Momentum alarmed that Marsascala ferry project is exempt from EIA
The political party is also questioning the lack of requirement for a Social Impact Assessment
Momentum on Thursday condemned a decision by ERA to exempt the proposed Marsascala ferry landing from a full Environmental Impact Assessment.
On Wednesday, MaltaToday reported that ERA has determined that a proposed permanent ferry landing site at Marsascala Bay does not require a full Environmental Impact Assessment, concluding that, despite the loss of protected seagrass, the development is unlikely to generate significant environmental effects.
Political party Momentum said it was alarmed that a project with such clear ecological and social risks was being fast-tracked without adequate scrutiny.
“A project involving dredging works and the destruction of protected Posidonia seagrass cannot be considered insignificant," Mark Camilleri Gambin, secretary general and election candidate for Momentum, said.
"The benthic survey also confirmed the presence of other protected species, including Lesser Neptune Grass and the Giant Tun shell. Waiving a full EIA when these species are at risk is both unreasonable and environmentally irresponsible.”
An EIA is the most basic safeguard to ensure that environmental damage is properly studied, alternatives are considered, and the public is consulted. By removing this requirement, ERA is effectively allowing a project with clear ecological risks to proceed without adequate scrutiny, he said.
Matthew Agius added that Momentum was questioning the lack of requirement for a Social Impact Assessment.
"Marsascala Bay is a vital community space, and any project that will increase maritime activity and tourism pressure must be assessed for its impact on residents’ quality of life. This decision raises serious concerns about a broader pattern of fragmented planning, where projects are split into smaller parts to avoid comprehensive assessment and public oversight."