Tenerife Cabildo Pursues Revised Water Management Strategy for Race Track Development

The Tenerife Cabildo is actively seeking to amend its water management strategy for the construction of a new race track, a move aimed at ensuring that the project progresses without unnecessary delays. This initiative reflects the Cabildo’s commitment to balancing infrastructure development with environmental stewardship.

Streamlining Drainage Management

In a bid to enhance the efficiency of the construction process, the Cabildo has formally requested the Consejo Insular de Aguas de Tenerife (CIAT) to approve a revised water management plan. This plan proposes the consolidation of two out of the three natural drainage channels that are currently affected by the race track project. By merging these channels, the Cabildo aims to simplify the management of rainwater runoff, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the surrounding environment.

Once the CIAT completes its review and grants approval for the revised plan, it will be made accessible for public comment. This step is vital as it allows community members to engage with the project and express their views regarding the proposed changes, fostering a sense of transparency and inclusivity in the decision-making process.

Permit Renewal and Environmental Implications

In parallel with the proposed changes, the CIAT is currently evaluating the status of a specific permit associated with the project, which may have lapsed due to the Cabildo’s failure to submit a timely renewal application. Despite this oversight, the Cabildo has taken proactive measures by requesting the restoration of the permit, accompanied by new technical plans that differ from those originally approved.

Documentation pertaining to the revised proposal indicates a focused effort on improving rainwater runoff management. While the initial plan called for modifications to three watercourses, the new strategy reduces this to two by merging them, thereby streamlining the approach. The CIAT’s evaluation will determine whether this updated proposal meets the necessary flood protection requirements for the area once construction is completed.

At present, construction can continue since the permit has not officially expired. However, the potential reinstatement of the permit is contingent upon the CIAT’s assessment following the public consultation period. This situation underscores the importance of adhering to regulatory timelines and ensuring that all necessary permits are in place to avoid future complications.

Environmental concerns remain at the forefront of this project, particularly as a court case is currently examining whether the project’s environmental authorization has expired. In light of this, the CIAT may seek an official opinion from the Comisión de Evaluación Ambiental de Tenerife (CEAT) to clarify the situation and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

In 2022, the CEAT had previously recommended that a new Environmental Impact Assessment be conducted to bolster the project’s legal standing. However, the Cabildo chose not to pursue this recommendation, a decision that could have significant implications for the project’s future viability and acceptance within the community.

Engaging the Community and Planning Ahead

The collaboration between the Cabildo and the CIAT is essential for the successful realization of the race track project. It is imperative that future decision-making processes strike a balance between public interest and environmental considerations. Engaging the community in discussions about the project will be crucial in addressing any concerns and fostering a collaborative atmosphere.

The next steps in this process will largely depend on the outcomes of the public consultation and the ongoing court proceedings. These developments will ultimately shape the future of the race track construction and determine how the Cabildo navigates the complexities of regulatory compliance and community engagement.

Key points

• The Tenerife Cabildo is seeking modifications to the water management plan for a new race track.
• The CIAT is currently reviewing the status of a permit related to the project, which may have expired.
• The revised plan proposes merging two of the three affected drainage channels to streamline management.
• Public comments will be invited once the updated plan receives CIAT approval.
• Environmental concerns are being addressed through ongoing legal evaluations and potential consultations with CEAT.
• The CEAT previously recommended a new Environmental Impact Assessment, which the Cabildo opted not to pursue.