A Dutch environmental consultancy, Arcadis, has begun a series of meetings in Barcelona this week. The firm aims to gather information and justify the proposed expansion of Barcelona-El Prat Airport to the European Commission. This move marks a new phase in the long-running project, which involves extending a runway into the protected Llobregat Delta wetlands.

Arcadis, hired by the Catalan government, arrived in Catalonia with five members who will stay until Thursday. They started their discussions on Tuesday, meeting key stakeholders. The company seeks to understand how the project fits within the delicate ecosystem of the Llobregat Delta, an environmentally protected area next to the airport infrastructure.

The prestigious consultancy previously advised on environmental compensations for port expansions in Rotterdam and Antwerp. Their current work focuses on evaluating the proposed expansion and the potential ecological impact of extending the third runway. This extension would affect the El Remolar-Filipines wetlands and La Ricarda lagoon.

Justifying the Expansion to Europe

Arcadis intends to endorse the Catalan government's plans, agreed with Aena, the Spanish airport operator. Sources familiar with the meetings explain that the chosen alternative, extending the runway towards the sea, is the only possible option. This comes after other options were discarded during the long debate process.

Until now, Arcadis, contracted last November, focused on studying project documentation. The company employs over 36,000 people in more than 30 countries. Their current task involves face-to-face meetings on the ground in Barcelona.

Arcadis leaders and technical staff have already met with senior officials from the Department of Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition. These included representatives from the Secretariat of Infrastructure and Mobility, led by Manel Nadal, and the Secretariat of Ecological Transition, led by Jordi Sargatal.

Economic Sector Meetings

Additionally, Arcadis has met with representatives from Catalonia's economic sector. Sources familiar with the process detail that these meetings are critical for justifying the expansion's "priority interest". This concept is essential for the European Commission to approve any development affecting protected green zones.

On Tuesday, Arcadis held a two-hour meeting at the Department of Territory headquarters. Attendees included two members from Foment del Treball, one from PIMEC, and one from the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce. Foment del Treball representatives presented a 130-page report they prepared to defend the airport expansion.

Their report analysed 11 alternatives over more than a year. It concluded that the option eventually agreed upon by the Catalan government and Aena was the best choice. These discussions highlight the strong support for the expansion from key business groups in Catalonia.

Environmental Concerns and Compensations

Upcoming meetings will include the Catalan Water Agency (ACA), the Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB), and the Centre for Ecological Research and Forestry Applications (CREAF). The CREAF meeting is particularly significant, as it is a reference scientific centre for the Department of Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition.

Arcadis plans to consider CREAF's perspective when addressing environmental compensations. Both the Catalan government and Aena have stated these compensations will involve creating new inland wetland zones. During Tuesday's meeting, the department detailed specific hectares identified as ideal locations for these new spaces.

Officials also discussed the possibility of Aena pre-purchasing approximately 270 hectares. This action would demonstrate progress in conservation efforts. The goal is not only to defend the proposed ecological countermeasures but also to resolve the open file from Brussels regarding the delta's degradation.

Addressing EU Concerns

For the past year, both the Spanish and Catalan governments have coordinated their responses to Europe's formal notice. This notice concerned the lack of conservation in the Llobregat Delta. Their responses outline measures already taken, such as expanding the Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA).

They also detailed ongoing restoration work, including the demolition of old car parks. However, a comprehensive management plan for the delta still needs drafting. This plan is crucial for long-term environmental protection and for satisfying European Union requirements.

Future rounds of contact will involve local councils and environmental organisations. These discussions will ensure a broad range of perspectives are considered as the project moves forward. The outcome of Arcadis's assessment and the subsequent European Commission decision will significantly shape the future of Barcelona's primary airport and its surrounding natural environment.

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Originally published by El Periódico Barcelona. Read original article.