Ecologistas en Acción, an environmental advocacy group in León, has raised alarms about proposed hydrogen and methanol plants in La Robla.
The group claims these projects, part of the La Robla Green initiative, are planned on flood-prone land. According to their report based on an environmental impact study, this crucial information was not included in public records by the regional government of Castilla y León, allegedly to prevent public opposition.
These projects, backed by the business group Reolum, are expected to be built in a new industrial area near the El Crispín industrial estate. This land was previously occupied by a thermal power plant and lies near the Bernesga River and Valdesaguas Stream. Ecologistas en Acción’s report points to these areas as susceptible to flooding and highlights the presence of the ‘Tuerto-Esla’ aquifer below, which means the ground is highly permeable.
According to the environmental advocates, current water legislation mandates avoiding construction in flood zones wherever possible. They note that much of the industrial complex sits in a flood control area, requiring approval from the Duero Hydrographic Confederation. Occupying such lands is generally prohibited. The high permeability of the area raises risks of groundwater contamination from leaks or spills. Any discharges into the Bernesga River must be treated and approved by local sanitation authorities.
The environmental group also raises doubts about the capacity of La Robla’s wastewater infrastructure to handle the anticipated two million cubic meters of annual wastewater. Even with a new treatment plant, Ecologistas en Acción argues that no sufficient justification has been provided that the existing systems can manage this volume.
