environmental report on repository/sea final er_2001… · environmental report on the waste ......

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT ON

THE WASTE MANAGEMENT

PLAN FOR MALTA

STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL

ASSESSMENT

OUR REF: ENV332261/A/13

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT

FINAL

JANUARY 2014

i

Quality Assurance

Environmental Report on the Waste Management Plan for Malta for Malta

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA): Environmental Report

Client: Ministry for Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate

Change

Revision Schedule

Version Final

Date January 2014

Author Ruth DeBrincat Tabone Melissa Abdilla Emma Cassar

Amendment Record

Issue Amendment Date

Issue 1 First Draft 28/10/2013

Issue 2 Final Draft 20/01/2014

Signatures

Approval Level Name Signature

Internal Check Ruth DeBrincat Tabone

Internal Approval Mario Schembri

Environmental Report on the Waste Management Plan for Malta

ii

Disclaimer

This report has been prepared by AIS Environmental Limited with all reasonable skill, care and

diligence, and taking account of the manpower and resources devoted to it by agreement with the

client. Information reported herein is based on the interpretation of data collected and has been

accepted in good faith as being accurate and valid.

This report is for the use of Ministry for Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate

Change; no warranties or guarantees are expressed or should be inferred by any third parties. This

report may not be relied upon by other parties without written consent from AIS Environmental

Limited. AIS Environmental Limited disclaims any responsibility to the client and others in respect of

any matters outside the agreed scope of the work. The report has been compiled in conformity with

LN 497/2010 and Directive 2001/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council.


iii

Acronyms

AD Anaerobic digestion

BMW Biodegradable Municipal Waste

C&D Construction and demolition waste

C&I Commercial and industrial waste

CO2 Carbon dioxide

COD Certificate of destruction

CH4 Methane

EC European Commission

EEA European Environmental Agency

EEE Electrical and electronic equipment

EfW Energy from Waste

ELV End-of-life vehicles

ELVs Emission Limit Values

EU European Union

ER SEA Environment Report

GHG Greenhouse gas

LCA Life cycle analysis

LN Legal Notice

MEPA Malta Environment and Planning Authority

MBT Mechanical Biological Treatment

MRF Materials Recovery Facility

MSDEC Ministry for Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate Change

MSW Municipal solid waste

NOx Oxides of nitrogen

NSO National Statistics Office

NWMP National Waste Managment Plan: 2013 - 2020


iv

PM Particulate matter

RES Renewable Energy Sources

RCV Refuse collection vehicles

RDF Refuse derived fuels

SAC Special Areas of Conservation

SCH Superintendence for Cultural Heritage

SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment

SOx Oxides of sulphur

SPA Special Protection Area

TM Transport Malta

UAA Utilised agricultural area

VOCs Volatile organic compounds

WEEE Waste electrical and electronic equipment

WFD Waster Framework Directive

WSC Water Services Corporation


v

Table of Contents

Quality Assurance .................................................................................................................................... i

Disclaimer................................................................................................................................................ ii

Acronyms ............................................................................................................................................... iii

Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................... v

List of Figures ....................................................................................................................................... viii

List of Tables .......................................................................................................................................... ix

1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1

2. The National Waste Management Plan for Malta .......................................................................... 2

2.1. Solid Waste Management Strategy, 2001 .............................................................................. 2

2.2. Waste Management Plan for the Maltese Islands 2008 2012 ............................................. 2

2.3. Solid Waste Management Strategy, 2010 .............................................................................. 3

2.4. The Resource Management Plan, 2013 2020 ...................................................................... 3

2.4.1. Municipal Solid Waste..................................................................................................... 3

2.4.2. Commercial and industrial (C&I) waste .......................................................................... 8

2.4.3. Construction and demolition (C&D) waste ..................................................................... 9

2.4.4. Extended producer responsibility ................................................................................. 11

2.4.5. Shipment of Waste........................................................................................................ 13

2.4.6. Marine waste and waste disposal ................................................................................. 15

3. Analysis of other Plans and Programmes in relation to the NWMP ............................................. 16

3.1. The National Environmental Policy (2012) ........................................................................... 16

3.2. The National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (2012) ................................................... 17

3.3. The National Strategy for Policy and Abatement Measures relating to the reduction of

Greenhouse Gas Emissions (2009) .................................................................................................... 17

3.4. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2012) .................................................. 17

3.5. The Water Catchment Management Plan (2011) ................................................................. 18

3.6. The Air Quality Plan for the Maltese Islands (2010) ............................................................. 18

3.7. The Proposal for a Soil Framework Directive (2006) ............................................................ 19

3.8. The Marine Strategy Framework Directive 2008/56/EC, including the description of Good

Environmental Status for Malta and the environmental targets ..................................................... 19

4. SEA Methodology .......................................................................................................................... 21

4.1. The Scope of SEA ................................................................................................................... 21

4.2. Consultation Process ............................................................................................................. 21

4.3. Assessment Process .............................................................................................................. 21


vi

5. Environmental Scoping and Baseline Data ................................................................................... 23

5.1. Air Quality ............................................................................................................................. 25

5.2. Climate Change ..................................................................................................................... 34

5.3. Energy Efficiency and Renewable energy resources ............................................................ 36

5.4. Biodiversity ........................................................................................................................... 37

5.5. Waste .................................................................................................................................... 43

5.6. Water (groundwater and coastal water) .............................................................................. 46

5.7. Landscape ............................................................................................................................. 52

5.8. Land uses ............................................................................................................................... 54

5.9. Transport ............................................................................................................................... 56

5.10. Soil ..................................................................................................................................... 59

5.11. Population and Human Health .......................................................................................... 60

5.12. Cultural Heritage ............................................................................................................... 60

6. SEA Framework ............................................................................................................................. 62

6.1. SEA Issues, Criteria and Indicators for Assessing Impacts .................................................... 62

6.2. Impact Significance ............................................................................................................... 66

7. Overall Approach to Appraisal ...................................................................................................... 67

7.1. Limitations............................................................................................................................. 76

8. Appraisal Results: Impacts of the Proposed Implementations ..................................................... 77

8.1. Issue 1: Protect Biodiversity .................................................................................................. 77

8.2. Issue 2: Population and Human Health ................................................................................ 80

8.3. Issue 3: Climate Change ........................................................................................................ 83

8.4. Issue 4: Soil and Land Contamination ................................................................................... 87

8.5. Issue 5: Water ....................................................................................................................... 90

8.6. Issue 6: Cultural Heritage ...................................................................................................... 93

8.7. Issue 7: Transport and Infrastructure ................................................................................... 96

8.8. Issue 8: Air Quality ................................................................................................................ 99

8.9. Issue 9: Renewable Energy Sources .................................................................................... 102

8.10. Issue 10: Resources Management .................................................................................. 105

8.11. Issue 11: Landscape ........................................................................................................ 108

8.12. Cumulative and Synergistic Impacts ............................................................................... 111

8.13. Summary ......................................................................................................................... 112

9. Recommendations ...................................................................................................................... 115


vii

9.1. Option 1: Status Quo ........................................................................................................... 115

9.2. Option 1A: Minimum Intervention ..................................................................................... 115

9.3. Option 2: Capacity build-up and Revision of Waste Collection Systems ............................ 115

9.3.1. Municipal Solid Waste................................................................................................. 115

9.3.2. Commercial and Industrial Waste ............................................................................... 116

9.3.3. Construction and Demolition Waste ........................................................................... 116

9.3.4. Extended Producer Responsibility .............................................................................. 116

9.3.5. Waste Disposal at Sea ................................................................................................. 116

10. Monitoring and Measurements .............................................................................................. 117

10.1. Monitoring for Biodiversity ............................................................................................. 117

10.2. Monitoring for Population and Human Health ............................................................... 117

10.3. Monitoring for Climate change ....................................................................................... 117

10.4. Monitoring for Soil & Land Contamination ..................................................................... 118

10.5. Monitoring for Water ...................................................................................................... 118

10.6. Monitoring for Cultural Heritage .................................................................................... 118

10.7. Monitoring for Transport and Infrastructure .................................................................. 118

10.8. Monitoring for Air Quality ............................................................................................... 118

10.9. Monitoring for Renewable Energy Sources .................................................................... 118

10.10. Monitoring for Resource Management .......................................................................... 119

11. Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 120

12. References .............................................................................................................................. 121


viii

List of Figures

Figure 1: Landfill void space required in 2015, 2020, 2025 and 2030 .................................................... 7

Figure 2: Total waste exports from 2007 to 2012 (NWMP, 2013) ........................................................ 14

Figure 3: Position of National Environment Policy in policy hierarchy (Source: The National

Environmental Policy, 2012) ................................................................................................................. 16

Figure 4: Current points being monitored. The location of the points are S1 Inspire, S2 Chef Choice,

S3 Bellavista, S4 Farm, S5 Town, S6 Family Park and S7 Zejtun. Source: Wasteserv Malta, 2013. ...... 30

Figure 5: GHG emissions by different sectors of the economy Source: MEPA 2012 ............................ 34

Figure 6: Maltas GHG emissions from waste management (Source: Leonidas, 2013) ........................ 35

Figure 7: Designated areas meriting protection status. Source: MEPA (2012) .................................... 38

Figure 8: Percentage of Species protected. Source MEPA (2010) ........................................................ 39

Figure 9: Species Conservation status of EC Importance. Source MEPA (2010)................................... 40

Figure 10: Type of waste generated from 2004 to 2010. Source: MEPA (2012) .................................. 43

Figure 11: Guidelines for Commercial Waste. Source WasteServ 2014 ............................................... 45

Figure 12: Nitrate Levels in Groundwater Bodies. Source: MEPA 2012. .............................................. 48

Figure 13: Landscape Sensitivity Areas and Landscape Protective Designations. Source: MEPA (2006)

.............................................................................................................................................................. 53

Figure 14: Land cover by agriculture and utilised agricultural area (UAA) - 2005 to 2011. ................. 56

Figure 15: Soil landscapes and soil types of the Maltese Islands. Source: MEPA 2005 ........................ 59

Figure 16: Sensitive receptors close to Ghallies Engineered Landfill, Magtab Environmental

Complex and Zwejra Landfill ............................................................................................................... 69

Figure 17: Sensitive receptors close to Marsa Thermal Treatment Facility ......................................... 70

Figure 18: Sensitive receptors close to Qortin Waste Transfer Station ................................................ 71

Figure 19: Sensitive receptors close to Sant Antnin Waste Treatment Facility ................................... 72

Figure 20 Sensitive receptors close to Gozo Biological Treatment Plant ............................................. 73


ix

List of Tables

Table 1: MSW management over the period 2004 to 2011 (NWMP, 2013) .......................................... 4

Table 2: C&I waste management over the period 2004 to 2011 (NWMP, 2013) ................................... 9

Table 3: C&D waste management over the period 2004 to 2011 (NWMP, 2013) ............................... 10

Table 4: Environmental Baseline........................................................................................................... 24

Table 5: Exceedances which took place between August 2009 October 2013 at the Thermal

Treatment Facility (Wasteserv, 2013) ................................................................................................... 27

Table 6: Emissions from the waste management facility at SantAntnin (Wasteserv, 2013) ............... 29

Table 7: The thresholds for the monitoring period year 2012 in Ta wejra (Wasteserv, 2013).......... 31

Table 8: The average values for each parameter for 2012 fot Ta wejra (Wasteserv, 2013) ............. 31

Table 9: The values for the monitored parameters for the 6 monitoring points in Ta wejra

(wasteserv, 2013) .................................................................................................................................. 32

Table 10: the thresholds for the monitoring period year 2012 at Gallis (Wasteserv, 2013) .............. 32

Table 11: The average values for the parameters measured at Gallis (Wasteserv, 2013) ................. 33

Table 12: Concentration Average for 2012 at Gallis (Wasteserv, 2013)............................................. 33

Table 13: Concentration (Annual Average) at Gallis (Wasteserv, 2013) ............................................ 33

Table 14: Household material waste generation (kg/capita) Source: NSO 2013b ............................... 43

Table 15: Land cover by area and percentage. Source: NSO 2010 ....................................................... 54

Table 16: Number of sites and area covered for each designation. Source: MEPA 2013 .................... 55

Table 17: Number of trips of trucks to different Waste Management Facilities operated by

WasteServ Ltd. ...................................................................................................................................... 58

Table 18: Antiquities List. Source: The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (2005 .......................... 61

Table 19: SEA issues, criteria and indicators for assessing impacts ..................................................... 63

Table 20: Appraisal Matrix .................................................................................................................... 74

Table 21: Key to Matrices ..................................................................................................................... 76

Table 22: Impacts on Biodiversity ......................................................................................................... 78

Table 23: Impacts on Population and Human Health ........................................................................... 81

Table 24: Impacts on Climate Change ................................................................................................... 84

Table 25: Impacts on Soil and Land Contamination ............................................................................. 88

Table 26: Impacts on Water .................................................................................................................. 91

Table 27: Impacts on Cultural Heritage ................................................................................................ 94

Table 28: Impacts on Transport and Infrastructure .............................................................................. 97

Table 29: Impacts on Air Quality ......................................................................................................... 100

Table 30: Impacts on Renewable Energy Sources .............................................................................. 103

Table 31: Impacts on Resources Management ................................................................................... 106

Table 32: Impacts on Landscape ......................................................................................................... 109

Table 33: Summary of Impacts ........................................................................................................... 113


1

1. Introduction

This Environmental Report defines the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the proposed

National Waste Management Plan (NWMP) 2013 -2020 for the Maltese Islands to revise Maltas

2010 National Waste Strategy in compliance with the recent Waste Framework Directive (Directive

2008/98/EC). The Ministry for Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate Change is

coordinating the compilation of this SEA by following the Parallel Model (Partidrio, 2004). It is

considered best practice as it links the SEA and the policy-making/planning processes through

various stages, including fact-finding, information retrieval, stakeholders engagement and public

participation.

The SEA is the systematic process of evaluating the environmental effects of a policy, plan or

programme, and its alternatives. The process combines a broad-based approach to environmental

assessment that examines environmental issues associated with the proposals of the NWMP, in

accordance with the L.N. 497 of 2010 which transposes the EU Directive 2001/42/EC. It allows for

the incorporation of environmental considerations at the earliest stages of the formulation of the

Plan. Hence, the goal of SEA is to help understand the development context of the strategy being

assessed, to identify problems and potentials accordingly, address key trends, and to assess

environmental and sustainable viable options that will achieve strategic Issues.

Within the context of a strategic perspective of the NWMP development and the likely future trends,

the SEA sets out to:

- evaluate the Issues of the Plan;

- assess the proposed alternatives and interventions in the Plan;

- provide recommendations additional to the Plan;

- evaluate the likely benefits and costs to the environment with respect to wider options

and specific alternatives deemed in NWMP as priorities of national significance;

- provide a sound basis for taking decisions about preferred options and alternative

proposals with regards to the implementation of specific projects.

The SEA will identify and assess the environmental implications of the proposals in the NWMP by

evaluating:

- the degree of environmental dimension taken into account in defining priorities, and in

recommendation of specific project proposals from a range of alternatives and options

as solutions to given issues;

- the likely positive and negative impacts of priority projects, on long-term sustainable use

of environmental resources, including protected area of conservation value, Natura

2000 sites, urban environment, social and economic well-being of affected communities

and quality of life;

- the implications of the Plan and proposals to adherence to the range of EU Directives that may have a bearing on its implementation.


2

2. The National Waste Management Plan for Malta This chapter comprises a brief description of the contents of the solid waste management strategies

so far, its main requirements, and an overview of the context within which it was drawn up:

2.1. Solid Waste Management Strategy, 2001

In 2001, when waste in Malta was still a mixture of domestic, organic, and construction and

demolition waste and deposited at the main landfill at Magtab, the first Solid Waste Management

Strategy was published. It was adapted in the perspective of Maltas attainment to negotiate with

the European Union (EU) and increase the awareness that a more integrated approach to waste

management was required. It outlines the below listed concepts and visions:

- An integrated approach to waste management;

- A reduction in the quantity and hazard of waste arisings;

- Higher levels of reuse;

- Increased recycling and composting;

- The possible further development in energy recovery technologies (e.g. anaerobic

digestion);

- Safe disposal of residues which cannot be otherwise managed; and

- Greater public participation in the decision making process.

In the late 1990s the annual tonnage of disposal of Municipal Solid Waste and Construction and

Demolition Waste was rising at an unsustainable rate which led to insufficient environmental

standards at the Magtab landfill, and the amount of space available of the landfill was diminishing

considerably. This Strategy imposed the accentuation on the need to reduce consumption by

starting to separating waste into different streams.

Target dates were set, for instance; disposal of untreated clinical waste in the landfill had to cease by

2003. Other initiatives focused on waste minimisation, better management of waste streams and a

reduction in the amount of biodegradable waste which went into the Magtab landfill.

2.2. Waste Management Plan for the Maltese Islands 2008 2012 The publication of the first Waste Management Strategy in 2001 proposed a paradigm shift which

would bring about significant improvements in the sector. The Waste Management Plan for 2008 -

2012 consolidated the same concepts into an action plan mainly to comply with European legislation

and the respective targets in various waste streams.

The Plan outlined the difficulties Malta faced in being a small island state with a limited market and

reliance on importation, also in view of the fact that the only engineered landfill was due to reach its

capacity in few years. Hence, new technologies had to be explored.

The main targets set by the Plan refer to:

- Improving waste collection systems by increasing the number of civic amenity and bring-

in sites together with the introduction of curb-side collection of dry recyclables;


3

- Investing in new waste management facilities including the SantAntnin waste

management facility, the Thermal Treatment plant in Marsa and the non-hazardous

engineered landfill at Gallis. A hazardous waste landfill was also proposed ;

- Rehabilitating disused sites namely the Qortin and Magtab dumps. A gas management

system and capping were also proposed at the non-hazardous waste landfill at

Tawejra. Disused and exhausted quarries were to be used for the deposit of inert

waste (C&D / excavation);

- First update of a Solid Waste Management Strategy for the Maltese Islands by 2009.

2.3. Solid Waste Management Strategy, 2010

This update was not intended to represent a new direction, but one which acts as a continuation of

the 2001 Strategy and whilst adhering to all provisions and targets established by EU legislation. It

sought to fine tune the scenarios put forward in 2001.

The strategic approach for solid waste management in Malta and Gozo revolved around the

following objectives:

- Promoting further waste reduction;

- Achieving high levels of recycling, including construction & demolition waste;

- Treating residual waste in order to maximise energy recovery and reduce

greenhouse gas emissions; and

- Further reducing reliance on landfill.

The major target remained the reduction of waste. Hence, every generator of waste was encouraged

to work towards this objective, in conformity with the polluter pays principle. Incentives and

disincentives were implemented to secure the initiatives that are designed to attain reuse or

recycling of waste, as well as the recovery of energy or material from waste.

2.4. The Resource Management Plan, 2013 2020

The main objective of the NWMP is to achieve sustainable waste management; in fact waste

prevention is an integral concept of this document. Moreover, the Waste Prevention Plan is also

being incorporated within the document, to further consolidate waste management policy within a

single framework document.

2.4.1. Municipal Solid Waste

The Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) consists of waste produced from households, and other waste

which because of its nature and composition makes it similar to household waste mainly from hotels

and restaurants, non-hazardous hospital waste, biodegradable waste and bulky refuse. Data for

municipal solid waste recorded over the period 2004 to 2011 (Table 1) shows Maltas reliance on

landfills as the main treatment option for this waste stream.


4

Table 1: MSW management over the period 2004 to 2011 (NWMP, 2013)

Recycled Recovered Landfilled Incinerated

w/o recovery Storage Total

2004 33,734 215,976 12 249,722

2005 38,406 213,041 13 251,460

2006 48,447 204,387 16 252,849

2007 18,628 247,312 8 265,948

2008 8,678 265,708 1,623 276,008

2009 10,959 255,025 1,791 267,774

2010 19,121 14,954 201,555 13,042 248,672

2011 19,076 11,723 205,138 43 11,405 247,386

The Waste Framework Directive prospects that by 2020 the Member States will achieve the 50 %

recycling target for municipal waste. Therefore the paper, plastics, metal and glass generated by

households are prepared for reuse and recycling. Moreover, the Landfill Directive necessitates the

diversion of biodegradable municipal waste from landfills towards recycling and recovery facilities.

Over and above these targets, Malta aims to increase its efforts to breaking the link between

economic growth and MSW generation by proposing waste prevention measures. Malta aims to:

- Minimise the generation of MSW,

- Prepare for re-use and recycle 50% of paper, plastics, metal and glass generated by

households by 2020 and

- Divert biodegradable municipal waste from landfills as a measure to reduce land use impacts

as well as to fulfil its EU and national obligations. By 2020, only 35% of the total BMW

generated in 2002 will be allowed to be landfilled.

These targets are reflected in the NWMP which also sets up the actions to be taken to retain or

improve the current situation so that such targets are achieved.

The NWMP identifies 3 alternative options to address the MSW waste stream. The environmental

impacts of each alternative were assessed in Section 8.

Option 1 relates to the status quo. This implies retaining the same set-ups as at present in terms of

collection systems, waste management infrastructure available and initiatives taken. Option 1 can

be summarised as following:

- Continue with current collection systems;


5

- Retain existing facilities i.e. one MBT plant, one MRF facility and one non-hazardous landfill

for the disposal of mixed MSW and other non-hazardous waste; and

- Once the existing non-hazardous landfill is exhausted, another mega landfill or a number of

smaller sized landfills that aggregate to the same volume would be required to handle the

residual waste that cannot be managed by the MRF and MBT due to their lack of scale.

Option 1A proposes minor changes which practically do not entail any investment in new facilities

but improvements on the ones already in operation at present. These actions include:

- The expansion of Sant Antnins current capacity from 71,000 tonnes to 100,000 tonnes per

annum; and

- Increased collection of dry recyclables by kerbside collection, bring in-sites and civic amenity

sites.

Option 2 puts forward a number of variants when compared with the modus operandii of the

collection and management systems in the waste management sector. These are diverse in nature

and address different routes as end-of-pipe solutions as opposed to reliance on landfilling.

- Expansion of Sant Antnins current permitted capacity of 71,000 tonnes to 100,000 tonnes

per annum to ensure that there is enough organic throughput so that the digestor can work

at its maximum design capacity (this will only entail a revision of the permitted capacity of

the plant since the plant design caters for a larger capacity than that actually permitted for);

- A Waste Transfer Station in Gozo for the receipt, sorting, processing, interim storage and

transfer of wastes originating from Gozo and Comino. Dry recyclables will be sorted and

baled prior to further treatment or export. The MSW will be separated into three fractions:

the organic fraction which shall be diverted for biological treatment, Refuse Derived Fuel

(RDF) and rejects;

- An Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plant in Gozo for the digestion of the organic fraction of MSW,

animal manure and sewage sludge generated in Gozo by the third quarter 2015;

- A Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) Plant for the North of Malta for treatment of

MSW, where the organic fraction and the Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) will be extracted from

the remaining waste which shall be directed from the landfill. An AD plant for animal

manure which has already been permitted (and for which EU co-financing has been secured)

shall treat the organic fraction resulting from MSW and will also include a potential for the

treatment of the animal manure not managed directly by farmers. Both facilities are

envisaged to be fully commissioned by 2015.

- The RDF, rejects from MBT plants, residual MSW and other non-recyclable/non-recoverable

wastes can be managed in any one or a combination of the below listed options and are to

be assessed in light of the proposed capacity expansion and new facilities discussed

previously in points 1 to 4. Furthermore, a cost benefit analysis is to be carried out by end of

2014 to determine the feasibility of the proposed options:


6

a) Local energy recovery (this would entail the development of an energy from waste

facility) Option 2A;

b) Export of this fraction for energy recovery Option 2B; and

c) Landfilling Option 2C.

Figure 1 shows the landfill void space which would be required should either option 1, 1A, 2A, 2B or

2C be implemented. Thermal treatment with energy recovery reduces the volume of waste by 90%

and thus extends the lifespan of landfill void space by ten times as opposed to landfilling waste

directly. This is visible in Figure 1 as Option 1, 1A and 2C still rely heavily on landfilling whilst Options

2A and 2B refer to thermal treatment with energy recovery locally or abroad respectively.


7

Figure 1: Landfill void space required in 2015, 2020, 2025 and 2030

0

500,000

1,000,000

1,500,000

2,000,000

2,500,000

3,000,000

2015 2020 2025 2030

Vo

lum

e (m

3)

Year

Landfill void space required in 2015, 2020, 2025 and 2030

Option 1

Option 1A

Option 2C

Option 2A

Option 2B


8

Existing collection systems for bulky household waste, which include the door to door collection by

Local Councils and the civic amenity sites, have proved to be excellent means for the collection of

such waste. However, the high amounts of mixed household waste collected remains a concern in

view of the loss of potential recyclable materials including organic waste. Therefore, possible

measure to improve the existing waste collection systems pre 2015 (a and b) and post 2015 (c to h),

include:

a) Increase the frequency of the kerbside collection of co-mingled dry recyclables to two or

three times weekly in all localities; and

b) Reduce the collection of residual household waste to three times a week;

c) Kerbside collection of household bio-waste three times weekly (this may be

accompanied by legislative measures);

d) Reduce the collection of mixed MSW to once a week;

e) Kerbside collection of co-mingled dry recyclables twice weekly in all localities;

f) Promote nightly collection of MSW in certain localities;

g) Introduction of colour coded garbage bags for the dry recyclables, bio-waste and mixed

MSW; and

h) Promote the use of outputs from the treatment of separately collected bio-waste.

2.4.2. Commercial and industrial (C&I) waste

Commercial and industrial and hazardous waste primarily include waste from industries such as

factories and industrial plants. Most of this waste is landfilled; Table 2 shows the data recorded over

the period 2004 to 2011. The increase in 2011 reflects the reclassification of C&I waste some of

which was previously classified as municipal solid waste. A significant amount of industrial waste

included in this waste stream in 2011 is the sewage sludge as a result of the urban waste water

treatment plants. Hazardous waste is either treated at the thermal treatment facility in Marsa or

exported in accordance with the Waste Shipments Regulation (EC No 1013/2006).

There are private companies which already take the necessary environmental measures when

dealing with waste generated as a by-product of their activities. These organise their own collection

and transportation systems, usually through a registered waste broker or dealer, to the final

treatment facility. Such initiatives have proved to be fruitful benefiting both the commercial and

industrial sector as well as the local environment.


9

Table 2: C&I waste management over the period 2004 to 2011 (NWMP, 2013)

Recycled Recovered Landfilled

Incinerated

w/o

recovery

Others Total

2004 962 41,140 11 42,113

2005 1,342 28,451 1,722 31,515

2006 1,424 38,665 25,058 65,148

2007 2,014 26,201 67,856 96,072

2008 2,886 12,685 46,671 62,242

2009 4,210 12,219 45,435 61,864

2010 7,876 18,202 43,161 69,239

2011 72,916 463 24,633 7,356 886 106,235

However, there are other (many at times, small scale) commercial entities and industrial operators

that due to low quantities of waste generation consider engaging a private waste collector not to be

feasible. Thus they make use of the waste collection services provided by local councils and the

burden is shifted from the commercial or industrial owner onto the tax payer, by exhausting local

councils funds allocated by Government for the management of household waste. In this context,

the below listed actions have been determined:

- Local Councils will collect waste generated from C&I entities and co-collect their waste

together with that generated by households against a fee that reflects the amount of their

waste arisings. Moreover, such establishments would be obliged to follow the collection

systems for households as established by their Local Council;

- Compositional survey to determine the nature of this waste stream; and

- Separate collection of bio-waste from restaurants, caterers and retail premises and food

processing plants in colour coded bags to differentiate between commercial and household

waste.

2.4.3. Construction and demolition (C&D) waste

This is the largest waste stream in the Maltese Islands. It is directly coupled with the state of affairs

in the construction industry. The data in Table 3 shows a decrease in 2009 because of an economic

crisis. Landfilling is the prevailing option resorted to until 2011. Then a shift to restoring spent

quarries by infilling with inert C&D waste is noted.


10

Table 3: C&D waste management over the period 2004 to 2011 (NWMP, 2013)

Recycled Recovered Landfilled Disposed at

sea Others Total

2004 19,916 2,580,454 210,404 2,810,774

2005 15,332 1,970,883 357,942 2,344,157

2006 101,756 2,061,340 329,426 2,492,522

2007 243,818 2,110,641 146,205 2,500,664

2008 173,982 1,522,000 300,360 1,996,342

2009 63,463 462,584 74,370 600,417

2010 114,149 688,061 290,120 1,092,330

2011 139,144 3,611 422,057 149,120 2,125 716,057

After shifting from landfilling to backfilling operations, an overall recovery rate of some 98% was

noted when summing up recycling, recovery and backfilling activities. According to the waste

hierarchy however, it would be worth exploring the possibility of shifting from recovery to recycling

this waste stream. Hence, the below listed actions are being proposed:

Review existing permits for spent quarries, to enable backfilling operations in accordance with L.N.

184 of 2011, The Waste Regulations and L.N. 22 of 2009 The Waste Management (Management of

Waste from Extractive Industries and Backfilling) Regulations, 2009;

- To introduce a new national legal framework for C&D waste making on site separation,

recycling and recovery of materials obligatory during construction and demolition activities,

except for non-recyclable and non-recoverable materials which can continue to be

landfilled;

- To study the possibility of excavation of large sites being undertaken in a manner that

permits the reuse of the excavated stone e.g. through quarrying rather than excavation;

- To include measures to separate C&D waste at the site of generation and to include

recycling targets for major projects in their development permit;

- To develop standards and guidelines for recycling C&D waste;

- Allocation of storage areas for re-usable C&D material dismantled during demolition works;

and

- Economic incentives in the form of lower tax rates for first time buyers purchasing old

property, so as to promote the restoration and rehabilitation of such properties rather than

promoting demolition and the use of new raw materials.


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2.4.4. Extended producer responsibility

2.4.4.1. Packaging and packaging waste

As quoted in the NWMP, for the year 2011, Malta did not reach the overall recovery rate of 47% set

by EU legislation, instead 44.7% was achieved. The overall recycling target set by the national

legislation was that of 51% for 2011. Malta recycled 42.3% and thus did not make the nationally

imposed mark. However the threshold set by EU legislation in terms of recycling is 55% minimum to

be reached by end 2013, a target deemed within reach given the derogation to those Member States

having acceded to the European Union by virtue of the Accession Treaty of 16 April 2003. Hence,

Malta had not fully met the EU quotas or the slightly higher local quotas. Nonetheless, Malta has

strived to attain better recycling performance through capacity building within the Competent

Authority i.e. MEPA.

In the NWMP it is stated that product design will be promoted to minimise packaging waste and to

re-use, recycle and recover packaging waste. These reflect the below listed targets that should be

achieved by 2013:

- Overall recovery 60%;

- Overall recycling 55%;

- Glass recycling 60%;

- Metal recycling 50%;

- Plastic recycling 22.5%;

- Paper & Cardboard recycling 60%; and

- Wood recycling 15%

2.4.4.2. Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)

Malta has not yet reached the desired targets, mostly because the producers are not achieving their

obligations themselves. In order to help overcome this weakness and to address other shortcomings

in the current system the below listed measures are being proposed:

- Revocation of the provisions laid down in the Eco-Contribution Act. Thus producers would no

longer pay an eco-contribution on EEE once placed on the Maltese market. This measure

does not exonerate producers from collection of WEEE;

- A new legislative proposal including highly dissuasive fees in the form of a flat rate per

category by weight of EEE put on the market for those producers who fail to fulfil their

obligations under The Waste Management (Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations

as laid down in L.N. 63 of 2007;

- Producers willing to comply individually are to provide a bank guarantee which shall be

equivalent to the costs of managing WEEE that would result from the EEE put on the market

by any one producer. This shall be based on the average weight of EEE placed on the market

in the three preceding years for self-compliant producers;

- Producers may include a visible fee of the costs for managing WEEE in accordance with

Regulation 9(1)(e) as laid down in L.N. 63 of 2007 which stipulates that producers shall until

13th August 2012 for categories 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 of Schedule 1A, and until the 13th


12

August, 2014 for category 1 of Schedule 1A, be allowed to show a fee for the collection,

treatment and disposal of WEEE;

- A possible introduction of an obligation for both schemes and self-compliant producers to

use the services of an independent auditor approved by the Authority, to certify all of the

information reported to the Authority. This ensures that a sound auditing procedure for

traceability, monitoring and control is put into place for all the waste electrical and

electronic equipment managed;

- Increased enforcement and compliance monitoring; and

- WEEE collected at Civic Amenity sites operated by WasteServ is to be passed on to

authorised compliance schemes in proportion.

2.4.4.3. Batteries and accumulators

Portable batteries can be disposed of at the Local Councils or some outlets in Malta and Gozo.

However, although Malta has achieved a collection rate of 20.39% in 2012, these were not collected

in accordance with the legal obligations provided by the Batteries Directive since the campaign was

managed by a Government owned company (WasteServ) and not by the battery producers

themselves as required by the Directive. To this effect the anticipated actions to be taken are:

- A private sector shall uptake the Batterina campaign so that it is administered and financed

by the producers themselves;

- The Eco-Contribution Act shall be revoked, thus the producers would no longer pay an eco-

contribution on batteries once placed on the Maltese market;

- A new legislative proposal of fines in the form of a flat rate per category by weight of

batteries and accumulators placed on the market for those producers who fail to fulfil their

obligations under The Waste Management (Waste Batteries and Accumulators) Regulations

as laid down in L.N. 55 of 2010;

- An obligation by producers willing to comply individually to provide a bank guarantee which

shall be equivalent to the costs of managing waste batteries and accumulators put on the

market by any one producer. This shall be based on the average weight of batteries and

accumulators placed on the market in the three preceding years for self-compliant

producers;

- A possible introduction of responsibility on both schemes and self-compliant producers to

use the services of an independent auditor approved by the Authority;

- Increased enforcement and compliance monitoring; and

- The distribution of waste batteries and accumulators collected at Civic Amenity sites

operated by WasteServ to authorised compliance schemes in proportion to their obligations.

2.4.4.4. End-of-life vehicles (ELV)

By 2011, Malta reached a reuse and recovery rate and a re-use and recycling rate of 87%

respectively as mentioned in the NWMP. Issues of competence that need to be sorted between the

various authorities were the main reasons that have been blocking the implementation of this

Directive. The below actions are being suggested to address these issues:


13

- To define illegal scrap yards and regulates or terminate their current activities and

operations in line with the respective legislations;

- The authorisation of new treatment facilities;

- Delineation of the provisions laid down in Legal Notice 99 of 2004 transposing Directive

2000/53/EC among the respective authorities responsible for the proper implementation of

this legislation;

- Transport Malta shall only deregister vehicles sent for dismantling upon presentation of a

certificate of destruction (COD) issued by an authorised treatment facility.

2.4.4.5. Waste oils

Waste oils are classified as hazardous waste. The only known records of waste oil treatment in 2011

represent 25% of the annual quantity as listed in the NWMP. In view of their hazardous nature, and

current collection practices of this waste stream, it is being proposed:

- Ensure waste oils are collected and managed in an environmentally sound manner by the

producers, and to promote the regeneration of waste oils where technically feasible;

- The current Eco-contribution regime shall be maintained for oils until national regulations

stipulate producer responsibility for oils.

2.4.4.6. Waste tyres

There is no one specific EU or national regulation regulating waste tyres even though they can

replace the use of raw materials in various other industrial and recreational activities. Moreover, it

has shown to be somewhat difficult to adequately determine the quantities generated per annum

since currently there is no systematic collection practice for waste tyres. Therefore it is being

planned:

- To regulate the producers of tyres; including importers of tyres into the Maltese market, in

respect to waste tyres arising from their activities and use existing systems or set up systems

to provide for the return and, or collection and recycling and recovery of this waste.

- The current Eco-contribution regime shall be maintained for tyres until national regulations

stipulate producer responsibility for tyres.

2.4.5. Shipment of Waste

Malta has limited recycling facilities for both hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Thus, the waste

fraction that is not landfilled or composted is sent to recycling facilities abroad. Hazardous wastes

are mainly exported to other European states, whereas non-hazardous wastes are mainly exported

outside the European community. Error! Reference source not found. shows the amount of waste

xported from 2007 to 2012 with a marked increasing trend.


14

Figure 2: Total waste exports from 2007 to 2012 (NWMP, 2013)

2.4.5.1. Hazardous shipments

In view of the lack of local hazardous waste treatment facilities the NWMP recommends to adhere

to the Proximity Principle by:

- Limiting exports of hazardous waste as far as possible to those cases where there is no

suitable recovery or disposal option in Malta; and

- Starting discussions with shipping lines not willing to transport hazardous wastes so as to

better understand the difficulties they encounter.

No specific details of how exportation will be limited are given in the NWMP in that which

installations are considered preferred options over others, example thermal treatment, and/or a

hazardous landfill to give two examples. In terms of environmental impacts, different practices

differ significantly between each other.

2.4.5.2. Non-Hazardous shipments

Since the main non-hazardous waste fractions shipped abroad, such as; paper/board, plastics and

metals, all have a market value the NWMP proposes to:

- Limit exports of non-hazardous waste as far as possible to those cases where there is no

suitable recovery or disposal option in Malta; and

- Shipments of residual municipal solid waste for landfilling should be prohibited.

The NWMP does not provide alternative options to exporting recyclable fractions. Limiting export is

being proposed in light of the Proximity Principle.


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2.4.6. Marine waste and waste disposal

Waste disposal at sea is regulated by the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by

Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, 1972 (London Convention) and its 1996 Protocol (London

Protocol), the Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea Against Pollution, 1976

(Barcelona Convention) and its Protocols (1976 and 1995 Protocols to the Barcelona Convention).

Malta is a contracting party to the 1972 London Convention, the 1976 Barcelona Convention and

1976 Barcelona Protocol and signatory to the 1995 Barcelona Protocol. Malta is not a contracting

party to the 1996 London Protocol.

Disposal at sea operations should be considered as the last resort for such waste which cannot be

disposed of on land without unacceptable danger or damage, above all for the safety of human life.

In respect to its potential impacts to the marine environment it should be limited to:

- Non-hazardous dredged material that complies national thresholds to be set by the

competent authority;

- Clean geological material excavated on land during development activities; and

- Spoilt cargo.


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3. Analysis of other Plans and Programmes in relation to the

NWMP The proposals stated in the NWMP should comply with other relevant environmental plans and

programmes, mainly those that are listed below.

3.1. The National Environmental Policy (2012)

This is a strategic integrative policy which covers all the principles upon which Maltas environment

will be managed and upgraded for the period 2012-2020, with a particular emphasis on improving

policy implementation in the environmental field. Hence, all existing national, European and

multinational obligations are taken into account, although not restricted only to these matters. It

also incorporates sectoral environmental policies such as; Air Quality Plan and Waste Strategy, along

with plans in preparation, such as the waste reduction plan (Figure 3).

Figure 3: Position of National Environment Policy in policy hierarchy (Source: The National Environmental Policy, 2012)

It reflects and strengthens one of the pillars which fall under the National Sustainable Development

Strategy. The National Environment Policy:

a. Provides direction in the environment field to both the public and private sector and

other players;

b. Ensures the integration of all policies such that all stakeholders work in a coordinated

manner to achieve national objectives, not only in the environmental field but also in

areas that impact upon or are impacted by the environment, exploiting synergies and

addressing potential conflicts across sectors; and


17

c. Clearly articulates and communicates national environmental commitments and

objectives in a transparent manner (Minister for Tourism, Culture and the Environment,

2012).

3.2. The National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (2012)

This Strategy seeks to address various sectors which are vulnerable to climate change impacts, and

recommends a number of adaptation action plans which should be taken into consideration. At

present, Malta does not have a legal framework which relates particularly to climate change

adaptation.

However, there are other existing regulations and studies which tackle such an issue indirectly by

adopting implementation measures over the next 10 to 50 years, for instance; Environmental Impact

Assessments (EIA), water policy, terrestrial and marine ecosystems, infrastructure (including energy,

transport, telecommunications, buildings, and waste) and health.

3.3. The National Strategy for Policy and Abatement Measures relating to the

reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (2009)

In 1994, Malta ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as a

non-Annex I party. Hence till then, Malta did not have any obligations under the Kyoto Protocol to

limit or decrease its greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions, not even under the EU burden-sharing

agreement.

However, this has changed after the accession in the European Union and Malta had to submit this

strategy according to Article 3(2) of Decision 280/2004/EC. This required the introduction of policies

and measures which, directly or indirectly, lead to limitations or reductions of emissions of GHGs,

such as the proposals mentioned in the new NWMP.

3.4. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2012)

Biodiversity can easily be endangered by homogenous activities like; pollution, overexploitation and

inefficient use of natural resources. Hence, there was the need of this strategy so as to set Malta on

a long-term vision to meet its biodiversity and environmental goals mentioned in Maltas National

Environment Policy (2012), other than the 2020 global and EU targets for biodiversity. In order to

preserve our biodiversity, national targets have to be set within the policies, plans and programmes

of those sectors that affect biodiversity directly and indirectly.

The objectives were grouped in 18 different themes and were also given a colour code to indicate

the timeframe when they are expected to be applied or accomplished. For instance, target 9 under

theme 18 defines what has to be done regarding waste management and should be in implemented

within 2018 and 2020:


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SI9: Sustainable waste management via waste prevention, re-use and recycling results in a generally positive impact on the natural environment and is supported by increased public awareness and cooperation to adopt more resource efficient lifestyles thereby reversing trends of waste generation across the different waste streams (MEPA and Minister for Tourism, Culture and the Environment, 2012, p. 18).

3.5. The Water Catchment Management Plan (2011)

The Water Framework Directive (WFD), which was adopted by the EU in 2000, recognises the

necessity to safeguard and restore all types of waters; surface water body, transitional waters and

coastal waters, to prevent further deterioration and sustain the natural ecosystems that depend on

them. The Maltas Water Catchment Management Plan was transposed from this Directive and its

initial objection to achieve good status in all surface waters and groundwater by 2015.

The first stage of this plan was to analyse the state of health of our waters through environmental

monitoring programmes and other relative sources, investigate the different uses and identify the

threats and their impacts. With these results, such management actions were addressed in order to

maintain or improve the status so as to be in line with the Directive. However, other sectoral plans,

policies and programmes, including the NWMP, should also be in line with this plan to guarantee an

integrated approach.

In particular, landfills and spoil grounds are a source of water pollution. For example the chemical

substances like; heavy metals, cadmium, copper and zinc from the former Magtab waste dump, can

percolate and contaminate the aquifers or ends up the sea through surface runoff. Dumping at sea

in the national spoil ground off Xagjra is regulated, but the potential impacts are still unknown.

Although there are still records of disposal at other unofficial offshore locations and spillages from

waste barges on their way to the spoil ground.

3.6. The Air Quality Plan for the Maltese Islands (2010) Directive 1996/62/EC together with Directive 1999/30/EC regulated the ambient air quality by

implementing the reduction of specific are pollutants such as; sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and

oxides of nitrogen, lead and particulate matter (especially PM10). In the case of Malta, PM10

exceedances have been recorded since 2004 and thus, Malta had to submit a report in line with the

requirements in Annex IV of Directive 1996/62/EC to the European Commission. It outlines such

actions that should be taken in regards to road transport, power generation and the building

industry as to reduce air pollution.

Apart from continuous monitoring to conform with the Directive without compromising any burden

to the mobility and economy within the community, this plan suggests various short and long term

strategies that need to be engaged. For instance, in respect to reduce vehicle emissions, it is

recommended to ban domestic waste collection during the day and particularly during peak hours

by better time and route management so as to reduce congestion and emissions from Refuse

Collection Vehicles (RCVs).


19

3.7. The Proposal for a Soil Framework Directive (2006) The EU is proposing a specific protection policy for the protection of soil which derives from

Directive 2004/35/EC Environmental Liability. It is projected to come up with a strategy to guard

and sustain the use of this vital non-renewable resource because from several studies throughout

the years it has been noted that soil degradation will eventually increase if no action is taken.

This problem is already integrated into other sectoral policies since human intervention; especially

wrong agricultural and forestry practices, industrial activities and services, disposal of waste, and

urban development will have a negative impact on water, human health, climate change,

biodiversity protection, and food safety. However, these policies are neither designed nor sufficient

to protect all soils against all degradation processes, thus there is a need for a coherent and effective

legislative framework, providing common principles and objectives aiming at protection and

sustainable use of soil.

In Article 4 and 9, Section 1 of Chapter 3 it is stated that any land user whose actions will have an

effect on soil will have to take necessary precautions to limit the intentional or unintentional

introduction of dangerous substances on or in the soil. Moreover, Mining installations not covered

by Council Directive 6/82/EC, including extractive waste facilities as defined in Directive 2006/21/EC

of the European Parliament and of the Council 17, and Landfills of waste as defined in Council

Directive 1999/31/EC18 are listed in point 8 and 9 respectively in Annex II as a potential soil

polluting activities.

3.8. The Marine Strategy Framework Directive 2008/56/EC, including the

description of Good Environmental Status for Malta and the environmental

targets

This Directive, which was transposed into Maltese legislation as Legal Notice 73 of 2011, presents a

framework for the EU Member States to manage human activities in the marine environment in a

sustainable manner so as to reach a Good Environmental Status (GES) by 2020. The GES is defined

as the environmental status of marine waters where these provide ecologically diverse and dynamic

oceans and seas which are clean, healthy and productive and the use of the marine environment is

at a level that is sustainable thus safeguarding the potential for use and activities by current and

future generations'.

Currently, the marine environment is under pressure due to various human activities like;

overexploitation, disposal at sea and mismanagement of land use and many others, which are

affecting negatively the livelihood of those depending on it. Together with the Water Catchment

Management Plan, the Member States have to follow the below actions in order to reach the

targets:

Preparation of an initial assessment of the environmental status of marine waters by July

2012;

Determination of good environmental status, environmental targets and associated


20

indicators by July 2012;

Implementation of a monitoring programme for ongoing assessment of GES and targets by

July 2014; and

Development of a programme of measures designed to achieve GES by 2015, to be made

operational by 2016.

Malta is presently working on the initial assessment, determination of Good Environmental Status

and the establishment of environmental targets and indicators by means of environmental

monitoring and other sources. However, a GES will be achieved if the new plans and strategies take

an integrated approach to safeguard the environment from all aspects.


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4. SEA Methodology

This chapter defines the approach adopted, the SEA process, its limitations, and the consultation

process. The Legal Notice 497 of 2010which is transposed from the Council Directive 2001/42/EC

deliberates the SEA process in Malta.

4.1. The Scope of SEA

The Strategic Environmental Assessment Regulations, 2010 and Directive 2001/42/EC require that

any plans and programmes which are likely to have a significant effect on the environment should be

subjected to an SEA. SEA is required for all plans and projects that "set the framework for future

development consent of projects across all sectors, including transport, energy, fisheries, forestry,

waste and water management, and land use planning. The SEA is conducted alongside the

development of the plan or programme and consideration of alternative options. The likely

significant environmental effects of each alternative are evaluated and recommendations are put

forward to be discussed during public consultations.

The scope of the SEA is identified in the NWMP SEA Scoping Report prepared by AIS Environmental

Limited. The scoping sets out the context for the assessment, methodology and defines the scope of

the SEA. It is one of the most important stages in the process as it identifies the issues for

consideration in the Environmental Report.

During the development of the Scoping Report, the Ministry for Sustainable Development, the

Environment, and Climate Change and the other stakeholders as listed in Section 4.2 were

consulted. The Consultation Report drawn by the same Ministry which considered salient extracts

submitted by those who have shown an interest in the call for feedback published in response to the

Issues Paper was also referred to during the compilation of the Scoping Report. The entire

submissions by respondents were fully considered in developing the NWMP.

4.2. Consultation Process

The stakeholders that received a copy of the Scoping Report are the following:

Malta Environment and Planning Authority

Malta Resources Authority

Ministry for Energy and the Conservation of Water

Ministry for Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate Change.

During the consultation meetings, the SEA methodology and its context within the development of

the NWMP, 2013 were presented for discussion. The criteria for the environmental assessment and

the indicators used were also agreed upon during such meetings.

The Environment Report, together with NWMP will undergo another consultation process in line

with the relevant legislation.

4.3. Assessment Process The SEA process identifies potential environmental impacts that could result from specific actions of

the proposed Implementation Plan. It provides mitigation strategies and measures that could be


22

used to minimise or negate the effects of those actions leading to negative impacts as well as the

identification of measures that could enhance positive impacts. A number of future areas or

activities for which further environmental assessments may be required before and during the

implementation of the NWMP are also being provided.


23

5. Environmental Scoping and Baseline Data

The collection of baseline information is fundamental to the SEA process. It provides the basis for

identifying key issues and trends in the Maltese Islands and for predicting and monitoring the effects

of the NWMP.

The criteria for assessment and the indicators were discussed and selected during a scoping activity

which included the participation of the Ministry for Sustainable Development, the Environment and

Climate Change whilst referring to the comments received by those who have shown an interest in

the call for feedback published in response to the Objectives Paper. During the scoping activity, the

environmental concerns related to each topic were discussed and the extent to which these shall be

considered as issues was delineated. These were also based on the draft Sustainable Development

Strategy for the Maltese Islands 2007-2016, which identifies Maltas environmental, social and

economic challenges. The latter have been mentioned in a number of official reports including

Maltas State of the Environment Report (MEPA) repeatedly over the last few years.

The choice of environmental indicators was based on their appropriateness in describing the

environmental baseline conditions, in measuring any predicted effects and their usefulness in

comparing alternatives and monitoring of the implementation of the NWMP. The below listed are

the environmental issues identified:

Air Quality

Climate Change

Biodiversity

Freshwater

Waste

Marine and coastal environment

Land uses

Transport

On the basis of the above topics, Table 4 shows how the Environment Report will draw together the

issues and the baseline data. Paragraph C of Schedule 1 of the SEA Regulations states that the

environmental characteristics of areas likely to be significantly affected shall be provided in the

Environment Report. Consequently, the environmental characteristics of the Maltese Islands will be

described in accordance with the parameters listed below.


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Table 4: Environmental Baseline

Environmental Challenge Baseline Data

Air Quality Maltas national air monitoring programme

Climate Change Greenhouse gas emissions Temperature and rainfall

Energy efficiency and renewable energy resources

Energy consumption Energy from renewable resources

Biodiversity Natural areas designated and managed Percentage of total species of international importance per group protected by national legislation Status of selected groups of species

Waste Waste generation by type Municipal waste generated per capita Waste separation and recycling Waste disposed of in landfills C&D waste disposed of in spent quarries Waste disposal at sea

Water (groundwater and coastal water) Groundwater quantitative and qualitative status Bathing water quality % of the coastal zone that is built up Water Framework Directive criteria

Land uses Land cover by type Areas protected by type Number of vacant properties

Transport Private car ownership Kilometres of road Use of public transport Road traffic growth Road building expenditure Road accidents Air travel

The environmental baseline data evaluated in Sections 5.1 - 5.9 below is mainly sourced from

documents prepared by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) and the National

Statistics Office (NSO). This Environment Report document tracks the progress of the different

environmental challenges presented in Table 4 which lists the themes influencing the quality of the

Maltese environment.

The implementation of the NWMP is linked to changes in the environmental challenges listed in

Table 4, which can be classified as either positive or negative potential impacts. The baseline data

serves as a reference against which the NWMP will be measured. Hence, the parameters identified

are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound to provide the basis for the monitoring

framework discussed in Section 10. Through specific monitoring of these parameters, the

contribution as a result of the waste management operations can be quantified and thus the


25

environmental performance of the NWMP would be assessed. The contribution of the waste

management operations depend on two major contributors. The waste collection systems have an

effect on air quality, climate change, RES and transport; investing in a modern fleet of RCVs and

better allocation of resources would result in a positive impact in all the mentioned sectors. The

choice of the waste management technologies will determine the environmental impact (positive or

negative) in all matrices. Avoiding reliance on landfilling would bring about a net positive impact.

Information gaps in certain environmental thematic areas exist.

5.1. Air Quality

Air quality is a main environmental concern for Malta, which is lately being given increasing

importance even on the national political agenda. This concern arises because of the direct link to

public human health and a potential impact on the quality of ecosystems terrestrial, freshwater

and marine. In compliance with EU Air Quality Directives, Malta has to avoid, prevent and reduce the

impact of harmful air emissions on human health and the environment by abiding with set

thresholds. In response to these directives, MEPA has been implementing a National Air Quality

Monitoring Programme that sets out the basic framework for the measurement of air quality in

Malta over the coming years. This programme provides the basis for continued development and

expansion of monitoring and assessment for a variety of purposes.

MEPA continuously measures the concentration of a number of pollutants which are compared to

the emission limit values (ELVs) established by EU legislation. These measurements are carried out

using specialized equipment operated by trained staff, to operate the 5 real time monitoring stations

and a passive diffusion tube network covering most of the Maltese Islands. The monitoring stations

are located in Msida, Kordin, ejtun and Attard, and Garb in Gozo. These monitoring stations

provide hourly real time data for a number of pollutants concentrations including sulphur dioxide,

oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, benzene and particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5). The fixed

station network is complemented by a passive diffusion tube network, which consists of

approximately 131 diffusion tubes located in 44 localities around Malta and Gozo. There are roughly

3 tubes in each locality, which measure the monthly averages of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide,

ozone and benzene in the respective areas (MEPA, 2013).

As at 2010, particulate matter (PM) concentrations did not meet EU air quality standards. PM

consists of very small suspended solid or liquid particles, which have short and long term effects on

health. Such particles originate mainly from fuel combustion in transport and power generation,

quarrying and construction dust, mechanically-generated dust, tyre and brake abrasion, and aerosols

of transboundary origin. In addition, dust from natural sources such as atmospheric sea salt and

wind-blown dust are also considered as PM.

In 2010 Maltas real time monitoring stations recorded high levels of PM10, which partly originate

from natural sources and therefore to reveal levels from anthropogenic sources, the natural dusts

are deducted before being compared with EU standards. The daily limit value established by the EU

is of 50g/m3 and should not be exceeded more than 35 times during one calendar year. In 2010, in

Msida, the threshold was exceeded on 80 out of the 340 days measured. The exceedances were

then deducted for natural sources, and resulted in 37 exceedances for Msida in 2010. At Garb in


26

Gozo, the threshold was exceeded on 39 out of the 326 days in 2010, and the highest concentration

for 2010 (366g/m3) was recorded in this locality.

PM2.5, contrary to PM10, are considered harmful because of their ability to penetrate deeper into the

lungs. The EU annual average ELV for PM2.5 is 25g/m3, which needs to be attained by 2015. In 2010,

the highest PM2.5 value was recorded at Msida, at 20g/m3 showing a reduction of 11% from 2009,

nevertheless during the same period a reduction of 37% was recorded in Garb.

Air quality standards also include the ozone concentrations which are reported as not meeting the

EU air quality standards. Ozone is formed from the reaction of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic

compounds (VOCs) emitted from traffic and power generation emissions in the presence of sunlight.

In the case of Malta ozone is of transboundary origin. Nevertheless it is a harmful pollutant at

ground level since it causes respiratory and cardiovascular health issues, and damages plant health.

Annual average ozone concentrations increased marginally from 102.8g/m3 in 2010. Results in

relation to the 8 hour limit value show that EU standards were exceeded in Garb, but not in ejtun

and Msida. The EU limit values require real time monitoring establishing 120g/m3 8-hourly running

average limit value for human health protection, not to be exceeded more than 25 times per year,

and also 180g/m3 hourly information threshold for human health protection, which should never

be exceeded. The highest ozone concentrations continued to be recorded in rural localities less

affected by traffic, with Garb in Gozo registering the highest annual average concentration in 2010.

Concentrations of benzene and other VOCs are airborne pollutants that cause respiratory irritations

and other genetic and nervous disorders, depending on various factors such as length of exposure.

These are emitted due to incomplete and inefficient combustion, or evaporate directly into the

atmosphere. MEPA monitors benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX). Average annual

concentrations of benzene declined by 32.3% between 2008 and 2010. Hence concentration levels

of benzene and other VOCs did not exceed the EU limit value of 5g/m3. The decline in benzene and

other VOCs level is likely due to lower benzene and concentrations in imported gasoline.

Nitrogen dioxide is another air quality parameter. NO2 is emitted during fuel combustion such as

industrial facilities and road transport, and forms acids in contact with water vapour, as well as

nitrates and other harmful compounds on interaction with other particles. NO2 forms part of a group

of nitrogen oxides (NOx) which also includes nitrogen monoxide (NO). The latter makes up the

majority of NOx emissions. NOx contributes to the formation of ozone and PM. The annual average

level of nitrogen dioxide Concentrations decreased between 2009 and 2010 remaining well below

the 40g/m3 EU and WHO limit value. However, as in 2009, in 2010 annual average values exceeded

annual EU standards in 5 localities: Floriana, Hamrun, Fgura, Sliema and Birkirkara. Moreover, 18

individual sites registered NO2 levels higher than the EU and WHO limit down from 22 sites in 2009,

with Valley Road recording the highest value.

National annual average sulphur dioxide (SO2) concentrations decreased by 5.8% in 2010 remaining

well below the EU critical level. Sulphur dioxide adversely affects the human respiratory system and

lung function. It damages aquatic ecosystems, soils, vegetation and limestone buildings. The source

of sulphur dioxide is from burning of sulphur-containing fuels, including biofuels, mainly in power

stations and transport, as well as through natural sources mainly volcanoes. Sulphate also combines


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with other atmospheric compounds to become particulate matter and is therefore an important

source of ultra-fine particles such PM2.5. In addition, international shipping is considered a source of

sulphur dioxide pollution and is a matter of increasing concern.

Recently the European Environmental Agency (EEA) (2013) published a document on Air Quality in

Europe stating Malta has managed to meet all air quality targets for the first time. Preliminary data

for 2011 shows the island has managed to keep emissions of NO2, VOCs, SO2 and ammonia (NH3)

below the level required by the EUs Environment Agency. According to the EEA, while in 2010 Malta

exceeded emissions of NOx by 1.42%, it managed to go 1.8% below the same benchmark the

following year. Apart from NOx, the EU Directive stipulates benchmarks for sulphur dioxide, non-

methane VOCs and ammonia. Malta had already been compliant with the EU directive when it

comes to these three gases and the 2011 data shows that more progress has been achieved.

The contribution of the waste management sector to air emissions arise mainly from the four main

waste management facilities, namely: the Thermal Treatment Facility in Marsa, Sant Antnin Waste

Management Facility in Marsascala and the two landfills at Ta wejra and Gallis. All of the above

have environmental permits which regulate the emissions limit values and the monitoring

frameworks.

An audit carried out by MEPA in July 2009 at the Thermal Treatment Facility pointed out the lack of

continuous online air monitoring data. Real time and archived readings dating back to 2009 are now

available on the Wasteserv website. Arc

environmental report on repository/sea final er_2001… · environmental report on the waste ......

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