The operator of the Freeport is being constrained to implement an environmental management system within the next two years for the extension of terminal one as part of the permit conditions.

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority said this system would address the Freeport’s entire operation and ensure that the operator would implement established international procedures that would minimise the Freeport’s environmental impact, reduce the plant’s impact on Birzebbuga and operate in an environmentally sustainable manner.

The EMS would ensure that environmental performance could be monitored, improved and controlled.

An extension to the Freeport was approved by Mepa yesterday because it was satisfied that over the past 11 months, ever since it had refused the original planning application, the operators had started to concretely address environment operational concerns and adopt mitigation measures in the public interest.

Mepa's decision yesterday was met with dismay by residents, the council and other bodies, including the Labour Party

Mepa said that the extension project had been unanimously approved by Parliament in 2008 for the Freeport to remain competitive at an international level.