Quarry owners will have to submit a detailed method statement as part of the environment permit they need to operate, listing equipment, cutting techniques and mitigation measures.

This will be required in an effort by the planning authority to curb dust emissions.

Mepa launched draft terms of reference regulating dust emissions today. These propose a limit of 200 milligrams of dust per square metre a day.

Environment Protection Directorate official Thomas Parnis said that once Mepa approved the method statement, dust emissions would be monitored.

A report would be drawn up by an independent company commissioned by the quarry owner and this would be submitted to the authority.

These reports would help the authority set up a database of dust emissions. Owners of adjoining quarries would be able to jointly commission emissions monitoring data.

There are around 15 hard stone and around 70 soft stone operational quarries in operations. Many others that are being refilled.

The document is available on www.mepa.org.mt/public-consultation . Feedback can be sent in until June 22.