Maghtab must close on time - WasteServ

Dumping at Maghtab had to stop by the end of April even if an alternative landfill were not developed by then, WasteServ Malta insisted yesterday.

Chris Ciantar, head of the government waste management agency's strategy, communications and development, agreed that it was very improbable an alternative site would be developed by May 1, even if a permit for interim landfills in the limits of Qrendi were to be issued immediately.

But he insisted that dumping at Maghtab could not continue after that date.

"There are various reasons for this. However, one important factor to keep in mind is the way landfilling at Maghtab is carried out. This may give rise to a number of unacceptable environmental impacts if prolonged further."

He said that high-level discussions were currently underway to find very short term solutions. He did not go into what these solutions could be.

"We are evaluating all possible alternatives. There are no easy doable solutions and whatever we decide upon would have to be very short term. We are relying on getting the permit for the interim landfills soon," he said.

"While the unacceptable Maghtab landfill does not excuse any short-cuts in the environment impact assessment process, there should be recognition that a replacement is urgently required and there is an overriding need for a new landfill facility.

"Additionally, an opportunity exists for Maghtab to be restored in view of EU financial assistance under structural funds.

"Immediate intervention will ensure that all the necessary preliminary work for the long-term rehabilitation process is started as early as possible."

Dr Ciantar said that the EU landfill directive obliged member states to follow a number of criteria and after membership every site in operation would fall under this directive.

Getting Maghtab in line with the directive so that it could be used as a landfill after May 1 would mean a phenomenal increase in expense. It was therefore considered to be better for the government to stop using it and rehabilitate it instead.

He said that when the government came up with the proposal to have interim landfills near Mnajdra, an extensive EIA was conducted to ensure that informed decisions were taken.

But the speed with which the facility could become operational was also of concern and this depended on a contractor being available as well as the availability of materials.

The permit process was progressing and WasteServ was also working on finding a contractor and materials, since the outcome of this would be useful irrespective of where the landfill would eventually be sited.

In fact, the deadline for submitting tenders for the development of the interim landfills, a permanent landfill, the Gozo facility, the hazardous waste cell and the hazardous treatment facility expired on September 15. Submissions were all currently being evaluated.

Dr Ciantar said the Malta Environment and Planning Authority's six-week public consultation period had ended on February 6. WasteServ had received a list of issues for clarification or additional information from Mepa. These issues had been answered and forwarded to Mepa for approval or otherwise.

He said that until a decision on the development permit was taken, WasteServ would continue to ensure that all the necessary information was disseminated for a better and more informed decision.

Asked what would happen if Mepa turned down the interim landfills, he said that no other alternative had been proposed during the on-going, heated debate over the site chosen.

"This is evident from the fact that no other concrete solution exists.

"If the outcome of the planning process for an interim controlled engineered landfill is negative and while the permit procedure for Ghallis continues to unfold, then drastic short-term actions have to be taken.

"As it has always been reiterated, there may be very limited options available and none of these may suffice for more than a few months."

To continue dumping at Maghtab, where a mixture of waste was currently being concocted, was not an option, Dr Ciantar insisted.

Asked if any contact had been made with the EU regarding developments, Dr Ciantar said there already existed procedures between the EU Commission and the government for the mutual sharing of information, so it was certain that the EU was fully aware of local developments on the matter.