Despite the Covid19 situation, ERA enforcement officers are still working on safeguarding the environment.

Dumping of construction and demolition waste in Mtaħleb

The Environment & Resources Authority (ERA) had been alerted of a case of deposition of material which occurred in a site at Il-Baħrija / Mtaħleb on Tuesday 14th April in the evening.
ERA Compliance and Enforcement officers immediately started an investigation of the said report and also got in touch with the Planning Authority’s Enforcement Directorate to inform them of the case.

The following morning on Wednesday 15th April, ERA enforcement officers issued a verbal stop order to the contractor and site owner. After further investigation it was established that the site is not a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), the land was instead disturbed and had evidence of earlier dumping.

While the land is not an SAC, ERA has issued a formal Stop and Compliance Order (OWK0022/20) in view that, this case pertains to dumping of construction and demolition waste.

Trees vandalized in Dwejra

Compliance and Enforcement officers are also investigating an incident reported in Dwejra where several protected trees have been vandalised. The ERA is in contact with the San Lawrenz Local Council for potential further action.

The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) condemns these acts of vandalism.

Car driven onto protected area – Ramla l-Ħamra

The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) was also informed about an incident where a vehicle was driven onto the sand in Ramla l-Hamra. L-Inhawi tar-Ramla is declared as a Special Area of Conservation of International Importance and Special Protection Area as published in the Government Gazette No.681 of 5th June 2018. Vehicular access on the beach is prohibited in this area unless it is duly justified and preauthorised by the ERA. The protection of these important sites and the biodiversity therein Malta, are a priority for ERA. Hence the ERA requested the assistance of the Police on the matter in order for legal proceedings as per the Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations, 2006 (SL549.44), to be taken against the offender.

Any acts on the environment can be reported to the ERA via telephone on 2292 3500 or on [email protected]