Profepa intensifies environmental enforcement across Mexico

Mexico's Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) has intensified its enforcement actions across several regions to address environmental violations and protect ecosystems.

In the State of Mexico, Profepa imposed a partial temporary closure on the wastewater discharge system at the Continental Automotriz Lerma plant. Inspections conducted in August 2026 revealed that the facility was using an expired discharge permit, exceeding authorized volumes, and releasing pollutants beyond permissible limits into the Lerma River area.

In the Yucatán Peninsula, Semarnat Secretary Alicia Bárcena warned of a potential permanent closure of the Kanasín landfill. The facility has reportedly failed to comply with 83 percent of previously imposed corrective measures, posing a risk of leachate infiltration into the local aquifer. Authorities are demanding the installation of containment meshes and improved waste treatment processes.

Additionally, Profepa has launched a large-scale multi-agency operation focused on the Yucatán Peninsula to combat illegal coastal occupation and unregulated real estate development. Inspectors are monitoring infrastructure projects in Yucatán, Quintana Roo, and Campeche to ensure compliance with environmental impact and land-use laws, specifically targeting the protection of mangroves, wetlands, and dunes.