MEPA makes reference to the article entitled “Noise map tender cancelled” (TMIS, 25 October) that unfortunately left readers with an incomplete picture on the noise mapping tender process.

For the sake of readers and all other interested parties, the authority would like to make clear a number of facts both in relation to the noise mapping tender as well as to the Noise Directive for which MEPA is the Competent Authority.

The authority had first issued a tender for noise mapping services on 10 March. The invitation to tender was launched under the 40-day open accelerated procedure with a number of companies submitting their bid. Following the closing date of 21 April and upon evaluation of the submitted bids, it transpired that all the received bids were administratively non-compliant so the tendering procedure had to be cancelled. An evaluation report was submitted to the Department of Contracts in mid-May.

The tender for the same noise mapping services was re-launched once again on 14 August. The invitation to tender closed on 24 September and the evaluation committee is currently assessing the submitted bids. This evaluation process is expected to be concluded shortly.

The project implementation is expected to take around 12 months and, as long as no difficulties are encountered during this process, Malta should become fully compliant with the obligations of the Noise Directive.

During this interim period and based on the requirements of the EU Noise Directive, the authority will have devised a strategy for the monitoring of ambient noise in Malta, implement models and generated noise maps and drafted action plans with measures to meet the requirements of the EU and Maltese legislation on ambient noise control in the established noise zones.

Peter Gingell

Communications Office

MEPA