MEPA removes tons of scrap material from agricultural fields

Tons of illegally scrapped material dumped on sites designated as agricultural fields, were removed in a series of direct action operation carried out by MEPA’s Enforcement Directorate over the past days, the planning authority said.

MEPA said that it carried out out direct action operations in Wardija, Qrendi, Manikata, and Mgarr.

The most cumbersome enforcement action took place in an area known as Tal-Facciol in Wardija, limits of St. Paul's Bay, where a large area of fertile, was over the years, turned into an illegal scrapyard.

The contravenor occasionally removed quantities of this illegal material, but the authority was not satisfied given the extent of the illegality on site.

More illegal material is expected to be removed so that the site can be re-instated as agricultural fields, while the contravenor would also have to restore and rebuild a number of rubble walls which he removed.

In Qrendi, at a site known as Tal-Wardija, enforcement officers removed vehicles and other scrap material that was dumped in an illegal scrapyard. Officers also demolished low limestone walls within the site.

After several hours, the Authority gave its consent to the contranvenor to remove all the remaining scrap within a stipulated timeframe and demolish an illegally built brick structure roofed over with corrugated sheeting.

MEPA also said that it is monitoring the operations to ensure that all the scrap and waste material removed end up at licensed waste handling facilities.

In October, MEPA’s enforcement directorate managed to close off 21 enforcement notices that had been issued in the past.

Moreover, the Directoratealso managed to close off another 89 cases were a complaint was received and investigated but no further action was needed as the respective site owners removed the illegal development within days of the first inspection.