Pemex pipeline leak contaminates Pilón River in Nuevo León

A hydrocarbon leak contaminated the Pilón River near the Capellanía bridge in the municipality of Montemorelos, Nuevo León. The leak originated from the Madero-Cadereyta pipeline, a 24-inch diameter pipe that is currently out of operation. Preliminary assessments suggest the spill was caused by residual hydrocarbons within the pipe following suspected acts of vandalism that damaged the structure.

Local residents alerted authorities after noticing a strong fuel odor and visible substances in the water. Pemex technical personnel responded by stopping the leak and installing containment barriers to limit the spread. While municipal authorities confirmed the leak is under control, cleanup operations and environmental impact assessments are still pending.

The Pilón River is part of the basin that feeds the El Cuchillo dam, a critical water source for the Monterrey metropolitan area. Authorities have not yet confirmed the total volume of the spill or if the contaminants have reached the dam.