Cochise County continues to monitor the daily flow of raw sewage coming across the international border onto U.S. soil from Naco, Sonora, since a spill caused by failed infrastructure in Mexico on Sept. 9.
According to a press release from the country, during the last 24 hours, there are indications that the west flow has stopped. The county believes this is a result of pipe cleaning and lagoon drainage work carried out by Mexican authorities.
Cochise County has also received the results of surface and well water tests that were collected by state-certified employees and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality recently.
“We have been testing because we don’t know what’s in the water since it’s coming from another country,” said Cochise Health & Social Services Director Carrie Langley.
In addition to monitoring the situation, Cochise Health and Social Services will host a free children's immunization clinic in response to the HAZMAT situation.
The children's clinic will be on Oct. 12 at the Naco Elementary School multi-purpose room, located at 1911 W. Valenzuela St., between noon and 5 p.m.
An adult clinic was held last month.
The County said it will continue to pursue additional testing in different areas impacted by the flow.
“We are looking at a longer-term strategy to fully understand the environmental and health impacts,” Langley said.
