The European Commission has decided to case against Portugal in the Court of Justice for the European Union. The Commission believes that Portugal has failed in their mission to control pollution from all industrial activities. That is why EC file case against Portugal.
European Commission Take Portugal To Court
Executives from the European Union have informed that Portugal has not finalized a proper pollution management plan. There is no national legislation placed with the European Industrial Emissions Directive. EU believes that these industrial activities within Portugal can have a serious impact on the environment of the country. This also endangers the health of people as they might be breathing polluted air. European Union executives have stated:
Industrial activities can have a significant impact on the environment and health.
Also Read: New Palestinian Ambassador Arrives In Portugal To Strengthen Relationship During Middle East Crisis
The directive has established some ground rules that will help prevent emissions to the atmosphere. These rules will guide the industrial areas to avoid polluting the air, water, and natural soil. It will also provide guidance to prevent waste production.
European Commission has informed that Portugal did not comply with their rules of ‘hazardous substances’ and the ‘existing installation’. These rules are clearly defined in the national legislation that is confirmed with the directive. The commission has further highlighted the moral duty of the operators that are present in the industrial zones. These operators should be capable of handling the installations of the industrial parts. The managerial staff should also know which measures to take when accidents or some incidents occur in the industrial zone.
Formal Notice Sent To Lisbon
The process of making Portugal environmentally friendly was started in 2022 and the European Commission was monitoring it. It is stated by the commission that Portuguese officials have not put any real effort into resolving this issue. That is why the EC will be filing a case against Portugal in the Court of Justice for the European Union. A formal letter is sent to the office of Lisbon that complains about the environmental issues in Portugal. This letter especially mentions the lack of pollution control in the industrial areas of the country.
A letter from the European Commission has been sent to Lisbon for noncompliance by Portugal. This letter serves as a noncompliance against their responsibility for the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive.
Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive
This urban wastewater directive has instructed how to treat the water and make it usable for other purposes. It has some guidance that will require the Portuguese to collect the urban wastewater first and then treat it. This wastewater will be treated by discharging it to the environment. This process will improve the overall environmental system in Portugal.
It has been noted by the representatives of the European Commission that the wastewater is not being treated in the majority of the areas within Portugal. Around 20 agglomerations within the country have no proper and adequate system for treating wastewater. Furthermore, 3 agglomerations discharge the wastewater in some of the most sensitive areas without even treating it. This is very dangerous for the environment. It is also stated by Brussels:
To date, in 20 agglomerations in Portugal, urban wastewater entering collection systems is not adequately treated before being discharged. In addition, three agglomerations are discharging urban wastewater into sensitive areas without the most rigorous treatment required.
Read More About: Portugal Passe Social + Renamed and Coverage Expanded Nationwide
