Sign Up for My Email Newsletter!

Your Email Address:
   

 

 

Press Release

October 28, 2009

Contact: Aaron Hunter 202-225-2040

davispress@mail.house.gov

 

Susan Davis Takes On Environmental Problems Surrounding Border Fence

Washington, DC – Rain, flooding and erosion are wreaking havoc on the environment around the border fence construction, know as the Border Infrastructure Project, in Smuggler’s Gulch.  The threat of more damage is possible unless the federal government acts to address this issue. 

In a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) requested immediate action be taken to protect the surrounding environment as was promised to Davis and the San Diego community.

“These conditions are unacceptable, and the bare slopes are an illustrative example of the lack of foresight in mitigating the environmental effects of the Border Infrastructure Project,” wrote Davis.

During construction of this portion of the border fence, a 100-foot berm was built and seeded but was not properly irrigated.  This has essentially resulted in a barren mound of dirt where there should be native vegetation to prevent sediment runoff.  With the rainy season approaching, the potential for further erosion from the berm threatens to wash into the nearby Tijuana Estuary, a 2,500 salt-marsh that is home to sensitive plants and wildlife.

“We are seeing the results of what happens when it becomes the policy to waive environmental laws,” said Davis, whose congressional district is home to the project in question.  “Not only has the entire character of Smuggler’s Gulch been irrevocably altered, but it now threatens other habitats.”

Davis joined many of her colleagues in Congress in submitting an amicus curiae brief in opposition to the waiving of certain environmental requirements in order to more quickly complete the 14-mile Border Infrastructure Project.

In 2008, Homeland Security officials assured Davis “that all steps necessary would be taken to ensure the barren slopes created by the project would be stable before the beginning of the rainy season.”  Davis insists that DHS to fulfill its promise to protect the environment.

###

<- Back to releases