Los Alcázares blocks polluting industries to safeguard Mar Menor

One-year licence freeze aims to stop waste incinerators amid local outcry

Los Alcázares Ayuntamiento has taken a bold stand to protect the Mar Menor, approving a one-year suspension of licences for potentially polluting activities like waste incinerators and biogas plants.

The move, passed in an Information Committee this Thursday, heads to an extraordinary plenary on Wednesday March 11 for final approval. Mayor Mario Pérez Cervera says it underlines the council's dedication. "The Los Alcázares Town Hall is using all the tools at our disposal to prevent the installation of activities in our municipality that could pose a risk to the environment or the health of our residents," he stated.

This comes alongside the council's recent appeal against a Regional Government permit for a healthcare waste incinerator by Ecology Recycling Technologies, SL. Municipal experts flagged "numerous and significant deficiencies" in the application that could harm public health, nature and the lagoon.

The proposed plant, just 900m from Santa Rosalía in Torre Pacheco and 1,500m from Lomas del Rame, would burn 1,024 tons yearly, including 640 tons of hazardous waste like hospital remains and chemicals. Winds could carry ash to the town and Mar Menor, a protected bird habitat, clashing with Law 3/2020.

Locals have rallied strongly, gathering over 15,000 signatures against it last summer, joined by protests near the health centre with opposition PP councillors and 30 associations. The site sits in an industrial park near busy warehouses, fruit firms and hospitality spots.

Pérez Cervera framed it as proactive defence. "This measure is another step in a clear strategy to defend the public interest. Our goal is to ensure that no activities are implemented in Los Alcázares that could generate pollution and endanger our environment and our main natural asset, the Mar Menor," he said. The firm plans a €1 million investment and eight jobs, but the council prioritises resident safety over that.

It's reassuring to see the Ayuntamiento listening to the community on such a vital issue. With the Mar Menor so precious to us all, these steps feel like common sense.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Los Alcázares
 

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Information for residents and visitors in Los Alcázares and Los Narejos

Despite being a relatively small municipality Los Alcázares relies to such a large extent on year-round tourism that it operates two tourist information offices, one in the town itself and the other in the seafront district of Los Narejos.

The fully qualified staff at both offices strive to provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your time in Los Alcázares, recommending places to visit, things to do and upcoming events in the area as well as practical help. The multitude of leaflets on offer will help you to fully enjoy the Costa Cálida and the Mar Menor!

Contact details:

Los Alcázares office

Avenida Trece de Octubre, 8, 30710 Los Alcázares, Murcia (click for map)

Open year-round weekdays 9.00 to 14.00.

Additional opening hours in summer during the afternoon, weekdays 17.00 to 19.00 and on Saturday and Sunday mornings 10.00 to 13.00.

Telephone: 968 575756

Email: turismo@losalcazares.es

Los Narejos office

Avenida Cartagena, esquina Calle Piscis (click for map)

Open on weekdays 9.00 to 14.00 throughout the year.

Telephone: 968 582119

Email: turismolosnarejos@losalcazares.es