The Zinc Nacional plant in San Nicolás de los Garza, Monterrey, has been temporarily and partially shut down following an inspection that revealed the lack of a Unique Environmental License for some equipment. Despite the closure, certain parts of the plant continue operating, according to journalist Verónica García de León in Aristegui En Vivo.
"We understand that the company continues to operate in certain parts and what is completely closed are these pieces of equipment, and what Profepa has told us directly is that it is an inspection of the operating license, which is the unique environmental license," García stated.
The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) will continue inspecting the plant in the coming days to verify compliance with environmental regulations. García mentioned that it is a detailed inspection that includes documentary and field review.
The temporary closure follows an investigation by Quinto Elemento Lab and The Guardian that revealed U.S. steel companies send contaminated dust to the recycling process of the Zinc Nacional plant. Analyses in nearby homes and schools found high levels of lead, cadmium, and arsenic.
"Samples taken from 18 locations around the plant show high concentrations of these heavy metals that we had already seen in these annual reports. What shocks us is that it is present in people's homes, in the houses that were analyzed," García described.
Following the inspection, the company issued a statement assuring its compliance with applicable regulations and international standards. The closure affected 15 pieces of equipment that lacked authorization, according to the journalist.
The quick reaction of the authorities to the investigation surprised those involved, who expected more time before action was taken. The plant will remain under detailed inspection in the coming days to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
