1. THE PROBLEM OF WASTE IN THE OLONA VALLEY

2. Saronno Landfill abuse In the countryside of the Southern Province of Varese there is a landfill in the open air. The Civil Protection is responsible for monitoring one of the last rural areas of the Southern Province of Varese in which any kind of waste has been found in the last few months. Every week, the Civil Protection controls the area, regularly reporting about the presence of waste to local authorities which are responsible for its removal. But after every intervention the situation becomes the same. Some time ago about 50 tires of cars and trucks were found : instead of being legally disposed of they were simply thrown away in the countryside. Two years ago asbestos panels, wrapped in black bags were found too. The area is sadly known for the presence of garbage of all kinds, from municipal waste to large appliances, old furniture and furnishings. However there is an area devoted to the collection of hazardous and bulky waste where access is possible to all citizens.

3. Cislago Dangerous substances In Cislago drums containing potentially harmful chemical substances have been found by the local police. It is not the first case. A total amount of about 40 drums have been abandoned in a few days. The local police, which were called by a passer-by, immediately reached the site and arranged for the collection of industrial waste on behalf of the local authority. The local police, which were called by a passer-by, immediately reached the site and arranged for the collection of industrial waste on behalf of the local authority. The technicians of ARPA (Regional Agency for Environmental Protection) inspected the area which might have been contaminated by the content of some open bins. Out of safety reasons the area was closed to public access.

4. Caronno Pertusella The first hydrogen furnace in the world The first hydrogen furnace in the world has been built in Caronno Pertusella. It is located in the family steel mill Pessina Greppi. This company produces tempered steel belts for the Italian and foreign market. The new plant is the product of close cooperarion with Ebner, a leading company in the production of industrial furnaces in Austria and it aims at improving the process of cooling materials without any danger and without consequences, especially for the environment. Indeed, the previous proceedings caused smoke, fire danger and environmental damage.

5. Viviana Bersaglio Ilenia Nieddu Mattia Carnelli Diego Vitolo Class 3 IGEA Istituto “ E. Fermi “ Workshops in Castellanza 22 – 26 October 2007