Observation of an estuary is always considered as being complex given the ebb and flow of the waters and so a study was requested by the experts lasting three years in order to lead to interesting comparisons and pertinent conclusions.
However, the conclusions considered as being “provisional” as they only concern a 2-year period of observation, have already given some interesting indications:
- pollution in the River Adour comes, for the most part, from upstream of Bayonne and very likely from the Pyrenees (and could be due to farming and products used in this economic activity);
- chemical pollution attributed to the Port of Bayonne and its industry is considered as being minor;
- bacteriological pollution is the most preoccupying, 80% of which is caused by the BAB agglomeration.
It is the responsibility of each entity to find solutions and the Port of Bayonne has already undertaken corrective action with a plan to treat rain water, systematic sweeping and vacuuming of the quays and setting up a washing station for lorries transporting bulk goods. Other actions are underway, with chemical pollution being an on-going preoccupation shared with the companies installed at the Port of Bayonne.
The CCI of Bayonne, the Basque Country would like the analysis work of the Observatory to be continued so that the results from the 3rd year of the study could be taken into account and suggests that this consultation and communal work be built on in the long term. The Observatory could benefit from a specific status and permanent funding, which would also guarantee its independence.