the lagoon
Posted by Erin  on February 28, 2015, 10:36 am
We were able to visit into the lagoon last night, great tour, what they are building deep into the lagoon is a new wood walk way with a suspension bridge. They are trying to complete before Easter (hence the urgency). Once completed it, you will be able to walk deep into the mangroves.
If the people of LM want to discuss something, how about the amount of discharge from the sewer plant. I think everyone has had their suspicion as to YES or NO as to dumping black water and products into the water. Let me be one to confirm that it IS being dumped. The smell is something else which I will not describe in detail but it trully smells. I am not sure just how the ECO SYSTEM deals with it but the smell that everyone encountered recently was not from rotting leaves or some other natural occurance but certainly man made.
Obviously this has been happening for some time and the crocs are surviving but lookinn down the road, is this a heathly situation. I would like to hear from Dave Collins as he seems to know more about this system and its health.
Just something else to think about?
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------------------------Re: the lagoon
Posted by Larry F on February 28, 2015, 10:42 am, in reply to "the lagoon"
189.164.250.10|
Do you have some reason why you feel you cannot reveal why you know there is black water being dumped into the lagoon? I understand that the sewage is pumped to a settlement area that has no direct access to the lagoon.
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------------------------Re: the lagoon
Posted by Daniel H on February 28, 2015, 10:45 am, in reply to "the lagoon"
201.133.153.237
Are you basing your opinion on years of smelling Lagoons drain Erin?
I was over in Boca where there was lots of Lagoon exposed as it drained,
same smell there and same smell as there has been for years and years when
the lagoon drains, way
before they put the sewer in.
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------------------------Re: the lagoon
Posted by becci Starr on February 28, 2015, 11:02 am, in reply to "Re: the lagoon"
187.148.187.155|
Interesting as I live in Boca and have for, going on, 8 years so perhaps it was before then but there isn't…nor to my knowledge…has there been a sewer smell except when there is a "rave" and what else can one expect from 1500 kids going to the bathroom in the mangrove. No that's not the same as the stench that was so bad a few months ago that the market had to move a few streets over so as not to drive away the shoppers. Now on the north side and I, for one, have no desire to walk through sewerage to get to town. I had to wash my legs at Pedro's last week to get the smell off my body. You, tourists and residents alike, are impacting the environment down there and in a town the size that LM is getting to be there is a serious need to address sewage treatment but then again I don't smell it in Boca so not my problem….
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------------------------Re: the lagoon
Posted by Erin on February 28, 2015, 11:28 am, in reply to "the lagoon"
187.148.135.222
I was not avoiding where the information came from, it was the tour guide, plus the obvious smell difference when we were returning back to the mouth of the lagoon. I am saying nothing of the colour of the water. But if people want to believe there is no sewage dumping, so be it but it certainly appeared to be somewhat obvious but lets assume I am totally incorrect, then we are back to the way it was and the subject is moot.
The Ejido has reportedly requested funding to both study and correct the situation but they will be relieved to know that the problem really does not exist and does not need any further attention as the government is not particularily willing to fund any improvements.
I am so glad this matter is finally put to rest and presents no further health or human issues to be concerned about as I was only offering my opinion as a possible issue that might need to be further examined.
Good bless you all
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------------------------Re: the lagoon
Posted by Daniel H on February 28, 2015, 12:31 pm, in reply to "Re: the lagoon"
Edited by board administrator February 28, 2015, 1:11 pm
There definitely is sewage water going into the Lagoon. During the rainy
season the ground water seeps into the sewer pipe and creates so much flow
that they can't pump it all so they stop pumping (also it is very expensive
to run the pump all the time). There are not very many that are hooked up to
the sewer so its mostly rain water. The lagoon opens shortly after the season
starts and all of that goes into the ocean. The rainy season ends as does
the sewer overflow going into the lagoon. This year we had more rain, not enough
to really get the sewer going again but enough to get the Lagoon full again.
So this time when they opened the Lagoon there was very little to any sewer
water in it. The sewer situation is something which needs to be addressed, the
main reason I jumped into this thread was to clarify the difference in
the amount of sewer water in this Lagoon drain as opposed to one where the
Lagoon is opened for the first time of a rainy season.
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------------------------Re: the lagoon
Posted by Larry F on February 28, 2015, 1:31 pm, in reply to "Re: the lagoon"
189.164.250.10
I'm not sure anyone so far is denying that there is sewage getting into lagoon. The real questions are: is there sewage in the lagoon? Just because the mangrove tour guide says there is doesn't make it so. Some scientific evidence would be good, like a testing of the water. Or maybe some visible sign of sewage going into it.
The second question is: if there is sewage in the lagoon, where does it enter. If it is true that the sewage is a result of the pumps being turned off in the wet season, then where does the non-pumped sewage exit the sewer pipes and enter the lagoon.
The sewer has only been in operation for 2-3 years. Was there sewage going into the lagoon before that?
If there is sewage getting into the lagoon, and it seems like there may be, then one has to ask the question - why spend money to build a bridge for the convenience of some, but ignore what is surely a health threat for most?
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------------------------Re: the lagoon
Posted by Erin on February 28, 2015, 4:17 pm, in reply to "Re: the lagoon"
187.148.135.222
For those working in and on the Lagoon on a daily basis, there is little doubt as to where the entry point is, for those people with a nose, there is even less doubt if there is sewage at all. The area being affect is very defined. While on tour, you go at least 1 km into the lagoon, the further you go back, less the smell (matter of fact, the ECO SYSTEM as such appears to be working with filtering and giving off oxigen.
But once you get near the entrance, as you go around the bend, the wall of smell is so similar to that of a septic tank (not to be confused with any other house hold odour.
Please note, I don't think for a second that the entire sewerage plant is discharging into the lagoon but only a certain smaller amount, none the less, seeing and smelling is the proof that I would think a common person would conclude that there is some rotten in Denmark (the lagoon).
Now, perhaps the ECO SYSTEM can easily deal with the inflow and other than a smell, there is not harm being done, I am not the one to make that judgement, however, if it was my backyard that the system was being dumped into, I would question WHY? I was only asking because this is the fourth year in a row that we have gone on this particular tour and the first time I have smelled sewage, is this something NEW?
I would suggest that no one is going to just volunteer this information however, with the concerns shown on this board, it seemed like an appropriate issue to bring up.
AGAIN THIS IS ONLY ONE MAN'S OPINION.
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------------------------Re: the lagoon
Posted by Daniel H on February 28, 2015, 4:36 pm, in reply to "Re: the lagoon"
201.133.153.237
Hi Erin (and anyone else).
The smell could be coming from the number of crocs living and excreting in
that area, a lot of fish scraps are thrown to them daily. I don't know if
there is a difference in the pollution level of the excrement of crocs as
compared to humans since both are meat eaters.
Enjoying the discussion.
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------------------------Re: the lagoon
Posted by Daniel H on February 28, 2015, 4:29 pm, in reply to "Re: the lagoon"
201.133.153.237
I will try to answer from what I know. It would be great to interview
Morgan to get his answers on some of the questions. Your question
first, my answer with the D
1) is there sewage in the lagoon? ....Some scientific evidence
would be good, like a testing of the water. Or maybe some visible
sign of sewage going into it.
D - During the rainy season there is water coming out of the hole in
the manhole cover both in front of the Delegado by the Jardin and at
the end of the road by the Lagoon. Both have a smell at times with
the one by the Delegados office being the stronger of the two.
Since this discussion is about the Lagoon I will not discuss the one by
the Delegado's office except to say it is a source of pollution and
should be dealt with. I have never seen anything other than clear water
come out of either, from what I know those (and there are not that many)
who did hook up to the sewer hooked up their existing septic tank
systems at the point where it would normally go into a drain field,
meaning it had already been through the septic tank. Testing of the
water coming out of the manhole cover, the Lagoon and the ocean would
really be a great place to start so we know what we are actually dealing
with.
2) The second question is: if there is sewage in the lagoon, where does
it enter. If it is true that the sewage is a result of the pumps
being turned off in the wet season, then where does the non-pumped
sewage exit the sewer pipes and enter the lagoon.
D - As far as I know the only source is the manhole cover right
by the Lagoon, you can see the water coming out in various strengths
depending on the amount of rain we have had.
3) The sewer has only been in operation for 2-3 years. Was there
sewage going into the lagoon before that?
D - Not as far as I remember, nothing visible like there is now.
4) If there is sewage getting into the lagoon, and it seems like there
may be, then one has to ask the question - why spend money to build
a bridge for the convenience of some, but ignore what is surely a health
threat for most?
D - They are separate issues and should be treated as such in
my opinion.
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------------------------Re: the lagoon
Posted by Ray on February 28, 2015, 5:21 pm, in reply to "Re: the lagoon"
69.26.65.195
Not being an expert ,but having worked in the waste water treatment area for 30 years I will add my 2scents. We were at La Mananzanilla and were at the lagoon in question.
Will there be sewage infiltration ,likely yes especially in heavy rain seasons.
Can the smell be coming only from the lagoon, yes it's possible. The bottom of lagoons and swamps gather material over the years and could become feet thick ,eventually turning septic.you may even see bubbles coming up sometimes which is natural.these watercourses are a treatment system in them selves cleaning the water as it passes by.Sometimes when hydraulically overloaded they don't work so well( heavy flow).
So could there be sewage in the lagoon ,yes .Could the smell not be sewage ,yes.
I do realize there can always be infrastructure done but it may not eliminate the issue.
Ray
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------------------------Re: the lagoon
Posted by DanH on February 28, 2015, 9:28 pm, in reply to "Re: the lagoon"
173.255.183.45
I was a licensed Civil/Sanitary engineer for 35 years. What you all are describing does sound like some sewage overflow into the lagoon that is exceeding the natural assimilative capacity. If there is a lot of water infiltration into the sewers during rains, this is probably unavoidable without spending very large sums of money.
A simpler approach is to equip the affected area with some aeration tubes or floating mechanical aerators to supplant the natural treatment ability of the impacted area. This could be done pretty cheap although it would cost something to run as electricity will be required to supply compressed air or run the motors of floating aerators.
Another possibility would be to direct the overflows first into a naturally aerated lagoon dug out upstream for this purpose. The discharge from that could then flow into the regular lagoon and would have much of its oxygen demand satisfied before doing so.
Lagoons are a proven, low tech, low energy means of treating small to medium sized sewage flows. Properly constructed they will filter out the solids and kill the pathogens.
Aeration accelerates the treatment process and reduces the surface area of lagoons required. However, if there is plenty of space to construct lagoons, this is the better solution for the reason noted above, namely low/no energy requirement.
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------------------------Re: the lagoon
Posted by mark on March 2, 2015, 9:11 am, in reply to "Re: the lagoon"
64.134.158.195|
I have delivered two jars of non toxic flourescent yellow dye tablets to Hugo Brambila and Pepe Martinez. Properly mixed and then poured into any toilet, this highly visible dye easily reveals the course of any sewer water. Using this dye in the sewer systems of properties adjoining the mangrove could be productive.
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------------------------Re: the lagoon
Posted by valerie :)* on March 2, 2015, 9:41 am, in reply to "Re: the lagoon"
189.164.205.94------------------------Re: the lagoon
Posted by mark on March 1, 2015, 11:03 am, in reply to "Re: the lagoon"
71.202.213.59|
The municipal sewer does not dump into the mangrove. It pumps to a large septic tank in Los Ingenios which then percolates into a leech field. There are, however, individual properties who dump their sewage directly into the mangrove, such as the toilets at Yola's.
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------------------------Re: the lagoon
Posted by Sally and Dave on February 28, 2015, 11:07 pm, in reply to "the lagoon"
187.148.142.124
Interesting thread!
We rode our bikes down the dirt road by the lagoon towards Boca before the three days of torrential rain. The smell coming from the lagoon at a few places along the road was horrible and a long long way from the entrance. It smelled just like sewage , however, we were told that the mangrove gives off an awful smell sometimes. We were nowhere near the man hole at the entrance. Just an observation......
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------------------------Re: the lagoon
Posted by Kim on March 1, 2015, 8:20 am, in reply to "Re: the lagoon"
189.164.204.178
Very interesting opinions but real results from a water test would be nice to CLEAR things up.
I believe that this discussion was brought up by Dave Collins when the sewage was coming out of the man holes earlier and also a few yrs. back. Has anyone ever had a test done? I heard that there has been a test done before but the results was so over the top that no one has ever posted them. Any comments on that information?
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------------------------Ten Things We Know
Posted by Larry F on March 1, 2015, 12:34 pm, in reply to "Re: the lagoon"
189.164.250.10
Ten Things we know:
1. The lagoon smells like sewage and has not smelled like this before.
2. A sanitation engineer suggests it could be sewage contamination could be causing the smell.
3. Some local households could be flushing directly into the lagoon, although likely has happened for years.
4. The sewer pumps may be turned off during rainy season resulting in sewage and rain runoff to flow from at least two sewer manholes.
5. The manhole discharge seems not to be heavily contaminated and does flow into the mouth of the lagoon, and thus directly into the sea.
6. Blocking the natural discharge of the lagoon during abnormal dry season rainfall causes the lagoon to overflow into areas it shouldn't.
7. The sewer system, when working as it should, likely present no threat to the lagoon.
8. Blocking the lagoon is likely a bad idea and a bridge would be a better way to access the northern part of the beach.
9. The whole question of whether or not the lagoon is badly contaminated could easily be answered by testing the water for E Coli. It's a very inexpensive test .... but who does it?
10. E Coli is dangerous for the health.
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------------------------Re: Ten Things We Know
Posted by jean on March 1, 2015, 1:45 pm, in reply to "Ten Things We Know"
187.148.169.17
O.K., so why don't we take up a money collection and see exactly what's in the wáter??
Also the lagoon has given off a smell before.
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------------------------Re: Ten Things We Know
Posted by valerie :)* on March 1, 2015, 1:47 pm, in reply to "Re: Ten Things We Know"|
if not done before, I will pay for and bring down a complete testing kit for the water when I return in November 2015
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------------------------Re: Ten Things We Know
Posted by jean on March 1, 2015, 1:55 pm, in reply to "Re: Ten Things We Know"
187.148.169.17
We can have it done here...
After all it is a crap shoot as to what's in there!!!! I made a funny.
Why wait til Nov, sooner the better...No???
Hey Azul!!!
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------------------------Re: Ten Things We Know
Posted by valerie :)* on March 1, 2015, 1:49 pm, in reply to "Re: Ten Things We Know"
187.148.142.252|
sorry - I should have mentioned that the kit is made by Bluewater Biosciences who provide kits for a large number of countries.
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------------------------Re: Ten Things We Know
Posted by becci Starr on March 1, 2015, 2:31 pm, in reply to "Re: Ten Things We Know"
187.148.187.155|
great idea…why not wait until November 2015…BTW comments like this are why most intelligent people, I AM the exception, don't even look at this message board…
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------------------------Re: Ten Things We Know
Posted by valerie :)* on March 2, 2015, 9:07 am, in reply to "Re: Ten Things We Know"
okay, becci Starr - I may have posted in haste without thinking things through entirely (which NEVER happens on this board) but your comments are rude and insulting - oh - and they added SO much to this thread - thanks for sharing!
I have lived my winters here in La Manzanilla for 10 years and this conversation has been ongoing for at least 6 years that I am aware of - I also know that Dr. Lulu used to test the "city" water monthly with Morgan but whether or not that has been continued I don't know.
The concern seems to be "what" is in the lagoon, not the "city" water but I'm concerned there could be cross contamination - so (and here I'm hesitant to make a suggestion should becci Starr decide it is unworthy) maybe if we took a jar of lagoon water up to the Health Department in La Huerta we could get them to do whatever they need to do to determine what percentage of what is in the water.
I am also suggesting that possibly we could get Morgan on side to continue monitoring the "city" water if it is not currently being done.
Rather than spend another season just moaning about this, I'm suggesting a proactive movement, but am at a loss as to where to begin. If anyone has something helpful to add . . . .
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------------------------Re: Ten Things We Know
Posted by Daniel H on March 1, 2015, 2:47 pm, in reply to "Ten Things We Know"
201.133.153.237------------------------Re: Ten Things We Know
Posted by Sally on March 1, 2015, 3:41 pm, in reply to "Re: Ten Things We Know"
187.148.175.214|
It is true that a healthy mangrove lagoon is a natural filtering system. Under normal circumstances, the water will appear opaque, reddish or brown in color. There will be an odor. When the system is disturbed, such as closing off the outlet with a road, filtration and natural degradation are affected. BOD (biologic oxygen demand) increases beyond the capacity of the system. Anaerobic bacteria multiply, causing an offensive odor. Not to say that sewage is not contributing to the problem, but how about a simple culvert system, allowing a transfer of salt and lagoon water to take place, maintaining the brackish environment?
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------------------------Re: Ten Things We Know
Posted by shane on March 1, 2015, 5:17 pm, in reply to "Re: Ten Things We Know"
74.192.131.201
Over the years more people are coming to La Manz .
More people means more waste . Waste running into an enclosed area means more build up of waste in that enclosed area . Eventually the build up becomes feet thick in areas and the natural decomposition of waste slows down . That's when I call Roto Rooter and have my septic tank pumped .
Is that what is happening when they open up the Boca and let the stinky water out ? I`m wondering about the feet of stinky silt build up that remains ? How deep is that silt ? Core sample anyone ?
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------------------------Re: Ten Things We Know
Posted by mark on March 2, 2015, 8:53 am, in reply to "Re: Ten Things We Know"
64.134.158.195|
Tierralegre group has begun water testing. Results will be published soon, and testing will be ongoing. Feel free to make a donation at their office to fund the project.
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------------------------Re: Ten Things We Know
Posted by valerie :)* on March 2, 2015, 9:08 am, in reply to "Re: Ten Things We Know"
189.164.205.94|
Hi Mark - is the testing for our tap water or the water in the lagoon?
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------------------------Re: Ten Things We Know
Posted by mark on March 2, 2015, 9:14 am, in reply to "Re: Ten Things We Know"
64.134.158.195|
Neither, yet. I believe the first tests done are bay water, but ask Dave.
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------------------------Re: Ten Things We Know
Posted by Andrew Morrow on March 2, 2015, 9:11 am, in reply to "Ten Things We Know"
189.164.205.94
To this comprehensive list I would add the need to monitor the health of the water system in the laguna. I expect that the water vegetation distribution has changed because of the periodic blockage and the increase of nitrates in the ground water. The nitrates come from de-compsition of plant matter, manure and particularly agricultural run-off from farming where high nitrogen fertilizers are used. I believe the Melague laguna has become choked with water plants that were not all that abundant years ago. Anoxic events kill the natural processes which would cleanse the laguna in situ.
I come from PEI canada where we have regular anoxic events in our estuarine systems and they do stink. They are also unhealthy for the natural systems dependent on these estuaries
So I would add to the what we need to know is "what to measure and where to measure it"
It might be time to involve some of the local University expertise to start to study the various laguna on this coast and how changes in agriculture practice and population adjacent to them are making changes to the ecosystem
Andrew Morrow
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------------------------Re: Ten Things We Know
Posted by Larry F on March 2, 2015, 10:50 am, in reply to "Re: Ten Things We Know"
189.164.250.10
Andrew, your take on this makes a lot of sense. It could, in fact, not be sewage causing the problem, but a build-up of the substances you suggest. Perhaps not as harmful to human health as sewage, but very damaging to the health of the lagoon.
The idea of getting the university involved is a good one.
Dave Collins?
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------------------------Re: Ten Things We Know
Posted by Tim Edwards on March 2, 2015, 4:53 pm, in reply to "Re: Ten Things We Know"
198.0.232.53
There seems to be a number of these statements with people speaking of "opening and closing" the lagoon. It happens naturally when the water gets too high and breaches the sand that is built up on the beach. The thing that is different here compared to Boca is the fact that we add a road across the inlet that causes the water to be higher when it breaches. This is why there is such a large drop in the water level, again as compared to Boca or Melaque or other natural lagoons.
Even before they put in the road every year, the breach closes because of the buildup of sand.
The water stinks because of the decay of the vegetation. The water is tea colored
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------------------------Re: Ten Things We Know
Posted by Daniel H on March 2, 2015, 5:16 pm, in reply to "Re: Ten Things We Know"
201.133.153.237
I have never known the Lagoon to open by itself, road or no road, it always
needs someone to dig the sand out to get it started. We could ask Chico
to confirm that, he has lived right next to that part of the Lagoon for many
many years.
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------------------------Re: Ten Things We Know
Posted by Andrew Morrow on March 2, 2015, 5:59 pm, in reply to "Re: Ten Things We Know"
201.133.155.109|
While it is obvious that the laguna would be blocked by the build up of sand over time and break out periodically depending on rain volumes, there is another element to consider. Has the lirio ( water hyacinth ) increased over the years like in Melaque? And has the nitrate level in the laguna increased from adjacent human activity? Are there anoxic events when there are strata of water with no dissolved oxygen? If these conditions exist the laguna is on its way to becoming a bigger problem.
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------------------------Re: Ten Things We Know
Posted by DanH on March 2, 2015, 12:12 pm, in reply to "Ten Things We Know"
173.255.183.83
A test for E coli could confirm the presence of raw sewage in the lagoon. There are a number of sources for these test kits including Amazon dot com. One has to be extremely careful to avoid contamination when doing this test.
Note that turnover of anaerobic sludges on the bottom of lagoons that generally occurs in the early spring could also be the source of this odor. However, at the same time, the discharge of wastes from toilets into this lagoon would definitely add to the buildup of said sludge.
I'm trying to find a reasonably priced rental in late March and if I come down, I'd be happy to take a first hand look at the situation.
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------------------------Re: Ten Things We Know
Posted by Erin on March 2, 2015, 1:21 pm, in reply to "Re: Ten Things We Know"
187.148.135.222
I am unbievably relieved to know that people are taking this issue seriously. There is one thing that perhaps I did not fully explain (or explain well enough to be understood), the primary bad odour appears to be more isolated to one area of the lagoon, in the corner nearest the poop plant. The smell is not where the boats are kept nor it is further into the lagoon.
All the comments regarding decaying plant materials, tht is all part of the ecosytem found within the lagoon, it has a very distintive surfur smell, the odour that I am referring to is certainly more organic, more of that of a sceptic system. You only have to go to certain manholes around the village (south side of the jardin for example) to smell the same odour. Drop by the poop plant, take a wift, that is the odour of human waste not rotting vegetation.
This is not the first nor will it be the last of this issue, how the lagoon is being contaminating the water in the lagoon is a mystery best explained by some of the locals but from a conversation yesterday, to acknowledge its existance as a possible problem would mean something might have to be done about it.
Like I have previously stated, I think this problem is more new than old, in previous years I did not smell it in the order of what it is presently. One of the manholes on the road adjacent to the entrance of the croc viewing station, there is an evidence of liquid coming out the sewer manhole, where do you think this goes? Shit runs down hill (this is a given) and this must be a low spot in the system.
I think what should be done along with all the other suggestions is to get a full understanding of the sewage system itself. How was it designed? How is it being maintained? Is there any treatment? Is the system running 24/7 or does it shut down for any reason and then allowed to over flow? Who is responsible for its operation?
The smell in the lagoon is the result not the cause, what is the cause? Perhaps the town is doing something different this year and in previous years?
All questions that should be addressed. In November there was a petition being circulated addressing sewage as a concern but I am not sure what happened to it.
Please keep all those inquiring minds working, if enough people show there is an interest regarding health concerns, maybe some progress can be made. I remember not to long ago, there was a number of people with respiratory issues, one possible cause could be dry fecal matter in the dust we all breathe. Again only me asking the question.
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------------------------Re: Ten Things We Know
Posted by shane on March 2, 2015, 2:25 pm, in reply to "Re: Ten Things We Know"
74.192.131.201
Erin
I think you are on the something when you refer to contaminated dust . The respiratory infections
really started when the number of automobiles increased dramatically within the town starting back in early 2000`s. Over time the dust is becoming more contaminated . When you sample the sludge I would definitely consider testing the dust around different parts of the town . Just a thought.
Good post Erin !
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------------------------Re: Ten Things We Know
Posted by shane on March 2, 2015, 2:34 pm, in reply to "Re: Ten Things We Know"
74.192.131.201
PS.
One other suggestion would be to gather different water samples during different times of the year and label them until you can get your test kits.
Spring planting , summer , fall , winter tourist times . See when pollution is at the highest and lowest levels.
( I thought in previous discussions that tests were going to be done years ago )
Throw a social and raise some cash for test kits ?
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------------------------Re: Ten Things We Know
Posted by DanH on March 2, 2015, 5:40 pm, in reply to "Re: Ten Things We Know"
173.255.183.83
Erin, if the odor problems are coming from the area very near the sewage treatment plant I would say that is pretty suspicious and indicates there is a source of oxygen demanding waste in that area as opposed to typical lagoon turnover.
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------------------------Re: Ten Things We Know
Posted by Kim on March 2, 2015, 8:01 pm, in reply to "Re: Ten Things We Know"
201.138.180.229
Yes Shane, they have talked about getting test done several times that something like this has happened but no one has ever followed through or posted the results if test where done.
Also talking about the dust on the roads is a good question because someone said that it is the gray water from holding tanks that they spray onto the roads which would mean it is polluted dust we are breathing. Hard to say if the beach or the road is the best way to walk with all this going on!
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------------------------Re: Ten Things We Know
Posted by George Shepard on March 5, 2015, 1:08 pm, in reply to "Ten Things We Know"
Back in the seventies at Humboldt State in Arcata, California sewage was tackled and a revolutionary plan for small communities sprang up, still valid today, "wetlands provide a cleaning to water", why marshes are so valuable, by using nature with small intrusion, cattails were utilized, eventually the city signed on, the expense...nominal, so it's practical in to incorporate for areas that have small population and have marshland, something to consider, there are alternatives with the science behind it, please investigate, has been used now all over the world and is still "discovered".
My hope is this gets consideration from those in charge, kids could help grow cattails as school project, hope this helps with remedy.
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------------------------Re: Ten Things We Know
Posted by Lisa Fern on March 5, 2015, 10:10 pm, in reply to "Re: Ten Things We Know"
201.133.152.79
The Arcata marsh/wastewater recycling/bird sanctuary is an amazing place. When I lived nearby I went there often for birding. A great model for using natural systems to help clean up our mess.
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------------------------Re: the lagoon
Posted by Erin on March 3, 2015, 8:24 am, in reply to "the lagoon"
187.148.135.222
In reading the various posts this AM and some of the other threads, it occured to me (some times I am very slow) that this year HAS been different in several respects than that of previous years. This year we had considerable more rain, which certainly has contributed to the over-load of our water systems. The lagoon has been higher than normal and it had to be drained, the surrounding areas have had considerable more ground water which no doubt has not helped the absorption rate, the sewage plant to doubt has had to deal with a larger inflow of water which may or may not have been 'overflowed' into the lagoon as it is done during the rainy season.
Perhaps the lagoon can deal with the additional water being added. Just look around, everything is so much greener than is usual for this time of the year.
That additional rain certainly would have effects into all the other systems and eco-systems in our town. I was reading this AM the Tomzap blog in Melaque and it would appear that they are having similar issues with their lagoon.So what we are experiencing is not an isolated situation.
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------------------------Re: the lagoon
Posted by Dave on March 3, 2015, 8:42 am, in reply to "the lagoon"
187.148.175.240
del Sol [ PM ] [hide msgs from this user]
Re: Sewage Treatment and Natural Wetlands
February 20, 2015 09:43AM IP/Host: ---.prod-infinitum.com.mx
Registered: 8 years ago
Posts: 594
pikachu Wrote:
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> Well , I don't think that is a good reason to do
> nothing. What can a tourist do?
> The big thing is to choose another location to
> vacation, and I believe that a lot of tourists are
> already taking this option.
Precisely!
If we, (as a group) took a year off from Melaque/Barra, went elsewhere, and let the reasons why be known, that MIGHT stimulate some action..
I realize that NOB tourism accounts for only about 15% of overall tourism in the area, but I've also heard a number of National tourists say that they will no longer come to Melaque/Barra, because "it is filthy."
In the past 9 or10 years, my small circle of NOB friends have suffered one or more of the following:....many repeatedly:
Dengue fever
Scalp infections
Eye infections, (recurrent)
Ear infections (recurrent)
Nasal mucosa infections
Throat infections (recurrent
Lung infections (recurrent)
Pneumonia
Gastritis
Gastroenteritis
Diverticulitis
Vaginitis
Bladder infections (recurrent)
Fungal nail infections
Skin disorders (blistering of soles of feet, and palms of hands)
Strange, undiagnosed flu-like symptoms
All of these, in an otherwise healthy population, with no pre-disposition to these disorders.
Coincidence?...I don't think so.
What do we all have in common?..........the air, and the water.
No mas Melaque/Barra, no mas!
del Sol
PS: Could someone please translate, and post this in "local" Spanish.....Google Translate is not the greatest.
Reply Quote Report
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------------------------Re: the lagoon
Posted by DanH on March 3, 2015, 9:10 am, in reply to "Re: the lagoon"
173.255.183.109|
I'm confused. Are we writing about Melaque/Barra or about La Manzanilla here?
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------------------------Re: the lagoon
Posted by Erin on March 3, 2015, 10:06 am, in reply to "Re: the lagoon"
187.148.135.222|
La Manzanilla, however, we are not the only village who have health concerns, this year has been unusual in many respects.I even suspect many of the nationals have concerns but just don't voice them.
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------------------------Re: the lagoon
Posted by Larry F on March 3, 2015, 9:23 am, in reply to "Re: the lagoon"
189.164.250.10
Hey Dave, you might want to repost whatever it is you were intending say.
What, or who, you were quoting appears to be someone in Melaque who is ranting about all the horrible things that will happen to you if you get close enough to the water. We all know that these ailments, while possible in any tropical climate, are not prevalent here in La Manzanilla, in spite of some current concerns over the lagoon.
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------------------------Re: the lagoon
Posted by Kim on March 3, 2015, 9:07 pm, in reply to "Re: the lagoon"
187.148.43.204
Hey Larry F & Dan: The only reason for posting the article from Melaque is: That if something is not done here about the problem and concerns then the town could be facing the same issues.
No what, who or whatever it should be a concern for the people living here or visiting.
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------------------------And Zthe Zthings We Need To Know
Posted by Larry F on March 3, 2015, 9:54 pm, in reply to "Re: the lagoon"
189.164.250.10|
The first important step here is to determine if there really is a problem. True, the sewer has had an overflow issue ever since it was built. And true that the lagoon reached higher than normal levels this year. And true that the discharged water had an awful stench. |
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