BELIZE CHALILLO DAM CONTAMINATING MACAL RIVER

** Canoeing the scenic lower Macal River is a hot tourist destination in normal times.


MACAL RIVER REMAINS CHOCOLATE BROWN FROM SEDIMENT DUMPING BY CHALILLO DAM

Aerial photos show the chocolate brown color of the Macal River is being caused by the Chalillo Dam. Recent foreign experts have said from the photographs, that the discoloration is clay in the river, from the dam operators flushing out sediments behind the dam. Health officials in foreign parts also say; the photo evidence shows the water is unhealthy for the local water plant treatment. The Belize Water plant people in the Twin Towns, say it is no problem, as they get the water from wells and the earth provides a natural filter. The water of the river has been a deep chocolate brown for over a month and continues. Down on the Caribbean coast, they say the coloration has now reached the coastal water outlet of the Belize River, 200 winding river miles away, and is contaminating the coastal fisheries grounds. The coloration the experts say is due to suspended clay particles in the water. Local Health authorities warn against using the water for farms and livestock. Environmental people warn that most fish in the upper reaches of the river will have been killed by now.