EPA Remedies Approved For Donna Canals And Reservoirs

WASHINGTON - Congressmen Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) and Filemon Vela (TX-34) today announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has moved forward on a remediation plan for the Donna Canal and Reservoir Superfund site to improve the health of residents in Donna, Texas, and surrounding communities.

This Record of Decision (ROD) addresses plans for clean-up and infrastructure improvements to remove sediment and fish contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Health effects of PCBs include acne-like skin conditions in adults and nervous and immune system changes in children. PCBs are known to cause cancer in animals – including fish. Since contamination was discovered in the early 1990s, EPA and state and local partners have worked to identify the source and prevent community members from eating fish caught in the canal and reservoir system.

"After recent severe storms and flooding, it is critical that the federal government, state, and local leaders take meaningful steps to improve water infrastructure and prevent the spread of PCB contamination," Congressman Gonzalez said. "I thank the EPA for their work and will continue to work with Congressman Vela to prioritize the health of Donna, Texas, residents."

"The health of our water sources is absolutely paramount," Congressman Vela said. "This cleanup project will provide significant health benefits to all who depend on the Donna Canal and Reservoir. I would like to thank the EPA officials who worked to make this project a reality and I look forward to continuing to work alongside Congressman Gonzalez to create better health conditions for the people of Donna."

Congressmen Gonzalez and Vela are committed to securing federal funding for infrastructure and other improvements that improve the health and wellbeing of Valley residents.