SEDEMA Puts Restrictions at Tula Refinery Due to Pollution

The Ministry of the Environment (SEDEMA) has mandated restrictions on federal and local industries, including a reduction in operations and production at the Miguel Hidalgo refinery in Tula. The Megalopolis Environmental Commission (CAMe) announced that Phase 1 of the environmental contingency remains in effect in the Mexico City metropolitan area (ZMVM) due to high pollution levels. As a result, the refinery, owned by PEMEX, must not exceed 75% of its total processing capacity.

CAMe’s restrictions include a mandate to decrease combustion capacity in direct-fired heaters and boilers in both process and power plants at the Tula refinery. Additional restrictions have been imposed on various sectors:

• Manufacturing Industry: Fixed sources in the federal or local manufacturing industry that generate ozone precursors must reduce their emissions by 40%. They must also halt maintenance, cleaning, and degreasing activities that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

• Miguel Hidalgo Refinery: The Tula refinery's operations are limited to 75% of its processing capacity, and its combustion capacity in heaters and boilers must be decreased.

• Francisco Pérez Ríos Thermoelectric Plant: The plant, located in Tula, Hidalgo, must reduce its fuel oil consumption by 30%.

• Combustion Activities: Combustion activities related to the firing of brick, ceramics, and artisanal foundries must be suspended.

These measures aim to address the severe pollution in the ZMVM and improve air quality in the region.