Panama's Ministry of Environment Shuts Down Poultry Farm

The Ministry of the Environment (MiAmbiente) ordered a 30-day shutdown of a poultry farm located in El Cañaveral, Santa María district, Coclé province, after confirming, according to the entity, non-compliance with environmental regulations. The farm owners must also make improvements to the shed used as a storage for bird waste. During the inspection, MiAmbiente personnel verified that the farm owners did not have an adequate system for the final disposal of dead birds. Within a 30-day period, the poultry farm owners must comply with the recommendations issued and the provisions of the Environmental Management Plan (PAMA). Residents of nearby villages had also repeatedly filed complaints about the unpleasant odors coming from the farm. Trujillo stated that although regional offices can only impose fines of up to $10,000, this case could be referred to the central office to evaluate the possibility of a larger fine considering the environmental impact caused. John Jairo Trujillo, provincial director of the Ministry of the Environment, indicated that the company must have pits to bury the birds.