Spain tightens oversight of agricultural waste and biogas projects

In Spain, livestock farms are increasingly adopting impermeable lagoon systems to store manure safely and comply with EU nitrate directives, aiming to prevent soil and groundwater contamination. New geosynthetic liners and other technologies are being used to secure storage, especially during heavy rain periods, reducing the risk of spills and supporting long‑term environmental compliance.

Ecologistas en Acción has submitted expanded legal objections to a proposed 140,000‑tonne‑per‑year biogas and biomethane plant in Benacazón, Andalusia. The group cites violations of the proximity principle, potential methane and odor emissions, insufficient digestate management capacity, and threats to nearby water resources, habitats and the Iberian lynx recovery plan. The organization urges the regional authority to deny the integrated environmental permit, arguing the project is incompatible with a circular economy and could increase transport‑related emissions and industrial accident risks.