Formentera orders the closure of a nautical workshop located in a protected natural area.

PalmThe Formentera Council has initiated disciplinary proceedings and ordered the precautionary closure of a nautical workshop located in the La Savina boatyard for several serious violations related to its activities.

The case stems from a complaint filed by the Seprona (National Police) last year and subsequent inspections conducted by Island Council technicians, which revealed a series of serious administrative and technical irregularities.

According to the technical report, the activity carried out did not have a permit or the required sectoral authorizations. Furthermore, it was found that the establishment is located within an area affected by various territorial and environmental protection measures, such as the Ses Salines Natural Park, the Natura 2000 Network, and the maritime-terrestrial public domain.

The inspections detected, among other violations, the ongoing activity without a license or sworn declaration, a lack of sectoral authorizations or registration in the industrial registry, and a lack of compulsory liability insurance. Serious deficiencies in occupational health and safety were also noted, with deteriorated facilities, rusty structures, and the risk of technical incidents and poor management of generated waste, especially batteries, petroleum products, and hydrocarbons, without containment or control systems.

Furthermore, the existence of an illegal water discharge facility connected to the natural environment was also detected, but was subsequently removed. The technical services report concludes that the activity poses a serious, though not imminent, risk to safety, health, and regulatory compliance, and urges the immediate suspension of the activity until the situation is rectified.

The document orders the suspension of all facilities and machinery, with a 48-hour deadline to cease operation and 30 days to remove potentially polluting materials and organize the site. The violations detected are classified as serious under Law 7/2013 on the legal regime for the installation, access, and exercise of activities, and may result in fines of between €3,001 and €30,000, as well as the temporary closure of the activity for a maximum period of two years. In addition, the Consell will process a file to restore planning legality for the constructions carried out without a license. At the same time, the documentation has been forwarded to the regional authorities responsible for the natural environment and coasts for assessment within their respective jurisdictions.