The European Commission has decided to refer Italy to the European Court of Justice with regard to a hydro-electric project in Lombardy that involves abstracting water from the Schiesone River (Sondrio). The Commission is concerned that this project will lead to the deterioration of important fluvial habitats within a site that is nominated for special protection under the EU´s Habitats Directive. Species like the otter and the yellow-bellied toad live there and these species as well as the habitat itself might be threatened as the construction would reduce the quantity of water in the river. In 2003, the Italian authorities informed the Commission of technical mitigation measures aimed at limiting negative impacts upon fluvial habitats. However, in February 2004, the Regional Decree that set out these measures was overturned by an Italian administrative court. Construction works are continuing, and there is a significant risk of irreparable environmental damage.
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