WRITTEN QUESTION E-1499/03

by José Mendiluce Pereiro (PSE), Alexander de Roo (Verts/ALE)and Miquel Mayol i Raynal (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(5 May 2003)

Subject: Zebra mussels and transfers from the Ebro

The zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) is a bivalve mollusc some three centimetres in size, similar in appearance to the common mussel. The population explosion that results when these mussels are introduced makes it virtually impossible to stop them colonising the various natural and artificial substrata encountered in the freshwater environment. They feed on phytoplankton, for which they compete with other autochthonous species, disrupting the ecological balance. The pseudofaeces they expel cover the beds of rivers and reservoirs forming a cloak that is toxic to humans and also eliminates all fish in the zone concerned. The colonisation capacity of these mussels enables them to block irrigation channels, intakes and outtakes of power stations, hydraulic constructions of all types, turbines, drainage channels, tanks, engines and anchors of vessels, water treatment plants, streams and watercourses and even to totally obstruct pipes and pipelines. In the early 1980s they were introduced into the North American Great Lakes. Efforts to control the species have already cost some USD 2 billion and, despite this large-scale investment, it is now firmly established.

During summer 2001 the presence of zebra mussels was detected in the Ebro (at the Riba Roja reservoir and at various points between Flix and Xerta). In the space of a few months, the species became commonplace from the Riba Roja reservoir to the Ebro delta. It has recently been found in the irrigation systems of Les Garrigues and Terra Alta, more than 20 kilometres from where it initially appeared, having reached the area as a result of normal water harnessing.

1. Does the Commission know what measures the Spanish Government is taking to eradicate this pest?

2. Are any of these measures 100 % effective? If not, what measures would be 100 % effective?

3. Will the Commission support the funding of the National Hydrological Plan, under which it is proposed to transfer infected waters (from the river Ebro) to other river basins?

4. Would a transfer be legal under such circumstances? Would it not be in breach of the habitats directive prohibiting the introduction of non-native species?

5. Does the Commission plan to take a decision on the National Hydrological Plan before or after the eradication of this pest?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(5 June 2003)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Members to its answer to Written Question E-0510/03 by Joan Colom i Naval(1) on the same issue.

With regard to the specific issues raised in the present question:

1. The Commission is not aware of any steps being taken by the Spanish Government to eradicate the Zebra mussel in the Ebro river system.

2. The Commission is not aware of any method which is 100 % efficient in eradicating these animals.

3. The use of structural funds and cohesion funds is subject to the detailed rules laid down in the relevant regulations. These rules include the necessity to respect Community legislation and policies.

4. The Commission is engaged in an extensive dialogue with the Spanish Authorities concerning the proposed Ebro transfer and in particular with regard to the respect of Community legislation on water protection, habitats' protection and Environmental Impact Assessment. The issue of the zebra mussel and the threat of spreading this animal to other river basins is part of this dialogue.

5. The Spanish Hydrological Plan covers the entirety of the country and includes hundreds of proposed projects relating to the construction of sewage works, water purification plants, canals, dams, pipelines etc. The Commission will monitor compliance with the relevant legislation and will ensure that the detailed rules relating to use of Community funds are respected. With regard to the proposed Ebro transfer, which is part of the hydrological plan, the Commission is still engaged in detailed discussions with the Spanish Authorities concerning the environmental impact in the Ebro river, the Ebro delta and the receiving river basins.

(1) OJ C 242 E, 9.10.2003, p. 141.