The New River's condition continues to deteriorate and this evening, the Department of Environment is reporting that the main zone of concern is is the area between the Toll Bridge going downstream to mid-Orange Walk Town. Tests conducted show that there are extremely low levels of dissolved oxygen and has resulted in a dead zone with little or no support to aquatic life. Last week showed that the area was blanketed with algae but this week the algae cover was segmented which indicates a slight improvement at certain points.
DOE is now monitoring the release of Hydrogen Sulfide from the river. They warn that High concentrations of this gas will start to impact human health. The highest concentration recorded was yesterday, near the BSI/ASR compound. There was no concentration recorded within Orange Walk Town and Trial Farm area.
