Damage to the environment and to human health: the ‘ex Legnochimica’ site in Rende, Italy

5.2.2015

Question for written answer E-002018-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Laura Ferrara (EFDD)

The Contrada Lecco industrial zone in Rende, Calabria, includes a 7-hectare area commonly known as the ‘ex Legnochimica’ site. The area contains a number of huge permeable basins, which have been there since 1969 and into which processing waste used to be poured. In July 2011, the local prosecution service ordered a technical consultation of the area to be carried out.

The findings of the consultation show that the aquifer underneath and near the artificial basins is badly contaminated — in some areas to a considerable depth — and that the contaminants have reached nearby water reserves. They also highlight the presence of heavy metals, such as aluminium, iron, magnesium, arsenic, beryllium, chromium, nickel, mercury, benzene and trichloroethylene, with concentrations up to 10 000 times higher than the authorised levels. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified these substances as carcinogenic.

Research conducted by Arpacal, the environment agency for the Calabria region, also confirms the presence of the carcinogenic contaminants dichloromethane, trichloroethane, bromochloromethane, dibromochloromethane, toluene and p-Cymene.

The relevant authorities have attempted several times to do something about the situation, but to no avail, and the site therefore remains in clear breach of EC law.

Is the Commission aware of this situation?

How does it intend to ensure that EU environmental law is properly applied, with particular reference to Directives 2004/35/EC, 2000/60/EC and 2008/98/EC?