Environmental Progress - Spring 1998

Mexican Ecology Officials Visit Illinois EPA Offices

"Both our states face some of the same problems...."

A delegation from the Mexico, headed by Mrs. Martha Garciarivas, Mexican Ecology Secretary, visited the Illinois EPA November 17-20. Mrs. Garciarivas was accompanied by senior members of her staff.

From left, Director Mary A. Gade; Prof. Sixto Noguez, general coordinator of the "Clean Air" program, and Sec. Garciarivas.

During their three day visit, the delegation toured Chicago’s Jardine water treatment facility, one of the largest water treatment plants in the world, and visited the Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, an Illinois EPA vehicle emissions testing facility and the Illinois Recycling Services recycling center in the Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. Presentations were made to the Mexican group by representatives of the Illinois EPA, Chicago Park District and business representatives.

"This is an excellent opportunity for us to work together, share information and identify solutions to environmental problems that both Illinois and the state of Mexico face," said Illinois EPA Director Mary A. Gade. "Secretary Garciarivas and I are committed to continuing our discussions and are looking at potential projects where we can share our expertise."

Chrysler Corporation hosted a dinner reception for the delegation after their first day in Illinois. "Chrysler operates facilities in both in Mexico and Illinois, and we are very proud of both facilities," said James A. Carlson, Director for Pollution Prevention and Remediation programs at Chrysler. "We are especially proud of the recognition that our facility in Belvidere has received for their efforts in pollution prevention and source reduction."

Chrysler’s Belvidere facility has won several awards recognizing their achievements in pollution prevention, including the Illinois EPA’s STAR Partner award and the Governor’s award for pollution prevention.

"We understand the important relationships that exists between Chrysler and the governments in Illinois and Mexico. Whenever possible, we would like to strengthen our relationships and demonstrate that government and industry, when working together, can help protect our environment for future generations," said Carlson.

The delegation’s visit to Illinois was in response to a visit to Mexico by Director Gade and Gov. Jim Edgar last March. During that visit, Director Gade signed an Environmental Accord with Secretary Garciarivas in which both states pledged to share information and work together on environmental projects.

"Both our states face some of the same environmental problems and it makes sense to take advantage of the knowledge and expertise that we each have in environmental protection," said Director Gade. "I hope that their visit to Illinois will continue what I believe to be a very productive relationship."