WRITTEN QUESTION E-0981/02

by Stavros Xarchakos (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(12 April 2002)

Subject: Waste tips in Greece and the destruction of archaological sites

According to Greek newspaper reports, an unsupervised waste tip is operating at the archaeological site of Parikia on the island of Paros in the Cyclades. This waste tip is located at Lakki, the site of the famous open quarries of Parian marble (ancient Greek, dating from the 6th century BC); this has been designated an archaeological site. It should be pointed out that the island of Paros is a very popular tourist destination, and the operation of this waste tip at the archaeological site in question is an eyesore and an insult to this site of great antiquity. The project to develop the galleries of the quarry is included in the proposals drawn up by the 21st section of the Inspectorate for Pre-historical and Classical Antiquities for incorporation in the third CSF, which shows the importance of finds in the area.

What view does the Commission take of the fact that a waste tip is operating at an archaeological site? What information has it received from the Greek authorities about the closure of waste tips which pollute the soil, the air and the groundwater in very many regions of Greece? Has any progress been made in the planning of sites for the safe burial of waste in all regions of Greece? If not, who is responsible for delays?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(23 May 2002)

The treatment of waste is regulated by Council Directive 75/442/EEC of 15 July 1975 on waste(1) as amended by Council Directive 91/156/EEC of 18 March 1991(2).

Article 4 of this Directive states that waste must be disposed of without endangering human health and without using processes or methods which could harm the environment, and in particular:

- without risk to the water, air, soil and plants and animals,

- without causing a nuisance through noise and odours,

- without adversely affecting the countryside or places of special interest.

Moreover, Member States shall take the necessary measures to prohibit the abandonment, dumping or uncontrolled disposal of waste.

In addition, any establishment or undertaking, which carries out disposal operations, must obtain a permit from the competent authority.

The Commission has started infringement procedures following complaints about landfills that do not comply with Community legislation. Furthermore, concerning illegal dumps in Greece, the Commission shall take all the necessary measures, in order to ensure that the provisions of Directive 75/442/EEC as amended are applied.

The new Council Directive 1999/31/EC of 26 April 1999 on the landfill of waste(3), which has come into effect on 16 July 2001, specifies the minimum requirements for design, operation, closure and after-care of landfills and will help to improve the management of new landfills in the Community. The Commission has already launched an infringement procedure against Greece for non-communication of its transposition measures.

The Commission invites the Honourable Member to submit more detailed information on this landfill in Paros. This information will be analysed with a view to assessing if Greece has violated its obligations derived from Community environmental law in this case.

(1) OJ L 194, 25.7.1975.

(2) OJ L 78, 26.3.1991.

(3) OJ L 182, 16.7.1999.