The practice of dumping of slurry (sewage) on to agricultural fields is “widespread”, according to an ongoing investigation carried out by the Ombudsman’s office. The investigation is being carried out on the initiative of the Ombudsman, Joseph Said Pullicino, following reports in Times of Malta on the illegal practice occurring in Burmarrad.

Paul Abela, a Burmarrad farmer, had reported farmers in adjacent fields who were paying €13 for bowsers to dump slurry on to fields.

The practice has continued despite his reports to different authorities since 2011, when he tested his water and discovered the presence of cancer-causing nitrates beyond permissible levels.

Dr Said Pullicino said the newspaper reports triggered the investigation, which revealed the practice is not limited to Burmarrad.

“We tapped out whether there had been other cases here and there and it was obvious that there are other cases – if it was only a single case we would have issued a report and that’s that. But the problem is widespread. Now they are working on it. They are having a meeting with experts and we will hopefully issue a report,” the Ombudsman said.

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