Megafarms in Zamora (Spain)

EN E-001260/2018 Answer given by Mr Vella on behalf of the Commission (4.5.2018) The environmental impact assessment (EIA) Directive requires that installations for the intensive rearing of poultry or pigs above certain thresholds are subject to EIA. For other intensive livestock installations, Member States shall determine whether they should be made subject to EIA. The Habitats Directive requires that any plan or project with a likely significant effect on Natura 2000 sites shall be subject to an appropriate assessment and is only authorised if it is ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site(s) concerned. The Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) and the Nitrates Directive also have relevant provisions for this type of installations. The implementation and enforcement of the above provisions are primarily a responsibility of the Member States concerned. It is for the competent Spanish authorities to ensure that waste is managed in compliance with Directive 2008/98/EC on waste, including the requirement to ensure that this is done without endangering human health and without harming the environment. Based on available information, the Commission cannot express views about the project and whether it could significantly affect any Natura 2000 sites, nor has any indication that the project mentioned by the Honourable Member could be in breach of EU legislation. The Commission recalls that under the EIA Directive and the IED, Member States shall ensure that members of the public concerned have access to a review procedure before a court to challenge the substantive or procedural legality of decisions, acts or omissions subject to the public participation provisions of that Directive. In light of the above, the Commission does not intend to undertake actions concerning these projects.