"Our community is demanding that the Metales y Derivados site be cleaned," stated Olga Rendón, representative of Colonia Chilpancingo. "We want Ms. Julia Carabias to meet with us in Tijuana and present the government’s plan for cleanup."

The community request is being made in light of the May 16^th unanimous decision by the CEC to conduct an independent investigation ("Factual Record") on San Diego-based New Frontier Trading Corporation’s abandoned lead smelter known as Metales y Derivados. The decision by the NAFTA-created institution was the result of a petition filed against Mexico for its failure to enforce its environmental laws brought by EHC and Comité Ciudadano Pro Restauración del Cañón del Padre.

"We have waited for too long for Metales y Derivados to be cleaned," said Maurilio Sanchez Pachuca, President of Comité Ciudadano. "Now that our governments have recognized the seriousness of the problem, it is time to act."

"The United States and Mexico have finally come to understand that this case is emblematic the environmental reality of our border caused by irresponsible business practices," affirmed César Luna from EHC. "This is the opportunity for the CEC to fulfill its obligation: to protect the environment and health of North America. Now that they have taken the right steps by initiating an independent investigation, the next challenge is executing the clean up solution in a timely manner."

In Tijuana, B.C., over 50 Colonia Chilpancingo residents rallied in front of the SEMARNAP office on Monday, June 12, to demonstrate solidarity with their representatives who were able to travel to Dallas. "We want to give a human face to the letters sent to Dallas," said Lourdes Lujan, a resident of Colonia Chilpancingo. "I sincerely hope Ms. Carabias will accept our invitation to meet with us in our community."

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