April 10, 2017

As reported in last month’s Policy Update, the binational region has been working toward solutions to prevent future sewage spills originating from Mexico similar to what occurred in February.

The International Boundary and Water Commission has concluded its investigation of the spill. The report, released March 31, is available here.

The Minute 320 workgroup will incorporate the lessons learned from this spill and develop implementation plans to achieve improvements to eliminating spills, capacity building, and improved notification and response as identified in the recommendations section of the above-mentioned report.

In response to the spill, Governor of Baja California, Francisco Vega de Lamadrid declared a state of emergency which triggered $120 million pesos to address affected infrastructure needs including those recommended by the U.S.-Mexico International Boundary and Water Commission. Additionally, Governor Vega de Lamadrid has been working with the Comisión Estatal de Servicios Públicos de Tijuana (CESPT) – Mexico’s public services utility – to develop a Wastewater and Water-Reuse plan for Tijuana which will require federal assistance. The Chamber will share Governor Vega de Lamadrid’s plan when it is released.