Oil spill alert Solar park denied

THE Balearic Islands Government has denied the authorisation to install a solar panel park in Son Bonet.

Residents and conservationists had staged several protests over the last several years against the plans and had formed a platform entitled Son Bonet Pulmó Verd (Green Lung) to oppose the project, as well as presenting 1,300 allegations against it.

One of their most noteworthy protests was the planting of 8,000 square metres of Mediterranean vegetation to create an

‘urban forest’ on the land where the 20 MW solar park was to be installed.

They have described this week’s ruling by the Govern as “a victory over the public company Aena,” who was behind the project, but insist that they will continue putting pressure on the firm to transfer ownership of the land to Marratxi Council and to create a ‘green lung’ to help fight against climate chage and improve the environment and the health of all residents in Pla de na Tesa, Pont d’Inca, Cas Capità and Son Llatzet.

THE sinking of a boat at Pollença port on June 17 has triggered fears that it could cause a major fuel spill in the area.

The local council admits that the ship did leak some fuel and oil for several hours between Friday (June 30) and Saturday morning, when the stormy weather displaced a protective barrier that the Maritime Rescue service had placed around the vessel to prevent this very problem.

Experts rushed to replace the safety device and the spill was brought under control by midday on Saturday.

The new Environment councillor at Pollença Town Hall, Steffy Pozo, described the situation as “delicate” and said that her department is doing everything in their power to find a solution and locate the owner of the sunken vessel, which bears a foreign flag, as it would be their responsibility to remove the ship.

Sra Pozo said that her department does not have the authority or the budget to refloat the boat.