Salerno beach project faces 1.4 million euro cleanup over contaminated sand

A coastal project in the Italian port city of Salerno has resulted in a significant financial and environmental issue after substandard sand was used to replenish the local beach. The material used for the beach nourishment is reportedly of poor quality and, in some areas, has been contaminated by bacteria.

According to the ‘Osservatorio Litorale’ report, compiled by the association Tradizione Futuro from 381 documents, the removal and disposal of the contaminated sand is estimated to cost approximately 1.4 million euros. These costs include excavation, transport, and delivery to an authorized facility. The city intends for these expenses to be covered by the contractors involved.

Municipal technicians have raised several criticisms against the consortium led by Infratech, the project contractor. These include the use of non-compliant materials, project delays, failure to implement improvement offers, and a lack of environmental monitoring. The breakdown of estimated costs includes 66,000 euros for excavation, up to 204,000 euros for transport, and 400,000 euros for the sorting and processing of the material at a licensed plant.