Question 26 March 2015 Molly Scott (Verts-ALE-Green)
Subject: Storm drain pipe from Spain polluting Western Beach in Gibraltar
The Commission has confirmed that the Spanish Government recognises that there have been polluting spills into Western Beach, Gibraltar, from the Spanish side. The Commission agreed in December 2014 to monitor the efforts of the Spanish authorities to solve this problem, which involves a EUR 6.5 million project to find and remove any waste water from the rainwater collecting systems in question and ensure regular monitoring at discharge points.
1. Can the Commission supply a schedule of works for this project?
2. Will the project be completed before this summer season so that the beach can be opened for public use?
Answer 5 May 2015 Commissioner Vella
The Commission is aware of the possible pollution situation of the bathing site ‘Playa del Oeste/Western Beach’, in the Bay of Algeciras, referred to by the Honourable Member. The origin of such pollution is the diversion of a storm drain in the municipality of La Línea de la Concepción, discharging sewage near that beach.
The Commission formally contacted the Spanish authorities, to gather further information on the situation.