Spanish government authorises the dismantling of gas installations near Doñana National Park

These decommissioning tasks will consist of permanently sealing the wells with cement barriers to prevent any gas leakage to the surface or aquifers, ensuring the stability of the subsoil in an area of high water and environmental sensitivity.

The environmental restoration plan envisages the dismantling of all above-ground elements such as filtration equipment, ponds and electrical systems, as well as the removal of any above-ground traces of the gas pipelines through internal cleaning and underground sealing.

The sealing process involves cutting and retrieving the production tubing in its first 50 to 150 metres of depth, while the remainder of the tubing is left in the well. In addition, a primary cement barrier will be installed over the perforations in the production zone, then a secondary barrier at a higher location to cover any potential failure of the primary barrier, and, lastly, a third surface barrier at the top of the well.

Once the facilities have been dismantled, a series of actions are planned to return the land to its owners so that it can be put to more natural uses such as agricultural or livestock farming. The land will be restored to its original condition, which will involve soil decompaction and revegetation with native species adapted to the area's soil conditions.

Central government will consult with the affected public administrations and other interested parties regard the project. Also, it will assess whether to make the project available for public comment.