The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources reported that on Saturday, April 11, in response to a citizen complaint, it carried out an inspection at two landfills in the city of Chimaltenango.
The inspections were carried out at the landfill operated by the Municipality of Chimaltenango and at the private landfill operated by the Collectors Association of that municipality, located in zone 3 of that city.
According to Ambiente, both landfills operate without an environmental license.
He explained that, in both cases, there is waste disposal without proper management, which generates smoke and methane emissions from fires.
In addition, there are bad odors, proliferation of insects, soil degradation and lack of adequate infrastructure.
He added that this situation causes risks of environmental contamination and effects on human health.
Environment stated that it has initiated the management of administrative sanctions.
“We urge the Municipality of Chimaltenango to immediately develop and implement emergency protocols at both landfills to mitigate fires and the rest of the negative environmental impacts, and to protect public health,” Ambiente stated.
He recalled that each municipality is responsible for properly managing waste in its territory.
It also makes available teams to advise municipalities on the environmentally appropriate management of solid waste.
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