Pollution of the River Pinios

29.4.2005

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1700/05
by Dimitrios Papadimoulis (GUE/NGL)
to the Commission

According to data recently presented to the European Hydro-Energy Conference held in Brussels, the River Pinios is the second most polluted river in Europe. Measurements show that the concentrations of lead, mercury, cadmium, zinc, manganese and nickel in its waters — apart from already exceeding the prescribed toxicity limits — continue to exhibit rising trends. This situation is principally attributable to the uncontrolled use of fertilisers and pesticides in the Plain of Thessaly, which produces extensive nitrate pollution.

1. What measures will the Commission take to ensure that Directive 91/676/EEC[1] on nitrate pollution is fully implemented in Greece, and particularly in the region of Thessaly?

2. What measures will it take to protect the biodiversity of the River Pinios?

3. How did the Greek authorities present the situation in the River Pinios in their latest report to the Commission, as required under Article 10 of Directive 91/676/EEC? Did they submit an action programme, as they ought, given that the area is considered to be a vulnerable zone (NVZ)? Does the Commission consider that there has been an improvement in the situation in the region in the intervening period between the 2001 and 2005 reports? If not, what measures will it take to ensure that Greece complies with Community legislation?

• [1] OJ L 375, 31.12.1991, p. 1.

OJ C 299, 08/12/2006