The Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA) is analyzing the sources of water close to Veracruz de Pital, Pital and Venice communities, due to the presence of a herbicide known as bromacil in a well in Pital San Carlos.
Although the herbicide, commonly used in pineapple farms, was not found in recent analyzes, the authorities decided to close the well of the rural aqueduct (Asada) in Veracruz as a preventive measure, and start a project of long-term care.
Right now we have to consider the territory, the entire area. We must assess all water sources. There are several sources in protected areas and we don’t think they are contaminated because they aren’t close to the crops, but we’re conducting the studies anyway,”
said Cecilia Martínez, assistant manager of Communal Systems from AyA.
The results of the analysis are expected to be ready by mid-November. According to Martínez, the population is not at risk because the water is being supplied by clean sources.
According to the official, they must work with other sectors in order to involve other institutions in the fight against the use of the herbicide.
It’s a real problem in the area, that has to be addressed at once,”
concluded Martínez.
One of the biggest concerns of environmentalists in the country is the contamination of aquifers by herbicides. Legislator Edgardo Araya says that pollution is still present and when a case of contamination is confirmed, the action is just to close the water sources without any penalty for those who caused the damage, so he thinks that the ban on the use of bromacil is necessary.
Mauricio Álvarez, representative of the Conservationist Federation of Costa Rica (FECON), explained that the situation in the country is complicated, and ensures that a contaminated well must be shut down.
Bromacil has high water conduction, so it is very likely that the areas with hydro geological vulnerability get contaminated with this chemical,”
said Álvarez.
The conservationist also criticized that during the campaign, the Executive promised to declare a moratorium on this issue, but the promises have not been kept.