The split of the environment and planning functions at Mepa is expected to be completed by the summer and effective environmental enforcement will be a priority, according to Environment Minister Leo Brincat.

Times of Malta called him after it was revealed earlier this month that Polidano Brothers has been illegally storing waste containing ash from the Marsa power station at its Lapsi quarry.

The mayor of Siġġiewi, Karol Aquilina, said he was “shocked” and demanded action from Mepa and the Environment Minister.

Since there was no public reaction to the letter he sent to Mr Brincat, Times of Malta called the minister for his views.

Strong and effective enforcement will be a priority

Mr Brincat pointed out that environmental enforcement remained the domain of Mepa until the split of the environment and planning functions is finalised.

The target date for the split is next summer, with Mr Brincat stressing that “strong and effective” enforcement will be a priority.

When this newspaper had interviewed him last April, he said summer was a possibility – he was referring to 2014 – but he had not committed to the deadline.

Last week he explained he has held consultation meetings with the Environment Protection Department on the draft legislation relating to the new environmental arm. Its reactions and suggestions are now being considered.

“We could have waited for the legislation to pass through Parliament, which can take weeks due to parliamentary procedures and agenda, before commencing the relevant preparatory logistical work,” Mr Brincat pointed out.

However, a change management team has already been appointed and a steering committee involving Mepa is soon to be set up, as will an implementation team falling under his ministry.

Meanwhile, Mepa has not asked Polidano Brothers to remove the illegal waste that is openly stored at the Lapsi quarry and it did not issue an enforcement notice for the illegality.

Polidano Brothers do not have the necessary permits to handle such waste although the company applied for the permit after this newspaper exposed the transgression.

Mepa said the waste was classified as “non-hazardous”.

The pile, stored in an open environment, is a mix of coal ash and other materials used as infill at the Marsa power station, according to the authority. It initiated an investigation after this newspaper reported the problem to it. Mepa said it immediately commissioned an independent study to determine the waste’s contents. It also said it was conducting further studies to determine its best use.

It was Enemalta’s responsibility, as the producer, to ensure the safe disposal of the waste according to law.

It emerged, however, that the corporation did not bother to check how Polidano Brothers would transport it and ensure its safe disposal.