Barrancabermeja, Colombia – A storm of controversy is brewing in central Colombia as local campaigners and environmental groups allege severe pollution of the protected San Silvestre wetlands stemming from a nearby landfill operated by French waste management giant Veolia. Fishers who have relied on these waters for generations report devastating declines in fish populations and foul odors, while a recent report by Global Witness claims the company has been deliberately dumping toxic leachate, leading to alarming levels of heavy metal contamination and potential health crises in surrounding communities.

Wilson Díaz, president of a local fishing union, knows the San Silvestre wetlands intimately. For him and countless others in Barrancabermeja, these waters have long been a source of life and livelihood. Now, as he navigates the still waters in his small canoe, the stark reality of the alleged pollution is undeniable. “It smells foul,” he states grimly, a far cry from the sustenance the wetlands once provided his family.

The Veolia-operated landfill, situated approximately 12 kilometers from the San Silvestre wetlands, processes around 150 tonnes of waste daily from Barrancabermeja, a city at the heart of Colombia’s oil production region. For years, concerns have mounted regarding the landfill's impact on the delicate ecosystem. Díaz recounts a drastic decline in his fishing yields, from catching up to 200 fish a day just five years ago to a mere 15 now. “We are practically being displaced due to the landfill; they are going to eradicate us, little by little,” he laments, echoing the fears of the local fishing community who have witnessed mass die-offs of fish and other wildlife.

The accusations against Veolia intensified this week with the release of a damning report by Global Witness. The environmental NGO alleges that Veolia has been intentionally discharging untreated liquid toxic waste, known as leachate, directly into the streams and waterways that feed into the San Silvestre wetlands. Their report claims to have found “high concentrations of heavy metals – including mercury 25 times over what is regarded as safe limits” in sediment samples taken near the landfill in September 2024.

These findings are reportedly corroborated by video evidence obtained by San Silvestre Green, a local environmental group, allegedly showing Veolia improperly disposing of untreated liquid pollutants between August and September 2023. Leonardo Granados, a lawyer and head of San Silvestre Green, minced no words, calling Veolia’s actions “those of an environmental criminal.” He insists, “The landfill must be closed … because studies have shown that continuing its operation jeopardises the future of the San Silvestre wetlands. This area is designated for environmental preservation, and we’re fighting for species at risk, the ecosystem and our biodiversity.”

The potential human cost of the alleged pollution is also deeply concerning. Residents living near the landfill in the community of Patio Bonito have long reported a range of health issues, particularly among newborns and children. Local doctors have noted an alarming number of anencephaly cases, a severe birth defect, which they fear may be linked to pollutants in the local water sources. Dr. Yesid Blanco, a local pediatrician, reported documenting 27 cases of a rare skin condition, Job syndrome, in Barrancabermeja between 2016 and 2018 – a condition that typically affects only one in 100,000 newborns.

Himelda Arias, a resident of Patio Bonito for nearly four decades, paints a grim picture of life since the landfill’s arrival. “Years ago, this place was wonderful… Since they built that landfill, everything has become increasingly difficult. The stench of rubbish is just dreadful. The landfill is slowly killing us.” Arias describes being frequently awakened by the foul odors, which also cause stinging sensations on her skin and throat. Her grandchildren often resort to wearing face masks to sleep.

Veolia has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, stating that it “operates the site in full compliance with environmental regulations.” In a statement, the company asserted, “We strongly deny the allegations made by Global Witness. These accusations are not true, and there is no credible evidence to support them.” Veolia claims that all leachate is treated onsite and then repurposed for irrigation and infrastructure within the plant. They further suggest that reports of contamination in the wetlands predate their operations and are linked to other regional activities such as oil extraction, livestock farming, palm oil production, and untreated wastewater from human settlements. Regarding the video evidence, Veolia alleges it was “created with the intention of contravening the company’s processes… deliberately manipulating operational equipment to tarnish the company’s reputation.” They maintain that their own laboratory analyses of raw leachate show “very minimal concentrations” of heavy metals, far below the levels reported by the complainants. Veolia also stated that environmental authorities conducted six inspections between 2023 and 2024, finding that environmental obligations were met. However, local environmental authorities did not respond to requests for comment.

In response to Veolia’s denials, Global Witness shared their test results and video evidence with Source International, an independent group of scientists specializing in industrial pollution and public health impacts. Flaviano Bianchini, director at Source International, described the evidence as “clear evidence of egregious and shameless malpractice.”

As the controversy intensifies, the residents of Patio Bonito remain skeptical of Veolia’s justifications. Having traditionally relied on local water sources, they now fear using them for fishing or even household purposes due to the perceived contamination and associated health risks. The pungent smells, increased insect populations, and various health problems they experience are all attributed to the presence of the landfill. For Himelda Arias, the joy of living amidst nature has been replaced by a desire to leave. “I feel like leaving; the smells are just too much.”

The situation in Barrancabermeja highlights the complex interplay between industrial development, environmental protection, and public health. The claims of severe environmental damage and potential health crises warrant thorough and impartial investigation. The future of the San Silvestre wetlands, a vital protected ecosystem, and the well-being of the communities that depend on it hang in the balance.