The Environment Impact Assessment for a proposed fuel station on ODZ land in Mqabba has concluded, and the ERA has weighed in on the application.
The application is for the construction of a petrol station (including an underground fuelling installation with six pump machines), carwash facilities (including six jet washer bays and associated drying areas), and an auto repair and maintenance centre (including a tire service garage and valeting area), which would replace an existing storage yard, the Environment impact Assessment report read. The site is located on L-Andar ta’ Fuq, Triq Valletta, Mqabba.
The site has an approximate site area of around 2,600 square metres and consists of a levelled concrete platform used as an open storage area to store concrete blocks, covered by PA permit.
The ERA noted that most of the impacts raised by the project consultants are either of minor or moderate significance (such as impacts on hydrology and mineral resources), or not significant and can be addressed through adoption of appropriate operation practices. “On the other hand, the initially proposed removal of 11 mature endemic Aleppo pine trees, protected through the Trees and Woodlands Protection Regulations, 2011, was of particular concern to the ERA, given that they form part of a tree avenue, lining the distributor road.”
“Following discussions with the developer, revised plans have been submitted, identifying only three trees to be uprooted instead of eleven, which therefore satisfactorily address the ERA concern regarding the uprooting of trees.”
“When considering the impacts as a whole, as well as the context of the site, and the above-mentioned revised plan, ERA does not object to the proposed development from an environmental point of view.”
The ERA noted however, that while the proposal is in line with the Fuel Service Stations Policy, “there is concern regarding the cumulative environmental impact caused by the numerous ad hoc proposals for petrol stations currently being proposed on ODZ land. The EIA for this proposal has left this strategic-level environmental concern unresolved.”
It is pertinent to note that the Planning Authority is meant to be revising the fuel station policy and issue its proposals. The PA has been criticised for hearing fuel station applications while the review of the policy is still ongoing.