Danger in Paradise: Jaltemba Bay Landfill Crisis Continues
Tara A. Spears
It’s tragic that such a beautiful place is being destroyed by governmental ineptitude and mismanagement. This is the fourth time that I have written about the plight of the Jaltemba Bay community due to the pollution radiating from the overloaded landfill that is a mere two kilometers from the own. Yes, I know that it is a complicated issue and that the government responding to community concerns about the health impacts of landfill gas emissions can be difficult. But, the whole poisoning of the environment could have been avoided-the government knew of the problem more than 20 years ago! It’s been a case of empty promises from the state government and very little action.
In Mexico, where less than 6% of plastic is recycled, the absence of plastic waste management measures is one of the main reasons for the pollution, especially in a community that is tourist driven.
The disposal of waste material is a problem that is increasing in rural municipalities due to the lack a consistent, reliable public garbage collection service. In the absence of efficient government policies to address this serious challenge, private initiatives and civil society organizations dedicate funds so that plastic garbage — which kills more than a million marine species a year — does not end up in the ocean.
According to La Jorna and other publications, Mexico faces an urgent and complex challenge. Annually generating around 53.1 million tons of waste, with a mere 84% collected, Mexico stands at a critical juncture where the country’s waste management practices need radical transformation. Officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that, “the potential for harm depends on how high the levels were and how long the exposure lasted, along with personal traits and habits.”
It is the local residents that initiated the JB recycling program in an effort to protect the beaches. It is the citizens that do the volunteer beach clean ups, it is the citizens that beg for governmental action to preserve the environment of our community. As a potential trailblazer, Mexico has started to adopt measures with the intent to curb waste, promote recycling, and endorse responsible consumption. The community has demonstrated concern and modified behavior- why doesn’t Compostella support the efforts of the public?
The overloaded Guayabitos landfill, known as La Colmena, will continue to erupt with toxic fires due to the nature of methane gas buildup. There are various causes are responsible for the ignition of fire in waste management, such as human error, improper waste storage or friction. It is necessary to take measures to prevent waste fires from occurring due to the increasing serious health and environmental impacts of these waste fires. The best way to reduce waste fires is through appropriate waste management, involving the waste separation into multiple categories, such as non-organic and organic waste, and assuring that it is accurately disposed of through compost, recycling, or other types of waste management. Thus, the risk of fire from waste could be reduced with proper waste management, and it is also helpful to decrease the amount of garbage that is filled up on the landfill site.
Mexico News Daily reported in 2021: Even after the present situation is resolved, the site would require a biogas pipeline, a retaining wall and fencing to avoid long term health effects.
In addition, state lawmaker Rosa Mirna Mora voiced her concern for firefighters, who she said had reported symptoms of respiratory illness, shaking and physical weakness. The state lawmaker stated that it was government corruption and public mishandling that were at the root of the problem. Again, the issue cannot be corrected without state funding and management. 
The difficulties in disposing of municipal solid waste are numerous. There is a lack of public policies that include prevention factors and consumer awareness actions that stem the increase in waste, but also the absence of campaigns that alert about the serious impact on health and the environment because of tons of waste that accumulate each year in streets, parks, public squares, beaches and recreational spaces throughout the country.
The journey ahead is arduous, but the rewards are promising, both for Mexico and for our planet’s future. Let’s hope the next time I write about Jaltemba Bay Waste disposal that there is something positive to report.
| Insurance for your American or Canadian Vehicle while in Mexico | Insurance for your Mexican Vehicle |
 |
 |