On Monday, May 12th, the extraction of **200,000 liters of fuel oil** began at the site of the **former Gualeguaychú refrigeration plant (Entre Ríos)**, located by the river, marking a key step in the **decontamination** process.
This action is part of the **second stage of the environmental remediation plan**, aimed at **preventing future spills** of this highly polluting substance.
## Fuel Oil Risks and Extraction Procedure
**Fuel oil**, classified as **waste Y9**, is a mixture of **oil and hydrocarbons with water**, making it a material of high **risk for the local ecosystem**.
Its extraction will be carried out through:
– **Heating with steam** to increase its fluidity.
– **Safe pumping and transfer**, carried out by **Environmental Solutions**, responsible for its final treatment.
– **Strict safety measures**, overseen by the company **Servicios Santamaría S.A.**, specialized in the oil industry.
## Prior Works and Site Diagnosis
Before the extraction began, key actions were taken to **contain the material** within the **main above-ground tank** and **underground pipes**:
– **Sealing of underground chambers** with aggregates, compaction, and cement.
– **Controlled excavations** due to the lack of original pipe blueprints.
– **Identification of the extraction point** to prevent leaks.
## An Environmental and Legal Commitment
The Undersecretary of **Environment and Food Safety**, **Ivana Zecca**, highlighted that the intention of **Mayor Mauricio Davico** is to turn the **former refrigeration plant into a safe space for the community**.
Moreover, she emphasized that the operation is in response to orders from the **Federal Justice**, which mandated the **comprehensive remediation** of the site.
## Next Phases of the decontamination plan in the Gualeguaychú River
This action follows the **first stage**, where **transformers with low levels of PCB** were removed through an agreement with the **Electric Cooperative**.
Once the **fuel oil** extraction is completed, the **third phase** will focus on **removing asbestos present in the building structures**.
This material, historically used as thermal insulation, poses **health risks** and is found in various industrial facilities on the site, such as:
– **Pipes and boilers**.
– **Grease plant and machinery area**.
– **Ground floor of the slaughter area**, currently closed by the **Federal Justice**.
The comprehensive plan for **environmental decontamination** not only aims to **comply with current regulations** but also to **return to the community a risk-free space** with **potential for new uses**.
