The installation of the plant on a new site puts an end to more than two decades of conflict and ensures the efficient treatment of wastewater from the coastal areas of Muro and Can Picafort.

The Directorate General of Water Resources of the Government of the Balearic Islands and the town councils of Muro and Santa Margalida have reached a historic agreement for the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant in Platges de Muro – Can Picafort. This agreement marks the end of more than 25 years of disputes and failed negotiations that had put on hold the solution to a serious sanitation problem in the area.

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A historic agreement for the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant in Platges de Muro – Can Picafort

The agreement, presented this afternoon by the councillor for the Sea and Water Cycle, Juan Manuel Lafuente, together with the mayors of Muro and Santa Margalida, Miquel Porquer and Joan Monjo respectively, as well as the director general of Water Resources, Joan Calafat, reflects the joint commitment of the three administrations to definitively and effectively address the sanitation problems in the area. This agreement has been reached after several months of intense meetings and coordinated work between the parties, demonstrating the firm’s will to reach a lasting solution for the well-being of both municipalities and the protection of the natural environment.

The current infrastructures have proved insufficient to adequately manage the volume of wastewater, especially during the tourist season, compromising both the quality of life of the residents and the protection of the environment, particularly in the Bay of Alcúdia, a declared sensitive area.

In his declarations, councillor Lafuente expressed his satisfaction with the achievement and stressed the importance of the agreement: ‘This is a historic day for Platges de Muro and Can Picafort. After more than 25 years of uncertainty and difficulties, we have reached an agreement that will not only solve the sanitation problems in the area but will also contribute to the protection of our natural environment. I would like to thank all the parties involved for their efforts and collaboration, especially the town councils of Muro and Santa Margalida, for their commitment to making this project a reality.

Of the different options proposed by the Ministry for Ecological Transition, the parties have agreed to build a joint treatment plant for both municipalities, considered to be the best technical alternative, the most favourable from an environmental point of view and the one that will allow the most efficient economic and maintenance management. The technical proposal selected was developed by ACUAES, the public company dependent on the Ministry, after a detailed study of alternatives.

This option envisages the removal of the existing treatment plant, located in a flood zone within the protected area of the Parc Natural de S’Albufera, which represents an added value from an environmental point of view. In addition, the new plant is to be built in a suitable location that guarantees efficient wastewater treatment, complying with environmental standards and protecting the area’s water resources. It has been agreed that the effluent from the new plant will be prioritised for agricultural and urban reuse. At the same time, the necessary studies will be carried out so that it can be used as a water resource in the process of recovering the S’Albufera Natural Park.

The town councils of Muro and Santa Margalida will play a key role in the processing of the necessary urban planning permits and licences, as well as in the coordination of the works and the integration of the municipal wastewater networks with the new facility. In addition, they are committed to leading initiatives to raise awareness among the local population about the importance of the project for environmental sustainability and the community’s well-being.

Funding by Water Resources

For its part, the Directorate General of Water Resources of the Government of the Balearic Islands will finance the project in full, with an expected investment of 38.8 million euros, ensuring that the necessary resources are available for the proper execution of the works. It will also provide technical assistance and continuous monitoring to ensure the project progresses as planned and meets all agreed requirements.

The agreement includes the creation of a Monitoring Commission. The construction of the new treatment plant in Platges de Muro – Can Picafort will make a significant contribution to the preservation of a natural environment of great ecological value, and forms part of the integral project to improve the management of water resources in the northern part of the island of Mallorca.