# San Pablo Huitzo toll booth protest ends via agreements

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/san-pablo-huitzo-toll-booth-protest
> Updated: 2026-08-21T18:45:30.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 3.

Residents of San Pablo Huitzo, Oaxaca, have ended their occupation of the Toll Plaza 78 on the Oaxaca-Cuacnopalan superhighway (135D) following environmental agreements with Caminos y Puentes Federales (CAPUFE) and federal authorities.

The protest, which lasted several days, was driven by allegations that a 22-year-old malfunctioning wastewater treatment plant had been discharging untreated sewage into the Cañada Corazón stream, affecting the water supply for approximately 1,800 people. Protesters had previously allowed vehicles to pass through the toll booth without payment to exert pressure.

Under the signed agreements, CAPUFE has committed to several immediate and long-term actions. To prevent further contamination, CAPUFE will immediately suspend all wastewater discharges in the area and close the restrooms at the Bis 12 toll booth while a permanent treatment plant is developed. Additionally, CAPUFE must remove debris and materials from the highway right-of-way within one month.

To address broader environmental concerns, authorities will conduct technical diagnostics alongside the Mexican Institute of Water Technology (IMTA) to address the sanitation of local streams and ravines. CAPUFE will also collaborate with CONAGUA to evaluate the construction of new water infrastructure and review the impact of gravel and debris obstructing natural watercourses.

## Claims

- Residents of San Pablo Huitzo have occupied the Capufe toll booth for three consecutive days. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Protesters are allowing vehicles to pass through the toll booth without payment as a pressure tactic. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- A 22-year-old wastewater treatment plant is discharging sewage into the Cañada Corazón stream. (single source)
- Local analyses have detected elevated levels of fecal coliforms in the water. (single source)
- The water contamination affects wells that supply approximately 1,800 people in the Third Section. (single source)
- The State Congress urged Capufe to conduct an independent technical investigation and implement sanitation measures. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-21: CAPUFE reaches environmental agreements to end highway 135D protests

Protesters in San Pablo Huitzo cleared the 135D highway after CAPUFE agreed to remove debris and halt wastewater discharges to prevent environmental pollution.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/capufe-reaches-environmental-agreements-to-end-highway-135d-protests

### 2026-08-19: San Pablo Huitzo residents occupy Capufe toll booth over water contamination

Residents of San Pablo Huitzo, Oaxaca, have occupied a Capufe toll booth for three days to protest wastewater contamination affecting local water supplies and public health.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/san-pablo-huitzo-residents-occupy-capufe-toll-booth-over-water-contamination

### 2026-08-16: San Pablo Huitzo residents block toll booth over pollution

Residents of San Pablo Huitzo, Oaxaca, have blocked a toll booth on the Oaxaca-Cuacnopalan highway to protest wastewater pollution and poor sanitation caused by Capufe infrastructure.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/san-pablo-huitzo-residents-block-toll-booth-over-pollution

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Cite as: San Pablo Huitzo toll booth protest ends via agreements. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/san-pablo-huitzo-toll-booth-protest