New landfill site at Falcognana to replace the Malagrotta site

24.9.2013

Question for written answer P-010858-13
to the Commission
Rule 117
Alfredo Antoniozzi (PPE)

Goffredo Sottile, the Commissioner in charge of managing Rome’s waste crisis, has stated on behalf of the Italian authorities that a final decision has been taken to establish a new landfill site at Falcognana, to replace the Malagrotta site.

The area contains a sanctuary, a school, many farms, a biomedical campus and a number of residential developments.

In view of the concerns expressed by local people, who have set up a number of residents’ committees and whose deep scepticism regarding compliance with EU legislation in this area I share, could the Commission verify whether Directive 85/337/EC, and, in particular, the environmental impact assessment and strategic environmental assessment procedures, have been complied with?

Could the Commission also verify whether Directive 1999/31/EC is being complied with?

Italy has been found guilty of failing to comply with that directive at the Malagrotta landfill site, in that the waste dumped there was not being processed properly in keeping with the minimum requirements laid down in the directive.

In view of the imminent closure of the Malagrotta site, there are fears that waste currently sent to it may in future be dumped at the Falcognana site, using the same methods which have already led to the imposition of penalties by the EU, giving rise to significant risks to the environment and the health of local people.

OJ C 206, 02/07/2014