Let's wait for the facts

Many arguments for and against the proposed golf course site at ix-Xaghra l-Hamra have been put forward. The reality remains, however, that although it is understandable for such a topic to generate emotional arguments, no objective line of reasoning may be offered before all the facts are presented.

At the moment, the only decision that has been taken is the earmarking of the preferred site for the proposed development. The development process is so much at the early stages that not even a planning application has been submitted - not even an outline planning application - because it is still premature.

Only a full Environmental Impact Assessment will supply the necessary information on which to base important decisions. The EIA is an exercise undertaken by independent specialist consultants. These people are highly qualified and use a rigorous process for assessment. They carry out the necessary scientific studies and ensure that only the facts are put forward. They are impartial and cannot make any recommendations or offer their opinions. They stick to the facts. This information is subsequently what the decisions taken will be based on - whether the project is to go ahead or not, depending on the outcome of a holistic evaluation of the relevant factors and the extent and significance of the impact on the various areas under consideration.

The process of the EIA is clearly spelt out in the legislation. The relevant regulations are detailed in Legal Notice 204 of 2001, Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2001, issued under the Development Planning Act (CAP. 356).

The term EIA is explained as the process of identifying, predicting, evaluating and mitigating the biophysical, social, economic and other relevant effects of proposed projects and physical activities, prior to major decisions and commitments being made. The study, which is highly detailed, is presented as a report describing the development and its effects on the environment, indicating how these effects have been taken into account.

In simplistic terms, the EIA defines the "baseline" present situation and then superimposes the picture showing the impact of the development.

Each particular proposal for development considers, in depth, the direct and indirect effects of the development on the living components of the environment, flora and fauna, as well as on the soil, water, air, climate, landscape and non-living components of the environment. The assessment also takes into account the interaction between such factors, their cumulative effect and possible secondary impacts. The ecology part of the golf course assessment, for example, includes four surveys: the dry season, the wet season, the dune and the orchid surveys. The agriculture survey would include a field by field technical study, dry and wet season reports, products grown, land grading, history and a number of other factors. Moreover, the EIA considers the cultural heritage, as well as the social aspect. For example, it assesses people's current use of the area, what it is these people value about it and their interactions with the other factors mentioned earlier. The assessment also takes into consideration Maltese legislation and EU directives with regards to any habitats that must not be tampered with, for example.

The EIA looks at the worst case scenario in considering the impact of the development and its sustainability. It also spells out clearly the safeguards to be put in place and details mitigation measures proposed and their effects.

Mitigation includes avoiding the impact altogether by not taking a particular action or parts of it, or by maximising the positive impacts of the development and minimising the negative. This may be done by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action and its implementation. Mitigation may include rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment, reducing or eliminating the impact over time by various conservation operations.

When one considers the depth that the Environmental Impact Assessment delves into, the question arises whether the current heated discussions may, after all, be premature. The public will be able to comment and express concerns and opinions on the impact of the proposed golf course at a public hearing which must take place according to law.