Failure to implement Directive 2000/60/EC in the German Länder

16.7.2015

Question for written answer E-011400-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Michael Theurer (ALDE)

The existence of wind turbines in hydrogeologically sensitive areas, particularly forests, in or near water protection zones II and III poses a threat to the local population, in particular through substances that pose a threat to water quality and nitrate pollution in drinking water catchment areas. The present question is concerned with the Taunuskamm or Taunus mountain ridge, Hessen, which forms part of the Upper Taunus region.

In low mountain areas, wind farms tend to be located on ridges, which are usually associated with SiO2-rich rocks. The groundwater in these rocks which is used as drinking water is highly susceptible to contamination. Afforestation is therefore indispensable. However, the construction of wind farms in forest areas involves extensive deforestation.

Which interventions and EU legal measures have there been or are currently ongoing to combat the decades of breaches of EC law, in particular in drinking water protection zones II and III, through the failure of Länder regional councils to enforce the legal requirements?

If the delimitation of protection zones II and III of the existing drinking water protection zones for groundwater in Germany (the Taunus, the Palatinate Forest, the Swabian/Franken Alb. etc.) did not take place solely according to hydrogeological/geohydraulic criteria, then why has the long overdue review of the protected areas not yet been undertaken, in accordance with the requirements of the DVGW (German Gas and Water Engineers’ Association) Worksheet W 3, in line with the latest technology (for instance, the Taunuskamm)?

Which interventions and EU legal measures have there been or are still ongoing to ensure that drinking water (groundwater) is secure from contamination by increased nitrate leaching due to large-scale forest clearance for the construction of wind power plants in forest areas?