The TV station TVI has interviewed some residents and has scheduled to meet us again on Thursday 26th at mid day at the Taberna Orroio on the right side just over the first bridge on the way from Santa Catarina to Sao Bras. Residents concerned about the pylons, wind turbines or quarry are encouraged to come along.
REN’s decision on the HT cable route has been made. The promised public consultation for August 2009 never happened. Work is scheduled to begin soon. The ugly lines will scar this area forever.
Our efforts now must move to the proposed wind farm. Even the latest Wind turbines generate an enormous amount of noise, much like that of a huge shuddering washing machine. In quiet, open environments like ours, the noise can be heard from a distance of several kilometers. As the turbine blades turn, they block the sun, creating what is known as the flicker effect.
The noise and flicker have now been proven to cause a significant health problem known as WIND TURBINE SYNDROME. Visit www.windturbinesyndrome.com for details of this issue.
Following legal advice, residents in the areas that will be impacted by the turbines are undergoing health checks and having house valuations prior to the installation. We will hold the company that is installing these turbines as well as Tavira Camara responsible for any negative impact on our health and on the value of our properties.
We have suggested several viable alternative locations for these turbines that are far away from any homes. Why are our suggestions being ignored?
Wednesday 25 November 2009
Friday 21 August 2009
REN and the Authorities – the plot thickens
July has come and gone, and despite REN’s assurances, as well as those of the Ministry of the Environment (see our entry of May 26), there has been NO notification about a public consultation. Also, our more recent letters to REN have not been answered.
New information has emerged which reinforces our suspicions that REN’s plans were never open to debate. We have recently learned that a new tarmac road will be built to link two remote villages currently connected by a dirt track, which has always been sufficient for these small communities. The road will parallel the new high tension cable system, enabling easy access for the building and maintenance of the pylons and wires. The cost to taxpayers will be one and a half million Euros!
Sadly, it seems that the efforts of those who are fighting to keep this area free of landscape blight may be overcome by a web of political and corporate greed.
Please let us know if you have any suggestions to help our cause. Email us at matanews@gmail.com
New information has emerged which reinforces our suspicions that REN’s plans were never open to debate. We have recently learned that a new tarmac road will be built to link two remote villages currently connected by a dirt track, which has always been sufficient for these small communities. The road will parallel the new high tension cable system, enabling easy access for the building and maintenance of the pylons and wires. The cost to taxpayers will be one and a half million Euros!
Sadly, it seems that the efforts of those who are fighting to keep this area free of landscape blight may be overcome by a web of political and corporate greed.
Please let us know if you have any suggestions to help our cause. Email us at matanews@gmail.com
Tuesday 16 June 2009
SITE VISIT BY FILIPE GONÇALVES, CAVALUM CONSULTANT ON 12TH JUNE 2009
Filipe Gonçalves, the consultant working for Cavalum, the company which is planning to install the wind-farm in Água de Tábuas, came to see me on Friday, 12th June. He was taking advantage of the holiday weekend to take a break with his family in Tavira, and volunteered to come up to the hills for a chat and to see the alternative sites we had identified.
He spent about 3 hours with me, during which time we visited:
- the alternative site near Umbria (references below);
- the alternative site near Alcaria do Cume (where another wind measurement mast has been installed for some time – reference below);
- Bob & Alex’s house for a chat and to see the view from their house;
- Jurek and Nadia’s house for a chat and to see the view from their house.
I also gave him grid references for a third site north of São Bras, near Cove do Muda.
Points arising:
1. I told him that this year had been windier than normal, and it concerned him that he might be taking readings during an untypical year.
2. He will pass on the grid references for all the alternative sites to the University team who do the wind modeling for him, and they will be able to extrapolate probable wind values from the readings taken at A de T. He will provide us with a copy of the analysis.
3. He will try to find out who installed the wind measurement mast near Alcaria do Cume, and if possible, exchange wind measurement data with the people involved. He believes the mast is installed very near the boundary with River Guadiana natural park.
4. My letter to the CEO of Cavalum had got through and there would be a reply. However, the reference to the previous involvement of a UK barrister had almost caused them to clam up and deal only through their solicitor.
5. He had not heard the “Wind-farm kills goats” story, but thought it odd, and he wasn’t worried about any affect on aircraft radar systems as his proposed site had already been signed off by the airport authority.
6. He accepts that the wind-farm will impact the view from M de J but doesn’t think anyone living there has a real cause for complaint, and he says M de J residents will definitely not hear any noise.
7. He does now accept that there will be a significant visual impact on Jurek and Nadia’s house, and also now appreciates that there are ruins closer to his turbines than he was aware of.
8. Despite his protestations that we, as the closest residents in A de T, will hear no noise, he says that if he does decide to install them here, he will work closely with the manufacturers to ensure they get the quietest machines possible. Also, should there subsequently be any problems, he would work on our side to resolve them.
9. Stories on the internet about wind turbine noise are stories about older machines installed some years ago; new machines have a different blade tip design which doesn’t make the same noise. You can hear no noise from the machinery unless you are standing underneath.
10. He reaffirmed his strong belief that there will be no more tenders offered by the government for wind turbine plants in Tavira district for at least 4 years, so no-one in M de J need be concerned that they will be surrounded by wind turbines. The original plan for 18 or 19 units was a speculative endeavor, put forward by a company under the old way of doing business. These days, the government takes the first initiative.
11. He says he will tell us if and when the Environmental Impact Study is underway so we can contribute.
12. He is back in the area in 2 weeks time "for a meeting with landowners" and will pop-in to see if there are any other issues for discussion.
He spent about 3 hours with me, during which time we visited:
- the alternative site near Umbria (references below);
- the alternative site near Alcaria do Cume (where another wind measurement mast has been installed for some time – reference below);
- Bob & Alex’s house for a chat and to see the view from their house;
- Jurek and Nadia’s house for a chat and to see the view from their house.
I also gave him grid references for a third site north of São Bras, near Cove do Muda.
Points arising:
1. I told him that this year had been windier than normal, and it concerned him that he might be taking readings during an untypical year.
2. He will pass on the grid references for all the alternative sites to the University team who do the wind modeling for him, and they will be able to extrapolate probable wind values from the readings taken at A de T. He will provide us with a copy of the analysis.
3. He will try to find out who installed the wind measurement mast near Alcaria do Cume, and if possible, exchange wind measurement data with the people involved. He believes the mast is installed very near the boundary with River Guadiana natural park.
4. My letter to the CEO of Cavalum had got through and there would be a reply. However, the reference to the previous involvement of a UK barrister had almost caused them to clam up and deal only through their solicitor.
5. He had not heard the “Wind-farm kills goats” story, but thought it odd, and he wasn’t worried about any affect on aircraft radar systems as his proposed site had already been signed off by the airport authority.
6. He accepts that the wind-farm will impact the view from M de J but doesn’t think anyone living there has a real cause for complaint, and he says M de J residents will definitely not hear any noise.
7. He does now accept that there will be a significant visual impact on Jurek and Nadia’s house, and also now appreciates that there are ruins closer to his turbines than he was aware of.
8. Despite his protestations that we, as the closest residents in A de T, will hear no noise, he says that if he does decide to install them here, he will work closely with the manufacturers to ensure they get the quietest machines possible. Also, should there subsequently be any problems, he would work on our side to resolve them.
9. Stories on the internet about wind turbine noise are stories about older machines installed some years ago; new machines have a different blade tip design which doesn’t make the same noise. You can hear no noise from the machinery unless you are standing underneath.
10. He reaffirmed his strong belief that there will be no more tenders offered by the government for wind turbine plants in Tavira district for at least 4 years, so no-one in M de J need be concerned that they will be surrounded by wind turbines. The original plan for 18 or 19 units was a speculative endeavor, put forward by a company under the old way of doing business. These days, the government takes the first initiative.
11. He says he will tell us if and when the Environmental Impact Study is underway so we can contribute.
12. He is back in the area in 2 weeks time "for a meeting with landowners" and will pop-in to see if there are any other issues for discussion.
Tuesday 26 May 2009
REN to seek further public comment
We have recently learned from REN that they are planning a new public consultation period, to be concluded in July. This will be our final chance to challenge REN on their decision to site these high tension cables and pylons in one of the most beautiful scenic areas of the Algarve.
In their correspondence with us, REN has claimed that their aim is to minimize the visual intrusion and impact on the quality of life of the residential population close to the corridor where the pylons will be placed. Yet their decision is directly contrary to these considerations.
We have also received a written commitment from the Ministry of the Environment that they will notify us when the next public meeting will be taking place. However, please look out for this information in your local Junta de Freguesia, the Tavira Camara, the press and the Diario da Republica.
In the meantime, our local and national politicians remain disinterested.
In their correspondence with us, REN has claimed that their aim is to minimize the visual intrusion and impact on the quality of life of the residential population close to the corridor where the pylons will be placed. Yet their decision is directly contrary to these considerations.
We have also received a written commitment from the Ministry of the Environment that they will notify us when the next public meeting will be taking place. However, please look out for this information in your local Junta de Freguesia, the Tavira Camara, the press and the Diario da Republica.
In the meantime, our local and national politicians remain disinterested.
Friday 1 May 2009
Press Campaign
Still no replies to the tens of letters sent to REN, Cavalum, Tavira council and the Department of the Economy, so I guess we need to follow-up and make more noise.
However some progress with the press campaign. There was another high profile article in The Algarve Resident last week http://www.algarveresident.com/story.asp?XID=31260 and a follow-up letter and additional wind-farm briefing has been sent to the journalist involved. The same issue also contained an excellent letter from the couple who spearheaded the campaign to stop the erection of a communications tower next to houses in Carvoiero. Like us, they can't understand the behaviour of local politicians.
Contact details are being collected for Portuguese media (TV, radio and newspapers) and a covering letter and briefing material has been translated in preparation.
Briefing material has also been provided to UK-based journalists working for national publications.
However some progress with the press campaign. There was another high profile article in The Algarve Resident last week http://www.algarveresident.com/story.asp?XID=31260 and a follow-up letter and additional wind-farm briefing has been sent to the journalist involved. The same issue also contained an excellent letter from the couple who spearheaded the campaign to stop the erection of a communications tower next to houses in Carvoiero. Like us, they can't understand the behaviour of local politicians.
Contact details are being collected for Portuguese media (TV, radio and newspapers) and a covering letter and briefing material has been translated in preparation.
Briefing material has also been provided to UK-based journalists working for national publications.
Thursday 16 April 2009
Letters, Meetings, Letters
Since the last report there has been a meeting with the Department of the Economy in Faro, and several letters have been sent to various government and local government officials. Letters have also been exchanged with Cavalum, and there have been two telephone conversations. The consultant has agreed to come down to see us and inspect the alternative wind farm locations we have suggested.
However the best advice we are receiving from all sides is to go all out for maximum publicity - Portuguese and English press, TV (eg RTP), radio, British Embassy, British-Portuguese Chambers of Commerce, Dutch, Belgium Chambers of Commerce, etc, etc.
It's election year and we need to make the politicians who are all up for relection in October, face the public and explain why they are sitting on their hands and letting this beautiful environment be destroyed. They need to be made accountable. For example, it's not common knowledge but Tavira Câmera stands to make a lot of money from Cavalum in the form of taxes which it charges for installing wind turbines near your house and mine.
This is why our democratic representatives don't really care if we lose our life savings and decide to move out. They don't care if any planned overseas investments don't go ahead. - they've already got the budget sorted - the new wind farm will help to continue funding high salaries, long holidays and comfortable pensions. Shame about the rest of us. If only we could help you... It wasn't us, it was the people in Lisbon....
Make sure you get this message across to the media - and get them to ask the politicians why they aren't defending their constituents. Get the media to ask the Sta. Catarina and Tavira local authorities how much money they are making out of the high tension cables and the wind farm. Get the media to ask them why they claim to be so powerless when such massive infrastructure development projects are planned for their region. Get the media to ask them why they don't make any effort to inform their constituents about such projects. Ask them why it is that many of the local rural population still don't even know about these developments. Get the questions and any answers in the local newspapers and on the TV, and even more importantly in the media in the UK, Germany, Holland and Belgium. Get angry, get very angry.
However the best advice we are receiving from all sides is to go all out for maximum publicity - Portuguese and English press, TV (eg RTP), radio, British Embassy, British-Portuguese Chambers of Commerce, Dutch, Belgium Chambers of Commerce, etc, etc.
It's election year and we need to make the politicians who are all up for relection in October, face the public and explain why they are sitting on their hands and letting this beautiful environment be destroyed. They need to be made accountable. For example, it's not common knowledge but Tavira Câmera stands to make a lot of money from Cavalum in the form of taxes which it charges for installing wind turbines near your house and mine.
This is why our democratic representatives don't really care if we lose our life savings and decide to move out. They don't care if any planned overseas investments don't go ahead. - they've already got the budget sorted - the new wind farm will help to continue funding high salaries, long holidays and comfortable pensions. Shame about the rest of us. If only we could help you... It wasn't us, it was the people in Lisbon....
Make sure you get this message across to the media - and get them to ask the politicians why they aren't defending their constituents. Get the media to ask the Sta. Catarina and Tavira local authorities how much money they are making out of the high tension cables and the wind farm. Get the media to ask them why they claim to be so powerless when such massive infrastructure development projects are planned for their region. Get the media to ask them why they don't make any effort to inform their constituents about such projects. Ask them why it is that many of the local rural population still don't even know about these developments. Get the questions and any answers in the local newspapers and on the TV, and even more importantly in the media in the UK, Germany, Holland and Belgium. Get angry, get very angry.
Wednesday 1 April 2009
Public Meeting at Bar Flavianos,Thursday, 26/03/09.
At a well attended meeting at Flavianos bar, local residents were informed of developments to date, including the meeting with Tavira Camara and a trip to Lisbon to meet with Sra Helena Carmo of the Movimento Contra as Linhas de Alta Tensao.
Amongst subjects discusssed were again the issue of involvement of the local Portuguese community and how best to inform them of the plans and developments to date.
After discussion with some of the Portuguese present, it was concluded that as well as pressing Sr Viegas for a meeting with REN and the relevant bodies, we would approach Sr Leonardo, Presidente of the Freguesia, to arrange a meeting between himself and the local residents. This would be an opportunity to express our concerns as a group, and may help to include more of the Portuguese community.
It was also mooted that more leaflets, showing the visual effect on this area, should be printed and distributed to continue our awareness campaign.
However, it was also mentioned that if the Portuguese were reluctant to participate then the campaign would continue without them as those foreign reidents affected still stand to lose a great deal from the proposed high tension cables and wind turbines.
A collection was taken at the end of the meeting to cover some of the costs to date. Treasurer Brian Carrigan is holding the money collected and expenditure receipts to date.
The date for a meeting with Sr. Leonardo will be announced by email and on this site. It is vital that as many as possible attend, as this will be a local show of numbers of those affected.
Amongst subjects discusssed were again the issue of involvement of the local Portuguese community and how best to inform them of the plans and developments to date.
After discussion with some of the Portuguese present, it was concluded that as well as pressing Sr Viegas for a meeting with REN and the relevant bodies, we would approach Sr Leonardo, Presidente of the Freguesia, to arrange a meeting between himself and the local residents. This would be an opportunity to express our concerns as a group, and may help to include more of the Portuguese community.
It was also mooted that more leaflets, showing the visual effect on this area, should be printed and distributed to continue our awareness campaign.
However, it was also mentioned that if the Portuguese were reluctant to participate then the campaign would continue without them as those foreign reidents affected still stand to lose a great deal from the proposed high tension cables and wind turbines.
A collection was taken at the end of the meeting to cover some of the costs to date. Treasurer Brian Carrigan is holding the money collected and expenditure receipts to date.
The date for a meeting with Sr. Leonardo will be announced by email and on this site. It is vital that as many as possible attend, as this will be a local show of numbers of those affected.
Minutes from the meeting with Vereador Fernando Viegas
Sorry for the delay! We're struggling with computer problems at the moment so a bit of a backlog has developed getting info onto this site. Minutes of the meeting and a copy of the letter from the Residents Commission calling for a meeting with REN and the relevant entities are shown here in Portuguese, an English version will be posted later this week.
Assuntos: Aerogeradores e cabos de alta tensão na Freguesia da Sta.
Catarina de Fonte do Bispo
Caros Srs.,
Muito Obrigado pelo vosso tempo na semana passada. Tal como foi
afirmado na nossa reunião, a falta de comunicação até à data sobre
este assunto deixou muitos dos residentes frustrados e zangados.
Tivera sido assegurado ser possível falar directamente com alguém que
pudesse fornecer-nos mais informação sobre a matéria em questão.
Nós ficámos mais aliviados ao ouvir que a Câmara de Tavira está
empenhada em proteger os interesses dos seus munícipes, a nível local,
assim como no reconhecimento das necessidades mais alargadas de
expansão de infraestruturas no seio do próprio país.
Muitos dos residentes assumiram que os troços planeados eram
definitivos, tal como foram aprovados pelo Ministro do Ambiente em 4
de Fevereiro de 2009. Ficámos aliviados por ouvir da parte da Sra.
Taveira que enquanto o Ministro do Ambiente aprovava os principais
traçados para as linhas de alta tensão (3A/4), através da Freguesia de
Sta. Catarina, continua ainda aberta a discussão com a comunidade
local e existe flexibilidade relativamente à sua localização
definitiva, antes ainda da decisão final e da concessão de licenças
por parte do Ministro da Economia.
No entanto, existem ainda questões e preocupações naqueles que sentem
que podem ser afectados por estes planos. Ainda não houve qualquer
resposta para o traçado alternativo, sugerido pelos residentes naquela
mesma área. Esta alternativa não afecta quaisquer habitações e seria
menos visível e menos chocante do que o presente percurso. Por esta
razão nós ficaríamos muito gratos se vocês pudessem promover uma
reunião/encontro, de carácter público,, em Sta. Catarina, com
representantes da Junta de Freguesia, Câmara de Tavira, REN e
Ministros do Ambiente e Economia, antes que mais permissões e licenças
sejam atribuídas.
Se organizada com com a maior brevidade possível ajudaria a clarificar
quaisquer dúvidas e receios, no que respeita ao projecto proposto;
permitiria que alguma questão urgente pudesse ser correspondida e
esclarecer acerca do(s) período(s) de tempo implicado(s). Nós
sugeriríamos um mínimo de 1 semana para garantir que a comunidade
local está plenamente envolvida.
Em anexo está uma cópia dos instantes da nossa reunião da última
Terça-feira, sublinhando os assuntos abordados. Nós iremos
informando-vos das reuniões semanais do Comité de Residentes, de modo
a manter-vos informados sobre desenvolvimentos nesta matéria.
Aqueles perto do parque eólico previsto para Água de Tábuas também
aguardam esclarecimentos da parte do Ministro da Economia, no que
concerne à localização das turbinas.
Nós aguardamos ansiosamente por vossa resposta e posteriores
comunicações sobre esta matéria.
Atentamente, muito obrigado.
Sr. Keith Boak,
Comissão de Moradores de Malhada do Judeu, Água de Tábuas, Porto
Carvalhoso & Aporfiosa.
Apontamentos da reunião realizada dia 24 de Março de 2009, 11.00h,
no edifício da Câmara Municipal de Tavira
Presentes:
Sr. Fernando Viegas, Vereador das Infraestruturas
Sra. Carla Taveira, Directora do Departamento de Ambiente, Trânsito e Equipamentos
Sr. Toby Jarvis, Residente em Aporfiosa
Sra. Nina Jarvis, Residente em Aporfiosa
Sr. José Luisário, Residente em Aporfiosa
Sr. Keith Boak, Residente em Água de Tábuas
Sra. Elisabeth Harding, Promotora e Vendedora Imobiliária local
Introdução
A reunião foi marcada pelo Sr. Viegas, em resposta ao pedido do Sr e Sra Jarvis, acerca do
assunto relacionado com o impacto da implementação de 2 pesadas infraestruturas de electricidade, planeadas para Malhada do Judeu, Aporfiosa e Água de Tábuas.
Em primeiro lugar, e o mais prejudicial, foram os planos da REN para instalar torres de cabos
de alta tensão entre Aporfiosa e Malhada do Judeu, como parte de um projecto de partilha de energia eléctrica com Espanha. Apesar das centenas de petições, por parte dos residentes durante o período de consulta pública, o governo decidiu seguir o percurso mais prejudicial para os residentes, pois passa directamente por cima de algumas residências existentes.
Em segundo lugar, ainda na fase de desenvolvimento, estava o plano para instalar 3 turbinas
de vento com 80m de altura, em Água de Tábuas e Aporfiosa, apenas a 300m de distância das
residências. Um mastro/poste de medição do vento fora já instalado no lugar proposto para uma dasturbinas de vento.
Do ponto de vista da Câmara, estes eram ambos projectos necessários e essenciais para o
benefício da população, numa perspectiva mais ampla e que a Câmara apoiaria o interesse da
população local, bem como o habitat natural da zona, mas a autarquia teve que dar balanço a um bem maior.
Pontos suscitados –
Projecto de Cabo de Alta Tensão da REN
1. Ao Sr. Fernando Viegas e a Sra. Carla Taveira foram mostrados planos para o percurso dos
cabos 3ª/4, do projecto em epígrafe, que afecta a Freguesia de Sta. Catarina. Foi‐lhes
comunicado que o percurso, aprovado pelo Ministro do Ambiente, em 04 de Fevereiro de 2009,
passaria apenas a algumas centenas de metros de distância das habitações e ruínas ali
existentes, directamente no campo de visão de muitos residentes. Foram igualmente
informados de que o percurso 3ª planeado passaria, na pior das hipóteses, directamente por
cima de uma habitação e respectivo projecto de desenvolvimento turístico planeado para
Aporfiosa, no máximo a uma distância de apenas 175m.
Foi explicado ainda que devido à natureza da sustentabilidade ambiental do projecto, a
proximidade de cabos de alta tensão, cuja conotação na mente do público é negativa, tornaria
impossíveis este e quaisquer futuros projectos. Foi também transmitido aos representantes da
Câmara que as ruínas presentes em Aporfiosa, pertencentes ao Sr. Luisário e que a sua família
pretende vender num futuro próximo, tornar‐se‐iam invendáveis se os cabos passassem junto
ou perto das propriedades.
2. Os representantes da Câmara foram informados de que tem havido uma completa falta de
comunicação por parte da Junta de Freguesia de Sta. Catarina, da Câmara Municipal, do
Governo e da REN, mesmo após as petições elaboradas e as reacções à consulta pública
existentes e após ainda reiteradas solicitações e enviadas cartas solicitando uma explicação da
decisão tomada.
3. As estatísticas do Censo 2001, sustentadas pelo Presidente da Junta de Sta. Catarina,
demonstram que a afirmação feita na página 18 do DIA – foi seleccionada a opção do percurso
cuja área tem menos população – não corresponde à verdade. A Sra. Carla Taveira disse que a
afirmação constante no DIA, acerca da população, se referia a uma secção muito maior do
percurso do que apenas as secções 3ª e 4.
4. O Sr. Viegas disse que iriam ter lugar mais estudos antes que os percursos exactos fossem
seleccionados e que haveria margem para flexibilidade. Afirmou também que os cabos não
atravessariam qualquer propriedade e perguntou a que distância seria aceitável para os
residentes presentes. Foi defendido que uma distância mínima entre 400 e 500m seria aceitável
e o Sr. Viegas referiu que estas distâncias seriam aceitáveis para eles e concordaram com estes
valores como mínimos.
5. O Sr. Viegas afirmou que a REN ver‐se‐ia forçada a responder às solicitações e preocupações
dos residentes e que contactá‐los‐ia para descobrir porque é que isto ainda não aconteceu e
também para conseguir uma reunião pública entre os residentes e a REN, quando solicitado.
Projecto Parque Eólica
1. No dia 9 de Março, na primeira reunião no local, a Cavalum sgps S.A. mostrou aos residentes
onde os 3 aerogeradores seriam instalados, após concluídas as medições do vento. Estas teriam
80m de altura e ficariam apenas a 300m das habitações. Esta situação reduziria o valor das
propriedades, tornando‐as possivelmente invendáveis. De acordo com a regulamentação
existente sobre o ruído e poluição sonora, estas poderiam ser instaladas ainda mais perto.
2. Elisabeth Harding, representando os interesses dos compradores de propriedades, declarou
que um projecto de restauro de uma propriedade turística múltipla, por parte de um construtor
Inglês, planeado para a vila, provavelmente não avançaria, se as turbinas fossem colocadas nos
locais previstos.
3. Cavalum sgps S.A. prefiriria usar um local diferente, afastado de qualquer habitação, mas não
seria permitido o corte de sobreiros. A sua cortiça é valiosa para a economia, mas os residentes
não podiam acreditar que o valor poupado seria superior às perdas com os planos existentes
em Água de Tábuas (> € 1,000.000).
4. O Sr. Viegas explicou que a Câmara de Tavira não teve qualquer envolvimento no projecto até
este ponto e que as questões deveriam ser encaminhadas ao Departamento de Economia que
licencia e financia o projecto.
Outros Assuntos
Antena em Aceifão
1. Em resposta a sr Boak da Associação de Residentes o Sr. Viegas disse que esta questão ainda não foi resolvida. Foi‐lhe transmitido pela TMN que o local alternativo, no outro lado do rio, em Eiras Altas, é muito dispendioso e serão necessários estudos adicionais.
Toby Jarvis ‐ Aporfiosa. 03/25/2009 2 paginas.
Tradução. 03/28/2009
Assuntos: Aerogeradores e cabos de alta tensão na Freguesia da Sta.
Catarina de Fonte do Bispo
Caros Srs.,
Muito Obrigado pelo vosso tempo na semana passada. Tal como foi
afirmado na nossa reunião, a falta de comunicação até à data sobre
este assunto deixou muitos dos residentes frustrados e zangados.
Tivera sido assegurado ser possível falar directamente com alguém que
pudesse fornecer-nos mais informação sobre a matéria em questão.
Nós ficámos mais aliviados ao ouvir que a Câmara de Tavira está
empenhada em proteger os interesses dos seus munícipes, a nível local,
assim como no reconhecimento das necessidades mais alargadas de
expansão de infraestruturas no seio do próprio país.
Muitos dos residentes assumiram que os troços planeados eram
definitivos, tal como foram aprovados pelo Ministro do Ambiente em 4
de Fevereiro de 2009. Ficámos aliviados por ouvir da parte da Sra.
Taveira que enquanto o Ministro do Ambiente aprovava os principais
traçados para as linhas de alta tensão (3A/4), através da Freguesia de
Sta. Catarina, continua ainda aberta a discussão com a comunidade
local e existe flexibilidade relativamente à sua localização
definitiva, antes ainda da decisão final e da concessão de licenças
por parte do Ministro da Economia.
No entanto, existem ainda questões e preocupações naqueles que sentem
que podem ser afectados por estes planos. Ainda não houve qualquer
resposta para o traçado alternativo, sugerido pelos residentes naquela
mesma área. Esta alternativa não afecta quaisquer habitações e seria
menos visível e menos chocante do que o presente percurso. Por esta
razão nós ficaríamos muito gratos se vocês pudessem promover uma
reunião/encontro, de carácter público,, em Sta. Catarina, com
representantes da Junta de Freguesia, Câmara de Tavira, REN e
Ministros do Ambiente e Economia, antes que mais permissões e licenças
sejam atribuídas.
Se organizada com com a maior brevidade possível ajudaria a clarificar
quaisquer dúvidas e receios, no que respeita ao projecto proposto;
permitiria que alguma questão urgente pudesse ser correspondida e
esclarecer acerca do(s) período(s) de tempo implicado(s). Nós
sugeriríamos um mínimo de 1 semana para garantir que a comunidade
local está plenamente envolvida.
Em anexo está uma cópia dos instantes da nossa reunião da última
Terça-feira, sublinhando os assuntos abordados. Nós iremos
informando-vos das reuniões semanais do Comité de Residentes, de modo
a manter-vos informados sobre desenvolvimentos nesta matéria.
Aqueles perto do parque eólico previsto para Água de Tábuas também
aguardam esclarecimentos da parte do Ministro da Economia, no que
concerne à localização das turbinas.
Nós aguardamos ansiosamente por vossa resposta e posteriores
comunicações sobre esta matéria.
Atentamente, muito obrigado.
Sr. Keith Boak,
Comissão de Moradores de Malhada do Judeu, Água de Tábuas, Porto
Carvalhoso & Aporfiosa.
Apontamentos da reunião realizada dia 24 de Março de 2009, 11.00h,
no edifício da Câmara Municipal de Tavira
Presentes:
Sr. Fernando Viegas, Vereador das Infraestruturas
Sra. Carla Taveira, Directora do Departamento de Ambiente, Trânsito e Equipamentos
Sr. Toby Jarvis, Residente em Aporfiosa
Sra. Nina Jarvis, Residente em Aporfiosa
Sr. José Luisário, Residente em Aporfiosa
Sr. Keith Boak, Residente em Água de Tábuas
Sra. Elisabeth Harding, Promotora e Vendedora Imobiliária local
Introdução
A reunião foi marcada pelo Sr. Viegas, em resposta ao pedido do Sr e Sra Jarvis, acerca do
assunto relacionado com o impacto da implementação de 2 pesadas infraestruturas de electricidade, planeadas para Malhada do Judeu, Aporfiosa e Água de Tábuas.
Em primeiro lugar, e o mais prejudicial, foram os planos da REN para instalar torres de cabos
de alta tensão entre Aporfiosa e Malhada do Judeu, como parte de um projecto de partilha de energia eléctrica com Espanha. Apesar das centenas de petições, por parte dos residentes durante o período de consulta pública, o governo decidiu seguir o percurso mais prejudicial para os residentes, pois passa directamente por cima de algumas residências existentes.
Em segundo lugar, ainda na fase de desenvolvimento, estava o plano para instalar 3 turbinas
de vento com 80m de altura, em Água de Tábuas e Aporfiosa, apenas a 300m de distância das
residências. Um mastro/poste de medição do vento fora já instalado no lugar proposto para uma dasturbinas de vento.
Do ponto de vista da Câmara, estes eram ambos projectos necessários e essenciais para o
benefício da população, numa perspectiva mais ampla e que a Câmara apoiaria o interesse da
população local, bem como o habitat natural da zona, mas a autarquia teve que dar balanço a um bem maior.
Pontos suscitados –
Projecto de Cabo de Alta Tensão da REN
1. Ao Sr. Fernando Viegas e a Sra. Carla Taveira foram mostrados planos para o percurso dos
cabos 3ª/4, do projecto em epígrafe, que afecta a Freguesia de Sta. Catarina. Foi‐lhes
comunicado que o percurso, aprovado pelo Ministro do Ambiente, em 04 de Fevereiro de 2009,
passaria apenas a algumas centenas de metros de distância das habitações e ruínas ali
existentes, directamente no campo de visão de muitos residentes. Foram igualmente
informados de que o percurso 3ª planeado passaria, na pior das hipóteses, directamente por
cima de uma habitação e respectivo projecto de desenvolvimento turístico planeado para
Aporfiosa, no máximo a uma distância de apenas 175m.
Foi explicado ainda que devido à natureza da sustentabilidade ambiental do projecto, a
proximidade de cabos de alta tensão, cuja conotação na mente do público é negativa, tornaria
impossíveis este e quaisquer futuros projectos. Foi também transmitido aos representantes da
Câmara que as ruínas presentes em Aporfiosa, pertencentes ao Sr. Luisário e que a sua família
pretende vender num futuro próximo, tornar‐se‐iam invendáveis se os cabos passassem junto
ou perto das propriedades.
2. Os representantes da Câmara foram informados de que tem havido uma completa falta de
comunicação por parte da Junta de Freguesia de Sta. Catarina, da Câmara Municipal, do
Governo e da REN, mesmo após as petições elaboradas e as reacções à consulta pública
existentes e após ainda reiteradas solicitações e enviadas cartas solicitando uma explicação da
decisão tomada.
3. As estatísticas do Censo 2001, sustentadas pelo Presidente da Junta de Sta. Catarina,
demonstram que a afirmação feita na página 18 do DIA – foi seleccionada a opção do percurso
cuja área tem menos população – não corresponde à verdade. A Sra. Carla Taveira disse que a
afirmação constante no DIA, acerca da população, se referia a uma secção muito maior do
percurso do que apenas as secções 3ª e 4.
4. O Sr. Viegas disse que iriam ter lugar mais estudos antes que os percursos exactos fossem
seleccionados e que haveria margem para flexibilidade. Afirmou também que os cabos não
atravessariam qualquer propriedade e perguntou a que distância seria aceitável para os
residentes presentes. Foi defendido que uma distância mínima entre 400 e 500m seria aceitável
e o Sr. Viegas referiu que estas distâncias seriam aceitáveis para eles e concordaram com estes
valores como mínimos.
5. O Sr. Viegas afirmou que a REN ver‐se‐ia forçada a responder às solicitações e preocupações
dos residentes e que contactá‐los‐ia para descobrir porque é que isto ainda não aconteceu e
também para conseguir uma reunião pública entre os residentes e a REN, quando solicitado.
Projecto Parque Eólica
1. No dia 9 de Março, na primeira reunião no local, a Cavalum sgps S.A. mostrou aos residentes
onde os 3 aerogeradores seriam instalados, após concluídas as medições do vento. Estas teriam
80m de altura e ficariam apenas a 300m das habitações. Esta situação reduziria o valor das
propriedades, tornando‐as possivelmente invendáveis. De acordo com a regulamentação
existente sobre o ruído e poluição sonora, estas poderiam ser instaladas ainda mais perto.
2. Elisabeth Harding, representando os interesses dos compradores de propriedades, declarou
que um projecto de restauro de uma propriedade turística múltipla, por parte de um construtor
Inglês, planeado para a vila, provavelmente não avançaria, se as turbinas fossem colocadas nos
locais previstos.
3. Cavalum sgps S.A. prefiriria usar um local diferente, afastado de qualquer habitação, mas não
seria permitido o corte de sobreiros. A sua cortiça é valiosa para a economia, mas os residentes
não podiam acreditar que o valor poupado seria superior às perdas com os planos existentes
em Água de Tábuas (> € 1,000.000).
4. O Sr. Viegas explicou que a Câmara de Tavira não teve qualquer envolvimento no projecto até
este ponto e que as questões deveriam ser encaminhadas ao Departamento de Economia que
licencia e financia o projecto.
Outros Assuntos
Antena em Aceifão
1. Em resposta a sr Boak da Associação de Residentes o Sr. Viegas disse que esta questão ainda não foi resolvida. Foi‐lhe transmitido pela TMN que o local alternativo, no outro lado do rio, em Eiras Altas, é muito dispendioso e serão necessários estudos adicionais.
Toby Jarvis ‐ Aporfiosa. 03/25/2009 2 paginas.
Tradução. 03/28/2009
Thursday 26 March 2009
Meeting with Vereador Fernando Viegas, Tavira Câmara.
Members of the residents committee met with Sr. Fernando Viegas, Vereador das Infrastruturas and Sra. Carla Taveira, Directora do Departmento de Ambiente, Transito e Equipamentos for Tavira Câmara on Tuesday morning.
On the agenda were the high tension power lines and wind turbines planned for Sta Catarina Freguesia, which as was explained in the meeting, were a cause for concern for many living in the area. Various points were discussed, in particular the proximity of the planned structures to habitations and ruins, and also the lack of communication with the community to date.
The representatives of the Câmara stated that they will arrange a meeting with REN to answer any of the questions and concerns residents may have with regards to the project. We will inform everyone of the date for this once confirmed.
Minutes of the meeting will be posted on this site tomorrow.
On the agenda were the high tension power lines and wind turbines planned for Sta Catarina Freguesia, which as was explained in the meeting, were a cause for concern for many living in the area. Various points were discussed, in particular the proximity of the planned structures to habitations and ruins, and also the lack of communication with the community to date.
The representatives of the Câmara stated that they will arrange a meeting with REN to answer any of the questions and concerns residents may have with regards to the project. We will inform everyone of the date for this once confirmed.
Minutes of the meeting will be posted on this site tomorrow.
Monday 23 March 2009
Click on this, print it off, and stick it on any ruin that you think will lose value as a result of REN's high-tension cables. We need to improve communications, especially to Portuguese owners of ruins who are conserving them to leave as an inheritance to their children and grandchildren. The Junta and Câmera are making no effort to inform them what is happening, so please, try to help by making them aware.
PROTESTAR POR FALTA DE ESCUTAR!
No real news to report, but many people have been very busy preparing for the meeting with the Tavira Councilor tomorrow (Tuesday), the trip to Lisbon on Wednesday, and the Residents meeting on Thursday.
A bus is being arranged to go to the Portuguese Assembly Building in Lisbon on Wednesday, to coincide with the planned meeting between the "Movimento Contra as Linhas de Alta Tensã" and the Government.
Notices advertising the next residents information meeting have been disseminated throughout the valley from Porto Carvalhoso to Alcaria Fria, when feedback wil be provided about the meetings with Tavira Council and the Government.
This is the most important week yet for the campaign, and it is important that we involve as many people as possible who are going to be impacted by these developments. Spread the word.
The little number in the right-hand corner is counting how many times people look at our web-site.
A bus is being arranged to go to the Portuguese Assembly Building in Lisbon on Wednesday, to coincide with the planned meeting between the "Movimento Contra as Linhas de Alta Tensã" and the Government.
Notices advertising the next residents information meeting have been disseminated throughout the valley from Porto Carvalhoso to Alcaria Fria, when feedback wil be provided about the meetings with Tavira Council and the Government.
This is the most important week yet for the campaign, and it is important that we involve as many people as possible who are going to be impacted by these developments. Spread the word.
The little number in the right-hand corner is counting how many times people look at our web-site.
Saturday 21 March 2009
Sticker for Houses/Ruins Suffering Devaluation Due to Presence of Wind Turbines
Double click, print out, and stick on any properties which you think will suffer a depreciation as a result of the installation of the planned wind farm.
Local and Parliamentary meetings.
Dear Residents,
Public information session – Bar Flavianos
Following last weeks meeting at Flavianos bar, Porto Carvalhoso it was agreed that we need to have the involvement of more Portuguese residents, who to date may still be unaware of what is planned for the area.
It was agreed that more flyers should be printed, outlining the situation and informing everyone about the next meeting planned for Thursday 26th March 19.00-21.00 hrs, at Flavianos bar. This will be to update all involved on the weeks developments and to decide on a date for a public protest in Lisbon.
Later today we will be posting flyers onto the blogsite at http://matanews.blogspot.com. Can you please print these out and distribute them wherever you can. In particular we need to contact those in Sta. Catarina and also residents in the small villages along routes 3A and 4, as far north as Alcaria do Cume. It is vital that we get as many out as possible before Thursday so we can extend the discussion to involve everyone affected.
Meeting with Tavira Câmara.
Keith and Toby are meeting with Fernando Viegas, Vereador of Tavira Câmara, on Tuesday to discuss the planned high tension lines and wind turbines. They will report back afterwards.
Public Session in Parliament.
Robin has spoken again with Sra. Helena Carmo of the Movimento Contra as Linhas de Alta Tensão em Zonas Habitadas. She met with representatives from the Government in Lisbon on Friday and will be meeting with them again this coming Wednesday 25th at 3pm, to debate further the laws governing proximity of power lines to habitations.
This session will be open to the public, who will be able to attend on the public gallery. Sra. Carmo is very keen for us to be there in numbers, as ours is the latest case to come to light, and she has said that she will be able to arrange press and media to be there to interview us.
For this reason we’re asking everyone that’s willing and able, to join us in attending this meeting as a show of solidarity. This will be a fantastic opportunity to bring our case to public attention and to inform them of our case and the lack of communication and respect we have received from the authorities involved.
If you’re able to support the community in this way, on Wednesday in Lisbon, can you please email us at matanews@gmail.com or leave a message on 967533144. Please state how many people would be interested in coming and a contact telephone number.
We will be looking at organising a coach to attend the meeting and will contact you directly by phone at the start of next week to inform you of progress.
Thank you again for all you hard work and attention, and we hope to see you in Lisbon!
The Residents Commission.
Thursday 19 March 2009
Residents Committee Minutes 18 March 2009
There were over 40 people at Casa Brito in Porto Carvalhoso at 7.30 pm when the meeting commenced – a mix of Portuguese and non-Portuguese who were threatened with a devaluation of their properties, and possible but unproven health risks as a result of government-backed REN proposal to site high-tension cables close to, and even over, their homes.
The meeting opened with a presentation in Portuguese and English of the REN proposal, using maps to show exactly where the cables would be sited. This was the first time many people had been told exactly where the cables would be. It was then explained that the government had chosen to completely ignore the residents public petition with 853 signatures, 165 individual formal environmental objections and even the submission made by Sta. Catarina Junta. There was not even an acknowledgment in the official “public consultation “report, and the reason why the government had decided to back the lines had not been disclosed to residents. The report did state that the chosen route affected the least people, when census data backed by the president of the local Junta showed this to be untrue. It was however the shortest and the cheapest route. The public consultation had been a sham, and the lack of communication by Sta. Catarina Junta, Tavira Câmera and the Government had been shameful.
There followed a lively discussion about what should be the next steps. Despite the belated invitation to a meeting with a Tavira Councilor next week, it was decided to press on with arrangements for protests in Lisbon, with the support of other, national protest groups. Some of the Portuguese residents in attendance said that many local Portuguese home-owners were still in the dark about REN’s proposals and the government’s decision and it was therefore decided that a 2nd information meeting should be planned for next week.
Plans for a wind-farm close to houses in Água de Tábuas were not as advanced as the plans for the high tension cables and it was decided to leave discussion to another occasion. Background briefing documents about the accelerating and unregulated growth in wind-farm installations in Portugal in general, and the Algarve in particular, were distributed to those directly affected.
The meeting opened with a presentation in Portuguese and English of the REN proposal, using maps to show exactly where the cables would be sited. This was the first time many people had been told exactly where the cables would be. It was then explained that the government had chosen to completely ignore the residents public petition with 853 signatures, 165 individual formal environmental objections and even the submission made by Sta. Catarina Junta. There was not even an acknowledgment in the official “public consultation “report, and the reason why the government had decided to back the lines had not been disclosed to residents. The report did state that the chosen route affected the least people, when census data backed by the president of the local Junta showed this to be untrue. It was however the shortest and the cheapest route. The public consultation had been a sham, and the lack of communication by Sta. Catarina Junta, Tavira Câmera and the Government had been shameful.
There followed a lively discussion about what should be the next steps. Despite the belated invitation to a meeting with a Tavira Councilor next week, it was decided to press on with arrangements for protests in Lisbon, with the support of other, national protest groups. Some of the Portuguese residents in attendance said that many local Portuguese home-owners were still in the dark about REN’s proposals and the government’s decision and it was therefore decided that a 2nd information meeting should be planned for next week.
Plans for a wind-farm close to houses in Água de Tábuas were not as advanced as the plans for the high tension cables and it was decided to leave discussion to another occasion. Background briefing documents about the accelerating and unregulated growth in wind-farm installations in Portugal in general, and the Algarve in particular, were distributed to those directly affected.
Residents Committee Meeting 18th March 2009
The residents committee meeting was well attended. The presentation and discussions took place in both Portuguese and English. For many, it was the first time they has seen the plans for the High Tension cables, and they were very angry that the Junta and Tavira Câmera had not kept them informed, and that the Government had totally ignored the petitions they had delivered last year. An action plan was agreed and the next meeting scheduled. Full report to follow.
Wednesday 18 March 2009
Translator required for this evenings session.
Unfortunately both of our translators for this evenings information session at Flavianos have had to cancel.
If anyone knows of a fluent English/Portuguese speaker who may be willing to help us for a couple of hours this evening, 7-9pm, please contact us on 967937497 asap!
If anyone knows of a fluent English/Portuguese speaker who may be willing to help us for a couple of hours this evening, 7-9pm, please contact us on 967937497 asap!
Monday 16 March 2009
PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION - SESSÃO DE INFORMAÇÃO PÚBLICA
Posters for the public information session on Wednesday. Please feel free to print out and post in/up/on wherever you can.
Click on image for a full-size printable version.
Sunday 15 March 2009
Água de Tábuas Proposed Wind Farm Map
A map showing the proposed locations of the 3 (initial?) wind turbines. Click on it to get a bigger version for printing.Spread the word - some of the locals do not believe there is such a plan and argue that the existing wind measurement tower is a communications antenna.
Eco-blog appeal.
Today we have contacted a number of ecological blog-sites with an appeal for help, particuarly relating to contacts, translation, ideas and also physical bodies for our protest in Lisbon. We await their replies .....
If anyone knows of any ecological groups that may be particuarly interested, please contact us asap!
If anyone knows of any ecological groups that may be particuarly interested, please contact us asap!
PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION
As part of informing the residents of this area, we have decided to hold a public information session, where we'll present all of the information that we have to date on the high tension power lines and the wind turbines. This will be held at Flavianos bar, Porto Carvalhoso, on Wednesday 18th March from 7 - 9pm. Please feel free to come along and check on developments to date.
We are hoping to raise awareness of the plans for this area, and to answer any questions people may have regarding the process and procedure of these large infrastructure projects. We will be answering questions in Portuguese and English, so please inform any friends/neighbours that are unaware of the issues so far and may have concerns.
We are hoping to raise awareness of the plans for this area, and to answer any questions people may have regarding the process and procedure of these large infrastructure projects. We will be answering questions in Portuguese and English, so please inform any friends/neighbours that are unaware of the issues so far and may have concerns.
Saturday 14 March 2009
Portugal News 14 March 2009
Page 4 "High tension Rears its ugly head again""One of the eastern Algarve's most idyllic rural retreats, a mountainous range eight kilometres north of Sta. Catarina de Fonte do Bispo (Tavira) which is affectionately known to the locals as the "cloud factory" and comprises a cluster of unspoilt villages, is under threat of being invaded by two large-scale energy projects that are causing residents to unite in uproar, and who are promising to go to all lengths at their disposal to ensure the projects do not follow the proposed route."
A half-page report with quotes from TJ.
Friday 13 March 2009
New Road Signs
Strange signs appeared along the road overnight. They don't improve the look of the place, but, worse things could happen...
ALTERNATIVE WIND FARM SITE PROPOSALS
A second proposal has been put to Cavalum for their proposed wind-farm. It is about 5km to the west. It again appears to meet all their criteria, but isn't near any houses. The consulant has rang to acknowledge receipt but so far has not had time to study them. He has jokingly suggested that with our help perhaps he will be able to install 3 wind farms!
Wind Farm Planning Process
Legal advice is being sought about the licensing process for wind measurement masts and the planning process for any subsequent wind-farm. We're also trying to find out how we can be kept better informed about matters debated at Tâvira Camera and Sta. Catarina Junta. Finally, we've asked for details of the process for getting permission to cut-down oak trees to make way for developments such as wind-farms.
Wednesday 11 March 2009
Declaration of intent!
A copy of the letter sent to the relevant Governmental and Corporate bodies, stating our position and making it clear that we are aware and active!
High-tension attention.
Contact with the press continues today. We've had interest from The Portugal News and Get Real, who both hope to follow the story as it unfolds. The latter part of this week, and throughout next week, we'll be making contact with Portuguese press and television. We need to keep feeding information through as our story develops so if anyone has an angle that they think would be good then let us know.
Any ideas for a photoshoot? Toby has finished making a wooden pylon as a prop for a photograph which combined with a few of our signs and us as a group would be good to send on to the papers. Would anyone be up for doing an "angry residents" groupshot tomorrow?(Thursday)
Posters. As we speak, Brian is busy cutting up boards for our posters which we hope to start putting up at the end of this week and over the weekend. We need to spread the word and get as many people as possible involved in this action. Once again, speak to any neighbours/friends/relations/dogs/cats that would be interested in putting one up on our behalf. We could also do with a hand sticking posters onto boards and varnishing them so they're waterproofed....
Movimento Contra as Linhas de Alta Tensão em Zonas Habitadas. Yesterday we had a call from Helena Carmo of the national pressure group campaigning for a change in the law on placement (which is currently a minimum of 50m from any habitation) and legislation of high tension power lines. We'll be sending her details of our objections to date and a summary of the correspondence (or lack of!) that we've had with the relevant bodies. Her organisation is meeting with Ren and Government representatives on the 29th of this month to discuss further the potential changes in the law; she said she would be happy to raise our case at this meeting.
Public meeting. Mimi has spoken with Flaviano, who is happy for us to hold a public meeting at his bar (and said that we could place posters and any additional info there ....it looks like this will be the best place for a drop-in info point as it's local and everyone knows it). At present it looks like the best time for a public meeting will be the middle of next week. TBC.
Protest in Lisbon. The provisional date for this was the 23rd of this month, I wonder whether it wouldn't be best to move to the following Monday (30th of this month), in order to be sure of a large number of bodies? Ideas?
Any ideas for a photoshoot? Toby has finished making a wooden pylon as a prop for a photograph which combined with a few of our signs and us as a group would be good to send on to the papers. Would anyone be up for doing an "angry residents" groupshot tomorrow?(Thursday)
Posters. As we speak, Brian is busy cutting up boards for our posters which we hope to start putting up at the end of this week and over the weekend. We need to spread the word and get as many people as possible involved in this action. Once again, speak to any neighbours/friends/relations/dogs/cats that would be interested in putting one up on our behalf. We could also do with a hand sticking posters onto boards and varnishing them so they're waterproofed....
Movimento Contra as Linhas de Alta Tensão em Zonas Habitadas. Yesterday we had a call from Helena Carmo of the national pressure group campaigning for a change in the law on placement (which is currently a minimum of 50m from any habitation) and legislation of high tension power lines. We'll be sending her details of our objections to date and a summary of the correspondence (or lack of!) that we've had with the relevant bodies. Her organisation is meeting with Ren and Government representatives on the 29th of this month to discuss further the potential changes in the law; she said she would be happy to raise our case at this meeting.
Public meeting. Mimi has spoken with Flaviano, who is happy for us to hold a public meeting at his bar (and said that we could place posters and any additional info there ....it looks like this will be the best place for a drop-in info point as it's local and everyone knows it). At present it looks like the best time for a public meeting will be the middle of next week. TBC.
Protest in Lisbon. The provisional date for this was the 23rd of this month, I wonder whether it wouldn't be best to move to the following Monday (30th of this month), in order to be sure of a large number of bodies? Ideas?
VAMOS PROTESTAR Flyer
Anyone requiring more of these flyers just needs to provide an email address and it will be emailed to you. Alternatively, you click on this one to get a bigger one and copy and paste it into your own document.
Tuesday 10 March 2009
Wind Measurement Mast work
ALTERNATIVE WIND TURBINE SITE
The Life of Brian: I see no windmills! Looking for potential sites for new windmills from previous sites for old windmills!
After a spot of off-road motorbiking earlier today, we emailed Sn. Gonçalves, the wind turbine consultant with the coordinates for an alternative site for the wind turbines, which appears to meet all of his criteria but crucially, is over 1km distance from any house or ruin.
We've also asked for more details about his preferred site at Alportel, including the number of trees which would have to be cut-down.
Monday 9 March 2009
Media Briefing
A media brief has been developed, containing an explanation of the issues, photographs and quotes from residents. Distribution to the press begins today. Anyone who would like to be quoted should respond to this blog or email one of the secretaries.
Saturday 7 March 2009
Mtgs with Wind Turbine Expert and Local Council
Meeting with wind turbine expert was very informative. Basically, they have followed all the rules and he believes this is the only suitable place to install turbines in Tavira district given the constraints he has to work with. The limiting factor in placing them near houses is noise - he reckons he could go as close as 100m with the existing legislation. He needs to be close to a power line running to the Tavira substation, up around 500m with a clear , uninterrupted sweep to the sea, preferebaly with "land contracts" in place, and without the presence of cork trees which are protected in law. The installation won't go-ahead a) if the wind measurements are not good enough (too light, too strong or too turbulent) or b) if REN stipulate he is too close to their planned HT lines. He said that if we can find him another mountain which meet the criteria he would be more than happy to consider it.
Meeting with Sta. Catarina Junta was disappointing. Many people turned up but only 1 plus an interpreter was allowed in (even the wind turbine project consultant was excluded!). Perhaps the most interesting point to come out of the meeting was that the President agreed that the selected route for the cables - route 3a - has a bigger population than the rejected route, contrary to that stated in the government report. It is not clear if and when a public meeting can be organised with experts in attendance, and if and when he can facilitate a meeting with Tavira Câmera.
Meeting with Sta. Catarina Junta was disappointing. Many people turned up but only 1 plus an interpreter was allowed in (even the wind turbine project consultant was excluded!). Perhaps the most interesting point to come out of the meeting was that the President agreed that the selected route for the cables - route 3a - has a bigger population than the rejected route, contrary to that stated in the government report. It is not clear if and when a public meeting can be organised with experts in attendance, and if and when he can facilitate a meeting with Tavira Câmera.
Friday 6 March 2009
Thursday 5 March 2009
IN LOCO
Toby and Nina met with the In Loco people today (http://www.in-loco.pt/). They sponsor heritage type developments away from the coast in the Algarve and are obviously interested in what Toby & Nina have in mind for Aporfiosa. They were disappointed to hear about REN's decision to press on with the HT cables, threatening their development, and have contacted the President of Tavira on our behalf to try to arrange a meeting with him next week.
Toby is also emailing all the people who were involved in the campaign last year to invite them to a meeting at the Casa de Povo in Sta. Catarina next week (date and time to be fixed).
Toby is also emailing all the people who were involved in the campaign last year to invite them to a meeting at the Casa de Povo in Sta. Catarina next week (date and time to be fixed).
Meeting with Wind Turbine Consultant
Sn. Gonçalves, the wind turbine consultant from Cavalum working on the project, will be in Água de Tábuas on Friday "at lunchtime" to meet with residents and answer any questions. Meeting at Keith & Denise's house.
He will also come long to the meeting with the president of Sta. Catarina council.
He will also come long to the meeting with the president of Sta. Catarina council.
Wednesday 4 March 2009
REPORT OF RESIDENTS COMMITTEE MEETING 3RD MARCH 2009
The meeting was held as planned on 3rd March. Reports were received about the conversation with Sn. Gonçalves, the wind generator consultant and the meeting with another HT cable action group. Media briefing material was discussed, and the forthcoming meeting with the President of Sta. Catarina council
The priority would now be the HT cables rather than the wind turbines. After the decision of the Dept. of Environment to accept REN's proposals, action on the ground would soon follow. Acting on advice from the other action group, a national protest campaign would be organised. Alongside, this a local awareness campaign would be set in motion.
The priority would now be the HT cables rather than the wind turbines. After the decision of the Dept. of Environment to accept REN's proposals, action on the ground would soon follow. Acting on advice from the other action group, a national protest campaign would be organised. Alongside, this a local awareness campaign would be set in motion.
Tuesday 3 March 2009
2nd Residents Committee Meeting, 18:00 hrs today
The next meeting has now been confirmed for 18:00 hrs today, 3rd March, at Yvo's house in Malhada do Judeu.
Meeting with Sta. Catarina President
A meeting has been set for 17:00 hours on Friday 6th March in Sta. Catarina Council Offices with Sn. Leonardo António Gonçalves Martins, President of Sta. Catarina Freguisa to discuss the apparently unrelated plans to install high voltage cables, pylons and a wind farm in our area.
Monday 2 March 2009
WIND TURBINE CONSULTANT
I spoke to Sn. Gonçalves today, who was present in A. de T when the wind measurement mast was erected. At that time he told us that he did not believe the high voltage cables would come up the valley, and that it was not possible for safety reasons to have high voltage cables and wind turbines in the same area.
He hadn't heard the news - that they were now coming up the valley, and I left him to investigate further. I told him the residents were now angry about all these development and that we had a list of questions for him. He was surprised anyone could have objections to the wind turbines, but would be happy to answer all our questions. In fact, he offered to meet with us later this week to provide the answers.
Anyone who is available is free to attend. As soon as we know when and where, I will post the information.
Keith
Sunday 1 March 2009
WELCOME
Welcome to the MATA Residents Committee noticeboard, or blog. MATA is shorthand for Malhada do Judeu, Água de Tabuas and Aporfiosa, 3 small hamlets sharing the same valley at the southern end of Serra de Alcaria do Cume, with over 20 full-time residents and a further 8 part-time residents, approximately 8km north of Sta. Catarina de Fonte do Bispo, in Tavira District in the Eastern Algarve.
Information concerning infrastructure developments affecting this community will be posted here on this site by the secretariat function which is currently carried out by Keith Boak and Toby Jarvis.
Minutes of the last meeting held on 26th February, letters to local authorities and a press briefing are in the process of being prepared and will be distributed once completed.
The next meeting is scheduled for 18:00 hrs on Tuesday, 3rd March at Yvo's house (although I'm not sure if Yvo knows this yet!). The main purpose will be to discuss the Department of the Environment's decision on the high-voltage cable route through the valley, announced since our last meeting.
Keith
Information concerning infrastructure developments affecting this community will be posted here on this site by the secretariat function which is currently carried out by Keith Boak and Toby Jarvis.
Minutes of the last meeting held on 26th February, letters to local authorities and a press briefing are in the process of being prepared and will be distributed once completed.
The next meeting is scheduled for 18:00 hrs on Tuesday, 3rd March at Yvo's house (although I'm not sure if Yvo knows this yet!). The main purpose will be to discuss the Department of the Environment's decision on the high-voltage cable route through the valley, announced since our last meeting.
Keith
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