The Commission has no information on benzene contamination caused by leakages of formation water pipelines using PE plastic pipes in Member States other than Germany.

The Environmental Impact Assessment(1) is not related to the effects from products or material but to the ex-ante assessment of possible adverse environmental effects of projects. It is for each Member State through appropriate permitting procedures and monitoring arrangements to ensure that the agreed technical standards and requirements applicable for the design, construction, operation and supervision of projects and the materials employed are fully respected to protect public health as well as the environment.

In the context of the ongoing review of the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive, the Commission is considering several proposals put forward during the public consultation with a view to enhancing the effectiveness, efficiency and relevance of the directive.

(1) OJ L 26, 28.1.2012.