Illegal dumping site removed by MEPA

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) carried out a direct action operation on a large illegal engineered dumping site, along the coast between Marsascala and Xghajra, heavily frequented by bird hunters.

The authority, following an earlier inspection, unearthed a plastic waterproof membrane which was placed under the dumped material, leading one to believe that this illegal dumping activity was carried out with the intention of creating a series of freshwater pools, following rainfall, to attract migrating birds. 

The dumped material which stretched over an area that measures close to half a tumulo, was placed on a site known for its pristine maritime garigue habitat, better known as Ta' Triq il-Wiesgħa and is in close proximity to the Knights' and British coastal towers.

Given that the site is scheduled as Grade 1 for its military heritage and is a proposed Level 2 Area of Ecological Importance, prior to the operation, MEPA enforcement team assisted by the ALE Police took all the necessary precautions to ensure that this operation did not further compromise the integrity of the site. All machinery and material were removed from the site by means of a crane.