January 16, 2009, Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) Teleconference Minutes 1 

### Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) January 16, 2009

1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Teleconference Summary

Mark Joyce, GNEB Designated Fe deral Officer, U.S. Environmen tal Protection Agency (EPA), introduced GNEB Chair Dr. Paul Ganster, who thanked everyone who had contributed to the GNEB Twelfth Report. Dr. Ganster explained that the purpose of the call was to review and approve the current draft of the report. The GNE B’s focus should be on substantive instead of editorial issues, because the language will be edit ed. If there are specific passages or language that any agency believes needs modification, pl ease inform the GNEB at this time. It may become necessary to appoint a few Board members to work on changes and determine acceptable language, but if the GNEB can approve th e idea under consideration, the task can be completed without a need for fu rther discussion by the Board.

Ann-Marie Gantner, EPA, will be responsible for organizing the illustrations for the report, and will send requests and instructions to the GNEB members. Members also should submit a list of people who helped with the report for inclusion in the note of thanks that will be placed at the end of the report.

During the call, Board members will review the document and discuss substantive changes and comments. There is, for the most part, agreement that the recommendations reflect points raised throughout the body of the report and in the case studies. The GNEB should not go off target

with new recommendations that are not linked to the case studies and other material. Any changes made must be consistent throughout th e document. Specific corrections and comments should be sent to Dr. Ganster and Mary Spock, The Scientific Consulting Group, Inc., who will

edit the document.

Discussion of the Inside Cover: About the Board

Dr. Ganster noted that this text has been us ed before, and aside from updating, it should not require revision. There were no comments from call participants.

Discussion of the Tribute to Carlos Marin

Dr. Ganster stated that the tri bute would be located prominently at the beginning of the report, and would include a photograph of Mr. Marin. A statement that the report is “dedicated to our colleague, Carlos Marin,” should be added. Ther e were no comments from call participants.

Discussion of the Executive Summary Dr. Ganster suggested an addition to the bulle t on wind power, adding “windpower to address regional and clean, reliable energy demand.”

Discussion of the Recommendations Dr. Ganster thanked everyone who worked on the recommendations, and thanked GNEB members and call participants for their willingness to compromise on language that may not be perfect, but is sufficient to e xpress the desired meaning. This is necessary with the Board’s consensus approach.January 16, 2009, Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) Teleconference Minutes 2 

### Hans Huth, Arizona Department of Environmenta l Quality (ADEQ), noted that the comment that ADEQ submitted was too specific and not reflecte d in the case study, so it was withdrawn. He

offered one edit in the recommendations: in the statement “local binational Border 2012 task

forces that include all stakeholders and build participation, transborde r networking and regional capacity,” capacity should cha nge to capacity building. That w ould address the omission that caused concern for ADEQ. Dr. Ganster agreed that the change made sense and should be made.

Jose Garcia, EPA Region 9, noted that he had submitted comments on the first recommendation,

but was not sure if the Board had received them. He inserted a sentence after “subsidies” stating that this approach should support the recent recommendations from the 2008 Border Governors Conference. Dr. Ganster explained that ther e was not much discussion of the 2008 Border Governors Conference in the body of the report, so the change was not included. Mr. Garcia

thanked the Board for cons idering the recommendation.

Discussion of the Introduction In the two tables relating to the case study key elements, Mr. Huth noted an opportunity to add “capacity building” as a third point after “fin ancing that allows for innovation and problem solving.” Dr. Ganster agreed with the change. A dditionally, Mr. Huth stated that there needs to be a mechanism by which other municipalities can tap into the work that is being highlighted by this report and learn the t echnologies that are used. If financing can be made available to act as a catalyst toward that goal, it would be valuable. Dr. Ganster agreed that it would increase the sustainability of the useful projects highlighted.

Discussion of the Border Context Section Dr. Ganster noted that in the second paragraph, the statement “paradoxically, the border counties show significant asymmetries when compared to th e rest of the United States,” should include the following: “with the exception of San Diego County,” which is notabl e for its large economy and high per capita income. This distinction is raised in the text box. Mike Connolly, Campo Kumeyaay Nation, held that this fact only was true along the coast: the rural half of San Diego County is one of the poorest borde r areas. Dr. Ganster agreed, but explained that county-level statistics folded all the regions together. Mr. Joy ce noted that in the text box on the border region as the 51st state, San Diego should either be included or excluded in stead of included or

excluded from bullet-to-bullet. Dr. Ganster explained that the point of the box is to i llustrate that the border is a poor region compared to the rest of the United States, but this point can be reexamined if everyone agrees.

Discussion of the Case Studies The Summary section at the end of each of the case studies has been changed to Conclusions. Specific references and footnotes are included with the case studies, as are the “Points to Consider” but the “Key Partners” and “Contact Information” have been moved to the Appendices because they interfered with the flow of the text. Th is way, the information is still

accessible to interested read ers. This change was discussed at the last call.

Paul Moinester, U.S. Department of Transpor tation (DOT), noted that Linda Lawson, DOT, who was not present on the call, was concerned that the results of the case studies are not clearly noted for readers who may be skimming the text. He had noticed that the Points to ConsiderJanuary 16, 2009, Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) Teleconference Minutes 3 

### section was expanded, and contains some of that information, but Ms. Lawson wanted the results of the specific case studies clearly visible. Ann Marie Wolf, Sonora Environmental Research Institute, Inc., noted that she and Dr. Austin mo ved some of the case study results into the key points based on Ms. Lawson’s comments. Dr. Ganster added that some of the changes were quite minor, but altered the content. Time does not allo w for changes to be made in every case study.

The results of the case studies ar e clear, although they might not be as accessible as possible, they are emphasized in the key points. Unle ss the GNEB receives specific recommendations, changes cannot be made at this point in the report. He asked that anyone with specific suggestions for additions to the key points send them in. If the comments do not alter the tenor and content of the report, they can be included without consulting the Board.

In the study on fibrous concrete, Dr. Ganster had a question about whether it was fibrous concrete bricks or blocks that were produced. The study was written by Di ane Austin, University of Arizona, who was not present on this call.

For the scrap tire cleanup study, Allyson Siwik, G ila Resources Information Project, submitted comments in tracked changes, but these were not included in the most recent draft. She noted

that she would resend them.

There were no comments or questions on the Upper San Pedro Partnership study.

In the Kay Bailey Hutchison Desalination Plant study, Sally Spener, International Boundary and Water Commission, indicated that she had some corrections that she would resend. Ms. Wolf submitted a comment that was not addressed, an d noted that she would resend it. Mr. Joyce noted that any clarifications that should go to Ms. Spock with a copy to Dr. Ganster. Dr. Ganster noted that if he or Ms. Spock had questions on the comments, they would contact the person who submitted them. Ms. Spener submitted figures for the Fort Bliss population as of 2008. These numbers are categorized by tr oops, troops and family, and others living on the base.

In the study on the Brawley and Imperial wetlan ds, Ms. Spener sent revised text on the New River Wetlands project to clarify th e issue of the Alamo River. Most of this was included in the new draft, but all of the changes were not addr essed, so she planned to resubmit them. She added

that she also would submit contact informati on on the New River wetlands and desalination study. Dr. Ganster asked if Ms. Spener would clarif y that the Alamo River is not involved in the wetlands discussed in the report. Ms. Spener repl ied it is not. He added that EPA input on this study was helpful. He also spoke with a San Di ego State University researcher who has been working on the selenium issue in the wetlands, who agreed that the Board’s modifications to the text convey the point that it is a very successful effort in terms of cleaning up th e water with the exception of selenium, which does accumulate, and this will have to be clarified by additional research and experimentation. Ms. Spener added that the point also had been made in the

research.

Ms. Wolf noted that she had spoken with Dr. Au stin regarding the Bahía Grande case study, and

she was concerned that GNEB member John Wo od, Cameron County, Texas Commissioner, had

not reviewed the section. Dr. Ganster said he would send the section to Mr. Wood and ask him if any corrections were necessary.January 16, 2009, Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) Teleconference Minutes 4 

### Dr. Ganster had asked Alan Sweedler, San Di ego State University, to review the Campo Kumeyaay case study. Dr. Sweedler had presented to the GNEB on border energy at its meeting in Calexico, and he thought that the section was well written. This shows that the GNEB is on target. With Mike Connolly, Campo Kumeyaay Na tion, involved in writing the study, there was sufficient expertise to craft an excellent study.

There were no comments or questions on the CETY S University Master’s Degree program.

Dr. Ganster has added quite a bit of material to the transboundary emissions case study in response to some of the questions received, includ ing specific data about the effect of the new kiln design on various pollutants from El Pa so Electric Company and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality studies. Ms. Wolf stat ed that GNEB member Steve Niemeyer had submitted some comments on this case study in response to EPA’s comments. Dr. Ganster responded that he had received them and incorporated them into ch anges sent to Ms. Spock; they

are included in the most recent draft. Ms. Wolf added that she and Mr. Niemeyer both were concerned about the change in t one in the case study. Dr. Ganster be lieved that the changes made should correct the problem.

There were no comments or questions on th e Joint Advisory Committee case study.

Ms. Wolf will forward one small correction on the CASA case study.

There were no comments or questio ns on the new spray gun case study.

Mr. Huth noted that in the waste-based biodies el study, one key point st ates “sufficient waste vegetable oil for biodiesel productio n is generated in cafeterias and restaurants on both sides of the Arizona-Sonora border, and maquiladoras in Sonora.” Mr. Huth will provide some specific

numbers and a reference to this further dow n in the report. The GNEB should consider eliminating that bullet and replacing it with: “use of biodiesel generated from waste vegetable oil

characterized to date could potentially offset close to 200 tons of CO 2 

### per year that would

otherwise be released from fossil sources.” This provides a metric, and also mentions climate change, which is a priority for the incoming ad ministration. Ms. Wolf no ted that Dr. Austin objected to that change, so Mr. Hu th will need to discuss it with her because there is a debate on whether the waste is being produ ced or not. Mr. Huth noted th at biodiesel does generate CO 2 

### , but it is recycling atmospheric CO 2 

### versus releasing CO 2 

### stored underground. He added that he

would contact Dr. Austin because this fact is a benefit in using waste products for fuel production. Dr. Ganster proposed th at the GNEB approve the decision that Mr. Huth and Dr. Austin make regarding this point ; there were no objections.

Regarding the key partners and contact inform ation, Dr. Ganster noted that those members

familiar with the case studies should review the list s to ensure that they are accurate and include all relevant parties. Members should send any additions or changes to Ms. Spock.

Closing Remarks and LogisticsJanuary 16, 2009, Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) Teleconference Minutes 5 

### Dr. Ganster apologized for the fact that the report process was runni ng late this year due to some staff turnovers. However, he was confident that the report would be re ady for the March GNEB meeting in Washington, DC. He noted that Ms. Gantner would cont act GNEB members the following week regarding travel plans for the me eting. Ms. Gantner added that she also would contact members about an updated me mbership roster for the report.

There were no further comments from GNEB members or call part icipants. Dr. Ganster thanked the members for the tremendous amount of effort they put into the report, in particular Ms. Wolf and Dr. Austin, Ms. Spener, Mr. Niemeyer, Ms. Siwik, and staff from EPA, DOT, and the state departments of environmental quality.

Mr. Joyce also thanked those who contributed to the report, noting that although the process was delayed for a number of reasons, the report is on schedule to be completed for the March GNEB meeting.

Action Items

• Ms. Ganter will send the following e-mails to GNE B members: requests and instructions for illustrations for the report, requests for updated membership roster information, requests for a list of people who helped with the report for inclusion in the note of thanks, and information for travel plans for the March 2009 GNEB meeting in Washington, DC.

• GNEB members should send specific corrections and comments on the report to Dr. Ganster and Ms. Spock.

• 

### Ms. Wolf, Ms. Spener, and Ms. Siwik will resend comments that were not addressed in the most current draft of the report.

• 

### Mr. Huth and Dr. Austin will discuss the key points in the waste biodiesel case study and

decide what will be included.

• 

### Dr. Ganster will ensure that GNEB member John Wood reviews the Bahía Grande case study, and that his changes and comments are incorporated.January 16, 2009, Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) Teleconference Minutes 6 PARTICIPANTS

NONGOVERNMENTAL, STATE, LOCAL, OR TRIBAL MEMBERS

Chair Paul Ganster, Ph.D.

Director Institute for Regional Studies of the Californias Associate Director, International Programs San Diego State University 5500 Campanile Drive, AL-377 San Diego, CA 92182-4403 Telephone: 619-594-5423

E-mail: pganster@mail.sdsu.edu

Jerry C. Agan Presidio County Judge Presidio County Commissioners Court

PO Box 606 Marfa, TX 79843 Telephone: 432-729-4452

Fax: 432-295-0307

E-mail: eljuez@sbcglobal.net

Mike L. Connolly Campo Kumeyaay Nation 1600 Buckman Springs Road Campo, CA 91908 Telephone: 619-478-2177

E-mail: tipaay@aol.com

Michael P. Dorsey

Chief Community Health Division County of San Diego San Diego Department of Environmental Health 9325 Hazard Way San Diego, CA 92123-1217 Telephone: 619-338-2395

E-mail: michael.dorsey@sdcounty.ca.gov

Edward Elbrock Malpai Borderlands Group

PO Box 25 Animas, NM 88020 Telephone: 575-548-2270

E-mail: elbrock@vtc.net Hans Huth (substitute for Susan Keith) Border Programs Coordinator Southern Regional Office Arizona Department of Environmental Quality 400 W Congress, Suite 433 Tuczon, AZ 85701 Telephone: 520-628-6711

E-mail: huth.hans@azdeq.gov

Patti Krebs

Executive Director

Industrial Environmental Association 701 B Street, Suite 1040 San Diego, CA 92101 Telephone: 619-544-9684

E-mail: iea@iea.sdcoxmail.com

Stephen M. Niemeyer, P.E. Border Affairs Manager Intergovernmental Relations Texas Commission on Environmental Quality MC-121, P.O. Box 13087 Austin, TX 78711-3087 Telephone: 512-239-3606

E-mail: sniemeye@tceq.state.tx.us

Luis E. Ramirez Thomas, M.S.F.S.

President

Ramirez Advisors Inter-National 20118 N 67th Avenue, Suite 300-171 Glendale, AZ 85308 Telephone: 602-820-3931

E-mail: ramirezadvisors@cox.net

Allyson Siwik

Executive Director Gila Resources Information Project 305A N Cooper Street Silver City, NM 88061 Telephone: 505-388-4350

E-mail: asiwik@zianet.comJanuary 16, 2009, Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) Teleconference Minutes 7 Marissa Stone

Communications Director New Mexico Environment Department 1190 St. Francis Drive, Suite N4050 Santa Fe, NM 87505 Telephone: 505/827-0314

E-mail: marissa.stone@state.nm.us Ann Marie A. Wolf

President Sonora Environmental Research Institute, Inc.

3202 E Grant Road Tucson, AZ 85716 Telephone: 505-827-0314

E-mail: aawolf@seriaz.org

DESIGNATED FEDERAL OFFICER

Mark Joyce Designated Federal Officer Good Neighbor Environmental Board U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Cooperative Environmental Management 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Mail Code: 1601-M Washington, DC 20460 Telephone: 202-564-2130

E-mail: joyce.mark@epa.gov

RESOURCE SPECIALISTS

Sylvia Grijalva U.S.-Mexico Border Planning Coordinator Federal Highway Administration U.S. Department of Transportation 4000 N Central Avenue, Suite 1500 Phoenix, AZ 85012

E-mail: sylvia.grijalva@dot.gov

Christina Machion Quilaqueo Program Analyst U.S. Department of Housing and Urban

Development 451 Seventh Street, SW, Room 8112 Washington, DC 20410 Telephone: 202-708-0770

E-mail: christina.machionquilaqueo@hud.gov

Paul Moinester U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 Telephone: 202-236-8112

E-mail: paul.moinester@dot.gov Ross Pumfrey Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

IGR/Border Affairs

P.O. Box 13087 Austin, TX 78711-3087 Telephone: 512- 239-6132

E-mail: rpumfrey@tceq

. state.tx.us

Andrew R. Slaten Deputy Director

Office of International Affairs Federal Emergency Management Agency 500 C Street, SW Washington, DC 20472

E-mail: andrew.slaten@dhs.gov

Sally Spener

Public Affairs Officer International Boundary and Water Commission 4171 N Mesa, Suite C-100 El Paso, TX 79902 Telephone: 915-832-4175

E-mail: sallyspener@ibwc.govJanuary 16, 2009, Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) Teleconference Minutes 8 EPA Regional Office Contacts

Region 9
Alhelí Baños-Keener U.S.-Mexico Border Specialist Region 9 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 610 W. Ash Street, Suite 905 San Diego, CA 92101 Telephone: 619-235-4767

E-mail: banos.alheli@epa.gov

Jose Francisco Garcia U.S.-Mexico Border Program Coordinator Region 9 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 75 Hawthorne Street, CED-1 San Francisco, CA 94105 Telephone: 415-972-3331

E-mail: garcia.jose@epa.gov Region 6 Border Carlos Rincón, Ph.D.

Border Office Director Region 6 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 4050 Rio Bravo, Suite 100 El Paso, TX 79902 Telephone: 915-533-7273

E-mail: rincon.carlos@epa.gov

OTHER PARTICIPANTS

Ann Marie Gantner Contractor Intern from The Washington Center U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Cooperative Environmental Management 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Mail Code: 1601-M Washington, DC 20460 Telephone: 202-564-4330

E-mail: gantner.ann-marie@epamail.epa.gov

Manolo Platin Acting Director, Office of the Insurance Advisor State and Consumer Services Agency 915 Capitol Mall, Suite 200 Sacramento, CA 95814-2719 Telephone: 916-653-3873

E-Mail: manolo.platin@scsa.ca.gov Jeannine Bakulich Special Assistant to the Secretary State and Consumer Services Agency 915 Capitol Mall, Suite 200 Sacramento, CA 95814-2719 Telephone: 916-653-4090

E-mail: jeannine.bakulich@scsa.ca.gov

CONTRACTOR SUPPORT

Mary Spock

Writer/Editor The Scientific Consulting Group, Inc. 656 Quince Orchard Road, Suite 210 Gaithersburg, MD 20878 Telephone: 301-670-4990

E-mail: mspock@scgcorp.comJanuary 16, 2009, Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) Teleconference Minutes 9 These minutes are an accurate description of the matters discussed during this meeting.

_______________________________________

Paul Ganster

Chair Good Neighbor Environmental Board

The Good Neighbor Environmental Board was created by the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative Act of 1992. The Board is responsible for providing advice to the President and Congress on environmental

and infrastructure issues and needs within the st ates contiguous to Mexico. The findings and recommendations of the Board do not represent the vi ews of the Agency, and this document does not represent information approved or disseminated by the Environmental Protection Agency.