Environment Minister Max Puig wants the gravel extraction companies operating in the Nizao River bed to comply with environmental rules and regulations. The gravel companies responded by paralyzing the extraction of materials. Puig says this is their way of pressurizing the authorities to turn a blind eye to their continued operation in violation of the rules and regulations, according to a news story in Listin Diario. The companies say these rules do not exist, while Puig insists there is a legal framework. Listin Diario reported that the ministry is in possession of information that suggests that some companies are operating at levels that affect the supply of potable water. Puig rejected the notion that the companies’ stoppage of gravel extraction from the Nizao River area could paralyze construction work in the country, claiming that there are other sites where construction material is available for extraction.