The Guardia Civil’s environmental division, known as Seprona, has initiated a significant investigation into the illegal dumping of livestock waste in the municipality of Murcia. Named Operation Poga, the operation has resulted in four farm managers being formally investigated for environmental crimes related to the discharge of slurry from over thirteen thousand pigs into natural watercourses such as the Ramblas del Carmen and Cuesta Alta.

Reports indicate that these farms have been discharging pig waste directly into streams, with inspections revealing multiple environmental violations. For instance, construction has occurred in protected ravines without adhering to necessary buffer zones. Additionally, up to ten waste ponds designated for storing pig slurry have been found to be inadequately sealed, leading to liquid waste leaking into the ground for an extended period.

Environmental experts warn that such contamination risks the local aquifer. The potential for heavy rainfall, common during Mediterranean storms, could exacerbate the situation, causing contaminated runoff to spread beyond the farms. The Regional Government of Murcia has backed these findings, confirming the environmental damage, which has enabled the Guardia Civil to proceed with formal charges against the farm managers.

If the managers are found guilty, they could face prison sentences of up to two years along with significant fines and prohibitions from working in the farming industry. Spain’s Penal Code categorises this illegal dumping as a serious environmental offence, highlighting the urgency of addressing such practices.