Nicaragua's Pollution: Understanding The Root Causes And Impacts

Nicaragua's environment is facing a number of challenges, from deforestation and soil erosion to water scarcity and pollution. The country's most well-known polluter was the Elpesa chlor-alkali plant, which discharged 40 tons of mercury into Lake Managua over 13 years, making it one of the most polluted lakes globally. In addition to industrial pollution, Nicaragua's water resources are threatened by untreated domestic and industrial wastewater, as well as poor water resource management. The country's water sources have been depleted by a three-year drought and massive deforestation, with up to 60% of its surface water sources lost. These issues have led to a lack of potable water for Nicaraguans, especially in rural areas, where 72% of people do not have access.

Inadequate water supply and sanitation

In rural and remote areas, the lack of infrastructure is a critical issue. Many communities lack basic plumbing or electricity, making water collection, storage, and distribution extremely challenging. This is reflected in the statistics, which show that over a third of people in these areas do not have piped water or adequate sanitation facilities. The situation is particularly dire in marginalized regions, where the most vulnerable populations struggle with access to safe water.

Despite investments in urban areas, access to drinking water has barely kept up with population growth, and the quality of service remains poor. The Nicaraguan Water and Sewerage Enterprise (ENACAL) estimates that effective coverage is less than 60%, indicating that a significant portion of the population is not reliably served. This disparity in access contributes to health risks, especially for children, with over a million annual cases of diarrhea attributed to inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene.

To address these issues, the World Bank has supported initiatives such as PROSASR, which aims to improve water and sanitation for the rural poor. Additionally, organizations like Outreach International and Alcance Nicaragua have facilitated successful water projects, recognizing that access to clean water and sanitation is fundamental to community development and well-being. These efforts are crucial in mitigating the impact of inadequate water supply and sanitation on the health and economic prospects of Nicaragua's population.

Indoor and urban air pollution

Nicaragua faces significant environmental health risks that impose a heavy burden on its economy, costing around 2.6 billion NIO or 2.4% of the country's GDP. Air pollution is a critical issue, with household air pollution causing approximately 1,060 premature deaths, according to a 2016 estimate.

Indoor air pollution is one of the key environmental health risk factors in Nicaragua. Inadequate water supply and sanitation contribute to this issue. Poor water quality, sanitation, and hygiene practices can lead to the release of harmful pollutants into the indoor air, affecting the health of those within the household, especially children under five.

Urban air pollution is another significant concern in Nicaragua, particularly in highly urbanized areas. The country experiences high rates of urbanization, which, coupled with the overuse of water and natural resources, contributes to the degradation of air quality in urban centres. The primary sources of urban air pollution include vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and the burning of fossil fuels for energy generation.

To address these challenges, Nicaragua has taken initiatives to reduce urban pollution and improve environmental sustainability. The country has implemented innovative policies for environmental protection and natural resource management, working closely with partners like the World Bank. These efforts include introducing fuel and air quality standards, promoting carbon emission reduction, and exploring new approaches to water resources management.

Additionally, the government of Nicaragua has recognized the importance of restoring forest cover to safeguard agricultural production and minimize the impacts of climate variability. Initiatives like the National Reforestation Plan aim to reduce carbon emissions and increase awareness about the importance of forests in mitigating environmental degradation. By addressing the root causes of indoor and urban air pollution, Nicaragua is striving to improve the health and well-being of its citizens while also protecting its natural resources for future generations.

Industrial and domestic wastewater

Nicaragua is a water-rich country with a water availability of 35,000 cubic meters per capita per year, which is more than five times the average for Central America and the Caribbean. However, the country faces significant challenges in water resources management, including contaminated surface water from untreated domestic and industrial wastewater.

In 2005, it was estimated that only 42% of all collected wastewater in the country was treated, and the capital city of Managua lacked a wastewater treatment system entirely. While access to improved water supply and sanitation has increased since then, with 77% and 85% coverage, respectively, according to the 2005 census, the effective coverage is still lacking. The Nicaraguan Water and Sewerage Enterprise (ENACAL) estimates that actual coverage is less than 60% due to insufficient and unreliable service.

The inadequate treatment of domestic and industrial wastewater has led to the contamination of water bodies such as Lake Colibolca and the San Juan River. These waterways have become depositories of hydrocarbon residue, agricultural chemicals, basic grains, and animal excrement, posing a significant challenge to those working to reverse the pollution. The sediment and solid waste conveyed through the drainage system also expose lower areas to flooding during the rainy season.

Additionally, non-revenue water losses are high in Nicaragua, with more than half of the water lost due to leaks and broken pipes. This further exacerbates the issue of water scarcity and puts a strain on the country's economy. The environmental health risks associated with poor water supply, sanitation, and hygiene are estimated to cost Nicaragua US$0.9 billion, or 6.7% of the country's GDP, with premature deaths and infections, especially in children under five, being a significant concern.

Deforestation and soil erosion

Nicaragua's environmental health risks, which include deforestation and soil erosion, impose a significant burden on the country's economy, costing about US$0.9 billion, or 6.7% of the country's GDP in 2016.

Deforestation in Nicaragua has been driven by the agroexport model imposed on the country in the 1950s, which has led to the conversion of about 10,000 square miles of forested land for other uses. The expansion of pastureland for cattle grazing and dairy farming has been a significant contributor, with Nicaragua having almost twice as much land dedicated to this use as is appropriate. The country has also experienced massive deforestation in the past few decades, with a three-year drought contributing to the loss of up to 60% of its surface water sources and 50% of its underground water sources. This has had a detrimental impact on the country's water supply, threatening future access to water and putting agricultural production and human well-being at risk.

Soil erosion in Nicaragua is closely linked to deforestation practices. The removal of forest cover leaves the soil exposed to wind and water erosion, causing the sedimentation of waterways and further contributing to the loss of water resources. IRENA, a national forestry program, promotes soil protection by encouraging peasant producers to adopt specific practices. For example, mixing annual and perennial crops allows the roots of the perennials to protect the soil from erosion. Additionally, grazing cattle in wooded areas instead of clearing land for pasture can help prevent soil erosion and preserve forested areas.

To address the issues of deforestation and soil erosion, PROFOR has proposed to provide analysis on the ecosystem service and economic benefits of forest landscape restoration activities. By generating various restoration and investment scenarios, PROFOR aims to support the Nicaraguan government in implementing potential forest landscape restoration programs. These initiatives seek to balance watershed conservation, forest protection, and carbon sequestration while offering opportunities for farmers, local communities, and the private sector to engage in restoration and reforestation efforts.

Chlor-alkali plant pollution

Nicaragua's most polluting plant, the Elpesa chlor-alkali plant in Managua, was shut down in 1992. Elpesa was responsible for devastating pollution, causing Lake Managua to become one of the most polluted lakes in the world.

The plant, which opened in 1968, produced chlorine and caustic soda from salt using the mercury cell process. This technology was licensed by the Olin Corporation, which operated a similar plant in Niagara Falls, New York. The mercury cell process involves passing an electric current from two mercury electrodes through concentrated saltwater, resulting in the collection of sodium hydroxide and chlorine at separate electrodes.

Almost immediately after Elpesa began operations, studies traced mercury pollution in Lake Managua back to the plant. In the early 1980s, it was revealed that the company had discharged 40 tons of mercury into the lake over 13 years, making it a potent neurotoxin that accumulated in fish and posed a significant risk to human health and the environment. The plant also vented poisonous chlorine gas into the air, causing respiratory issues among nearby residents.

The closure of the Elpesa chlor-alkali plant was a significant victory for the Nicaraguan Environmental Movement, as it put an end to 21 years of pollution from hazardous technology transferred from the United States. However, there were still challenges ahead, including the return of mercury cells to Olin, the compensation of affected workers and residents, and the cleanup of the polluted area.

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