Sewage Leak at Playa del Carmen Demolition Site Sparks Inspection

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — Personnel from the Secretariat of Sustainable Environment and Climate Change of Playa del Carmen carried out an inspection at the site of the ongoing demolition of the former Kool Beach club following citizen complaints about foul odors and the presence of sewage in the area.

Authorities Issue Five-Day Deadline for Repairs

Orlando García González, Director of Environmental Regulation and Impact Assessment, confirmed that an inspection report was filed after liquid waste and unpleasant odors were detected. The issue was traced to a failure in the property's private drainage system, unrelated to the public network operated by Aguakan.

The environmental authority notified the responsible company, granting a five-business-day deadline to rectify the situation or face administrative penalties. Representatives of the demolition project stated they are awaiting specialized machinery to conduct necessary repairs and contain the spill.

Residents Report Weeks of Disruption

Local residents reported enduring the foul smell for at least two weeks, raising concerns in the high-traffic tourist zone. García González clarified that the incident stemmed from demolition-related activities, and the site will remain under supervision until the issue is resolved.

The former Kool Beach property, located on 28th Street adjacent to the Mamitas Beach Club, has drawn attention due to its prime coastal location and past controversies. Years ago, plans to construct a pier and hotel on the site were halted by Mexico's Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) over concerns about damage to sensitive marine ecosystems.

Ongoing Scrutiny Over Coastal Development

The demolition has heightened vigilance among authorities and environmentalists, given the site's proximity to ecologically sensitive coastal areas. The recent drainage failure has reinforced demands from residents and activists for strict mitigation measures to protect the shoreline and local drainage systems.

The Secretariat of Sustainable Environment reiterated its commitment to monitoring the repairs and enforcing penalties if the deadline is not met, ensuring the project does not further disrupt residents' quality of life or harm the coastal environment.