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Cornell Student Visit Honduras 2009
For the first two weeks of January the Cornell group had an opportunity to learn about water treatment technology in the field in Honduras. Students visited Copan, Gracias, Siguatepeque, Tegucigalpa, San Pedro de Tutule and the sites of AguaClara plants in Ojojona, Tamara, La Cuatro Comunidades, and Marcala. For more specific details, the itinerary can be seen here.
Some highlights and details:
(Stay tuned for the slideshow!)
In Copan we visited a conventional treatment plant imported from Spain. We also had the pleasure of visiting the Ruins.
In Gracias we met with the Mayor and students had the opportunity to see a site where we are currently evaluating the feasibility of using AguaClara technology.
In Siguatepeque we visited CEASO and had time to reflect on sustainable farming practices. We saw rainwater collection tanks and a biosand filter.
We stayed in Tamara for 3 nights and worked on installing the new dose controller. Students also visited Zambrano to see a CCC installed and to meet with the Water Board there.
We visited the Las Laureles treatment plant of SANAA and had a tour by Ing. Pedro Ortiz.
In the 4 Communities (Los Bayos, Rio Frio, Aldea Bonito and La Jagua) students were able to take part in some of the construction of the new plant. We had home stays for 4 days and had the chance to take part in the Health Fair to promote the new plant.
Our final stop was visiting a FIME plant (multiple filters in series, gravity fed) operated by FHIS in San Pedro de Tutule and then visiting the Marcala plant and helping to make some technical improvements.
You can read students reflections and see more photos to get a better idea of trip here.