Board of Directors Certifies Reynosa Sanitation and Del Rio Water ProjectsBECCNEWS MARCH-APRIL 1998
CONTENTS
Board of Directors Certifies Reynosa Sanitation and Del Rio Water Projects
BECC and NADB Score High at the Annual Border Environment Meeting
BECC Attends Border XXI Coordinator's Meeting
Valle Hermoso, Tamaulipas Begins Community Participation Process for its Solid Waste Project
BECC Reaches out to Border Communities in Imperial Valley County, California
Matamoros Solid Waste Project Establishes Steering Committee
Reynosa Integral Sanitation Project Steering Committee Recognized
Solid Waste Seminar Held In Monterrey
Public Process For Valle Hermoso Landfill Project Makes Progress
Public review of draft of high sustainable development (HSD) Work Plan continues
BOARD OF DIRECTORS CERTIFIES PROJECTS IN REYNOSA AND TAMAULIPAS
During the XV Public Meeting held in El Paso, Texas, on March 31, the BECC Board of Directors certified two projects with an estimated cost of $123 million, benefiting over 500,000 residents. Board Chairman Ygnacio Garza, chaired the public meeting in which two projects were considered for certification: the Comprehensive Sanitation project in Reynosa, Tamaulipas; and the Potable Water Program for Del Rio, Texas.
Comprehensive Sanitation Project for Reynosa:
The estimated cost of the project is $82.9 million and will be carried out in four stages through the year 2016. The first stage will cover 82 percent of the project and will benefit over 500,000 residents by the year 2001. Potential funding for the project will come from grants from Mexico’s Comisión Nacional del Agua (CNA) and the NADB Border Environmental Infrastructure Fund (BEIF).
The project was certified with the condition that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) complete an environmental assessment and issue a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), expected in May 1998.
Potable Water Project for Del Rio
The project has an estimated cost of $40.2 million and will benefit approximately 55,000 residents. The project is seeking grant funding from the NADB BEIF program.
Certification of the project was conditioned upon the establishment of an aggressive water conservation program by the community, and issuance of a FONSI by EPA.
Technical Assistance and Other Issues
During the meeting, the Board of Directors approved contracts for technical assistance grants of $1.2 million in the coming three months. The contracts are for the following communities and projects:
During the meeting, Jabier Cabrera, General Manager of the BECC, highlighted the work of the BECC in the following aspects: 1) the establishment of closer working relationships with the Congresses of the United States and Mexico, 2) intensive work of the BECC with border states and coordinating efforts to develop programs in institutional capacity building, and operations and maintenance of projects; 3) work with Native American Tribes in assisting nations with environmental infrastructure projects; 4) work on the development of High Sustainability Recognition Program by the BECC. This last item will be of special benefit to communities throughout the border.
BECC AND NADB SCORE HIGH AT THE
ANNUAL BORDER ENVIRONMENT MEETING
At the Annual Border Environment Meeting held in Cd. Juarez on March 5 – 7, Stephen Mumme, from Colorado State University at Fort Collins, highlighted the work of the BECC, stating it has made large strides in the protection of the border environment because of the following:
Attending the meeting were representatives from community and non-governmental organizations working to protect the border environment and improve public health.
The Panel on Binational Environmental Institutions included the participation of Mr. Mumme; Javier Cabrera Bravo, BECC General Manager, Suzanne Gallagher, Project Implementation Director at the NADB, Virginia Reyes, of the Arizona/San Luis Rio Colorado Health Commission, and Francisco Treviño, Chairman of the Steering Committee for the Reynosa Comprehensive Sanitation Project. Mr. Treviño was recently appointed to serve on the BECC Advisory Council.
Mr. Cabrera highlighted the importance of community participation and inter-agency coordination and their contribution in enhancing new mechanisms for the development of projects along the border. Citizens Steering Committees have facilitated community participation, allowed communities to openly evaluate projects, guaranteed residents the right to know about the projects, and set the ground discussion on the benefits and impacts of the projects.
According to Suzanne Gallagher, the NADB, as sister organization of the BECC, plays an important role in strengthening the projects' financial feasibility and the system's institutional capacity. She mentioned the funding support granted to 37 different projects in the amount of $2 million from the Institutional Development Program. Ms. Gallagher also commented on the status of the technical and financial review of the Cd. Juárez Wastewater Treatment Plants, Tijuana Parallel Conveyance system, and Mexicali and Reynosa Sanitation projects. NADB financing is expected in the near term future.
Francisco Treviño described the Reynosa community participation process and stated its credibility was due in large part to its political independence and non-partisanship.
MANAGERS GO TO WASHINGTON
BECC Managers recently traveled to Washington, D.C. where they visited with the Hispanic Caucus of the Senate, held a work meeting with Senator Pete Domenici's Chief Advisor, and discussed funding issues for the final technical assistance program with EPA officials. The Managers also visited with the Mexican Ambassador to the United States, Jesús Reyes Heroles, State Department Officials, Mr. Bryan Samuel, Deputy Assistant for Inter American Affairs, Ambassador John P. Leonard, Director of the Office for Mexican Affairs, and Elizabeth Swope, Coordinator of US-Mexican Affairs. During meetings at the Department of State, the current status of the BECC was emphasized in a positive light, as were the programs planned for this year.
BECC ATTENDS BORDER XXI COORDINATOR'S MEETING
During the Border XXI National Coordinators Meeting held in San Diego on March 17 to 19, BECC Managers stressed that in order to achieve greater efficiency, closer coordination among the agencies must be established. In this regard, instead of repeating statistics of certified projects or technical assistance given to communities, efforts to achieve the level of efficiency and coordination should be highlighted. Discussions included BECC's recent restructuring and new organizational structure as well as the important role of public participation. Also noteworthy were the Coordinating Committee's tasks, BECC/IBWC agreement, and contacts established with the different levels of government.
VALLE HERMOSO, TAMAULIPAS BEGINS COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION PROCESS FOR SOLID WASTE PROJECT
On March 26, Valle Hermoso, Tamaulipas established the Steering Committee for its solid waste management and disposal project. The Mayor of Valle Hermoso, Maria Eugenia de León, presided over the meeting at City Hall. Francisco Abel Treviño, recently appointed BECC Advisory Council member, and BECC staff attended and provided an in-depth presentation on the BECC and the community participation process. The Committee is comprised of representatives of the Legal Bar Association, a Family Volunteering Association, Recyclers known as "Yonkeros", a Technological and Industrial Institute (CETIS), Neighborhood Associations, Businessmen, Rotary clubs, and the health organizations. Irma Chapa was appointed Chairwoman and the Rules of Procedure were also approved during the meeting. The Committee agreed that the public process would be carried out between the Second week of April and Second week of May.
BECC REACHES OUT TO BORDER COMMUNITIES
IN IMPERIAL VALLEY COUNTY CALIFORNIA
On March 6, 1998, the BECC held an outreach workshop in El Centro California. The purpose of the workshop was to meet with community representatives in Imperial Valley County to discuss the BECC process and how the BECC could better serve those communities. Coordinating with the BECC in the workshop were the NADB and the Valley of Imperial Development Alliance (VIDA).
The BECC worked closely with the VIDA offices in El Centro to coordinate this meeting and the effort resulted in a meeting in which communities had an opportunity in working together with the BECC staff. Part of the focus was to obtain first-hand input from the communities on the perceptions about the BECC, its effectiveness in public outreach, and its ability to respond to community concerns. The communities were consistent in their feedback, stating that the BECC outreach efforts have improved considerably in recent months, as has its effort to respond to community concerns.
After a general presentation on the project submission process by the BECC, the NADB presented a review of its programs and the types of assistance it offers to communities. David Fege, of the EPA border office in San Diego discussed the EPA’s role in project certification. Providing a perspective on project experience with the BECC were Larry Stout, of IBWC, who presented an updated on the Mexicali project, and Mariano Martinez, of the City of Calexico, who presented his personal experience on working with the BECC.
Attending the meeting were representatives from the City of Holtville, Imperial Valley College, the City of Calexico, Heber Public Utility District, Imperial County, Westmorland, Calipatria, and Brawley. Also present were representatives from the USDA Rural Development office in El Centro, the EPA San Diego border office, Cal/BECC, CILA, IBWC, and the Comision Estatal de Servicios Públicos de Mexicali (CESPM).
As a commitment to public participation, the BECC has a comprehensive outreach program with workshops along the border. Recently BECC has organized workshops in the Mexican states of Sonora and Nuevo Leon and programmed several workshops in 1998, such as one to be held in May in the Lower Rio Bravo Valley. The BECC welcomes feedback from the public at all times and encourages comments from the public. Comments may be emailed to becc@cocef.org or sent via regular mail to the BECC offices.
MATAMOROS ESTABLISHES STEERING COMMITTEE FOR
SOLID WASTE PROJECT
On April 2, the Steering Committee for the Matamoros Solid Waste Management and Disposal Project was established. Luis Eduardo Avila, of the consulting company, presented the project and reported progress on the Master Plan. He also noted that the project will benefit the current population of 323,000, and will cover the needs of up to 500,000 residents through the year 2013. The current projections for the city are 143,000 tons of waste per year, 54 percent of which will be composed of organic material. According to Dr. Raúl de la Garza, Environmental Director of the City of Matamoros, significant progress has been made on construction of the first cell.
Dr. Carlos Landeros was selected as Committee Chairman. César González González and María de la Luz Aguirre were appointed as Vice President and Recording Secretary, respectively. The Committee’s first agreements include the adoption of regulations and a Work Program. Certification for the project is scheduled for September 1998.
REYNOSA COMPREHENSIVE SANITATION PROJECT
STEERING COMMITTEE RECOGNIZED
The Reynosa Steering Committee for the Comprehensive Project certified on March 31, held a breakfast meeting on April 3. Presiding over the meeting were Mr. Oscar Luebbert, Mayor of the City, Francisco Abel Treviño, Committee Chairman, Mr. José Ramón Gómez Reséndiz, Chairman of the Administration Board of COMAPA-Reynosa, Mr. Luis Gerardo Higareda, General Director of COMAPA-Reynosa, and Dr. Rene Franco, BECC Project Director.
Mr. Treviño reviewed the Project Certification Resolution that includes the following points:
Mr. Higardea added that the project has been included in the city's long term plans and recognized that certification was largely due to the public process carried out by the Steering Committee. He encouraged the Committee to continue its efforts in promoting and overseeing the project. Mr. Higardea also reported that initial resource implementation would take place this year.
On behalf of the BECC General Manager, Dr. Franco highlighted the progress made by the BECC to enhance the border and the long-term vision needed to address issues such as non-toxic industrial waste and toxic waste management and disposal, as well as air pollution. He also noted that the BECC Board of Directors had noted the project's community participation process as a role model for other projects.
Special recognition awards were awarded to members of the Steering Committee. During the closing session, Mayor Leubbert stressed the importance of certification for the City of Reynosa, stating that it represents a historical step for a city with one of the highest growth rates in Mexico. The project will allow substantial sewage coverage and wastewater treatment within a four-year time period and will require a $66 million investment over the same time period. Service coverage will be one of the highest, not only in Mexico, but also Latin America. He also highlighted the bilateral cooperation that allowed the project to receive grant funding. In closing, he stated that programs established under the NAFTA were beginning to bear fruit. He voiced support for the long-term vision of the BECC and proposed street paving as part of the solution to address air pollution, long considered a serious backlog in border communities.
SOLID WASTE SEMINAR HELD IN MONTERREY
A Municipal Solid Waste Management Seminar, aimed at local officials including Mayors, public service providers, and environmental directors representing various city governments along the Nuevo Leon northern border, was held in Monterrey on April 22 - 24. The seminar was sponsored by the Secretariat of Social Development (SEDESOL), the United States Environmental Training Institute (USETI), the Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon (UANL), and the BECC. This Seminar is the sixth in series of seminars held as part of the training program jointly sponsored by the BECC and USETI.
Attending the opening session were Edelmiro Cantú Sada, the Undersecretary for the Environment of the State Government of Nuevo Leon, Julian de la Garza, the Director of Metropolitan Solid Waste Management System, Guillermo Castillo Caballero, and the Secretary for Public Services of the City of Monterrey, Aquiles Garza Luna. Also present were Antonio Soto, USETI Program Director, and Gustavo Rosiles, SEDESOL Solid Waste Director, and Adolfo Urías, BECC Project Manager.
This Seminar was held as part of follow up actions to the Environmental Development Workshop held this year on January 12 and 13, for Nuevo Leon border communities and which brought together 24 local mayors. The Seminar is expected to establish a framework information exchange regarding solid waste management and the development and implementation of beneficial programs.
Mr. Julián de la Garza provided remarks on behalf of the Governor of Nuevo Leon, Fernando Canales Clariond. He expressed the Governor's interest in establishing coordinated efforts at the three levels of government and with NAFTA institutions to address infrastructure problems.
The Seminar was held at the Conference Center on the Campus of the Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon. The purpose was to compare available options for comprehensive solid waste management, and to identify aspects required for landfill localization, design, and construction, and improved system management and operations. These include financial, technical, environmental aspects, recycling, community relations, and waste minimization.
The Seminar's most significant outcomes are outlined below:
Mr. David Mendoza, Director of Municipal Development, closed by stating that the seminar was the product of established commitments and that follow up actions will be undertaken through the inter-agency committee, whose efforts will result in definite benefits for border communities.
PUBLIC PROCESS FOR THE VALLE HERMOSO LANDFILL PROJECT
CONTINUES TO MAKE PROGRESS
A project meeting with Valle Hermoso authorities and local residents was held on April 23. Gustavo Rosiles of SEDESOL and BECC officials attended the meeting. The consultants participated in the technical presentation of the project during which it was reported that final design stages were underway and this stage of the project is expected to be complete within 30 days. This will allow landfill construction to begin in July of this year and completion of the first cell at the landfill is expected by September 1998.
In addition, a public meeting was also held where a project time-table was presented. In addition, a video-tape was presented and project related issues were discussed. The project will provide benefits in areas related to human health, appropriate waste management, and will provide a long term solution for the community. The public meeting was attended by the Mayor, the Chairwoman of the Steering Committee, Irma Chapa, city council members, representatives from academia and education, health professionals, Rotary Club, farmers, and the media.
HIGH SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM WORK PLAN DRAFT
MADE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
The BECC will continue accepting public comments through June 1, 1998 on the draft High Sustainable Development (HSD) Work Plan by June 1, 1998. The Draft is available on the BECC Home Page: http://www.cocef.org, or you may contact April Lander, Co Chairperson of the HSD Work Group/Technical Assistance Program Manager. E-mail April Lander alander@cocef.org, tel. (16) 25-91-60 ext. 112, fax. (16) 25-91-80.
The BECC is pleased to announce the Technical Assistance Program staff recently hired:
April Lander Technical Assistance Program Manager
Maria Appelzoller Contracting Officer
Alfonso Zamora Contracting Specialist
Ivan Gutierrez Technical Assistance Administrative Assistant
April Lander was hired as the Technical Assistance Program Manager in March of this year but began working for the BECC three years ago as the BECC’s Environment and Sustainable Development Manager where she was responsible for the environmental, health, and sustainable development aspects of BECC projects and was instrumental in the development of the BECC Project Certification Criteria. Previously, Ms. Lander administered the State of Texas Research and Planning Grant Fund for regional water and wastewater facilities, water research, and flood protection planning; analyzed environmental infrastructure financing issues; and has worked extensively in the United States and Latin America on natural resource conservation and development projects. Ms. Lander holds a Master’s Degree in Environmental Management in Water /Air Resources from Duke University.
Maria Appelzoller began working for the BECC in January of this year as the BECC’s Contracting Officer. Prior to working for the BECC, Ms. Appelzoller worked for the United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) for a total of 13 years. At the IBWC she served for 6 years as the agency’s Records Officer, and 7 years as a Contract Specialist. Ms. Appelzoller also worked for the Department of Defense at the White Sands Missile Range and the Small Business Administration and has a total of 25 years of federal government experience. Ms. Appelzoller has a degree in Business Administration – Management Option from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). She is currently enrolled in the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at UTEP.
Alfonso Zamora was hired as the Contract Specialist in January of this year but began working for the BECC two years ago first as a Planning Specialist and later as a Project Manager. Before working for the BECC Mr. Zamora worked at the Juarez City Hall as the Director of Infrastructure Investment for 10 years. Mr. Zamora has more than 12 years experience relating to the control and management of infrastructure projects and contracts. He earned his degree in Civil Engineering from the Universidad Autònoma de Ciudad Juàrez where he also completed a Master’s in Environmental Engineering. Furthermore, he is certified in the specialty of Socioeconomic Evaluation of Projects from the Instituto Tecnològico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM).
Ivan Gutierrez was hired as the Technical Assistance Administrative Assistant in March of this year. He holds a Bachelors degree in Business Administration and Accounting from The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and is currently enrolled in Graduate School there. While at UTEP, Mr. Gutièrrez worked as a Teaching Assistant for the Department of Accounting and as a Volunteer in the Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). He is a member of Beta Alpha Psi, an organization dedicated to educational and professional excellence.
PUBLIC REVIEW OF DRAFT OF HIGH SUSTAINBABLE DEVELOPMENT (HSD) WORK PLAN CONTINUES
The BECC will continue to receive comments from the public until June 1, 1998 on the draft High Sustainable Development (HSD) Work Plan of 1998 activities. A copy of the draft is available on the BECC Home Page: http://www.cocef.org or by contacting April Lander, Co-president HSD Work Group/ Technical Assistance Program Manager. E-mail alander@cocef.org, tel. +52 (16) 25-91-60 ext. 112, fax. +52 (16) 25-91-80.
In accordance with Article I of the BECC Procedures Regarding Public Notice and Comment on Project Applications, the BECC has received a Step I Form for the following projects from December 17 1997 to April 20 1998. Please note that this listing does not represent any type of BECC staff recommendation concerning the potential for project certification.
Improvements to Wastewater Treatment and Collection System and Improvements to Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Systems, Altar, Sonora
. This project includes upgrading the existing wastewater treatment plant and increasing coverage of sewer system from 35% to 100%. This project also includes construction of sanitary landfill and provision of garbage trucks. Cost not Available. Contact: H. Ayunt. De Altar/Dir. Serv. Publicos Mpales. Sr. Jose Rene Mendez Lopez, Director, Zaragoza y Dr. Godinez No. 3, Altar, Sonora. 83750 Phone: (637) 4-00-39 Fax: (637) 4-00-39. Received March 26, 1998.
Wastewater Collection System for Berino, Dona Ana County New Mexico
. The project includes gravity sewer lines and forcemain to convey flow to an existing Waste Water Treatment Plant in Anthony, New Mexico. Cost US$2.0 million dollars. Contact: Albert Racelis, Assistant Director, Community Development Department, 430 South Main Street, Las Cruces, New Mexico, 88001, Phone: (505) 647 7244, Fax: (505) 647 7255. Received March 30, 1998.WastewaterTreatment Facility and Collection System for Salem/Ogaz, Dona Ana County, New Mexico. The project includes a wastewater treatment facility and sewer system. Cost US$1.10 million dollars Contact: Albert Racelis, Assistant Director, Community Development Department, 430 South Main Street, Las Cruces, New Mexico, 88001, Phone: (505) 647 7244, Fax: (505) 647 7255. Received March 30, 1998.
Heber Water Supply Water - Heber, CA.- Replacement of the old and failing water plant. Add additional sedimentation bed if necessary with the new plant. Increase raw water storage by converting one of the bed sedimentation beds to raw water storage facility. Rehabilitate the old distribution pumps. Cost not Available. Contact: Heber Public Utility District Mr. Steven Hogan, General Manager 1085 Ingram Avenue PO Box H, Heber, CA. 92249, Phone:(760)353-0323, Fax: (760) 353-9951. Received March 17, 1998.
Heber Wastewater System Project, Heber,CA. - Expansion of the existing wastewater treatment plant (the feasibility to build a new facility will be evaluated). The expansion contemplates additional sludge drying bed; headworks and linning emergency; flow equalization basins with appropiate technology; a sewer main replacement program for aging infrastructure and replacement of a sewer lift station to prevent overflows and contamination of occupied dwelings. Cost not Available. Contact: Heber Public Utility District, Mr. Steven Hogan, General Manager, 1085 Ingram Avenue PO Box H, Heber, CA., 92249 Phone:(760)353-0323 Fax: (760) 353-9951. Received March 17, 1998.
Drinking Water Distribution System, El Paso County/Easy Montana, Texas.-
Construction of a 24" transmission water line, booster pump station, elevated storage tank and a water distribution system that will support 1832 water connections to residents of this area. Cost US15.50 Million dollars. Contact: Charles "Chuck" Mattox, County Judge Rm. 301 County Courthouse 500 E. San Antonio, El Paso, TX., 79901. Received December 17, 1997.Water and Wastewater System Improvements - Tecate, Baja California.-The project proposes to increase the water and sewer service coverage from a 95% to 99% and from 81% to 99% respectively. The project also contemplates institutional strenghtening actions. Cost not Available. Contact: Comisión Estatal de Serv. Pub. De Tecate, Lic. Hugo Adrián Martín Solorio, Director General, Blvd. Benito Juárez # 500 Plaza Cuchuma, Col. Encanto Nte. Tecate, Baja California, Phone: (665) 4 37-81, Fax: (665) 4 16-08. Received April 7, 1998.
Wastewater Treatment Facility and Collection System for Chaparral, Dona Ana County, New Mexico.- The project includes a wastewater treatment facility and sewer system. Cost not Available. Contact: Albert Racelis, Assistant Director, Community Development Department, 430 South Main Street, Las Cruces, New Mexico, 88001, Phone: (505) 647 7244, Fax: (505) 647 7255. Received April 13, 1998.
Wastewater Treatment Facility and Collection System for La Union, Dona Ana County, New Mexico
.-The project includes a wastewater treatment facility and sewer system. Cost US3.20 Million dollars. Contact; Dona Ana County, Albert Racelis, Assistant Director, Community Development Department, 430 South Main Street, Las Cruces, New Mexico, 88001, Phone: (505) 647 7244, Fax: (505) 647 7255. Received March 30, 1998.
Construction of a Wastewater Treatment Plant for the Rio San Pedro Basin, Cananea, Sonora. Cost Not Available. Contact: Ayuntamiento de Cananea, Sonora, Francisco Garcia Gamez, Presidente Municipal, Ave. Juarez y Cuarta Este, Cananea, Sonora, 84620, Phone: (633) 2-53-26, Fax: (633) 2-64-90, Received April 23, 1998
Construction Sanitary Landfill, Cananea, Sonora. Cost Not Available. Contact: Ayuntamiento de Cananea, Sonora, Francisco Garcia Gamez, Presidente Municipal, Ave. Juarez y Cuarta Este, Cananea, Sonora, 84620, Phone: (633) 2-53-26, Fax: (633) 2-64-90, Received April 23, 1998
Comprehensive Poject for Water Supply, Sewage Collection System, Nacozari, Sonora. Cost Not. Available. Ayuntamiento de Nacozari, Ingeniero René Galaz Bustamante, Director de Obras Públicas, Plaza Jesús García 2, Nacozari de García, Sonora, 84340, Phone: (634) 2 02 27, Fax 2 02 26. Received April 20, 1998.
Improvements and Expansion of the Wastewater Treatment Plant, Mercedes, Texas. Plant rehabilitation, modification and expansion is required to upgrade treatment facilities to accommodate additional flow from Colonias and further growth. The plant will increase its treatment capacity from 2.3 MGD to 4.0 MGD. Cost US$4.0 Million dollars. Contact City of Mercedes, Ernesto Silva, City Manager, 400 South Ohio, PO Box 837, Mercedes, TX, 789570, Phone (956) 565 3114, Fax 514 9163. Received April 25, 1998.