Waste transfer facility at tal-Kus
Date : 2004Client : Xewkija Local Council
An outline development planning application was submitted by the Director General, Works Division, on behalf of WasteServ Malta Ltd for the setting up of a waste management development site at Tal-Kus, Ta' Lambert, Limits of Xewkija, Gozo.
The proposed development includes the setting up of the following four units:
- a waste transfer station for the receipt, sorting, bulking up and transport of non-hazardous wastes from Gozo and Comino to Malta for final management and disposal;
- an interim storage facility for hazardous wastes;
- a civic amenity facility for the receipt of wastes delivered by the public;
- an area for the receipt, storage and treatment of recyclable materials.
The site location of the proposed development lies with the boundary of Mġarr ix-Xini Regional Park, a park listed in Cost A27.
The natural and cultural heritage of Mġarr ix-Xini area has repeatedly been highlighted. In November 2001, Mġarr ix-Xini Valley including Tal-Kus quarry, was scheduled for its ecological, geomorphological and cultural heritage importance. This implies a general presumption against development and actually encourages inclusion in international listings of protected areas. The ecological, geological and cultural importance of the area has again been highlighted in the Gozo & Comino Local Plan and designated the area as an Area of High Landscape Value with Triq tal-Gruwa/Triq ta' Mġarr ix-Xini as a panoramic route.
Mġarr ix-Xini area was conspicuously missing from the Natura 2000 ecological network established by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority as part of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, whereby the protected area and its surrounds are protected from deterioration and sustainable development promoted. It was in this spirit that Xewkija Local Council, in conjunction with Sannat Local Council, set up the Mġarr ix-Xini Regional Park.
Click here to download the comments on the Environmental Impact Assessment.