Abstract

CAVAZOS-ARROYO, Judith; PEREZ-ARMENDARIZ, Beatriz  and  MAURICIO-GUTIERREZ, Amparo. Impacts and consequences from hydrocarbon spills on agricultural soils in Acatzingo, Puebla, México. agric. soc. desarro [online]. 2014, vol.11, n.4, pp.539-550. ISSN 1870-5472.

In México there are extensive areas of soils contaminated by hyrocarbons, due to the tasks of exploration and refining, and from lack of maintenance and fuel theft. The contaminated soils are altered in their physical-chemical and biological characteristics, and the social scope is also affected as a result. In the state of Puebla there are gas pipelines that run through localities, among them Acatzingo, where several spills have been detected. This study had the objective of exploring the impacts and consequences of recent hydrocarbon spills in Acatzingo and its surroundings, from the perspective of the peasants. Qualitative research was performed with a transversal design with nine informants, two ejido commissioners and six ejidatarios; all of them with soils affected by spills. Aprioristic and emerging categories were defined. Those interviewed mentioned that there has been an increase in the frequency of the spills due to fuel theft, causing human, patrimonial and ecologic damages; likewise, the producers do not have the information necessary regarding the preventive or reactive security measures, and there is no manner of organization among them that would allow them to have attention from specialists to face a contingency in a safer way, so that the creation of a safety culture is important, as well as the integration of networks for localities that are located near gas pipelines.

Keywords : peasants; environmental impact; network organization; social responsibility; health.