Environmental NGOs are calling for a thorough environmental impact assessment to be carried out at Ħas-Saptan, limits of Għaxaq, before the proposed relocation of the Enemed Fuel Depot, saying this was “the least that can be expected” for such a project.
In a joint statement , BirdLife Malta, Din l-Art Ħelwa and Nature Trust (Malta) said they had already objected to the relocation, as has the Gudja local council.
“The consequences for the natural environment, designated as an area of High Landscape Value, which is in regular use for recreation, should not be taken lightly. The assessment is the least that can be expected for a project of this scale and consequence,” the organisations said.
They said they were opposing the site proposed, as it was partly in a proposed Area of Ecological Importance (AEI) and Site of Scientific Importance (SSI) as identified in the South Malta Local Plan.
“This means that the area contains special habitats that require protection. As the Project Description Statement itself acknowledges, this development which is being proposed on agricultural land right within a valley, woodland and rural area will have considerable environmental impacts on numerous fronts.”
The organisations said that although the Ħas-Saptan site already housed a fuel storage infrastructure, most of the existing structures were underground, contrary to the additional facilities being proposed for the site.
In submissions made to the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), the organisations argued that AEIs and SSIs required protection from development because of their importance, both in terms of ecological habitats and landscape characteristics.
“Besides having considerable ecological and scientific value, these sites include indigenous species which contribute to the typical Mediterranean setting,” they said, appealing to the Planning Authority and the new Environment and Resources Authority to avoid procedures which might lead to a waiver of the full EIA.
The authority, they went on, was obliged to safeguard and protect these sites and ensure that Enemed Co. Ltd met the environmental assessment criteria.
“Enemed should also provide clarification regarding the specific habitat types which will be affected, to ensure that negative environmental im-pacts will be appropriately addressed and mitigated against during the construction and operation phases.”
The NGOs also said that the risks to people’s health had to be considered, especially since there could be production of hazardous waste and possible leakage from the fuel storage tanks.
“We also insist on a proper safety plan and on a comprehensive analysis of expected impacts on the surrounding traffic system due to the expected surge in daily numbers of trucks and traffic generated by the fuel filling station,” the three NGOs added.