| Water is everywhere
in Venice and, unfortunately, most of it is polluted. The lagoon’s natural
balance has been interrupted by activities in the Port
of Marghera. Canals have been dug across the lagoon
to allow large barges to enter the port. These canals are too deep
and negatively alter the lagoon’s relationship
with the Adriatic Sea, whose waters
naturally flush pollutants out of the lagoon. Some
argue that Project Moses will harm this relationship as well. |
Port
of Marghera
(Free
Foto)
|
| The Port
of Marghera must be sustained to continue the productivity
of Venice. However, it poses many threats to the natural environment.
The barges sailing into the port carry oil creating the potential
for an oil spill, which would be detrimental to the city of Venice.
The port’s chemical plants generate air pollution. A red haze can
often be observed looming over the port. |
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Polluted
canal
(Yahoo)
|
The canals
have grown increasingly contaminated due to runoff from the port
and maintenance problems on the island. Many associate Venice with
the stink of its canals. Narrow, shallow canals wedged between
buildings are not easily reached for cleaning. Vacuum sewers have
been installed, providing effective waste disposal, but the canals
still require cleaning. Groups like INSULA and UNESCO are mandating
regular dredging of the canals to decrease dangerous buildup.
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