Integrated Sediment Management Plan for the Ebro Basin — Compliance with the Water Framework Directive and the Floods Directive
6.2.2018
Question for written answer E-000720-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Ernest Urtasun (Verts/ALE) , Josep-Maria Terricabras (Verts/ALE) , Javi López (S&D) , Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE) , Francesc Gambús (PPE) , Estefanía Torres Martínez (GUE/NGL) , Jordi Solé (Verts/ALE)
According to various scientific studies[1] carried out in the lower section of the Ebro river and its estuary, there is a progressive regression and permanent subsidence of the Ebro Delta. The retention of sediments by numerous dams in the Ebro river basin is an established fact recognised by the Spanish State that puts at risk the achievement of the environmental objectives of the Water Framework Directive (WFD), the Floods Directive and the Habitats and Birds Directives.
The WFD sets out a programme of measures — some exceptional — that should be included in the river basin management plans and which could be used to correct changes caused by dams and reservoirs.
In the light of the above, could the Commission answer the following questions:
- 1.Does it consider it important and essential — in order to comply with the abovementioned directives and to avoid the regression and subsidence of the delta — that the following projects already approved by the Spanish Congress of Deputies by way of special measures under the Hydrological Plan for the Ebro river basin be carried out: a) an Integrated Sediment Management Plan for the Ebro Basin and b) a pilot project for the controlled transfer of sediment from the Riba-roja de Ebro dam?
- 2.Is the Commission aware of the current status of these projects?
- [1] Calvo-Cubero, J., Ibáñez, C., Rovira, A., Sharpe, P.J., Reyes, E. (2013): ‘Mineral versus organic contribution to vertical accretion and elevation change in restored marshes (Ebro Delta, Spain)’, Ecological Engineering, 61: 12-22 // Day, J.W., Pont, D., Hensel, P.F.; Ibáñez, C. (1995): ‘Impacts of Sea-Level rise on Deltas in the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean: The Importance of Pulsing Events to Sustainability’, Estuaries, 18(4): 636-647// Day, J.W., Maltby, E., Ibáñez, C., (2006): ‘River basin management and delta sustainability: A commentary on the Ebro Delta and the Spanish National Hydrological Plan’, Ecological Engineering, 26: 85-99.// Day, J.W., Ibáñez, C., Scarton, F. et al. (2011): ‘Sustainability of Mediterranean Deltaic and Lagoon Wetlands with Sea-Level Rise: The Importance of River Input’, Estuaries and Coasts, 34: 483-493// Rovira, A., Ibàñez, C. (2007): ‘Sediment management options for the lower Ebro River and its delta’, Journal of Soils and Sediments, 7(5), 285-295.