Concerns Over Nitrogen Oxide Emissions from Power Plants in Los Realejos
The installation of emergency power generation facilities in Los Realejos has raised significant environmental concerns.
Environmental Impact Report Highlights Risks
An environmental impact report has been released regarding the emergency power generator and anti-blackout plant to be built by Sampol at the La Gañanía industrial estate in the La Zamora area. This report acknowledges warnings from the Public Health department and the Cabildo of Tenerife about the potential risks associated with nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The report specifically notes that another emergency plant is planned to be constructed just 200 meters away in Tigaiga, which could compound these risks.
The Environmental Health Service of the Canary Government has stressed the necessity of evaluating the cumulative impacts of NOx emissions on air quality. This evaluation is required to comply with relevant regulations and must be submitted to the General Directorate of Public Health for a potential technical report.
Concerns About Cumulative Environmental Effects
The Cabildo of Tenerife has echoed these concerns, indicating that the environmental document lacks a comprehensive assessment of the combined environmental effects that could arise from the simultaneous operation of both emergency plants. This observation is included in the technical report that accompanies the environmental resolution.
The resolution, published recently, approves the project for a 14.688 MW emergency generation plant promoted by Sampol I. and O. Canarias, S.L. It asserts that the project will not have significant adverse effects on the environment, provided that all necessary preventive and corrective measures are implemented.
Community Concerns and Health Implications
The environmental report has also acknowledged the likely overlap in functionality and timing of the Sampol and DISA Gas S.A.U. plants, which are both set to be located in the same industrial area. It mandates that before construction begins, measures must be taken to foresee, mitigate, or eliminate any cumulative impacts, particularly those related to nitrogen oxide emissions.
Community groups and environmental organizations have previously expressed their apprehensions about increased pollution in residential areas nearby, with some homes located as close as 30 meters from the proposed facilities. The citizens’ platform “No Eléctricas La Zamora” has reiterated its concerns regarding the potential atmospheric pollution from both plants.
In a statement titled “The Air That Makes Us Ill,” the group warns that the expected emissions, which include nitrogen oxides, suspended particulates, and volatile organic compounds, pose a significant threat to public health. They emphasize that these pollutants can infiltrate homes, affecting vulnerable individuals such as infants and the elderly.
The approval of the project is contingent upon demonstrating that the concurrent operation of both plants will not adversely impact air quality or public health. This assessment must be completed prior to the commencement of construction.
Understanding Nitrogen Oxide
Nitrogen oxide (NOx) refers to a group of gases made up of nitrogen and oxygen, primarily nitrogen monoxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). These gases are typically produced during high-temperature combustion processes, such as those occurring in diesel engines and generators.
Once released into the atmosphere, nitrogen oxides can react with oxygen and sunlight, leading to the formation of secondary pollutants like tropospheric ozone and fine particulate nitrate. From a health perspective, these gases are known to irritate the respiratory system and are linked to increased rates of asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic lung diseases. Long-term exposure can impair lung function and worsen cardiovascular conditions.
Due to these health risks, European and Spanish regulations, including Royal Decree 102/2011 regarding air quality, impose limits on NO₂ concentrations to safeguard public health and require emissions assessments from combustion installations.
Key points
- The environmental report for a new power plant in Los Realejos highlights risks from nitrogen oxide emissions.
- Another emergency plant is proposed just 200 meters away, raising cumulative impact concerns.
- The Cabildo of Tenerife emphasizes the need for a joint study on environmental effects.
- Community groups express fears about increased pollution affecting nearby residences.
- The project approval is conditional on demonstrating no adverse impacts on air quality.
- Nitrogen oxides are linked to serious health issues, including respiratory diseases.
- European regulations set limits on nitrogen dioxide concentrations to protect public health.
