ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
OF THE
MUNICIPAL CONURBATION
CIUDAD MENDOZA TO IXTACZOQUITLAN
STATE OF VERACRUZ-LLAVE
MEXICO
BERNARDO SERVIN-MASSIEU
2005.9
4.1
CONURBATION DIRECT MUNICIPALITIES
4.2.- CONURBATION INDIRECT MUNICIPALITIES
5.0.- ORIZABA PEAK NATIONAL PARK
5.1.- RIO BLANCO CANYON NATIONAL PARK
6.1.0.3.- AGRICULTURE PRACTICES
6.1.1.
HUMAN SETTLEMENTS AND SERVICES
6.1.1.2.- LEAKS IN DISTRIBUTION NETWORK
6.1.1.8.- PRECIPITATION UTILIZATION
6.1.2.0.- INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES
6.1.2.2.- WATER REUSE AND RECYCLING
6.1.2.3.- INTRAMURAL EFFLUENT TREATMENT
6.1.2.4.- COLLECTIVE EFFLUENT TREATMENT (FIRIOB)
6.2.0.0.- BURNING & CUTTING SUGAR CANE
6.2.0.1.- AGRONOMIC CULTURAL PRACTICES
6.2.1.0.- HUMAN SETTLEMENTS AND SERVICES
6.2.1.0.- STATIONARY EMISSION SOURCES
6.2.1.0.0.- LIQUID PETROLEUM GAS
6.2.1.1.- MOBILE EMISSIONS SOURCES
6.2.1.1.1.- PM 10 PARTICULATE MATTER
6.2.1.1.6.- URBAN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
6.2.1.1.7.- SUBURBAN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
6.2.3.0.- STATIONARY EMISSION SOURCES
6.2.3.5.-
MOBILE EMISSION SOURCES
6.3.3.
HUMAN SETTLEMENTS AND SERVICES
The
municipalities that currently form the Ciudad Mendoza to Ixtaczoquitlan
conurbation, in the state of
The first settlers into the
region came from what is now the State of
Once the conquest finished
of what became to be known as
During the third decade of
the 19th century, the first textile industries were established in
the
With the arrival of the
steam locomotive, the natural route for the first railroad from the
When the spaniards came to
the region, human settlements were found that lived on the cultivation of
species currently unknown to us, the conquistadores adapted to the region the
cultivation of sugar cane (Saccharum oficinarum), coffee (Coffea
arabiga). Chayote (Sechium edule), a squash
vegetable originally from the American continent whose name in Nahuatl
(hitzayotli) means prickly squash. The tuber from this climbing plant is
also edible, being called chinchayote. Also native of the American continent,
tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) was cultivated regionally.
Soledad Garcia-Morales
illustrates us about the haciendas and their products within the Orizaba Canton
from the analysis that she made of the "1907 Statistics".
|
HACIENDA MATA TENATITO TUXPANGO TECAMALUCA EL ENCINAR SIERRA DE AGUA SAN DIEGO CUANTLAPAN OMEALCA EL XUCHIL EL JAZMIN JALAPILLA SAN ANTONIO ESCAMELA |
OWNER JUAN P. SENTÍES MANUEL BLANCO M. CASTELLANOS RAMON AGUILAR L.P. POSTEÑO MARIANO GANEZ R. SEGURA MANUEL GOMEZ JULIO M. CHOPIN ELENA VIVANCO MANUEL BRINGAS ANGELA BRINGAS JOSE GARCIA U.
|
HECTARES 19,310 7,929 4,981 3,580 2,632 1,812 1,625 1,547 1,497 920 842 221 198 |
PRODUCTS CF,CTL CF, SGR CRLS, CTL CRLS, FWD FWD CRLS, FWD CF,SGR,ALC CF, CTL FWD CF, SGR, ALC CF, SGR, ALC CF, SGR, ALC CF, SGR, ALC |
ALC: ALCOHOL, CF: COFFEE,
CRLS: CEREALS, CTL: CATTLE
FWD: FIRE WOOD, SGR: CANE
SUGAR
To the pharmaceutical
industry, this region contributed in the 19th century with the
Xalapa root (Ipomea orizabiensis, Ipomea purga), whose tuber has
laxative properties. In the 20th century forties, Dr. Russel E.
Marker collected in this region for the first time. Yams of "Cabeza de
Negro" (Dioscorea mexicana), and later of "Barbasco" (Dioscorea
composita, Dioscorea Floribunda), from which he extracted a saponin
(Dioscin), from which he obtained a sapogenin (Diosgenin), important chemical
precursor of steroid hormones, contraceptives, antiinflamatories, anabolics,
etc.
Soils of the region were
formed in the Cretaceous period. Mainly, limestone rocks
which makes very permeable soils strata. Very important factor to
consider in determining landfill sites for solid wastes and leachate
penetration. Outstanding is the presence of Pico de Orizaba (
Climate is moist sub
tropical with ample precipitation during summer time, representing 90% of the
total. During autumn through spring seasons, precipitation diminishes
considerably as drizzle and fog due to strong winds in the gulf
of Mexico as a result of cold-moist fronts common that time of the year. Moisture
carried by these winds, ends up in the piedmont of the mountain range in which
the conurbation is located.
A very important factor
about the climatic regulation in this region is the snow precipitation over the
2.1.-
THERMAL INVERSIONS
Because of the valley's
configuration, industrialization levels and human settlements, during autumn
and winter, thermal inversions are frequently manifested that normally break at
noon, strong and dry winds from the west help to break the inversions.
2.2.-
GREENHOUSE EFFECT
All year round high
moisture and precipitation allows evergreen vegetation that sequesters green
house effect gases, especially carbon dioxide having a natural sink, avoiding
accumulation in the valley.
However towards
3.0.- HYDROLOGY
The region is characterized
for its richness in hydrological resources that in the past catalyzed the
industrialization of the valley as a power source and the use of water for
established industries.
3.1.- PRECIPITATION
Two rain precipitation
levels are distinct in the valley, above 2000 mm annually east of
3.2.- SPRINGS
The region is characterized
by having springs that originate from the thawing of snow precipitation in
3.3.- RIVERS
Four are the main rivers
that flow through the region; Rio Blanco begins in the
Twenty municipalities
constitute the valley; five of them integrate the west-east axis. The remaining
are peripheral to the others, limiting to the north
the
4.1 CONURBATION DIRECT MUNICIPALITIES
|
MUNICIPALITY MENDOZA NOGALES RIO BLANCO ORIZABA IXTACZOQUITLAN |
LATITUDE (1) 18/48/45 18/49/42 18/50/12 18/50/58 18/51/18 |
LONGITUDE (2) 97/11/30 97/09/54 97/08/48 97/05/47 97/04/00 |
ALTITUDE (3) 1340 1280 1289 1230 1140 |
4.2.- CONURBATION INDIRECT MUNICIPALITIES
|
MUNICIPALITY ACULTZINGO AQUILA ATZACAN CUETZALA CORDOBA HUILOAPAN IXHUATLANCILLO LA PERLA MALTRATA M. ESCOBEDO R. DELGADO S.A. TENEJAPAN S. ATZOMPA TEQUILA TLILAPAN |
LATITUDE (1) 18/42/18 18/48/00 18/54/30 18/53/34 18/53/34 18/49/00 18/54/00 18/56/30 18/48/54 18/55/15 18/48/45 18/47/30 18/45/24 18/47/30 18/45/12 |
LONGITUDE (2) 97/16/00 97/19/00 97/05/00 97/55/00 96/55/52 97/09/00 97/08/30 97/07/54 97/06/18 97/07/54 97/05/09 97/05/30 97/10/06 97/05/00 97/06/18 |
ALTITUDE (3) 1770 0170 1320 0971 0860 1300 1330 1375 1797 1300 1200 1360 1093 1644 0995 |
4.3.-
INFRASTRUCTURE
Currently the
Mendoza-Ixtaczoquitlan conurbation has infrastructure for industrial
development, through the region, PEMEX's (Petroleos Mexicanos, the state owned
oil corporation) most important ducts that carry oil and oil products from the
country's oil fields southeast
A four-lane toll road from
the
The
The hydroelectric plants in
5.0.-
Extension: 19750 Hectares
Located
within the Tlachichuca, Chalchicomula and Atzintla municipalities of
The main ecosystems are
forests of pine, silver pine, cypress, and oak, sub alpine prairie and alpine
tundra, also remains of mesophile forest. There is a high endemism of forms
from temperate and cold climates.
The first climbing attempt
registered by modern history was organized by Karl Sartorius in 1848, reaching the summit he found a plaque dated 1847. With
two names; F. Maynard and G. Reynolds that were troopers of Winfield Scott's
army during the 1846-1848 Mexican American war.
Flora: Pine forest (Pinus
bartewegii, Pinus montezumae, Pinus letophylla), Oak (Quercus corrugata,
Quercus mexicana) among others, Alder (Alnus glabrata, Alnus firmicola),
Fir (Abies religiosa, Abies bickeli), Juniper (Juniperus jeppeana),
Grasses (Festuca, spp., Stipa spp., Calamagrostis ssp.).
Fauna: White tail deer (Odocoileus
virginianus), Weasel (Mustela frenata), Raccoon (Procyon lotor),
Mouse (Heteromys spp., Lyomis spp.), Rabbit (Sylvagus audobonii,
Sylvagus spp.), Humming Bird (Amalzia beryllina), Mocking bird (Mimus
gilvus), among others.
5.0.1.-
CREATION DECREE
Federation's Official
Journal,
Decree declaring National
Park the
Next to a seal with the
National Emblem, that reads: United Mexican States.- Presidency
of the Republic.
Lazaro Cardenas.
Constitutional President of the Mexican United States to their inhabitants, hear this:
That in use of the
faculties granted by articles 22 and 41 of the Forest Law of April 5th,
1926 and attending as disposed by articles 39, 47, and 48 in the ordinance of
the said law and.
Considering that the
culminating mountains of the
Considering that among the
majestic mountains that for our
Considering, finally that
the natural beauty of this mountain by itself and of its flora and fauna, form
a powerful amusement to develop tourism. Improve the current paths to make it
accessible form various point, it constitutes an economic advantage for
regional towns. The office under my responsibility has determined to issue the
following
DECREE
From the north, beginning
in the heights of the
ARTICLE TWO.- Management
and governing of the Orizaba Peak National Park will be under the Department of
Forestry, and Hunting, and Fishing with the intervention of the Treasury and
Public Credit Secretariat related to budget and production that the said
management and governing will cause.
ARTICLE THREE.- The Treasury and Public Credit Secretariat will proceed
according to applicable laws, to the indemnification at declared fiscal value
that correspond to the owners of the affected properties.
TRANSITORY
ARTICLE ONE.- For effective guarding of the
ARTICLE TWO.- This Decree will become effectively enforced three days
after it is published in the Federation's Official Journal.
In compliment as disposed
in fraction one of article 89 of the Political Constitution of the Mexican
United States, and for its proper publication and observance. I declare this
Decree at the Federal Executive Branch Residence, in
5.1.-
Warning: Recently, the
Environment and Natural Resources Secretariat (SEMARNAT) has been developing a
scheme of illegality for the industries established within the boundaries of
the decree you are about to read, under the terms defined in the said decree. Some
of these industries were established in 1836, one hundred years before the
publication of the decree.
If you have a industrial project for this area, think twice before
investing.
Area: 55690 hectares
Embraces 17 municipalities
in central west
The park embraces an
interesting transition gradient, its high part belongs
to the Neo Artic region, from the biotic provinces of the transverse Volcanic
Axis and Veracruzan. And Peten possessions. The
Chiapas-Guatemala upper plateau and the East Sierra.
All the former factors join
to produce highly diversified and complicated vegetation. Predominating
conifer, oak, and mesophile forest. Oak chaparral and
temperate prairie. Further, possessions of low deciduous jungle near
Acultzingo, and of sub deciduous medium jungle near Fortin, thus gallery
forests of sabines and wild fig trees.
The Park begins in the
highlands of Acultzingo incline, and ends up in the Metlac Ravine, between 2600
and 900 meters of altitude. Consequently it includes cold, temperate and
tropical climates, it can be considered as a summary of the natural wealth our
country possesses. Protects the
Flora: Fragile ecosystems,
as low deciduous jungle, among whose most representative species are:
Gumbo-Limbo (Bursera simaruba), Silk cotton tree (Ceiba aesculifolia),
and Guayaco (Guaia sanctum). Temperate forest with
pine (Pinus spp.) and oak (Quercus spp.).
Fauna: White tail deer (Odocoileus
virginianus), Skunk (Conepatus leuconotus), Weasel (Mustela
franata, Bassariscus astutus), Armadillo (Dasypus novemeintus),
Raccoon (Procyon lotor), Falcon (Falco spp.), Owl (Tyto alba), Wild Hen (Dendrotyx macrorura), Parrot (Arantinga
holochlora), Iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata), Lizard (Sceloporus
spp.), Climbing lizard (Hemidactylus spp. Spaeheredactulus spp.),
and insects as the Arsenura butterfly.
5.1.1.- CREATION
DECREE
Federation's Official Journal,
Tuesday march 22, 1938
Department of Forestry and
Hunting and Fishing
Decree
that declare "
At the margin of a seal
with the National Emblem that says. Mexican United States.-
Presidency of the Republic.
Lazaro Cardenas,
Constitutional President of the Mexican United States to their inhabitants hear this:
That in use of the power
invested by articles 18, 22, and 41 of the Forestry Law from April 5th,
1926, and as disposed in articles 19, 47, and 48 from the said law ordinance,
and.
Considering
that the Federal Government, within the general guidelines as determined by the
Six-Year Program.
Is enforced to dictate all necessary measures, to preserve and restore all
natural beauties that convey benefit directly or indirectly to the inhabitants
of the region they dwell:
Considering that huge
ranges of the
Considering that it is a
fact broadly demonstrated by observation. That forest vegetation additionally
of being important factor that regulates hydraulic regime of surface and
underground courses, element that avoids erosion action of natural agents in
sloped land, as aquatic in the Rio Blanco Canyon because of deforestation,
loosing the outstanding beauty of its landscape.
Considering
that by means of adequate profit or the Rio Blanco water and numerous
tributaries. Industry
has developed in the
DECREE
ARTICLE ONE. - It is
declared National Park destined for perpetual conservation of wild flora and
fauna. With the name "
Beginning at the Acultzingo
summits incline southeast end, continuous through the Mexlentepec summits and
further by the right flow side of Rio Blanco, Pachicali, Matlacuay, Necoxtla,
Ojo de Agua, San Cristobal, Alpopoca, and Mexico hills are touched. Bordering
continues through the left side of the Metlac Ravine, up to the place known as
Ixtepec. From this point and always following the ravine on its right side, it
reaches a point called Sumidero. From here it follows the track of the Mexican
Railroad up to Potrerillo, to continue afterwards through the Escamela,
Xicontepec, Tecolote, Laguna, and Estancia de Agua Rosa hills. Including the left flow side of Rio Blanco. From Agua Rosa
it continues to the northwest up to Ahuatlan. From here it continues following
the state limits between
ARTICLE TWO.- the
ARTICLE THREE. - The area
within the limits fixed by article one of this decree,
will remain in possession of their owners as long as they comply with the
requirements established by the Forest Service, in benefit of the said National
Park.
ARTICLE FOUR. - Within this
National Park, it is strictly forbidden to hunt and commercially exploit forest
products.
ARTICLE FIVE. - The Forest
and Hunting and Fishing Department, in cooperation with local authorities,
neighboring towns and land owners as mentioned in article one, will proceed to
install permanent of temporary nurseries as needed to accomplish reforestation
in those areas mostly needed and in which the Department will cooperate:
TRANSITORY
UNIQUE
ARTICLE. - This
decree will become enforced three days after it is published in the
Federation's Official Journal.
In Compliance as ordained
by fraction I of article 89 of the United Mexican
States Constitution. And for its proper publication and observance I issue this
Decree at the Federal Executive Branch Residence, in Mexico City, Federal
District at twenty days February nineteenth thirty eight. - Lazaro Cardenas. -
Signed. - The Head of the Department of Forest and Hunting and Fishing, Miguel
A. de Quevedo. - Signed. -To Ignacio Garcia Tellez. Secretary
of the Interior. - Present.
6. - ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The conurbation shows a
high population density among the five municipalities forming its nucleus. Towards
peripheral municipalities population diminishes and ample green areas of
deciduous and perennial vegetation that constitutes an important natural carbon
sink from stationary and mobile emission sources in particular carbon dioxide. This
vegetation during spring is threatened to catch fire due to anthropogenic
causes (agricultural land preparation practices) more than natural causes
(lightning, sunlight). This vegetation manifests abundantly from Rio Blanco to
Metlac where the conurbation finishes to the east: Vegetation from Rio Blanco
to Maltrata is more subject to the climatic seasonal variation of the
precipitation cycle.
An analysis follows on the
factors that contribute in natural and man made, to environmental impact within
the region, emphasizing that to a major percentage no accurate measurements are
available to quantify this impact. Only from the industrial sector is that the
Environment, Natural Resources and Fishing Secretariat, through its National
Ecology Institute (Annual Operation Schedule), the Federal Environment
Protection Attorney (Environmental Audits) and the National Water Commission. Data
is available of emissions to receiving bodies.
From the human settlements
and service sector no reliable data is available from state and municipal governments, this would allow us to know more accurately the
environmental impact of the conurbation. To a major extent a great portion of
the environmental impact within the conurbation is due to the chaotic land use,
since the arrival of the Europeans to this part of
The issues to be analyzed
are with the purpose to offer a working guideline.
6.1. - WATER
Water is the most
environmentally impacted receiving body because of its abundance and the
geological and soil characteristics in the region. It can be said that Rio
Blanco is the sewer for the area due to the topography of the land and level
differences between population centers, agricultural activities, industry and
livestock. Water runs, fast enough until it reaches Rio Blanco. From
Acultzingo, To its discharge in the Alvarado Lagoon
and into the
22 municipalities and an
important number of industries, sugar mills predominating, discharge to Rio
Blanco. Furthermore another factor is runoff carrying pesticides, and
fertilizers from sugar cane fields.
Agriculture in the region
is represented by sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum), coffee (Coffea
arabiga), and maize (Zea mays). Among vegetables predominates
chayote (Sechium edule), peppers (Capsicum spp.). Fruit bearing
trees are represented by banana (Musa spp.),
Fertilizers are applied
throughout commercial cultivars; their distribution is done by local business.
Because of the predominant
climate, insecticides are environmentally important in the region as with
fertilizers, pesticides are distributed by hardware stores and pest control
business.
6.1.0.3.
- AGRICULTURE PRACTICES
These are traditional. Whose
environmental impact can be considered important, grass burning in the drought
season is common before maize planting or to renew grass for forage. It is an
important PM10 source. On the other hand, coffee cherry pulp is dumped into
creeks of neighboring plantation fields.
6.1.1.
HUMAN SETTLEMENTS AND SERVICES
Population is concentrated
in the five direct conurbation municipalities west to east. Inasmuch, commerce,
services; industry and dwellings are mixed due to traditional unregulated land
use. Even today this situation persists.
Drinking water is supplied
by wells and disinfected for pathogen microorganisms by means of chlorinating.
Another important drinking
water supply comes from the main springs mentioned in the beginning. In rural
zones, water supply comes from wells without chlorinating, as general practice
health officials recommend boiling water before drinking or used for food
preparation.
6.1.1.2.
- LEAKS IN DISTRIBUTION NETWORK
As a general rule, water
distribution networks had been operating for many years; hence leaks are
common, resulting in crossed contamination from sewage collectors because water
pumping is not continuous.
Within households, leaks
are also common, they are not repaired mainly because water duties are not from
metered use and usually it is paid by a very low flat rate duty that favors
misuse.
Precipitation is normally
rain, occasionally hale precipitates in the conurbation area. In the highlands,
near the
Same as precipitation, gray
wastewater is not used and mixes with sewage in collectors. As a general rule,
regional businesses don't market integrated shower, hand wash and toilet
systems. Currently five-gallon flushing toilets predominate.
Urban sewage is to a major
extent discharged raw into Rio Blanco.
Precipitation falling over
roofs and streets is mixed with sewage, hydraulically overloading any effluent
treatment system to be installed.
6.1.1.8.
- PRECIPITATION UTILIZATION
Consequently, precipitation
falling over roofs and streets is not captured in absorption wells to recharge
aquifers.
The conurbation is not
characterized to be a predominantly cattle raising area, this is due to terrain
topography for the displacement of big herds. However there is a high potential
for cattle breeding and raising through the corral system, no significant
projects had developed.
Livestock in the region is
dairy (Bos taurus, Bos indicus). Pork (Sus scrofa). Goat (Capra
hircus).
Livestock excreta handling
are very rudimentary; likewise its disposal implicates a high environmental
impact to soil and water.
6.1.2.0.
- INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES
The conurbation has about
30 industries: micro, small, medium and large in the following activities: Food
(cane sugar, coffee, potato chips, rice flour, soft drinks, wheat flour),
cement, glass, tanneries, pharmaceutical (steroids), fermentation (amino acids,
beer, ethanol), pulp, paper, tissue, and board, steel rods, textiles, metal
finishing.
Water used in industry,
comes from municipal networks, wells, springs or rivers, depending on their
location, oldest mills continue using water for power generation and for their
processes.
Over the years industry has
consistently used less water through savings programs. This water saving
culture will permeate to households and the service sector in the conurbation.
6.1.2.2.
- WATER REUSE AND RECYCLING
As mentioned above,
industries are implementing systems to increase reuse and recycling water. One
of them has been awarded the Water Quality Certificate from the National Water
Commission.
6.1.2.3.
- INTRAMURAL EFFLUENT TREATMENT
Industries had implemented
different systems according to their processes: Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket
(UASB). Constructed wetland with local aquatic plant species
as cattail (Scirpus lacustris, Typha domengensis). Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes). And water lily (Eichornia
crassipes) native to
6.1.2.4.
- COLLECTIVE EFFLUENT TREATMENT (FIRIOB)
Several (13) industries in
the conurbation participate in joint effluent treatment plant that was
commissioned in November 1995. Current treatment capacity is 1250 liters/second
in five UASB anaerobic reactors. Another three can boost capacity to 2000
liters/second. During 2003 and 2004 FIRIOB was upgraded in the anaerobic phase
and aerobic polishing was added. Trials were conducted during the second
semester of 2004, since 2005 complies with NOM-001-SEMARNAT-1996 and it is
managed by TYCO’s Earth Tech Division.
6.1.3. - FORESTRY
6.1.5.
-
To close the water chapter,
Rio Blanco pollution most relevant data is presented as the major receiving
body in the conurbation.
Rio Blanco basin presents
an area of 2294 square kilometers measured upstream from the highest tide
level.
Data, from the United
Nations, by means of a sampling station located at north latitude 18/44/30 and
west longitude 096/26/00, at this point Rio Blanco is 73.2 meters wide and 9.1
meters deep, sampling station is 91 meters above sea level, and samples are
withdrawn one meter deep into the river. Average flow is 46.4
cubic meters/second. Sampling station is located in the Tlalixcoyan,
Ver. municipality.
Three periods were sampled
and analyzed in the following dates:
First period:
Second period:
Third period:
AVERAGE LOADS (Kg/day) for
each period
|
PARAMETER BOD COD SS O & G T. COLIFORMS F. COLIFORMS T. NITROGEN |
1988-1989 44098 300672 100224 NA 1.6E+15 1.6E+15 NA |
1991-1993 21648 785756 517156 NA 1.5E+15 6.3E+14 NA |
1994-1996 116436 392878 34762 48107 9.5E+13 3.1E+13 21608 |
Coliforms in number/day
NA: not available
MINIMUM LOADS (Kg/day) for
each period
|
PARAMETER BOD COD SS O & G T. COLIFORMS F. COLIFORMS T. NITROGEN |
1988-1989 0 28062 20044 NA 1.7E+14 1.7E+14 NA |
1991-1993 4008 48107 120269 NA 1.0E+14 2.6E+10 NA |
1994-1996 4008 80179 16035 0 3.5E+12 8.6E+11 4049 |
MAXIMUM LOADS (Kg/day) for
each period
|
PARAMETER BOD COD SS O & G T. COLIFORMS F. COLIFORMS T. NITROGEN |
1988-1989 160358 11154580 380851 NA 9.6E+15 9.6E+15 NA |
1991-1993 344771 10000000 42249498 NA 8.6E+15 8.6E+15 NA |
1994-1996 232520 1403136 2180874 312699 1.7E+14 1.7E+14 40891 |