The transfer of wastewater from the Javier Rojo Gómez and Vicente Aguirre dams caused foam to accumulate and spread onto the state highway connecting the municipalities of Alfajayucan and Chilcuautla, Hidalgo.
This phenomenon, which is not new to residents of the region, caused the roadway to be closed for several hours. Due to the delay in the arrival of Civil Protection authorities, local residents themselves used their own means to clear the road.
However, health and environmental authorities warned that direct contact with the foam should be avoided at all times.
Residents were also asked not to attempt to cross the area if visibility is poor, in order to prevent accidents.
Another recommendation is to prevent children and domestic animals from coming into contact with the foam and water. If it is necessary to work on removing the material, gloves, boots, and protection for the eyes and respiratory tract should be used.
Why Does Foam Form in Hidalgo?
According to the National Water Commission (Conagua), the waterway that runs through this system is part of the basin that receives wastewater from the Valley of Mexico, which passes through the Atotonilco de Tula Treatment Plant and is distributed through various canals and dams, as well as the Tula River.
It is turbulence that agitates the compounds present in the water and generates large concentrations of foam that can be observed in the irrigation canals of Ajacuba, Hidalgo, and other municipalities in the Mezquital Valley.
Foam Again Covers the Alfajayucán–Chilcuautla Highway
Yesterday, Monday, a significant amount of material was observed on the Alfajayucán–Chilcuautla highway, forcing residents to remove it.
This Tuesday, the phenomenon appeared again, forcing Civil Protection and Fire Department personnel to intervene.
The disruption to vehicle traffic is not the only problem; there is also the contamination affecting families. In addition to requesting brigades to completely remove the foam, residents called for specialists to determine the extent of the damage or level of contamination and assess the potential impact on the health of the population that prolonged exposure to what they consider toxic foam could cause over time.
It should be noted that this problem in the region is persistent during various months of the year, especially when the rainy season arrives, because more water comes from the Valley of Mexico, carrying all kinds of material with it.
Source: enfoquenoticias
