The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) welcomes the decisions taken on the 21st of November by the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal (EPRT) to revoke PA 08279/18 for the development of a villa in Sqaq Anton Mallia in Żebbuġ, Gozo, and PA 06443/17 for the development of a dilapidated building situated in an ecologically sensitive valley in Wied Għomor.

  • PA 08279/18 was granted on the 26th of June 2019 to develop a class 1A villa on a cliff edge which is currently in pristine condition. The development would therefore have completely eradicated the cliff edge and formalised the site which is located in a sensitive area.

The appeal was upheld on the basis that the impact on the environment caused by this development would have been extensive. The tribunal also determined that the removal of an existing blank party wall provides no gain when compared to the damage which will be sustained by the natural stone foundations and garigue which are of high conservation value.

  • PA 06443/17 was granted on the 12th of June 2019 to make alterations to the existing farmhouse and make extensions at ground floor and first floor level. The permit had granted permission to excavate a basement, pool, deck area and landscaping and would have allowed for the reinstatement of a footpath connecting Triq Josef Kalleya to the farmhouse and the reinstatement of a country road.

This development would not have respected the context of the valley in which it is located, which serves as a buffer zone in a densely populated area and serves as a green lung.  A precedent would also have been created for further development.

The appeal was upheld on the basis that the proposed development was too extensive for the site and thus not respecting the rural characteristics of the existing building and would lead to a negative impact on the rural zone of Wied Għomor. The Tribunal held that the permit was issued in breach of criteria number three of policy 6.2A of the Rural Policy and Design Guidance.

  • Ridge edge Żebbuġ
  • Ridge edge Żebbuġ 2
  • Wied Għomor existing building

“Smart Waste, Better Tomorrow”

The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) has organised an event during which a number of ICT experts were invited with the aim of discussing current technologies and systems within the waste sector. These experts were also invited to identifying key technologies to improve waste management policies in Malta.

This was ERA’s second event out of four, as part of an Interreg Europe project called WINPOL (Waste Management Intelligent Systems and Policies). Interreg is a series of programmes to stimulate cooperation between regions in the European Union, funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

The primary aim of this particular project is to improve waste management policies so that they support and promote the use of smart technology and intelligent equipment, for more resource-efficient waste disposal and collection systems. The waste management industry is evolving towards the remodelling of waste handling and disposal systems for greater efficiency and increased environmental protection.

Current technology facilitates automated waste collection systems that provide real-time information to waste collectors and operators. This information can be related to various parameters, such as the available capacity of the bins, the need for servicing and the current bin temperature. Such systems are linked to ICT-based and geo-tracking solutions, which can be used to analyse usage trends, enhance safety and identify critical groups of waste producers.

This was ERA’s second out of four Target Communication events. Attendees were provided with an overview about WINPOL and briefed on current intelligent waste management equipment being set up in partner regions in the EU. The participants reacted positively and discussed certain hurdles, such as the costs involved when such systems are implemented locally.

During the event, the technology applied on 800 smart bins, known as iBins, was explained by the involved stakeholders. This encouraged other participants to share their experiences and discuss projects. Many expressed their interest in collaborating with ERA in the near future. A participant representing the geo-spatial technology sector emphasised the importance of investing in predictive modelling, to allow for the capturing and processing of real-life data with the intent of predicting real-life patterns and act in a proactive way.

Future events will target small and medium enterprises and policy institutions. Should you fall within any of these target groups, and are interested in attending, kindly contact ERA on [email protected].

ERA will be participating in the second thematic seminar focusing on “Innovative Models for Waste Collection, Prevention and Recycling” to be held in Antwerp, Belgium from 19 to 21 November 2019.

For more information:

Phone (+356) 2292 3500                                                                     Email [email protected]

Pink pancakes were Wednesday’s highlight at the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), as colleagues organised a social event aimed at raising funds during the month dedicated to breast cancer awareness.

ERA’s role as Malta’s environmental regulator is to safeguard the environment for a sustainable quality of life. Countless research indicates that safeguarding the environment is synonymous with safeguarding our health and wellbeing.

Being aware of its social responsibility in this regard, ERA’s Corporate Services team collected donations from participating colleagues. In turn, pancakes and home-made treats were served for lunch. Donations will be handed to the Marigold Foundation, who is dedicated to raising awareness on the need to have oneself checked and screened on a regular basis.

ERA’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Louise Spiteri, held that education, support towards patients and their families and participation in events are key steps in order for there to be awareness.

‘Knowing what signs to look out for saves lives’, said Dr Spiteri, adding that research is vital in order to understand more about the causes and best care practices related to cancer. Dr Spiteri added that awareness on cancer is not only intended for women. Rather, awareness amongst men is vital too, which is further highlighted during the various campaigns that are organized nationally during the month of November.

 

Reference is made to the Planning Commission’s final decision, in favour of the demolition of an existing dilapidated dwelling and the construction of a house with a swimming pool in Triq Ta’ Gafan, Qala.

In its comments as consultant during the application phase of the project, ERA was very clear in stating that it considers any proposed development and other physical interventions at this site unacceptable in principle. The permitting of such proposal creates a precedent for further built-up structures within this sensitive area, which cumulatively would result in the uptake of land in the countryside for unacceptable urban uses, with consequential additional impacts on the rural landscape and the visual amenity of the area.

The site of the proposed development is located in a very sensitive rural location. In fact, the site is directly within an Area of High Landscape Sensitivity (AHLS) atop a predominantly undisturbed rural coast. The existing stand-alone building appears to be an old traditional rural structure characterised by traditional features. This structure is an integral part of the character of the surrounding rural landscape.

ERA remains of the opinion that the proposed development will result in over-development of the site. It will also result in land parcelling and fragmentation of land, contributing to significant take-up of extensive tract of undeveloped rural land within the countryside. Other impacts include the introduction of materials that are incompatible with the rural context and scenic qualities of the area. The introduction of light and miscellaneous disturbance on site and in the surrounding area will contribute to the ecological degradation of the wider area.

ERA’s objections were justified and substantiated by Prof Victor Axiak during today’s PA Board meeting.​

Transplanted trees to form an integral part of the new Spencer Gardens layout

As the environment regulator, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) is monitoring works concerning trees at Spencer Gardens in Marsa.

The works, conducted by Infrastructure Malta, relate to the construction of a footbridge that will join St. Joseph High Road in Ħamrun with Spencer Hill in Marsa.

Infrastructure Malta’s project intends to enable better traffic flow and provide better access for buses to stop. The shared passageway will accommodate both pedestrians non-motorised transport methods, such as bicycles.

The removal of trees that shall be effected for the implementation of this project were subject to a nature permit issued by ERA. As part of this permit, 18 trees will be uprooted; eight of which will be transplanted and forming an integral part of the new Spencer Gardens layout. The transplanted trees will be maintained by the permit holder for a period of three years from planting.

Compensatory Planting for the remaining uprooted trees shall be 12 indigenous trees.

ERA, together with the Ministry for Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change, is working on regenerating Spencer Gardens. The project will be implemented in order to transform the state of Marsa’s green lung, which is currently in dire need of embellishment and maintenance.

ERA will submit its application before the Planning Authority for works to be carried out in this regard within the coming weeks.​

The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) has today issued a Stop Order towards a tarmac manufacturing company in Ħal Far.

ERA’s compliance and enforcement officers have been following up every time complaints concerning emissions from this tarmac plant were lodged.

Latest reports of black smoke were immediately investigated and as a result, the manufacturing company was ordered to halt its operation for ten days. During this period, ERA will conduct investigations in order to establish what is being emitted into the air and whether it has any implications on public health and the environment.

The manufacturing company may be asked to install specific mechanisms that will abate harmful emissions, if any.

ERA remains committed towards regulating the environment, investigating when and where necessary and taking the necessary enforcement actions.​

Reference is being made to various sightings and reports of material in the sea that has been attributed to sea slime. The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) would like to make a number of clarifications in order to avoid any further misunderstandings.

There are various types of sea surface phenomena including lasting foam, mucilaginous formations and oily sea slime.

Lasting foam is a natural phenomenon and the result of micro-algal blooms, which release natural detergents and lead to foaming forming at surface. This has been reported in various parts around Malta and in various parts of the Mediterranean and elsewhere.

Mucilaginous events may also result from natural phenomena and like lasting foam, are usually caused by micro-algal blooms and produce slimy formations.

On the other hand, oil slicks and oily sea slime usually arise from manmade sources, including fish farms. The latter is usually distinguished from its consistency and foul smell.

All the above events have direct but different impacts on the environment and sometimes on humans. It may be that the occurrence of lasting foam or micro-algal blooms interact with the oily residues released by fish farms, to aggravate the resultant environmental impacts.

All fish farm operators are inspected at least three times a week be ERA officers to ensure that permit conditions are observed. Fish remnants resulting during the feeding process are collected by cleaning vessel that patrol the perimeter of the fish farms.

All feeding procedures are being undertaken in such a manner as to reduce fat-laden thaw water from the baitfish, from reaching the sea. In fact, Photo 1 in the link below portrays the amount of fat that was being generated as part of the tuna feeding process. The yellow matter seen in the photo emanates from baitfish that was insufficiently thawed and was resulting in a considerable amount of thaw water and oils being discharged in the sea. Photo 2 portrays a different feeding method, whereby residue related to feeding methods was also ending up in the sea.

As a result of discussions held between ERA and the Tuna Farm operators, the feeding methods were improved through better thawing procedures, resulting in a drastic reduction of thaw water and fish oils in the surrounding sea. See Photos 3 and 4.

ERA’s officers constantly monitor fish farm operations both on-shore and off-shore and hold frequent meetings with operators in order to ensure practices that cause the least amount of disturbance to the natural environment are being followed. Fifteen administrative fines and one Compliance and Enforcement Order have been issued against Tuna Farm Operators in 2019.

ERA emphasises that the collaboration of all fish farm operators is vital in ensuring no disturbance or damage is caused to natural habitats because of commercial interests.

Photos may be found here:

https://onedrive.live.com/?authkey=%21AJFS9F3YEm%5FWCxI&id=B5F99B8977604B9C%212523&cid=B5F99B8977604B9C​

Did you know that bats are the only mammals that use flight as a method to travel? Many erroneously believe that bats are flying rats or mice. In fact, they are not even rodents. They belong to a special group of their own, called Chiroptera, which is taken from the Greek word ‘cheir’, meaning ‘hand’ and ‘pteron’, meaning ‘wing’.

The 6th September marked a ‘Bat Night at the Museum’ that was held at the National Museum of Natural History at the Vilhena Palace in Mdina. Activities were hosted by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), in collaboration with Heritage Malta. The event was organized in the spirit of the United Nations’ EUROBATS International Bat Night, which is an awareness-raising campaign highlighting the need for bat conservation and their habitats.

A number of stalls, set up in the front courtyard of the Vilhena Palace, focused on various topics related to bats. The stalls were accessible to the public till the evening and allowed people to get to know more about these flying mammals. Guests had the opportunity to meet with various NGOs and other entities, including the University of Malta, BICREF, Nature Trust and Greenhouse Malta.  Night activities kicked off with a bat hearing session led by experts in the field of nature conservation. Guests who stayed the night had a very early start before sunrise the following morning, in order to spot bats returning to their roosts.

Bats are exceptionally vulnerable to extinction due to their low reproduction rate, with the female normally bearing only one offspring per year. Unfortunately, they also face a number of threats, including human disturbance, vandal acts in roosting sites and nurseries, and eviction from buildings. A number of Natura 2000 sites have been designated in order to afford protection to the important habitats of bats. Furthermore, bats have been protected under Maltese Law since 1993.

Unfortunately, bats have been subject to many myths through history and in many literary works, perhaps due to the way in which they appear in the dark. One such myth is associated to their eating habits. It is interesting to note that in Europe, there are no vampire bats and only one fruit-eating bat. Another such myth is their association with disease, particularly rabies. However, the likelihood of contracting rabies from a bat is extremely low. Bats do not attack humans, and generally avoid direct contact, and would only bite a person to defend themselves. These flying mammals eat flies, mosquitoes, moths and other insects and thereby control insect populations very effectively. Some bats also serve as important pollinators and seed dispersers of many plants that are important to humans. In actual fact, bat populations are one of the best natural indicators of the health of our environment, seeing as they prosper where an ecosystem is healthy and stable.

One of the threatened species of bats found in Malta is the Maghrebian Mouse-eared Bat, a species with a restricted distribution in the Mediterranean and the world. It is the one of the largest bat species occuring in Malta, having a wingspan of 30-40 cm. Although it is a cave-dwelling bat, it has also been observed roosting in World War II shelters, catacombs and other human dwellings. What happens if you spot one? It is imperative to know that it is illegal to disturb, capture, kill, keep, sell or trade this unique flying mammal.

ERA remains committed to aid in educating the public on the importance of conserving indigenous species. In order to do this, it is eager to work hand in hand with various stakeholders, with the ultimate aim of motivating Maltese citizens to safeguard our flora and fauna out of free will and genuine understanding of their importance to the Maltese islands.​