Pisão Dam project undergoes judicial hearing in Portugal

A judicial debate regarding the suspension of construction works for the Pisão Dam in Crato has commenced at the Administrative and Fiscal Court of Castelo Branco. The hearing follows instructions from higher judicial instances to address formal errors in legal actions brought by environmental associations contesting the Environmental Impact Declaration (DIA) issued by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA).

During the session, local mayors from Alter do Chão, Portalegre, and Fronteira, along with the president of the Intermunicipal Community of Alto Alentejo (CIMAA), testified in support of the project. CIMAA president Joaquim Diogo emphasized the dam's critical importance for regional water supply and its socio-economic benefits. The CIMAA also asserted that the environmental groups' arguments demonstrated a lack of understanding regarding the technical nature of the Environmental Impact Declaration.

The proceedings included testimony from technical experts and environmental groups, such as GEOTA. Following the conclusion of these hearings, a judge will deliberate on the validity of the technical documentation and decide whether construction works may resume.