U.S., Mexico collect unwanted pesticides in Imperial Co. and Mexicali, March 26-27

LOS ANGELES - With the goal of eliminating an estimated 37,000 pounds of harmful pesticides from local farms and communities, environmental agencies from the U.S and Mexico will collect obsolete or unwanted pesticides from area growers this week.

On Wednesday, pre-registered growers will bring in unwanted pesticides to the Allied Waste Facility in Imperial County, California On Thursday, pre-registered growers will do the same at a collection location near Mexicali, Mexico. The collected pesticides will be disposed of at a licensed hazardous waste facility.

"Because agriculture is prevalent in Imperial Co. and Mexicali, there's a legacy of pesticide use. We encourage growers from the U.S. and Mexico to legally dispose of unwanted and obsolete pesticides, reducing the threat of exposure to toxic substances to people and the environment," said Katherine Taylor, Associate Director for Agriculture at E.P.A. Region 9.

This event is sponsored by the E.P.A.'s Border 2012 program, California's Department of Pesticide Regulation, Imperial Co. Agricultural Commissioner, Mexico's Secretariat for the Environment and Natural Resources, SEMARNAT, and Mexico's health agency ISESALUD.

"This effort is an excellent example of cooperation among state and federal agencies and our partners across the border," said Mary-Ann Warmerdam, director of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR). "We all share the same concerns about unwanted pesticides that pose a hazard to our people and our environment."

DPR works with state, federal, and Mexican agencies to foster safe pesticide use along a 100-mile section of the border. For more information on DPR, please visit: www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/enforce/usmexbrd/index.htm

"We have always had a good working relationship with Mexican agriculture officials and this plan is an example of what these relationships can accomplish. Through this joint effort, a significant amount of unwanted pesticides will be safely removed from the environment. I wish to thank E.P.A. region nine for developing this plan and CDPR for providing support," said Stephen L. Birdsall, Imperial Co. Agricultural Commissioner.

The EPA's Border 2012 U.S.-Mexico Environmental Plan protects the environment and public health for ten states on both sides of the 2000 mile border, including 26 U.S. tribes and seven groups of Mexican Indigenous People. Border 2012 looks for to reduce pollution in water, air, and on land, reduce exposure to chemicals from accidental delivers or terrorism, and enhance environmental stewardship.

For more information, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/usmexicoborder/features/pesticides-collection/index.html