Study re-exhumes ignored MIDI permit condition

A permit condition for the Tigné and Manoel Island project stipulated that dredging works aimed at facilitating water circulation in the Lazzaretto Creek should have been undertaken before the MIDI yacht marina was allowed to start its operations.

This is one of the conclusions of a study undertaken by ADI Associates on the cumulative impact of the proposed new yacht marina berthing arrangements at Ta' Xbiex and Sa Maison.

Transport Malta commissioned this study after Malta Environment and Planning Authority officials expressed concern about the cumulative effects of these developments onto the water retention and wave deflection on the Lazaretto creek area.

One of the risks identified in the report is that of eutrophication - the blossoming of algae due to the depletion of oxygen levels as a result of an increase nitrates in the water. 

Although no such event has taken place in past decade, previous studies have shown that the risk increases because of the shallower depths of the creek.

An EIA undertaken by the Gibb Environmental in 1999 for the Tigné and Manoel Island project had concluded that in order to increase water circulation around Manoel Island, the constriction at the Manoel Island Bridge should be widened and the seabed dredged.

"This was in effect included as a condition of the permit and the necessary dredging and widening had to be undertaken also in light of the yacht marina... and the proposed breakwater in Manoel Island," the ADI study states.

The study concludes that irrespective of whether the reorganisation of marinas at Ta' Xbiex and the new marina at Sa Maison are allowed to take place, the widening and dredging works at Manoel Island should still take place.

"Indeed, since this was a pre-requisite to minimise possible impact from eutrophication from the yacht marina development, it should have been undertaken before the MIDI yacht marina was allowed to be developed."

Still, according to the study, no eutrophication has taken place in the past 13 years, and adds that delays in these works are not expected to worsen the present situation.

What could worsen the situation, according to the ADI study, is the impact on water circulation of the proposal to build a breakwater in Manoel Island, which would have a greater impact on water circulation than any pontoon.

Moreover, concern is also expressed on the impact of the government's project to discharge storm water through an outfall, which will empty its contents in the Lazzaretto creek. The study notes that the flow from the outfall was not even modelled.

The report concludes that the environmental situation can only improved by having the Ta' Xbiex and Sa Maison marinas operated by a professional operators. 

Although the number of boats in the area would increase due to the proposed berthing arrangement - which envisions the development of new pontoons - having a professional management will reduce the risk of the release of pollutants in to the sea.