WRITTEN QUESTION E-0333/99

by Gianni Tamino (V) to the Commission

(23 February 1999)

Subject: Plan for the construction of a port on the island of Ginostra

Ginostra is a small village of 30 inhabitants (with 300 to 500 tourists in the summer) on the south-west coast of the volcanic island of Stromboli. Residents and tourists arrive at the village by ferries and hydrofoils which are met offshore by a small launch which comes out from the little port and takes them to land via the Pertuso Strait. Since 1988 there has been a plan which was adopted by the Region of Sicily for the village of Secche di San Lazzaro, situated one kilometre as the crow flies from the centre of Ginostra, involving the construction of a 58 metre landing-stage and a mooring platform, both made of concrete and anchored on 34 piles, as well as a 1,5 kilometre road to the village with hairpin bends and a special departure area.

This plan is opposed by some of the residents, environmental organisations and many geologists and volcanologists because it would change the landscape of the coast irrevocably and affect the stability of the highly unstable slope. In addition, Under-Secretary Professor F. Barberi has pointed out the risk of volcanic eruptions, an opinion shared by the National and Regional Order of Geologists. These experts also point out that if the volcano erupted (the island is an active volcano of a similar size to Etna) the new road (replacing the boat service) would constitute a further danger for those escaping from the village. On 23 July 1998, the Commune of Lipari sent the Ministries of the Environment and of the Cultural Heritage and the Region of Sicily an application for confirmation that the project was compatible with the environment and could be carried out which does not seem to be accompanied by a study of the hydrogeological risks. In addition, many members of the EP requested as long ago as 14.10.1992 that the project be suspended on account of its considerable impact on the environment.

Does the Commission believe that in the case of a plan which has far-reaching effects on an area which is so environmentally and hydrogeologically sensitive and of such great historical and scenic value an environmental impact assessment is necessary rather than mere confirmation that it is compatible with the environment? Are European funds provided for this project?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(31 March 1999)

Based on the information given by the Honourable Member, the work to which he refers appears to be within the scope of Council Directive 85/337/EEC of 27 June 1985 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment(1) and, in particular, appears to be a project of the classes listed in Annex II. Such projects should be made subject to an environmental impact assessment (EIA) where Member States consider that their characteristics so require (Article 4, paragraph 2).

Further to the information given by the Honourable Member, it is clear that a study on the environmental compatibility has been foreseen in this specific case. It is not clear whether an administrative procedure for the approval of the project has been introduced (in fact the project appears to be at an early stage).

In the light of the above, a letter requesting information on these issues has been sent to the Italian authorities. The Commission will take the appropriate steps in order to ensure the observance of Community law.

However, it should be noted that, Member States are not necessarily obliged to carry out an EIA procedure concerning projects in Annex II (they are obliged to make a pre-assessment in order to establish whether these projects need to be made subject to an EIA procedure). In addition, Member States cannot be considered obliged to carry out an EIA procedure under Directive 85/337/EEC, with reference to any project still at an early stage.

It appears that the project is not in receipt of structural funds.

(1) OJ L 175, 5.7.1985.