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Date Published: 10/02/2025

Cartagena Parque ordered to clean up toxic Zinsa lands in Torreciega

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Court ruling confirms company’s responsibility to decontaminate the site of former industrial ponds in El Hondón

Cartagena Parque ordered to clean up toxic Zinsa lands in Torreciega

A court ruling has confirmed that the company Cartagena Parque S.A. must take responsibility for decontaminating the Zinsa lands in Torreciega, Cartagena. The company, which acquired the land at public auction, is now legally required to clean up the site, which has long been known to be contaminated by heavy metals. The ruling also reinforces the obligation to drain the industrial ponds in the area, recognising the environmental risks they pose.

The affected land is part of El Hondón, a former industrial zone in Cartagena that has been at the centre of environmental concerns for years. Once home to metal and chemical industries, the area is heavily polluted with hazardous waste, including toxic residues left behind from past factory operations. Despite repeated demands from environmental groups and local authorities, little progress has been made in decontaminating the site until now.

The dispute over responsibility for the clean-up has been ongoing for years. Cartagena Parque S.A. had argued that it was not responsible for the pollution left by previous industries. However, the court ruled that because the company purchased the land knowing its environmental status, it must now take responsibility for the necessary remediation efforts.

In addition to confirming the decontamination order, the ruling supports the requirement to empty the ponds in the area. These bodies of water have been classified as an environmental hazard due to the contamination they contain, which could pose risks to local ecosystems and nearby residents. The court’s decision highlights the need for immediate action to prevent further environmental damage.

The regional government has been pushing for this clean-up for years, emphasising the need to make the land safe for future development. While this ruling represents a major step forward, the next challenge will be ensuring that Cartagena Parque S.A. follows through with its legal obligations. Many in the local community will be watching closely to see if real progress is finally made in addressing the long-standing pollution issues in El Hondón.

Image: Sora Shimazaki/Pexels

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