WRITTEN QUESTION No. 282/99 by Riccardo NENCINI Poor environmental and health conditions in the 'Tamburi' district (Taranto)
29. 11. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 341/83 Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (23 March 1999) Although fully understanding the worries expressed by the Honourable Member, the Commission would inform him that, on the basis of Article 128 and the principle of subsidiarity enshrined in the EC Treaty, any measures for the protection of cultural heritage are the exclusive responsibility of the national or regional authorities. (1999/C 341/114) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0282/99 by Riccardo Nencini (PSE) to the Commission (17 February 1999) Subject: Poor environmental and health conditions in the ‘Tamburi’ district (Taranto) For some time the city of Taranto, particularly the ‘Tamburi’ district close to the ILVA steel plant and the Shell refinery, has been plagued by terrible environment and health conditions. The incidence of cancers recorded in 1997 provides irrefutable evidence that Taranto now rates as one of the most polluted cities in the world. According to analyses conducted by the Taranto ASL, approximately 90 % of the materials used by the ILVA steel plant contain asbestos, increasing the incidence of serious diseases caused by this substance. Is the Commission aware of the situation and will it take steps to deal with it? Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (31 March 1999) The Commission is so far not aware of the situation as described by the Honourable Member. Insofar as the prevention or reduction of air pollution is concerned, it can be assumed that Council Directive 84/360/EEC of 28 June 1984 on the combating of air pollution from industrial plants (1) applies to the metal works and the refinery mentioned by the Honourable Member. Under this Directive, Member States have to take the necessary measures to ensure that the operation of such plants requires prior authorisation by the authorities. An authorisation may be issued only when all appropriate preventive measures against air pollution have been taken, including the application of the best available technology, provided that the application of such measures does not entail excessive cost. The authorities must also be satisfied that the use of the plant will not cause significant air pollution. Member States shall also implement policies and strategies, including appropriate measures, for the adaptation of existing plants to the best available technology. Oil refineries and plants for the production and processing of metals are explicitly listed in Annex I of the Directive. Asbestos is included in Annex II, the list of most important polluting substances. The Directive, however, does not fix emission limit values for polluting substances. On the basis of the elements given by the Honourable Member, it is not possible to conclude that there has been a breach of Community legislation. (1) OJ L 188, 16. 7. 1984