Construction of an incinerator in São Miguel, Azores, Portugal

Question for written answer  E-001835/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
João Ferreira (The Left)

The project to build an incinerator in São Miguel has been a contentious issue since 2016, not only for legal reasons, but also due to well-founded environmental and public health concerns.

It was recently reported that the contract between MUSAMI (intermunicipal waste management company) and Termomeccanica (construction company) was signed on 28 February, for a planned investment of almost 60 million euro, which is still awaiting approval by the Court of Auditors of Ponta Delgada (Tribunal de Contas de Ponta Delgada).

Various citizens’ movements and environmental and other organisations have opposed the construction of the incinerator in São Miguel, arguing that this project runs contrary to recycling and waste reduction goals and objectives, given the large quantities of waste needed to ensure the viability of the incineration/energy recovery process. In other words, for the full operation of the incinerator, it will be necessary to increase the waste produced, going against policies launched to promote its reduction.

• 1.Can the Commission confirm whether MUSAMI received any EU funding in this period or submitted any application for the construction of this incinerator in São Miguel?
• 2.Is the Commission aware of the content of any study carried out revealing a failure to meet Community recycling targets?