WRITTEN QUESTION E-1893/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (4 June 1997)

Subject: Integrated groundwater protection and management

With reference to the Commission 'Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision on an action programme for integrated groundwater protection and management' (COM(96) 0315 final - 96/0181 COD) ((OJ C 355, 25.11.1996, p. 1.)),

Will the Commission:

1. supplement the action plan in the framework directive on water resources with a clear definition of respective degrees of responsibility?

2. Develop the information and data-collection systems, in conjunction with the European Agency?

3. Provide for a series of accompanying measures, particularly with regard to informing and educating public opinion, as well as training administrators and economic operators (in particular farmers and consumers)?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (22 July 1997)

The objective of the proposal for a Parliament and Council decision on an action programme for integrated groundwater protection and management is to ensure that protection and use of groundwater takes place as part of an integrated management of fresh water resources and that groundwaters on a long term basis will be managed with surface waters within a river basin management approach.

In February 1997 the Commission adopted a proposal for a Council directive establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy ((COM(97) 49 final. )) which lays down the basic principles for integrated protection and use of groundwaters and surface waters within such a river basin management approach. Whilst part of the actions presented in the proposed groundwater action programme may be pursued through a variety of instruments, some may be strengthened through appropriate legal provisions. The proposed water framework directive is intended as a framework within which the protection and sustainable use of groundwater may be ensured through such legal provisions.

1. The proposed groundwater action programme is proposed as a framework within which Member States and the Community in close cooperation should develop the basis for sustainable groundwater protection and management. The proposed actions are presented with a clear indication of the respective degrees of responsibility for action at Member State and Community level. The action programme provides common principles and an overall framework for action whilst, in accordance with the principle of subsidarity, giving priority to action within the responsibility of Member States through specific national action programmes drawn up by Member States. Such national action programmes will supplement the proposed groundwater action programme as vehicles for the implementation.

2. Work is in hand to develop information and data collection systems on the state of groundwaters in the Community in close cooperation between the Commission and the European environment agency, through the establishment of a monitoring system for groundwater quality and quantity. This work will be adjusted as appropriate to the needs of the proposed groundwater action programme as appropriate in order to provide the necessary information for its implementation.

3. As part of the implementation, the proposed groundwater action programme requires plans for information and involvement of the public and of specific user groups when drawing up and implementing national action programmes. This provision reflects the importance of awareness of questions of a local and regional character when action is being prepared and put into operation.