Request for clarification and information on the current state of air pollution and asbestos contamination in Sicily

12.11.2014

Question for written answer E-009082-14
to the Commission
Rule 130
Massimo Paolucci (S&D) , Caterina Chinnici (S&D)

In Sicily, many sites are still contaminated with asbestos, including sites in the del Mela district and in Siracusa, Ragusa, Augusta Priolo and Gela. Although this is considered an issue of national interest, given that they are high environmental risk areas, none of the sites have as yet been included in national or local decontamination plans. The sites in the cities concerned are polluting the air and posing a serious health risk to local people. The SO₂ and NO₂ limit values laid down in Annex XI to Directive 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality are not being observed in various parts of Sicily.

Can the Commission say whether:

• 1.it has consulted the Italian authorities to verify what steps have been taken to ensure that the limits laid down in Annex XI to Directive 2008/50/EC are observed;
• 2.any short-term action plans have been drawn up, in line with Article 24 of that directive, for the asbestos-contaminated areas in Sicily;
• 3.it has received the region's new air quality plan, and whether it considers the measures proposed by the Sicilian authorities to be adequate?