The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) has issued a Stop Order towards a tarmac manufacturing company in Ħal Far.

ERA's compliance and enforcement officers have been following up every time complaints concerning emissions from this tarmac plant were lodged, the authority said.

"Latest reports of black smoke were immediately investigated and as a result, the manufacturing company was ordered to halt its operation for ten days. During this period, ERA will conduct investigations in order to establish what is being emitted into the air and whether it has any implications on public health and the environment."

The manufacturing company may be asked to install specific mechanisms that will abate harmful emissions, if any, ERA said.

The authority said it "remains committed towards regulating the environment, investigating when and where necessary and taking the necessary enforcement actions."