WRITTEN QUESTION E-0798/04 by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Amfilokhia and the Ramsar Convention.
Date: 2004-03-11
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Epirus, deforestation, humid zone, international convention, protected area

C 88 E/226

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

8.4.2004

for which designation is sought or from use of the medicinal product for another condition. Article 1 of
the Regulation is clear: incentives are provided for research, development, authorisation and placing on the
market of medicinal products.

(1) OJ C 178, 29.7.2003.

(2004/C 88 E/0229)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0795/04

by Patricia McKenna (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(11 March 2004)

Subject: Derrybrien wind farm bogslide

Further to the Commission’s answer to my question P-3350/03 (1), the reports that were commissioned by
just published, confirm the
ESB subsidiary, Hibernian Wind Power Ltd, and Galway County Council,
responsibility of the wind farm project for the major landslide, and also for several earlier small ones. They
identify many areas of the site that are similarly at risk, thereby showing in particular that a landslide
directly above the village cannot be excluded due to low stability levels. However, the two reports pay
scant attention to the impact of dynamic forces on the peat, and most of the safety analysis appears to be
based on static loadings only. Thus the effects of heavy truck and crane movements on floating roads,
as well as those of explosives used on site, are effectively ignored. Furthermore, safety as examined is more
concerned about on site risks, not off site. These reports are cross-referenced, and show a remarkable
consistency, and it is known that the two sets of consultants met on this question, raising further doubts
about their real independence.

To help secure the future of wind energy in Ireland, will the Commission now insist that the planning
process be undertaken from the beginning, based on a proper and complete EIS relating to the actual
project proposed, and also require that any continuation be conditional on a fresh planning approval? Will
the Commission assist the locals in commissioning a truly independent study of the project and its impact,
as they have proposed, with the primary aim of avoiding further environmental damage and injury or even
loss of life, which would surely arise from a landslide above Derrybrien village?

(1) OJ C 78 E, 27.3.2004, p. 528.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(27 April 2004)

The Commission confirms that, in the framework of several complaints, it has received copies of the two
reports referred to by the Honourable Member. It also confirms that it has received further extensive
documentation relating to the various development consent procedures that have been followed in
connection with the wind-farm project at Derrybrien. Pending the conclusion of its examination of these
documents, it would be premature for the Commission to comment in detail on the appropriate next steps
to take.

(2004/C 88 E/0230)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0798/04

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

Subject: Amfilokhia and the Ramsar Convention

(11 March 2004)

According to complaints from local organisations, 120 eucalyptus trees over one hundred years old have
been cut down at the entrance to the town of Amfilokhia in Arta, following a decision taken by the

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town’s Forest Inspectorate. Since the area is protected by the Ramsar Convention, can the Commission say
to what extent such action is consistent with the obligations incumbent on the Member State concerned
under that Convention?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(22 April 2004)

The Commission would like to inform the Honourable Member that the Ramsar Convention does not
contain explicit provisions on the prohibition of cutting down old aged trees in areas listed under the
Convention. The Convention, fully known as ‘The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance
especially as Waterfowl Habitat’, reflects its original emphasis on the conservation and wise use of wetlands
primarily to provide habitat for waterbirds. Over the years, however, the Convention has broadened its
scope to cover all aspects of wetland conservation and wise use, recognizing wetlands as ecosystems that
are extremely important
for biodiversity conservation in general and for the well-being of human
communities. Under the Convention there is a general obligation for the Contracting Parties to include
land-use planning. They have undertaken to
wetland conservation considerations in their national
formulate and implement this planning so as to promote, as far as possible, ‘the wise use of wetlands in
their territory’ (Article 3.1 of the Convention). The ‘Wise Use Guidelines’ emphasize the benefits and values
of wetlands for sediment and erosion control; flood control; maintenance of water quality and abatement
of pollution; maintenance of surface and underground water supply; support for fisheries, grazing and
agriculture; outdoor recreation and education for human society; and climatic stability.

The Commission understands that the permits for the felling of the eucalyptus trees in the city of
Amfilokhia have been issued by the regional office of the Forestry Service, which is the competent
authority for providing permits for this action. The Commission assumes that the responsible authority has
examined the designation status and the existing management plans for the site before issuing the permit
and has followed the national legal procedures that apply.

(2004/C 88 E/0231)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0800/04

by María Bergaz Conesa (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(11 March 2004)

Subject: Dr Moliner de Serra Hospital (Valencia, Spain) and waste-water treatment

For the past year the Dr Moliner Serra Hospital in Valencia (Spain) has been discharging untreated faecal
and other highly polluting waters into a ravine located in the Calderona Natural Park. The waters in
question contaminate a number of wells which provide a significant amount of the local people’s drinking
water.

The length of time over which the waters have been discharged, the conditions under which the discharges
are made, the harmful nature of the waters and the potential hazard which they represent both to the
environment and to public health are all indications that the relevant authorities (the Valencia Regional
Government) have little interest in solving the problem.

Will the Commission seek information concerning the composition of the waste water which the hospital
is discharging without properly treating it?

Will the Commission check whether or not Directive 98/15/EC (1) on the treatment of waste water and
Directive 80/68/EEC (2) on the protection of groundwater against pollution caused by certain hazardous
substances are being infringed?

Will the Commission find out whether or not the quality of the water from the wells mentioned above is
suitable for human consumption, pursuant to Directive 98/83/EC (3) on the quality of water intended for
human consumption?