Yuma Fence Replacement

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announces the availability of this Final Environmental Stewardship Plan (ESP). The Secretary of DHS, pursuant to his authority under Section 102(c) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA), issued a waiver in April 18, 2019 covering the Yuma Fence Replacement project described in this ESP. Although the Secretary’s waiver means that CBP no longer has legal obligation under the laws included in the waiver, the Secretary committed DHS to responsible environmental stewardship of the nation’s valuable natural and cultural resources. CBP strongly supports this objective and remains committed to being a good steward of the environment. CBP prepared this ESP to analyze the potential environmental effects associated with removing and replacing an estimated 27.5 miles of existing legacy primary fence with a bollard wall along the international border near the City of San Luis, Arizona. The ESP also provides details on the Best Management Practices associated with the project that CBP will implement during and after construction.

The ESP was developed following the implementation of environmental surveys of the project areas, coordination and consultation with resource agencies and other interested stakeholders, evaluation of possible environmental impacts from the projects, and identification of mitigation measures to avoid or minimize impacts to environmental resources. As part of CBP’s consultation and outreach efforts, from February to March 2019, CBP sought public input on potential impacts to the environment, culture, and commerce, including potential socioeconomic impacts, and quality of life. The comment period closed March 25, 2019. Information distributed to stakeholders is included on this page.