Santander explains canal system as Belize River fish kill questions continue

By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): Santander Farms says its factory effluent is handled through a closed loop canal system that leads to a single monitored discharge point on the Belize River.

The company opened its operation to 7 News following the mass fish kill along the river earlier this month, which has turned attention toward agricultural activity in the watershed.

Chief Operating Officer Juan Cruz explained that the farm sits on flat land with separate main, secondary and third party canals.

“We have a closed grid canal that manages the factory effluents,” Cruz told 7 News, adding that the factory only runs during the dry season when sugarcane is harvested. Effluent from that process is irrigated onto surrounding crops, returning nutrients taken during harvesting.

Cruz said all canals were designed using RTK technology with zero slope and lead to one effluent point, a requirement under the company’s Environmental Compliance Plan.

On the canal itself, which drew controversy when opened around eleven years ago, Cruz said the company holds a permit and requires Department of Environment clearance to enter and clean it.

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