New River’s Health Continue to Deteriorate

The Department of Environment will be holding a public meeting on Friday to disclose information regarding the health of the New River. The public is expected to be informed of the state of the river, corrective actions that have been taken, and future actions that will be put in place to protect the New River. According to D.O.E. the present situation is most likely eutrophication caused by several factors. The data shows that nutrient levels are high at these locations with sulfate showing a visible spike. Additionally, the dissolved oxygen levels are low and algae count is currently being analyzed by the D.O.E., with all indicators suggesting a high count. It is a problem that is seen every year but this year it is worse as massive fish kills continue to be reported. News Five spoke to Deputy Mayor Ian Cal.

Ian Cal, Deputy Mayor, Orange Walk Town Council

Ian Cal

“Today we receive reports of a massive fish kill, fish floating up and dying. I guess you have seen the pictures of what is happening in the New River. We have met with the Department of Environment several times and we know they have been in Orange Walk  several times meeting especially with BSI and other businesses around the river to find out and do analyzes. We have not gotten any report from them specifically as to their findings. When they visited last week and we spoke to them together with other stakeholder but they were not authorized to give out that information as yet. Now they have gotten that authorization so we sent them a letter requesting them to come to Orange Walk and give us some answers. At the end of the day what the people are demanding is answers. What the Orange Walk public is saying that we don’t to close down any company; we have to find a solution. So as to not sit down every year and go back to the same process again. So this Friday at the Gala Lounge the Department of Environment is holding a public meeting and we are encouraging everyone to attend even those in the surrounding villages to attend.”