Nestor Laiviera
Dust emissions from construction plants to be regulated next year
A system that will regulate dust emissions from construction plants is being concluded and is set to be introduced in the new year.
A spokesman for the Office of the Prime Minister confirmed that the Malta Environment and Planning Authority was working on addressing the matter of dust emissions released by construction plants. The proposed system will be opened to public consultation early next year.
The issue of dust emissions from construction plants was raised by Nationalist MEP Simon Busuttil a few weeks ago following complaints he received from Naxxar residents.
A Mepa spokesman confirmed that the regulator was planning to control dust emissions from construction plants through what is known as an Environmental Permitting System. He said Mepa agreed with Dr Busuttil in that air quality was a "national problem", adding that fine dust (PM10) concentrations in air "do exceed limit values specified in EU directives".
He explained that Mepa is carrying out studies on the typical composition of particulate matter to be able to confirm the extent of the problem and how far Malta is in achieving limit values.
A meeting has been scheduled with Dr Busuttil to discuss the possibility of an air quality test being carried out in the vicinity of the Naxxar construction plant to determine whether the air quality was in breach of EU regulations.
On November 8, Dr Busuttil had voiced Naxxar residents' concerns on the amount of airborne dust produced by a construction plant owned by Carmelo Vella Ltd located close to a residential area. Dr Busuttil said it was high time that dust emissions stemming from the construction industry are controlled and air quality improved.
When contacted, a spokesman for the company said the company was willing to cooperate with Dr Busuttil in finding a positive and concrete solution to the problem. He said that a number of remedial solutions would be implemented immediately, such as the relocation of the dust stockpile from its current place adjacent to the resident area and the wetting of sand and dust to prevent its susceptibility to wind.
Popular Stories
Update 3: Woman found dead in car,...
Updated: Woman dies in car crash
Part of Dwejra 'Azure window' collapses
The end of the bar that ‘never closed’
Bundy does not know whether to...
This WAS the night - Kurt makes it...
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
Petrol price up 6c
'No need for early election if PM's...
In Discussion
7 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
P Vella
Nov 24th 2008, 14:41
This is what the EU and representing constituents is all about. Here we have a good example of an approachable MEP who has taken the time to talk to small community of residents and voice their concerns all the way up to get concrete (excuse the pun!) results. What never ceases to amaze me with Dr Busuttil is his ability to rub shoulders with the movers and shakers within the EU one minute and still find time to listen to the community. this flies in the face of some of the other MEPs who never seem to find the time to air the concerns of their constituents.
The fact that Dr Bususttil is willing to take on his own Party in Government speaks volumes about the man's principles and values.
MARK MIFSUD BONNICI
Nov 24th 2008, 13:08
Let's hope MEPA has enough sense to carry out tests for dust emissions in summer when all the dust is dry. Also are quarries considered as construction sites? and will they be obliged to take remedial action too?
Manuel Bartolo
Nov 24th 2008, 12:54
This is what I call internal criticism, within the same party in Government, which ultimately will lead to results.
Nationalists should not be afraid to criticise from within, and lend a helping hand to the Government to stick to its committements.
Simon Busuttil is setting the example.
Hopefully this would be the rule and not the exception....
Ronald Formosa
Nov 24th 2008, 12:29
Excellent initiative and excellent work done by Dr. Busuttil.
Hopefully the residents and the environment will benefit from this decision.
Dust stockpiles should be stored indoors and not left to the openair.
R. Balzan
Nov 24th 2008, 11:29
Well done to all involved. A pat on the back to Dr Busuttil for helping creating an awareness of these day-to-day issues which have a huge impact on our quality of life.
Mark Spiteri
Nov 24th 2008, 10:59
Well done, a fantastic move by MEPA.
Dust and other air pollution from demolition and construction can impact greatly on the health and quality of life of people working on and living close to these sites if they are badly managed.
There are a number of sources of dust and emissions from construction activities that can release a range of particles.The impacts of poor air quality can also be seen on flora and fauna.
It is essential to have effective dust and emission control measures inplace for every dust generating activity carried out on site, not only to protect the health and safety of the on-site workforce, but also members of the public in the locality. The air quality impact evaluation applies to all proposed construction activities, including site clearing, demolition and construction phases. The site evaluation must be conducted before any work activities begin on site.
Chris Finch
Nov 24th 2008, 10:46
Maybe the government could introduce an Air Pollution Tax - (with the usual 18%VAT at the end of course) onto our utility bills so that we can all pay towards a healthier environment.
I would gladly pay so the construction industry bosses can clean up thier acts without having to cut into their profits. After all they will be having a hard time of it in the coming years with the global credit crisis. So lets tighten our belts more, let the kids do without shoes like our grandparents used to and wash only once a week.
And I hope nobody actually thinks any of this is a serious suggestion.