WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2605/96 by Paul LANNOYE to the Commission. Environmental impact of the 'Transhennuyère' project designed to halt the over-pumpage of the Pecq- Roubaix aquifer by the transfer of water in particular from the Péruwelz-Seneffe aquifer, as part of the Hainaut Objective 1 programme
Date: 1996-10-11
Institutions: European Parliament, LANNOYE
Subjects: EU financing, European Regional Development Fund, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Province of Hainault, environmental impact, environmental protection, exchange of information, groundwater, water management













EUR-Lex - 91996E2605 - EN






Avis juridique important




|



91996E2605

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2605/96 by Paul LANNOYE to the Commission. Environmental impact of the 'Transhennuyère' project designed to halt the over-pumpage of the Pecq- Roubaix aquifer by the transfer of water in particular from the Péruwelz-Seneffe aquifer, as part of the Hainaut Objective 1 programme  


Official Journal C 072 , 07/03/1997 P. 0063 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-2605/96 by Paul Lannoye (V) to the Commission (11 October 1996)Subject: Environmental impact of the 'Transhennuyère' project designed to halt the over-pumpage of the Pecq-Roubaix aquifer by the transfer of water in particular from the Péruwelz-Seneffe aquifer, as part of the Hainaut Objective 1 programmeThe 'Transhennuyère' project, designed to end the systematic over-pumpage of the Pecq-Roubaix aquifer, where annual abstractions in 1990 amounted to 78 million m3, compared with an estimated natural annual replenishment rate of 57 m3, involves drawing water from the Péruwelz-Seneffe aquifer.The Péruwelz-Seneffe artesian aquifer is situated in the commune of Péruwelz and in the neighbouring Belgian and French communes. This border area is characterized by numerous springs, wetland areas and ponds which give the region a distinctive character in terms of landscape and biotopes.This area, which is situated on the Péruwelz-Seneffe aquifer, also includes a number of protected areas:- the 'Mer de Sable' nature reserve in the commune of Beloeil, which has also been proposed by the Walloon regional authorities for inclusion on the Natura 2000 list;- the 'Bassin de la Haine' special protection area' for the conservation of wild birds (within the meaning of Directive 79/409/EEC ((OJ L 175, 5.7.1985, p. 40. )) covers Péruwelz, Bernissart, Beloeil and other communes;- on French territory the area also covers the Scarpe and Escaut natural park.From available information, it would appear that the abstraction of water from the Péruwelz-Seneffe aquifer might cause ground water depletion and the drying out of wetlands and would probably be harmful to the biotopes and landscape.An environmental impact survey should therefore be carried out in respect of the project, which is covered by the definitions contained in Annex II of Directive 85/337/EEC ((OJ L 103, 25.4.1979, p. 1. )) and, in accordance with Article 7 of the Directive, the relevant information should be forwarded to the French authorities.Does the Commission not take the view that the favourable opinion given by DG XI on the basis of a brief and incomplete environmental impact survey should be reviewed and that the French authorities should be informed of the scope and nature of this project?Joint answer to Written Questions E-2605/96 and E-2617/96 given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (8 November 1996)The Commission would inform the Honourable Member that it is re-examining the 'Transhennuyère' project, designed to combat overexploitation of the Pecq-Roubaix aquifer, in the light of its environmental impact on the Péruwelz area.In view of the complexity of this investment, following a preliminary technical meeting with the Walloon authorities, the Commission asked for additional information to enable it to adopt a final position on the project.The Commission has informed the Walloon regional authorities that ERDF part-financing for this project has been suspended for the time being.