WRITTEN QUESTION E-2990/97 by Joan Vallvé (ELDR) to the Commission (1 October 1997)

Subject: Sand extraction project in the south-eastern part of Majorca

The Directorate-General of the Spanish Environment Ministry has begun the administrative procedure to seek approval for sand to be extracted in a new area off the coast of Majorca. In this instance there are plans to extract 8 million cubic metres of sediment in an area of between 72 and 170 hectares off the south-east coast of Majorca, to be used for the 'regeneration' of beaches.

The size of the project has caused alarm within the local fishing sector, which fears that its traditional fishing grounds will be destroyed, as happened in Palma Bay in 1989 when 500 000 cubic metres were extracted. In the current case, where sixteen times as much sand is to be removed, the economic and environmental impact could be disastrous, especially in view of the fact that the project will be located in areas populated by Posidonia Oceanica which are specifically protected under Directive 92/43/EEC ((OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7. )) on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. This question was referred to the EC two years ago, an event which caused much rejoicing in Majorca.

Is the EC aware of the project in question and of the consequences which, pursuant to Directive 85/337/EEC ((OJ L 175, 5.7.1985, p. 40. )) on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, it will have for the area's economy and ecosystem?

Does the Commission consider that, in an area such as the waters around the Balearic Islands in which fishing grounds are becoming increasingly impoverished on account of illegal fishing, sand extraction and pollution, it is sensible to allow such environmentally damaging activities to continue?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (13 November 1997)

In written question E-2730/94 ((OJ C 152, 19.06.1995. )), the Honourable Member informed the Commission that Spanish authorities had authorised the extraction of sand from the sea-bed off Majorca in order to restore beaches. It was pointed out that this could cause the destruction of the banks of Posidonia Oceanica, a priority habitat that is protected under Annex I of Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora ((OJ L 206, 22.7.1992. )).

The extraction of sand is one of the projects under Annex II 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 ((OJ L 175, 5.7.1985. )). Under Article 4(2), projects listed in Annex II must follow the environmental impact assessment procedure, in accordance with Articles 5 to 10, where Member States consider that their characteristics so require.

In response to a request for comments by the Commission, the Spanish authorities indicated that the project in question had undergone an environmental impact assessment, as laid down in Directive 85/337/EEC, before authorisation was granted. The environmental impact declaration was published in the Spanish Official Gazette ((BOE No 138, 7.6.1996. )). This declaration stipulated that steps would be taken to minimise the impact on the environment and that an environmental monitoring plan would also have to be carried out during the operation. According to the Spanish authorities, the site chosen for the extraction of sand will not affect the banks of Posidonia Oceanica.

The Commission has no knowledge of the project referred to in the question. However, it will once again address the Spanish authorities to ensure that the above-mentioned Directives are abided by.