Trash and Sediment Source Control

In September of 2012 the Alter Terra Team successfully completed a three year conservation program focused on reducing crossborder flows of trash and sediment into the Tijuana River Estuary. The program was funded collaboratively by the U.S. EPA Region 9, NOAA, Coastal Conservancy, Earth Island Institute, and SEDESOL and SEMARNAT in Mexico.

Acting on behalf of the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve (TRNERR),  Alter Terra successfully completed multiple conservation projects that included the construction of a community park in Los Laureles Canyon (Border 2012 Park). Park infrastructure was designed by Oscar Romo to reduce erosion and sedimentation, contain trash, harvest water naturally to sustain native plants, and improve the health of local residents. The park also serves as a soccer field, concert stadium, community meeting space and church. The park was constructed with 100% reclaimed trash including 30,000 waste tires, plastic bottles and junk parts from used cars, all removed from the natural environment and securely contained so as to not pollute the estuary downstream. This project is significant in that it contributed to meeting the goals of U.S. EPA’s Border 2012 Program.