The consultation period suggestions on the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) for the proposed Hondoq ir-Rummien project has been extended to June 11, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority said.

It said in a statement the extension was being made to provide the public, councils and non-governmental organisations with ample time to evaluate and study the assessments drawn up by the EIA consultant.

It referred to reports of the consultation meeting, chaired by a senior officer from the Environment Protection Directorate, at the Qala government school on May 27, and said that a request for some present to comment in English could not be acceded to as members of the audients objected to it.

This objection constrained the authority to abide by the legislation regulating EIA procedures, which stated that ‘the language of the public hearing shall be in Maltese.’

Mepa said that besides the public meeting, the public consultation had been carried out since the April 20, giving anyone the opportunity to submit in writing any comments they wished to make pertaining to the EIA.

All submissions were being accepted and acknowledged by Mepa. Written comments could be submitted in both Maltese or English.

Copies of the draft Environmental Impact Statement may be inspected at Mepa, St. Francis Ravelin, Floriana and the Qala Local Council during office hours. Digital copies of the EIS are available on CD from Mepa offices.

Written submissions on the impact of the proposed development should be sent to the director, Environment Protection Directorate, Malta Environment & Planning Authority, St Francis Ravelin, Floriana or on eiamalta@mepa.org.mt, by June 11.