Pollution in the Sète canal: a meeting planned to find solutions to the problems of oil slicks

Ce mardi matin, la nappe d’hydrocarbure était toujours présente. Midi Libre – KELMAN MARTI

Une nouvelle nappe d’hydrocarbures légers s’est infiltrée, ce lundi, dans le canal de Sète. Face aux problèmes de plus en plus fréquents, des solutions se font attendre dans la ville.

Since last December, no less than five oil spills have been officially recorded on the Sète canal, including three since January 3. The problem, which should be extremely rare, is therefore becoming frequent and worrying in the streets of the city. Why is there more and more pollution, the Sétois wonder. Difficult to answer, but at the source we find users who spill, voluntarily or involuntarily (leaks, careless gestures…), hydrocarbons.

Also read:Pollution in the Sète canal: a new oil slick spotted, the third since the start of the year

Summit meeting

Faced with the multiplication of slicks, Sébastien Denaja, regional elected to the Mediterranean commission, recognizes that "the port, despite its efforts to try to act in reaction, can do better". In conjunction with this admission, the former municipal councilor calls for collective awareness.

Thus on his initiative, he decided that the port and the Region will organize "from here Stopover in Sète, at the Maison de la mer, a meeting to find solutions to this pollution". And who will be invited ? Port users (boaters, fishermen…), interested environmental associations, local institutions (the City, the Agglomeration, the Department), the press and especially the’ State, "because we need the intervention of the maritime gendarmerie and the harbor master".

"For example, there are experiments, in certain ports, of recovering hair cut from hairdressers, to use it as a recovery technique. absorption of hydrocarbons. The Region is open to any innovative proposal that will advance the cause of the ecosystem of the Thau basin and the canals", assures Sébastien Denaja.

Also read:"We try to be reactive", "we put in the means"… the Port of Sète reacts to hydrocarbon pollution

New investments

In parallel with the planned meeting and the controls it is carrying out on the canals, the port will continue, from Stopover in Sète, a nautical service of pumping and recovery of polluted gray water. A call for tenders has been launched for a three-year contract. Cost of service 135,000 euros per year.

"We are also investing in a 24-hour bilge water pumping system to significantly reduce the cost of water treatment", adds the regional elected official. "Ultimately, our goal is zero pollution…" A widely shared desire.

Also read: Pollution in Sète: the Guardians of Thau are stepping up to the plate in the face of recurring attacks on the environment

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