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The case of the 9 illegal pools discovered at the Sant Llorenç agritourism adds to the well-known case of the 7 pools at Torre Vella. The striking similarity between these cases suggests a common strategy to bypass environmental regulations through deception.
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The GOB is organizing a seminar with two presentations on regenerative aquaculture, set for Saturday, November 30, in Maó.
A new blue economy is taking root in some parts of the world, with positive economic and ecological results: regenerative aquaculture. This approach involves cultivating different species of shellfish and macroalgae together in a single space.
Continue reading Seminar on regenerative aquaculture: an opportunity for the sea
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The Alaior Town Council has granted a license to legalize the pools at the Torre Vella agrotourism site, ignoring the warning from the former Environmental Commission, which argued that environmental violations cannot be retroactively legalized.
Decree Law 3/2024, introduced by the Council last May under the guise of “administrative simplification,” actually modifies over 50 regulations. Among the most controversial changes are the lifting of bans on construction in flood-prone areas and the dissolution of the Environmental Commission. We are now starting to see the results of these changes.
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Commenting on a sensitive topic always has its risks, yet advancing environmental issues has never been easy.
For weeks, there has been an ongoing discussion about the water crisis in Maó, stemming from the failure to notify citizens when an excess of nitrates was detected in the municipal water supply. The political cost of this incident is clear, with resignations, an extraordinary council meeting, and the launch of further investigations. Many are watching closely.
For these reasons, the GOB waited a few days before discussing the broader consequences of this water crisis: the economic, environmental, and social uncertainties it brings.
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Elevated nitrate levels in Maó’s tap water bring a series of urgent issues that must be addressed with proper information.
Beyond these urgent matters lie several key causes—the root of the problem, which should not be overshadowed by media headlines.
The GOB advocates for a tariff revision, reducing rates for reasonable consumption and raising them significantly for excessive usage.
Continue reading Maó’s water: an urgent and important matter
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The chlorides in the treated water intended for irrigation in Sant Lluís double the maximum permitted levels. Over half of the water reaching the treatment plant may also contain other contaminants. Seven public supply wells could be affected if contamination occurs.
The GOB has submitted objections to the reclaimed water irrigation project that the Balearic Government’s Agriculture Department is promoting in Sant Lluís, warning of its lack of guarantees and the high contamination risks associated with it.
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The presence of a pipe that had been discharging sewage onto the rocks at Cap d’en Font has resulted in a proposed fine of €150,000.
Last summer, GOB Menorca reported the illegal discharge of sewage from a house in Cap d’en Font, a residential area filled with large villas and lush green lawns but lacking a proper sewage system. The sewage had been flowing through a concealed pipe hidden among the vegetation, and eyewitnesses indicated that this had been an ongoing issue.
Continue reading The Cap d’en Font housing development, fined for illegal sewage discharge
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In a year of severe drought, large forage irrigations continue to be seen watering during peak sun hours. In Menorca, this practice is prohibited by law. The GOB (Balearic Group of Ornithology and Defense of Nature) has written to the Department of Water Resources to request that large farms engaging in these practices be warned.
Continue reading Large Irrigations in Full Sun and Against the Law
Views: 93
Recent news reports indicate that Menorca has over 10,000 swimming pools. Given this large number, it is necessary to address how to prevent water loss caused by evaporation due to sun and wind exposure on such vast surfaces.
Continue reading Reducing Pool Evaporation: A Duty for Menorca
Views: 241
The unconventional behaviour of people with economic resources but no environmental principles is at risk. An important transformation on rustic ground has been reported by GOB to the Consortium of Urban Discipline (Consorci de disciplina urbanística) and to the Island Heritage Service (Servei insular de Patrimoni).
At a farm to the south of Mahon, construction has been observed of a tract of land of some 13,000 square meters and being made into a racing track for motorbike scramblers; the construction of new buildings; the creation of some 20,000 square meters of a lawned garden; and the destruction of hundreds of meters of dry stone walling, as well as possible damage to heritage elements.
