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

The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) was informed of works that were being carried out in Gzira where sludge was being deposited on the roof of a reservoir that forms part of the National Flood Relief Project (NFRP). ERA Enforcement Officers immediately went on site to investigate the incident.

Initial investigations showed that the works were related to the NFRP, where part of the tunnel was blocked due to a mechanical mulfunction. Officers on site confirmed the material was sedimented debris and  no foul smells were detected. As a result of the mechanical malfunction the sediment material had to be taken out of the tunnels by means of dump bucket loaders.The material is temporarily being stored on site until it drains from water so as to prevent the escape of material during transportation on the road network. ERA will continue monitoring the situation.

21 May 2020

The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) is inviting everyone to celebrate World Bee Day (May 20th) and International Biodiversity Day (22nd May) with the intention of increasing the understanding and awareness of the vital role that biodiversity plays in our daily lives and how we may play a part in supporting it.

This year ERA is launching the ‘Sebbaħ u ħaddar ħalli l-insett idakkar’ initiative which aims to educate individuals on the importance of having a variety of plants in our environment, while also encouraging people to grow plants in their home. To do this, ERA will be sending two seed packets free of charge right to the doorstep of those interested!

To apply, one simply needs to register online via this form and ERA will send participants seed varieties of flowering plants or herbs, a Bee Identification Guide and a Flowering Calendar for free!

Those who register will receive 2 seed packets from any of the following; Poppies, Lavender, Rosemary, Great Sage, Bear’s Breeches or the Tree Medick. We are also giving the opportunity to receive by post free copies of any of ERA’s posters with information on local biodiversity of your choice. Seeds will be available until stocks last.

Let’s take this opportunity to brighten up our homes and streets while lending a helping hand to our insect friends. Take care of nature, and it will take care of you!

19 May 2020

An area to the West of what is known as Rdum il-Ħmar in l-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa sustained serious fire damage in the early hours of Sunday 17th May 2020. ERA Officers worked hand in hand with the Police and CPD and once the area was cleared and was declared safe by CPD, ERA Officers inspected the area for damage. Apart from innumerable invasive alien acacia specimens, around 450 protected trees were clearly impacted, some minimally and others appearing completely burnt. These consisted mostly of pines but also a few cypress, carobs and lentisk trees. Two sizeable areas of garigue were also burnt.

The affected area falls outside of the Special Conservation area but is still considered as an area of ecological importance as it is a garigue.

From preliminary investigations, it seems that the fire spread from a firepit that was not extinguished after being used by campers in the area.

ERA would like to urge the general public to exercise caution in open natural spaces, especially in the summer months where the dry weather favours fires to grow and may potentially create extensive damage to natural habitats.

18 May 2020

During the board sitting of 8th May 2020 the ERA Board considered 7 applications for environmental permits, all of which were granted.

The applications included a request for a permit to operate a hotel at St. Paul’s Bay (EP0020/16). This permit covers various operations including the control and monitoring of the discharges to sea from the reverse osmosis plant and pools and the emissions from generators on site.

Another application (EP0086/19) covered a request for permit for the operations of the sea terminals at Cirkewwa and Mgarr, Gozo, covering the berthing facilities, waste management, refuelling, maintenance. The facility’s location which is overlooking a Special Protection Area was also taken into consideration and addressed in the permit.

Another two applications covered a request for a permit (EP0103/19) and a renewal of environment permit (EP0004/11) of two manufacturing plants located at Xewkija Industrial Estate, Gozo and Hal Far Industrial Estate, Malta, respectively. These permits cover various operations including control and monitoring of emissions from the manufacturing processes and associated activities and waste management.

An application to operate a chicken processing facility in Burmarrad (EP0059/19) was also considered. The permit covers the management of resultant wastes and effluents from the slaughtering facility, control of emissions to air from combustion plants on site amongst others.

Another application (EP0024/20) covered the request for a permit for the backfilling operations at a soft stone quarry in Mqabba. The permit addresses the waste management aspect of backfilling operations as well as various other aspects associated with site management and control.

In addition to the above permits, another application for renewal was also granted related to interventions within a Natura 2000 site. The application for renewal (NP 124/20) relates to the removal of a considerable number of alien species and restoration of the natural habitat within the confines of the Mellieha Holiday Centre. 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. An accompanying bank guarantee to ensure compliance with the conditions of the permit is also being requested.

8 May 2020

The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) would like to publicly commend the actions proposed by the Ministry for Transport Infrastructure and Capital Projects (MTIP) in favour of car-free zones. ERA shares the same wish as that expressed by the MTIP, that once this pandemic is over, the general public continues to desire less cars on our roads, with more open spaces so as to have our streets and squares for our own enjoyment. Such an initiative would contribute to the bettering of our air quality and continues to promote the concept of wellbeing and quality of life.

The pandemic has highly raised awareness on our daily choice of mobility with more individuals making use of sustainable mobility options such as walking and cycling. Closing earmarked areas to cars at certain times of day and making public spaces car-free is truly commendable. ERA considers this, a small but significant, step to be in the right direction. It is important to remember that we have years of air pollution data which communicates a constant message throughout; the need to target roads with high traffic influx. We know that specific areas need more attention than others. This is why the National Air Pollution Control Programme, published earlier this year by ERA, prioritised this aspect. ERA will be working with Transport Malta to carry out a study on how a low emission zone can function to reap the best environmental benefit.

The Environment and Resources Authority is also working on an Air Quality Plan, which will include measures targeted at improving air quality at a local level, prioritising those hot spots. As for every policy, the contribution of all stakeholders is essential in the process and ERA will make sure consultations are carried out in the most efficient and inclusive manner so as to have everyone on board. Such activities complement other initiatives, such as urban greening, carried out by the Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning and ERA in their efforts to promote wellbeing and improve the quality of life in Malta. To this end, the Authority is looking forward to work with the relevant stakeholders, not only for this project, but also for additional effective measures to be implemented in the Maltese Islands for an improved air quality and a sustainable future for the generations to come.

7 May 2020