Malta Landfills Rehabilitation
Project Introduction
The Aerial Emissions Control Works project is
the cornerstone of the rehabilitation of three of the closed
landfills in Malta and Gozo (Maghtab, Qortin and Wied Fulija). The
other key elements of the rehabilitation strategy are the physical
stabilisation of the waste masses and the final restoration of the
surface. Euro 8M of European funds have been set aside for this
work by WasteServ (Malta) Ltd, the organisation tasked with
ensuring the safe restoration of the sites.
Project Background
On joining the European Union in 2004 Malta
developed and operated new waste disposal facilities in accordance
with prevalent European environmental legislation. However, decades
of waste dumping had left a legacy of environmental damage and
potential public health risks at a number of sites.
Project Scope
In May 2002 Scott Wilson was awarded the
commission to develop strategies for the rehabilitation of these
three landfills. The initial works comprised studies,
investigations, assessments and strategy development. The work
identified a number of environmental impacts that required positive
intervention. In particular, aerial emissions of gases, dusts
and smoke from the sites (largely as a result of ongoing
subterranean combustion) were considered to present the most
immediate and significant health and environmental impacts.
At the largest site (Maghtab) an innovative aerial emission control
system was devised involving the installation of over 350 gas
wells, 80km of pipework and associated gas treatment plant.
Emissions are to be controlled by directing abstracted gases, via a
series of pipes and manifolds, to either a conventional flare for
burning or to a thermal oxydiser for destruction of the trace gases
with lower calorific value.
Value Adding Project
Achievements
On 2 March 2007 the Prime Minister of Malta,
Mr Lawrence Gonzi, switched on the first phase. The completed
scheme will reduce health and environmental impacts and reduce the
considerable odour problem associated with the sites, leaving them
in a state suitable for future beneficial recreational use.
Positive benefits are already being experienced by the local
communities as air quality in the region improves.
