The Hydrographic Confederation of the Júcar (CHJ), in relation to the management of the storm on October 29, has provided a detailed report to the judge of Catarroja. In this report, it certifies that the last cleaning of the waterways in Forata, Loriguilla, and Buseo took place in October 2024, just a few days before the tragedy in which 227 people died.
In this document, the CHJ clarifies that the presence of vegetation in the waterways and their banks is a crucial natural phenomenon for the ecological and hydraulic functioning of the rivers. Shrub vegetation plays beneficial roles such as stabilizing the banks, improving soil structure, filtering water, and reducing erosion, among others.
The CHJ emphasizes that cleaning waterways does not involve the removal of the vegetation inherent to them, as its presence is fundamental to prevent instability and erosion. Interventions in the riparian vegetation aim for its improvement and conservation, as it acts as a sediment retention element and bank stabilization, without intending to eliminate it.
Regarding the cleaning actions in the waterways, the CHJ has detailed that these include forestry treatments, brush clearing, pruning, cane management, and bank protection measures based on bioengineering solutions. The last certified cleaning in the waterways of the reservoirs of Forata, Loriguilla, and Buseo was carried out in October 2024, according to the submitted report.
The absence of vegetation in the waterways could increase erosion and instability due to the increase in water velocity, which could lead to severe problems. However, the presence of vegetation helps to mitigate damage by decreasing water speed, although it is not considered a determining factor in such damages.
Regarding the Buseo dam, the CHJ points out that it is not state-owned and its operation is not the responsibility of that river basin organization. The dam has a maximum normal capacity of 7 hm3 and a coronation level of 8.2 hm3, with a surface spillway of lateral overflow type and a maximum drainage flow of 268.18 m3/second.
In summary, the CHJ emphasizes the importance of vegetation in the waterways as an essential natural component for the ecological and hydraulic balance of the rivers, highlighting that cleaning actions seek to improve and conserve this vegetation without intending its removal.