# CE2004078EN.01050401.xml

| 27.3.2004 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 78/504 |
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27.3.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 78/504

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(2004/C 78 E/0524)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3259/03

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(4 November 2003)

Subject:   Unpleasant odours from waste disposal site in Ano Liosia

Subject:

Not only the local residents but also the municipal authorities of Petroupoli have recently expressed concern regarding unpleasant odours emanating from the Ano Liosia waste disposal site, affecting the surrounding area and in particular the municipality of Petroupoli, causing serious public health hazards and in many ways detracting from the quality of life and development of the locality. The concern felt by local residents is all the greater because of the uncontrolled disposal at Ano Liosia of effluent from the Psyttalia and the Metamorfosi treatment plants, while plans are also being considered for the storage of waste at the Mousama quarry in the immediate vicinity.

Is the Commission aware of the above situation? What action does it intend to take pending the provision of new sanitary legal waste burial sites (HYTA), with a view to resolving the problem?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(17 December 2003)

(17 December 2003)

From the complaints it has received, the Commission has learned of the operation of the landfill site in Ano Liosia and the problem of the disposal of sewage sludge from the urban waste water treatment plant in Psittalia.

The operation of the landfill site in Ano Liosia is directly connected with the discharge on this site of sewage sludge from Psittalia. The Greek authorities have been asked to give the Commission information on the operating conditions at the site and explain why piles of waste collapsed on 10 March 2003. The Commission is still investigating the complaint to check for any incompatibility with Community environmental legislation.

Regarding the treatment of sewage sludge from the Psittalia plant, the Commission does not believe the Greek authorities have taken all necessary measures to ensure that the sludge is reused on the site where it is produced in order to ensure recovery or disposal without endangering human health or harming the environment.

On the grounds that the method of disposing of the sewage sludge from Psittalia, which consists of transferring it to the Ano Liosia landfill site, already almost full to capacity, is not compatible with the requirements of Council Directive 91/271/EEC of 21 May 1991 on urban waste water treatment (1) or of Council Directive 75/442/EEC of 15 July 1975 on waste (2), as amended by Council Directive 91/156/EEC of 18 March 1991 (3), the Commission has initiated infringement proceedings under Article 226 of the EC Treaty. A reasoned opinion was sent to Greece in July 2003. The Greek authorities replied, giving their comments on the Commission's allegations. The reply is now being examined. The Commission will take all the appropriate measures to ensure that Community environmental law is observed.

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(1)  OJ L 135, 30.5.1991.

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(2)  OJ L 194, 25.7.1975.

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(3)  OJ L 78, 26.3.1991.

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