Megasites in Europe: the magnitude of the problem John Vijgen International HCH & Pesticides Association

Examples of HCH-waste from the Lindane Production in the European Union IHPA has been active since 1992 to constantly monitor the consequences of the former Lindane production. Submitted to the Secretary of the Stockholm Convention the Report Legacy of Lindane, which was of major influence on the nomination of Alpha and Beta –HCH isomers and Lindane as a POP in 2009 and in 2010 when they came into force That means also that before that time, EU Members states had no obligation to report about them in their NIP (National Implementation Plan for the Stockholm Convention) What have the countries, from 2010 on, really done about this problem and the EC with the Union Implementation Plan???

Lindane Production: Difference to other POPs pesticides For each tonne of Lindane produced 8 to 10 tonnes of HCH-Waste has been produced Knowing that about 600 000 tonnes of Lindane have been produced A minimum of 4.8 Million HCH-waste and A maximum of 6 Million tonnes waste could be present in the world

IHPA Legacy Report 2009

We are Masters in Non Action: But if you do not act then this is happening, but for these sites this is already going on for more than 40-50 years

This is where all of your are worrying about: Climate Change

But what about this? Leaking for 40- 50 years…………………………………….. HCH – Waste

Union Implementation Plan (EU-UIP) Overall purpose: not only to fulfil legal obligations, but also to take stock of actions taken + make a strategy and action plan for further Union measures related to POPs in Stockholm Convention and/or in UNECE Protocol on POPs. The UIP therefore aims to: review the existing Union level measures related to POPs; assess their efficiency and sufficiency in meeting the obligations of the Stockholm Convention; identify needs for further Union level measures; establish a plan for implementing the further measures;

Union Implementation Plan (EU-UIP) First version 2007- Underestimation of Lindane issues Second version 2012: where is the ambition?? Paper tiger?? Third version under preparation: There is hope for improvements…………but do we get proper results with more commitment from the countries and from EU Commission to achieve real results on the ground or will we only carry on filling in obligatory papers ??

Basque Country: 500 000 to 1 Mill tons of HCH-waste/ contaminated soil: solution 80% EU funding Cohesion Fund

Juraj Dimitrov Company (CHZJD) Danube Basin: examples of 3 major HCH-waste mega-sites End of Session: Statement Marta Ciraj Slovenia Since 30-50 years leaking and spreading and silently That cannot be part of the UIP or? Countries do not report in NIPs This is not serious! This must change Juraj Dimitrov Company (CHZJD) 90 000 m3 HCH Turda 60 000 m3 Oltchim 250 000 m3

Romania: at least 2 large former Lindane factories Romanian NIP update 2012: “In Romania Alpha and Beta – HCH is likely to be found in the lindane contaminated sites on the and arround the former chemical platforms that produced Lindane in the past” “In Romania significant quantities of lindane were produced………” “Teleorman County, in the year 2009 there was identified a stock of 563 kg Lindatox, which was eliminated in 2010.” IHPA concludes: but the main problems of Turda and Oltchim are not listed or described for action!

Romania: former Lindane factory about 250 000 tons of HCH Legacy Olt River: running into Danube Site not listed in Romanian NIP

Former Lindane factory Eugène Kuhlmann French side of Rhein opposite Basel: never listed or addressed in the French NIP

France France: one of the biggest producers never reported of any site! Clean-up ongoing Rhein Eugène Kuhlmann factory in Alsace by Novartis still ongoing since 2013 ! For example: no information at all on former Rhône-Poulenc Lindane Production site

Novartis now remediating site from 2013 – present: 1 year stop due to emissions Ref: Martin Forter

United Kingdom: NIP 2012 update : first producer of Lindane There is hope for a start!!! “A review of historical lindane producers will be undertaken to establish the disposal routes for the waste generated by the industry. The information will be used to assess the potential for ongoing emissions from any identified waste sites.”

a proper change: need for carrot and stick ?

Good example: Phasing out PCB Goal of 2025 for phasing out the use of equipment containing PCB (e.g. transformers, capacitors or other receptacles containing liquid stocks), and Treatment and elimination of the recovered PCB by 2028 Set goals, fulfil them and create mechanism of rewarding and punishment when not fulfilled?...

We urgently request EU Commission, DG ENVI, Members of EU Parliament and the EU Member states to jointly initiate EU framework solutions on sustainable solutions of problems of POPs Mega-sites…………….there is still time…. Site Visit to Sabiñanigo landfill during 13th Forum Zaragoza