In the town of Funes, province of Santa Fe, the Justice ordered the closure of an illegal dump. The measure was the result of a joint investigation between the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of Santa Fe and the Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPA), after confirming repeated irregularities since 2019.
The procedure included raids with the participation of the Police of Investigations (PDI) and the Investigations Agency of the MPA. Two men linked to the administration of the site were charged.
Judicial resolution and measures adopted
In June, the Single-member Court of the First Instance Criminal Judges College of Judicial District No. 2 ordered:
- Definitive closure of the open-air dump, located next to Provincial Route No. 34-S.
- Intervention of firefighters from Rosario and Funes to extinguish the fire sources.
- Closure of access to the site by the Municipality of Funes.
These actions aim to prevent the continuation of the activity and ensure the environmental safety of the area.
Official statements
The Minister of Environment, Enrique Estévez, emphasized that the declared purpose of the site was “the use and enjoyment of the community” and the disposal of waste there was never authorized. He highlighted the coordination with the MPA to strengthen environmental control and combat illegal dumps that generate serious environmental impact and risk to public health.
He also stated that these interventions are part of a sustained policy of environmental oversight, prevention, and protection of natural resources, within the framework of current legislation.
Background of irregularities
Since 2019, the Environment Secretariat has verified:
- Unauthorized final disposal of urban, industrial, and hazardous solid waste.
- Entry of dump trucks from the Municipality of Funes and private operators.
- Clandestine burning of waste.
- Unauthorized machinery movement.
These facts demonstrate the persistence of illegal practices that affect both the environment and the health of the population.
Applicable legal framework
The clandestine disposal and operation of waste constitute a conduct sanctioned by national and provincial legislation.
Once the infractions are verified, it is necessary to initiate sanctioning procedures provided for in the Provincial Law No. 11.717 and its regulatory regulations, in addition to involving the competent judicial authorities.
Environmental and social impact
Illegal dumps generate multiple consequences:
- Soil and water contamination by leachates and toxic substances.
- Health risk due to the proliferation of pests and the emission of harmful gases.
- Landscape degradation that affects the quality of life of neighbors.
- Loss of institutional trust, by demonstrating the lack of control in waste management.
The closure of the site in Funes seeks to reverse these impacts and set a precedent in the fight against illegal waste disposal.
The Funes case reflects the importance of institutional coordination and the rigorous application of environmental regulations.
The definitive closure of the illegal dump not only protects natural resources and public health but also reaffirms the province’s commitment to responsible waste management.
