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Date Published: 17/06/2024

Mar Menor pumping station overhauled to prevent water discharges

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The Cubanitos EBAR Improvement Project aims to greatly improve the treatment facilities in La Manga del Mar Menor

Mar Menor pumping station overhauled to prevent water discharges

For several years now, the Mar Menor has been subjected to a myriad of environmental problems due to wastewater discharges from nearby agricultural and urban land. To address this issue once and for all, Cartagena city council has launched the ‘Cubanitos EBAR Improvement Project’, which aims to improve the efficiency of the wastewater pumping station located on Gran Vía de La Manga del Mar Menor, next to the Los Cubanitos residential complex.

The Cubanitos Wastewater Treatment Plant is a key facility for wastewater management in La Manga del Mar Menor, including the areas of San Javier, Cabo de Palos and Cala Flores.

The station elevates wastewater to the Mar Menor Wastewater Treatment Plant through two pipelines, but it faces several challenges due to the age and poor condition of its wastewater pumps. In addition, the corrosive environment has significantly affected the shut-off valves, which lack an automation system, complicating their operation. Finally, the existing tank has been patched up on several occasions, and at this stage it really needs to be completely replaced rather than repaired again.

The main objective of this project is to improve the Cubanitos wastewater pumping system to prevent discharges into the Mar Menor. The proposed actions seek to modernise the infrastructure, increase operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Proposed Actions

Replacement of Obsolete Equipment: The replacement of two of the six wastewater pumps is proposed due to their age. To do this, specialised cranes and personnel trained in working in confined spaces will be used.

In addition, the guillotine valves and a check valve will be replaced with new, more efficient and automated units. The current 5,000-litre boiler will be replaced with a larger 10,000-litre tank which will include a high-capacity compressor.

Incorporation of Photovoltaic Energy: As part of the improvements in energy efficiency, solar panels will be installed that will allow self-generation of electrical energy.

This energy will reduce dependence on the conventional electrical grid and decrease CO2 emissions. The photovoltaic system will generate approximately 26,000 kW annually, providing 4.1% solar coverage to the treatment facility.

Benefits and Impact

The modernisation of the Cubanitos EBAR will not only improve the operational efficiency of the station, but will also have a significant positive impact on the environment.

Needless to say, the reduction of discharges into the Mar Menor will contribute to the recovery and protection of the lagoon. Furthermore, the incorporation of photovoltaic energy will reduce the carbon footprint of the facility and is in line with the Region of Murcia’s move towards greater sustainability overall.

The estimated budget for the entire project is 231,739.74 euros including VAT. The works are expected to be completed within a period of one month, but the job won’t begin until the winter to minimise the impact.

Hidrogea has already called for tenders for this project, and the deadline for submitting offers is 12pm on June 28.