| DEFENSORES DEL MEDIO AMBIENTE DE LOS TUXTLAS, A. C. ecological activism COMPLAINTS & INVESTIGATIONS 2010 |
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| Cerro Las Animas, Catemaco, Veracruz April 16, 2010 A MONUMENT TO THE INCOMPETENCE OF PROFEPA created by Julián Méndez García and “Perforaciones y Voladuras, S. A. de C. V.”: the gravel pit “Agregados Catemaco”, Cerro Las Animas (aka: Cerro Nixtamalapan), Catemaco, Veracruz ("PROFEPA": see below) |
| This systematic destruction continues unabated, ignored by PROFEPA, La Reserva de La Biosfera – Los Tuxtlas, and Catemaco Municipal President Jorge González Azamar, despite continuous complaints by DEMATAC. DEMATAC has been fighting against this wanton destruction since July 27, 2004. And for more than a year we have maintained that the area of excavation far exceeds the authorization by SEMARNAT, dated March 11, 2003, (Official Document No. SGPARN. 02.259/03) permits the mining of “materials pétreos, principalmente roca volcanica” (natural material, principally volcanic rock) from a “usable area of approximately five (5) hectares within the premises containing a total area of twenty (20) hectares”. Our calculations, based on Google Earth Pro Maps and our physical and visual measurements, indicate that, as of February 9, 2009, the area excavated exceeded 6 hectares (see: “MAN AGAINST NATURE” February 11, 2009, http://dematac.org/Complaints.html). More than a year has passed . . . and excavation continues. The environmental damage includes loss of wildlife and their natural habitat, deforestation; and is absurd in light of the fact that Catemaco depends on tourism, and the tourism depends on the natural environment of Los Tuxtlas. The permit was granted for a period of 15 years, and does not expire until March 12, 2018 – 8 more years of destruction. To date, the environmental damage to Cerro Las Animas is beyond repair. Imagine what it will be in 2018! Our formal complaints to PROFEPA have been ignored. Why? Is it due to corruption? Is it out of fear of political reprisal? Or is it simply that they are incapable of doing their job? We urge members of the media to conduct independent investigations into this sacrilege against the environment. And we urge the public to contact PROFEPA: fbriseno@profepa.gob.mx, La Reserva de La Biosfera: tuxtlas@conanp.gob.mx, the Governor of Veracruz: Lic. Fidel Herrera Beltrán: fidelherrera@veracruz-llave.gob.mx, and the press – and demand that this destruction be stopped. (If you prefer, you may email your opinions and comments to us at lostuxtlas@dematac.org. We will forward them to the appropriate offices and publish them at www.dematac.org) You may contact us by telephone at: (294) 943 2910 |
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| Laguna Nixtamalapan threatened by the gravel mining |
| Julián Méndez García architect of the destruction |
| These photos clearly show the expansion of the destruction and the deforestation. |
| 2010 |
| Photos: April, 2010 |
| Photos: Lic. Jessica Hitandegüi Swanson Santiago |
| This “monument”, Cerro Las Animas, is an everlasting testament to man's disregard for nature, and to environmental bureaucracies unwilling or incapable of performing the duties for which they were intended. You, dear reader, may wish to communicate your thoughts to: Biól. Ma. Dolores Castillo Gallegos, Residente de PROFEPA, Catemaco, Veracruz, (294) 943 1030 Biól. Odette Isabel Cadena Morales, Inspector de PROFEPA, Catemaco (294) 943 1030 Lic. Francisco Briseño Cortes, Delegado de PROFEPA en Veracruz, (228) 817 3161, fbriseno@profepa.gob.mx Lic. Héctor Miguel Castillo Andrade, Subdelegado de Inspección y Vigilancia de Vida Silvestre: (228) 818-5668, Celular: (228) 858 0638, hectormcastillo@hotmail.com Ing. José Escobar Chontal – Director de La Reserva de la Biosfera-Los Tuxtlas, (294) 943 1150 tuxtlas@conanp.gob.mx |
| PROFEPA "La ley al servicio de la Natualeza" (The law at the service of Nature) "The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA – Procuraduría Federal de Protección al Ambiente) was legally born on June 4th, 1992 as a division of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) with technical and operational autonomy. We are committed to •Act with vision. •Promote a true environmental culture. •Achieve the highest levels of compliance with environmental laws. •Reduce the focal points that go against the natural richness of our country (e.g. illegal logging, destruction of flora and fauna, depletion of water and pollution problems) We know that this fight requires strong involvement of all sectors of society and the three levels of Government. There will be no truce or contemplations with those who insist on destroying the environment." "Date of last updating March 10th, 2010." (From: http://www.profepa.gob.mx/Profepa/AsuntosInternacionales/ENGLISH . PROFEPA The law at the service of Nature??? Not in Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico!!! |
| "Cerro las Animas" translates in English as "Hill of Souls" |
| This morning inspectors from PROFEPA, accompanied by Catemaco Municipal Police, visited the gravel pit “Agregados Catemaco”, as a result of the publicity created by our article: “Cerro Las Animas, Catemaco, Veracruz; A MONUMENT TO THE INCOMPETENCE OF PROFEPA”. (see below) As yet, we do not know the results of the inspection. Mining operations appear to have ceased since late this morning, but trucks continue to arrive, and depart with loads of material previously mined. We hope that this is the first step toward finally putting a permanent stop to this environmental devastation; and toward PROFEPA working in a professional and transparent manner in fulfilling its responsibilities to Los Tuxtlas. We want to sincerely thank the following for their support: Mario Malpica Valverde - Radio FM 92.7 – “La Primerísima”: for the interview granted our president, Lic. Jessica Hitandegüi Swanson Santiago, April 20th, 2010 Alvaro Quino Mixtega - Televisa Veracruz: for the interview with Lic. Swanson, April 21st, 2010 www.catemaconoticias.com: for “Catemaco Propuesta”, April 20th, 2010; and for its many previous articles in support of protecting the environment of Los Tuxtlas InfoVeracruz.com, April 19, 2010, publication of our article. Gráfico Los Tuxtlas, April 22, 2010, publication of our article. And . . . to our many friends and members who took the time to raise their voices in protest, by email and by phone, against this planned and systematic destruction, "Muchas Gracias!" DEMATAC is not letting this matter rest. We have interviews regarding the gravel mining programmed with various government officials this week and the week following. We will continue to take advantage of whatever means are legally available to continue our fight against this wanton destruction of Cerro Las Animas, and other travesties against nature in Los Tuxtlas. We value your support and your comments. (lostuxtlas@dematac.org) |
| PROFEPA VISITS ITS MONUMENT April 22, 2010 |
| Photo courtesy of: catemaconoticias.com |
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| OF MONUMENTS, GRAVEL PITS, AND PROFEPA - THE CHRONICLE CONTINUES May 23, 2010 It appears, we repeat “appears” that as a result of the publicity created by DEMATAC, Julián Méndez García and “Perforaciones y Voladuras, S. A. de C. V.” have been ordered by PROFEPA to cease expanding the area of excavation in the gravel pit “Agregados Catemaco”, Cerro Las Animas (aka: Cerro Nixtamalapan), Catemaco, Veracruz. There has been no work done at the northern perimeter of the excavation since the date of the PROFEPA inspection. All work has been concentrated within the area already exploited, and appears to be a process of leveling. This is confirmed by workers employed in the gravel pit. These workers state that PROFEPA ordered that no further expansion be done, and they confirm that the work being done is a process of leveling the already excavated area, and at a later date they will proceed with crushing rock to produce gravel. We contacted by telephone Biologist Maria Dolores Castillo Gallegos, Residente de PROFEPA, Catemaco, Veracruz, (294) 943 1030) to inquire about the results of the inspection. She informed our representative that the gravel pit operators had not exceeded the limits set by the permit. When we asked what percentage of the permitted area they had excavated or how much was left before reaching said limits, she declined to provide the information. This contradicts what is said by the gravel pit workers and seems to be contradicted by the fact that expansion efforts came to an abrupt halt as of the inspection date. In an effort to clarify this situation, we have attempted to contact by telephone both Lic. Francisco Briseño Cortes, Delegado de PROFEPA en Veracruz, (228) 817 3161, fbriseno@profepa.gob.mx, y Lic. Héctor Miguel Castillo Andrade, Subdelegado de Inspección y Vigilancia de Vida Silvestre: (228) 818-5668, Cellular: (228) 858 0638, hectormcastillo@hotmail.com, but neither has been available to take our calls and have not returned our messages. After not being able to obtain answers from PROFEPA, we requested Ing. José Faustino Escobar Chontal, Director of the Reserva de la Biosfera – Los Tuxtlas to assist us arrange a meeting with the Reserva, PROFEPA and SEMARNAT to clarify the situation; principally to determine if limits have been exceeded, and if not, how much remains before exceeding them. Unfortunately, after several phone calls to Ing. Escobar, and his promises to arrange said meeting, no meeting date has been set. DEMATAC remains certain that the excavated area does indeed exceed substantially the area allowed by the permit; and we believe that PROFEPA is reluctant to reveal the results of their inspection of April 22, 2010; and even more reluctant to admit that DEMATAC was right. So much for “transparency” where PROFEPA is concerned! We have sent an official written request for the results of the inspection and are awaiting a reply. Unfortunately, based on our past experience, months can pass before a reply is forthcoming. In the meantime, we are pleased that further expansion has halted, and sincerely hope that it does not resume at some future date. Now, we understand from rumors from the gravel pit workers that Julián Méndez García is planning to divide a part of the land “he claims to be his” in lots for the sale and construction of houses for his employees – supposedly more than 40 lots. The land intended for this subdivision is located to the north of the excavated area and adjacent to the eastern boundary line. This plan would require an entrance road, numerous poles for electric lines, and a source of water. Regarding the water source, the employees state that the plan is to pump water from the Lacuna Nixtamalapan (which we understand is prohibited) to a large tank constructed on a high point of Cerro Las Animas. The water would then be piped by gravity to the dwellings below. As this property is located within the Reserva de la Biosfera – Los Tuxtlas, it is our understanding that a subdivision is strictly prohibited. Before any advances are made with the plan, an intensive study of environmental impact should be undertaken. Obviously, we cannot confirm the fact of this plan. Our knowledge is based on rumors generated by employees of the gravel pit; but these same workers are quite enthused over the idea, and have begun to clear areas for construction. Photo of Cleared Land We are monitoring this situation and hope that the Reserva de La Biosfera – Los Tuxtlas, SEMARNAT, and other governmental offices related to this type of project, take appropriate steps to prohibit the project – which will only result in more damage than has already been done to Cerro Las Animas, and to the environment of Los Tuxtlas. |
| Animal Abuse and PROFEPA Indifference May 24, 2010 As our name “Defensores del Medio Ambiente de Los Tuxtlas, A. C.” indicates, we are primarily concerned with the area of Los Tuxtlas. However, there are occasions when we receive a commentary or complaint that we cannot ignore from another area. This applies in the reported case of two raccoons, two crocodiles, two peacocks, more than 20 turtles and various fish which are being kept in deplorable conditions in the Restaurant “La Choza”, owned by Enrique Achaval Robles, located at: Carretera a La Barra, km 10 near La Mata de Tampamachoco, in the municipality of Tuxpan, Veracruz. This abuse was reported to PROFEPA on March 31, 2010 by Paulina Bracho, a young lady who, unlike many, is concerned about the wellbeing of Mexico's wildlife. Since March, Paulina has tried to follow the case through numerous phone calls to PROFEPA and SEMARNAT, but unfortunately the response from these environmental authorities has been one of indifference. Ultimately, the PROFEPA resolution, after an inspection visit, was that "no violation exists", due to the fact that Enrique Achaval Robles has permits from SEMARNAT to possess these animals. With this, PROFEPA washed it's hands of the matter, and Paulina decided to contact DEMATAC. Does the possession of a permit for keeping wildlife, especially in the case of species protected by law: "Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM- 059-SEMARNAT-200" (turtles, raccoons, crocodiles) include the right for the permit holder to mistreat these animals and force them to live in dreadful conditions? How do the authorities validate their opinion that the conditions of these animals are adequate? Following is a copy in Spanish of the complaint filed by Paulina with PROFEPA and photos of the captives: "Me dirijo a usted de la manera más atenta y con toda la urgencia de la desesperación, para denunciar al Sr. Luis Enrique Achaval Robles que tiene en cautiverio fauna silvestre en condiciones deplorables para entretenimiento de la gente que asiste a su restaurante "La Choza". Son dos cocodrilos de más de 2 metros en dos estanques sumamente reducidos, con poca agua y sucios. Dos mapaches en una jaula de 1 x 1 m, sin agua ni alimento. Los animales muestran signos de alto estrés y desesperación. Tiene también alrededor de 20 tortugas de 30 cm. c/u hacinadas en una pileta con agua sucia. Dos pavorreales en una jaula justa para su tamaño, lo que les impide caminar. Además de peces también en muy malas condiciones. La situación no puede continuar. Además de la incautación de los animales, amerita una multa lo suficientemente alta como para que el señor no vuelva a tener animales para entretenimiento. El restaurante "La Choza" se encuentra en la Carretera a la Barra km 10 de Tuxpan Veracruz, en la zona de La Mata de Tampamachoco, rumbo a la playa. El teléfono que se encuentra en su anuncio de internet es 01(783)837.0682 En este momento nos encontramos de vacaciones en Tuxpan, pero venimos de la ciudad de México. A mi regreso le puedo enviar las fotos de la situación de los animales. Estamos muy interesados en que esto tenga un seguimiento positivo; y estamos en la total disposición de hacer lo que sea necesario para el rescate de estos animales, y aquello que amerite para que el Sr. Achaval no repita esta crueldad." Este es uno de muchos casos en donde es posible darse cuenta de la ineficiencia e indiferencia de las personas que trabajan en la PROFEPA y SEMARNAT, el claro desinterés por ayudar, proteger y conservar la poca vida silvestre que nos queda. Ya es tiempo de que hagamos algo, de que exijamos al gobierno que cumpla con sus obligaciones. |
| Copy in Spanish of the PROFEPA, Veracruz Reply to the Complaint Filed by Paulina Bracho |
| E-mail in Spanish to DEMATAC from Paulina Bracho May 22, 2010 |
| "Soy Paulina Bracho González y vivo en Distrito Federal, por la tarde de ayer hablé con Juan Raúl pidiendo orientación o ayuda para un caso que yo, y muchos más, consideramos de maltrato, indignante e inhumano, en Tuxpan, Veracruz. Acudo a ustedes porque ya pasé por la travesía de PROFEPA-Xalapa y el fallo de la denuncia resultó en que "no hay delito". La denuncia la levanté desde el 30 de marzo con Francisco Briseño y Saúl Colin en D.F, recibí respuesta de recibido de Saúl y de Briseño de que darían seguimiento a la denuncia y me indicaron esperar, pero pasaron dos semanas y yo no recibí noticias, noté que Briseño enviaba el mail a Perla Estrella Mendoza quién averigüe es jefa del departamento de "Quejas y Denuncias", así que me dediqué a buscarla, me llevó múltiples llamadas y no la encontré pero me respondío un mail diciendo que la denuncia ya estaba contemplada y que enviarían inspectores, que esperara a que me contactaran; nuevamente esperé dos semanas y no hubo noticias, volví a llamar hasta que por fin la encontré y lo que ahora indicó fue que tenía que esperar la resolución del área jurídica, que eso llevaría un mes más, le solicité hablar con alguien de jurídico pero me lo negó diciendo que eso no era de mi competencia. Ese día me envió la copia del Oficio de Notificación de Actuaciones que dijo ya haberme enviado, pero que nunca llegó. En el Oficio se menciona el 8 de abril como la fecha del Acta Administrativa (que verán en el adjunto). No me conformé y busqué el nombre y la extención del responsable del área de jurídico, y oh sorpresa, me dijo que la resolución se había dado el 5 de abril y que el fallo había sido "que no había delito", pregunté que cómo era posible!... dijo que el "dueño" tenía permiso de SEMARNAT, pero también me explicó que el permiso no excluiría el delito si los inspectores reportaban abuso. Y yo me pregunto ¿de qué manera y bajo qué conceptos no es abuso lo que yo vi? Así que le pregunté sobre los parámetros sobre los que se basaban, qué ley -pregunté-. Ahora me encuentro leyendo las leyes. Le pregunté también si podía ver el expediente, si me "competía" legalmente hablando, porque ya Perla Estrella me había dicho que lo jurídico no me competía; respondió que sí podía verlo, que como demandante tenía derecho, pero que iba a ser más fácil que lo solicitara a través de Infomex, porque en "Quejas y Denuncias" no me lo iban a querer dar. Hasta ahora no he podido ver el expediente, porque el sistema web de Infomex, al menos antier que hablé por primera vez con el responsable de jurídico, es un desastre. Pero, no me detuve ahí, antier busqué al responsable del área de inspecciones, queriendo saber, en qué cabeza no es abuso lo que vi; hablé con Mercedes Sosa, responsable de vida silvestr, y me dio un mail para mandarle las fotos y me pidió llamarle el jueves, pero yo no pude hablar el jueves (aunque sí le envíe el mail el miércoles mismo); hoy ya no la encontré, estaba de inspección, regresa al parecer el lunes. Yo los busco a ustedes con la esperanza de que me orienten, porque yo no pienso conformarme. El lunes pensaba ir ya a las oficinas centrales en D.F, y si no funciona... pensaba acudir a periódicos... pero qué más puedo hacer?? Ustedes deben estar familiarizados, seguro saben de más opciones que yo. Abajo les pongo copia de la denuncia, vienen ahí todos los datos necesarios para el seguimiento. Ojalá, de verdad, pudieran ayudarme, ayudar a estos animales aunque no estén en los Tuxtlas. Les envío las fotos que tomé con el celular, perdónen la falta de calidad en ellas. Los animales están sucios y en espacios muy reducidos, los cocodrilos no pueden ni dar la vuelta y el agua no les alcanza a cubrir, las tortugas no tienen un área dónde salir del agua, los pavorreales no pueden abrir su cola o caminar, el agua de los peces está en pésimo estado. Sobre todo me afecta quedarme con la imagen desesperada de los dos mapaches, ya con altos signos de stress y "locura", como el ir y venir monótona y frenéticamente en el mismo sitio, intentando sacar las manos y gritando cada que un ser humano se acerca, sin agua a 40 grados de temperatura." |
| The above photos were taken by Paulina with a cell-phone camera under less than perfect conditions and lighting, but even so, the deplorable condition of the animals is evident. The water for the turtles is filthy. The raccoon cage is dirty and very small for this type of animal. The croc does not even have sufficient space to turn around. |
| We welcome your comments. They may be sent to: lostuxtlas@dematac.org You may also direct your comments to: Lic. Héctor Miguel Castillo Andrade, Subdelegado de Inspección y Vigilancia de Vida Silvestre (Wildlife Inspection and Vigilance, PROFEPA): (228) 818-5668, Celular: (228) 858 0638, hectormcastillo@hotmail.com |
| Animal Abuse Plus Indifference and Inefficiency by PROFEPA June 22, 2010 Dando seguimiento al maltrato animal en el Restauran la Choza en Tuxpan; después de revisar detalladamente el Oficio de Notificación de Actuación de PROFEPA, Veracruz. Paulina Bracho solicitó el Recurso de Revisión, mediante oficio ya que no está de acurdo con la notificación. Para leer el oficio de Recurso de Revisión da click aquí |
| THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY Julián Méndez Garcia, SEMARNAT, PROFEPA & La Reserva de Los Tuxtlas: Architects of Ecological Desecration in Catemaco August 25, 2010 |
| Our report, and conclusions, of May 23, 2010 (OF MONUMENTS, GRAVEL PITS, AND PROFEPA - THE CHRONICLE CONTINUES) (see below) were premature and incorrect. The destruction of the hill “Cerro Los Animas” by Julián Méndez Garcia and “Perforaciones y Voladuras, S. A. de C. V.” continues unabated; with the full support of PROFEPA. After numerous requests for the results of the inspection of April 22, 2010 were ignored by PROFEPA (so much for PROFEPA transparency), DEMATAC, through a contact in Mexico City, was able to obtain a complete copy of the inspection report (Acta de Inspeccion No. PFPA/36.3/2C.27.5/0075-10; Orden de Inspeccion No. PFPA.SIV.IA.0075/10 – signada por (signed by) Francisco Luis Briseño Cortes, Delegado de PROFEPA en el Estado de (in the state of) Veracruz. The inspectors were Biologist Blanca I. Nava Tablada, Biologist Maria Dolores Castillo Gallegos and Biologist Oscar Omar Rivera Gonzales; all of the Catemaco, Veracruz office of PROFEPA. Julián Méndez Garcia, signed the inspection as “Legal Representative and Owner of the Company “Perforacciones y Voladuras, S.A. de C.V.” Sergio Mendez Dewar and Juan Manuel Rodrigues Arres witnessed the document. The inspection resulted from an “anonymous complaint”. The “anonymous” complainant was DEMATAC. To summarize the result of the inspection: DEMATAC claimed in their complaint that the gravel pit has exceeded its limits as stated in their permit: “. . . the mining of materials pétreos (material derived from or related to stone), principally volcanic rock, en una superficie de aprovechamiento (in a usable area) of approximately five (5) hectares within the premises containing a total area of twenty (20) hectares”. PROFEPA inspectors claim to have determined that the 5 hectare area has not been exceeded. PROFEPA calculates the total area used by the company as 5.63.53 hectares (pretty damn close to the area calculated by DEMATAC), but that only 3.66.80 hectares have been exploited for the extraction of material; and that the remaining area is dedicated to storage of material, warehouses, office, and an uncompleted (and unauthorized) house, etc. (The unauthorized construction of the house was noted in the inspection report; and we assume (and hope) that a fine will be levied. However, another unauthorized dwelling, used by employees and their families, and without electric service, water, or sanitation facilities was overlooked (or ignored?). DEMATAC based it’s measurement on total land used by the gravel pit; the land denuded of natural habitat. The key word is “aprovechamiento”: 1. “Obtención de un provecho o beneficio” (WordReference.com) 2. “Acción de aprovechar o aprovecharse. Cosas útiles que se sacan de los productos naturales, como montes, bosques o dehesas” (LAROUSSE Gran Diccionario de la Lengua Español) 3. “Superficie de techo edificable, existente o que asigna o permite el planeamiento sobre un ámbito determinado, incluyendo todo uso y ponderando cada superficie incluida con la relación de su valor lucrativo respecto al del uso predominante en el ámbito” (Wikipedia) Translated to English this means, briefly: obtaining benefit; use; lucrative value with respect to use. DEMATAC submits that storage of material, office and warehouse space, etcetera, constitute use, provide benefits, and represents lucrative value. PROFEPA’s interpretation obviously differs; and by their interpretation, a mining company can extract material, then level the land and use the leveled area as storage area, etcetera – thereby extending their permit area without limit - precisely what has been done in this case. If PROFEPA is correct, this indicates that the SEMARNAT and La Reserva de la Biosfera - Los Tuxtlas were aware that the hill “Cerro Las Animas” would be at least partially destroyed by the mining operation. How do they justify granting the permit? AND, if the remaining 8 years of the permit and the mining of the, purportedly, remaining 1.34 hectares are permitted to continue, a much larger portion of Cerro Los Animas will be destroyed. PROFEPA is not the only guilty party. The permit should never have been granted by SEMARNAT; and agreement to the permit by La Reserva de La Biosfera – Los Tuxtlas (The mining area is within the boundaries of La Reserva de La Biosfera – Los Tuxtlas; a protected (supposedly) natural area) was a farce. Yet, after an environmental impact study, SEMARNAT granted the permit, and La Reserva affirmed that the “realization of the project was not “inconvenient” or “unsuitable” (Oficio No. 03CA-007, January 3, 2003). To say that the destruction of one of the major hills, Cerro Las Animas (aka: Cerro Nixtamalapan) (elevation: 1905 feet) protecting Catemaco does not result in serious negative environmental impact is patently absurd. Look at the photos: |
| THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY |
| Why was this permit granted? What was the motivation that encouraged inspectors and officials of SEMARNAT and of La Reserva de La Biosfera – Los Tuxtlas to grant the permit? Think about it; and come to your own conclusions. Apart from the environmental impact, but because of it, irreparable economic damage to Catemaco can result, economically affecting many more residents then the 29 reputedly employed by Méndez. This, of course, is of no interest to Julián Méndez Garcia – and apparently of no interest to PROFEPA. WILDLIFE In its inspection report, PROFEPA refers to the present existence of wildlife, in the form of one (1) opossum and a species of armadillo. Before mining began, the area destroyed was home to: 1) A large covey of Common Quail or Bobwhites (Colinus virginianus). These have completely disappeared from the area. 2) Numerous Coatimundi or Tejones (Nasua narica). We have counted as many as 19 crossing the entrance road paralleling the area that is now the gravel pit; they were constantly present. They have vanished. 3) Rabbits (Sylvilagas floridanus and related species) abounded. We have seen only one (1) rabbit in the last three years. 4) A large bat population; now substantially reduced. 5) A large reptile population, including boas and iguanas; substantially reduced. 6) Striped skunks (Mephitis macroura and related species) are conspicuous in their absence. 7) Gray Squirrels (Sciurus aureogaster and related species), previously abundant, have been reduced to what appears to be one remaining pair. Birds such as Hummingbirds, Woodpeckers, hawks, owls, chachalacas and many more, while still prevalent on the land east and to the north of the mining area, have been noticeably reduced due to loss of habitat and noise contamination. ______________________________________________ A Personal Message from DEMATAC President, Lic. Jessica Hitandegüi Swanson Santiago I normally prefer not to respond to personal references by the media, governmental agencies, individuals, or groups. I believe it detracts from DEMATAC’s message and reduces matters to a personal level. However, in a recent Bog spot column of “FRANCOENLINEA, INFORMACION POLITICA SOCIAL Y ECONOMICA DE VERACRUZ MEXICO”, “SIN DAÑO AL CRATER DE LA LAGUNA NIXTAMALAPAN :HECTOR CASTILLO ANDRADE”, August 8, 2010, two references were made about me personally which I feel I should address. I interpret these comments as inferring that my, and DEMATAC’s, complaints against the gravel mining operation are personally motivated. 1) Hector Castillo Andrade, subdelegado of PROFEPA stated to Francoenlinea that he “suspects motives of personal interest or a conflict among neighbors” are the reason for DEMATAC’s continuing complaints. Also, in the PROFEPA Inspection Report of April 22, 2010 (page 8 of 9) Julián Méndez García refers to “nuestros malos vecinos” (our bad neighbors). (As I own the property, with my brother, bordering the land reputedly owned by Méndez, I must be the “mala vecina”.) 2) At the conclusion of the above mentioned Bog spot, Hector Castillo Andrade states “JESSICA SWANSON PIDIO CHAMBA EN PROFEPA NO LLENO EL PERFIL” (Jessica Swanson asks for work in PROFEPA, does fit the required profile). This implies that I am bitter over my “rejection” by PROFEPA and am acting out of vengeance. I will address #2 first: It is true that several years ago I applied for a job with PROFEPA. It is also true that I do not fit the profile normally applied to PROFEPA inspectors; my degree (licenciatura) is in Communication Sciences, not biology or a field directly related to the environment. However, it is also true that I applied because I was personally invited to apply by Lic. Francisco Briseño Cortes, Delegado de La PROFEPA en Veracruz (Hector Castillo Andrade’s boss). I accepted his invitation because at the time I believed, perhaps mistakenly, that I could better work for change from within the system. Francisco later informed me that I was accepted by PROFEPA, despite my imperfect profile, and that the only thing that stood between my "convenio" (contract) with the municipality of Catemaco was the signature of the Municipal President of Catemaco, Jorge González Azamar. The signature never materialized, perhaps because I am not the Municipal president’s biggest fan and have made no secret of it. I do not harbor any hard feelings or resentment over this, and in retrospect, I consider it as the better outcome. My complaints, and those filed by DEMATAC, began long before my seeking employment with PROFEPA. Responding to #1: The only conflict, as far as I am concerned, between neighbors Julián Méndez García and Jessica Hitandegüi Swanson Santiago is the existence of the gravel mining operation. I am not concerned about affects on my property values, as I have no intention of selling. The noise and dust levels at my property are negligible. And neither I, nor my family, have intentions of constructing a retirement center for aging gringos, as Méndez has previously inferred. Nor is my object getting his permit cancelled so that I, or my family, can take over the gravel pit land and build a gringo utopia; as Méndez has also previously suggested. I sincerely believe that Méndez and his company are destroying Cerro Las Animas and causing tremendous damage to the environment, while destroying local wildlife and wildlife habitat. I firmly believe that the permit should never have been granted, and I suspect the motives of PROFEPA and La Reserva de La Biosfera – Los Tuxtlas in granting said permit. I will continue to fight against the existence of the mining operation as long as it exists and as long as I am able to do so. I sincerely try to not allow personal interests or sentiments to enter into my work with DEMATAC, but I am human (through Méndez, and Hector – and maybe just a few others, may question that); and I admit that it is difficult to block out personal feelings. I spent my early childhood on the land adjacent to the gravel pit. To me, as a little girl, it was a wonderland of nature; quiet and tranquil; abounding with wildlife in many and varied forms. From the tiny escarabajos (beetles) to the quick little lizards to the soaring hawks and vultures, the land around our home was a magical place. The advent of gravel mining and subsequent environmental devastation destroyed that, and formed the idea that became DEMATAC. So, thank you, Julián Méndez García; just as you are selfishly destroying a portion of the environment of Los Tuxtlas, you were in part responsible for creating your foremost adversary. As opposed to you, to PROFEPA, to the Dirección de la Reserva de la Biosfera – Los Tuxtlas and to SERMANAT, I do what I do for the love of nature and without pay. I guess occasionally I become again that little girl of 20 some years ago; and in those moments, stopping the gravel mining becomes very personal. Last Word: Remember that the title of the Blogsot is “SIN DAÑO AL CRATER DE LA LAGUNA NIXTAMALAPAN :HECTOR CASTILLO ANDRADE”. We cannot assert that damage is being done currently to Laguna Nixtamalapan, but look at the photo below of a man-made drainage from the gravel pit "Gravera Agregados Catemaco" directly to Laguna Nixtamalapan. This photo is from a video (in our possession) filmed by Ricardo Guitierrez Cerlin and Yan Quirarte of Política TV, Raul Kuanenemy Hernandez of the magazine “Hojas Verdes”, July 18 2004. Méndez blocked this drainage only after DEMATAC complained at a meeting in the Municipal Palace, Catemaco. PHOTO Good Neighbor Policy: 1) On various occasions shortly after DEMATAC began its fight against the gravel operation, large stones were placed at night in the entrance to the access road leading directly to our home. These stones could have badly damaged a vehicle had they not been seen. 2) September, 2004: Julián Méndez García ordered workers to dig a deep hole at the base of our electric transformer, without advising us, and putting both post and transformer in danger of falling; resulting in a cost to us of $ 8,800 pesos MXN to change the location of post and transformer. The post had been located on a corner of the property Méndez claims as his, but had been there for more than 20 years. 2) Shortly after the temporary closure of the gravel pit by then Municipal President Sergio Antonio Cadena Martínez, a brush fire threatened our home. Proteccion Civil from Catemaco and the fire department from San Andrés Tuxtla responded promptly and put out the fire before damage was done. Officers of Proteccion Civil told us that two separate fires had been deliberately set approximately 30 meters downhill and downwind to the east of our house. 3) June 26, 2007: a denuncia (formal charge) was filed by Elvira Quino Moreno, legal representative of Julián Méndez García, with the Ministerio Publico (local prosecutor) office in Catemaco, against me for the theft of “una bomba de inyeccion y un juego de dados” (an injection pump and socket set) from the gravel pit at 4:00 p. m. on June 24, 2007. Employees of Méndez were witnesses. At the time and date of the alleged crime I was hosting the birthday party of a university classmate in my home and had a houseful of guests willing to testify that at no time did I don my ninja gear and slink into the gravel pit to steal heavy equipment parts and tools – which probably weigh more than I do. Case dropped. 4) March 30, 2008: I was accused, again through the office of the Ministerio Publico, by the aforementioned Elvira Quino Moreno and Julián Méndez García, of the theft of a dog belonging to Méndez. An employee of Méndez was the witness. When it was discovered that I was in Xalapa, Veracruz at the time of the alleged offense, my parents were accused. Case dropped. 5) April 24, 2010, two days after the PROFEPA inspection of the gravel pit, at approximately 10:30 p. m. as my father entered the upstairs bedroom and switched on the light, shots were fired. One shot was heard to ricochet off a metal window or door frame. The shots were fired from the field below, east-southeast of our home, by a person wearing a white or light colored shirt - on a clear, moonlit night (?). (Someone should better train their shooters.) The shooter ran from the scene and no vehicle was spotted or heard. Lic. Jessica Hitandegüi Swanson Santiago ________________________________________ Lic. Jessica Hitandegüi Swanson Santiago Presidente Defensores del Medio Ambiente de Los Tuxtlas. A. C. Apartado Postal 24 95870 Catemaco, Veracruz, México Tel/Fax: (294) 943 2910 / 943 0581 Móvil: 044 294 111 4117 mailto:lostuxtlas@dematac.org |
| Photo: Jessica Hitandegüi Swanson Santiago - April, 2010 |
| Photo: Pía Lotvedt - August, 2010 |
| Photo: Jessica Hitandegüi Swanson Santiago - April, 2010 |
| Photo: Pía Lotvedt - August, 2010 |
| Photo: Jessica Hitandegüi Swanson Santiago - employe house, not mentioned in the Inspection Act |
| Photo: Jessica Hitandegüi Swanson Santiago - Uncompleted house built without authorization, mentioned in the inspection act |
| Lic. Jessica Hitandegüi Swanson Santiago |
| Julián Méndez Garcia |
| Gravel Pit "Gravera Agregados Catemaco", Cerro Las Animas |
