In April 2023, several municipalities filed complaints about a strong odor resembling cat urine, causing discomfort in the eyes and nose. The complaints led to a campaign seeking the closure or relocation of a plant. The State Secretary of Environment linked the sour or sulfur-like smell perceived to emissions from the Cadereyta Refinery.
An official statement reported that 409 complaints were received at the C5 from municipalities such as Cadereyta, Juárez, Guadalupe, Monterrey, San Pedro, and Santa Catarina between 5:50 PM and 9:00 PM. Authorities indicated that the complaints began in Cadereyta and ended in San Pedro and Santa Catarina, noting a coincidence between the areas of reports and the direction of the emission plume from the refinery during the day.
The Secretary of Environment presented illustrations of the levels of sulfur dioxide recorded, demonstrating peaks of hourly concentrations on Monday, January 20, at the SIMA monitoring stations. Due to concerns for public health, measures were recommended such as avoiding prolonged exposure to ambient air, avoiding exercise in affected areas, and keeping doors and windows closed.
The agency committed to closely monitoring emissions and air quality, taking into account the complaints from the population. It is worth noting that this is not the first time the Cadereyta Refinery has been pointed out for emitting unpleasant odors.
