WRITTEN QUESTION E-2774/01

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(9 October 2001)

Subject: Eutrophication and dangerous toxins in nine large lakes in Greece

The results of studies by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki show that the considerable increase in levels of blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, caused by eutrophication of the water in nine Greek lakes (Kastoria, Ioannina, Volvi, Doirani, Mikri Prespa, Vistonida, Ambrakia, Zazari and Koronia) has led to the

phenomenon of green water, in which toxins are produced at many times the limits set by the World Health Organisation (WHO). They are dangerous both for human health, due to the cancer risk, and the ecosystem. Four of the lakes mentioned above (Volvi, Mikri Prespa, Vistonida and Koronia) are protected under the international Ramsar Convention.

1. Is the Commission aware of the extent of the problem in Greece, and what are its views on tackling it?

2. The WHO has laid down protective procedures for dealing with cyanobacteria toxins. How are these being implemented, both in Greece and in the European Union as a whole?

3. Does the Commission intend to use the results of the studies by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki to restore the quality of water in the lakes to normal levels?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(10 December 2001)

1. From research carried out on Greek aquatic ecosystems, the Commission is aware of water quality problems in Greece, in particular regarding the well known eutrophication problems of Greek water bodies. However, the present question concerns toxic species (blue algae in fresh waters), on which little information is available so far, but several studies are going on in various Member States.

Under Community law water quality problems are addressed by several directives, such as the Surface Water for Drinking Water Directive(1), the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive(2), the Nitrates Directive(3) and others. These directives aim at the maintenance or establishment of a certain water quality and/or the reduction of impacts on water bodies, especially regarding nutrients and dangerous substances.

The provisions of the above directives can in this sense be regarded as measures at source as they should protect against phenomena such as bad water quality and eutrophication being the basis for negative environmental effects, e.g. the occurrence of excessive concentrations of algae toxins. The excessive development of blue algae is favoured by high inputs of phosphorus, mainly originating from urban and industrial waste waters and agricultural fertilisers.

2. Standards, such as limit values for toxins, are not laid down in existing Community-legislation, as the problem had not been investigated and monitoring methods had not yet been developed at the time the Directives were adopted. There is a recommendation on one toxin only (i.e. Microcystin, a cell-toxin which harms enzymatic activity). This standard is being included into drinking water and bathing water regulations in several countries.

In the Fifth Framework of Research and Technological Development (RTD)-Programme (1998-2002), an initiative to build up a European wide network on the issue of algae toxins has already been started. Moreover, a number of research projects are addressing questions related to the development, control and abatement of toxic algae blooms in freshwater ecosystems. The Cyanotox project intends to develop an early warning system for the detection and monitoring of toxic cyanobacteria in lakes and reservoirs. The project Photox actually develops a novel technology for the photocatalytic destruction of cyanotoxins. On this basis, after an assessment of the problem at European level and of the potential for existing and advanced technologies to monitor and remove cyanotoxins from water, the Community could set up guidelines for measures on toxins in aquatic ecosystems and, if necessary, establish limit values on toxins in future Community-legislation.

3. In the agri-environmental measures under the rural development plan 2000-2006 for Greece (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999(4)) a specific action is foreseen in some

Natura 2000 areas of Northern Greece, including Lakes Vistonida and Koronia, providing for low input farm management systems, aiming at improving biodiversity at a first sight. However, this action should be beneficial for the quality of water in these lakes as well, since it will contribute to reduce pollution from farming.

The Commission also co-finances a project on the extension, improvement and modernisation of urban waste water treatment systems in the city of Ioannina under the Cohesion Fund. Once achieved, this system will have a positive effect on Ioannina Lake.

As far as Lake Koronia is concerned, the elaboration of a Master Plan, and the first phase of its rehabilitation were also co-financed by the Cohesion Fund. The next step of this project has been taken up in the Cohesion Fund's implementation strategy for the 2000-2006 period.

Moreover, a whole series of projects on the protection of biotopes in the Volvi, Prespa and Bistonida lakes were co-financed(5) during by the European Regional Development Fund under the Operational Programme (OP) Environment for the 1994-1999 period. The extension of these actions is foreseen in the relevant Operational Programme for the 2000-2006 period and in the Cohesion Fund projects for the same period. Protecting the biotopes will also have positive impacts on the lakes named above.

At present the Commission is in discussion with the Greek authorities on their review and enlarging of sensitive areas (under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive) and vulnerable zones (under the Nitrates Directive), as currently identified for tertiairy wastewater treatments and action programmes in agriculture in order to prevent nutrient losses. An improvement in this field would lead to more stringent provisions in endangered areas and would be a significant step forward in combating eutrophication and nitrate problems in surface waters and groundwater bodies. This improvement of water quality, in general, would tackle the problem of high concentrations of toxins as well, as this occurs as a consequence of eutrophication.

In summary, the assessment of research work done in Greece as well as the use of results within future projects, lies within the responsibilities of the Greek authorities.

(1) Council Directive 75/440/EEC of 16 June 1975 concerning the quality required of surface water intended for the abstraction of drinking water in the Member States, OJ L 194, 25.7.1975.

(2) Council Directive 91/271/EEC of 21 May 1991 concerning urban waste-water treatment, OJ L 135, 30.5.1991.

(3) Council Directive 91/676/EEC of 12 December 1991 concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources, OJ L 375, 31.12.1991.

(4) Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999 of 17 May 1999 on support for rural development from the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) and amending and repealing certain Regulations, OJ L 160, 26.6.1999.

(5) Environmental Operational Program in the framework of the Community Support Structure for Greece.