Federal prosecutor Josefina Minatta initiated an investigation ex officio into the project to install a fuel plant in Paysandú, on the coast of the Uruguay River, across from the city of Colón (Entre Ríos).
Minatta highlighted the importance of environmental monitoring, recalling the case of Botnia in The Hague, where pollution could not be proven due to lack of previous samples.
“It is now crucial to analyze the state of the river to have records in case of a potential conflict”, she stated in El Entre Ríos.
Lack of official information about the project on the Uruguay River
As part of the first stage of the investigation, information was requested from the Provincial and National Environment Secretariats, but no relevant data on the initiative was obtained.
“The company has not yet submitted the environmental impact studies to the Uruguayan agency. When they do, we will activate the mechanisms for the Foreign Ministry to request them”, Minatta explained.
Control measures and testimonies from residents
To ensure independent sources, the Prosecutor’s Office entrusted the Coast Guard with carrying out periodic samples of the Uruguay River.
In addition, testimonies are being collected from residents of Colón affected by the lack of information about the project.
Possible environmental consequences
Experts warn that the project could lead to:
- Extraction of water in quantities harmful to the river.
- Return of treated material, posing a contamination risk.
If irregularities are confirmed, the punishable offenses would include:
- Violation of the Hazardous Waste Law.
- Environmental damage to the Uruguay River.
Accusations and responsibilities
In addition to the company’s executives, Argentine officials could also be investigated for failure to fulfill their duties, depending on the results of the inquiry.
Towards greater environmental regulation
The process aims to ensure transparency in industrial projects, ensuring that environmental protection and the rights of communities near the Uruguay River are respected.
