Frontera NorteSur, November 1999

Maquilas On The Border Fined For Waste Violations

Businesses on both sides of the U.S. México Border were fined or sanctioned over the last several weeks because of violating environmental standards, while the U.S. Senate considers a $25 million proposal to research improving technology and decreasing pollution in the border industrial sector.

The Texas Natural Resource Commission fine of $69,000 against Encon Environmental Services of México was announced in mid September. The company had been under investigation since December 1997. These fines resulted from illegal storage and documentation of toxic materials.

After suffering a toxic leak of ammonia and hydrofluoric acid on September 18, Norfluor, a chemical plant in Cd. Juárez, received the stiffest fine possible by the city on October 11. Of greatest concern to environmental watchdogs was the company's reluctance to allow emercency assistance immediately after the explosion or follow up inspections. The company has been fined for $35,000 and will undergo mandatory investigation. A pile of waste that has accumulatd for 20 years and is believed to contain calcium sulfates and anhydrite is on the list for further analysis.

Norfluor was given 15 days to comply with the orders from the city's department of Civil Protection or the account is turned over to the city's treasurer where an embargo will be placed on the company until it pays.

Shortly after the explosion at Norfluor, two other border businesses were cited for environmental problems. Diesel Recon de México and Delmex de Juárez plant, both listed in Fortune 500 as "most important businesses in the world," violated federal and state toxic waste transportation laws established by the EPA. The companies recieved a $704,000 fine for bringing a total of 382 tons of toxic waste into the U.S.

On October 7, a plan sponsored by Senator Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M. to spend up to $25 million on research and technology to decrease pollution along the border was presented to a Senate panel. According to an Energy Department official, there is already $20 million spent by the department in national labs and universities in border states. However, it was suggested that the proposed plan was to specifically work with México as the U.S. side is doing all that it can. A vote was exptected in several weeks.

Sources: El Paso Times, AP, El Diario, El Norte

WIPP Site Still Stirs Controversy

Although the U.S. WIPP (Waste Isolation Pilot Project) opened in Carlsbad, New México last spring, after years of controversy, there are many still fighting the federally funded endeavor because of environmental concerns. However, the mayor of El Paso will not be joining the fight.

Carlos Ramirez, mayor of El Paso, Texas, refused to support a resolution against WIPP presented by the Environmental Group of El Paso. The resolution proposed closing the site, however the mayor said that El Paso should not get involved in other state's issues.

According to Andres Mares and Amelia Rogue, of the group, El Paso is adversely effected by the site which is located approximately 200 miles northeast of the Texas border in New Mexico. The two activists believe the mayor's lack of support was dictated by "outside interests" and ignorance. However Ramirez says he knew more about the issue than most because he is an engineer.

The city council voted 4/4 on the proposal and adjoining petition, and the tie brought the issue to the mayor for his vote. This was the third time this issue has come before El Paso's council and while the mayor insists the matter is pure politics, Mares is convinced that the region "should not become a dumping ground" for the U.S.

Source: El Diario