Autor: AIVP
Fuente: Port of Houston
fecha de publicación: Martes, 18 Septembre 2007
Tipo de documento: Noticias
Tema: 7.05 - gestión medioambiental, 7.04 - zona natural
idioma original: Ingles
Localisacion: América : Estados Unidos : Houston
idioma: Espanol, Ingles, Francés

El 4 de septiembre de 2007, en el marco de su programa Clean & Green, el Puerto de Houston lanzó oficialmente una nueva fase cuyo objetivo consiste en limpiar y restaurar el arroyo de Búfalo y la vía navegable. Además del interés esperado por parte de los usuarios, el interés del programa radica también en una asociación que reúne a actores privados, tales como la Shell Oil Company.

Five days a week, a land-based crew will collect litter and debris fromthe banks of the waterway, while a water-based crew will work from a skimmer boat to clean storm drains, banks and other natural collection areas. The program aims to collect more than 10 cubic yards of debris a day over the next year -- enough to fill 83 garbage trucks. The result:
a clean and pristine waterway for the community to enjoy.

The Houston area storm water drainage system carries street water and debris to curb catch basins that route the runoff through an underground system, which directly empties into the city's bayous. All discarded soda cans, plastic bags, Styrofoam cups and other litter from the streets enter into this drainage system. After a downpour, a tidal wave of trash flows towards the Port of Houston, and ultimately Galveston Bay, causing severe environmental problems. As the water level recedes to normal in the bayou, trash is left in the water, along the bayou's banks, and hanging from trees and other vegetation. This recurring litter negatively impacts the environment, neighboring communities and the city's overall image.

Phase one of the Clean & Green program will focus on restoring a seven-mile area along Buffalo Bayou from Shepherd Drive to the Turning Basin, and the Turning Basin through the Houston Ship Channel to the Highway 610 bridge.

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