The City Council of Iruraiz-Gauna has shown itself against the high-voltage power line that will pass through the territory of Álava. The municipal groups of EAJ-PNV and EH Bildu have decided at Tuesday’s plenary session to present their allegations and will ask the Government of Madrid not to draft the bill. According to the technical report made by the City Hall, the electric line "will have a great impact on the whole region, on the vegetation, fauna, population, socioeconomic sector and landscape in general".

This high-voltage line will travel about 40 kilometers from the Alavesa plains. In the case of Iruraiz-Gauna, it is proposed to install eighteen high-voltage towers of 72 meters in an area that will pass through public utility forests, as explained by EH Bildu de Iruraiz-Gauna. In addition, the infrastructure will be located very close to the village of Arrieta, less than 500 metres above sea level.

Environmental Impact Report

The Environmental Impact Report prepared by the City Council contains "very serious" impacts in terms of fauna, flora and landscape.

-On the one hand, it will affect migratory bird footsteps and nidification areas of endangered species (such as alimoche and brittle bones).

-On the other hand, the area is an ecological corridor that would "unacceptable" affect the quality of the landscape.

In addition, the report mentions the risk of fires, the impact on water courses, the damage to other existing infrastructures and the damage to agricultural and livestock holdings in the area.

Finally, the report states that noise and electromagnetic radiation will also be generated.