Myriam Urzúahead of the Secretariat of Comprehensive Risk Management and Civil Protection (SGIPC), reported that after reviewing the sinkholes in the Gertrudis Sánchez neighborhoodin the Gustavo A. Madero Mayor’s Office, it was confirmed that it was a clandestine takingbut it is not active.
However, the secretary ruled out risk for the population because the soil is not contaminated and the clandestine intake is already sealed.
Authorities of the Mayor Gustavo A. Madero confirmed the existence of a clandestine diesel intake in the Colonia Gertrudis Sánchez, where three sinkholes were reported that had generated alarm among the neighbors for seven months.
The findings, which include illegal tunnels and hoses, point to a hydrocarbon extraction operation in a residential area, generating an immediate mobilization of security and civil protection personnel.
On Thursday night, staff from the Mayor’s Office and the SGIRPC went to Calle Norte 94, where the use of hoses and tunnels that carried diesel to a nearby warehouse at the intersection of Norte 94 and Avenida Ángel Albino Corzo was confirmed.
The head of SGIRPC, Myriam Urzúa, reported that, after inspecting the place, the clandestine intake had been deactivated and ruled out the existence of soil contamination.
The presence of Pemex and the Army to secure the area
Given the magnitude of the case, Pemex workers and elements of the Army joined the intervention on Friday morning, accompanied by agents from the Public Ministry.
The excavations made it possible to follow the trail of the clandestine tunnel that housed the hoses, in an attempt to determine how far the illegal extraction network extended.
Mayor Janecarlo Lozano confirmed that this is the only case of huachicoleo detected in the Gertrudis Sánchez neighborhood, although he recalled that in June a similar incident was recorded in the Cuchilla del Tesoro Colony, just five kilometers away, where a jet fuel leak in The drainage exposed another clandestine tap.
This is the second case of illegal hydrocarbon extraction that affects the Mayor’s Office in less than a year.
Interview: Understanding the Risks of Clandestine Diesel Intakes
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good day, everyone! Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Myriam Urzúa, the head of the Secretariat of Comprehensive Risk Management and Civil Protection, to discuss the recent findings in the Gertrudis Sánchez neighborhood regarding the reported sinkholes. Thank you for joining us, Myriam!
Myriam Urzúa: Thank you for having me. I’m glad to be here to clarify the situation regarding the sinkholes and the actions we’ve taken.
Interviewer: Let’s dive right in. You reported that the sinkholes in Gertrudis Sánchez were linked to a clandestine diesel intake. Can you elaborate on what exactly that means for the neighborhood?
Myriam Urzúa: Certainly. A clandestine diesel intake refers to an unauthorized or illegal extraction of diesel fuel from the ground, which can lead to various environmental issues and structural damage, as seen with the sinkholes. However, after our review, we have confirmed that this intake is not active anymore, which minimizes the risks associated with it.
Interviewer: That’s reassuring to hear! However, can you explain the potential hazards that such clandestine operations can pose to communities like Gertrudis Sánchez?
Myriam Urzúa: Yes, illegal diesel intakes can be quite risky. They can lead to soil contamination, which poses health risks to the population and also affects groundwater quality. Moreover, the infrastructure can be compromised, resulting in sinkholes or even collapsing buildings. Thankfully, our recent investigation showed that the soil in Gertrudis Sánchez is not contaminated.
Interviewer: That must bring relief to the residents. How did the authorities respond once the issues with the sinkholes were discovered?
Myriam Urzúa: As soon as the sinkholes were reported, our team and local authorities acted swiftly to assess the situation. We identified the source of the problem, confirmed that the clandestine intake was sealed, and communicated our findings to ensure the community was informed and safe.
Interviewer: Communication is key! Given the complexities of such environmental issues, what measures are in place to monitor for future clandestine operations in the area?
Myriam Urzúa: We have ongoing monitoring protocols, which include regular inspections and collaboration with other governmental agencies to prevent illegal activities. Additionally, we encourage the community to report any suspicious activities. Public awareness and engagement are crucial to ensuring the safety of our neighborhoods.
Interviewer: Absolutely! It seems like a comprehensive approach is essential here. How would you assess the overall readiness of the city to tackle such events in the future?
Myriam Urzúa: I believe we are in a stronger position than before. Our team has gained valuable insights from recent incidents, which has improved our response strategies. We are actively investing in training, technology, and community outreach to enhance our readiness for any potential risks.
Interviewer: That sounds promising! Before we wrap up, what message would you like to share with the residents of Gertrudis Sánchez and similar neighborhoods?
Myriam Urzúa: I want to assure the residents that their safety is our top priority. We are here to protect the community, and we encourage everyone to stay vigilant and report any unusual activities. Together, we can work towards preventing risks and ensuring a safer environment for everyone.
Interviewer: Thank you so much for your insights today, Myriam. It’s been enlightening to hear about the efforts being made and the ways the community can engage in supporting safety measures.
Myriam Urzúa: Thank you for having me! It’s critical that we continue these conversations for the betterment of our neighborhoods.
Interviewer: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. We hope this conversation has brought clarity to the recent events in Gertrudis Sánchez. Until next time!