Mexican environmental regulators have discovered 30,000 tons of improperly stored hazardous material at a plant in the Monterrey metro area that recycles toxic waste from the US. The authorities have ordered urgent measures to properly store the materials following an investigation by the Guardian and Quinto Elemento Lab, which highlighted contamination concerns around the Zinc Nacional plant.
The investigation, which included analysis of Google Earth imagery, revealed thousands of white sacks containing industrial powders piling up on vacant land within the plant site. Following the publication of these findings, the Mexican federal agency Profepa conducted a seven-day inspection at the Zinc Nacional plant, resulting in the shutdown of 15 unauthorized pieces of equipment.
Authorities found improperly stored material, some in broken and leaking bags, in the company’s yard. Profepa has given Zinc Nacional 15 days to move the material to proper storage to prevent contact with natural soil.
Toxicologist Martín Soto Jiménez conducted sampling in neighboring homes and schools, finding high levels of lead, cadmium, and arsenic in soil and dust samples within 2km of the plant. Profepa is investigating whether the plant’s operations are contaminating the community and may conduct further sampling if necessary.
Zinc Nacional has stated its cooperation with federal, state, and local authorities. The company has agreed to remove the material from operating yards and cover it to minimize environmental impact. Zinc Nacional claims the sacks contain zinc oxide, a finished product from recycling steel dust imported from the US.
Two federal legislators have called for a deeper investigation into Zinc Nacional, questioning whether the recent actions, including the equipment shutdown, are sufficient. They raised concerns about the company’s continued operation and the potential health risks posed by the release of toxic substances such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic into the air.
Bruce Lanphear, an expert on the health effects of lead, emphasized the need for independent testing to assess the risks posed by the plant. He stressed the importance of extensive soil and dust sampling in nearby communities to measure heavy metal contamination.
The situation underscores the need for stringent environmental regulations and enforcement to protect public health and the environment in Mexico.
Source: The Guardian
