**Primary Article: Eco Waste Remains Under State Attorney’s Office Custody Amid Environmental Crime Allegations**
As of October 30, 2024, Eco Waste, a landfill in Baja California, remains under the custody of the State Attorney’s Office (FGE) and cannot be closed due to ongoing investigations. Mónica Vega Aguirre, the head of Baja California’s Secretariat of Environment and Sustainable Development, stated that the landfill can only be shut down by environmental authorities once the investigation related to the disappearance and suspected murder of engineer José Alonso Guerrero Chávez and his assistant Rubén Rojas is concluded.
The two men vanished on March 27 while conducting topographical work near the neighborhoods of “El Jibarito” and Xicoténcatl Leyva. Despite an attempted closure of Eco Waste in July, the FGE has maintained control over the site as part of its broader investigation.
Vega Aguirre highlighted that numerous irregularities within the landfill, such as waste burning and illegal dumps, have prompted legal action. A task force has been established with municipal authorities to tackle these issues and manage the surrounding area, which includes informal recyclers, unauthorized dumping, and animal activity.
The ongoing presence of unauthorized waste pickers has contributed to frequent fires in a nearby canyon, though not directly within the landfill itself, due to the absence of a perimeter fence.
**Secondary Article: Ongoing Concerns and Investigations Surround Eco Waste’s Environmental Impact**
As the investigation into Eco Waste’s environmental and legal issues continues, several key developments have arisen. The disappearance of engineer José Alonso Guerrero Chávez and his assistant Rubén Rojas remains unresolved, with their families voicing concerns over perceived institutional neglect in the search effort.
Eco Waste has faced contamination allegations since July 18, with partial closures implemented due to environmental concerns. The absence of a perimeter barrier has allowed unauthorized access, leading to clandestine fires and further complications in enforcing regulations. This has increased pressure on local authorities to enhance security and management of the site.
The situation highlights the interplay between environmental management and legal proceedings, as ongoing investigations and community concerns call for a balanced approach to mitigating further risks while respecting legal processes. As the case progresses, stakeholders continue to seek solutions that address both environmental sustainability and justice for those affected by the landfill’s operations.