The proposed relocating of the wastewater pumping station (EBAR) of San Vicente, in Los Realejos, in close proximity to Rambla de Castro, is expected to have significant impacts on the diverse biodiversity of this protected natural area and its scenic value. The region is recognized as a Special Conservation Area due to its delicate nature, being the last palm grove on the coast of the island of Tenerife.
Environmental organizations such as Tenerife Association of Friends of Nature (ATAN), Assembly in Defense of Our Land (ADNT), Association for the Conservation of Canarian Biodiversity (ACBC), Save La Tejita, Telesforo Bravo-Juan Coello Foundation, Canarina Foundation, Scientific Rebellion, La Tabona Ecological Collective, Coordinator El Rincón-Ecologists in action, Ben Magec Federation-ecologists in action, Ecooceans, Association for community development Agents of Change, Los Silos Isla Baja Platform, and Taknara Network express their firm concern and discontent with this proposed infrastructure which they believe will significantly impact the Special Conservation Area (ZEC) of the Natura 2000 Network, where a sample of the habitat of community interest HIC 9370 Phoenix canariensis is situated.
The originally planned location of the project was on the fringes of the protected natural area within the construction works of collectors for the Orotava Valley. However, there has been a proposal to relocate it to the slope of the Tropicana urbanization to ensure the delivery of wastewater from that area as well as from the center of San Vicente to the general collector of Los Realejos.
The 15 groups argue that the new location is only a few meters away from the original one, and therefore, the “landscape impact on the hillside would be evident, especially around the Rambla.” They caution against the possibility of discharges into the ravine in case of breakdowns and heavy rainfall, which could affect Castro beach and further harm the already delicate ecosystem.
They also point out that in 1987, the Canarian Parliament approved the Law of Natural Spaces of the Canary Islands, designating the Rambla de Castro as a Protected Natural Space to preserve its diverse biodiversity and scenic value.
They emphasize the need to consider conservation objectives in accordance with the provisions of Law 42/2007, of December 13, on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity and Law 21/2013, of December 9, on environmental impact assessment, to ensure adequate prevention of specific environmental impacts and establish effective correction or compensation mechanisms.
According to the report from the Natural Environment and Security Management area, the relocation increases the distance from the Protected Landscape of Rambla de Castro, as well as the access to the new EBAR and its electrical connection point, both of which are outside the area.
However, environmentalists are in disagreement with the location and the proposed system. They express concerns about the absorption well and the spillway with discharge into the Barranco de La Fajana, which they see as potential threats that could affect the palm grove of Rambla de Castro. They also stress that the report does not guarantee zero risk of spillage in the event of a system breakdown.
