Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1060184
4 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 9 DECEMBER 2018 NEWS JAMES DEBONO ONE of the reasons why Magħtab has been selected as the site of the new in- cinerator is its proximity to the sea to supply water for the plant's cooling sys- tem. But the impact of cooling waters on the marine environment – in terms of chemical and thermal pollution – will require further evaluation, particularly with respect to the effect on the exten- sive Posidonia meadows located in the Bahar ic-Caghaq waters. This emerges from a Project Devel- opment Statement presented by Was- teserv which identifies the environ- mental issues which need addressing in further environmental impact studies. Posidonia meadows, also known as the lungs of the Mediterrean, are a pro- tected habitat according to EU law due to their importance in creating ideal habitats for marine life and in releas- ing oxygen. The presence of Posidonia meadows was considered as the great- est obstacle for land reclamation in Ba- har ic-Caghaq in a study conducted in 2007. The risk posed by cooling systems re- sults from the release of warmer water into the sea after it is used to cool down the plant, thus impacting on sensitive marina ecosystem. In the past the impact of the cooling system of the BWSC power station in Delimara on the marine environment at Hofra z-Zghira was considered to be one of its most problematic environ- mental aspects. According to the PDS, "various op- tions" exist with respect to the cooling systems which can be adopted. But cooling towers, which reduce the water's temperature to ambient wa- ter temperature before discharge, are deemed to be too intensive in terms of land uptake. The report hints at "fur- ther consideration" to seawater intakes and outlets, "so as to identify options that are technically feasible, yet have the least possible environmental im- pact". The report indicates that a site locat- ed on the eastern side of the complex has been identified as being the most appropriate location, given that it is the one most distant from large settle- ments, and the one that would have the least impact in terms of ecological foot- print and tree cover. The area is pres- ently used for intensive agriculture. It is envisaged that the footprint for the waste-to-energy plant will occupy around 5,000 sq.m. However, the ancil- lary facilities that will be required will bring the total footprint to circa 20,000 sq.m. The report also reveals that Maghtab was chosen after a site selection study which had considered different loca- tions including sites near the Ta' Bar- kat plant in Xghajra, near the power station in Delimara and near the Sant Antnin recycling plant in Marsaskala. Incinerator's cooling outflows could affect Posidonia meadows Impact of incinerator's cooling system on Posidonia meadows off Maghtab to be assessed due to impact of warm water discharge The area where the incinerator may be set up