SPACE FOR WASTE: The Waste Management Subject Plan

Transcription

1 SPACE FOR WASTE: The Waste Management Subject Plan Planning Authority St Francis Ravelin Floriana PO Box 100 Valletta CMR01 MALTA In accordance with an environmentally responsible approach, this document is printed on recycled paper produced from 100% post-consumer waste. Enviros Aspinwall, Walford Manor, Baschurch, Shrewsbury, SY4 2HH

2 Planning Authority Space for Waste: The Waste Management Subject Plan Contents Chapter Page 1. Introduction 1 2. Policy Context 7 3. Environmental Context Waste Data and Existing Facilities Need for New Waste Management Facilities Strategic Waste Management Policies Development Control and Environmental Policies Implementation, Monitoring and Review 76 Appendix A. List of Key Legislation dealing with or related to Waste Management in the European Union 79 B. Related National Legislation 83 C. List of relevant Policies contained in the Structure Plan for the Maltese Islands 85 D. List of relevant Policies and Guidance contained within the Waste Management Policy for the Maltese Islands 93 E. Summary of Recommendations presented in Preliminary Report 97 F. Classification for Solid Waste 105 G. Guidance on Information to Accompany Development Permit Applications for Waste Management Facilities 108 H. Code of Practice for the Operation of Waste Management Facilities 117 I. Criteria for the Selection of Sites Suitable for Waste Management Facilities 125 J. Position Paper on Waste Disposal at Sea 130 K. Key Diagram 145

3 Planning Authority Space for Waste: The Space for Waste: The Waste Management Subject Plan Chapter Introduction 1 Need for a Waste Management Subject Plan 1.1 The Maltese Islands produce large quantities of wastes each year. In 1997 the level of solid waste disposed of was estimated at some 1.25 million tonnes, predominately from construction and demolition, industrial and commercial activities and domestic households. The majority of this waste was disposed of by landfilling at the two public landfill sites, one located on Malta and the other situated on Gozo. 1.2 The effective management of waste is vital to ensure that environmental damage associated with its treatment and disposal is minimised. It is also important to ensure that waste management practices are sustainable. This requires careful planning, taking into account the strategic assessment of future needs and the land use planning, environmental constraints and social issues related to the siting of new facilities. Purpose and Scope 1.3 The purpose of the Waste Management Subject Plan (this Plan ) is to provide strategic direction and context to guide both Government and the private sector in waste management issues over the period to This Plan will provide policies that will be applied to guide the strategic planning of waste and in the determination of development permit applications for developments and land use changes related to waste management facilities submitted by both the public and private sectors. This Plan provides policies for waste generated by both households and industry. The waste types dealt with are described in Chapter This Plan is a strategic long term plan for the Maltese Islands. In accordance with the timescale of the approved Structure Plan ( ) for the Maltese Islands this Plan will cover the period up to Statutory Framework 1.6 The starting point in developing policies and proposals for this Plan are the policies contained within the Structure Plan and the Waste Management Policy for the Maltese Islands. The Structure Plan provides the strategic planning framework for the islands, and the Waste Management Policy establishes the key policy principles for waste management. The waste planning and policy framework is shown in Figure 1.1. Of increasing importance to Malta, are the policies and legislation promoted by the European Union (EU). As Malta pursues its membership of the EU, it is reviewing its current policies in relation to those of the EU and is increasingly incorporating the principles of European policy and legislation at a national level. 1

4 Planning Authority Space for Waste: The Space for Waste: The Waste Management Subject Plan Chapter Introduction continued Regard has been given to the waste management policies of the EU in drawing up this Plan. The key principles of European waste management policy are embodied within the National Waste Management Policy which promotes a more sustainable approach to the production and management of waste on the islands and the adoption of waste management practices which provide for greater re-use, recycling and recovery of waste materials. Figure 1.1: Waste Planning and Policy Framework PLANNING AUTHORITY Waste Planning Framework MINISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT Waste Strategy Framework Land-use planning & development control development control policies waste management facility policies waste disposal capacity requirements site selection criteria environmental criteria information to accompany planning application Waste Management Principles and Option waste options and technologies best practicable environmental option key players - roles and responsibilities implementation issues Structure Plan, 1990 Waste Management Policy, 1998 Local Plans & Subject Plans Waste Management Subject Plan (WMSP) Preliminary Report, 1999 Solid Waste Management Plan, 2000 (Consultation Document) WMSP Consultation Draft, 2000 WMSP Final Draft Solid Waste Management Strategy for the Maltese Islands September The statutory and regulatory waste management functions on the Maltese Islands are divided between a number of different Government Ministries. The two key Ministries are the Ministry for Home Affairs, which includes the Planning Authority, and the Ministry for the Environment, which contains the Environment Protection Department and the Waste Management Implementation Unit. Other Ministries involved in the management of some 2

5 Planning Authority Space for Waste: The Space for Waste: The Waste Management Subject Plan Chapter Introduction continued 1 of the special waste streams include the Ministry for Gozo, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. 1.9 The present planning and pollution control authorities liaise on developments involving waste management. The Planning Authority is responsible for the provision of planning guidance, issuing planning permits and requiring the production of Environmental Impact Assessments in support of certain developments. The Environment Protection Department is responsible for the development and implementation of waste management policy and the regulation of waste management activities plus other environmental protection responsibilities. The Waste Management Implementation Unit has responsibility for operating public sector waste management facilities This Plan is a planning document, it is prepared with reference to a number of other statutory and non-statutory documents produced by the Maltese Government. This Plan has regard to, and complements, the following documents: Structure Plan for the Maltese Islands, 1990; State of Environment Report, 1998; Preliminary Study to Waste Management Subject Plan, 1998; and National Waste Management Policy In building on these key documents, this Plan examines all solid wastes produced in the Maltese Islands, and the land use planning implications of their management. Objectives of the Plan 1.12 The treatment and disposal of waste are potentially polluting activities which can have significant adverse effects on the environment both for the present and future generations. Current and future waste management activities are set in the context of sustainable development which requires that the waste that is produced today is managed without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs The principal objective of this Plan is to identify the options for managing waste within the Islands which draw the right balance between the provision and maintenance of sufficient capacity to deal with the waste that is produced, and the protection of the environment. This Plan sets out policies and proposals for the land use planning of waste management activities in accordance with this objective and the principles of sustainable development. 3

6 Planning Authority Space for Waste: The Space for Waste: The Waste Management Subject Plan Chapter Introduction continued 1 Principles and Approach 1.14 The principles that underlie this Plan are: to meet and satisfy the Structure Plan planning policy requirements; to provide strategic planning guidance in relation to waste management; to be in conformity with the waste management principles established in the Waste Management Policy for the Maltese Islands; to preserve and enhance the natural environment and minimise the loss of natural resources; to enable the development of sufficient and suitable waste management facilities to fulfil the Island s needs; and to provide a basis for development control within the overall planning framework In addressing these principles, data has been sought on the current environmental context and the status of waste management facilities in the Islands. Policies in this Plan are set to provide a suitable framework to enable change in waste management practices to take place and to encourage developers in both the public and private sectors to adopt a sustainable approach to waste management. An important part of the process is to consult with relevant organisations, and the public, providing them with the opportunity to participate in the plan making process. Timetable, Publicity and Consultations 1.16 In advance of the preparation of this Plan, a Preliminary Report was prepared with the objective of identifying key environmental and land use planning issues associated with the development of waste management facilities. The Planning Authority circulated the Preliminary Report to the Environment Protection Department, the Works Division, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, Malta International Airport, and the Malta Maritime Authority for comment This Plan was then published as a consultation draft and a version placed on the Planning Authority web site. Public Consultation meetings were held on Malta and Gozo in May Views on the plan were sought from all interested parties including the general public and the organisations identified above The input from the consultation process has been analysed and responses prepared by the Planning Authority. Where appropriate modifications have been made to this Plan to take account of material issues raised during the consultation process. All contributions made were valuable in enabling this Plan to be finalised in a form suitable for adoption. 4

7 Planning Authority Space for Waste: The Space for Waste: The Waste Management Subject Plan Chapter Introduction continued 1 Monitoring and Review 1.19 It is important that appropriate provision in terms of waste management facilities are established and maintained to meet the Islands requirements for dealing with the waste produced. At the same time, it is important to ensure that standards of environmental protection are improved and that developments in new technologies and environmental controls are incorporated into the policies and proposals of this Plan This Plan will therefore require monitoring and review on a regular basis. In particular, there will be a need to monitor the supply of, and demand for, waste management facilities, and to measure progress in implementation of the Solid Waste Management Strategy These issues will be addressed by the Planning Authority in association with relevant Government Departments in order to roll forward this Plan into the next decade and to ensure that appropriate and effective policies are incorporated into emerging and future development plans for the Maltese Islands. Content of the Plan 1.22 This Plan comprises a Written Statement and a Key Diagram. The Written Statement presents the policies of this Plan together with a reasoned justification for each policy. The Key Diagram, presented as Appendix K, shows existing and proposed waste management facilities. Environmental constraints will be an important factor in determining where future major facilities might be appropriately located, subject to a range of policy criteria The Written Statement is organised as follows: Chapter 1 is an introduction which sets out the statutory framework, purpose, objectives, content and timescale for this Plan; Chapter 2 describes the strategic policy context for waste management in the Maltese Islands and outlines the key elements of guidance of relevance for policy formulation; Chapter 3 discusses the environmental context of the Maltese Islands, including the nature of existing waste arisings and constraints for the development of future waste management facilities; Chapter 4 provides the quantitative background to waste management in the Maltese Islands, including information on the types and volumes of waste requiring management and the status of existing facilities; Chapter 5 describes the need for new waste management facilities based on 5

8 Planning Authority Space for Waste: The Space for Waste: The Waste Management Subject Plan Chapter Introduction continued 1 predictions of future volumes of waste requiring treatment over the plan period; Chapter 6 provides policies and guidance specific to the selection of waste management options and the assessment of proposals for the provision of future facilities; Chapter 7 provides the general development control policies relating to land use planning and information to be included in planning permit applications and the protection and improvement of the environment; Chapter 8 looks to the implementation of this Plan and future considerations for monitoring and review. 6

9 Planning Authority Space for Waste: The Space for Waste: The Waste Management Subject Plan Chapter Policy Context 2 Introduction 2.1 Existing legislative provisions both within Malta and internationally will have an important direct effect on shaping future waste management activities. In drawing up this Plan, the Planning Authority has had regard to planning and other policy guidance issued by the EU, and the various departments and Ministries within the Maltese Government. This chapter summarises relevant EU and national legislation, guidance and policies. A list of all relevant waste related EU Directives is provided in Appendix A and a summary of key national legislation is provided in Appendix B. European Union Directives and Guidance Strategic principles 2.2 In 1989, the Commission of the European Communities produced its strategy for waste management, which embodies the policy objective of the Fourth Action Programme on the Environment in a series of strategic guidelines. These objectives were at the heart of the Fifth Action Programme ( ) and set out a clear hierarchy of preferences over all forms of waste disposal. The strategic principles on which the Commission s policy is based are: waste prevention; waste recycling and reuse; optimisation of final disposal of waste; rational organisation of all operations related to waste management; and remedial action (rehabilitation of contaminated sites, including old landfills). Waste Framework Directive 2.3 The Framework Directive on Waste (75/442/EEC as amended by 91/156/EEC and 91/962/EEC) is of particular significance. The latest Framework Directive retains the important principles of the Commission s policy outlined above. It also contains a wider definition of waste and much greater emphasis on waste reduction by the use of clean technologies, waste minimisation during product manufacture, recycling, reuse or reclamation and the use of waste as an energy source (Articles 1 and 3). 7

10 Planning Authority Space for Waste: The Space for Waste: The Waste Management Subject Plan Chapter Policy Context continued Article 5 of the Directive describes what is commonly known as the proximity principle. This requires each Member State to take appropriate measures for the establishment of an integrated and adequate network of disposal facilities to enable it to be self-sufficient in waste disposal. The aim is for waste to be disposed of in one of the nearest appropriate facilities by means of the most appropriate methods and technologies, in order to ensure a high level of protection for the environment and public health. However, the following must be taken into account: use of the Best Available Technology Not Entailing Excessive Cost (BATNEEC); geographical circumstances; and the need for specialised facilities for certain types of waste. 2.5 The Directive also requires waste management plans to be drawn up (Article 7). In Malta, part of this requirement is implemented through development plans, including the Structure Plan and this Plan. The Landfill Directive 2.6 The objective of the Landfill Directive (99/31/EEC) is to raise standards in landfill practice. Improving landfill standards and reflecting the full social, environmental and economic costs of landfill as a disposal option are seen as key steps in improving waste management practices generally. If landfilling is made to reflect its true costs, waste producers are more likely to consider waste minimisation and recycling as part of their waste management strategy. 2.7 The Directive, approved in April 1999, bans the co-disposal of hazardous with nonhazardous wastes. This means that separate facilities will have to be found to deal with hazardous wastes. The landfilling of tyres will also be banned and alternative means of dealing with them will be needed. 2.8 The Directive requires that wastes destined for landfill should be subjected to pretreatment by physical, thermal, chemical or biological processes, including sorting, that change the characteristics of the waste in order to reduce its volume or hazardous nature, facilitate its handling or enhance recovery. In addition, there is a requirement for the progressive reduction of biodegradable municipal wastes disposed to landfill. The programme will be based on the tonnage of biodegradable municipal waste produced in 1995 and will require the following reductions to be achieved at a national level: not later than 2006, a reduction to 75%; not later than 2009, a reduction to 50%; not later than 2016, a reduction to 35%. 8

11 Planning Authority Space for Waste: The Space for Waste: The Waste Management Subject Plan Chapter Policy Context continued However, these targets may be extended by 4 years for Member States which in 1995 landfilled more than 80 percent of their collected municipal waste. This would apply to Malta, as currently the majority of wastes are disposed to landfill. EC Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste 2.10 A key element in recent and future waste management policy is producer responsibility. This is the principle that the responsibility for the management of waste should lie with the producer, which includes importers, manufactures and consumers of goods. The first legislation to be introduced under this principle is the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive. However, the EU is developing further producer responsibility legislation relating to electrical and electronic equipment (white goods), household hazardous materials, end-of-life motor vehicles and batteries The purpose of the Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste, which was adopted in December 1994, is to make a significant contribution to sustainable waste management by providing a framework for the establishment of a waste management packaging programme throughout the European Community. Its aims are: to prevent the production of packaging waste; to promote the re-use, recycling and recovery of packaging waste; and to reduce the final disposal of such waste At present, the Directive requires recovery of between 50% and 60% of all packaging waste, of which 25% and 45% must be recycled with a minimum of 15% for each material by However, it is to be expected that these targets will be reviewed on a regular basis and may be increased as a result. As for all EU Directives, member states have some discretion in how the requirements of the Directives are incorporated within national legislation; however, as Malta imports most of its goods much of the responsibility for meeting the recovery targets may rest with importers/distributors. Municipal Waste Incineration Directives 2.13 The EU has issued a detailed series of Directives dealing with emission controls from municipal waste incinerators. Any new plants proposed for the Maltese Islands should take account of Directives 89/369/EEC and 89/429/EEC, which specify controls for new plant according to the size of the facility. The Waste Incineration Directive (2000/76/EC) was finalised on the 4 th December 2000, the aim of this Directive is to:.prevent or, where that is not practicable, to reduce as far as possible negative effects on the environment, in particular the pollution of air, soil, surface water and groundwater, and the resulting risks to human health, from the incineration and coincineration of waste by way of stringent operational conditions and technical requirements and setting up emission limit values for waste incineration and co- 9

12 Planning Authority Space for Waste: The Space for Waste: The Waste Management Subject Plan Chapter Policy Context continued 2 incineration plants within the Community, with a view to also meeting the requirements of Directive 75/442/EEC 2.14 The new Directive is modelled on the Hazardous Waste Incineration Directive and applies to all types of controlled solid and liquid non-hazardous wastes including municipal solid waste, sewage sludge and tyres. It sets more stringent limits for emissions to air and establishes controls on releases to land and water. Hazardous Waste 2.15 The definition of hazardous wastes and specific measures, including the environmentally sound management of wastes, which are to be applied when dealing with these wastes are contained in Directive 91/689/EEC. The EU has also produced a detailed series of Directives regulating the management of some potentially hazardous elements of the waste stream. These include waste oils (Directive 75/439/EEC and 87/101/EEC, modifying 75/439/EEC) and animal wastes (Directive 90/667/EEC amending 90/425/EEC). A Directive on household hazardous wastes (e.g. paints, bleaches, solvents, and garden pesticides) is also under discussion and could be implemented within three to four years The EU has also issued a Directive dealing with emission controls from hazardous waste incinerators (Directive 94/67/EC). Any such plants proposed on the Maltese Islands should therefore have regard to this Directive. Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control 2.17 EC Directive 96/61 on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) introduces a pollution prevention control regime throughout the EU for a range of industrial processes including waste management facilities. Waste facilities subject to this regime will continue also to be subject to the Framework Directive on Waste This Directive details thresholds at which waste operations will be subject to compliance: Installations for the disposal or recovery of hazardous waste, with a capacity exceeding 10 tonnes per day; Installations for the incineration of municipal waste with a capacity exceeding 3 tonnes per hour; Installations for the disposal of non-hazardous waste with a capacity exceeding 50 tonnes per day; and Landfills receiving more than 10 tonnes per day, or with a total capacity exceeding 25,000 tonnes, excluding landfills of inert waste. 10

13 Planning Authority Space for Waste: The Space for Waste: The Waste Management Subject Plan Chapter Policy Context continued 2 Other International Obligations 2.19 Malta is a signatory to a number of international conventions and agreements which seek to protect the environment. Of particular importance are those which relate to the protection of the marine environment and shipment of wastes as follows: The Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean; The London Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution from Wastes and other matter; International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL); and The Basle Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal. National Policy and Legislation Structure Plan for the Maltese Islands, The Structure Plan establishes the strategic framework for land use planning in the Maltese Islands. In recognition of concerns over the generation and disposal of solid wastes adopted Structure Plan Policies PUT 13 to PUT 20 relate to the management of solid wastes. The Structure Plan is currently undergoing review and revisions to these policies may be necessary in the context of the development of this Plan and recent EU waste policy initiatives. The relevant Structure Plan policies are presented in Appendix C, these can be summarised as follows: Policy PUT 13 provides guidance on the minimum criteria required to be satisfied with respect to waste generating activities. This remains a valid policy, although responsibility for enforcement of the requirements for off-site transfer and disposal of wastes do not lie with the Planning Authority. Policy PUT 14 established the requirement for an Environmental Impact Assessment to accompany applications for waste management facilities handling all waste types with the exception of totally inert materials. This policy remains valid, and will be strengthened by the approval of the new Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations. Policy PUT 15 provides for the provision of public bring sites for recycling and disposal. Again this remains a valid policy, and the Planning Authority through this Plan will be providing policies to increase the provision of local recycling facilities. 11

14 Planning Authority Space for Waste: The Space for Waste: The Waste Management Subject Plan Chapter Policy Context continued 2 Policy PUT 16, 17, and 19 establish the need to identify sites for transfer, treatment and landfill facilities. This Plan will provide further guidance on the need for new facilities. Policy PUT 19 states a presumption in favour of landfill as the principal method of disposal for municipal waste and fly ash. Whilst this might remain so in the short to medium term the thrust of EU legislation is to reduce the quantities of waste requiring direct disposal to landfill. Therefore a key objective of future Structure Plan policies and this Plan must be to promote the development of alternative waste management arrangements. The Planning Authority has instigated a detailed site search to identify a preferred location for a new strategic landfill, and proposals are put forward in this Plan. Policy PUT 18 identifies the need for the Government to investigate hazardous wastes and their most appropriate treatment and disposal facilities. This has essentially been completed as part of the Preliminary Study to the preparation of this Plan. Policy PUT 20 establishes the need for the Planning Authority to prepare a Waste Management Subject Plan. This has now been achieved. Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines, The EIA guidelines require an EIA to be prepared for a range of developments, including new waste facilities, likely to have a significant impact on the environment. The Regulations to formally introduce this procedure into legislation are being finalised and will supersede the current guidelines Schedule 1 of the EIA Guidelines is to be superseded by Schedule 1 of the EIA Regulations. Schedule 1 of the EIA Regulations subdivides the types of development that will require an EIA into two categories. Category I projects require an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to be undertaken, whereas Category II projects require an Environmental Planning Statement (EPS) to be prepared Section 2.7 of Schedule I of the EIA Regulations relates to waste disposal and waste management developments. The waste disposal and management developments that may have a significant impact on the environment are divided into Category I and Category II projects. Guidance on thresholds to distinguish between Category I and Category II projects is also provided. For example the disposal of household and other industrial and commercial wastes with a capacity of 100,000 m 3 or more is classified as a Category I project whilst the same development with a capacity of over 15,000m 3 but less than 100,000 m 3 is classified as a Category II project. Waste Management Policy for the Maltese Islands, This document was issued for public consultation in 1997 and was reviewed and subsequently adopted in It identifies the key principles of waste management 12

15 Planning Authority Space for Waste: The Space for Waste: The Waste Management Subject Plan Chapter Policy Context continued 2 including sustainability and the waste hierarchy and attempts to apply these principles to the waste management situation in Malta The key principles and policies contained within this document are provided in full in Appendix D. Solid Waste Management Strategy for the Maltese Islands, A draft of this document was issued for public consultation in It was reviewed by a technical committee within the Ministry for the Environment in the light of comments from the public and published in its final form in. The Solid Waste Management Strategy proposes various targets for achieving satisfactory waste management and also compliance with the requirements of EU legislation. These targets include waste minimisation and recovery targets and also target dates for the closure of non-compliant waste facilities and the establishment of new state-of-the-art facilities The consultants who prepared the Strategy consulted early drafts of the Waste Management Subject Plan and also held various consultation meetings with the Planning Authority. As a result, the provisions made in the Solid Waste Management Strategy are in line with the general approach towards waste management adopted by the Waste Management Subject Plan. National Legislation 2.28 The legislation relating to the management of solid wastes on the Maltese Islands is fragmented. The main statutes include the Environment Protection Act 1991, the Development Planning Act 1992 and the Deposit of Waste and Rubble (Fees) Regulations These are summarised in Appendix B. Key Issues for Policy Formulation 2.29 The key issues for policy formulation may be summarised as: priorities for waste management should be based on the waste hierarchy and the principles of sustainable development; this will mean less reliance on final disposal options such as landfill with greater emphasis on waste minimisation, recycling and composting; the proximity principle and requirement for self sufficiency in waste management facilities are important in determining the need for new facilities, and the siting and acceptability of development proposals; policies should reflect the high priority of environmental protection; and 13

16 Planning Authority Space for Waste: The Space for Waste: The Waste Management Subject Plan Chapter Policy Context continued 2 policies should recognise that producers as well as users of goods and services will need to take greater responsibility for the final disposal of their products consistent with the principles of producer responsibility and the 'polluter pays' The Preliminary Report to this Plan identified a number of recommendations, reproduced in Appendix E, to address those waste management issues that require attention in the short and longer term. The implementation of these recommendations together with the production of the Waste Management Plans envisaged in the national Solid Waste Management Strategy will bring about considerable changes to the management of wastes on the Maltese Islands. Policies in this Plan therefore need to be based on a flexible response and must be able to adapt to changing circumstances. 14

17 Planning Authority Space for Waste: The Space for Waste: The Waste Management Subject Plan Chapter Environmental Context 3 Introduction 3.1 The nature and management of waste arisings within the Maltese Islands are a reflection of the settlement patterns, type and distribution of industrial, commercial and agricultural activities, and the physical characteristics of the landscape. 3.2 The Maltese Islands are situated roughly in the centre of the Mediterranean sea, lying some 96km due south of Sicily and approximately 290km due east of the North African coast. They consist of three main islands and several uninhabited islands and rocks and in total cover an area of some 320km Malta is the largest of the Maltese Islands with a population of more than 340,000, the next largest with more than 26,000 inhabitants is Gozo, whilst the smallest inhabited island with less than 10 inhabitants is Comino. Access to the islands of Gozo and Comino is predominately reliant on a ferry service from Malta, although a helicopter service also exists between Malta and Gozo. Natural Environment Geology and Hydrogeology 3.4 The solid geology of the islands consists almost entirely of marine sedimentary rocks, predominantly tertiary limestones with some clays and marls. There are also some minor quaternary deposits of terrestrial origin. The main rock types underlying the islands, in order of decreasing age, are: Lower Coralline Limestone; Globigerina Limestone; Blue Clay; Green Sand; Upper Coralline Limestone. 3.5 The different rock layers are exposed in different parts of the Islands. Middle Globigerina Limestone is exposed along a belt splitting the Island of Malta in half and running from Bugibba in the northeast to Dingli in the southwest. Lower Globigerina Limestone is predominantly exposed to the south and east whereas the Northern and Western half of the Island are mainly characterised by exposed layers of Upper Coralline Limestone, Greensand and Blue Clay. The island of Comino and the south-eastern part of Gozo are 15

18 Planning Authority Space for Waste: The Waste Management Subject Plan Chapter Environmental Context continued 3 predominantly composed of Upper Coralline Limestone. Gozo has a more uniform distribution of rock layers with the full sequence visible in the numerous hills where the Upper Coralline Limestone gap protects the other underlying layers from erosion. Where the Upper Coralline Limestone no longer exists, the underlying layers have been eroded to form rolling plains and incised valleys. 3.6 Groundwater is contained within the pores and fissures of the impervious rock strata, forming aquifers which provide important resources of potable water supplies for human consumption, industrial and agricultural uses as well as the maintenance of natural watercourses and springs. The configuration and size of the main aquifers are determined by the size and position of the permeable rock outcrops and their associated low permeability confining beds or aquicludes. 3.7 On Malta there are two important aquifers. The upper perched aquifer consists of rainwater trapped in the permeable Upper Coralline Limestone due to the underlying layer of impermeable Blue Clay. The largest aquifer, however, is the sea-level aquifer which consists of a lens of freshwater floating on denser saline water in the limestone rock at sea level. The upper aquifers are used predominantly for irrigation purposes, whilst the deeper main freshwater aquifer provides about 40% of Malta s potable water. 3.8 The minerals currently of most significance in the Maltese Islands are its limestone reserves. These comprise softstone quarried mainly from the Lower Globigerina formation, used as cut building blocks, and hardstone quarried from the Upper and Lower Coralline formations used for marble, aggregates and concrete. The voids created by mineral extraction operations can be used as sites for waste disposal. On account of the need to protect groundwater resources, many of these sites may be restricted to inert only wastes or require some landfill engineering works to be undertaken prior to the disposal of any wastes. Issues Relevant to Waste Management 3.9 The geology and hydrogeology of the islands has important implications for waste disposal practices and the location of new facilities. Key aspects are the suitability of geological materials for the siting and formation of waste management facilities, and the protection of mineral reserves and water resources used for industrial and domestic water supplies Constraints would exist in relation to the development of any potentially contaminating use such as the disposal of biodegradable wastes, within or in close proximity to the Mean Sea Level aquifer. Development within or in close proximity to the Upper Coralline aquifer would also be constrained since any contamination could cause agricultural production problems. Also, some agricultural hamlets located in the rural areas still make use of the perched aquifer for drinking water A full assessment of groundwater vulnerability can however only be achieved by detailed local studies based on the modelling of specific site attributes and abstraction points. 16

19 Planning Authority Space for Waste: The Waste Management Subject Plan Chapter Environmental Context continued 3 Coastal Zone and Marine Environment 3.12 The coastal zone is an important natural resource, fulfilling environmental, economic and social roles in the development of the Maltese Islands. Ecologically the coast is important since it supports a number of rare and diverse habitats including sand dunes and saline marshlands. Such habitat types are valuable both as examples of that particular habitat and because they support specialised flora and fauna The natural harbours which are situated around the islands, have been extensively used for defence, commercial and tourism developments. Commercial and tourism development of the coastal zone is particularly noticeable on the east and north eastern coasts of Malta The valuable marine ecosystems of the Mediterranean need to be preserved and are protected by international obligations. The main contributor to impacts on marine life is liquid discharges to sea in particular sewage. Environmental impacts associated with discharges from Wied Ghammieq have been assessed through studies undertaken by the University of Malta. Significant improvements have been made to the sewage system in Malta over recent years and further improvements are planned. Issues Relevant to Waste Management 3.15 The sensitivity of coastal areas and their potential for erosion has implications for the location of landfill sites which can remain biologically active for many decades. Erosion that exposes or undermines waste deposits can result in the accelerated release of contaminants into the environment and consequently increase the risk of pollution Waste disposal at sea is generally outlawed under international conventions. An official dumpsite for the disposal of small quantities of inert construction related wastes does exist off the east coast of Malta. This disposal site has existed since the British occupation of Malta and is currently not regulated by the Planning Authority through normal planning permit controls The use of inert waste materials for infill materials for land reclamation schemes and coastal defence works may be appropriate under certain circumstances. Careful controls over the import of such materials for these uses would be necessary to prevent any contamination to coastal waters. The Planning Authority has prepared a detailed position paper on the issue of dumping at sea, which is included with this Plan as Appendix J. Landscape and Nature Conservation 3.18 The Maltese Islands support a rich and diverse wildlife including rare and important habitat types and areas of ecological and scientific importance. There are, for example, at least 25 plants and 60 animals which are endemic to these islands. As noted, the 17

20 Planning Authority Space for Waste: The Waste Management Subject Plan Chapter Environmental Context continued 3 coastal area, including dune and saline marshland habitats are particularly important in terms of the habitat type and the flora and fauna they support The Structure Plan designates Areas of Ecological Importance and Sites of Scientific Importance and the Planning Authority also proposes to promote the designation and development of National Parks The Structure Plan has a blanket presumption against development in rural areas and in particular Rural Conservation Areas. Rural Conservation Areas are identified in the Structure Plan and are partly defined by Areas of Agricultural Value, Areas of Ecological Importance, Sites of Scientific Importance, Areas and Sites of Archaeological Importance, National Parks and Areas of High Landscape Value. The precise boundaries of these specifically designated areas will be defined within Local Plans. Specified components of scenic value, as identified in the Structure Plan, include panoramic views and traditional stone walls. Issues relevant to waste management 3.21 In those parts of the countryside where special statutory designations apply, development control decisions need to take full account of the features or qualities which justify the designation of the area. Development proposals such as the construction of new waste management facilities, which are likely to significantly modify the landscape, will be tightly controlled in these areas. Further guidance on the special considerations required in designated areas is to be provided in Local Plans. In addition, certain plant and animal species are protected under law and any proposals for waste management facilities will need to take account of the potential effects on protected species and habitats. Agriculture 3.22 Of the total land area of Malta less than 40% (some 13,500 hectares) is suitable for agriculture. Irrigated land covers only 700 hectares with the remainder, some 95% of the total agricultural land area, only receiving some 500mm of rain per year Malta s agricultural effort is geared mainly towards the production of animal products and vegetables. The country is self-sufficient in the production of pork, chicken, milk and eggs and it produces some 10% of the beef it consumes To promote the sustainable development of agriculture the Structure Plan provides for the designation of Areas of Agricultural Value. The Government has adopted policies to preserve the soil resources of the islands through the Soil Preservation Act, which has the objective of preserving all agriculturally usable soil in Malta. 18

21 Planning Authority Space for Waste: The Waste Management Subject Plan Chapter Environmental Context continued 3 Issues relevant to Waste Management 3.25 Proposals to develop waste management facilities need to take account of agricultural land quality and the importance of agriculture in the local economy. Climate 3.26 The climate of the Maltese Islands is typically Mediterranean with characteristic mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Table 3.1 gives the mean monthly values for selected climate parameters. Table 3.1 : Mean Monthly Values of Main Climate Parameters* Month Rainfall (mm) Max. Temp ( 0 C) Min Temp ( 0 C) Sea Temp ( 0 C) Sunshine (hours) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec * Based on the period Typically the dry season lasts from June to September where maximum temperatures average nearly 30 C. Most of the precipitation falls between November and February. Much of this rainfall falls during brief but intense thunderstorms, consequently there is little time for these large quantities of water to percolate underground. 19

22 Planning Authority Space for Waste: The Waste Management Subject Plan Chapter Environmental Context continued 3 Issues Relevant to Waste Management 3.28 The relatively warm climate increases rates of waste decomposition. This can result in increased nuisance levels from pests such as mosquitoes and flies and heighten odour problems, this therefore necessitates careful control of organic wastes in terms of their storage, collection, transfer, treatment and final disposal. Prolonged dry periods also make dust an important issue, in particular with respect to the transfer and disposal of wastes. Regard must also be given to the operation of facilities and transportation of waste during periods of intense rain. This is because unless mitigation measures are implemented and enforced these periods of intense rain are likely to cause nuisance issues such as mud on the roads. Human Environment Population 3.29 The major urban areas in Malta are centred on the Harbour Area including Valletta and Sliema on the east coast, Bugibba on the north coast and the central inland areas of Rabat, Mosta and Birkirkara. The key settlement on Gozo is Victoria situated near to the centre of the island Outside the main urban areas much of the land area of the Maltese Islands is undeveloped. However, agricultural land has increasingly been diverted to other land uses, for example, registered agricultural land fell from approximately 56% of the islands area in 1957 to 38% by Although in recent years this trend seems to have decelerated, with registered agricultural land in 1995 being 36% of the islands surface area The population of the Maltese Islands stands at over 378,000, projections to 2015 are provided in Table 3.2. An analysis of these statistics in relation to future waste arisings and disposal needs for the Islands are given in Chapter 4. Table 3.2 : Population Projections to 2015 Year Population (year end) , , , , ,061 Source: Strategic Planning Unit, Planning Authority 20

23 Planning Authority Space for Waste: The Waste Management Subject Plan Chapter Environmental Context continued 3 Tourism 3.32 Tourism is the key service industry in the Maltese Islands and has grown to become one of the Islands most important economic activities. In 1960 tourist arrivals totalled nearly 20,000, by 1990 these numbers had exceeded 870,000 and in 1998 tourist arrivals totalled 1.2 million. The majority of tourist developments are concentrated on the east and north coasts of Malta, including Sliema, Paceville and Bugibba. In 1990 the bed capacity available for tourists was estimated at over 41,000 with over 7,400 people employed full time in hotels, complexes and catering establishments. By 1998 the bed capacity available for tourists was some 46,500. Industry and Services 3.33 The majority of industrial development in the Maltese Islands is concentrated in the Grand Harbour, Marsaxlokk Bay and Central Local Plan Areas. Industry in the Maltese Islands includes manufacturing, ship-building and quarrying. Industry in the manufacturing sector includes textile and clothing, metal products, machinery, transport equipment and food and beverages. Malta s workforce at September 1998 stood at 144,660 and the vast majority of industrial activities are micro enterprises employing less than five people Imports and exports to and from EU Countries make up about 80% of total visible trade. Imports consist mainly of industrial plant and machinery whilst exports are largely comprised of finished and semi-manufactured goods. In 1999 Malta imported goods worth some million Maltese Liri and exported some million Maltese Liri. Communications 3.35 The road network determines the level of accessibility of land for different development purposes. The transportation network plays an important role in waste management activities with most waste arisings being transported by road to disposal facilities The Grand Harbour and the Freeport are the major port areas in Malta. Transport to, and from, Gozo is currently by means of ferry from Cirkewwa to Mgarr with a less frequent service from Pieta near Floriana Malta is also linked internationally via the Malta International Airport at Gudja. Issues relevant to waste management 3.38 The projected population growth in the Maltese Islands is expected to increase the generation of municipal waste arisings; as indicated in Table 4.4. The historic levels of growth in tourism are not anticipated continuing with emphasis on this activity instead focusing on upgrading existing capacity. However, seasonal fluctuations in tourist levels 21

24 Planning Authority Space for Waste: The Waste Management Subject Plan Chapter Environmental Context continued 3 are likely to have associated waste management implications in terms of collection, transportation, treatment and capacity The concentration of industrial activity in the Grand Harbour Local Plan Area may facilitate the requirement for a waste transfer facility, to minimise total vehicle movements through an already congested area. However, the viability of such a development would be dependent on the type and levels of waste generated, identification of sufficient storage space, and the location of future disposal facilities The location of future treatment and disposal facilities will be dependent on the road network, since this provides the method by which wastes are transported on the Maltese Islands. 22