The reappearance of an intense olive-green hue in the waters of the Hatillo Dam has reignited a wave of alarm across the Sánchez Ramírez province and the Northeast region. Local residents and civil society groups are demanding “credible and convincing” explanations for the phenomenon affecting the largest freshwater reservoir in the Dominican Republic.
The discoloration, which first emerged in early December 2025, has caused widespread uncertainty in communities along the Yuna River, including San Francisco de Macorís, Pimentel, and Nagua. The Yuna serves as the primary artery feeding the dam and a vital water source for the region.
While government authorities have attributed the change to a natural “algal bloom,” a significant portion of the local population suspects a more industrial cause. Historically, the Yuna River has been a catch-basin for runoff from mining operations in Bonao, Maimón, and Cotuí.
Specific concerns have been raised regarding inactive mining facilities, such as those belonging to Falcondo. Locals fear that recent rains may have washed unmonitored sediments from these sites into the river system. Additionally, the ongoing operations of Cerro Maimón and Barrick Pueblo Viejo remain under public scrutiny.
Despite assurances from both the government and mining firms that they adhere to rigorous international water treatment protocols, public distrust remains high. In response, various civic sectors are now calling for a participatory environmental monitoring program. They argue that “citizen oversight” is essential to ensure transparency and protect the region’s biodiversity and public health.
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El Nacional
9 February 2026