The operations of the global pulp giant, UPMhave a direct and proven effect on different ecosystems of the Uruguayshow several studies, which are often overshadowed by the economic effect that this industrial activity has in the country.
UPM 2located in Centennial Town and responsible for the spilling of one million caustic soda into the Willow Creekthrows its effluents into the Black river and, from there, they will reach the Uruguay Riveralready affected by pollution from UPM Fray Bentos (former Botnia), affecting the fishing area.
The damage caused by the waste that the Finnish company throws into the river – widely reported by coastal cities on the Argentine coast – has already affected the fish that inhabit it.
According to a study by the Latitud research group, fish exposed to the UPM Fray Bentos effluent produce half as many eggs as usual. Additionally, male fish caught downstream of the pulp mill had testicular atrophy.
But the effects of the operations of UPM They not only affect native species, a guarantee of a healthy ecosystem. They are also key in deepening a problem suffered by the Uruguaywhich has to do with water, its availability and quality.
UPM 2, the largest plant cellulose in the world, extracts 129 million liters of water from Río Negro daily. Last year, in the midst of the water crisis and when the metropolitan area of the country did not have drinking water, the pulp mills did not suffer any impact in the water supply.
Added to this is a new alert: the declared state of hydrophobia in the soil as a result of the excessive planting of pines and eucalyptus to supply raw materials to the two plants of the Finnish company.
“This fact determines, due to the accumulation of organic compounds, the non-penetration of rainwater to the groundwater, causing droughts and a lack of pastures for agricultural production, and the increase in runoff and erosion, causing uncontrolled waters.” “that go into ravines, streams and rivers, causing violent floods,” warned the Environmental Citizen Assembly of Gualeguaychú based on a study by the Faculty of Agronomy of the University of the Republic.
The spill in Pueblo Centenario, the worst chemical accident in history
UPM 2 He threw one million caustic soda into the Sauce stream in an accident that, although it occurred last August, became public in October and was recognized by the company only a month later.
The consequences, documented by the Ministry of Environmentwere loss of plant species of aquatic and rooted flora, as well as a possible destruction of microalgae, and the death of more than 250 fish.
Since last June, neighborhood and environmental NGOs had reported leaks in the treatment pools at the Paso de los Toros plant.
The company and government settled the issue with a fine of $182,000 – initially the amount was $42,000 -, considered ridiculous by activists who pointed out that UPM makes daily profits of $650,000.
Source: Ambito
