I write in reply to John Grech (July 23).

Contrary to what the correspondent implies, it must be re-affirmed that it is not the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (Mepa) but the developer who must undertake the environmental impact assessment (EIA). So far as the Ministry for Resources and Infrastructure is concerned, l-Ghallis ta' Gewwa offers the better potential to be developed into a controlled engineered landfill. Based on this decision and upon the finalisation of the detailed EIA and detailed designs, Mepa may confirm or otherwise this decision by issuing or withholding the required permit for the development.

The project description statement (PDS), referred to by the correspondent was issued by the Ministry for Resources and Infrastructure as the developer of the proposed controlled engineered landfill and not by Mepa as stated. This PDS is a legal requirement when a project of considerable interest is being proposed and is developed purposely to ease public consultation. Mepa's conclusion will be known as part of the detailed EIA process when all the work will be presented to the board.

As pointed out, the sites identified may be refused a development permit based on the findings of the EIA. Having said this, the need for a controlled engineered landfill to rid ourselves of the present landrise dump remains a necessity. If the chosen site is rejected then a site selection exercise will have to be undertaken and, quite possibly, the site mentioned by the correspondent be reconsidered.

With regards to the PDS for the interim controlled engineered landfills, this is currently in the public domain and features also on the Mepa website. The duration of the public consultation phase which, incidentally, was also advertised in the local press, is stipulated by Mepa and follows EIA obligations. Contrary to what the correspondent implies, the PDS was drafted before the public announcement made by Minister Ninu Zammit precisely to allow public consultation to commence.