CROSS BORDER CONTINGENCY PLAN 

U.S./MEXICO SISTER CITIES 

COLUMI3USICIIPDAD PUERTO PALOTVTAS DE VILLA, 

MVNICIPIO DE ASCENCION 

November 2002 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

. 

SECTION . PAGE 

FC)REWARD .............................................................................................................................. i 

A(;REEMENT ON COOPERATION ......................................................................................... ii 

STATEMENT OF PRINC:CPLES ............................................................................................... iv 

EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION NUMBERS ........................................................................... vi 

1.0 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 1 

1.1 Columbus/Puerto Palomas de Villa, Municipio de Ascencion ................................ 2 

1.2 Authority ............................................................................................................ 2 

1.2.1 Statutes .................................................................................................. 2 

1.2.2 Regulations ..................... ... ............................................................... 3 

1.2.3 Bi-national Agreements ........................................................................... 3 

1.3 Other Applicable Contingency Plans .................................................................... 3 

1.3.1 Locd Contingency Plans ........................................................................... 3 

1.3.2 State Contingency Plans .......................................................................... 3 

1.3.3 Federal Contingency Plans ........................................................................ 4 

1.3.4 International Contingency Plans ................................................................ 4 

2.0 CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS < ...................................................................................... -. 

2.1 Notification ......................................................................................................... 5 

2.2 Private Response Mechanisms ............................................................................. 5 

2.3 Local Respcnse ..................................................................................................... 5 

2.4 State Response ..................................................................................................... 5 

2.5 Federal Response .................................................................................................. 6 

3.0 INCIDENT RESPONSE OPERATIONS ........ !. ............................................................... 7 

Discovery and Verification .................. .'. ............................................................... 7 

Preliminary Assessment and Initiation of Action ................................................... 7 

3.2.1 Preliminary Assessment ............................................................................ 7 

3.2.2 Initiation of Action ................................................................................... 8 

Containmen-: ......................................................................................................... 8 

Documentation ................................................................................................ 8 

Evacuation or Shelter-in-Place ............................................................................. 9 

Post-Incident Management ................................................................................... 9 

Response ard Cleanup Funding Availability ........................................................ 10 

3.7.1 State Funds ............................................................................................ 10 

3 .7.2 Federal Funds ........................................................................................ 10 . . Commun~cx~~ons ...................... .. ......................................................... 10 

Health and Safety ............................................................................................. 10 
4.0 INTERNATIONAL NOTIFICATION AND/OR RESPONSE.........................................11

4.1 Mutual Aid Response.............................................................................................11

4.1.1 City of Puerto Palomas de Villa,.................................................................11

4.1.2 City of Columbus..........................................................................................11

4.1.3 Response Duties............................................................................................12

4.2 Joint Response Team Response.............................................................................13

4.2.1 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency........................................................13

4.2.2 Regional Response Team..............................................................................13

4.2.3 Civil Protection .............................................................................................14

4.3 JRT Responsibilities..............................................................................................14

5.0 TRAINING AND EXERCISES ........................................................................................15

5.1 Training..................................................................................................................15

5.2 Exercises................................................................................................................15

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 U.S./Mexico Sister Cities

Figure 2 Columbus, New Mexico

Figure 3 Puerto Palomas de Villa, Municipio de Ascención

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A Emergency Response Assistance Directory

Appendix B Proposed Customs and Immigration Response

Appendix C Communications

Appendix D Action by Law Enforcement Agencies

Appendix E Standard Operating Procedures for Fire Agencies

Appendix F Action by Social Services Departments

Appendix G Cross Border EMS Response Sequence

Appendix H Abbreviations and Acronyms

Appendix I Definitions

Appendix J References

Appendix K Revision Log
Prepared for the Cmrnunities of Columbus, New Mexico, and Puerto Palomas de Villa, 

Rlunicipio de Ascencion, Chihuahua, through a Grant provided by U.S. EPA Region VI, Dallas, 

New Mexico, Fendol Chides, Emergency Planning Coordinator. 

This document may be reproduced for the benefit of emergency responders and planners. 

A&B Environmental Services, Inc., Harlingen, Texas would like to especially thank Martha 

Skinner, Mayor of Columbus; Fernando Castafieda Barraza, Mayor of Ascensidm; Guillermina 

Perez, City Manager of Ascension; Fire Chief Walter Simpson, Columbus Fire Ilepartment, 

h4unicipal Judge Javier Lozano, and July McClure. 
CROSS BORDER CONTINGENCY PLAN 

STAKDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR THE 

VILLAGE 017 COLUMBUS, NEW MEXICO, UNITED STATES OF 

AMERICA, AND PUEIlTO PALOMAS DE VILLA, MIJNTCIPALITY OF ASCICNSJON, 

CEDHSJAHUA, MEXICO 

Whereas the federal gove~ments of the United States of America and Mexico have recognized 

that it is advantageous for each to share resources and manpower in times of national disasters, 

so, too, the municipalities of the City of Columbus, State of New Mexico, and the City of Puerto 

Palomas de Villa, Municipality of Ascension, State of Chihuahua, recognize their need to 

clooperate with each other in times of local disasters. 

In the event of a disaster of serious proportions which may require a great deal of coordination 

and cooperation, a plan tetween the two cities to meet emergencies and disasters will assure, 

when possible by either city, a full and effective utilization of resources and manpower essentiai to 

the safety, care and welfare of all people, property and environment within the tws affected 

federal boundaries. 

These Standard Operating Procedures provide an outline of the immediate action to be taken by 

elected and appointed oficials. These procedures also list the organizations that wc9u.d need to 

be involved dependent on the extent and nature of the disaster. 

When a disaster has been declared, these Standard Operating Procedures will not supersede anr; 

local, state, or federal plan in effect, and authority of, any local, state or regional plans still lies 

with the respective municipalities. ! 

This Cross Border Contingency Plan will become an annex to existing city, state, regional, and 

federal plans. An emergency under this plan will be declared if the severity and geography of the 

event warrant outside support services. 

All regional, county, and local municipal elected and appointed officials with emergency 

responsibilities should be hlly knowledgeable of the content of this document and be prepared to 

fulfill their responsibilities when requested and when capable. 

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Columbus/Ciuciad Pueno Palorlas Cross Border Contingency Plan P2ge i 
CROSS BORDER CONTINGENCY PLAN 

AGREEMENT ON COOPERATION BETWEEN THE CITES OF CIOLUMBUS, NEW 

MXXICO AND CIUDAD PUERTO PALOK4S DE VILLA, R'ZUNICIP'CO DE PUERTO 

PALOMAS DE VILLA, CHIHXJAHUA IN THE CASE OF AN ACClDEXTAL RELEASE 

OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND OTHER INCIDEJ TS 

The cities of Columbus and Puerto Palomas de Villa, Municipio de Ascencion, have agreed to 

provide mutual cooperation to effectively respond to threats to the public health and safety of the 

communities due to accidental releases of hazardous materials and other incidents requiring 

mutual assistanct:. This agreement is to reinforce the cooperation between the: cities to be able to 

respond more efficiently to these releases. 

The following statement of principles is intended to serve as a guide to civil emergency authorities 

in both countries. 

The agencies of both municipalities charged with emergency respor~sibilities will seek to 

ensure that in areas of common concern, plans of the two municipalities for the emergency 

use of m;mpower, material resources, supplies, systems, and services shall, where feasible 

and practicable, be compatible. To this end, a bi-national exercise will be conducted at 

least every two years to evaluate the coordination of the Sister Cities' emergency plans. 

The city providing the assistance will supervise its own necessary personnel and assigned 

equipment in an ordinary circumstance. The group receiving aid mill have authorized 

persons to provide general directions related to the work. The Potentially Responsible 

Party (PIP) for the spill receiving the assistance will be responsible for providing the 

necessary materials, food, shelter, temporary housing, gasoline and lubricants for the 

equipment and any other such items needed to respond adequately, the job site for the 

personnel lending their services. 

It is muhally understood that this agreement does hot relieve any cf the mentioned parties 

of the o~ligation necessary for providing protection against fire:, according to their 

respective jurisdictions, being in agreement to use reasonable diligence in maintaining fire 

equipment in adequate condition according to industry standards. 3ach Sister City may 

decide not to render aid, depending on each incident, if its resources are not capable of 

meeting obligations in its own jurisdiction. 

With the exception of the ruling to carry out the assistance mentioned above, no other 

party in this agreement will be required to pay compensation to the other group, for 

services I-endered. The mutual advantage and protection ~iven by this Agreement is of 

mutual consideration. 

Each party agrees to the compensation, thereby holding each other ~arrnless from acts, 

which may arise, resulting in any act or omission of any party's fire personnel during such 

time that said personnel are serving in the jurisdiction of any party for assistance pursuant 

to the terms of this Agreement. 

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CoiumbuslCiudad l'uerto hiomas Cross Border Contingency Plan hge ii 
6 The Agreement shall not be construed as an agreement for the benefit of any third party, 

laking effect at the time of execution and will continue until rescinded. 

rf I. Every two years, -:he parties will examine the presenr agreement in light of its application, 

in order to decid? if it must be modified. Nevertheless, the parties may examine ths 

matter and propose changes to the other parties by personal service or registered mail. 

Changes will be considered effective, starting on the date of the amendments' signing by 

all parties. 

8. Any party to this Agreement may withdraw at any time, giving thirty days' prior written 

notice to all the parties. On the thirty-first day a'ter the notice, such .wit!nc.rawal will 

become effective. 

4 Any party may change its service address by five days' written notice to each of the other 

parties. On the sixth day after the notice, such change of address is effective. 

10. Notice of withdrawal and change of address shall be served by personal service or by the 

respective party's Postal Service certified mail, addressed to: 

Mayor Martha Sknner 

(City of Columbus 

P. 0. Box 350, 214 W. Broadway 

~Columbus, New hIexico, USA 

.Mayor Fernando Castafieda B arraza 

Municipio de Ascension, Chihuahua 

Av. Mexico 115 

Col. Centro 

Ascension, Chihuahua, Mexico 

In witness, whereof, this Agreement has been executed on the 2lSt day of November 2002. 

Ida$or, City of Columbus 

Martha Skinner Fernanco Castaiieda Barraza 

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Columbus/Ciudad Puerto Palomas Cross Border Contingency Plan Page iii 
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ColumbusICiudad Puerto Palomas ci.0~~ Border Contiligellcy Plan Page iv 

CROSS BORDER CONTINGENCY PLAN 

STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES CONCERNING 

U-WTED STATES - MEXICO COOPERATION 

ON CIVIL, EMERGENCY PLANNING 

1. The following Statement of Principles is intended to serve as a guide to civil emergency 

authoritie,~ in both countries. 

2. Nothing in this agreement shall derogate or diminish the application of Mexican law in 

Mexico or United States law in the United States. However, the authorities of either 

country may request the assistance of the other country in seeking appropriate alleviation 

if the normal application of law in either country rnigiht lead to delay or difficulty in the 

rapid exec:ution of necessary civil emergency measures. 

3 The agencies of both governments charged with civil emergency responsibilities will seek 

to ensure that in areas of common concern, plans of the two governments for the 

emergency use of manpower, material resources, supplies, systems and services shall, 

where feasible and practicable, be compatible. The decision to render aid to the Sister 

City rests ultimately with the Fire Chief, Each Sister City may decide not to render id, 

depending on each incident, if its resources are not capable of meeting obligations in its 

own jurisrliction. 

4. Each government will use its best efforts to facilitate the movement o Y evacuees, refugees, 

civil emergency personnel, equipment or other resources into its territory or across its 

territory from one area of the country to another when such movement is desired to 

facilitate civil emergency operations in either country. To this end: 

a. To the maximum extent permitted by law and regulation, the: Government of the 

United States and the Government of Mexico, during a period of an emernency, u 

use their best efforts to reduce to a minimum any delays, which might otherwise be 

caused by border crossing requirements. Both governmects will also use their best 

eflbrts to ensure that civil emergency equipment, facilities, and supplies may be 

used effectively and to mutual advantage in joint effons, tezts, preparations and 

exercises. 

The civil emergency agencies of both governments will consult together to identify 

and remove any serious potential impediments to cross 'border assistance, 

emergency operations and the cross border flow of comrnoriities for emergency 

response. Unresolved problems will be reported to the Joint Response Team for 

appropriate action. 
For the purpose oi'emergency relief, health and welfare servicesi each government will use 

its best efforts to ensure that those citizens or residents of the other country in its territory 

are treated in a manner no less favorable than its OWE citizens. 

Each government will use its discretionary powers, as far as possible, to avoid a levy of 

any national tax on the services, equipment and supplies of the other country when these 

are utilized in civii emergency activities in the territory of the other, and will use its best 

efforts to encouraige state, provincial, and local authorities to do likewise. 

When transportation, communication and related facilities and equipment that are subject 

to the control of one government are made availeble for emergency use to the other 

government, the charges to that government shall not exceed those paid by similar 

agencies of the government making these resourcas availabie. To this end, mutually 

acceptable arrangements shall be worked out as necessary by the two governments. 

[n its emergency planning, each government will include provisions for adequate security 

and care for the personnel, equipment, and resources of the other country entering its 

territory by mutua, agreement in pursuance of autholized civil eme., .oency activities. Such 

provisions will also ensure access to supplies necessary for their return. 

Transportation equipment and other equipment presently in one country a]: the onset of an 

emergency may be temporarily employed under mutually agreed terms by thr: appropriate 

authority of the country in which the equipment is located. 

Perishable or other readily consumable supplies Ioczited in one country at the time of an 

emergency but owned by parties in the other country may be disposed of' under ~nctually 

agreed terms by ths appropriate civil emergency authorities of the two countries. I 

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Each government will call to the attention of its state, provincial, local or other authorities 

in areas adjacent to the international border the desirability of achieving compatibility in 

civil emerzency pluming in the United States and Mexico For the purpose of achieving 

the most effective civil emergency pianning cooperation possible betweer !he United 

States and Mexicc, each government will, in a manner consistent with national plans and 

policies, also encourage and facilitate cooperative emergency arrangements between 

adjacent jurisdictions on matters falling within the competence of such jurisdictions. 

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C~olumbuslCiudad Puerro Palolnas Cross Border Contingency Plan Page v 
EMERGENCY NOTFICATION 

Any substantial threat to the public health, safety, or the environment, due to an accidental spill or 

release of an oil or other hazardous material into the air, surface water, groundwater, or onto the 

ground, or the threat of any of the preceding should be reported to: 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA iWEXIC0 

First Response First Response 

National Response Center National Coordinating Center for Civil Protection 

Agency 

1-500-424-8502 (from U.S.) 

001-202-267-2675 (from Mexico) 01-5-550-4555 (from Mexico) 

011-52-5-550-4555 (from U.S.) 

U.S . EPA Region VI Spill Phone Comlnunications Center, Civil Protection Agency 

1-366-372-7745 (from U. S.) 01-500-004-1300 (from Mexico) 

001-214-665-6444 (from Mexico) 

Federal Prosecutor for Environmental Protection 

PROFEPA 

01-5-666-9459 (from Mexico:) 

01 1-52-5-666-9459 (from U.S.) 

PROFEFA Emergency Spill R.eporting Line 

01-5-606-4416 (from Mexico:) 

0 1-5-606-SG;O (from Mexico:) 

01 1-52-5-606-4416 (from U.S.; 

01 1-52-5-606-563O.(from U.S.; 

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Coli~mbus/Ciudad 'uerto Paloinas Cross Border Contiilgellcji Plan Page vi 
1.0 INTRODUCTION 

In January 1988, the Uni-ed States of America and the United Mexican States signed the Joint 

United States of America - United Mexican States Contingency Plan for Accidental Releases of 

IIazardous Substances along the Border. The Joint Contingency Plan (JCP) provides a framework 

for cooperation between Mexico and the United States in response to an accidental chemical 

release incident that may pose a significant threat to both countries, or that aEects one country to 

such an extent that assistance is necessary. As a part of the preparedness and response 

component of the Joint Contingency Plan, a Sister Cities program was established, whish pairs 28 

cities along opposite sides of the U.S.iMexico border fiom California through New Mexico, This 

program calls for the preparation of Sister City Hazardous Materials Incident Contingency Plans 

for each of the 14 pairs of cities. 

This document is a first stap in the preparation of a joint contingency plan for the Columbus, New 

Mexico/ Puerto Palomas de Villa, Municipio de Ascencion, Chihuahua area. It represents a 

summary of the hazardous materials notification and response protocols in piact for Columbus, 

New Mexico, Puerto Palomas de Villa, Municipio de Ascencion, Chihuahua and other 

jurisdictions, as promu1g;~ted by local plans. This plan specifically addresses i.he requirement 

under the Joint Contingercy Plan to prepare Sister Cities plans. It is not intended to replace or 

supplant any other plans in effect in the region, but is designed to aid in a binational response to a 

h~azardous materials incident that may affect the border 

This plan at no time usurps existing federal, state, county, regional, or municipal plans within the 

ji~risdictional boundary addressed by this plan. 

If the region affected de':lares an emergency under this plan to be in eRect, the n-lunicipality 

affected will, subject to i-:s own disaster plan, inform state and federal oflicials, as identified in 

their respective plans. The Cross-Border Continsency Plan is activated for the hori term only, 

and it will provide specifics for the coordination of resources and equipment. 

The initial and prime responsibility for providing immediate assistance rests with the city, county 

ctr regional government aTected. It is at this level that services such as fire, police, health, and 

social services, public works, and public utilities are located. An emergency under the Cross 

Border Contingency Plan may be declared when (1) a city, county or region so requcsrs the head 

of government, (2) the emergency, due to geography, may dictate evacuation into a neighboring 

region, (3) that the municipality, county or region affected may request mutual aid support, 

supplying manpower, resources, social services, fire, pubiic works, emergency health services, and 

other specialized expertise as deemed necessarj by the affected municipality, or (4) the emergency 

may affect a neighboring I-iunicipality, county, or region. 

The Plan promotes time!.? and effective coordination and response between the PI-ivate sector 

(industry, other potemialiy responsible parties and citizens) and public seczor (local, state, and 

federal governments). The primary objective of the plan is t? deve!op camrnunicaticn mpabilities 

and encourage coordinatilm of independent response resources acting within iocd urisdictions. 

Columbus/Qudad Puerto Paiomas Cross Border Conti~igency Plan Page I 
The plan aids understanding of regional capabilities and resources and provilies a ba.ckground for 

planning coordination with state and local officials. 

Secondary objectives include the devdopment of notification systems between response 

organizations in the different countries, and developing international mutual aid agreements. The 

secondary objectives are being addressed through ongoing cooperative efforts between local 

planners in Columbus, New Mexico and Puerto Palomas de Villa, blun~cipio de Ascencion, 

Chihuahua, United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA Region VI). the Mexican 

Civil Protection .4gency (Proteccion Civil:), and the Secretaria de Gobernacion. 

1.1 Columbus, New Mexico - Puerto Palomas de Villa, Municipio de Ascencion, 

Chihuahua Plan Area 

This plan covers the U.S./Mexico Sister City pair of Columbus, New Mexico., and Pu.erto Palomas 

de Villa, Municipio de Ascencion, Chihuahua (Figure 1). The Columbus/Ciudad Puerto Palomas 

de Villa, Municipio de Ascencion, Sister Cities are one of the primary ports of entry along the 

U.S.- Mexico border and it is the only 24 hour border crossing point in New Mexico. Columbus/ 

Puerto Palornas de Villa, port of entry is located in South New Mexico at htitude 32.1807 N, 

107.7486 W (Figure 2). By highway, the Sister Cities are approximately 306 miles southwest of 

Albuquerque, New Mexico and 75 miles southeast of El Paso, Texas. The Potrillo Mountains 

(5,315 ft) are located to the east of Columbus, to the north are the Florida Mountains (7,295 fi.), 

to the northwest, are the Tres Hermanas Mountains (5,259 ft.). The topography in the immediate 

area of the cities is flat with sharp hills up to the mountains. The two cities, unlike other sister 

cities, are not separated by geographical features such as a river 

The population estimate of the Columbus area in 1?98 was 1,765 and 111 1990 it was 64 1 The 

annual average rainfall is 13 inches and the average annual temperature is 4 1'17 in the winter and 

95°F in the summer. Prevailing winds are from the northwest and the elevation is ;lt 4,050 feet. 

The climate is arid, dry. 

The community of Puerto Palomas de Villa. Municipio de Ascencion, 1s located three miles south 

of C:olumbus. It is located in the northern part of the state of Chihuahua at an ali.itude of 250 

meters above sea level, with a surface area of 11,357.7 km2 , the population estimate of Puerto 

Palcmas de Villa. Municipio de Ascension is 104,229. 

1.2 Authority 

This plan was developed in accordance with the following federal statutes and agreements for 

both. countries. 

12.1 Statutes 

"Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 

1980," PI, 96-510; and 

ColumbusICiudad Puerto Palolrlas Cmss Border Contingency Plan Page 2 
"Emergency Planning and Community Righi-to-Know Act (EPRCA) of 198 6, " PL 99-499 

(Title I11 of "Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SAR-4) of 1986," PL 99- 

499). 

1.2.2 Regul a t' ions 

40 Code of Federal Rermlations, Part 300, "National Oil and Hazardous Substances 

Pollution Contingency Plan," (Revised March 8, 1990); and 

29 Code of Federal Rewlations, Part 1910.120, "Hazardous Waste Operations and 

Emergency Response," (Revised July 1, 1989). 

1.2.3 Bi-national Agreements 

Agreement Between the United States of America (md the United Mexican States on 

- Cooperation for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in the 13order Area 

(August 14, 1983); and 

- Anne,: I1 to the Agreement (July 18, 1985). 

1.3 Other Ap plicnbie Contingency Plans - 

Sections ofthe plans described below were adapted for use in various components of this plan. 

1.3.1 Local Contingency Plans 

City of Columbus Lunn County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC:) Eaergency 

Management Plan. 

This annex creates an umbrella to protect the health. safety and property of the public from 

lnazardous materials incidents in Columbus. The plan identifies mitigation, ~rt:paredness, 

:response, and recovery activities relevant to hazardous materials response and any othe: incidents. 

$8 Puerto Palomas de Villa, Municipio de Ascencion Emereency Respcnse Plan. 

'This is Annex TI1 to the State of Chihuahua's local emergency response plan for sister cities. The 

plan identifies mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery activities relevant lo hazardous 

material response and any other hazards. 

1.3.2 St:~te Contingency Plans 

State of New Mexico DEM 10 Plan. 

The state response plan, developed by the New ~exico Department of Public Safety (DPS) 

Division of Emergency Manaeement (DEM), describes the procedures. responsibi1i:ies and 

methodolog by which the State of New Mexico will respond to hazardous material:; incidents. 

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Columbus/Ciudad Puerto Palomas Cross Border Contingexy Plan Page 3 
Thls plan provides for the support of many state agencies in large-scale hazardous materials 

incidents by establishing clear methods for interacting with local government. 

State of Chihuahua Emergency Response Plan 

Proteccion Civil of the State of Chihuahua developed and implemented a state contingency plan in 

1994. This plan is based on the Guia Tecnica Para Implementation DelPlan Municipal De 

Contineencias. 'This guide, which is printed by the National Civil Protectio:~ Agency, provides a 

guideline by which the state and municipal civil protection agencies will prepare their plans. 

1.3.3 Federal Contingency Plans 

National Contingency Plan (9/5/94) 

The National Response Team (NRT) developed the National Contingency Plan (NCP) for 

responding to releases or spills involving oil or other hazardous materials throughout the United 

States. 

National System For Civil Protection Plan (1990) 

Gobernacion developed the National System for Civil Protection for responding to all disasters 

including releases or spills involving oil or other hazardous materials thro~~ghout the United 

Mesican States. 

U. S. EPA. Reoion VI - Regional Contingencv Plan 

The U.S. EPA R-egional Response Team (RRT), Region VI, is currently revising a contingency 

plan which outlines procedures in the event of a release or spill occurring in its region, which 

includes the states ofNew Mexico, New Mexico, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oltlahoma. 

1..3.4 International Contingency P1:ins 

Joint United States of America - United Mexican States C(~tin2ency Plan for 

Accidental Releases oEHazardous Substances along the Border (January, 1988). 

The Joint Response Team (JRT) has developed a contingency pian to respond to spills requiring 

international coordination between the United States and Mexico. 

Manual for Standard Operating Procedures Based U~on a Coqerative Agreement 

Between the Mexican Republic and the United States of Americato Coordinate Our 

Joint Responses in the Event of Spills of Petroleum Hvdrocarbonj;znd Other Noxious 

Substances in the _Marine Environment (1994). 

The U.S. Coast Guard, U S. Department of Transportation and the Fdexican Navy have 

developed a Gulf Coast Response Plan for hydrocarbon and other noxious substances spills in the 

marine environment, requiring international coordination between the United States and Mexico. 

Columbus/Ciudad Puerro Palolnas Cross Border Contingenc:~ Plan 
2.0 CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS 

This concept of operations provides an integrated and cclordinared joint bi-natioria response 

eEort to supplement the local emersency response plans following the reiease of hazardous 

materials in the geographical area covered under this plan. I 

I 2.1 Notification 

Any release or substantial threat of a release of a hazardous material affecting or likely to affect 

another party shall be reported to that party without delay Appendix A is an emergency response 

assistance directory that provides contact information. 

2.2 Private Response Mechanisms 

As Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs), owners or operators of fixed fxilities and 

transportation facilities, ircluding truck and rail lines and pipelines, must comply with all local, 

state, and federal hazardous material planning and repor-@ requirements. 

2.3 Local Response 

In the City of Columbus, he Fire Chief will assume the lead role as Incident Commarder (IC). If 

the incident is beyond thr: control andlor capabilities of the Columbus Fire Department, or the 

incident might impact the border with the United Mexican States, the Incident Commander will 

request activation of the City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) This request will initiate a 

bi-national notiiication response for mutual aid from Paerto Paiomas de Villa Municipio dc 

Pscencitjn. 

Ifthe incident is beyond the capabilities of both cities, the Fire Chief may request for the State of 

New Mexico to initiate a Joint Response Team response. 

In Puerto Palomas de Villa Municipio de ~scencion, the system of' response will follow 

established response Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS). This response will be similar to the 

response in Columbus. If the Incident Commander feels that the incident will exhaust the 

resources available, or thot the incident might impact the border, a request will be initiated to the 

C:olumbus Fire Departmerrt As with the Columbus response, the bi-national response 1~7ill involve 

requesting mutual aid from Columbus. 

Ifthe incident is beyond t1e capabilities of both cities, may file a petition .with Proteccihn Civil to 

initiate a Joint Response 'I earn response. 

2.4 State Response 

The State of New Mexico can provide assistance for hazardous materials incidents to Columbus, 

Luna County, if the comtined PRF and local capabiiities or resources prove to be ins~!f;icient or 

inadequate. The State %ill appoint a State On-Scene-Coordinator (SOSC) wha ~111 assist the 

Incident Commander by providing and overseeing needed srxe resources. 

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C:olumbus/Ciudad Puerro Palcmas Cross Bolder Co~ltir~gency ?!an ?age 5 
The State of Chihuahua can provide assistance through the state's Civil Protection System 

Coordinator for hazardous materials incidents to Puerto Palomas de Villa, Municipio de 

Ascencion, if the combined Potentially Responsible Parties and local capabilities or resources 

prove to be insufficient or inadequate. The state will appoint a State On-Scene-Coordinator 

(SOSC) who will assist the Incident Commander by providing and overseeing needed State 

resources. 

2.5 Federal Response 

The U.S. Federal government can provide assistance for hazardous materials incidents if 

combined local and state capabilities or resources prove insuflicient or inadequate. Once the 

National Response Center (NRC) has been notified of a release, it alerts the Federal On-SceneCoordinator (FOSC), who may activate the Regional Response Team (RRT) or the National 

Response Team JNRT), depending on the severity of the incident. For incidents occurring in 

Columbus, the Federal On Scene Coordinator will be from U.S. EPA Region VI, headquartered in 

Dallas, New Mexico. 

Normally, the U.S. EPA contributes to the response by working with the local, state, tribal and 

federal agencies ;and citizens to assure that the information needed to maxi1r.iz.e the effectiveness 

of the response effort is easily accessible.' If there is a spill where the Po1:e:ntially Responsible 

Party is not identified, does not respond to contain or clean up the ma-terial, or does an 

inadequate job responding, federal responsibilities outlined in the National Contingency Plan 

include. assisting local responders in the response or, in some circumstances, taking over the 

response. 

Federal agreements between the U.S. and Mexico require that each countr/ notify the other of 

hazardous mater(a1s incidents if there is a release or substantial threat of release, which ma) 

impact both sides of the border. 

If it: appears that the incident will reach a level at which local and state resources will be 

insufficient to bring the event to a successfd conclusion, the Federai On Scene Coordinator in 

conjunction with the Regional Response Team, will initiate a Joint Response Team response, and 

implement the Joint Contingency Plan. 

Procedures for following the Joint Contingency Plan, and initiating a US.hlexico Joint Response 

Team operation are detailed in Section 4. 

The Mexico Federal Government can provide assistance through the National Civil Protection 

System for hazardous materials incidents to Puerto Palomas de Villa, Municipio de Ascencion, if 

the combined Potentially Responsible Parties and local capabilities or resources prove to be 

insufficient or inldequate. The State will appoint a State On-Scene-Coordinator (SOSC) who 

will assist the Incident Coordinator by providing and overseeing needed state resources 

ColumbuslCiudad E1uerto Paioinas Cross Border Contingency Plan Page 6 
3.,0 INCIDENT RESPONSE OPERATIONS 

This plan employs the phases of operational response to an incident as outlined in the Jolnt 

Contingency Plan. 

3.1 Discovery md Notification 

Upon the discovery of a hazardous materials release or threatened re!ease within the City of 

Clolumbus or any other dangerous incident that requires mutual assistance, a notificaiion is made 

to the appropriate emergency organization. The initial notification will involve calling 9 1 1 to 

not4 the Columbus Fire Department. The agency receiving the initial contact will follow the 

Clolumbus Fire Department's Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the notificarior, of all otherappropriate agencies. The Potentially Responsible Party is also required to notify appropriate 

Federal and state agencies by contactins the National Respcnse Center These agencies wiil also 

not@ appropriate local, st~te, and federal agencies. 

The authority of local government, municipalities, and counties for spill response IS similar to 

authority for other emergency responses for protection of public health and safety, such as 

response to fire, flood, and civil disturbance. Federal and state laws impose notification 

requirements to ensure a coordinated response. 

Agreements between the i~overnments of the United States and Mexico require that the countries 

notrfy each other in the event of a release or substantial threat of a release of hazardous 

substance, pollutant, or contaminant affecting, or likely to affect the other co1~riti-y (Joint 

Contingency Plan Section 202.1). 

3.2 Preliminary Assessment and Initiation of Action 

The first official on the scene will assume the role of Incident Commander This duty will be 

relinquished to the appropriate official upon his arrival at the incident All agencies report to the 

established Incident Commander for all response and recovery operations Each agency wiil 

provide its own special equipment and reference data, and wiil function within its fie!d of 

expertise. If an incident exceeds the resources of the local or county agencies, the appropriate 

state agency may assume hcident Commander duty and coordinate the response and resources of 

the state agencies. This knction may be transferred to the Federal On Scene Coosd~naro:, if a 

federal response is activatd. 

3.2.1 Preliminary Assessment 

The first response unit to arrive at the incident will determine whether a potentially hazardous 

rnaterial was released. The first official on the scene assumes the roie of Incident Commander 

until the designated ofiiciil arrives to coordinate the response. 

- - - 

Columbus/Ciudad Puerto Paiomas Cross 3order Contingency Plan Page 7 
3.2.2 Initiation of Action 

Upon arrival on-scene, the predesignated Incident Commander will implement the following 

actions: 

Relieve the first official on-site; 

Establish an Incident Command Post (ICP) and implement the Incident Command System 

(ICS); and 

If the incident threatens the border or the City of Ciudad Puerto Palomas de Villa, Municipio 

de Ascencion, or Columbus, the Incident Commander will insure the appropriate notifications 

are made to the Joint Response Team, and if mutual aid will be required, insure that the 

proper notifi~ations are made to implement a bi-national response. 

3.3 Containment 

The Incident Commander will implement appropriate measures to contain, restrict, reduce or 

eliminate the release or threat of release of hazardous materials at the icsident, as well as 

downstream or downwind from the site. This includes defensive action to prevent, minimize, or 

mitigate an incident to protect public health and the environment. 

3.4 Documentation and Cost Recovery 

Ml actions taken durins hazardous materials incidents will be carefi~lly documented so that 

sufficient and accurate information is available to support the response and recovery operations 

and to recover c2sts, if applicable. Doculnentation should be self-descriptive to prove the source 

and circumstanc~:~ of the incident, identity of the Potentially Responsible Pariies, and impact or 

potential impact to public health and the environment. Documentation may be written, graphic, 

audiovisual, or in other form and will include the location of the incident, time, date and duration 

of the spill, source and cause of the incident, name of the Potentially R12sponsible Parties, 

description of the released material, resources affected or threatened, status of response and 

cleanup efforts, s.nd accurate accounting of public costs incurred. 

Examples of other forms of documentation of hazardous materials incidents ir~clude: 

Daily or personal logs in bound noteboolts, to record all relevant response activities for 

evidential purposes; 

Photographic documentation at the source of the release, pathway of discharge, and affected 

biota; 

Samples of released material and lnaterial from the suspected source: ;ollected according to 

established chain of custody procedures; and/or 

:Statements ofwitnesses identifying the source of a re!ease. 

Coiumbus/Ciudad Fuerto Pdomas C~,OSS Border Contingency Plan Page 8 
3.5 Evacuatiori or Shelter-In-Place 

I: is the responsibility of the Incident Commander to assess the hazardous materials release or 

potential release. If there is a threat to the public, immediate action needs to be taken for their 

protection. Actions, which protect the public, include first aid, search and rescue; designation of 

an exclusion zone, shelter-in-place, fire suppression and evacuation. 

IF evacuation is necessary, the Incident Commander will determine the area that will require 

evacuation. The Incident Commander is also responsible for estimating the number of people in 

the evacuation area and number of people needing transportation assistance Thz Incident 

Commander will follow all the appropriate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS) o~tllned in the 

local plans. 

The Incident Commander will coordinate with law enforcement to identify major evacuation 

routes and establish trafi; control points Law enforcement will establish evacuatim assembly 

points, monitor traffic flow on evacuation routes and establish security patrols and access control 

procedures In a toxic environment, agencies with more appropriate protective clothing and 

eiquipment may be called cpon to perform these tasks. 

If the iccident is of suf£icit:nt magnitude that the potential for a cross border evacuation exists, the 

Incident Commander will insure that the appropriate border agencies such as ~rrmigrarion, 

c:ustoms, and bridge authcrities are notified (see Appendix B;I. 

3.6 Post-Incident Management 

The Incident Commander, or a designated replacement, is required to remain on-scene until the 

immediate danger to public health and the environment has been abated. Primary responsibility 

fbr the actual cleanup anti restoration costs will remain with the Porentially Responi;ible Parties. 

In the event that the Potentially Responsible Parties are unknown, cleanup is the I-esponsibility of 

the parcel manager, the lessee, the landowner, the affectec jurisdiction, the county agency, the 

state agency, or the federal agency having jurisdiction 

Cleanup and disposal of >.he spill should be accomplished as soon as possible. F'ro~npt action is 

important to minimize damage to the environment. The firs: step is to establish the cleanup 

priorities at the site. Once the priorities are set, determination of appropriate cleanup rnethods is 

necessary. 'The cleanup actions must be constantly monitored to emure the cleanup priorities are 

being properly addressed. 

Specific methods should be utilized to evaluate the cleanup and determine its efictiveness. The 

evaluation process should assess impacts on the habitat and organisms. elTectivenes> of removal, 

]public concerns, aesthetxs, and costs. The Incident C~mmander must develop sriteria to 

(determine when the cleanup is complete, using applicable or relevant and appropriate 

requirements. The Incident Commander will ensure proper transportation and disposal of 

hazardous substances in compliance with local, state and federal laws 

.- - 

ColumbuslCiudad Puerto Paiomas Cross Bol-de: Co11tinge:lcy Plan Page 9 
3.7 Response and Cleanup Funding Availability 

The Lncident Commander will attempt to identify and have the party accountable for the release 

assumes responsibility for containment, removal and disposal. In Mexico, this will be 

responsibility of the Civil Protection Authorities in accordance with the National Protection 

System. 

If it is determined that the Potentially Responsible Parties are not acting promptly, taking or 

proposing to take appropriate actions, or if the Potentially Responsible Parties are unknown, state 

and federal funds may be made available to ensure proper cleanup. 

The State on Scene Coordinator or the Federal on Scene Coordinator may ~nalte hnds available. 

Depending on the circumstances, money may be made available from one or more of the 

following funds. 

3.7.1 State Funds 

Funds are availa.ble on a case-by-case basis, generally for incidents for which a responsible party 

has not been identified, or when there is an immediate threat to life and healt:~. 

3.7.2 Federal Funds 

Hazardous Sub,stance Response Trust Fund (Section 2.1.1, "Compr-eht:n:;ive Environmental 

Response, Compensation and Liability Act") is administered by the U.S. El'ci. The hnd can be 

accessed by contactins the NRC at (800) 424-8802, or the FOSC 

The U.S. EPA administers local Government Reimbursement Program. Con~ssting the RCMSupehnd Hotline at (800) 474-9346 can access the hnd. 

3.8 C'ommunicntions 

Communications will be established as per the local municipal Standard Operating Procedures 

(SOPS). In the event of a bi-nationai response, cominunications must be effeci.ively established as 

soon as possible. Due to the numerous radio frequencies used by the various response agencies in 

the Sister Cities area, the Incident Commander must define a primary response channel or rely on 

cellular communications. Appendix '4 and C provide a listing of the var.ious phone numbers 

available. Communications between Coluinbus Command and Puerto Palomas de Villa, 

Municipio de Ascencion Command must be established and maintained throughout a bi-national 

response, this will ensure a secure and reliable flow of information between the two commands. 

3.9 Health and Safety 

The Incident Commander will be responsible for appointing a Site Safety Ofi-3cer (SSO) for the 

incident. The Incident Commander and Site Safety Officer will be responsib e for developing and 

implementing a Site Safety Plan to ensure the heaith and safety of all response personnel. For 

response across ;:he border, the Incident Co~ninander and senior official of each response agency 

Columbus/Ciudad Fuerto Palorms Cross Border Contingency Plan Page 10 
will ensure that the appropriate state and federal worker health and safety laws o-F their countp 

are observed while in the neighboring country. 

4.0 NATIONAL NOTIFICATION AND/OR RESPONSE 

The Joint Contingency Plan has been signed and implemented by the United States and the IJnited 

Mexican States. 

Iri the event that a hazardous materials incident has overwhelmed the resources of Puerto Falomas 

de Villa, Municipio de Ascencion, or Columbus, the Incident Commander or the Commandante 

de Proteccion Civil will implement a request for mutual aid from the other Sister Ci1.y. 

4.1.1 Citj of Columbus Request 

The Columbus Fire Chief nay initiate a request for mutual aid by contacting Pue~to Palomas de 

VillaFire Chief or other responsible official. Upon receipt ofthis request, the Puerto Palomas de 

Villa Fire Chief may imple nent the mutual aid request by providing necessary action, information 

and/or assistance resources, if possible 

The C~QJ of Fuerto Palomas de Villa, Municipio de Ascencibn may respond with the appropriate 

resources to aid in the request. A Joint Command established between the Cclurnbus/Puerto 

Palomas de Villa, Municipio de Ascencion Fire Chiefs w:ll determine these resources. The 

responding resources will report to the Incident Commander and work under the lncident 

Commander's direction. Puerto Palomas de Villa, nilunicipio de Ascencion may activate its 

equivalent Emergency Operations Center in accordance with the Proteccion Civil municipal 

authorities. The Emergenl2y Operations Center will evaluate the ongcing sibation, and assist the 

Incident Commander with resources and technical infarmation. 

The Incident Commander is also responsible for ensuring that response personnel from Puerton 

Palomas de Villa, Municipio de Ascencion are adequately ut:lized in an effective and :safe manner 

by coordinating with the senior on-scene response official from each responding agency 

4.1.2 City of Puerto Palomas de Villa, Nlunicipio de Ascencion Request 

The Puerto Palomas de Villa, Municipio de Ascencion, Fire Chief or equally responsible official 

will initiate a request, for mutual aid by contacting the Columbus Fire Department Chief. Upon 

receipt of this request, he Columbus Fire Chief will make a determination of appropriate actions 

and whether of not he is cirpable of responding without endangering his own resporlsibilities 

The City of Columbus may respond with the appropriate resources to aid in the requesl, utiiizing 

the Fire Department's Standard Operating Procedures (S3Ps) for HazMat response. These 

resources will be determined by a Joint Command esmbiished between the Colu:nbus/ Puerto 

Palomas de Villa, Municipio de Ascencion Fire Chiefs The responding resources mill report to 

-- - - 

C:~lumbuslCiudad Puerto Palclnas Ci.oss Border Contingency Plan Page 11 
the Incident Commander and work under the Incident Commander's direction. Columbus will 

also activate an Emergency Operations Center on the Columbus side of the border. The 

Emergency Operations Center will evaluate the ongoing situation, and assist the Incident 

Commander with resources and technical information. The Emergency Operations Center will 

also be responsible for ensuring that response personnel from Columbus are adequately utilized in 

an effective and safe manner, by coordinating with the senior on-scene resporse official from each 

responding agency. 

4.1.3 Response Duties 

Local agencies are responsible for emergency planning and preparedness within their jurisdictions. 

The agencies are expected to assume lead roles during the emergency phase of the incident. 

Local agencies will conduct response activities within the scope of department training and 

capabilities. Local agencies will provide emergency response services when possible including, 

but not limited to: 

Notification; 

6 Irutial hazard identification; 

Initial sampling to determine concentrations of materials, if possible; 

Rescue and (emergency medical service; 

Fire fighting, 

Security (site perimeter, traffic, and crowd control); 

On-scene liaison with other agencies and organiz~tions; provide public information; 

Evacuation; andshelter 

Loc;ai government assignments in Columbus, New Mexico, are generally shared among the 

~olumbus Fire Department, Luna County Sheriffs Department, CaIumbu,s Police Department, 

Luna County Rural Volunteer Fire Department, emergency medical services, public works and 

health department. Detailed roles and responsibilities of these agencies ciln be found in the 

Columbus and Luna County plan. Specific actions to be taken in response to a bi-national 

response can be found in Appendix D through G of this plan. 

When responding to requests for mutual aid, local response agencies frclm both sides of the 

border will adh~re to their department Standard Operating Procedures. .4t no time should 

personnel from (either city be requested to perform duties outside their training and capabilities. 

Incident Comrnmders in both cities will become familiar with the capabi,it!es of the agencies 

available for response, and use the personnel from the agencies in an appropriate manner. If 

C~l~imbus/Ciudad I1uel-to Palomas Cross Border Co~iti~~gel~cy Plan Page 12 
concerns arise, the Fire Clhief Joint Command and respective Emergency Operations Centers will 

be notified and an appropriate decision will be made at that level. 

4.2 Joint Response Team 

When the magnitude of an incident exceeds local and state response capabilit:es, or when a 

response involves more than one state jurisdiction, or federal lands, the federal government will -- - -- . - - - - - - - - - - - --- - - - - -- 

coordinate the response operation and provide assistance as Recessary 

Regional level contingency planning is performed by the U. S EPA Regional Response Team, and 

national level contingency planning through the National Response Team (NRT). 'In Mexico, 

Protecciiin Civil has jurisdiction of hazardous materials incldent planning. The .Joint Response 

Team paforms U.S./Mexico border area contingency planning and training activities The U.S. 

EPA chairs the Joint Response Team for the U S. and by Secretaria de Gobernacibn (PROFEPA) 

for Mexico. 

4.2.1 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

The U.S. EPA activates and operates the federal response system for inland haza-dads materials 

incidents and provides a Federal on Scene Coordinator who can assess tec1mic;ll reiources to 

provide expert advice on p~blic health and environmental effects of a release 

4.2.2 Regional Response Team 

The Regional Response Team (RRT) is co-chaired by the Xi S EP.4 and the U.S Coast Guard 

and consists of represenmives from selected state and federal agencies. It plans, prepares and 

responds to hazardous ma~,erials incidents, providing advice md recommendations to the Federal 

on Scene Coordinator. It may request resources from locd, state or federal agencies and the 

private sector. 

4.2.3 Prol:ecci6n Civil 

The Direccion de Protection Civil shall establish, in each federal and municipal entity, civi! 

defense organizations to handle emergencies occurring in each jurisdiction. Protecci~jn Civil has 

prepared the "ANEXO 111 - Plan de Respuesta a Emergenck Con Materiales Peligrosos" (Amex 

111 - Hazardous lvlaterials Response Plan) This plan is designed to be used by all entities in 

Mexico to aid in developing contingency plans for Hazardous Materials incidents and is cochaired by the Director of :he Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention C)fiic:e (CEPPO) 

in Washington D.C. 

4.3 Joint Response Team Responsibilities 

For iniand releases, the U.S. EM provides the Federal on Scene Coordinaror. Upon notification 

of a release of hazardous substances that are crossin_e or Ire likely to cross the i;.S./Mexico 

border, the National Respc)nse Center will :loti@ ;he Federal On Scene Coordinator. The Federal 

on Scene Coordinator will determine as quickly as possible the need for activating the Regional 

I ColumbusiCiudad Puerto Palomas Cross Border Conringe~~cy Plan 
ColumbusiCiudad Puerto Palomas Cross Border C3ntiilge:1c;i Plail Page 15 

5.0 TR4INDrlG AIRTD EXERCISES 

The Cross Border Contingency Plan, as written pursuant to the U S.bIexico Joint Contingency 

Plan, is an administrative summary of the relevant hazardous materials emergency response plans, 

which have jurisdiction within the planning area. Each of the operational plans referenced 

requires training and exercising to ensure that responders are always in a state of readiness. The 

concepts and resources for training and exercising are important to emphasize as bi-national 

relationships and activities deveiop. 

Preparing a written plan with well-defined operational roles, policies and resource acquisition 

procedures is an essential step. The written plan should contain training requirements and 

procedures for responders. Exercising the plan provides training, allows response personnel to 

become thoroughly familiar with response procedures, resources and systems, and enables 

planners to identify areas of the plan, which need improvement. Appendix H and I present the 

Acronyms and .Definitions, respectively. Appendix J presents references to response procedures 

and understandings from various agencies. 

5.1 Training 

Individual agenlzies are responsible for their own training. Internal trainins, private contractors, 

and state or regional training resources are some of the options availabk to iocal agencies. 

Agencies must ensure that personnel are adequately trained for response operations that they may 

perform. This training must comply with all applicable locai, state, and fedt:rd worker health and 

safety regulations. 

5.2 Exercises 

Local and regional hazardous materials continzency plan exercises are encouraged, as they are the 

best means of keeping the plans current and active. CoiumbusA?uer~o Palomas de Villa, 

kfunicipio de .4scencion routinely conduct joint exercises that allow for cross training of 

personnel. This ensures that deficiencies in response activities are ident~fied. In keeping the 

Columbus@uerto Palomas de Villa, Municipio de Ascencion, Sister Cities Iiazardous Materials 

Incident Contimgency Plan current, the plan will be exercised once every two years. 
FIGURES 
Re: 1995 Rand McNally Road Atlas L Scale 1 In. = 35 mi. - 

U .S./Mexico Sister Cities 

Columbus, New Mexico 

Ciudad Puerto Palomas, Municipio de Ascensi~n, r Chihuah~TL 
Columbus Mum 

Re: De!ome Street Atlas 

Columbus, New Mex~co FIGURE 2 

C~udad P~,erto Palomas, Mun~c~p~o ae Ascens~on, 

Chihuahu 3 Columbus, New Mexico 

APPENDIX A 

EMERGENCY NOTLFICATION 

Any substantial threat to the public health, safety, or the environment, due to an accidental spill or 

release of an oil or other l-Lazardous material into the air, surface water, groundwai:er, or onto the 

ground, or the threat of any of the preceding should be reported to: 

UNITED STATES OF A,MERICA REPC7BLIC OF IMEYICO 

First Response 

91 1 

National Response Center 

First Response 

060 

National Coordinating Center for Civil Protection 

I-800-424-8802 (from U. ,3 .) Agency 

00-202-267-2675 (from Mexico) 

01-5-550-45 58 (from Mexico) 

1J.S. EPA Regioil VI Spill Phone 01 1-52-5-550-4558 (from U.S ) 

1-866-372-7745 (from U 5.) Communications Center, Civil Protection Agency 

001-214-665-6444 (from Mexico) 

01-800-004-1300 (from Mexico) 

Federal Prosecutor for Environinel-!tal Protection 

PROFEPA 

0 1-5-666-9459 (from Mexico) 

01 1-52-5-666-9459 (from U.S.) 

PROFEPA Emergency Spill Reporting Line 

01-5-606-441 6 (from Mexico) 

0 1-5-606-563 0 (from Mexico) 

01 1-52-5-600-1416 (from U.S.) 

0 11-52-5-606-56;O (from U.S.) 

Colurnb~uslCiudad Puerto Palc8lnas Cross i3orde:- Contingency Plan Page - i - I 
APPENDIX B 

CCSTOMS AND TICrlNlIGRATION RESPONSE 

hi the case of an emergency andlor disaster that may occur in the Republic of Mexico (ROM) or 

the United States which requires emergency aid from various U S. local or stare agencies, 

i~lcluding the Columbus Fire and Police Departments or aid from a similar ROM aisency, the 

municipality requesting aid will notify one of the following 

1) U.S. Customs Service 

2) U. S. Immigration and Naturalization Service 

3) Columbus International Bridge System 

IJpon receipt of the call requesting emergency aid, the Customs, Immigration or Bridge personnel 

will immediately notify the other two groups, who will be responsible for notifiing their "cross the 

border" counterpart. 

The U S. Customs shift supervisor at the bridge of concm will be contactec and will take 

whatever immediate action is necessary to facilitate the crossing of the emergency equii2rnent and 

personnel. Once arrangements have been made to facilitate the cross border emergency aid, thr, 

supervisor will notify the Assistant Director, Inspection and Control or in his absence any 

available Chief Inspector. 

E:mergency equipment of this nature is admissible under sec~ion 10.107 of the Customs 

I Regulations. I 

C~l~mbi~~iCiudad Puerto Paiomas C;oss Border Coiirii~ge:icy Plan Psge 18 
UNITED MEXICAN STATES CUSTOMS CROSS BORDER CONTIN GEB CY PLAN 

In the case of an emergency and/or disaster that may occur in Mexico or the LJnited States which 

requires emergency aid from various local or state agencies, including the herto Palomas de 

Villa, Municipio de Ascension, Fire and Police departments or aid from a similar U.S. agency, the 

municipality will call and notify one of the following: 

1) Mexico's Customs Service 

2) Mexico's Immigration and Naturalization Service 

3) Puerto Palomas de Villa, Municipio de Ascension, Bridge Department 

4) Fi.re Department 

Upon receipt of the call from the municipality which has requested the emergency aid, the 

Customs, Immigration or Bridse personnel will immediately notify the other two groups, who will 

be responsible for notifying the "cross the border" counterpart. i 6' 

Mexico's Custorns shift supervisor at the bridge of concern will be contacted and will take 

whatever immedilte action is necessary to facilitate the crossing of the emergency equipment and 

personnel. Once arrangements have been made to facilitate the cross horde:- emergency aid, the 

supervisor will ncltify Proteccion Civil. 
Mayor 

Fire Chief 

Pmistant Fire Chief 

hdunicip a1 Judge 

APPENDLX C 

CITY OF COLUMBUS TELEPHOKE NUMBERS 

NAME OF CONTACT TELEPHONE 

Martha Sldnner 

Walter Sirnpson 

Javier Lozano 

Javier Lozano 

Police Jose Ojeda 

Ambulance Service Lexie Spriggs 

OTHER TELEPHONE NUMBERS 

Luna County Sheriff ~ar~ Ciccotelli 

State of New Mexico Fire Marshal I 

New Mexico Department of 

Public Safety (DP S) 

1J.S. Customs 

1.N.S.Port Director 

I'una County Red Cross 

- - 

Columbus/Ci~idad Puerto Palonlas Cross Bolder Conringe!lcy Plan Page 20 
CITY OF PUERTO PALOMAS DE VILLA, MUNICIPIO DE ASCENCION 

ORGANIZATION 

TELEPHONE 

Mayor 

City Manager 

Municipal Police 

Public Works Director 

Regional Coordinator 

Transit Police 

Highway Patrol 

Ministerial Police 

ELral Realth Center 

DIF 

Customs Administrater 

Fiscal Police 

Telefonos de Mexico 

(Phone Company) 

Postal Service 

TELEPHONE IYUMBERS 

REPRESENTATIVE 

Fernando Castaneda B arraza 

Guillermina Lopez 

Jesus Mendeza Mendoza 

Baltazar Saenz Apodaca 

Juan Carlos Orpinel 

N/ A 

Lic. Manuel Wlarquez 

Lic. Manuel Marquez 

Nl A 

Maris01 Estrade De Castafieda 

Pedro Angel Contreras Lopez 

Guadaiupe Ibarra 

Ninfa Romo 

Orion Olmos 

- 

Columbus/Ciudad I'uerto Palomas Cms Border Contiilgenr:y ?!an Pagr: 21 
APPENDLX D 

ACTION BY LAW ENFORCEMXNT AGENCIES 

-

GENERAL 

-- 

In any type of disaster thai evokes an international response, law enforcement will be involved in a 

multitude of areas. The need for security, traffic control, crowd control, and to supply effective 

information on separated persons, specifically in relocation areas, will be paramount. 

In the event of a disast~r being declared by the municipalities, counties, states, or countries 

represented in this plan, Law Enforcement Agencies will follow their appropriatt municipal, 

county, or regional contingency plans The Cross Border Contingency Plan is considered an 

annex to the standing municipal, county, or regional plans and law enforcement agencies 

responsible to these plans will work within the same framework of the individual plans adopted by 

l'aw . 

In the event that evacuation from a disaster area into another municipality, county 31- country 

takes place. Law Enforcement Agencies will supply the following- 

.RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS 

1. 

. . 

11. 

.. . 

111. 

iv. 

TI. 

vi. 

To protect life and property and prevent and investiyate crime that may be ptmerated due 

to the evacuation. 

To alert persons endangered by the effects of the disaster 

To alert and assist other emergency services. 

To control trafiic nd crowds and ensure clear entrance and exit to and from c- LOSS border 

bridges and the control of traffic to designated holding areas. 

To maintain law and order at the holding (reception) areas to prevent unauthorized entry 

into these areas. 

To evacuate citizens froin danger areas when necessaiy. 

To establish communication links with all law enforcement agencies affected and to sup2ly 

constant information through the affected municipality, subject to law erforcement needs. 
APPENDIX E 

STANDARD OPER4TLUG PROCEDURES 

FOR FIRE AGENCIES 

GENERAL: Three distinct fire disaster situations could arise, requiring the assistance of cross 

border fire service. A level-one incident or situation occurs when specialized equipment and/or 

manpower is most readily or exclusively available across the border or the nxmicipality's usual 

local mutual aid resources are hlly engaged. Level-two situations are defined as incidents where 

countywide or region-wide fire resources are hlly engaged and additional fire service assistance is 

needed beyond the capability of the county or region. Level-three fire disasters require an 

executive declaration either 6-om a state or local executive. The decision to respond rests with 

the Fire Chief and is determined case by case by his capability to cover his jurisdiction and render 

aid at the same time. 

1) Liability 

A. Any loss or damage to, or expense incurred in the operation of fire 

apparatus or other eq~liprnent answering a call for assistance from outside 

territory, and the cost of any materials used in connection with such call, 

and for salaries and other compensation and traveling and maintenance 

expense of the assisting forces fi~rnislled during the tme they shall not be 

performing their duties for the assisting inun~cipality/entity, shall be a 

charge upon the municipality which issued the call i'o- assistance. This 

paragraph shall not apply to the case of damage or expense to fire 

apparatus or equipment which occurred while responding to a request for 

assistance or returning from the scene upon completing the assistance and 

while the apparatus or equipment was not involved in the emergency 

operation. and which was caused by. 

1. The act or omission of a fireman in the performance of his duties 

who is a member of the assisting force which suEered the damage; 

or 

2. The act or omission of a third party or throug;h an instrumentality 

not connected with the actual emergency opera1:ion. 

While responding to a call for assistance. the municipality or entity shall be 

liable for the negligence of firemen of that municipality or entity occurring 

in the peribrinance of their duties in the same manrer and to the same 

extent as if such ne,nli,nence occurred in the performance of their duties 

within the area regularly served and protected by said unit. 

- 

CoIumbusICiudad Puerto Paiomas Cross i3ordel Contii~ge:lc:~ Plan Page 23 
Any such claim for loss, damage, expense or cost shall not be allowed unless within 60 days 

after tne same shal have been sustained, a written notice of such claim, under oath, 

itemizing such loss or expense is served by mall upon the fiscal oEicer of the 

municipality/entity which requesred assistance. 

B. Lia'3ility for workers' compensation for fire fighters invclved in a cross 

border situation remains with the fire figllters' home fire company. 

Procedure 

Agencies will operate according to the standard operating procedures of individual 

fire aggencies. 

~3olumbuslCiucad Puerco Pa1c111as Cl oss 8ol-dt.: Conongrxy Plan kge 24 
APPENDlX F 

ACTION BY SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS 

GENERAL 

1. In any type of disaster that invokes an international response, there wiil be a need 

to house, feed, and provide medical and support services :o a larae number of 

people In addition there will be a need to register displaced persons, reunite 

separated persons within the disaster area and provide information and respond to 

inquiries from outside the disaster area. 

NOTE: EACH OF THE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCES I-IAVTNG 

RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THIS PROCEDLrRE rUL4INTAIN 

INDIVIDUAL OPERATING PLANS IN ALL 

CIRCUIVISTAVCES, THE OPERATING PROCEDURE OF THE 

REQUESTING AUTHORITY MTLL PREVbIL. 

PRlO CEDURE 

2. b the event of a disaster, the services of Social Services staff: on either side of tho 

border, will be activated rhrouzh a call-out, originatins as provided for in their 

respective Standard Operatins Procedure. 

3. Requesting authority: 1 

a. The requesting authority will establish an assembly point as close as 

possible to an international border crossing point. This location should be 

on a main highway or an easily accessed secondary highway that is well 

marked and easy to locate. 

b. It will the responsibility of the responding agency io assemble its personnel 

at a site of its choice and to provide transportation from that site to the 

assembly point as designated by the requesting authority, 

c The requesting authority 1will provide suflicient space to receive and, if 

necessary, store any transportation used by the responding a~nhority in 

traveling to the asseinbiy area. 

d. The requesting authority will provide iransportation to move the 

responding personnel to the respective work areas. 

- - 

Col~mbusICiudad :'ue:.to Pdomas Cross Border Co~itinge:~~:~~ Plan Pag~: 75 
e During the time that the responding personnel are on the site, i~. will be the 

responsibility of the requesting authority to provide shelter, food, 

equipment, and any medical needs to the responding personnel 

f The responding authority will arrange for all necessary relief for any and all 

responding personnel. 

g. The requesting authority will arrange to register and provide identification 

of responding personnel and will keep this idormation updated and 

available at the Emergency Operations Center. 

h. Upcn receipt of an official declaration that the emergency situation has 

been terminated, the requesting authority will ensure that all pt:r:;onnel are 

so advised and will provide the necessary transportation to return the 

responding personnel to either (1) their own transportation, or (2) to a 

satizfactory drop-off spot in the responding agency's area. 

1. 

GENERAL 

The responding agency will be attaciled to and will work under the 

cornrnand of the requesting authority 

IS is yenerally understood that the responding authority will be asked to provide personnel . . . - . . . 

to asslst m the iollow~ng areas: 

(j) Registration I 

(ji) Care and s~pervision of evacuees 

(1%) Assistance at emergency welfare centers in arens of counseling; grief counseling; 

general inquiries; location of persons; reconciliation of families; supervision of 

children; en;. 

- 

C:olumb~s/C~udad Puel-to pal on la^ Cross Sarder C~ntili_ce:lc\i ?la11 Page 3b 
APPENDIX G 

CROSS BORDER EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES RESPONSE SEQUENCE 

Report is made. 

Confirm the incident 

Activate the Response Plan; request that neighborins municipality be placed on standby alert. 

Place hospital on standby. 

Request status of available resources. 

Assume Emergency Medical Services command and report to Unified Ccrr.mand Post 

Decon Sector established. 

Staging Sector established. 

Triage Sectcr established. 

Establish hospital communications. 

Obtain initiai hospital capabilityibed inventory from hospitals 

Upgrade neighboring municipality from standby to operational mode IF mutual aid will be 

necessary, and advise the municipality of resource'needs. 

Establish Treatment Sector. 

Develop listing of receiving hospitals and identify access routes. 

Begin trans3ortation of patients from Transportation Sector by priority to appropriate 

hospital. (Patients being transported across the border will be double tagged per guidelines.) 

Provide appropriate pre-hospital care prior to transport if treatment sector has been 

established. 

Continue to monitor hospital candidates. 

Advise Medical Examiners and moi-tuaries if necessary 
APPENDTX G 

(Continued) 

GUTDELINES FOR AMBULANCES 

REQUESTED TO PROVIDE CROSS BORDER ASSISTANCE: 

Vdhen requested to provide assistance to Emergency Medical Services across the bxder for major 

incidenti'disaster situations, etc., all ambulance crews will follow these guidelines 

Report to meeting area as directed by dispatch (usually a border crossing:). 

Police will neet and escort vehicles to site. 

Maintain communications with dispatch on assigned channel. 

On arrival at site, report to staging area as directed or to site commander 

Advise EMS command whether crew is Advanced Life Support (ALS) or Mobile 

Intensive Care Unit (WHCU). 

Provide appropriate pre-hospital care prior to transpcrt if treatmeni sector has 

been established as directed by Emergency Medical Services command 

Transportation of patients from transportation sector by priority to aqxopriate 

hospital as directed. Patients being transported cross border will be dcuble tagged 

as per guidelines. 

Return to site after delivering patients to appnpriate hospital. 

Clear n~ld return to home base when directed bv dispatch. 

- 

ColurnbusiCiudac Puerto Palomas Cross Border Contingency Plan Page 28 
AIS 

CERCLA 

CLAM 

DPS 

EOC 

EMS 

ER'T 

FOSC 

HAZMAT 

IC 

ICP 

ICS 

JCP 

JRT 

LEPC 

NCP 

NRC 

PRI' 

PROTECCION 

CIVIL 

PROFEPA 

RCM 

I1P 

wr 

SEblliVWAT 

S 01' 

SOSC 

SSO 

U.S. EPA 

US (7 G 

APPENDIX H 

ABBREVIATIONS AW ACRONYMS 

Advanced Life Support . - 

Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act 

Comite Local de Ayuda Mutua 

New Mexico Department of Public Safety 

Emergency Operations Center 

Emerzency Medical Services 

Environmental Response Team 

Federal On-Scene Coordinator 

Hazardous Materials 

Incident Coinrnander 

Incident Command Post 

Incident Command System 

Joint Contingency Plan 

Joint Response Team 

Local Emergency Planning Committee 

National Continsency Plan 

National Response Team 

Potentially Responsible Party 

Mexican Civil Protection Agency 

Procuraduria Federal de Protection Ambiental 

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act 

Responsible Party 

Regional Response Team 

Secretaria de Materiales y Recursos Naturales 

Standard Operating Procedures 

State On-Scene Coordinator 

Site Safety Officer 

United States Environmental Protection Agency 

United States Coast Guard 
APPENDIX I 

DEFTNITIONS 

- Area Continnency Plan. 4s defined by sections 3 11(a) (19) and 6) (4) of CWA, as amended by 

CPA, means the plan prepared by an Area Committee, thar in conjunction with the NCP, shall 

address the removal of a discharge including a worst-case discharze and the mitigation or 

prevention of a substantial threat of such a discharge from a vessel, offshore facihty, or on-shore 

fidlity operating in or near an area designated by the President. 

BBk: Material that is stored or transported in a loose, urpacked, liquid, powcer, or granular 

form capable of being conveyed by a pipe, bucket, chute or belt system. 

- Comite Local Ayuda de h4utua (CLAM) A group of local representatives represenring Mexico 

hdustiy and agencies who assist in the preparation of spill response plans on the Mexicc Border. 

- Cleanuu: For the purposes of this document, cleanup refers to the removal andlor 1rt:atment of 

oil, hazardous substances, andlor the waste or contaminated materials generated by ihe incident. 

Cleanup includes restoration of the site and its natural resources 

- Coastal Wata: The waters of the coastal zone (except for the Great Lakes and spec~fied ports 

and harbors on inland rivers). Precise boundaries are idzntified in USCGEPA agreements, 

Federal Regional Contingency Plans and Area Contingency Plans 

Decontamination: The rt:moval of hamrdous substances from personnel and their equipment 

necessary tc prevent adverse health effects and secondary contamination. 

Dischar~e: Any spilling leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting; emptying or dumping. 

Dispersant: Those chemical agents that emulsify, disperse, or solubilize oil into the water column 

or induce the surface spreading of oil slicks to facilitate dispersal of the oil into the wai.er column. 

Drinkine Water Supply As defined by section 101(7) of CERCLA, means any raw or finished 

water source that is or mly be used by a public water system (as defined in the Snfe Drinking 

PTater Act) or as drinking water by one or more individuals 

Environ~nentallv Sensitive Area: An especially de!icate or sensitive natural resource that requires 

pirotection in the event of z, pollution incident. 

- G-round Watg: As defined by section 1 Ol(12) of CERCLA, means water in a saiurattd zone or 

stratum beneath the surfacl= of land or water 

- -- 

ColumbusiCiuriad ?ue:-to Paio:nas Cross Sorde: Contiiigexy Plan Page 30 
mardous Mated: Any non-radioactive solid, liquid; or gaseous substance which, when 

uncontrolled, may be harmhi to humans, animals, or the environment: including, but not limited 

to, substances otherwise defined as hazardous wastes, dangerous wastes, extremely hazardous 

wastes, oil or pollutants. 

Incident: Any event that res~dts in a discharge of oil or hazardous ~raterials. Action by 

emergency service personnel may be required to prevent or minimize loss of' life or damage to 

property and/or natural resources. 

Inland Waters: Those waters of the United States in the inland zone, waters of the Great Lakes. 

Lake Champlain, and specified ports and harbors on inland rivers. 

Inland Zone: The environment inland of the coastal zone excluding the Great Lakes, Lake 

Champlain, and the specified ports and harbors on inland rivers. The term idmd zone delineates 

an area of Fedei-a1 responsibilities for response actions. Precise boundaries are determined by 

EPAflTSCG agreements and identified in Federal Regional Contingency Plans. 

Lsal Emergenc~i Planninz Committee ILEPC): A group of local representatives appointed by the 

State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) to prepare local oil and hazardous materials spill 

response plans as per the mandates of the Superfbnd Amendments and Reau~horization Act, Title 

m. 

Natural Resourcl~: Land, fish, wildlife, biota, air, water, ground water, dril-~k:ng water supplies, 

and other such resources belonging to, managed by, held in trust by, appertaining to. or otherwise 

controlled by municipal, state, or federal governments or private parties 

- On-Scene Coortlinator iOSC) The governmenr official at an incident sce,le responsible for 

coordinating response activities 

&law Response Contractor or Contractors: An individual, company, or :aoperntive that has 

contracted directly with the plan holder to provide equipment andlor personnel for the 

containment or cleanup of spilled oil or hazardous material. 

Regional Response Team (RRT): The federal response organization (consisti.~g of representatives 

from selected federal and state agencies) which acts as a regional body responsible for planning 

and preparedness before an oil spill occurs and for providing advice to the CSC in the event of a 

major or substam;ial spill. 

State Emergency Response Com~nission [SERC) A goup of officials appointed by the state 

governor to implement the provisions of Title 111 of the Federal Supeh~ld Amendments and 

Reauthorization Act of 1956 (SARA), The SERC approves the Slate Oil and Hazardous 

Substances Discharge Prevention and Contingency ?Ian and Local Emergency Itesponse Plans. 

- 

Columbus/Cludad I'uerto Pa~o~nas Cross Border C31lri11yenr:y Phi Page 31 
APPENDIX J 

REFERENCES 
APPENDIX K 

Revision Log 

-- 

REVISION LOG 

DESCRIPTION ----4--EFE 

:l. Original Signature of tke Cross Border Contingency Plan 

-- -- 

C'olumbus/Ciudad Puerto Palomas Cross Border Co~itingency Plan 
ESlDENClA MUNICIPAL 

ASCENSION, CHIH. 

C. P. 31824. 

DEPENDEN 'IA PRESIDEATCIA MU,VICPAL No. OFICIO 

10 DE OCTUBRE DEL 2001. 

C. GUILLERMLNA LOPEZ ULLALOBOS, 

PRESENTE.- 

PRACClON X DEL 

SENTI!, SE LE 

E,XTE,,NDE NO . AYUNT.A:MPENTBm 

CON LAS AT 0 CODIGO SE&AI,A. 

CON S-IJ CARGO, 

NOS SIJSCRTB 

EDA BARRAZA 
TABLE "C" 

PROCEDTJRE FOR THE PERSONNEL FROM THE UNITED 

STATES OF AMERICA INTO IvEXICO 

UNITED STATES OF MEXICO 

OFFICE OF THE 

DIRECTOR 

DEPARTMENT OF INTElR-[OR 

MIGRATORY 

SERVICES 

KON-mllMIGRANT D1RI:CTOR 

CIRCULAR NO. 1 5 -Mi9 0 

Mexico, FD., October 9, 1990 

TO 'THE CONSULS OF THE h4EXICAN FOREIGN SERVICE DEPART WENT OF 

THE FOREIGN RELATIONS CITY OF MEXICO. 

It is rquested that NON-IMMIGRANTS shall be documented as such for A 'EAR with 

the authorization of multiple entries and exits pursuant to Article 42 Item I11 (THIW) of the 

General Population Law, all persons of United States or Canadian nationality who present 

evidence that they require to enter into Mexico within the operational phases of the .'National 

Contingency Plan A" to fil;ht and control spills of hydrocarbons and othe~ noxious substances in 

the sea regarding the cooperation agreement signed between the governments of !he Federal 

Republic of Mexico and the United States of America on the pollution of the mari~environment 

by spills of petroleum hydrocarbons and other noxious substances". 

SINCERELY 

THE GENERAL DIRECTOR OF MIGRATORY SERVICES 

LIC. SUSmA TORRES HERNANDEZ 

cc.- To- L,ic. mguel Limon Rajas.- Assistant Secretary of the Interior.- Bucareli NCI 99 First 

Floor.- Mexico City 

I- To Admiral C.G. DEWfl-4.-Gildaro Alarcon Lopez.- Mexican Navy. Chief of Naval 

Ope:;itions, Generll Coordinator of Technical Services, Director of Marine Ecology, 

Technical Director for their information.- Mexico City 

TABLE "C" 

PROCEDURE FOR THE PERSONNEL FROM THE UNITED 

$TATES OF AMERICA INTO MEXICO 

UNITED STATES OF MEXICO 

OFFICE OF THE 

DIRECTOR 

DEPARTMENT OF II\JTEIUOR 

MIGRAT 0F.Y 

SERVICES 

NON-IMiVfIGR4NT DJXEC'TOR 

CIRCULAR :\;TO. 1 5 -MI90 

Mexico, FD., October 9, 1990 

TO THE CONSULS OF THE MEXICAN FOREIGN SERVICE DEPARTIVIE:NT OF 

THE FOREIGN RELATIONS CITY OF MEXICO. 

It is requested that NON-IMMIGRANTS shall be documented as such for A YEAR with 

the authorization of multipli: entries and exits pursuant to Article 42 Item I11 (THIRD) of the 

General Fopulation Law, all persons of United States or Canadian nationality who present 

evidence that they require tl, enter into Mexico within the operational phases of the "National 

Contingency Plan A" to fight and control spills of hydrocarbons and other noxious subjtances in 

the sea regarding the cooperation agreement signed between the governments of the Federal 

Republic of Mexico and the United States of Arnerica on the pollution of the marine environment 

by spills of petroleum hydrocarbons and other noxious substances", 

SINCERELY 

THE GENZRAL DIRECTOR OF MIGRATORY SERVICES 

LIC. SUSANA TORRES HERNANDEZ 

cc.- To- Lic. Miguel Limn Rajas.- Assistant Secretasy of the Interior.- Bucareii No 99 First 

Floor.- :Mexico City 

cc.- To Admiral C.G. DEMN.-Gildaro Alarcon Lopez.- Mexican Navy Chief oi Naval 

Operations, General Coordinator of Technical Services; Director of Marine Ekoloev. 
TABLE "D" 

PROCEDURE FOR 'THE INTERNMENT OF EOL?IPhlENT AND MATERIAL, 

FROM THE USA INTO MEXICO 

DEE'ARTMEN'T OF FINANCE AND PUBLIC CREDIT 

TELEX 

RADIO TELEX 

SERVICE 

CIRCULAR 

MESSAGE No. 

DATE 

TYPE OF SERVICE 

10652 

OCTOBER 1'7, 1990 

Em? ORTLu'T 

TO: ALL ADh4lNISTRATOXS OF ALL CUSTOMS WITHIN THE MEXICAN REPn31,IC 

Pursuant to Article 46, item IX, 82, paragraph one and 116 Item XVIII of the Customs La.w, it is 

hereby conveyed that when applications are received for the impartation of mate:icl s and 

equipment to fight and control spills of hydrocarbons and other noxious substances in the sea, b y 

Representatives certified as such by the Department of the Navy, all facilities shall be provided for 

the interment of the above equipment without requiring any bonds nor the payment of any taxes 

for importation or exportation. In the understanding that once such merchandise has been utilized 

for the purpose for which it was brought into the country it shall return to their place or origin 

with~out any alteration. It is also recommended that there shall be a vigilant supervision so l.hat the 

item~s thus imported shall be only those that serve the above purpose. 

Sincerely 

The Director General of Customs 

Illegibly signed 

Enrique Guinea River 
I<-E- 120 

GENERAL POPULATION LAW 

ARTICLE 42.ILI.- 

A NON--IP\/lMTGMrT IS All ALIEN WHO, WITH A PERMIT ISSUED I3Y THE 

DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR, SHALL INTER THE COUNTRY TEMPORARIL,Y '\;t7ITHIN 

om OF THE 1;OLLOWINC; CHARACTERISTICS : 

VISITORS, UEETFER TO PRACTICE SOME PROFITABLE ACTIVITY OR NOT, 

PRCIVIDED I'l-IAT SUCH ACTIVITY IS NOT ILLICIT AND IT IS HOI\TEST, WITH THE 

AUTHORIZATION TO RE>L/VN IN THE COnTTRY UP TO SIX MONTHS, SUBJECT TO 

Om EXTENSION FOR TrE SAME LENGTH OF TIME. EXCEPT IF DURING 'EEIR 

STAY THE ITSITOR SHALL LIVE FROM RESOURCES BROUGHT FROM A FOREIGN 

COIJNTRY OR FROM &COME THAT THE VISITOR SHALL PRODUCE OR .LYY 

RE't'ENUES WHICH ORIGINATE ABROAD OR TO CARRY OUT SCIEIbJTIFIC 

TECHNICAL, ARTISTIC, SPORTS, OR SIMlLAR ACTIVITIES IN WHICH TWCl IClORE 

EXTENSIONS MAY BE ALLOWED 
ANNEX V.9 

TRAINING OBJECTIVES 

IN ODER FOR THE MEXICAN RESPONSE TEAM TO BE PREPARED FOR TFE 

RESPONSE TO POLLUTION INCIDENTS AT SEA, THE GOVERmlENT WILL 

COND LJCT DRlLLS PURSUANT TO THE "NATIOKAL CONTINGENCY PLAN TO 

FIGHT AND CONTROL SPILLS OF PETROLELM HYDROCARBONS AK?> 

OTIXEX NOXIOUS SUBSTANCES IN THE SEA " THIS CONTINGENCY PLAN 

PROVIDES FOR A RESPONSE ORGANIZATION TO ACT RAPIDLY TO PEDUCE 

TEE DAMAGES TO THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT. THESE DRlLLS SHALL USE 

THE PERSONNEL RESOURCES AND MATERIALS AVA1LP;BLE IN THE ~~A 

WEERE, THE DRILL WILL BE CONDUCTED EQUIPMENT WILL BE 

EXERCISED TO ALLOW FOR FAMILIL4RIZATION WITH THE IESE'ONSE 

CAPABILITY IN THAT GEOGRAPHICAL AREA. THE MEXICAN RE!;E'OhTSE 

TEAM LNVITZ, IN THE CAPACITY OF OBSERVERS, MEMBERS OF THE 

RESPONSE TEAM IN TH!3 USA. 

2. -FOR THE USA 

THE U.S. RESFONSIZ TEAM SHALL INVITE THE MEMBERS OF THE MEXICAN 

RESPONSE TEAM TO OBSERVE ALL OF THE DRILLS, EXERCISES AND 

TRAINING S3SSIONS, INCLUDING THE ON- S CENE 

COORDTNATOR/REGIONAL RESPONSE TEAM EXERCISES, -4s THEY ARE 

SCHEDULED AND ANY OTHER EVENT THAT MAY BE OF INTEEST OR 

PROVIDE SOME EENEFIT FOR THE MEXICAX GOVERNMENT ITS 

RESPONSE TEAM. 

DUE TO REGULAT:ONS IN EXISTENCE, THE LNTED STATES OF AnERICA 

CANNOT PROVIDE DIRECT TWG TO THE GOYERNMENT OF TVEXICO 

.4ND CAN ONLY XVITE ITS REPRESENTATIVES IN THE CA.PACITY OF 

0BSER.VERS TO ANY TRAINING THAT MAY BE REQUIRED AND SUCH 

INVITATION MUST BE CHANNELED BY REGULAR OFFICIAL CHANNE1,S. 
-- 

DI-ARIO DE REVXSIONES 

DESCRIPCION FECHA 

del Plan d~ las Ciudades Hermanas 

- 

Cd. Pnerto Palomas de Villa/Coluxnbus Plan de Contingencia Entre Fronteras Pngi~ia 33