European Blue Flag Sparks Debate Between Garda Uno and Trentino Locals
The satisfaction of Azienda speciale Garda Uno and the irony of the Trentino locals. Opposite reactions to the awarding of the European Blue Flag to Sirmione.
Comments on the Blue Flag and service organization
“That blue flag, signifying complete swimming water quality, was hoisted for the first time in ’99, and it was a big celebration,” affirms Guido Maruelli, president of Garda Uno -. “But if each municipality in previous years had acted independently, with autonomous purification systems, without relying on the consortium, the awards obtained would never have been achieved. It’s appropriate that other services be managed in the same way, in the interest of the entire basin.”
In the past, sewage was entirely discharged into the lake. Now it is transported to the large and efficient Peschiera wastewater treatment plant. Continuous efforts have ensured that periodic controls on the 52 beaches of the Brescia Riviera, carried out by the Ufficio igiene dell’AsI, have produced excellent results. Positive feedback has also come from the Veronese side».
Concerns and opinions on water quality and European promotion
At Riva, however, doubts remain. Giancarlo Angelini, a former journalist and prominent member of the Fraglia Vela, actively involved in environmental protection, raises concerns about the European Union’s choice.
“I know Sirmione for visiting the thermal center, which has become quite routine in recent days. And I notice the quality of its livability, with absurd and chaotic traffic in the narrow, medieval historic center.”
By making fair comparisons, I also observe the Alto Garda areas. Well, if Sirmione has been awarded a Blue Flag, then we should be handed… enormous banners.”
“Because, in the lower lake area, due to the shallowness, heavy human load, purification systems, and the absence of tributaries, the water’s crystal clarity has always been problematic. I’m not saying it’s polluted, but even just looking at it causes discomfort.”
“We all know that the first wastewater treatment plants were built in Alto Garda, when the beaches at the bottom of the lake were still declared unfit. And the water coming from the Sarca River arrives directly from the Adamello.”
“That recognition seems more like a political move. I don’t know; perhaps the promotion authorities made an effort, or maybe some friendly parliamentarian. Who knows! Here, we see clear seabed even several meters below the surface; down there, it’s visible with just one meter of water.”
“In any case, if Sirmione earned this favorable recognition, I really want to know why the Trentino coastline, which has every reason to, wasn’t mentioned. Don’t we have saints in the European Union?”