Emergency Declared at El Tejo Dam: Risk of Failure Prompts Action in Castilla y León
The Junta of Castilla y León has declared a level 2 emergency at the El Tejo dam located in the Segovian municipality of El Espinar, following a report from the Duero Hydrographic Confederation (CHD) that warned of the risk of a severe breach or failure of the infrastructure. In light of this alarming situation, the Civil Protection Plan of Castilla y León for flood risk, INUNCyL, has been activated to implement preventive and protective measures for the population, property, and the environment.
Raquel Alonso, the territorial delegate of the Junta, announced the establishment of the Integrated Operational Coordination Center (CECOPI), which will consolidate the various administrations responsible for managing the emergency, allowing for a more coordinated response.
According to the document received by the Junta on February 4, the CHD has highlighted the significant danger of a breach or serious failure of the dam and indicated that it cannot be confidently assured that existing measures and means will suffice for control. In this critical context, the declaration of a level 2 emergency enables the mobilization of additional resources and reinforces surveillance in the affected area.
Emergency works have already been underway at the El Tejo reservoir; actions initiated by the CHD began in mid-January as a precautionary measure. This process of emptying the reservoir is being managed without compromising water supply for the local population, thanks to alternative water sources, as detailed by the CHD. The Council of Ministers has recognized these operations as an emergency, approving a budget of over 48 million euros due to the deteriorated state of maintenance and conservation of the dam. In addition to the ongoing emptying, the works will also include an analysis and assessment of the dam's condition to inform future decision-making, which may necessitate complete emptying.
Originally completed in 1979, the El Tejo dam serves as the primary water supply source for the towns of El Espinar, Estación del Espinar, Gudillos, and San Rafael—all located within the municipality. Notably, the population served by the El Tejo reservoir exceeds 8,000 inhabitants, a number that can triple during the summer months according to CHD reports.
In a proactive measure to ensure public safety, the El Espinar Town Council restricted access to the recreational area of La Panera and the Gorge of River Moros as of February 7. Additionally, activities such as mushroom picking have been prohibited in the vicinity of the dam to further safeguard citizens.
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