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U.S. and Mexico Release Results of Second Phase River Pollution Study

Release Date: 10/6/1998
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

      The second phase of an ongoing binational study of pollution along the international boundary portion of the Rio Grande/R¡o Bravo reveals that chemicals found in the river's water, sediment and fish do not pose an immediate threat to human or aquatic life. The results of this study will help determine the best way to proceed with future studies.

       Funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Mexico's national water agency, Comisi¢n Nacional del Agua, the three-year study was coordinated by the United States and Mexican sections of the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC). The Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) conducted the U.S. portion of the study and the Texas Department of Health provided laboratory support.

       "The President recognized the environmental, economic and cultural importance of the Rio Grande when he selected it as one of 14 American Heritage Rivers late last July. Citizens on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border are concerned about environmental threats from the rapidly expanding industrial and population centers along this great river. Pollution in the Rio Grande also threatens the delicate ecosystem of the Gulf of Mexico. Studies such as this one are vital if we are to preserve and protect these valuable international resources," EPA Regional Administrator Gregg Cooke said.

       U.S. IBWC Commissioner John Bernal and Mexican Commissioner J. Arturo Herrera added that the United States and Mexican sections of the IBWC were pleased to coordinate this important study. The two countries have demonstrated great cooperation in the collection and reporting of water quality data which will be used by decision makers and stakeholders in efforts to improve the water quality of the Rio Grande/R¡o Bravo and to protect the human health of users on both sides of the international border.

       TNRCC Commissioner Ralph Marquez said, "This is a continuing effort that takes the best in expertise and technology from all agencies and organizations involved. This kind of binational cooperation eliminates duplication of effort and allows us to do more work with fewer dollars."

       Samples of water, sediment and fish tissue were taken from May through December 1995 at 27 sites along the river's mainstream and 19 sites along its tributaries. Samples were tested for 161 chemicals.                        

       Analysis of those samples provides an important "snapshot" of water pollution along the border and will help scientists pinpoint areas for more extensive testing. The concentrations and types of pollutants found are consistent with the population, land use and industrial activities along the border.

       A few samples contained chemicals at concentrations above screening levels. Criteria concentrations are determined for each chemical based upon its potential threat to human or aquatic life from long-term exposure. Screening levels are about 20 percent below criteria concentrations. While chemicals at these concentrations do not pose an immediate threat to public health, testing at screening levels allows scientists to locate potential problems.

       A third phase of this study will include more intensive sampling at fewer sites and will concentrate on the El Paso/Ciudad Ju rez-Big Bend National Park reach of the river. Results from all three phases will help determine the most efficient and most beneficial pollution prevention projects along both sides of  the Rio Grande/R¡o Bravo.

       A summary of the report is available on the Internet at www.epa.gov/earth1r6/6wp/ecopro.  To request a copy of the two-volume report in English call the U.S. Section of IBWC at (915) 832-4151. The report in Spanish may be requested from the Mexican Section of IBWC at (16)139942.

       Cooke said, "Working together as partners, we can preserve the Rio Grande, create new jobs, and strengthen the communities on both sides of its banks for generations to come."