Question to the Commission on the Scala Coeli (CS) landfill case

Question for written answer E-002756/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Pasquale Tridico (The Left)

In Decree No 4180/2010, the Calabria Region authorised the construction of a landfill site for special non-hazardous waste in the 'Case Pipino' area of the municipality of Scala Coeli. Subsequently, in Decree No 14284/2019, it approved the extension of the site, which is located in an agricultural area with certified organic production and traditional cattle farms.

This authorisation was granted despite:

• 1.the Public Property Agency's rejection of the site's delisting, upheld by the High Court of Public Waters (judgment No 94/2024);
• 2.the negative opinions of the technical assessment structure and the Department of Agriculture, which were overridden by conflicting notes and biased expert reports;
• 3.the absence of planning permission to build in an area at risk of earthquakes and the subsequent execution of illegal works.

In 2022, consignments began arriving, in breach of integrated environmental authorisation (AIA) requirements, with improper access across the Patia stream and without a functioning leachate treatment plant. On 22 June 2023, a massive leachate spill, through illegally installed pipes, contaminated the surrounding area, flowing to the Ionian Sea.

In view of the above:

• 1.How does the Commission view this regional waste policy in the light of the EU Directives?
• 2.Has it launched, or does it intend to launch, a 'best available techniques' monitoring procedure in accordance with Directive 2010/75/EU?
• 3.Does it consider there to have been any violation of Community law on public health, and what action it will take?

Submitted: 4.12.2024