PDS to Extend Existing Quarry, Construct Garages and Backfill Spent Parts of Quarry at Attard & Zebbug

PROJECT DESCRIPTION STATEMENT

Proposed extension to existing quarry for quarrying purposes, excavation up to 20.74m AMSL. Infilling of existing quarried area and construction of garages for quarry related vehicles & machinery having the same area as building to be demolished. Proposal includes construction of rubble wall and landscaping, relocation of access for heavy vehicles to reduce nuisance to residential area, construction of internal road and installation of onsite temporary office (container) at

Wied Incita

Attard

PA 09387/18

Dr. Joe A. Doublet Ph.D. (Wales)

Applicant

Mr Michael Bugeja obo Bilven Ltd

Architect

Perit Joe Grech B.E.&A. (Hons), A. & C.E.

August 2019

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug

The Project Description Statement is prepared in accordance with the Terms of Reference as found in Section 12 and Schedule II of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2017, S.L. 549.46, a copy of which is found in Appendix I.

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug

Declaration

The information about the proposal has been supplied by the applicant and his architect and the author has verified to the best of his ability that such information is correct.

Dr J A Doublet

5th August 2019

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug Contents 1 Introduction ...... 6 1.1 PDS Structure ...... 6 1.2 Details of Applicant ...... 7 2 Land uses around Scheme ...... 9 3 Description of Scheme ...... 11 3.1 Current uses of Scheme ...... 11 3.2 Planning history of Scheme...... 12 3.3 The proposed Planning Application PA 09387/18 ...... 13 3.4 Phasing of Works ...... 14 3.5 Planning Constraints ...... 24 4 Operation of Scheme...... 35 4.1 Processes taking place on Scheme ...... 35 4.1.1 Additional information...... 36 4.2 Ancillary Facilities ...... 38 5 Impacts resulting from Scheme ...... 39 6 Conclusion ...... 46

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug List of Figures

Figure 1: Site Plan showing location of Scheme ...... 8 Figure 2: Aerial view of land uses around Scheme...... 10 Figure 3: Geological formations found on site occupied by Scheme (shown with a red (existing) and yellow boundaries (proposed extension) (Source: Oil Exploration Directorate, 1993) ...... 11 Figure 4: Table showing approximate raw materials used during construction and approximate materials excavated from site...... 15 Figure 5: Block plan Scheme including proposed changes together with Section A-A through Scheme...... 16 Figure 6: Sections B-B and C-C through quarry...... 17 Figure 7: Site plans of area covered by quarry together with proposed extension...... 18 Figure 8: Proposed part plan of garage...... 19 Figure 9: Section and elevation of proposed garage...... 20 Figure 10: Detail drawings of proposed new entrance to Scheme...... 21 Figure 11: Proposed section and elevation of new temporary office block...... 22 Figure 12: Site layout plan showing zonation for phasing works...... 23 Figure 13: South Malta Local Plan Environment Constraints Map showing Scheme and proposed extension...... 27 Figure 14: Scheme (red boundary: existing; yellow: extension) in relation to ground water protection buffer zones (100m [blue], 200m[pink] and 300m[turquoise]) (source:PA Geoportal) ...... 28 Figure 15: Scheme in relation to terrestrial habitats in the proximity (reproduced from information found on PA Geoportal)...... 29 Figure 16: Panoramic view of Quarry from the Żebbuġ side ...... 30 Figure 17: Panoramic view of quarry from the rear side of Mount Carmel Hospital ...... 30 Figure 18: Batching Plant found within Scheme ...... 31 Figure 19: Area earmarked for the construction of stores ...... 31 Figure 20: Wied Incita bisecting Scheme with aggregate stockpiling areas in the background ...... 32 Figure 21: Part of the area earmarked for the extension of the quarry ...... 32 Figure 22: Recently planted Olive trees overlooking Wied Incita valley next to the proposed new entrance...... 33 Figure 23: Backfilling with inert material in spent quarried area ...... 33 Figure 24: Proposed new entrance site to the quarry (photo taken from inside the quarry) ...... 34 Figure 25: Process flow diagrams for Scheme...... 37

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug 1 Introduction The proposed planning application PA 09387/18 consists of:

 Extending the existing quarry,  Infill spent parts of existing quarry;  Replace the existing constructed area with equally sized garages on site;  Construction of rubble walls and landscaping;  Relocation of access to quarry from an alternative route;  Construction of internal road  Installation of on-site temporary office. .

The planning proposal will hereinafter be referred to as the Scheme is located in an area known as Wied Incita, bordering Attard and Żebbuġ. The application has been submitted made by Mr Michael Bugeja o.b.o. Bilven Ltd who already operates the existing quarry facility. The quarrying area consists of two licenced quarries linked with a bridge crossing Wied Incita known as Quarry No. 3, which is the larger quarry found on the Żebbuġ side of the valley and Quarry No 12 which is the smaller one found on the Attard side of the valley. For the purposes of this report and unless otherwise stated, they will be treated as one whole area throughout this report.

1.1 PDS Structure

The proposal falls under the following categories of the EIA Regulations, 2017 (S.L. 549.46:

 Schedule I, Category II Section 1.0.2.1 –Development with a site area of 2ha or more;  Schedule I, Category II Section 9.0.2.3 – Quarries, open-cast mines or underground mines or projects of the extraction of minerals, ores, peats, as well as extensions thereto or ancillary surface installations, not covered by Category I;  Schedule I, Category II Section 9.0.2.3 – Restoration and after-use of existing or disused quarries or mines, other than for the restoration of the site back to its pristine state.

The submission of a Project Description Statement (PDS) in line with the provisions of these regulations is required.

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug Such a Statement will help the ERA screen the project and decide whether it requires an Environmental Impact Assessment.

The Table below describes the ERA guidelines for the PDS as shown in Appendix I and the corresponding sections in this document.

Section in PDS ERA PDS Guidelines 1 1(a), (b) and (c) 2 1(b), 2 3 1, 2 and 3(a) 4 1(c), (d), 3 5 2 and 3

1.2 Details of Applicant

Name of applicant: Mr Michael Bugeja Director Bilven Ltd Company registration number: C17609 Address: Bilven Ltd, Wied Incita, Rabat Road, Attard Tel Numbers: +356 79884040 Email: [email protected]

The Company has been operating this hardstone quarry since January 2015. During the past years, the Company experienced significant growth of work and this resulted of an increase in workers from 6 to 38 workers as at present.

The Company's main source of revenue is generated from the manufacture of concrete. The finished product is either loaded onto the Company’s own trucks, or those of its subcontractors, and is then delivered on site to its clients.

The Company was set up in Malta for the purpose of operating a hardstone quarry and a concrete plant, and is owned by Michael Bugeja, Gilbert Bugeja, Laura Bugeja, Sandro Aquilina, Marco Aquilina and Benjamin Carl Naudi.

Bilven Ltd operates to the supply of construction aggregate, sand and gravel. These materials are converted on site using two stone crushers and these crush the same rock into smaller sizes as needed.

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug

Figure 1: Site Plan showing location of Scheme

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug 2 Land uses around Scheme

The Scheme is located between the villages of Żebbuġ and Attard on either side of the valley known as Wied Incita and just less than 200m from Mount Carmel Hospital which is found on its west side (Figure 2). To the north side there are a number of residences and also commercial activities. The proposed new Attard bypass will pass along the front side which is currently used as an entrance/ exit to the quarry. Bordering the northwest side of the Scheme one finds the Wied Incita Nursery which is operated by the Environment Landscape Consortium, ELC. Towards the east of the Scheme, along Attard Road, Żebbuġ, there are a limited number of buildings mainly consisting of commercial concerns with some residential properties. The remaining surrounding land consists mainly of agricultural plots of land and there are also some areas which are used for animal rearing or farms.

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug

Figure 2: Aerial view of land uses around Scheme.

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug 3 Description of Scheme

3.1 Current uses of Scheme The geological formation of the Scheme consists mainly of Lower Coralline Limestone (Xlendi Member, Attard member and Magħlaq member) which is the only type of rock extracted from the site. There is a small section which is shown to be covered with Globigerina limestone overlying the Lower Coralline Limestone (Figure 3).

Figure 3: Geological formations found on site occupied by Scheme (shown with a red (existing) and yellow boundaries (proposed extension) (Source: Oil Exploration Directorate, 1993)

The Scheme currently is used for:

 Extraction of hardstone;  Crushing of hard and soft stone to produce aggregate;  Production of concrete and lean mix;  Overnight parking of company vehicles;  Company office block.

The site also holds extensive stockpiles of inert material which have been there for several years which are being used to produce globigerina limestone aggregate (Torba). Some areas of the Scheme have also been backfilled with inert material. Furthermore, there is still a significant quantity

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug of material which is suitable for extraction available on site prior to the extraction of material found on the area being proposed for the extension of the quarry. This are forms part of the original contract of purchase of land for the use as a quarry site but which was left out when the Local Plans were drawn.

3.2 Planning history of Scheme

Quarrying activity on site has been taking place for about 70 years. At the time the only permit required was a Police Licence.

PA 06176/99 is the first application shown of the Planning Authority geoportal. This was for a brick plant on site, however the application was later withdrawn.

PA 04143/03 was submitted by Mr Mark Aquilina, on behalf of Rainbow Mix Concrete Ltd, to sanction brick plant and ancillary structures.

PA 03643/10 was submitted as an outline application by Mr Mark Aquilina for Phases master plan for the transformation of Wied Incita Quarries (No 3 and 12) and the environs into an 18 hole golf course, golf club, hotel and 250 multi-ownership units. Phase 1 A to include: Relocation of existing truck entrance and weigh bridge, demolition of existing bridge, administration block, workshop area, old quarry plant and existing old/new brick plant. Phase 1B: to include; Construction of new bridge, connecting Attard/ Żebbuġ quarries, construction of offices, security and administration block, industrial garages and brick plant within footprint of pre-1967 structure. Phase 2 to include: Construction of 18 hole golf course, hotel and 250 multi-ownership units. There is no information whether this application reached decision stage.

PA 01549/17 was an outline application submitted by Mr Michael Bugeja for the Development of an SME park with overlying solar farm, establishment of buffer zone to quarry with the construction of the family recreational park and retail outlets. The relocation of existing quarry entrance and administrative office to Żebbuġ side and extension to quarry. The application was recommended for refusal but was withdrawn by applicant.

PA 09387/18 is the current application under consideration for which this PDS is being compiled.

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug 3.3 The proposed Planning Application PA 09387/18

The Scheme includes changes to access of site, demolition of existing structures and construction of others, rehabilitation of spent areas and extension of quarry area (Figure 5 - Figure 11).

The Scheme is currently accessible from a gate found at Żebbuġ Road, Żebbuġ and also another one found at Triq Ta’ Qassati, Attard. The latter access will cease to be used and will only remain as an emergency exit whereas the former one will be restructured to act as a main access to the Scheme. Currently the area of the Scheme is approximately 144,770 m2 and consists of two quarrying areas joined by a bridge crossing Wied Incita (Figure 2).

The northern quarry borders a garden centre to the west and a residential area to the north. The proposal for this area is that of demolishing existing buildings, excavate areas which have not yet been excavated to allowed depth, rehabilitate parts of the site through backfilling with inert material and the construction of garages for quarry related vehicles and machinery over part of the backfilled area. The latter will be below street level and will be constructed only following completion of backfilling to allow construction of these buildings. This will be used for quarry related vehicles and machinery. The area of the latter (2,080m2) will be equivalent to the total area of the buildings (2,057m2) which will be demolished over all the site.

The existing concrete batching plant found close to the valley will be retained. The plant produces concrete and concrete blocks.

The southern section of the Scheme will have a modification to the current access site from Triq Żebbuġ in order to allow good access from HGVs and create a parking area for visitors and workers. This part of the quarry is bordered by Wied Incita along the north and western parts and with agricultural land on the other sides. Across the valley one finds part of the Wied Incita Nursery and also Mount Carmel Hospital. Temporary new offices in the form of a container/s together with a weighbridge and a parking area (812m2) will be constructed close to the new entrance. A new internal road made up of loose material covered with concrete will define the edge up to where industrial activity can extend along the south face of Wied Incita. The area beyond will be cleaned from all dumped material and reinstated thus starting with the rehabilitation of the valley sides. This would be a welcome relief to resident living along the northern part of the quarry since it removes most of the impact they have encountered resulting from the quarry activity. The relocation would also remove any impact the quarry activity would have had on the new Attard bypass which would pass along the north part of the quarry. An area equivalent to 12,505m2 is also earmarked to be

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug quarried in this area to form an extension to the Scheme. This is one of the few outcrops of lower coralline limestone in the central part of Malta, the extension part would take up the last remaining part left in the area and which doesn’t affect the valley system. This extension is being requested since at the time when the whole area was bought by the original owners, this part of the land was included as land to form part of the quarry. When in 2006 the outlines of existing quarries were drawn in the South Malta Local Plan, this part was left out when it should have been included. Client is requesting that the part which was omitted will be returned to its original scope.

The demand for local hardstone is still there in spite of foreign imports of superior material.

The current parts of the existing southern area of the Scheme will be backfilled and rehabilitated.

The future use of the site is still unknown at this point in time.

3.4 Phasing of Works

The whole project is planning to take between 12 to 15 years considering current extraction rates. This would include the extraction and backfilling of extracted areas and the estimates are based on an average extraction rate of about 200,000m3 annually which translates to a yearly truck movement of about 9,300 trucks (~36 truck daily) each with an approximate volume of 21m3. Current estimates show that there are still around 2 million cubic metres of rock material still to be extracted from the current quarry area. The proposed extension would result in an additional 0.5 million cubic metres of rock and would add another three years to the quarry life. Estimates show that around 3.7 million tons of material would be required to backfill the material extracted from the existing site whereas an additional 893.000 tonnes would be required to backfill the proposed extension area.

Once permits are issued, the following phasing of works is being proposed (Figure 12):

1. Building of temporary offices and parking facilities; 2. Modify internal road to connect to existing one; 3. Change site access to Żebbuġ Road; 4. Close current access for large vehciles and leave it as secondary access for safety reasons; 5. Demolish existing offices and garages; 6. Fill in area for the proposed garages to required levels with material brought from external excavations;

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug 7. Build proposed garages for use by quarry related vehicles and machinery; 8. Demolish existing structures in area marked Zone A (turquoise outline) and excavate area; (Material found in large mound in Zone A to be crushed for screed and to infill Zone A); 9. Excavation of Zone B (dark blue outline); 10. Excavation of Zone C (green outline).

The estimated quantities of materials required for the construction of the garages are shown in Figure 4.

Material used Estimated Quantities Bricks 7250 units Pre cast slabs 1500 m3 Concrete ~1000 m3 Steel 43,500kgs

Figure 4: Table showing approximate raw materials used during construction and approximate materials excavated from site.

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug

Figure 5: Block plan Scheme including proposed changes together with Section A-A through Scheme.

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug

Figure 6: Sections B-B and C-C through quarry.

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug

Figure 7: Site plans of area covered by quarry together with proposed extension.

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug

Figure 8: Proposed part plan of garages.

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug

Figure 9: Section and elevation of proposed garages.

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug

Figure 10: Detail drawings of proposed new entrance to Scheme.

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug

Figure 11: Proposed section and elevation of new temporary office block.

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug

Figure 12: Site layout plan showing zonation for phasing works.

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug 3.5 Planning Constraints

The South Malta Local Plan Environmental Constraints Map which is the respective one pertaining to the location shows that the current site boundaries of the quarry fall within:

 An area marked as quarries and covered by policy SMMW 01;  An area marked as Valley Protection Zone which is covered by policy SMCO 07;  The proposed extension is covered by an area considered as agricultural areas covered by policy SMAG 01 and also by the Valley Protection Zone policy mentioned above.

It is pertinent to note that the Valley Zone Protection policy also includes the area which is considered under the quarries policy.

Policy SMMW 01 is entitled Quarrying and Buffer areas between Quarrying sites, Protected Areas and Residential Areas and states that:

In line with policies DC 10 – DC 20 in the Minerals Subject Study, MEPA will not allow the further extension of quarrying activity within the 100 metre buffer zone from residential areas, particularly Siġġiewi, Qrendi and Mqabba, as shown on Policy Maps SI 1, QR 1 and MA 1, around the airport perimeter, as well as into scheduled areas or areas meriting scheduling or other protected areas, as indicated in the relevant Environmental Constraints Maps. Those sections of disused quarries falling within these buffer zones will be restored and rehabilitated back to agricultural use or as appropriate. The rehabilitation and restoration of disused quarries falling outside these buffer zones will be directed by Policy SMIA 09, the respective Area Policies, where applicable, and policies in the Minerals Subject Plan (2002) particularly policies RES 9, RES 10, RES 11 and RES 12. Quarrying operations will be regulated by the Code of Practice for Quarry Working and Restoration (Annex 3 of the Supplementary Guidance of the Minerals Subject Plan 2003).

Mineral extraction has meanwhile been taken over by the Malta Resources Authority, MRA who have their own set of policies concerning quarries. Furthermore, the proposed extension of the quarry is much greater than 100m from any residential area in the surroundings.

Policy SMCO 07 entitled Valleys states that:

Valley Protection Zones and valley watercourses are indicated on the Environmental Constraints Maps for the relevant localities. In line with the provisions of Policy RCO 29, there will be a presumption against any development within these areas that will adversely affect the function of the valley as an important water catchment area.

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug The MEPA in collaboration with relevant authorities and agencies will formulate rehabilitation and management plans to guide the reinstatement of valleys which have been degraded as a result of illegal dumping or specific development activities, particularly quarrying. Priority will be given to the valleys listed in policy SMCO 09 and particularly to the Wied Xkora (Siġġiewi) area as indicated in the Siġġiewi Policy Map SG 1.

Wied Incita is one of the valleys listed in policy SMCO 09 however, to date, the author is unaware that any of these proposed Management Plans has seen the light of the day. As already stated the area marked as quarries overlaps the area designated as Valley Protection Zone.

Policy SMAG 01 entitled Protection of Agricultural Land states that:

MEPA will continue to protect agricultural land from all types of inappropriate development. Within Agricultural Areas, as indicated on the relevant Environmental Constraints Maps, only buildings, structures and uses essential to the needs of agriculture will be permitted and then only if it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of MEPA that they will not adversely affect water supplies, soil and landscape, and accord with all other policies within this Local Plan. Applications for development permission for agricultural related developments which will result in the subdivision of land holdings, will not be permitted.

This will also apply to other land being cultivated for agricultural use and which in the opinion of MEPA (after consultation with the Department of Agriculture) has a realistic potential to be upgraded and sustainably improve its productivity. (This policy will not apply to such land where it is designated for other purposes in the Local Plan).

Improvements to existing agricultural land and buildings aimed at increased productivity will be favourably considered by MEPA providing they are well designed, efficient and contribute to rather than detract from the quality of the local and surrounding environment.

The agricultural land indicated in the relevant Environmental Constraints Maps was based on information supplied by the Department of Agriculture and reflected the importance of soil quality and access to irrigation water, but not only, for successful farming in the plan area.

Parts of the current quarry permitted operations fall within the 100m, 200m and 300m groundwater safeguard buffer zones. However, only parts of the proposed extension fall within the 200-300m groundwater buffer zone.

The Planning Authority map Server shows three different habitats in the immediate proximity of the Scheme. There are those classified as:

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug  Watercourses found along the valley bed of Wied Incita which bisects the Scheme;  Garrigue found along the sides of the valley; and  Steppe which is mainly found on the valley sides below the bridge;

Another area which is considered as disturbed ground is partly found in the area marked for the extension of the quarry.

There are no marked archaeological remains in the proximity of the Scheme or the proposed extension.

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug

Figure 13: South Malta Local Plan Environment Constraints Map showing Scheme and proposed extension.

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug

Figure 14: Scheme (red boundary: existing; yellow: extension) in relation to ground water protection buffer zones (100m [blue], 200m[pink] and 300m[turquoise]) (source:PA Geoportal)

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug

Figure 15: Scheme in relation to terrestrial habitats in the proximity (reproduced from information found on PA Geoportal).

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug

Figure 16: Panoramic view of Quarry from the Żebbuġ side

Figure 17: Panoramic view of quarry from the rear side of Mount Carmel Hospital

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug

Figure 18: Batching Plant found within Scheme

Figure 19: Area earmarked for the construction of stores

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug

Figure 20: Wied Incita bisecting Scheme with aggregate stockpiling areas in the background

Figure 21: Part of the area earmarked for the extension of the quarry

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug

Figure 22: Recently planted Olive trees overlooking Wied Incita valley next to the proposed new entrance.

Figure 23: Backfilling with inert material in spent quarried area

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug

Figure 24: Proposed new entrance site to the quarry (photo taken from inside the quarry)

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug 4 Operation of Scheme

The operations which currently take place within the Scheme which have been described in section 3.1 above will not change as a result of this application.

The proposed development changes will see:

 A change in the position of the access site;  Construction of garages in lieu of existing permitted structures;  Construction of internal rubble walls and landscaping works;  Installation of temporary offices;  Construction of internal road.

4.1 Processes taking place on Scheme There are various processing taking place simultaneously on the Scheme. Although all processes are related to one another, all can proceed independently of each other.

The primary process is that of extraction of coralline rock material which is carried out using a number of Hymac excavators on site. The material is then loaded onto trucks by means of a shovel and transferred to a crusher which crushers the rock material into aggregate of various sizes. Aggregate material is stored in the form of heaps on site until required to be used either for concrete batching or else sold as aggregate.

Globigerina Limestone material which is brought on site from outside is also crushed into aggregate of various sizes and stored in heaps in the upper part of the Scheme. Another source is material which is already found on site which were stored in large heaps around the Scheme. Here the material is sold as base material for tiles (torba) or as an under layer for concrete floors. Some of it is also used to produce lean mix in a small batching plant on site.

The major concrete batching plant is found in a large pit on the Attard side of the Scheme. Here aggregate produced on site is mixed with cement to produce concrete and concrete blocks which are sold across the island. The company has its own concrete mixing trucks for delivery service of concrete.

There are also areas around the Scheme where there are large mounds of inert material. This material together with other brought on site are used to backfill spent areas of the quarry. This process is an ongoing process and forms part of the quarry license agreement.

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug A summary of all the processes taking place on Scheme is shown in Figure 25.

4.1.1 Additional information The company has the following equipment and machinery which is used/ parked on site:

 12 large (15 cubic yards) ready mix concrete trucks;  3 small (3 cubic yards) ready mix concrete trucks;  3 pickup vans;  1 concrete pump;  1 tipper trucks used only inside quarry;  2 general delivery vans;  1 water bowser (used mainly water sprinkling around and inside quarry);  2 bulldozers;  3 Hymacs;

The company currently operates on a Monday to Friday schedule between 07.00hrs to 18.00hrs and on Saturday between 07.00hrs and 15.00hrs. It currently employs about 38 people.

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug

Onsite extraction of Coralline Limestone

Crusher

Aggregate of various sizes On-site concrete production

Sold to third parties Concrete mixers

Stockpiled inert material

Backfill spent areas

Imported inert material

Imported globigerina limestone material

Crusher

Aggregate of various sizes Batch production of lean mix

Sold to third parties Concrete mixers

Figure 25: Process flow diagrams for Scheme.

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug 4.2 Ancillary Facilities

The Scheme is currently serviced with mains water. Foul waters are collected in a cesspit on site which is regularly emptied. Electricity is supplied on site both through EneMalta and also through the use of generators. The company is planning to have a sub-station built on site to satisfy its electrical needs. Two generators are installed next to the concrete plant while another one is used for general use including water pumps near crusher.

The average annual consumption of electrical energy is 75,000KWh whereas that of mains water is 430m3. The average annual consumption of diesel which is used both for vehicles, machinery and generators is around 700,000dm3. Diesel is stored in on site fuel tanks.

All company vehicles and machinery are stored on site during the night and weekends or when not in use. However, vehicle maintenance works take place in a maintenance garage where the company has its own full time mechanics.

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug 5 Impacts resulting from Scheme

The works carried out on the Scheme will not change much as a result of this application so the current impacts will remain in place as long as there aren’t significant changes on site.

The impacts resulting from the proposed use of Scheme can be summarised in the following Table:

Description of impact Significance Comment The proposed extension of the quarrying area will have little if any additional impacts resulting from dusts Impacts from dust generated since the proposed area is adjacent the resulting from attrition of current one being extracted. The particulate matter on site from whipped dust settles within the vehicular movement and also Minor immediate vicinity unless it is whipped from the whipping action of the up by the wind or by vehicular wind on stockpiles and dust movement. However, the existing high found on the ground mound of material protects this area from the westerly and north westerly winds. Since the position of the entrance will change and quarrying activity will eventually move away from the Impacts of quarrying activities Moderate to major residential areas, the impacts from on nearby residents positive dusts on these sensitive receptors will be a positive one which could also be of a major significance. Currently high mounds of rubble are acting as a good protection for the spread of dust resulting from the north westerly and westerly winds beyond the immediate vicinity of the site. Impact on agriculture resulting Minor from dispersion of dusts Impacts resulting from proposed excavations resulting from the extension of the quarry will have minor impacts on agricultural fields resulting from the dispersion of dusts.

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug Description of impact Significance Comment The area proposed for the extension of the quarry is practically disturbed land and has not been in use for a long period of time albeit part of it is considered as Agricultural Area awaiting classification as per Map ZG5 of the South Malta Local Plan. In fact apparently the agricultural area Impacts resulting from loss of referred to above consisted of a large Minor agricultural land field which doesn’t seem to exist anymore or has been filled with heaps of soil. At the time of purchase this area formed part of the original designated quarrying area.

The proposed extension will have a minor impact by the take up of the “agricultural land” involved. The additional quarrying works resulting from the extension together with the formation of an internal road, landscaping and rubble wall building Impact on fauna and flora Minor to moderate should hopefully reduce the impacts found in the valley (positive) on the valley system especially if the internal roads will be surfaced ones, thus reducing the possibility of fine dusts resulting from attrition of material from vehicular movement. The proposed new constructions in lieu of existing ones should not cause any Visual and Landscape impacts No impacts to Minor visual impact since they are relatively low when compared to the surroundings.

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug Description of impact Significance Comment The main concern for the underground water resources could arise in cases of a major hydrocarbon spill or chemical spill on site. The proposed extension should not be a cause of concern, since the only potential risk of any hydrocarbon contamination could be from spilled oils or fuels from vehicles during the extraction process. This is a remote possibility since no fuels are stored on the area being extracted and in cases of any leaks from vehicles the Impacts on underground water quantity of fuels/ oils which could Minor resources potentially be spilled is very small and will not reach the aquifer below.

In the case of the proposed garages, these will have an impermeable solid floor which should prevent any percolation of fuels or chemicals stored on site to percolate downwards.

Fuels which are stored on site should be held in bunded areas thus preventing any potential risks arising from leaks. The proposed extension is found in the central part of the Scheme and shouldn’t increase the noise levels beyond the existing ones which are Noise Minor already low. Any noise which could be generated within the proposed garages shouldn’t have any noticeable effect on the closest receptors.

The current works on the site of the Scheme already produce their own impacts on the surroundings. The impacts resulting from the proposed development will have an additional impact known as Cumulative Impacts. The following Table summarizes these impacts:

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug Description of impact Significance Comment These impacts are currently localised to where works are mainly taking place and where there is vehicular movement. The entrance area is well maintained through regular sweeping of dust from the street and also through regular dousing/ washing with water, so the impacts in this area are minor. In other areas where there is the extraction and crushing process and also between the current Impacts from dust generated extraction area and the batching plant resulting from attrition of the amount of fine particulate matter particulate matter on site from on the ground is high; In other areas vehicular movement and also Minor to major which are less frequented and exposed from the whipping action of the to the wind the impacts are moderate. wind on stockpiles and dust found on the ground The proposed extension of the quarrying area will have little if any additional impacts resulting from dusts since the proposed area is adjacent the current one being extracted. The whipped dust settles within the immediate vicinity unless it is whipped up by the wind or vehicular movement. However, the existing high mound of material protects this area from the westerly and north westerly winds.

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug Description of impact Significance Comment Much of these current impacts depend much on the areas which are being excavated so their duration is transient; Currently high mounds of rubble are acting as a good protection for the spread of dust resulting from the north westerly and westerly winds Impact on agriculture resulting Minor to Moderate beyond the immediate vicinity of the from dispersion of dusts site. Impacts resulting from excavations resulting from the extension of the quarry will have little additional impacts over the current ones on agricultural fields resulting from the dispersion of dusts. The area proposed for the extension of the quarry is practically disturbed land and has not been in use for a long period of time albeit part of it is considered as Agricultural Area awaiting classification as per Map ZG5 of the South Malta Local Plan. In fact apparently the agricultural area Impacts resulting from loss of referred to above consisted of a large Minor agricultural land field which doesn’t seem to exist anymore or has been filled with heaps of soil. At the time of purchase this area formed part of the original designated quarrying area.

The proposed extension will have little if any additional impacts over the current ones.

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug Description of impact Significance Comment The flora and fauna found along the Wied Incita valley part bordered by the quarry have been under such impacts for as long as the quarry have been in operation and so any flora and fauna living over there have adapted or are adapted to the current prevailing conditions. Impact on fauna and flora Moderate to Major found in the valley (positive) The additional quarrying works resulting from the extension together with the formation of an internal road, landscaping and rubble wall building should hopefully reduce the impacts on the valley system and serve as a positive impact of moderate or major significance on this system. The current high mounds of rubble found on site which have been there for a number of years and which are evident from various major roads and other places have resulted in lowering the dispersion of dust from the site. Once the excavation of the Żebbuġ side of the Scheme is over, the material could be used for backfilling purposes thus removing parts of the visual and Moderate to Major landscape impacts. Visual and Landscape impacts (positive) The proposed new constructions in lieu of existing ones should not cause any visual impact since they are relatively low when compared to the surroundings.

Once the current mounds are lowered and the material used for backfilling of the quarry, this would have a positive impact on the surroundings.

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug Description of impact Significance Comment The main concern for the underground water resources could arise in cases of a major hydrocarbon spill or chemical spill on site. The spillage of concrete or water mixed with cement isn’t of any concern since this would solidify before reaching the aquifer. The activities on the site occupied by the Scheme are all licensed and Impacts on underground water permitted and the author is unaware Minor to Major (?) resources of any accidents in the past which could have jeopardised the aquifer below. The proposed activities are practically the same as those which are currently permitted, however, all fuel tanks should be in bunded areas. This should limit potential impacts on the aquifer.

Noise from the operating machinery is localised within the Scheme and would vary depending on which part would be excavated but is expected to remain localised. The assumption for this assessment is that current practices remain, that is no explosives would be used for extraction purposes.

Noise Minor (positive) The proposed extension is found in the central part of the Scheme and shouldn’t increase the noise levels beyond the existing ones. Most probably since these would be located further away from sensitive receptors, they are bound to decrease and so would have a positive impact on sensitive receptors.

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug 6 Conclusion

The current works on the site occupied by the Scheme have a number of impacts on the surroundings. Most of these impacts are bound to remain the same or be reduced as a result of the proposal.

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug

Appendix I

PDS to extend existing quarry, construct garages and backfill spent parts of quarry at Attard & Zebbug Section 12 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2017, S.L. 549.46 Schedule II Information to be provided in the Project Description Statement 1. A description of the project, including in particular:

(a) a description of the physical characteristics of the whole project, including size, scale, design and phasing of the project, and covering all construction, demolition and excavation works;

(b) a description of the location of the project, including the site boundaries clearly shown on a map base, with particular regard to the environmental sensitivity of geographical areas likely to be affected;

(c) a description of the envisaged operations and process flow (where this is applicable) identifying the nature of the inputs, throughputs, outputs, and relevant processes; and

(d) ancillary requirements including, but not limited to, access and parking arrangements, and infrastructural services.

2. A description of the aspects of the environment likely to be affected by the project.

3. A description, to the extent enabled by the information available, of any likely effects of the project on the environment resulting from:

(a) changes caused to the site;

(b) the expected residues and emissions and the production of waste, where relevant; and

(b) the use of natural resources, in particular soil, land, water and biodiversity.

The criteria of Schedule III shall be taken into account, as relevant, when compiling the information in accordance with paragraphs 1 to 3 hereof.