CONSULTATION BRIEF

Start date: 5th February 2019
Closing date: 28th June 2019
Title of the public consultation: Timetable for the formulation of Malta’s 3rd Water Catchment Management Plan
Ministry: Ministry for Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change
Entity: Environment & Resources Authority
1. Background

Under the implementation process of the EU’s Water Framework Directive (WFD), Malta is required to prepare its 3rd River Basin Management Plan (3rd RBMP) for the third cycle of implementation of the WFD by the 22nd March 2022. The River Basin Management Plan provides a status assessment of inland and coastal waters in the Maltese islands, and identifies the measures necessary to enable the progressive achievement of good status conditions in these water bodies. In addition, the EU Floods Directive also requires the development of the 2nd Flood Risk Management Plan (2nd FRMP) which will need to be finalised by the same date. The 2nd FRMP focuses on the reduction of adverse risks to human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity resulting from significant flooding events.

The process leading to the formulation of these two management plans includes an extensive stakeholder consultation process, in order to ensure that these plans take due consideration of stakeholders’ expectations for the national water environment. The Directive requires three specific consultation phases focusing on the timetable for the formulation of the plans, the identification of Significant Water Management Issues and the Draft Plans. Each consultation phase will have a duration of six months.

The main consultation tool throughout each of the three phases of consultation will be web-based and undertaken through the official Government consultation portal: www.konsultazzjoni.gov.mt, where stakeholders will have the opportunity to send their written comments to a dedicated consultation e-mail. The consultation process will also be supported by thematic conferences and workshops to enable a direct discussion with stakeholders.

2. Consultation

In line with the implementation timeline of the 3rd RBMP and 2nd FRMP, the Energy and Water Agency and the Environment and Resources Authority have developed the timetable for the formulation of the 3rd RBMP and the 2nd FRMP. The timetable is presented hereunder and interested stakeholders are invited to send their submissions on the proposed timetable by the 28th June 2019.

3. Submission of feedback

E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
Post: Water Framework Directive Consultation
Environment and Resources Authority
Hexagon House,
Spencer Hill,
Marsa, MRS 1441

4. Further notes

For further information contact ERA on [email protected] or on 2292 3500 Please be informed that comments submitted, together with the identity of the contributor, may be published online at the end of the public consultation, unless the contributor objects to the publication of his/her personal data. In this case, the contribution may be published in anonymous form.

 

CONSULTATION BRIEF

Start date: 11 June 2019
Closing date: 25 June 2019
Title of the public consultation: Intent and Objectives: Conservation Objectives and Measures for Malta’s Marine Natura 2000 sites
Ministry: Ministry for Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change
Entity: Environment & Resources Authority
1. Background

In terms of Article 51 of the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549), it is duly notified that the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) is preparing “Conservation Objectives and Measures for Malta’s Marine Natura 2000 sites”, in line with the Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations (S.L. 549.44) and the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) as adopted by the Government of Malta in terms of the same Act.

The process is in line with measures EN2, EN5, EN6 and EN7 of the NBSAP that focus on the establishment of a management approach for Natura 2000 sites, integrating an ecosystem approach under consideration of measures, such as a zoning system within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and/or temporal measures. Such measures are aimed to follow good governance principles with a long-term view and shall include criteria and indicators for assessing and monitoring the effectiveness of such a management approach.

The Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations (S.L. 549.44) also requires the setting up of appropriate conservation measures for protected sites, addressing the habitats and species for which the site was designated.

The main objectives of the proposed “Conservation Objectives and Measures for Malta’s Marine Natura 2000 sites” are to:

  • establish synergistic management structure for Special Protection Areas (SPAs), coastal and offshore Special Areas of Conservation of International Importance (SACs);
  • regulate the main economic activities within coastal Marine Protected Areas;
  • strengthen and improve stakeholder involvement and cooperation among entities;increase awareness and support education efforts on marine species and habitats;
  • create and establish an enforcement structure for coastal MPAs;
  • improve knowledge on and monitoring of species;
  • increase conservation efforts for selected species;
  • ensure long-term stability and function of marine habitats and the overall ecosystem and
  • fulfil the obligations under the European Union Nature Directives, namely the Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC) and the Birds Directive (Directive 2009/147/EC).

The network of marine protected areas in Malta was created through the European Natura 2000 framework based on the Nature Directives (Habitats and Birds Directive). Such site designations are based on the criteria  established through Annex III of the Habitats Directive and the scientific data collected on habitats and species listed in Annexes I and II of the Habitats Directive and Annex I of the Birds Directive. More information regarding these sites is included in the respective Standard Data Forms for each site available from here.

Information on the projects through which scientific data regarding habitats and species has been or is being collated is available at the following links:

2. Consultation

The public is invited to submit any feedback or comments on the intent and objectives of the “Conservation Objectives and Measures for Malta’s Marine Natura 2000 sites”.

3. Submission of feedback

E-mail: [email protected]

4. Further notes

The draft “Conservation Objectives and Measures for Malta’s Marine Natura 2000 sites” will be available for public consultation in due course at the following web link.

Please be informed that comments submitted, together with the identity of the contributor, may be published online at the end of the public consultation, unless the contributor objects to the publication of his/her personal data. In this case, the contribution may be published in anonymous form.

 

 

Public Consultation

 

CONSULTATION BRIEF

Start date: 10 May 2019
Closing date: 21 June 2019
Title of the public consultation: Public Consultation: Single-Use Plastic Products Strategy for Malta 2020-2030
Ministry: Ministry for the Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change
Entity: Environment & Resources Authority (ERA)
1. Background

Following the extensive work being carried out by the European Commission on moving towards a Circular Economy, the Single-use Plastic Products Strategy for Malta will be a means which will further help the transition for Malta to move towards a more circular economy and hence closing the loop of products’ lifecycles.

This strategy will help protect our environment and human health from plastic pollution while reducing litter and consumption of single-use plastic products, and increasing the quality and quantities of single use plastic waste collected and recycled. This strategy is a framework acting as a driver that is also intentioned to bring about a cultural and behavioural shift within society in terms of its attitude toward single-use plastic products. The measures highlighted in the strategy should not just be introduced as legislation but should be followed up by further discussions with the various stakeholders, and accompanied by educational and awareness-raising campaigns, in order to ensure that a positive change is brought about. This will ensure that a cultural shift takes place and that the public are aware of the potential benefits that moving away from single-use plastics can have on their everyday life. Providing only a change in legislation does not ensure compliance and will not bring about the essential behavioural change to yield positive results.

The Single-use Plastic Products Strategy for Malta should be viewed as an opportunity which will set the path towards a plastic-free environment. It is to be updated, through periodical review, to ensure that any changes in society’s attitude and items containing single use plastic are addressed.

Materials made of, or containing plastics are present in many aspects of our daily activities and they constitute an important element of our economy. On the other hand, the biggest challenge faced is that they have low rates of reuse, recovery and recycling when compared with other recyclables (i.e. paper, metals and glass). The majority of plastic waste streams result in being disposed of in a landfill or incinerated, and littered, hence ending up in the sea due to an incorrect disposal method and lack of collection. The aim of the strategy is to provide measures to:

  1. Reduce consumption of single‑use plastic (SUP) products;
  2. Increase the quality and quantities of Single‑Use Plastic waste collected for recycling; and
  3. Protect the environment and human health from plastic pollution.
2. Consultation

The public is invited to submit any feedback or comments on this Strategy.

3. Documents

Single-Use Plastic Products Strategy for Malta 2020-2030 – Rethink Plastic
Report on comments submitted during Intent and Objectives stage

4. Submission of feedback

E-mail: [email protected]

5. Further notes

Please be informed that comments submitted, together with the identity of the contributor, may be published online at the end of the public consultation, unless the contributor objects to the publication of his/her personal data. In this case, the contribution may be published in anonymous form.

 

 

CONSULTATION BRIEF ON THE WASTE MANAGEMENT (SHIP RECYCLING)
REGULATIONS, 2019

1. BACKGROUND

The Waste Management (Ship Recycling) Regulations, 2019, were published by Legal Notice 84 of 2019 in the Government Gazette of Malta No.20,175 on 23rd April 2019. These regulations cater for the partial incorporation of the Regulation (EU) No 1257/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 November 2013 on ship recycling and amending Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 and Directive 2009/16/EC into national law.

Regulation (EU) No 1257/2013 entered into force on 30 December 2013, however its provisions began to apply only recently, from 31 December 2018. The EU Regulation is directly applicable and directly effective in Malta without the need to be transposed into national legislation, nonetheless article 22 requires that Member States lay down provisions on penalties applicable to infringements, and article 18 obliges Member States to designate the competent authorities and administration responsible for the application of the Regulation.

The main powers to implement and enforce the EU Regulation lie within the responsibilities of Transport Malta. In fact, a separate Legal Notice (LN 442 of 2018) has been published under the Merchant Shipping Act. The latter LN establishes penalties for non-compliance with the obligations set out in the EU Regulation, except for the obligation to require a permit to operate a ship recycling facility (and the relevant penalties for failure to obtain such permit) which is being encompassed through the Waste Management (Ship Recycling) Regulations, 2019.

The Waste Management (Ship Recycling) Regulations, 2019, therefore define the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) as the competent authority responsible for ship recycling facilities under the said EU Regulation 1257/2013 and establish penalties for noncompliance as far as operators of a ship recycling facilities are concerned.

2. IMPLICATIONS

The Waste Management (Ship Recycling) Regulations, 2019, fall under the Environment Protection Act (Cap 549) and consist of 4 regulations:

  1. Regulation 1: citation, scope and commencement of the regulations;
  2. Regulation 2: relevant definitions of terms used in the regulations;
  3. Regulation 3: the duty of operators of ship recycling facilities to ensure compliance;
  4. Regulation 4: offences and penalties.

The Regulations state, through regulation 3, that it is the duty of operators of recycling facilities to ensure that they are authorised by the competent Authority (i.e. ERA) to conduct ship recycling operations and to ensure compliance with the requirements of the EU Ship Recycling Regulation 1257/2013 and the provisions of the Environment Protection Act (Cap 549).

Regulation 4 makes it an offence for an operator of a ship recycling facility to fail to comply with any provision of the Waste Management (Ship Recycling) Regulations, and the provisions of the EU Ship Recycling Regulation. An operator who commits or attempts to commit such an offence shall, on conviction, be liable:

  1. in the case of a first offence, a fine (multa) of not less than ten thousand euro (€10,000) but not exceeding fifty thousand euro (€50,000);
  2. in the case of a second or subsequent offence, a fine (multa) of not less than twenty thousand euro (€20,000) but not exceeding one hundred thousand euro (€100,000), or imprisonment not exceeding two years, or both such fine and imprisonment.

3. COMMENTS

The Waste Management (Ship Recycling) Regulations, 2019, were published through the use of article 54 and article 55(2) of the Environment Protection Act (Cap 549) due to a declaration of urgency for their publication by the Minister responsible for the Environment. In line with article 55(3) of Cap 549, the public is invited to make submissions to ERA with their comments as to why and how these regulations could be amended.

The Waste Management (Ship Recycling) Regulations, 2019, are available from the following link.

Comments will be received by email on [email protected], until 23rd May 2019.

Post Consultation Brief on the Ship Recycling Regulations

CONSULTATION BRIEF

Start date: 26 April 2019
Closing date: 19 May 2019
Title of the public consultation: Intent for the National Strategy for the Environment & its Vision for 2050
Ministry: MESDC
Entity: Environment & Resources Authority (ERA)
1. Background

Intent
ERA is in the process of commencing the development of the National Strategy for the Environment (NSE) in terms of the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549). This is a strategic governance document that will set the policy framework for the preparation of plans, policies and programmes issued under the Act or under any other Act related to the protection and sustainable management of the environment.

Through this National Strategy, planning for approximately the next 30 years, i.e. to 2050, will be undertaken and it will set out what should be done to improve the environment within a generation. This long-term approach aims to look at what is necessary beyond the usual 5 to 10 year cycles and forward thinks where the environment should be at in 2050. Although long-term goals will be set for 2050, details and plans of actions that need to be undertaken will be in 10-year phases (i.e. 2020, 2030, 2040) with intermittent reviews to update the Strategy as necessary.

Following the above, the overall objectives of the National Strategy for the Environment for 2050 are to:

  • ensure a better and sustainable quality of life
  • provide clear and long-term direction for our environment
  • set out national environmental targets
  • address the main environmental challenges Malta is facing
  • integrate and synergise efforts of all policies and stakeholders who directly or indirectly influence the state of our environment

The process to develop the Strategy will involve envisioning the desired future state of Malta’s environment in the next 30 years (i.e. till 2050) and establishing the strategic priorities to reach this vision. Detailed objectives and measures will then follow for 10-year periods, till 2030, 2040 and 2050. An action plan will also accompany the Strategy for each of the above 10-year periods, consisting of timeframes, budgets and responsibilities for each of the measures, to ensure that the Strategy is a workable plan of action with clear parameters for its implementation. Sets of metrics will also be developed to assess progress towards the Strategy’s objectives and priorities. Progress will also be reported on regularly and the Strategy will be reviewed every 4 to 5 years to make sure that actions continue to target the right improvements.

Setting the Strategy in the right framework is essential in its early stages. To this effect, the first focus of the Strategy will be the preparation of a Vision for 2050. The underlying premise is that a healthy environment is both our duty and our right and it is each and everyone’s moral and legal obligation to contribute towards a sustainable future.

The vision for 2050 will be developed following a scenario building exercise, through which multiple scenarios will be explored so as to support decision-making processes by providing an analytical framework for finding suitable, or robust, options with regard to a specific policy target.

The key objectives of the Vision for 2050 are to:

  • envision our environment in the long-term
  • set the context and become the guiding principle for developing the Strategy itself
  • outline the strategic aspirations for the environment
2. Consultation questions

Q1. Do you agree with the proposed overarching objectives of the Strategy?
Q2. Can the objectives be further refined, keeping in mind the long-term goal of this Strategy till 2050?
Q3. What aspects do you retain to be crucial to consider in the vision for 2050?
Q4. What parallel developments would you expect to see to enable a sustainable quality of life?
Q5. What are in your opinion Malta’s main environmental challenges in the next 30 years?

3. Submission of feedback

ERA wishes to invite public entities, private sector organisations, constituted bodies, civil society and individuals to assist the development of the National Strategy for the Environment by providing feedback in the form of answers to the above questions. Additional suggestions may also be put forward.

Submissions should be sent by email to [email protected].

4. Further notes

For further information kindly contact ERA on [email protected] or on 2292 3500

Intent for the National Strategy for the Environment and its Vision for 2050 – MT​​​

CONSULTATION BRIEF

Start date: 22 March 2019
Closing date: 19 April 2019
Title of the public consultation: Intent and Objectives: Malta’s National Air Pollution Control Programme
Ministry: Ministry for Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change
Entity: Environment & Resources Authority
1. Background

In terms of Article 51 of the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549), it is duly notified that the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), in collaboration with the Ministry for Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change, is preparing a National Air Pollution Control Programme (NAPCP) under Directive (EU) 2016/2284 on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants (the National Emission Ceilings (NEC) Directive).

The NAPCP is the principal governance tool under the NEC Directive, supporting Member States to plan their policies and measures. The selection of these policies and measures is based on the following objectives:

  • To reduce air pollutant emissions for the purpose of reaching compliance with the national emission reduction commitments, as set out in Annex II of the Directive, for the following pollutants:
    • Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
    • Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
    • Non-methane Volatile Organic Compounds (nmVOCs)
    • Ammonia (NH3)
    • Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
  • To contribute in the improvement of air quality and compliance with limit values as set out in the Ambient Air Quality Directive (2008/50/EC).
  • To identify and maximise potential synergies to ensure coherence with other plans and programmes, including those related to climate, energy, agriculture, industry and transport, while avoiding conflict with other policies and measures adopted under different policy areas.
2. Consultation

The public is invited to submit any feedback or comments on the intent and objectives of this programme.

3. Submission of feedback

E-mail: [email protected]

4. Further notes

The draft National Air Pollution Control Programme will be available for public consultation in due course at the following web link.

For further information contact ERA on [email protected] or on 2292 3500. Please be informed that comments submitted, together with the identity of the contributor, may be published online at the end of the public consultation, unless the contributor objects to the publication of his/her personal data. In this case, the contribution may be published in anonymous form.

CONSULTATION BRIEF ON THE DELIBERATE RELEASE INTO THE ENVIRONMENT OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS, 2019

1. BACKGROUND

The Deliberate Release into the Environment of Genetically Modified Organisms (Amendment) Regulations, 2019, seek to amend the Deliberate Release into the Environment of Genetically Modified Organisms Regulations (S.L 549.60, i.e. the principal regulations). The objectives of the amendment are outlined hereunder:

  1. To transpose Directive (EU) 2015/412 amending Directive 2001/18/EC as regards the possibility for the Member States to restrict or prohibit the cultivation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in their territory;
  2. To transpose Directive (EU) 2018/350 amending Directive 2001/18/EC as regards the environmental risk assessment of genetically modified organisms;
  3. To address minor inconsistencies between the principal regulations and Directive 2001/18/EC;
  4. To designate the Food Safety Commission as the entity responsible for genetically modified food and feed as per the provisions of the Food Safety Act (Cap 449); and
  5. To increase court penalties to render them commensurate to the application fees.

2. IMPLICATIONS

The amendments brought about by Commission Directive (EU) 2015/412 are reflected in regulations 6(b), 7(b), 8(d), 8(f), 9, 10, and 16 of the Deliberate Release into the Environment of Genetically Modified Organisms (Amendment) Regulations, 2019. This amending Directive gives EU Member States the possibility to restrict or prohibit GMO cultivation in their territory through two methods:

  1. Demands made by Member States for the geographical scope of an application to exclude part or all of its territory from cultivation (during the authorisation phase);
  2. Adoption of measures restricting or prohibiting the cultivation of a genetically modified crop (during the post-authorization phase).

Measures adopted under the latter procedure are to be reasoned, roportional, nondiscriminatory and based on named compelling grounds such as those related to environmental policy objectives, land-use, agricultural policy objectives, etc.

Member States in which GMOs are cultivated must also take appropriate measures to avoid crossborder contamination into neighbouring states in which the cultivation of those GMOs is prohibited, unless such measures are unnecessary in light of particular geographical conditions.

The amendments brought about by Directive (EU) 2018/350 are reflected in regulations 17-20 of the Deliberate Release into the Environment of Genetically Modified Organisms (Amendment) Regulations, 2019. This Directive amends annexes II, III, IIIB and IV of Directive 2001/18/EC, corresponding to Schedules II, III, IIIB and IV of the principal regulations. The changes made to the schedules reflect technical progress in the field and take into account the essential elements of the guidance on environmental risk assessment of genetically modified plants. The amendments also strengthen the risk assessment that is to be undertaken for the deliberate release or the placing on the market of GMOs, and amends the content and level of detail required in notifications particularly, for the placing on the market of GMOs.

Other amendments proposed in the regulations relate to the correction of minor inconsistencies found between the principal regulations and Directive 2001/18/EC relating mainly to timeframes and cross-referencing.

Regulation 23(2)-(4) of the principal regulations are also being amended such that the penalties for non-compliance will be as follows:

Any person who commits an offence against the provisions concerning the deliberate release of GMOs, for any other purpose than for placing on the market shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine of not less than €50,000 and not more than €75,000 for a first conviction; and to a fine of not less than €65,000 and not more than €100,000, and/or to imprisonment for up to two years, for a subsequent conviction.

Any person who commits an offence against the provisions concerning the placing on the market of GMOs shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine of not less than €60,000 and not more than €90,000; and to a fine of €75,000 up to €120,000 and/or to imprisonment for up to 2 years for a subsequent conviction.

3. COMMENTS

In line with article 55 of the Environment Protection Act (Cap 549), the Deliberate Release into the Environment of Genetically Modified Organisms (Amendment) Regulations, 2019, the public is invited to make submissions to ERA with their comments as to why and how these regulations could be amended.

The Deliberate Release into the Environment of Genetically Modified Organisms (Amendment) Regulations, are available from the following link

Comments will be received by email on [email protected], for a period of 4 weeks commencing on 11th February 2019, until 11th March 2019.

Deliberate Release into the Environment of Genetically Modified Organisms (Amendment) Regulations, 2019 – English version
Deliberate Release into the Environment of Genetically Modified Organisms (Amendment) Regulations, 2019 – Maltese version​​
Post Consultation Brief on the Deliberate Release into the Environment of Genetically Modified Organisms (Amendment) Regulations, 2019​

CONSULTATION BRIEF

ERA is revising the provisions of the Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations (principal regulations) so as to provide additional protection measures to protected sites and species, as well as strengthen the regulatory and monitoring function of the competent authority.

The proposed amendments shall allow ERA to issue protection notices for the conservation of particular habitats, species, natural features or categories. Such notices, which allow for protection measures to be placed in a timely manner, may include conditions or restrictions to support the conservation of such species or habitats.

Through the proposed regulations additional safeguards shall also be in place for a number of species, including butterflies, orchids, corals and sharks, adding different protection levels to additional species. The Schedules in the principal Regulations are also being proposed for amendment to reflect recent amendments made to the Appendices/Annexes of the CMS (United Nations Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild animals) and SPA/BD Protocol (Unities Nations Protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity in the Mediterranean), as well as due to recent scientific advances.

The proposed amending regulations shall moreover strengthen the provisions concerning invasive alien species, providing the possibility of issuing removal orders to facilitate the removal, uprooting or eradication of specimens detrimental to the environment.

Finally, additional penalties have also been introduced particularly for offences undertaken within protected sites.

2. Consultation

In line with article 55 of the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549) the public is invited to make submissions to ERA with their comments as to why and how these regulations could be amended.

3. Documents

Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection (Amendment) Regulations, 2019
Regolamenti tal-2019 li jemendaw ir-Regolamenti dwar il-Protezzjoni tal-Flora, Fawna u Ambjenti Naturali​​

4. Submission of feedback

Comments will be received by email on [email protected].

5. Further notes

For further information contact ERA on [email protected] or on 2292 3500 Please be informed that comments submitted, together with the identity of the contributor, may be published online at the end of the public consultation, unless the contributor objects to the publication of his/her personal data. In this case, the contribution may be published in anonymous form.

Public Submissions and Responses​

CONSULTATION BRIEF ON THE WASTE MANAGEMENT (LANDFILL)(AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS, 2019

1. BACKGROUND

The Waste Management (Landfill) (Amendment) Regulations, 2019 were published as Legal Notice 7 of 2019 in the Government Gazette of Malta No. 20,120 on 18 January 2019. These regulations cater for an omission in the previous transposition process of EU Directive 1999/31/EC of 26 April 1999 on the landfill of waste. The latter Directive was transposed through Legal Notice 168 of 2002, i.e. the Waste Management (Landfill) Regulations (S.L 549.29), however, the definition of ‘treatment’ as contained in article 2(h) of the Directive, was omitted from the Maltese regulations. Consequently, S.L 549.29 has been amended to include this definition as it stands in the Directive in order to ensure harmonisation of definitions within the EU member states.

2. IMPLICATIONS

The Waste Management (Landfill) (Amendment) Regulations, 2019, consists of two regulations, the title and the addition of a definition of ‘treatment’ in the principal regulations: ““treatment” means the physical, thermal, chemical or biological processes, including sorting, that change the characteristics of the waste in order to reduce its volume or hazardous nature, facilitate its handling or enhance recovery;”.

The above definition corresponds to that already found in the EU Landfill Directive and implies that pursuant to Article 6(a) of the said Directive, both the quantity and hazardous nature of waste intended for landfill should be reduced where appropriate and treatment must change the characteristics of the waste before it is landfilled.

3. COMMENTS

The Waste Management (Landfill) (Amendment) Regulations, 2019, were published through the use of article 54 and article 55(2) of the Environment Protection Act (Cap 549) due to a declaration of urgency for their publication by the Minister responsible for the Environment. In line with article 55(3) of Cap 549, the public is invited to make submissions to ERA with their comments as to why and how these regulations could be amended.

The Waste Management (Landfill) (Amendment) Regulations, 2019, are available from the following link.

Comments will be received by email on [email protected], until 18 February 2019.

Waste Management (Landfill) (Amendment) Regulations, 2019​​​
Post Consultation Brief on the Waste Management (Landfill) (Amendment) Regulations, 2019​

CONSULTATION BRIEF

Start date: 21 January 2019
Closing date: 4 February 2019
Title of the public consultation: Intent & Objectives: Single-Use Plastic Products Strategy for Malta, 2019-2025 – Re-think Plastic
Ministry: Ministry for Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change
Entity: Environment & Resources Authority
1. Background

In terms of Article 51 of the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549), it is duly notified that the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), in collaboration with the Ministry for Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change is preparing a national strategy for the reduction of single-use plastic items in the Maltese Islands. This document shall be entitled “Single-use plastic products Strategy for Malta, 2019-2025 – Re-think plastic”. The Strategy shall be in line with the European Union Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy. The aim of the strategy will be to ensure the protection of the environment and human health from plastic pollution.

Items, that are entirely or partially made of plastics, that are used once and then are disposed of, are commonly used in everyday life. Such items constitute an important element of our economy. On the other hand, such items have low rates of reuse, recovery and recycling when compared with other recyclables such as paper, metals and glass. The majority of plastic waste is generally either sent to the landfill or incinerated. Yet, a significant amount of items made from plastic may end up as litter in the marine or terrestrial environment.

The objectives of this Strategy are to:

  1. Reduce consumption of single-use plastic (SUP) products; and
  2. Increase the quality and quantities of Single-Use Plastic waste collected for recycling.
2. Consultation

The public is invited to submit any feedback or comments on the intent and objectives of this strategy.

3. Submission of feedback:

 E-mail: [email protected]

4. Further notes

The proposed Strategy will be available for public consultation in due course at the following web link.

For further information contact ERA on [email protected] or on 2292 3500 Please be informed that comments submitted, together with the identity of the contributor, may be published online at the end of the public consultation, unless the contributor objects to the publication of his/her personal data. In this case, the contribution may be published in anonymous form.