The planning authority this afternoon unanimously approved a permit for the development of a water polishing plant at Ta’ Barkat in Xghajra.

The plant will be capable of handling around 12,000 cubic metres a day of secondary treated sewage effluent for a potential output of approximately 9,600 cubic metres a day of highly polished, reclaimed water.

The water produced by the sewage plant in the area is currently of little use because of its high salinity.

During the board meeting it was highlighted that the pollutants of the run-off water that would be discharged at sea would be higher as there would be a lower concentration of liquid.

This reject water, referred to as brine, was already in breach of a legal notice because it exceeded the allowed levels of pollutants.

When this problem was raised by the WSC and its consultants, they pointed out that this was caused by illegal dumping and manure in the sewage system. They called for stricter enforcement from the authorities.

A consultant for AIS Environment, which drew up the environment impact report, said stricter enforcement and a long term strategy to stop disposal in the sewers was needed.