WRITTEN QUESTION P-2248/01

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(18 July 2001)

Subject: Uncontrolled waste tips on the Aegean islands

According to newspaper reports, over 150 000 tonnes of waste are dumped annually in the 250 uncontrolled waste tips in the Aegean islands, and urban sewage often ends up in the sea: this has an adverse effect on the environment, public health and tourism. Article 3 of Directive 91/271/EEC(1) on waste-water treatment states that: Member States shall ensure that all agglomerations are provided with collecting systems for urban waste water, at the latest by 31 December 2000 for those with a population equivalent (p.e.) of more than 15 000 .

What reasons does Greece give for failing to comply with the provisions of Directive 91/271/EEC? What action does the Commission intend to take to ensure that the hygienic waste burial sites already planned and approved will operate as soon as possible?

(1) OJ L 135, 30.5.1991, p. 40.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(4 October 2001)

From the perspective of Community legislation on waste management, it is important to underline that Council Directive 75/442/EEC of 15 July 1975 on waste as amended(1) stipulates a number of obligations for Member States in connection with the management of waste disposal. Specifically, Article 4 requires Member States to take the necessary measures to ensure that waste is recovered or disposed of without endangering human health and without using processes or methods which could harm the environment. Member States are required under that provision to take the necessary measures to prohibit the abandonment, dumping or uncontrolled disposal of waste. In addition, Article 8 requires Member States to ensure that any holders of waste has it handled by a private or public waste collector or recovers or disposes it himself in accordance with the directive. Furthermore, Article 9 requires that waste disposal operators must obtain a permit from the relevant national authority. In addition to Council Directive 75/442/EEC, Member States must comply with the provisions set out in Council Directive 1999/31/EC of 26 April 1999 on the landfill of waste(2) and Council Directive 91/689/EEC of 12 December 1991 on hazardous waste(3).

With regard to urban waste water, the Council Directive 91/271/EEC of 21 May 1991 on urban waste water treatment(4) covers mainly the collection, treatment and discharge of urban waste water and waste water from certain industries. The mentioned Article 3 of the Directive shall ensure the equipment of agglomerations p.e. with collecting systems within a certain time.

However the Directive lays down certain general provisions for sludge as well, as the provision for registration or authorisation of the disposal of sludge before 31 December 1998 (Article 14.2) and the prohibition of the disposal of sludge in surface waters before 31 December 1998 (Article 14.3).

The Greek authorities have provided the Commission with their regulations on sludge required by the Directive 91/271/EEC in the year 2000. Besides the legal issues, the Greek authorities informed the Commission, that the main part of the sludge produced, is disposed in landfills and a minor amount is reused. For the year 2000 it was forecasted to dispose about 94 % in landfills and to reuse about 6 % in agriculture and others.

The Commission will nevertheless follow the Greek authorities' progress on the implementation of the above Directive.

If the Honourable Member or other person has any evidence to the effect that specific Community obligations have been infringed in any particular instance, it is open to them to bring the relevant facts to the attention of the Commission which would take all necessary steps to ensure that Community environment law is fully complied with.

(1) OJ L 194, 25.7.1975, as amended by Council Directive 91/156/EEC (OJ L 78, 26.3.1991) and Commission Decision 96/350/EC (OJ L 135, 6.6.1996).

(2) OJ L 182, 16.7.1999.

(3) OJ L 377, 31.12.1991.

(4) As amended by Council Directive 1998/15/EC (OJ L 67, 7.3.1998).