The Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency for Parliamentary Affairs reiterated today the Regional Government's position regarding the decontamination of soils and aquifers in Praia da Vitória, stressing that "it is necessary to do more."
 
"It is necessary to intensify the decontamination, to make it more visible and to do more and better in the decontamination of the areas identified as contaminated in the surroundings of Lajes Air Base," said Berto Messias at the Legislative Assembly.
 
According to Berto Messias, "this is probably the most debated topic at the Azorean Parliament in the last decade." Nevertheless, it was possible "to establish a united common front and to achieve a parliamentary consensus."
 
"It is undeniable that there has been a series of measures and actions to monitor the areas identified as contaminated as well as to safeguard a matter that is absolutely fundamental - the safety of water consumption in the municipality of Praia da Vitória."
 
In this context, Berto Messias pointed out the "removal of pipelines in the area surrounding Lajes Base and the implementation of monitoring systems in identified areas, such as the Arms Gate and the South Tank Farm." Moreover, the government official mentioned "significant reinforcement of monitoring and water control quality in the municipality of Praia da Vitória, which is the most controlled water supply system in our country."
 
The Regional Secretary recalled that during the last meeting of the Permanent Bilateral Commission, attended by the President of the Regional Government, Vasco Cordeiro, the issue of decontamination "has entered a new political and diplomatic phase."
 
"At the last Permanent Bilateral Commission, Vasco Cordeiro made it very clear that the relation between Portugal and the United States will be shown in three practical results: concrete and visible measures for the monitoring and effective decontamination in the areas already identified or to be identified; reinforcement of transparency mechanisms for the works that are being carried out; a demanding and feasible calendar for noteworthy developments in six months or until the next meeting of the Permanent Bilateral Commission," said the government official.
 
Berto Messias stressed that the Regional Government has sought to ensure "total transparency about this subject." In this regard, the President of the Government has "reported and informed all parliamentary and party leaders of the Region about the outcome of the Permanent Bilateral Commissions on a permanent basis. Furthermore, he has already held three meetings with the Standing Committee of this Assembly in charge of overseeing this matter."
 
The Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs mentioned the CDS-PP proposal under consideration, which holds the Portuguese State accountable for the decontamination process through the Regional Finance Act. Despite being a legitimate claim, "it cannot diminish the responsibility of the United States of America, which holds the primary responsibility of decontaminating contaminated areas."