WRITTEN QUESTION E-2650/00

by María Sornosa Martínez (PSE) to the Commission

(1 August 2000)

Subject: New data on the environmental risks of the Júcar-Vinalopó water diversion project (Valencia)

In my Written Question E-0819/00(1) I drew the Commission's attention to the serious environmental risks posed by the Júcar-Vinalopó water diversion project for protected flora and fauna in the region. Specifically, according to the most recent report by the Spanish Ornithological Society (SEO), the work will affect populations of European short-toed eagle, golden eagle, goshawk, Bonelli's eagle, booted eagle, peregrine falcon, eagle owl and chough, which are protected under Annex I of Directive 79/409/EEC(2).

The SEO reports that construction of the project could lead to a decline in the above bird populations due to the effects of dust, human activity, disturbance of the soil and partial deforestation, destruction of breeding grounds and changes in river courses, all of which are considered exceptionally harmful for the Albufera National Park (zone ZEPA 159), which takes water from the Júcar (as explained in the previous question).

A fresh report entitled Hydro-geological survey and rules for the exploitation of aquifers in the Caroig area, which may be consulted at the office of the Hydrographical Confederation of Júcar, confirms the lack of a water surplus, which was the justification used for constructing the planned water diversion channel. This may mean that the current course of the project, running through the Caroig area, may in future need to take water from underground sources to supply new developments along the Alicante coast which already have a water deficit and will require even more water if they are expanded.

In its reply to my previous written question (dated 16 May 2000) the Commission stated that it was not yet in a position to say whether the Júcar-Vinalopó water diversion project would receive financial support from Community funds.

Is the Commission aware of the content of the above two reports?

Has the Commission already approved any type of aid for the work concerned?

How will the Commission guarantee that the birds referred to above and covered by the annexes to Directive 79/409/EEC are protected?

What measures will the Commission take to ensure that the protected area of the Albufera National Park is not affected?

(1) OJ C 53 E, 20.2.2001, p. 29.

(2) OJ L 103, 25.4.1979, p. 1.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(9 October 2000)

The Commission is not aware of the content of the two reports the Honourable Member refers to.

The Commission would point out that it is examining the environmental impact of the Júcar-Vinalopó diversion project as part of its investigation of a complaint about the same matter.

The Commission has examined the situation reported by the complainant and by the Honourable Member. It has approached the Spanish authorities for their comments on the project in question. It is requesting comments on how Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds(1) is being applied in this instance.

With regard to the new Structural Funds programming period, funding applications received in respect of the Comunidad Valenciana (multifund operational programme and Cohesion Fund projects) make no reference to the project the Honourable Member is referring to. This project would not, therefore, be included in the initial programming for that region. Quite aside from this, the Commission will in analysing both the programme and the projects, and before approving them take account of compliance with the Community's environment legislation.

(1) OJ L 103, 25.4.1979, p. 1.