To: Mr. Jorge Pinto Antunes
Desk Officer
European Commission
Environment Directorate-Generale

Dear Mr. Antunes,

I am writing to you regarding the Environmental Impact Asseessment report for the National Hazardous Waste Centre project in Bulgaria. On the meeting with the Ministry of Environment and Waters a week ago we were informed by the experts from the EIA department that they received extensive comments from the European commission - Regional Policy Directorate-General and European Investment Bank on the first draft of the EIA report for the National Hazardous Waste Centre. Za Zemiata was denied access to the EIA report with explanation that it is draft document. Therefore we would like to receive at least the European Commission recommendation regarding the draft EIA report. We are fully aware about the importance given to the project for solving the problems with the hazardous waste treatment in Bulgaria. Therefore we consider that full access to the project related documents should be given to the public and hope to have your cooperation regarding that issue.

We would also like to understand more from you what is DG Environment involvement in this particular case. Is it only limited to EIA procedures and the quality of EIA report? Or is it wider due to the fact that the project is promoted by the Ministry of Environment and Waters which is aslo the investor, the one which gives the Environmental permit and the one which will monitor the environmental impacts?

Best regards,
Ivaylo Hlebarov

Za Zemiata (For the Earth) / CEE Bankwatch Network
p.box 975
Sofia 1000
Bulgaria
Tel/fax: +359 2 851 86 20,
Email: hlebarov@bankwatch.org