Following the rains of the last few days, several basins in the northwest and central parts of the peninsula are registering episodes of pollution in rivers linked to the runoff of ash and sludge from forest fires Recent
Environmental groups and local representatives indicate that the phenomenon is observed in rivers in León and Zamora, as well as in the Jarama and its tributaries In Guadalajara, where the water runs dark and with sediment after the fires of Pico del Lobo.
Rivers with blackened water after the rains
In various parts of León and Zamora, watercourses such as the Bibey in Porto de Sanabria, the Meruelo as it passes through Molinaseca and the Cabrera in Puente de Domingo Flórez, Castroquilame or Pombriego with dark colors attributable to the ash dragging.
In Guadalajara, rainfall has carried scorched materials into the rivers. Berbellido and Jaramilla, which flow into the Jarama, with sections where the banks appear covered by mud and fine debris from the Pico del Lobo fire.
Environmental organizations assure that the water is arriving practically black In some areas, there is a notable decrease in dissolved oxygen, a condition that aggravates the stress of fish and fauna linked to the river.
Workers and unions involved in fire prevention point out that, after a large fire, without early containment measures, the first storms They end up pushing the charred material towards the riverbeds.
Jarama and El Vado reservoir: alert for supply
Ecologists in Action has denounced that the discharge of ash and sludge reaches the El Vado reservoir, one of those that supply the Canal de Isabel II, which has triggered close monitoring of the quality of the raw water.
The masses of debris carried by Berbellido and Jaramilla converge in the Jarama River and complicate the work of purification if the supply of solids does not stabilize, something that depends on the weather patterns and the condition of the burned slopes.
Biodiversity at risk in sensitive sections
The drop in oxygen levels resulting from organic and fine pollutants can compromise species such as the common trout, the dipper and various amphibians and benthic invertebrates, especially in areas of high ecological value.
The Berbellido River was among the locations selected for the reintroduction of iberian desman in the Sierra Norte de Guadalajara Natural Park, a sensitive project that is threatened by these incidents.
Criticism and demands for action in Castile and León
The Leonese People's Union holds the Regional Government responsible for not having quickly implemented the fascines. containment barriers and emergency planning to prevent runoff from carrying ash into streams and rivers in the northwest.
The Leonese political group is demanding an immediate response that includes cleaning of riverbedsContinuous analytical controls and corrective actions before new episodes of rain worsen the situation.
Vulnerable groundwater in the northwest
The warnings extend to underground masses potentially affected by leaks of compounds from combustion, with mention of La Tercia-Mampodre-Riaño, La Babia-Luna, the Detrital Tertiary of the Esla-Cea and La MaragaterÃa.
Groups and organizations are demanding that the regional government... monitoring protocol specific to these aquifers, with periodic sampling to detect chemical alterations in time.
What post-fire measures do experts recommend?
The proposed actions include the early installation of dikes and fascines with plant remains, slope stabilization and creation of solid retention zones in headwaters before the materials reach the rivers.
The need for a plan is also emphasized. monitoring monitoring water quality after each rainfall event, selective cleaning of sediments at critical points, and technical coordination with research centers such as the CSIC.
The fire of Wolf's Peak It was declared extinguished on October 14 after devastating thousands of hectares of high natural value between Guadalajara and Segovia, a context that makes accelerating the work of recovery of burned areas.
The combination of fires, heavy rains, and a lack of early containment is leaving dark waters, loss of oxygen and risks to supply and biodiversity in several river sections; administrations and groups agree that the window of opportunity is now, with containment measures, cleaning and continuous analytical monitoring.
