The Ministry of Environment said that in 2023 it received 1,234 complaints, with the highest number of complaints in the departments of Canelones and Montevideo.

A large part of the citizen complaints are referred to the departmental and municipal authorities.

In June of last year the Senate approved a bill, consisting of 13 articles, which establishes penalties for environmental crimes for water, air and soil contamination by waste, hazardous substances or wastes, among others.

The legislation provides for sentences ranging from six months to eight years in prison, although it is awaiting approval by the Chamber of Deputies. The country has legislation in force, such as the Environmental Impact Law, the General Environmental Law, and the National System of Protected Areas Law.

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