The mayor of Martos, Emilio Torres, and the Councilor for the Environment, Alejandro Expósito, detailed the measures promoted by the City Council in an extraordinary informative commission. The facility, operational since 2017 without significant incidents, has experienced occasional episodes of smoke and odors in recent weeks, possibly influenced by exceptional weather conditions and the plant's production rate.
Torres recalled that air quality control is the responsibility of the Regional Government of Andalusia, but assured that the City Council is involved. Contacts are maintained with the company to report incidents and seek solutions. On July 27th, the mayor sent an official communication to the president of DCOOP requesting immediate measures and offering collaboration.
The communication also outlined potential actions by the City Council if incidents persist, such as reporting to competent authorities, requesting emission controls, reviewing environmental permits, and implementing air quality monitoring. The mayor highlighted the company's willingness to cooperate.
The plant has temporarily halted its activity since July 27th as a preventive measure while the circumstances are analyzed. "The goal is to balance economic activity, fundamental to our olive oil sector and employment, with the protection of health, residents' well-being, and air quality," stated Torres.
The City Council recalled a similar situation between 2015 and 2017 with another facility in the sector, which concluded with the implementation of technological improvements and control systems. The mayor conveyed a message of calm, assuring that the City Council will continue monitoring the situation and act firmly to ensure industrial activities respect the environment, public health, and the quality of life for Martos residents.
