FOSCR Statement on the Recent Rupture of the IOI

Friends of the Santa Cruz River has been concerned for some time that the binational sewage pipe, the International Outfall Interceptor (IOI), could be breached by floods in the Nogales Wash under which it lies. A pipe break would spill raw sewage into the communities of Nogales, Rio Rico, Tubac and further north along the Santa Cruz River. Our warning …

Nogales Wash and Climate Change

Nogales Wash

Article written by FOSCR Board member Ben Lomeli Every storm that hits Nogales, AZ puts pressure on the deteriorating sewage pipe that carries 14 million gallons of sewage daily, mostly from Mexico, right through the small city of Nogales, AZ to the Nogales International Wastewater Treatment Plant (NIWTP) in Rio Rico, AZ. This pipe, the International Outfall Interceptor (IOI), was …

“Flirting With Disaster”: How You Can Help!

We need to call for action! Tell these contacts that you want to see the International Outfall Interceptor (IOI) fixed—and soon! Feel free to use the “Talking Points” below in your communications. Senator John McCain: https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/casework-form (you can copy/paste points below onto this online form in “message” box) Tucson office: (520) 670-6334 Senator Jeff Flake: https://www.flake.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact-jeff (also an online form where you …

FOSCR’s New Video: “Flirting with Disaster”

Flirting With Disaster: Eroding Sewer Pipe Threatens Santa Cruz River The International Outfall Interceptor (the “IOI”) sewage pipe is in danger of rupturing, spewing raw sewage and industrial waste over the poor border city of Nogales, Arizona, and into the Santa Cruz River watershed. The Federal government needs to fix the problem, caused by years of neglect, overuse, and sediment flows largely …

Press Release Highlights Plight of IOI Pipeline

McCain, Flake, McSally Introduce Bill to Unburden Nogales, Arizona From IOI Pipeline Costs Washington, D.C. ­March 8, 2017– U.S. Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) this week introduced in the Senate the Nogales Wastewater Fairness Act, legislation that would transfer the unfair financial burden of maintenance and capital upgrades of the International Outfall Interceptor (IOI) sewage pipeline located underneath the …