The sky is the limit

With reference to Harry Vassallo's opinion entitled "The sky is not falling", WasteServ Malta Ltd would like to point out that it was the government that decided to close Maghtab and not WasteServ, as erroneously indicated by Dr Vassallo.

WasteServ was only set up in November 2002 as identified in the Solid Waste Management Strategy of the Maltese Islands with the remit to establish and manage the necessary infrastructure for waste management in Malta.

Following the choice of the preferred site for the long term engineered landfill at Ghallis, the constraints of developing this site and the ensuing delays required an interim solution. In this scenario, WasteServ was responsible to investigate whether the site at Tal-Maghlaq/Qasam il-Kbir, which was identified in a preliminary study of available voids, is technically feasible for such a development. Now that the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the interim landfill has been completed and it resulted that the project is technically sound it is up to the competent authorities, and not WasteServ, to decide on the validity of this proposal.

WasteServ is in fact implementing the waste strategy holistically by successfully addressing many of the 56 projects listed. This, among other things, resulted in an overall decrease of 49 per cent of waste entering Maghtab in 2003. Furthermore, to date WasteServ has also secured approximately €30 million in EU funds for technical assistance and development of facilities.

With regard to the dissemination of the information process, WasteServ has done its utmost to ensure that the EIA of the interim landfill was distributed widely since its early draft format.

This was done to ensure that all parties concerned, as well as all stakeholders, are informed of the proposed development. Furthermore, WasteServ organised a number of information meetings with its EIA foreign consultants to present their findings for all interested parties to comment. All of which were extremely well attended.

The Maghtab dump would have soared up to an additional 12 metres in height had WasteServ not diverted the inert waste fraction. If left operational Maghtab will give rise to a number of unacceptable environmental impacts. Upon accession, it will be impossible for Mepa to allow Maghtab, since the site will not conform to the EU landfill directive. In the meantime, Maghtab will be closed and rehabilitated so as to reduce aerial emissions and eventually eliminate the combustion.

Dr Vassallo, like many others, may have solutions to the waste problem in Malta but the reality is that he does not have another site except retaining Maghtab. Furthermore, waste separation cannot take off successfully unless a sufficient infrastructure to manage waste in an environmentally acceptable way exists. Without new facilities all efforts will fail as past experiences have shown.

WasteServ is, of course, aware that public opposition will remain high when it comes to the siting of new waste facilities. WasteServ considers this a healthy scenario that will help to ensure that any permit granted will be heavily conditioned and monitored for the benefit of all.

The proposed interim landfill project is not a matter of "stamping one's feet" or "pointing a gun at Mepa's head". WasteServ, as the implementer of the strategy, is delivering a sound solution to the Maltese public which will rid it of past experiences and which is more sound from an environmental and public health viewpoint.

Dr Ciantar is head strategy, communications and development at WasteServ Ltd.