WRITTEN QUESTION E-0510/03

by Joan Colom i Naval (PSE) to the Commission

(24 February 2003)

Subject: Danger of zebra mussel infestation if the Ebro diversion project is carried out under the PHN

The zebra mussel is a bivalve mollusc, a species that can cause large-scale ecological disruption because it covers every substratum in its path, thus damaging ecosystems. It can even seriously interfere with the operation of water supply infrastructure. It is posing a severe problem for the Ebro, and the nuisance would spread if infested river waters were diverted. From the legal point of view, it is forbidden to introduce exotic species which upset the ecological balance. Despite this, diversion of the Ebro into other basins is still provided for under the Spanish National Water Resources Plan (PHN) but is not subject to the stringent environmental impact assessment required to guarantee that the project would be safe.

Does the Commission intend to grant financial aid for a project that would entail disastrous consequences for the environment? In any event, should it support a plan which infringes the guidelines of the Water Framework Directive not only because it takes no account of the effects on the ecological state of ecosystems, but also because it disregards the principle that a basin should be treated as a unified whole, as well as failing to properly enforce the principle of recovery of costs?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(28 March 2003)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to previous answers to Written Questions E-2708/02 and E-2819/02 by Mr Davies(1); E-0638/02 by Mr Mayol i Raynal(2); E-3205/01 by Mr de Roo and others(3); E-2614/01 by Mrs Sornosa Martinez and others(4); and E-2568/00 by Mr Varela Suanzez-Carpegna(5). In summary, the Commission is engaged in an extensive dialogue with the Spanish authorities to ensure that the design and eventual implementation of the Spanish National Hydrological Plan is in conformity with Community environmental legislation including the Water Framework Directive(6).

With regard to the possible use of Community funding (structural funds and cohesion funds), the regulations associated with these funding programmes require that projects should be consistent with Community legislation and policy. It is the Commission's role to monitor that these rules and regulations are respected.

With regard to the issue of the Zebra mussel, the Commission is aware of its presence in the lower Ebro. The Commission is also aware of the significant environmental and economic damage, which can result from the introduction of this species into river systems. If water were to be transferred from the lower Ebro into other river basins there is a clear risk that the Zebra mussel would be transferred along with the water. The Spanish authorities will need to take this important issue into account when carrying out environmental impact assessments of the proposed inter-basin transfers.

(1) OJ C 92 E, 17.4.2003, p. 201.

(2) OJ C 277 E, 14.11.2002.

(3) OJ C 174 E, 20.6.2002.

(4) OJ C 134 E, 6.6.2002.

(5) OJ C 136 E, 8.5.2001.

(6) Directive 2000/60 EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy OJ L 327, 22.12.2000.