Mepa says St Paul's Bay council should apologise for Qawra dumping

Michael Camileri

Aug 29th 2012, 08:46

Not really bothered about an apology...

Just clean the mess and sort out your procedures

Tony Camilleri

Aug 29th 2012, 07:56

It's the CORRUPT MEPA that must apologize because the Local Council has published all correspondence which shows that it was MEPA who ordered the dumping.

Charles Muscat

Aug 29th 2012, 02:04

St Paul's Bay council should be sacked.

Tony Camilleri

Aug 29th 2012, 00:06

It is MEPA who should apologize.
Shame on you MEPA.

Mary Ann Borg

Aug 28th 2012, 23:40

1. Not sure the SPB council was right in giving permission to dump the sludge before it replied to MEPA.
2. MEPA is a much bigger organisation than SPB'S council as it carries responsibilities well beyond SPB. It cannot be everywhere all the time, but it could have at least assisted the council with permissible locations to dump the sludge. But not MEPA !
3 But as is typical with MEPA, they want all information, then make you wait, then refuse your application without giving the applicant at least some guidelines on what could be approved.
4. This mentality exists everywhere here where authorities are concerned. You turn a corner, find a temporary No Entry sign and a warden somewhere in the shade. You try asking him how to proceed once the street is closed and his reply ' I dont know siehbi, I dont live here, try that street.........' Whoever closes even a minor street for traffic should also be responsible to make the appropriate diversion signs. It happens in most modern countries, but when it comes to traffic and other authorities, we are still lacking years behind the rest.

E. Azzopardi

Aug 28th 2012, 22:09

How nice? Just apologize. If this country has some decency, I would make them pay personally to remove all that sludge.

Mr Daniel Jones

Aug 28th 2012, 20:47

Apologise? MEPA a toothless tiger! Show some guts and slap them with a big fine. After all, if someone drops litter there then the wardens can fine them. Do likewise but on a bigger scale.

Mr Evan Camilleri

Aug 28th 2012, 20:30

next time dump half of it in front of St Pauls Bay Local Council and the other half in front of MEPA.... no apologies required

GL Calleja

Aug 28th 2012, 19:22

To make things easier, why don't both MEPA and the St Pauls Bay Local Council apologize and stop pointing fingers at each other. Somebody please accept responsibility.

Martin Zerafa

Aug 28th 2012, 19:03

Mr Salerno please do not forget that also stones where dropped in the sea not only the sand on the jetty. Just a reminder.

Martin Zerafa

Aug 28th 2012, 18:58

Nixtieq inkun naf meta il- Kunsill ha jirrispetta lic- cittadini ta San Pawl bhal ma qal fil press release . Hemm bzonn li il waste li intefa jigi imnaddaf fi zmien qasir halli inkomplu ngawdu il- bahar fl- ahhar jiem li Baqa tas- sajf. U il hmar ma jibqax iwahhal f' denbu

Colin Camilleri

Aug 28th 2012, 18:54

MEPA IS IN NO POSITION TO TELL US WHO IS RIGHT OR WRONG! MAY BE THEY FORGOT THE MERCAPTAN INCIDENT!

MEPA and the San Pawl Local council should put their documents on the table for all to see. Then let the general public reach their own conclusions themselves!

Elvin Muscat

Aug 28th 2012, 17:54

I think they should both apologise, MEPA and the local council, a sorry excuse for both to exist.

c. hansel

Aug 28th 2012, 17:42

Well I am very sorry but the Mayor should be responsible the local council gave the order to do this hence they should be blamed for it not MEPA. All this kindergarten behavior is making the whole issue worse. The Mayor got elected to help not to make life worse for the residents of San Pawl il Bahar and he clearly made it worse! Thanks a lot but next election I will not vote for him or his party.

Brian Farrugia

Aug 28th 2012, 16:55

MEPA is a poor excuse for an environmental agency, and should apologise that it even exists!

Simon Abela

Aug 28th 2012, 16:45

Some people have no clear what is going on. MEPA is a complete failure. Lack of accountabilty and lack of leadership. Who is the competent person to drafts these contracts?

Anyone accountable In Malta?

Martin Formosa

Aug 28th 2012, 16:44

Something like this happens and already over 300 comments since yesterday, yet Malta is plagued with littering of all sorts every minute and the comments are at a minimal or none at all.
2 wrongs don't make a right, we should all show our concern regarding the huge litter problem on the island, not only by commenting in the Times but by writing to your local council, I know have done this several times.

pat muscat

Aug 28th 2012, 16:38

Who is responsible for this saga? Obviously the head of MEPA.
The Council-not an expert-asked for advice and was told not to dumb sand on land, or on the Pasedonia weeds; but it did not tell the Council where to dump it!
The Council left it in the hands of the contractor and obviously-as all Maltese contractors-it did a short cut dumping the sand wherever it suited him!
It was mistake, there are 800 people employed at Mepa to manage the environment; this time they did not!

Neville Cassar

Aug 28th 2012, 16:34

That's the result of having:

1 - A Labour run local council

2 - A Mayor that just moved from another locality.

These last 4 months resulted in a total nightmare for St. Paul's Bay.

Garbage picked up at 1.30pm, left there so everyone (tourists included) can smell it.
The Local Council's car parked illegally.
And now, this whole farce of this scandalous dumping of dirt.
Way to go...

Anthony Grech

Aug 28th 2012, 16:29

"Mepa says St Paul's Bay council should apologise for Qawra dumping" Fair enough. But what should MEPA do for letting the overdevelopement in Marsalforn, Xlendi and in Gozo in general ? Not to mention Malta. What should MEPA do for giving permission to massacare old trees (cipress) that used to live on the side of the 'NEW' road especially in the roundabout area at Xewkija? What should MEPA do for letting Enemalta build its 'PALACE' Head office and stores just 30 feet away from the residential area at Xewkija? What did MEPA do when during the first escavating works of the area where this Head Office is built about 5 tombs-like structures dug in rock were found? Was MEPA asleep or was it strong with the week and week with strong as usual? Why were these findings smashed in a hurry? Did MEPA knew about them?

Toni Borg

Aug 28th 2012, 16:25

Pasedonia meadows (seaweed) - Posidonia oceanica is SEAGRASS...and then they expect to be taken seriously in this country if not even the press knows how to properly refer to endangered ecosystems...

Mr Stephen Sammut

Aug 28th 2012, 16:24

The mayor as well as those of Mepa are aliens, FULL STOP. The truck driver responsible for the dumping, is a sheep. If I was in his shoes and my boss told me to go dump rubbish in the sea, there's no way I would do it, and I would even question it!! But that is the problem on this island, many of the population are sheep and have no mind of their own.

Mr ALBERT LEONE GANADO

Aug 28th 2012, 16:15

In my view one culprit is MEPA who should have issued clear instructions for handling the dredging and disposal of sand or sludge or call it what you want. The council is then to blame for not engaging a professional company who understand the rules for dealing with proper disposal of sludge in the environment. Finally the truck driver tipping driver is at fault for lacking any common sense in carrying out his assigned task. The only one not to blame is the poor Qawra resident and bather who will have to bear the consequences . Let us stop this blame game and finger pointing and understand what management responsibility is all about.

Ian Glazier

Aug 28th 2012, 16:09

I would consider both to blame and that a public enquiry must follow so that this never ever happens again.

George Cutajar

Aug 28th 2012, 16:08

It is very clear that the SPB Mayor did not read or did not understand MEPA's instructions. MEPA authorised the removal of the sand but wanted prior notice of where the removed sand and/or sludge was to be disposed of.

Obviously Mr. Salerno read the first part but failed to abide by the second part of the order.

And while on the subject of abuse by the SPB Local council will Mr. Salerno kindly inform us all whether the bollards fixed this week in Saint Anthony's Street, SPB were fixed with the MTA's permission. Is Mr. Salerno aware of the imminent and serious hazard he has created should a fire engine or an ambulance need to access this road?

If this is the way Labour will work should it get elected than we are in for very trying times!!!! Xejn sew.com

Rodrick Azzopardi

Aug 28th 2012, 15:51

Mayor Mario Salerno, you are the one in charge to see such things don't happen

James Vella

Aug 28th 2012, 15:43

Din wahda bhal ta Gahan Sur Salerno !!!!!!!!

m. borg (slm)

Aug 28th 2012, 15:29

Am I responsible where the refuse collector dumps the rubbish he collects from door my door?

MEPA gave the permission so it is MEPA who should oversee where the sand was to be deposited, did MEPA ask the council about the site it intended to deposit the dirty sand at?

When somebody buys something that needs transported that someone would surely see that the object is delivered to the right place, I guess I would.

Robert Lewis

Aug 28th 2012, 15:20

Tafuha dik il-kunzunetta, "Mhux jien, mhux jien, le, le mhux jien" u il hmar iwahhal f'denbu, u denbu iwwahhal fil hmar, u hawwadni ha nifhem. Free for all, mind you both the Prim Minister and the President are away on holiday, and when the cat is away the mice will play. I believe SPB Local council full stop. Can I ask a simple question to MEPA. If you had to dredge clean a slipway, what do you do with the material, a very simple and straight forward question, whether its sludge, sand, tyres, bottles, etc. MEPA don't forget that within the next couple of weeks, slipways will be very busy cause now we expect a storm anytime, and boat owners will need slip ways cleared.

Charles Vassallo

Aug 28th 2012, 15:17

@ Dave Alan Caruana

Accountability!? That's taboo for the St. Paul's Bay Local Council. I live in Triq Is-Simar and have been complaining for the last 3 years to my Local Council on the disgusting state of our road. To add insult to injury, a couple of months back, a contractor started digging up the road to lay services for a very huge block of apartments (ruining the area needless to say).

It seems that the contractor just laid a very small section of pipes, as he then encountered subsidence within the clay foundation (What, no geotechnical assessments before? Ma tarax!)..... Guess what, he just filled it up with concrete and literally excuse my language, pissed off; Leaving us, the residents of Triq Is-Simar to literally eat dust every other day....

Dear Local Council and whoever else is accountable?.... Do Not Treat Us like (excuse the pun, DIRT!)

Antoine Bartolo

Aug 28th 2012, 15:16

In yesterday's Times report, the Mayor of St. Paul's is quoted to say that the so called sand should have been cleaned before being dumped. It is obvious that this was not the case! as can be seen clearly! Who is acocuntable for this mistake ?? The contractor? The Mayor? I think Mepa are out of this particular detail as the mayor stated himself that whatever was dumped had to be clean. So whoever is at fault has to clean up and not only remove the "sand" any other toxic stuff has to be filtered out as well!!!!
As for the police..... littering is a crime and dumping bottles and tyres into the see is LITTERING....you do not need mepa officers to come on site to stop the contractor!!!

Chris Gatt

Aug 28th 2012, 15:14

Words fail me. Once more we elect incompetent fools. Mr Salerno is beating about the bush . The question was not whether the sand should be returned to the sea as MEPA suggested ( and which incidentally is the correct decision), but why the sand was deposited precisely near a concrete pontoon which was built to encourage swimmers to use that area.
Was this because it was the most convenient and cheapest way to transfer the sand?

Incidentally by insisting that the council wanted to keep the sand on land, Mr Salerno is only exasperating his position by showing that he is incapable of of understanding the environmental issues he is responsible for

Carmel Ellul

Aug 28th 2012, 15:12

Mr Salerno , the Lord Mayor of St. Paul's Bay, still insists that what is being dumped is sand.
Whoever took him for a ride is now making him make a fool of himself.
Maybe since he comes from Kirkop ,he never had seen sand in his life , and was convinced that the colour of sand is filthy grey. Just go back to where you came from , if you are still welcome.

M Grima

Aug 28th 2012, 15:12

Considering MEPA's endless blunders I believe the St.Paul's Bay Local Council on this issue. But what is really annoying is how MEPA is trying to shift their own blame on the council just to belittle the Labour led council. I suppose this is MEPA at their best!!!!

Joe Vella

Aug 28th 2012, 15:09

MEPA was clear in it's instruction to the SPB Local council. MEPA requested further information prior to teh work being carried out. Somethign the SPB Local Council failed to do. Mr. Salerno shoulder your sresponsabilites;period.

D Schembri

Aug 28th 2012, 15:07

and in the meantime, bathers suffer

C. Refalo

Aug 28th 2012, 15:00

Pointing fingers at each other! and the poor layman paying the taxes!!!!! This was a conjoint operation thereby both are to be held responsible - resignations are the least one can expect (from both sides)

Jay Oatmon

Aug 28th 2012, 14:52

As usual in Malta "accountability and responsibility" do not exist. What we get is 'passing the buck' and no enforcement of the existing laws.

J Camilleri

Aug 28th 2012, 14:48

Ghaziz Sur Salerno, suppost ghandek sens bizzejjed li jekk il MEPA ittik direttiva bla sens ma timxiex maghha, imma ssib soluzzjoni ahjar....xoghol is-sindku huwa li jaghraf dscizjoni tajba minn dik hazina. Kieku qalulek biex tbattal it trakk fuq id desk tieghek ma nahsibx li kont timxi ma li qalulek...allura mux ovvja jahasra li bla sens tbattal trakk fejn jixxemxu u jghumu (kienu ) in nies....mohhna hemm Salern hija!!

Jowey Brownie

Aug 28th 2012, 14:46

Il-hmar iwahal f'denbu and circus goes on but enviornment in Malta will be the ultimate looser at the end .

Tony Ellul

Aug 28th 2012, 14:46

I cannot believe that this is Malta in 2012. We act like little boys and girls blaming each other without anyone assuming responsibility. It is just plain shameful.

Moira Heath

Aug 28th 2012, 14:45

Yesterday's report said it was sludge not sand that was deposited in the sea. It also said that there were bottles and tyres among the debris. Today miraculously it became just sand. If it had been just sand, I don't think anyone would have bat an eyelid. So if neither the council nor MEPA want to shoulder the responsibility for this mess, then in my opinion both parties are at fault. But as usual it doesn't mean anything because it's only the man on the street who suffers. Alla prossima... In the not too distant future I suspect.

joe vella

Aug 28th 2012, 14:40

mr salerno, very nice looking sand really

why don't you and your fellow councillors take a day off, stick some tents on this sand and build some sandcastles for your children and grandchildren to enjoy themselves, then you could serve them some icecreams and snacks, which will very definitely be contributed by the establishments nearby

I am sure you will go a long way to convince us that this was sand and not sludge (hama)

I had a much better opinion of you, sorry you lost it !

Dave Alan Caruana

Aug 28th 2012, 14:37

As is usual with the local councils, once they screw up its never their fault .. local councils need to be accountable for any works they order, having a local council with the power to order works and without any accountability when they screw up is asking for abuse. Accountability, especially financially, should be pinned down on the individuals within the council actually signing off the works.

Brian Farrugia

Aug 28th 2012, 14:37

Jiena vera ignorant bil provi, imma ma fhimxtx sahta li qal is sindku!

B Attard

Aug 28th 2012, 14:33

Mepa always there to create a havoc and wasting the taxpayer's and applicants monies

Victor Rodenas

Aug 28th 2012, 14:31

Il-hmar iwahhal f`dembu.

Paul Azzopardi

Aug 28th 2012, 14:30

Pass the monkey to the left hand side, pass the monkey to left hand side..........it's not my fault....

Someone should have the authority to pull these ''childrens'' ears and make them responsible for their islands well being a duty not a job....

Where is their pride?

C. Vella

Aug 28th 2012, 14:29

And even if MEPA did approve it, you as the local council did not question the obvious - do not dump rubbish in the sea especially YOUR sea.

Jes Farrugia

Aug 28th 2012, 14:26

Mr Salerno is SAND and SLUDGE means the same for you?

Edward Mallia

Aug 28th 2012, 14:26

We are accumulating a nice set of these cases where all we get is authorities of one sort or another pointing fingers at each other. 1. The Mercaptan case: Enemalta and MEPA. 2. The Black Dust case: MEPA ordered the switchoff of the Enemalta precipitators. 3. The Delimara Extention IPPC permit: It was Enemalta who gave KPMG a fraudulent brief for unit cost calculation. 4. The Qawra dumping: Local Council and MEPA point fingers at each other as to who did or should have done what. Considering what Chairmen and CEO's are paid (cash and benefits), is the public getting value for money in this Republic?

C Cassar

Aug 28th 2012, 14:25

How about both council members and MPEA members donating a day of their own time at a weekend to do a free litter clearance excercise in St Paul's Bay as a statement of apology to the local citizens? That would go a long way to repair the gulf in trust between these two autorities and the local people and tourists alike.

jonathan galea

Aug 28th 2012, 14:25

labour wont work, get back PN council

bryan sullivan

Aug 28th 2012, 14:22

so if I understand correctly, bottom line is that the council decided to dump the sludge in that area because it was 'the closest fitting MEPA's requirement' . Not actually fitting MEPA's requirement but oh well close enough I suppose ! but still the council's decision, or am I wrong ?

T.F. Busuttil

Aug 28th 2012, 14:22

froga ohra tal MEPA

Daniel Gordon

Aug 28th 2012, 14:17

Oh dear. Swings and roundabouts.

At least it will be removed from the seabed again and stored on land.

Ivor Ramsden

Aug 28th 2012, 14:16

All seem to be suffering from BSE - Blame Someone Else.