'Illegal dumping' at sea stopped

Alternattiva Demokratika has claimed credit for prompt action by Mepa's enforcement section which on Monday stopped what it said was the illegal dumping of construction waste at sea off Marsaxlokk following reports made by AD's environment committee.

Alternattiva's spokesman on the environment and rural affairs Mark Causon said: "We acted on reports received by Marsaxlokk fishermen who alerted us to the dumping and enquired with the persons responsible at Mepa whether a permit for this activity had been issued.

"We have been informed that the dumping is illegal and has been made subject to enforcement procedures."

Mr Causon said Alternattiva expects the emergency enforcement measures to be followed by a full investigation and its results published.

"Permits for dumping at sea should not be issued, excavated rock should be utilised and not dumped. The cost for construction including dealing with the waste generated should not be borne by the environment while speculators rake in their millions," Mr Causon said.