The Ebro River Basin Authority (CHE), part of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment, has awarded the joint venture of OFITECO and Lafcarr Project & Design the implementation of the Emergency Plan for the Ebro reservoir in Cantabria. The project reinforces the commitment to dam safety and to protecting people in potentially at-risk areas.
Safety first: a warning system to protect lives
With a budget of €222,262, the project covers fully equipping the reservoir's emergency room, installing telecommunication networks and commissioning public warning systems. It also includes an awareness campaign for local residents to familiarise them with the plan and encourage preventive behaviour.
Key technologies for an effective response
The main actions include:
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Fitting out an emergency room within the reservoir's existing offices, equipped with the required telecommunication systems.
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Installation of three warning sirens: one near the dam and two more strategically placed 3 and 5 kilometres away, ensuring effective coverage of the area.
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Redundant communication channels to ensure operability in critical situations.
A legal framework that drives dam safety
The project falls under the Basic Civil Protection Guideline and the Technical Regulation on Dam Safety (1996), which requires emergency plans both for dams built after that date and for older dams still in operation.
Proper implementation of these plans is a prerequisite for starting the First Filling Plan and subsequently authorising full operation.
Technical and social commitment
Lafcarr's involvement in this project builds on its experience in designing and deploying early warning systems in high-risk hydraulic settings, and highlights its comprehensive approach combining technology, regulation and public awareness.
Link to the official source:
Europa Press – CHE awards implementation of the Ebro reservoir Emergency Plan
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