Gozo's smaller version of the Maghtab waste dump will be gradually turned into a park under plans for rehabilitation due to be discussed tomorrow by the Mepa board.

The dump, at Qortin, near Xaghra, was closed down in 2004 when waste started being shipped to Malta. Part of it was later used as a temporary waste transfer station.

Qortiin was used as a dump for 30 years, with much of the waste consisted of construction debris, but domestic waste was also dumped there, causing fires and foul smells which sometimes drifted down to nearby Marsalforn.

However, in contrast to Maghtab, Qortin did not feature the dumping of significant amounts of industrial waste.

The amount of debris on the site is some 20 metres deep.

As in Maghtab, the site will be capped with a layer of limestone and soil to allow vegetation to grow once any dangerous gases are removed.

A consultation process on the rehabilitation of the site was launched in 2007. Initial plans provided for open spaces, water features, an adventure playground and belvedere.