Wallström addresses incinerator fears

Date: 06/06/02

By Laurence Frost

ENVIRONMENT chief Margot Wallström is investigating complaints that an Italian waste incinerator has been breaking EU laws by pumping toxic gas into a residential area.

The European Commission is examining claims that the Italian authorities failed to shut down the incinerator in the town of Reggia even though it was breaking Union limits on toxic emissions.

'The operator is required to ensure that the plant does not continue to operate while failing to comply with emission standards,' Wallström said, adding that the Commission would ask Italy 'whether the relevant requirements were complied with'.

Belgian MEP Bart Staes is pressing for action after he travelled to the incinerator, in Italy's Emilia Romagna region, on the invitation of local members of his European Free Alliance party.

Staes said the plant had emitted 'excessive' levels of toxins including carbon monoxide and hydrochloric acid for over a month earlier in the year, without any warning being given to residents or action taken.

He said local residents had complained of breathing difficulties and other ailments. 'It was strange to see this sort of incinerator so close to the community - some people are living less than 20 metres from it.'

If Italy takes no action, the Commission has the power to intervene under the 1989 directive on waste incinerators.

Environment Commissioner Margot Wallström is investigating complaints that an Italian waste incinerator has been breaking EU laws by pumping toxic gas into a residential area.