When in doubt blame Petaquilla!
Residents fear for possible contamination
The Water Resources Authority is investigating the reason for the deaths, along with Health, University of Panama and the Canal Authority.
nacionales@prensa.com February 20, 2011
The regional director of the Aquatic Resources Authority of Panama (ARAP), Abdiel Martinez, said the institution is still conducting research to determine what caused the massive fish kills occurred in the area of Cocle del Norte two weeks ago.
"After the complaints received we moved to the area of North Coclé RECAVA much information as possible and interviewed residents," the official said.
The information gathered by the Arap are varied: some residents of the area say it all came about because in the river wash pumps with agrochemicals.
Others suggest it is due to the Petaquilla mining Gold.
Among the dead fish species found in several rivers in the district of Cocle del Norte had tilapia, old, mackerel, trout, and bass ocachicas.
Martinez said that for the same dates was presented a similar problem in the area of Limón, on Lake Gatun, which is suspect.
Martinez's statements were given during the Provincial Council meeting held last Thursday at Miguel de la Borda.
At the meeting, the representative of the area, Harding Dolfin, said dead fish are still found, although in smaller amounts. 15 days ago, the accumulation was impressive.
"What we know is what killed the fish ... Some say the practice artisanal mining and other large enterprises to operate our mines ... We want you to take action because people are too afraid to eat fish from the river or bathing. We want answers, "he said Harding.
Both the director of the Arap as the provincial governor, Pedro Rios, pledged during the meeting to further research.
This process involves several institutions including the University of Panama, the Ministry of Health and the Panama Canal Authority.
Authorities also asked the population of Columbus down the coast to be more careful about waste disposal, as the beaches are lined with trash.
PERSONAL COMMENT: Filthy indians dump their trash and all kinds of chemicals in the rivers and on the beaches. There is zero pollution from Petquilla. The farmers wash their pesticide poison out of their tank trucks into the river along with flushing their pumps out. They dump used oil and old gas into the river. They run their sewer lines from their houses and shops into the river.
OMG the fish are glowing!!! Must be Petaquilla. Petaquilla Foundation spends $100,000.00 a month trying to clean up these wretches and give them a better life with health clinics, hot food, and schools. What a waste of money!!
