Mexico residents protest landfill, fearing water contamination

Residents of the Valle del Mezquital in Hidalgo, Mexico, organized a horseback protest against the regional "Siete Mezquites" landfill, expressing fears that the project could contaminate vital water sources. The protest, led by the "En Defensa del Manantial" movement, brought together inhabitants from six municipalities.

These communities, serving around 300,000 people, rely on the Cerro Colorado spring for their drinking water. Protesters are demanding studies to assess the potential impact of leachate from the landfill on these water supplies. They are concerned about the proximity of the landfill to their sources and the geological characteristics of the area.

The National Water Commission (Conagua) confirmed that the "Siete Mezquites" landfill is situated within the influence area of the Valle del Mezquital aquifer and is located 4.5 kilometers from the Cerro Colorado springs. Conagua's technical study also noted that the site was previously used for sand and gravel extraction, creating a deep pit that could increase contamination risks. The area has high permeability, raising concerns about potential seepage.

The landfill project, developed by a private company for the Tula municipality, includes two containment cells and an emergency cell, designed to receive 400 tons of waste daily with a projected lifespan of three years. While the company has authorization for construction, it lacks an operating license, and the landfill's operation remains suspended. This unresolved status fuels the residents' ongoing discontent and their demand for a definitive suspension of the project.