Playa del Carmen, Q.R. — The Federal Attorney’s Office for Environmental Protection (Profepa) has closed a geotube structure placed on a central beach. According to Profepa, the project did not have any environmental permits.
The structure was placed in March at Playa Fundadores in central Playa del Carmen for a volleyball tournament. After public complains, federal officials inspected the structure and reported it lacked the necessary environmental permits for installation.
“For failing to present the environmental impact authorization, Profepa inspectors closed down, as a safety measure, all installation of furniture, structures, construction, works, and activities taking place in the federal maritime-terrestrial zone or on reclaimed land at Fundadores Beach located in Playa del Carmen,” the federal agency said in a statement.
“This measure was taken in response to citizen complaints about the placement of geotubes at the aforementioned location. Profepa inspectors conducted an inspection visit on March 31 and observed the installation of 14 geotubes on the beach, each measuring 21 linear meters long and 1.5 meters wide, occupying an estimated area of 441 square meters. They also observed 20 sandbags placed next to the ferry stop serving Cozumel.
“The installation of these geotubes was due to the holding of a sporting event called the International Volleyball Tour, which took place from March 26 to 30.
“In addition to the temporary total closure, Profepa issued an inspection report, opened proceedings for possible damage to natural resources, and will seek to restore the area to its original state, including the removal of the installed geotubes.”
