Closed Gasparell scrap yard still operating - FAA

The Gasparell scrapyard overlooking the picturesque Wied Żembaq in Birżebbuġia is still operating in spite of it being closed down by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, the environmental organisation Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar said.

FAA said in a statement that the scrapyard was reported closed by Mepa in The Times of April 3.

But Mepa did not carry out regular monitoring of the site and its enforcement staff failed to notice that the owner frequently removed the large concrete blocks originally placed by the authority to close off this site, putting them back in place in the evenings.

The organisation said that heavy plant vehicles was frequently driven out of the `sealed gate’ indicating that the owner had reversed Mepa’s legitimate action.

The authority’s officers recently inspected the site and reported that everything was in order.

FAA asked whether they enquired as to the presence and contents of the containers parked opposite the yard and changed regularly.

“Did they notice that the corners of the concrete blocks are worn down due to their being moved frequently?

“Did they check the gate seal to ensure that it is still intact or investigate the origins of the continued export of scrap since the yard’s closure last year,” FAA asked.

It said that residents living near the scrap yard were subjected to decades of grit-laden air, unbearable noise throughout the day caused by the compression of metal, and heavy toxic smells when tyres and other toxic material were set on fire.

FAA said the scrap was encroaching on the valley slope and moving into the valley and the more the authorities allowed the yard to spread, the greater the damage to the sensitive valley which has been designated as an EU site of ecological and archaeological importance and which includes Borġ in-Nadur and Għar Dalam prehistoric sites.

FAA condemned the fact that the residents’ struggle to close down this illegal scrap yard dragged on after more than 15 years and after a court order to have the yard closed.

“It is equally unacceptable that in spite of its illegal status, the government has continued to award this yard contracts for the disposal of scrap.

“The Mepa closure remains ineffective unless serious monitoring is undertaken and daily penalties imposed on the people responsible for this illegality,” FAA said.

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