[Anonymous]

Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen,

Please excuse my English – it is not my mother tongue.

Having read a big portion of the Forum, I understand that the users have detailed knowledge of the currently declining market.

I have a few questions; and I hope and I will appreciate if kind users could give comments/ suggestions, or refer me to other sources of info.

The situation is that my wife and I plan to retire in two years time. By that time we would like to buy a two-bedroom apartment on Costa DORADA to live there during winters, i.e. the life-style choice – in the Forum’s terms. My budget is up to € 180’000, maximum maximorum – €200’000.
I would prefer a “lived-in” apartment, not a new one, with heating, with some view on the sea; ideally with a parking slot.

This February, we visited Costa Brava and Costa DORADA and found on the latter one an apartment, which seems to meet our requirements: 2-bedrooms, on the 3rd line, €200’000, but the apartment requires some repairs.
The agent hurries us – the apartment may be sold to someone else.

The choice of Costa Dorada is determined by several “objective” factors: travel time, climate, etc.

Now my questions, please:

1) In November 2007, a nuclear accident occurred at the Ascó 1 nuclear power plant in Tarragona. (The distance from the coast is about 44 miles, 70 km). Some 2 500 people (especially children) are being analysed for possible radiation. An opinion from a Spanih forum: El accidente fue tan grave que muchas partículas han salido al exterior y han sido recogidas estos días de campos, tejados y zonas cercanas).
The accident in Asco became known to Greenpeace and public only in April 2008.
Green peace sourced
I have failed to find reliable info on the pollution.

Do you have any info/comments on this?
Is it worthwhile buying a Geiger counter and measure the radiation myself?

2) Is it possible and feasible to buy an apartment directly from an owner, omitting agent?

3) The Forum speaks about a Bank evaluation of property. Where and how one can obtain it.

4) What would be an optimal timing, e.g,
(a) Wait and see and buy in X years time.
(b) Buy in autumn rather than in spring
(c) Make an offer, eg 65% of the asking price or bank evaluation?

Thank you for your understanding,
Tim_grig

[Anonymous]

Hi Tim
I think you have had no replies because you’ve posted this in the wrong forum!
The only references I’ve found online to the nuclear leak say that it’s only employees that are being monitored. But, who knows for sure…
DIY radiation monitoring will be a futile effort…effective radiation monitoring, to have any meaning, has to be carried out over a period of time plus you have to know what you are doing to be able to discount background radiation etc. If it’s something that bothers you, look elsewhere.
Yes, you can buy direct from an owner, assuming they are not contracted to an agent.
Try approaching your own bank in Spain for a bank valuation. If they don’t employ their own valuers, they will contract it out.
Optimal buying time? Who knows! That will depend on you and your financial circumstances.
All the best.

@tim_grig wrote:

Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen,

Please excuse my English – it is not my mother tongue.

Having read a big portion of the Forum, I understand that the users have detailed knowledge of the currently declining market.

I have a few questions; and I hope and I will appreciate if kind users could give comments/ suggestions, or refer me to other sources of info.

The situation is that my wife and I plan to retire in two years time. By that time we would like to buy a two-bedroom apartment on Costa Brava to live there during winters, i.e. the life-style choice – in the Forum’s terms. My budget is up to € 180’000, maximum maximorum – €200’000.
I would prefer a “lived-in” apartment, not a new one, with heating, with some view on the sea; ideally with a parking slot.

This February, we visited Costa Brava and found an apartment, which seems to meet our requirements: 2-bedrooms, on the 3rd line, €200’000, but the apartment requires some repairs.
The agent hurries us – the apartment may be sold to someone else.

The choice of Costa Brava is determined by several “objective” factors: travel time, climate, etc.

Now my questions, please:

1) In November 2007, a nuclear accident occurred at the Ascó 1 nuclear power plant in Tarragona. (The distance from the coast is about 44 miles, 70 km). Some 2 500 people (especially children) are being analysed for possible radiation. An opinion from a Spanih forum: El accidente fue tan grave que muchas partículas han salido al exterior y han sido recogidas estos días de campos, tejados y zonas cercanas).
The accide^nt in Asco became known to Greenpeace and public only in April 2008.
Green peace sourced
I have failed to find reliable info on the pollution.

Do you have any info/comments on this?
Is it worthwhile buying a Geiger counter and measure the radiation myself?

2) Is it possible and feasible to buy an apartment directly from an owner, omitting agent?

3) The Forum speaks about a Bank evaluation of property. Where and how one can obtain it.

4) What would be an optimal timing, e.g,
(a) Wait and see and buy in X years time.
(b) Buy in autumn rather than in spring
(c) Make an offer, eg 65% of the asking price or bank evaluation?

Thank you for your understanding,
Tim_grig

[Anonymous]

Hi Hillybilly,

I appreciate your prompt and informative answers to my questions, although posted in the wrong forum.

I hope I would find an appropriate one (may be you could indicate one); the “Spanish property insight” is very attractive for me: it seems objective and practical with minimal deviations from topics.

Regarding radiation and Geiger counter: it is more to morally re-assure my wife by comparing measurements, taken on Costa Brava, with those from France or Switzerland.

I have no account with any Spanish bank – and this is also one of a multitude of queries I have – what Spanish Bank on Costa Brava should I address.

Thank you very much for your time and positive and constructive attitude,
Tim

P.S. I tied to reply yesterday, but the Forum was unavailable, at least to me.

[Anonymous]

The forum crashed temporarily yesterday due to a surge of visitors. Sorry about that.

Tim, radiation on the Costa Brava is one thing you don’t need to worry about.

The nuclear incident took place hundreds of miles further south in Tarragona province, on the Costa Dorada, and even so there was little risk to public health in the immediate vicinity. Put it this way, I’m much closer than you would be in the Costa Brava, and I’m not remotely worried. Worry about things like legal building, build quality, water shortages, and price issues by all means, but radioactive fallout is a worry too far.

Yes, it is perfectly possible to buy direct from owners. Have a look at our private sales section of this forum

You can get a valuation (tasación) from any number of registered appraisal companies like Sociedad Tasación or Valmesa (http://www.valmesa.com). There are loads of others. If you want a mortgage, the bank will insist on which company you use.

Start looking now, and make an offer if you find something you really like. If you are buying a property to use for the long haul, and buy at a price you think is reasonable, then you don’t need to worry about short term price fluctuations.

Mark

[Anonymous]

Tim. Perhaps need to know which part of the Costa Brava interests you. We have a house near Begur, which is a lovely part of Spain, but has few two-bed apartments and, if you should find one, it will be expensive. This is one area where prices are not really slumping. You will find apartments further south near Tossa, Lloret etc, but I would think long and hard about living there. Be warned, also – the CB can be wet and windy in the winter – still great if you like walking, cycling or golf, but this is not sunbathing territory at that time of the year. I’d recommend a stay in January before you decide to buy. Still the best bit of Spain as far as I’m concerned.
PS – re your request about banks, I’ve got nothing but praise for the Begur branch of Solbank.
Hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

Mark,

Thank very much you for your positive and constructive post.

If you consider that I posted in a wrong forum, please advise where I should post, because I am not familiar with the topic (I am a mathematician).

Regarding the radiation danger:
Having read your post, I understand now that I’ve made a terrible mistake, saying Costa Brava (false) in lieu of Costa Dorada (true) due to my distraction and poor knowledge of Spanish realities.
Actually this February, my wife and I travelled from the North to the South of Catalonia (up to a place where la fábrica de cemento de CEMEX en Alcanar becomes visible) and back by car. Costa Brava seemed to be a bit cold and windy.
And it was actually on COSTA DORADA that we came across a suitable, lived-in 2b apartment. (All mathematicians are absent-minded).
And only recently I found out that in Nov 2007 there was a nuclear leak at Ascó, not revealed to public until April 2008.

Please allow me to post additional questions.

Regarding valuation:
I am actually studying the site you indicated http://www.valmesa.com (thanks again), but fail to find info on their fees.
But, why do people say Bank valuation? E.g., in your Forum, I believe, I came across recommendations for buyers to offer X% (X= 65-70) of the Bank Valuation, when making an offer.
Do Spanish Banks also do Valuations? Can banks or appraisal companies do it free of charge, like it is frequently done in France?

I believe, I should open an account with a Spanish bank, which could really help me with buying an apartment. I am afraid of taking a mortgage, but this will depend on the price and other conditions.
What Spanish banks are good in helping clients with buying property, especially in Costa Dorada? Not necessarily the biggest or smallest?

Thanks for reading,
Tim

[Anonymous]

Colin,
Thanks a lot for your info. But I have made an awful mistake: this is on Costa DORADA and not on Costa Brava that I am looking for an apartment. Very sorry about that – it was stupid of me, but now I am correcting the initial post.

Thank you again.

[Anonymous]

Tim

Even on the Costa Dorada you may find the winters a bit cold and damp, have been there both in November and February on our way further south, seems the weather improves in winters from Castellon south.

[Anonymous]

As always Caveat Emptor.

I recommend to anyone asking me about buying in Spain. rent first for up to a year. Many say that this is money wasted, but the cost of making a mistake as to area, property or whatever is a lot more.

Rent for a year at say 650 E p/m, 7.800 euros

Cost of buying a property , deciding it is not up to spec 5% agents fee,10% lawyer,notary, land registry etc 10%.

Cost of 200,000 e property 5%com to agent 10.000 euros.
10% lawyer etc 20,000 euros.

---

30.000 euros

Plus another 5% to the agent and another 10%when buying again.

Ok one can strike lucky and find the dream property first time round which would forego the need to rent , would you be so lucky?

Other tips, if buying a flat , buy the top floor, having Spaniards on top of one is a nightmare, furniture removals at 3am ,or showering, flushing toilets at 3am is part of their culture. Due to the low levels of construction standards noise travels miles in spanish properties. Neighbours to the side try to find out if their tv ,dvd is in the room next to where you are likely to spend most of your time. As we see and hear in Spanish bars, tv´s ,music players have to be turned on all day and night, but only at full volume.

If the property you like has a good view, do not believe the agent ,developer when he say the large open area opposite is a green zone and can NEVER be built on, chances are that a multi storey block of flats will be put up in a year or two.

There are many other tips, like do n´t speak to bar room lawyers.
Do not believe what you read in the press, international or local. Same goes for the local radio stations, they can only make money by advertising, they will print or say anything for advertising revenue.

Good luck in your search, Spain is in many ways a wonderful if frustrating country, do not wear rose tinted spectacles, be prepared for the worse and you will be ok.

[Anonymous]

As 135 says, never buy anything but the top floor. The people above us never sleep, ever, and we hear their every move as they stamp around through the night.

Mark

[Anonymous]

@mark wrote:

The people above us never sleep, ever, and we hear their every move

The new addition to your family presents an opportunity for revenge in the afternoons!

[Anonymous]

Very true Iano. I’m hoping he will scream to his heart’s content just around dawn, when they do appear to sleep.

Mark

[Anonymous]

I’m presuming you have a new addition to your family Mark? Many congratulations. 😀

[Anonymous]

@jiminspain wrote:

Tim
Even on the Costa Dorada you may find the winters a bit cold and damp, have been there both in November and February on our way further south, seems the weather improves in winters from Castellon south.

Hi Jim In Spain (already),

Thank you for your warning – it is a crucial issue.

My initial/current idea about Costa DORADA SOUTH, eg, Cambrils, is based on the following factors:

1) I do not like cold winters and dislike it more and more with years. I would like to live in to-be-my apartment in Spain from Oct/Nov to Apr/May to avoid cold winters in Eastern France.

2) However, I cannot stand hot summer days with temperatures above 26 degrees Celcius.

3) Commuting distance and availability of regular transport. E.g., there are regular transport lines, including bus service from not far from where I plan to live the rest of the year, eg, from Geneva to Catalonia, including Tarragona.

The current compromise has been Costa DORADA.

Having read your post, I understand that I could be mistaken, like I was with my initial destination – Costa BLANCA (actually too cold and windy in winter) and would like to:
(a) Find reliable info (not for tourists) on temperatures in Nov-May on the COsta DORADA.
I’ll appreciate if somebody could give a link.
(b) Go to Costa Dorada + Valencia for a week this November.

Regards,
Tim

[Anonymous]

@135yearswaiting wrote:

As always Caveat Emptor.
I recommend to anyone asking me about buying in Spain. rent first for up to a year. Many say that this is money wasted, but the cost of making a mistake as to area, property or whatever is a lot more. …

Ok one can strike lucky and find the dream property first time round which would forego the need to rent would you be so lucky?

Other tips, if buying a flat, buy the top floor, having Spaniards on top … As we see and hear in Spanish bars, tv´s ,music players have to be turned on all day and night, but only at full volume.

If the property you like has a good view, do not believe the agent, developer when he say the large open area opposite is a green zone and can NEVER be built on, chances are that a multi storey block of flats will be put up in a year or two.

There are many other tips, like do n´t speak to bar room lawyers.
Do not believe what you read in the press, international or local. Same goes for the local radio stations, they can only make money by advertising, they will print or say anything for advertising revenue.

Good luck in your search, Spain is in many ways a wonderful if frustrating country, do not wear rose tinted spectacles, be prepared for the worse and you will be ok.

Good evening, 135yearswaiting,

I appreciate your caveats – they are valuable for me + your comments are an example of the usefulness of and adding value to the Forum. I am glad to have met experienced people who are trying to be constructively helpful. Thank you very much Dear Madam or Dear Sir.

Having found an apartment which probably suits me inthe South of Costa Dorada (except for the price: from the asking price of 200’000 € I would like to find audacity to offer 160’000 €), I asked the agent (whose commission I have no idea of) to arrange that I could rent (a) this apartment for 10 days in Nov or (b) a similar apartment in the same building. The agent replied that that option (a) is impossible – the owners live there, and regarding (b) – no reply from the agent for a month now.

Thanks again,
Tim

[Anonymous]

@135yearswaiting wrote:

As always Caveat Emptor.
I recommend to anyone asking me about buying in Spain. rent first for up to a year. Many say that this is money wasted, but the cost of making a mistake as to area, property or whatever is a lot more. …

Ok one can strike lucky and find the dream property first time round which would forego the need to rent would you be so lucky?

Other tips, if buying a flat, buy the top floor, having Spaniards on top … As we see and hear in Spanish bars, tv´s ,music players have to be turned on all day and night, but only at full volume.

If the property you like has a good view, do not believe the agent, developer when he say the large open area opposite is a green zone and can NEVER be built on, chances are that a multi storey block of flats will be put up in a year or two.

There are many other tips, like do n´t speak to bar room lawyers.
Do not believe what you read in the press, international or local. Same goes for the local radio stations, they can only make money by advertising, they will print or say anything for advertising revenue.

Good luck in your search, Spain is in many ways a wonderful if frustrating country, do not wear rose tinted spectacles, be prepared for the worse and you will be ok.

Good evening, 135yearswaiting,

I appreciate your caveats – they are valuable for me + your comments are an example of the usefulness of and adding value to the Forum. I am glad to have met experienced people who are trying to be constructively helpful. Thank you very much Dear Madam or Dear Sir.

Having found an apartment which probably suits me inthe South of Costa Dorada (except for the price: from the asking price of 200’000 € I would like to find audacity to offer 160’000 €), I asked the agent (whose commission I have no idea of) to arrange that I could rent (a) this apartment for 10 days in Nov or (b) a similar apartment in the same building. The agent replied that that option (a) is impossible – the owners live there, and regarding (b) – no reply from the agent for a month now.

Thanks again,
Tim

[Anonymous]

Tim, the spanish market will soon be in freefall. In these circumstances there will be few buyers so think carefully. If you look at an apartment of €200,000 remember that there are thousands like it. Many will be on the market for 2 years +. They will be desperate developers/agents looking to sell surplus properties.

WHATEVER YOU DO PLEASE DO NOT BE RUSHED BY CORRUPT AND GREEDY AGENTS. I suggest that you get rid of the agent who is trying to rush you into a decision as a point of principle.
Probably there are no other potential buyers for the apartments you have seen. But the agent still wants to pressure you, he can’t help it. I bet he doesn’t have too many potential buyers, but he can’t help the typical agent bullshit ‘buy before it’s too late, prices are still rising fast in this area. This is a unique location, prices will actually continue to rise here, properties are selling very fast, usually within a few weeks’ hah ha, the agents are incredible in this country. I will be pleased to see half of them unemployed in a few years, that may sound harsh but they will get what they deserve.

Also think about renting. If the market drops by 40% over the next few years then that €200,000 apartment might cost just €120,000 one day. Rental properties are cheap as there are so many vacant ones. Take your time and don’t believe a word the salemen tell you.

[Anonymous]

Hi Mark,

Thank you for your piece of advice.

Tim

[Anonymous]

Dear Kingy,

Thank you very much for your interest in my situation and friendly advice, which I definitely intend to follow.

I plan to retire in two years time, and this autumn I hope to see some objective changes in the market on Costa DORADA, especially a decrease of asking price. Now, I believe, my agent has understood that I wont rush.

Another aspect of the price: the Spanish sites I’ve seen, say that the buyer should pay the lawyer’s fees and other expenses of the deal. My understanding is that this is probably not a legal requirement, but the current practice, established in the circumstances of seller’s market. Now, when the market is changing into the buyer’s one, a buyer might argue the “privilege” of paying all the fees? What would you think?
Or is it easier for a buyer to negotiate an adequate reduction of the asking price and still pay the lawyer’s fees and other charges?

And another question: The Spanish sites seem to be area-dependent.
What are the “best” sites to look for apartments for Costa DORADA?

Thanks again for your time,
Tim

[Anonymous]

Hi Tim,

indeed, there are developers that will be selling €200,000 properties for half that in a few years. As soon as they can accept that the market is a BUYERS market then you will see prices come down. Some people estimate it is taking 18 months ++ to sell a property now so you should wait , and wait, and wait a bit longer before you make any decisions. Check out this web site, but my opinion is that it is now most logical to wait for a couple of years before even considering making an offer. I reckon Spanish property markets will take years to recover. Remember that they have around 2 million surplus properies that are unsold and this will keep it a buyers market for many years to come.

http://www.kyero.com/

[katy]

But was the over build in the Costa dorada? and why get an Agent anyway if you have all that time to wait, sure way to negotiate.

[Anonymous]

Hi Kingy,

Thanks for your post.

I would like to buy an apartment in Spain when I retire – normally, in summer 2010, if no health problems arise.

Now, having read the Forum and some other less valuable sources of info, I am definitely decided to wait and see the market to evolve. Now I seem to better understand realities: property market appears very inertial, to change its direction and see the results is probably like changing course of an ocean liner – takes a considerable time.

I am now looking into http://www.kyero.com/ – thank you for the reference. What other sites are good to educate property market novices like me?

Best regards,
Tim

[Anonymous]

Good evening, Katy

Regarding Agent:
This February, when I travelled in Spain, it was my 1st exposure to the Spanish market. Since agencies are well presented there, I consulted a few of them, then a suitable apartment turned up, naturally together with its Agent.
Only now I learn that agents are not really necessary, but still I do not know sources of info to buy directly from owners. I’ll appreciate if you provide me with some useful info on where to look for and how to buy without agents.

In general, I like “la cultura Hispánica”, and I’ve even just finished first year of Spanish classes – 2 x 1.5 hrs per week.

Thank you for your interest,
Tim

[besj]

Hello Tim!
I am also looking for an apartment in Costa Dorada, more specifically Sant Carles de la Rapita which is about 3 miles north to the Cemex factory you mentioned earlier. I have spent quite some time there the last 6 years in summer, October-November and a few days in February this year.
I can only say that the summer can be quite a bit more warmer than 26 degrees Celsius. End of June early July it is ofen around 30 degrees, although I do not feel uncomfortable as you are very close to the sea and there is often a breeze.
The last week of October have had very good weather the last three years, Around 22 degrees in the day and just above 20 in the sea. The weeks we have spent there have been very pleasant.
I also was there in February this year and the weather those four days were nice, but the locals told me it had been raining for four weeks before that. I do not think of Costa Dorada as a winter place, unless you compare it to Sweden where I live.

Regards
Bengt

@tim_grig wrote:

@jiminspain wrote:

Tim
Even on the Costa Dorada you may find the winters a bit cold and damp, have been there both in November and February on our way further south, seems the weather improves in winters from Castellon south.

Hi Jim In Spain (already),

Thank you for your warning – it is a crucial issue.

My initial/current idea about Costa DORADA SOUTH, eg, Cambrils, is based on the following factors:

1) I do not like cold winters and dislike it more and more with years. I would like to live in to-be-my apartment in Spain from Oct/Nov to Apr/May to avoid cold winters in Eastern France.

2) However, I cannot stand hot summer days with temperatures above 26 degrees Celcius.

3) Commuting distance and availability of regular transport. E.g., there are regular transport lines, including bus service from not far from where I plan to live the rest of the year, eg, from Geneva to Catalonia, including Tarragona.

The current compromise has been Costa DORADA.

Having read your post, I understand that I could be mistaken, like I was with my initial destination – Costa BLANCA (actually too cold and windy in winter) and would like to:
(a) Find reliable info (not for tourists) on temperatures in Nov-May on the COsta DORADA.
I’ll appreciate if somebody could give a link.
(b) Go to Costa Dorada + Valencia for a week this November.

Regards,
Tim

[Anonymous]

@besj wrote:

Hello Tim!
I am also looking for an apartment in Costa Dorada, more specifically Sant Carles de la Rapita which is about 3 miles north to the Cemex factory you mentioned earlier. I have spent quite some time there the last 6 years in summer, October-November and a few days in February this year.
…
I do not think of Costa Dorada as a winter place, unless you compare it to Sweden where I live.
Regards
Bengt

Hello Bengt,
Thanks a lot for your information and your time.

I understand that Costa Daurada is probably not the best place for warm winters. My current decision is a compromise (or a concession) between travel (my wife does not drive, there is a direct train and bus from France), and the fact that my wife and I cannot stand hot summers (above 28 degrees, eg). Therefore, I plan to go there this November-December.

Since you know the region, especially you plan to buy a property there, could I please ask you some questions that worry me:
– What about the Asco plant with its accident last November? How objectively dangerous is it?
– Similarly, about the Cemex factory, though no accidents I’ve heard about?
– What could be, from your point of view, a range of prices for a small 2b “lived-in” apartment 200-300 metres from the sea, but without direct view?

Thank you,
Tim

[besj]

@tim_grig wrote:

Hello Bengt,
Thanks a lot for your information and your time.

I understand that Costa Daurada is probably not the best place for warm winters. My current decision is a compromise (or a concession) between travel (my wife does not drive, there is a direct train and bus from France), and the fact that my wife and I cannot stand hot summers (above 28 degrees, eg). Therefore, I plan to go there this November-December.

Since you know the region, especially you plan to buy a property there, could I please ask you some questions that worry me:
– What about the Asco plant with its accident last November? How objectively dangerous is it?
– Similarly, about the Cemex factory, though no accidents I’ve heard about?
– What could be, from your point of view, a range of prices for a small 2b “lived-in” apartment 200-300 metres from the sea, but without direct view?

Thank you,
Tim

– I doubt that there is any danger with the Asco plant. If there was a dangerous nuclear accident in Spain other media would have picked it up. Note that even the Chernobyl accident was picked up immediatelly even before it was official, also in Sweden where I live. I have not read about the accident before I read about it here. That makes me believe it is a minor problem.
– The Cemex factory has as far as I know had no accidents. The reason I have noticed it is that it is so ugly. I have talked with friends about whether it would not be economically benificial (I do not know the correct English term for thisfor the society to close it as it would raise the value of the housing areas around quite a lot from improved views (I am only half serious here…)
– I have only looked in Sant Carles de la Rapita as it is a village that I like for many reasons (although Mark mentions it as a place NOT too choose because of many ugly apartments). There it looks like the price asked is from 140000 Euro and upwards. What that means in real prices I do not know. There are MANY apartments available anyway….

[katy]

So, let me get this straight…can you clarify that there are actually two posters on the forum who are looking in this area. Are there two nuclear plants there. 😯 I am confused.

[besj]

@katy wrote:

So, let me get this straight…can you clarify that there are actually two posters on the forum who are looking in this area. Are there two nuclear plants there. 😯 I am confused.

Yes and no 😆
Two posters, one living in Sweden (me) one in France (?).
One nuclear plant (in Tarragona) and one cement (concrete?) factory (in Alcanar). I guess both look ugly, the cement one definitely (I have seen it many times) and probably the nuclear plant as well.

[Anonymous]

@katy wrote:

So, let me get this straight…can you clarify that there are actually two posters on the forum who are looking in this area. Are there two nuclear plants there. 😯 I am confused.

Hi Katy,
You are absolutely right: there are two posters (minimum) who are looking in the Costa Dorada area.
And again you are right about the number of nuclear plants there – two: ASCO-1, and ASCO-2. And both have have had nuclear leaks, following Spanish internet media:
The latest accident at ASCO-1 is briefly described in my topic-starter,
while ASCO-2 is reported to have had the latest accident in Oct 2006:

Eg, “El pasado lunes se produjo un escape radioactivo en Ascó-2 (Tarragona) que superó el total permitido en un año para gases nobles. Según fuentes de Greenpeace, la radiactividad liberada a la atmósfera en el escape del lunes pasado de la central nuclear de Ascó-2 superó, en tan sólo 4 minutos, el total de radiación permitida para todo un año para gases nobles radiactivos. Es decir, el equivalente a soltar de una vez todos los gases nobles radiactivos que se emiten normalmente en un año en la operación rutinaria de la central… ” http://barrapunto.com/articles/06/10/06/1219237.shtml

Plus, only one cement factory, as Besj correctly described it.

Best regards,
Tim

[Anonymous]

@katy wrote:

So, let me get this straight…can you clarify that there are actually two posters on the forum who are looking in this area. Are there two nuclear plants there. 😯 I am confused.

I am confused why anyone would wish to choose an area. out of the whole of Spain, where there are two nuclear plants…..that leak.

Tim – you ask:
“I have failed to find reliable info on the pollution.
Do you have any info/comments on this?
Is it worthwhile buying a Geiger counter and measure the radiation myself?”.

With respect, why are you even contemplating this? Spain is a big country, there has to be other areas that would appeal just as much without any leaky nuclear plants.

[Author]

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