In November 1990, the Presidents of Mexico and the United States agreed to direct their respective environmental agencies to develop a plan to preserve the environmental integrity of the border area between Mexico and the United States. This report describes the first stage of the plan, which is to be implemented between 1992 and 1994 and is designed to improve air, soil, and water quality, and to monitor the disposition of hazardous wastes 100 km from each side of the Mexican-U.S. border. The report: (1) describes the physical, demographic, and economic characteristics of the border area; (2) discusses the present state of environmental conditions in, and additional information needed for, nine pairs of adjoining U.S. and Mexican cities; (3) defines environmental priorities as set forth in the plan; and (4) discusses activities to be undertaken in implementing the plan, together with a funding plan. Special attention is given to issues concerning wastewater treatment; management of hazardous waste; conservation; and urban development. Air quality, municipal waste, pollution prevention, and environmental education are also discussed. Annexes include information on environmental laws affecting the border area, applicable international agreements and treaties, and environmental agencies of Mexican and U.S. border states and cities.
