WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3742/97 by Anita POLLACK to the Commission. Conflict between structural funds and environment
Date: 1997-11-21
Institutions: European Parliament, POLLACK
Subjects: EU environmental policy, Portugal, Structural Funds, biodiversity, engineering structure, environmental impact, environmental protection, project evaluation

8. 6. 98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 174/113

(98/C 174/174)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3742/97

by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission

(21 November 1997)

Subject: Conflict between structural funds and environment

Given the over-abstraction from aquifers caused by intensive irrigation around the River Guadiana in Spain and
Portugal, is the Commission aware that the structural funding for the construction of Alqueva dam in Portugal
will threaten important wetlands including those of the Daviniel National Park, thus acting in contradiction of the
biodiversity strategy?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

(15 December 1997)

Following Portugal(cid:146)s application for the granting of Structural Fund assistance to the Alqueva project, several
assessments were made of the latter(cid:146)s environmental impact, assessments which helped to produce guidelines for
the drawing-up of an environmental management plan for the area concerned.

The plan subsequently drawn up by the Portuguese authorities and presented to the Commission includes some
minimizing  and  compensatory  measures  aimed  in  particular  at  lessening  the  effects  of  the  project  on  the
biodiversity of the region.

On  27  July  1997,  in  the  process  of  endorsing  the  programme,  and  aware  as  it  was  of  the  importance  of  the
environment in the context of the implementation of the project, the Commission provided for the setting up of a
number of technical monitoring groups, including one dealing with water issues and one dealing with nature
conservancy.  The  Commission,  the  authorities  with  special  responsibility  for  the  environment  and  non-
governmental  environmental  organizations  will  be  represented  on  those  groups.  The  Commission(cid:146)s  presence
will, in particular, make it possible to verify that the environmental management plan for the Alqueva area is
being implemented properly.

(98/C 174/175)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3743/97

by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission

(21 November 1997)

Subject: Chemicals which disrupt reproduction

What is the view of the Commission about alkyl phenol ethoxylates (APEs) [oestrogenic chemicals known to
disrupt fish reproduction] which are used in cleaners, dehumidifiers, corrosion inhibitors and de-oilers; is the use
of these products regulated in any way?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

(7 January 1998)

Alkyl  phenol  ethoxylates,  including  their  degradation  product  nonyl  phenol,  belong  to  a  group  of  chemicals
which  has  given  cause  for  concern  due  to  its  effects  in  the  aquatic  environment.  Lately,  the  alkyl  phenyl
ethoxylates have also been discussed in relation to endocrine disruption.

The Commission is currently forming its view on the risks posed by the alkyl phenyl ethoxylates. Nonyl phenol
has  been  given  priority  for  risk  assessment  under  Regulation  (EEC)  No  93/793  of  23  March  1993  on  the
evaluation and control of the risk of existing substance (1). The outcome of the risk assessment, carried out by the
competent authority in the United Kingdom, will include, if appropriate, a strategy for limiting the risks. The
result of the risk evaluation and a recommended strategy will be adopted at Community level and published by
the Commission. The Commission may then decide to propose Community measures within the framework of
relevant legislation.