WRITTEN QUESTION E-0253/02

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(6 February 2002)

Subject: Clophen leak at the DEI steam electric station at Agios Dimitrios in Kozani

On 25 December 2001 an explosion was recorded in the high voltage transformer at the Greek Electricity Board (DEI) steam electric station at Agios Dimitrios in Kozani, resulting in the leak of toxic gases, such as Clophen and dioxins. In fact, it was confirmed that of the condensers' three Clophen containers (each condenser contains 20-30 kilos of Clophen), two were empty, and those responsible concluded that there had been a leak of this dangerous substance.

Under Directive 96/59/EC(1) on the disposal of polychlorinated biphenyls and polychlorinated terphenyls (PCB/PCT), the Member States must ensure that inventories are compiled of equipment with PCB volumes of more than 5 dm3, must send summaries of such inventories to the Commission at the latest three years after the adoption of the Directive, and must draw up plans for the decontamination and/or disposal of inventoried equipment and the PCBs contained therein, together with outlines for the collection and subsequent disposal of equipment. In addition, there is considerable concern over the effects which these toxic substances may have on public health.

In view of the above, can the Commission say whether the relevant Greek authorities are implementing the above directive and whether they have sent the Commission, under Directive 78/319/EEC(2), a situation report on the disposal of toxic and dangerous waste in Greece, and if so when?

(1) OJ L 243, 24.9.1996, p. 31.

(2) OJ L 84, 31.3.1978, p. 43.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(2 April 2002)

The Commission shares the view of the Honourable Member on the importance of a safe handling and disposal of equipment containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). As correctly pointed out, Article 4 of Council Directive 96/59/EC of 16 September 1996 on the disposal of PCBs and polychlorinated terphenyls (PCTs) requires Member States to establish an inventory of equipment containing more than five litres of PCBs and to submit a summary of such inventory to the Commission.

In April 2000, the Commission launched an infringement procedure against Greece for failure to comply with Articles 4.1 and 11 of Directive 96/59/EC, in particular for failing to submit a summary of the inventory of equipment, a plan for disposal of such equipment and the guidelines for collection and disposal of non-inventoried equipment. In the frame of an exchange of correspondence, the Greek authorities communicated some information to the Commission. However, the latter considered that this information was not sufficient pursuant to the obligations laid down in the Articles 4.1 and 11 of the Directive. Therefore, the Commission has decided on the 20 December 2001 to bring the matter before the Court.

Concerning the implementation of Council Directive 91/689/EEC of 12 December 1991 on hazardous waste(1), the Commission has launched since September 1998 an infringement procedure against Greece for failure to submit the information required under Article 8 (3) on installations carrying out the recovery or disposal of hazardous waste. The case is already brought before the Court (case C-33/2001).

As for the report on the implementation of the Directive on hazardous waste, pursuant to Council Directive 91/692/EEC of 23 December 1991 standardizing and rationalizing reports on the implementation of certain Directives relating to the environment(2), the Greek authorities submitted the reply to the corresponding questionnaire for the period covering 1998-2000, on 21 November 2001.

(1) OJ L 377, 31.12.1991, p. 20.

(2) OJ L 377, 31.12.1991, p. 48.