Translation of "sol lourd " (French → English) :

Despite the exaggerated resistance to this directive from some sectors, it is evident that soil is a vital resource that is essentially non-renewable, which is suffering under growing environmental pressure for which human activity has significant responsibility.

24. Notes, in connection with transport, that road infrastructure in particular, and to a lesser extent rail infrastructure, can constitute a threat to the soil through covering and impacting (by pressure from heavy vehicles) and the bisection of eco-systems; stresses in this connection the importance of water transport, as set out inter alia in the White Paper on Transport, and the need, for projects in the framework of the Trans-European Networks, to carry out environmental impact assessments pursuant to Directive 2001/42/EC ; calls on the Commission to encourage the use of innovative sustainable technologies and products in road-bui ...[+++]lding, such as Very Open-graded Asphalt Concrete;

6. Notes, in connection with transport, that road infrastructure in particular, and to a lesser extent rail infrastructure, can constitute a threat to the soil through covering and impacting (by pressure from heavy vehicles) and the bisection of eco-systems; stresses in this connection the importance of water transport, as set out inter alia in the White Paper on Transport, and the need, for projects in the framework of the Trans-European Networks, to carry out environmental impact assessments pursuant to Directive 2001/42/EC; calls on the Commission to encourage the use of innovative sustainable technologies and products in road-build ...[+++]ing, such as Very Open-graded Asphalt Concrete;

6. Calls for a shift in farming methods and good farming practices (an end to ploughing up and down the slope, rehabilitation of crop growing in small plots, replanting of hedgerows, ditches, copses), adapted to the soil characteristics in each region and the socio-economic circumstances of communities dependent on farming, by restricting the use of heavy mechanised equipment.

23. Notes, in connection with transport, that road infrastructure in particular, and to a lesser extent rail infrastructure, can constitute a threat to the soil through covering and impacting (by pressure from heavy vehicles) and the bisection of eco-systems; stresses in this connection the importance of water transport, as set out inter alia in the White Paper on Transport, and the need, for projects in the framework of the Trans-European Networks, to carry out environmental impact assessments pursuant to Directive 2001/42/EC; calls on the Commission to encourage the use of innovative sustainable technologies and products in road-buil ...[+++]ding, such as Very Open-graded Asphalt Concrete;

The Communication also identifies the main threats to soil in Europe: erosion, decline in organic matter, soil contamination, soil sealing (caused by the covering of soil for housing, roads and other infrastructure), soil compaction (caused by mechanical pressure through the use of heavy machinery, overgrazing or sporting activities), decline in soil biodiversity, salinisation (excessive accumulation of soluble salts of sodium, magnesium and calcium) and floods and landslides.