The Balearic Islands Government, through the Balearic Water and Environmental Quality Agency (ABAQUA), has awarded a contract for the preparation of preliminary feasibility studies aimed at upgrading the sea–land outfalls of the wastewater treatment plants in Can Bossa and Formentera, using specialised underground construction techniques.

The contract, approved by ABAQUA’s Board of Directors on 19 December, amounts to €183,300 (excluding VAT). The studies will assess the feasibility of carrying out horizontal directional drilling beyond the limits of Posidonia oceanica meadows, thereby preventing potential damage to this highly sensitive marine ecosystem.

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ABAQUA awards feasibility studies to upgrade Can Bossa and Formentera outfalls using underground drilling

This construction method has already been successfully implemented in Ibiza, particularly at the outfalls serving the wastewater treatment plants of Ibiza Town, Cala Tarida and Santa Eulària, allowing for the removal of obsolete pipes located on the seabed, including fibrocement pipelines.

For Can Bossa, the studies will also examine the application of this technique along the section connecting to the treatment plant that crosses the Ses Salines Natural Park, further reducing environmental impact.

In parallel, administrative procedures are underway for the renewal of the Bahía de Portmany outfall, which will eventually enable the removal of 1.4 kilometres of existing fibrocement piping. Similarly, in Menorca, works for the installation of the Binidalí outfall have been awarded and are scheduled to begin in 2026, using the same construction approach.

Through these initiatives, the regional government continues to advance its strategy to modernise wastewater treatment infrastructure, while minimising environmental impact and safeguarding marine ecosystems.