Soil and subsoil pollution caused by the illegal disposal of industrial waste, including on Natura 2000 sites
12.11.2018
Question for written answer E-005733-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Ignazio Corrao (EFDD) , Dario Tamburrano (EFDD) , Fabio Massimo Castaldo (EFDD)
Recently, Italian television aired the confessions of a former worker from Gela regarding incidents of soil and subsoil pollution from asbestos and ceramic rings from reactors used in the petrochemical sector[1].
In the 1990s, buried waste was reported on state-owned land and close to dunes, in areas around industrial premises, and in 2013 a landfill site was discovered in the Biviere di Gela area, Natura 2000 site (code ITA050001), the clearance of which has not yet begun.
The past activities of industrial and mining companies pose a serious risk, both directly and indirectly, to the ecosystems of Natura 2000 sites, despite Article 6 of Directive 92/43/EEC and Article 4 of Directive 2009/147/EC.
Can the Commission say whether it is aware:
- 1.Of the illegal disposal of waste in Piana di Gela (ITA050012), protected by Directive 92/43/EEC and 2009/147/EC on the pollution of groundwater and coastal waters?
- 2.Of the violation of Directive 2000/60/EC on Natura 2000 sites ITA050001, ITA050012, and ITA050011 in Piana di Gela?
- 3.Of the 20-year delay in beginning the clean-up of the territory, and whether this delay has created a direct or indirect problem for Natura 2000 sites and for the application of Directives 2000/60/EC and 2004/35/EC[2]?