WRITTEN QUESTION P-1171/03

by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Commission

(24 March 2003)

Subject: Spanish National Hydrological Plan and Commission capacity to examine documents

In response to my question H-0810/02(1) in December, the Commission stated that the Spanish Government's response of July 2002 to the Commission letter of May 2002, providing further information on the Spanish National Hydrological Plan does not refer to an increase in salinity of 20-50 % in the lower Ebro.

I refer the Commission to Annex C19 (page 112) of the Spanish response of July 2002, which states that: (English translation) in conclusion, the increase of saline concentration in the lower stretch of the Ebro river, as a consequence of the development of all the irrigation foreseen in the long term (about 500 000 hectares), is between 20 and 50 %.

I note that this fact is not referred to in the main Spanish Government document, which concludes on the Ebro river (page 12) that: (English translation) from a qualitative point of view, there are no very significant effects even assuming the full development of all the irrigations foreseen in the long term. Nevertheless, the salinity issue is clearly raised in Annex C19.

I therefore ask again, in the light of this new information, for the Commission's response as to how it will ensure that the obligation under the Water Framework Directive to prevent further deterioration of the quality of waters of this river will be respected, given the projected increase in salinity?

(1) Written answer, 17.12.2002.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(15 May 2003)

In the Commission's answer to the previous question on the same subject (Oral question H-0810/02 of Mr C. Davies(1)), it was assumed that the Honourable Member was referring to the possible effects of the proposed Ebro transfer on the salinity in the lower Ebro river. The Commission now understands that the question is directed towards the deterioration in water quality, which is projected to arise as a result of changing patterns of water use in the Ebro catchment. These projected changes are unrelated to the issue of the proposed Ebro transfer.

The Spanish National Hydrological Plan foresees a significant increase in the area of irrigated land in the Ebro catchment over the next 20 years. It is possible that this may lead to an overall increase in the salinity/conductivity of the water in the lower reaches of the river. Today the conductivity of the water in the lower Ebro is in the region of 1000 micro Siemens (by comparison, the conductivity of sea water is up to 100 times this level).

The requirement of the Water Framework Directive(2) is the achievement of good ecological and chemical status in all surface waters by 2015. Clearly, a significant increase in the conductivity of water in the lower Ebro as a result of increased irrigation for agriculture may compromise the achievement of these objectives.

The Spanish authorities will need to address this issue in the development of the river basin management plan and the programmes of measures to be developed for the river Ebro under the Water Framework Directive.

(1) Written answer of 17.12.02.

(2) 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 237, 22.12.2000.