Garcia committed to New River cleanup
IMPERIAL — The ongoing issues of pollutants coming across the international border through the New River also have been a concern to Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia.
On Thursday, Frank Gonzalez, assistant executive officer of the state Regional Water Quality Control Board forwarded an email to the Imperial County government informing of a repair operation that will result in a New River raw sewage discharge.
Mexicali’s Potable Water & Sewer agency notified that they will replace on Friday morning a 20-inch valve at lift station No. 3.
This is part of the Sewer Pumping Plant No. 1 rehabilitation, noted Gonzalez. The work was performed between 4 a.m. and 6.a.m. But it resulted in a discharge of one million gallons.
It was estimated the raw sewage crossed the border about one to two hours after the work was completed.
But there is a bit of a conundrum, acknowledged Garcia. The issue is a bi-national problem in which the federal government has jurisdiction. Estimates to resolve the issue of pollutants crossing the international border through the New River are apprised at $80 million. Yet there is a proposal from California that could design and engineer a mitigation project for $20 million.
Assembly Bill 18, the Clean Water, Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018, could allocate a portion of the $3 billion plus total toward New River clean up. If Gov. Jerry Brown signs the bill, it could go before voters in June 2018 balloting. In addition, Senate Bill 701, the Salton Sea Obligations Act of 2018 could also serve as a conduit to attain the $20 million for New river cleanup. “There are a multiple number of paths to secure funds we need for the New River clean up,” said Garcia.
Imperial County District 1 Supervisor John Renison noted the board is working on an even more economical shortterm solution requiring $650,000 that would upgrade eight lift stations for Mexicali’s Potable Water & Sewage Agency. But it would be merely a temporary improvement for a more thorough mitigation process noted Renison. They need to identify sources for the funding. But this is really an international crisis.
“Congressman Juan Vargas is doing what he can,” said Renison. “But the House needs to address this problem immediately yet the political will is not there. We need to hold the Trump administration’s feet to the fire.” He added that President Trump has already proposed spending on a substantial infrastructure project yet ignores the one at Imperial County’s doorstep. “Bottom line, it’s a 70-year old problem that’s becoming wearisome but the federal government has not done what it’s supposed to do. The federal government has the money but they’ve yet to make a commitment.”