Portugal's PCP demands action on river Cobral pollution and Torres Novas biometane plant

The Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) submitted parliamentary questions to the government over two separate environmental concerns.

In Oliveira do Hospital, the PCP asked the Ministry of Environment and Energy to explain what measures have been taken to stop alleged illegal discharges of dairy effluent into the river Cobral. The party cited reports of severe impacts on water quality, livestock, groundwater, local wildlife and public health, and said previous meetings with the Portuguese Environment Agency and local authorities produced no results.

Separately, the PCP demanded guarantees regarding a planned biometane production unit in Árgea, Torres Novas. The party sought assurance that the site meets all legal and environmental standards, that road access will not be compromised, and that public‑health safeguards are in place. It noted a municipal motion opposing the location and a protest of about two hundred residents.

Both inquiries call for immediate government action to protect health and the environment.