era.org.mt survey...environmental planning statement demolition of all existing buildings forming...

ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING STATEMENT

Demolition of all existing buildings forming part of St. George’s Bay Hotel and ancillaryfacilities, Dolphin House, Moynihan House and Cresta Quay

Construction of parking facilities, hotels and ancillary facilities, commercial area multiownership holiday accommodation, bungalows

language school with accommodation and lagoonRestoration of the Villa Rosa and upgrading of the facilities including

parking facility, kitchen and toilets all below existing site levels withinthe Villa Rosa area to address catering facilities/wedding hall

Appendix TwoSection B

Environmental Survey Reports

21 July 2014

prepared by

ERSLI Consultants Limited

on behalf of

Garnet Investments Limited

Appendix Two A Louis F Cassar Land Use

Elisabeth Conrad Landscape and Visual Assessment

Appendix Two B Saviour Scerri Geology, Geomorphology, Hydrogeology, Hydrology

Sandro Lanfranco & Louis F Cassar Ecology (vegetation & habitats)

Appendix Two C John J Borg Vertebrates

Ella Samut-Tagliaferro Daniel Borg et al (ASC)

Cultural Heritage

Appendix Two D George Peplow Air Quality

Mike Potts Noise and Vibration

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PROJECT NAME : ST.George’s hotel – Villa Rosa proposed development

DOCUMENT TITLE : Geo Environmental Baseline study

DOCUMENT No. : J1729

ORIGINAL Prepared by Reviewed by Approved by

Date:

16th April 2014

Name:

Dr Saviour Scerri

Name:

Rodney Xerri

Name:

Alfred Xerri

Signature: Signature: Signature:

Distribution: AC Group

REVISIONS

REVISION 0

3

DOCUMENT CONTROL......................................................................................................................... 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................................................................................... 3

1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 2

1.1 TERMS OF REFERENCE ............................................................................................... 2

1.2 THE PROJECT.............................................................................................................. 7

1.3 THE REPORT ............................................................................................................... 7

2 SITE DESCRIPTION AND APPRAISAL............................................................................................. 9

2.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTIONS OF SITE............................................................................... 9

2.2 AREA OF INFLUENCE .................................................................................................. 9

2.3 SIGNIFICANT FEATURES ........................................................................................... 11

2.4 METHODOLOGY....................................................................................................... 11

2.5 FIELD STUDY............................................................................................................. 12

2.6 POLICY CONTEXT...................................................................................................... 13

2.7 RELEVANT STRUCTURE PLAN POLICIES.................................................................... 15

2.8 GUIDANCE................................................................................................................ 17

2.9 EUROPEAN UNION DIRECTIVES ............................................................................... 18

3 GEOLOGY ............................................................................................................................... .... 19

3.1 STRATIGRAPHY......................................................................................................... 19

3.2 structural geology .................................................................................................... 21

4 GEOMORPHOLOGY.................................................................................................................... 23

4.1 GHAR HARQ HAMIEM.............................................................................................. 23

4.2 PREVIOUS WORK ..................................................................................................... 25

PROF TORPIANO REPORT – 2013 ................................................................................................. 27

4.3 THE NEW DEVELOPMENT ........................................................................................ 29

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4.4 WIED MEJXU ............................................................................................................ 33

4.4.1 WIED Ghar harq hamiem – Wied MEJXU villa rosa segment .................................. 33

4.5 ST.GEORGE’S BAY..................................................................................................... 36

4.6 SOILS ........................................................................................................................ 36

4.7 general comment..................................................................................................... 37

5 HYDROLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY.......................................................................................... 38

5.1 SCOPE....................................................................................................................... 38

5.2 HYDROGEOLOGICAL AND HYDROLOGICAL FEATURES ............................................ 38

5.3 THE MEAN SEA LEVEL AQUIFER ............................................................................... 39

5.4 WATERCOURSE OF WIED MEJXU............................................................................. 39

5.5 Artificial reservoirs................................................................................................... 39

5.6 DIFFUSE DISCHARGE ................................................................................................ 40

5.7 POTENTIAL RUN OFF, PERCOLATION AND EVAPOTRANSPIRATION........................ 42

5.8 SURFACE RUN OFF ESTIMATES................................................................................ 43

5.10 WATER QUALITY ...................................................................................................... 45

6 ASSESSMENT OF THE STONE MATERIAL TO BE EXCAVATED Assessment................................. 48

LOS ANGELES ABRASION TEST.................................................................................................. 51

6.1 ASSESSMENT OF THE STONE MATERIAL TO BE EXCAVATED................................... 52

6.2 MONITORING OF EXCAVATION ............................................................................... 52

7 IMPACT ASSESSMENT................................................................................................................ 53

8 REFERENCES / BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................................... 67

9 PLATES ............................................................................................................................... ........ 70

Figure 1: Map showing location of the proposed development......................................................... 2

Figure 2: Site plan showing layout of the proposed Re Development of Villa Rosa and Cresta Quay8

Figure 3: Map Showing the Area of Influence for Geology and Geomorphology ............................. 10

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Figure 4: Map showing area of influence for the hydrology /hydrogeology study........................... 10

Figure 5: Lithological column showing the rock sequence exposed on the Maltese Islands............ 19

Figure 6: Geological map of the catchment basin of St George’s Bay .............................................. 20

Figure 7: Two faults striking roughly NW SE form the boundaries of the cave of Ghar Harq Hamiem.

............................................................................................................................... ............................ 22

Figure 8: Google earth image showing extensive development in the area under study The

proposed site is marked by a red line ............................................................................................... 23

Figure 9: Longitudinal profile of the cave system, showing overlying road level ............................. 25

Figure 10: Faults bounding the Caves (Mangion, 2001).................................................................... 26

Figure 11: MEPA scheduling of the cavern system as level I SSI and the 30m protection Zone....... 26

Figure 12: Plan of the cave system.................................................................................................... 28

Figure 13: Cross section of the cave showing ground levels above.................................................. 28

Figure 14: Longitudinal section of the cave....................................................................................... 29

Figure 15: Site plan showing relation of the proposed development to the Cave Ghar Harq Hamiem

............................................................................................................................... ............................ 31

Figure 16: Cross sections showing the relation of the proposed excavation to Ghart Harq Hamiem

............................................................................................................................... ............................ 32

Figure 17: Map showing the downstream segment of Wied Mejxu (Wied Harq Hamiem) as it

traverses the grounds of Villa Rosa through a culvert ...................................................................... 34

Figure 18: Google Earth image showing the intense development within the catchment of Wied

Mejxu............................................................................................................................... .................. 35

Figure 19: Map of the site and its environs (Lang, 1962) .................................................................. 37

Figure 20: Map showing the hydrological network of the catchment of Wied Mejxu and St George’s

Bay ............................................................................................................................... ...................... 38

Figure 21: Google image showing the watercourse ( a culvert) of Wied Mejxu as it traverses the

site ............................................................................................................................... ...................... 40

Figure 22: Map showing the catchment of the Bay composed of Wied Mejxu (Catchment A) and a

second unnamed watercourse (Catchment B). For scale grid squares measure 100m X 100m....... 41

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Figure 23: Water balance for the Maltese Islands (After MRA 2000) ............................................... 42

Figure 24: Map showing Catchments. A: Wied Mejxu; B: Unnamed Valley, referred to in Table

1(For scale rectangles measure 1km by 2km) ................................................................................... 44

Figure 25: Bar chart showing the run off arising from the different catchments considered in Table

1. ............................................................................................................................... ......................... 44

Figure 26: Water quality water sampling points ............................................................................. 46

Figure 27: Site plan showing the location of the holes drilled by continuous coring in the grounds of

Villa Rosa ............................................................................................................................... ............ 48

Figure 28: Bar chart illustrating the laboratory test results .............................................................. 51

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Run off estimates table for catchment areas of the Application Site ................................. 43

Table 2: Water quality test results .................................................................................................... 46

Table 3: Continuous rock core sampling drilling summary ............................................................... 49

Table 4: Laboratory tests result Uniaxial compressive strength ..................................................... 50

Table 5: Significance of likely impacts on Geology and Palaeontology.............................................. 56

Table 6: Significance of likely impacts on Geomorphology................................................................ 57

Table 7: Significance of likely impacts on Soils .................................................................................. 58

Table 8: Significance of likely impacts on Hydrology/hydrogeology.................................................. 59

Table 9: Significance of likely impacts on Water Quality ................................................................... 61

Table 10: Significance of likely impacts onMineral resources........................................................... 62

Table 11: Summary of the Impacts and risks of the proposed development ................................... 64

LIST OF PLATES

Plate 1: Photograph showing Exposure of Lower Coralline Limestone (Xlendi Mb) on the western slope of

Wied Mejxu . The watercourse is marked by copious vegetation

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Plate 2: Photograph showing entrance to Ghar Harq Hamieim

Plate 3: Photograph showing fractured wall of the cave and water flooding the cave which is connected to

the sea

Plate 4: Another Photograph showing fractured wall of the cave and rock that has fallen from the wall

over a long period of time

Plate 5: Close up view of the rock fall

Plate 6: Photograph showing terraced fields at the upper reaches of Wied Mejxu cut in Lower Globigerina

Limestone at Ta’Gakondu

Plate 7: Photograph showing the Gorge of Wied Mejxu cut in Lower Coralline Limestone as seen from Triq

Sant Andrija. Villa Rosa is in the background

Plate 8: Photograph showing the Gorge of Wied Mejxu and its relation to the site as seen from Triq Il

Professur W Ganado running on the NW slope of the valley. The wall seen marks the southern boundary

of the proposed site

Plate 9: Photograph showing a disused (Tennis) court In the flood plain of Wied Ghar Harq Hamiem

Plate10: Photograph showing covered culvert (Going in the direction of the Beach) on the SE margin of the

Tennis Court In the flood plain of Wied Ghar Harq Hamiem

Plate 11 Photograph taken in the SE direction from the exit gate of the Villa Rosa grounds at the

beach showing a fountain underneath which passes the culvert at its discharge point out of the

site

Plate 12: Photograph showing the recently replenished sandy beach at St Georges Bay as seen from the

SE corner.

Plate 913: Photograph of St Georges bay showing conditions at the Cresta Quay part of the proposed

sites, as seen from the showing the NW corner of the Bay

Plate 10: Photograph of St Georges bay showing road and boundary wall of the Villa Rosa Gardens

Plate 15: Photograph showing the discharge point of Wied Mejxu into the site through a segment of

covered culvert (Blue line) and proceeds downstream as an open culvert (red arrow)

Plate 16: photograph of a typical artificial ornamental reservoir in the terraced grounds of the Site

Plate 11: Photograph showing typical rock core samples recovered during site investigation. For sale the

sample tray is 100cm long and the diameter of the samples is 71mm

Plate 12: Photograph showing the Gorge of Wied Mejxu cut in Lower Coralline Limestone as seen from

the boundary wall of the Villa Rosa Grounds looking upstream (SW)

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The writer has been commissioned by Mr Anton Camilleri to:

(i) carry out a Geo environmental baseline study as part of the overall Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA) requested by MEPA for the proposed RE Development of Villa Rosa at St Julians,

St.George's Bay Hotel Ltd, Xatt Ta' San Gorg, St.Julians . (ii) undertake a geotechnical study of the

material to be excavated from the Site, (iii) assist the EIA coordinators in assessing the impacts of

proposed RE Development of Villa Rosa on the geo environmental characteristics of the study

area; and (iv) assist EIA coordinators in the formulation of mitigation measures. These studies

form part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the application as required by the

Malta Environment & Planning Authority (MEPA).

The Application Site is located at St.Julians (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Map showing location of the proposed development

The Terms of Reference issued by MEPA for the EIA are:

A comprehensive investigation of:

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The geology and geomorphology of the site and its surroundings (including Wied Harq

Hamiem and Ghar Harq Hamiem) including: existing lithological, stratigraphical,

palaeontological, hydrogeological and physiographic features and soil types;

The geo technical properties and considerations relevant to the site and its area of

influence, including: land stability; mechanical, erosional and structural properties of the

terrain and land mass; any relevant fissures, faults, hollows, or weak points; the

vulnerability of the site to natural forces such as wave action, erosive elements, landslides

and mass movements; and any other considerations affecting the implications and

risks posed by the proposed development or by any of its ancillary interventions such as

site clearance, earth moving, and excavations; and

The quality of the material that will be excavated (including soil, rock/mineral resource,

and any existing fill material) and its potential for reuse.

Sampling and testing should comply with the relevant standards (unless otherwise

agreed, BS standards or other recognised equivalents should be used), and should extend

to a sufficient depth below the deepest level of the proposed development (taking into

consideration all proposed excavations and underground structures).

Wherever the study involves the drilling of core samples, the number, depth and location

thereof should also be submitted for EPD approval prior to carrying out of any in situ tests.

Water bodies (including Terrestrial and Underground)

The study should identify the hydrological, hydromorphological and physicochemical

characteristics of the water bodies and water resources in the area under

investigation (including Wied Harq Hamiem and Ghar Harq Hamiem), including (as

relevant):

The hydrology of the site and its surroundings, including all relevant features and

dynamics, such as: aquifers; springs; surface waters; wetlands; watercourses; valley

catchments; etc, also cross referring to hydrogeological factors (see Section 3.3 above) as

relevant;

The type, size and physical characteristics of any aquifers and surface water bodies

within the area of influence of the site, including: the nature of the water body

(e.g. aquifer, flowing surface water, etc.);

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whether the water body is ephemeral or permanent; depth; type of bottom; etc.;

Natural and anthropogenic dynamics including groundwater recharge patterns;

pumping and abstraction patterns; on site and off site drainage patterns; run off

patterns; and flood risks; and

Water quality (salinity, pollutant load, sediment load and characteristics, microbiological load,

BOD & COD, transparency, temperature, etc.), with particular reference to any

established quality parameters (e.g. legally established bathing water quality parameters;

effluent discharge parameters; objectives and requirements of the Water Framework

Directive and related instruments.

3.0 Assessment of environmental impacts and risks of the proposed development

Note 10: All significant impacts of and risks posed by the proposed project during construction and

operation, should be assessed, given the environmental characteristics of the site outlined in

Section 1 and 2 and the policies outlined in Section 3. A descriptive and quantitative analysis

(including magnitudes and timing) of the impacts of the proposed development should be made,

and presented in summary chart format.

The various techniques, methods and assumptions used in the analysis and predictions should be

outlined.

The impact assessment should include:

i. Description of the impact;

ii. Magnitude and significance;

iii. Duration (temporary or permanent);

iv. Extent (in relation to site coverage and surroundings and associated features);

v. Direct or indirect impact;

vi. Adverse or beneficial;

vii. Reversible or irreversible effects of the impact and extent or irreversibility as well as description

of any associated conditions/assumptions for irreversibility;

viii. Sensitivity of resources to impacts;

ix. Probability of impact occurring;

x. Confidence level/limits to impact prediction;

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xi. Scope of mitigation/enhancement; and

xii. Residual impacts.

Worst case scenarios should be assessed where relevant.

3.2 Effects on Coastal Configuration and Sea Bed

Effects of the changes in the local bathymetry and as a result of the proposal. This shall include an

assessment of the effects of the proposal on water circulation inside the Creek, the expected impact

on water quality and sediments in the Creek, among others.

3.3 Effects of/on Water Quality/Hydrology

This shall include impacts of the drainage patterns, including surface hydrology and run off on the

proposed development. Water currents, circulation and water quality resulting from suspension of

sediments, into the marine environment and its effect on habitats shall also be taken into

consideration. The effects on water quality and circulation of the possible extension.

The effects of sediments and water quality during the construction and operational stage especially

in view of any possible transport of dredging waste

3.5 Effects on Geology, Hydrogeology and Hydrology

This study shall assess the impacts arising from the proposed development with respect to the

geology, hydrogeology and hydrology of the site. It shall assess the significance of impacts on soil,

aquifers and water resources, permanent and/or temporary changes to the hydrologic regime of

watercourses which may traverse the site, permanent and/or temporary changes to the hydro

geologic regime of site including changes to the mean sea level aquifer and its recharge.

The impact on the surface water drainage pattern shall also be mapped and illustrated if the

proposed development is constructed. The impacts on the surrounding area and property due to

the resulting change in surface water drainage pattern shall be clearly described.

Impacts on groundwater and surface water in terms of water quality shall also be assessed, if

relevant.

This assessment shall include the impacts of the geology including the economic feasibility of the

reuse of the excavated material, giving due consideration to all possible alternative uses.

The assessment shall also investigate the effects and risks of excavations on the stability of the

surrounding land

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3.10 Secondary Impacts

Mainly arising from the extraction and consumption of resources necessary to implement the

project, as well as from developments supporting the project (e.g. new, sewers, power lines,

pipelines, telecommunications), such as water, energy, construction materials, and the resultant

need (if any) of development of new supplies.

3.11 Other Environmental Effects

Other environmental effects other than those identified in Sections 3.1 – 3.12 shall be described

and their impacts assessed.

3.12 Cumulative Effects

This section shall refer to all the impacts of all the aspects of the development and shall assess:

the effects resulting from the interaction of separate effects listed above as well as any other

relevant impacts, and

the impacts of the project viewed in terms of other projects (i.e., not in isolation), including

existing and proposed, including all the existing and proposed marina developments in the

area.

Design of Mitigation Measures, Identification of Residual Impacts and Monitoring

4.1 Mitigation Measures

This should include a description of the measures envisaged to prevent, minimise and where

possible, offset any significant adverse effects on the environment of the project. Such measures

could include technological features; operational management techniques; enhanced site planning

and management; aesthetic measures; conservation measures; reduction of magnitude of project;

and health and safety measures.

4.2 Residual Impacts

Any residual impacts, that is those impacts that cannot be mitigated or those remaining impacts

following implementation of mitigation measures, should also be described, quantified and

presented in a tabular format.

4.3 Monitoring

The consultants must propose a monitoring framework which should take into account monitoring

of those features that are considered to be impacted negatively or the impact on which is

7

uncertain. The framework must be proposed at different stages: before, during and after

construction. Details regarding type of and frequency of monitoring must also be given.

The site is currently occupied by:

Cresta Quay Restaurant and the

Villa Rosa Complex

SCOPE OF THE REPORT

The Report comprises the following:

A baseline geological survey to identify and describe geologic, palaeontological,

geomorphologic features including soils on or close to the site and an assessment of their

scientific importance. The geo environmental survey area extended out of the site to cover the

catchment basin of the watercourse crossing the site.

A baseline hydrological/hydrogeological survey to identify and describe the following features:

aquifers, water courses, springs, wells, water channels, cisterns, catchment areas, surface run

off, recharge, evapo transpiration and any other features apparent on or close to the site to

cover the catchment basin of the watercourse crossing the site.

A baseline survey of the drainage potential of the site. This comprised the delineation of the

full catchment upstream of the site and the estimation of its run off characteristics. The

drainage potential study covered the site as well as the entire watershed upstream

A Report on the Structure and stability of Ghar Harq Hamiem.

The survey will assist the EIA coordinator to assess the impact of the proposed project on the geo

environment.

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The site earmarked for the new development includes Villa Rosa and its grounds extending to the

road running along the beach (See Figure 2) and the adjoining land running across the valley to its

northern slope developed on Lower Coralline Limestone.

St George’s Bay like Marsamxett Harbour and the Grand Harbour represents a river system which

was drowned following partial melting of the ice caps at the end of the last Quaternary Glaciation.

The configuration of the river system is partly revealed by the water depth contours (ISOBATHS)

which show a gradual deepening of the creeks. As with all drowned river systems these extend

further out of the Bay and terminate offshore at the Quaternary coastline, the Quaternary base

level of erosion, which lies some 120m below the present sea level.

The configuration of the coastline of the bay has been greatly remodelled by developments; the

latest one being the Corinthia Marina Hotel and the Bay Street Complex. The part of the coastline

yet undeveloped in the environs of Cresta Quay on the Dragonara side of the coastline exposes the

Xlendi Member of the Lower Coralline Limestone.

GEOLOGY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY

The Area of Influence has been based on the most important feature of the region which is Wied

Mejxu and a minor unnamed watercourse which runs mostly along the paved roads of Swieqi. The

area of influence for geology and geomorphology consist primarily of the undeveloped part of the

catchment of the two watercourses including a corridor of the developed area beyond to the SW

of Triq Sant Andrija (Figure 3).

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Figure 3: Map Showing the Area of Influence for Geology and Geomorphology

HYDROLOGY

Hydrological study shall include the entire catchment of the two watercourses discharging into il

Bajja ta’San Gorg, Wied Mejxu and the minor unnamed watercourse.

Furthermore the site for the proposed Re Development of Villa Rosa lies in a creek which forms

the seaward continuation of the Wied Mejxu Valley systems. The Area of Influence is determined

by catchment of the Creeks which extends to L Ibrag and Ix Xghajriet (Figure 4).

Figure 4: Map showing area of influence for the hydrology /hydrogeology study

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The most significant features of the area are:

The beach which has been replenished some years ago by very coarse granitic sand.

The undeveloped downstream segment of Wied Mejxu .

The stability of Ghar Harq Hamiem.

DESK STUDY

Prior to the field survey, a desk study on the geo environmental characteristics of the A of I was

performed. This included:

Reviewing existing literature sources. The geology of the environs of the site is

represented on the Geological Map of the Maltese Islands (OED, 1993) while the

lithostratigraphy is described in various papers like Felix 1973 and Pedley, 1978.

Previous work undertaken in relation to the subsurface geology of the site

Studies undertaken in relation to the beach replenishment

Studies related to the development of Moynihan House

Studies on the stability of Ghar Harq Hamiem

Surface Geology

Previous work on the subject undertaken by the writer comprised a subsurface site investigation

by continuous core sample recovery and laboratory testing. In addition geo environmental studies

were undertaken in connection with the beach replenishment project at ST George’s Bay, the

proposed development of Moynihan House and the structural stability of Ghar Harq Hamiem.

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FIELD MAPPING AND ANALYSIS

The field surveys were undertaken in December 2013 and focused on the geology, palaeontology,

geomorphology, hydrology and hydrogeology of the Application Site and the Area of Influence.

The output from the field surveys included the following:

A Geological Map;

A Geomorphological Map;

A Hydrological map showing the catchments of the river systems and the surface

hydrology;

Geological cross sections across the site.

GEOLOGY AND PALAEONTOLOGY

This part of the study consisted of a field survey to identify and map rock formations and to

identify the quality of the mineral resource at the Application Sites. Features of particular

geological/palaeontological importance were identified.

Cross sections of the rock layers on site were plotted for a proper assessment of the submerged

river system.

The geotechnical characteristics of the mineral resources on site were identified through visual

examination of surface rock exposures and visual examination of rock samples taken from the

exposures as well as subsurface geological investigation, rock core sample recovery and laboratory

testing.

GEOMORPHOLOGY/SOILS

This part of the study was carried out simultaneously with the geological field survey.

Geomorphological units were identified and mapped and features of Geomorphological

importance recorded and described.

The baseline survey was then compared to the remodelled site to identify the extent of the

changes on the morphology of the site.

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HYDROLOGYAND HYDROGEOLOGY

The scope of the field survey was to identify hydrological features such as watercourses, well

reservoirs, canals, and water channels. Surface geological mapping identified the existence or

otherwise of aquifers and determined the positions of watersheds and hydrogeological basins,

distinct or otherwise from the watersheds of the watercourses, in relation to the development.

The hydrological / hydrogeological survey included measurement of catchment areas to estimate a

water balance for the site and run off potential for each catchment area. These measurements,

together with the amounts of rainfall expected, were used to calculate maximum run off,

determined the impact of the discharge of run off on the development. The volume of the

discharge of run off was determined and assessed in the light of storm and flash flood conditions.

WATER QUALITY

Three samples taken from the Bay, Ghar Harq Hamiem and run off were analysed to determine

the water quality.

The findings of the various surveys indicated the extent of vulnerability of the geo environmental

resources in the Area of Influence.

GENERAL OVERVIEW

The conservation importance of the geo environmental features was established by reference to

local legislation, the Structure Plan of the Maltese Islands (1990), the North Harbours Local Plan

and the guidance provided by the Nature Conservancy Council (UK) on Earth Conservation.

The extent of the vulnerability of the water resources was evaluated in the light of the above

conservation policies and in accordance with the relevant EU Directives on the subject:

Marine Habitats Directive

The water Framework Directive

The Floods Risks Directive

Swimming water Directive.

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The exploitation and conservation of mineral resources, as well as their vulnerability were

assessed in the light of Structure Plan policies as well as theMinerals Subject Plan (MEPA, 2004).

RELEVANT LOCAL LEGISLATION AFFECTING THE GEO ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES

There currently exists a dearth of legislation that aims to safeguard, protect, conserve or manage

the geo environmental resource of the Maltese Islands. Among the few pieces of legislation are:

The Malta Resources Authority Act (Act XXV of 2000): which provides for the establishment of an

Authority and for the regulation of water, energy and mineral resources. The Authority is charged

with regulating, monitoring and reviewing all practices, operations and activities related to these

resources and to grant the relevant licences or permits for their exploitation. Amongst other

functions, the Authority regulates the conservation, augmentation and operation of water

resources and the sources of water supply, and ensures the optimum utilisation of mineral

resources and regulates the quality and quantity of minerals extracted.

The Rubble Walls and Rural Structures (Conservation and Maintenance) Regulations, 1997 (LN

160 of 1997): which declares all rubble walls and rural structures in the Maltese Islands as

protected for their historical and architectural importance, their aesthetic beauty, their function as

an important natural habitat and their vital importance in the conservation of soil. The regulations

also provide for the designation of Rubble Wall Conservation Areas, wherein alterations to the

location or construction of rubble walls and the traditional methods of their repair and

maintenance are not permitted except following written permission from the Director for the

Protection of the Environment.

The Water Services Corporation Act (Act XXIII of 1991): which established the Water Services

Corporation (WSC). Among other functions, the WSC was charged with conservation of water

resources and with the promotion of safe disposal of wastewaters and reasonable use of water.

Building Stone Order (LN 47 of 1976): which established the size of dimension stone to be used for

construction purposes and the size of blocks cut at the quarry sites.

Fertile Soil (Preservation) Act (Act XXIX of 1973): which provides for the protection of fertile soil

by prohibiting its transportation, burying, covering, deposition, or mixing with other materials as

to render it unfertile, except with the written permission of the Director of the Agriculture

Department. Further provisions under this Act are provided in the Preservation of Fertile Soils

Regulations (LN 104 of 1973).

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The study area consists of a marine area. Geo environmental features are submarine or coastal in

nature. In this context, the more relevant Structure Plan policies, vis à vis the geo environmental

resources of the area, are those dealing with Coastal conservation and extraction of mineral

resources.

RURAL CONSERVATION POICIES OF RELEVANCE TO THE GEO ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE

PROTECTIVE DESIGNATIONS

The relevant geo environmental policies include:

SP Policy RCO 1: Designates Rural Conservation Areas (as identified in the SP Key Diagram)

and provides for the designation of sub areas on the basis of World Conservation Union

criteria. The relevant designations include – Sites of Scientific Importance (SSI) that

include important geological features and Areas of High Landscape Value (AHLV).

SP Policy RCO 4: Provides for the protection and enhancement of areas of scenic value.

SP Policy RCO 11: Lists the features that must be present for a Site to be designated an

SSI. The geo environmental features include:

A locality of special palaeontological interest;

A lithostratigraphical type section;

A locality of Geomorphological interest; and

Some other specific feature of scientific importance not listed above.

SP Policy RCO 12: Establishes a classification (Level 1 to Level 4) for the designation of

Sites of Scientific Importance. The policy provides a description of the characteristics of

the different levels. These are further elaborated upon in the Explanatory Memorandum

to the Structure Plan, in particular Clauses 15.34 to 15.40.

EROSION CONTROL

SP Policy RCO 21: Includes a general presumption against development in areas prone to

erosion.

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SP Policy RCO 22: Protects areas prone to erosion, such as sandy beaches, sand dunes,

coastal clay slopes, soil and cliff edges, and calls for positive action aimed at their

preservation.

SP Policy RCO 27: Prohibits development involving the excavation of significant quantities

of Blue Clay.

VALLEYS, SOIL CONSERVATION ANDWATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

SP Policy RCO 28: Protects all valleys in view of their important role as water catchment

areas.

SP Policy RCO 29: Seeks to prevent soil erosion and encourage the conservation and

management of water resources. No new physical development will normally be allowed

on sides of valleys and especially on valley watercourses except for constructions aimed at

preventing soil erosion and the conservation and management of water resources.

SOIL CONSERVATION POLICIES

SP Policy AHF 4: Builds upon existing legislation (the Fertile Soils (Preservation) Act, 1973)

and maintains the mandatory conservation of soil and other soil saving measures. The

policy also provides for the adoption of soil replenishment measures where suitable

opportunities arise.

MINERAL RESOURCES POLICIES

SP Policy MIN 1: Safeguards mineral resources from sterilisation through development.

SP Policy MIN 4: Introduces the concept of a minerals land bank by ensuring that land

released for mineral extraction takes into consideration the overall rates of production and

the levels of exploitable reserves. It introduces a presumption against granting of

permissions that would result in the release of significantly higher levels of permitted

reserves.

SP Policy MIN 5: Includes a presumption against surface mineral working in or near areas

of acknowledged interest for ecology, archaeology, and in areas of high quality agricultural

land. The policy also echoes SP Policy RCO 27 in prohibiting the extraction of significant

amounts of Blue Clay, in order to protect groundwater resources and hillside landscapes.

17

SP Policy MIN 6: Hints at sustainability issues with an emphasis on extensions of existing

mineral workings in preference to the development of mineral workings in new areas. The

exhaustion of mineral resources from committed areas is also an important aspect of this

policy, encouraging the deepening of the existing extraction areas.

Various other policies related to mineral extraction as an activity are included in the Structure

Plan. Other minerals related planning policies are those contained in the Minerals Subject Plan,

published by MEPA in 2001.

MINERALS SUBJECT PLAN POLICIES

The Minerals Subject Plan deals with the activities of the minerals industry as a whole and provides

planning guidance for the next 10 years. The Subject Plan’s policies of relevance to the geological

resources are:

HS 3, HS 4, HS 5, HS 6, HS 7 and HS 8 dealing with the safeguarding and extraction

of mineral resources;

DC1 to DC 22 dealing with the impacts of such practice;

RES 1 to RES 12 dealing with the restoration of extraction sites;

BC 1 dealing with the extraction of Blue Clay.

Conservation profiles are intended to prevent future potential damage to sites. Since no earth

conservation model exists for the Maltese Islands, it has been suggested in past studies (e.g.

Debono & Scerri, 1996, Mallia et al., 1999) that until such a model is formulated, models used in

other countries could be adopted for local use. The conservation model proposed is that adopted

by the Earth Conservation Strategy of the Nature Conservancy Council (UK). In this model, sites

of geological importance are classified into two groups: Exposure Sites and Integrity Sites. The

conservation of the two groups is treated differently.

Exposure Sites are those whose scientific or educational importance lies in providing

exposures of a deposit that is extensive or plentiful underground but that is otherwise

accessible only by remote sampling. Exposure Sites include outcrops, stream and

18

foreshore sections, and exposures in quarries, pits, cuttings, ditches, mines and

tunnels.

Integrity Sites are those whose scientific or educational values lies in the fact that they

contain finite and limited deposits or landforms that are irreplaceable if destroyed.

These deposits or landforms are usually of limited lateral extent. Examples include

caves, karst, glacial and fluvial deposits, and unique mineral, fossil, stratigraphic,

structural or other geological deposit and features (NCC, 19911).

The European Union does not have any directive that regulates mineral extraction per se. Neither

does it have directives that protect the geo environment. Of relevance to the proposed

development, however, are:

Directive 2000/60/EC: The Water Framework Directive.

Directive 2007/60/EC: The Floods Risk Directive

Directive 92/43/EEC: The marine habitats directive

Directive (76/160/EEC): The Bathing Water

19

The five Late Tertiary rock formations that are exposed on the Maltese Islands

are, from top to base (Figure 5):

Upper Coralline Limestone (youngest);

Greensand;

Blue Clay;

Globigerina Limestone; and

Lower Coralline Limestone (oldest).

The rock formations exposed in the environs of the Site are:

Globigerina Limestone Formation ;

Lower Globigerina Limestone Mb

Lower Coralline Limestone Formation

Xlendi Mb.

Minor quantities of Quaternary red conglomerates and recent marine sands

may form valley fill filling the central channel of the drowned river system of

Wied Mejxu.

Figure 5: Lithological column showing the rock sequence exposed on the Maltese Islands

20

GLOBIGERINA LIMESTONE FORMATION

This rock unit outcrops extensively in the environs of the site on the slopes of Wied Mejxu . Only

one of the three Members into which it is usually subdivided has been preserved (see geological

map Figure 6):

Lower Coralline Limestone Xlendi Member [about 15m thick].

The site being proposed for the Re Development of Villa Rosa lies on the Lower Coralline

Limestone Formation (Xlendi Mb (Figure 6), (Plate 1) and partly on the Lower Globigerina

Limestone Mb of the Globigerina Limestone Formation .

Figure 6: Geological map of the catchment basin of St George’s Bay

LOWER GLOBIGERINA LIMESTONE MEMBER

This consists of a yellow to cream coloured medium to fine, soft foraminiferal calcarenite with

moderate to intense thalassinoidean burrow systems. Macrofossils consist mainly of whole and

fragmented echinoid tests and spines and bivalve shells. This rock is mainly permeable through

fissures. Fissure permeability is generally very high.

MINERAL COMPOSITION

The Lower Globigerina Limestone at the site is represented mainly by the soll type of beds which

weather very easily by flaking (franka stone is over 95% calcium carbonate with minor contents of

silicates, iron oxide and alumina). Further information on the rock strata in the Application Sites is

given in the mineral resource assessment at the end of this report.

21

LOWER CORALLINE LIMESTONE FORMATION

This rock formation outcrops in the lower reaches of Wied Mejxu also known as Wied Ghar Harq

Hamieim and it outcrops extensively along the coastline of il Bajja ta’San Gorg in the Bay where it

is represented by the Xlendi Member. This rock is highly permeable and forms the mean sea level

aquifer from which about 50% of our potable water is abstracted.

The rocks sampled at the site of the proposed Villa Rosa Project belonged entirely to the Lower

Coralline Limestone and consist of a brown to light brown coarse to very coarse Moderately

strong limestone. Recrystallisation of the rock studied was very frequent. The rock unit occurs in

bands and continuous thick beds up to or over 3m thick resulting in considerable improvement of

the quality of the rock.

Rock core sampling was accompanied by core logging and laboratory testing.

DIP AND STRIKE

In addition to faulting and jointing it has been noted that the strata dip gently (about 5 degrees) to

the Northeast.

FAULTING AND JOINTS

Two faults striking roughly NW SE form the boundaries of the cave of Ghar Harq Hamiem (Figure

7). One of can be seen very clearly at the entrance to Ghar Harq Hamiem (Plate 2).

22

Figure 7: Two faults striking roughly NW SE form the boundaries of the cave of Ghar Harq Hamiem.

23

The site under study is located on the slopes and floor of Wied Mejxu. The valley is extensively

developed and of the valley the area yet undeveloped are at the lower reaches of the valley and at

Ta’Gakondu (Figure 8).

Figure 8: Google earth image showing extensive development in the area under study The proposed site ismarked by a red line

Ghar Harq Hamiem (Plate 2 to Plate 5)

Wied Mejxu (Plate 6 to Plate 8)

St George’s Bay and sandy beach (Plate 9 to Plate 11)

Lower Coralline Limestone slopes on the NW and SE of the watercourse

Ghar Harq Hamiem, The cave, and the surrounding site was first inspected by the writer on the 6th

February and on the 13th February 2008 in connection with another proposed development and

24

recently on the 15 April 2014. It lies on the western slope of the NE termination of Wied Mejxu, a

valley cut in Lower Coralline Limestone (Xlendi Mb) and discharges into il Bajja Ta’ san Gorg. It is

accessible from a flight of steps on the margin of a field southwest of the cave (Plate 1 and Plate

2). The flight of steps reach water level inside the cave which is slightly above sea level. Visual

assessment was made by a powerful torch light and photographically.

The cave consists of two chambers an upper accessible chamber rising to about 10m above sea

level and extending some 9m below sea level (Plate 3). It is connected to a lower inaccessible

chamber, the entrance of which is a narrow steeply dipping conduit mostly blocked by a rubble

mound and fractured rock that supports the ceiling of the upper chamber of the cavern system

(Plate 3).

The conduit leads to the second submerged chamber with is floor at about 50m below sea level

and its roof rising to about 18.5m below sea level

The rubble mound indicates a very slow rock fall of rock fragments that detach from the fractured

roof (Plate 4). The encrusted surface of these boulders indicates that the process is very slow.

They must have fallen a long time ago.

The accessible chamber is in the form of a vault about 20m high 22m wide and 24m long. The roof

of the upper chamber lies at about 10m above sea level. The cave is partly flooded with sea water

and the part below sea level is about 9m deep.

25

Figure 9: Longitudinal profile of the cave system, showing overlying road level

The southern wall of the cave is a vertical rock wall about 2m thick cut by vertical fractures

producing near –vertical solid wall broken into irregular blocks by irregular fractures (see Plate 2).

The inner face of the wall carries stalctitic calcite ribbons and grooves marking fault movement

which incidentally is not vertical but horizontal, indicating that the fault has a substantial shear

component, and thus explaining the fractured roof and northern wall of the cave. This shear

movement appears to be transpressive that is it has a compressive component.

Close examination of the roof and NW wall of the cave shows that the rock is strongly fractured

with fracture spacing of the order of 15cm to 25cm (see Plate 3). Fractures planes are often

irregular and corrugated and coated with brown iron oxide which incidentally also binds the rock

blocks together. Corrugation of fracture planes together with partial cementation by iron oxide

imparts a certain amount of shear strength to the rock body explaining why the roof and NW wall

are stable despite the fractured nature of the rock.

SURVEY OF THE CAVE IN 2011

The cave was surveyed by Randolph Camilleri Surveys Limited in January 2001. Its profile has been

reproduced in Figure 10, above.

The survey revealed that the cavern system comprised two chambers:

One near sea level rising to about +10m –locally known Ghar Harq Hamiem which was the subject

of this report and a second chamber with its roof lying at about 20 to 30m below Ground level.

DR.MANGION’S GEOLOGICAL REPORT – 2001

In 2001 Dr John Mangion was commission By Mangion and Mangion and Partners to produce a

report on Ghar Harq Hamiem entitled “Baseline Hydrogeological Survey of Hark il Hamiem Cave

at St George’s Bay , St Julians”, August 2001.

Dr Mangion concluded that the cave lies in a fractured graben bounded by two faults (Figure 11).

Karstic action and subsequent collapse of the fractured rock produced the present vault with its

roof lying some 6m below ground level.

He further highlights the uniqueness of the karstic features of the cave qualifying the site as one of

scientific interest on account of its geological features. He also proposed a 30m radius protection

zone wherein no excavation or building development would be permitted.

26

The site was subsequently scheduled by MEPA (2003) and a 30m protection zone was established

as earlier recommended by Dr Mangion (Figure 11).

Figure 10: Faults bounding the Caves (Mangion, 2001)

Figure 11: MEPA scheduling of the cavern system as level I SSI and the 30m protection Zone

27

PROF TORPIANO REPORT – 2013

In 2003 Profs A Torpiano produced a report entitled “Moynihan House Project – Report on the

Structural Stability of the Existing Cave and the Effect of Excavation and Construction Work for

the Moynihan House Project.

THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

The development that was being proposed at that time was a multi storey mixed development

with excavations ranging from 7.5m to 11m deep.

The report addressed the following questions:

Whether the extent of the envisaged excavation was permissible and the method

by which this should be carried out;

Whether the extent and location of the proposed building was acceptable in the

context of the integrity of the cave ;

Whether any particular structural system should be adopted in the construction of

the building ; and

Whether any particular measures should be taken when designing the structure of

the building, in order to safe guard the structural integrity of the cave.

The report also addressed issues such as the load bearing capacity of areas over the Cave, the

limits to the excavation and to the proximity of load –bearing foundations, and the limits to

vibrations during excavation and construction.

In his report Prof Torpiano concluded that:

No excavation and development should be allowed over the upper chamber of the

cave ;

He proposed that the excavation for the Development as then envisaged would

not affect the cave

He proposed that the structure for the development should bridge over the

vertical projection and be articulated to allow for any fault movement.

In the opinion of the present writer all faults on the Maltese Islands are inactive

and no fault movement is to be expected.

28

For the convenience of the reader plans of the Cave are reproduced from Profs Torpiano’s report

Figure 12, Figure 13 and Figure 14 below:

Figure 12: Plan of the cave system

Figure 13: Cross section of the cave showing ground levels above

29

Figure 14: Longitudinal section of the cave

The new development includes development of Moynihan House. The planned excavation is

23.6m from the ceiling of the cave at its closest (Figure 15). Rock exposures show that this will be

in Lower Coralline Limestone Formation as with the rest of the site.

Considering that the load of the foundations decreases with depth from the point of contact with

the rock, at 23m below (Figure 16) excavation level this will be of no concern.

However the cave is sensitive to vibrations. Although the cave lies 23m away from the nearest site

that is going to be excavated, it is recommended that a chainsaw cut will be made at the closest

excavation line.

Figure

15:Site

plan

show

ingrelatio

nof

theprop

osed

developm

enttotheCa

veGh

arHa

rqHa

miem

32

Figure

16:C

ross

sections

show

ingtherelatio

nof

theprop

osed

excavatio

nto

GhartH

arqHa

miem

This valley is a deep V shaped intensely developed and disturbed valley cut in Lower Coralline

Limestone and discharges in Il Bajja Ta’San Gorg which is the submerged extension of this valley.

The relief between the valley floor and the surrounding ridges is of the order of 135m.

The source of the valley is a broad valley cut into a system of terraced fields cut in Lower

Globigerina Limestone at Ta’Gakondu (see Plate 6). The downstream section at the change from

Lower Globigerina Limestone to Lower Coralline Limestone changes into a deep gorge (Plate 7 and

Plate 8) with rocky slopes dotted with typical surface karst features such as rock pools. The dry

watercourse in Lower Coralline Limestone is well developed .

The lower segment of the valley passes through the boundary of the site. At this point the valley

changes to a narrow flood plain which originally terminated on a sandy beach. This flood plain is

mostly paved by a Hotel and self catering apartments, an old disused court a Tennis court and

other developments (Plate 9). The watercourse has been diverted into culvert which runs along

the eastern margin of the disused court and tennis court (Plate 10) and then exits beneath the

gate entrance (Plate 11).

In the site the watercourse is not preserved and is replaced by partly exposed but mostly buried

culvert running along the southern margin of the courts built on the original flood plain.

34

Figure 17: Map showing the downstream segment of Wied Mejxu (Wied Harq Hamiem) as it traverses thegrounds of Villa Rosa through a culvert

Figure

18:G

oogleEarthim

ageshow

ingtheintensede

velopm

entw

ithinthecatchm

ento

fWiedMejxu

36

Like the Grand Harbour, this bay represents a drowned valley (Figure 18) with watercourse that

extended offshore from Wied Mejxu to the Pleistocene coastline some 120m below the present sea

level. The drowning occurred at the end of the Pleistocene which was accompanied by partial

melting of the polar ice caps. The central relict watercourse subsequently partly filled by red

Quaternary (Valley fill) Deposits and a sandy beach was established. Its extent was considerably

reduced with the construction of the perimeter road thus disturbing the original geomorphology. The

coastline of the bay is also mostly developed the few remaining undisturbed patches expose Lower

Coralline Limestone (Xlendi Mb).

A few years ago the beach that lines the inner reaches of the bay has been replenished with granitic

VERY coarse sand. As a result the sandy beach has been extended considerably (Plate 12). The NE

boundary wall of the proposed site overlooks this beach (Plate 13).

1. The site where the development is located has been highly disturbed over the years. The

Cresta Quay part of the site lies on rocky coastline. Wied Mejxu lies on Lower Coralline

Limestone and consists of a rock Lower Coralline Limestone exposure. Lower Coralline

Limestone outcrops on the margin of the valley development under study lies mostly. The

area surrounding it is intensely developed and disturbed (Figure 19). A few terraced fields

remain in the lower reaches of the Valley.

2. According to Lang, 1958 the only soils existing at that time were Tas Sigra and tal Barrani.

The east of the valley and its environs were already shown as disturbed.

37

Figure 19: Map of the site and its environs (Lang, 1962)

This was partly due to the intensive activities of the British services such as in the form of Barracks

and rifle ranges.

Since that time all of the area has since been developed and disturbed in some form or another.

Field study as well as Google Image of the site indicate that the Geomorphology of the Valley on the

SW, outside the boundary of the site (upstream) is still well preserved. The site in question has been

extensively altered with excavation, construction of holiday apartments, tennis courts, a mini golf

course and other structures.

38

A hydrological / hydrogeological survey of the Area of Interest was undertaken to identify and

describe the following features: aquifers, water courses and their corresponding water catchment

areas, drainage patterns of the site, springs, wells, water channels, cisterns, surface run off, recharge,

and any other hydrogeological features.

The hydrological and hydrogeological features close to the site are shown in Figures 20 and 21 and

comprise:

The mean sea level aquifer;

The watercourse of Wied Mejxu

The catchment of Wied Mejxu

The catchment of St Georges Bay

Ghar Harq Hamiem –Potential submarine springs.

Figure 20: Map showing the hydrological network of the catchment of Wied Mejxu and St George’s Bay

39

The project lies on Lower Coralline Limestone which constitutes the mean sea level aquifer.

Considering that the site lies very close to the coastline the groundwater beneath the proposed site,

most probably is brackish.

Wied Mejxu has catchment area of about 1.6 sq km (Figure 20). However run off is intercepted by

Triq Sant Andrija the main artery that links the harbour area and Central Malta to the north and

diverts a large volume of run off to the roads that link Triq Sant Andrja to St Georges Bay. Although

the watercourse (dry) is well developed in Lower Coralline Limestone there is no apparent discharge

point at the bay and the Villa Rosa boundary is marked by a high wall that traverse the bay almost

from north to south interrupted by a narrow gate (Plate 12 ).

As the watercourse enters the site it travels beneath a pavement for about 10m (Plate 13) and then

is diverted and travels first through a surface culvert about 1.8m wide and then in a covered trench

on the margin of the Tennis courts (See Figure 21), and exits and discharges into another buried

culvert on the side of the road running along the beach next to the gate (see Plate 10).

The valley slopes within Villa Rosa site contain a number of shallow terraced artificial reservoirs,

probably originally constructed to embellish and irrigate the site (Plate 14). It contains also a large

swimming pool (see Figure 19). Many of these can be seen on Google Maps

The Re Development of Villa Rosa lies in the lower reaches of the valley of Wied Mejxu. Part of the

footprint of the development lies within the watercourse. The Development at Cresta Quay lies at

the coastline where the water table is expected to thin out to zero thickness.

40

Figure 21: Google image showing the watercourse ( a culvert) of Wied Mejxu as it traverses the site

A large stretch of the coastline surrounding the bay sheds its water in the form of diffuse discharge.

41

Figure

22:Map

show

ingthecatchm

ento

fthe

Baycompo

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(Catchmen

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ndasecond

unna

med

watercourse

(Catchmen

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resm

easure

100m

X100m

42

The hydrological cycle of the Maltese Islands is relatively simple and can be described in terms of a

few basic processes:

Figure 23: Water balance for the Maltese Islands (After MRA 2000)

On reaching the ground, rainwater is partly led to the sea as run off, which for the Maltese Islands is

taken as 14% of the average rainfall; part of the rain water percolates into the ground and goes to

recharge the mean sea level aquifer (26%). The rest of the water is returned to the atmosphere by

evapo transpiration. Owing to the long hot and dry season of the Maltese Islands, this is very high

and is usually taken as 60%. This rainwater balance is shown in Figure 23.

However under flash flood conditions the evapo transpiration parameter is zero percent as the time

is too short for evaporation to take place. For this reason under such conditions run off exceeds 74%.

Considering that a large part of the catchment is built up and paved this parameter has been taken as

85%.

The recharge water is eventually extracted from the aquifer. The amount available for extraction as

well as the amount that is returned to the sea are difficult to quantify, but local hydrogeological

practice considers that half of the recharge water (12%) is on average available for extraction all year

round, while the remaining fraction (12%) is ultimately returned to the sea by natural subsurface

discharge along the coastline (Debono, 1988).

43

The surface run off estimates calculated for the catchment areas of Wied Mejxu and unnamed Wied

and the bay are shown in Table 1 and illustrated in (Figure 24 and Figure 25).

In Table 1 two run off scenarios are considered:

Annual average run off

Run off under flash flood conditions of 100mm

Table 1: Run off estimates table for catchment areas of the Application Site

Catchment Valley Area Average

annual run

off Volume

Volume Flash

Flood

14% 85%

Sq m Cu m Cu m

A Wied Mejxu 950,000 73,000 81,000

B Wied Ta’San Gorg 650,000 50,000 55,000

Total Bay catchment 1,600,000 123,000 136,000

A water balance table for the catchment areas shows that on average the St Georges Bay receives an

annual run off of 123,000 cu m. This volume is of the same order of a flash flood of 100mm rainfall in

about 3h to 4h.

It is important to note that as the catchment is traversed by Triq Sant’Andria, most of the run off is

diverted away from Wied Mejxu and is discharged either as diffuse or through the unnamed valley in

Triq Santu Wistin (Bay Street).

44

Figure 24: Map showing Catchments. A: Wied Mejxu; B: Unnamed Valley, referred to in Table 1(For scalerectangles measure 1km by 2km)

Figure 25: Bar chart showing the run off arising from the different catchments considered in Table 1.

45

INTRODUCTION

The sources of water identified within the Area of Influence n comprise:

Seawater

Run off water and

Water in the cave of Ghar Harq Hamiem

WATER QUALITY

This study includes the following water analysis on 3 in number water samples taken as follows

(Figure 26):

Sampling pt No 1, from the cave Ghar Harq Hamiem (1) and

Sampling pt No 2 from the sea at the beach,

Sampling point No 3 from run off water collected from the watercourse of Wied

Mejxu/Wied Ghar Harq Hamiem.

The study on the water samples included chemical analysis for:

Salinity,

pollutant load by analysing water samples for nitrates, phosphate and

Sediment load and characteristics,

microbiological load :

o Intestinal enterococchi (cfu/100ml)

o Escherichia coli (cfu/100ml)

BOD & COD,

transparency, and

temperature,

46

Figure 26: Water quality water sampling points

This analysis was undertaken with particular reference to established quality parameters (e.g.

legally established bathing water quality parameters; effluent discharge parameters; objectives

and requirements of the Water Framework Directive and the Directive 2006/7/EC concerning the

management of bathing water quality.

Table 2: Water quality test results

Parameter Unit of Measure Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3

Cave Seawater Run off

Sodium mg/l 244 12900 82

Chloride mg/l 392 18100 34

Phosphate mg/l <0.5 <0.5 <0.5

Intestinal

enterococchi

ufc/100ml 0 0 0

E Coli ufc/100ml 0 0 0

BOD mg/l <1 45 8

COD mg/l <10 150 27

Turbidity NTU <0.4 <0.4 5.6

47

It is interesting to note that:

No bacteria were tested in the three water samples

Ghar Harq Hamiem receives a substantial quantity of fresh water rendering

the water fresh rather than entirely seawater or brackish.

48

INTRODUCTION

In order to assess the quality of the stone materials a site investigation with continuous rock core

sampling was undertaken in September 2008 in the grounds of Villa Rosa. A total of seven holes BH1

to BH7 each about 15m deep, were drilled on the site (Figure 27). A drilling summary is presented in

Table 3.

Drilling was done using a T44 rotary drill and a T86 double tube core barrel using water circulation.

Figure 27: Site plan showing the location of the holes drilled by continuous coring in the grounds of Villa Rosa

49

Table 3: Continuous rock core sampling drilling summary

BH Date drilled Excav level Water Level Core sampling

interval

Final depth

m m m

1 22/9/08 N/A 1.30 0.00 6.00 6.00

2 12/09/08 N/A N/A 06.00 15.00 15.00

3 11/09/08 N/A 1.40 7.50 11.20 11.20

4 12/09/08 N/A 7.90 0.30 10.60 10.60

5 10/09/08 N/A 7.00 0.00 10.60 10.60

6 10/09/08 N/A 4.90 1.00 9.00 9.00

7 22/09/08 N/A 5.00 0.00 9.00 9.00

LABORATORY TESTING

Laboratory testing was carried out at the Laboratory of Terracore Ltd

The tests carried out were:

Uniaxial compressive strength, (Saturated, surface dry) to ASTM C92 02

Los Angeles test to BS EN 1097 – 2 : 1998

The results of the testing are summarised in Table 4 below and are illustrated graphically in Figure

28.

50

Table 4: Laboratory tests result Uniaxial compressive strength

Sample BH Run DepthCompressive

Water

Absorption

LA test

no. no. no. Strength

(m) (N/mm2) %

1 5 3 6.30 17.77 7.7 45

2 5 3 7.20 31.71 4.5

3 5 4 10.15 56.30 2.3

4 7 2 3.00 14.19 10.9 45

5 7 3 6.00 4.70 12.4

6 7 3 8.80 47.92 2.5

7 1 1 0.15 9.69 10.9 42

8 1 2 3.45 15.61 8.7

9 1 2 5.60 16.25 4.2

10 2 2 10.75 23.90 8.4 49

11 2 3 12.00 25.81 8.6

12 2 3 14.70 27.35 5.4

13 4 3 8.70 29.58 4.8 48

14 4 3 7.00 40.84 3.4

15 4 4 10.00 21.48 7.8

16 6 2 3.00 15.11 10.1 60

17 6 3 9.15 19.93 5.6

18 6 3 8.75 18.93 8.6

19 3 1 7.50 24.29 4.3

20 3 1 9.50 8.71 13.1

51

21 3 1 11.00 10.88 11.9

Figure 28: Bar chart illustrating the laboratory test results

From Table 4 above it is seen that the rock strength is extremely variable.

The compressive strength results ranged from ranged from 56.0Nmm 2 to 4.1Nmm 2 approximately

50% of the rock samples had a compressive strength which was over 201Nmm 2 and a water

absorption which was less than 5%. It is seen however, that some samples that had a high

compressive strength also has a relatively high water absorption indicating a moderately strong but

porous rock.

LOS ANGELES ABRASION TEST

The Los Angeles test was carried out on six samples. Due to the amount of material required for this

test, each sample consisted practically of the entire core sample recovered from the respective

borehole. All results are quite poor with very high Los Angeles abrasion indexes. ASTM C33 quotes a

maximum value of 40 for normal concrete and between 30 and 35 for high strength concrete.

According to AASTHO the index has to be below 40 to classify as a Class A road aggregate. The

obtained values are all above 40 and are as high as 64.

52

LOWER CORALLINE LIMESTONE

The rock core samples recovered are described as moderately strong (Plate 15). Generally have a

relatively high compressive strength for a local stone material. Average calculated was 22.9N/sq mm

with relatively high water absorption of 7.4%.

Despite these results, owing to Recrystallisation there appears to be bands and thick lenses of Lower

Coralline Limestone which could yield fair to good concrete aggregate. Judging from the number of

high compressive strength values obtained about 40% 50% of the rock would yield a good concrete

aggregate.

It is recommended that the excavation be monitored from the start, for joints and discontinuities,

that might fail by shearing if they daylight into the cutting.

53

5.1 POTENTIALIMPACTS

The potential impacts arising from the construction and operation of the Proposed construction on the

sensitive receptors (Mainly hydrology and hydrogeology) included:

Contamination of the watercourse downstream of the site(run off) Wied Mejxu

Contamination of the mean sea level aquifer;

Removal/degradation of stone beds containing important palaeontological

features;

Degradation of the geomorphological/Hydrological features

Jeopardising the stability of Ghar Harq Hamiem

5.2 IMPACTSIGNIFICANCE

This section includes, for each potential impact the following

information: Description of impact;

Policy importance of impact (Local, National, International);

Extent of effect; and duration of impact (temporary/permanent);

Adverse or beneficial impact and reversible/irreversible impact;

Sensitivity of receptor (residential dwelling, business outlets, etc.);

Probability of impact occurring (certain, likely, uncertain, unlikely, remote); and

Scope for mitigation/enhancement (very good, good, none).

54

Based on the above criteria, a summary of the significance of the impact will be considered:

Insignificant – little or no change to

o the hydrologic regimeo or geological / geomorphological regime;

Minor significance change to the geological/ hydrological/hydrogeological regimes with scope

for mitigation

Spilled fuel oils and other noxious substances may flow superficially and discharge into (or are washed)

the beach and coastal waters.

Any noxious substance discharged into the rock will percolate or may be washed to sea level aquifer,

whence it will flow laterally along the pores and fissures present in the rock and is discharged at the

coastline.

5.3 MITIGATION

The watercourse should be preserved and no building materials should be stacked on site

Sealed layouts such as those described in Appendix 5 would be effective.

Most of the run off generated by the upper reaches of Wied Mejxu is diverted away from the site by Triq

Sant Andrija thus leaving a very small catchment that generates run off inside the proposed site.

5.4 DURINGCONSTRUCTION

During construction no building materials should be stacked and risk washed away during flash floods

The site will be of relatively limited extent. During construction this will be more or less similar to a

normal building site with use of relatively modest excavation and construction equipment.

Ghar Harq Hamiem Special precautions need to be taken regarding vibrations during excavation not to

impair the stability of this geomorphological feature.

56

5.5 DURINGOPERATION

The watercourse should be preserved and protected.

Table 5: Significance of likely impacts on Geology and Palaeontology

Significance of likely impacts on Geology and Palaeontology Policies RCO11 and RCO12

Level of significance Criterion

High Removal/degrading of sites of scientific importance Rural conservation

Policies RCO11 and RCO12 without an y possible scope for mitigation

Moderate Removal of substantial Quantities of strata from sites of no scientific

importance involving extensive excavation works or removal of

important strata with scope for mitigation

Low Development involving removal of minor amounts of rock strata

Insignificant Development that requires no excavation

Adverse/Beneficial Geology and Palaeontology

Assessment Criterion

Highly beneficial Developments that will protect or enhance sites of scientific importance

such as nature trails or geological parks

Beneficial Developments that will protect or enhance geological sites not

necessarily of scientific importance

Neutral Developments that do not involve removal of geological strata

57

Adverse All developments that involve removal of strata are adverse even

though they might be small and may seem to be insignificant. The

cumulative effect of the construction will lead to removal of extensive

quantities of geological strata (e g Construction of a new

neighbourhood).

Table 6: Significance of likely impacts on Geomorphology

Significance of likely impacts on Geomorphology Policies RCO11 and RCO12


High Removal of sites of scientific importance Rural conservation

High Visibly Impairing geomorphological features of high landscape value,

such as such as hill slopes, valleys or watercourses or cliffs or limestone

pavements or karst features by burial or the removal of rock strata.

Cumulative effect of a number of sites added together.

High Developments leading to instability of Blue Clay slopes or to the cliff

margins overlying the contact Blue Clay /Upper Coralline Limestone

Moderate Removal of substantial Quantities of strata from sites of no scientific

importance involving extensive excavation works but in low lying planar

features

Low Development involving removal of minor amounts of rock strata from

sites of no landscape value or removal of strata with scope for

mitigation

Insignificant Development that do not bury surface geomorphological features and

do not require any excavation

58

Adverse/Beneficial



such as nature trails or geomorphological/geological parks

Beneficial Developments that will protect or enhance geomorphological

/geological sites not necessarily of scientific importance

Neutral Developments that do not involve removal of geological strata

Adverse All developments that involve removal of strata are adverse even

though they might be small and may seem to be insignificant. The

cumulative effect of the construction will lead to removal of extensive

quantities of geological strata (e g Construction of a new

neighbourhood) and total obliteration of the geomorphology.

Destabilising geomorphological features

Table 7: Significance of likely impacts on Soils

Significance of likely impacts on Soils (Policy AHF4, Policy RCO 29)


High Removal of sites of scientific importance Rural conservation Policies

RCO11 and RCO12 – accelerated soil erosion

High Removal and burial or dispersal of substantial quantities of soil without

any scope of later remediation

Moderate Removal and burial or dispersal of small Quantities of soil without any

59

scope of later remediation

Low Development involving removal of minor quantities of soil from sites of

no landscape value

Insignificant Development that do not require the removal of soil

Adverse/Beneficial Soils



such as nature trails or geomorphological/geological parks

Beneficial Developments that will inhibit soil erosion such as the construction of

Rubble Walls or terracing

Neutral Developments that do not involve removal of soil

Adverse All developments that involve removal of soil are adverse even though

they might be small eg clearing for the construction of a new house.

The cumulative effect of the construction of a new neighbourhood will

lead to removal of extensive quantities of soil with a high danger of

dispersal without any possibility of recovery.

Table 8: Significance of likely impacts on Hydrology/hydrogeology

Significance of likely impacts on Hydrology/hydrogeology (Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC)


High Alteration of the hydrological regime by increase or decrease of run off

which do not reflect the seasonal changes in the hydrological cycle

leading to loss in infiltration and percolation of groundwater

(Framework Directive 2000/60/EC)

60

High Alteration of the hydrological regime of the catchment basin leading to

increase of run off and accelerated hill slope erosion –silting of

watercourse

High Destruction of karst features that promote percolation of run off

Moderate Alteration of the hydrological regime of the catchment basin leading to

increase of run off with opportunity for mitigation of likely impacts

Low Development involving minor changes in run off of a catchment

Insignificant Development that requires no excavation and/or paving . Excavation

may reduce run off while paving has the opposite effect.

Adverse/Beneficial Hydrology/hydrogeology


Highly beneficial Developments that will protect or enhance watercourses and

catchment basins

Beneficial Developments that will enhance infiltration

Neutral Developments that do not involve any changes in the hydrological cycle

Adverse All developments that involve paving of any type are adverse even

though they might be small e.g. excavation for a garage or basement

which might seem to be insignificant. The cumulative effect of the

construction of a new neighbourhood will lead to flooding in the lower

reaches of the watercourse

61

Table 9: Significance of likely impacts onWater Quality

Significance of likely impacts on Water Quality (Framework Directive 2000/60/EC)


High Alteration of the run off characteristics leading to contamination of

surface or groundwater eg major oil spills –contamination with organo

metallic compounds such as pesticides, nitrate contamination or

contamination involving any other poisonous substance

High Irreversible contamination of the aquifer

Moderate contamination with scope for mitigation

Low contamination of groundwater by minor spillages with scope for easy

mitigation

Insignificant Developments where no kind of contaminant is handled

Adverse/Beneficial Water Quality


Highly beneficial Developments for the treatment of run off or groundwater

Beneficial Natural Processes that are intended to purify run off or groundwater

such as reed beds.

Neutral a) Developments that require the catchment of water and recirculation

such as turf grass cultivation with underlying membrane to catch excess

irrigation water to be recycled.

b) Spillage of freshwater say from a water bowser

Adverse All spillages/leakages change the quality of groundwater normally by

contaminating it and therefore are adverse

62

Table 10: Significance of likely impacts onMineral resources

Significance of likely impacts on Mineral resources (Policies Min 1, MIN5 and MIN 6, subject plan

Policies HS 3, HS 4, HS 5, HS 6, HS 7 and HS 8, DC1 to DC 22)


High Major excavations that will produce large quantities of mineral

resources such as hardstone or the destruction of large reserves of good

quality soft stone

High Sterilisation of large amounts of mineral resources

High Excavation next to 3rd party property or other interests

Moderate Excavation /sterilisation of moderate amounts of mineral resources

Low Excavation /sterilisation of small amounts of mineral resources

Insignificant Development that requires no excavation/sterilization of mineral

resources

Adverse/Beneficial Mineral resources


Highly beneficial Developments that will protect or enhance mineral deposits for

posterity

Beneficial Developments that will recycle mineral resources

Neutral 1a)Developments that do not involve removal of geological strata

b)Excavations (moderate) with possibility to fully recycle moderate

amounts of stone material

63

Adverse a) Sterilisation of mineral resources

b) Production of excessive amounts of mineral resources

c) Destruction of mineral resources such as conventional excavations in

good franka stone

d) Production of waste stone material with no scope for recycling

A summary of the impacts and risks of the proposed development in Triq is Salina is

presented in a tabulated form in Table 11 below.

64

Table11

:Sum

maryof

theIm

pactsa

ndrisks

oftheprop

osed

developm

ent

Impa

cttype

andsource

Impa

ctreceptor

Effectan

dScale

Prob

ability

ofim

pact

occurring

Overall

impa

ctsig

nifican

ce

Prop

osed

mitigatio

nmeasures

Resid

ual

impa

ctsig

nifican

ce

Other

requ

iremen

ts(M

onito

ring

authorisa

tions

etc..)

Impa

cttype

Specific

interven

tion

lead

ingto

impa

ct

Project

phase:

Constructio

n/Ope

ratio

n/D

ecom

miss

ioning

Receptor

type

Sensitivity

and

resilience

toward

impa

ct

Direct

Indirect

Cumulative

Bene

ficial

Adverse

Severity

Physical

geograph

icextent

ofim

pact

Short

med

ium

long

term

Tempo

rary

Perm

anen

tRe

versible

Irreversib

le

Contam

ination

ofthemean

sealevel

aquifer

Spillageof

oils

orfuelsb

yconstructio

nplanta

ndeq

uipm

ent

Constructio

ngrou

ndwater

sensitive

direct

adverse

high

Aquifere

xten

tde

pend

son

quantity

Long

term

Tempo

rary

tillitis

washe

dby

infiltrating

rainwater

irreversib

leremote

low

Fuelsa

ndlubrica

ntssho

uld

bebu

nded

Equipm

entsho

uld

bewellservicedin

theapprop

riate

garage

orservice

station

high

Site

supe

rvision

Contam

ination

ofrock

strata

Hydrogeo

logy:

spillageof

oils

orfuelsb

yconstructio

nplanta

ndeq

uipm

ent

constructio

nRo

ckstrata

sensitive

direct

adverse

High

aquifer

long

Tempo

rary

tillitis

washe

dby

percolating

grou

ndwater

irreversib

leremote

low

Waste

such

aslubrica

ntsa

ndothe

rFue

lsand

lubrica

ntssho

uld

bebu

nded

low

Site

supe

rvision

Stability

ofthe

slope

ofthe

excavatio

n

Rock

wed

ges

with

boun

ding

discon

tinuitie

sdaylightingin

the

excavatio

n

Constructio

nExcavatio

nsensitive

direct

adverse

High

Wallsof

the

excavatio

nShort

term

tempo

rary

reversible

remote

High

Mon

itorin

gof

wallsdu

ring

excavatio

n

low

mon

itorin

gis

requ

ired

durin

gexcavatio

n

Runoff

Hydrogeo

logy:

contam

ination

bysiltin

gof

runoffd

uring

flash

flood

s

Constructio

nRu

noff

Sensitive

direct

adverse

High

Path

takenby

runoffd

own

from

thesiteto

thesea

Short

term

tempo

rary

reversible

remote

High

Intherainyseason

anysand

orgravel

shou

ldbe

protectedfro

merosionby

runoff

high

mon

itorin

gis

requ

ired

durin

gexcavatio

n

Bajja

ta’San

Gorg

Hydrogeo

logy:

contam

ination

bysiltin

gof

runoffd

uring

flash

flood

s

Constructio

nRu

noff

Sensitive

direct

adverse

High

Path

takenby

runoffd

own

from

thesiteto

thesea

Short

term

tempo

rary

reversible

remote

High

Intherainyseason

anysand

orgravel

shou

ldbe

protectedfro

merosionby

runoff

high

mon

itorin

gis

requ

ired

durin

gexcavatio

n

Geo

morph

ology

WiedMejxu

Damageto

the

watercourse

Constructio

nWatercourse

Sensitive

direct

adverse

High

Path

takenby

runoffatthe

site

Short

term

tempo

rary

reversible

remote

High

Noconstructio

nalon

gthe

watercourse

high

mon

itorin

gis

requ

ired

durin

gexcavatio

n

65

Impa

cttype

andsource

Impa

ctreceptor

Effectan

dScale

Prob

ability

ofim

pact

occurring

Overall

impa

ctsig

nifican

ce

Prop

osed

mitigatio

nmeasures

Resid

ual

impa

ctsig

nifican

ce

Other

requ

iremen

ts(M

onito

ring

authorisa

tions

etc..)

Impa

cttype

Specific

interven

tion

lead

ingto

impa

ct

Project

phase:

Constructio

n/Ope

ratio

n/D

ecom

miss

ioning

Receptor

type

Sensitivity

and

resilience

toward

impa

ct

Direct

Indirect

Cumulative

Bene

ficial

Adverse

Severity

Physical

geograph

icextent

ofim

pact

Short

med

ium

long

term

Tempo

rary

Perm

anen

tRe

versible

Irreversib

le

Bajja

ta’San

Gorg

Hydrogeo

logy:

contam

ination

bysiltin

gof

runoffd

uring

flash

flood

s

OPe

ratio

nRu

noff

Sensitive

direct

adverse

High

Path

takenby

runoffd

own

from

thesiteto

thesea

Short

term

tempo

rary

reversible

remote

High

Intherainyseason

anysand

,gravel

orexcavatio

nmaterialsho

uldbe

protectedfro

merosionby

runoff

high

Nostacking

fbu

ilding

materialalong

thewatercourse

Lower

reache

sof

WiedMejxu

Anytype

ofObstructio

nOpe

ratio

nWatercourse

Sensitive

direct

adverse

High

Obstructio

nof

Path

takenby

runoffd

own

from

theWied

Mejxu

tothesea

Short

/long

term

tempo

rary

reversible

remote

High

Noob

structionof

thewatercourse

high

Noconstructio

nOnthesiteof

thewatercourse

Intensive

vibrations

prod

uced

byexcavators

Excavators

Constructio

nGh

arHa

rqHa

miem

Very

sensitive

direct

adverse

High

Uppe

rchambe

rsof

thecave

Long

term

Perm

anen

tirreversib

lepo

ssible

high

Useof

chainsaw

prod

uces

novibrations

None

Cuttingwith

achainsawat

the

closestlineof

excavatio

n

66

5.6 MONITORING

(i) 7.6.1 DURING OPERATION

Periodic checks of the sewage effluents and other waste disposal systems would ensure that no

harmful substances are leaked to the ground. Groundwater analysis as part of the baseline study

would produce a baseline water quality which would serve as a base for future monitoring of the

water quality.

Periodic determination of the water quality of the stormwater reservoirs.

7.7 WASTEMANAGEMENTPLAN (WMP)

In view of the waste stone material that will be generated, a waste management plan needs to be

available for the construction phase although the studies undertaken show that the stone material

generated during excavation may be used as aggregate for the production of concrete.

67

ATIGA Consortium, 1972. Waste Disposal and Water Supply Project in Malta

(Vol. III)

Bennett, S.M., 1979. A Transgressive Carbonate Sequence Spanning the

Palaeogene Neogene Boundary from the Maltese Islands. Ann. Geol. Pays. Hellen.

1, 71 80.

Bosence, D.W.J., Pedley, H.M., and Rose E.P.F., 1981. Field Guide to the

mid Tertiary Carbonate Facies of the Maltese Islands. Palaeontological Association

Overseas Field Guide 1; 88p.

Challis, G.R., 1979. Miocene Echinoid Biofacies of the Maltese Islands. Ann.

Geol. Hell. tome. hors. serie. fasc. 1, 253 262.

Debono G., 1988. Report No 7: Impact On Ground Water; in: Environmental

Impact Assessment Of a Power Station On a Site At Dellimara.

Debono, G. and Scerri, S., 1996. North Harbours Local Plan Geology Survey

Report. Prepared by Malta University Services for the Planning Authority, , Malta;

72pp + 210 data cards + 15 figures + 20 plates.

EU Directive 2000/60/EC: The Water Framework Directive.

EU Directive 2007/60/EC on the assessment and management of flood risks.

EU Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural

habitats and of wild fauna and flora.

68

Felix, R., 1973. Oligo Miocene stratigraphy of Malta and . Meded.

Wageningen. Nederl., 73/20:1 103, Wageningen, Netherlands.

Gianelli, L. and Salvatorini, G., 1972. I foraminiferi planctonici dei sedimenti

Terziari dell'Archipelago Maltese. I. Biostratgrafie del "Globigerina Limestone".

Attic. Soc. Tosc. Sci. Nat. Mem. A79, 49 74.

Mallia, A., Briguglio, M., Ellul, A.E., and Formosa, S., 1999. Population,

Tourism, Land Use and Non Renewable Resources in the State of the Environment

Report for Malta 1998, commissioned by the Environment Protection Department,

Government of Malta, Malta Council for Science and Technology, Malta.

Morris, T.O., 1952. The Water Supply Resources of Malta, Govt. Printing

Office, Malta.

Murray, J., 1890. The Maltese Islands with special reference to their

geological structure. Scott. Geogr. Mag. 6, 449 488.

Nature Conservancy Council, 1991. Earth Conservation Strategy.

Peterborough, UK, 1991.

Newberry, J., 1968. The perched water table in the Upper Limestone aquifer

of Malta. Ion. Instn. Water Engrs., 22, 551 570.

O’Halloran, D., Green, C., Harley, M., Stanley, M., and Knill, J., 1993.

Geological and Landscape Conservation. Proceedings of the Malvern International

Conference, 1993. Published by the Geological Society

69

Pedley, H.M., 1978. A new lithostratigraphical and palaeo environmental

interpretation for the coralline limestone formations (Miocene) of the Maltese

Islands. Overseas Geol. & Miner. Resour. 54, 18p.

Pedley, H.M., and Bennett, S.M., 1985. Phosphorites, hardgrounds and

syndepositional solutionsubsidence structures: A palaeoenvironmental model from

the Miocene of the Maltese Islands. Sedimentary Geology, v. 45, p. 1 34.

Planning Services Division, 1990. Structure Plan for the Maltese Islands.

Planning Authority, 2004. Minerals Subject Plan for the Maltese Islands.

Draft for Public Consultation, August 2001.

Reading, H.G., 1989. Sedimentary environments and facies, Blackwell

Scientific publications.

Robinson, J.C., 1989. Geological Conservation. MQ Environment, 3, 28 30.

Van Linden, G.W.J., 1992. Handbook of Soil Conservation in Europe.

International Soil Reference and Information Centre; Wageningen, Holland

Plate 13: Photograph showing Exposure of Lower Coralline Limestone (Xlendi Mb) on the western slope ofWied Mejxu . The watercourse is marked by copious vegetation

71

Plate 14: Photograph showing entrance to Ghar Harq Hamieim

72

Plate 15: Photograph showing fractured wall of the cave and water flooding the cave which is connectedto the sea

73

Plate 16: Another Photograph showing fractured wall of the cave and rock that has fallen from the wallover a long period of time

74

Plate 17: Close up view of the rock fall

75

Plate 18: Photograph showing terraced fields at the upper reaches of Wied Mejxu cut in LowerGlobigerina Limestone at Ta’Gakondu

76

Plate 19: Photograph showing the Gorge of Wied Mejxu cut in Lower Coralline Limestone as seen fromTriq Sant Andrija. Villa Rosa is in the background

77

Plate 20: Photograph showing the Gorge of Wied Mejxu and its relation to the site as seen from Triq IlProfessur W Ganado running on the NW slope of the valley. The wall seen marks the southern boundaryof

78

Plate 9: Photograph showing a disused (Tennis) court In the flood plain of Wied Ghar Harq q

Hamiem

Plate10: Photograph showing covered culvert (Going in the direction of the Beach) on the SE

margin of the Tennis Court In the flood plain of Wied Ghar Harq Hamiem

79

Plate 11 Photograph taken in the SE direction from the exit gate of the Villa Rosa grounds at the

beach showing a fountain underneath which passes the culvert at its discharge point out of the

site

80

Plate 12: Photograph showing the recently replenished sandy beach at St Georges Bay as seen from the SEcorner.

81

Plate 21: Photograph of St Georges bay showing conditions at the Cresta Quay part of the proposed sites,as seen from the showing the NW corner of the Bay

Plate 22: Photograph of St Georges bay showing road and boundary wall of the Villa Rosa Gardens

82

Plate 15: Photograph showing the discharge point of Wied Mejxu into the site through a segment

of covered culvert (Blue line) and proceeds downstream as an open culvert (red arrow)

83

Plate 16: photograph of a typical artificial ornamental reservoir in the terraced grounds of the Site

Plate 23: Photograph showing typical rock core samples recovered during site investigation. For sale thesample tray is 100cm long and the diameter of the samples is 71mm

Plate 24: Photograph showing the Gorge of Wied Mejxu cut in Lower Coralline Limestone as seen fromthe boundary wall of the Villa Rosa Grounds looking upstream (SW)

AN ECOLOGICAL APPRAISAL OF AN AREA AT ST GEORGE’S BAY, ST. JULIAN’S, PROPOSED FOR THE

DEMOLITION OF EXISTING BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION OF MULTI OWNERSHIP HOLIDAY

ACCOMMODATION, COMMERCIAL AREA, OFFICES, VILLAS AND PARKING: SURVEY OF ECOLOGICAL

RESOURCES

Prepared by

Sandro Lanfranco BEd(Hons), MSc(Biol), PhD

and

Louis F Cassar CBiol, MIBiol, p-g Dip Env Mgt, MSc (Env Plan & Mgt), PhD (Reading)

Independent Consultants

Logistic Support:

12, Sir Arthur Borton Street Mosta, MST14

Malta

Telephone: (+356) 2143 1900 Fax: (+356) 21424 137 www.ecoserv.com.mt

April 2014

Ecoserv Report Reference: 034-14

Table of Contents 1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 4

1.1 General .............................................................................................................................. 4

1.2 Terms of reference ............................................................................................................. 4

1.3 Description of the proposed development ......................................................................... 6

2 Description of the AoS and its environment ............................................................................... 6

2.1 Location ............................................................................................................................. 6

2.2 General description of land cover ....................................................................................... 7

3 Methods .................................................................................................................................... 7

3.1 Characterisation of ecological units .................................................................................... 7

3.2 Assessment of plant communities ...................................................................................... 7

3.3 Habitats and biota .............................................................................................................. 8

4 Vegetation Assemblages ............................................................................................................ 8

4.1 Maritime steppe/garrigue (‘Cresta Quay’ AoS) ................................................................... 8

4.2 Wied Harq Hamiem: Valley sides ........................................................................................ 9

4.3 Wied Harq Hamiem: Valley bed ........................................................................................ 11

4.4 Grounds of Villa Rosa ....................................................................................................... 12

4.5 Disturbed areas ................................................................................................................ 14

5 Policy context (terrestrial ecological resource) ......................................................................... 18

5.1 General policies................................................................................................................ 18

5.2 Policies concerning species .............................................................................................. 18

6 Evaluation of potential ecological impact of the proposed development.................................. 21

6.1 General ............................................................................................................................ 21

6.2 Identification of project actions ........................................................................................ 21

6.3 Prediction of probable ecological impact .......................................................................... 21

6.4 Mitigation of environmental impact ................................................................................. 21

6.5 Project actions ................................................................................................................. 21

6.5.1 Relevant project actions or consequences ................................................................ 21

6.6 Action 1: Demolition, excavation and construction works................................................. 22

6.6.1 Predicted impact: Obliteration of biological communities ......................................... 22

6.6.2 Predicted impact: Effects of windblown limestone dust on habitats and biota .......... 22

6.6.3 Predicted impact: Disturbance arising from noise and vibration ............................... 24

6.7 Action 2a: Storage of excavated material ......................................................................... 25

6.7.1 Predicted impact: Obliteration of biological communities in possible storage sites ... 25

6.7.2 Predicted impact: Redistribution of particulates ....................................................... 25

6.7.3 Predicted impact: Proliferation of ruderal species..................................................... 26

6.8 Action 2b: Storage of construction materials, waste materials and possible contaminants 26

6.8.1 Predicted impact: degradation of biological communities due to leakages................ 26

6.9 Action 3: Increased vehicular traffic ................................................................................. 27

6.9.1 Predicted impact: Degradation of biological communities due to leakages ............... 27

6.10 Action 4: Site illumination during the night ....................................................................... 27

6.10.1 Predicted impact: Disturbance of susceptible fauna.................................................. 27

6.11 Action 5: Introduction of species for landscaping ............................................................. 28

6.11.1 Predicted impact: Infiltration of invasive species into adjacent habitats .................... 28

6.12 Action 6: Use of pesticides and fertilisers for maintenance of landscaped areas ............... 28

7 Summary of Impacts ................................................................................................................ 30

8 References ............................................................................................................................... 48

9 Appendix 1 .............................................................................................................................. 49

9.1.1 Key to Red Data Book categories .............................................................................. 49

9.1.2 Scope of categories .................................................................................................. 49

10 Appendix 2........................................................................................................................... 50

10.1.1 Schedules listed in Legal Notice 200 of 2011: Trees and Woodlands Protection Regulations .............................................................................................................................. 50

11 Appendix 3........................................................................................................................... 51

11.1.1 Schedules listed in Legal Notice 311 of 2006: Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations, 2006. .................................................................................................. 51

1 Introduction

1.1 General The present report has been commissioned by ERSLI Consultants and forms part of an Environmental Impact Statement concerning the proposed redevelopment of existing structures at St George’s Bay, St Julian’s into holiday accommodation, commercial premises, offices, and car parks (Figure 1, Figure 2).

1.2 Terms of reference Terms of Reference (ToR) for this appraisal were issued by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) on 24th October 2013. The present report addresses part of the ‘Ecology’ component of the ToR (Section 3.5 of the ToR), part of the ‘Assessment of Environmental Impacts’ component (Section 4), and part of the ‘Required measures, Identification of residual impacts, and Monitoring Programme’ component (Section 5).

The ToR (Section 3.5[1]) also specified that any studies concerning terrestrial ecological resources were to be multi-seasonal. The timeframe within which this study was to be carried out restricted studies on ecological resources to the wet season. This constraint implies that species that were undetectable during the wet season would have been omitted from the results of this report. The delivery of a single, wet-season report was approved by MEPA in February 20141.

The proposed contribution of Ecoserv to these studies was described in a method statement submitted to MEPA. The method statement proposed two Areas of Study (AoS) within which a survey of terrestrial ecological resources would be carried out (Figure 3). The Method Statement, including the proposed AoS, was approved by MEPA on 3rd March 2014.

The ToR that this report is based on may be summarised as follows:

1. An investigation of the ecology of the site and its surroundings (within the two approved AoS);

2. Reporting on the conservation status and ecological condition of the area and on the state of health of its habitats, species and ecological features;

3. Reporting of all protected, endangered, rare, unique, endemic, high-quality, keystone, invasive/deleterious, or otherwise important species, habitats, ecological assemblages, and ecological conditions found in the two AoS;

4. Prediction of the magnitude and significance of ecological impact on the habitats and species referred to above;

5. Identification of possible mitigation measures that may reduce the intensity and extent of impact on the habitats and species referred to above;

6. Prediction of any residual impact on the habitats and species referred to above.

1 Email from Dr Paul Gauci, ERSLI Consultants to Ecoserv Ltd, dated 3rd February 2014.

Figure 1: Location of the general environs of the AoS in Malta, indicated by the area shaded in orange. (Base image source: Google Earth, 2014)

Figure 2: Site plan showing the footprint of the areas that will be subject to redevelopment (outlined in red). Site plan provided by RS Design Associates.

Figure 3: Areas of study (indicated by the red and yellow polygon) at St George’s Bay, St Julian’s. The polygons indicated as ‘A’ represent the ‘Dolphin House/Villa Moynihan/Villa Rosa’ AoS and the polygon indicated as ‘B’ represents the ‘Cresta Quay’ AoS. The yellow polygon indicates the portion of Wied Harq Hamiem that was surveyed in the present study.

1.3 Description of the proposed development The proposed development envisages the demolition of existing structures within the red polygons (Figure 3) in the two AoS and their redevelopment into multi-ownership holiday bungalows, commercial premises, restaurants, a garden accessible to the public and car parks.

2 Description of the AoS and its environment

2.1 Location The combined AoS (Figure 3) comprises two separate parcels of land situated along the north-eastern coast of Malta (Figure 1). One of the AoS (‘A’, in Figure 3) comprises the grounds of the Villa Rosa complex, those of Dolphin House and Villa Moynihan and also incorporates the valley bed and valley sides of Wied Harq Hamiem (approximate UTM grid reference of centre of area: 453614 3975814). The longest axes of length and breadth are approximately 390m and 250m respectively. The second parcel of land (‘B’, in Figure 3) is situated on the site of the present Cresta Quay beach club (approximate UTM grid reference of centre of area: 454023 3975871). The longest axes of length and breadth are approximately 160m and 50m respectively.

2.2 General description of land cover Much of the area under study has been subject to extensive anthropogenic influence and traces of original vegetation communities (defined as the climax vegetation that would be expected to colonise the area under present edaphic, geomorphological and climatic conditions) only persist in parts of Wied Harq Hamiem and in the eastern segment of the ‘Cresta Quay’ AoS.

A number of parcels of land in the ‘Dolphin House/Villa Moynihan/Villa Rosa’ AoS were undergoing secondary ecological succession at the time of survey. A number of trees, some presumably representing deliberate ornamental introductions along anthropic margins, were also noted.

The valley sides were generally colonised by shrub formations, broadly characteristic of steppe/garrigue. Derelict areas subject to large-amplitude disturbance were generally colonised by ruderal species.

3 Methods

3.1 Characterisation of ecological units This study is based on site visits made by the authors during April 2014 and is supplemented by material from the literature and the consultants’ previous knowledge of the study area and its environs. Habitats were characterised on the basis of geomorphological features and plant assemblages as outlined in Schembri (1991) and modified by Schembri et al. (1999). Nomenclature of plant communities follows the Palaearctic Habitat Classification system (Devillers & Devillers-Terschuren, 1996).

This report comprises lists of plant species covered by local legislation or by that of the European Union. The designation RDB refers to the Red Data Book status of species recorded (Schembri & Sultana, 1989); the designation LN 311/2006 refers to the status of species recorded in terms of Legal Notice 311 of 2006 as amended by Legal Notice 322 of 2013, and the Schedule or Schedules within which the species are listed. The designation “Trees and Woodlands” refers to the status of the species in the context of Legal Notice 200 of 2011 (Trees and Woodlands Protection Regulations). Descriptions of Red Data Book Categories and the Schedules listed in LN 311/2006 and LN 200/2011 are given in Appendices 1- 3.

3.2 Assessment of plant communities Assessment of the plant communities within the area of study was carried out through a straightforward census of species in a vegetative, flowering or fruiting stage. The species inventory comprises remarks on community affiliation and legislative context for each species listed. This inventory obviously omitted all species that were not at the vegetative, flowering or fruiting stages of their life cycle at the time of survey. The presence of a number of species that were not vegetative at the time of survey was inferred through observation of fruits and withered aerial parts. Identification of vegetation was carried out in the field by the authors. Voucher specimens of forms that were not identified in situ were collected or photographed and compared with descriptions in literature and with reference material.

3.3 Habitats and biota Habitats and biotic assemblages noted during the field surveys were mapped on a base survey sheet. It should be remarked that there is no clear-cut delineation between adjacent habitats or assemblages. The habitats map (Figure 4), although accurate, should therefore be treated as indicative of the extent of the units identified. In the present study, the breadth of ecotones2 should be considered as narrow compared to the extent of the habitat/assemblage.

4 Vegetation Assemblages The vegetation assemblages identified in the combined AoS are described below. The headings describing each assemblage correspond to legend codes in the accompanying biotope/vegetation maps (Figure 4 and Figure 5).

4.1 Maritime steppe/garrigue (‘Cresta Quay’ AoS) The area within the perimeter of the Cresta Quay beach club was colonised by a remnant aerohaline community on which was superimposed an assemblage of ruderal and invasive species. The margins of this area were subject to episodes of large amplitude disturbance, releasing habitat space that was subsequently colonised by opportunistic species characteristic of disturbed areas. Escapes from ornamental planting were also infiltrating the remnant community at the time of survey.

The species richness of the aerohaline remnant was comparable to that characteristic of similar habitats in less-disturbed areas and comprised Golden Samphire (Limbarda crithmoides), Eastern Phagnalon (Phagnalon graecum subsp. ginzbergeri) [RDB: Rest (MED)], Rock Crosswort (Crucianella rupestris), Silvery Ragwort (Jacobaea maritima subsp. sicula) [LN 311/2006: Regl.26], Olive-leaved Germander (Teucrium fruticans), Spiny Chicory (Cichorium spinosum) and Mediterranean Thyme (Thymbra capitata) [LN311/2006: III(b); RDB: GN 85 (1932)].

The shrub formations were interspersed with extensive patches of vegetation that were mainly colonised by herbaceous species characteristic of steppe communities, including several geophytes. Species in these assemblages included Sea Squill (Drimia maritima) [LN 311/2006: VIII(b), X(b); RDB: Rest (MED)], Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis) [LN 311/2006: VIII(b)], Barbary-Nut Iris (Gynandriris sisrynchium), Branched Asphodel (Asphodelus aestivus),, Clustered Carline Thistle (Carlina involucrata) [RDB: Rest (MED)], Pine Spurge (Euphorbia pinea), Wild Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus), Sweet Alison (Lobularia maritima), Grey Birdsfoot Trefoil (Lotus cytisoides), Common Centaury (Centaurium erythraea), Yellow-Wort (Blackstonia perfoliata), Wall Valantia (Valantia muralis), Catsear (Hypochoeris achyrophorus), Spiny Asparagus (Asparagus aphyllus), Kidney-vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria subsp. maura) and Blue Stonecrop (Sedum caerulaeum) [RDB: Rest(MED)].

Areas subject to relatively recent episodes of disturbance were colonised by species with opportunistic life-cycle strategies including Honeywort (Cerinthe major), Cape Sorrel (Oxalis pes-

2 An ecotone is the area between two adjacent and different types of vegetation units, which may share the characteristics of both.

caprae), Tree Mallow (Malva arborea), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and Annual Mercury (Mercurialis annua).

Species that may represent infiltration from ornamental introductions in the vicinity included Shrubby Putterlick (Pittosporum tobira) [Trees & Woodlands: III], Century Plant (Agave Americana) and Kaffir Fig (Carpobrotus edulis).

A single specimen attributable to Wild Pear (Pyrus pyraster) [Trees & Woodlands: I] was also noted from this area.

Species of ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ conservation significance recorded from this area during the present survey included the following:

Species Vernacular LN 311/2006 Trees &

Woodlands RDB status

Anacamptis pyramidalis Pyramidal Orchid Schedule VIII(b)

Capparis orientalis Caper Schedule VIII(b)

Drimia maritima Sea Squill

Schedule VIII (b)

Schedule X (b)

Rest (MED)

Jacobaea maritima subsp. sicula

Silvery Ragwort Regl.26

Phagnalon graecum subsp. ginzbergeri

Eastern Phagnalon Rest (MED)

Pittosporum tobira Shrubby Putterlick Schedule III

Pyrus pyraster Wild Pear Schedule I

Ricinus communis Castor Oil Tree Schedule III

Sedum caerulaeum Blue Stonecrop Rest(MED)

Thymbra capitata Mediterranean

Thyme Schedule

III(b) GN 85 (1932)

4.2 Wied Harq Hamiem: Valley sides The gently sloping valley sides of Wied Harq Hamiem were colonised by shrub formations, with different shrub species achieving local dominance in different patches. Gaps in habitat space, presumably released through past episodes of disturbance, were colonised by ruderal species and by species dispersing from adjacent gardens, functioning as sources of ornamental plants. Shrubs that were dominant in patches included Buckthorn (Rhamnus alaternus) [Trees & Woodlands: II], Maltese Fleabane (Chiliadenus bocconei) [LN 311/2006: X(b); RDB: Endemic], Shrubby Kidney-Vetch (Anthyllis

hermanniae subsp. melitensis) [LN311/2006: III(b); VIII(b); Regl.26], Olive-Leaved Germander (Teucrium fruticans) and Brazilian Pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) [Trees & Woodlands: III]. Other shrubs present in lower densities included Mediterranean Thyme (Thymbra capitata) [LN311/2006: III(b); RDB: GN 85 (1932)], Olive-Leaved Buckthorn (Rhamnus lycioides subsp. oleoides) [Trees & Woodlands: I], Lentisk (Pistacia lentiscus) [Trees & Woodlands: II], Maltese Savory (Satureja microphylla) [LN 311/2006: VIII(b); RDB: Rest (MED)], Wild Olive (Olea oleaster) [Trees & Woodlands: II], Olive (Olea europaea s.l.) [Trees & Woodlands: II], Aleppo Pine (Trees & Woodlands: II], White Hedge-Nettle (Prasium majus), Mediterranean Heath (Erica multiflora) [LN 311/2006: III(b), VIII(b)] and Silvery Ragwort (Jacobaea maritima subsp. sicula) [LN 311/2006: Regl.26]. Patches of more open ground, between shrub clusters, were colonised by species characteristic of steppe communities including Sea Squill (Drimia maritima) [LN 311/2006: VIII(b), X(b); RDB: Rest (MED)], Branched Asphodel (Asphodelus aestivus), Wild Carrot (Daucus carota), Hare’s Tail Grass (Lagurus ovatus), Small-Flowered Viper’s Bugloss (Echium parviflorum), Common Centaury (Centaurium erythraea), Barbary-Nut iris (Moraea sisyrinchium), Pine Spurge (Euphorbia pinea), Mediterranean Steppe-grass (Stipa capensis), Mediterranean False Brome (Brachypodium retusum) and Bermuda Grass (Hyparrhenia hirta). The soil in shallow solution hollows was generally colonised by Blue Stonecrop (Sedum caerulaeum) [RDB: Rest(MED)].

Parts of the valley-side habitat that were subject to episodes of disturbance were colonised by various species including Borage (Borago officinalis), Pitch Clover (Psoralea bituminosa), Spiny Asparagus (Asparagus aphyllus) and Wild Oats (Avena spp.). A number of plants infiltrating from private gardens alongside the margins of Wied Harq Hamiem were also noted. Such species included Garden Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus), which attained high densities along part of the southern side of the valley, Washingtonia Palm (Washingtonia filifera) and Trailing Lantana (Lantana montevidensis).



Woodlands RDB status

Anthyllis hermanniae subsp. melitensis

Shrubby Kidney-Vetch

Schedule III(b)

Schedule VIII(b)

Regl.26


Ceratonia siliqua Carob Schedule II

Chiliadenus bocconei Maltese Fleabane Schedule X(b) Endemic

Drimia maritima Sea Squill

Schedule VIII (b)

Schedule X (b)

Rest (MED)

Erica multiflora Mediterranean Heath

Schedule III(b)

Schedule VIII(b)



Olea europaea s.l. Olive Schedule II

Olea oleaster Wild Olive Schedule II

Phagnalon graecum subsp. ginzbergeri

Eastern Phagnalon Rest (MED)

Pistacia lentiscus Lentisk Schedule II

Pinus halepensis Aleppo Pine Schedule II

Rhamnus alaternus Buckthorn Schedule II

Rhamnus lyciodes subsp. oleoides

Olive-leaved Buckthorn Schedule I


Satureja microphylla Maltese Savory Schedule VIII(b) Rest (MED)

Schinus terebinthifolius Brazilian Pepper Schedule III


Thymbra capitata Mediterranean

Thyme Schedule

III(b) GN 85 (1932)

Laurus nobilis Bay Laurel Schedule II


Phoenix dactylifera Date Palm Schedule II

Tamarix sp. Tamarisk Schedule II

4.3 Wied Harq Hamiem: Valley bed The bed of Wied Harq Hamiem was characterised by very dense coverage of shrubs and trees along its course, with different plants achieving local dominance in various segments of the bed. Much of this part of the area was colonised by Great Reed (Arundo donax) and Brazilian Pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) [Trees & Woodlands: III]. Shorter segments characterised by Buckthorn (Rhamnus alaternus) [Trees & Woodlands: II], Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) [Trees & Woodlands: II], and Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) [Trees & Woodlands: II] were also noted. Parts of the valley bed in which

vegetation cover was less dense were colonised by Crested Dock (Rumex cristatus) and Tree Mallow (Malva arborea). Castor Oil Tree (Ricinus communis) [Trees & Woodlands: III] was also noted in parts of the valley bed.


Species Vernacular LN 311/2006 Trees & Woodlands RDB status


Chiliadenus bocconei Maltese Fleabane Schedule X(b) Endemic


Olea oleaster Wild Olive Schedule II




Laurus nobilis Bay Laurel Schedule II


4.4 Grounds of Villa Rosa The grounds of Villa Rosa were characterised by a large number of trees and shrubs, presumably introduced for embellishment, associated with a variety of ruderal species colonising the untended spaces within the planted areas. A list of the trees and shrubs within the grounds was compiled by Borg (2013) and the present authors have also surveyed the flora colonising the intervening areas.

Trees present included Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), Aleppo Pine (Pinus halepensis) [Trees & Woodlands: II], Washingtonia Palm (Washingtonia filifera), Judas Tree (Cercis siliquastrum), Oleander (Nerium oleander), Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) [Trees & Woodlands: II], Olive (Olea europaea s.l.] [Trees & Woodlands: II], Holm Oak (Quercus ilex) [Trees & Woodlands: II], Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis) and Tamarisk (Tamarix sp.) [Trees & Woodlands: II]. In various areas, Brazilian Pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) [Trees & Woodlands: III] was regenerating.

Species recorded from the borders of pathways and from untended areas included Couch Grass (Cynodon dactylon), Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum arabicum), Field Gladiolus (Gladiolus italicus), Silvery Ragwort (Jacobaea maritima subsp. sicula) [LN 311/2006: Regl.26], Crown daisy (Glebionis coronaria), Sow Thistle (Sonchus oleraceus), Friar’s Cowl (Arisarum vulgare), Prickly Urospermum (Urospermum picroides), Spiny Asparagus (Asparagus aphyllus), Millet Grass (Piptatherum miliaceum), Board Thistle (Galactites tomentosa), Poppy (Papaver rhoeas), Yellow-Wort (Blackstonia perfoliata), Blue Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis), Fennel (Foenculum vulgare), Mediterranean Melilot (Melilotus sulcatus), Fumitory (Fumaria sp.) and Hairy Garlic (Allium subhirsutum). As such, the

vegetation in these areas consisted mainly of segetal species, generally weeds of agricultural land, as well as species dispersing from the adjacent valley side community. The presence of segetal species may be a consequence of the introduction of allochthonous soil (and its seed bank) during the landscaping process.

The sector of the grounds adjacent to the valley side of Wied Harq Hamiem was colonised by an assemblage that was similar (in terms of species composition) to the valley side community recorded from other parts of Wied Harq Hamiem and described in Paragraph 4.2 above. Species recorded from this part of the grounds included Shrubby Kidney-Vetch (Anthyllis hermanniae subsp. melitensis) [LN311/2006: III(b); VIII(b); Regl.26], Wall Valantia (Valantia muralis), White Hedge-nettle (Prasium majus), Blue Stonecrop (Sedum caerulaeum) [RDB: Rest(MED)], Olive-Leaved Germander (Teucrium fruticans), Lentisk (Pistacia lentiscus) [Trees & Woodlands: II], Aleppo Pine (Pinus halepensis) [Trees & Woodlands: II], Boar Thistle (Galactites tomentosa), Caper (Capparis orientalis) [LN311/2006: VIII(b)], Wild Carrot (Daucus carota), Sweet-Pea (Lathyrus clymenum), Hairy garlic (Allium subhirsutum), and Snapdragon (Anthrrhinum tortuosum).



Woodlands RDB

status



Schedule III(b)

Schedule VIII(b)

Regl.26



Cercis siliquastrum Judas Tree Schedule II







Quercus ilex Holm Oak Schedule II



Tamarix sp. Tamarisk Schedule II

4.5 Disturbed areas Relatively extensive tracts of habitat close to the mouth of Wied Harq Hamiem, in the vicinity of Dolphin House and Villa Moynihan, have presumably been subject to episodes of large-amplitude anthropogenic disruption of ecological systems in the past. These episodes of disturbance decreased in frequency and amplitude when the properties were no longer in use, providing an opportunity for natural recolonisation to occur. As such, these areas were, at the time of survey, colonised by a remnant valley-side community on which was superimposed an assemblage of species characteristic of degraded habitats and of secondary ecological succession. Much of the area was characterised by extensive cover of Mediterranean Steppe-grass (Stipa capensis) in association with Bermuda Grass (Hyparrhenia hirta), Boar Thistle (Galactites tomentosa), Pine Spurge (Euphorbia pinea), Fennel (Foenciulum vulgare), Pitch Clover (Psoralea bituminosa), Crown Daisy (Glebionis coronaria), Sticky Fleabane (Dittrichia viscosa), Sow Thistle (Sonchus oleraceus), Tree Mallow (Malva arborea), Branched Asphodel (Asphodelus aestivus), Spiny Asparagus (Asparagus aphyllus), Brazilian Pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) [Trees & Woodlands: III], Great Reed (Arundo donax) and Cape Sorrel (Oxalis pes-caprae). Remnant patches of the valley-side community were comprised shrubs and geophytes including Sea Squill (Drimia maritima) [LN 311/2006: VIII(b), X(b); RDB: Rest (MED)], Shrubby Kidney-Vetch (Anthyllis hermanniae subsp. melitensis) [LN311/2006: III(b); VIII(b); Regl.26], Caper (Capparis orientalis) [LN311/2006: VIII(b)], and Lentisk (Pistacia lentiscus) [Trees & Woodlands: II]. The parts of the area adjacent to the former gardens of the disused properties were colonised by dense patches of Olive (Olea europaea s.l.) [Trees & Woodlands: II]. Other trees recorded from these areas included Castor Oil Tree (Ricinus communis) [Trees & Woodlands: III], Blue-leaved Wattle (Acacia cyanophylla) [Trees and Woodlands: III] and Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) [Trees and Woodlands: III]. Species of ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ conservation significance recorded from this area during the present survey included the following:


Woodlands RDB

status

Acacia cyanophylla Blue-Leaved

Wattle Schedule III

Alilanthus altissima Tree-of-Heaven Schedule III



Schedule III(b)

Schedule VIII(b)

Regl.26


Drimia maritima Sea Squill Schedule VIII

(b) Schedule X

Rest (MED)

(b) Olea europaea s.l. Olive Schedule II





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5 Policy context (terrestrial ecological resource) The ecological significance of the site under investigation has been determined in accordance with the policies of the Structure Plan for the Maltese Islands (Malta Structure Plan, 1992a, Malta Structure Plan, 1992b), the North Harbours Local Plan (NHLP), approved by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority in July 2006, and relevant legal and Government notices.

5.1 General policies 1. None of the sites earmarked for redevelopment are a scheduled Area of Ecological

Importance (AEI) or a Site of Scientific Importance (SSI) as defined in policies RCO 10 and RCO 11 of the Malta Structure Plan (MSP) (Malta Structure Plan, 1992a, b) and no part of these sites are designated as a ‘Nature Reserve’ in terms of the Environment and Development Planning Act, 20103.

2. Part of the AoS incidated as ‘A’ in Figure 3, Wied Harq Hamiem, is a Special Area of Conservation of National Importance (SAC NAT 003) in terms of Legal Notice 311 of 2006 as amended by Legal Notice 322 of 2013 (Figure 6).

3. The part of this valley system included in the AoS is scheduled as a Level 1 Area of Ecological Importance and as a Site of Scientific Importance in terms of NHLP Policy NHCV01 and in terms of Government Notice No. 370/084 (Figure 7).

4. Part of the valley side overlooking Villa Moynihan and Dolphin House is scheduled as a Level 4 Buffer Zone in terms of NHLP Policy NHCV01 and in terms of Government Notice No. 370/08 (Figure 7).

5.2 Policies concerning species

1. Shrubby Kidney Vetch (Anthyllis hermanniae subsp. melitensis), Mediterranean heath (Erica multiflora) and Mediterranean Thyme (Thymbra capitata) are listed in Schedule III (Animal and plant species of national interest whose conservation requires the designation of Special Areas of Conservation) of the Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations, 2006 as amended by Legal Notice 322 of 2013. Shrubby Kidney Vetch (Anthyllis hermanniae subsp. melitensis) is endemic to the Maltese Islands and is therefore also subject ot Regulation 26 of these regulations as outlined in (3) below.

2. Sea Squill (Drimia maritima =Urginea pancration), Mediterranean Heath (Erica multiflora),

Maltese Savory (Satureja microphylla), Caper (Capparis orientalis), and Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis) are listed in Schedule VIII (Animal and plant species of national interest whose taking in the wild and exploitation may be subject to management measures) of the Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations, 2006.

3 The original Environment Protection Act 1991 [Act V of 1991] has been repealed and replaced by the Environment Protection Act 2001 [Act XX of 2001] which, in turn, was repealed and replaced by Act X of 2010 - Environment and Development Planning Act, 2010

4 Malta Government Gazette; 23 April 2008

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3. Any endemic species occurring within the AoS are protected species in terms of Regulation

26 of the Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations, 2006 and therefore cannot be deliberately picked, collected, cut, uprooted, destroyed, pursued, taken, damaged, captured, or killed. Note that as defined by these regulations, ‘endemic’ refers not only to those species that occur solely within the Maltese archipelago, but includes all species whose native distribution range is limited to the Central Mediterranean region where ‘Central Mediterranean’ is taken to include Southern Italy (all Italian territory south of Florence), Sardinia, Corsica, Sicily and circum-Sicilian islands (including Pantelleria and the Pelagian Islands), the Maltese Islands, Tunisia and islands off Tunisia. Moreover, ‘endemic species’ also includes possibly endemic species whose taxonomic status or identity requires further analysis. Regulation 26 does not apply to those endemic species listed in Schedule X of the Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations, 2006. In practical terms, Regulation 26 applies to most of the species listed as either ‘Endemic’ or ‘Rest (Med)’ in this report, with the exception of Sea Squill (Drimia maritima =Urginea pancration) and Maltese Fleabane (Chiliadenus bocconei).

4. Olive-leaved Buckthorn (Rhamnus lycoides subsp. oleoides) and Wild Pear (Pyrus pyraster)

are listed in Schedule I (Strictly-Protected Tree Species) of the Trees and Woodlands Protection Regulations, 20115. No parts of the AoS are listed as ‘Tree Protection Areas’ in terms of Government Notice 473 of 2011.

5. The Carob (Ceratonia siliqua), Olive (Olea europaea s.l.), Wild Olive (Olea oleaster), Lentisk Pistacia lentiscus), Buckthorn (Rhamnus alaternus), Aleppo Pine (Pinus halepensis), Judas Tree (Cercis siliquastrum), date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera), Holm Oak (Quercus ilex) and Tamarisk (Tamarix sp.) are listed in Schedule II (Trees Protected in Selected Areas) of the Trees and Woodlands Protection Regulations, 2011.

6. In addition to the protected species listed above, other species of conservation importance

that occur within the AoS include all the Red Data Book listed species enumerated in this report, even if not threatened (‘threatened’ refers to RDB categories ‘Endangered’ and ‘Vulnerable’).

7. A number of trees recorded from the AoS are listed in Schedule III (Invasive, Alien or

Environmentally-Incompatible Species) of the Trees and Woodlands Protection Regulations, 2011. These included Brazilian Pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), Shrubby Putterlick (Pittosporum tobira), Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), Castor Oil Tree (Ricinus communis), and Blue-Leaved Wattle (Acacia cyanophylla).

5 Legal Notice 200 of 2011.

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Figure 6: Map NAT003 from the Flora, Fauna and Natural habitats Protection Regulations, 2003, showing the extent of the Wied Harq Hamiem Special Area of Conservation (SAC NAT 003).

Figure 7: Extent of Level 1 AEI and SSI and of Level 4 AEI in Wied Harq Hamiem (Government Notice 370/08).

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6 Evaluation of potential ecological impact of the proposed

development

6.1 General Evaluation of probable environmental impact of the proposed development involved the following stages:

Identification of relevant project actions that may potentially impact the ecological resource; Prediction of probable ecological impact of each project action; Suggestion of measures for mitigation of such impact.

6.2 Identification of project actions A general description of the works involved in the proposed development was communicated to Ecoserv in two separate Project Description Statements (PDS), one for the ‘Dolphin House/Villa Moynihan/Villa Rosa’ site and another for the ‘Cresta Quay’ site. The general project actions envisaged during the construction phase of the proposed project were derived from the information provided in these documents.

6.3 Prediction of probable ecological impact Prediction of the general ecological impact of the proposed development on the ecological resources within the two AoS and their environs was carried out by comparing the expected magnitude of the project actions with the known or inferred ecological and physiological tolerances of the ecological receptors that would presumably be influenced by such actions. The assessment of probable ecological impact presented here is general and qualitative. More accurate prediction of environmental impact would necessitate extensive experimental work on the ecological responses of the species concerned and establishment of a mathematical model linking cause with effect. It should be remarked that responses of biota to environmental change are only broadly predictable since they involve the interaction of myriad biotic and abiotic factors, many of which are effectively stochastic on short time scales. The present discussion is therefore based on the consultants’ previous experience of responses of individual species, assemblages and habitats to different stimuli and conditions, and interpretation of the relevant literature.

6.4 Mitigation of environmental impact Measures for the mitigation of predicted environmental impact proposed by the present consultants are based on proposals listed in the Project Description Statement (RS Design Associates, undated) and on the consultants’ previous experience of the application of mitigation measures in comparable contexts.

6.5 Project actions

6.5.1 Relevant project actions or consequences The general processes envisaged during the construction and operational phases of the proposed project are the following:

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1. Demolition of existing structures followed by excavation of rock in the proposed sites and

construction of the proposed structures; 2. Storage of excavated rock and soil; 3. Storage of possible contaminants; 4. Use of heavy machinery and heavy vehicles and attraction of higher volumes of vehicular

traffic; 5. Site illumination; 6. Introduction of species to be used for landscaping. 7. Use of pesticides and fertilisers for maintenance of landscaped areas.

6.6 Action 1: Demolition, excavation and construction works

6.6.1 Predicted impact: Obliteration of biological communities Excavation of the proposed footprints will obliterate plant assemblages and sedentary or slow-moving fauna within the development footprint, and displace more vagile fauna from their habitat. This impact is irreversible and extends throughout the proposed footprints, their immediate margins (as a result of spill-over) as well as throughout the access routes and area of operations of the heavy plant involved in excavation and construction, and to any on-site depots for the temporary storage of the material generated by excavation.

6.6.1.1 Receptors Sensitive biological receptors are the plant assemblages that were colonising the footprints of the areas proposed for redevelopment and adjacent areas.

6.6.1.2 Potential for impact In general, the plant assemblages that colonised these areas at the time of survey comprised species that are characteristic of secondary colonisation and secondary ecological succession. These sites, however, were situated adjacent to areas with sensitive receptors of positive conservation significance. The Cresta Quay development, as proposed, extends further eastward than the footprint of the existing beach club and will therefore encroach on part of the adjacent rocky coastal habitat. Parts of the Dolphin House/Villa Moynihan/Villa Rosa site are situated adjacent to Wied Harq Hamiem increasing the possibility of degradation of existing habitats through spillover from the construction sites.

6.6.1.3 Proposed mitigation measures None.

6.6.2 Predicted impact: Effects of windblown limestone dust on habitats and biota Demolition and excavation works would be expected to generate fine particulates that are subject to transport by wind, by surface runoff following rainfall and by downslope slumping when these activities take place on sloping ground. Fine material stored in stockpiles can be subject to entrainment at wind speeds in excess of about 5 ms-1 (Ministry for the Environment, New Zealand, 2001) which, in the Maltese Islands, are most likely to blow from the northwest or west6. The

6 Chetcuti et al. (1992) and Galdies (2011) suggest that the prevailing wind in the Maltese Islands, as a whole, is northwesterly.

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direction of travel of windborne particulate is dependent on the time of year during which excavation is carried out. Particulate generated during the wet-season would be expected to be subject to windborne transport in a predominantly south-easterly direction, towards inland areas whilst dry-season excavation would generate particulate that may predominantly be transported in a northerly and north-westerly direction. The direction of travel of windblown particulate would also be modulated by the topography of the terrain. The areas proposed for redevelopment are at a lower elevation than the surrounding terrain suggesting that funnelling of winds along low-resistance gradients and, consequently, of their particulate load, may occur. In general, funnelling would be expected to transport particulate along the valley and out towards its mouth to varying extents, when winds blow from directions parallel to the valley. Demolition and excavation in both the Dolphin House/Villa Moynihan/Villa Rosa area and the Cresta Quay area would generate particulate that would, in general, be expected to be transported towards inland areas by prevailing winds. Conversely, demolition and excavation during times of year when winds are blowing from the northeast may transport windblown particulate towards Wied Harq Hamiem.

6.6.2.1 Receptors Sensitive biological receptors are the floral and faunal assemblages within the two AoS and their environs. Assemblages outside the two AoS but within range of windborne particulate would also be affected, although to a lesser extent, as clouds of dust would be subject to dispersion with distance and would be expected to have lost coarser fractions through earlier fallout.

Possible sinks for windborne particulate are the assemblages colonising the bed and the slopes of Wied Harq Hamiem. Such assemblages have already been to input of particulates transported from past developments in the general area are presumably tolerant of such pressures. Particulate fallout in the vicinity of the headwaters of Wied Harq Hamiem may be redistributed by stormwater flows into the valley bed. The dense vegetation colonising the valley bed would function as a sediment trap insulating other habitats in the environs from further impact.

6.6.2.2 Potential for impact Windborne particulate emissions would enter adjacent habitats and may result in increased soil alkalinity. This factor is biologically-significant since pH level influences the solubility of various nutrients and the rate at which they are absorbed by vegetation. Increased fallout of particulates may coat the photosynthetic organs of plants leading to reduced incidence of light on these surfaces, with subsequent reductions in efficiency of photosynthesis, transpiration and thermoregulation (Farmer, 1993, Vardaka et al., 1995). Abrasion of exposed plant surfaces is another impact that may be attributable to fallout of dust. Increased incidence of plant pests and diseases may also be a consequence of heavy dust loading on plants since dust deposits can act as a medium for the growth of fungal diseases (Ministry for the Environment, New Zealand, 2001). Deposits of dust on animals, particularly sedentary and slow-moving species may interfere with their biological functions as well as render their microhabitats unsuitable, depending on how heavy particulate deposition is. Particulates entering the soil may have a very long residence time; however, given the high limestone content of local soils, the addition of limestone dust to soil is not expected to exert any significant effects.

Accumulations of sediment outside the margins of the two AoS may be subject to further transport and redeposition by stormwater. This impact is expected to operate throughout the excavation

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phase and would impact areas downslope of areas of particulate fallout. The effects of such an impact are likely to attenuate in the longer term as the particulate load would be subject to further redistribution. In the case of waterborne material, the impact on soil and vegetation may also cause mechanical abrasion. The generation of runoff containing high loads of sediments in suspension would be expected to deposit localised accumulations of particulates and modify levels of soil moisture in impacted terrestrial areas. If the volume of solids in suspension is high, the precipitating suspended material may bury the organisms upon which it sediments. Fluid flows originating from the Dolphin House/Villa Moynihan/Villa Rosa site and from the Cresta Quay site would be expected to flow downslope towards the sea and, in the absence of preventive measures, enter the marine environment, where this may constitute a significant impact.

6.6.2.3 Proposed mitigation measures A number of dust-suppression measures may be considered to minimize wind-blown dispersion. These include collection of fine particulates generated during any on-site working of stone, covering of stored material, and water-spraying of active areas. The PDS (Section 5) recommends that the site is ‘regularly wet during the summer period’, whilst vacuum assisted tools are proposed for use during construction. It should be emphasised that wash-down of particulate may, unless controlled, convert windborne particulate into waterborne particulate which would be subject to further redistribution in surface runoff. In this case, given the topography in the two AoS, the sink for such flows may be the sea, where this may constitute a significant impact as indicated in paragraph 6.6.2.2 above.

6.6.3 Predicted impact: Disturbance arising from noise and vibration Demolition, excavation and construction works are expected to generate considerable ground-borne vibration that will affect a wide area, well beyond the boundaries of the two AoS, since vibrations propagate for long distances in a relatively dense medium such as rock. These activities would also be expected to generate considerable noise pollution.

6.6.3.1 Receptors All faunal assemblages within the two AoS and their immediate environs for noise; all faunal assemblages within the two AoS and a considerable radius around them for vibrations. These disturbances would also be expected to impact any fauna within Harq Hamiem Cave, located in the vicinity of the mouth of Wied Harq Hamiem.

6.6.3.2 Potential for impact Noise and vibration are likely to disturb birds, bats and small mammals, particularly in Wed Harq Hamiem, and may cause these to relocate from the AoS and from adjacent areas. It should be remarked that considerable excavation and construction has taken place in the general area of both AoS during the past decades, presumably generating similar impact. As such, in the absence of gradual recolonisation, the effects of noise and vibration may affect faunal communities that are already tolerant to such pressures.

6.6.3.3 Proposed mitigation measures Use of damping mechanisms to reduce effects of vibrations. The PDS (Section 5), proposes that the effects of vibration and noise are to be ‘reduced using adequate machinery’.

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6.7 Action 2a: Storage of excavated material

6.7.1 Predicted impact: Obliteration of biological communities in possible storage sites Temporary storage of construction debris, rubble, soil and construction material would obliterate all habitats and biota under the footprint of the stockpiles used for this purpose.

6.7.1.1 Receptors Any biota within the footprint of stockpiles.

6.7.1.2 Potential for impact It is assumed that any stockpiles will be situated within the boundaries of the proposed construction sites and would therefore not affect biota of positive conservation significance.

6.7.1.3 Proposed mitigation measures None.

6.7.2 Predicted impact: Redistribution of particulates Temporary storage of construction debris, rubble, soil and construction material on the site may provide opportunities for winnowing and erosion of particulates. Unprotected stockpiles would provide surfaces exposed to redistribution of dust by wind and by surface runoff. The impact of windblown and waterborne particulate on terrestrial ecological resources in the two AoS and their environs has been described in Paragraph 6.6.2 above. Sediment transported outside the margins of the excavated areas by wind and subsequently deposited on the surface may be subject to further transport and redeposition by stormwater. The effects of such an impact are however likely to attenuate in the longer term as the particulate load would be diluted by further redistribution. These impacts are expected to operate throughout the demolition, excavation and construction phase and would impact areas downwind of the footprint of proposed developments.

6.7.2.1 Receptors Sensitive receptors have been described in Paragraph 6.6.2.1 above.

6.7.2.2 Potential for impact Potential for impact has been described in Paragraph 6.6.2.2 above.

6.7.2.3 Proposed mitigation measures Stockpiles of excavated materials should either be removed or be underlain with porous bedding and covered with a tarpaulin in order to minimize redistribution by wind and water. Duration of on-site storage of excavated material should be as brief as possible to reduce opportunities for winnowing of sediment. Limiting the height and slope of the stockpiles in order to reduce wind erosion and wet suppression of dust, using sprinklers should also be considered. Wet suppression of dust may however generate fluid flows that, unless contained, may flow into the sea. Siting of stockpiles away from the boundary adjacent to Wied Harq Hamiem should also be considered. The PDS (Section 5) indicates that ‘minimal stock piling is to be stored on site, thus reducing the amount of dust generated by wind’.

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6.7.3 Predicted impact: Proliferation of ruderal species The availability of large quantities of bare construction debris will promote their colonisation by ruderals, and therefore provide a centre from where such ruderals may infiltrate adjacent habitats.

6.7.3.1 Receptors Assemblages in the vicinity of stockpiles and within dispersal range of ruderal species. The most sensitive assemblages are the assemblages along the sides and within the bed of Wied Harq Hamiem.

6.7.3.2 Potential for impact The two AoS are already characterized by numerous reservoirs of ruderal species and it is likely that episodes of infiltration into established communities in the vicinity have already occurred in the past. As such, the presence of any persistent piles of debris within the sites of proposed development would be expected to modify the magnitude of the impact rather than its nature.

6.7.3.3 Proposed mitigation measures Insulation of stockpiles in order to minimise dispersal of propagules.

6.8 Action 2b: Storage of construction materials, waste materials and possible contaminants

6.8.1 Predicted impact: degradation of biological communities due to leakages The Project Description Statement (Section 5) indicates that various materials, presumably including hazardous material (such as cement), fuels, solvents, and lubricants may be utilised on-site when construction works are taking place. The storage of such materials generates opportunities for leakage (in the case of fluids) or windborne transport (in the case of gases, aerosols or particulates) into the two AoS and their environs during use, during transfer operations, or through misuse or through accident. Other forms of waste, including combustible waste and sanitary waste are also expected to be generated during the construction phase.

6.8.1.1 Receptors Assemblages directly exposed to such leakages.

6.8.1.2 Potential for impact Any impacts arising from this source would be dependent on the materials and chemicals involved, on the volume of leakage and on specific weather conditions at the time of leakage. It should be stressed that concentrated leakages of oils, other fuels and of solvents would generally be expected to exert toxic effects on vegetation and other biota along their route of redistribution. Impacts also depend on the location of storage sites of such contaminants. Any fluid flows arising within the boundary of the proposed sites would not be expected to affect other habitats within the two AoS as the direction of flow would be towards the sea. Depending on the nature of the substratum, significant leakages may permeate through the underlying rock, reaching the sea through discontinuities and other pathways in the rock.

6.8.1.3 Mitigation measures Secure storage of potential pollutants (including oils and cement) with secondary containment and fire-prevention systems. Storage of minimum quantities required and good operational practice will reduce the potential for accidents. A contingency plan to clean up spills, should such occur, should

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also be established. The PDS (Section 5), specifies that ‘all liquid stored on site is to be stored within a bund to make sure that all spillage is easily controlled. Furthermore all stationary machinery within the site is to be equipped with an adequate drip tray’.

6.9 Action 3: Increased vehicular traffic

6.9.1 Predicted impact: Degradation of biological communities due to leakages Higher volumes of vehicular traffic than at present are likely to be attracted to the sites of proposed development throughout the construction phase. Traffic to and from the site will involve the passage of heavy vehicles generating opportunities for spillages of fuel and transported materials as well as fallout from exhaust streams. Any impacts arising from this source would be dependent on the volume of spillage and on specific weather conditions at the time of spillage. It should be stressed that concentrated discharges of oils and fuels would generally be expected to exert toxic effects on vegetation and other biota along their route of redistribution. Apart from ‘acute’ effects such as the ones described, possible impact may be constituted by ‘chronic’ effects derived from small quantities of operational leakages. If high volumes of vehicular traffic are envisaged, the cumulative ‘chronic’ effects may be significant.

6.9.1.1 Receptors Assemblages directly exposed to such leakages.

6.9.1.2 Potential for impact Any fluid flows arising within the boundaries of the proposed sites would not be expected to affect other habitats within the two AoS as the direction of flow would be towards the sea.

6.9.1.3 Proposed mitigation measures Containment of spillages through secure storage and confinement of loads in vehicles. This should be particularly stringent for loads of oils, solvents and other hazardous chemicals. Minimisation of on-site servicing of vehicles and machinery. The PDS (Section 5) specifies that ‘vehicles are to be inspected and ensured that they are road worthy and that their emissions are adequate’.

6.10 Action 4: Site illumination during the night

6.10.1 Predicted impact: Disturbance of susceptible fauna Artificial lighting of the area of construction would cause disturbance of wildlife due to elevated light levels and impacts arising from longer period of illumination of habitat patches.

6.10.1.1 Receptors Principal receptors are likely to be birds, bats, other nocturnal mammals, nocturnal reptiles, and nocturnal insects that respond to intense light sources.

6.10.1.2 Potential for impact Illumination of the site will serve to attract night-flying insects increasing the opportunity for these to be predated by insectivorous animals (e.g. bats and geckoes) as well as mortality by other means, including trampling by personnel in the area. Lights will disturb any susceptible fauna (including

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reptiles, birds, bats, hedgehogs and shrews) that may use natural or man-made features in the vicinity as refuges, roosting and nesting sites. It should be emphasised that this impact already exists, as the environs of the proposed sites are popular entertainment areas and are presently illuminated during the night. Any additional illumination will modify the magnitude of the impact rather than the nature of the impact.

6.10.1.3 Mitigation measures Use of downward facing lights, although such lights may still cause light pollution that may negatively influence wildlife. Use of low intensity lighting is recommended where possible.

6.11 Action 5: Introduction of species for landscaping

6.11.1 Predicted impact: Infiltration of invasive species into adjacent habitats Landscaping of the grounds of the proposed developments is envisaged in the Project Description (Section 4) although no further details are provided.

6.11.1.1 Receptors: Vegetation assemblages in the two AoS and their immediate environs.

6.11.1.2 Potential for impact Infiltration of species used in landscaping into adjacent habitats is a possible impact. The species composition of the assemblages colonising the two AoS suggests that this impact has already occurred multiple times in the past, as several distinct episodes of invasion are evident. The bed of Wied Harq Hamiem was colonised by dense thickets of Brazilian Pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and by isolated Washingtonia Palm (Washingtonia filifera), both presumably representing escapes from ornamentation. Part of the southern side of the valley was characterised by dense growth of Garden Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus), dispersing from private gardens. Similarly, part of the aerohaline community at the Cresta Quay site was colonised by Shrubby Putterlick (Pittosporum tobira), a plant that is widely cultivated for embellishment and that may have infiltrated from surrounding areas.

6.11.1.3 Proposed mitigation measures Use of indigenous and slow-growing shrubs, similar to those found in adjacent natural habitats. Species that are locally rare should not be incorporated into the landscaping scheme and it should be ensured that individuals utilised for landscaping are not plundered from natural populations. As such, the source of any plants introduced into the grounds as part of the landscaping scheme should be subject to verification in order to avoid impacts on source populations external to the area.

6.12 Action 6: Use of pesticides and fertilisers for maintenance of landscaped areas

Although consultants have not been given any information in this regard, it is being assumed that maintenance of the landscaped areas of the proposed developments may involve the utilisation of

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pesticides and fertilisers. The use of such chemicals would create opportunities for leachate from the grounds to enter adjacent habitats, either following irrigation or following episodes of rainfall.

6.12.1.1 Receptors: Vegetation assemblages downslope of the two AoS; mainly ruderal species colonising derelict agricultural areas.

6.12.1.2 Potential for impact Flows of leachate from the two AoS are likely to travel downslope towards the sea, and would be unlikely to generate impact on sensitive biological resources in Wied Harq Hamiem. If landscaping includes lawns, which require almost daily irrigation, excess runoff water will leach away pesticides and fertilizers in small quantities, potentially leading to chronic effects in receptor areas. Leachate from the Dolphin House/Villa Moynihan area would be in the vicinity of Ghar Harq Hamiem, and would therefore represent a potential source of impact on this habitat.

6.12.1.3 Proposed mitigation measures Regular monitoring of any leakages.

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7 Summary of Impacts

Summary of Impacts

Impact type and Source

Impact type Obliteration of biological communities

Specific intervention leading to impact

Demolition, excavation and construction works

Project phase Construction

Impact Receptor

Receptor type Sensitive biological receptors are the plant assemblages that were colonising the footprints of the areas proposed for redevelopment and adjacent areas

Sensitivity and resilience toward impact

High

Effect and Scale of Impact

Direct/Indirect/Cumulative Direct

Beneficial/Adverse Adverse

Severity Low

Physical/geographic extent Footprint of development and it margins

Short/Medium/Long Term

Long-term

Temporary/Permanent if temporary indicate duration

Permanent

Reversible/Irreversible if reversible indicate ease of reversibility

Irreversible

Probability – Significance – Mitigation – Residual Impacts – Other Requirements

Probability of impact occurring (inevitable, likely, remote uncertain)

Inevitable

Significance Overall Impact

Low to moderate

Proposed Mitigation Measures

None

Significance Residual Impact

Low to moderate

Monitoring

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Summary of Impacts


Impact type Effects of windblown limestone dust on habitats and biota




Impact Receptor

Receptor type Sensitive biological receptors are the floral and faunal assemblages within the two AoS and their environs. Assemblages outside the two AoS but within range of windborne particulate would also be affected, although to a lesser extent, as clouds of dust would be subject to dispersion with distance and would be expected to have lost coarser fractions through earlier fallout

Sensitivity and resilience toward impact Low (unless catastrophic input occurs)




Severity Moderate to high

Physical/geographic extent Dependent on volume of emissions and on wind characteristics at the time of emission

Short/Medium/Long Term Medium term


Probably temporary


Reversible if not a catastrophic input



Likely


Low to moderate


A number of dust-suppression measures may be considered to minimize wind-blown dispersion. These include collection of fine particulates generated during any on-site working of stone, covering of stored material, and water-spraying of active areas. The PDS (Section 5) recommends that the site is ‘regularly wet during the summer period’, whilst vacuum assisted tools are proposed for use during construction.


Probably Low

Monitoring

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Summary of Impacts


Impact type Obliteration of biological communities in possible storage sites


Storage of excavated material


Impact Receptor

Receptor type Any biota within the footprint of stockpiles


Low




Severity Insignificant

Physical/geographic extent Footprint of stockpiles and their margin


Medium-term


Temporary (throughout construction phase)


Irreversible



Inevitable


Low


None


Low

Monitoring

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Summary of Impacts


Impact type Redistribution of particulates




Impact Receptor

Receptor type Sensitive biological receptors are the floral and faunal assemblages within the two AoS and their environs. Assemblages outside the two AoS but within range of windborne particulate would also be affected, although to a lesser extent, as clouds of dust would be subject to dispersion with distance and would be expected to have lost coarser fractions through earlier fallout

Sensitivity and resilience toward impact Low (unless catastrophic input occurs)





Physical/geographic extent Dependent on wind strength and direction and on rainfall episodes

Short/Medium/Long Term Medium term


Probably temporary


Reversible if not a catastrophic input



Likely


Probably low


Stockpiles of excavated materials should either be removed or be underlain with porous bedding and covered with a tarpaulin in order to minimizeredistribution by wind and water. Duration of on-site storage of excavatedmaterial should be as brief as possible to reduce opportunities for winnowing of sediment. Limiting the height and slope of the stockpiles in order to reduce wind erosion and wet suppression of dust, using sprinklersshould also be considered. Wet suppression of dust may however generatefluid flows that, unless contained, may flow into the sea. Siting of stockpiles away from the boundary adjacent to Wied Harq Hamiem should also be considered. The PDS (Section 5) indicates that ‘minimal stock piling is to bestored on site, thus reducing the amount of dust generated by wind’.

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Summary of Impacts



Probably low

Monitoring

Summary of Impacts


Impact type Proliferation of ruderal species




Impact Receptor

Receptor type Assemblages in the vicinity of stockpiles and within dispersal range of ruderal species. The most sensitive assemblages are the assemblages along the sides and within the bed of Wied Harq Hamiem.


The two AoS are already characterized by numerous reservoirs of ruderal species and it is likely that episodes of infiltration into established communities in the vicinity have already occurred in the past. As such, the presence of any persistent piles of debris within the sites of proposed development would be expected to modify the magnitude of the impact rather than its nature.




Severity May be moderate to high

Physical/geographic extent May be widespread


Medium to long term, depending on the species


May be permanent


May be irreversible



Likely


Probably low


Insulation of stockpiles in order to minimise dispersal of propagules.


Probably low

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Summary of Impacts


Monitoring

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Summary of Impacts


Impact type Disturbance arising from noise and vibration




Impact Receptor

Receptor type All faunal assemblages within the two AoS and their immediate environs for noise; all faunal assemblages within the two AoS and a considerable radius around them for vibrations. These disturbances would also be expected to impact any fauna within Harq Hamiem Cave, located in the vicinity of the mouth of Wied Harq Hamiem.


Noise and vibration are likely to disturb birds, bats and small mammals, particularly in Wed Harq Hamiem, and may cause these to relocate fromthe AoS and from adjacent areas. It should be remarked that considerable excavation and construction has taken place in the generalarea of both AoS during the past decades, presumably generating similar impact. As such, in the absence of gradual recolonisation, the effects ofnoise and vibration may affect faunal communities that are already tolerant to such pressures.







Probably Medium-term


Temporary; impact will persist throughout construction phase.


Probably reversible



Likely


Probably low to moderate


Use of damping mechanisms to reduce effects of vibrations. The PDS (Section 5), proposes that the effects of vibration and noise are to be ‘reduced using adequate machinery’.


Probably low

Monitoring

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Summary of Impacts


Impact type Degradation of biological communities due to leakages


Storage of construction materials, waste materials and possible contaminants


Impact Receptor

Receptor type Assemblages directly exposed to such leakages.


Any impacts arising from this source would be dependent on the materials and chemicals involved, on the volume of leakage and on specific weather conditions at the time of leakage. It should be stressed that concentrated leakages of oils, other fuels and of solvents would generally be expected to exert toxic effects on vegetation and other biota along their route of redistribution. Impacts also depend on the location of storage sites of such contaminants. Any fluid flows arising within the boundary of the proposed sites would not be expected to affect other habitats within the two AoS as the direction of flow would be towards the sea. Depending on the nature of the substratum, significant leakages may permeate through the underlying rock, reaching the sea through discontinuities and other pathways in the rock.


Direct/Indirect/Cumulative Direct/Cumulative


Severity Probably low to moderate

Physical/geographic extent Restricted


Probably short term unless repeated input of pollutants occurs


Temporary (duration of impact is expected to coincide with duration of construction phase)


Probably reversible in the long term



Likely


Probably low

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Summary of Impacts



Secure storage of potential pollutants (including oils and cement) with secondary containment and fire-prevention systems. Storage of minimum quantities required and good operational practice will reduce the potential for accidents. A contingency plan to clean up spills, should such occur, should also be established. The PDS (Section 5), specifies that ‘all liquid stored on site is to be stored within a bund to make sure that all spillage is easily controlled. Furthermore all stationary machinery within the site is to be equipped with an adequate drip tray’.


Probably low

Monitoring

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Summary of Impacts


Impact type Degradation of biological communities due to leakages


Increased vehicular traffic


Impact Receptor

Receptor type Assemblages directly exposed to leakages and emissions


Any impacts arising from this source would be dependent on the volume of spillage and on specific weather conditions at the time of spillage. It should be stressed that concentrated discharges of oils and fuels would generally be expected to exert toxic effects on vegetation and other biota along their route of redistribution. Apart from ‘acute’ effects such as the ones described, possible impact may be constituted by ‘chronic’ effects derived from small quantities of operational leakages. If high volumes of vehicular traffic are envisaged, the cumulative ‘chronic’ effects may be significant.


Direct/Indirect/Cumulative Direct/cumulative


Severity Low to moderate

Physical/geographic extent Dependent on wind direction, but would only be expected to be relevant within tens of metres of the source (except in the case of catastrophic input) of emissions/leakages


Dependent on the nature of the emission/leakage. Effects may range from short-term to long term ‘chronic’ effects


Probably temporary, persisting throughout the construction phase.


Probably reversible in the longer term



Likely


Probably low


Containment of spillages through secure storage and confinement of loads in vehicles. This should be particularly stringent for loads of oils, solvents and other hazardous chemicals. Minimisation of on-site servicing of vehicles and machinery. The PDS (Section 5) specifies that ‘vehicles are to be inspected and ensured that they are road worthy and that their emissions are adequate’.


Probably low

Monitoring

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Summary of Impacts


Impact type Disturbance of susceptible fauna


Site illumination during the night


Impact Receptor

Receptor type Principal receptors are likely to be birds, bats, other nocturnal mammals, nocturnal reptiles, and nocturnal insects that respond to intense light sources.


Artificial lighting of the area of construction would cause disturbance ofwildlife due to elevated light levels and impacts arising from longer period of illumination of habitat patches. It should be emphasised that thisimpact already exists, as the environs of the proposed sites are popularentertainment areas and are presently illuminated during the night. Any additional illumination will modify the magnitude of the impact ratherthan the nature of the impact.





Physical/geographic extent Probably tens of metres from the source, depending on the light source. However, this should be seen in context of existing sources of illumination in the surrounding areas.


Short to medium term


Probably temporary, persisting throughout the period of site-illumination


Probably reversible



Likely


Probably low, for most faunal groups


Use of downward facing lights, although such lights may still cause lightpollution that may negatively influence wildlife. Use of low intensitylighting is recommended where possible.


Probably low

Monitoring

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Summary of Impacts


Impact type Disturbance of susceptible fauna


Site illumination during the night

Project phase Operation

Impact Receptor

Receptor type Principal receptors are likely to be birds, bats, other nocturnal mammals, nocturnal reptiles, and nocturnal insects that respond to intense light sources.


Artificial lighting of the area would cause disturbance of wildlife due toelevated light levels and impacts arising from longer period of illumination of habitat patches. It should be emphasised that this impact already exists, as the environs of the proposed sites are popular entertainment areas and are presently illuminated during the night. Any additional illumination will modify the magnitude of the impact rather than the nature of the impact.





Physical/geographic extent Probably tens of metres from the source, depending on the light source. However, this should be seen in context of existing sources of illumination in the surrounding areas.


Short to medium term


Probably temporary, persisting throughout the period of site-illumination


Probably reversible



Likely


Probably low, for most faunal groups


Use of downward facing lights, although such lights may still cause lightpollution that may negatively influence wildlife. Use of low intensity lighting is recommended where possible.


Probably low

Monitoring

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Summary of Impacts


Impact type Infiltration of invasive species into adjacent habitats


Introduction of species for landscaping

Project phase Operations

Impact Receptor

Receptor type Vegetation assemblages in the two AoS and their immediate environs.


The species composition of the assemblages colonising the two AoS suggests that this impact has already occurred multiple times in the past, as several distinct episodes of invasion are evident.




Severity May be high



May be long term, depending on the species concerned


Depends on the timescale considered. Such impacts may last for several decades


Depends on the timescale and on the species. May be irreversible



Likely (as indicated by the present species composition in the two AoS)


May be moderate


Use of indigenous and slow-growing shrubs, similar to those found in adjacent natural habitats. Species that are locally rare should not be incorporated into the landscaping scheme and it should be ensured that individuals utilised for landscaping are not plundered from natural populations. As such, the source of any plants introduced into the grounds as part of the landscaping scheme should be subject to verification in order to avoid impacts on source populations external to the area.


May be moderate to high

Monitoring

Ecoserv Ltd S

Summary of Impacts


Impact type Degradation of biological communities


Use of pesticides and fertilisers for maintenance of landscaped areas

Project phase Operations

Impact Receptor

Receptor type Vegetation assemblages downslope of the two AoS; mainly ruderal species colonising derelict agricultural areas.


Flows of leachate from the two AoS are likely to travel downslope towards the sea, and would be unlikely to generate impact on sensitive biological resources in Wied Harq Hamiem. If landscaping includes lawns, which require almost daily irrigation, excess runoff water will leach away pesticides and fertilizers in small quantities, potentially leading to chronic effects in receptor areas. Leachate from the Dolphin House/Villa Moynihan area would be in the vicinity of Ghar Harq Hamiem, and would therefore represent a potential source of impact on this habitat.


Direct/Indirect/Cumulative Direct/cumulative


Severity Probably low

Physical/geographic extent Dependent on the chemicals involved and on the environmental sinks in the vicinity. May extend for tens of metres, depending on the volume of leakages and on the efficiency of attenuation.


May be long term


May be temporary, with reversion to natural vegetation when no more input occurs


Depends on the timescale, on the chemicals, and on the species. May be reversible



Likely


Probably low


Regular monitoring of any leakages


Probably low

Monitoring

Ecoserv Ltd S

Assessment criteria - Significance High Reduction in extent of habitat, loss of individuals, loss of metapopulations,

modification of interspecific and intraspecific interactions resulting in detectable deviation from the general dynamic trajectory in the affected communities

Moderate Reduction in extent of habitat, loss of individuals; modification of interspecific and intraspecific interactions may occur but would be contextually restricted and not sufficient to alter the general dynamic trajectory in the affected communities

Low Reduction in extent of habitat, loss of individuals; modification of interspecific and intraspecific interactions may occur but would be restricted in duration and in extent and not sufficient to alter the general dynamic trajectory in the affected communities

Insignificant No change in the extent of habitat; no loss of individuals or metapopulations that is detectable with standard methods of survey; no modification of interspecific and intraspecific interactions

Assessment criteria – Beneficial/Adverse Beneficial An increase in the sustainability of the resource under consideration. Directly

attributable to project actions and distinguishable from background fluctuations in the dynamic ecological trajectory of populations and metapopulations

Neutral No increase or reduction in the sustainability of the resource under consideration

Adverse A reduction in the sustainability of the resource under consideration. Directly attributable to project actions and distinguishable from background fluctuations in the dynamic ecological trajectory of populations and metapopulations

Assessment criteria – Severity (if applicable) High Impact is expected to affect receptors further than 100m away from its

source; may affect the entire area of study and may extend beyond the boundaries of the AoS into adjacent areas

Moderate Impact is expected to affect receptors within a radius of 100m of its source

Low Impact is expected to affect receptors within a radius of 10m of its source

Insignificant Impact is only expected to affect receptors in the immediate vicinity of itssource

Ecos

erv

Ltd

Surv

ey o

f eco

logi

cal r

esou

rces

in a

n ar

ea a

t S

t. Ge

orge

’s Ba

y, S

t. Ju

lian’

s, 20

14

Imp

act

typ

e an

d so

urce

Im

pac

t re

cep

tor

Effe

ct a

nd S

cale

P

roba

bilit

y of

im

pact

oc

curr

ing

Ove

rall

impa

ct

sign

ifica

nce

Pro

pose

d m

itig

atio

n m

easu

res

Res

idua

l im

pact

si

gnifi

canc

e

Oth

er

requ

irem

ents

Im

pact

typ

e S

peci

fic

inte

rven

tion

le

adin

g to

im

pact

Pro

ject

ph

ase

Rec

epto

r ty

pe

Sen

siti

vity

an

d re

silie

nce

tow

ard

impa

ct

Dir

ect

Indi

rect

C

umul

ativ

e

Ben

efic

ial

Adv

erse

S

ever

ity

Phy

sica

l ge

ogra

phic

ex

tent

of

impa

ct

Sho

rt

med

ium

lo

ng

term

Tem

pora

ry

Per

man

ent

Rev

ersi

ble

Irre

vers

ible

1 2

3 4

5 6

7 8

9 10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

Envi

ronm

enta

l asp

ect (

Ecol

ogy)

O

blite

ratio

n of

bi

olog

ical

co

mm

uniti

es

Dem

oliti

on,

exca

vatio

n an

d co

nstr

uctio

n w

orks

Cons

truc

tion

Flor

a w

ithin

the

foot

prin

t Hi

gh

Dire

ct

Adve

rse

Low

Fo

otpr

int o

f de

velo

pmen

t an

d im

med

iate

m

argi

ns

Long

-ter

m

Perm

anen

t Irr

ever

sible

In

evita

ble

Low

to

mod

erat

e N

one

Low

to

mod

erat

e

Effe

cts o

f w

indb

low

n lim

esto

ne d

ust

on h

abita

ts a

nd

biot

a

Dem

oliti

on,

exca

vatio

n an

d co

nstr

uctio

n w

orks

Cons

truc

tion

Flor

a an

d fa

una

Low

(unl

ess

cata

stro

phic

in

put o

ccur

s)

Dire

ct

Adve

rse

Mod

erat

e to

hi

gh

Depe

nden

t on

volu

me

of

emiss

ions

and

on

win

d ch

arac

teris

tics

at th

e tim

e of

em

issio

n

Med

ium

term

Pr

obab

ly

tem

pora

ry

Reve

rsib

le if

not

a

cata

stro

phic

inpu

t

Like

ly

Low

to

mod

erat

e Co

llect

ion

of fi

ne

part

icula

tes

gene

rate

d du

ring

any

on-

site

wor

king

of

ston

e, c

over

ing

of st

ored

m

ater

ial,

and

wat

er-s

pray

ing

of a

ctiv

e ar

eas

Prob

ably

Low

Obl

itera

tion

of

biol

ogic

al

com

mun

ities

in

poss

ible

stor

age

sites

Stor

age

of

exca

vate

d m

ater

ial

Cons

truc

tion

Any

biot

a (m

ainl

y flo

ra)

with

in th

e fo

otpr

int o

f st

ockp

iles

Low

Di

rect

Ad

vers

e In

signi

fican

t Fo

otpr

int o

f st

ockp

iles a

nd

thei

r mar

gin

Med

ium

-term

Te

mpo

rary

(t

hrou

ghou

t co

nstr

uctio

n ph

ase)

Irrev

ersib

le

Inev

itabl

e Lo

w

Non

e Lo

w

Redi

strib

utio

n of

par

ticul

ates

St

orag

e of

ex

cava

ted

mat

eria

l

Cons

truc

tion

Flor

a an

d fa

una

Low

(unl

ess

cata

stro

phic

in

put o

ccur

s)

Dire

ct

Adve

rse

Mod

erat

e to

hi

gh

Depe

nden

t on

win

d st

reng

th

and

dire

ctio

n an

d on

rain

fall

episo

des

Med

ium

term

Pr

obab

ly

tem

pora

ry

Reve

rsib

le if

not

a

cata

stro

phic

inpu

t

Like

ly

Prob

ably

low

Re

duce

d on

-site

st

ockp

iling

; co

verin

g of

st

ockp

iles,

wet

su

ppre

ssio

n;

sitin

g aw

ay fr

om

Wie

d Ha

rq

Ham

iem

Prob

ably

low

Prol

ifera

tion

of

rude

ral s

pecie

s St

orag

e of

ex

cava

ted

mat

eria

l

Cons

truc

tion

Flor

a Im

pact

has

al

read

y oc

curr

ed;

furt

her

deve

lopm

ent

will

mod

ify th

e m

agni

tude

not

th

e na

ture

of

the

impa

ct

Dire

ct

Adve

rse

May

be

mod

erat

e to

hi

gh

May

be

wid

espr

ead

Med

ium

to lo

ng

term

, de

pend

ing

on

the

spec

ies

May

be

perm

anen

t M

ay b

e irr

ever

sible

Li

kely

Pr

obab

ly lo

w

Insu

latio

n of

st

ockp

iles i

n or

der t

o m

inim

ise

disp

ersa

l of

prop

agul

es

Prob

ably

low

Dist

urba

nce

arisi

ng fr

om

noise

and

vi

brat

ion

Dem

oliti

on,

exca

vatio

n an

d co

nstr

uctio

n w

orks

Cons

truc

tion

Faun

a M

ay b

e hi

gh b

ut

Impa

ct is

on

goin

g

Dire

ct

Adve

rse

May

be

mod

erat

e to

hi

gh

May

be

wid

espr

ead

Prob

ably

M

ediu

m-te

rm

Tem

pora

ry;

impa

ct w

ill

pers

ist

thro

ugho

ut

cons

truc

tion

phas

e

Prob

ably

re

vers

ible

Li

kely

Pr

obab

ly lo

w to

m

oder

ate

Use

of d

ampi

ng

mec

hani

sms t

o re

duce

effe

cts o

f vi

brat

ions

.

Prob

ably

low

Degr

adat

ion

of

biol

ogic

al

com

mun

ities

du

e to

leak

ages

Stor

age

of

cons

truc

tion

mat

eria

ls, w

aste

m

ater

ials

and

poss

ible

co

ntam

inan

ts

Cons

truc

tion

Flor

a an

d fa

una

Prob

ably

hig

h al

ong

the

path

way

of

spill

ed fl

uids

Dire

ct/C

umul

ati

ve

Adve

rse

Prob

ably

low

to

mod

erat

e Re

stric

ted

Prob

ably

shor

t te

rm u

nles

s re

peat

ed in

put

of p

ollu

tant

s oc

curs

Tem

pora

ry

(dur

atio

n of

co

nstr

uctio

n ph

ase)

Prob

ably

re

vers

ible

in th

e lo

ng te

rm

Like

ly

Prob

ably

low

Se

cure

stor

age

of p

oten

tial

pollu

tant

s (in

cludi

ng o

ils

and

cem

ent)

with

seco

ndar

y co

ntai

nmen

t and

fir

e-pr

even

tion

syst

ems

Prob

ably

low

Ecos

erv

Ltd

Surv

ey o

f eco

logi

cal r

esou

rces

in a

n ar

ea a

t S

t. Ge

orge

’s Ba

y, S

t. Ju

lian’

s, 20

14

Degr

adat

ion

of

biol

ogic

al

com

mun

ities

du

e to

leak

ages

Incr

ease

d ve

hicu

lar t

raffi

c Co

nstr

uctio

n Fl

ora

and

faun

a De

pend

ent o

n th

e vo

lum

e of

sp

illag

e an

d on

sp

ecifi

c w

eath

er

cond

ition

s at

the

time

of

spill

age

Dire

ct/C

umul

ati

ve

Adve

rse

Prob

ably

low

to

mod

erat

e De

pend

ent o

n w

ind

dire

ctio

n,

but w

ould

onl

y be

exp

ecte

d to

be

rele

vant

w

ithin

tens

of

met

res o

f the

so

urce

(exc

ept

in th

e ca

se o

f ca

tast

roph

ic

inpu

t) of

em

issio

ns/le

aka

ges

Depe

nden

t on

the

natu

re o

f th

e em

issio

n/le

akag

e. E

ffect

s may

ra

nge

from

sh

ort-t

erm

to

long

term

‘c

hron

ic’ e

ffect

s

Prob

ably

te

mpo

rary

, pe

rsist

ing

thro

ugho

ut th

e co

nstr

uctio

n ph

ase

Prob

ably

re

vers

ible

in th

e lo

nger

term

Like

ly

Prob

ably

low

Co

ntai

nmen

t of

spill

ages

thro

ugh

secu

re st

orag

e an

d co

nfin

emen

t of

load

s in

vehi

cles

Prob

ably

low

Dist

urba

nce

of

susc

eptib

le

faun

a

Site

illu

min

atio

n du

ring

the

nigh

t Co

nstr

uctio

n Bi

rds,

bats

, ot

her n

octu

rnal

m

amm

als,

noct

urna

l re

ptile

s, an

d no

ctur

nal

inse

cts t

hat

resp

ond

to

inte

nse

light

so

urce

s

Addi

tiona

l ill

umin

atio

n w

ill

mod

ify th

e m

agni

tude

of

the

impa

ct

rath

er th

an th

e na

ture

of t

he

impa

ct

Dire

ct

Adve

rse

May

be

mod

erat

e to

hi

gh

Prob

ably

tens

of

met

res f

rom

the

sour

ce,

depe

ndin

g on

th

e lig

ht so

urce

Shor

t to

med

ium

term

Pr

obab

ly

tem

pora

ry,

pers

istin

g th

roug

hout

the

perio

d of

site

-ill

umin

atio

n

Prob

ably

re

vers

ible

Li

kely

Pr

obab

ly lo

w,

for m

ost f

auna

l gr

oups

Use

of

dow

nwar

d fa

cing

, lo

w-

inte

nsity

ligh

ting

Prob

ably

low

Dist

urba

nce

of

susc

eptib

le

faun

a

Site

illu

min

atio

n du

ring

the

nigh

t O

pera

tion

Bird

s, ba

ts,

othe

r noc

turn

al

mam

mal

s, no

ctur

nal

rept

iles,

and

noct

urna

l in

sect

s tha

t re

spon

d to

in

tens

e lig

ht

sour

ces

Addi

tiona

l ill

umin

atio

n w

ill

mod

ify th

e m

agni

tude

of

the

impa

ct

rath

er th

an th

e na

ture

of t

he

impa

ct

Dire

ct

Adve

rse

May

be

mod

erat

e to

hi

gh

Prob

ably

tens

of

met

res f

rom

the

sour

ce,

depe

ndin

g on

th

e lig

ht so

urce

Shor

t to

med

ium

term

Pr

obab

ly

tem

pora

ry,

pers

istin

g th

roug

hout

the

perio

d of

site

-ill

umin

atio

n

Prob

ably

re

vers

ible

Li

kely

Pr

obab

ly lo

w,

for m

ost f

auna

l gr

oups

Use

of

dow

nwar

d fa

cing

, lo

w-

inte

nsity

ligh

ting

Prob

ably

low

Infil

trat

ion

of

inva

sive

spec

ies

into

adj

acen

t ha

bita

ts

Intr

oduc

tion

of

spec

ies f

or

land

scap

ing

Ope

ratio

n Fl

ora

Impa

ct h

as

alre

ady

occu

rred

m

ultip

le ti

mes

in

the

past

Dire

ct

Adve

rse

May

be

high

M

ay b

e w

ides

prea

d M

ay b

e lo

ng

term

, de

pend

ing

on

the

spec

ies

conc

erne

d

Depe

nds o

n th

e tim

esca

le

cons

ider

ed.

Such

impa

cts

may

last

for

seve

ral d

ecad

es

Depe

nds o

n th

e tim

esca

le a

nd

on th

e sp

ecie

s.

May

be

irrev

ersib

le

Like

ly

May

be

mod

erat

e Us

e of

in

dige

nous

and

slo

w-g

row

ing

shru

bs, s

imila

r to

thos

e fo

und

in

adja

cent

nat

ural

ha

bita

ts.

May

be

mod

erat

e to

hi

gh

Degr

adat

ion

of

biol

ogic

al

com

mun

ities

Use

of

pest

icid

es a

nd

fert

ilise

rs fo

r m

aint

enan

ce o

f la

ndsc

aped

ar

eas

Ope

ratio

n Fl

ora

May

be

high

if

conc

entr

ated

flo

ws a

re

rele

ased

Dire

ct/c

umul

ati

ve

Adve

rse

Prob

ably

low

De

pend

ent o

n th

e ch

emic

als

invo

lved

and

on

the

envi

ronm

enta

l sin

ks in

the

vici

nity

. May

ex

tend

for t

ens

of m

etre

s, de

pend

ing

on

the

volu

me

of

leak

ages

and

on

the

effic

ienc

y of

at

tenu

atio

n

May

be

long

te

rm

May

be

tem

pora

ry, w

ith

reve

rsio

n to

na

tura

l ve

geta

tion

whe

n no

mor

e in

put o

ccur

s

Depe

nds o

n th

e tim

esca

le, o

n th

e ch

emic

als,

and

on th

e sp

ecie

s. M

ay b

e re

vers

ible

Like

ly

Prob

ably

low

Re

gula

r m

onito

ring

of

any

leak

ages

Prob

ably

low

Ecoserv Ltd Survey of ecological resources in an area at St. George’s Bay, St. Julian’s, 2014

8 References Devillers P. & Devillers-Terschuren J. (1996). Classification of Palaearctic habitats. Nature and environment, No. 78. Council of Europe. Farmer, A.M. (1993). The effects of dust on vegetation- a review. Environmental Pollution 79; 63-75. Ministry for the Environment, New Zealand (2001). Good practice guide for assessing and managing the effects of dust emissions. Ministry for the Environment, Wellington, New Zealand. R.S. Design Associates (undated). Project Description Statement: Villa Rosa. Schembri P.J. (1991). Report of survey: natural resources. [Malta Structure Plan Technical Report 5.4] Beltissebh, Malta: Colin Buchanan and Partners/Generale Progetti SpA/Planning Services Division, Government of Malta; viii + 138pp. Schembri P.J. & Sultana J. (1989). Red Data Book for the Maltese Islands. Valletta, Malta: Department of Information; viii + 142pp. Vardaka, E., Cook, C. M., Lanaras, T., Sgardelis, S. P., & Pantis, J. D. (1995). Effect of dust from a limestone quarry on the Photosynthesis of Quercus coccifera, an Evergreen Sclerophyllous Shrub. Bulletin of environmental contamination and toxicology, 54(3), 414-419.

48

Ecoserv Ltd

9 Appendix 1

9.1.1 Key to Red Data Book categories Code Criterion

Endemic Taxon endemic to the Maltese Islands

X Taxon extinct from the Maltese Islands

E Taxon is endangered in the Maltese Islands

R Taxon is rare in the Maltese Islands

RR Taxon is very rare in the Maltese Islands

I Status of taxon in the Maltese Islands is not known

Rest(MI) Taxon has a restricted distribution in the Maltese Islands

Rest(MED) Taxon has a restricted distribution in the Mediterranean region

? Following any other symbol signifies uncertainty in the information given

9.1.2 Scope of categories Category Scope

Endangered Taxon is in danger of extinction due to populations having become severely depleted or due to a drastic reduction in habitat

Vulnerable Taxon is likely to become endangered in the near future if the factors threatening it continue to operate (over-exploitation, extensive destruction of habitat, environmental disturbance)

Rare Taxon is not at present endangered or vulnerable but because of its rarity in the Maltese Islands is at risk

Very rare Taxon is at risk because it is very rare in the Maltese Islands, either because it is restricted to a particular locality or to a habitat type itself rare in the Maltese Islands or because it is thinly scattered

Indeterminate Taxon may or may not be under threat but insufficient information is currently available to evaluate this

Ecoserv Ltd

10 Appendix 2

10.1.1 Schedules listed in Legal Notice 200 of 2011: Trees and Woodlands Protection Regulations

Schedule Scope

Schedule I Strictly Protected Tree Species

Schedule II Trees Protected in Selected Areas

Schedule III Invasive, Alien or Environmentally-Incompatible Species

Ecoserv Ltd

11 Appendix 3

11.1.1 Schedules listed in Legal Notice 311 of 2006: Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations, 2006.

Schedule Scope

Schedule I Natural habitat types whose conservation requires the designation of Special Areas of Conservation

Schedule II Animal and plant species of community interest whose conservation requires the designation of Special Areas of Conservation

Schedule III Animal and plant species of national interest whose conservation requires the designation of Special Areas of Conservation

Schedule IV Criteria for selecting sites eligible for identification as Sites of National Importance and of International Importance and designation as Special Areas of Conservation

Schedule V Animal and plant species of community interest in need of strict protection

Schedule VI Animal and plant species of national interest in need of strict protection

Schedule VII Animal and plant species of community interest whose taking in the wild and exploitation may be subject to management measures

Schedule VIII Animal and plant species of national interest whose taking in the wild and exploitation may be subject to management measures

Schedule IX Identification and monitoring

Schedule X Endemic species not covered by Regulation 26

Schedule XI Animal species of community interest whose capture and killing and transport are regulated

Schedule XII Prohibited methods and means of capture and killing and modes of transport

era.org.mt survey...environmental planning statement demolition of all existing buildings forming...

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