Isla Mujeres, Q.R. — The Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) has finally measured the noise pollution being generated from their portable generator. Specialists were on the island over the weekend in response to complaints regarding the overly loud necessity.
The portable generator was installed on the island’s old airport in 2019 as a temporary solution to its overloaded power problem. However, nearly seven years later, the generator still exists.
Hundreds of complaints have been filed over the years regarding not only the noise pollution, but also the smell of diesel when the generator is running.
Regina Allende, a long time island resident, said they were told in 2019 that the generator’s placement would be temporary. She said over the years, the noise has impacted public health and the quality of life for those who reside in the area.
According to Allende, the first formal complaints were filed in 2019, the same year it was installed. Those complaints were filed with the CFE, the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and local authorities, however, despite numerous efforts, nothing has been done.
“In 2019, we were assured that the plant would operate only temporarily while the new submarine cable was being installed from Cancun, however, years have passed and the infrastructure continues to operate in the exact same location and under the same conditions,” she explained.
“We understand that citizen measurements must be formally verified using calibrated sound level meters and under the official procedures established by standard NOM-081-SEMARNAT-1994.
“Therefore, we requested that environmental authorities conduct an official assessment to determine the appropriate sanctions or adjust the operation to comply with legal limits,” she added.
Over the weekend, CFE personnel finally came out and measured the noise level of their generator, which has been the most common island complaint. The generator typically starts up between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. and continues operating uninterrupted until 4:00 a.m.or 5:00 a.m. the following day.
“We are not demanding a sudden measure that would compromise the supply,” Allende said. “We are simply asking that the CFE and environmental authorities adopt the necessary technical adjustments and isolation infrastructure to safeguard the health of the population.”
On site, personnel recorded the company ‘s mobile power plant had reached 103.7 decibels (dB), far exceeding the accepted municipal noise allowance of 60 decibels. After confirmation, Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) is looking into reducing that noise pollution with a possible relocation of the generator.
Authorities are looking into possibly moving the generator from its current placement at the airport to the south part of the island in old infrastructure that could be soundproofed.
Isla Mujeres Mayor Atenea Gómez Ricalde said her government is closely monitoring the maintenance work being carried out by the CFE to reduce risks to the population and modernize the electrical grid.
She said actions underway include the gradual replacement of poles deteriorated by severe marine corrosion as well as the scheduled renewal of hardware and transformers in various sectors of the island.
