ERA Enforcement officers have moved in on a Natura 2000 site in Siggiewi after construction material was being illegally dumped in the protected area.
The action was taken after the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) received a report of extensive dumping of construction material in the Natura 2000 site in Fawwara, limits of Siggiewi.
ERA officers went immediately on site. The offender was identified and ERA proceeded to issue a Stop Order, whilst ordering the offender to remove all illegal material dumped at this site. The Authority issued conditions for the clean up and continues to monitor the site to ensure that the clean up work is carried out in line with the instructions give.
The Authority said it was committed to take further action should the offender fail to comply with instructions given.
The field in question is a Natura 2000 site housing important habitats, including garrigues (xagħri). These habitats are home to species that are unique to Malta.
Extensive dumping, on these important sites for biodiversity, damages these sensitive areas.
ERA appeals to the general public to be aware of such interventions which are harmful to the quality of the environment. Such cases can be reported via 2292 3500 or through ERA’s Customer Care online portal.
7 June 2022
