WRITTEN QUESTION E-1053/02 by Laura González Álvarez (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Atmospheric and noise pollution in Logrezana (Carreño, Asturias, Spain).
Date: 2002-04-17
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European Commission, Principality of Asturias, air quality, application of EU law, exchange of information, infringement procedure (EU), noise, waste management

14.11.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 277 E/139

(2002/C 277 E/157)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1051/02

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(17 April 2002)

Subject: Israel’s destruction of EU-funded projects

Will the Commission be pressing Israel to reimburse the EU for the damage caused to EU-funded projects
in the Occupied Territories?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(6 May 2002)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written E-0348/02 by Mrs Maes (1).

(1) See page 35.

(2002/C 277 E/158)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1053/02

by Laura González Álvarez (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(17 April 2002)

Subject: Atmospheric and noise pollution in Logrezana (Carreño, Asturias, Spain)

Since 1989, the inhabitants of Logrezana, in the municipality of Carreño (Asturias), have been making
complaints about the atmospheric and sound pollution arising from a number of slag mills located
approximately 300 metres from their houses. These mills are responsible for a high level of potential
pollution under the definition in Annex I of Directive No 96/61 (1) concerning integrated pollution
prevention and control. The machinery used for treating the slag is generating noise levels considered
unacceptable by expert opinion.

Despite the inspections carried out by the environment ministry of the Principality of Asturias, no action
has been taken to date to implement the corrective measures which are required to put a stop to the
environmental effects of these activities, which are damaging the rights of the public to health and a clean
environment.

Can the Commission state whether the following directives are applicable to this case:

> Directive 91/156/EEC (2) amending Directive 75/442/EEC (3) on waste, which obliges the Member
States to ensure waste recovery without endangering human health and without using processes or
methods which could damage the environment;

> Directive 96/61/EC concerning integrated pollution prevention and control;

> Directive 2000/14/EEC (4) on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the noise

emission in the environment by equipment for use outdoors?

What action does the Commission intend to take vis-à-vis the competent authorities in order to ensure
compliance with Community law and, specifically, the proper implementation of the above directives?

(1) OJ L 257, 10.10.1996, p. 26.
(2) OJ L 78, 26.3.1991, p. 32.
(3) OJ L 194, 25.7.1975, p. 39.
(4) OJ L 162, 3.7.2000, p. 1.

C 277 E/140

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

14.11.2002

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(13 June 2002)

The Commission was unaware of the situation described by the Honourable Member.

The Commission has sent a letter to the Spanish authorities asking for their comments on the situation
reported and on their fulfilment of obligations under EU environmental law which may be applicable in
the case in point.

The information provided in the Honourable Member’s question is not enough to determine absolutely
whether the installation concerned is covered by Council Directive 96/61/EC of 24 September 1996
concerning integrated pollution prevention and control (IPPC). In any case, Article 5 of the IPPC Directive
provides for transitional arrangements for existing installations (i.e.
into service before
those put
30 October 1999, the deadline for incorporation of the Directive into national law).

following infringement proceedings initiated by the Commission under Article 226 of the
Moreover,
EC Treaty, the Court of Justice ruled on 7 March 2002 (1) that Spain had failed to incorporate Directive 96/
61/EC into national law.

The installation referred to in the written question does not seem to be covered by Directive 2000/14/EC
of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 May 2000 on the approximation of the laws of the
Member States relating to the noise emission in the environment by equipment for use outdoors.

The deadline for the incorporation of Directive 2000/14/EC into national law expired on 3 July 2001.
Having received no notification of national implementing measures by that date, the Commission initiated
infringement proceedings against Spain. The Spanish authorities have since notified the Commission of
measures incorporating Directive 2000/14/EC into Spanish law, namely Royal Decree No 212/2002 of
22 February 2002, published in the Spanish Official Gazette No 52 of 1 March 2002.

At all events, the Commission will, as guardian of the Treaties, take the necessary measures to ensure that
Community law is observed in this instance.

(1)

Judgment in Case C-29/01.

(2002/C 277 E/159)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1054/02

by Generoso Andria (PPE-DE)
and Giuseppe Nisticò (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(17 April 2002)

Subject: Environmental impact of the ‘La Marca’ waste dump

This question concerns the fact that there used to be a waste dump in the village of Sardone di Giffoni
Valle Piana (Salerno) called ‘La Marca’, which was closed down in 1978 because there were no safety
measures (sealing it off from the soil, compacting of the waste mass, daily covering of the waste, the
application of substances to reduce harmful effects, devices for the elimination of biogas or the storage of
percolate in special tubs). The situation is unchanged and, in particular, the percolate leaking out of it is
absorbed by the surrounding agricultural
the river Picentino and by the
groundwater.

land in the vicinity of

Can the Commission check the documentation relating to this serious state of affairs, ascertain the
environmental impact and take all possible measures to eliminate the serious danger posed to public health
and farming in the area and the damage caused to the town where the International Film Festival for
Children and Young People is held?