According to a press release, following an inspection by deputy minister Angel Daneris Santana, the Ministry of the Environment has ordered the Falcondo Xstrata Nickel mining company to carry out immediate checks on its naphtha storage tanks due to the strong smells that are affecting the local community of Quita Sueno, Haina. Naphtha is a highly flammable liquid derived from petroleum.
The Ministry is also saying that Falcondo must not import any more naphtha until it has made the changes to the tanks that were previously used for crude oil on the grounds that the tanks are not adequate for storing naphtha.
It appears that Falcondo has told the Ministry that the company is in the process of moving the fuel by pipeline to Bonao but it will need at least another week.
It is thought the tanks contain more that a 100,000 barrels of naphtha, which is more volatile than crude oil.
As reported in El Caribe, Falcondo’s head of public affairs Luis Jose Lopez said that the company has launched an emergency plan to try and stop the odor, and is sending pharmaceuticals and medical equipment to local health centers. It has also set up a complaints center for people who have been affected.
The company is applying for a new mining permit for gold and other minerals in Loma Miranda, La Vega. Provincial authorities and environmentalists are strongly opposed to the proposal due to the risk of pollution.
www.elcaribe.com.do/2013/04/11/ordenan-falcondo-revisar-planta-haina
www.listindiario.com/la-republica/2013/4/11/272710/Emanaciones-de-malos-olores-afectan-a-Haina