**Audio Associates 301/577**  **- 5882**  

### U. S. Environmental Protection Agency **Cooperative Environmental Management** 

## The Good Neighbor Environm **ental Board Meeting**

**Tohono O’odham Nation land Desert Diamond Casino**  **1100 Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita, Arizona**

**October 17 -**  **19, 2005** 

## Meeting Summ **ary/Minutes**

**FINAL Audio Associates**  **301/577 -**  **5882 U. S. Environmental Protection Agency**  **, Cooperative Environmental Management** 



### The Good Neighbor Environmental Board **Meeting**

**Tohono O’odham Nation land Desert Diamond Casino**  **1100 Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita, Arizona**

**October 17 -**  **19, 2005** 

## Mee **ting Summary/Minutes Monday, October 17, 2005**  **( 8**  **: 36**  **a.m. )**  

### Meeting Participants **Board Members**

 Paul Ganster, Ph.D., Director, Institute for Regional Studies of the Californias, San Diego State Universit y, Chair , San Diego, California  Amand a Aguirre, CEO/President, Regional Center for Border Health, Inc., San Luis, Arizona  Larry S. Allen, Board of Directors, Malpai Borderlands Group, Rio Rancho, New Mexico  Gedi Cibas, Ph.D., Manager, Border Programs, New Mexico Environment Department, Santa Fe, New Mexico  Gary Gillen, President, Gillen Pest Control, Richmond Texas  Keiko Herai, Sony

Electronics, San Diego, California (for Douglas Smith)  Stephen M. Niemeyer, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Austin, Texas  Ned L. Norris, Jr., Vic e Chair, The Tohono O’odham Nation, Sells, Arizona  David Randolph, Border Coordination Officer, Arizona
- Mexico Commission, Phoenix, Arizona  Diane Rose, Mayor, Imperial Beach, California  Peter S. Silva, Vice Chair, State Water Resources Control Board, Sacra mento, California  Robert Varady, Ph.D., Deputy Director, Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy , University

of Arizona, and Professor of Environmental Policy , Tucson, Arizona  Ann Marie A. Wolf, President, Sonoran Environmental Research Institute, Tucson , Arizona **Federal Board Members and Representatives**

 Carl Edlund, EPA, Region 6  Carlos Marin, Acting Commissioner for U. S. Section, International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) , El Paso, TexasGPA Good Neighbor Environmental Board Meeting 4 October 17
- 19, 2005

**Audio Associates 301/577**  **- 5882**   Alven Lam, US Department of Housing and Urban Develo pment, HUD, Washington, DC  Linda Lawson, Director, Safety , Energy and the Environment, U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT)  John Ritchie , Border Coordinator, Office of Mexico Affairs, U. S. Department of State, Washington, DC.  Jim Stefano v , U. S. Geolo gical Survey (USGS) , Department of the Interior, Austin, Texas **Resource Specialists**

 Manuel Ayala, Natural Resource Manager, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NCRS), U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Washington, DC  Jacob Macias, Economic Deve lopment Representative for Arizona, Economic Development Administration, Seattle Regional Office, U. S. Department of Commerce , Seattle, Washington  Paul Michel, Manager, Southwest/Border Office, EPA, Region 9 , San Francisco, California  Sally Spener, Public Affairs Officer, International Boundary and Water Commission, El Paso, Texas **EPA/OCEM Staff and Management**

 Rafael DeLeon, Director, Office of Cooperative Environmental Management , EPA  Elaine Koerner, GNEB Designated Federal Officer, EPA , OCEM  Geraldine Brown, EPA, OCEM  Lois Williams, EPA, OCEM **Speakers**

 Councilman Edward Encinas , Elders Program, Santa Vera District Council , Tohono O’odham Nation  Mike Connolly , Campo Band of Kumeyaay Indians , San Diego Count y  C olin Soto, Cocopah Indian Tribe  Jonathan Ammon, Office of Homeland Security , State of Arizona  Rose Whitehair, Office of Homeland Security , State of Arizona  Judith Gans, Udall Center for Pol i cy Studies  Paula Stigler, Environmental Department, Pala Band of Indians  Hiram Sarabia , Pala Band of Indians  René Córdova, Mexican Cosejo Consultivo Li aisons to the GNEB  Flavio Olivieri, Mexican Cosejo Consultivo L iaisons to the GNEB  Melody

Sees, Environmental Director, Los Co yotes Reservation  Art Guajardo, Assistant Chief, U. S. Customs and Border Protection  Rog er De Rosa, Refuge Manager, Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife RefugeGPA Good Neighbor Environmental Board Meeting 5 October 17
- 19, 2005

**Audio Associates 301/577**  **- 5882**  **Public Commenters**

 Joaquin Murrieta, Sonoran Institute  Mary Kasulaitis, Rancher, Arivaca, Arizona  Delma Garcia, Tohono O’odham Nation  Evely n Juan Manuel, Tohono O’odham Nation  Gary Brasha, Santa Cruz Valley Citizens Council  Rich Bohman, Santa Cruz Valley Citizens Council **Guests {**Names were taken from a copy of the sign
- in sheet and many were illegible.**}**
 Hector Aguirre, U.S. EPA, Region 9, Pacific Southwest, San Francisco, California  Jonath an Ammon, Arizona Office of Homeland Security, Phoenix, Arizona  Darlene Andrews , Council Member, Tohono O’odham Nation, Sells, Arizona  Regis Andrew, S. F Ordar (sp.?) District, Arizona  Robbie Aonan (sp.?), Sells, Arizona  Cornelius Antonne, Tohono O’odham N ation, Sells, Arizona  Letticia Baltazar, Pasqua Yaqui Tribe, Tucson, Arizona  Alexandra Von Barsewhisch, Berlin, German y  Nancy

Bohman, Santa Cruz Valley Citizens Council  Dan Brocious, Smithsonian Institute, Arizona  Anne Browning, Udall Center, University o f Arizona  Marianne Bruonotz (sp?)  Ty Cáwéz , Coord inator, Arizona Tribal Border 2012, Tempe, Arizona  Roger DiRosa, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arizona  Gerald Fay

vant, (sp.?), Tohono O’odham Nation  Marcom (sp.?) Flores  Robert Frost, Green Valley , Arizon a  Ethel Garcia, Tohono O’odham Nation  Nina Hepner , Native American Environmental Protection Coalition, Temecula, California  Jason Hill, L os Coyotes Environmental , Warner Springs, California  Artemio Hops  Shanna Ioane, Tohono O’odham Nation  Laurence D. Jos é , Sells, Arizona  L. J. Juan, Sells, Arizona  Rob Kasulaitis, Rancher, Arivaca, Arizona  Staffer for John Kyl, Senator, Tuc s on, Arizona  Bill and Ellen Kurtz, Amado, Arizona  John L awson , Council Member, Tohono O’odham Nation  Shela McFarlin, BLM, Tucson, Arizona  Homer Marks, Sr., Tohono O’odham Nation, RCMP, Sells, Arizona  Robert Merideth, Udall Center, University of Arizona  David B. Miller, CBP/BP, Department of Homeland Security, Tucson, Arizona  Denise Mor eno, University of ArizonaGPA Good Neighbor Environmental Board Meeting 4 October 17
- 19, 2005

**Audio Associates 301/577**  **- 5882**   Ted Noor, **[?????]**  Fred Oros co, Tohono O’odham Nation  Paul Rasmussen, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)  Ana C. Rivas, Douglas, Arizona  Celia Rivas, University of Arizona  Lorinda Sam, Tohono O’odham Nation  Placido dos Santos, ADEQ , Tucson, Arizona  Hiram Sarabia, San D iego, California  Carol and Jim Siorggett (sp.?), Arizona, 35646  Doralina Skidmore, Congressmen Ginjava’s (sp?) Office, Tucson, Arizona  Britann Smith, Tucson , Arizona  Colin Soto, Cocopah Elders, Somerton, Arizona  Amos Stevens, Tohono O’odham Nation  Sandra S tone, Oversight Courier, Canoa Ranch Trust, Green Valley , Arizona  David Tautolo (sp?), Tohono O’odham Nation  Olivia Ville gus, Legislative Courier, NRC, Tohono O’odham Nation  Daniel Wirth, Office of the Secretary , Department of Interior, Tucson, Arizona  Metta Young, Universit y of Arizona 

### Background The Good Neighbor Environmental Board ( GNEB or the Board) is an independent advisory committee that is managed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It advises the U. S. President and Congress on good
- neighbor practices along the U.S.
- Mexico border. The focus is on the environmental and infrastructure needs of the U. S. states that are contiguous to Mexico. 

### Welcome and Introductions **Rafael DeLeon**  **, Director, Office of Cooperative Environmental Management (OCEM),**  **EPA ,**  welcomed board members and guests to the first meeting of the Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) on tribal land

—the Tohono O’odham Nation. As the new director of OCEM, Mr. DeLeon thanked the board members, the EPA staff, local officials, speakers, tribal members, former board members, and interested members of the public for providing their ideas on how best to balance the critical needs for security and environmental protection. **Paul Ganster, Ph.D., Chairperson ,**  **Director , Ins**  **titute for Regional Studies of the Californias, San Diego State University,**  stated the importance of the good turnout of Board members and local representatives, because the information provided by them would be helpful in directing messages and reports to the U. S. President and Congress. He looked forward to the interaction between Board members, Tribal authorities, Tribal members, and other interested participants.GPA Good Neighbor Environmental Board Meeting 5 October 17
- 19, 2005

**Audio Associates 301/577**  **- 5882**  **Ned L. Norris, Jr., Vice Chairman** , welcomed participants to the Tohono O’odham Nation and described the Nation’s past and present geography
. He acknowledged two tribal council members Darlene Andrews and John L awson. Next, he introduced Councilman Edward Encinas, who has operated the Elders Program for the Santa Vera District Council, and who would offer a Tribal Blessing on the meeting. **Councilman Edward Encinas** asked the Creator to provide a blessing on the Tribal l eaders, Tribal elders, soldiers in foreign lands, meeting participants and the environment. He asked for the meeting to pro vide enlightenment to everyone present. After the blessing, Chair Ganster asked board members, EPA staff, other Federal representatives, and guests to introduce themselves. After the introductions, he introduced the first speaker, Mike Connolly , from the Campo Band of Kumeyaay Indians, who founded the EPA at Campo in San Diego County , is a cultural historian , and play s an important part in border and regional environmental issues. 

### Speaker Presentations **Mike Connolly, Campo Band of Kumeyaay Indians** , des cribed the history , territory , and tribal groups of the Kumeyaay Nation, specifically the Campo Kumeyaay , and then discussed the environmental issue s of concern to this Nation. The Campo Kumeyaay Nation’s territory

extend s into Mexico. The proximity of th e Kumeyaay

Nation to Mexico provided some protection from the policy of extermination practiced in the 1850s in California
. There are four Kumeyaay reservations in Baja, California and 12 different trib al reservations in San Diego County . Some clan names and territories are shared with the Cocopah Indians and the 17 other tribes in San Diego Count y. One i ssue of concern to the Kumeyaay Nation relate s to the transportation of hazardous waste , such as propane, by trucks along highway s and on a railway that extends into Mexico and back into the United States
. The Nation has an emergency response plan, a cooperative agreement with the San Diego Count y Hazardous Incidence Response Team, and Tribal members are certified with the California Specialized Training Institute for emergency responses. O ther issue s are the destruction of vegetation and ground contamination with human waste from illegal immigrants. The clampdown on the border has had cultural impacts, because the Nation extends into Mexico and people have traditionally been able to pass back and forth across the border. Recently , the Kumeyaay Border Task Force was formed to facilitate transboundary

contacts. Technical assistance has been provided t o the Kumeyaay in Mexico to improve water quality and the water s ys tem . A Mexican law requiring a fee for new drinking water wells makes it difficult for communities to improve their water suppl y. Agriculture usage is exempt from ground water usage restrictions in both Mexico and the United States . T he laws separating surface water from ground water make no sense in this area, because theGPA Good Neighbor Environmental Board Meeting 6 October 17
- 19, 2005

**Audio Associates 301/577**  **- 5882**  underground water comes to the surface. Underground water comes from hundreds of small finger aquifers , so using a formula that treats all the aquifers as one large lake i s not workable . Each area needs to be evaluated on a basin
- by
- basin basis. Urban and suburban development near Indian lands has caused problems for endange red species. Indian lands are used by non - Indian developers for air pollution offsets and as habitat s for endangered species. Market trading policy forces tribes to reward nearby communities for volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions offsets , if they want to develop businesses. The Grand Can yon Visibility Transport Commission has helped by providing up - front allocations to tribes whenever a market trading program is established. The final issue related to taxes that are paid to the state and not returned to the tribes in California. The onl y tax not paid by Indians is for earnings on tribal lands. All other earnings are taxed by

the State of California, including non
- reservation earnings by members, non
- Indian reservation worker earnings, commercial profits, property taxes for Non - Indian owned land on reservations, and gasoline and other sales tax
. Casino earnings are not taxed because they are government
- owned. **Questions and Comments** Steven Niemeyer : **Does the Tribal Government receive any portion of state sales tax as municipalities**  **do ?**  Mike Connolly : Cities and counties receive a portion of sal es tax, but this is not shared with the Tribal Government , even though the Tribal Government provides governmental services such as fire protection, ambulance service, safe drinking water, and road improvements. Steven Niemeyer : **What type of relationship does the Tribe have with the U.S. Customs**  **and Border Protection?** Mike Connolly: The relationship is good right now. Campo is one of the main headquarters fo r the border area, so there is a lot of activity including helicopters overhead and sirens. It’s like a war zone. Ned Norris, Jr. : **What is the Campo Tribe doing with alternative energy projects?** Mike Connolly : The Campo Tribe is building the largest wind energy project on a United States Reservation. **Colin Soto, Tribal Elder Spokesperson,**  **Cocopah Indian Tribe**  The Cocopah Indian reservation is located on the Mexican, Arizona , and California border s . The main problems are illegal immigrants, Homeland Security measures, lack of surface water, and endangered species. The last vestige of animal life i s on the reservation in Yuma County . Homeland Security efforts to clear the area to find immigrants are destroying the habitat and making it impossible to go down to the river, because it is gated . Agents are flying nois y helicopters over the reservation at night and harassing tribal members in their own homes. Mr. Soto made a plea for the Homeland Security officers to recognize the Cocopah members , treat them with respect , and to all ow border crossings by family members.GPA Good Neighbor Environmental Board Meeting 7 October 17
- 19, 2005

**Audio Associates 301/577**  **- 5882**  **Questions and Comments Is**  **the solution**  **better communication between the Cocopah Nation and the U. S. authorities or is it moving the patrolled areas outside the reservation?**  Colin Soto Better train ing for personnel is one solution, so they know how to treat native people. Amanda Agu irre: **Has Sherry Cordova, Chairman of the Cocopah Tribe met with the Border Patrol in Yuma to address this issue?**  Colin Soto: They

have met on numerous occasions, but often nothing comes of the talks. He reminded the Board that he does not speak for the Tribal Government, but for the Tribal Elders, who have differences with the Tribal Government. Ned Norris commented that the Tohono O’odham Nation is impacted in the same way as the Cocopah. He suggested that the United States needs to revisit its policy on immigration to allow tribes that have members on both sides of the border to have eas y access. He noted that the Board w ould be visit ing one of the most vulnerable places along the border of the Tohono O’odham and Cocopah border with Mexico. He pleaded with the Board for their support in addressing these issues. Chair Ganster: **Is the Mexican Governments doing enough to help the Nation with this issue?**  Ned Norris The United States of American and Mexico need to have a concerted joint effort to allow tri bes impacted by these problems to actively participate in decision
- making on immigration policy
. DFO Koerner announced that reading materials and Board reports were available , and that a public comment session would start at noon. Chair Ganster briefl y d escribed the Board’s role as an independent advisory committee to the U. S. President and Congress. The Board does not speak for the EPA, which supplies management and support for the Board. What is learned from public meetings will be included in Report s and meetings with Congress and governmental agencies. Next, h e introduced Jonathan Ammon, Southwest Border Specialist, and Rose Whitehair, Travel L iaison, Office of Homeland Security , State of Arizona, who would discuss Homeland Security efforts, cooper ation, and effects on the environment. **Jonathan Ammon, Southwest Border Specialist, Arizona Department of Homeland Security**  **,** discuss ed his role in Homeland Securit y, opportunities for cooperation with environmental interests , secondary degradation due to immigration , and environmental accidents and pollution in the border area. The border area includes six states, 14 cities, 26 U. S. Federall y - recognized Native American Tribes, and 6.3 million people in the U.S. and 5.5 million in Mexico. The La Paz agree ment between Mexico and the United States , a mutual agreement for environmental protection and conservation , and a framework for a sy stem of notification for emergency situations , is an example of binational cooperation
. The challenges for Homeland Security from an environmental perspective are resource degradation from illegal immigration, potential acid spills from train derailments, and theGPA Good Neighbor Environmental Board Meeting 8 October 17
- 19, 2005

**Audio Associates 301/577**  **- 5882**  need for bi
- national and tri
- national response agreements. Mr. Ammon then described the goals of four cooperati ve efforts the Border 2012, the Emergency Management Committee of the Arizona
- Mexico Commission, the Bi
- National Training Exercises, and the Borderland Management Task Force. The goals of the Emergency Management Committee address joint training in hazardous waste, fire fighting, bio
- terrorism, resource exchange, and the coordination of critical incident response s . Bi
- Nati onal T raining Exercises are concentrated on weapons of mass destruction, biological contamination, chemical spills, and responses. Mr . Ammon described a train derailment and environmental acid spill that occurred on August 17, 2005, that contaminated water in both countries, which was dealt with quickly due to the agreements between the two countries. The Borderlands Management Task Force (BMTF) is an inter
governmental forum that includes Federal, tribal, state and local governments that addresses environmental and immigration issues. **Questions and Comments** Chair Ganster: **Where does the money come from for all the joint exercises, tra ining,**  **and the BMTF?** Jonathan Ammon: The BTMF is a volunteer organization. The Bi
- National Training Exercises receives some Federal funding . Th e International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the Fire Departments in cities and both countries provide resources. Manuel Ayala: **Are you posed to deal with air pollution ?**  Mr. Ammon: This is a potential problem that needs to be discussed. Mr. Niemeyer: **In regard to the train derailment, how was the notification implemented?**  Mr. Ammon: The notification b etween sister cities was immediate. Contingency plans were implemented and Arizona responders went 40 kilometers into Mexico to help out
. **Rose Whitehair, Tribal Liaison, Arizona Office of Homeland Security** , eloquently described the issues and concerns of the 22 tribes and 300,000 persons, whose lands cover 30 percent of Arizona. The major concerns and activities include

 Tribes have been left out of Congressional acts ; and the Homeland Securit y Act does not recognize the legal status of tribes. O nl y two F ederal documents, the National Response Plan and the National Incident Management Sy stem, recognize the tribes.  The tribal areas have been divided into five regions, each with an advisory council consisting of representatives from the fire departments, law enforcement, emergency management, and count y, state, city, and tribal governments.  The Homeland Security Coordination Council has tribal representatives.  In the Tohono O’odham area children can no longer have bicycles , because they are stolen by the Mex ican immigrants , and armed guards accompanied her on a visit to the river, because of danger from snipers.  Some tribal areas do not have local 911 responders, so calls may be forwarded to distant cities. There is no trauma assistance i n some tribes.GPA Good Neighbor Environmental Board Meeting 9 October 17
- 19, 2005

**Audio Associates 301/577**  **- 5882**  Some of the ir initiatives are outreach to all the tribes, grant application workshops, and one to - one visits to determine needs and problems. Cultural awareness is needed for the border patrol so they

can learn more about Indian customs and history . The Tri
- n at ional idea is needed to focus on problems that affect all tribes. The Arizona Counter Terrorism In formation Center has created a category to include sacred sites and hol y l ands. Medicine men need to be included in exercises and disaster drills , so custom s will be followed. **Questions and Comments** Amanda Aguirre: **How many tribes have engaged in tabletop exercises?** Ms. Whitehair: The Navaj o and Hopi tribes recently did a tabletop session on a smallpox disaster drill and they

have planned a drill for Nove mber 3, 2005. Several other tribes are working together including the Cocopah, the White Mountain Apache , and the Tohono O’odham N ation. Ms. Aguirre: **Are counties and agencies**  **communicating with tribes?** Ms. Whitehair: Cooperation is improving slowly . In Yuma County , a threat mitigation i ncludes three tribes. The Navaj o and Hopi were able to get 50 different agencies to work together on the smallpox disaster drill. Ned Norris: **Please explain the term T**  **ri -** **national ?**  Ms. Whitehair: Binational focuses o n two nations Mexico and the United States
. Tri
national includes the Indian nations, because they are sovereign nations. Mr. Norris added that a lot of effort is being made to change the Homeland Security Act to recognize the sovereign tribal nations and to provide funds directly to the tribes. Ms. Whitehair said that she will be speaking to the National Congress of American Indians to encourage the ir 250 tribes to focus on the border issues. **Judith Gans, Udall Center for Policy Studies, University of A rizona**  , **Tucson,** described immigration in terms of the global context, key issues, politics, and the challenges for reform. Globally , there are about 200 million immigrants, with roughl y 42 million or 30 percent in the U. S. and Canada. Immigration account s for 60 percent of the U. S. population growth, including births and immigrants. Arizona has the highest number of undocumented immigrants, about nine percent of the state’s population. Since the l970 ’ s, the immigrants country of origin has shifted from Europe to Latin American, Asia, and Africa. From the mid
- 60’s, the primary

architecture for permanent immigration has been family reunification, but the pressure now comes from economic motivations to provide for scarce labor. It is estimated that about 30 percent of the U. S. foreign
- born are undocumented; the rest are refugees or naturalized citizens. The rate of illegal immigration has exceeded legal immigrat ion , including those who have expired visas and illegal border crossers. Immigration laws are out of balance with the global economic realities. While border control and national security have become intertwined, good intelligence about terrorists is more important for national security than border control. The emphasis on terrorism in immigration laws has created a hostile atmosphere for persons who cross the border for legitimate reasons or for economic motivations. Economic factors have forced theGPA Good Neighbor Environmental Board Meeting 10 October 17
- 19, 2005

**Audio Associates 301/577**  **- 5882**  hiring of un
- skilled, undocumented workers in employ ment that is not out - sourceable. P rovision of E nglish language acquisition, education, health care, and welfare services to unauthorized immigrants has an impact on fiscal policy and has created differences between political parties. The cultural impact of immigration is lessened b y the fact that the United States has a history

of integrating people of diverse cultures. **Questions and Comments** Gary Gillen: **Is there research to indicate the amount of money that flows out of the U. S. because of illegal immigration?**  Ms. Gans: Estimates of remittances t o people in other countries are probably not reliable. Robert Varady commented that securit y is now paramount in immigration policy even though illegal immigrants have rarel y been connected with terrorism. Ms. Gans added that immigration laws and the Patriot Act have created a pretext for arresting people. Amanda Aguirre: **Has the Udall Center done any studies of the impact of low -**  **skilled workers on the economy and specifically individual industries, such as agriculture,**  **hotels, and construction? What is the economic impact of human trafficking?**  Ms. Gans: The construction industry in Arizona would probabl y collapse without the low
skilled, undocumented workers. Consumers benefit from lower construction costs. Ms. Gans will look into the industry
- by
- indu stry impacts and the financial impacts of human trafficking and report back to the Board. Mayor Rose reminded the Board that the criminal element in human and drug trafficking is a huge issue in border security. Chair Ganster stated that the laws need to recognize the importance of the global economy in influencing the amount of illegal immigration , so the dangerous situation at the border can be ameliorated. 

### Public Comments **Joaquin Murrieta, Sonoran Institute** , spoke from the Mexican standpoint in notin g that some Mexican towns near the border are dependent on employ ment from helping those who cross the border. He would like to see more Mexican and Native American representation on the Board, so their perspectives could influence Board decision s . The So noran Desert is a shared resource between three nations and everyone needs to understand how people live in the area. Chair Ganster noted that Mexican guest speakers and member of the Co n sejo Consultivos are valued contributors to the Board’s decision s . **Mary Kasulaitis** 

**, Rancher, Arivaca, Arizona**  , emphasized with pictures and words the huge amount of trash that is left by illegal immigrants on the hundreds of trails in Arizona, Texas, and California. The National Forest Service, the Wildlife Refuge Service , and Indian tribes do not have a budget to hire people to pick up the trash. Both the Federal Government and the state governments need to budget funds for trash pickup. **Delma Garcia, Tohono O’odham Nation** , reported on the large number of trucks filled w ith illegal immigrants that pass through her community . The native police force and the U. S. Border Patrol are not controlling human and drug trafficking, which has created a dangerousGPA Good Neighbor Environmental Board Meeting 11 October 17
- 19, 2005

**Audio Associates 301/577**  **- 5882**  situation for her famil y and community . The Border Patrol chases peop le thorough her propert y and their fence has been destro yed. Local citizens have been killed because they were involved in the drug trade, but the family doesn’t know who killed them. Some families house illegal immigrants, who may be responsible for pass ing diseases to children in the community
. **Evelyn Juan Manual, Tohono O’odham Nation** , reiterated the concerns about infectious diseases from human waste and trash, which contaminate village s and surrounding communities. Another concern is the attitudes of the border patrol towards people of color. Her nation works with other nations, countries and municipalities , because they provide mutual support in times of disaster. **Gary Brasha, Santa Cruz Valley Citizens Council**, complained about a Border Patrol che ckpoint on I
- 1 9 , 22 miles from the border, which created a huge trash problem in the river area and foothills from immigrants who avoid the checkpoint. Property owners have had to hire dump trucks to remove trash from area. Some of the trash included hy po dermic needles that requiring gloves to avoid exposure to diseases. Border Patrol policies have created environmental hazards in areas far from the borders. **Rich Bohman, Santa Cruz Valley Citizens Council**, agreed that a permanent checkpoint was eas y to av oid and created dangerous and hazardous situations for people in the Santa Cruz Valley , because drug smugglers are armed. The main concern is to stop illegal immigration at the border. He recognized that the Border Patrol had a difficult job. 

### Luncheon S

**peaker s**  **Paula Stigler, Environmental Department, Pala Band of Indians** , described a drinking water s ys tem project with the tribal communities in Baja California. The Environmental Department of the Pala Band of Mission Indians made a donation to the Tribal Council in Northern Baja to help attend meetings. The CUNA, a non
- governmental agency in Baja, wrote a grant for Border 2012 Program funds for drinking water projects in Mexico. The Pala Band of Indian s was asked by EPA to sponsor a grant to fund Mexican tribes working on water infrastructure and drinking water projects. The 2005
- 2006 grant will fund construction of some new infrastructure for drinking water is several communities. **Hiram Sarabia**  described the work of Ja Jan (Pai Pai for “Good Water”), a binational coalition of academics, non
- governmental organizations, and community members, that address coastal, inland, and drinking water issues at the community level. In addition to generating reliable information sources about water quality in the border region, the coalition provides impacted communities with the capacity to understand the drinking water issues and to do their own monitoring and improve drinking water practices. Communities are also connected to a resource network, including several universities. Mr. Sarabia showed a videotape highlighting the accomplishments of the U. S. EPA
- funded project sponsored b y the coalition
. They worked with eight indigenous communities in Baja California to improve the quality of drinking water from surface water sources. TheGPA Good Neighbor Environmental Board Meeting 12 October 17
- 19, 2005

**Audio Associates 301/577**  **- 5882**  coalition supported the work of CUNA in analyz ing water contamination and train ing communities to evaluate the quality of their water supply
. The National Commission for Indigenous Development, a Mexican agency , also contributed r esources for improving the infrastructure. One of the main problems is the lack of an electric power supply to draw water from wells which are not contaminated. The Mexican Government is investing $500,000 in these communities to improve drinking water. **Q uestions and Comments**  **** Peter Silva **Are CUNA and the**  **Mexican Indigenous Development Agency (CDI)**  **providing any funding for in -**  **kind services for this project .**  Ms. Stigler The CDI has been able to provide almost $600,000 for two projects that will be starti ng in November to dig some new wells in San Antonio [**Enequ ? ???**  **]** and San Jose de La Zorra. EPA will provide funding for lines f r om the well s to property lines. Peter Silva **Will the communities own the systems ,**  **and will they be provided with training on h**  **ow to operate the systems?** Ms. Stigler Yes, the tribal communities will own the wells and be responsible for monitoring and maintenance. Training will be provided by Ja Jan and Aqualink. Stephen Niemeyer **Is the surface drinking water purified or boiled ?**  Ms. Stigler People are resistant to chlorination and lack resources to boil water, so there are a lot of gastrointestinal diseases . The new wells will be deep , because man y shallow hand
dug wells are contaminated. 

### Speaker Presentations **Update on Act**

**ivities of the Mexican Council for Sustainable Development by Rene**  **Cordova and Flavio O l**  **ivieri , Mexican Co**  **n sejo Consultivo Liaisons to the GNEB**  **René Córdova** (speaking in Spanish with a translator) describe d the Consulting Council as a multilateral organi zation that provides advice to the Secretary of Ecology

in the Natural Resources Department in Mexico. Using a series of slides, Mr. Córdova described the structure as composed of six regional councils and one national council. Representatives come from st ate governments, state congresses, non - governmental organizations, businesses, academia, women’s groups, young people’s groups, and towns and villages. There are four commissions covering matters related to the environment. The Commission on Border Affai rs and Pollution Prevention gave several recommendations to the Secretary

of Ecology

in September , 2005. The recommendations were as follows 1. The government should b udget resources for the remediation of the He r mosillo toxic waste source
. 2. The government sh ould continue its contribution to the Border Environmental Cooperation Commission (BECC) at the $3 million dollar level.GPA Good Neighbor Environmental Board Meeting 13 October 17
- 19, 2005

**Audio Associates 301/577**  **- 5882**  3. The government should add additional resources to the FY 2006 budget for the implementation of the toxic release inventory and should d ouble the number of companies that report toxic substances released to the environment. 4. The list of reportable substances should be equivalent to those in the U. S. and Canada. 5. Participation in the SEMARNAT in the Border 2012 Program should be improved and more resources assigned. The National Council is interested in the Border 2012 Program, reform of the BECC and the North American Development Bank (NADBank), the Tri
- National Commission on Envir onmental Cooperation and the Southern Border Environmental P rogram. The multi
laterals favor the Stockholm conventions for the elimination of PCBs and protection of global diversit y. Another initiative is to encourage collaboration between Cuba, Mexico, and the United States on reducing environmental pollution in the Gulf of Mexico. Mr. Córdova described the results of a May 2005 meeting of the Border Encounter on the Environment, a group of civil organizations and environmentalists on both sides of the border, which called for more collaboration on border environmental issues. Is sues were the social , economic , the environmental impact of NAFTA , and securit y policies at the border. Immigration reform must take into account environmental impacts, the destruction of Indian resources, and the imbalance of worker s tatus between the U. S. and Mexico. One suggestion was that if the U. S. would invest in economic development in Mexico’s most depressed places as much as it does on border security , the need to migrate would be reduced. **Questions and Comments** Mayor Rose : **In the fast growing border areas, is the Council looking at best management practices**  **of grading, infrastructure, etc.?**  Mr. Córdova Yes, one of their concerns was urban development and rapid population growth that require several years of planning to pro tect the environment. Another problem is the offering of tax exemptions and other concession to compet e for maquiladoras plants. Chair Ganster: **Why is the Mexican Government considering a reduction of its budget for the BECC?**  Mr. Córdova : The Mexican and U. S. Governments are concerned about the independent role of the Commission in reporting on legalities and compliance with environmental legislation. Monetary

participation should be based on the size of a country’s budget or its econom y. Ned Norris agreed that the U. S. should revisit its policy and relationship to Mexico to help Mexico develop its economy , create jobs and opportunities for Mexican peoples to reduce the need for immigration by improv ing their standard of living. **Melody Sees, Environ mental Director, Los Coyotes Band of Indians, San Diego County,**  spoke of the security

and environmental problems affecting the Los Coyotes Reservation, the Cahuilla people, and other nearb y border tribal reservations. The chief issues includedGPA Good Neighbor Environmental Board Meeting 14 October 17
- 19, 2005

**Audio Associates 301/577**  **- 5882**   Improving communication between the Indian tribes, the Federal agencies, CUNA, and Mexican tribes through Tribal Caucus meetings, Border Task Forces, the National Coordinat or meetings, and other meetings  Racial profiling of dark
- skinned people  Contamination of share d aquifers with Tijuana due to different water standards  Water transfers and pesticide pollution affecting tribes in the Coachella Valley using water from the Colorado River and the Salton Sea  In creasing air pollution and lack of monitors on the L os Coyote s Reservation  In creasing rate of asthma in the can yo n areas below their reservation  Lack of Border P atrol and tribal police to control illegal immigrants and their dumping of trash and human waste  Forest fires starting from campfires on trails used by immi grants  Depletion of surface water, underground water supplies, and springs from developmental growth, water transfers, and drought  Endangerment of big horn sheep due to destruction of habitat by develope rs  Air pollution from pesticides that flow into the S alton Sea and attach to dust particles  Unlicensed dumps on reservations which are not policed by the local sheriffs  Unfunded Federal mandates from Homeland Security and FEMA  Border fencing which destroy s cultural sites and are costl y and ineffective **Art Guajardo, Assistant Chief, U. S. Customs and Border Protection,**  introduced two members of the CBP, David Gueterza, Agent
- in
- Charge of the Casa Grande Stati on, and Supervisor Agent David Bem iller, who is responsible for public lands liaison . He described the responsibilities of the Border Patrol as protecting the United States from the entry and weapons of terrorists. The Border Patrol works with the governments in Mexico, South America, and Central America to gain information about potential terrorist thr eats. The Border Patrol has 11,000 agents to patrol the northern coastal areas and the southern borders of the U. S. His office is responsible for border crossings in Arizona. San Diego and El Paso have improved, but the weakest link is between Yuma and New Mexico . B orders are out - of
- control as illegal entrants move from California borders to Arizona and beyond. In 2004, in the Arizona Corridor, they arrested 438,000 aliens. Recent i mprovements in border control consist of more agents, new roads, fencing , improved lighting, sensors, cameras, and large expenditures. The Arizona Bord er Control Initiative ( ABCI) goals are to improve border security, impair smuggling operations, reduce smuggling violence, and reduce smuggling related to criminal activity , such as stolen vehicles. The ABCI coordinates with other entries such as CBP Air, EI S Investigation, and the Transportation Safet y Administration. Patrol units are positioned on major and minor roads, so local residents are likely to encounter patrols. A li ens are sent to Nogales for processing and removal. Agents now have the authority to expedite removal without an immigration judge. The longer an agent stay s in an area, the more he is able to identify and develop relationships with local residents. Stop ping persons is dependent on actions, location, timeGPA Good Neighbor Environmental Board Meeting 15 October 17
- 19, 2005

**Audio Associates 301/577**  **- 5882**  of day , and direction, because agents cannot tell who is criminal or not by racial or ethnic identity . Vehicles are targeted by their large capacity , but occasionall y small cars are used. If a vehicle e scapes into the interior, it becomes the responsibility of the U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency
. In California, local authorities have told them that the quality of life and the environment have improved due to immigration controls in the past 10 years. The main environmental problems are trash, road
- building damage, and damage from off
- road chases
. Dave Brem iller added that the Corps of Engineers helps build roads and fences ; and Gulf South Research is employed to do environmental and c ultural assessments. Mr. Guajardo described other problems related to trespass on the Tohono O’odham Nation lands, publicly
managed lands, and ranches. Since 97 percent of aliens come from Mexico, the consuls of Mexico could provide cultural awareness trai ning to Border P atrol agents. **Questions and Comments** Robert Varady : **How many of the 438,000 arrested might have engaged in criminal**  **behavior if they were not caught? Is everyone treated as a potential terrorist?**  Mr. Guajardo stated that 23,000 of those apprehended did have criminal history in the U. S. The act of illegal entry

is a violation of the law, punishable by imprisonment. Everyone is treated as a potential voluntary returnee, unless they are caught in a criminal act. Paul Michel: **Does the Bor der Patrol have any**  **authority to use apprehended undocumented migrants to help clean up the trash?**  Mr. Guajardo: Those that are apprehended are asked to put their trash into bags. To ask or force them to pick up trash left by un - apprehended aliens would violate the Slave Labor Act , if they are not compensated. Mayor Rose commented that Operation Gateway along the California Border vastly

improved the environment in the past 10 years. **Roger D**  **e Rosa, Refuge Manager, Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge,** discussed issues relating to managing public lands, such as those under the jurisdiction of the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, and National Wildlife Refuges on the Mexican Border in Arizona. The Cabreza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 860,000 acres with 56 miles on the Mexican border; and is also a Congressionall y - designated wilderness area. The problem comes from illegal aliens or smugglers of drugs and people, who have been driven to the rugged area by actions of the Border Patrol in securing other areas. Mr. D e Rosa likened the struggle to warfare and disaster management. The Refuge and the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument have been declared the most endangered refuges in the nation. Major d amage has been done b y illegally created roads and trail s used by smugglers and law enforcement alike. Trash and drug seizures are measured in t ons — over 518,000 pounds of marij uana was seized. (Note: Board Member la ter queried following statement:

) On the Arizona border, there were 251 deaths from shootouts between the Border Patrol and smugglers. Fires started b y aliens consumed 3,500 acres in the Refuge and 80,000 acres in the Barry Goldwater Gunnery

Range. His major goal in the past threeGPA Good Neighbor Environmental Board Meeting 16 October 17
- 19, 2005

**Audio Associates 301/577**  **- 5882**  ye ars has bee n to avoid an environmental train wreck between Homeland Security and environmental laws and regulations Homeland Securit y cannot escape the National Environmental Policy Act and the Wilderness Act, which mandates no permanent roads in wilderness areas. C ooperation is needed with the Refuge manage rs to protect natural resources. However, there are onl y two R efuge officers to cover the area. The placement of barriers along the border has created a funnel for illegal persons into the Refuge. Changing immigration laws could stop illegal aliens, but would not affect criminal drug activity
. Conflicts are basically

related to lack of resources to handle the problem. Most of the solutions are unfunded mandates, including funds for additional air assets, search and rescue, criminal interdiction, immigration enforcement, vehicle removal, and trash removal. Restoration of wilderness areas, protection of endangered species, and destruction of illegal roads are impossible until the border is secure. Chair Ganster thanked all of the presenters, public comm enters, board members and staff for their participation, and the Tohono O’odham Nation for hosting the meeting. The meeting was adjourned
. 

### Wednesday, October 19

**, 2005 8:20 a.m.**  

### GNEB Business Meeting **Boar d Members Present**  Paul Ganster, Ph.D., Chair, Larry Allen, Gedi Cibas, Ph.D., Gary Gillen, Stephen Niemeyer, Ned Norris, Jr., David Randolph, Robert Varady , Ph.D., Ann Marie Wolf

, and Keiko Herai, for Douglas Smith, Sony Electronics **Federal Members Presen t**  Alven Lam, Rafael DeLeon , Elaine Koerner, James Stefanov **Resource Specialists** Manuel Ayala, Jacob Macias, Sally Spener 

### Welcome Remarks **Rafael De**

**Leo n**  **, Director, Office of Cooperative**  **Environmental Management (OCEM)**  , thanked board members for their contributions and looked forward to working with them in the future. DFO Koerner asked members to fill out a questionnaire in their folders that could capture some of the benefits of the GNEB , and to fax completed questionnaires to the OCEM office at 202
- 233
- 0060. A cop y of the 8 th Report’s tracking for distribution report was in member’s folder and outreach activities could be added. 

### Approval of the MinutesGPA Good Neighbor Environmental Board Meeting 17 October 17
- 19, 2005

**Audio Associates 301/577**  **- 5882**  C hair Ganster asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the May 10, 2005, Washington, D . C
. , Board Meeting . Gary Gillen moved , and Robert Varady seconded , a motion to approve the minutes. The minutes were approved unanimously
. Chair Ganster asked members to send an y last minute minor changes to DFO Koerner. 

### Membership Update DFO Koerner provide d an update of the board membership. Four members wil l be ending their terms on the B oard : Peter Silva, Mayor Rose, L arry Allen, and Gedi Cibas. Gedi Cibas said that the GNEB ha d provided positive benefits for the border region, especially in regard to pr oblems shared with Mexico, such as the aquifers. He noted that a management scheme for the aquifers , which is presentl y being discussed , could set a global precedent. The new board members include James Stefanov, USGS, Department o f the Interior; Carlos Marin, USI B W C; Captain Randy Grinnell, U.S. Public Health Service, HHS; and Carl Edlun d , EPA Region 6. 

### Performance Measures Workgroup **Report -**  **Out** Robert Varady provided some background on the Performance Measures Workgroup. The Workgroup ha d developed a list of items , based on quantifiable performance measures that members can use to enumerate their activities on a yearl y basis. A website is being developed b y OCEM that will allow capture of more complex activities. Responses to the questionnaire w ould be analyzed , and the questionnaire would be revise d as needed. 

### Report **- Out**  **from the Transportation/Air Workgroup, 9**  **th** 

### Report David Randolph reported that the Workgroup had drafted a report which dealt with three areas : (1) ports of entry

and the relat ed transportation infrastructure , (2) emission s, and (3) mass transit and other public transportation. The draft was circulated to board members and their comments were incorporated into the present draft. Mr. Randolph described some of the issues in eac h area and noted that e ach issue w ould have a recommendation. C omments from the Department of Transportation (DOT) were attached at the end of the report. For example, DOT would like to have the section about the NAFTA trucking issue deleted. Comments f

rom the Board on substant ive issues were requested. DFO Koerner stated that the draft report is to be complete d for Board circulation on December 8, 2005. She asked for Board member comments by November 4, 2005. An electronic cop y of the report would be distributed for ease of commentary
. The time for the next conference call to amend the draft report , based on written comments , was set for November 8 th at 200 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Several members asked to be added to the conference call. Robert Va rady suggested that even though the focus was on environmental issues and transportation, other aspects could be included such as hazardous materials. It was decided to reference a previous GNEB Report that covered th at subject.GPA Good Neighbor Environmental Board Meeting 18 October 17
- 19, 2005

**Audio Associates 301/577**  **- 5882**  

### Report **- Out from the Cul** 

**tural Resources Workgroup, 9 th**  

### Report Ann Marie Wolf noted that the latest version of the Cultural Resources Workgroup Report should be dated October 17, 2005. Ms. Wolf recognized the contribution of former GNEB member, John Klein. Jim Stefanov had revi ewed previous GNEB reports and determined that natural resources had been dealt with significantly in the 6 th Report, but that cultural resources was b arel y mentioned in previous reports. The draft report has a section on natural resources which updates the 6 th report . T he rest of the report focuses on cultural resources. Items from this meeting w ould be incorporated in the next draft. The committee wants input on examples, partnerships, projects, etc. from Board members from all the states represented , as the main focus has been on Arizona. The present report will be sent out electronically

for member ’s comments. DFO Koerner asked members to send comments on Cultural Resources Workgroup report to OCEM by

November 4, 2005. A conference call was set for November 8, 2005, at 300 p.m. EST. Sally Spener, US IBWC, asked that the prehistoric sites and Spanish Colonial ranch sites near Falcon Dam, as well as, other 20 th Century sites that need protection , be included in the report. Ms. Rose agreed and requeste d Ms. Spener to send the relevant text to her for inclusion in the cultural issues report. Ms. Koerner brought up the idea of asking Federal Agency representatives on the GNEB to write a brief s ynopsis of their border environmental activities through 20 05 for the 9 th Report. A sample write
- up, prepared b y Sally Spener , would be distributed as guidance
. Mr. Varady added that incorporating brief reports from non
- Board Federal agenc y’ s border environmental work could also add to the Report’s value. In re sponse to Chair Ganster’s question about a regular meeting of Federal agencies with border control interests, it was decided that the GNEB was the main forum for Federal Agency’s border environmental discussions. Larry Allen, Malpai Borderlands Group , note d that in the Department of Agriculture, the NRCS, the Coronado National Forest, and the Cleveland National Forest all have active programs with Mexico. Mr. Varady thought that the Department of Homeland Security ’s border activities should be included. 

### Selection of Theme for the 10**th** 

### GNEB Report To prepare for the discussion on the theme of the 10 th GNEB Report, Chair Ganster listed several suggested themes and topics on a flip chart. DFO Koerner suggested the following basic criterion for Board Report s 1. Relevance to the Board’s mission of advising the President and Congress on border environmental issues 2. Utilization of board member expertise. 3. Relevance to current administration’s interests 4. Need for national attention on pressing border issues. 5. Potentia l for Federal action.GPA Good Neighbor Environmental Board Meeting 19 October 17
- 19, 2005

**Audio Associates 301/577**  **- 5882**  Chair Ganster listed and described the following themes for discussion

 Cooperative conservation  Transborder environmental cooperation  Homeland Securit y and the border environment  Harnessing technology to protect the border environme nt  Integrated pest management at the border  Border tribes , fences and roads, and the environment  Border industry

and environmental management sy stems During the break, members voted on the list of items. The theme receiving the most votes was Homeland Se curity and the Border Environmen t. {Not stated, but implied .} During the discussion, it was suggested to re
- name the topic Border Environment and Security . The problems of border tribes, fences and roads , and the environment, could be subsumed under this theme
. The impact of roads on Federall y - protec ted lands might be incorporated also. Another suggestion was to add the transboundary movement of hazardous waste s , because criminal acts would involve customs and border people. Although, the focus would be on the environment, the theme was timely in relationship to changes taking place in the President’s policy

on immigration and repatriation. The theme also met the criteria proposed by DFO Koerner
. DFO Koerner w ould pursue obtaining a representative from the Department of Homeland Security on the Board so they

could have direct input into the topic. Interms of process, it was suggested moving quickly to take advantage of the knowledge learned at this meeting. A conference call would be set up for Tuesday , October 26, 2005. Gary Gillen requested that an electronic cop y of Roger De Rosa’s presentation on the Cabeza Prieta Wildlife Refuge be sent to Ann Marie’s Workgroup. Ms. Koerner would send them a cop y. 

### Choice of Meeting Sites and Dates for 2006 Cha ir Ganster and DFO Koerner proposed a March14
- 15, 2006 GNEB meeting in Washington, D.C. that would coincide with the U. S. Mexico Chamber’s Annual Border Briefing in order to get more public attention to the Board’s issues and the launch of the 9 th Report. The Chamber could be asked to allow a small block of time to present the GNEB 9 th Report. The Board’s Strategic Planning Session could also be done at the March Meeting , so that all Board members could be present. V isits to members of the Administration and Congress could take place on the day after the meeting on March16, 2005. Itwas determined that the meeting dates did not conflict with meeting dates of the Fourth World Water Forum or the Environmental Council of States
. Members indicated their si te preferences for the summer and fall meetings as Alpine, Texas, Calexico, the Imperial Valley , and San Diego. New Mexico was considered difficult because of the loss of board members who could help with planning. Both the ImperialGPA Good Neighbor Environmental Board Meeting 20 October 17
- 19, 2005

**Audio Associates 301/577**  **- 5882**  Valley and San Diego h ad many border issues. Alpine, Texas has adequate facilities and would offer a field trip to Big Bend National Park . The Texas N R C S staff could help with planning , as could US IBWC . The issues of site selection were reviewed for proximity to the border, bo rder issues, opportunit ies for field trips, attendance by state, local and Federal officials , tribal concerns, and climate. Other considerations favoring the San Diego site were the Tijuana River and border issues, the Campo tribe and riparian water restor ation , bo rder fencing and securit y issues
. After considerable discussion it was determined that the three meetings locations and dates were as follows 1. Tuesday , March 14 , and Wednesday , March 15, 2006

—in Washington, D.C. Members could visit Congressmen and Administration officials on Thursday , March 16, 2005. 2. Tuesday , July

18 and Wednesday , July 19, 2006

– in San Diego, California 3. Tuesday , October 24, Wednesday , October 25, and Thursday , October 26, 2006

– in Alpine, Texas Members who volunteered to wor k on the Washington, D. C. planning committee were Gary Gillen, Alven Lam, David Randolph, and Paul Ganster. Members who volunteered to plan the Alpine, Texas meeting were Gary Gillen, Stephen Niemeyer, James Stefanov, Sally Spener, and staff from NRCS in Texas. The Texas meeting would require two and one
- half day s to allow adequate time for a field trip to Big Bend National Park. The planning committee for the San Diego meeting would consist of Douglas Smith and Hirai Keiko, who offered a hotel meeting pl ace near Son y Electronics. { No other names mentioned.} **Board Member Report**

**- Outs**  Larry Allen, Malpai Borderlands Group, distributed a report from the Group and announced that the Group was involved in the White House Conference on Collaborative Conservation, in St. L ouis last month. Jim Stefanov, U. S. Geological Survey, Department of the Interior (D OI) , reported on a cooperative effort b y the International Border Area Fire Council to suppress a forest fire in Tecate . A Borderland Management Task Force, formed by DOI and Homeland Securit y, is leading intergovernmental forums to address issues of security , safet y, and resources along the border ; and a Binational Corridor Strategic Plan in Otay Mesa address es economic development, transportation, housing, and the environment. The project to line the All American Canal is being designed b y the Southern California Water Districts. The design , being submitted to the California Department of Fish and Game , will address mitigation, compensation, and endowment o f endangered species. The USGS is working in the lower Rio Grande Valley on the U. S.
- Mexico Border Environmental Health Project that integrates data bases related to hydrology and land use for both the U. S. and Mexico. The integrated data sets would be extended to satellite imagery ,GPA Good Neighbor Environmental Board Meeting 21 October 17
- 19, 2005

**Audio Associates 301/577**  **- 5882**  digital elevation models, road, political boundaries, and geology ; and could be accessed via the Internet. In April, 2005, a U.S.
- Mexico Border S ymposium on the Management of Natural and Cultural Resources was held in L os Cruces to exchange information on transboundary programs, discuss common issues, and identify opportunities for cooperation. The report would be useful to the Board’s Cultural Resources Workgroup. The contact person for the report is Ramon [

**Alevas???]** in the National Park Service
. Dr. P. Patrick Le ahy , the new the Acting Director of the USGS , is well informed on border issues. Mr. Stefanov will email his report to OCEM for distribution. Manuel Ayala, Natural Resources Conservation Service , USDA, reporte d that the NRCS has established a relationship with SEMARNAT, and will provide technical assistance to a United Nations Natural Resources Training Center in Monter r ey , Mexico, that will train natural resource managers on rangeland and watershed rehabilitat ion. N R C S is al so working with Pronatura, a nature conservancy group in Mexico, on the problem of decimated rangeland. N R C S will assist in the development of a technical guide. It is expected that this will develop into an exchange program between U. S. an d Mexico experts. DFO Koerner reported for Paul Michel on EPA Region s 6 and 9 on the following items

 In FY 2005, Region 9 awarded 15 new projects valued at $1 million via the Border 2012 Competitive Grants Program within the Arizona
- Sonora and California
- Baja California Regional Workgroup areas. The projects are described in the written report.  Upcoming meetings include a Binational Border 2012 in Tijuana on October 29, 2005; an Arizona
- Sonora Regional Workgroup meeting in San Carlos, Sonora on December 2 , 2005; a California
- Baja California Regional Workgroup Meeting in San Diego on December 14, 2005; and the Border 2012 National Coordinators meeting on April 26
- 27, 2006.  In Region 6, Carlos Ri ncon is the new Director of the EPA El Paso Border Office. Thre e meeting s in El Paso in Region 6 include the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee ( CAAAC ) meeting on November 15
- 17, 2005; a truck emissions reduction workshop on November 15 th , 1005 sponsored b y EPA Region 6 and the Office of Transportation and Air Qualit y; and a subgroup of the Border 2012 Air Policy Forum will meet on November 15, 2005.  A New Mexico Colonia Summit meeting will be so
- sponsored b y NMED and EPA. Chair Ganster reported on two events sponsored by the Institute for Regional Studies

1. Development of a master’s degree on public administration and transborder governance conjointly

with a Mexican University
. 2. Recent publications are the current issue of Southwest Hydrology from the University

of Arizona , with an article on Transborder watershed manage ment, and the Ti

juana W atershed Atlas
.GPA Good Neighbor Environmental Board Meeting 22 October 17
- 19, 2005

**Audio Associates 301/577**  **- 5882**  Robert Varady

, Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy , said that the Udall Center newsletter could be found on their website udallcenter@arizona.edu . In August, he met with the Secretary

General of the World Water Forum and learned that the San Pedro basin is registered as one of the local action basins for the Forum. In the San Pedro Basin, and NOAA
- funded project to trying to ad a pt a publication called Climate Outlook for the Arizona
- Sonora border area. David Randolph, Arizona
- Mexico Commission , reported that the Commission’s Environmental Committee will meet on December 1, 2005, and will focus on water management issues for San Pedro area and Colorado River. The y will be distributing copies of the GNEB report related to water management. Alven Lam, reporting for Shann on Sorzano, HUD , said that the Binational Commission will meet the following week to discuss housing and cross border issues. They work with the Me xican Government to establish better codes for environmental and community planning. James Stefanov, USGS, noted that the current issue of the Journal of Groundwater , of the National Groundwater Association, is dedicated to transboundary aquifers mainly

o n the U.S.
- Mexico border. Stephen Niemeyer, TCEQ, has put in a request to EPA for training emergency responses and risk assessment , using the CAMEO software . This followed an August, 2005, train derailment and truck collision/ spill of propane . InAugust, TCEQ signed the Texas Nuevo Leon Strategic Plan
. In August, under the Border Governor’s Conference, a Water Work Table was created. PowerPoint presentations on water management are available. They recommended that the Mexican governors use the BGC Declaration, but they were not amenable to using the United States product. Gedi Cibas, New Mexico Environment Department (NM ED) , announced that for the first time at the Border Governor’s C onference, a Governor from Chihu ahua, Mexico, stated the necessit y of d ealing with binationally
- shared aquifers. He added that the GNEB publications were influential in this unprecedented change of attitude, but the effect was probably not measureable. The website is being updated for both format and content. Mr. Cibas prais ed DFO Koerner for her outstanding efforts in supporting the Board; and Chair Ganster for his knowledge and leadership of the Board. Ned Norris expressed his gratitude for the Board’s meeting on tribal lands, and their commitment to tribal environmental and jurisdictional issues. Chair Ganster thanked Mr. Cibas and other Board members for their participation. 

### Adjournm **ent :**  The meeting was adjourned at **11:34 a.m.**