The European Commission is taking legal action against Greece for violations of European Union (EU) legislation on human health and the environment.
In one case, the commission is launching an infringement procedure against Greece for not putting in place the required infrastructure for collecting and treating waste water in 12 towns and cities despite having already been condemned by the European Court of Justice. If Greece does not quickly rectify the situation, it could face a financial penalty.
In a second case, the commission is sending Greece a final warning over problems with a new landfill that violates EU waste legislation.
Under EU legislation, towns and cities of more than 15,000 inhabitants are required to have systems for collecting waste water and removing pollutants before the water is discharged into the sea or elsewhere.
In a case brought by the commission, the European Court of Justice ruled in October 2007 that Greece was violating EU legislation because 23 towns and cities across the country did not have the necessary collection and treatment systems.
The lack of treatment means that the health of residents is being put at risk because untreated waste water can be contaminated with harmful bacteria and viruses. Untreated waste water also contains nutrients that can damage the marine environment by promoting excessive algae growth.
In view of the continued infringement, the commission has decided to send Greece a first written warning. Under the EU infringement procedure, the commission has authority, after sending two written warnings, to take a member state to the European Court of Justice for a second time and ask that financial penalties be imposed.
The commission is also sending Greece a final written warning over the inadequate operation of a new waste landfill at Fyli in western Attica that represents a danger to human health and the environment.
Due to its shortcomings, permitting authorities have refused to grant the landfill the required approval but national officials continue to tolerate its operation.
Four inspections by permitting authorities between October 2007and July 2008 have revealed several ongoing operational problems that are not disputed. These include waste not being adequately covered in the landfill, a lack of security that allows people and animals to gain access, the absence of rainwater collection and the risk of fires and of waste slippage.
Under the EU's infringement procedure, Greece must respond to the commission's final warning within two months. The commission, the executive body of the EU and guardian of its laws, may take Greece to court if it fails to respond or the response is not deemed satisfactory.
Source:Xinhua
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