Chapala’s regulatory code on ecology and sustainable development took effect Wednesday, February 5, following approval by the City Council at its January 31 session.
The 55-page document covers guidelines on multiple aspects of environmental protection and conservation of natural resources, and will be posted at Chapala City Hall, delegation offices and on the government’s website. It addresses prevention of air, soil and water pollution, covering topics ranging from the impacts of public and private urban development projects and management of waste water, agrochemicals and solid wastes, to a ban on commercialization of non-biodegradable or reusable plastic products and controls on smoke, noise and visual contamination. It spells out fines for violations and ties into the municipality’s climate -change program.