Yucatán Pig Farm Shut Down for Environmental Violations

Mérida, Yucatán — The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) has imposed a total and definitive closure on the Pecuaria Peninsular pig farming operation, located in Santa María Chi, due to repeated non-compliance with seven corrective measures. The order, issued on September 9, cites the direct discharge of wastewater without a permit and the failure to characterize its sludge as among the violations.

Following the closure, Profepa will seek to have the company focus on repairing the damages caused in the area. This process will involve the development of an environmental damage study and monitoring the site's dismantling and proper abandonment procedures.

The action comes in response to complaints filed by civil society organizations and Maya communities since 2021. In light of these complaints, Profepa has conducted inspection visits to pig farms located in numerous Yucatán municipalities, including Muna, Mérida, Kinchil, Izamal, Tizimín, Santa Elena, Conkal, Cacalchén, Hoctún, Hunucmá, Mayapán, Opichén, Maxcanú, Suma, Sotuta, Progreso, Tekax, Tixpéhual, Abalá, and Kopomá.

Pecuaria Peninsular was one of the farms inspected and had been subject to various corrective measures prior to the definitive closure.

“This case is fundamental for Profepa; we know of the years-long struggle of the communities in the area, who have suffered the impacts and damage to their quality of life and their environment,” stated Attorney Mariana Boy Tamborrell. “The neighbors of this company have sought legal protection, filed complaints, and sought justice with authorities at all levels, and today Profepa is working with them to achieve this definitive closure.”

Profepa stated that addressing the problems related to the impacts of pig farms on the Yucatán Peninsula is a priority. The agency affirmed that attending to affected communities and ensuring their right to a healthy environment is part of its commitment to environmental justice.

The agency further committed to continue working to guarantee the protection of the environment and public health, to prevent violations of the human right to a healthy environment, and to effectively regulate the sector.