Ecobreves – GUATEMALA: Noisy Power Plant Shut Down

By IPS Correspondents and - - Reprint | | Print |

GUATEMALA CITY, Dec 22 2003 (IPS) - The Environment Ministry of Guatemala ordered the closing of the U.S.-based Duke Energy plant due to noise pollution, which was affecting the residents of several communities along the country's southern coast. “The technicians found that the plant produced sounds of up to 86 decibels, compared to the maximum of 50 allowed by the Pan-American Health Organization,” ministry spokesman Sergio del Aguila told Tierramérica.

The energy plant is located in Escuintla department, on the Pacific coast, with noise impacts for at least five nearby communities, he said.

Duke Energy attorney Otto Ayala says the order, issued Nov. 17, is “unjust”, and told Tierramérica, “We will not heed this ruling because according to our measurements the noise levels are acceptable.”

The ministry has given the company three weeks to appeal the closure. “It will only be able to reopen when it proves it does not violate environmental laws.”