Statement from the Public Works Ministry of Chile
This press release was published in English using an automatic translation system
The Ministry of Public Works , through the Directorate of Hydraulic Works, is promoting the development of river works designs on the Copiapó River , both in the urban and rural sectors of the regional capital. This is one of the most significant hydraulic infrastructure initiatives in recent years for the Atacama Region, with an estimated investment of $523 million and a project extension of 46 kilometers.
The project, called “Urban Copiapó,” includes the channeling and protection works in a total of nine sections: six in the urban area (between Paipote and Hacienda Margarita) and three in the rural area, with an area of approximately 854 hectares. The most significant sections include Paipote–Diego de Almagro, Kaukari Park, Maipú–Viel, the University of Atacama–Cancha Rayada, Toledo–Piedra Colgada, and San Pedro.
The initiative includes both the engineering design and environmental assessment through an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), currently being processed by the Atacama Environmental Assessment System ( SEA ). This process has taken into account the protection of native flora species such as the chañar (green grass) and the environmental considerations of other sectoral services.
On August 26, the Environmental Assessment Commission unanimously approved the Consolidated Evaluation Report (CER), marking a key milestone for the project’s progress. The favorable Environmental Qualification Resolution (RCA) is expected to be issued in September, which will subsequently allow for the Satisfactory Recommendation (SR) to be processed by the Ministry of Social Development and Family , a prerequisite for the start of construction in 2026.
The Regional Secretary of Public Works, Mauricio Guaita Juantok , stated, “This is a long-awaited project and a true milestone for the Atacama Region. It involves 46 kilometers of intervention on the Copiapó River, stretching from the Paipote Ravine to Hacienda Margarita. We have made progress while always respecting the environment, flora and fauna, and the communities. The approval of the RCA brings us closer to the next step: obtaining a favorable recommendation to begin work next year, prioritizing the most complex sectors such as Maipú–Viel and Universidad de Atacama–Cancha Rayada. With these protections, we seek to protect citizens and guarantee safety during large-scale events, such as floods.”
Meanwhile, the Regional Presidential Delegate, Rodrigo Illanes , emphasized, “Today, the Environmental Assessment Commission approved the river works project in Copiapó, both urban and rural, which provides certainty to our community against the ongoing risk of flooding. We’re talking about an investment of $523 million, in addition to the $1.4 billion already approved this year, bringing the total to over $1.9 billion in initiatives that will boost the regional economy and, above all, provide security to our neighbors who live along the riverbed.”
NEXT STEPS
Once the RS is obtained, the first works are expected to begin during the first half of 2026, prioritizing the most critical urban sections. These interventions include channeling, channel widening, and replacing bridges and culverts, designed to withstand floods with a 100-year return horizon, which will protect the population and safeguard the urban development of the regional capital.