Encamp Council to Vacuum Duckweed and Drain Parc de l'Ossa Pond

Encamp's local council will aspirate the vegetative layer covering the pond in Parc de l'Ossa next week, followed by a full drain, debris removal, and refilling with river water.

Consol Major Laura Mas detailed the plan after Thursday's council session, addressing concerns raised by opposition councillor Marta Pujol. Mas clarified that the surface layer consists of duckweed, not algae, and stressed that the prior ultrasound treatment had succeeded in controlling algal growth. Council workers extracted 1,200 kilograms of algae from the pond in August.

The process will begin by vacuuming the duckweed from the water's surface. Workers will then clear any remaining residues, drain the pond completely, and replenish it with fresh river water to maintain its natural character.

Mas emphasised following technical recommendations and noted that water entering and leaving the pond flows cleanly to the river. She rejected alternatives floated by Pujol, such as converting the area into a leisure, rest, or planting zone if river water proves unsuitable.

Pujol challenged the ultrasound system's effectiveness, claiming the pond still shows algae and other growth. She warned of potential added costs from the ongoing efforts and urged consideration of other uses for the space.

The council session also approved updates to the bulky waste collection service, allowing residents to request pickups by phone or WhatsApp and agree on exact locations. Further updates on the pond works are expected as they advance.