Working group appointed to address farm waste problem

The sludge derived from farm waste being sent to Malta’s waste treatment plant is contributing to odour problems in Xgħajra.

Maltese legislation prohibits farms from discharging any prohibited effluent into the sewerage network. 

According to a ministry spokesperson, in 2012 and 2013 the Agriculture Directorate, in agreement with the WSC, embarked on extensive surveying and inspection of livestock farms (mainly cow and pig) to determine risk farms and deter abuse.  

The development of bio-digesters in the near future is expected to further help keep the problem in check. 

Bio-digesters convert farm waste in to energy by breaking down biodegradable material.

During a recently-held public hearing on a pending planning application to upgrade the plant, engineer Stefan Cachia revealed that the WSC had not expected to receive such a large amount of farm waste and that the corporation was “actually promised by other relevant public institutions that this would not be allowed to occur.”

During the meeting, Xgħajra mayor Anthony Valvo also complained that residents were facing problems with odour, noise and transport. According to the mayor, sludge is being transported from the plant through the locality on frequent basis. He also complained that although a landscaping scheme was promised with previous applications, after four years no landscaping had yet been carried out.