The incident that occurred this Wednesday at the R2 tunnel works in Vallbona, while not causing human injuries, has had severe environmental consequences. The cut in the water flow of the Rec Comtal has led to the escape of birds such as ducks and coots, and the death of other aquatic animals, particularly fish, which have been trapped in small puddles of water.
Rural Agents have certified the death of about ten fish in an affected section of the channel. This situation, exacerbated by a previous drop in water flow due to works by Aigües Ter-Llobregat, has caused alarm due to the image of the dry riverbed and the dying fish.
“"We came with the grandchildren to see the ducks and fish and were shocked when we saw how it is now."
The City Council has initiated an analysis of the case with all involved administrations, including the Environmental area of the Mossos d'Esquadra, the Consorci del Besòs, the Catalan Water Agency, and Adif, responsible for the works. The objective is to restore the water flow of the rec as soon as possible, considering it a millenary historical heritage and a biodiversity refuge.
“"It is a very important piece and it is especially cherished: we have made a particularly significant investment in recent months to restore the Rec Comtal and we were very proud of how it had turned out. Therefore, we are very concerned."
Councillor Xavier Marcé highlighted the investment made in the rec's renaturalization project, which includes enhancing biodiversity and creating a path along its surroundings between Trinitat Vella and Vallbona.
The City Council demands the restoration of the water flow and the assumption of responsibility for environmental damages. For its part, Adif has announced the installation of a provisional pipeline to bypass the sinkhole and allow repair work to continue in dry conditions.
