The government has published guidelines for the registration of consultants who wish to work on environment impact assessments (EIAs).

The guidelines, which are part of the Mepa reform proposals, were announced by Parliamentary Secretary Mario de Marco.

The Mepa reform proposals feature the setting up of a Registration and Review Board which will oversee the registration of the consultants.

The consultants will be required to apply on a personal basis - and not as companies. They will be subject to review before renewal.

Dr de Marco said EIAs will henceforth feature mandatory monitoring by people who are independent of the consultants.

Architect Kevin Gatt, who chairs the Registration and Review Board, said the guidelines were based on foreign standards adapted for local needs.

Three categories of registration have been proposed - junior impact assessor,senior impact assessor and environmental impact assessment coordinator. The guidelines also feature a code of practice for the consultants.

Details can be found on www.rrb.gov.mt.

The consultation process will be open for six weeks.