The Water Authority of the Province of Buenos Aires issued two key resolutions that strengthen the protection of public water domain and mandate the prior intervention of the agency in municipal works on the Atlantic coast.
Published in the Official Gazette, both regulations aim to unify environmental protection criteria on the Atlantic coast and the watercourses of Buenos Aires.
Expanded restriction on the Argentine Sea shore
Resolution No. 1520 extends the prohibition strip to 150 meters for subdivisions and buildings in General Pueyrredón.
The amendment to Article 3 of Resolution 126/2014 establishes that no subdivisions or buildings may be carried out within 150 meters adjacent to the ocean, nor on dunes and dune chains, even at a greater distance.
This change replaces the 100-meter setback in effect since 2014, aligning with the Water Code (Law 12.257) and strengthening the protection of coastal ecosystems.
The measure was agreed upon with private developers and validated by the General Government Advisory and the State Prosecutor’s Office, which ordered its notification to the municipality of General Pueyrredón.
Mandatory intervention in works on shores on the Atlantic coast
Resolution No. 1521 requires that the Water Authority participate before any modification on maritime or river shores.
The regulation establishes that no municipality may authorize works that involve material or legal alterations on shores managed by agreement without the intervention of the provincial agency.
It applies to properties adjoining the public domain, even if separated by streets, and is limited to sectors where Fiscal Tourist Units are located.
Environmental and urban issues due to uncontrolled constructions
The lack of oversight worsens coastal erosion, habitat loss, and urban disorder.
- Coastal erosion: The alteration of the natural relief causes a sedimentary imbalance affecting beaches and cliffs
- Habitat loss: Indiscriminate urbanization destroys vital ecosystems such as dunes
- Pollution: Construction waste and lack of sanitation generate impacts on air, water, and soil
Social and territorial management impacts
Unplanned urban expansion endangers infrastructure and hinders sustainable development.
- Urban disorder: Fragmentation of the territory without responding to community needs
- Saturated infrastructure: Pressure on basic services such as drinking water and waste collection
- Undeclared works: Tax evasion and lack of control, as detected by ARBA in coastal areas
Towards territorial planning with environmental justice
The new resolutions consolidate minimum provincial standards and strengthen long-term planning.
These measures allow to avoid local discrepancies, protect the coastal landscape, and ensure the integrity of the public water domain, laying the foundations for a more effective and equitable environmental management.
