Megaliths to make way for Maghtab extension?

The Environment Protection Department (EPD) within the Malta Environment and Planning Authority opposes the planned relocation of a number of megaliths (prehistoric archaeological remains) from the Maghtab area, and has also expressed concern on the proposed "transplant" of 110 mature carob trees in the same area.

This measure was proposed in an Environmental Impact Statement conducted by ADI consultants for the masterplan for the upgrading of the Maghtab landfill complex in Ghallis ta' Gewwa.

The master plan proposes the extension of the Zwejra-controlled landfill and the closure of another part of it; the embellishment of the area and the creation of a biological treatment plant similar to that in Sant' Antnin in Marsaskala.

The EIS proposes the "sensitive" relocation of significant features off-site, either to locations in the surrounding area of Magħtab or to any other suitable location, with the agreement of and under the supervision of the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage.

"The megaliths and boundary markers in particular could be sensitively relocated," the Environmental Impact Statement suggests.

But the Environment Protection Directorate made it clear that it does not agree that the relocation of megaliths is an appropriate mitigation measure.

Moreover according to the EPD the megaliths are located outside the application site. "The retention and safeguarding in situ of the megaliths in question is to be included as a permit condition," the EPD stated in a report issued last week.

A cultural heritage survey included in the EIS states that a number of large stone blocks were observed across a wide area, including in the southern corner of the proposed site.

The megaliths do not follow any pattern and are included in rubble walls, field rooms and trapping huts.

"Given that substantial elements of the megalithic remains are still visible and, in line with the approach taken with similar remains of the same period in a similar state of preservation, these remains warrant a Class A level of protection," the heritage surveys states.

In its review of the EIS, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage also expressed concerns that the cultural heritage survey may have missed identification of archaeological features.

According to the SCH the location of Magħtab and its surroundings is bound to be rich in cultural heritage features.

An environment impact study reveals the presence of 110 mature carob in the area proposed for the building of the biological plant.

The Environment Protection Directorate expressed its disagreement with the conclusion of the EIA Consultant that the residual impact associated with the loss of trees is "not insignificant" nor "minor", insisting that the impact would be "major".

The Environment Impact Statement carried out for this project proposes transplanting these trees elsewhere.

However the Malta Environment Planning Authority's Environment Protection Directorate thinks that the successful transplantation of these trees is unlikely, as most of these are very old mature trees.

The Environment Protection Directorate is requesting Wasteserv to shift this plant northwards to reduce the loss of trees located within the southern area of the site which contains numerous protected trees.

The Directorate recommends that every effort is made to transplant the remaining trees.

However, considering that these measures are unlikely to be sufficient, detailed compensatory measures are also being put forward by the Directorate as part of the development permit conditions.

A Health Impact Assessment is also being requested by the Environment Protection Department.