MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Sierra del Escudo peatlands affected by wind farm construction – E-002250/2024

Question for written answer  E-002250/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Isabel Serra Sánchez (The Left)

The Sierra del Escudo peatlands (special area of conservation (SAC) ES1300016) are the largest group of peatlands in southern Europe. Just a few metres away, a wind farm is being built.

The development’s environmental assessment recognises that the swept area of some of the turbines, plus the internal power cabling and access roads, all encroach on the SAC. The environmental assessment also establishes protection perimeters of at least 50 m around each peatland.

After construction work started, local groups reported that machines were working on the peatlands, violating the conditions imposed by the environmental impact statement and harming the largest group of peatlands and feeder microbasins in southern Europe. This can be confirmed by visiting the site or reading the local press.

• 1.Is the Commission in any way monitoring the work affecting SAC ES1300016?
• 2.Given that the competent Spanish authorities are failing to ensure that the integrity of Natura 2000 sites is not adversely affected by activities in or around them, will the Commission be taking any action in this matter?

Submitted: 24.10.2024