WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2683/97 by María SORNOSA MARTÍNEZ , Pedro MARSET CAMPOS to the Commission. Deterioration of the river Segura
C 117/44 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 16. 4. 98 › the Commission is also required to organise an exchange of information on the best available techniques for each sector covered by the Directive, and to publish the results every three years. The published results should contain information on all techniques relevant for the protection of the environment as a whole, including for example on-site effluent treatment plants. (1) OJ L 257, 10. 10. 1996. (98/C 117/55) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2683/97 by Mar ·a Sornosa Mart ·nez (GUE/NGL) and Pedro Marset Campos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (1 September 1997) Subject: Deterioration of the river Segura The grave deterioration of the river Segura as it passes through Orihuela, the Vega Baja, Murcia and its mouth at Guardamar in Alicante is causing serious environmental and health problems. The stagnant water and putrefying mud produce insalubrious smells, and cause respiratory and gastro-intestinal problems amongst the population. For several years, various political parties and citizensí organizations have been denouncing this situation, without the relevant authorities producing a comprehensive solution to the problem, although a purifying plant is going to be constructed for one of the stretches of river in question. A quality report on the state of the river Segura as it passes through the city of Orihuela produced a general quality index of less than 70, which was stated to be áinadmissibleí. This report highlights the total absence of aquatic life. The state of neglect of the river could presumably constitute an ecological crime. In view of the situation, does the Commission not believe that Directive 92/43/EEC (1) on the conservation 1. of natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna requires the implementation of a comprehensive programme for collecting and treating the stagnant water of these stretches of the river with a view to restoring natural life and making it possible to use the water for irrigation purposes, once it has been purified, without its indirect consumption posing any threat to human health? To what extent would the Commission be prepared to consider the possibility of co-funding a plan for 2. reclaiming these stretches of the river, in conjunction with the local authorities? (1) OJ L 206, 22. 7. 1992, p. 7. Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (25 September 1997) The site concerned is neither a special protection area under the terms of Directive 79/409/EEC (1) on the 1. conservation of wild birds, nor a proposed site of Community importance under the terms of Directive 92/43/EEC (2) on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. The Commission has no information about the presence of any species or habitat types of Community interest in the area. For these reasons Directive 92/43/EEC is not applicable. 2. It is up to the national authorities to submit projects for Community financing within the existing Community support framework for Spain. Should this occur, the Commission would carefully assess all aspects before taking any decision with respect to financing. (1) OJ L 103, 25. 4. 1979. (2) OJ L 206, 22. 07. 92, p. 7