The President of the CHJ (Hydrographic Association of the Júcar River), Manuel Alcalde, and the Mayor of Calp, Ana Sala, signed yesterday a protocol of cooperation between the two administrations. The aim of the protocol is to draw up an action plan to solve the important flooding problems around the Calp salt flats, in an area classified as a significant potential risk area by the current Flood Risk Management Plan (approved by Royal Decree 18/2016).
The project, which includes a natural water retention area, will solve the drainage of stormwater flows during heavy rainfall. Social awareness is high after recent episodes that caused significant damage and risk situations to people and property.
According to the Hydrological Plan of the Júcar River currently in force (approved by Royal Decree 1/2016), the Calp salt flats and its surroundings constitute a surface water body in transition, which has been heavily modified by anthropic activities. The action area, whose land is owned by the municipality, is classified by the Generalitat Valenciana as a reserve for microflora and a wetland. The initiative has the approval of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, Climate Emergency and Ecological Conversion.
The protocol states that the of the Júcar River will elaborate the project and carry out the works to create a natural retention area of about 10 hectares, which will ensure the ecological and hydraulic protection of the salt flats.
For its part, the municipality will provide the necessary land and carry out the urban planning measures included in the project, such as the collection of rainwater and the implementation of sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS).
After the project has been prepared and before the works are put out to tender, the CHJ and the city will have to sign a corresponding cooperation agreement that regulates both the conditions for carrying out the works and their subsequent operation and maintenance.