During three public meetings held today the 18th of February 2022, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) Board has approved the variation of the IPPC permit for the Delimara PowerStation (IP 0002/21), located at Delimara, proposals regarding an application for a multi-storey mixed-use development in St Julians [EA 00046/18 (PA 02470/16 & PA 06097/20)], and the second phase of redevelopment of the Ramla Bay Hotel [PA 02943/19 (EA 00028/19)].

Regarding IP 0002/21:

The application regards the variation of the IPPC permit for the Delimara PowerStation (IP 0002/21). The application process included consultation with a number of statutory consultees as well as a public consultation as required by the IPPC Regulations.

The variation and renewal of the IPPC permit covers a number of variations including but not limited to the transfer of fuel to third parties and the addition of emission points to air from medium combustion plants. The installation has been covered by an IPPC permit since 2010.

The permit takes into account the holistic environmental performance of the installation and ascertains that the operations are undertaken in line with Best Available Techniques that are available for such operations. Furthermore, the permit takes into consideration all the aspects of the operations including emissions to air, discharges, management of waste, monitoring of operations as well as monitoring of pollutants prior to release into the environment.

Regarding EA 00046/18 (PA 02470/16 & PA 06097/20):

The proposal regards an application for a multi-storey mixed-use development in St Julians. In 2018, ERA had requested an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in line with the EIA Regulations (S.L. 549.46). The EIA Report on which the Directorate based its assessment was submitted to ERA on 13 October 2021. The Directorate’s assessment took into account the conclusions of the EIA Report, as well as the comments received from the public concerned following a 30-day public consultation.

The impacts and risks identified in the EIA Report during the construction phases were considered to be of low adverse significance, and as long as works adhere to the Environmental Management Construction Site Regulations (S.L. 552.09), the identified environmental impacts would be mitigated further. From a Waste management perspective there was a requirement for the submission of a waste management plan for eventual review by ERA.

Impacts and risks associated with the operational phase were also considered to be of low adverse significance, apart from impacts on the surrounding areas from shading and in terms of visual amenity due to the presence of the tall building affecting both short- and long-distance views, which are of higher adverse significance. Such impacts are inherently linked to the nature of the development, being a high-rise tower, a known concern from the outset.

Other impacts, of minor significance, assessed to occur during operations of the development, mainly relate to emissions from additional traffic generation and changes to the wind microclimate surrounding the proposed building, which may affect the pedestrian comfort at the surrounding public spaces.

Mitigation measures include the implementation of a Green Travel Plan, aimed at reducing traffic generation, and the carrying out of a wind study for the fine-tuning of the final design of the proposed tower, to avoid deterioration of the wind microclimate.

In the light of the findings of the assessment, the Directorate did not object to the proposal whilst noting that the afore-mentioned aspects in terms of the Green Travel Plan, microclimate and waste management need to be considered as reserved matters. This conclusion was made on the understanding that stringent mitigation measures and pre-emptive safeguards will be implemented throughout both the construction and operation of the proposed development.

The Final Assessment was referred to the ERA Board for a decision in public in line with the EIA Regulations (S.L. 549.46). The decision taken by the ERA Board on 18th February 2022 was that the Final Assessment put forward was being agreed to and a vote in favour was taken.

Regarding EA 00028/19 (PA 02943/19)

The proposal in caption is the second phase of redevelopment of the Ramla Bay Hotel at Marfa and follows an earlier partial redevelopment of the seaward part of the resort.

This proposal (Phase 2) has been assessed by ERA through the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process in line with the EIA Regulations (S.L. 549.46). The development was also subject to an Appropriate Assessment (AA) in accordance with the Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Regulations (S.L. 549.44).

The Directorate’s assessment took into account the conclusions of the EIA and AA Reports, as well as the comments received from the public concerned following a 30-day public consultation. After its assessment of the proposal, also taking into account the consultants’ evaluation, the Directorate did not object to this proposal, but noted that there are outstanding considerations regarding impacts on landscape and visual amenity which need to be addressed.

In view of the above considerations, the Directorate recommended that:

  1. Improved attention is given to minimisation of dominance of the building, especially as perceived from panoramic viewpoints (including the Ċirkewwa main road i.e., viewpoint 8, where the impact is considered more than minor adverse).
  2. The Alang Alang building located on the shore is reduced in height.
  3. Development is to be contained within the already committed site boundary, avoiding/removing structures/encroachment onto adjacent rural land; and
  4. The area east of the hotel (including garigue and rocky coast) is to be restored. In this regard, the ERA is requesting a Restoration Method Statement (RMS).

This conclusion was made on the understanding that stringent mitigation measures and pre-emptive safeguards will be implemented throughout both construction and operation of the proposed development. Specifically, proposed mitigation measures include the reuse of soil in the landscaping; reuse of excavated rock as general fill on-site; hard surfaced areas to be designed with permeable surfaces, to facilitate water infiltration and sustainable drainage and the implementation of a lighting plan. In this regard, a number of conditions are being recommended for inclusion in the development permit.

The Final Assessment by the Directorate was referred to the ERA Board for a decision in public in line with the EIA Regulations (S.L. 549.46). The decision taken by the ERA Board on 18th February 2022 was that the Final Assessment put forward by the Directorate was being agreed to and a vote in favour was taken.

18 February 2022

A public consultation on the draft ‘Guidelines for Good Forestation Practices for the Maltese Islands’ has been launched by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) and the Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning.

This was announced by Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning Aaron Farrugia in the presence of ERA acting CEO Kevin Mercieca.
The minister explained that these guidelines aim to provide a general guide for successful and functional tree-planting projects in natural, rural, and urban environments, looking at forestation from a holistic perspective with the end target of assuring the greater success of such projects. These draft guidelines highlight the full process of how a forestation project should be addressed from concept to design, implementation, and eventual long-term sustainable management of such sites.

Minister Farrugia emphasised the importance of not only implementing afforestation projects, but properly maintaining them. “These forestation projects and their upkeep for the further greening of the islands will also enhance the environment and create more spaces for the enjoyment and benefit of the public. This document will provide a quick guide in the form of practical pointers, recommendations and a checklist of general codes of good practice to enable a successful tree-planting initiative in areas such as bare land, reforestation of areas previously covered with trees and habitat restoration to assist in the recovery of an ecosystem”, continued the minister.

The main objectives of the Guidelines are to:

  • promote environmentally friendly and ecologically sound forestation practices;
  • encourage greening and ecological restoration incentives in different areas using suitable species;
  • establish common standards of good forestation practices, in line with complimentary legislation and policy;
  • encourage ownership and long-term maintenance of forestation projects;
  • Support the implementation of the National Trees and Woodlands Strategy and Action Plan 2022-2030; and
  • support Malta’s commitment and efforts in climate change adaptation and mitigation.

The general public and interested stakeholders are invited to take note of the draft Guidelines and provide feedback on its content on [email protected], by not later than 29th  March 2022.

Further information can be viewed from the following here.

15 February 2022

In a meeting held earlier today, ERA Chairperson informed the board that the Authority’s CEO, Perit Michelle Piccinino, will be taking a new role as Executive Head at the Land Registry Agency. This comes at a point when the vacancies in top management roles have all been filled, with Mr. Kevin Mercieca appointed as Director Environment and Resources, Dr. Aimee Brincat as Director Compliance and Enforcement, together with 3 newly appointed Deputy Directors.

The ERA Board thanked Perit Piccinino for her work during her tenure in which the Authority has streamlined its procedures and invested in digital platforms offering better interface with the general public.

The Board nominated Mr. Kevin Mercieca, as acting CEO, while the process of issuing an official public call for the appointment of the Authority’s new CEO gets underway.

28 January 2022

Ftehim iffirmat bejn il-Kulleġġ Malti għall-Arti, ix-Xjenza u t-Teknoloġija (MCAST) u l-Awtorità għall-Ambjent u Riżorsi (ERA) se jwassal biex ikun hemm aktar kollaborazzjoni bejn din l-entità u l-istituzzjoni edukattiva favur l-ambjent b’mod ġenerali.

Il-ftehim ġie ffirmat mill-Prinċipal u Kap Eżekuttiv tal-MCAST il-Professur Joachim James Calleja u l-Kap Eżekuttiv tal-ERA l-Perit Michelle Piccinino. L-iffirmar tal-ftehim kien ippresedut mill-Ministru għall-Edukazzjoni u l-Isport Clifton Grima u mill-Ministru għall-Ambjent, it-Tibdil fil-Klima u l-Ippjanar Aaron Farrugia.

“L-istituzzjonijiet edukattivi tagħna qed ikomplu jmorru lil hinn mill-funzjoni primarja tagħhom, dik li jwasslu edukazzjoni tal-aqwa kwalità lill-istudenti, u qed jaħdmu id f’id mal-entitajiet tal-pajjiż biex insaħħu diversi setturi, f’dan il-każ, l-ambjent. Dan huwa ftehim importanti għaliex se jwassal għal kollaborazzjoni li mhux biss issaħħaħ l-iżvilupp tal-MCAST u l-ERA, imma wkoll se tikkontribwixxi għal ħidma f’wieħed mis-setturi li l-gvern qed jagħtih ħafna importanza, l-ambjent”, stqarr il-Ministru għall-Edukazzjoni u l-Isport Clifton Grima.

Permezz ta’ dan il-ftehim, l-MCAST u l-ERA se jaħdmu flimkien permezz ta’ stħarriġ, studji, audits u wkoll promozzjoni ta’ riċerka marbutin mal-ambjent u r-riżorsi naturali ta’ pajjiżna. Il-ftehim se jwassal ukoll biex informazzjoni u wkoll linji ta’ gwida dwar l-ambjent u r-riżorsi naturali titwassal lill-pubbliku b’mod ġenerali kemm bħala għarfien u wkoll biex il-pubbliku jkun dejjem aktar edukat dwar dan is-settur tant importanti għall-pajjiż.

Il-Ministru għall-Ambjent, it-Tibdil fil-Klima u l-Ippjanar Aaron Farrugia qal li, “L-ambjent illum qiegħed fuq nett tal-aġenda tal-gvern u ta’ ħafna nies f’dan il-pajjiż. L-iktar ħaġa importanti għalina hija li mhux biss nilħqu l-ambizzjonijiet tal-poplu tagħna, iżda li nassiguraw li l-azzjoni tagħna tkun dejjiema u li tassigura l-involviment ta’ ħafna nies, b’mod speċjali taż-żgħażagħ. L-involviment taż-żgħażagħ joffri l-akbar tama biex nindirizzaw l-isfidi li għandna quddiemna, b’mod speċjali fil-qasam ambjentali. Biex politika tkun tassew sostenibbli u tħares ‘il quddiem trid toffri edukazzjoni fuq is-suġġett, iżda trid tkun segwita b’azzjoni konkreta.”

Permezz tal-ftehim se jkun hemm koordinazzjoni bejn l-MCAST u l-ERA biex ikun massimizzat il-potenzjal li dawn għandhom, fost oħrajn f’dawk li huma riżorsi, riċerka, għarfien u esperjenza fl-ambjnet u r-riżorsi naturali ta’ pajjiżna.

Il-Kap Eżekuttiv tal-ERA Michelle Piccinino qalet li, “Dan il-ftehim huwa opportunità biex flimkien, insawru valuri ambjentali mhux biss fl-istudenti u ż-żagħżagħ tagħna, imma anka fl-industrja. Opportunità biex l-istudenti nfushom ikunu jistgħu jikbru fl-esperjenza ambjentali tagħhom bi proġetti tanġibbli li eventwalment jibdew jiġu implimentati fil-ħidma tagħhom ta’ kuljum fid-dinja tax-xogħol. Dan il-ftehim huwa pass ieħor għall-ERA fid-direzzjoni tal-viżjoni ambjentali li għażlu in-nies stess – l-Istrateġija Nazzjonali għall-Ambjent – Wellbeing First”.

Min-naħa tiegħu l-Prinċipal u Kap Eżekuttiv tal-MCAST, il-Professur Joachim James Calleja, qal li, “L-MCAST qed jaħdem mal-istudenti biex inrawmu ħiliet u valuri fl-istudenti tagħna għal kuxjenza ambjentali aħjar u l-immaniġġjar tar-riżorsi. Aħna impenjati li niffukaw fuq l-iżvilupp sostenibbli u nippreparaw l-istudenti għad-dinja tax-xogħol fejn jitlaħqu l-għanijiet ambjentali. B’dan il-ftehim, se nkomplu nsaħħu t-taħriġ u r-riċerka dwar l-ambjent tal-baħar, it-tibdil fil-klima, it-tniġġis tal-arja, l-immaniġġjar tar-riżorsi tal-ilma, il-bijodiversità, u oqsma ambjentali oħra”.

27 January 2022

  • ERA MCAST MOU 2022 (1)
  • ERA MCAST MOU 2022 (2)

As part of the government’s efforts in battling single-use plastics (SUPs) and in line with the budget speech, Malta will be banning the sale of various single-use plastic products as of 2022. Malta was among the first countries to prohibit the importation of various single-use products from 1 January 2021.

Now the government is taking a further step by banning the distribution of sales of the same items. The items affected by this law include plastic cutlery and plates, cotton buds, balloon sticks, jablo cups and beverage containers, beverage stirrers, and straws.

This is being enacted as part of the government’s vision to strengthen our environment, tackle marine pollution and improve the quality of our biodiversity.

30 December 2021

In order to implement the National Strategy on Invasive Alien Species, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) has joined forces with the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) in the European battle against invasive alien species as part of the European Alien Species Information Network (EASIN).

As part of the work of EASIN, ‘The Invasive Alien Species in Europe’ app has been developed. This app will enable the public and researchers to report invasive alien species in Malta and the EU.

For implementation and research to be effective in both policy making and control of alien species, it is important to raise awareness and understand the distribution of alien species, their invasive potential and prioritise accordingly. The new app facilitates the dissemination of information, surveillance, the adoption of efficient measures for prevention as well as early detection and control, leading to reduction of ecological and economical damages that IAS may cause.

To this end, ERA adapted the EASIN app to the local Maltese environment with detailed information and photos of the listed plants and animals making it possible for anyone to capture images of these species and submit a report including location and any relevant complementary information, using their own mobile phones’ GPS system and camera. The application also contains basic information (description, habitats, impacts etc.) on each of the invasive alien species of EU concern, including pictures and maps showing the distribution of the various species in Europe based on validated submissions.

The EASIN app was translated into Maltese with additionally prepared factsheets for 27 species (23 flora and 4 fauna species) which are of direct interest to Malta.

ERA urges the public to start using this app which will help win the battle against invasive alien species not only in Malta, but also in Europe in general.

Further information:

The Invasive Alien Species in Europe app is available on Google Play:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.europa.publications.mygeossias&hl=en_US&gl=US

 The EASIN, or European Alien Species Information Network, was established upon the recognition of the increasing serious threat posed by alien species in Europe and facilitates the exploration of existing IAS information from a variety of distributed information sources through freely available tools and interoperable web services, compliant with internationally recognized standards. For more information visit era.org.mt

20 December 2021

The Single-Use Plastics Strategy (2021-2030) and the Long-Term Waste Management Plan 2021-2030 (LTWMP) have been published following a public consultation process.

This was announced by Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning Aaron Farrugia together with Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) Deputy Director Kevin Mercieca, and Director of Directorate for the Environment and Climate Change within the Ministry Ruth De brincat.

The Minister said that the shift from a linear to a circular economy is important now more than ever. “The circular economy offers opportunities for sustainable growth, better health and quality jobs, while protecting the environment and our natural resources. In every policy decision, we need to keep in mind the wellbeing of our society and our children. This is why we are implementing these ambitious measures,” Minister Farrugia said.

Single-Use Plastics Strategy (2021-2030)

Minister Farrugia explained that the SUP strategy, which includes concrete measures that will be implemented in the coming years, is based on Government’s ambition to move towards an economy that is truly circular and a society that is more conscious and responsible. In fact, Government has already started moving in this direction as earlier this year Malta became one of the first countries to stop the importation of various single-use plastic products, the sale of which will be prohibited as of next year. The Minister explained that this strategy:

  • Is based on the European Commission Directive on SUPs (SUPD);
  • Includes research that was conducted locally to assess the most problematic SUPs in Malta specifically;
  • Carried out numerous public and stakeholder meetings to ensure everyone had the opportunity to be part of this strategy;
  • Is linked to all other efforts to safeguard the environment, including protecting marine protected areas, and fits into ERA’s long-term plan — the National Strategy for the Environment (NSE);
  • Gives Government a clear direction for the future with proposed goals and targets aimed at improving the local situation and further addressing this global challenge.

Long Term Waste Management Plan (2021-2030)

Regarding Malta’s long-term Waste Management Plan 2021-2030, the Minister said that this document describes the Government’s vision to make a big leap in the waste management sector. by embracing a circular approach and transforming waste into a resource.

“The main goal of the LTWMP is to move towards a circular economy: to waste less, to recycle more to decrease resource waste and give a new life to materials which so far we have been landfilling,” Minister Farrugia said, as he explained the following points:

  • At the top of this plan is waste prevention. We need to reduce waste: incentivize repairs, encourage donations, make more use of digital technology, and where appropriate address processes by making them more efficient.
  • We will continue to build on what we have already achieved in waste separation. Mandatory separation will be introduced so that the applicable legal framework reflects what thousands of families are already doing.
  • We will reform waste collection and start collecting waste on a national schedule with modern vehicles. Our goal is to switch to a regional collection model.
  • We will invest half a billion euro in four new plants at ECOHIVE to reduce landfilling. This is a critical step and we are already working hard on turning waste into resource.
  • We must incentivize the separation of waste from commercial establishments so that the commercial sector will also do its part. We have provided training and will continue to be available to inform the commercial sector on waste separation. We need to address organic waste in particular in order to extract clean energy.
  • Many do their best to separate waste and not pollute the environment. In fact this year was a record year for recycled waste. And in respect of this, we will step up enforcement to tackle abuse and illegal dumping.

“With this ambitious plan, which includes measures which have already began to be implemented, we will see aleap in quality in this sector. We have a long way to go, and only with everyone’s cooperation will we be able toachieve the results Malta deserves.”

7 December 2021

Following reports on air quality in the inner Harbour area, ERA acknowledges the impact that port activities have on air quality and has in the past also carried out discussions with Birdlife on the said measurements.

ERA and the University of Malta, have been monitoring the air quality downwind of the Grand Harbour in Gardjola Gardens, Senglea, since May 2020 so as to get a clearer picture of the situation in the area. The impact of the shipping industry on ambient air quality cannot be done at random over selected days but has to look at reliable averages over extended periods of time. Further scientific data is necessary to be able to evaluate the situation and enough samples need to be taken after cruise-ship activities return to post-pandemic normality in order to have a clear picture of the situation.

Nonetheless, following ERA’s advise, TM already took steps to improve the situation with future zero-emissions vessels planned in the area and the current €50 million shore-to-ship project enabling vessels to run off power coming from the shore rather than from onboard generators, thus contributing to significantly cleaner air in the area.

25 October 2021

The Environment and Resources Authority has conducted scientific surveys in marine waters on cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and confirmed the presence of selected cetaceans in particular areas around the Maltese coast, and further monitoring studies are ongoing.

The results were published as part of Malta’s Assessment of Marine Waters. This research has shown that four whale species and four dolphin species were reported from Malta in the latest surveys.

The whales are: the Fin Whale; the Sperm Whale; the Cuvier’s Beaked Whale and the Long-Finned Pilot Whale; whilst the dolphins are: the Risso’s Dolphin; the Common Dolphin, the Striped Dolphin and the Bottlenose Dolphin. Most of these species are sighted at lower instances, probably due to their presence at deeper depths and their migratory nature. These also include the sperm whale, one of the largest animals that ever roamed the planet. The rare occurrence of some of these species is why it was fascinating for those who managed to sight at some whales off the Maltese coasts.

The Common Dolphin, the Striped Dolphin and the Bottlenose Dolphin are the most frequently recorded all year round in our waters and commonly encountered by boaters. In assessing these three species, in terms by-catch, abundance and distribution across the Maltese waters, the populations of the three dolphins were found to be stable.

Although such data indicates the populations of the key species as stable, longer term monitoring is required. ERA is investing in such issues and is undergoing further monitoring studies. This will also include the establishment and pilot implementation of a long-term strategy for marine mammals in Maltese Waters, with funds attained through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).

Moreover, the Authority is also supporting ACCOBAMS (Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and contiguous Atlantic area) on addressing underwater noise and marine litter as two major pressures on cetaceans, mainly in connection with training and exchange of knowledge. Malta shall also be hosting the ACCOBAMS 8th Meeting of the Parties (MOP8) in 2022, following Malta’s offer during MOP7, a proposal which was agreed to by all Parties to ACCOBAMS.

Ms Miraine Rizzo, an official of the Authority, noted that “Cetaceans are not only beautiful marine animals which people like to encounter, but they are also an important part of our marine ecosystems. It is within this context that we understand the need to step up the protection of such animals in Maltese marine waters and ERA is committed to continue to improve knowledge on their needs and to address human impact on such species”.

Notes:

The full report is available here.

Information on selected marine fauna, including the three regular main dolphin species in Malta can be found here.

 All marine mammals (which include dolphins, whales, the harbour porpoise and the monk seal) are strictly protected in Malta since 1992. Deliberate disturbance as well as killing such species is illegal, primarily through the Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations (SL 549.44). ERA coordinates a permitting system to ensure the implementation of such protection, has declared marine protected areas for such marine species, and finances rehabilitation in relation to stranded dolphins.

ACCOBAMS is the United Nations Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and contiguous Atlantic area. This is a legal conservation tool based on cooperation between Contracting Parties with the intent to protect cetaceans and reduce threats to cetaceans notably by improving current knowledge on these animals. Malta is contracting party to this treaty. More information is available here.

24 October 2021

Cetaceans Distribution
Cetaceans Distribution

Following a public consultation process, the Construction and Demolition Waste Strategy for Malta (2021-2030) is being adopted by the Government.

This was announced by Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning Aaron Farrugia together with the Deputy Director of the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) Kevin Mercieca.

Construction and demolition waste is the largest waste stream in the EU representing around a third of all waste generated. Due to this, the EU has recognised the need for improving the quality of recycling and recovery of this waste stream and boost the demand for secondary raw materials.

The Minister said that this strategy was put together by ERA in collaboration with the Ministry in order to address this waste stream and to move towards a more circular economy.

“The strategy aims to holistically address the current issues within the sector as well as highlight the possible short term and long-term measures which may be adopted to move away from backfilling and move towards re-use and recycling. This strategy is a framework which will act as a driver intended to bring about a cultural and behavioural shift within the sector in terms of its attitude towards excavation, demolition and construction methods. In contrast to previous governments, which not only abused of, but also failed to regulate such an important sector, this government is taking courageous decisions and delivering the results which the people expect,” Minister Farrugia said.

The strategy identifies four (4) main priority areas which are crucial for the management of construction and demolition waste.

  1. Planning and design: Targets the construction industry with specific measures aiming to tackle the problem at source by demolishing or constructing in a sustainable manner;
  2. Waste management: Lists specific measures to improve waste logistics both at the development site as well as off-site;
  3. Quality management: Focuses on measures associated with increasing the confidence in C&D waste management practices as well as improving the quality of C&D recycled materials;
  4. Policy and regulatory framework: Deals with improvements in policy and framework conditions in order to break the link between development and waste generation.

The strategy will consist of a number of key measures which will be rolled out along the years. The main measures include:

  1. Establishing of standards for the construction industry
  2. Introduction of a new regulatory framework directed at the management of C&D waste
  3. Improvement of waste classification and source separation
  4. Exploration with respect to the setting-up of resource recovery and storage depots to consequently promote recycling infrastructure
  5. Exploration and identification of potential mechanisms to strengthen the implementation of the polluter pays principle (PPP).
  6. Setting of re-use and recycling targets
  7. Enforcement of recovery through the restoration of void spaces

“As a government we are calling on competent authorities, and relevant stakeholders within the industry to commit to the implementation of this strategy. Your participation is key to its successful implementation, and in our vision towards an ecological transition and circular economy,” Minister Farrugia said.

9 October 2021