Seeking Input on Border Barrier Remediation - 2808
CBP welcomes input on proposed border barrier construction remediation actions in California, Arizona, and New Mexico
Para solicitar esta información en español, por favor envíe un correo electrónico a CommentsEnv@cbp.dhs.gov.
CBP is seeking your input concerning proposed border barrier remediation projects in San Diego County, CA, Imperial County, CA, Yuma County, AZ, and Hidalgo County, NM.
Specifically, CBP is seeking input and information to the following questions:
- Are you aware of threatened or endangered plant or animal species within the area of construction? If so, where?
- Are you aware of recreational activities that take place in the area of construction?
- Are you aware of historical sites or areas of cultural significance located within the area of construction? If so, where?
- Are you aware of any studies, data, or other information available that would aid in the analysis of potential environmental impacts in the project area?
- Do you have any recommendations for practices the construction contractor should follow to avoid or minimize impacts?
CBP is accepting comments from 23 May 2023 to 22 June 2023. Feedback will be reviewed and considered as part of environmental planning for the proposed remediation projects.
This Story Map depicts the conditions of the border barrier projects as of August 2021 and proposed remediation strategies. Additional areas have been identified for cultural resource remediation and are not included on this map, but will be addressed pending tribal coordination. CBP will also accept comments and suggestions regarding the installation of small wildlife passages in appropriate places along the border.
Below is a list of terms with their definition and potential remediation action:
Construction Material – Materials, ranging from construction vehicles, tools, rebar metal, steel bollards, barbed wire fencing, etc., left behind from construction activities.
- All construction materials may be removed.
Disturbed Area – Area that has experienced visible disturbance due to construction. It exhibits vegetation clearing and often depicts equipment or vehicle tracks.
- As part of the proposed remediation projects, areas outside the 60-foot Roosevelt Reservation and established patrol road may be reseeded or other actions could be taken to rehabilitate these areas in accordance with specifications provided by Federal land managers.
Erosion – Sediment that is worn away along the side of an access road, patrol road, or staging area that currently poses or is expected to pose a risk to human safety.
- CBP is considering short and long-term erosion control measures that may include installation of rip rap and other embankment/slope stabilization along slopes and drainages.
Invasive Species – An organism not native to the local ecosystem. Likely a plant organsim.
- As part of environmental planning for the remediation projects, CBP will consider strategies to remove and manage invasive species and encourage native plant growth.
Low Water Crossing – A drainage crossing along a patrol or access road that has been cemented or has installed rip rap, but no culvert is present. In some cases, these low water crossings are incomplete resulting in flooding or areas that are impassable.
- All drainage crossings may be protected by appropriate measures such as, but not limited to, articulated concrete block, concrete pavement, inlets/outlets, culverts, roadside ditches, debris posts, or a combination thereof.
Open Trench – Area of land that has concaved inward due to erosion. Open trenches are a dangerous safety hazard for U.S. Border Patrol agents and vehicles as the trenches can be fallen into. Open trenches are unstable and can cause water to channel heavily downward, cause possible rock falls, and could be a proponent of border barrier damage/destruction.
- All open trenches may be filled.
Other – A feature that could not be classified in any of the established feature types. See Comments field by clicking the Other icon on the map for feature description.
- Remediation strategy will vary at each location.
Patrol Road Extension – Area outside the 60-foot Roosevelt Reservation that was disturbed and used for construction traffic or material storage.
- Disturbed areas outside the Roosevelt Reservation may be reseeded in accordance with specifications provided by Federal land managers.
Road – The area created or widened to allow for construction traffic and border patrol operations.
- CBP will work with USBP and other relevant agencies to determine which construction roads will be retained and which will be decommissioned. Some roads may be repaired and/or restored in accordance with previously established agreements with Federal land managers.
Rockfall – Rocks that have been pushed down a slope. Cuts were made into hillsides in order to build the barrier and associated patrol and maintenance roads. In some cases, these cuts were not stabilized resulting in rocks falling or having the potential to fall.
- Short-term and long-term erosion control measures may include include installation of rip rap and other embankment/slope stabilization along slopes and drainages.
Spoil/Rock Pile – Pile of debris from construction activities. These piles can include dug up dirt and rocks, pieces of construction materials, etc.
- All spoil/rock piles may be removed.
Staging Area – Areas used to store materials and vehicles to be used in constructing the border barrier.
- All material may be removed from staging areas and they will be restored to a condition prior to construction.
In areas of completed barrier, CBP may close small gaps and install gates where partially complete, install small wildlife passages, complete electrical systems and fiber optic concrete boxes; and install and complete fiber optic cable, power, light poles (to exclude operational lighting), electrical equipment enclosures, and cameras.
Submit Your Comments
CBP is accepting comments from 23 May 2023 to 24 June 2023. Comments can be submitted for a particular feature on the Story Map or emailed to CBP at CommentsEnv@cbp.dhs.gov. Please include “San Diego, Yuma, El Paso Make Safe Activities” in the subject of your email. Comments received by CBP, including names and addresses of those who comment, will become a part of the public record.
You may also provide comments, questions, or concerns by mail: