Use of toxic substances at Cape Vilán

9.2.2015

Question for written answer E-002094-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
José Blanco López (S&D)

It has recently come to light that the Xunta de Galicia [Galician regional Government] has authorised an energy company to install two tanks of toxic substances — sulphuric acid and vanadyl sulphate — to develop a project for storing energy at Cape Vilán. Despite the fact that this area is situated within the Natura 2000 network and is also protected as a site of Community importance and a Special Protection Area for Birds, the Xunta has exempted the company from carrying out an environmental impact assessment for the project. Groups such as the Sociedade Galega de Historia Natural have vehemently protested against this on the grounds that there is no need to install this storage system at the Cape itself, given that the energy produced is transported and consumed outside that zone.

Is the Commission aware of this project?

What is the Commission’s view of the fact that an installation involving toxic substances is to be set up in an area of special environmental protection without even the obligatory impact assessment being carried out?

Is the development of this type of project without an impact assessment compatible with EC law?