WRITTEN QUESTION P-1440/02 by Mario Mantovani (PPE-DE) to the Commission. The problem of radioactive waste on the Ispra site.
Date: 2002-05-15
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Joint Research Centre, decommissioning of power stations, radioactive waste, storage of waste, waste management

5.12.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 301 E/145

(2002/C 301 E/156)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1433/02

by Camilo Nogueira Román (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(23 May 2002)

Subject: Major shortcomings in the implementation of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology’s

research budget

The Spanish Government has informed the Spanish Parliament
the Ministry of Science and
Technology failed to pay out 70 % of the budgetary allocations for research projects in 2001. Were these
projects possibly co-funded by the European Union? If so, what measures does the Commission intend to
take to demand that the Spanish Government meet its commitments?

that

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(25 June 2002)

The information provided by the Honourable Member is insufficient to determine which projects might
have received Community part-finance under the Structural Funds. The Commission would therefore ask
him to specify them more clearly.

In any case, all assistance part-financed by these Funds is thoroughly monitored by the Commission to
ensure that it is implemented in accordance with the rules and in a satisfactory way. The ways in which
this is done include meetings of
the Monitoring Committees, annual meetings with the managing
authorities and consideration of the annual implementing reports.

(2002/C 301 E/157)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1440/02

by Mario Mantovani (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: The problem of radioactive waste on the Ispra site

(15 May 2002)

In the answer to the question to the Commission tabled on 4 February 2000 concerning radioactive waste
at the JRC in Ispra (written question E-0217/00 (1)) the Commissioner for Research, Mr Busquin, said that
the waste was stored appropriately and monitored by instruments and that the Commission had decided,
in agreement with the Italian authorities, to review these conditions.

Following this review, what information and findings does the Commission have at its disposal? What
reassurance can be given to those living in the environs, who are in a constant state of anxiety because of
the possible risks caused by the shortcomings in the disposal and management of the waste generated by
the nuclear plant?

What is to be the final destination of the waste? Furthermore, has the final storage location of the waste in
question been decided? If so, is it possible to learn the details?

(1) OJ C 330 E, 21.11.2000, p. 104.

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(14 June 2002)

The management of nuclear installations, as envisaged in Article 8 of the Euratom Treaty makes the
Commission responsible throughout the life of a facility until it is de-licensed. Therefore, to comply with
national and Community legislation, the Joint Research Center (JRC)
is required to decommission its
shutdown nuclear installations and manage the associated waste. The nuclear decommissioning and waste
management programme of the JRC, spanning a period of about two decades, has the ultimate objective to
reach the so-called stage 3 (i.e. a status which allows re-use of the land and of the buildings), as
recommended by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

C 301 E/146

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

5.12.2002

Since 1999, when specific funds were dedicated to this programme (1), a series of actions has been
undertaken, including the modernisation and/or the construction of treatment plants (e.g. treatment of
liquid waste, decontamination plant etc.), the characterisation of waste stored in repositories, the re-
conditioning of old waste and the removal of irradiated fuel etc. Annual financial appropriations have been
steadily increased from EUR 3,8 million in 1999 to EUR 10,24 million in 2002. For 2003, EUR 13 million
have been requested.

Regarding the ISPRA site, all the actions above have been undertaken in close co-operation with the Italian
authorities (ANPA) and under their strict supervision. The discussions conducted with these authorities
have led to the formulation of the detailed waste treatment programme, of the configuration of the waste
treatment facilities being installed on the site, and more specifically, of the reconditioning of the waste
stored there. This includes the construction of characterisation plants, of a solid waste treatment plant and
of a specific ‘interim store’: works are under way.

Of particular importance is the design of this ‘interim store’ as a result of the co-operation with ANPA. The
treated waste will be temporarily stored in this store, while waiting for shipment to its final destination.
The national repository will be identified in Italy in accordance with European and the Italian legislation.

Upon receipt of the general data which the Italian Government should provide in due time on the
dismantling operations, the Commission will give an opinion on the plan for the disposal of radioactive
waste according to the provisions of Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty.

To reassure the local communities, the JRC has launched a number of actions. Specific meetings have been
organised with mayors and other representative persons of the villages and towns in the surrounding area.
On these occasions, an overall description of the decommissioning programme was given. Moreover,
brochures illustrating both the programme and its associated environmental monitoring programme have
been distributed. Additional actions are foreseen. Another meeting is planned with local communities and
will take place in October/November 2002.

(1) COM(1999) 114 final.

(2002/C 301 E/158)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1442/02

by Dorette Corbey (PSE) to the Commission

(15 May 2002)

Subject: German wind farm near Bellingwolde

In October 1998 residents of the Dutch municipality of Bellingwolde learnt of the plan to build a wind
farm 200 metres over the border in Germany (and approximately 300 metres from the nearby houses)
consisting of 22 wind turbines with an overall height of 132 metres each with a maximum capacity of 1.5
MW. Following protests, 17 wind turbines were eventually built in September 2001 with an overall height
of 135 metres each with a maximum capacity of 1.8 MW approximately 367 metres from the border. This
wind farm is causing residents nuisance in the form of noise, by casting shadow, blocking the view,
causing vibrations in the ground, electromagnetic interference, a fall in property values and a deterioration
in quality of life.

The project may cause considerable damage to the environment. Consequently, an environmental impact
assessment is required before planning permission can be granted.

Can the Commission say whether or not

the project complies with the relevant Community
the European Birds Directive (79/409/EC (1)) and Habitats Directive

in particular,

1.
legislation and,
(92/43/EEC (2))?

Can the Commission say whether or not an environmental impact assessment was carried out for

2.
this project in accordance with Directive 85/57/EEC (3) and, if so, what was the outcome?

If no environmental impact assessment took place, does the Commission consider that there was

3.
failure to comply with Community legislation against which the Commission will take action?

(1) OJ L 103, 25.4.1979, p. 1.
(2) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7.
(3) OJ L 175, 5.7.1985, p. 40.