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Board approves ADEQ‑backed design study for Oso Wash E. coli remediation, pledges cross‑border coordination
Summary
Supervisors approved an intergovernmental agreement with ADEQ to fund a 15% concept/design study for Oso Wash/Brickwood Canyon E. coli remediation (15% design cost $36,000; ADEQ $20,000 reimbursable, county match ~$16,220) and discussed coordination with Nogales and Mexican authorities.
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted May 20 to approve an intergovernmental agreement with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to fund conceptual engineering and design work for E. coli remediation in Oso Wash and Brickwood Canyon.
Deputy County Manager Chris Young told the board the problem — treated wastewater effluent crossing the border and contaminating the wash — “isn’t new, but it is getting a lot more attention now for many reasons.” The proposed work is an early, 15% concept design intended to support pursuit of larger funding; the total cost for this design phase is $36,000, with ADEQ providing up to $20,000 and the county contributing an estimated $16,220.
Young said the study would give the county three concept options to analyze and would be used to pursue additional funding for a full project expected to cost substantially more. He outlined passive treatment measures under consideration (gabions and copper elements to increase sunlight exposure and improve treatment) while noting the larger international and statutory complexities of cross‑border wastewater management.
Board members asked whether Mexican authorities and city of Nogales officials had been engaged. Staff said they have held regional workshops and maintained a cross‑border WhatsApp group including Mexican and U.S. stakeholders and that a stakeholder meeting involving parties from both sides of the border is being scheduled.
The board discussed maintenance and ownership questions for any constructed features, and staff said ownership and operations would be addressed as the project design and funding path are refined; in some cases, the city or partners may be better positioned to operate treatment infrastructure.
A motion to approve the ADEQ IGA was moved and seconded; the board approved it by voice vote.
Next steps: staff will schedule stakeholder meetings with Mexican counterparts and local partners, complete the concept designs under the IGA and return to the board with recommendations and funding options.
