Frontera NorteSur, October 1999

Norfluor Will Be Sanctioned For Last Week's Accident

The Municipal Department of Ecology and Civil Protection, along with the Federal Office of Environmental Protection, planned to sanction Norfluor, a Cd. Juárez chemical plant, for the electrical/chemical accident that occurred last week releasing a toxic cloud of gas into the nearby neighborhoods. The company could be fined up to $20,000 in wages.

Oscar Ibáñez Hernández, director of the Center of Environmental Studies at the Universidad Autónomo de Cd. Juárez (UACJ), said that it is necessary that the associated authorities investigate what really happened in order to evaluate the impact on the immediate environment.

"We must learn whether it was just an explosion or a fire, and based on the company's contingency plans, find out what the risks are and the adequate solutions," said Ibáñez.

El Paso had also demanded, within days of the accident, a response from Norfluor to questions and acknowledged their ability to fine the company according to Alma Figueroa, general director of the city's Civil Protection and Environmental department. "We want to review their contingency plan, and we want details about the leak and what steps the company is taking to prevent another leak," Figueroa said.

On September 18 there was a release of ammonia and other toxic chemicals at the plant on the PanAmerican Highway in Cd. Juárez which lead to an evacuation of some 200 residents in the nearby colonias. However, no injuries were reported.

According to Andrés Anda Martínez, director of Cd. Juárez human housing department, 40 residents affected by the leak have been relocated. "We have insisted on the relocation of approximately 200 families. This accident confirms that these residences never should have been built so close to this plant."

Although apparently reluctant to address the mishap, Norflour did put out initial statements indicating that no one was put in danger because the weather conditions kept the the chemical cloud high enough in the sky as to not effect people on the ground. Norfluor has denied facility access to anyone and has not provided explanations for what occurred, however an explanation was promised for late September according to an employee.

Allegedly caused by an electric malfunction in the production area, the ammonia leak started midday and was under control within two hours. The chemicals in this foundry are used for making aluminum and refrigerants and include hydrofluroic acid, which is highly toxic.

Sources: El Paso Times, El Diario

Amplifiers Blare In The Streets of Juárez

Anyone who has walked on a street in Juárez knows how loud the advertisements and music can become. From restaurants to street vendors, amplifiers are popularly used to spread the word about sales and the quality of the products being sold.

According to the Ecological Law for allowable decibels, reports of violations have increased significantly. Not only do amplifier users not gain permission for their equipment from the Municipal Normalcy Ambient, law #168, but the number of citations has also increased.

Fines for the noise violations can run from 50 to 500 pesos (U.S. $5-50). Because of the increases in complaints regarding public health, including headaches, stress, and loss of hearing, officials are contemplating a stricter enforcement system of the noise pollution laws.

Sources: El Diario, El Norte