Pre-Screening Decision: This proposal is considered as part of a whole network linking Mdina/Rabat to Birkirkara/Santa Venera and is being proposed to reduce traffic congestion within these particular areas.
Overall ERA has no major concerns for the proposed upgrading and widening within the existing established bypass i.e Triq l-Imdina, Triq il-Belt Valletta However, there is concern on the proposed uptake of extensive stretches of land primarily arable land and the direct and indirect effects on protected trees. In this regard, ERA need to assess the proposal further through the following requirements:
a) In terms of EIA screening, in view that the proposed development is predominantly located ODZ and involves the construction and realignment of road; the proposal falls under Schedule I, Category II, Section 2.1.2.1 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2017 (L.N. 412 of 2017). Thus, the submission of a Project Description Statement (PDS) is required. The content of the PDS is to be in line with Schedule II of the same Regulations.
b) In addition, since the proposal may involve further interventions on protected trees, the proposed operation or activity may require to be permitted in line with the Trees and Woodlands Protection Regulations, 2011 (S.L. 549.64). In this regard, applicant/architect is requested to contact the Environmental Permitting Unit (nature.permitting@era.org.mt) within ERA and discuss all the requirements that need to be submitted.