The Government of the Canary Islands, alongside the Cabildo de Tenerife and the Puerto de la Cruz City Council, is evaluating 15 coastal points within this municipality, which include Punta Brava, Playa Jardín, and San Telmo, in order to seek solutions regarding the closure of the bathing area in Playa Jardín that took place in July following the detection of a high concentration of pathogens.
The involved authorities have reviewed the measures implemented and have refreshed the action plan. Various officials participated in the meeting, such as Ángel Montañés, Director General of Ecological Transition and the Fight Against Climate Change; José Fernando Díaz-Flores, Director General of Public Health; Antonio Acosta, Director General of Coasts and Maritime Space Management; Blanca Pérez, Councillor for Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies of the Cabildo de Tenerife; Leopoldo Afonso, Mayor of Puerto de la Cruz; and Javier Davara, Manager of the Tenerife Island Water Council, along with technicians from their respective administrations.
Ángel Montañés reported that efforts have been intensified and that the implemented measures are swift and well-coordinated. He also noted that inspections and analyses are currently being conducted at various coastal points, involving on-site visits and measurements taken both on land and at sea. These actions also comprise an inventory of potential sources of marine pollution, with samples set to be analysed to ascertain water quality and identify possible spills.
José Fernando Díaz-Flores presented the latest findings from the analyses of samples collected in the Punta Brava area, emphasizing the cooperation among authorities to acquire the necessary data for forthcoming studies.
Antonio Acosta underscored the dedication of his department to secure the required sectoral authorisations to perform purification works in the municipality, many of which hinge upon administrative actions from the Ministry of Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge.
Blanca Pérez reported that work on the submarine outfall commenced last week. Although initial efforts began in August to address a leak, technical challenges were encountered. The minister indicated that last week the project was categorised as an emergency, with an investment of €201,000 allocated to execute interventions both on land and at sea to resolve the issue at the earliest opportunity.
The Mayor of Puerto de la Cruz, Leopoldo Afonso, explained that assessments are underway regarding improvements to the municipality’s sewage network, prioritising the legalisation of municipal pumping stations.
These coordination meetings are anticipated to continue in the forthcoming months to sustain the exchange of progress and information aimed at resolving the situation.