Dear neighbors,
We are writing to inform you about the recent meeting held at the Catalan Water Agency (ACA), attended by our representative Javier together with the Mayor, urban planning technicians, and representatives of the Board of Delegates.
The objective of the meeting was to clarify technical and economic aspects of the sewerage project. Waiting for the official minutes of the meeting to be published, we share with you the main points discussed:
1. On technological alternatives
The ACA confirmed that the installation of individual purification systems (bio-purifiers) is a technology that complies with European regulations and, therefore, is a viable alternative that is not prohibited.
However, the agency clarified that its implementation in an urbanization of our size requires strict control of discharges. Likewise, it was clarified that the ownership and maximum responsibility for the discharge must fall mandatorily on the City Council. When asked by the Mayor if this responsibility could be assumed by the Board, the answer was clear: it is not possible, it must be the City Council.
2. Economic analysis and financial risks
During the session, concerns were raised regarding the real cost of the sewerage network. It was detailed that, to the base cost per plot (estimated at about €30,000 for 1,000m²), the installation of private pumping systems (estimated between €15,000 and €20,000) would have to be added in many cases.
Furthermore, the risk of the work stopping due to lack of payment was warned. Faced with the suggestion by the ACA that the City Council could be subsidiarily responsible in that case, the Mayor was categorical: the City Council will not be responsible nor assume the deficit, warning that the way would be the seizure of debtors, even if this implies that the works remain stopped during the process.
3. Service ownership and management
Regarding the management of discharges (in the case of individual alternatives), the ACA reiterated that legal responsibility lies with the City Council.
Faced with this scenario, the City Council stated that, to assume said responsibility, it needs to consult with its legal services the possibility of modifying the regulations. Its objective would be to have legal guarantees to be able to sanction neighbors who do not comply with discharge regulations and have authorization to access private plots to carry out relevant checks.
4. Next steps and commitments
In order to explore all possible avenues given the economic difficulty, the ACA urged the following actions:
- Request a detailed geological study of the area from the Provincial Council to evaluate the technical viability of discharges according to the terrain and aquifers.
- Analyze legal options for the City Council to exercise control and sanction of discharges.
- Investigate on the part of the City Council the availability of public subsidies and grants that can alleviate the economic burden of the project.
Conclusion
From the Neighborhood Initiative, we consider it fundamental to continue working to find a solution that is technically, legally, and above all, economically viable for all neighbors, avoiding projects that may remain unfinished due to lack of financing.
We await the requested reports and the official minutes to move forward.
Sincerely,
Santa Maria de l’Avall Neighborhood Initiative