The Sabato river valley is a region in the province of Avellino in the Campania region of southern Italy. ‘It has a population of more than 75 000 people and is home to a large number of metalworking and engineering industries, refuse treatment plants, a motorway and a high-voltage power line. Investigations carried out by the State Forestry Authority and ARPA Campania have shown that the river is heavily polluted by polychlorinated biphenyls, bacteria such as E. coli and Streptococcus, ammoniacal nitrogen and surfactants as a result of the high concentration of industrial plants and infrastructure in the region. Air quality has also suffered as a result of the presence of alarming levels of pollutants such as carbon monoxide, PM 10, nitrogen oxides and benzo(a)pyrene, which are posing a risk to human health. What is more, the Isochimica plant in Pianodardine, where 20 tonnes of illegally-dumped asbestos have been found, and the IRM refuse treatment plant in Manocalzati have still not been cleaned up.’

Source: Parliamentary Questions 31 May 2016 in the European Parliament, Question for written answer E-004460-16 to the Commission, Rule 130, Piernicola Pedicini (EFDD).