91997E4110

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4110/97 by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (16 January 1998)

Subject: Purification Plant in Patras

A biological purification plant for the municipality of Patras is currently under construction in the Kokkinos Mylos area of the Paralias Patron seafront. Complaints have been received from local residents concerning the environmental impact of alleged irregularities regarding the project and the environmental impact thereof.

Is the Commission aware of these allegations? Has an appropriate environmental impact survey been carried out and is any alternative solution possible?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (12 February 1998)

The Commission is financing the Patras purification plant through the Cohesion Fund (project No 94/09.61.029)-1).

According to information passed on to the Commission by the Greek authorities, an environmental impact assessment was carried out and closed by Ministerial Decision No 30339 on 20 July 1994. The issue of alternative solutions must, where appropriate, be dealt with in the framework of such an evaluation. However the decision regarding the choice of site resides with the national authorities.

The Commission has not yet received complaints concerning the project in question.