Community Wellbeing Scheme
CONSULTATION BRIEF
Start date: 03/03/2021
Closing date: 01/04/2021
Title of the public consultation:
Community Wellbeing Scheme
Ministry: Ministry for the
Environment, Climate Change and Planning
1. BACKGROUND
The Ministry for the Environment, Climate
Change and Planning has drafted an
amendment to the published Regulations L.N. 136 of 2019. The scope of this
amendment is to;
·
make it mandatory for developers
to pay for professional fees incurred by Third Parties with regard to
contestation of any method statement or condition report submitted to the
Competent Authority.
·
cap the refund for
expenses incurred by Third Parties
for professional fees, to a maximum amount of five
hundred Euro (€500.00) plus the value added
tax.
2. DOCUMENTS
Regolamenti tal-2021 li jemendaw ir-Regolamenti dwar l-Evitar ta’
Ħsara lil Proprjetà ta’ Terzi Persuni
Avoidance of Damage to Third Party
Property Regulations (Amendment),
2021
3. SUBMISSION OF FEEDBACK
Feedback must be submitted by
email to consultations.mecp@gov.mt by the 1st of
April 2021 at the latest.
4. FURTHER NOTES
Please be informed that comments submitted,
together with the identity of the contributor, may be published online at the
end of the public consultation, unless the contributor objects to the
publication of his/her personal data. In this case, the contribution may be
published in anonymous form.
CONSULTATION BRIEF
Start date: 14 December 2020
Closing date: 18
January 2021
Title of the public consultation:
Long Term Waste Management Plan 2021-2030
Ministry: Ministry for the
Environment, Climate Change and Planning
Directorate: Directorate
for the Environment and Climate Change
1. Background
The Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and
Planning has developed a Waste Management Plan for the Maltese Islands
2021-2030, as mandated under the European Union Waste Framework Directive and
as transposed in local legislation. As a backdrop, it must be noted that
Malta’s annual municipal waste generated per capita is currently higher than
most EU countries, at an average of 640kg [1]. Landfilling is
still the predominant waste treatment option and our recycling rate is the
lowest amongst EU Member States [2]. The new Waste
Package places even more onerous targets on Malta in terms of the amount of
waste which has to be recycled, that which is allowed to landfill as well as
specific targets related to the recycling of certain materials not least paper,
plastic, metal, glass and wood. The
status quo is not an option Waste prevention and improved management is not only
a central aspect in supporting Malta’s transition towards a resource efficient
and circular economy, but also in reducing pressure on Malta’s waste logistics
and infrastructure and our dependence on either exporting waste or landfilling
where land availability for such purpose is limited.
Through the Waste Management Plan, the Ministry’s
strategic objectives are to:
- Maximise the
resource value in waste through different management options
- Innovate by
designing waste prevention initiatives to lower Malta’s per capita
generation rate
- Reform the
collection system to increase economies of scale, harmonise collection
practices and modernise the collection fleet
- Build the
necessary waste management facilities to treat recyclable, organic and
residual waste to achieve Malta’s targets
- Study the
feasibility of an enhanced producer responsibility framework to complement
Malta’s transition to a circular economy and reflect further on the true
cost of waste management
- Promote
further the involvement of the private sector in waste management
Waste Prevention as a Priority:
The first key priority area is Malta’s Waste Prevention Programme. The overall
aim is to promote resource efficiency and entice waste generators to minimize
their waste arisings by creating a conducive landscape. This Chapter proposes a
range of measures to incentivise greener business processes and prompt societal
change towards smarter consumption patterns.
Waste Collection Reform:
For waste which is unpreventable, efficient collection systems must be in
place. The Waste Collection chapter outlines measures which balance the
collection frequencies of different waste streams to encourage source
separation and the minimization of residual waste. The chapter also sets out to
reform waste collection services by moving towards a regionalised approach
leading to increased economies of scale, and better utilization of a modern
vehicle fleet thus optimising investment costs.
Waste Management and Resource Optimisation:
In order to support Malta’s transition to a more resource efficient and
circular economy, we must ensure that any waste generated is efficiently and
effectively treated in order to minimise its environmental footprint whilst maximising
its potential as a resource. This will be achieved through:
1) improving
existing extended producer responsibility frameworks to establish a level
playing field and to ensure that waste management costs are borne by producers.
The feasibility of expanding EPR obligations to additional waste streams will
be assessed;
2) implementing
measures to incentivise waste prevention, harness source separation and reduce
residual waste volumes from commercial entities and;
3) investing
in both new and existing waste management facilities to ensure a modern and
efficient waste infrastructure that not only meets Malta’s current needs but
will set in place the required treatment facilities for the future.
Differentiated gate fees to reflect the true cost of the different fractions of
waste and induce further waste separation will be considered.
In order to support the implementation of these
initiatives, this Plan also puts forward a series of improvements to the
monitoring, compliance and data management capabilities, largely based on
strengthening capacity building including technological capacity.
The
Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning will collaborate with
a range of stakeholders in order to foster a culture of resource efficiency,
create new business opportunities, invest heavily in necessary infrastructure
and support voluntary initiatives which promote the prevention and sustainable
management of waste. We will engage with stakeholders, and collaborate across
the public and private sectors to work together to make a difference and
instill a culture of change that promotes waste prevention and sustainable
waste management. New measures will include economic instruments,
awareness-raising campaigns, new regulations, research and innovation and
various other policy tools in order to incentivise waste prevention, source
separation and correct management of waste generated on the Maltese Islands.
The initiatives outlined in this Waste Management Plan will facilitate action
by industry, government, citizens and tourists. This implies the need for a
collaborative approach from all those who generate waste in their personal,
professional or corporate capacity and the assumption of responsibility for the
management thereof. The proposed measures are intended to steer Malta towards
reaching its EU obligations, reduce dependency on landfilling and export of
waste, and transition Malta to a more resource efficient and circular economy.
This for the benefit of Maltese society as a whole.
2. CONSULTATION
In
line with Article 31 of the Waste Regulations
(S.L.549.63),
the public is invited to make submissions with their comments in relation to the policy measures outlined in the Long Term Waste
Management Plan 2021-2030.
3. DOCUMENTS
LONG TERM WASTE
MANAGEMENT PLAN 2021-2030
4. SUBMISSION OF FEEDBACK
Feedback must be submitted by
email to consultations.mecp@gov.mt by the 18 January 2021 at the
latest.
5. FURTHER NOTES
Please be informed that comments submitted,
together with the identity of the contributor, may be published online at the
end of the public consultation, unless the contributor objects to the
publication of his/her personal data. In this case, the contribution may be
published in anonymous form.
Public Consultation on the
Initial Scoping Report for the Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Draft Low
Carbon Development Strategy
CONSULTATION BRIEF
Start date: 7 December 2020
Closing date: 14
December 2020
Title of the public consultation:
Statutory Consultation on the Initial Scoping Report for the Strategic
Environmental Assessment of the Draft Low Carbon Development Strategy
Ministry: Ministry for the
Environment, Climate Change and Planning
Directorate: Directorate
for the Environment and Climate Change
1. BACKGROUND
The
Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning notifies that an
Initial Scoping Report has been compiled for the Strategic Environmental
Assessment of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). On the basis of this
document, an Environmental Report will be prepared that will include an
assessment of potential environmental impacts that may emerge from the
Strategy.
2. CONSULTATION
In accordance with the provisions under the Strategic
Environmental Assessment Regulations
(S.L. 549.61), the public is invited to submit any
feedback or comments on the Initial Scoping Report.
3. DOCUMENTS
LCDS SEA Initial Scoping Report
4. SUBMISSION OF FEEDBACK
Any comments on the Initial Scoping Report are to be
submitted to MECP, by 14 December 2020 at the latest, on the following email
address: consultations.mecp@gov.mt
5. FURTHER NOTES
Please be informed that comments submitted,
together with the identity of the contributor, may be published online at the
end of the public consultation, unless the contributor objects to the
publication of his/her personal data. In this case, the contribution may be
published in anonymous form.
Statutory Consultation on
the Initial Scoping Report for the Strategic Environmental Assessment of the
Draft Waste Management Plan 2021-2030
CONSULTATION BRIEF
Start date: 24 November 2020
Closing date: 1
December 2020
Title of the public consultation:
Statutory Consultation on the Initial Scoping Report for the Strategic
Environmental Assessment of the Draft Waste Management Plan 2021-2030
Ministry: Ministry for the
Environment, Climate Change and Planning
Directorate: Directorate
for the Environment and Climate Change
1. BACKGROUND
Following the
screening carried out on the Draft Waste Management Plan 2021-2030 and
consultations with the Strategic Environmental Assessment Focal Point, it has
been concluded that the Plan is required to be subjected to a Strategic
Environmental Assessment (SEA) in line with the provisions laid down in the
Strategic Environmental Assessment Regulations (S.L. 549.61). The Screening
Template is being made available for the public’s information.
Furthermore, an
Initial Scoping Report for the SEA has been compiled and, on the basis of this
document, an Environmental Report will be prepared that will include an
environmental assessment of potential environmental impacts that may emerge
from the Plan.
2. CONSULTATION
In accordance with the
provisions under the Strategic Environmental Assessment Regulations (S.L.
549.61), the public is invited to submit any feedback or comments on the
Initial Scoping Report.
3. DOCUMENTS
WMP SEA
Screening Template
WMP SEA Initial Scoping Report
4. SUBMISSION OF FEEDBACK
Any comments on the Initial Scoping Report are to be submitted to MECP,
by 1 December 2020 at the latest, on the following email address: consultations.mecp@gov.mt
5. FURTHER NOTES
Please be informed that comments submitted,
together with the identity of the contributor, may be published online at the
end of the public consultation, unless the contributor objects to the
publication of his/her personal data. In this case, the contribution may be
published in anonymous form.
RESTRICTIONS
ON PLACING ON THE MARKET OF SINGLE-USE PLASTIC PRODUCTS REGULATIONS, 2020
CONSULTATION BRIEF
Start date: 28 October 2020
Closing date: 26
November 2020
Title of the public consultation:
Restrictions on Placing on the Market of Single-Use Plastic Products
Regulations, 2020
Ministry: Ministry for the
Environment, Climate Change and Planning
Entity: Environment &
Resources Authority
1. BACKGROUND
As part of the 2020
Budget speech, the Government announced a new measure whereby the importation,
production, sale and distribution of certain single use plastic (SUP) items,
namely cutlery, straws and plates will be prohibited. More specifically, the
Government announced that the importation and production of such SUP items will
be prohibited as from 1st January 2021, whilst their selling and
distribution will be prohibited as from 1st January 2022.
In 2019, the EU
adopted the SUP Directive (Directive 2019/904), which aims at reducing the environmental
impact of certain SUP products and other plastic items on the environment, by
means of enacting a number of effective measures targeting the said products.
The Directive in question restricts the placement on the market of a number of
SUP items, including the above mentioned. The draft Restrictions on Placing on the
Market of Single-Use Plastic Products Regulations, 2020 implement part of the
said Budget measure whilst also transposing Article 5 and Article 6 (1) and 6
(2) of the SUP Directive.
Since these
regulations restrict the placement on the market of certain SUP products, they
will be enacted under both the Supplies and Services Act (Chapter 117 of the
Laws of Malta) and the Environment Protection Act (Chapter 549 of the Laws of
Malta) to ensure joint cooperation in enforcement of the proposed regulations
by Customs Department and the Environment and Resources Authority.
These
regulations prohibit the placement on the market of:
- The SUP items listed in Part A of the
Schedule and of products made from oxo-degradable plastic as from 1st
January 2021. Such SUP items include cutlery, straws, plates, cotton bud
sticks, beverage stirrers, balloon sticks as well as food or beverage
containers and cups made of expanded polystyrene;
- The SUP items listed in Part B of the
schedule as from 3rd July 2024. Such SUP items include plastic and
composite beverage containers with a capacity of up to three litres. Such
containers might be exempt from such prohibition if the plastic caps and lids
remain attached to the containers during their use.
2. CONSULTATION
In
line with Article 55 of the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549) the public is
invited to make submissions to ERA with their comments as to why and how these
regulations could be amended.
3. DOCUMENTS
Restrictions
on Placing on the Market of Single-Use Plastic Products Regulations, 2020
Regolamenti
tal-2020 dwar Restrizzjonijiet fuq it-Tqegħid fis-Suq ta' Prodotti tal-Plastik
li Jintużaw Darba Biss
4. SUBMISSION OF FEEDBACK
Any comments are to be
submitted to MECP by 26th November 2020 at the latest,
on the following email address: consultations.mecp@gov.mt
5. FURTHER NOTES
Please be informed that comments submitted,
together with the identity of the contributor, may be published online at the
end of the public consultation, unless the contributor objects to the
publication of his/her personal data. In this case, the contribution may be
published in anonymous form.
RESTRICTIONS ON PLACING ON
THE MARKET OF LIGHTWEIGHT PLASTIC CARRIER BAGS REGULATIONS, 2020
CONSULTATION BRIEF
Start date: 28 October 2020
Closing date: 26
November 2020
Title of the public consultation:
Restrictions on Placing on the Market of Lightweight Plastic Carrier Bags
Regulations, 2020
Ministry: Ministry for the
Environment, Climate Change and Planning
Entity: Environment &
Resources Authority
1. BACKGROUND
As
part of the 2020 Budget speech, the Government announced a new measure whereby
the importation and production of plastic bags will be prohibited as from 1st
January 2021, whilst their selling and distribution will be prohibited as from
1st January 2022.
Article
4(1a) of Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste requires that
Member States take appropriate measures to achieve a sustained reduction in the
annual consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags. The Directive indicates
that those measures may include the use of marketing restrictions, provided
that these restrictions are proportionate and non-discriminatory.
The
draft Restrictions on Placing on the Market of Lightweight Plastic Carrier Bags
Regulations, 2020 implement
part of the said Budget measure while also bringing into effect the
aforementioned provisions of Directive 94/62/EC.
The
Regulations in question will be enacted under both the Supplies and Services
Act (Chapter 117 of the Laws of Malta) and the Environment Protection Act
(Chapter 549 of the Laws of Malta) to ensure joint cooperation in enforcement
of the regulations by the Customs Department and the Environment and Resources
Authority.
These Regulations will prohibit:
-
The importation,
intra-Community acquisition, and manufacturing for the circulation on the
market in Malta, in the course of a commercial activity, of any lightweight
plastic carrier bags as from 1st January 2021;
-
Any supply of
lightweight plastic carrier bags for distribution, consumption or use on the
market in Malta, in the course of a commercial activity as from 1st
January 2022.
Reusable plastic carrier bags, biodegradable and
compostable plastic carrier bags as well as very lightweight plastic carrier
bags are exempt from the above-mentioned prohibitions.
2. CONSULTATION
In
line with Article 55 of the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549) the public is
invited to make submissions to ERA with their comments as to why and how these
regulations could be amended.
3. DOCUMENTS
Restrictions
on Placing on the Market of Lightweight Plastic Carrier Bags Regulations, 2020
Regolamenti
tal-2020 dwar Restrizzjonijiet fuq it-Tqegħid fis-Suq tal-Basktijiet
tal-Plastik Ħfief
4. SUBMISSION OF FEEDBACK
Any comments are to be
submitted to MECP by 26th November 2020 at the latest,
on the following email address: consultations.mecp@gov.mt
5. FURTHER NOTES
Please be informed that comments submitted,
together with the identity of the contributor, may be published online at the
end of the public consultation, unless the contributor objects to the
publication of his/her personal data. In this case, the contribution may be
published in anonymous form.
Majjistral
Nature and History Park Site (Amendment) Regulations, 2020
CONSULTATION
BRIEF
Start
date: 16 October 2020
Closing
date: 14 November 2020
Title
of the public consultation: Majjistral Nature and History Park
Site (Amendment) Regulations, 2020
Ministry:
Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning
Entity:
Environment & Resources Authority
1.
Background
The principal aim of the Majjistral Nature and History
Park Site (Amendment) Regulations is to provide further legal clarity with
respect to the practice of falconry within the Majjistral Park.
The proposed legal notice seeks to amend the Majjistral,
Nature and History Park Site Regulations (S.L. 549.83) hereafter, referred to
as the principal regulations in order to:
·
Amend the definition of the terms ‘hunt’ and
‘hunting’ of the principal regulations so as to ensure that such terms solely
encompass the hunting of game species through the use of a fire-arm or any
other weapon and do not include the hunting and taking of such species through
falconry;
·
Amend the definition of the terms ‘take’ and
‘taking’ to clarify that such definition covers the live-capture of both wild
birds and wild rabbit;
·
Introduce restrictions on the possession of
wild birds or wild rabbits (whether alive, dead or, parts of) outside the hours
when falconry is permitted.
2.
Consultation
In line with Article 55 of the Environment Protection
Act (Cap. 549) the public is invited to make submissions to ERA with their
comments as to why and how these regulations could be amended.
3.
Documents
Majjistral
Nature and History Park Site (Amendment) Regulations, 2020
Regolamenti
tal-2020 li jemendaw ir-Regolamenti dwar Is-Sit ta’ Il-Majjistral, Park ta’
Natura u Storja
4.
Submission of feedback
Comments will be received by email on consultations.mecp@gov.mt
5.
Further notes
Please be informed that comments submitted, together
with the identity of the contributor, may be published online at the end of the
public consultation, unless the contributor objects to the publication of
his/her personal data. In this case, the contribution may be published in
anonymous form.