A sewage treatment plant in Punta Brava, Puerto de la Cruz, experienced a spillage of around 1,000 litres of a substance made up of 75% water and 25% ferric chloride on Saturday night. The spill was contained within the facility, according to the Tenerife Council.
The incident occurred due to a rupture in a hose that had been repaired earlier that day during maintenance. The Council stated that Aqualia, the company managing the plant, reported the hose was in good condition post-repair. Investigators are looking into the possibility of sabotage as the cause of the break.
Security cameras at the facility captured an unknown individual entering the building and heading towards the area of the rupture.
The treatment plant has been near Playa Jardín, which has faced repeated issues with sewage overflows. It was closed for a year and has had other temporary closures, including one earlier this month.
Technical staff from the Tenerife Council have advised that merely repairing the sewage collector is insufficient and a new installation is recommended.
Investigation by the Council
The Tenerife Island Water Council (CIAT) has begun an investigation into the spillage, holding Aqualia accountable for the operation and maintenance of the plant. They aim to determine the source of the spill, the quantity released, the circumstances surrounding the incident, and its potential destination. It must be confirmed whether the spillage reached the rainwater drainage system and possibly the sea, as reports on this remain conflicting.
The Council considers any incident that compromises the safety of such facilities or the environment to be serious, stressing the need for transparency regarding the circumstances of the incident. Local police have inspected the site, and agents from the Civil Guard’s Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA) are also investigating.
The water council has asked Aqualia to provide all details pertaining to the incident, including adopted measures and compliance with safety and environmental protocols. Investigators are considering the possibility that the hose break was intentional, as noted by local media.
The Cabildo will keep the investigation open until all facts are established, ensuring that established protocols were followed and determining potential liabilities. Aqualia is responsible for maintaining the plant’s safe operation, and any proven negligence will lead to the enforcement of necessary corrective measures.
The Tenerife Council has committed to collaborating with relevant authorities to clarify the situation as swiftly and transparently as possible.
