San Javier proposes innovative flood park to prevent water run-off
The nature-based park in San Javier will also increase biodiversity in the area and improve CO2 absorption
The municipality of San Javier, like the rest of the towns that border the Mar Menor, is trying desperately to fight back against the floods that are occurring more and more frequently. Hoping to address these challenges, which put even more pressure on the salt-water lagoon, the council is looking for a company to design an innovative, nature-based flood park.
Costing 117,000 euros, the plan is for the project to begin this September with an execution period of four months.
San Javier, which covers an area of 74.2km2 and has a population of more than 32,000 inhabitants (significantly more during the summer season), is located in a privileged location with 23 kilometres of coastline to the Mar Menor and 16 kilometres to the Mediterranean, at an average altitude of 17 metres above sea level.
Hydrographically speaking, the Rambla de Cobatillas runs eastward, forming the principal conduit for stormwater flooding. During heavy rain, the river divides near the El Mirador district, triggering widespread overflow.
In the past, the Regional of Murcia’s Water Management team has invested in several countermeasures, including reservoirs and pumping stations diverting excess rainfall to the San Javier Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). Repurposing the effluent helps irrigate farmland, effectively minimising harmful run-offs into the Mar Menor.
Going forward, there’s an urgent need to improve the northern area of Santiago de La Ribera in the face of climate change, and the plans for the new park fall under what is known as the ‘Constructive project to eliminate heat islands and create Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems in the green area of Calle Isla de Alborán’.
“This park is conceived as a green infrastructure that fulfils multiple essential functions such as the creation of a sustainable green space, the improvement of public space and efficiency in the use of water,” the document explains.
The new flood park, with a focus on nature-based solutions and adaptation to climate change, offers numerous significant environmental improvements such as CO2 absorption, temperature reduction on hot days and hydraulic protection, since the 290m2 of floodplain areas will help manage rainwater, reducing the risk of flooding in the town.
In addition, the area will provide habitats for a variety of bird, insect and other animal species, all of which can only help improve San Javier’s resistance to flooding and the fight against climate change.
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