Quercus to file EU complaint over Alcácer do Sal citrus project

Environmental group Quercus has condemned the CCDR-Alentejo's conditional approval of an intensive citrus farming project on nearly 295 hectares within Natura 2000 land near Alcácer do Sal. The decision overrode 99.2% negative feedback from public consultation. The project, the promoter's fourth attempt, relies on groundwater extraction from 12 boreholes in an already water-stressed area overlapping protected zones including the Comporta-Galé conservation area. Quercus plans to file a formal complaint with the European Commission and is considering seeking an injunction in Portuguese courts to suspend the environmental licence and halt any groundworks.