The Environment Ministry yesterday fined two quarrying firms a total of 2 million euros for violating environmental laws in the largest penalty imposed for this type of violation.

Environment Minister Giorgos Souflias said that a prosecutor will also be appointed to investigate the alleged illegal operation of the two quarries east of Athens.

“These firms operate without environmental licenses and in violation of a Council of State decision. Their activities are causing serious health problems to residents in the broader area and destroying the environment,” the minister said.

The two quarrying companies – Markopoulou Latomeia and Stavrou Latomeia – have been allegedly digging in the area illegally for the last 40 years.

Despite a court ruling from the Council of State, the country’s highest administrative court, and protests from local residents, the firms have continued to operate without any intervention from authorities.

A study by the Athens Observatory found that dust particles emitted by the quarrying meant that the air pollution in Markopoulo was equal to that in the most heavily polluted parts of Athens.

Souflias had fined the same companies a total of 700,000 euros in September 2004 for the same offenses. It was not clear whether the amounts were paid.

Local authorities appear reluctant to enforce previous decisions as none will take responsibility for shutting down the quarries.

Souflias also called on his counterpart at the Development Ministry, Dimitris Sioufas, and prefectural authorities to do their part in handling the companies. “We are sending the files to the Development Ministry and the Eastern Attica Prefect, as they are responsible for quarry permits,” he said.