The Médio Tejo User Committee reaffirmed its opposition to the biomethane unit in Árgea, Torres Novas, after a meeting that mobilized around 150 people, and today announced the creation of a broader platform for civic mobilization.
The spokesperson for the Médio Tejo Public Services Users Committee, Manuel José Soares, said today to the Lusa agency that the meeting, held on Monday, demonstrated broad rejection of the project by the participants, including residents from border areas of the Torres Novas municipality and neighboring municipalities in the Santarém district.
“There were more than 20 interventions and the people said unanimously that they do not want the biomethane unit in Árgea and in the Médio Tejo region,” he stated, noting that the position of those present at Monday’s meeting also extends to the refusal to install “near residential zones or areas with human activity.”
The Public Services Users Committee argues that the location of such an infrastructure raises concerns related to environmental impacts and quality of life, including water consumption, heavy traffic and potential effects on air and watercourses.
According to the documents associated with a public petition circulating, the facility could involve the reception of around 270 tonnes per day of organic waste, such as manure, slurry (livestock effluent) and fats, as well as the circulation of dozens of trucks on local roads deemed inadequate.
Among the arguments presented, the promoters of the contest also warn about the possible devaluation of heritage and the risks associated with the deterioration of the population’s quality of life.
The petition “No to the Biomethane Unit in Árgea and in the Médio Tejo Region” is already being promoted on the ground, with signature collection, and argues that alternative energy projects should be installed away from residential zones.
Despite opposition to the location, the Public Services Users Committee emphasizes that it is not against the energy transition, but rather against installing the unit near residential areas.
“We are not against alternative energies, but they must be installed away from residential zones,” reiterated Manuel José Soares.
The representative body announced its intention to advance with a coordinating platform that will involve users’ committees, local communities and other groups of citizens, with the aim of increasing pressure on public authorities.
According to Manuel José Soares, the objective is to “involve thousands of citizens in this cause” and to monitor the process with the central administration, since the final decision will not depend solely on local authorities.
The committee also foresees public information actions and participation in municipal meetings already scheduled in the municipality of Torres Novas, as well as mobilization initiatives in the coming days.
The project to install a biomethane unit in Árgea has generated growing opposition in the Médio Tejo region, including critical positions from local municipalities and initiatives of public participation.
According to information previously released, the project envisions a unit capable of treating about 100,000 tonnes per year of biodegradable waste and an estimated lifespan of 30 years, currently in public consultation.
