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Habitat guidelines must be fulfilled before the project is approved, said EC Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas. (Photo: EC)
Environmental toll of Pescanova plant must be assessed: Brussels
SPAIN
Thursday, November 05, 2009, 23:30 (GMT + 9)
The European Commission (EC) contends that the breeding plant plans for Cape Tourinan, authorised by the Xunta de Galicia for the multinational Pescanova, must be submitted to a prior environmental impact assessment.
According to the executive arm of the European Union (EU), this study is necessary as the plant will be built in a space protected by the Natura Network 2000: A Costa da Morte.
The EC stressed that, prior to granting authorisation to the new aquaculture project in this site of community importance, the competent authorities will have to guarantee the fulfilment” of the habitat guidelines, indicated the commissioner of Environment, Stavros Dimas.
“Once the suitable and mandatory evaluation is carried out [in which the cumulative repercussions of other plans and projects must be evaluated], the competent authorities will have to determine if a significant impact in the site is expected,” the European commissioner indicated.
"If this is the case, the project will only be able to continue for want of alternative solutions, in case a high-priority public interest is observed, and prior adoption of compensatory measures that mitigate the harm caused to the site,” Dimas added, as published in La Opinion.
The prior bipartite government of Galicia, formed by PS&G and BNG, had rejected the firm’s request to install a turbot plant in Tourinan, in the Muxia municipality, in a bid to preserve the environment, given that the location chosen forms part of the Natura Network.
Last September, however, the Xunta de Galicia announced that it would authorise the Galician multinational to build in that zone. In addition, it gave its approval for the construction or expansion of other plants planned for the Galician coast.
Nonetheless, Pescanova decided to install the plant in the Portuguese locality of Mira, after investing EUR 140 million.
The breeding plant, deemed the largest in the world, was inaugurated last June.
Related articles:
- Galicia green lights Pescanova
- Pescanova project fuels dissent
By Analia Murias
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com
Photo Courtesy of FIS Member  European Commission - Fisheries and Maritime Affairs
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