← Environmental Law Center← Centro de Derecho Ambiental
Res. 33313-2023 Sala Constitucional · Sala Constitucional · 22/12/2023
OutcomeResultado
The Constitutional Court granted the amparo action and ordered the respondent authorities to coordinate and permanently correct the environmental problem of wastewater discharge within one month.La Sala Constitucional declaró con lugar el recurso de amparo y ordenó a las autoridades recurridas coordinar y corregir definitivamente el problema ambiental de vertido de aguas residuales en el plazo de un mes.
SummaryResumen
A resident of Heredia filed an amparo action against the Ministry of Health, the Municipality of Heredia, and CONAVI due to an ongoing discharge of untreated wastewater affecting her community. After ten months of complaints without resolution, the Constitutional Court granted the appeal. The court found that, although inspections ruled out a sanitary sewer leak, the problem was an illegal discharge of wastewater into the roadside ditch, causing ponding, foul odors, and disease vector proliferation. The Court noted a lack of inter-institutional coordination, as no authority had taken responsibility. It ordered the respondent entities to coordinate and take all necessary measures to permanently resolve the environmental problem within one month, under warning of imprisonment or fines for non-compliance, and awarded costs, damages, and losses against the entities.Una vecina de Heredia interpuso un recurso de amparo contra el Ministerio de Salud, la Municipalidad de Heredia y el CONAVI por la persistencia de un vertido irregular de aguas residuales que afectaba su comunidad. Tras diez meses de denuncias sin solución, la Sala Constitucional declaró con lugar el recurso. El tribunal verificó que, aunque las inspecciones descartaron una fuga de alcantarillado sanitario, el problema consistía en un vertido ilegal de aguas servidas a la cuneta, lo que generaba estancamientos, malos olores y proliferación de vectores. La Sala constató la falta de coordinación interinstitucional, ya que ninguna autoridad asumió la responsabilidad de corregir la situación. Se ordenó a las entidades recurridas coordinar y disponer lo necesario para solucionar definitivamente el problema en el plazo de un mes, bajo apercibimiento de imponer prisión o multa por desacato, y se condenó al pago de costas, daños y perjuicios.
Key excerptExtracto clave
In sum, not only has the denounced environmental problem not been solved, but there has been no appropriate institutional coordination for those purposes. Accordingly, the Court finds that the alleged violation has occurred. Under this understanding, the appeal must be granted, as will be stated. The appeal is granted. Ángela Ileana Aguilar Vargas, Johanna Chavarría Víquez, and Mauricio Batalla Otárola, in their respective capacities as Mayor of Heredia, Director of the Heredia Health Rector Area, and Acting Executive Director of the National Road Council, or whoever holds those positions, are ordered to coordinate and arrange whatever is necessary so that, within ONE MONTH from the notification of this ruling, the environmental problem denounced by the appellant is permanently corrected.En suma, no solo no se ha solucionado el problema ambiental denunciado, sino que no ha existido la coordinación institucional apropiada a esos efectos. Así las cosas, estima la Sala se produjo la infracción acusada. Bajo esta inteligencia, se impone acoger el recurso, conforme se dirá. Se declara con lugar el recurso. Se ordena a Ángela Ileana Aguilar Vargas, a Johanna Chavarría Víquez, así como a Mauricio Batalla Otárola, respectivamente, en condición de alcaldesa de Heredia, de directora del Área Rectora de Salud Heredia y de director ejecutivo a.i. del Consejo Nacional de Vialidad, o a quienes ejerzan esos cargos, que coordinen y dispongan lo necesario a efectos de que, dentro del término de UN MES, contado a partir de la notificación de este pronunciamiento, el problema ambiental denunciado por la recurrente se corrija de forma definitiva.
Pull quotesCitas destacadas
"En suma, no solo no se ha solucionado el problema ambiental denunciado, sino que no ha existido la coordinación institucional apropiada a esos efectos."
"In sum, not only has the denounced environmental problem not been solved, but there has been no appropriate institutional coordination for those purposes."
Considerando IV
"En suma, no solo no se ha solucionado el problema ambiental denunciado, sino que no ha existido la coordinación institucional apropiada a esos efectos."
Considerando IV
"Se declara con lugar el recurso. Se ordena (...) que coordinen y dispongan lo necesario a efectos de que, dentro del término de UN MES, contado a partir de la notificación de este pronunciamiento, el problema ambiental denunciado por la recurrente se corrija de forma definitiva."
"The appeal is granted. (...) are ordered to coordinate and arrange whatever is necessary so that, within ONE MONTH from the notification of this ruling, the environmental problem denounced by the appellant is permanently corrected."
Por tanto
"Se declara con lugar el recurso. Se ordena (...) que coordinen y dispongan lo necesario a efectos de que, dentro del término de UN MES, contado a partir de la notificación de este pronunciamiento, el problema ambiental denunciado por la recurrente se corrija de forma definitiva."
Por tanto
Full documentDocumento completo
In the matter at hand, the petitioner states that she reported an environmental problem existing in her community, caused by the irregular discharge of blackwater (aguas negras) into the stormwater drainage (alcantarillado pluvial) system of the city of Heredia, to the respondent authorities; however, ten months later, the problem persists and has worsened, affecting the health and safety of the neighbors. She claims that this omission violates her fundamental rights.
It is on record that, on March 8, 2023, [Nombre443 001] filed an environmental complaint with the Health Governing Authority (Área Rectora de Salud) of Heredia, which she reiterated on the 20th of that same month and on the following April 14, regarding the irregular discharge of blackwater or wastewater (aguas negras o servidas) in Heredia, 200 meters west of the La Puebla school, on the main street, left side. It was corroborated that, on the 21st of that same month, Mr. Alex Álvarez Vega of Health Regulation from the respondent governing authority, conducted a visit to the complainant's home, finding that: “a) … along the road, the problem lies in the obstruction of the stormwater pipe, located beneath the asphalt surface. It must be noted, in the first instance, that the road which is the subject of this complaint is administered by the National Road Council (Consejo Nacional de Vialidad), attached to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes, MOPT), according to the location provided by the complainant.
It must be taken into account that the aforementioned street belongs to the canton of Heredia. b) During said visit, dark-colored water was observed, with little bad odor, with a moderate flow at the time of the assessment. c) The type of overflow through the cracks in the pavement and the curb demonstrate an obstruction of the stormwater pipe in general. d) It was not possible to demonstrate the existence of planned sanitary connections in the houses near the sector. e) No other unsanitary conditions were observed that could threaten people's health. f) Via email, received at the Governing Authority on April 21, 2023, Mrs. … clarifies the domicile situation and the reference to the problem at the site. g) At the time, in accordance with the response, it was concluded that the problem lay in the obstruction of stormwater pipes, underneath the asphalt surface of the street indicated above. h) It was ruled out that the origin was illicit blackwater connections, given that in the area there is no sanitary network, nor one planned in the area. i) A technical report was prepared in response to the complainant, through official letter MS-DRRSCN-DARSH-1806-2023 (Folio 00006) and subsequently notified (folio 00008). j) Given the conditions of cleaning and maintenance of the stormwater pipes, since it is the responsibility of either the municipal office or the National Road Council of the MOPT, they must perform their preventive maintenance and cleaning under obstruction conditions, for which the scheduling and execution deadlines for the cleaning and unclogging (destaqueo) work of said pipes were requested by official letter”.
It was verified that, after it issued the technical report for that inspection, through the official letter of that health governing authority, No. MS-DRRSCN-DARSH-2446-2023 of July 3, 2023, said technical report was transferred to the local entity, for its corresponding action. As was demonstrated on July 20 of this year, the petitioner filed her complaint with the Road Safety Council (Consejo de Seguridad Vial). Thus, through the official letter of the Institutional Comptroller Unit of Service of that Council, No. SAGEC-2023-0985 of July 21, 2023, the petitioner was informed that the complaint had been transferred to the Conservation Management, so that the corresponding inspection could be carried out. Subsequently, on July 26, 2023, reiterated on the following August 28, the plaintiff filed her complaint with the Municipality. Thus, through official letter from the Mayor's Office of Heredia, No. AMH-1035-2023 of September 26, 2023, it sent a report addressed to the acting director of the Health Governing Authority, which indicated: “…
The Road Management department carries out an inspection in the sector of the exit from La Puebla and entering Heredia as detailed in the sketch shown below, as a result of this inspection, a discharge of water into the open ditch has been found, it is not a blackwater leak, because the Heredia Public Services Company (Empresa de Servicios Públicos de Heredia) has already been consulted and in the sector there is no sanitary sewer connection. (…) Upon carrying out the inspection, another important finding is that the water runs along the ditch until it reaches the road junction, it has caused damage to ditches and sidewalks and it corresponds to a dwelling shown in the attached photos. It is considered that there is already damage at the stormwater drainage level on the crossing route since the bursting and the unevenness reflect it…”. In this regard, according to the mayor, despite the fact that, on November 8, 2023, the Director of Public Investment of the respondent local entity sent an email to the Ministry of Health, with the intention of following up on this matter, the response they received was that the case is under analysis.
In addition to the above, from the official letter of the Road and Bridge Conservation Management, No. DRC-10-2023-2171 (0926) of December 4, 2023, it is inferred that: “The matter is not a blackwater leak, but an illegal discharge of water into the open ditch”. On the other hand, it was demonstrated that on December 4, 2023, the Directorate of the Health Governing Authority of Heredia verified that the problem persists. In addition to the above, there is no record that the Road Safety Council informed the complainant and the respondent health governing authority that the reported location is on a cantonal road and not a national road, nor that the official letter from the Mayor's Office of Heredia, No. AMH-1035-2023 of September 26, 2023, was notified to the petitioner. In short, not only has the reported environmental problem not been solved, but there has been no appropriate institutional coordination for these purposes. Thus, the Chamber considers that the alleged infringement has occurred. Under this understanding, it is necessary to grant the appeal, as will be stated. (…)” ... See more
Although in the past I have held the majority criterion of the Court, under a better weighing of the fundamental rights being claimed, I consider that administrative delay constitutes an injury to a fundamental procedural guarantee, which is why I change the criterion I had expressed, admitting the possible infringement of the right to prompt and complete administrative justice, separating myself from the view of the majority of the Court, in the sense that—save for rare exceptions—this type of reproach must be resolved in the contentious-administrative jurisdiction. On the contrary, I consider that one of the rights that this jurisdiction is called upon to protect is that of prompt and complete justice, expressly enshrined in Article 41 of the Constitution. This is in accordance with the scope of competence assigned to this Court in matters of fundamental rights protection, considering the provisions of Articles 10 and 48 of the Political Constitution.
Although I understand the importance of the reforms to the contentious-administrative jurisdiction following the entry into force of Law 8508 of April 24, two thousand six, the truth is that this situation does not justify the referral to that instance of matters that deal with subject matter that is the competence of this Chamber, which has demonstrated over the years that it is a swift and effective means for the protection of the fundamental rights of the country's inhabitants. Given that, in this case, the alleged violation is being resolved on the merits in this sense, I do not dissent, but rather record a note stating my position.
VCG02/2024 ... See more
In environmental matters, it is the criterion of the undersigned that if there has already been intervention by the Public Administration, its knowledge and resolution corresponds to the contentious-administrative jurisdiction. However, I do proceed to hear the merits of the matter when other rights of the persons affected by the source of contamination are at stake, among them, health, quality of life, and the right to enjoy a healthy and pollution-free environment (Article 50 of the Political Constitution), as happens in this case, in which the delay in addressing an environmental complaint due to the erroneous disposal of blackwater or wastewater is accused, along with the environmental damage that such situation causes.
VCG02/2024 ... See more The appellant is incorrect because, from the documents contained in the case file, it is clear that the complainant had access to the response letter signed by the director of the Health Governing Area of Heredia and another, which by official letter MS-DRRSCN-DARSH-2446-2023 of July 3, 2023, the Mayor of Heredia is warned of the following: “to interpose her good offices to verify whether inspection and cleaning of the storm drain pipe can be carried out, given that from the assessment performed by this office, it was determined that at some point, mainly on the left margin in the East to West direction toward Dirección2452, there are water upwellings and a clear obstruction, whereby said water overflows and may serve as breeding sites or reservoirs for vectors, primarily mosquitoes such as Aedes egyptti, albopictus and culex, which are of health interest because they transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, among others.
It even seeks to coordinate with this council matters relating to our competence.” In addition to the above, from official letter DRC-10-2023-2171 (0926) of December 4, 2023, signed by the engineer in charge of Zone 1-9 and the director of the Central Region, both from the Road and Bridge Conservation Management, it is inferred that the appellant's argument is not only not accepted by this Council, but also erroneous, since it has been possible to prove through the evidence incorporated into the case file that several institutions have performed technical inspections and several professionals belonging to different government entities, such as the Ministry of Health, the Municipality of Heredia, and the Public Services Company of Heredia, where all have agreed that: “The matter is not a leak of raw sewage (aguas negras), but an illegal discharge of water into the ditch in an open manner.
It is not a leak because I consulted with ESPH and there is no sanitary sewer system in the area. That water comes out of the pink house, runs along the ditch until it meets the street at the exit of La Puebla and entrance to Heredia for at least 200 meters on a slope, and has caused damage to the ditches and sidewalks.” Now then, the corresponding field inspection was carried out at the address cited by the appellant, for which it is noted: “(…) Exact address of the situation: Heredia Province, Heredia Canton, Heredia District, Dirección2449. The start of the situation is on the western margin of the La Puebla sports field at a pink-colored house, running along the left margin of the joint between the curb and gutter (cordón de caño) and roadway in an East to West direction toward Dirección2452, reaching a point where there is a leak in the road itself, as well as subsidence in the same.” Transcribing what the engineers cite in the technical report, it is observed that the route in question is not part of the national routes, meaning it is a cantonal route, which corresponds to route #40904; it is pointed out that the instrument they use, they state, is the map located on the official CONAVI page: https://conavi.go.cr/red-vial-nacional-conavi.
Therefore, it is concluded that within the competencies for attention, as it is not a national route, the problem that is the subject of the amparo appeal is not the responsibility of CONAVI, with the attention of the incident falling to the Municipality of Heredia. The route not being the junction of Route 115, whose road code is: 40902, as is erroneously stated by the Municipality of Heredia; alluding that it is the responsibility of this council, according to the image visible on folio 28 that is in the virtual case file in question. The officials of the Road and Bridge Conservation Management, who issued the technical report to which we have been referring, also note as relevant observations from the inspection what we record below: “According to the address provided, it is visualized that the property that is generating the impact on the appellant is located between two national routes: national route No. 5 and the traverse route No. 40902, therefore the genesis of the problem is located on a cantonal route under the responsibility of the Municipality of Heredia.
(the bold, italics, and line spacing are ours). On site, the pink house in question is verified; the dwelling has a pipe parallel to the property that discharges water onto the cantonal street in broad daylight on a sunny day. The sidewalk and the curb and gutter in front of the dwelling are in poor condition. They add that the curb and gutter in front of the dwelling, which is carrying out the illegal activity of discharging wastewater, goes in the direction of traverse route 40902 and ends up discharging into a pipe that leads to the Pirro River. It was confirmed that the curb and gutter has the presence of sewage (aguas servidas) that begins at the dwelling in question on the cantonal route and that, due to the topographic conditions of both routes, the flow travels along the public road generating various residues along the same, which is the true reason for the appellant's complaint.
On traverse route 40902, a green-colored residue is observed; in addition, it was proven that there is a foul odor, both on the cantonal route and on the traverse route.” In addition to the above, it is important to emphasize the fact that CONAVI performs all conservation and maintenance works on national routes in strict adherence to the Principle of Legality and therefore acts in accordance with the Legal System, so this Council has been taking precise and concrete actions as permitted by law, with the corresponding due process; however: “the complaint falls within the scope of environmental health on a cantonal route, not maintenance of national routes; through the Road and Bridge Conservation Management, maintenance of national routes is performed, which includes the cleaning of the route's stormwater management systems; however, if the illegal practice is not corrected, the health of all users will continue to be exposed; an impact on the national route is being generated by performing the illegal discharge of sewage, and as long as the sewage problem on the cantonal route is not fixed, it will continue to affect the drainage system of the traverse route, and it is placed on record that the generator of the illegal practice of discharging wastewater onto the public road has already been identified, so it is considered that eradicating said practice falls to the specific competencies of the Ministry of Health and the Local Government.” Also, it considers it relevant and a priority to point out that this Council complies with the principle of institutional cooperation; for example, the fact is mentioned that it is already collaborating on a project, as can be read in the explanation therein, according to official letter No. GCTR-39-2023-1837 (CARP. 0840) of December 4, 2023, signed by the Project Engineer of the Road and Bridge Construction Management and Pablo Camacho Salazar in his capacity as Manager of Road and Bridge Construction; in which they indicate: “this project engineering identifies that the existing problem is located on Dirección2453, for which the Road and Bridge Construction Management, with the Municipality of Heredia, has a project for the construction of the Bridge over the Pirro River located on Dirección2454, which is in the vicinity of the problem raised by Mrs. [Nombre62 001], since this project intervenes approximately 50 m from the La Puebla traffic lights, see illustration 1 and 2.”
Drafted by Magistrate Hess Herrera; and,
CONSIDERING:
The appellant notes that she reported to the respondent authorities an environmental problem that exists in her community, generated by the irregular discharge of raw sewage (aguas negras) into the storm sewer system (alcantarillado pluvial) of the city of Heredia; however, ten months later, the problem persists and has worsened, affecting the health and safety of the neighbors. She affirms that this omission violates her fundamental rights.
Of relevance for the decision of this amparo, the following are deemed proven:
The following of relevance is deemed not proven: 1) That the Road Safety Council informed the complainant and the respondent health governing area that the reported location is on a cantonal route and not on a national route. 2) That the official letter from the Mayor's Office of Heredia, No. AMH-1035-2023 of September 26, 2023, was notified to the appellant.
In the present case, the appellant notes that she reported to the respondent authorities an environmental problem that exists in her community, generated by the irregular discharge of raw sewage (aguas negras) into the storm sewer system (alcantarillado pluvial) of the city of Heredia; however, ten months later, the problem persists and has worsened, affecting the health and safety of the neighbors. She affirms that this omission violates her fundamental rights.
It is on record that, on March 8, 2023, [Nombre62 001] filed an environmental complaint before the Health Governing Area of Heredia, which she reiterated on the 20th of that same month and on the following April 14th, regarding the irregular discharge of raw sewage or wastewater (aguas negras o servidas) in Heredia, 200 meters west of the La Puebla school, on the main street, left side. It was corroborated that, on the 21st of that same month, Mr. Alex Álvarez Vega of Health Regulation of the respondent governing area, made a visit to the complainant's house, finding that: “a) … along the road, the problem lies in the obstruction of the storm drain pipe (tubería pluvial), located under the asphalt surface. It must be indicated, in the first instance, that the road that is the subject of this complaint is administered by the National Road Council, attached to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, according to the location given by the complainant.
It must be taken into account that the indicated street belongs to the canton of Heredia. b) In said visit, dark-colored water was observed, with little foul odor, with moderate flow at the time of the assessment. c) The type of overflow through the cracks in the pavement and the curb and gutter (cordón de caño) demonstrate obstruction of the storm drain pipe (tubería pluvial) in general. d) It was not possible to demonstrate the existence of planned sanitary connections in the houses near the sector. e) No other unsanitary conditions that threaten people's health were observed. f) Via email, received in the Governing Area on April 21, 2023, Mrs. … clarifies the domicile situation and the reference to the problem on site. g) At the time, in accordance with the attention provided, it was concluded that the problem lay in the obstruction of storm drain pipes, under the asphalt surface of the aforementioned street. h) It was ruled out that the origin was illicit raw sewage (aguas negras) connections, given that in the area there is no sanitary network, nor is one planned in the area. i) A technical report was prepared in response to the complainant, via official letter MS-DRRSCN-DARSH-1806-2023 (Folio 00006) and subsequently notified (folio 00008). j) Given the conditions for cleaning and maintenance of the storm drain pipes, as it is the responsibility of either the municipal seat or the National Road Council of MOPT, they must provide preventive maintenance and cleaning in the face of obstruction conditions, before which the scheduling and execution deadlines for the cleaning and unclogging (destaqueo) work on said pipes were requested by official letter.” It was confirmed that, after the technical report of that inspection was issued, through the official letter from that health governing area, No. MS-DRRSCN-DARSH-2446-2023 of July 3, 2023, said technical report was forwarded to the local entity, for its corresponding action.
As was demonstrated, on July 20th of this year, the appellant filed her complaint before the Road Safety Council. Thus, by official letter from the Institutional Comptroller’s Service Unit of that Council, No. SAGEC-2023-0985 of July 21, 2023, the appellant was informed that her complaint had been forwarded to the Conservation Management, so that the corresponding inspection could be carried out. Subsequently, on July 26, 2023, reiterated on the following August 28th, the plaintiff filed her complaint before the Municipality. Thus, by official letter from the Mayor's Office of Heredia, No. AMH-1035-2023 of September 26, 2023, it sent a report addressed to the acting director of the Health Governing Area, which indicated: “… The Road Management department carries out an inspection in the sector of the exit of La Puebla and entering Heredia as detailed in the sketch shown below; as a result of this inspection, a discharge of water into the ditch in an open manner has been found; it is not a leak of raw sewage (aguas negras), because the Public Services Company of Heredia has already been consulted and in the sector there is no connection to the sanitary sewer system.
(…) Upon carrying out the inspection, another important finding is that the water runs along the ditch until it reaches the junction of the road, has caused damage to ditches and sidewalks, and corresponds to a dwelling shown in the attached photos. It is considered that there is already damage at the level of the storm sewer system (alcantarillado pluvial) on the traverse route, as the blowouts and the unevenness reflect this…”. In this sense, according to the mayor, despite the fact that, on November 8, 2023, the director of Public Investment of the respondent local entity sent an email to the Ministry of Health with the intention of following up on this matter, the response given to them was that the case was under analysis. Added to the above, from the official letter of the Road and Bridge Conservation Management, No. DRC-10-2023-2171 (0926) of December 4, 2023, it is inferred that: “The matter is not a leak of raw sewage (aguas negras), but an illegal discharge of water into the ditch in an open manner.” On the other hand, it was demonstrated that on December 4, 2023, the Directorate of the Health Governing Area of Heredia verified that the problem persists.
In addition to the above, there is no record that the Road Safety Council informed the complainant and the respondent health governing area that the reported location is on a cantonal route and not on a national route, nor that the official letter from the Mayor's Office of Heredia, No. AMH-1035-2023 of September 26, 2023, was notified to the appellant. In short, not only has the reported environmental problem not been solved, but there has also been no appropriate institutional coordination for these purposes. Thus, the Chamber deems that the alleged violation has occurred. Under this reasoning, it is necessary to grant the appeal, as will be stated below.
Although in the past I have held the majority criterion of the Court, under a better weighing of the fundamental rights being claimed, I consider that administrative delay constitutes an injury to a fundamental procedural guarantee, which is why I change the criterion I had expressed, admitting the possible violation of the right to prompt and complete administrative justice, separating myself from the view of the majority of the Court, in the sense that—with few exceptions—this type of reproach must be resolved in the administrative-contentious jurisdiction. On the contrary, I consider that one of the rights that this jurisdiction is called upon to protect is that of prompt and complete justice, expressly enshrined in Article 41 of the Constitution. This is in accordance with the scope of competence assigned to this Court in matters of protection of fundamental rights, in attention to the provisions of Articles 10 and 48 of the Political Constitution.
Although I understand the importance of the reforms to the administrative-contentious jurisdiction since the entry into force of Law 8508 of April twenty-fourth, two thousand six, the truth is that this situation does not justify the referral to that instance of matters that deal with subject matter that is the competence of this Chamber, which has demonstrated over the years that it is a swift and effective means for the protection of the fundamental rights of the country's inhabitants. Given that, in this case, the alleged violation is being resolved on the merits in this sense, I do not dissent, but rather I record a note stating my position.
In environmental matters, it is the criterion of the undersigned that, if there has already been intervention by the Public Administration, its knowledge and resolution corresponds to the administrative-contentious jurisdiction. However, I do proceed to address the merits of the matter when other rights of the persons affected by the source of contamination are at stake, including health, quality of life, and the right to enjoy a healthy and pollution-free environment (Article 50 of the Political Constitution), as occurs in this case, in which it is alleged that the delay in addressing an environmental complaint due to the erroneous disposal of raw sewage or wastewater (aguas negras o servidas), with the environmental damage that such a situation causes.
The parties are warned that if they have provided any paper document, as well as objects or evidence contained in any additional electronic, computer, magnetic, optical, telematic device or one produced by new technologies, these must be removed from the office within a maximum period of 30 business days counted from the notification of this judgment. Otherwise, all material that is not removed within this period will be destroyed, pursuant to the provisions of the "Reglamento sobre Expediente Electrónico ante el Poder Judicial", approved by the Corte Plena in session number 27-11 of August 22, 2011, Article XXVI and published in the Judicial Bulletin number 19 of January 26, 2012, as well as in the agreement approved by the Consejo Superior del Poder Judicial, in session number 43-12 held on May 3, 2012, Article LXXXI.
THEREFORE:
The appeal is granted. Ángela Ileana Aguilar Vargas, Johanna Chavarría Víquez, as well as Mauricio Batalla Otárola, are ordered, respectively, in their capacity as mayor of Heredia, director of the Health Governing Area of Heredia, and acting executive director of the National Road Council, or whoever holds those positions, to coordinate and arrange whatever is necessary so that, within the term of ONE MONTH, counted from the notification of this pronouncement, the environmental problem reported by the appellant is definitively corrected. The respondents are warned that, in accordance with the provisions of Article 71 of the Law of Constitutional Jurisdiction, imprisonment of three months to two years, or a fine of twenty to sixty days, shall be imposed on anyone who receives an order that must be complied with or enforced, issued in an amparo appeal, and does not comply with it or enforce it, provided that the crime is not more severely punished. The Municipality of Heredia, the Road Safety Council, and the State are ordered to pay the costs, damages, and losses caused by the facts that serve as the basis for this declaration, which shall be liquidated in the enforcement of judgment in the administrative-contentious jurisdiction. Magistrate Cruz Castro records a note. Magistrate Salazar Alvarado records a note. Notify.
Nombre152 C.
Acting Presiding Judge Luis Fdo. Salazar A.
Jorge Araya G.
Anamari Garro V.
Ingrid Hess H.
Nombre5272 A.
Alexandra Alvarado P.
Telephones: 2549-1500 / 800-SALA-4TA (800-7252-482). Fax: 2295-3712 / 2549-1633. Electronic address: www.poder-judicial.go.cr/salaconstitucional. Address: (Dirección12 , Dirección13 , 100 meters south of the Perpetuo Socorro church). Reception of matters from vulnerable groups: Dirección14, San José, Dirección15, Dirección16, calles 19 and 21, Dirección17 Classification prepared by the SALA CONSTITUCIONAL of the Poder Judicial. Reproduction and/or distribution for profit is prohibited.
It is a faithful copy of the original - Taken from Nexus.PJ on: 08-05-2026 12:55:11.
Sentencia con nota separada Indicadores de Relevancia Sentencia relevante Sentencia con datos protegidos, de conformidad con la normativa vigente Contenido de Interés:
Temas Estrategicos: Ambiental,Der Económicos sociales culturales y ambientales Tipo de contenido: Voto de mayoría Rama del Derecho: 4. ASUNTOS DE GARANTÍA Tema: AMBIENTE Subtemas:
ALCANTARILLADO.
33313-23. AMBIENTE. ACUSA A LA MUNICIPALIDAD DE HEREDIA Y EL MOPT POR LA PROBLEMÁTICA AMBIENTAL QUE EXISTE EN SU COMUNIDAD, POR EL DESFOGUE DE AGUAS NEGRAS EN EL ALCANTARILLADO PLUVIAL DE LA CIUDAD DE HEREDIA, LO QUE OCASIONA AFECTACIÓN EN LA SALUD Y SEGURIDAD DE LOS VECINOS. CON LUGAR ORDENANDO LA COORDINACIÓN Y DISPOSICIÓN DE LO NECESARIO PARA QUE EN EL PLAZO DE UN MES SE PRONUNCIEN SOBRE EL PROBLEMA Y SE CORRIJA EN FORMA DEFINITIVA. VCG02/2024 “(…) IV.- CASO CONCRETO. En la especie, la recurrente acota que, denunció ante las autoridades recurridas un problema ambiental que existe en su comunidad, generado por el desfogue irregular de aguas negras en el alcantarillado pluvial de la ciudad de Heredia; sin embargo, diez meses después, el problema persiste y se ha agravado, afectando la salud y seguridad de los vecinos. Afirma que esa omisión, vulnera sus derechos fundamentales.
Consta que, el 8 de marzo de 2023, [Nombre443 001], formuló una denuncia ambiental ante el Área Rectora de Salud de Heredia, que reiteró el 20 de ese mismo mes y el 14 de abril siguiente, por el desfogue irregular de aguas negras o servidas en Heredia, 200 metros oeste de la escuela La Puebla, sobre calle principal, lado izquierdo. Se corroboró que, el 21 de ese mismo mes, el Lic. Alex Álvarez Vega de Regulación de la Salud del área rectora recurrida, realizó una visita a la casa de la denunciante, encontrándose que: “a) … a lo largo de la carretera, que la problemática radica en la obstrucción de la tubería pluvial, ubicada debajo de la carpeta asfáltica. Debe indicarse, en primera instancia que la carretera objeto de la presente denuncia, es administrada por Consejo Nacional de Vialidad, adscrita al Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes, según la ubicación dada por la denunciante.
Se debe tener en cuenta que la calle ya indicada pertenece al cantón de Heredia. b) En dicha visita, se apreció aguas de color oscuro, con poco mal olor, con flujo moderado al momento de la valoración. c) El tipo de rebalse por las hendiduras del pavimento y el cordón de caño demuestran obstrucción de la tubería pluvial en general. d) No se logró demostrar la existencia de conexiones previstas sanitarias en las casas cercanas al sector. e) No se aprecia otras condiciones insalubres que atenten contra la salud de las personas. f) Mediante correo electrónico, recibido en el Área Rectora del 21 de abril del 2023, la Sra. … aclara la situación de domicilio y la referencia con la problemática en sitio. g) En su momento de conformidad con la atención, se concluyó que la problemática radicaba en la obstrucción de tuberías pluviales, debajo de la carpeta asfáltica de la calle arriba señalada. h) Se descartó que el origen sea conexiones ilícitas de aguas negras, dado que en la zona no hay red sanitaria, ni prevista en la zona. i) Se elaboró informe técnico en respuesta a la denunciante, mediante oficio MS-DRRSCN-DARSH-1806-2023 (Folio 00006) y notificado en forma posterior (folio 00008). j) Dadas las condiciones de limpieza y mantenimiento de las tuberías pluviales al ser competencia ya sea de la sede municipal o del Consejo Nacional de Vialidad del MOPT, deben dar su mantenimiento y limpieza preventivas ante condiciones de obstrucción, ante lo cual se solicitó mediante oficio la programación y plazos de ejecución de las labores de limpieza y destaqueo de dichas tuberías”.
Se constató que, luego de que emitió el informe técnico de esa inspección, mediante el oficio de esa área rectora de salud, No. MS-DRRSCN-DARSH-2446-2023 de 3 de julio de 2023, se trasladó dicho informe técnico al ente local, para lo de su cargo. Según se demostró el 20 de julio del presente año, la recurrente formuló su denuncia ante el Consejo de Seguridad Vial. Así, por oficio de la Unidad de Contraloría Institucional de Servicio de ese Consejo, No. SAGEC-2023-0985 de 21 de julio de 2023, se comunicó a la recurrente que se denuncia había sido trasladada a la Gerencia de Conversación, para que se realizara la inspección correspondiente. Posteriormente, el 26 de julio de 2023, reiterada el 28 de agosto siguiente, la actora incoó su denuncia ante la Municipalidad. Así, por oficio de la Alcaldía de Heredia, No. AMH-1035-2023 de 26 de setiembre de 2023, remitió un informe dirigida a la directora a.i. del área Rectora de Salud, que indicaba: “…
El departamento de Gestión Vial realiza una inspección en el sector de la salida de la Puebla e ingresando a Heredia como se detalla en el croquis que se muestra a continuación, como resultado de esta inspección se ha encontrado un vertido de aguas a la cuneta de forma abierta, no es una fuga de aguas negras, porque ya se le ha consultado a la Empresa de Servicios Públicos de Heredia y en el sector no existe conexión del alcantarillado sanitario. (…) Al realizarse la inspección otro de los hallazgos importantes es que el agua escurre por la cuneta hasta llegar al entronque del camino, ha provocado afectaciones en cunetas y aceras y corresponde a una vivienda que se muestra en las fotos que se adjuntan. Se considera que existe ya un daño a nivel de alcantarillado pluvial en la ruta de travesía ya que las reventaduras y el desnivel lo reflejan…”. En este sentido, según la alcaldesa, pese a que, el 8 de noviembre de 2023, la directora de Inversión Pública del ente local recurrido, remitió un correo electrónico al Ministerio de Salud, con la intención de darle seguimiento a este asunto, la respuesta que se les brindó que el caso se encuentra en análisis.
Aunado a lo anterior, del oficio de la Gerencia de Conservación de Vías y Puentes, No. DRC-10-2023-2171 (0926) de 4 de diciembre de 2023, se colige que: “El asunto no es una fuga de aguas negras, sino un vertido ilegal de las aguas a la cuneta de forma abierta”. De otra parte, se demostró que el pasado 4 de diciembre de 2023, la Dirección del Área Rectora Salud Heredia, verificó que la problemática persiste. Aunado a lo anterior, no consta que el Consejo de Seguridad Vial, le haya informado a la denunciante y al área rectora de salud recurrida que el lugar denunciado se ubica en una ruta cantonal y no en una ruta nacional, ni que el oficio de la Alcaldía de Heredia, No. AMH-1035-2023 de 26 de setiembre de 2023, se notificara a la recurrente. En suma, no solo no se ha solucionado el problema ambiental denunciado, sino que no ha existido la coordinación institucional apropiada a esos efectos. Así las cosas, estima la Sala se produjo la infracción acusada. Bajo esta inteligencia, se impone acoger el recurso, conforme se dirá. (…)” ... Ver más Contenido de Interés:
Tipo de contenido: Nota separada Rama del Derecho: 1. CONSTITUCIÓN POLÍTICA CON JURISPRUDENCIA Tema: 049- Jurisdicción Contencioso Administrativa Subtemas:
NO APLICA.
Si bien en el pasado he sostenido el criterio de mayoría del Tribunal, bajo una mejor ponderación de los derechos fundamentales que se reclaman, estimo que la mora administrativa constituye una lesión a una garantía procesal fundamental, razón por la que cambio el criterio que había expuesto, admitiendo la posible infracción al derecho a una justicia administrativa pronta y cumplida, separándome de la visión de la mayoría del Tribunal, en el sentido que –salvo contadas excepciones- este tipo de reproches deben resolverse en la jurisdicción contenciosa administrativa. Por el contrario, estimo que uno de los derechos que esta jurisdicción se encuentra llamada a tutelar es el de la justicia pronta y cumplida, expresamente consagrado en el artículo 41 constitucional. Ello conforme al ámbito de competencia asignado a este Tribunal en materia de protección a derechos fundamentales, en atención a lo dispuesto en los artículos 10 y 48 de la Constitución Política.
Si bien, entiendo la importancia de las reformas de la jurisdicción contencioso administrativa a partir de la vigencia de la Ley 8508 del veinticuatro de abril de dos mil seis, lo cierto es que dicha situación no justifica la remisión a dicha instancia de los asuntos que versan sobre materia que es competencia de esta Sala, la cual ha demostrado a lo largo de los años que es un medio célere y efectivo para la tutela de los derechos fundamentales de los habitantes del país. Visto que, en este caso, se entra a resolver por el fondo la violación acusada en este sentido, no salvo el voto, sino que consigno una nota manifestando mi postura.
VCG02/2024 ... Ver más Contenido de Interés:
Tipo de contenido: Nota separada Rama del Derecho: 4. ASUNTOS DE GARANTÍA Tema: AMBIENTE Subtemas:
ALCANTARILLADO.
En asuntos ambientales, es criterio del suscrito, que si ya ha habido intervención de la Administración Pública, su conocimiento y resolución corresponde a la jurisdicción contenciosa administrativa. No obstante, sí entro a conocer el fondo del asunto cuando están de por medio otros derechos de las personas afectadas por el foco de contaminación, entre ellos, la salud, la calidad de vida y el derecho a gozar de un ambiente sano y libre de contaminación (artículo 50, de la Constitución Política), tal y como sucede en este caso, en el que se acusa que la demora en atender una denuncia ambiental por errónea disposición de aguas negras o servidas, con el daño ambiental que tal situación provoca.
VCG02/2024 ... Ver más SALA CONSTITUCIONAL DE LA CORTE SUPREMA DE JUSTICIA. San José, a las nueve horas quince minutos del veintidos de diciembre de dos mil veintitres .
Recurso de amparo promovido por [Nombre62 001], cédula de identidad [CED62 ], contra el MINISTERIO DE SALUD, LA MUNICIPALIDAD DE HEREDIA Y EL MINISTERIO DE OBRAS PÚBLICAS Y TRANSPORTES.
RESULTANDO:
Redacta la Magistrada Hess Herrera; y,
CONSIDERANDO:
La recurrente acota que, denunció ante las autoridades recurridas un problema ambiental que existe en su comunidad, generado por el desfogue irregular de aguas negras en el alcantarillado pluvial de la ciudad de Heredia; sin embargo, diez meses después, el problema persiste y se ha agravado, afectando la salud y seguridad de los vecinos. Afirma que esa omisión, vulnera sus derechos fundamentales.
De relevancia para la decisión del presente amparo se tienen por demostrados los siguientes:
Se estima como no demostrado, el siguiente de relevancia: 1) Que el Consejo de Seguridad Vial, le haya informado a la denunciante y al área rectora de salud recurrida que el lugar denunciado se ubica en una ruta cantonal y no en una ruta nacional. 2) Que el oficio de la Alcaldía de Heredia, No. AMH-1035-2023 de 26 de setiembre de 2023, se notificara a la recurrente.
En la especie, la recurrente acota que, denunció ante las autoridades recurridas un problema ambiental que existe en su comunidad, generado por el desfogue irregular de aguas negras en el alcantarillado pluvial de la ciudad de Heredia; sin embargo, diez meses después, el problema persiste y se ha agravado, afectando la salud y seguridad de los vecinos. Afirma que esa omisión, vulnera sus derechos fundamentales.
Consta que, el 8 de marzo de 2023, [Nombre62 001], formuló una denuncia ambiental ante el Área Rectora de Salud de Heredia, que reiteró el 20 de ese mismo mes y el 14 de abril siguiente, por el desfogue irregular de aguas negras o servidas en Heredia, 200 metros oeste de la escuela La Puebla, sobre calle principal, lado izquierdo. Se corroboró que, el 21 de ese mismo mes, el Lic. Alex Álvarez Vega de Regulación de la Salud del área rectora recurrida, realizó una visita a la casa de la denunciante, encontrándose que: “a) … a lo largo de la carretera, que la problemática radica en la obstrucción de la tubería pluvial, ubicada debajo de la carpeta asfáltica. Debe indicarse, en primera instancia que la carretera objeto de la presente denuncia, es administrada por Consejo Nacional de Vialidad, adscrita al Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes, según la ubicación dada por la denunciante. Se debe tener en cuenta que la calle ya indicada pertenece al cantón de Heredia. b) En dicha visita, se apreció aguas de color oscuro, con poco mal olor, con flujo moderado al momento de la valoración. c) El tipo de rebalse por las hendiduras del pavimento y el cordón de caño demuestran obstrucción de la tubería pluvial en general. d) No se logró demostrar la existencia de conexiones previstas sanitarias en las casas cercanas al sector. e) No se aprecia otras condiciones insalubres que atenten contra la salud de las personas. f) Mediante correo electrónico, recibido en el Área Rectora del 21 de abril del 2023, la Sra. … aclara la situación de domicilio y la referencia con la problemática en sitio. g) En su momento de conformidad con la atención, se concluyó que la problemática radicaba en la obstrucción de tuberías pluviales, debajo de la carpeta asfáltica de la calle arriba señalada. h) Se descartó que el origen sea conexiones ilícitas de aguas negras, dado que en la zona no hay red sanitaria, ni prevista en la zona. i) Se elaboró informe técnico en respuesta a la denunciante, mediante oficio MS-DRRSCN-DARSH-1806-2023 (Folio 00006) y notificado en forma posterior (folio 00008). j) Dadas las condiciones de limpieza y mantenimiento de las tuberías pluviales al ser competencia ya sea de la sede municipal o del Consejo Nacional de Vialidad del MOPT, deben dar su mantenimiento y limpieza preventivas ante condiciones de obstrucción, ante lo cual se solicitó mediante oficio la programación y plazos de ejecución de las labores de limpieza y destaqueo de dichas tuberías”.
Se constató que, luego de que emitió el informe técnico de esa inspección, mediante el oficio de esa área rectora de salud, No. MS-DRRSCN-DARSH-2446-2023 de 3 de julio de 2023, se trasladó dicho informe técnico al ente local, para lo de su cargo. Según se demostró el 20 de julio del presente año, la recurrente formuló su denuncia ante el Consejo de Seguridad Vial. Así, por oficio de la Unidad de Contraloría Institucional de Servicio de ese Consejo, No. SAGEC-2023-0985 de 21 de julio de 2023, se comunicó a la recurrente que se denuncia había sido trasladada a la Gerencia de Conversación, para que se realizara la inspección correspondiente. Posteriormente, el 26 de julio de 2023, reiterada el 28 de agosto siguiente, la actora incoó su denuncia ante la Municipalidad. Así, por oficio de la Alcaldía de Heredia, No. AMH-1035-2023 de 26 de setiembre de 2023, remitió un informe dirigida a la directora a.i. del área Rectora de Salud, que indicaba: “…
El departamento de Gestión Vial realiza una inspección en el sector de la salida de la Puebla e ingresando a Heredia como se detalla en el croquis que se muestra a continuación, como resultado de esta inspección se ha encontrado un vertido de aguas a la cuneta de forma abierta, no es una fuga de aguas negras, porque ya se le ha consultado a la Empresa de Servicios Públicos de Heredia y en el sector no existe conexión del alcantarillado sanitario. (…) Al realizarse la inspección otro de los hallazgos importantes es que el agua escurre por la cuneta hasta llegar al entronque del camino, ha provocado afectaciones en cunetas y aceras y corresponde a una vivienda que se muestra en las fotos que se adjuntan. Se considera que existe ya un daño a nivel de alcantarillado pluvial en la ruta de travesía ya que las reventaduras y el desnivel lo reflejan…”. En este sentido, según la alcaldesa, pese a que, el 8 de noviembre de 2023, la directora de Inversión Pública del ente local recurrido, remitió un correo electrónico al Ministerio de Salud, con la intención de darle seguimiento a este asunto, la respuesta que se les brindó que el caso se encuentra en análisis.
Aunado a lo anterior, del oficio de la Gerencia de Conservación de Vías y Puentes, No. DRC-10-2023-2171 (0926) de 4 de diciembre de 2023, se colige que: “El asunto no es una fuga de aguas negras, sino un vertido ilegal de las aguas a la cuneta de forma abierta”. De otra parte, se demostró que el pasado 4 de diciembre de 2023, la Dirección del Área Rectora Salud Heredia, verificó que la problemática persiste. Aunado a lo anterior, no consta que el Consejo de Seguridad Vial, le haya informado a la denunciante y al área rectora de salud recurrida que el lugar denunciado se ubica en una ruta cantonal y no en una ruta nacional, ni que el oficio de la Alcaldía de Heredia, No. AMH-1035-2023 de 26 de setiembre de 2023, se notificara a la recurrente. En suma, no solo no se ha solucionado el problema ambiental denunciado, sino que no ha existido la coordinación institucional apropiada a esos efectos. Así las cosas, estima la Sala se produjo la infracción acusada. Bajo esta inteligencia, se impone acoger el recurso, conforme se dirá.
Si bien en el pasado he sostenido el criterio de mayoría del Tribunal, bajo una mejor ponderación de los derechos fundamentales que se reclaman, estimo que la mora administrativa constituye una lesión a una garantía procesal fundamental, razón por la que cambio el criterio que había expuesto, admitiendo la posible infracción al derecho a una justicia administrativa pronta y cumplida, separándome de la visión de la mayoría del Tribunal, en el sentido que –salvo contadas excepciones- este tipo de reproches deben resolverse en la jurisdicción contenciosa administrativa. Por el contrario, estimo que uno de los derechos que esta jurisdicción se encuentra llamada a tutelar es el de la justicia pronta y cumplida, expresamente consagrado en el artículo 41 constitucional. Ello conforme al ámbito de competencia asignado a este Tribunal en materia de protección a derechos fundamentales, en atención a lo dispuesto en los artículos 10 y 48 de la Constitución Política.
Si bien, entiendo la importancia de las reformas de la jurisdicción contencioso administrativa a partir de la vigencia de la Ley 8508 del veinticuatro de abril de dos mil seis, lo cierto es que dicha situación no justifica la remisión a dicha instancia de los asuntos que versan sobre materia que es competencia de esta Sala, la cual ha demostrado a lo largo de los años que es un medio célere y efectivo para la tutela de los derechos fundamentales de los habitantes del país. Visto que, en este caso, se entra a resolver por el fondo la violación acusada en este sentido, no salvo el voto, sino que consigno una nota manifestando mi postura.
En asuntos ambientales, es criterio del suscrito, que si ya ha habido intervención de la Administración Pública, su conocimiento y resolución corresponde a la jurisdicción contenciosa administrativa. No obstante, sí entro a conocer el fondo del asunto cuando están de por medio otros derechos de las personas afectadas por el foco de contaminación, entre ellos, la salud, la calidad de vida y el derecho a gozar de un ambiente sano y libre de contaminación (artículo 50, de la Constitución Política), tal y como sucede en este caso, en el que se acusa que la demora en atender una denuncia ambiental por errónea disposición de aguas negras o servidas, con el daño ambiental que tal situación provoca.
Se previene a las partes que de haber aportado algún documento en papel, así como objetos o pruebas contenidas en algún dispositivo adicional de carácter electrónico, informático, magnético, óptico, telemático o producido por nuevas tecnologías, estos deberán ser retirados del despacho en un plazo máximo de 30 días hábiles contados a partir de la notificación de esta sentencia. De lo contrario, será destruido todo aquel material que no sea retirado dentro de este plazo, según lo dispuesto en el "Reglamento sobre Expediente Electrónico ante el Poder Judicial", aprobado por la Corte Plena en sesión número 27-11 del 22 de agosto de 2011, artículo XXVI y publicado en el Boletín Judicial número 19 del 26 de enero de2012, así como en el acuerdo aprobado por el Consejo Superior del Poder Judicial, en la sesión número 43-12 celebrada el 3 de mayo de 2012, artículo LXXXI.
POR TANTO:
Se declara con lugar el recurso. Se ordena a Ángela Ileana Aguilar Vargas, a Johanna Chavarría Víquez, así como a Mauricio Batalla Otárola, respectivamente, en condición de alcaldesa de Heredia, de directora del Área Rectora de Salud Heredia y de director ejecutivo a.i. del Consejo Nacional de Vialidad, o a quienes ejerzan esos cargos, que coordinen y dispongan lo necesario a efectos de que, dentro del término de UN MES, contado a partir de la notificación de este pronunciamiento, el problema ambiental denunciado por la recurrente se corrija de forma definitiva. Se advierte a los recurridos que de conformidad con lo establecido en el artículo 71 de la Ley de la Jurisdicción Constitucional, se impondrá prisión de tres meses a dos años, o de veinte a sesenta días multa, a quien recibiere una orden que deba cumplir o hacer cumplir, dictada en un recurso de amparo, y no la cumpliere o hiciere cumplir, siempre que el delito no esté más gravemente penado. Se condena a la Municipalidad de Heredia, al Consejo de Seguridad Vial y al Estado al pago de las costas, daños y perjuicios causados con los hechos que sirven de base a esta declaratoria, los que se liquidarán en ejecución de sentencia de lo contencioso administrativo. El Magistrado Cruz Castro consigna nota. El Magistrado Salazar Alvarado pone nota. Notifíquese.
Nombre152 C.
Presidente a.i Luis Fdo. Salazar A.
Jorge Araya G.
Anamari Garro V.
Ingrid Hess H.
Nombre5272 A.
Alexandra Alvarado P.
Clasificación elaborada por SALA CONSTITUCIONALdel Poder Judicial. Prohibida su reproducción y/o distribución en forma onerosa.
Document not found. Documento no encontrado.