Environmental impact of the construction of a sewage treatment plant in Pescasseroli (Abruzzo National Park)
4.5.2018
Question for written answer E-002493-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Piernicola Pedicini (EFDD) , Dario Tamburrano (EFDD)
The Abruzzo Region has delivered a favourable opinion on the plan to build a wastewater treatment plant in the ‘Colle Regina’ area of Abruzzo, on the Pescasseroli plain.
The area in question falls within the Abruzzo National Park, in addition to the Site of Community Interest IT7110205 (Abruzzo National Park), defined as being of high environmental quality with ‘priority’ habitats that are also of archaeological interest owing to the presence of pre-Roman settlements. In addition, the construction will be in Area 119 of the ‘area of importance for the conservation of birds’ programme, i.e. an area considered to be an important habitat for the conservation of bird populations.
The actual work planned will have a significant environmental impact, as it will involve excavations and will cross a river-bed and a rocky ridge, within a ‘unique’ environmental unit in the central Apennines.
Given the above, can the Commission say:
- 1.Whether this project is indicative of a permanent decline in an area that should be safeguarded, in accordance with Directives 79/409/EEC (Wild Birds Directive) and 92/43/EEC (Habitats Directive);
- 2.What assurances it can provide that all possible alternatives to locate the sewage treatment plant on a more appropriate site have been assessed by the local authorities responsible, with a view to merging the need for waste water treatment with environmental protection?