Wasteserv has filed two planning applications for the rehabilitation of disused landfills.
The first, is the 95,000 square metres inactive Wied Fulija Landfill, in Zurrieq, Malta,
The Environment and Resources Authority describes the site as a disused landfill “located within a very sensitive environmental context, namely the coastal cliffs which are legally protected on multiple counts... The disused landfill, together with its ancillary access, constitutes a dominant environmental blemish and its extent constrains the extent and effectiveness of the above‐mentioned protected area”.
The ERA states that the rehabilitation should seek to address the following concerns: “Integration of the rehabilitated landfill into the surrounding landscape and protected area; Avoidance of continued commitment of the disused landfill site to other uses not compatible with management of the protected area; Commitment to decommission and rehabilitate (through removal or down‐scaling as appropriate) existing environmentally‐damaging/landscape‐insensitive infrastructure (e.g. access road) which had been developed as an ancillary requirement for operation of the former landfill and which has since become redundant following cessation of operation.
The ERA requested further information and studies, including Environment Impact Assessment screening, the submission of a Project Description Statement, etc. The Authority noted that the cliffs and extensive rocky area offer an ideal habitat for two species of sea‐bird populations, namely Scopoli`s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea and Yelkouan Shearwater Puffinus Yelkouan.
The second application seeks to upgrade a rehabilitated landfill for the public, at il- Qortin Ta' Ghajn Damma, Xaghra, Gozo. The site is a former landfill located in the immediate vicinity of the Natura 2000 known as the Ghajn Barrani area, which is a Special Area of Conservation designated under the Habitats Directive.
The total site area for this second application is 17,025 square metres.
The ERA said that here is no objection in principle, subject to a number of assessments.
The plans seem to include the installation of a number of picnic tables as well as benches, as well as a dog park.