WRITTEN QUESTION No. 176/98 by Mark WATTS to the Commission. Disposal of sewage and waste water
2. 10. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 304/45 Given that many foods of non-animal origin can pose a considerable risk to public health, for example many of them can contain mycotoxins, does the Commission intend to harmonize EU levels of inspection for foodstuffs of non-animal origin to the same level as that for foodstuffs of animal origin? If not, why not? Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (17 April 1998) The Commission is conducting a detailed investigation of the problem raised by the Honourable Member and will inform him of the outcome as soon as possible. (98/C 304/62) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0176/98 by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission (5 February 1998) Subject: Disposal of sewage and waste water Is the practice of discharging treated sewage into the sea environmentally sustainable? Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (6 March 1998) The aim of Council Directive 91/271/EEC of 21 May 1991 on the treatment of urban waste water (1) is to protect the environment, and in particular seawater, against impairment by discharges of such waste waters. The provisions of the Directive, and in particular those concerning discharges into coastal waters are, by their nature, intended to provide effective long-term protection for the marine environment. (1) OJ L 135, 30. 5. 1991. (98/C 304/63) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0179/98 by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission (5 February 1998) Subject: Disposal of sewage and waste water In the context of the Thanet Objective 2 Programme, is the proposal to construct a large sewage plant on the clifftops of Foreness Point, on one of the last areas of public open space in the district and an acknowledged area of natural beauty, compatible with the policies to regenerate the economy by, inter alia, protecting and enhancing the environment, not least that along the coast? Can the Commission assure me that no EU money will fund such a project? Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (13 March 1998) It is understood that a sewage plant is planned for construction at Foreness Point and has received planning permission. However, although the plant will be located in the area covered by the Thanet objective 2 single programming document 1997-1999, it would not constitute an eligible project under that programme