The Environment & Resources Authority (ERA) launched a public consultation for a Wellbeing First Vision for its National Strategy for the Environment for 2050.

This Vision recognises that progress must be redefined and places the environment at the heart of a system that supports overall wellbeing. It envisions success being measured on what really matters for quality of life, with environmental stability being an essential part of this. The Vision promotes continuous growth while achieving higher living standards by respecting environmental limits and moving towards a future which gives environmental and societal considerations due regard, alongside economic development.

This first major milestone in the development of a National Strategy for the Environment sets the direction for the upcoming Strategy. It serves as a far-sighted strategic course for the protection and management of the environment for the next thirty years, practically a generation, and it is what the National Strategy for the Environment will be based on for the country to strive towards a better quality of life.

Further information on this Vision and the National Strategy for the Environment for 2050 is available here. The Authority encourages the public to participate in this consultation by sending feedback on [email protected] or through the below link until 20th September 2020.

Accompanying docs:

    • Video here
    • Consultation questions here

See also: National Strategy for the Environment 

21 July 2020

Following the confirmation of a loggerhead turtle nest at Ir-Ramla tal-Mixquqa (Golden Bay), ERA has issued an emergency conservation order (ECO) to ensure adequate protection of the nesting area and the eventual hatching of young turtles.

In this regard, the ECO aims at controlling any human activities which could disturb this natural process such as trampling, use of generators, generation of excessive noise and the letting off of fireworks in the vicinity of the nest. These regulations remain in effect until the 8th September 2020. Further information can be obtained from Government Gazette 20,440 dated 14th July 2020 or by clicking here.

ERA would like to appeal for public collaboration to reduce impacts on turtle nests and urges the general public to report any turtle activity or environmental illegality immediately to ERA on T: (+356) 22923500 or [email protected].

14 July 2020

The ERA Board considered 11 applications for environmental permits, all of which were favourably determined subject to specific post decision requirements.

New Permits

Two new applications were approved covering operations of existing service stations in Mosta (EP 0093/19) and Zurrieq (EP 0050/19). Both petrol stations have been refurbished to introduce Vapour Recovery systems as required by applicable legislation. All petrol stations are required to have secondary recovery systems to capture the vapours from the dispensing of petrol and the Authority is processing a number of applications of existing fuel stations that are undergoing refurbishment.

Another application considered by the ERA Board regarded interventions on trees as part of the upgrading works and road junction improvements at Triq l-Imdina, Mrieħel (NP 0167/20). The removal of nine Eucalyptus trees, two Italian cypress trees and eight trees that are invasive and alien species has been approved on condition that 110 trees would be planted as compensation for the removal of the 11 protected trees. The planting of the new trees shall be done in public open spaces in the proximity of the affected site, which include Triq l-Imdina, Balzan and Mriehel and Triq il-Ferrovija in Santa Venera.

Renewal of Permits

Two applications covered renewal by two hotels at St. Julians (EP 49/20 and EP 54/20). The permits cover various obligations including the control and monitoring of the discharges to sea from desalinisation plants on site and the emissions to air from combustion plants on site used for the generation of power.

Another renewal of permit application considered the continued operation of a port facility at Marsaxlokk Harbour to service the offshore oil rig industry (EP 0042/20). The permit addresses obligations related to bulk storage and maintenance activities, as well as conditions on waste management, emissions to air from combustion plant on site and reporting requirements

A renewal of an environment permit application by a waste management facility located at Bulebel Industrial Estate, Zejtun, to operate an interim storage, pre-treatment and transfer facility for certain types of waste (EP 0071/20). During the processing of the application the Authority ascertained that the operations that were permitted by the previous permit were undertaken in line with the conditions, and thus recommended the renewal of the permit.

Four other applications determined by the ERA Board consisted of the renewal of operations for the rearing of tuna. Three of these permits cover operations by different operators that have their farms located at the South-East Aquaculture Zone (EP 0001/20, EP 0023/20 and EP 0114/19) and another permit covers the operations of a farm at the temporary North Aquaculture Zone (EP 0118/19). The permits cover specific operational aspects applicable to the tuna farming industry including conditions on the feeding of tuna which must be followed to ensure that any resulting releases are contained, collected and disposed of. Various other mitigation measures are to be deployed by the operators to ensure that the best environmental practices are undertaken and these operations have minimal impact on the marine environment. Furthermore, all operators are required to continue with the implementation of the biannual environmental monitoring which is already in place and is required to be continued during the lifetime of the permits, in accordance with a monitoring plan which has been approved by the Authority.

14 July 2020

Following reports that a loggerhead turtle might have nested again at Golden Bay, Nature Trust Malta (NTM‐FEE) has confirmed the nesting with the collaboration of different individuals and private entities. Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) officers also went on site to cordon off the Area and are monitoring the situation.

ERA is also assessing the situation to decide on immediate measures that are to be put in place to ensure that the nest is not endangered in any way. ERA will therefore work in close collaboration with Nature Trust Malta (NTM‐FEE); the Majjistral Park; the Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning (MECP); and other public and private entities, as applicable.

An Emergency Conservation Order will be issued by ERA to ensure more direct protection to the nesting area. As for other nesting cases in the Maltese Islands and the world, excessive noise and trampling in the nesting area and unnecessary artificial lighting in the area pose a danger to turtle eggs and any hatchlings.

The Environment and Resources Authority notes that this is the second reliably confirmed nesting of loggerhead turtle this year. This further nesting episode in Golden Bay is interesting as it comes four (4) years after the 2016 episode. Such increased nesting records may be due to increased site fidelity in sea turtles in relation to Maltese shores, marking a positive indication towards a more permanent comeback of this species in terms of loggerhead turtle nesting in Malta.

Indeed, recent studies carried out by ERA have confirmed that the loggerhead turtle is currently at a favourable conservation status and improving in the Maltese Islands and, whilst acknowledging that more long-term monitoring is required, the abundance and distribution of this species in Malta seems to be indicative of long-term viability. This is possibly also due to increased protection in Malta and the Mediterranean, as well as rehabilitation programmes for injured and stranded turtles being undertaken in the Mediterranean region, including Malta. In Malta such work is coordinated by Nature Trust Malta (NTM‐FEE) with Environment & Resources Authority, as the competent authority, which also sponsors and finances such rehabilitation activities by Nature Trust Malta (NTM‐FEE).

ERA is calling for the public’s collaboration in reducing impacts to such nests and that any observations of any environmental illegality or turtle activity should be immediately reported to ERA on 9921 0404 or [email protected].
Note on the species: The loggerhead turtle (Maltese: il-fekruna l-komuni), scientifically known as Caretta caretta is a long-living, slowly maturing marine species that inhabits tropical to warm temperate areas. This species is classified as globally endangered by the World Conservation Area (IUCN) and is also protected by various national and international legislation. Capturing, killing, taking, and trading these turtles, as well as the deliberate disturbance of these species, particularly during the period of breeding, rearing and migration, is prohibited and subject to legal action. Even the destruction of eggs or taking of eggs from the wild is strictly prohibited and constitutes a criminal offence. In fact, the national ‘Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations’ impose a minimum fine of nearly €500 and going up to nearly €2400 for each egg that may be destroyed or taken from the wild. The area where the loggerhead turtles has laid its eggs is also a protected area under the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549) and a Natura 2000 site through the EU Habitats Directive.

For further information, please refer to era.org.mt 

5 July 2020

Following several reports on the state of the ducks introduced at Is-Salini, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), as the competent Authority in terms of Natura 2000 sites, requested tests to be carried out through the Veterinary and Plant Regulatory Division (VPRD).

The results of the requested tests were provided to the Authority on the 1st July 2020. Unfortunately, from the samples assessed, it is clear that the ducks present at Is-Salini area are infected with Avian Flu and Salmonella and hence pose a risk not only to native and migratory wildlife in the area and the environment, but also to public health and food (due to possible transmission of such diseases to domesticated poultry species, which were also released in the same area).
The Ministry is currently in consultation with the Veterinary and Plants Regulation Division in order to decide on a plan of action for their removal.

It is noted that the ducks in question are feral domesticated ducks, which are not native to the Maltese Islands. They do not occur naturally in the area and their livelihood depends on external factors and human intervention, this causing major imbalances in the natural state of the water and biodiversity of the area. Such feral domesticated ducks cause direct environmental damage by altering the habitat where they live, degrading it, and increasing the risks of nutrient enrichment and water contamination. Indeed, the ducks, their droppings and uneaten introduced food sources are leading to water contamination, leading to an increase in nutrients and eutrophication episodes (such as red tides). Such episodes are very damaging to protected wildlife in the area as they may lead to the death of fish and other wildlife, including protected species, as well as other unwanted environmental and health consequences. Besides being introduced there and the damage indicated, other ancillary non-authorised alterations were also carried out in the site (which lies in a protected area) to accommodate the domesticated ducks.
In view of these environmental issues, ERA has also issued a Stop and Compliance Order (OWK) on this matter earlier on, which was followed up through such tests.

Note: ‘Is-Salini’ was designated as a Special Area of Conservation in 2003 granting the site protection in accordance with the provisions of the Flora, Fauna and Habitats Protection Regulations (SL549.44). This designation was further updated in 2018, through GN 681 of 2018 as published on 5th June 2018. A Management Agreement is in place, with the site being managed through BirdLife Malta, with the involvement of relevant competent entities, including ERA.

2 July 2020

The ERA Board considered 9 applications for an environmental permit, all of which were favourably determined subject to specific post decision requirements.

– Two permits related to quarries, whereby one of the permits was granted for the excavation of soft stone from an existing licenced soft stone quarry in Mqabba, the crushing of stone for recycling and the backfilling of the excavation void; whereas another permit has been renewed for the restoration of a quarry void in Kirkop. The permits, apart from conditioning the activities applied for, also address the holistic operations at these quarries in line with good environmental practices.

– Another application that was determined by the ERA Board concerned the renewal and variation request of an existing scrapyard in Marsa for the storage of scrap batteries and storage and processing of scrap metals prior to export. The variation request included the proposal to accept, store and dismantle specified types of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), namely degassed air conditioner units. The permit includes conditions related to site management and control, waste storage and processing, site containment and reporting amongst others.

– A request for the variation of an environment permit was also determined for the extension of an already permitted scrapyard in Għaxaq. The operator has requested the inclusion of an additional area as part of the facility to be covered by the environmental permit so the operations would be in line with environmental best practices. The environment permit covers obligations and controls related to the processing of End-of-Life Vehicles and site containment so as to avoid contamination.

– A renewal request to operate a hotel at Mellieħa. This permit covers various obligations including the control and monitoring of the discharges to sea and the emissions from combustion plants on site. The hotel is located in the proximity of a Special Protection Area (SPA) MT0000112: Il-Baħar ta’ Madwar Għawdex and the environmental permit includes conditions to address the implementation of measures to reduce the effects of external lightning on avifauna, for the approval of the Authority.

– An extension to the current permit for a waste management facility in Luqa has been granted to continue its operations to receive, store and process various waste streams including Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), scrap metal, and other hazardous and non-hazardous wastes.

– A permit for remediation works at Wied Qirda has been granted by the ERA Board to reinstate part of the valley which has been widened, to remove construction debris from the valley bed that were deposited during the said works and to carry out other works intended to restore this part of the valley.

– An application for an environment permit for an existing service station in Ħal Lija which has been refurbished to introduce Vapour Recovery systems, as required by applicable legislation has also been determined. The operator has carried out decommissioning of old equipment in line with a decommissioning plan which was approved by the Environment and Resources Authority.

– A new environment permit application to operate a manufacturing plant located at Bulebel Industrial Estate has also been determined. The permit covers operations related to the manufacturing of plastic products and obligations related to the associated activities of waste management and by-product management.

30 June 2020

During a board sitting today, the ERA Board considered 8 applications for an environmental permit, all of which were favourably determined subject to specific post decision requirements.

The first application included a request for an environment permit for the back-filling operations at a soft stone quarry in Mqabba. The permit addresses the waste management aspect of back-filling operations as well as various other aspects associated with site management and control.

Another application included a request for the renewal an environment permit to operate a waste management facility at Marsa for the temporary storage of specified non-hazardous and hazardous waste. The permit includes conditions related to site management and control, waste storage and processing, and site containment amongst others.

A request for the variation of an environment permit was also assessed for the manufacturing of plastic products and processing of plastic waste material and other related activities. This variation request is for the ceasing of End-of-Waste operations and related obligations.

A renewal of an environment permit was also submitted to manufacture detergents, bleach and blow moulding of plastic containers at a facility located at Bulebel Industrial Estate, Zejtun. The permits cover obligations related to the production detergents, chemical storage, production of plastic containers, associated waste management activities and by-product management.

Another application covered a request for renewal of an environmental permit issued to an aquaculture facility rearing closed-cycle species (Sea bream, Sea bass and Meagre) at three offshore sites within Mistra Bay, St. Paul’s Bay and Mellieħa. As part of the permit, the operator will be required to continue with the environmental monitoring which was already being carried out in previous years. The permit also includes specific conditions related to feeding practices and cage management.

Another application related to a variation of an environmental permit covering the operations of a service station in Qormi, which was granted on 18th May 2020. The variation addresses updated plans which were provided by the operator after the granting of the permit and which will aim to address differences related to tank capacities of the underground storage tanks and pipeline layouts. All other conditions within the current permit are still applicable.

Another two applications were submitted by one applicant where the first permit was for the renewal of an existing permit that relates to interventions within a Natura 2000 sites and on protected species. 243 indigenous trees of native stock shall be planted as a compensation to the interventions that have been permitted on site. The permit also allows for the removal of alien invasive species and their re-sprouting. Another decision was taken by the Board regarding the operational permit for the hotel itself. This environmental permit has conditions that address several aspects, including emissions from medium combustion plants on site and regulation of discharges from certain processes on site.

12 June 2020

Following reports of silt seepage into the sea at Mġarr ix-Xini, ERA officers stopped works on the Mġarr ix-Xini creek on Thursday.

From inspections carried out by ERA, it transpired that the works were ongoing without the necessary silt curtain being deployed. Furthermore, the works carried out did not comply with the conditions imposed by ERA through a Nature Permit which specified that an ecological monitor should be present on site.

Nonetheless, the contractor recommenced works and was stopped once again by ERA officials on Saturday. ERA warned the contractor that works cannot proceed until a full silt curtain is deployed which is to be adequately sealed at the edges and imposed the presence of the ecological monitor on site.

8 June 2020

Following reports that a loggerhead turtle nested at Ramla Bay, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) officials went on site and confirmed that eggs had been laid and proceeded to assess the situation to decide on immediate measures that are to be put in place to ensure that the nest is not endangered in any way.

The Ministry for the Environment, Climate change and Planning and ERA are working jointly, in close collaboration with Nature Trust Malta, the Ministry for Gozo and the Malta Police Force.

The eggs will be monitored, and an Emergency Conservation Order will be issued by ERA to ensure more direct protection to the nesting area. Excessive noise and trampling in the nesting area and unnecessary artificial lighting in the area pose a danger to turtle eggs and any hatchlings which may emerge.

ERA is calling for the public’s collaboration in reducing such impacts. Observations of any environmental illegality or turtle activity should be immediately reported to ERA on 9921 0404 or [email protected].

The loggerhead turtle (Maltese: il-fekruna l-komuni), scientifically known as Caretta caretta is a long-living, slowly maturing marine species that inhabits tropical to warm temperate areas. This species is classified as globally endangered by the World Conservation Area (IUCN) and is also protected by various national and international legislation. Capturing, killing, taking, and trading these turtles, as well as the deliberate disturbance of these species, particularly during the period of breeding, rearing and migration, is prohibited and subject to legal action.  Even the destruction of eggs or taking of eggs from the wild is strictly prohibited and constitutes a criminal offence.  In fact, the national ‘Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations’ impose a minimum fine of nearly €500 and going up to nearly €2400 for each egg that may be destroyed or taken from the wild. The area where the loggerhead turtles has laid its eggs is also a protected area under the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549) and a Natura 2000 site through the EU Habitats Directive.

30 May 2020

During the board sitting of 29th May 2020 the ERA Board considered 10 applications for an environmental permit, 7 of which were renewals, all of which were granted.

Renewal applications:

Request for the renewal and variation of an environment permit to operate a boatyard and a berthing facility at Kalkara. The permit includes obligations related to boat maintenance and repair, refuelling, contingency against spillages and accident prevention and regulation of waste management on site.

The renewal and variation of an environment permit to operate a waste management facility at Tal-Barrani Industrial Park, Ghaxaq. The environment permit covers a waste management activity associated with waste edible oil storage and decanting and the processing of fish oil waste. The permit includes conditions related to site management and control, waste storage and processing, and site containment amongst others.

A renewal of an environment permit issued to a waste management facility at Attrans Depot, Zebbug. The waste management activity relates to the storage and processing of waste clothes and associated end-of-waste procedures. Obligations in the permit cover the waste storage and processing, site infrastructure and management and conditions relating to the end-of-waste process.

A renewal of the environmental permit for an installation producing various electronic and mechanical parts for various uses in appliances and automobiles, located within the Mriehel Industrial Estate. Due to the activities carried out and the associated consumption of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), the installation falls within scope of the Industrial Emissions (Limitation of Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds) Regulations, 2013. The permit thus includes monitoring of these pollutants from specific emission points.

Two renewal applications were also granted in relation to interventions within a Natura 2000 site and on protected species:
– The application for renewal relates to the breeding and rearing of Barn Owls at Buskett for release into the wild, as part of a reintroduction programme. The permit granted the renewed approval of the structures for the parent stock, hacking boxes and the procedure for release.
– The renewal of the permit for restoration works at Chadwick Lakes currently being carried out by the Energy and Water Agency (EWA) was also considered favourably, including removal of accumulated silt formation of water retention basins, removal of Invasive alien species of plants and planting of over 500 indigenous trees and shrubs. The permit includes various conditions aimed at mitigating the effects of the removal of alien species on the surrounding environment including ones related to control of resprouting, together with the planting of a large number of specimens of indigenous species. These interventions are aimed at restoring the ecology of the site to that of a typical Mediterranean valley system and making the site a more enjoyable and informative experience for visitors.

New applications:

Two applications covered the requests for an environment permit to operate manufacturing plants located at Kordin Industrial Estate, Paola and at Bulebel Industrial Estate, Zejtun. The permits cover operations related to the manufacturing of plastic products and amongst others have obligations related to the associated activities of waste management and by-product management.

A request for an environment permit to operate a batching plant at Ibragg. The main operations include the manufacture of concrete products and cold-asphalt, the recycling of inert waste and vehicle maintenance and repair. The permit includes obligations related to emissions to air, maintenance areas, fuel and chemical storage, process effluent management and waste acceptance and control.

A further application was related to the operations of a ship repair yard at located at Senglea. Works carried out at the installations include steel works, surface treatment, welding and engineering works, as well as blasting and painting which are carried out on the two dry docks, floating docks or in designated workshops on the quay. The permit includes obligations for monitoring of discharges from the docks and specific operational conditions, which the operator has to implement during blasting operations.

29 May 2020