‘Dangerous’ pollution levels in Vinalopo River

FIVE times the maximum level of pollution deemed safe for human use has been found in the Vinalopo River, which passes through several towns in the Alicante Province. Lab tests were recently conducted by the Limne Foundation from samples taken between Novelda and Elda.

It was found that there was 250mg of nitrate per litre, an amount which Limne managing director Sales Tomas Pons finds “alarming”. In the stretch of the river between Sax and Elda the pollution is obvious with white foam in globules that float on the surface.

Environmentalists have always pointed out that the cause is the uncontrolled dumping of detergents, agricultural waste, fertilizer and pesticides, and sewage water. This pollution also threatens the ecosystem of the Jucar basin ‘unique’ for its biodiversity.

Experts from the Limne Foundation have warned of the need to take urgent action to “curb environmental degradation” before it becomes “irreversible”. This would include prohibiting the discharge of fecal waste into the channel and to ensure the proper operation of all sewage treatment plants.

The Limne Foundation was established in 2007 as a non-profit organization at state level with several founding members experts in water management.

Their aim is to promote public participation in the conservation of social and environmental aquatic ecosystems.

Meanwhile, just a few days ago volunteers from La Caixa Bank and prisoners from Fontcalent worked together with the foundation to clean the stretch of the river that flows into the Salinetas Novelda ravine.

A total of 1,000kg of plastic, cans, glass and tires were removed.

By Nicole Hallett