The Harbor Office’s response was immediate to the many reports received in the early afternoon today regarding the presence of a greenish trail in the stretch of sea in front of the Paradiso area. The Harbor Office informs, in fact, that all the necessary checks have been carried out, both at sea and on land, through the use of its own personnel and operational means.
The investigations carried out made it possible to ascertain that the phenomenon observed is attributable to the excavation activities carried out in the area by the motor pontoon Carolina, engaged in the “Bolano-Annunziata” project, relating to sampling activities and the construction of maritime works preparatory to the HVDC connection of TERNA’s submarine cables intended to connect Sicily and Calabria.
It should be noted that the operations are regularly authorized by the Port Authority of Messina through a specific ordinance and were carried out in compliance with the established provisions.
Although no elements emerged that would suggest the presence of hydrocarbons or other polluting substances, the Harbor Office staff nevertheless proceeded with the sampling of the waters affected by the phenomenon. The samples taken will be subjected to analysis by the technical staff of ARPA Sicilia, in order to acquire any further useful elements and guarantee the maximum level of environmental protection and transparency towards the community.
Based on the investigations carried out, the phenomenon is compatible with the authorized excavation activities underway in the affected area. The Port Authority of Messina will continue to monitor the situation and follow the results of the technical investigations, ensuring constant information on the developments of the matter.