The Balearic Government, through the Balearic Water and Environmental Quality Agency (Abaqua), has awarded the service for the drafting of the preliminary feasibility studies of the sea-land outfalls of the wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) of Can Bossa and Formentera. These works will analyze the execution of the infrastructures by means of special construction procedures with the aim of minimizing the environmental impact.
As reported by the Conselleria del Mar y del Ciclo del Agua in a statement, the contract was awarded by the Board of Directors of Abaqua at its meeting last December 19, for a total amount of 183,300 euros. The studies will evaluate, among other options, the possibility ofcarrying out a horizontal drilling that will allow to take the outfalls beyond the limit of the posidonia, thus avoiding damages or affections to this particularly sensitive and protected marine ecosystem.
This construction system has already been successfully used in other parts of Ibiza, specifically in the outfalls of the WWTPs of Ibiza, Cala Tarida and Santa Eulària. In these cases, the technique has made it possible to remove old pipes that were located on the surface occupied by posidonia, contributing to the environmental improvement of the coastline.
In the specific case of Can Bossa, the studies will also contemplate the application of this methodology in the section that connects to the treatment plant itself. This route crosses the Ses Salines Natural Park, so the use of horizontal drilling would avoid any impact on this protected natural area.
At the same time, the renovation of the Portmany Bay outfall, which will also be carried out using this system, is in the administrative process. This action will allow, in the future, the removal of 1.4 kilometers of asbestos cement piping that currently serve the function of evacuation of treated water.
In the same line of actions, in Menorca the works for the installation of the Binidalí outfall have already been awarded, which is scheduled to start in 2026. This project will also use this construction model, consolidating a common strategy of the Government to modernize the sewage infrastructures and strengthen the protection of the marine environment in the archipelago.
