Stabia Thermal Baths: Parking near the springs poses a risk to the waters.

The Parco delle Acque di Stabia APS Association, founded to enhance the springs and promote the reopening of the spa with a focus on wellness, has raised strong criticism regarding the renovation plan for the Ancient Baths of Stabia.

According to press reports, the contract worth over €12 million to revitalize the spa includes the construction of a parking lot in the spa area, a decision the Association deems dangerous and contrary to the protection of the springs.

Supported by hydrogeologists, activists emphasize that parking lots close to springs can lead to contamination by hydrocarbons and harmful gases produced by vehicles. Despite possible sealing measures, the gases could still spread through vegetation, causing significant environmental damage.

The Association reiterates that this area should instead be integrated into the spa facilities and water use services, especially considering that the municipal administration plans to allocate it to existing spa departments and new thermal pools, with an extension of the contract of a further 5 million euros.

Hence the proposal to locate the parking lot more than 200 meters from the thermal area, outside the buffer zone for the springs established by local regulations, or even to extend this buffer zone. One suggested solution is to use upstream areas, such as the former Nuove Terme facility, connected by pedestrian paths and public transport, including the possible reopening of the inclined elevator planned by the EAV project from the Castellammare Centro station.

The Association also reports that a parking lot has been open in the spa area for over ten years, despite repeated complaints from residents, with negative consequences for the health of the waters. If the new project were to lead to the construction of a similar parking lot, those responsible could be sued for environmental damage and waste of public funds.

Finally, the reopening of the Terme stop on the EAV railway line is highlighted as crucial to ensuring efficient public transport, which is essential for local workers and for future spa tourism, in line with environmental concerns regarding the reduction of CO2 emissions.

The Association's appeal is addressed to citizens, Prefectural Commissioners, and institutional representatives to commit to safeguarding this precious natural and cultural heritage, which currently sees 24 million liters of potentially curative and highly therapeutic thermal water leak into the sea.