The owner of an agricultural estate in Santiago de la Ribera has admitted discharging nitrate-contaminated water into the Mar Menor and has accepted a prison sentence of one year and three months.
The case was heard in Cartagena as part of one of the strands of the so-called ‘Topillo case’, which investigates environmental damage linked to agricultural activity around the lagoon. The businessman acknowledged collaborating in the harm caused to the Mar Menor.
In court, he admitted dumping water laden with nitrates from an illegal desalination plant he had been using on his property. The surplus water was released into the lagoon, contributing to pollution in the protected area.
He is among a growing number of agricultural entrepreneurs who have faced legal action over contamination of the Mar Menor, in cases brought following investigations by environmental and water authorities.
This article was written with AI assistance and reviewed by a human editor before publication.