The National Republican Guard (NRG) identified crimes related to environmental pollution and the illegal disposal of construction waste, including asbestos tiles, in 12 locations in the municipalities of Alcochete, Barreiro, Moita and Montijo, police said this Wednesday.
In a statement, the GNR explained that employees of the Service of Nature and Environment (SEPNA) of the territorial office of Montijo in the Setúbal region carried out several inspection activities following complaints about illegal waste disposal.
During the campaign, 12 waste storage sites were identified, including hazardous waste, namely asbestos tiles.
Speaking to Lusa, Montijo territorial detachment commander Capt. Dinarte Santos said the waste was found on several dirt roads, near forested areas and, in some cases, near areas with industrial activities.
According to the GNR, following an inspection, measures are taken to minimize the impact caused by these wastes and the organizations responsible for violations are notified.
Authorities are still waiting for the waste to be removed and sent to places where it will be managed appropriately, avoiding and reducing the risk of soil contamination.
The fines in these cases, according to the GNR, can reach a maximum of 5 million euros in case of fraud.
Asbestos is a natural fiber made from various minerals, and its health hazard comes from inhaling its fibers.
According to the GNR, the presence of asbestos in a building does not in itself pose a health hazard, the danger is related to damage to the materials containing it due to the possibility of fibers being released, inhaled and subsequently deposited in the lungs.
The National Republican Guard warns that the removal, transportation and storage of asbestos-containing materials must be carried out by specialists in compliance with a set of mandatory requirements.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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