Alamar Sustainable

Alamar Sustentable

We shall save Arroyo Alamar (Cottonwood Creek)!

Alamar is much more than squatter settlements and contamination

Did you know that?

Alamar is born in the USA as Miller Creek, downstream is called Campo Creek until it crosses into Tecate where it c h a n g e s i t s n a m e t o t h e Te c a t e River. Upon entering Tijuana it becomes Arroyo Alamar, which runs for 10k until it unites with the Tijuana River, and flows into the Pacific Ocean in the USA through the Tijuana River Estuary. In total the river bed runs for 79.3k Alamarsustentable.org

The Canalization Project The canalization Project of Arroyo Alamar that is being done contemplates covering the entire bed of the river with concrete, which will cause the loss of water because the cement does not permit the infiltration of water into the subsoil. Also the construction of the Via Rapida on both sidesof the Arroyo has as a consequence the disappearance of all species of animal and plant life of the area.

Arroyo Alamar. 2011

The Eco-hydrological Project

There are options for the canalization of the arroyo in a sustainable form such as the Eco-hydrological Project which was approved in 2007 by the municipality of Tijuana. This project contemplates the canalization and construction of the Via Rapida (Freeway) protecting the vegetation and the recharging of the water table, because it permits the infiltration of the water into the subsoil, besides creating a linear park of 10 kilometers for all the families of Tijuana to enjoy.

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Canalization with Concrete “Canalization serves generally to control the overflowing of water from the riverbanks.

Nonetheless with extreme canalization we are able to see flooding of greatquantities of water at a higher velocity which, as a consequence, floods the areas of the outlets even more disproportionally than if there had been no canalization.

“Other destructive consequences related to canalization of rivers: - Loss of habitat for wildlife and loss of species diversity; - the total negation of filtration of underground water; - the permanent reduction of current flow; - A diminution of the capacity for water storage both above and below ground; - more flooding and greater volume of standing water; - more erosion of channels; - more frequent local flooding; - and a worse concentration and quantity of contaminants in surrounding waters.”

Plan estratégico del corredor binacional Otay mesa- Mesa de Otay. Julio 2007 SANDAG e IMPLAN. Page 100.

Ibíd.. Pages 33 y 34

Arroyo Alamar. 2011 Alamarsustentable.org

We Shall Save Arroyo Alamar

Arroyo Alamar. 2011

There are a variety of non-governmental nonprofit organizations in Tijuana working for the conser vation of Arroyo Alamar. These organizations will do what it is necessary to do to preserve the arroyo and guide the construction of the freeways in a sustainable manner, without filling the riverbed with cement and without destroying the wooded area of Alamar, that will be a large linear park for the enjoymentof the families of all of Tijuana.

There are cities in the United States which are removing the cement from their rivers in order to rehabilitate them because they understand that canalization with cement is one of the most damaging options for the environment.

Tijuana has no water, almost all the water we usein the city comes from the Colorado River. If we recall that we are in the middle of a period of one of the worst droughts in many, many years in Mexico, we ought to guadas if it were gold each drop of water that can be found in the water table we have in the city.

We all have the right to live in a place free of toxic contaminents, and the canalization with concrete will bring more contamenants to the area.

Arroyo Alamar. 2011 Alamarsustentable.org

Why does Tijuana Need Alamar?

The Alamar represents 30% of the Tijuana River basin.

The Alamar is an ecosystem which sustains animal and plant life, and does not cost much money to maintain, being practically self-sustaining.

Many species of animals and plants exist which we still may meet with in this area.

The water table which is fed by Alamar is one of the three most important in Tijuana.

The wooded area and the river mitigate the contamination in the area.

It is an invaluable resource for the families of Tijuana as a healtthy and recreative space.

The wooded area prevents floods for the nearby neighbors.

All people have the right to access to green spaces and to demand they be preserved and maintained clean.

Arroyo Alamar. 2011 Alamarsustentable.org

A Bit of History Fifteen years ago Arroyo Alamar was a clean place where the people from nearby communities were able to fish and drink the water directly from the river channel. The presence of the maquila industries and the social impact which they brought with them seriously contaminated a part of the creek. Yet, even a year ago in spite of the squatter settlements and the refuse of the maquilas, the people of Colonia Chilpancingo, Murua and Nueva Esperanza could enjoy a quantity of riverside vegetation, until the beginning of the project of canalization. Nonetheless, in the part of the Alamar closest to Rio Tecate, we can still encounter a great variety of plants and animals native to the area. It is an invaluable ecosystem that with its environmental benefits mitigates the pollution derived from the presence of the maquila industries and would be able to lessen the impact of the next phase of construction of the Via Rapida (freeway) alongside this arroyo.

For More Information www.alamarsustentable.org Facebook: alamar sustentable anibalm@environmentalhealth.org

Still there is animal life in the forested area of Alamar. An invaluablenatural resource for Tijuana and those living there.

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