On 11 November 2025, ALDA, the Municipality of Barreiro (Portugal), and At Clave organised the second FIC-Fighters Citizen Engagement Workshop.
The workshop brought together 15 participants from different age groups, genders, and professional backgrounds, creating a dynamic space to discuss the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the phosphogypsum (PG) stack, widely known as the “white mountains”.
Located on the south bank of the Tagus River, the PG stack in Barreiro is one of the six case studies of the FIC-Fighters project. Once a major industrial hub, Barreiro accumulated large quantities of phosphogypsum, a hazardous byproduct of phosphoric acid production, between 1950 and 1989.
Stored for decades in open-air lagoons and piles, these deposits remain largely unremediated, continuing to pose environmental risks, while also representing missed social and economic opportunities.
Participants identified several urgent issues, including limited access to clear information on PG-related environmental liabilities, the absence of concrete and transparent remediation strategies, and the need for stronger coordination and governance involving all relevant stakeholders.
Citizens also voiced a number of concerns. These included widespread distrust in authorities and doubts about whether the affected area will be fully restored, as well as fears about pollution of the river, air, and soil, and the potential impacts on public health.
Attendees highlighted gaps in health and environmental monitoring, particularly related to respiratory and psychological effects, and raised concerns about the negative impact on neighbourhoods, including declining property values.
Participants expressed a strong willingness to remain engaged and to co-design future projects supporting the area’s recovery, with a shared vision emerging to transform the site into an open, green, and social space accessible to all citizens.
The workshop offered a safe and inclusive space for dialogue, empowering participants with knowledge, confidence, and a stronger voice in shaping their community’s future.
Stay tuned for more updates, results, and upcoming activities on the FIC-Fighters website and social media channels!
