Residents of Manatí Tierras Nuevas Poniente, a small town in Puerto Rico, are fighting for environmental justice as they face the threat of a proposed incinerator in their community. The incinerator, which would be used to burn trash and hazardous waste, has sparked concerns about air and water pollution, health risks, and the impact on the local ecosystem.
A Community Under Siege
The town of Manatí Tierras Nuevas Poniente is a predominantly low-income community with a high percentage of elderly and vulnerable residents. The proposed incinerator would be located in close proximity to homes, schools, and healthcare facilities, putting the entire community at risk of exposure to toxic emissions and pollutants. Residents are outraged by the lack of transparency and consultation from government officials and the company behind the project, who they claim have ignored their concerns and dismissed their right to a safe and healthy environment.
“We are not just fighting for our own community, we are fighting for the future of our children and grandchildren,” said Maria Rodriguez, a resident of Manatí Tierras Nuevas Poniente. “We will not stand idly by while our air and water are poisoned by this incinerator. We demand justice and protection from our government.”
Environmental and Health Concerns
The proposed incinerator would burn a variety of waste, including hazardous materials, plastics, and toxic chemicals. The combustion process would release a cocktail of pollutants into the air, including particulate matter, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds. These pollutants have been linked to a range of health problems, including respiratory diseases, cancer, and neurological damage. Residents are also concerned about the impact on the local water supply, as the incinerator would generate toxic ash and wastewater that could contaminate nearby water sources.
- Particulate matter: linked to respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Heavy metals: linked to cancer, neurological damage, and developmental problems
- Volatile organic compounds: linked to cancer, respiratory diseases, and neurological damage
A Lack of Transparency and Consultation
Residents of Manatí Tierras Nuevas Poniente claim that they were not adequately informed or consulted about the proposed incinerator. They argue that the government and the company behind the project have failed to provide sufficient information about the potential risks and impacts, and have ignored their concerns and objections. This lack of transparency and consultation has led to widespread mistrust and anger among the community, who feel that their rights and interests are being disregarded.
“We were not even notified about the project until it was already approved,” said Juan Sanchez, a resident of Manatí Tierras Nuevas Poniente. “We demand that our government and the company behind this project be transparent and honest with us. We have a right to know what is happening in our community and to have a say in the decisions that affect our lives.”
A Call to Action
The residents of Manatí Tierras Nuevas Poniente are calling on their government and the company behind the proposed incinerator to halt the project and engage in a meaningful and transparent consultation process. They are also seeking support from environmental organizations, community groups, and individuals who share their concerns about environmental justice and human rights. The fight against the incinerator is not just about one community, but about the right of all people to a safe and healthy environment.
Join the residents of Manatí Tierras Nuevas Poniente in their fight for environmental justice. Sign the petition, share their story, and demand that their government and the company behind the project prioritize the health and well-being of the community over profits and interests.
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