WQA BOARD MEMBERS
programs in the San Gabriel Basin, which is the primary source of drinking water for over 1 million people across the San Gabriel Valley. In 1979, industrial solvents and other contaminants were identified in the groundwater in the San Gabriel Valley. The contamination at the site is believed to be the result of decades of improper chemical handling and disposal practices. As a result, water suppliers had to shut down wells and large portions of the Basin were placed on the federal Superfund cleanup list in 1984. The WQA was created to manage and coordinate the cleanup with local, state and federal agencies. Funding for the cleanup has come from the responsible parties along with government funds. The cleanup cost to date has totaled about $1.1 Billion.
Lynda Noriega Chairwoman
Robert Gonzales Vice Chairman
Cleanup of the Contaminated San Gabriel Basin Continues With Critical Federal Support From left: WQA Vice Chairman Robert Gonzales, WQA Secretary Valerie Muñoz, Congressman Gil Cisneros, WQA President Lynda Noriega, WQA Board Member Ed Chavez
Valerie Muñoz Secretary
Bob Kuhn Treasurer
T he San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority (WQA) wishes to thank Congressman Gil Cisneros for supporting the ongoing groundwater cleanup in the San Gabriel Basin. On May 5, Rep. Cisneros presented WQA officials with a $3.2 million check from the Federal Government to continue the WQA’s important work. While Federal Funds have been authorized for the Basin Cleanup, a member of Congress each year must request an appropriation. “We just want to do our part to make sure that you get the money and the resources you need to make sure you are able to protect the groundwater and make sure it’s safe for the people here in the San Gabriel Valley,” said Cisneros, who represents California’s 31st Congressional District (about 750,000 constituents in Azusa, Baldwin Park, Bradbury, Covina, Duarte, El Monte, Glendora, City of Industry, Irwindale, La Puente, La Verne, Monrovia, San Dimas, South El Monte and West Covina, plus several unincorporated neighborhoods). Cisneros visited the WQA offices to present officials with the check.
“Water is definitely one of the most important issues. It is something we all in a way take for granted,” Rep. Cisneros said. “We expect our water to be safe when we drink it, when we turn on the faucet, when we are using it. But if it isn’t, then that’s when it becomes a problem,” he said. “Fortunately, we’ve been able to make sure we are keeping the water safe so that people can drink it and use it. We don’t ever want to get in that spot where it is unsafe.” Continued federal funding is critical to complete the ongoing cleanup. WQA Chairwoman Lynda Noriega said, “This is going to go a long way to again having the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority assist the producers with the cleanup efforts of this basin. It’s an ongoing effort that’s been going on for almost 30 years now and this $3.2 million is going to make that even more of a reality as we continue to do the work in this basin.” The California Legislature established the WQA in 1993 to develop, finance and implement groundwater treatment
Ed Chavez Board Member
Robert DiPrimio Board Member
Congressman Gil Cisneros & WQA Chairwoman Lynda Noriega
Watch the Interview with Lynda Noriega. youtube.com/watch?v=oazZ4tXyv2w
(626) 338-5555 info@wqa.com www.wqa.com
Watch the Interview with Gil Cisneros. youtube.com/watch?v=dNzb18-oUhU
Mark Paulson Board Member
Randy Schoellerman Executive Director
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