Environment - Greater Belize Media

Illegal Dump Site Exposed in Cristo Rey

It’s a mess that’s been piling up for years, and now, residents of Cristo Rey have had enough. Just outside the village entrance, an illegal dumping site has turned a piece of private land into a growing eyesore. Locals say it’s more than just trash, it’s a threat to their health and their community. So today, we headed west to hear their concerns firsthand. News Five’s Britney Gordon has that story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

There’s a serious pollution problem happening in Cristo Rey Village. Earlier this week, a video depicting several people dumping a truckload of trash onto a private property in the village began circulating on social media. This property is just off the side of the road at the entrance of the village, making piles of trash one of the first things people see when entering the community. Village Chairman, Wilmer Guerra, says this problem has been occurring ever since the fence closing off the area was removed during the road upgrades a few years back.

Wilmer Guerra, Chairman, Cristo Rey Village

“They were constructing the road, they broke off the fence that was here. And so people now have access to this area. And before it was just a steep hill. But now the construction of the road, they level it off so people can easily access it. And they’re just illegally dumping their garbage now for two years now.”

Britney Gordon

“So we know that this is a private property. Why has it become the council’s initiative to consistently clean it up? What’s the cons that you guys are seeing in the community?”

Wilmer Guerra

“For us, I think it’s very important to clean it off every time it accumulates because we depend a lot on tourism or main source of income for is tourism. There’s a lot of resorts close by. So it’s a very bad image. The first thing that comes into Cristo Rey, it’s this illegal dump site.”

Just a little over two months ago, the village council hosted a cleanup, removing all the unwanted trash. Unfortunately, the polluters just keep coming back. We spoke to an employee at the nearby Table Rock Jungle Lounge, to hear how the situation has been impacting the local tourism sector.

Zeekion McNab, Table Rock Jungle Lodge

“You can obviously see there’s litter there and, and then yes. Right now, it’s slow season, like I mentioned, so most of our guests, they prefer to rent a vehicle rather than book transportation. And with that then they, and then, furthermore, they don’t really know the roads that well, so they come slowly. So it’s obvious that they will definitely be seeing that there. And it’s not a nice sight.”

The litter raises even larger concerns over the potential environmental ramifications. Not too far away from the property, there is a creek that leads into the Macal River.

Zeekion McNab

“Here we have river, which is right below. We here we have river access. We offer canoeing, Tubing also for our guests. And the first thing they’ll think you, oh, we’re not getting in that river because of. What could be coming out from up there, even though it’s a bit farther downstream, but still, it would affect us all. And I believe the same would go for a lot of other lodges on the riverside.”

According to villagers, the dumping is primarily carried out by non-residents of Cristo Rey. Carmita Guerra, owner of Carm’s Restaurant, shares her disappointment in the lack of civic pride among Belizeans.

Carmita Guerra, Owner, Carm’s Restaurant

“It’s disgusting to see that people come from other places to dump garbage close to our village because here in the village, like especially me, that I have my business. I pay every time they pick up garbage, sixty dollars to throw my garbage. So it’s very hard to see that people just come in and dump. And here our village is a village where it’s a lot of tourism. We work with tourists, we work with the BTB. And then it’s very hard for us to see that if our villagers left like that, the people throw garbage and then our people that come visit us, they will say the people from Cristo Rey, they are very dirty. They are people that are nasty.”

Guerra explains that the village has an efficient garbage disposal system in place. Additionally, there are designated dump sites located on the Benque road and in San Antonio village, making the illegal dumping an unnecessary endeavor.

Wilmer Guerra

“It’s unfortunate that it’s not people from Cristo Rey. It’s not people from Santa Elena, San Antonio. In Cristo Rey, we have a very robust domestic garbage management program in which we do every two weeks we go from household to household collecting garbage, and then we transfer it to a station on the Benque road. So we do have that and people have already become accustomed to it and they’re expecting it. Whenever three weeks passes and you haven’t done it, they give you a call and say, you know what, when will you pick up garbage? Because they don’t like throwing garbage everywhere. And so I’m very proud of the Cristo Rey people and it’s unfortunate enough that it’s now people from Santa Elena, San Ignacio, and other areas that are coming in and dumping their garbage here when they’re even closer to the dump site than us.”

After the fence was broken down to reconstruct the road, the Ministry of Public Works promised to repair it, however, that promise is yet to be fulfilled. The polluters captured on video have been reported to police, who are now conducting an investigation. Britney Gordon for News Five.

San Jose Palmar Residents Still Fighting to Save National Park

It’s been three months since the former village council and lands committee in San Jose Nuevo Palmar raised the alarm over plans to subdivide a beloved nature park and now, they’re back in the spotlight with a firm message: they’re not giving up. On Sunday, residents took to the Siibal Yuum National Park in Orange Walk for a peaceful protest, standing their ground to protect what they say is a vital part of their community. News Five’s Britney Gordon has a full story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

The fight to save Siibal Yuum Nature Park in San Jose Palmar is far from over, but progress has been slow. It’s been months since former village councilor Orlando Ayuso first sounded the alarm about plans to carve up the park into house lots. Since then, residents, council members, and former land committee reps have been trying to sit down with Area Representative Kevin Bernard, but those meetings just haven’t materialized. Now, frustration is growing. Former Lands Committee member Sonia Tun shares more on the ongoing struggle.

Sonia Tun, Former Land Committee Member

“ We haven’t been able to talk with him so that he could mediate with the new Lands Committee. But the reason for the peaceful protest was to make people aware and even the Prime Minister or even our minister here, to see if they can help us assist the people, the villagers. At the end of the day, it’s still it doesn’t matter if it’s red, blue, if we are black or white. The reason for having a park is to help people with their lives, to have better quality life for children.”

The Siibal Yuum Nature Park was officially opened back in October 2024, with the former Village Council chairman and Lands Committee chairwoman proudly in attendance. According to Sonia Tun, the park was always intended to be a protected nature reserve. But now, the current Lands Committee is saying the proposed subdivision is simply a continuation of what the previous committee started, a claim that’s stirring up even more controversy in the community.

Sonia Tun

“I explained to the people that when we were in the past Lands Committee yes, there was a sketch. And then when we saw that they were, the surveyor was trying to measure. I personally went and told him, this area will not be surveyed because our elders left it as a reserve area, which will be used as a park in the future.”

There is a unique land distribution system in place in San Jose Palmar Village. Descendants of the village can use the land freely, with the government acting as a trustee and the Lands Advisory Committee deciding on the distribution. However, according to Tun, the size of the park does not make its subdivision beneficial to the wider community.

Sonia Tun

“But our intention was not for it to be given as house lots. It was to be a park. And that’s the reason why it was in a inaugurated and if we would have given it as house lots. It’s only like twelve small house lots coming out there. And who would benefit from it?”

On Sunday afternoon, about forty residents of San Jose Palmar gathered for a peaceful protest at Siibal Yuum Nature Park. They were there to remind decision-makers how much the park means to their community, from recreation to relaxation. According to former Lands Committee member Sonia Tun, the current committee claims they held a community meeting before deciding to move forward with the subdivision. But Tun isn’t convinced that the wider community was truly heard.

Sonia Tun

“According to them, that is the majority, but it, that is not the majority. A lot of people don’t come out because of the same reason, the same loud, noisy people are the ones who go out there. And those are the ones that make the most noise and the ones that help the least. And at the end of the day, people stay quiet. Our Iand people are very quiet people and especially in areas like my village. They prefer not to do anything and say anything. Just leave it in God’s hands and that’s it.”

The group now awaits a response from the government on the matter. Although they are ready and willing to keep fighting, they claim that time is limited, and very soon, it will be too late to change what has already begun.

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Pollution Threatens Crocodile Health in New River Lagoon

Troubling signs are emerging from the New River Lagoon, where scientists say crocodiles are in serious decline, and pollution may be to blame. A research team from Rio Bravo has found crocodiles suffering from severe health issues: emaciation, rotting tissue, skin discoloration, and even signs of immune system failure. Blood samples are now being analyzed to trace the impact of pollutants like agricultural runoffs, heavy metals, and banned chemicals such as DDT. Even more alarming, researchers observed a reduction in reproductive organ size in some crocodiles, pointing to possible long-term endocrine disruption. As apex predators, crocodiles are vital indicators of ecosystem health. And scientists are warning: if the crocs are in trouble, the entire watershed could be at risk. We’ll have more on this urgent environmental concern coming up.

Belize Turns Forests into Climate Currency, But Who Profits?

Belize just hit a major milestone in the fight against climate change. The Belize Maya Forest, one of the last intact tropical forests in northern Central America, has officially been validated under global carbon credit standards. That means the country can now trade nearly thirty million carbon credits, essentially turning forest conservation into a revenue stream. The Government of Belize, the Belize Maya Forest Trust, and The Nature Conservancy are celebrating this as a win for the environment, the economy, and local communities. The forest is now permanently protected, and the first payout, roughly one-point-five million Belize dollars, is already on its way. But here’s where the conservation conversation gets interesting: How will the long-term proceeds from these carbon credits be managed? Will the communities living near and depending on the forest see real, lasting benefits? And as Belize enters the global carbon market, how do we ensure transparency and equity in how these funds are used? This project is being hailed as a model for the region. But like any model, it’s worth asking: who’s at the center of success and who might be left out?

Measles Outbreak Contained, 34 Recovered Cases

There’s some good news on the public health front tonight, Belize’s recent measles outbreak has officially been contained. That’s the word from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, which says it’s been two full incubation cycles without a single new case. The outbreak, which started back in April, was traced to unvaccinated travelers returning from Mexico. It quickly spread through the Corozal and Cayo districts, infecting 34 people and sending one to the hospital. Thankfully, everyone has recovered. So, how did health officials manage to stop the spread? We spoke with Doctor Laura Friesen from the Ministry of Health to find out what worked.

Dr. Laura Friesen, Medical Officer, MOHW

“This of course was due to the efforts of public health and also all the healthcare workers on the ground and also the communities that were affected. So it included a lot of different. Text, there was a communication component, just educating the public, letting people know what’s happening, what they should do to protect themself, what they should do to if they get ill. And also vaccination campaigns were a big part of the strategy. Because the best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated. The vaccine is very safe, very effective. So that was a very large part of our strategy as well. So it was mostly vaccination and communication. And then we had our surveillance teams on the ground as well where we monitored and reviewed cases of fever and rash to make sure. If it was a measles case and how we should be managing them if they were confirmed as measles cases. So it was a multi-dimensional strategy. So the most important advice right now is to get vaccinated. If you are not vaccinated, make sure that your children especially those the age of one and one and a half, get their scheduled measles vaccines. And also, if you are intending to travel to any country in the Americas, every country is right now somewhat at risk. But if you’re traveling. Planning to leave Belize. it is the best that you get your vaccine two weeks ahead of time if you have never been vaccinated for measles, which will then give you that protection, should you go into a situation where you get exposure that you don’t get sick and bring that back into the country. So that is what we are strongly recommending. Vaccination is the safe the safest and the most effective way to prevent outbreaks in in Belize right now.”

Dengue Cases Surge Amid Rainy Season; KHMH Urges Swift Action

There’s growing concern tonight as dengue fever cases continue to climb, and the country’s main referral hospital is urging everyone to take action now. The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital says its emergency unit has seen a sharp rise in dengue cases over the past few months. It’s a trend that usually comes with the rainy season, but this year’s spike has health officials on high alert. Don’t wait. If you’re feeling feverish or showing dengue-like symptoms, head to your nearest clinic right away. And just as the country breathes a sigh of relief with the measles outbreak now under control, we also checked in with Doctor Laura Friesen from the Ministry of Health for an update on how they’re tackling this latest health threat.

Britney Gordon

“Is there any other outbreaks in the region that we are monitoring closely, just advising people to be on the lookout for, or is it just a me that we are looking at closely?”

Dr. Laura Friesen, Medical Officer, MOHW

“We always have different diseases that are happening. Currently we have, again, an outbreak of whooping cough in the region, and we also have some increase of dengue, which is a seasonal issue as well. Those are things that are being monitored as well. And as always, we encourage everyone to be safe, to get their vaccines where possible and so that they can stay healthy as possible. So we are really encouraging families to take it seriously and protect their children from any risk of these consequences for their children.”

Seaweed Sisterhood: Belizean Women Lead a Blue Revolution

Off the coast of southern Belize, something remarkable is happening beneath the waves and it’s being led by women. In Placencia Village, seaweed farming is more than just a livelihood, it’s a movement. These women are not only cultivating the ocean’s bounty, but they’re also building businesses, protecting the environment, and inspiring the next generation to dive into the maritime world with confidence and purpose. News Five has partnered with the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future to highlight its work with various community-based, environmental organizations under the Blue Bond initiative. Here’s Isani Cayetano with the following story.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

In the warm, clear waters off Belize’s coast, a quiet revolution is taking root, led by women. In Placencia Village, these ladies aren’t just helping out, they’re leading the way in seaweed farming. It’s more than just a job. For many, including Jalima Gold, it’s a lifeline that supports their families, strengthens their communities, and even helps protect the environment.

Jalima Gold, President, Belize Women Seaweed Farmers Association

“I’m very passionate about our waters here in Belize and so when I kind of found out that you could do farming in the ocean, that’s for me, personally, kind of where it sparked like an interest, you know. Something that you could farm in the ocean, in the environment where I always felt comfortable and happy.”

Belize is the first country in the Americas to seal a groundbreaking deal that turns national debt into a powerful tool for ocean conservation. Through the Blue Bond initiative, the country has pledged to protect thirty percent of its marine territory, that’s ten thousand, one hundred and thirteen square kilometers of sea space, and it’s doing it by bringing everyone to the table, including the Belize Women Seaweed Farmers Association.

Alisha Westby, Member, Belize Women Seaweed Farmers Association

“I’ve been hearing about this association for years, through Ms. Jalima Gold. She’s always been a big advocate, and so, through her, I got to know about… that they were even accepting members. I had no idea about all the particulars until like she kinda sat me down and was like, “Hey this is a great association that you should join.”

Back in July 2019, a group of determined seaweed farmers came together to form the Belize Women’s Seaweed Farmers Association. Their mission? To grow more than just seaweed. They’re building an industry from the ground up, turning locally farmed Eucheuma into high-value products like seaweed gel and powder.

Jalima Gold

“There are many uses to these same types of seaweed that we have here. We have two different types. We have the Kappaphycus alvarezii and we have the Euchumatopsis isiformis. They are both in the red algae [species], they are part of the red algae. We have brown algae, and we have red. But those two are part of the red algae.”

It might look like just another plant from the sea, but Eucheuma seaweed is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s packed with protein, fiber, omega-3s, vitamin C, and a whole range of essential minerals. In Belize, this seaweed isn’t new, it’s been a staple in traditional drinks and puddings for generations, blending health benefits with rich cultural flavor. And here’s something cool, it’s also the source of a gel-like carbohydrate, a natural thickener used in everything from food to cosmetics.

Alisha Westby

“I have a little business called Natural Goddess Scrub and I use all natural ingredients. So it kinda makes sense that eventually I will add the seaweed into my scrubs, I just have to get the science down. The science is kind of lagging for me. I plan to start making seaweed-based soaps to go alongside with my scrubs that I will eventually, hopefully get the science for to narrow down how to make it to my all-natural, oil-based sugar scrubs.”

When added to soap, they bring a whole lot to the table: natural moisture, gentle exfoliation, and a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. Plus, they give the soap a beautiful green tint and a fresh, ocean-inspired scent. The magic happens when powdered seaweed is mixed into the soap as it thickens, turning a simple bar into a spa-like treat.

Dawn Dean, Founder, Barranco Botanics

“Their plan is to use seaweed in all of the soaps that they make. I think, sometimes in Belize, as small business owners, as entrepreneurs, we are reluctant to share our knowledge about how we create what we create. But I personally believe that that there is space in the industry for a lot more soap because, ideally, everyone bathes everyday.”

In seaweed farming communities, it’s often the women who are leading the charge, not just in the water, but in shaping a more sustainable future. They’re the ones championing eco-friendly practices, managing vital resources, and driving local projects that help their communities grow stronger and more resilient.

Our cultivation line three-eights inch.

Jalima Gold

“That’s one of the main things for me. I have a daughter who wants to be a captain. She does scuba diving, she’s in the maritime space and when you talk about women and seaweed, it’s not just women in like the seaweed farming aspect, right. It’s women in maritime space, in general. And so it’s very important for us to start pushing boundaries and kind of breaking those barriers for other young females, young women and little girls to feel like they have a safe space and it’s something that if they’re interested in or if they’re passionate about that they can go forward and do that.”

So, when we talk about women in seaweed farming, we’re really talking about something much bigger; it’s about opening doors across the entire maritime world. Whether it’s farming, diving, or captaining a vessel, women are stepping up and showing the next generation that the ocean is theirs too. And with fishers, scientists, and community leaders all working together through marine spatial planning, Belize is not just protecting its waters, it’s shaping a future where everyone has a place in it. Isani Cayetano for News Five.

GOB Weighs Pros and Cons of Logging in Mountain Pine Ridge

A local furniture company, Belize Woodmark Designs Limited, has applied for a logging license in the area but concerns are already surfacing. Chief Forest Officer Wilbur Sabido has raised red flags, warning of serious ecological, hydrological, and even archaeological risks. So, will the Briceño administration greenlight the concession despite those concerns? Prime Minister Briceño says if logging is to happen, it must be done sustainably. But is that enough to protect one of Belize’s most treasured natural landscapes? Here’s what we found out.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I was a minister responsible for natural resources and the forest department. The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve was set up by the British almost a hundred years ago. It is for logging. Now, during my time we start to talk about sustainable logging and that is what we have been doing. I spoke to some of the technicians in the forestry department and they are saying, what this company did is that they are applying for a sustainable management contract with them. We have that already. We have it in the Chiquibul where Bullridge is working already in the Chiquibul with a sustainable logging. I don’t hear anybody the cry over it. With enforcement of course and it is running very well. You can ask Amin Bedran. They are trying to do it sustainably. We are doing it the right way. We want to protect the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. We want to protect it. It is in our interest to protect it and that is exactly what we are doing.”

Littered Highways Threaten Belize’s Beauty and Budget

If you’ve driven along Belize’s highways lately, chances are you’ve seen it, piles of trash scattered along the roadside, turning our beautiful landscapes into something far less picture-perfect. It’s a growing problem, and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing is speaking out. They say littering isn’t just an eyesore, it’s a threat to wildlife, the environment, and even public health. And the cost? It’s not just environmental. It’s also draining resources that could be used to fix roads and build better infrastructure. Here’s Britney Gordon with the following story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

You see it in the water, on the streets, and lining the highways, trash is everywhere. And it’s becoming a big problem. Belize is known as “The Jewel”, a nickname that reflects its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Every year, thousands of visitors come to experience our lush rainforests, vibrant wildlife, and crystal-clear waters. But there’s a not-so-pretty side to this picture: litter. From north to south, garbage piles up along our highways and public spaces, and it’s hard to ignore.

Evondale Moody, Chief Engineer, MIDH

“Littering has become a huge problem because every week we pick up more than the previous week, and we have noticed that the locations that we’re picking up beverage from, we are also picking up household garbage. So it seems as though residents are taking their household garbage and leave it out there for us to pick up. And the MIDH is not a garbage company. Honestly, we pick up the garbage because when we cut the highways to do vegetation control, the garbage are there. So it doesn’t make sense for us to leave it there. And so we try to ensure that once we’re doing vegetation control, we come behind and we pick up the garbage at the same time.”

Trash is a serious health hazard, not only to people, but to the wildlife living in those areas as well. According to Chief Engineer Evondale Moody, cleaning the highways has been costing the ministry a significant amount of time and money- resources that should be spent repairing and developing infrastructure.

Evondale Moody

“The littering is a significant additional cost that we have incurred, and we continue to incur. The ministry basically has to spend at least two days out of the six days because generally we work up until Saturdays. So at least two days out of every week, we have to be spending time picking up garbage along our highways. This is not just for the George Price Highway. It’s all the highways countrywide. And so that has a cost to it because we have to employ personnel to do that type of work. We have to provide safety vest for them to utilize. We have to pay for the garbage bags for us to load the trashing we have to pay for gloves. We have to pay for the transportation because it’s not just five miles. We have to do the entire length of the highway and each district is responsible for a certain section.”

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing is urging Belizeans to step up and show more civic pride. In a recent statement, the Ministry warned that our bad littering habits are slowly destroying the very environment we all say we love. And it’s not just MIDH raising the alarm. Minister of Tourism, Anthony Mahler, says the growing trash problem is a serious concern for his ministry too. That’s why they’re rolling out a new campaign, the “Clean Belize Initiative”, aimed at tackling the issue head-on and restoring the beauty of our country.

Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism

“But we have to take the lead on all of those things. If the rivers are congested before La Rutra Maya, we have to go in there, clean up the river with lags and debris all over the place If it’s silted, then we have to try get some dredging happening. So all of those things come into play. But the Clean Belize Initiative, I think is going to be a great program for us moving forward. to focus on beaches, to focus on the major highways and to focus on just keeping Belize clean and healthy.”

The trash is making Belize look bad. It’s as simple as that. According to Mahler, the lack of civic pride is becoming evident on Belize’s reviews.

Anthony Mahler

“I’ve also spoke about the amount of litter that we have all over the place, because when you have exit surveys, those are the things that or guests are saying on the surveys. Now this da wa issue, derelict vehicles all over, stray dogs .All of these things.”

In 2024, the marine conservation group Sea of Life collected over eighteen thousand pieces of trash, and a whopping seventy-five percent of it was plastic. These plastics don’t break down easily. Instead, they end up polluting our land and sea, causing long-term damage to the environment. While efforts to move away from single-use plastics are underway, there’s still a long road ahead. In the meantime, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH) is asking everyone to do their part, starting with something simple: hold on to your trash until you can throw it away properly.

Evondale Moody

“The volume of garbage that we’re receiving is horrendous, and I think it’s ridiculous. And it basically shows honestly that we have a nasty society. That is just putting it real and we have to do something about it because littering and defacing of our assets, it basically diminish, diminishes us. As a country. We have a beautiful country, but it also compromises the road of safety and it increases the maintenance cost. So our idea is to try and get that out to the public honestly, and to see how best we could get a positive reaction from the general public on these issues.”

Every Belizeans is encouraged to take pride in their country and its wealth of natural resources. That means doing their part to ensure that it remains clean and safe for all to enjoy. Britney Gordon for News Five.

New Highway to Rainforest Paradise Sparks Fears of Environmental Fallout

With the new highway opening up access to the breathtaking rainforests of Mountain Pine Ridge and the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, there’s growing concern that this gateway to nature could also become a gateway to exploitation. While eco-tourism opportunities may be on the horizon, so too is the risk of large-scale land clearing and that could spell trouble for the very infrastructure meant to connect us to these natural wonders. Chief Engineer at the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Evondale Moody, explains how unchecked development could impact the newly built highway and what’s being done to protect both the road, and the rainforest.

Evondale Moody, Chief Engineer, MIDH

“It is of importance to us because of the drainage structure we have installed along the road and the side drains that we have constructed. The development of these areas will significantly impact our drainage system. So it is important for us to highlight that we are hoping the right agencies manage these assets so that it does not infringe on the investment that we have made for the development of access.”

Paul Lopez

“What is one example of how development in that area could affect your drainage system?”

Evondale Moody

“One key thing I can highlight at this point is what has occurred on the Coastal Highway where we have deforestation. So the significant deforestation along the Coastal Highway created significant impact on our drainage structures because we have excessive rainfall. Normally that rainfall would be absorbed by the vegetation and because we don’t have that vegetation there now it has created runoff and the runoff is also increased in terms of its velocity. Normally the vegetation would slow down that runoff before it reaches the drain. So we were very much concerned if that would happen in the Caracol Road as well, because that area is more of a pine ridge area and you have more siltation. The siltation buildup will create blockage to our drain.”

Paul Lopez

“That type of deforestation, is it case where it impacts if it happens further in the jungle space, or it has to be along the drain or road?”

Evondale Moody

“It basically depends, because it is more impactful if it happens along the corridor of the road. But it can also impact us if it happens away from the road. Does low lying areas are led to a catchment area and those catchments areas are tributaries to other drainage channels that still ends up on the highway or passing through the highway.”