The Environment and Resources Authority has brushed off criticism that a geology report for a new high-rise project was inaccurate saying this was “merely” a tool to assess the environmental impact.
The ERA was commenting on concerns raised by geologist Peter Gatt who last week told the Times of Malta a geological assessment of Qui-si-Sana, submitted as part of an application for the contentious Townsquare project, had failed to highlight a layer of “very weak rock” that could pose problems in supporting tall buildings.
“When I say weak, I mean you can practically break the rock with your hands. It’s like chalk. This is a rock that can be problematic if tall buildings are built on it,” Dr Gatt said.
An environment planning statement compiled by consultancy firm ADI says the only rock types present on the Qui-Si-Sana peninsula were lower globigerina limestone, a strong rock that could support a tall structure – “in fact most of Malta’s towns are built on this rock” – and a layer of phosphate, present across most of the island.
Dr Gatt has, however, insisted that, besides the two layers indicated, the area included a significant amount of middle globigerina limestone, a soft rock. This was the second softest on the island, he pointed out, and could pose serious problems for tall buildings.
The ERA has recommended a number of permit conditions
Asked about this and whether it would have any bearing on the planning process, the Planning Authority said this was not within its remit and directed this newspaper to the ERA.
On its part, the ERA said it was “beyond the scope of the environmental impact assessment process to delve into aspects that are not related to environmental impacts”.
“The ERA is taking this opportunity to clarify that the environmental impact assessment is primarily a tool to capture the impact that a proposed development is to have on the surrounding environment,” a spokesman said.
In this case, the geological assessment had been submitted to help assess any environmentally-relevant impacts the project could have on the site’s geology, he added.
Asked whether the regulator still had confidence in the report’s findings, the spokesman said that “pursuant to this process, the ERA has recommended a number of permit conditions including a construction management plan to address construction phase impacts on the environment”.
The future of the Townsquare project was meant to be decided at a Planning Authority board hearing last Thursday. However, this was put on hold after residents asked the court to suspend any decision until new studies were conducted.