Cancun, Q.R. — City officials have closed a large greenspace used to illegally dump garbage. The city of Cancun continues its battle with illegal dumping with the recent closure of another site.
“No impunity for those who profit at the expense of natural resources!” the City of Cancun posted on social media Monday.
“With the team from the Benito Juárez General Directorate of Ecology, the PPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and our Green Units, we closed an illegal dumpsite.
“The case has already been referred to the appropriate authorities for the application of the necessary sanctions. Taking care of our city is everyone’s responsibility.
“If you detect any irregular practices, report them through ChatCun at 998 778 4500. Let’s defend our surroundings and our environment, for a Clean and responsible Cancun.”
The large site was found near the Cancun International Airport where tons of garbage had been illegally left. The city suspects a company may be responsible due to the consistency of the left-behind trash.
Mayor Ana Paty Peralta led the Monday closure operation and reiterated that her administration maintains a “zero tolerance and zero impunity” policy against those who commit environmental crimes, particularly in a city whose economy depends largely on its image and ecological balance.
City authorities who closed the site included the Secretariat of Ecology and Environment (SEMA), the Environmental Protection Agency (PPA), the General Directorate of Ecology and the Green Units of Siresol, the city’s green police.
Mayor Peralta said these types of illegal dumps not only detract from the urban landscape, but also generate leachate that can seep into the subsoil and contaminate the groundwater.
She said City Council is continuing their investigation into the illegal dump site, noting that they are working to fine those responsible.
Óscar Alberto Rébora Aguilera, the Secretariat of Ecology and Environment, said if they determine that a company is responsible for the illegal dumping, they will have to answer for the environmental damage caused.
The ongoing operation to shut down illegal dump sites is part of a permanent sanitation and environmental management strategy of the city. The strategy includes monitoring, responding to citizen reports, daily waste removal in neighborhoods and inter-institutional coordination to strengthen the culture of proper waste disposal.
