UPGRADE OF EXISTING BOVINE FARM D327, COVERED BY PA 4584/06, ACCORDING TO POLICY 2.3A OF THE RURAL POLICY AND DESIGN GUIDANCE – WITH THE CAPACITY TO PROCESS EFFLUENT FROM OTHER FARMS. PA 02406/18 SITE AT: TRIQ ZGHAWRI, MUNXAR GOZO
Project Description Statement Tenaga Limited April 2018
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Table of Contents
Background of the Project 4
The Project Developer 6
Timing 7
Description of the Project 8
Stages of Operation 10
Process Flow Chart 12
Locations of the Proposed Development 14
Alternative Uses, Alternative Technologies and Suitable Alternative Locations 14
A description of the building characteristics, including size, scale, design and phasing 25
Building Characteristics 25
Phasing 30
Description of present land uses and environmental characteristics of the site 31
Description of surrounding land uses, their nature and environmental characteristics of the site 32
Description of Services on Site 39
Estimates of Employees 40
Project Description Statement – April 2018 1
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Nature and quantities of raw material and energy to be used and waste generated during construction and operation 41
Project construction sequencing, machinery needed during construction 42
Transport, Parking and Access during construction and operation 43
Potential Environmental Impacts 44
Comparative assessment of alternative sites considered in Gozo for the Treatment Plant 50
No Objection from Superintendence of Cultural Heritage 51
Declaration:
Tenaga Limited is the sole proprietor of all the information in the Project Description Statement (DPS). No other use, except that of the intention of the PDS shall be permitted. The document contains confidential commercial material of Tenaga Limited. Any transfer, in any form, of (or part of) this document to third parties outside the scope of the PDS, shall only be by permission of Tenaga Limited. Tenaga Limited counsel that if in the real need of disclosing of any information the user makes all possible efforts to restrict the information as much as possible. For any unauthorised disclosure of the PDS (or part of) without consent, Tenaga Limited reserves the right to prosecute by Law accordingly.
Project Description Statement – April 2018 2
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Table of Figures:
FIGURE 1: SEPARATION PROCESS FLOW CHART 12 FIGURE 2: PROPOSED SEPARATION AND GRANULATION SITE FOR GOZO - MUNXAR 13 FIGURE 3: PROPOSED MUNXAR PLAN SITE 1 ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. FIGURE 4 3D IMAGE OF PROPOSED SITE – SITE 1 ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. FIGURE 5: PROPOSED BASEMENT LEVEL 15 FIGURE 6: PROPOSED FIRST FLOOR 15 FIGURE 7: SIDE CROSS SECTION OF PROPOSED UPGRADE 19 FIGURE 8: SITE PLAN – GHAJNSIELEM, TRIQ IL QALA – SITE 2 20 FIGURE 9: GROUND FLOOR AND BASEMENT LEVEL – SEPARATION & GRANULATION – SITE 2 20 FIGURE 10 3D IMAGE OF PROPOSED SITE – SITE 2 21 FIGURE 11 GHAJNSIELEM, RAS IL-HOBZ – SITE 3 22 FIGURE 12: GROUND FLOOR AND BASEMENT LEVEL, SEPARATION CENTRE – SITE 3 22 FIGURE 13 3D IMAGE OF PROPOSED PLAN – SITE 3 23 FIGURE 14 AERIAL VIEW OF PROPOSED PLAN – SITE 3 ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. FIGURE 15 GOZO SITE 1 – PROPOSED GROUND FLOOR ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. FIGURE 16 GOZO SITE 1 – PROPOSED BASEMENT LEVEL ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. FIGURE 17 GOZO SITE 1 – SIDE ELEVATION 29 FIGURE 18 CESSPIT DETAIL 29 FIGURE 19 3D IMAGE STREET VIEW – SITE 1 MUNXAR 30 FIGURE 20 PROPOSED BUILDING AREA – SITE 1 MUNXAR 31 FIGURE 21 EXISTING BUILDINGS (BLUE ARROW) & DAIRY FARMS IN SURROUNDING AREA (GREEN ARROW) - SITE 1 - MUNXAR 33 FIGURE 22 AGRICULTURAL FIELD OPPOSITE SITE – SITE 1 MUNXAR 34 FIGURE 23 AGRICULTURAL FIELD ADJACENT TO SITE – SITE 1 MUNXAR 35 FIGURE 24 PROPOSED SITE (RED CIRCLE), 1-8 DAIRY FARMS IN THE SURROUNDING AREA (COLOURED CIRCLES) – SITE 1 MUNXAR 36 FIGURE 25 YELLOW ARROW INDICATES AREA AS INTENSIVE AGRICULTURE ZONE IN MUNXAR 37 FIGURE 26 SURROUNDING LAND WITH 200METRE BUFFER ZONE AT PROPOSED SITE- SITE 1 MUNXAR 38 FIGURE 27 AERIAL VIEW OF SITE 1, MUNXAR 43
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Project Description Statement – April 2018 3
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Background of the Project
At present farm D327 which is located at the proposed site of Triq Zghawri, Munxar Gozo currently has a holding capacity of 10 milking cows with Permit Number: PA 4584/06. Tenaga proposes to upgrade this capacity to 30 milking cows according to policy 2.3A of the Rural Policy and Design Guidance. This upgrade will also include the latest technology in slurry separation systems.
Presently the management of by-products (slurry) originating from bovine, swine and poultry farms in Malta and Gozo present an environmental disposal issue.
This material due to its nature cannot be flushed away into the sewage system since such material will damage both the treatment system and block the network in the process. Moreover, when this material ends up in the sea untreated, the effect on the marine life and the environment is detrimental.
As stated in the Agriculture Waste Management in the Maltese Islands (2015-2030) report, the Government have taken significant policy decisions, such as:
To ban the application of slurry or liquids to land And to prohibit the discharge of pig slurry to the sewage system
Yet it is still the common practice of spreading untreated manure or slurry on agricultural land, which is not ideal and should be stopped immediately as such practice is creating problems in the water table network.
Farm waste management in Malta and Gozo is governed by the requirements of several EU Directives. Most importantly the Nitrate Directive as transposed by the Legal Notice 343 of 2001 and by the Protection of Waters against Pollution caused by Nitrates from Agricultural Source Regulations, 2003. These vehicles provide our islands, the designation as Nitrate
Project Description Statement – April 2018 4
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Vulnerable Zone, the formulation of Code of Good Agriculture Practice and the preparation of action programmes in respect to designated vulnerable zones. The waste Regulations 2011 (L.N. 184 of 2011) also drives the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC. Other legislation that also pertains to waste management of Agriculture waste is the Urban Waste Water Directive.
The European Commission Staff Working Document Report (2015) on progress in implementation of Water Framework Directive Programmes Measures Accompanying the document Communication from the commission to the European Parliament and the council, the Water Framework Directive and Floor Directive towards the ‘good status’ of EU water and to reduce floods stated that Malta must:
‘Submit a plan on resolving the discharge of animal husbandry waste in the sewage collecting system because the Maltese Waste Water Treatment Plants had a performance problem as regards to compliance with the COD standards. This was linked to farm manure discharge in the collecting.’
Tenaga Limited is ready to embark on a project that will offer treatment and separation of the solids and liquid originating from the by-products (slurry) of livestock.
Project Description Statement – April 2018 5
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
The Project Developer
Tenaga Limited is a newly formed organisation, focusing mainly on agriculture waste management, among other related projects. It is a set-up of associated experts, in various areas of expertise, to conduct research and development of sustainable projects in the same field. The structure of Tenaga’s organisation is composed of different individuals and entities who are engaged on a project lead and/or a retainer agreement to support and give consultancy on the on-going projects. These individuals come from different spheres and specialities such as, private consultants, organisations and individuals, particularly from the agriculture industry who are engaged for their services.
Tenaga Limited is fully supported by foreign expertise for all the systems being proposed. This expertise is backed by years of market knowledge and hands-on experience by the suppliers and manufacturers. The project is endorsed by all suppliers for both equipment and technology, and specialists and technicians will be engaged until a fully functional plant is achieved. Furthermore, training will be given to our employees both locally and abroad.
Some examples of where and for what, the proposed equipment is being used:
BioGas Plant in Germany uses Anaerobic & Aerobic treatment and less odour Pig Farm in Zito, Croatia use lifetime of Lagoon and easier irrigation Pig Farm in Saskatchewan, Canada use less odour Interworld Pig Farm in the Philippines use Anaerobic & Aerobic treatment and less odour Dairy Farm in Wisconsin, USA use free solids for bedding Dairy Farm in Pozzoleone, Italy use free solids for bedding Dairy Farm in San Pietro in Gu’, Italy use free solids for bedding Dairy Farm in Brogliato in Vicenza, Italy use free solids for bedding BioGas Plant in Alteno in Germany use free solids for bedding Mobile units in mainland Netherlands use free solids for bedding
Project Description Statement – April 2018 6
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Timing
The project was instigated by a group of Gozitan farmers that approached the director of Tenaga Limited to design a project, that would solve the problem of the disposal of animal by-products (slurry).
The initial discussions started in 2015, whereby data began to be collected by Tenaga to get a better view of the situation.
Presently the waste management of slurry and manure, originating from cattle, swine and poultry farms in Malta and Gozo presents an environmental disposal issue. The main and persistent challenges of the agricultural waste in Malta and Gozo and the management of cow and pig slurry were highlighted in the Agricultural Waste Management in the Maltese Islands (2015-2030) publication, (published in December 2015). The practices in use today are not desirable and raise major concerns with the Authorities.
The present practice does not address the obligations and objectives with regards to water resource management, environment issues, in particular the ground water, and treatment of waste water. This shortcoming in management is contributing to infringements by Malta in its obligation to comply with the Urban Waste Water Treatment (UWWT) Directive. The main concern lies from the fact that farmers are discharging their farm waste into the sewage system and/or directly onto the fields.
In 2016 the Government of Malta showed an interest in the proposed project. Following several meetings and discussions with the Ministry for Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Change, the project was accepted favourably.
Project Description Statement – April 2018 7
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Description of the Project
The proposed project submitted by Tenaga Limited will be an upgrade of the existing farm including a state of the art facility containing equipment of the latest technology. It will be the first of its kind on the Maltese Islands.
This will satisfy the daily demands of the dairy farm, and the cattle, swine and poultry industry in Gozo.
The total investment including the acquisition of the farm, the purchase of the required machinery and all construction costs will be more than €7 million.
The proposed project is described as follows:
The farm will have an area for the daily operations of the existing farm and an area specifically for the separation of slurry and the treatment of the solid fraction.
The cattle shall be enclosed in a secluded area in accordance with Veterinary Regulation Department.
The separation and treatment area shall include a receiving bay, with space for 2 bowsers for raw material (slurry) fitted with a weighbridge for data collection. Another bay with space for 2 bowsers for the loading of purified water, and another bay with 2 truck spaces for the loading of dry solids.
At ground level there is office space, employee sanitary facilities complete with showers. Adjacent there are 3 separate separation facilities. Also, a shed for Dry Solids Storage, with 4 separate compartments that include a weighbridge conveyor leading to another separate building housing the sterilisation area.
Project Description Statement – April 2018 8
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Adjacent to the sterilisation area, there is an area dedicated to the Processing and Packaging of the sterilised organic solids.
Adjacent to this area is a storage shed for the finished product.
Below ground there are 4 reservoirs individually dedicated as follows:
Raw effluent cesspit Stage 2 cesspit Purified water cesspit Rain water cesspit
All reservoirs shall be equipped with a carbon filtration system.
Prior to the trucks exiting the facility, there is a designated area for truck wash. At this area, the trucks shall be sanitised by means of a disinfectant sprayed directly onto the truck.
Project Description Statement – April 2018 9
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Stages of Operation
The daily operations of the existing farm shall continue in the enclosed space however separate from the area designated for the separation and treatment of the animal by-product (slurry).
First stage of operation: Transportation of agricultural slurry from farms to the separation site is by means of a new bowser that will be built specifically for the transportation of slurry. These bowsers will be vacuum sealed to avoid leakages, and also equipped with emergency safety valves, they will also have a vacuum pump for filling and emptying.
Upon arrival, the bowser will connect to a fixed point at the site for discharge. The use of this method eliminates all odour emitted from open pits. It should be noted that samples of each delivery will be taken, and an audit system shall be in place for traceability of origin and its content.
The reservoir has the capacity for 900 m3. This reservoir is located underground and fully enclosed. It has a ducted ventilation system by means of carbon filtration prior to dispel into the atmosphere. This eliminates odours.
The first stage of separation, a pump will pump the slurry to a separator. The operation of this equipment consists of: removal of TSS (total suspended solids) of 25% from the liquid fraction. The solids shall be passed by means of a conveyor to a holding bay. The liquid fraction will then be transferred to the first separation reservoir. In this operation there will be no odours emitted, due to the fact, that the solids shall be liquid free, and the liquid will be transferred via pipeline to a reservoir.
This operation is via a totally enclosed circuit.
The second stage of separation: will eliminate the remaining solids. The solids extracted from this stage, are sent via conveyor to a holding bay for solids. The liquid is piped to a reservoir where it shall be held for the second stage of operations.
Project Description Statement – April 2018 10
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
The remaining effluent will be treated by means of a third separation. This treatment is a biological treatment which filters all dissolved solids and results in purified liquid. At completion of this stage samples will be taken for analysis, to monitor the quality of the effluent treated.
The remaining effluent from this separation will be pumped back to the initial receiving holding reservoir.
At the fourth stage of operations, the solids in the underground holding bay shall be conveyed into a sterilisation process. Prior to sterilisation samples will be taken for analysis. This is by means of an enclosed cylinder to eliminate pathogens and dehydration of solids. This process is in an enclosed environment and produces no odours. At completion of this stage, samples are taken for analysis and data collection of the sterilised solids.
The fifth stage of operations: The sterilised solids are conveyed from the holding bay to a mixer, where it shall be crushed. They shall then be transferred by conveyors to a pelletizing system where it shall be pelletized. At completion of this stage, samples are taken for analysis and quality control of the product.
The next stage is to a cooling drum, and then onto the packaging system. Here the pellets will be packed into 20kg bags or 1 tonne bags.
Here they shall be sealed and taken to a storage facility off site. The packaged pellets shall remain in storage ready for the local market during the open season, and for export. The packaging systems shall follow all EU guidelines for the traceability and product information.
The packaging shall also contain a breakdown of the minerals in the finished product as per data collected from samples retrieved.
Project Description Statement – April 2018 11
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Process Flow Chart
Figure 1: Separation Process flow chart
Project Description Statement – April 2018 12
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Locations of the Proposed Development
The proposed site is located in Triq Zghawri, Tal-Ghalaq Munxar, the site measures 4800 square metres. This road lies on the border between Munxar and Sannat. This site is currently an operational dairy farm with all pertaining permits, Permit Number: PA 4584/06. This zone is designated as an Intensive Agricultural Zone, as described in GZ-AGRI-2 of the GCLP.
Figure 2: Proposed Separation and Granulation site for Gozo - Munxar
Project Description Statement – April 2018 13
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Alternative Uses, Alternative Technologies and Suitable Alternative Locations
Tenaga Limited is proposing 2 alternative locations in Gozo.
Site 1: Munxar Site 2: Ghajnsielem Triq Il-Qala Site 3: Ghajnsielem Ras il-Hobz
The Munxar Site is the preferred location for the Separation and Treatment Centre as it is an existing dairy farm located within an Intensive Agriculture Zone. In this area there is a cluster of 8 other farms, that contribute 45% of the dairy production in Gozo. Another benefit of this site is that it is in a reclaimed quarry, thereby minimising the visual impact on the surrounding area. This site was preferred as the purpose of the Intensive Agriculture Zone is to locate farms and farming activity within the same area. The proposed upgrade to the existing dairy farm is to incorporate the waste management of the farm according to the Rural Policy and Design Guidance 2014 as per Part 2: Farm Dwellings and Agricultural Buildings, Policy 2.3A – Existing livestock farm units (including pre-1994 farms), with an extension of farming activities.
Project Description Statement – April 2018 14
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Figure 3: Proposed Munxar Plan Site 1
Figure 4: 3D Image of Proposed site - Site 1
Project Description Statement – April 2018 15
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Figure 5: Proposed basement level – Munxar
Light blue – Rainwater reservoir
Dark brown – Raw effluent reservoir
Light brown – 1st separation effluent
Tan – 2nd separation effluent
Dark blue – Irrigation water
Dark green – 4 sanitisation units
Project Description Statement – April 2018 16
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Figure 6: Proposed First Floor – Munxar
Grey – Solids holding bay
Light green – 1st Separation section
Olive green – 2nd Separation section
Dark green – 3rd & 4th Separation section
Light blue – Packing area
Aqua blue – Storage area and Dispatch
Project Description Statement – April 2018 17
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Figure 7: Side cross section of proposed upgrade – Munxar
Project Description Statement – April 2018 18
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Two alternative sites for this project in Gozo have also been considered.
Ghajnsielem, this site is in Triq il Qala on the front, and on the back side is an unnamed gravel road. The site is located outside the development zone and has an area of 3000 square metres. It is adjacent to an existing operational concrete plant. Due to its gradient, visual impact from the road shall be minimised. This property is within close proximity to the Mgarr Port.
Figure 8: Site plan - Ghajnsielem, Triq il-Qala - Site 2
Project Description Statement – April 2018 19
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Figure 9: Ground Floor and Basement Level - Separation and Granulation - Site2
Figure 10: 3D Image of proposed site - Site 2
Project Description Statement – April 2018 20
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Ghajnsielem, this site is in the area known as Ras il-Hobz. This site is adjacent to the Water Services Corporation Sewage Polishing Plant. The area required is 2000 square metres. This area only allows for the Separation Centre. This property is within close proximity to the Mgarr Port.
Figure 3: Ghajnsielem, Ras il-Hobz - Site 3
Project Description Statement – April 2018 21
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Figure 4: Ground Floor and Basement level, Separation centre - Site 3
Figure 13: 3D Image of proposed Plan - Site 3
Project Description Statement – April 2018 22
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Figure 5: Aerial view of proposed plan - site 3
Project Description Statement – April 2018 23
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
There are no other alternative uses to the Munxar site, as this site is specifically designated as a farm for farming activities.
The technology being proposed for this project is of the latest advancement in this sector. It is an innovative technology and the first of its kind to be used on the Maltese Islands in respect of this process.
Project Description Statement – April 2018 24
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
A description of the building characteristics, including size, scale, design and phasing
Building Characteristics
Munxar – Site 1
The Munxar site, which is the preferred site for this project, covers an area of 4,800 square metres, and is rectangular. The built-up area will be of 1616 square metres. The site is bordered by rubble walls on all boundaries, it is situated on a reclaimed quarry, and is below street level.
Currently there are three existing buildings on site, all covered by PA 4584/06. These consist of one building having an area of 80 square metres. A building having an area of 450 square metres, housing the cow shed, equipment store, fodder store, milking parlour and refrigeration area, having an internal courtyard. The third building houses the manure clamp at ground level, and the cesspit below ground.
The proposed plan is to demolish the equipment and fodder stores, milking parlour and refrigeration area and the manure clamp. A building shall be constructed housing the separation, packaging and storage facilities, having an area of 1086 square metres. The separation section will have an area of 350 square metres, the packaging section will have an area of 295 square metres, and the storage facility will have an area of 335 square metres.
At below ground level, there is an area designated for sterilization of the solids with an area of 495 square metres, adjacent to this there is a reservoir for raw effluent, covering an area of 225 square metres. Lying next to this is a reservoir for the first separation effluent with an area of 70 square metres. Another reservoir for the second separation effluent, 70 square metres, and the third area for the third separation effluent, 125 square metres.
Project Description Statement – April 2018 25
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
At basement level, a gas-powered generator shall be housed to supply the power for the operations of the premises.
A designated parking area is allowed for on site. Also, there is a designated receiving bay for bowsers with a weighbridge, and a truck wash facility.
At ground floor there will be an area for office space with an area of 16 square metres, employee sanitary facilities including change room and meals area totalling 41 square metres.
The buildings shall not exceed +0.25metres above road level, and -8.62 metres below road level.
Figure 15 Gozo site 1 - Proposed ground floor
The planting of olive trees around the boundary walls is planned to make the site more visually appealing and screen the buildings from the surrounding areas.
Project Description Statement – April 2018 26
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Figure 16: Gozo Site 1 - Proposed basement level
Project Description Statement – April 2018 27
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Figure 17 Gozo Site 1 - Side elevation
Figure 18 Cesspit detail
Project Description Statement – April 2018 28
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Figure 19 3D Image Street view - Site 1, Munxar
Phasing
Should the approval be granted, works are estimated to begin in June 2018.
The works shall be spread over 4 separate phases, and works should take 4 months.
The company envisages to have a fully operational premise by Autumn 2018.
Project Description Statement – April 2018 29
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Figure 20 Proposed building area - Site 1 Munxar
Project Description Statement – April 2018 30
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Description of present land uses and environmental characteristics of the site
The Munxar site 1 is presently an active dairy farm, it is situated on a reclaimed quarry. At road frontage, the site is below street level. The remaining three boundaries are bordered with rubble walls. Currently there are three existing buildings on site, all covered by PA 4584/06. These consist of one building having an office, archives and sanitary facilities. A second building housing the cow shed, equipment store, fodder store, milking parlour and refrigeration area, and having an internal courtyard. The third building houses the manure clamp at ground level, and the cesspit below ground.
Project Description Statement – April 2018 31
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Description of surrounding land uses, their nature and environmental characteristics of the site
The surrounding land uses in Munxar Site 1 are predominantly dairy farms which are located to the south of the proposed site. There is also agricultural farming, that is mainly used for fodder for the animals surrounding the site. The characteristic of the surrounding area is Intensive Agriculture Zone. The proposed upgrade lies within the required 200m buffer zone from residential dwellings. Habitable in the form of terraced houses and apartments lie to the north of the site and are outside of the 200 m buffer zone. The road frontage is south- west of the site. To the south of the proposed site there are reclaimed quarries used for agricultural purposes. These are divided into small allotments that are used by hobby farmers.
Figure 21: Existing buildings (blue arrow) and dairy farm surrounding area (green arrow) - Site 1 Munxar
Project Description Statement – April 2018 32
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Figure 22 Agriculture field opposite site - Site 1 Munxar
Project Description Statement – April 2018 33
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Figure 23 Agriculture field adjacent to site- Site 1 Munxar
Project Description Statement – April 2018 34
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Figure 24 Proposed site (red circle), 1-8 dairy farms in the surrounding area (coloured circles) - Site 1 Munxar
Project Description Statement – April 2018 35
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Figure 25 Yellow arrow indicates area as Intensive Agriculture Zone in Munxar
Project Description Statement – April 2018 36
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Figure 26 Surrounding land with 200 metre buffer zones at proposed site - Site 1 Munxar
Project Description Statement – April 2018 37
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Description of Services on Site
Site 1 - Munxar
Water and Electricity are already available on this site, as this is an operating dairy farm. Sewage is by means of a cesspit designated for municipal waste.
As part of the proposed activities, rainwater will be harvested from the roofs of all structures by means of guttering into the rainwater cistern at below ground level. All surface area run off will also be harvested in this rainwater cistern. This water shall be used for all cleaning on the site and for toilet flushing.
Project Description Statement – April 2018 38
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Estimates of Employees
The number of persons on site, during the construction phase, by means of sub-contractors shall be no more than 50 at any one time.
At commencement this project will create over 15 job opportunities for Gozo. These employments will vary from managerial, supervisory and labourers. Tenaga Limited will engage on this project, staff that will be trained in the technology adopted and other necessary skills. Moreover, it will also set-up a laboratory which will be needed to monitor the slurry process and end products. Training will be given to all our employees both locally and abroad. Such openings will be in the areas of:
Management Operations Laboratory Services Administration Package automation Sales – both local and export Supply chain management
Project Description Statement – April 2018 39
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Nature and quantities of raw material and energy to be used and waste generated during construction and operation
The nature and quantities of raw material, energy used, and waste generated during construction and operation, shall be as follows:
The raw materials to be used during construction shall be:
Concrete Limestone blocks Reinforcement blocks Steel beams
The raw materials used during operation shall be:
Animal slurry Plastic packaging Wooden pallets
Due to insufficient voltage supplied by mains electricity the energy used during operation shall be by a gas fuelled generator fixed on site. All fuels stored on site shall be in accordance with LN 53 of 2010.
All material excavated from the site for the construction will be reused on the site.
All waste generated during operation shall be disposed of according to compliance with national legislation.
Project Description Statement – April 2018 40
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Project construction sequencing, machinery needed during construction
During the excavation and construction phases, the following machinery will be required:
Excavator Front and Back Loader Dumper Heavy Goods Vehicle Mobile Crane Concrete Mixer
The works are envisaged to be divided into 4 phases. Phase 1 is for the demolition of the existing buildings and manure clamp and excavation works required, while Phase 2 shall be for the construction. Phase 3 is for the interior finishing of all structures ie. Electrical, doors and equipment installation. Whilst Phase 4 is for finishing of all landscaping and pathways.
Phase 1: The works required will be to remove soil from the areas that are to be built and stored on site in a safe area. Demolition of existing buildings and manure clamp. All limestone blocks and reinforced beams removed shall be reused on site. Excavation of required areas.
Phase 2: All construction works to commence.
Phase 3: Once construction of basement level has been completed all electrical wiring, door fitting and equipment installation can begin. Phase 2 and Phase 3 are scheduled to be worked in tandem.
Phase 4: Once construction is completed, landscaping and pathway defining can commence.
The construction phasing and sequencing: Phase 1 is envisaged to commence beginning of June 2018. Phase 1 works are estimated to take 3 weeks, whilst Phase 2 -4 are envisaged to take 3 months.
It is forecast that the site shall be operational within 4 months i.e. Autumn 2018.
Project Description Statement – April 2018 41
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Transport, Parking and Access during construction and operation
Transport and access of all vehicles during construction and operation is from the public road, Triq Zghawri.
Parking during construction shall be on site.
Parking during operation shall be at the designated parking bays on site.
Figure 27 Aeriall view of site 1 -Munxar
Red circle marks proposed site in Munxar, red line marks the shortest route to the surrounding 8 dairy farms during operation, yellow line marks route passing from Munxar centre (piazza) to site during construction. Triq Zghawri, Munxar
Project Description Statement – April 2018 42
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Potential Environmental Impacts
SUMMARY OF IMPACTS - PROPOSED ANIMAL BY-PRODUCT SEPARATION PROCESS SITE 1: MUNXAR SITE 2: GHAJNSIELEM TRIQ IL-QALA SITE 3: GHAJNSIELEM RAS IL-HOBZ
KEY: POSITIVE IMPACT P NEGATIVE IMPACT N DIRECT IMPACT D INDIRECT IMPACT ID SHORT TERM IMPACT ST LONG TERM IMPACT LT HIGH IMPACT H MEDIUM IMPACT M LOW IMPACT L
DESRCIPTION OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS DURING ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE CONSTRUCTION OPERATIONS Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 1 Site 2 Site 3
Airborne dust N D ST L/M N D ST L/M N D ST L/M Light pollution impact on birds N D LT L N D LT L N D LT L
ECOLOGY Loss of vegetation N D ST/LT L N D ST/LT L N D ST/LT L
Surface water runoff N I ST L N I ST L N I ST L
Loss of agricultural land N D LT M/L N D LT M/H N D LT M/H Soil nutrient input N D LT L/M N D LT L/M N D LT L/M
Termination of field tenure NONE NONE NONE Decrease in soil erosion potential P D LT M/H P D LT M/H P D LT M/H
Loss of economic productivity N D ST L N D ST L N D ST L Increased agriculture employment P D LT M/H P D LT M/H P D LT M/H
Loss of agricultural employment N D ST L N D ST L N D ST L Increase agriculture productivity due to AGRICULTURAL LAND P D LT M/H P D LT M/H P D LT M/H Transportation of soil N D ST L N D ST L N D ST L effluent and compost re-use QUALITY Change in rural character N D LT M/H N D LT M/H N D LT M/H
Removal and damage of rubble walls NONE NONE NONE
Disturbance of agricultural land N D&I ST L N D&I ST M N D&I ST M
Dust generation N D ST L N D ST L N D ST L GEOLOGY, PALAEONTOLOGY Removal of limestone and blue clay NONE N D ST L N D ST L None GEOMORPHOLOGY Visual disturbance due to traffic Complete plant and associated structures N D LT L/M N D LT L/M N D LT L/M associated with construction N D ST L/M N D ST L/M N D ST L/M LANDSCAPE & VISUAL activities Loss of arable land and change of use N D LT L/M N D LT L/M N D LT L/M SETTING Lighting within dark landscapes during night time N D&I LT L/M
Visual disturbance due to traffic accessing the plant N D LT L N D LT L N D LT L
Project Description Statement – April 2018 43
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
SUMMARY OF IMPACTS - PROPOSED ANIMAL BY-PRODUCT SEPARATION PROCESS SITE 1: MUNXAR
SITE 2: GHAJNSIELEM TRIQ IL-QALA
SITE 3: GHAJNSIELEM RAS IL-HOBZ
KEY: POSITIVE IMPACT P NEGATIVE IMPACT N
DIRECT IMPACT D INDIRECT IMPACT ID
SHORT TERM IMPACT ST LONG TERM IMPACT LT
HIGH IMPACT H MEDIUM IMPACT M LOW IMPACT L
DESRCIPTION OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS DURING ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRUCTION OPERATIONS ISSUE Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 1 Site 2 Site 3
Water contamination N D&I ST L N D&I ST L N D&I ST L Reduction in surface water runoff and infiltration N D&I ST< L HYDROLOGY & Impedance of surface water runoff to sea N D ST L N D ST L N D ST L HYDROGEOLOGY Reuse of treated effluent and solids P D&I ST< M/H
Damage to relics during excavations NONE NONE N D ST L ARCHAEOLOGY & Vibration damage to historic structures on NONE NONE N D&I ST L CULTURAL HERITAGE access to site Vibration damage to coast tower NONE NONE N D ST L/M none N D&I ST Impact on agriculture locally NONE N D&I ST M/H Impact on agricultural yields due to effluent P D LT M/H P D LT M/H P D LT M/H LAND USE M/H Impact on agricultural yields due to compost P D LT M/H P D LT M/H P D LT M/H PUBLIC RIGHTS OF None NONE NONE NONE WAY Dusting arising from construction N D ST L/M N D ST L/M N D ST L/M AIR QUALITY activities Odour NONE NONE NONE Odours from operational plant N D LT L N D LT L N D LT L Noise during construction N D ST L/M N D ST L/M N D ST L/M Noise associated with plant operations NOISE & VIBRATION Vibration during construction N D ST L N D ST L N D ST L operations MARINE NONE NONE NONE ENVIRONMENT TRAFFIC Construction related traffic N D&I ST M N D&I ST M N D&I ST M Operational traffic N D&I LT L N D&I LT L N D&I LT L
Project Description Statement – April 2018 44
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
SUMMARY OF IMPACTS - PROPOSED ANIMAL BY-PRODUCT SEPARATION PROCESS SITE 1: MUNXAR SITE 2: GHAJNSIELEM TRIQ IL-QALA SITE 3: GHAJNSIELEM RAS IL-HOBZ
KEY: POSITIVE IMPACT P NEGATIVE IMPACT N DIRECT IMPACT D INDIRECT IMPACT ID SHORT TERM IMPACT ST LONG TERM IMPACT LT HIGH IMPACT H MEDIUM IMPACT M LOW IMPACT L DESRCIPTION OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS DURING ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRUCTION OPERATIONS ISSUE Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 N D&I ST Loss of agricultural land N D&I ST L N D&I ST L/M Increase agricultural productivity due to effluent P D LT M/H P D LT M/H P D LT M/H L/M Termination of field tenure NONE NONE NONE Increase agricultural productivity due to compost P D LT M/H P D LT M/H P D LT M/H
Loss of agricultural employment N D ST L N D ST L N D ST L Increased employment P D LT M/H P D LT M/H P D LT M/H SOCIO ECONOMICS Loss of economic activity N D ST L N D ST L N D ST L Improved land based environment P D LT H P D LT H P D LT H
Change in rural character N D LT M/H N D LT M/H N D LT M/H
Construction related employment P D&I ST L/M P D&I ST L/M P D&I ST L/M
Visual, noise and air quality impact on tourism RECREATION & Improved operational plant on recreation and amenity N D&I ST L N D&I ST L N D&I ST L and amenity within the wider area of proposed N D&I ST M/H N D&I ST L/M N D&I ST L/M AMENITY plant Improved land based environment and local amenity P D&I LT H P D&I LT H P D&I LT H SECONDARY IMPACTS Re use of treated effluent and solids P D &I LT M/H
Project Description Statement – April 2018 45
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Potential Impact and Mitigation Measures to the Proposed Munxar site
Land Use:
Impact: The site in caption is already a committed bovine farm, with Permit Number: D327 covered by PA 4584/06. The development filed is for the upgrade of the existing farm with the capacity to process effluent from other farms. Therefore, the impact on land use as a result from this proposal will be minimal.
Mitigation: No mitigation measures are considered necessary.
Agriculture:
Impact: Given that only minimal agricultural land will be taken up by the footprint of the proposed upgrade, no major impact on agriculture will be created by this project. No secondary impacts of the operations within the farm are expected to impinge on the neighbouring agricultural activities.
Mitigation: All cesspits and reservoirs will be constructed impermeable and leak-proof.
Visual:
Impact: The proposed development will involve the reconstruction and extension of the existing buildings. Minor visual impact will affect since this farm is in a reclaimed quarry and therefore visual impact is considered minimal. The site is situated in an Intensive Agriculture Zone as per GZ-AGRI 2 of the GCLP. All reservoirs as well as the sterilisation area will be housed at basement level, as is the main objective of Policy 2.3A of the Rural Policy and Design Guidance.
Mitigation: A landscaping scheme will be implemented. Natural landscaping such as plants, natural colours and textures will be beneficial to create an effective buffer zone.
Project Description Statement – April 2018 46
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Archaeology:
Impact: No archaeological features or remains are known to be present. Attached is the no objection from the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage.
Mitigation: No mitigation measures are considered necessary. Should there be any finds of an archaeological nature during excavation, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage shall be duly informed.
Geology:
Impact: No impact on geology will be created by this proposed project as it is in a reclaimed quarry.
Mitigation: No mitigation measures are considered necessary.
Ecology:
Impact: Given that the proposed site is a reclaimed quarry, no major impacts will be evident.
Mitigation: No mitigation measures are considered necessary.
Air Quality:
Impact: The main impact on air quality during the construction phase will be temporary dust emissions. During the operational phase there shall be little to no disturbance to air quality as all operations shall be within an enclosed environment.
Mitigation: In order to prevent dust generation whilst construction, wetting of soil and dust would be required. During operations, a carbon filtration system will be installed to purify the air. Carbon filtering is a method of filtering that uses a bed of activated carbon to remove contaminants and impurities, using chemical absorption.
Project Description Statement – April 2018 47
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Each particle of carbon provides a large surface area structure, allowing contaminants the maximum possible exposure to the active sites within the filter media. 454 grams of activated carbon contains a surface area of approximately 100 acres.
Activated carbon works via Adsorption, whereby pollutant molecules in the air to be treated are trapped inside the pore structure of the carbon substrate.
Filters containing charcoal (carbon) can remove odours and gaseous pollutants such as volatile organic compounds from the air.
Project Description Statement – April 2018 48
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Comparative assessment of alternative sites considered in Gozo for the Treatment Plant
Site 1: Site 2: Site 3: Preferred Site The construction costs for The construction costs for The construction costs for this site are far less than the this site were estimated at this site were estimated at others as there are existing 50% higher than at Site 1. 80% higher than at Site 1. CONSTRUCTION buildings which will be Soil shifting, medium Most soil shifting and more upgraded and reused. excavations concrete foundations, high Reuse of existing quarry excavations space, least excavations
Retrieval of slurry to site by All slurry will be retrieved All slurry will be retrieved OPERATIONS AND bowser transport reduced through transportation on through transportation on MAINTENANCE by 45% as site is within the the major roads the major roads biggest cluster of farms.
Limited access through Access through both ends of Limited access through one Munxar main road the site road which is narrow and ACCESS steep. Difficult to maneuver
DISTANCE FROM CLOSEST RESIDENTS 200 m 200 – 1000m Over 1000m
Minimum from Munxar as Moderate impact on closest Least impact from structures will be 8m below residents at Ghajnsielem Chambray. High impact VISUAL IMPACT road level from Ghajnsielem residents
All sites will produce similar potential for the reuse of EFFLUENT REUSE effluent and solids
LAND USE AND Rehabilitation of an existing 3000m2 of agricultural land 2000m2 of agricultural land AGRICULTURE IMPACT farm
Least ecological disturbance Moderate ecological Highest ecological ECOLOGY disturbance disturbance
Least due to 45% of slurry is High as all slurry will need to High as all slurry will need to directly retrieved from be transported from all over be transported from all over RISK adjacent farms the island with bowsers the island with bowsers
Project Description Statement – April 2018 49
UPGRADE of existing bovine farm D327 – Munxar, Gozo with the capacity to process effluent from other farms
Project Description Statement – April 2018 50