Does the Muntanyans II site at Torredembarra have wetland
characteristics? Wetlands can be flooded or have water at or near the surface
for at least part of the year.
Evidence
1. There is recent video evidence of flash flooding from the
Gibert Torrent that discharges into the Muntanyans site. The flood images below
are from Platform Salvem Muntanyans, October 2006.
Flooding of the Muntanyans II site
Video: Platform Salvem Muntanyans October 2006
2. Wetland vegetation can be identified within the Els
Muntanyans proposed development, as well as further inland within the drainage
basin of the Gibert Torrent.
Wetland vegetation to the
north of Els Muntanyans
Wetland vegetation within
the Els Muntanyans proposed development
3. Wetlands have unique soils - hydric soils. These tend to be
black in colour, do not hold much oxygen and are saturated with water most of
the year. In the absence of oxygen, certain microorganisms produce hydrogen
sulphide from organic sulphur, giving these soils a charactistic rotten egg
smell.
Hydric soil zone within
the Els Muntanyans proposed development
