Flow rate of the River Ebro at Zaragoza
20.10.2011
Question for written answer E-009813/2011
to the Commission
Rule 117
Oriol Junqueras Vies (Verts/ALE)
Throughout the summer and early autumn of 2011, the stretch of the River Ebro that runs through Zaragoza has flowed at a much slower than average rate, and for many days below the established minimum flow rate of 35 m3/second, sometimes barely reaching the rate of 20 m3/second. As a result, the water quality of the river has deteriorated alarmingly, resulting in serious eutrophication of much of its surface and the proliferation of insects (such as black flies) and threatening nearby stretches of woodland such as that of Cantalobos, which are running short of water owing to the low water table levels. It should be pointed out that the Spanish State has not yet presented the European Commission with a management plan for the Ebro water basin, when it is obliged to do so under the Water Framework Directive.
Does the Commission not consider that the Spanish State should honour its obligations as an EU Member State with regard to maintaining the quality of the Ebro’s waters and its minimum flow rate? Will the Commission take any action in this regard?
OJ C 168 E, 14/06/2012