WRITTEN QUESTION E-1660/03 by Alexander de Roo (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. Drying-out of the Kalmthoutse Heide.
Date: 2003-05-19
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Netherlands, environmental impact, groundwater, impact study, protected area, protection of animal life, protection of plant life, water supply

15.1.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 11 E/211

infectious diseases of any nature, and in this context offers research support through policy-oriented
research activities of
technological
development and demonstration activities covering the period 2002 to 2006 contributes to the creation of
the European Research Area and to innovation (1).

the Sixth Framework Programme. This programme for research,

The Fifth Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development
and demonstration activities implemented from 1998 to 2002 (2) has already been funding, within the
remit of the key action ‘Control of Infectious Diseases’ several projects involving centres of expertise on
corona virology. Total Community contribution to these projects is about EUR 3,5 million.

(1) Decision No 1513/2002/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 27 June 2002 concerning the sixth framework
programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities,
contributing to the creation of the European Research Area and to innovation (2002 to 2006), OJ L 232,
29.8.2002.

(2) Decision No 182/1999/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 22 December 1998 concerning the fifth
framework programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration
activities (1998 to 2002), OJ L 26, 1.2.1999.

(2004/C 11 E/237)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1660/03

by Alexander de Roo (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(19 May 2003)

Subject: Drying-out of the Kalmthoutse Heide

The municipality of Woensdrecht has authorised the utility company Delta Nutsbedrijven to drill two new
wells in order to pump up groundwater for use in supplying drinking water. The location is at the edge of
the border park De Zoom/Kalmthoutse Heide, which forms part of the Brabantse Wal area, designated
under the wild birds directive.

In past, water abstraction has resulted in the drying-out of the Grote Meer and Kleine Meer lakes in the
border park, the causal connection having been established by the TNO research institute.

The drying-out is endangering water-dependent and water-loving flora and fauna in the nature area and
causing them to disappear.

Does the Commission agree that such operations ought not to be carried out in this Habitat area, in view
of the visible adverse impact on flora and fauna?

Does the Commission agree that priority should be assigned to alternative options, such as drawing up
plans to reduce water consumption, the use of a second water circuit (grey water) and abstraction of water
from the Biesbosch?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(27 June 2003)

Following Article 6, §3, of the Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of
natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (1) (‘Habitats Directive’), which, pursuant to its Article 7, also
applies to Special Protection Areas (SPAs) classified under the Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April
1979 on the conservation of wild birds (2), any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to
the management of such a site but likely to have a significant effect thereon shall be subject to appropriate
assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site’s conservation objectives.

C 11 E/212

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

15.1.2004

An increased extraction of groundwater in the direct neighbourhood of the SPA ‘Brabantse Wal’ might
possibly have a negative effect on the conservation status of this site and the bird species for which the site
was classified as a SPA. However, the information provided by the Honourable Member is not sufficient to
conclude if that effect is likely to be significant. Therefore, before deciding whether or not the full
protection regime under Article 6, §3 and 4, of Directive 92/43/EEC applies to the project, this key issue
needs to be clarified. The Commission will ask the Dutch authorities if the possible effects of the project
on the SPA ‘Brabantse Wal’ have been evaluated and if so, what have been the results of that evaluation.
The above mentioned protection regime includes inter alia the need for an appropriate assessment of the
implications for the site in view of the site’s conservation objectives. If it appears from such an assessment
that the implications will be significant, the project may be carried out only in the absence of alternative
solutions and if it is justified for imperative reasons of overriding public interest. It is clear that before
taking a decision, the existence and feasibility of possible alternative solutions need to be thoroughly
assessed.

(1) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.
(2) OJ L 103, 25.4.1979.

(2004/C 11 E/238)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1672/03

by Ian Hudghton (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

Subject: ASP in scallops-testing regime operating in France

(13 May 2003)

What information is available from the competent authorities in France with regard to testing for ASP in
scallops since 1998?

What is the extent of that information?

What steps have been taken by the Commission to ensure that the French testing regime was adequate
since the introduction of Council Directive 91/492/EEC (1) as amended?

(1) OJ L 268, 24.9.1991, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(6 June 2003)

The last report on an inspection mission carried out in France, from 15 to 29 October 2001, to assess the
implementation of Council Directive 91/492/EEC of 15 July 1991 laying down the health conditions for
the production and the placing on the market of live bivalve molluscs, is published in the Union’s website
(http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/fs/inspections/vi/reports/index_en.html).

In the report some general deficiencies in the biotoxins control are highlighted. However, major problems
for testing ASP in scallops were not reported.

Nevertheless, the Commission will contact the French Authorities to obtain more information about this
issue.

The Commission will inform the Honourable Member as soon as the French Authorities have replied.