The reactivation of the asphalt plant in the Montecristo industrial park, in Sant Rafelhas generated a new wave of discontent among the affected neighbors. In a communiqué, the residents have expressed their “deep indignation” and have accused the local and autonomic institutions of not fulfilling the promises made, which guaranteed the definitive closure of the facility by December 15, 2024.
Health and environmental risks
Since the beginning of its operation, the neighbors have expressed their concern about the problems that, according to them, the plant causes. Pollutant emissions, noise, odors and the risk of contamination of aquifers are some of the aspects that, they claim, negatively impact their quality of life. “The institutions have ignored our concerns, leaving the community in a situation of vulnerability,” they state in the communiqué. In addition, they criticize the lack of a proper environmental impact assessment, despite the fact that it was promised at the time as a control measure. For the residents, this absence represents a lack of commitment to the protection of health and the environment.
Mistrust of authorities
The discomfort of the neighbors is also directed towards the Sant Antoni Town Hall and the Consell de Ibiza, whose authorities had assured that the plant was a temporary installation. Mayor Marcos Serra and the president of the Consell, Vicent Marí, stated on several occasions that the activity would end in December 2024, something that, according to the neighbors, has not been fulfilled. “We feel abandoned by institutions that have failed to protect our rights,” say the affected community.
Ongoing research
The neighbors’ complaint reached the Public Prosecutor’s Office, which has initiated a criminal investigation by commissioning a report to Seprona. Those affected are awaiting the results of this investigation, which they consider key to determining the environmental impacts and possible responsibilities. The neighbors, for their part, do not rule out carrying out new mobilizations with the aim of making their situation visible and demanding concrete answers. The reactivation of the plant has intensified a conflict that, for the moment, does not seem close to being resolved.
