“The result of the second analysis conducted on the morning of August 14 showed results compatible with beach conditions,” stated the local authorities in a communication.
The beach had been closed for swimming late Thursday afternoon after a routine analysis by the Portuguese Environment Agency (conducted on Tuesday with results two days later) revealed altered parameters.
“A new water sample was collected for analysis the same day, with results known today indicating compatibility with beach conditions,” the authorities reported.
Praia do Ouro holds a Blue Flag, Gold Quality Flag, and its waters have consistently been rated “Excellent” since 2011.
According to the authorities, only a direct discharge into the sea could have resulted in such an outcome.
On Monday, the Municipality of Sesimbra plans to urgently request a meeting with SIMARSUL, the Ports Administration of Setúbal and Sesimbra, and Docapesca to address the situation and ensure such incidents do not reoccur.
On Thursday, in statements to the Lusa news agency, the president of the municipality, Francisco Jesus, stated that upon being informed of the case, he contacted SIMARSUL – Saneamento da Península de Setúbal, S.A, responsible for the management and operation of the multi-municipal wastewater sewage system of the Setúbal Peninsula. It was noted that two untreated direct discharges into the sea occurred on August 1 and 8 (both Fridays).
Francisco Jesus expressed indignation over the situation, particularly because the “discharges were only reported to the APA via ’email’ on the following Mondays, August 4 and 11.”
“This is inadmissible. To have two discharges on two Fridays in a beach area, which we know can compromise water quality, and then to communicate them only three days later, on a Monday, without even a phone call. It was handled with a shocking degree of carelessness and irresponsibility,” said the mayor.
The mayor stressed that if the issue had been addressed when the discharges into the ocean occurred—which were carried out due to operational issues at the treatment plant—there would have been better water control.
“We do not know if there is a cause-effect relationship, but indeed there might be,” he noted, adding that the discharges occur in the ocean, not at the beach, but tides may have carried them to the area.
One of the discharges, he highlighted, amounted to 500 cubic meters.
“That’s a lot of untreated water,” said Francisco Jesus.
