Environment councillor Daisee Aguilera, accompanied by the Govern's director general of water resources, Juana María Garau, and the director of Abaqua, Antoni Garcias, paid a visit to the Es Ca Marí desalination plant to observe the progress of works currently under way there.

María described the current project as one of “expansion and improvements” at the plant that, until recently, supported two production lines and boasted a production capacity of 1,000 cubic metres of water per day. Following the changes the plant will have two additional lines with a daily capacity of 2,500 m³ each. The plant is also equipped with an additional line, able to produce 2,000 m³ per day, which will be overhauled and reserved for emergencies.

The revamped plant's production —5,000 m³ from the two new lines plus 2,000 m³ from the existing line— stands against a peak summer demand of 4,000 m³ per day. According to Councillor Aguilera, it is hoped the overhaul will furnish a margin large enough to cover population growth and potential breakdowns. She gave thanks to the other visitors for joining her in the task of evaluating the remodel work.

The project, priced at €1,600,000 (without VAT) and slated for completion in March, includes plans for a new well, energy upgrades, improved salt water extraction and filter replacements.

The councillor of the president's office, Bartomeu Escandell, together with his analogue from the offices of environment and energy, Daisee Aguilera, and Joan Groizard, director general of energy of the Govern Balear, were joined today in the Formentera Council's plenary hall by Endesa's director in the Balearics, Ernesto Bonnin, and Red Eléctrica Española's regional delegate, Eduardo Maynau. The representatives later met with residents of Es Ca Marí, an area on the island that houses Formentera's power station.

At the meeting the officials agreed to seek an appointment with the Spanish ministry of industry and energy to call for a solution to the energy problems faced by the island. Since October 15, repairs of the current underwater electricity supply cable have meant the power station has had to switch on the site's turbine. Area residents have complained of noise, fumes and vibrations coming from the station since the turbine has been active.

To tackle the problem, the goal is to urge the ministry to adopt a proposal to keep the station's provisional generators running through the year. Able to function independently, the generator can be used while avoiding the disturbances that stem from the turbine, which is why Councillor Aguilera hopes the temporary solution can be extrapolated across the year.

Backup cable in 2019
The generators will be necessary until new underwater cables can be installed. Red Eléctrica Española's spokesperson said the company expects a new twin cable linking the island with Eivissa will be operational by 2019, which could relegate Formentera's power supply problems to the past.

Moreover, the Council asked that the current cable repairs receive follow-up attention. The administration will additionally request sand dune and underwater habitat preservation plans for the affected areas.

The Formentera Council has reported that from mid May to October 2 the ses Salines park registered entry of 76,415 vehicles not belonging to Formentera residents into the natural reserve, a 6,916-vehicle increase on 2015 figures. Likewise, they reported 145,108 non-resident scooters, an increment of 19,986 compared to last year. CiF environment councillor Daisee Aguilera said the biggest change was seen before and after the high season, an indication of improved occupancy rates in May and September. The councillor also asserted that a rise was seen in parking space turnover rates during the heart of the summer season.

The company that oversees vehicle entry into ses Salines, Ibifor, collected €878,108, growth of €62,124 compared to 2015. Of that sum the Council will receive €140,000 plus €78,175, a portion which is based on exact entry figures. The money is reinvested in park maintenance, which includes signage and path maintenance, installation of new signs and a tailor-made road cleaning and waste collection service. This year that service was staffed with an additional employee to steward care of the park's image and outreach around environmental issues.

In total, there is parking for 384 cars and 1,132 scooters at Formentera's part of the ses Salines park. This year was the first time officials banned entry of quad bikes to minimise impact and boost conservation efforts within the park. Furthermore, entry to the park by municipal and private buses was regulated to tackle rush hour traffic slowdowns. Heavy-load vehicles carrying products to area restaurants also saw their access restricted during peak hours.

Toilets and shade
Moreover, this summer Ibifor installed four portable toilets adapted for use by disabled individuals at the park. The Council assumed costs related to cleaning costs.

In addition, the councillor signalled a drop in the fee the CiF pays to the coastal authority, Demarcació de Costes, in return for permission to occupy the car park areas. The Council will also undertake the progressive installation of shade-providing structures for parked vehicles.

This morning the Formentera Council's Office of Agriculture has issued a reminder that preventive treatment of Formentera palm trees, with authorised phytosanitary products, is recommended in October and November.

During these two months a spike takes place in the flight of the red palm weevil, a pest which affects local palm trees. “Adults of the species leave already hard-hit trees in search of new food sources” explained staff specialist Laura Pérez, “which is to say, healthy palm trees yet to be colonised”.

Furthermore, the administration reminds island residents of the current ban on the pruning of palm trees. Pruning is only authorised during the coldest months of the year and the exact dates of this year's open period have yet to be determined. For more information, contact the Office of Agriculture of the Formentera Council.