Go Back
Protecting the environment and the consumer through standards
pr1517
18/10/2001
18/10/2001
| The Minister for the Environment Francis Zammit Dimech said that a | dictionary definition of standard is "a means of determining what a thing should be; a fixed, customary, or official measure (as of quantity, quality, or price)". A typical standard would include a numerical value which should not be exceeded. However there is no ‘standard’ definition of what constitutes a standard, as standards have various forms, norms and guidelines. Standards can be numerical or descriptive. |
| Francis Zammit Dimech, who was speaking at the 2nd | World Standards Day Conference, organised by the Malta Standards Authority, added that having said this, standardization is essential in the context of globalisation of the economy and of the environment. He said standards, which may be voluntary or legally binding, have been introduced for the manufacture and quality of products, in the construction industry, in the vehicles sector. Standards have been also introduced in the environmental field which is ideal for their application. |
| The Minister for the Environment said that there are | standards for emissions in the air, standards on water quality, on levels of pollutants in products, standards on noise generation. He said that environmental standards may be based on effects on human health and on the well being or the harm to biodiversity. In these cases, standards should be considered both with regard to chronic, or long-term effects, and with regard to acute, or short-term effects. |
| Minister Francis Zammit Dimech said that | environmental standards may be introduced to protect human health by introducing the maximum content of toxic pesticides and labeling of foodstuffs or to protect ecosystems by introducing maximum discharge concentrations in water. |
| He added that the European Union environmental acquis | includes binding standards in the fields of drinking water quality; bathing water quality; noise emissions from appliances, aircraft and equipment; level of pollutants in ambient air, batteries and packaging, fuel quality standards. |
| The present administration is in the process of | upgrading environmental standards not just for the sake of compliance with the EU Environmental Acquis, but because we deserve the best standards for the health and well-being of our citizens. The Minister said that besides the social benefits that accrue from compliance with EU environmental standards there are also economic benefits which were evaluated in a study carried for the European Union on the "Benefits of Compliance with the EU Environmental Acquis for Candidate Countries". The study touched the benefits from compliance in the fields of air, water and waste. It was estimated that Malta will benefit up to Lm50 million a year if it complies with EU Directives. |
| He added that the Government was taking various | measures so that our islands will have a cleaner and more friendly environment. He recalled that only a fortnight ago the Ministry for the Environment published the final version of "A Solid Waste Management Strategy for the Maltese Islands". He said that this strategy envisages 56 actions and measures which are to be taken by the year 2006. He added that implementing this strategy means an investment of Lm70 million, Lm18 million of which have to be invested in the coming 30 months. This is a major investment but according to the study on the "Benefits of Compliance with the EU Environmental Acquis for the Candidate Countries" once our waste management complies with those of the EU our country will save up to Lm156 million in ten years. The government is also planning to construct three sewage treatment plants so that all drainage is treated before overflowing into the sea. He said that this project costs over Lm45 million, but once in place, it will enhance the quality of our bathing waters. |
| Francis Zammit Dimech said that other measures were | taken to reduce the level of pollutants in ambient air. He said that as from the last quarter of 2000 Enemalta Corporation started importing diesel with 60 per cent less sulpher and petrol containing 62.5 per cent less lead. He said that the same Corporation installed electrostatic precipitators on Boilers Number 7 and 8 which are responsible for 80 per cent of all emissions in the air. Meanwhile an electrostatic precipitator is also being installed on Boiler Number 6. The Minister said that the state of the environment determines our quality of life as it includes the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, the seas around us. |
| Francis Zammit Dimech spoke also about Environment | Management Standards. These include the ISO 14001 which is a voluntary standard for industry. He said that a number of local industries are ISO 14001 certified as this is beneficial to those companies that reach such standards when it comes to exporting their products overseas. These standards require that the company attaining them establishes an environmental policy and targets and monitors performance. This must be certified by an independent arbiter. |
| The Minister said that the EMAS is the EU equivalent | to the ISO 14001 and is applicable to EU Member States. He said that some years ago the Environment Protection Department together with the industrial sector embarked on a project under LIFE funding to promote the establishment of EMAS in local industry. He appealed to local industry and public bodies to consider implementation of Environment Management Systems, such as ISO 14001 and EMAS. |
| Francis Zammit Dimech said that introducing standards | is a win-win situation because through standards export of products is facilitated, consumers are offered a better deal and the environment is protected. |
Share this Press Release
Other Press Releases:
PR261926
STQARRIJA MILL-UFFIĊĊJU TAL-PRIM MINISTRU “Sodisfatt bil-qbil bejn il-mexx...
PR261925EN
PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR EUROPEAN FUNDS, SOCIAL DIALOGUE AND CONSU...
