Masies Catalanes fears that the floods caused by the Albiol photovoltaic plant will happen again this October
The residents of Masies Catalanes warn that this October floods caused by the photovoltaic plant 'Las Lomas' in l'Albiol could return. The Catalan Water Agency (ACA) has issued an unfavorable report and rejects the solutions proposed by the developers, considering them insufficient to avoid the risk.
The problem is not new: last year, entire streets were flooded and residents were isolated, with difficulties accessing from the C-14 and La Selva del Camp. All in all, a chaos that is now back on the table without a clear solution.
The causes and the conflict with the photovoltaic plant
What causes the floods in Masies Catalanes?
The floods are mainly due to the poor design and execution of the photovoltaic plant 'Las Lomas', with 11,583 panels installed since 2025. In addition, there are previous factors such as the modification of a stream in the 1990s and the water channelling by the Tarragona Provincial Council in 2014, which alter the natural drainage.
Why does the ACA reject the corrective measures?
The Catalan Water Agency verified that the plant alters the natural water dynamics on the estate. Despite the developers’ reports, the ACA considers the proposed solutions insufficient to prevent new floods, and has requested additional measures to ensure proper drainage.
The institutional response and the role of l'Albiol Town Hall
How is the Town Hall facing the situation?
Mayor Andreu Carrasco acknowledges that the Town Hall is small and has few technical and human resources to supervise infrastructures like the plant. Nevertheless, he assures that a meeting with the ACA is planned to find a way to avoid further problems.
What responsibility do the administrations have?
The Generalitat granted the permits, but now the ACA transfers the oversight to the Town Hall, which says it does not have enough capacity to control the situation. The residents, for their part, have only received support from the Alcover Town Hall and complain of abandonment by the administrations.
Impact on the daily life of residents and possible solutions
How does this affect the inhabitants of Masies Catalanes?
Last year, during the floods, streets were cut off, water entered the plots, and residents could neither enter nor leave the development. This situation creates insecurity and limits mobility in an already small community.
What measures are expected to avoid repetition?
Although the developer company maintains a valid construction permit, the ACA demands more forceful actions to improve drainage. The residents hope that the planned meeting between the Town Hall and the ACA will result in concrete solutions before the autumn rains arrive.
| Year | Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Installation of 11,583 panels at the 'Las Lomas' plant | Alteration of natural drainage and floods in Masies Catalanes |
| September-October 2025 | Floods in Masies Catalanes | Cut-off streets, resident isolation |
| August 2026 | Unfavorable ACA report | Rejection of proposed corrective measures |
The situation in Masies Catalanes makes clear that the management of infrastructures like photovoltaic plants cannot overlook the local impact. The combination of design errors and lack of resources for supervision leaves residents trapped in a spiral of floods and insecurity that seems difficult to solve.
Source of the article: Arnau Martínez / Catalan News Agency
