Portugal Environment Minister orders inspection of sludge use in Alentejo

Portugal's Minister of Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, has formally requested an inspection into the use of sludge in agriculture across the Alentejo region. The investigation, requested from the General Inspection of Agriculture, Sea, Environment and Spatial Planning (IGAMAOT), aims to verify compliance with applicable environmental legislation.

The request follows reports from the Alentejo Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDRA) and the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) regarding doubts over the nature of materials being applied to agricultural lands. Local authorities in Aljustrel, Castro Verde, and Mértola reported issues including foul odors and clouds of flies, allegedly caused by the use of sludge.

Authorities are investigating materials presented as fertilizer compounds to determine if they correspond to products registered in the National Registry of Non-Harmonized Fertilizing Materials. IGAMAOT, which holds criminal police powers for environmental inspection and investigation, will lead the efforts to clarify the facts in coordination with other competent entities.