7 News Belize

New Hope On The New River
posted (September 16, 2019)
Last week we showed you the mechanical aerators which the Department of the Environment installed at the portion of the river in front of Maracas Bar and Grill. A number of these were installed at strategic points along the river.

According to the DOE, the aerators have started to show positive results with an improvement in the clarity of the water at the top layer of the river. A slight increase in dissolved oxygen levels also occurred. And the very smelly hydrogen sulfide levels are also far lower than they were before the aerators were installed.

Based on these positive results, the DOE has decided to install aerators in other areas within the vicinity of Orange Walk Town. 4 sets of aerators have been installed already, and DOE personnel will closely monitor the progress made at each location.

They remind the residents of the Town that there will be a period after these new installations that the stench and hydrogen sulfide will peak, but it should normalize after.

They are hoping that the general public will continue to exercise caution when traversing the river since these aerators are present in the water.

And in other related news, BSI/ASR has finally responded to the community of Orange Walk which called them out as one of the chief sources of pollution of the New River. You'll remember that robust public consultation which the DOE hosted to get input from the residents who were directly affected by the New River's dire state. Some of those attendees pointed fingers directly at ASR/BSI.

A press release from the company says quote, "All effluent discharged from… (BSI) is treated prior to re-entry into the river according to the conditions set out in an Environmental Compliance Plan… agreed with the Department of Environment. BSI strongly refutes any claim that the factory is permitting untreated effluent to enter the New River ecosystem, which is completely unfounded." END QUOTE.

After explaining how their wastewater treatment process works, the company then says, quote, "BSI is cooperating with Friends of the New River, DOE, and other stakeholders to ensure our environment is protected and encourages all stakeholders to play their part." End quote.

They then note that as part of the New River Task Force, they stand ready to support initiatives designed to improve the conditions of the New River.

Home | Archives | Downloads/Podcasts | Advertise | Contact Us

7 News Belize