The 2008 Environment Report (3)
Key policy question: Which operations present the highest environmental risks?
Operational permitting is one of the most important tools for ensuring the achievement of environmental quality standards. Mepa's three-tier permitting system ensures that, due to their nature, scale or environment significance, certain types of activities are obliged to obtain operational permits, which are themselves underpinned by regular environmental audits.
The Integrated Pollution and Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive and its corresponding national legislation provide a framework for this.
As of end 2008, 14 installations in Malta required an IPPC permit, down slightly from the 15 installations requiring a permit in 2005.
IPPC installations include operations in the chemical and energy sector, certain waste management facilities, and a larger animal rearing unit.
Policy responses: Mepa has permitted all new IPPC installations, making it one of the first countries within the EU to have all high risk installations that fall under the IPPC directive with a valid environmental permit. A permit does not only impose conditions, but also includes follow ups, audits and certifications which are carried out at regular established intervals. The Environment Report seeks to increase awareness and understanding of key environmental issues and trends, to provide a sound evidence base for policy and decision-making, and to facilitate the measurement of environmental performance and progress towards sustainability. For more information visit www.mepa.org.mt/ter.