“We will not settle, we have already stated our position in the appropriate forums, and we believe that it is not being reflected in the assessment conducted by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA),” said the president of the Alcanena municipality in the Santarém district today. This statement was made in reaction to the issuance of a “conditionally favorable” Environmental Impact Declaration (EID) approval.
The National Electric Grid (REN) project covers approximately 72 kilometers, linking Rio Maior to Lavos. The planned route passes almost entirely through Alcanena, spanning about 20 kilometers. The Municipal Council and Assembly have reported multiple levels of detriment in motions of rejection that have since been approved and advocate for an alternative route.
“We will not resign ourselves and will fight with all administrative means available to us,” stated Rui Anastácio from the PSD/CDS/PPM coalition. He mentioned that filing for an injunction is “a possibility being considered by the municipality’s legal services.”
The elected officials in Alcanena base their stance on several factors, including “interference with natural and biodiversity values,” “urban and agricultural areas,” “increased visual intrusion and landscape alteration,” and the “crossing through areas with cultural heritage” and “impact on water resources” within the municipality.
The municipality argues that “the Environmental Impact Study should have evaluated other route options based on objective sustainability criteria,” suggesting that “existing lines be used, promoting their duplication (…) to minimize interference with people, natural heritage, and cultural heritage.”
It was noted that “this was not considered in this case, as the lines connecting Rio Maior — Pego and Pego — Batalha could have been reinforced,” Anastácio reiterated, advocating for “strengthening already established corridors” instead of “breaking new ground in the Alcanena municipality.”
The protest is shared by the Commission of Public Services Users of Médio Tejo (CUSPMT), which regretted the EID approval, stating that the proposed corridor “poses public health issues for populations, economic and social activities, and environmental ecosystems.”
Manuel José Soares expressed regret today, remarking, “I regret such a decision, considering that, if not all, the majority of issued opinions were negative regarding the passage of the line there, especially since there were other alternative corridors.”
In a statement, the Alcanena municipality revealed that it had “recently learned that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process related to the modification of the LMAT Project Lavos — Rio Maior 1 was closed.” The Evaluation Commission “noted the high participation” in the public consultation, highlighting the “social and civic movement of discontent and opposition to the project’s implementation.”
However, according to the municipality, “after weighing the arguments,” the Commission “considered the negative impacts manageable” and issued a “conditionally favorable” decision, pending compliance with the terms and conditions set in the EID.
Consequently, it indicates, “the APA issued the necessary Single Environmental Permit for the project’s advancement” for the LMAT implementation.
The municipality also notes that, “in coordination with the Batalha municipality,” they are “legally evaluating the possibility of contesting, notably by filing for an injunction.”
The discussion of this matter is scheduled for the next session of the Municipal Assembly, set to occur in April.
