Evaristo Cruz, 915-859-7913
ecruz@vdsp-nsn.gov
Mexican Federal & State RWG
Co-Chairs
Mexico Federal:
Brenda Rios Prieto, SEMARNAT -
Chihuahua, 011-52-614-415-7514
brenda.rios@ semarnat.gob.mx
Staff Support: Gerardo Tari'n,
011-52-656-616-6687
gerardo.tarin@semarnat.gob.mx
Mexico State Chihuahua:
Dra. Cecilia O. Olague Caballero,
SDUE, 011-52-614-415-7514
cecilia. olague@chihuahua.gob.mx
Support Staff:
Claudia Munoz, 011-52-614-429-3627
Claudia.munoz@chihuahua.gob.mx
U.S. - Mexican Taskforce Co-
leaders
Goal 1: Air - US
Dr. Wen-Whai Li, University of Texas
at El Paso (UTEP), 915-747-8755
wli@utep.edu
Objetivo 1: Aire - MX
Dra. Alba Yadira Corral, Universidad
Autonomade Cd. Juarez (UACJ),
01152-656-688-1885
acorral@uacj.mx
Goal 2: Water - US (VACANT)
Objetivo 2: Agua-MX
Dr. Rene Franco Barreno,
Paso del Norte WaterTask Force
011-52-656-611-1947/ -52-656-611-4989
rfranco@francoyasociados.com
Goal 3: Waste - US
Cristina Viesca-Santos,
El Paso County District Attorney's
Office, 915-546-2050
Cristina.Viesca@ca.epcounty.com
Objetivo 3: Residuos - MX
Rene Franco Ruiz, Franco &
Associates, 915-546-2050
renefranco@francoyasociados.com
Goal 4: Emergency Response - US:
(VACANT)
Objetivo 4: Emergencias
Ambientales - MX
Efren Matamoros,
Protection Civil, 011-52-656-318-4948
Mabe71@hotmail.com
Goal 5: Compliance Assistance -US
Carlos Rincon, EPA El Paso Border
Office Director, 915-533-7273
rincon.carlos@epa.gov
Objetivo 5: Cumplimiento de Ley -
MX
Dr Gustavo Rubio Hernandez,
PROFEPA
011-52-656-682-39-90, ext 18253
gustavo.rubio(5)profepa.gob.mx
Environmental Health - US
Bruce San Filippo, 575-521-2218
Bruce.Sanfilippo@lpnt.net
Salud Ambiental - MX
Dr. Enrique Suarez y Toriello,
FEMAP, 011-52-656-616-0833
esuareztoriello@msn.com or
esuarez@femap.org
Chihuahua / New Mexico
Task Force
US: Jorge Salomon Gutierrez Maloof,
Econ. Pres of Chamber of Commerce
Columbus,
915-588-0998
gtzm al oof @gm ail .com
MX: Ing Martin Palomares, Profesor
de Agricultura Sustentable y
Protegida en la Universidade
Tecnologica de Paquime,
OH-52-636-112-5145
lmpcera@gmail.com
Chihuahua/Texas Task Force
US - Cindy Guevara, Presidio County
Judge, 432-729-4452, eljuez@att.net
MX - Martin Sanchez Vallez
Presidente Municipal, Ojinaga, Chih,
OH-52-626-100-5101
ojinaga_municipio@hotmail.com
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