Neighbors of La Selva del Camp mobilized against pyrolytic oil chemical plant

Neighbors at war in La Selva del Camp over the imminent construction of a chemical industry that will produce pyrolytic oil. Tension is rising in the Xalamec industrial estate, where everything seems to be decided, but the citizen response is not long in coming.

The Valogreene Econova project already has permits and has signed the purchase of three plots with the City Council. With an investment of 64 million euros, only the payment remains to start construction, but the neighborhood reaction shows that the battle is not lost yet.

Neighbor protest and explicit rejection by the mayor

Neighbors warn of major environmental and social impact

Rubén Guerra, an affected neighbor, denounces that it is an industry with a “great impact” that will bring pollution and noise to the area. It is not only a health problem, but a quality of life issue that the townspeople are currently unwilling to give up.

The mobilization is beginning to organize to stop a project they consider too aggressive for the environment and their daily lives. Complaints go beyond rumors: there is real fear, which translates into constant actions and meetings.

Mayor Enric Roberto admits he “doesn’t like it” but pushes the project forward

Enric Roberto, mayor of La Selva del Camp, does not hide it: he acknowledges that he “does not like” the project, but explains that the City Council has facilitated the process. This stance makes it clear that internal disagreement exists, but the institutional engine continues running.

The contrast between the local government and the neighbors is evident. The dissonance leads many to wonder if the interests of the citizens are really being prioritized in this case.

Technical details and exact location of the plant

The land in the Xalamec industrial estate and the planned investment

The plant will be located on three plots situated in the Xalamec industrial estate of La Selva del Camp. The company Valogreene Econova has signed the purchase agreement with the City Council and is preparing to make the payment.

With an investment reaching 64 million euros, the construction and start-up of the plant will mean a significant change in the industrial and economic landscape of the municipality.

Function and impact of pyrolytic oil

Pyrolytic oil is a chemical product obtained through the thermal decomposition of organic materials. The industry intended to be installed will generate this oil through processes that, according to neighbors, could cause pollution and persistent noise.

The environmental risk is the most controversial point, with doubts about how emissions and waste from this activity will be managed.

Reactions and future perspectives

Neighbor response and possible legal actions

Neighbors are organizing to demand more information and transparency and are studying actions to stop the project. Social pressure could translate into mobilizations or lawsuits to the competent administrations.

The fight is not only local: other municipalities and ecological entities are closely following the case, turning La Selva del Camp into a possible precedent for similar projects.

The role of the City Council and conflict management

The City Council finds itself in a complex position: while facilitating the process, the mayor hints that he does not agree with the project. Managing this contradiction will be key to preventing an escalation of the conflict.

The council will have to respond to citizen demands if it does not want the protest to become a larger problem.

La Selva del Camp faces a dilemma that goes far beyond a simple industrial project. And this is only the beginning.

Source of the article: Arnau Martínez | ACN