1 Border 2025 Action Plan (2021-2023) Texas - Coahuila - Nuevo Leon - Tamaulipas Region GOAL 1: - REDUCE AIR POLLUTION Objective 1: Establish reliable and sustainably operated air monitoring networks and provide real-time access to air quality data Objective 1a: By 2023, increase knowledge-transfer and provide at least one training opportunity on performance standards and applications of low-cost air quality sensors. Objective 1b: By 2024, develop and implement a sustainable funding mechanism for air quality monitoring in at least one Mexican state. Objective 1c: By 2025, ensure that all air quality agencies operating one or more regulatory air quality monitors have developed a monitoring network plan (ideally in cooperation with other agencies in the same airshed) and a quality assurance project plan. Objective 2: Increase the quality and exchange of data from emissions inventories across the border and among federal, state, local, Tribal governments and Mexican Indigenous communities and Afro-Mexican people. Objective 2a: By 2023, strengthen intergovernmental linkages, increase the exchange of information, and pursue greater harmonization when developing and improving national, state, and municipal emissions inventories, starting with at least two binational airsheds. The initial focus will be on "criteria" pollutants and their precursors (particulate matter, carbon monoxide, lead, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and ammonia). Objective 2b: By 2024, expand technical training to promote standardized approaches to emissions inventory development (including source measurement and testing) and maintenance. Objective 3: Reduce vehicle emissions in the border region, including by establishing or strengthening programs that reduce the number of vehicles that do not comply with vehicle emissions standards. Objective 3a: By 2024, increase cross-border (interagency, interstate, and international) access to databases that officials can use to verify that used vehicles meet emission standards. Objective 3b: By 2025, implement new vehicle inspection and maintenance programs or improve the existing programs, achieving at least 50% compliance in two or more Mexican states. Objective 3c: By 2025, reduce emissions from freight transportation in the border region by increasing information exchange and harmonization between U. S. EPA's SmartWay program and Mexico's Transporte Limpio program. Objective 4: Deploy strategies and technologies to reduce pollutant emissions and improve public health outcomes. l ------- 1 Border 2025 Action Plan (2021-2023) Texas - Coahuila - Nuevo Leon - Tamaulipas Region GOAL 1: - REDUCE AIR POLLUTION Description of Action Collaborating Organizations Cost and Source Lead Points of Contact Target Outputs Expected Results in 2021-2023 Status Impact of emissions from Nava Coahuila coal-fired power plant (Amistad Task Force) Secretaria de Medio Ambiente del Estado de Coahuila de Zaragoza $82,100 Border 2020 funded project Oscar A. Flores Garcia oscaraleiandro.flores(5)coahui la.aob.mx Analyze the impacts of emissions from coal-fired plants and conduct a public campaign to inform stakeholders on health impact analysis. The project team hosted three virtual workshops to approximately 400 Nava, Ciudad Acuna and Piedras Negras residents to raise awareness about the health impacts associated with local air quality. This project was closed in October 2021. Deliverable Achieved Objective 4a: By 2023, implement a program on air-quality-related health effects and/or a communication campaign on air-quality-related health risks and mitigation measures in at least one additional urban airshed (e.g., a public awareness campaign on the health impacts of agricultural burning or trash burning). Description of Action Collaborating Organizations Cost and Source Lead Points of Contact Target Outputs Expected Results in 2021-2023 Status Exposure to air quality deterioration among the population in Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuna (Amistad Task Force) LTM Center for Energy and the Environment, A.C. $64,625 Border 2025 funded project Dr. Dzoara Damaris Tejeda Honstein Dzoara. tei ada©> Itm ce2. ora. m X Identify and generate information on air pollutants: PM10, PM2.5, black carbon, and carbon monoxide Determine concentrations of air pollutants in the communities of Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuna, and adverse health effects. Initial Progress Empowering Air Quality Knowledge Base of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Citizenry (Gulf Task Force) University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) $84,000 Border 2025 funded project Dr. Amit Raysoni Amit.ravsoni@utrav.edu Increase knowledge on air quality and associated health impacts among grade school students, parents and teachers through the use of low-cost sensors. Project started in January 2023 Initial Progress Objective 4b: By 2025, implement at least two policy-based (e.g., multi-pollutant assessment, co-mitigation of short-lived climate pollutants, and Global Methane Initiative) or technology-based (e.g., renewable energy financing or other incentives) programs targeting specific pollutants or sectoral emissions of local concern 2 ------- 1 Border 2025 Action Plan (2021-2023) Texas - Coahuila - Nuevo Leon - Tamaulipas Region GOAL 1: - REDUCE AIR POLLUTION Objective 4c: Implement additional emission reduction strategies consistent with applicable State Implementation Plans (SIPs) and PROAIREs Objective 5: By 2025, support update and/or completion of climate action plans in each of the six northern Mexican Border States (as appropriate) and build the necessary capacity to guarantee sustained implementation. 3 ------- 1 Border 2025 Action Plan (2021-2023) Texas - Coahuila - Nuevo Leon - Tamaulipas Region GOAL 2: IMPROVE WATER QUALITY Objective 1: Address Border Water Management in the Tijuana River Watershed. The EPA and SEMARNAT are to coordinate with specific federal, state, and local entities to plan and implement high priority infrastructure projects that address transboundary pollution affecting the Tijuana River watershed. (Region 9 ONLY: N/A in Region 6) Objective 1a: Carry out the planning, design, construction, and operation and maintenance of high priority treatment works in the Tijuana River Watershed. (Region 9 ONLY: N/A in Region 6) Objective 2: Improve Drinking Water and Wastewater Treatment Infrastructure. Ten drinking water and/or wastewater projects will be developed and certified by the NADB Board of Directors by 2025 under the Border Water Infrastructure Program Objective 2a: Increase access to safe drinking water and wastewater treatment in underserved communities. Description of Action Collaborating Organizations Cost and Source Lead Points of Contact Target Outputs Expected Results in 2021-2023 Status Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas - Wastewater Collection Rehabilitation (Falcon Task Force) Region 6 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Project Development Assistance Program (PDAP) North American Development Bank (NADBank) $730,000 Gilbert Tellez Tellez.ailbert(5)epa.aov Project is in development with the Environmental Information Document currently in progress. Comprehensive repair and rehab of existing city-wide wastewater infrastructure with various raw wastewater discharges to the Rio Grande in the vicinity of Laredo, Texas. The existing Wastewater Treatment plant in Nuevo Laredo will be expanded to have the capacity to treat the projected wastewater flows. Currently in National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process with final design to follow. Moderate Progress Objective 2b: Reduce discharges of untreated wastewater into the oceans and transboundary rivers such as those in the Tijuana River, New River, Santa Cruz River and the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo watersheds Description of Action Collaborating Organizations Cost and Source Lead Points of Contact Target Outputs Expected Results in 2021-2023 Status 4 ------- 1 Border 2025 Action Plan (2021-2023) Texas - Coahuila - Nuevo Leon - Tamaulipas Region GOAL 2: IMPROVE WATER QUALITY Wastewater Project Reynosa, Tamaulipas (Gulf Task Force) Region 6 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Border Environment Infrastructure Fund (BEIF) North American Development Bank (NADBank) $7 Million Gilbert Tellez Tellez.ailbert@eDa.aov The project consisted of the expansion of the existing 5.7 million gallons a day (MDG) wastewater treatment plant #2 serving the south section of Reynosa, by building two new 5.7 MGD modules and aims construction of two new lift stations in the northern section of Reynosa. This project will eliminate untreated discharges to tributaries of the Rio Grande by replacing facilities that have exceeded the useful life cycle and being able to convey the wastewater to the plant for treatment. One-year closeout Significant Progress Camargo, Tamaulipas (Wastewater Collection and T reatment) (Gulf Task Force) Region 6 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Border Environment Infrastructure Fund (BEIF) North American Development Bank (NADBank) $2.7 Million Gilbert Tellez Tellez. ailbert(5)epa.aov • The project consisted of expansion of the wastewater collection system in the Colonia La Mision, Colonia El Sauz, and rehabilitation of lift station, sewer main, pressure main, and construction of a new 0.57 MGD wastewater treatment plant. • Camargo's wastewater plant has been inoperable for several years with raw wastewater discharges to the Rio Grande. This project effectively collects and treats wastewater. • This project benefits 8,819 people. The project was completed in 2021. One-year closeout Significant Progress 5 ------- 1 Border 2025 Action Plan (2021-2023) Texas - Coahuila - Nuevo Leon - Tamaulipas Region GOAL 2: IMPROVE WATER QUALITY Decentralized Onsite Wastewater Treatment Facility Survey and Community Education (Gulf Task Force) Communities Unlimited, Inc. $100,000 Border 2025 funded project Tommy Ricks Tommv.ricks(5)communitiesU. This project aims to provide sustainable long-term solutions in Hidalgo County, Texas in areas of large minority populations of moderate to low-income households by: • Surveying failing or absent decentralized Onsite Wastewater Treatment Facilities (OWTF), • Community outreach and • Bilingual education campaign. org A direct impact of this project will be improving resident's knowledge on the environmental health impacts of improperly maintained septic tanks. Objective 3: Improve O&M of Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure. Initial Progress Objective 3a: Ensure that infrastructure projects funded by the U.S. or Mexico have adequate O&M reserves and long-term planning. Objective 3b: Build capacity at water utilities through training and programs that improve the following: Asset management; Wastewater pretreatment (treatment of industrial wastewater discharged to a public wastewater treatment plant); Operational, managerial, and financial management. Objective 4: Promote beneficial reuse of treated wastewater and conservation of water and energy. 100% of Border Water Infrastructure Program projects selected for development will include an assessment of water reuse opportunities, if appropriate by 2025. Objective 4a: Assess opportunities to fund wastewater reuse projects through the infrastructure program, complying with current regulations. Objective 4b: Develop at least one wastewater reuse pilot project, or one utility-driven water/energy audit. Objective 5: Implement projects to prevent and reduce the levels of trash and sediment from entering high priority binational watersheds. Projects that prevent/reduce marine litter should primarily focus on preventing waste at the source through improvements to solid waste management systems, education campaigns, and monitoring as well as reducing trash from entering the aquatic environment through the capture of litter using river booms in known watershed litter hot spots. Funding sources are intended for at least one project in Tijuana River, New River, Rio Grande, and Santa Cruz River watersheds will be implemented to address trash or sediment by 2025. Description of Action Collaborating Organizations Cost and Source Lead Points of Contact Target Outputs Expected Results in 2021-2023 Status Lower Rio Grande Valley Real Time Surface Water Research, Applied Technology, Education and $50,000 Border 2025 Linda Navarro lnavarro@office.ratesresearch.org Develop an early flood warning system Develop a website to promote the Real Time Hydrologic Stations (RTHS) pilot program and disseminate information. Initial ------- 1 Border 2025 Action Plan (2021-2023) Texas - Coahuila - Nuevo Leon - Tamaulipas Region GOAL 2: IMPROVE WATER QUALITY Monitoring Pilot Program (Gulf Task Force) Service, Inc (RATES) funded project Javier Guerrero Jauerrero(®office.ratesresearch.o Progress m Objective 6: Improve access to transboundary water quality data. Description of Action Collaborating Organizations Cost and Source Lead Points of Contact Target Outputs Expected Results in 2021-2023 Status Goodenough Spring Catchment Area Characterization, Amistad Reservoir, Rio Grande Valley (Amistad Task Force) Southwest Research Institute (SWRI) $99,994.08 Border 2020 funded project Mauricio Flores mauricio.flores@swri.ora Determine water chemistry of the reservoir and create a ArcGIS geodatabase and maps with catchment delineation. Water samples were collected and analyzed from four wells in Texas and five wells in Coahuila de Zaragoza in the Goodenough Spring catchment area. This project was completed in 2021. Deliverable Achieved Applying hydrogeochemistry to refine hydrologic conceptualization of Amistad Reservoir region (Amistad Task Force) Southwest Research Institute (SWRI) $99,999.76 Border 2025 funded project Mauricio Flores mauricio.flores@swri.ora Develop a more robust hydrologic characterization of the water resources in Amistad Reservoir with an emphasis on filling critical gaps pertaining to the Coahuila portion of the region. Started in Fall 2022 Initial Progress Strengthening governance to safeguard the Rio Bravo in COAH/NL/TAMPS (Amistad, Falcon, Gulf Task Forces) Pronatura Noreste, A.C. $71,275.83 Border 2025 funded project Oscar Adrian Leal Nares oleal@oronaturane.ora Develop a mobile app to alert communities along the Rio Grande about environmental hazards. Facilitate interagency collaborations among sourcing and regulating agencies Initial Progress Objective 6a: Ensure sewage spill notification protocols are in place for all communities affected by transboundary flows of untreated sewage. A sewage runoff model will be developed for Tijuana by 2021. Spill notification protocols will be developed in three high priority watersheds by 2025. Objective 6b: Increase awareness of beach contamination from marine debris and untreated sewage through modeling, monitoring (should focus on sources and types of marine debris) and special studies. 7 ------- 1 Border 2025 Action Plan (2021-2023) Texas - Coahuila - Nuevo Leon - Tamaulipas Region GOAL 2: IMPROVE WATER QUALITY Objective 6c: Ensure that U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) website displays timely information on water quality in high-priority watersheds including the Lower Rio Grande/Bravo, the New River, the Santa Cruz River and the Tijuana River Description of Action Collaborating Organizations Cost and Source Lead Points of Contact Target Outputs Expected Results in 2021-2023 Status International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) Water Data Portal (Amistad, Falcon, Gulf Task Forces) International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) Part of IBWC Budget Gilbert Anaya ailbert.anava(5)ibwc.aov IBWC maintains website: https://waterdata.ibwc.gov/ This will be ongoing throughout Border 2025 Continue with data on website and to public IBWC hopes to add the discreet water sample data collected by the Texas Clean Rivers program for the Rio Grande basin. Also on the Rio Grande, there are some near-real time conductivity sensors run by Mexican section of the IBWC that will be turned back on. Moderate Progress Lower Rio Grande/Bravo Two- Day Salinity Level Forecast using Artificial Intelligence (Gulf Task Force) University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) $63,115 Border 2025 funded project Jungseok Ho Junaseok.ho©? utrav.edu Develop a 2-day river salinity forecasting data of the LRG basin using an online tool powered by Artificial Intelligence Develop a website to provide dependable and easy access of the salinity forecast Initial Progress Objective 6d: Continue the work of the binational water quality improvement plan as part of the Lower Rio Grande Water Quality Initiative in the Lower Rio Grande below Falcon International Dam. Description of Action Collaborating Organizations Cost and Source Lead Points of Contact Target Outputs Expected Results in 2021-2023 Status Lower Rio Grande Water Quality Initiative Binational Meetings (Gulf Task Force) Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mexico's Secretariat of In-kind; Logistic support by TCEQ Public Partnership Grant (PPG) from EPA Region 6 Eddie Moderow Eddie.moderow(®tcea.texas.a ov Claudia Lozano Claudia. lozano(5)tceq.texas.aov • The objective of the LRGWQI is explore border sanitation issues and water quality management with potential binational benefits. Joint cooperative projects and measures must be consistent with the Terms or Reference and 1944 Treaty • Facilitated stakeholder binational Continue binational focus and public meetings and activities related to improve water quality in the Lower Rio Grande. Binational participating agencies are working in the Binational Salinity Study. Moderate Progress Maria Sisneros Sisneros.maria@eDa.aov 8 ------- 1 Border 2025 Action Plan (2021-2023) Texas - Coahuila - Nuevo Leon - Tamaulipas Region GOAL 2: IMPROVE WATER QUALITY Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission US section (IBWC) and Mexican section (CI LA) Gilbert Anaya ailbert.anava@ibwc.aov leslie.ariialva@ibwc.aov Luis Antonio Rascon Mendoza arascon(®cila.aob.mx Manuel Morales amorales(®cila.aob.mx platform that includes the participating agencies, stakeholders and Rio Grande users. • Several binational focus meetings were by participating agencies, four Border 2025 public Gulf Task Force water committee meetings, where stakeholders learned on the Lower Rio Grande water quality issues and impacts on the different areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, etc., and progress on initiative and updates on water quality projects within the region. 9 ------- 1 Border 2025 Action Plan (2021-2023) Texas - Coahuila - Nuevo Leon - Tamaulipas Region GOAL 3: PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS MANAGEMENT AND WASTE MANAGEMENT, AND CLEAN SITES Objective 1: By 2025, share information and experiences on sustainable materials management and resource efficiency practices with local and state-level institutions, tribal governments, and indigenous and Afro-Mexican communities. Objective 2: Identify priority waste streams and develop sustainable materials management and resource efficiency practices that strengthen their respective market value. Objective 2a: Identify and measure priority waste streams by 2022 Objective 2b: Develop strategies or trainings to reduce illegal dumping, maximize material recovery, and promote environmentally sound disposal practices by 2025. Objective 3: By 2025, improve knowledge at every level of government (federal, state, local) to improve solid waste disposal site operations Objective 3a: By 2023, identify strategies to reduce illegal dumping and promote clean sites Description of Action Collaborating Organizations Cost and Source Lead Points of Contact Target Outputs Expected Results in 2021-2023 Status Redefining Scrap Tire Borderwide Binational Webinar (Amistad, Falcon, Gulf Task Forces) Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) TCEQ EPA Eddie Moderow Eddie. Moderow@tceq.texas.q ov To raise awareness and share success stories on scrap tire reuse along the U.S. and Mexico border. Increase knowledge on rethinking scrap tires as a resource and sustainable end of life uses. • Binational webinar was held August 26, 2022 • Presenters included EPA, TCEQ, City of Laredo, Ciudad Juarez Employers Confederation of the Mexican Republic (COPARMEX), City of Nuevo Laredo, City of Guadalajara and City of Houston There were approximately 90 webinar attendees. Deliverable Achieved Objective 3b: By 2025, identify strategies to reduce landfill fires. Objective 4: Prevent and Reduce Pollution in the Marine Environment. Objective 4a: Promote solutions that involve identifying hotspots of litter accumulation in and around waterways, especially in shared watersheds, and build capacity for improving waste management systems and preventing leakage where necessary. 10 ------- 1 Border 2025 Action Plan (2021-2023) Texas - Coahuila - Nuevo Leon - Tamaulipas Region GOAL 3: PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS MANAGEMENT AND WASTE MANAGEMENT, AND CLEAN SITES Description of Action Collaborating Organizations Cost and Source Lead Points of Contact Target Outputs Expected Results in 2021-2023 Status Environmentally Responsible Rural Communities in Matamoros (Gulf Task Force) Municipality of Matamoros $37,641.32 Border 2025 funded project Saira Mariel Silva Lianas sairaamariel@hotmail.com • Develop program for disposal of solid waste in 5 communities near Matamoros. • Set up waste collection sites with 20 containers, carry out training on composting and set up vegetable patches in rural communities. • Raise awareness over pesticide use. Started in Fall 2022 Initial Progress Objective 5: On an annual basis, implement the Binational Consultative Mechanism on sharing information on border area hazardous waste facilities, spent lead acid battery and electronics recycling facilities. Description of Action Collaborating Organizations Cost and Source Lead Points of Contact Target Outputs Expected Results in 2021-2023 Status Binational Consultative Mechanism (Amistad, Falcon, Gulf Task Forces) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mexico's Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) In-kind from EPA and SEMARNAT Stephanie Adrian Adrian. Stephanie(5)epa.aov Collect and share information on the hazardous waste facilities, spent lead- acid batteries (SLAB) recyclers and electronic waste recyclers that lie 100km on both sides of the border. Draft of CM Facilities was received from Texas on July 13, 2022. Updates from the U.S. Facilities were provided to SEMARNAT on October 11, 2022. Awaiting updates from SEMARNAT for Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas Moderate Progress ii ------- 1 Border 2025 Action Plan (2021-2023) Texas - Coahuila - Nuevo Leon - Tamaulipas Region GOAL 4: IMPROVE JOINT PREPAREDNESS FOR AND RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCIES Objective 1: Update the Joint Mexico-United States Contingency Plan (JCP) and evaluate the emergency notification system along the border of Mexico and the United States. Objective 1a: In 2021, the JCP notification system should be reviewed and updated to assess its operability and incorporate possible protocol changes and new technological developments. Objective 1b: By the year 2022, a revised and updated version of the JCP will be finalized, including any changes and / or modifications of the participating parties (names, affiliations, etc.) of the governmental structure of both countries. Objective 1c: As part of the evaluation of the operability of the JCP notification system, each country should conduct at least 40 annual chemical emergency notification drills through the National Center of Communication (CENACOM) in Mexico, and the National Response Center (NRC) in the United States. Objective 2: Review, update and evaluate the Sister City Joint Contingency Plans (SCJCPs). Objective 2a: By 2021, a study of the 15 SCJCPs should be completed utilizing existing risk analysis data. This study must consider, among other aspects, the SCJCP's content and scope. Objective 2b: By the year 2022, a joint study should be carried out in the border region aimed at adjusting the number of Border Sister Cities that are members of the JCP. Objective 2c: Based on the results of the sister city JCP Study, the updated SCJCP's must be promoted to the corresponding stakeholders (Regional Groups, NADB, etc.) during the Border 2025 Environmental Program. The actions carried out in this objective will be aimed at achieving the update of the 15 SCJCP's between 2020 to 2025. Objective 2d: In order to evaluate the SCJCP, each country must conduct at least three annual field drills in the Sister Cities located in the Mexico - United States border region, ensuring a joint response is carried out. Prior to conducting the drills, the participating staff must be trained through the delivery of binational seminars Description of Action Collaborating Organizations Cost and Source Lead Points of Contact Target Outputs Expected Results in 2021-2023 Status Bi-National Exercises (Test notification of sister- city plans, tabletop or full-scale exercise) Federal Attorney of Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) In-kind Enrique Ortiz Enrique.ortiz(S)DrofeDa.aob.mx PROFEPA Bi-National notification to test notification protocol Continue exercises in person for July 2023 Significant Progress 12 ------- 1 Border 2025 Action Plan (2021-2023) Texas - Coahuila - Nuevo Leon - Tamaulipas Region GOAL 4: IMPROVE JOINT PREPAREDNESS FOR AND RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCIES (Amistad, Falcon, Gulf Task Forces) Binational Emergency Response Exercise, Nuevo Laredo- Laredo (Falcon Task Force) Federal Attorney of Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) In-kind Enrique Ortiz Enrique. ortiz(5)profepa.aob.mx PROFEPA binational emergency response field exercise drill On July 8, 2022, a field drill exercise was conducted in Nuevo Laredo-Laredo to test binational emergency response preparedness Deliverable Achieved Binational Emergency Response Exercise, Matamoros- Brownsville (Gulf Task Force) Federal Attorney of Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) In-kind Enrique Ortiz Enriaue.ortiz(5)profepa.aob.mx PROFEPA binational emergency response field exercise drill On July 8, 2022, a field drill exercise was conducted in Matamoros-Brownsville to test binational emergency response preparedness Deliverable Achieved Binational Emergency Response Exercise - Eagle Pass- Piedras Negras (Amistad Task Force) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) $50,000 EPA Region 6 Superfund Pratistha Adams adams.pratistha(5)epa.aov Nabil Mzee mzee.nabil(5)epa.aov Binational emergency response knowledge exchange and functional exercise for rail incident. Exercise is being planned for April 19 and 20, 2023. Moderate Progress Objective 3: Strengthen the training of emergency response personnel through the development of in-person or online training courses by creating a certificate of skills recognized by corresponding authorities. Additionally, develop and disseminate technical support material to help inform the public in case of emergency. Objective 3a: In coordination with the Regions, a Sister City Training Program should be developed during the year 2021 and implemented throughout the Border 2025 program. The Training Program should focus on course offerings that result in certifications to enhance the competency of emergency responders. Objective 3b: At least three annual seminars, workshops and/or coordinated courses should be conducted between the two countries on topics including chemical substances, risk and consequences analysis, and emergency management. 13 ------- 1 Border 2025 Action Plan (2021-2023) Texas - Coahuila - Nuevo Leon - Tamaulipas Region GOAL 4: IMPROVE JOINT PREPAREDNESS FOR AND RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCIES Description of Action Collaborating Organizations Cost and Source Lead Points of Contact Target Outputs Expected Results in 2021-2023 Status OSHA HAZWOPER 24-HR - virtual (Amistad, Falcon, Gulf Task Forces) U.S. and Mexican Emergency Responders Customs and Border Protection Federal Attorney of Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) $60,000 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6 Superfund Pratistha Adams adams.pratistha(5)epa.aov Nabil Mzee mzee.nabil(5)epa.aov To increase knowledge on HAZWOPER, Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response standard protocols. • English training held October 19-20, 2021 (40 participants) • Two Spanish trainings were offered on Sept. 28-30, 2021, and Oct. 26-28, 2021, each with approximately 140 and 120 participants, respectively. Deliverable Achieved OSHA HAZWOPER 16-HR-field (Amistad, Falcon, Gulf Task Forces) U.S. and Mexican Emergency Responders from Eagle Pass and Laredo, Texas, Matamoros, Reynosa and Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas and Piedras Negras, Coahuila $35,000 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6 Superfund Pratistha Adams adams.pratistha@epa.aov Nabil Mzee mzee.nabil(®epa.aov To increase knowledge in hands-on HAZWOPER, Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response standard protocols and equipment uses. Four trainings were conducted from Mar. 21 - Apr. 1, 2022, in Brownsville, McAllen, Laredo and Eagle Pass, Texas: • Brownsville, Texas (March 21- 22) had 19 emergency responders from Tamaulipas. • McAllen, Texas (March 24 - 25) had 14 emergency responders. • Laredo, Texas (March 28 - 29) had 24 emergency responders. • Eagle Pass, Texas (March 31 and Apr. 1) had 24 emergency responders. Deliverable Achieved Objective 3c: In order to complement the training opportunities, audiovisual material and online courses focused on prevention and response to chemical emergencies should be made available at the border Objective 4: Design and implement the guidelines and protocols to ensure rapid, safe, and legal passage of personnel and materials across the Mexico - United States border in emergency response situations Objective 4a: By 2021, an action plan should be developed to address respective liability coverage of each country to facilitate the movement of people and materials across the border during drills or emergency events. 14 ------- 1 Border 2025 Action Plan (2021-2023) Texas - Coahuila - Nuevo Leon - Tamaulipas Region GOAL 4: IMPROVE JOINT PREPAREDNESS FOR AND RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCIES Objective 4b: By 2022, each country should complete a report on the status of transboundary movement of human and material resources during emergencies, as well as the current and future actions that are being carried out. 15 ------- 1 Border 2025 Action Plan (2021-2023) Texas - Coahuila - Nuevo Leon - Tamaulipas Region GUIDING PRINCIPLES AND CROSS CUTTING MEDIAS Environmental Justice Description of Action Collaborating Organizations Cost and Source Lead Points of Contact Target Outputs Expected Results in 2022-2023 Status Environmental Justice Stakeholder Meeting with local government and nonprofits in Alamo, Texas (Gulf Task Force) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6 El Paso Border Office In-kind Carlos Rincon Rincon.carlos@eDa.aov To engage local government and nonprofit organizations on environmental justice as it relates to Colonias in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. On July 29, 2022, EPA Border staff met with approximately 12 stakeholders that included members of Military Highway and ARISE to discuss border community initiatives geared towards environmental justice as they relate to wastewater and safe drinking water. EPA Border staff will continue to engage with these groups and will keep them informed on EPA funding opportunities to support environmental priorities in the region. Deliverable Achieved Air quality and asthma actions Integrated pest management and pesticide exposure actions Multi-topic environmental health actions (IPM, IAQ, vector-borne, asthma-related, children's health, Healthy Homes, etc.) Description of Action Collaborating Organizations Cost and Source Lead Points of Contact Target Outputs Expected Results in 2022-2023 Status Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Training Classes in Border Cities (Amistad, Falcon, Gulf Task Forces) Southwest Center for Pediatric Environmental Health - El Paso $20,000 Ginny Vietti vietti.virainia(5)epa.aov Two to three trainings targeted to protect children under six years old in pre-1978 homes or daycares that are being renovated. In person or virtual technical support Moderate Progress 16 ------- 1 Border 2025 Action Plan (2021-2023) Texas - Coahuila - Nuevo Leon - Tamaulipas Region GUIDING PRINCIPLES AND CROSS CUTTING MEDIAS Monthly Pediatric Environmental Health Grand Rounds (Amistad, Falcon, Gulf Task Forces) Southwest Center for Pediatric Environmental Health - El Paso In-kind Ginny Vietti vietti.virainia(5)epa.aov Monthly virtual Grand Rounds training sessions on various children's environmental health topics. Target audience is all involved in pediatric health care, childcare, community health workers, etc. In person or virtual workshops Moderate Progress Lead poisoning prevention actions Description of Action Collaborating Organizations Cost and Source Lead Points of Contact Target Outputs Expected Results in 2022-2023 Status Improving Children's Environmental Health in Hidalgo County (Gulf Task Force) Texas A&M University School of Public Health $84,000 Border 2025 funded project Genny Carrillo acarrillo(®tamu.edu • Implement a virtual approach on Lead Education to 30 Head Start Centers and 15 Childcare Centers in Hidalgo County • Provide Virtual Education to 100 CHW by Texas Dept of State Health Services. • Develop Climate Change Educational Material compiled from EPA, NOAA, etc Project overview was presented at an Environmental Education committee meeting in October 2022. Initial Progress Cross Media Efforts for Border 2025 Outreach 17 ------- |