Author(s)

ANA CRISTINA SÁNCHEZ-CABRERA, EDITH MONTESINOS-PEDRO, JAVIER DE LA O-GARCÍA, JORGE MELENDEZ ESTRADA

Abstract

The historical disposal of hazardous waste derived from industrial processes involving carbon and sulphur compounds at the Industrial Mining Unit of Texistepec, Veracruz, Mexico, has generated environmental conditions that require a detailed technical assessment. In particular, the final disposal site known as ‘La Carbonera’ has a history of direct dumping of acid coal, sulphur, sulphuric acid and gypsum onto natural soil, which promoted leaching processes and the potential migration of contaminants into the subsurface and adjacent water bodies. The objective of this article is to develop a site characterization that makes it possible to identify vulnerable areas, active sources of contamination, as well as potential environmental and social receptors at risk. The methodology consists of three phases. The first involves the collection and analysis of historical, technical and regulatory background related to the site’s operation and closure. The second phase includes the spatial delimitation of the study area through mapping, integrating topographic, geological, hydrological, and land-use information. Finally, the third phase corresponds to the documentary compilation of life histories from representative stakeholders involved in the case study (stratified sample). The results of the characterization establish a technical basis for identifying risk scenarios and prioritizing monitoring and control actions. It is concluded that a detailed understanding of the site’s physical, historical and territorial variables constitutes the fundamental element for an environmental diagnosis of the area and for the design of preventive and corrective strategies aimed at mitigating medium- and long-term impacts on both the site and the involved stakeholders. The population perceives these failures not only as maintenance deficiencies but as a direct threat to their agricultural heritage and health, which has strained relationships with institutions and maintained social protest as a mechanism for environmental justice.

Keywords

confinement cell, final disposal, environmental impact, population