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EPA Region 6: Border Program News
April 2017-July 2017
http://www.epa.gov/border2020
vvEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Reduce Air Pollution Improve Access to	Promote Materials	Joint Preparedness & Compliance Assurance &
Clean & Safe Water Managements* Clean Sites Emergency Response Environmental Stewardship
Table of Contents:
Region 6 Prioritization for Drinking Water and Wastewater
Infrastructure Projects 											1
Overview: Border 2020 Program Request for Proposal &
Workshops 		.„					2
Joint Advisory Committee	2
Border Environmental Infrastructure Fund (BEIF) Program Projects. 3
Third Children's Health Symposium for Schools in El Paso, Texas	4
Extreme Heat and Health Conference											5
Smartgrowth in Brownsville, Texas	5
Anthony, New Mexico Smartgrowth Workshops	6
Emergency Response Activities in the Texas-New Mexico-Chihuahua
Region 		....					7
Gulf Intragovernmental Working Session & Texas-Coahuila-
Tamaulipas-Nuevo Leori Task Forces' Public Meetings .....................8
EPA engages the Academic Community in El Paso, Texas	11
PARTNER HIGHLIGHTS: Texas Commission on Environmental
Quality													.......								11
Water Resources and Conservation Symposium in El Paso, Texas.. 13
Region 6 Environmental Protection Agency Border Team
Members	14
Texas-Coahuila-Nuevo Leon-Tamaulipas Regional Workgroup Co-
Chairs & Staff									15
Texas-New Mexico-Chihuahua Regional Workgroup	17
Office of Environmental Justice, Tribal and International
Affairs (OEJTIA) - Border 2020 Program
OEJTIA Director. Arturo Blanco
Border Office Director: Carlos A. Rincon
Border Program Staff: Maria Vasquez; Debra Tellez; Maria
Sisneros, Japhet Diaz-Cruz
Region 6 Prioritization for Drinking
Water and Wastewater Infrastructure
Projects
Plant in Anthony, New Mexico
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region
6 and the Border Environment Cooperation
Commission (BECC), in coordination with the North
American Development Bank (NADB), on July 2017
announced a new project application and prioritization
cycle for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure
projects for the Border Environment Infrastructure
Fund (BEIF) and the Project Development Assistance
Program (PDAP) located within 100 kilometers north
and south of the U.S.-Mexico border of New Mexico,
Texas, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon or
Tamaulipas.
Prioritization of drinking water and wastewater
projects is necessary because water infrastructure
needs for the Border region exceed the available
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infrastructure grant funds. The prioritization
methodology and related processes have been
developed to enhance program effectiveness and
reflect US-Mexico border region priorities. The
purpose of the prioritization methodology is to identify
and fund projects that will address the most urgent
needs and the most severe public health and
environmental conditions existing in the border region.
To be considered eligible for the BEIF/PDAP
prioritization process, applicants, for projects in both
the U.S. and in Mexico, must propose to address
existing conditions that, if improved, will provide
health and environmental benefits in the U.S.
Project Sponsors interested in applying will have till
October 1, 2017 to submit their applications. For more
information regarding this process visit:
http://www.becc.org/funding-
programs/infrastructure-funding/beif#/tab4
Overview: Border 2020 Program
Request for Proposal & Workshops
Attendees at RFP workshop in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas
The Region 6 Border 2020 Program, through the
Border Environmental Cooperation Commission
(BECC), launched the request for proposal on May 31
and closed on July 20, 2017. Over 109 proposals were
received and being evaluated for possible funding.
Several meetings in Texas, New Mexico, Chihuahua,
Coahuila, Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon were held Fall 2016
and early 2017, prior to the RFP launch to get public
input to identify priorities in the border communities
that align with the goals and objectives of the Program.
In addition, EPA and BECC staff held 13 workshops and
one webinar, from New Mexico to South Texas in both
the US and Mexico, to assist those interested in
applying in order to understand the RFP process. Over
300 persons attended the 13 workshops. The RFP is the
third funding opportunity that has launched under the
Border 2020 Program within Region 6. The first and
second RFPs were launched in 2013 and 2015, with over
27 projects completed and 8 projects ongoing.
Joint Advisory Committee
On Thursday, May 25, the JAC held its 69th
meeting at the University of Texas at El Paso
(UTEP) with all of 22 current voting members
in (100%) attendance. EPA Region 6 staff, Guy
Donaldson, served as the US Co-Chair, Carlos
Rincon as meeting moderator, Maria Sisneros
provided meeting logistic support. Dr. Diana
Natalicio, UTEP's President, welcomed over 67
participants physically and virtually present.
Dr. Diane Natalicio (UTEP President) addressed
JAC attendees on May 25th.
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There were eight presentations during the
meeting highlighting the work of Ciudad
Juarez Office of Resiliency; US- DOT
Transportation Centers that are new in
partnerships within UTEP; an update on JAC's
website; a status of State of Chihuahua
Pro Aire; a Texas Transportation Institute (TTI)
study on emission reductions program for
heavy duty trucks; an update on Juarez Air
monitoring network, and a Ciudad Juarez
Autonomous University (UACJ) upcoming
project to expand the weather network for
Ciudad Juarez. During the public comment
period, Ita Villegas from a Parents Association
located in community near the Chamizal
Neighborhood expressed concern on the
commercial (trade) truck traffic and its
associated emissions and impact on children's
health. At the end of the meeting JAC
members voted to have the Strategic
Technical Committee work on synergy
opportunities between the ProAire, Border
2020 Goal 1 two-year work-plan and JAC work-
plan. The next meeting will take place in Las
Cruces, NM on October 5, 2017.
Border Environmental Infrastructure
Fund (BEIF) Program Projects
Lower Valley Water District begins construction on a
wastewater collection system in Cuadrilla. Texas and
Cotton Valley. Texas
Ceremony Presenters for LVWD Projects (photo courtesy of the BECC)
On April 19,2017, the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) El Paso Border Office Director, Carlos Rincon,
and Gilbert Tellez from, the Region 6 Water Division,
attended the groundbreaking ceremony in the
communities of Cuadrilla and Cotton Valley located in
El Paso County, Texas. EPA Region 6 provided a total of
$3.1 million in Border Environmental Infrastructure
Fund (BEIF) grants for the construction of both
projects. Construction of the projects is expected to
begin in late May or early June and will provide
wastewater treatment services for more than 365
residents in both communities, in addition to BEIF
grants, both communities received a total of $431,592
in Project Development Assistance Program (PDAP)
funding for environmental and design documents
needed to be prepared prior to construction.
The project in Cotton Valley will connect to Lower
Valley Water District's (LVWD) existing wastewater
collection infrastructure. The project will provide 78
households, first time wastewater connection service,
as well as, include decommissioning of their current on-
site disposal systems. The project will eliminate 30,000
gallons per day (gpd) of untreated or inadequately
treated wastewater discharges, thus reducing the risk
of waterborne diseases for residents of Cotton Valley.
The project in Cuadrilla will include decommissioning
and removing the existing Cuadrilla WWTP with a new
package plant that will treat 8,160 gpd of wastewater.
The project will also replace the existing services to 27
homes	in	the	community.
GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR SUNLAND PARK.
NEW MEXICO NEW WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY:
On July 11, 2017, Claudia Hosch and Gilbert Tellez of
Region 6Water Division, participated in the Camino
Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA), located in
Sunland Park, New Mexico, groundbreaking ceremony
initiating the start of construction for a new
wastewater treatment facility for the City of Sunland
Park and surrounding communities. To address the
City of Sunland Park's existing wastewater treatment
needs, EPA Region 6 provided $9 million in EPA's BEIF
Grant. EPA's funding will be supplemented by $3.7
million from a State of New Mexico Appropriation.
These funds are being used to construct a new 1.0
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million gallons per day (MGD) extended aeration
wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The new plant
will provide improved access to sustainable
wastewater treatment services to approximately
6,438 residents of Sunland Park and Santa Teresa, NM
and it will greatly reduce the risks of untreated or
inadequately treated wastewater discharges. In
addition, it will improve the quality of effluent
discharges to receiving water bodies.
Currently, residents in the project area rely on private
wells for drinking water. During periods of extended
drought, these wells are vulnerable to going dry,
forcing area residents to haul water for domestic use.
Health risks associated with hauled water are typically
the result of containers being inadequately sterilized or
cross-contamination when the container has been
used for hauling other materials besides potable water.
The project consisted of construction of three separate
waterlines that provide new hookups to 12 residences
and added looping to improve the distribution system.
All of the new lines connect to the existing water
distribution system. All project management and
construction contracts have been awarded and
execution has been completed. Total project cost was
approximately $315,000 and new improvements are
benefitting 1,450 residences. This project was awarded
a 100% grant from EPA's Border Environment
infrastructure Fund.
CRUA groundbreaking ceremony for Sunland Park Facility
RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY FOR THE TOWN OF
MESILLA. NEW MEXICO: WATER IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT:
Third Children's Health Symposium for
Schools in El Paso, Texas
Dr. Stephen Borron addresses participants on July 27th event.
EPA Staff (Maria Sisneros, Paula Selzer, Lisa
Almodovar, Marta Jordan) attended the third
Children's Health Symposium held July 27-28th in El
Paso, Texas. EPA Staff (Maria Sisneros, Paula Selzer)
participated on the steering committee that began
meeting in Fall 2016. The symposium, which was
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Claudia Hosch (R6 Water Division) addresses attendees at
ceremony for Mesilla, NM water improvement project.
On July 11, 2017, Claudia Hosch and Gilbert Tellez
participated in ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new
drinking water distribution expansion and
improvement project for the Town of Mesilla, New
Mexico. This project was awarded 100% grant from
EPA's Border Environmental Infrastructure Fund.

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organized by the Southwest Center Pediatric
Environmental Health (SVVCPEH) with funding from
EPA's Children's Health Program, worked with El Paso
Independent School District Officials to organize the
event. The symposium reviewed common
environmental and health issues related to health
problems and exposures that affect children and
adolescents in the school environment. The
symposium topics included topics: asthma,
environmental allergens, mosquito-borne illnesses,
extreme weather - heat exhaustion, artificial turf and
toxicity, sports medicine, concussions, and drug use.
The first day targeted K-12 health and physical
education teachers, assistants, and coaches and had 29
attendees. The second day, targeted nurses and allied
health professions and had 117 attendees.
Over 117 Attendees on July 28th event
Extreme Heat and Health Conference
Border 2020 Environmental Education - Extreme Heat
and Health Conference. On Wednesday, May 24, 2017,
Maria Sisneros and Carlos participated in the Border
2020 Environmental Education Extreme Heat and
Health Conference co-sponsored by Ciudad Juarez
Resiliency Office in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. The
event also tied in to two other locations in El Paso
Texas. Over 50 persons participated in Ciudad Juarez,
with an additional 12 persons in the El Paso locations.
The event was also streamed via Facebook page of
Technology Hub, where the event was held. Over 4,100
persons at one point visited the live-stream event. The
conference focused on the public health and extreme
heat events in the Paso del Norte Region.
Opening Remarks from Panel Speakers at Heat & Health Symposium
Carlos Rincon provided brief opening remarks on the
Border 2020 Program to attendees, along with staff
from Ciudad Juarez Office of Resiliency, and from the
Mayor of Ciudad Juarez's Office and the Border 2020
Env. Education Task Force co-leaders. Maria Sisneros
provided logistic support that including conference
planning and at the event. The conference included
speakers from Canada, US (Arizona, New Mexico,
Texas) and Mexico. Presentations focused on public
health due to extreme heat, community actions taken
place to address extreme heat event, green
infrastructure, emergency preparedness. Next steps
include the City of El Paso, proclaiming May, "Heat
Awareness Month" on May 31. The Border 2020
Environmental Education Task Force will continue to
work with stakeholders on education events on
extreme heat and health awareness.
Smart growth in Brownsville, Texas
In December 2016, the Environmental Protection
Agency's (EPA) Office of Sustainable Communities
selected the Housing Authority of the City of
Brownsville (HACB) to receive technical assistance for
the Buena Vida neighborhood under its Building Blocks
Program. The technical assistance evaluated current
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priorities that are associated with HDD's Choice
Neighborhoods Planning Assistance for the low-
income area of Buena Vida to work toward equitable
community re-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. This technical
assistance included: a community meeting on June 20th
and technical work sessions on June 21st. The
community meeting is an opportunity for anyone to
come and learn more about equitable development
and to share their ideas. The technical work sessions
engaged a group of people to help identify the best
strategies for Brownsville to support equitable
development and figure out how to implement them.
80 families participated in the community evening
charrette through place mapping- talked about areas
of communal concern and solutions as to where
improvements can be made. Issues discussed were
solid waste management, small business development,
flooding and food access.
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Attendees of June Sessions
In June 2016, EPA's Office of Sustainable Communities
announced the City of Brownsville was one of six
communities selected nationally to receive technical
assistance through the Greening America's
Communities	(CAC)	program.
Under the GAC Program, Brownsville will explore
green infrastructure options to the International
Gateway Bridge 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 provide design options for five
project locations. 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 design team and EPA, along with
partners from other U.S. Customs and Border
Protection, Federal Transit Administration, Texas
Department of Transportation participated with city
staff to talk about specific implementation strategies.
The 3-day charrette from June ig,h-June 21st consisted
of various stakeholder meetings, a community walking
tour, a council meeting and a public presentation.
Attendees of June sessions
Anthony, New Mexico Smart Growth
Workshops
As a former unincorporated community, the now City
of Anthony has lacked modern building codes and
ordnances. Anthony is just under four square miles and
has been working on street improvements to deal with
flooding issues. As Part of the Building Blocks for
Sustainable Communities Program, the city of Anthony
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received targeted technical assistance in the areas of
Green and Complete streets in June 2017 and in the
area of Smart Growth in July 2017.
Participants at Anthony, Workshop
The two Anthony workshops were facilitated by a
technical assistance team of experts that worked
closely with Anthony residents, stakeholders and City
officials to explore and expand on draft design options
and strategies for the city. The Green and Complete
Streets Workshop included a hands on mapping
exercise which identified specific areas near the
schools which would benefit from complete streets
and green infrastructure. The Smart Growth workshop
also included a public open house and innovative non-
traditional exercises to encourage community input on
specific design options. The end product will be Next
Steps Memorandums to identify specific actions that
could be taken by the City to move it closer to
implementing Smart Growth Strategies and Green and
Complete Street projects.
Anthony residents attend public portion of
Smart growth workshop in July
Emergency Response Activities in the
Texas-New Mexico-Chihuahua Region
Presidio. Texas - Ojinaga. Chihuahua
On Wednesday, June 29, Maria Sisneros and Carlos
Rincon met with members of the Junta de los Rios Task
Force to discuss binational emergency response
activities, including training needs, sister city plan and
contact updates for the Presidio-Ojinaga sister cities.
Members discussed the need to exchange information
regarding personnel, equipment, updated contact
information for all relevant partners. EPA staff
discussed a brief history of past relevant ER activities.
Since the last 2013 sister city update, members
identified new risks (i.e. US-MX train crossing possibly
carrying HAZMAT materials; new international
pipeline; possible construction of a new airport in
Ojinaga, and expansion of the existing POE) to the
region that members need to consider. It was agreed
that members will begin the update of the sister city
plan which was last updated in 2011, to include
language for the creation of a new subcommittee
under the Junta de los Rios TF, update of contact
information, exchange of information of ER agencies,
equipment inventory from both cities. Other issues
identified was the need to work with Customs and MX
Aduanas to develop a protocol for crossing equipment
and personnel to avoid delays when responding to an
incident. The group will meet again on September 20,
2017.
Ciudad Juarez. Chihuahua - El Paso. Texas
On July 14, Carlos Rincon, participated on the annual
binational drill that the Procuradurfa Federal de
Proteccion al Ambiente (PROFEPA) conducted in
Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. PROFEPA has designated
July 14 as the day to conduct training and emergency
response exercises throughout all 32 states of Mexico.
The binational drill tested the local sister city plan with
El Paso, Texas, in case of an event that would affect
both communities and would require close
coordination for response. Over 30 first responders
participated in the exercise that included staff from
PROFEPA in Ciudad Juarez, Ciudad Juarez's Civil
Protection, Fire Department, PEMEX, the Comite Local
de Ayuda Mutua (C.L.A.M.) that mirrors the US Local
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Emergency Planning Committee (L.E.P.C.),
SEMARNAT, EPA and many others. The Border 2020
Mexican Coleader of Emergency Response for the
area, Ing. Efren Matamoros, convened the two
preparatory sessions that included 30+ stakeholders
from binational Institutions that played a role during
the July 14th exercise.
July 14th Ciudad Juarez Participants during exercise.
The exercise scenario tested responder's capability to
respond to an incident involving an underground gas
pipeline valve malfunction near the Rio Grande that
caused an explosion affecting the surrounding
community. The binational incident took place at the
south - side of the Rio Grande levee where an
underground gas pipe valve suffered a malfunction
causing an explosion and fire, which reached passing
vehicles, and a private owned vehicle caught on fire.
Responders were able to successfully communicate
with El Paso Office of Emergency Management staff as
part of the protocol under the sister city plan, as well
as, the notification to CENACOM (the National
Response Center (NRC) equivalent in Mexico), which
notified the NRC of the incident. Under Annex II of the
1983 La Paz Agreement, EPA along with its
counterpart, Secretarfa del Medio Ambiente y
Recursos Naturales, (SEMARNAT), are charged with
working together to address incidences that involve
hazardous substances.
Ciudad Juarez Civil Protection and media during July 14th exercise.
Gulf Intergovernmental Working
Session & Texas-Coahuila-Tamaulipas-
Nuevo Leon Task Forces' Public
Meetings
Culf Intragovernmental Working Session:
On August 23, Japhet Cruz from EPA Border 2020 and
Laura Gomez from EPA OEJTIA held a working session
along with U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Housing
Urban Development (HUD), Harlingen Chamber of
Commerce, TCEQ and the Lower Rio Grande Valley
Development Council (LRGVDC) in Weslaco, Texas,
with the purpose of strengthening relationships,
creating new partnerships and seeking a way to help
the Border 2020 Program and the citizens of this
geographical area. Topics covered included:
leveraging; synergy; partnerships; Gulf priorities;
intergovernmental relationships; water infrastructure;
emergency management; and geographic culture.
Each partner provided a PowerPoint presentation or
discussed what support their agency and/or
department could provide. These presentations
explained how intergovernmental groups and
agencies could work together in order to leverage and
become more efficient in helping grantees. Agencies
present at the meeting agreed to continue to enhance
their relationship and possibly bring more partners to
the table. Overall it was a very productive and much
needed session in order to continue strengthening the
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Border 2020 Program and continue building successful
partnerships.
Laura Gomez - Speaking about Intergovernmental
Relations
Public Meetings:
In April 2017, the Amistad, Falcon and Gulf Task Forces
held public meetings in Ciudad Acuna, Coahuila; Nuevo
Laredo, Tamaulipas and Matamoros, Tamaulipas. Over
161 stakeholders participated in the three public
meetings. During each of the meetings, the 2017-2018
draft two-year action workplans were presented that
included ongoing and planned projects by border
stakeholders. Staff from the Border Environmental
Cooperation Commission discussed lessons learned
from previous border 2020 funded projects, in order to
assist those present, prepare for the request for
proposals released on May 31, 2017. In addition, BECC
staff highlighted that through the Border 2012 and
Border 2020 Program, in the four state region, 84
projects received funding for more than 2.5 million
dollars and 64 projects were completed with funding
for more than 2.3 million dollars.
Highlights from presentations at the meeting included:
•	From a Border 2020 funded project funded in
Piedras Negras, from February to December
2016, more than 46 tons of electronics were
recycled in Piedras Negras. The project which
includes partnerships with the City of Eagle
Pass, included a collection event where an
additional 9 tons of used electronics was
collected. Additional outreach to elementary
schools, distributed literature about the proper
management of used electronics and health
hazards.
•	City of Del Rio held an Earth Day event, where
exhibits and booths were set up to educate the
public on recycling, water conservation and
gardening.
•	The municipality of Ciudad Acuna signed an
agreement with Enel S.A. de C.V. and Sowitec
(wind power developers) to install 100 wind
turbines in 25 acres of land located about 54
miles from the city. The cost of the project is
400 million dollars. The turbines will generate
about 200 mw of clean energy. A transmission
line connects the electricity output from the
turbines to a substation and to CFE's (Mexico's
Federal Energy Commission) national power
grid. It is estimated that the wind farm will
generate more than 1,752,000 mw annually
through the national power grid, with zero
carbon emissions.
Amistad Task Force Meeting:
Attendees of Amistad TF in April 2017
Speakers at Falcon TF April Meeting.
Highlights from presentations at the meeting included:
• Nuevo Laredo Environment and Climate
Change Department discussed the status of
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Nuevo Laredo's Integrated scrap tire
management project. Nuevo Laredo currently
has more than 600,000 scrap tires at their tire
recycling site. The municipality is currently
reviewing two project proposals submitted by
companies.
The Nuevo Laredo Climate Change and
Environment Department and COMAPA
(Nuevo Laredo's water system) are working
with UAT staff to organize workshops in
elementary and middle schools in Nuevo
Laredo. Officials have trained more than 738
people on topics related to recycling, energy
and water conservation. Staff is working with
officials to improve the current environmental
enforcement regulations in Nuevo Laredo.
There are only five municipalities in the state
that have environmental regulations. The next
steps of the project are to train COMAPA
inspectors on enforcement procedures and
promote the use of certified labs for water
testing; train landfill operators on waste
management; work with the state to provide
funds for maintenance of air quality monitors;
and replicate Coahuila's vehicle emissions
program in Tamaulipas.
Dr. Hector Gonzalez, from Laredo Health
Department, gave a presentation on binational
efforts to address Zika and other vector-borne
illnesses. The Laredo Health Department uses
larvicides to eliminate mosquito larvae and
minnows for mosquito control. The health
department takes samples and conducts lab
tests for Zika. It also has a contingency plan in
case of a local Zika outbreak. The health
department is working on a campaign to
educate doctors and medical providers on Zika
symptoms. It will also be conducting Zika
testing on pregnant women during their first
and second trimester. The City of Laredo's new
Tire Ordinance has decreased scrap tires in
backyards and lots. The ordinance requires tire
generators to charge a deposit fee of ten
dollars for customers purchasing new tires.
This fee is reimbursed when a customer brings
an old tire from the street or backyard. The
landfill has seen an increase of about 45% in
tires due to the ordinance.
Gulf Task Force Meeting:
Attendees Gulf TF at April 2017 Meeting
Highlights from presentations at the meeting included:
•	Mayor of Matamoros, Jesus de la Garza, shared
information regarding the history of Casa Mata
museum The green gas house emissions, use of
green infrastructure, waste management, the
sustainable growth of the cities, and use of
clean energy are the responsibility of each of
one of us, in particular, of each elected officials.
•	Valle Hermoso's Ecology Director gave a
presentation on their municipal solid waste
program which received funding from Border
2020. The city also conducted a study on the
generation of urban solid waste. Most recently,
an agreement was made with the Municipality
of Matamoros to begin to deposit Valle
Hermoso's urban solid waste in the regional
landfill located in Matamoros.
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• Reyriosa's Ecology Director gave an overview
of their municipal solid waste program. The city
is planning to purchase roll off containers and
place throughout the city for citizens to
deposit their solid waste. In addition, they are
also looking into obtaining funds to purchase a
tire shredder, where the shredded product will
then be incorporated into public works
projects.
EPA engages the Academic Community
in El Paso, Texas
University of Texas at El Paso
EPA Staff, Maria Sisneros and Miguel Moreno from
Region 6's Water Division, participated on April 19 in
the University of Texas Earth Day festivities.
Approximately 100 UTEP and high schools visited the
EPA booth. EPA distributed information on water
conservation measures, composting at home and
information on possible internships at EPA
(PATHWAYS) and other federal agencies.
On July 11, 2017, Maria Sisneros conducted a
presentation to 22 high school students participating in
a summer program at UTEP. The presentation focused
on Air Quality in general, Health Effects, air quality
along the border and Paso del Norte. The Summer
Program is part of UTEP's Geological Sciences
Department "Earth Tech" Summer Program. The
summer program is designed to expose high school
students to various science topics and the relevance of
science in their local community, and this year the
theme was on is air quality and air pollution.
POE Name
Truck Crossings into U.S.
% of Total Mexico Border
Laredo, TX
2,015,773
364%
Otav Mesa, CA
829.581
14.9%
El Paso, TX
747,702
13.5%
Hidalgo, TX
546,259
9,8%
Calexico East, CA
337,474
6.1%
Nogales, AZ
319,747
5.8%
Table 1. Top six Ports of Entries on the U.S.-Mexico Border with
most heavy-duty truck crossings into the U.S. Data from the
U.S. Department of Transportation, 2015
On July 20th, 2017, Carlos Rincon, spoke to UTEP's
Senior class students on EPA's work in West TX -
Southern NM - Northern Chihuahua region, and Border
2020 program along the US - Mexico Border area. Dr.
Rincon's presentation was part of a UTEP Summer
Course titled: "Transboundary Environmental Issues"
in which at the end of the summer course, students
were able to visit Mexico City to learn more about the
binational challenges that exist. Dr. Rincon presented
on the four US - Mexico Border Programs under the
1983 La Paz Agreement that EPA has implemented with
border partners, highlighting the importance of
binational cooperation and partnership with State,
Local City - County, Tribes, Academia, NGOs along the
Paso del Norte.
PARTNER HIGHLIGHTS:
Texas Commission on Environmental
Quality
Develop a Diesel Emissions Reduction Program for
Drayage Trucks in the Paso del Norte Airshed:
The U.S. EPA and the TCEQ will partner with the Texas
A&M Transportation Institute and binational trucking
companies to develop a training module for drivers of
drayage and heavy-duty diesel trucks in the El Paso-
Ciudad Juarez area to reduce emissions and fuel
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consumption. The project includes analysis of routes,
logistics, wait times at ports of entry, and driver
behavior. TCEQ will scale the training module to use at
ports of entry along the Texas border. This project will
be complete by August 31, 2017 and the lead
transportation scientist will present the results of the
study, and impacts of the driver training, at the next
meeting of the Joint Advisory Committee on October
5,2017.
Facilitate Binational Technical Exchanges on Air Quality
Monitoring:
The EPA and TCEQ will work with local, state, and
federal agencies to troubleshoot, update, and enhance
air quality monitoring along the border, with a focus on
the El Paso-Ciudad Juarez metropolitan area. The
objective of this project is twofold: to enhance air
quality monitoring in the border region and to foster
technical exchanges between neighboring states'
regulatory agencies.
In the first phase of the project, TCEQ, using EPA grant
funds, worked with stakeholders and contracted an
evaluations of three existing continuous air monitoring
stations (CAMS) that were operated by the Ciudad
Juarez Department of Ecology.
In phase two, TCEQ, again using EPA funds, is working
through a contractor to refurbish the stations and
make them operational. The Ciudad Juarez
Department of Ecology has been heavily involved, as
has the EPA Region 6 El Paso Border Office and
Mexico's Institute of National Ecology and Climate
Change (INECC). INECC will provide a third-party
verification of the refurbished CAMS, which will be
operational and generating data by August 31,2017. The
data collected will be available online through TCEQ's
LEADS system for collection, analysis, display and
reporting of continuous air monitoring data, as well as
Mexico's SINAICA, similar to LEADS. The data collected
by LEADS can be used by TCEQ to improve air modeling
in the Paso del Norte region.
Model upper-air atmospheric conditions
The TCEQ and the EPA are sharing the cost to analyze
wind speed and wind direction at high elevations and
to measure the always-changing cloud base height.
The project involves data collection using a Radar Wind
Profiler and a Ceilometer, located side by side at a TCEQ
monitoring site in Socorro, in southeast El Paso County.
A radar wind profiler emits radar waves to detect wind
speed and direction on a continuous vertical profile of
elevations above ground. The data are vital to
understanding air-pollutant transport and verifying
and improving air quality models. Building on a project
that began in summer 2014 to modify and upgrade a
faulty radar wind profiler located at the University of
Texas at El Paso, the team moved the instrument to the
new site. With on-the-ground leadership by the
University of Texas Center for Energy and
Environmental Resources (UT-CEER), the radar wind
profiler has been collecting data continuously since
October 2016.
A ceilometer sends a laser beam into the sky to
measure the cloud-base height and mixing height of
the boundary layer, which is vital in understanding
development and dispersion of pollutants. The team
purchased, installed, and has been operating a new
ceilometer since November 2016. This is the first
ceilometer for TCEQ and will serve as a pilot project for
future ceilometers in the state.
The two machines together, measuring similar
conditions but using different methods, are of
12

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Leam, Network and Enjoy 11
particular interest. UT-CEER will present several
interesting case studies based on the data analysis at
the next meeting of the Joint Advisory Committee on
October 5, 2017.

¦ * -	- -* 35
Photograph of Ceilometer
Water Resources and Conservation
Symposium in El Paso, Texas
On July 14, 2017, Senator Jose Rodriguez and the
District 29 Environment Advisory
Committee, the City of the El Paso Environmental
Services Department, and El Paso Water (EPW)
along with other area stakeholders hosted the
Water Resources and Conservation Symposium in El
Paso, Texas. The symposium, attended by 80 of
participants, was geared to students and
professionals to interact with and to help inspire
area youth to under and pursue professional careers
involving the water challenges facing the Paso del
Norte Region.
Senator Rodriguez addressing symposium attendees.
Topics of the symposium included: water
management, water resources, engineering and
design, water program and water history and law.
Guest speakers included Texas Senator, Jose
Rodriguez; John Balliew (President and Chief
Executive of EPW); Al Bair (AW Blair Engineering);
Bert Cortez (U.S. Bureau of Reclamation); Ed
Druisina (Commissioner for the US International
Boundary and Water Commission - IBWC); Colin
Findley (Texas Parks and Wildlife); Josiah Heyman
(University of Texas at El Paso); Kathleen Jackson
(Texas Water Development Board); Derrick O'Hara
(IBWC); Jesus Reyes (El Paso Water Improvement
District #1); Scott Reinert (EPWU); and Karl Rimkus
(City of El Paso Environmental Services
Department).
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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.
14

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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,
Cruz-diaz.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.sala7ar@ktttribe.0rg
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 or 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
15

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Gulf Task Force
US Task Force Co-leader
John Wood, Port of Brownsville
Commissioner 956-778-7175
jwarealty@aol.com
MX Task Force Co-leader
Lie. Jesus de la Garza Diaz del Guante,
Presidente Municipal, Matamoros, Tamps.
868 8108000
Staff: Lie. Gerardo Morales
868 8108000
gGerardo.mg@hotmail.com
Waste Committee Co-Facilitators
US: Art Rodriguez, Director of Public Health,
Brownsville, TX 956 542-3437, ext. 6514,
art.rodriguez@cob.us
MX: Lie. Martha Garcia Fortaney, Director
de Ecologia, Valle Hermosa, Tamps
894842082; fortaney@hotmail.com
Water Committee Co-Facilitators
US: Joe Hinojosa
Santa Cruz Irrigation District # 15
956-383-3441
josehinojosa290@gmail.com
jhinojosa8o@yahoo.com
MX: Ing. David Negrete, CILA-Reynosa 899
1326964 dnegrete@cilamexeua.gob.mx
David.negrete@prodigy.net.mx
Environmental Education & Health
Committee Co-Facilitators
US: BeatrizTapia, MD, UT Health Science
Center, 956-365-8820
beatriz.tapia@utrgv.edu
US: Genny Carrillo, MD Texas A&M Health
McAllen (956 668-6321)
gcarrillo@sph.tamhsc.edu
MX: Ing. Alfredo Hassanille, Asociacion de
Maquiladoras, Matamoros,
868-125-0218
alfredo.a.hassanille@gmail.com
Emergency Preparedness Committee Co-
Facilitators
US: Ricardo Saldana, Hidalgo Co. EMC
956-318-9615
ricardo.saldana@co.hidalgo.tx.us
MX: Ing. Manuel Montiel, CLAM
Matamoros, AMMAC
868 8137938 or 868 9076414
ManuelmontielqRfiphotmail.com
Falcon Task Force
US Task Force Co-leaders
Joe Rathmell, County Judge, Zapata County
956-765-9920; 7cjo@7apatacountvtx.org
Pete Saenz Jr., Mayor of Laredo, TX
956-791-7389 mayorsaenz@ci.laredo.tx.us
Staff: Riazul Mia, 956-721-2000
rmia@ci.laredo.tx.us
MX Task Force Co-leader
Lie. Oscar Enrique Rivas Cuellar, Presidente
Municipal of Nuevo Laredo, Tamps.
Staff: Lie. Luis Mata Bernal, 867 7147973,
8luismata@ gmail.com
Lie. Juan Manuel Morton Gonzalez, Presidente
MunicipaJAnahuac, Nuevo Leon
Staff: C. Rodolfo Villarreal Hernandez, 873
7370440,
rodolfo.villarreal@anahuacnl.gob.mx
Waste Committee Co-Facilitators
US: John Porter, Director of Environmental
Services, Laredo, 956-794-1650
jporter@ci.laredo.tx.us
MX: Ing. Atilano Ramirez, Consultant,
CAREME, Nuevo Laredo, 867 712-43-06
rasati13@hotmail.com
Water Committee Co-Facilitators
US: Jose Garza, Frank Tejeda Center,
956-326-2896
jose.garza@teexmail.tamu.edu
MX: Agustin Boone, CILA, 867 713-49-73
aboone@cila.gob.mx
Environmental Education & Health Committee
Co-Facilitators
US: Dr. Hector Gonzalez, Laredo Health
Department, 956-795-4922
hgon7ale7@ci.laredo.tx.us
US: Ivan Santoyo, Laredo Environmental
Services, 956-794-1650
isantoyo@ci.laredo.tx.us
Amistad Task Force
US Task Force Co-leader
Ramsey Cantu, Mayor of Eagle Pass, TX
Staff: Ivan Morua, 830-773-1111
imorua@eaglepasstx.us
MX Task Force Co-leader
Lie. Ana Gabriela Fernandez Osuna,
Alcaldesa de Novo, Coahuila
Staff: Ing. Jesus Flores de la Garza,
862 624 6765; jmfdelag15@hotmail.com
Waste Committee Co-Facilitators
US: Isaak Ruiz, City of Eagle Pass
Recycling Center, 830-773-5136
iruiz@eaglepasstx.us
MX: Ing. Alfredo Lucero, Director de
Ecologia, Piedras Negras, 878 782-6666 or
878 789-9419, aalm68@hotmail.com
Water Committee Co-Facilitators
No Committee for this region
Environmental Education & Health
Committee Co-Facilitators
US: VACANT
MX: Ing. Victor Manuel Ibarra, Instituto
Tecnologico de Piedras Negras,
878 7836580 or 878 109 4173
ing_victor_m@prodigy.net.mx
Emergency Preparedness Committee Co-
Facilitators
US: Manuel Mello, Fire Chief, City of Eagle
Pass, 830-757-2698
mmello@eaglepasstx.us
MX: Brigido Ivan Moreno, Director de
Proteccion Civil deAcuna, 877 888-2106
proteccioncivilacuna@gmail.com
MX: Ing. Marco Garza,
Universidad Tecnologica de Nuevo Laredo,
867 789-00-0000 ext. 112,
utnl_mgar7a@hotmail.com or
dirvinc@utnuevolaredo.edu.mx
Emergency Preparedness Committee Co-
Facilitators
US: Steve Landin, Fire Chief, City of Laredo,
956-795-2150; slandin@ci.laredo.tx.us
MX: Ing. Juan Pablo Villarreal, Universidad
Autonoma de Tamaulipas, 867-113-0682
juanp_reyes@yahoo.com
16

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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 Task Force 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.
Luis Martin Palomares Cera,
Profesor de Agricultura Sustentable
y Protegida en la Universidad
Tecnologica de Paquime,
OH-52-636-112-5145
luis palomaresffiutpaquime.edu.
mx or 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
17

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