Spanish
A case concerning the construction of an industrial dump in the area of Piedras Coloradas.
The public prosecutor argued that the environmental impact assessment procedure done prior to the establishment of the dump did not respect the right of access to public information because it was not made public. It also stated the dump was located in area where it would have some negative impacts on the environment because there is a risk of water contamination. Finally, the public prosecutor required the dump operator to constitute an environmental bond to compensate the damages done to the ecosystem.
The Appeal Court recalled that environmental damages need to be proved and considered that in that case the environmental risk was not scientifically proved. Therefore, the constitution of an environmental bond is not necessary as it is compulsory only in cases where there is a certain environmental risk. Finally, the court considered that the lack of publicity of the environmental impact assessment was not affecting its validity and was not violating the right of access to public information.