On banning the use of sewage sludge in agriculture in Europe 

The petitioner is concerned by the use of sewage sludge in agriculture, in Europe and in particular in Italy. He denounces a decree adopted by the Italian government which allows the use of sewage sludge as fertilizer on agricultural soils. According to the petitioner, the Italian legislation and the regional agency for the protection of the environment (“l’Arpa Torino”) do not apply sufficiently high standards for the treatment and disposal of sludge in Italy. The petitioner explains that, as a result, the sludge is used together with other industrial waste containing a high concentration of chemicals and leading to soil pollution. The petitioner therefore turns to the European Parliament to call for a ban of the use of sludge in agriculture in Europe.