Axalta, a leading global supplier of liquid and powder coatings, in partnership with Ducks Unlimited de Mexico (DUMAC) and the government of Michoacan, formally inaugurated two Waste Water Treatment Plants (WWTP) in key communities in Michoacán to counteract the problems of water pollution in Lake Cuitzeo, the second largest body of water in Mexico.
This joint project is part of Axalta and DUMAC'S partnership conservation program, which achieved in 2017-2018 the installation of 145 eco-technologies such as ecological dry toilets, solar heaters, and biodigesters in Sayula, Jalisco; Pénjamo, Guanajuato, and Cuitzeo, Michoacán. The project benefits the residents of the rural communities and contributed to the reduction of soil and water contamination for the conservation of natural resources on which people and wildlife depend.
"We are proud to work together with Ducks Unlimited on projects throughout Mexico that are aimed to protect and preserve the environment. This action reinforces Axalta's commitment with sustainability and to environmental stewardship as a core tenant of the company's mission," said Daniel Salcido, President of Axalta Latin America North and Vice President Refinish Axalta Latin America.
In a ceremony attended by the municipal presidents of Santa Ana Maya and Copándaro municipalities, Daniel Salcido, thanked the facilities granted by the different levels of government for the construction of the two plants, which will help provide a healthy environment for the population and animals of the area.
Both waste water treatment plants were designed considering the growth of the population for the next 20 years. The WWTPs will have a capacity of 2.0 and 1.0 liters per second for the San Rafael and Arumbaro projects respectively, thanks to a pre-treatment system where the solid sediment and large solids are retained. Subsequently, the water will pass to an upward-flowing anaerobic reactor where the organic waste is processed. Finally, the water is conducted to a system of artificial wetlands where nutrients are absorbed by aquatic vegetation.
Through this work it will be possible to provide a clean, healthy and adequate environment for the communities.
In 2019, Axalta and DUMAC will continue working on projects focused on the protection and preservation of the environment through actions that impact directly and positively in the communities. Axalta also works on projects throughout North America with Ducks Unlimited Inc. and Ducks Unlimited Canada.