The European Commission is increasing pressure on the Government to ensure air quality does not continue to deteriorate as the island's construction boom continues.
According to a recent scientific study, it was revealed that emissions from active soft stone quarries in Malta were 38 times higher than the highest international recommended levels.
The results of the study were raised in the European Parliament by MEP Simon Busuttil who has been campaigning to improve Malta's air quality. He asked the Commission whether Malta was respecting EU laws in this area in light of this alarming study.
The answers given by Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas came as no surprise: the Commission has just sent a letter to the local authorities to say that Malta is not respecting EU laws.
According to various EU laws, particularly the Integration Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) directive, construction installations such as stone quarries, cement factories and construction plants have to abide by strict emission level values. These are based on best available techniques designed to prevent and, where it cannot be done in practice, generally reduce emissions and the impact on the environment as a whole.
This directive specifies that the prevention or reduction of emissions on air, water and soil should be dealt with by the environmental permits (the Malta Environment and Planning Authority in Malta's case) issued in accordance with the IPPC directive. According to the Commission, Malta had failed to bring all plants in line by last October, as it was requested to do.
Mr Dimas wrote: "Malta has officially acknowledged it exceeded the PM10 (particular matter) limit values on the island. Malta's air pollution abatement plan did not manage to deliver compliance within the attainment date. The plan clearly recognises the impact of the construction industry to the PM10 problem and identifies the measures required."
The Commissioner specified that the measures contemplated include the need to oblige operators carrying out quarrying operations to implement abatement measures for the reduction of particulate matter. Such measures include water sprinkling and covering of stockpiles.
In view of the current situation, Mr Dimas told Dr Busuttil that the Commission did not exclude taking legal action against Malta after gathering more information on the issue.
"In the recent letter, the Commission requested Malta to provide information on all measures taken to ensure compliance. This information will allow the Commission to better assess the extent of the problem and prepare responses," Mr Dimas said.
Despite having over 55,000 vacant properties, buildings continue mushrooming in Malta and tower cranes dominate the skyline.
This is not the first time that Brussels has commented on Malta's poor air quality and the high level of particulate matter in the air, which can cause serious health problems. Just a few weeks ago, Dr Busuttil raised the issue of Lija's air quality, which according to the Commission is being affected negatively by a construction plant located in the area.