The Ministry of Environment Sanctions Construction Projects and Detects Irregular Waste Management on Contadora Island.

The Ministry of Environment (Miambiente) conducted an environmental inspection and audit on Contadora Island and, during an operation, detected multiple environmental violations that resulted in fines totaling $7,280.  Among the irregularities found were the execution of works without the corresponding permits and the improper handling of construction waste and debris.  The inspections focused on various construction projects and earthmoving activities underway on the island. Environmental officials found sites being used illegally to store and dispose of materials and waste, some located near the freshwater lake that serves as a community reserve. 

During the inspection, the Ministry of the Environment (Miambiente) detected construction debris, some of it located near the freshwater lake that serves as a reservoir for the community.

The Ministry of the Environment also identified areas at risk of erosion, runoff, and sediment transport into the marine-coastal environment. The mobilization of heavy machinery, earthmoving, material accumulation, and debris generation represent additional pressure on an island territory with limited surface area and a reduced capacity to absorb environmental impacts.

The Ministry of Environment detected multiple violations in various construction projects on Contadora Island. 

The National Director of Environmental Verification at MiAmbiente, Marilyn García de Paredes, warned that the problem cannot be analyzed individually, due to the number of projects being carried out simultaneously on the island.  “Contadora is an island territory; the sum of the impacts of these activities seriously increases the processes of erosion, runoff and transport of sediments, waste or other materials towards ravines, natural drainages, coastal areas and, finally, towards the marine environment,” García de Paredes pointed out.  According to the agency, the oversight will not be limited to verifying whether each project individually complies with regulations. It will also analyze the cumulative impact of the numerous construction projects on the natural resources of Isla Contadora. 

During the operation, technicians carried out field inspections, verifications and environmental quality monitoring, including taking samples from bodies of water, to determine possible impacts and establish the corresponding preventive, corrective or mitigation measures.  Among the points of concern are interventions near the coast and areas with dry forest and vegetation cover , due to the risk that materials, sediments and waste will end up in natural drainages, bodies of water and, ultimately, in the sea.

Environmental Impacts on Contadora Island

The environmental authority indicated that it will monitor compliance with the measures ordered and the proper disposal of the waste and materials detected during the inspections.  The institution reiterated that no construction or earthmoving activity should be carried out without the corresponding environmental authorization.   They also warned that it will not allow the use of areas to dispose of construction waste outside the regulations, especially when there is a risk to marine-coastal ecosystems, bodies of water, forests and fauna.

During the inspection, sites used illegally for the storage and disposal of construction materials and waste were identified.

Miambiente indicated that the inspection will continue permanently on Isla Contadora, under a preventive and comprehensive approach, and asked citizens to report possible environmental impacts through 311 or through their social networks.