Mur Lura
Government Notices published in Govt. Gazette No. 19,748 of 24 March 2017
01/01/2017
No. 327
ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCES
AUTHORITY
Notification of Exemption from EnvironmentalPlanning Statement
Inconformity with Regulation 3(8) of the Environmental Impact AssessmentRegulations, 2007 (S.L. 549.46) with respect to the application mentioned hereunder,the Environment and Resources Authority has determined that the proposal isunlikely to result in environmental impacts that can be effectively addressedin an Environmental Impact Assessment.Therefore, the Director agrees that the proposal does not require thepreparation of an Environmental Planning Statement (EPS).This is without prejudice to theenvironmental obligations being specified in the proposed project conditions.
TheProject Description Statement (PDS) presented as part of the application hasconsidered the environmental issues in a sufficient manner such that thepreparation of an EPS would not add any new information and the Environment andResources Authority has all the necessary information to determine theapplication as concluded in the project screening according to Schedule IB ofthe same Regulations.
Adetailed justification is presented below:
ReferenceNumber: PA03858/16
Location:Site at TriqMaddorbu, Qrendi,
Malta
Proposal:Conversionofa disusedquarrytoheritageparkandtransportmuseum.Application includes sanctioning ofstructural interventions already carried out as shown in drawings and proposedworks. Proposed interventions include the incorporation ofclass 4C use,area for display of exhibits, area for car restoration, introduction oftimber bridge andparking area.Interventions to sanction include excavation works, structural walls, timberbridge, embellishment of ramp and minor extension to existing structures.
Thefollowing potential environmental impacts were identified and mitigationmeasures proposed in the Project Description Statement (PDS) submitted to ERAon the 26th January, 2016, and the justification for exemption from carryingout an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) submitted on the 3rd February,2017.
Notwithstandingthe above, the Environment and Resources Authority reserves the right torequest the applicant to submit additional information as may be necessary toinform the decision making process.
24thMarch, 2017
Potential Impacts | Remarks on mitigation measures, etc. |
Land use | The area for the proposed development has in the past been utilised for quarrying activities (soft stone) and once exhausted, the site was left derelict for many years. This area was since cleared from debris, scrap metal and vegetation. Through the proposed after use, including landscaping the site will be restored. |
Visual amenity | Proposal will not be visible from road level as the proposed museum will be below road level. The extensive landscaping of the site will also mitigate any perceived visual impacts. |
Traffic | Investigations of existing traffic conditions have noted minor problems concerning road widths owing to the winding nature of Triq Maddorbu. However, impacts are not considered to be significant in view of the low volume of traffic along this route. During both construction and operation, adequate parking provision will be provided for large and smaller vehicles. |
Impact on cultural heritage | The proposal is seeking to integrate the dolmen (Misraħ Sinjura Dolmen, also known as il-Ħaġar l-Imsaqqfa) on site. In this instance, consultation with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (SCH) is required especially regarding monitoring of on-site works. |
Noise and vibrations | Noise and vibration during construction are expected to be limited to those typically associated with normal construction site activities.During operation, noise and vibrations are not expected to be substantial. The proposal is not expected to have a significant impact on noise given that being located below road level, any noise will be screened/reflected by the quarry walls themselves. Furthermore, any impacts can be mitigated sufficiently through measures which could be managed by means of an environmental registration. |
Waste generation | No waste is anticipated during site clearance, and no demolition works will take place. A small amount of waste is expected to be generated during construction and finishing phases. During operation, the activities on site are not expected to generate significant amounts of waste. Waste expected during the operational phase include municipal waste, cleaning activities, spent oils, chemicals, fluids and/or acids and other wastes. Any waste generated be it hazardous or non hazardous should be managed in line with the respective legislation. |
Water quality/Spillages/ leaks into the environment | The proposal is not expected to have a significant impact on water quality through spillages and leaks into the environment in view that an area-wide waste management plan will be employed to ensure that all units have a sealed drainage system to ensure that no chemicals or hazardous substances are discharged without prior treatment. Other proposed mitigation measures include spill kits, impermeable ground and wheel washing facilities. |