PDS for the Construction of Mooring Bays, Gżira
as per ERA requirements for the Planning Application
Technical Report AIS REF. NO: PRJ-ENV458 CLIENT REF. NO: PA 03120/19 FIRST VERSION Publication Date 03 April 2020
ff PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
DOCUMENT REVISION HISTORY
Date Revision Comments Authors/Contributors
03/04/2020 1.0 First Version Joshua Gili
AMENDMENT RECORD
Approval Level Name Signature
Internal Check Sacha Dunlop
Internal Approval Mario Schembri
Page | i PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
DISCLAIMER
This report has been prepared by AIS Environment Limited with all reasonable skill, care and diligence, and taking account of the manpower and resources devoted to it by agreement with the client. Information reported herein is based on the interpretation of data collected and has been accepted in good faith as being accurate and valid. This report is for the exclusive use of Transport Malta; no warranties or guarantees are expressed or should be inferred by any third parties. This report may not be relied upon by other parties without written consent from AIS Environment Limited. AIS Environment Limited disclaims any responsibility to the client and others in respect of any matters outside the agreed scope of the work.
Page | ii PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction ...... 1
2.0 Applicants Details ...... 2
3.0 Project Description and Objectives ...... 3 3.1 Gżira ...... 3 3.2 Scheme Site and Immediate Surroundings ...... 3 3.3 Scheme Development ...... 6 3.4 Project Justification ...... 6
4.0 Proposed Project Timing ...... 7
5.0 Scheme Location ...... 8
6.0 Alternative Uses, Technologies and Locations ...... 11 6.1 Location ...... 11 6.2 Layout and Design ...... 11 6.3 Alternative Technology ...... 11
7.0 Physical Characteristics ...... 12 7.1 Size, Scale and Design ...... 12 7.2 Number of Employees ...... 15
8.0 Land Uses & Environmental Characteristics ...... 16 8.1 Land Uses ...... 16 8.1.1 Commercial ...... 18 8.1.2 Residential ...... 19 8.1.3 Abandoned Fields...... 21 8.1.4 Construction Sites ...... 21 8.1.5 Recreational and Public Land ...... 23 8.1.6 Boating Facilities ...... 25 8.2 Geology, Geomorphology and Hydrology...... 26 8.2.1 Geology and Geomorphology ...... 26 8.2.2 Soils ...... 26 8.2.3 Hydrology ...... 26
9.0 Services Available on Site ...... 31
10.0 Nature and Quantities of Raw Material, Energy, Waste and Machinery Used ..... 32 10.1 Raw Materials ...... 32
Page | iii PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
10.1.1 Construction Phase ...... 32 10.1.2 Operational Phase ...... 32 10.2 Energy ...... 32 10.3 Machinery ...... 32 10.3.1 Construction Phase ...... 32 10.3.2 Operational Phase ...... 33 10.4 Waste ...... 33 10.4.1 Construction Phase ...... 33 10.4.2 Operational Phase ...... 33
11.0 Access and Parking Requirements ...... 34 11.1 Access during Construction Phase ...... 34 11.2 Access during Operational Phase ...... 34 11.3 Parking during Construction Phase ...... 34 11.4 Parking during Operational Phase ...... 34
12.0 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation ...... 35
Page | iv PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
Table of Figures
Figure 1: Urban fabric (red and pink), land for cultivation (yellow) and port areas (grey) in Gżira (blue boundary) ...... 3
Figure 2: Map showing location of the Scheme (Source: Geoportal)...... 4
Figure 3: Moorings which are currently in use at the Scheme site (March 6th, 2020) ...... 5
Figure 4: Moorings which are currently in use at the site of the Scheme (March 6th, 2020) 5
Figure 5: Moorings which are currently in use at the site of the Scheme (March 6th, 2020) 6
Figure 6: North harbour overall strategy map. Red dashed box added showing location of the Scheme...... 1
Figure 7: North Harbour general transport strategy...... 2
Figure 8: North Harbour public transport strategy ...... 3
Figure 9: North Harbour Local Plan archaeological features ...... 4
Figure 10: Gżira Policy Map ...... 5
Figure 11: Map showing the Scheme location in the Maltese Islands (Google Earth, 2020) . 8
Figure 12: Map showing the scheme location in the Marsamxett Harbour (Google Earth, 2020) 8
Figure 13: Site plan of the scheme with a 100 m buffer zone ...... 9
Figure 14: Satellite map of the scheme with a 100 m buffer zone...... 10
Figure 15: Plans showing the catenary beam (heavy mooring line) anchors, mooring lines and buoys ...... 13
Figure 16: Plans showing the positions of the mooring lines in the two sites of the Scheme 14
Figure 17: Land use map within a 100 m buffer zone ...... 17
Figure 18: Hotel present along Triq ix-Xatt (March 6th, 2020) ...... 18
Figure 19: Food outlets present along Triq ix-Xatt (March 6th, 2020) ...... 18
Figure 20: Food outlet present on the promenade (March 6th, 2020) ...... 19
Figure 21: Food outlet present on Manoel Island (March 6th, 2020) ...... 19
Page | v PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
Figure 22: Townhouses situated in Triq il-Madonna tas-Sacro Quor (March 6th, 2020) ...... 20
Figure 23: Residential units situated in Triq Sir Patrick Stuart (March 6th, 2020) ...... 20
Figure 24: Commercial and residential buildings along Triq ix-Xatt (March 6th, 2020)...... 21
Figure 25: Abandoned fields with specimen of Ceratonia siliqua (March 6th, 2020) ...... 21
Figure 26: Development of new block in observed in the AoI (March 6th, 2020) ...... 22
Figure 27: Boundary around the open plot found on Manoel Island (March 6th, 2020) ...... 22
Figure 28: Work being conducted for the development of a seaside lido (March 6th, 2020) 23
Figure 29: Gżira promenade (March 6th, 2020)...... 23
Figure 30: Public garden located on the Gżira promenade (March 6th, 2020) ...... 24
Figure 31: Wooden structures used to shelter and feed ducks (March 6th, 2020) ...... 24
Figure 32: Boat yard found on Manoel Island (March 6th, 2020) ...... 25
Figure 33: Yacht yard found on Manoel Island (March 6th, 2020) ...... 25
Figure 34: Geology map for the area surrounding the proposed development ...... 27
Figure 35: Map for the soil types of the area surrounding the proposed development ..... 28
Figure 36: Groundwater bodies in Malta’s Water Catchment District (MRA) ...... 29
Figure 37: Coastal water bodies around Malta (Source: 2nd Water Catchment Management Plan) 30
Page | vi PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
Table of Tables
Table 1: Area and number of berths in each cluster ...... 12
Table 2: Raw materials required for the construction phase of the proposed development 32
Table 3: Quantity and number of machinery to be utilised during the construction of the Scheme...... 33
Table 4: Potential impacts and their mitigation measures ...... 35
Page | vii PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
1.0 Introduction
AIS Environment Ltd (AIS) has been commissioned by Transport Malta to prepare a Project Description Statement (PDS) to assess the impacts expected from the proposed development (henceforth referred to as the ‘Scheme’), in line with ERA’s requirements dated 20th May 2019. The Scheme will consist of the construction of 216 berths at id-Daħla ta’ Tas-Sliema, Gżira.
The PDS is a detailed report requested by ERA to provide the necessary information for screening in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process and is aimed to describe the Scheme, the site of the development and its surroundings, and proposed activities. An indication of the main environmental impacts expected is also included in the report. Through the PDS, ERA will be able to establish whether the planning application requires further environmental impact studies.
This PDS has been prepared and structured in accordance with the S.L. 549.46 of 2017 (ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS, 2017).
Page | 1 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
2.0 Applicants Details
The applicant is Mr Kevin Farrugia (ID card number 416377M), deputy chief executive officer (CEO) of Transport Malta.
Page | 2 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
3.0 Project Description and Objectives
3.1 Gżira The locality of Gżira is found in the Northern Harbour region of Malta, and it borders with the localities of Sliema, San Ġiljan, San Ġwann, Msida and Ta’ Xbiex. National census figures show that its population reached 7,065 in 20111 and 7,285 in 20132.
The current land uses in Gżira are predominantly urban in fabric, however sporadic patches of agricultural land and port areas are also present (refer to Figure 1). These land uses are mostly confined to the mainland region of the locality.
Nevertheless, Gzira also encompasses Manoel Island, which is easily accessible through a vehicle and pedestrian bridge from Triq l-Imsida, Gzira. Various buildings of historical value may be found on the latter, including Fort Manoel which was built in the 18th century, and the Lazzaretto hospital which was built during the 17th century and has served as a quarantine hospital during the Knights and British periods.
Figure 1: Urban fabric (red and pink), land for cultivation (yellow) and port areas (grey) in Gżira (blue boundary)3
3.2 Scheme Site and Immediate Surroundings The Scheme site is located in the northern inlet between Manoel Island and Gżira mainland, also commonly referred to as id-Daħla ta’ Tas-Sliema as shown in Figure 2. The inlet is currently utilised as a mooring area by a large number of private vessels as seen in Figure 3 to Figure 5. The northern coastal area of Manoel Island (i.e. the southern area of the inlet) is
1https://nso.gov.mt/en/publicatons/Publications_by_Unit/Documents/01_Methodology_and_Research/Census20 11_PreliminaryReport.pdf
2https://nso.gov.mt/en/publicatons/Publications_by_Unit/Documents/C5_Population%20and%20Migration%20S tatistics/Demographic_Review_2013.pdf
3 Geoportal CORINE Land Cover
Page | 3 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA utilised by a yacht yard operator that carries out various repairs, services and mechanical engineering on specialised yacht vessels. Works on the construction of a lido (PA 03932/15) including land reclamation have recently initiated in the vicinity of the Scheme site, along with the Manoel Island Master Plan proposing alterations around Manoel Island (PA 9407/17).
The Scheme falls within the North Harbour Local Plan, as per the DEVELOPMENT PLANNING ACT (1992), established by the then Malta Environment & Planning Authority (MEPA). The relevant Local Plan maps are shown in Figure 6 to Figure 10. A more detailed description of the current land use with a 100 m boundary of the proposed site is provided in Section 8.1.
Figure 2: Map showing location of the Scheme (Source: Geoportal)
Page | 4 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
Figure 3: Moorings which are currently in use at the Scheme site (March 6th, 2020)
Figure 4: Moorings which are currently in use at the site of the Scheme (March 6th, 2020)
Page | 5 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
Figure 5: Moorings which are currently in use at the site of the Scheme (March 6th, 2020)
Page | 6 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
Figure 6: North harbour overall strategy map. Red dashed box added showing location of the Scheme.
Page | 1 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
Figure 7: North Harbour general transport strategy
Page | 2 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
Figure 8: North Harbour public transport strategy
Page | 3 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
.
Figure 9: North Harbour Local Plan archaeological features
Page | 4 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
Figure 10: Gżira Policy Map
Page | 5 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
3.3 Scheme Development The Scheme will introduce 216 berthing spaces for boats of various widths ranging between 3.5 m and 6.0 m. The berths are clustered into two separate groups within the Scheme boundary (Figure 2). The areas occupied by each cluster are 16,634 m2 and 6,230 m2, such that the Scheme will occupy a total footprint area of 22,864 m2.
3.4 Project Justification The Scheme site is currently being utilised for the mooring of private boats. These are anchored in a random manner creating a haphazard arrangement of moored boats. The proposed Scheme will create a uniform mooring arrangement thereby maximising the capacity of the inlet. This corroborates with the thematic objective of the SPED to seek the inclusion of inner-harbour water- based transport4. Furthermore, the current anchoring system will be removed and replaced by new concrete anchors, replacing any damaged or deteriorated anchors which are currently in place.
4 https://issuu.com/planningauthority/docs/sped_approved_doc__1_
Page | 6 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
4.0 Proposed Project Timing
The proposed installation of mooring bays will be carried out through 3 project phases:
1. Phase 1: Displacement of material 2. Phase 2: Laying of concrete anchors 3. Phase 3: Installation of buoys
The timeframe of the project phases is dependent on the final project layout and more information will be made available once the layout is finalised and approved.
Page | 7 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
5.0 Scheme Location
The geographical location (35°54'20.5"N 14°29'54.2"E) of the Scheme is in the Marsamxett Harbour, as shown in Figure 11 and in greater detail in Figure 12. The site map and satellite map of the scheme and its 100 m boundary are shown in Figure 13 and Figure 14 respectively.
Figure 11: Map showing the Scheme location in the Maltese Islands (Google Earth, 2020)
Figure 12: Map showing the scheme location in the Marsamxett Harbour (Google Earth, 2020)
Page | 8 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
Figure 13: Site plan of the scheme with a 100 m buffer zone
Page | 9 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
Figure 14: Satellite map of the scheme with a 100 m buffer zone.
Page | 10 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
6.0 Alternative Uses, Technologies and Locations
6.1 Location No other locations were considered by the applicant for the proposed development.
6.2 Layout and Design A previous design was being considered for the project which allocated the space for the berthing of 193 boats. This design consisted of a cluster of 78 bays organised along 9 mooring lines, and a second cluster of 115 bays organised along 13 mooring lines. The number of mooring bays was increased to a total of 216 in the amended Scheme design being proposed.
6.3 Alternative Technology The use of eco-moors has been considered by the applicant. This technology utilises mooring anchors which occupy less area on the seabed, and sees the installation of additional buoys on the mooring chain to lift it off the seabed. These variations to traditional mooring system reduce the extent of contact which the anchoring system has with the seabed features, thereby reducing the impact on benthic habitats.
Various designs of eco-moors have been developed for different seabed substrates and for various boat sizes5. However, given the uncertainty on whether the substrate in the inlet will support the eco-moor anchors, and given that the load exerted by the moored boats is unknown, the applicant has opted for traditional anchoring via concrete blocks.
5 Francour, P., Magréau, J.F., Mannoni, P-A., Cottalorda, J.M., & Gratiot, J. (2006). Ecological mooring. Parc National de Port-Cros.
Page | 11 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
7.0 Physical Characteristics
7.1 Size, Scale and Design The Scheme consists of two clusters of berthing spaces, which together will occupy an area of 22,864 m2 as shown in Table 1.
Table 1: Area and number of berths in each cluster
Cluster GPS Coordinates Area Number of Berths 1 35°54'18.3"N 6,230 m2 92 14°29'50.5"E 2 35°54'26.0"N 16,634 m2 124 14°30'01.0"E Total n/a 22,864 m2 216
The mooring lines will be attached to a catenary beam (heavy mooring lines) which will be held stationary using concrete anchors (Figure 15). Cluster 1 of the Scheme will consist of 9 heavy mooring lines which will provide 92 berths, while Cluster 2 will consist of 13 heavy mooring lines which will house 124 bays (Figure 16). The proposed number of concrete anchors used will correspond to the number of mooring bays, such that 92 and 124 anchors will be utilised in Clusters 1 and 2 respectively, however additional concrete blocks may be required to secure the anchoring of larger boats.
A crane operated from a barge will be utilised for the lowering of the anchors into the sea, and for exerting a dragging motion to ensure proper burying of the anchors in the sediment. Placement of the anchors will be carried out by employing a team of commercially-licensed SCUBA divers who will be in direct communication with the crane operator and project manager to accurately guide the procedure. The positioning of the anchors on the seabed will be dependent on the outcomes of the marine benthic survey which will determine the presence of protected and/ sensitive habitats and species. The use of a silt curtain is envisaged during this phase to decrease the risk of silt dispersion in the inlet and its surroundings.
Spherical or cuboidal buoys will be attached to the upper part of the mooring lines. These will be utilised by boats during berthing by means of their own lines.
Page | 12 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
Figure 15: Plans showing the catenary beam (heavy mooring line) anchors, mooring lines and buoys
Page | 13 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
Figure 16: Plans showing the positions of the mooring lines in the two sites of the Scheme
Page | 14 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
7.2 Number of Employees The employees working on the Scheme throughout the construction phase will include four barge operators, two divers and three operators for land-based project management. The number of employees required during the operational phase is not known at this stage, and will be determined by Transport Malta or the contractor who is operating the site.
Page | 15 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
8.0 Land Uses & Environmental Characteristics
8.1 Land Uses The land uses within a 100 m buffer zone surrounding the site of the proposed development are shown in Figure 17. The area around the site of the Scheme is dominated by commercial and residential buildings situated along the pedestrianised promenade.
Page | 16 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
Figure 17: Land use map within a 100 m buffer zone
Page | 17 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
8.1.1 Commercial Numerous commercial outlets are present in the buffer zone which are mostly hotels and food outlets including restaurants (Figure 18 to Figure 21). The commercial outlets are present at a high density along Triq ix-Xatt, while one commercial outlet is on Manoel Island.
Figure 18: Hotel present along Triq ix-Xatt (March 6th, 2020)
Figure 19: Food outlets present along Triq ix-Xatt (March 6th, 2020)
Page | 18 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
Figure 20: Food outlet present on the promenade (March 6th, 2020)
Figure 21: Food outlet present on Manoel Island (March 6th, 2020)
8.1.2 Residential The majority of the residential holdings are present in secondary roads leading off from Triq ix-Xatt. These include scheduled townhouses which are present in Triq Il-Madonna tas-Sacro Cuor. The number of residential buildings along Triq ix-Xatt is limited, and in the majority of cases the residential unit/s are sharing the building with other commercial outlets.
Page | 19 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
Figure 22: Townhouses situated in Triq il-Madonna tas-Sacro Quor (March 6th, 2020)
Figure 23: Residential units situated in Triq Sir Patrick Stuart (March 6th, 2020)
Page | 20 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
Figure 24: Commercial and residential buildings along Triq ix-Xatt (March 6th, 2020)
8.1.3 Abandoned Fields Abandoned fields were observed in Triq il-Kurunell Savona. These consisted of a variety of ornamental and indigenous plant species including Ceratonia siliqua.
Figure 25: Abandoned fields with specimen of Ceratonia siliqua (March 6th, 2020)
8.1.4 Construction Sites A number of construction sites were observed in the AoI, the majority of which were land based sites in different stages of development. These included the development of new blocks as shown in Figure 26, and open plots as observed on Manoel Island (Figure 27). Works on the proposed land reclamation and construction of lido (PA/03932/15) have initiated and were ongoing during the land survey ( and Figure 28). Page | 21 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
Figure 26: Development of new block in observed in the AoI (March 6th, 2020)
Figure 27: Boundary around the open plot found on Manoel Island (March 6th, 2020)
Page | 22 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
Figure 28: Work being conducted for the development of a seaside lido (March 6th, 2020)
8.1.5 Recreational and Public Land The promenade found along the coastline of Gżira forms part of the Strategic Uninterrupted Pedestrian Route as shown in the Public Transport Strategy of the North Harbour Local Plan (Figure 29). A public garden is located on the Gżira promenade (Figure 30), while wooden structures used for feeding and sheltering ducks are present on coastline of Manoel Island (Figure 31).
Figure 29: Gżira promenade (March 6th, 2020)
Page | 23 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
Figure 30: Public garden located on the Gżira promenade (March 6th, 2020)
Figure 31: Wooden structures used to shelter and feed ducks (March 6th, 2020)
Page | 24 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
8.1.6 Boating Facilities There are two boating facilities present within the AoI on Manoel Island. These are a boat yard which is used to house a number of small private boats (Figure 32), and a yacht yard used for the storage and maintenance of yachts (Figure 33).
Figure 32: Boat yard found on Manoel Island (March 6th, 2020)
Figure 33: Yacht yard found on Manoel Island (March 6th, 2020)
Page | 25 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
8.2 Geology, Geomorphology and Hydrology
8.2.1 Geology and Geomorphology The terrestrial AoI surrounding the Scheme lies on Lower Globergina Limestone as seen in Figure 34. This geological stratum is a soft, yellow, fine-grained limestone which consists of massive bedded, globigerinid biomicrites6.
8.2.2 Soils The terrestrial AoI surrouding the Scheme consists of built up area which is devoid of soil (Figure 35).
8.2.3 Hydrology The AoI is located on the Malta mean sea level groundwater body (MT001) as shown in Figure 36. This aquifer forms within the lower coralline limestone due to the contrasting densities of fresh water and the sea, and extends over the southern and central parts of the Malta. It spans under a variety of industrial entities including farms, petrol stations, waste storage facilities and quarries. The levels of chlorides and nitrates are above the threshold values and it is at risk of failing the objectives of the Nitrate Regulations and the Water Framework Directive.7 The Scheme is situated within the MTC 105 water body which includes the Grand Harbour and Marsamexett Harbour (Figure 37). The high density of industries and residences around this water body exert high pressures due to pollution from urban waste water discharge, sewage overflows, and industrial and urban runoff.
6 Continental Shelf Department at the Ministry for Transport and Infrastructure 7 Malta Resources Authority
Page | 26 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
Figure 34: Geology map for the area surrounding the proposed development
Page | 27 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
Figure 35: Map for the soil types of the area surrounding the proposed development
Page | 28 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
Figure 36: Groundwater bodies in Malta’s Water Catchment District (MRA)
Page | 29 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
Figure 37: Coastal water bodies around Malta (Source: 2nd Water Catchment Management Plan)
Page | 30 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
9.0 Services Available on Site
Given the numerous private moors which are currently present within the inlet, no sewage, water, electricity or telecommunication services are envisaged to traverse the scheme site. Hence the development of the Scheme is not expected to affect any of the aforementioned services. However, the presence of any services which are encountered on the seabed will be reported to the project manager and the applicant and action is taken according to the instructions provided by the respective authorities.
Page | 31 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
10.0 Nature and Quantities of Raw Material, Energy, Waste and Machinery Used
This section will discuss the raw materials, energy, waste and machinery utilised or produced during the development of the Scheme. The site is currently occupied with a haphazard arrangement of moorings, which consist of various anchoring arrangements, mooring lines and buoys. Consequently, the material, waste and energy quantities presented below are approximations as these cannot be established accurately at this stage of the project.
10.1 Raw Materials
10.1.1 Construction Phase The raw materials required for the construction of the Scheme Phases are listed in Table 2.
Table 2: Raw materials required for the construction phase of the proposed development
Raw Material Quantity Concrete 350 anchors Steel cable 350 x depth in meters Plastic floating 114 buoys
The concrete blocks, steel cables and other materials which will be utilised for the construction of the Scheme will be pre-fabricated before these are delivered on site. Any temporary storage of construction raw materials which may be necessary during the construction phase will be stored within the site boundaries as per the clauses of the ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT CONSTRUCTION SITE REGULATIONS8.
10.1.2 Operational Phase During the operational phase, new material will only be required for maintenance of the system installed. The quantities required for such procedures cannot be estimated at this stage.
10.2 Energy The type and quantity of energy needed during the construction and operational phases is not known at this stage.
10.3 Machinery
10.3.1 Construction Phase The type and quantity of machinery which will be utilised during construction of the Scheme is presented in Table 3.
8 S.L.552.09
Page | 32 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
Table 3: Quantity and number of machinery to be utilised during the construction of the Scheme.
Machinery Type Quantity Crane 1 Barge 1
10.3.2 Operational Phase No machinery will be used during the operational phase of the Scheme.
10.4 Waste
10.4.1 Construction Phase The waste produced during the construction phase will mostly comprise of the current moors and anchors which will be removed from the site as part of the clearing works within the scheme site. This waste is envisaged to constitute of metal, concrete, ropes and plastic, however the respective waste amounts cannot be established at this stage. These materials are likely to be in a degraded state due to their exposure to seawater and currents, thus their re-use on the site is impractical.
On-site waste management will be conducted as per the requirements of ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT CONSTRUCTION SITE REGULATIONS of 2007 (S.L. 435.79). The waste material should be separated by waste stream and stored temporarily on site in the waste management area. All waste generated during the construction of the Scheme is be transported off-site by registered waste carriers, and to facilities which are licensed to accept the respective waste.
No removal of sediment is expected during the construction phase since dredging is not being proposed at this stage of the development. However, should the need for dredging arise when the works have commenced, a sampling plan in line with ERA’s requirements for Managing and Disposing of dredged material will be submitted.
10.4.2 Operational Phase The type and quantity of waste generated from the Scheme during its operational phase will be limited to materials which are disposed when maintenance is performed. The quantities of operational waste cannot be estimated at this stage.
Page | 33 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
11.0 Access and Parking Requirements
11.1 Access during Construction Phase Access and use of the barge during the construction phase of the Scheme will be performed after the relevant notice to mariners have been issued, informing of the works which will be conducted in the inlet. Terrestrial access to the site will be from Triq ix-Xatt, and disruptions to traffic and the pedestrian promenade will be minimised where possible. The specific location/s of the terrestrial site access cannot be established at this stage.
11.2 Access during Operational Phase The Scheme will not be interrupting access along Triq ix-Xatt or the pedestrian promenade when in operation. Boats which are utilising the berths may access them from the southern side of the Scheme.
11.3 Parking during Construction Phase No information is provided on the space allocated for parking during the construction phase.
11.4 Parking during Operational Phase There are no planned parking provisions when the Scheme is in operation.
Page | 34 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
12.0 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation
A preliminary indication of the environmental impacts that are likely to be associated with the Scheme are described in this section, and may serve as an initial scoping assessment in the context of the ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS OF 2017 (S.L. 549.46).
Potential impacts are expected to arise from the construction phase of the project, with negligible impacts during the operational phase. Measures are to be taken to eliminate or reduce the residual impact. The potential impacts and their respective mitigation measures are listed in Table 4.
Table 4: Potential impacts and their mitigation measures
Features Potential Impact Mitigation Measures
Minor adverse during operation Land Use since the site is already being used N/A for the mooring of private boats.
Any archaeological artefacts identified during the benthic survey will be reported to the Minor adverse as there are no relevant authorities. Should any known archaeological or cultural artefacts be discovered during features at the site of the Scheme, Cultural Heritage the removal of the current however it is located in an area of mooring system, and/or during High Landscape Value of the the laying of the proposed Harbour Fortifications system, works should be stopped and guidance provided by the SCH should be followed.
The presence of any significant Minor adverse during construction geological features which are Geology, since the removal of the current observed during the benthic Geomorphology, mooring system, and the survey of the site will be Palaeontology, installation of the new concrete reported, and the design of the Hydrology, anchors may damage geological Scheme will be altered as Hydrogeology features which may be present on necessary. site.
Environmental monitoring of the Moderate adverse during construction site and construction as the presence of the enforcement of the
barge, crane and other machinery ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Landscape and will exert a negative visual impact CONSTRUCTION SITE REGULATIONS of Visual Impact on the surroundings of the Scheme. 2007 (S.L. 435.79) should be implemented to minimise the visual impact.
Page | 35 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
Features Potential Impact Mitigation Measures Minor adverse during operation since the development of the Scheme will attract more larger- sized vessels to the area which may N/A hinder the currently undisturbed views of Valletta and Manoel Island from the promenade.
The benthic survey will identify Moderate adverse during and map the presence of any construction since the placement of sensitive/protected habitats and the new concrete anchors will species. The design of the destroy the benthic habitats Scheme will be altered as present. The proposed sliding necessary to reduce the negative motion employed to secure the ecological impact. The support of concrete anchors will extend the two berths per anchor will be footprint of this damage. The water considered to potentially reduce quality in the inlet may be degraded the number of anchors used. A during construction due to the silt curtain should be utilised suspension of sediments. throughout the construction phase to reduce the risk of water contamination in the inlet. Minor beneficial during operation Ecology as the concrete anchors and N/A mooring will be re-colonised by opportunistic marine organisms.
Minor adverse during operation since concrete anchors may change the water currents within the inlet, potentially affecting marine N/A organisms from scouring of benthic sediments, and changes in the sedimentation patterns. This may act cumulatively with other hydrodynamic impacts arising from current or proposed developments in the inlet.
Minor adverse during construction Vehicles and machinery used since the operation and transport during construction of the of the barge, crane, other heavy Scheme is properly serviced and machinery will increase the maintained to reduce the fleet emissions in the area. emissions.
Air Quality
Moderate adverse on the air quality in the area when the Scheme will attract more boat N/A traffic to the area when it is in operation.
Page | 36 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
The ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT CONSTRUCTION SITE REGULATIONS of 2007 (S.L. 435.79) should be Moderate adverse during implemented to minimise the construction since increased noise disturbance to surrounding Noise levels are expected. Such an impact receptors. Specific measures may disturb the local residents, include restricting working hours pedestrians and boat owners. to daylight hours and switching off machinery when not in use. The works should be monitored to ensure compliance.
The ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Moderate adverse during CONSTRUCTION SITE REGULATIONS of construction due to the waste 2007 (S.L. 435.79) should be generated during the removal of implemented to ensure that waste the current mooring system. is stored and managed on site in Waste Storage of waste material on site an appropriate manner before Management and its transport to and from the being transported to a registered site may be a nuisance to the local waste disposal facility. Where residents. possible, waste should be reused on site to limit the volume of disposed waste.
Any infrastructure observed on the seabed during the benthic survey Negligible impact during will be reported to the contractor construction since no infrastructure and to the relevant authorities. is expected to be damaged by the The design of the Scheme will be proposed Scheme altered as necessary to minimise Infrastructure damage, and any damages exerted and utilities will be repaired.
Minor beneficial during operation since the Scheme will enhance the N/A accessibility and safety of the moorings in the inlet.
Moderate adverse during Good environmental construction construction, since the usual practices outlined in S.L. 435.79 disturbances associated with (ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT Social Impacts construction sites will be a nuisance CONSTRUCTION SITE REGULATION, to local residents and land users. 2007) should be adhered to during Such inconveniences include the construction to minimise generation of noise, exhaust disturbance to surrounding emissions and temporary loss of receptors. The contractor should
Page | 37 PDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING BAYS, GŻIRA
access along the public promenade. regularly consult the local council Boat owners who are making use of and residents to identify and the current moorings in the inlet rectify any causes of concern. The will be unable to berth their boat works should be monitored to during the construction phase. ensure compliance. An alternative berthing place needs to be offered to boat owners who are currently berthing their boat in the inlet.
Minor beneficial during operation N/A as the proposed Scheme will be of
benefit to boat owners who will be
berthing to the new moorings
Minor adverse during operation
due to loss of access or utility to
current users of the site. When in N/A use, the number and size of the
berthed boats will have a negative
impact on the harbour views from
the pedestrian promenade
Page | 38