SIMARSUL recently identified instances of unauthorized waste entering the municipal drainage system, containing substantial fish remains and scales. Though unrelated to their direct responsibilities, this caused two operational anomalies at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (ETAR), swiftly resolved.
The company notified the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) and Sesimbra Municipality immediately.
SIMARSUL treats wastewater received from municipal networks, then returns treated water to the marine environment via an offshore pipeline, fully complying with legal and environmental standards, the statement read.
In both instances, the location and distance of discharge from the coast and the timing between ETAR occurrences and analysis results make a direct link between SIMARSUL’s infrastructure and the non-compliant findings leading to the beach closure unlikely.
Nonetheless, as part of its commitment to environmental protection and public health, SIMARSUL will request a meeting with the Sesimbra municipality to adopt measures preventing future non-compliant discharges into the drainage network.
Ouro Beach in Sesimbra, Setúbal, closed to swimming on Thursday evening, reopened Friday after analysis showed “results compatible with bathing activities,” announced the Municipal Council.
The beach was closed on Thursday following routine APA analysis (conducted Tuesday with results arriving two days later) revealing altered parameters.
Ouro Beach holds Blue Flag and Gold Quality Flag status, with “Excellent” water ratings since 2011.
The council emphasized only a direct discharge into the sea could have caused such a result.
On Monday, the Sesimbra Municipal Council will request an urgent meeting with SIMARSUL, the Ports Administration of Setúbal and Sesimbra, and Docapesca to clarify and prevent recurrence of such events.
On Thursday, Sesimbra’s mayor, Francisco Jesus, stated upon learning of the incident, he contacted SIMARSUL, responsible for managing the Setúbal Peninsula’s wastewater system, discovering two untreated direct sea discharges on August 1 and 8 (Fridays).
Jesus expressed his indignation, particularly because the discharges were only emailed to APA on the following Mondays, August 4 and 11.
“This is unacceptable. In a bathing area, conducting two Friday discharges, known to compromise water quality, and only communicating three days later, on a Monday, without a phone call, demonstrates carelessness and extreme irresponsibility,” said the mayor.
The issue’s immediate attention after ocean discharges related to ETAR operations could have meant better water quality control.
“We cannot confirm a cause-and-effect relationship, but it’s possible,” he added, noting discharges into the ocean, not the beach, could reach the area with tides.
One discharge amounted to 500 cubic meters.
“That’s a large volume of untreated water,” said Francisco Jesus.
