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PINAR DEL RIO, June 14 (Víctor Rolando Arroyo, / www.cubanet.org) -
Two highly-polluting industrial plants that turn out sulfuric acid and lead are
back in production in the coastal town of Santa Lucía, about 45 miles
from the provincial capital city of Pinar del Río.
"The outlook for Santa Lucía is grim. The mangroves have
disappeared for miles in each direction along the coast, while underwater
vegetation has been buried by a viscous sediment which, in turn, has virtually
eradicated the fauna that used to make its habitat there. The beautiful beaches
along the coast are no longer usable by bathers," said one area resident.
The pollution is mostly due to gas and soot spewed out of the plants, and to
sulfuric acid spills from the barges that transport the chemical to ships
anchored offshore.
Several residents complained that the prevailing winds spread gases and soot
over their neighborhoods, giving rise to a high incidence of respiratory
ailments among the population.
"Even though there is high unemployment here, many of us think it is
irresponsible to operate these plants which pollute the environment, mostly
because they are operating with ancient technology, lack of resources and
qualified personnel. The improvements made have no guarantee whatsoever,"
said a resident.
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original en español
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