New Treaty Minute

In light of the existing threat to the environment and to public health and safety within the United States as a result of the river and ocean pollution in the San Diego-Tijuana border region, the Secretary is requested to give the highest priority to the negotiation and execution of a new Treaty Minute, or a modification of Treaty Minute 283, consistent with the provisions of sections 277d–43 to 277d–46 of this title, in order that the other provisions of sections 277d–43 to 277d–46 of this title to address such pollution may be implemented as soon as possible. The Secretary is requested to initiate negotiations with Mexico, within 60 days after November 7, 2000, for a new Treaty Minute or a modification of Treaty Minute 283 consistent with the provisions of sections 277d–43 to 277d–46 of this title. Implementation of a new Treaty Minute or of a modification of Treaty Minute 283 under sections 277d–43 to 277d–46 of this title shall be subject to the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). A new Treaty Minute or a modification of Treaty Minute 283 under paragraph (1) should address, at a minimum, the following: In light of the continuing threat to the environment and to public health and safety within the United States as a result of the river and ocean pollution in the San Diego-Tijuana border region, the Commission is requested to give the highest priority to the implementation of Treaty Minute 311 to the Treaty for the Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande, dated February 3, 1944, which establishes a framework for the siting of a treatment facility in Mexico to provide for the secondary treatment of effluent from the IWTP at the Mexican facility, to provide for additional capacity for advanced primary and secondary treatment of additional sewage emanating from the Tijuana River area, Mexico, and to meet the water quality standards of Mexico, the United States, and the State of California consistent with the provisions of sections 277d–43 to 277d–46 of this title, in order that the other provisions of sections 277d–43 to 277d–46 of this title to address such pollution may be implemented as soon as possible.