Well done to PlanetBrain for sharing this reply from the International Blue Flag Coordinator regarding beaches and the awarding of Blue Flags, a subject which causes much comment each year.
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your email and your interest in the Blue Flag programme.
As you may find in the interpretation guide of the criteria for Blue Flag, criteria 9 states that the collection, treatment and discharge of urban wastewater in the community must meet national/ international standards and comply with national/international legislation. For the countries in EU, there are requirements for the treatment and effluent quality given in the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). A number of new EU countries have been granted dispensation from the EU Directive. This is the case of Spain where national legislation is applied.
The Spanish Ministry of Environment informs that the sewage treatment plant in Nerja will be finished by 2015. The municipality is aware of the need of such service within the area.
What is compulsory for every European country with Blue Flag is to have an excellent water quality, according to the European Water Quality Directive.(criteria 8)
Blue Flag beaches in Nerja have an excellent water quality. You may check it here: http://www.juntadeandalucia.es/salud/sites/csalud/galerias/documentos/c_3_c_2_medio_ambiente_y_salud/zona_banos_litorales/playas_2012/malaga.pdf
We strongly advise you to forward your complaint to the Regional Health Authorities in Malaga, belonging to the Regional Government, Junta de Andalucia.
Here where to find them: http://www.juntadeandalucia.es/salud/sites/csalud/contenidos/Informacion_General/c_1_c_3_delegaciones/Delegacion_Malaga?perfil=ciud
You may also make a petition at:
http://nayade.msc.es/Splayas/ciudadano/verSugerenciaCiudadanoAction.do
Regards,
Sophie Bachet
International Blue Flag Coordinator