On behalf of Esquerda Unida de O Porriño (EU-SON) on lindane contamination in O Porriño, Spain 

The petition concerns the presence of lindane, a carcinogenic chemical that was previously commonly found in insecticides, in the municipality of O Porriño, Spain. Around 60 years ago a private company manufactured lindane in a plant near the area, accumulated more than 1,000 tonnes of it, and did not dispose of it correctly. The area is now residential and the petitioner is concerned about the health risk to the population of the area since lindane is banned in most EU countries. He alleges that there was no action from the authorities despite the ban. The petitioner also expresses his concern about pollution in the Louro River which passes through O Porriño. He calls on the European institutions to protect the region by ensuring that the Spanish authorities carry out an investigation on the presence of lindane in the area and establish the Action Plans required by the Water Framework Directive in order to remove dangerous substances. The petitioner also requests that certain limits be set for the presence of HCH in water destined for human consumption and for the European Commission to propose legislation on soil protection.