Othón P. Blanco, Q.R. — Federal officials have closed an illegal project in the Chac Estuary in south Quintana Roo over environmental concerns. According to Profepa (Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection), they have closed unauthorized construction projects in the Chac Estuary where palapas, cabins and a dock were being built.
“In response to a public complaint about the existence of wetland filling works with sascab material and construction projects in the region adjacent to the Chac Estuary, located in the municipality of Othón P. Blanco, Profepa conducted an inspection visit,” they reported in a statement.
On July 11, the investigation was conducted and observations were made of landfilling with sascab (mixture) material, three palapas, a cabin and restrooms. A wooden walkway or dock was also seen on the banks of the Chac Estuary. No one responsible for the construction work was found.
On July 29, Profepa personnel returned to the site located on land belonging to the Juan Sarabia ejido. The Semarnat (Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources) authorization for environmental impact was not accredited, so a security measure was imposed consisting of a temporary total closure of the activities.
Profepa (Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection) has initiated the corresponding administrative process and is assessing the probable damage caused to the area’s natural resources.
Authorities say the filling of the Chac Estuary jeopardizes the flow of water and the ecological balance in the natural channel that connects the Laguna de los Siete Colores with the Río Hondo.
