Ibiza airport sewage spills investigated: paradise under threat

The Civil Guard's nature protection unit, Seprona, is investigating systematic sewage discharges from Ibiza Airport's treatment plant into the island's most protected natural area, Ses Salines Natural Park. Officers inspected the site on Tuesday and took samples for analysis after an environmental group filed a complaint. The probe follows a report from Sant Josep town council to regional water authorities about pollution in the sa Font stream. The regional government has opened preliminary proceedings and requested Seprona's help. Officials say they will determine next steps based on inspection results. **Criminal complaint filed** The Water Alliance group took the case to court on Friday, filing a criminal complaint against airport operator AENA with the environmental prosecutor's office. The group alleges the airport's wastewater treatment plant has been releasing contaminated water into the protected park. The complaint includes a technical report detailing suspected environmental violations. The group says the discharges are linked to an overwhelmed treatment facility. The pollution forced the temporary closure of Es Codolar beach on August 7. The beach reopened Tuesday after water quality tests showed acceptable levels, though the council says it will continue monitoring. **Tests show illegal contamination levels** Independent laboratory tests commissioned by the Water Alliance found sewage bacteria levels up to 12 times above legal limits and other contaminants up to 17 times higher. The group collected four samples between June 12 and July 22. The results show violations of both European wastewater treatment standards and regulations for reusing treated water in irrigation, which is how the airport uses its effluent. None of the four samples met legal requirements. "The situation presents multiple violations. The aquifer is salinized, causing denitrification and generating brine waste without proper authorization," said Rafa Tur, a Water Alliance member. Tur said the treatment plant was designed for five to six million passengers annually, but the airport now handles nine million. "The facility is clearly overwhelmed," he said. **AENA defends its operations** AENA said the airport uses only its five authorized wells, rainwater collection, and recycled water, staying within legal extraction limits. It said all data is regularly reported to authorities. The company acknowledged that during high consumption or storms, overflow points in the treatment stages can release partially treated water. It said previous tests showed no anomalies, but July results are still pending. AENA said it plans to expand the treatment plant and is exploring ways to reduce water flow from restrooms. It also noted that other facilities along the stream could be contributing to pollution.