Iberboard began removing the approximately 15,000 tons of waste that had accumulated at its Alcover plant in the Alt Camp region on Monday, as confirmed to ARA by company sources. This paper mill suspended operations in August 2014, leaving around one hundred workers in the area without jobs. In addition to accumulating tons of waste over the years, Iberboard also had numerous files for various environmental violations, such as dumping waste into the Francolí River and storing toxic waste for longer than legally permitted. The company made significant investments in machinery and also allocated resources to correct some of the identified deficiencies, such as noise pollution that disturbed residents, but ultimately filed for bankruptcy a year and a half ago. Since then, representatives from different departments of the Catalan government, such as the Catalan Waste Agency and the Catalan Water Agency, and the mayor of Alcover have met with company representatives and their lawyers to find a solution that would allow for the removal of the 15,000 tons of waste. The risk this poses in the event of a rise in the river level is a concern. Initially, the company was reluctant to take responsibility, but in October of last year, it finally committed to removing all the waste once it received authorization from the bankruptcy administrator. Approval was granted, and the company finally began waste collection in December. But on the first day, the engine of the excavator they had rented broke down, thwarting the anticipated start of the collection, which resumed today.

The 15,000 tons of waste The waste that has been accumulating for years at the Iberboard factory in Alt Camp will begin to be removed within 15 days, according to the company's commitment. The plant is located on the Francolí River, right where the river forms the natural border between Alcover and Picamoixons, at the foot of the Prades Mountains. The residents of these two towns, who while the factory was operating had to endure unpleasant odors and noise and light pollution exceeding what is permitted by regulations, have been demanding the removal of all this waste since the company suspended its operations just over a year ago. They feared that a flood would sweep away all the waste—including toxic waste—or that a fire could spread and the flames would find devastating fuel.