EPA to Reduce Wastewater Pollution in Arizona

Environmental Protection Agency Engineer, Was Instrumental in Leading the U.S. Effort to Upgrade the Wastewater Infrastructure Along the Border and Improve the Water Quality and the Environment

For years, raw and partially treated sewage flowed unabated across the border from Nogales, Mexico into neighboring Nogales, Arizona, presenting a significant public health threat.

Colleagues said Konner's work resulted in major improvements to the Nogales International Wastewater Treatment Plant in Arizona in 2009 and the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant on the Mexican side of the border in 2012 that utilizes solar power to save energy and money. In addition, he helped identify and halt the source of high levels of contaminated heavy metals from a Mexican industrial plant that were mixing with the wastewater and causing serious environmental harm in Arizona.

These changes resulted in numerous public health benefits, including a dramatic improvement in the water quality of the Santa Cruz River where fish have returned, and in the quality of drinking water for the region.

"It was a great feeling to see the Santa Cruz River change from a horrible, disgusting, stinking sewer to a beautiful river," said Konner. "You can't imagine how good it feels to put so much effort and see it work."

The Santa Cruz River originates in Arizona, flows into Mexico and then flows back out of Mexico into Arizona. The river provides a significant portion of the water supply to Nogales, Mexico as well as to Nogales, Arizona.

Congress began providing funding to EPA in the mid-1990's to address U.S.-Mexico border water infrastructure needs, but progress in the Nogales area was slowed by disputes before the International Boundary Commission, engineering difficulties, the need for financing from Mexican authorities, and a history of distrust and inaction between parties in both countries.

Repeated delays compounded by an environmental situation had gotten worse over the years as the existing U.S. facility that served both sides of the border aged and as the population in Nogales, Mexico had risen dramatically.

Colleagues said Konner kept all of the participants focused on the ultimate goals, found ways to resolve both technical and political challenges, and never gave up despite numerous setbacks.

Nancy Woo, an associate director the EPA water division in San Francisco, said Konner met the difficult challenges with an unwavering commitment, tenacity and ability to forge partnerships

Source: Washington Post

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