92001E1706

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1706/01

by Laura González Álvarez (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(14 June 2001)

Subject: Dumping of hazardous waste by the enterprise Española del Zinc S.A. (Cartagena, Spain)

The Spanish Naturalists' Association of the South-East (ANSE) has denounced the presence of carcinogenic products at the industrial waste dumping-ground of the enterprise Española del Zinc S.A. (Cartagena, Murcia province, Spain). The substances dumped include arsenic, chromium, nickel, lead and others.

Can the Commission ask for information as regards any measures guaranteeing that this dumping-ground does not constitute a danger to public health or the environment and that the relevant Community legislation is being correctly applied, with particular reference to Directive 75/442/EEC(1) on waste in general and Directive 78/319/EEC(2) on the elimination of toxic and hazardous waste?

(1) OJ L 194, 25.7.1975, p. 39.

(2) OJ L 84, 31.3.1978, p. 43.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(25 July 2001)

The Commission was not aware of the situation reported by the Honourable Member.

The Commission has sent the Spanish authorities a request for information on the dumping-ground mentioned in the Written Question in order to check that Community legislation is being correctly applied in this instance.

As guardian of the Treaties, the Commission will take the necessary steps to ensure compliance with Community legislation in this instance.