Gallery
Two Foot-High Foam Suds in Calexico New River May 2005
One can get an idea of the size of the foam suds by comparing them to the tire directly behind the passing foam.The foam in the New River is largely composed of detergents. It is unknown whether the primary source of detergent discharge is of industrial or domestic origin. It has also been found that the foam contains fecal coliform, which has been detected at up to 700,000 MPN/100ml.
The New River at the International Boundary May 2005
The New River flows at 200 cfs as it enters California. The water at this point is three colors: dark green, white (foam), and milky brown/green. The septic stench is pungent, particularly during the summer season when temperatures can reach up to 120º. The contaminated soil along the riverbanks is black.
The New River at the International Boundary Foam May 2005
A layer of foam frequently forms on the surface of the New River near the International Boundary. This foam is often blown by the wind to areas near the river, including parking lots and a shopping center. In particular, foam often blows into the parking lot of a grocery store located near the International Boundary.Fecal coliforms and fecal streptococci have been consistently detected in the New River at the International Boundary. The presence of fecal coliforms and fecal streptococci in the New River indicates that fecal contamination of the river has occurred.
From Mexicali to the Salton Sea, Communities Are at Risk
Surface water in the New River is contaminated with metals, pesticides, VOC’s, and bacteria. Pathogenic viruses have also been reported in the New River.Human exposure to contaminants in the surface water occurred in the past and could occur in the present and in the future.The New River flows near several communities in Imperial County as it traverses the 60 miles between the International Boundary and the Salton Sea. Residential areas are located near the river.
New River Biological Contaminants
The section on the right has become particularly dangerous as it is about to crumble and come off from the bluff; people run the risk of falling into this open-air sewer.All human exposure to New river must be eliminated. The Imperial County Health Department has informed that pathogenic microorganisms were found in the New River. These organisms were reported to be capable of producing polio, typhoid, cholera and tuberculosis. Imperial County also reports that the arbovirus that causes encephalitis has been detected in the New River.
Warning Signs
CNRC has installed warning signs at all New River Crossings.Photo provided by Imperial Valley Press
Warning Signs - 2
Bright yellow signs warn of the threat in both English and Spanish.***WARNING!***CONTAMINATED SOIL AND NEW RIVER WATERKEEP OUT!! ***PELIGRO!***TIERRA Y AGUA DEL RIO NUEVO CONTAMINADAPROHIBIDO ENTRAR!!
Calexico New River, Mexicali in Background
These recent photos (May 2005) show foam covering the river surface from bank to bank. The International Border fence and downtown Mexicali can be seen in the horizon.
Calexico New River Constitutes a Lethal Environment for Most Organisms
This view of the New River from the Second Street bridge shows the access ramp used for monthly testing by water quality agencies. The Regional Water Quality Control Board monitoring data show that dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration at the Border is consistently below 1.0 mg/l, which represents a lethal environment for most aquatic organisms (e.g., there is not enough DO for the fish to breath) and violate the State standards for the New River. The Calexico wastewater treatment plant discharges treated water onto the New River (UV disinfected as per California standards); a school of minnows that live on the discharge channel will not go further into the New River.
Trash in New River
Cardboard, inner tubes, wooden doors, packing foam, and even refrigerators! floating on the New River in Calexico near Hwy 98. Trash is a significant problem in Mexicali in general and in the New River at the Border in particular. The source of the trash is the indiscriminate dumping of solid wastes into the New River and its tributaries in Mexicali, which is triggered by a lack of an adequate solid waste infrastructure in Mexicali, and in the U.S., by a few irresponsible local residents. The trash in the river at the Border also vio1ates State standards and is causing maintenance problems for the County in the area of its Calexico landfill.
