project description statement. pa18_05039 - pds.pdf · solar farm at ex-quarry 38/48, triq...

Project Description Statement SOLAR FARM AT QUARRY 48/38, TRIQ IT-TORRIJIET VINCENTI,

MQABBA

Mark Vella MED DESIGN ASSOCIATES | HERCULES HOUSE, ST.MARK STREET, VALLETTA

Erection of solar farm at ex-quarry no. 48/38.

PA/05039/18 - 9b - Valid - MARIE LOUISE ZAMMIT - on behalf of Environment and Resources Authority -14/06/2018 9b

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Project Description Statement

Date: 20/03/2018

Solar Farm at ex-Quarry 38/48,

Triq it-Torrijiet Vincenti, Mqabba.

Contents

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................... 3

1.1 Background to the Development ......................................................................................................................... 3

Site and surroundings ............................................................................................................................................ 7

1.3 Planning history and site operations .................................................................................................................... 9

1.4 Physical characteristics of the site, including size scale and design ................................................................... 10

1.5 A description of surrounding land uses, their nature, extent and environmental characteristics...................... 11

The Proposed Development - The Need for such Development in ODZ areas ....................................................... 13

2.1 Objectives of the proposal .................................................................................................................................. 13

Economic Objectives .................................................................................................................................................... 13

Social Objectives .......................................................................................................................................................... 14

Environmental Objectives ............................................................................................................................................ 14

The Restoration and Development of the Quarry ........................................................................................................ 17

2.2 Policy and Planning Context ............................................................................................................................... 17

2.3 Waste streams, raw materials, storage, and handling. ..................................................................................... 18

2.4 Protection and Conservation of ODZ areas – Waste, water and energy handling ............................................. 20

2.5 Description of services for the treatment of water, waste and energy sources ................................................. 21

2.6 Uses, Technologies, locations, land use and arrangements ............................................................................... 22

2.7 Works Method Statement - Project development sequencing, employment, parking requirements and

machinery........................................................................................................................................................... 24

The Development of the Solar Farm ............................................................................................................................ 27

2.8 Policy and Planning Context ............................................................................................................................... 27

2.9 Description of services for the treatment of water, waste and energy sources ................................................. 29

2.10 Uses, technologies, location, land use and arrangements ................................................................................. 31

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2.11 Works Method Statement - Project development sequencing, employment, parking requirements and

machinery........................................................................................................................................................... 32

Access to and off-site ........................................................................................................................................... 40

Site management and waste management ......................................................................................................... 41

Potential Environmental Impacts ......................................................................................................................... 43

3.1 Qualitative Effects and Mitigation Proposals ..................................................................................................... 43

Summary ............................................................................................................................................................. 47

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Introduction

1.1 Background to the Development

The Project Description Statement (PDS) has been prepared to justify the proposed

development for the area understated here. The site is owned by Jurgen Fatli, who is the

applicant, on behalf of Interfinance Ltd, at 75, Swieqi Road, Swieqi, the former located at

ex-Quarry 48/38 at Triq it-Torrijiet Vincenti in Mqabba. The site adjoins two access roads,

Triq it-Torrijiet Vincenti and Triq l-Isqof, and other agricultural fields and is accessible from

Triq Valletta, in Mqabba.

Enhancing access to power is a key priority for Interfinance Ltd, and solar power is a sector

where they aim to expand. Interfinance Ltd. Is an investor in green energy production and

is a key stakeholder in ensuring the successful delivery of the project. This capacity is

necessary to ensure that the PV project is well-designed, executed and built to last.

Installations of photovoltaic (PV) power plants represent an opportunity to expand the

energy sector to meet energy needs in a sustainable manner and help build on the

capacity amongst key stakeholders. Continued advancement and further cost reductions

will expand these opportunities, especially where favorable solar conditions exist. Policy

environments and regulatory frameworks have also been deployed by the Planning

Authority (PA) following the publication of several EU directives that have been

transposed into local legislation and energy-related policies and action plans.

In addition to this, solar PV power has become an increasingly important energy supply

option and the reduction in costs of PV modules have improved solar PV’s

competitiveness enabling solar power generation to be economically viable to compete

with other power generation options. A major incentive in the development of solar farms

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is the fact that the Maltese Islands have an excellent solar resource and have adopted

policies to encourage the development of the solar industry to realize the benefits that

the use of PV technology can have to its economy whilst improving energy security.

In so far, the applicant seeks to restore parts of the quarry that has been exhausted into

a solar energy production facility. When all activity will be ceased and backfilling

completed, the quarry will be turned into a solar farm facility. The restoration of the

exhausted parts will be infilled with inert construction material. Most of the underlying

land use and adjacent land uses are land uses that cannot be relocated elsewhere.

The operations and development on site will be managed by Mr. Emmanuel Psaila, with

I.D. 076451M, who will be managing the development and operations of the restoration

of the quarry and the development of the solar farm. Mr. Emmanuel Psaila is also

responsible for ensuring the required permits and clearances are obtained prior

commencement of works be carried out in accordance with the relevant and applicable

regulations and legislation. The report was prepared with the guidance of Regulation 5(1)

of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2007 (L.N. 114/2007).

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Contents of the Project Description Statement:

• An account of the applicant and key stakeholder who will carry out the development;

• A description of the different stages of the project and its objectives;

• A description of the existing and surrounding land uses;

• Description of access to site and parking provision;

• Description of services, water, foul water sewers, runoff water drainage and energy

sources available on site;

• A description of dust, noise, and waste mitigation measures during operation to mitigate

major environmental impact identified;

• Estimates of the number of people employed and outlines machinery to be used for site

operations.

The report seeks to provide a basis on which the development can hinge and provide

information to mitigate negative environmental impacts in anticipation, which can

require further detailed studies should it be necessary.

Figure 1: Report objectives

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Figure 2: Site Location in Mqabba, Malta.

Figure 3: Site area, accessed from Triq Valletta & Triq it-Torrijiet Vincenti, in Mqabba.

Site Access

Triq Valletta

Solar Farm

Triq it-Torrijiet Vincenti

Third Party Property

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Site and surroundings

A land survey of the quarry has been prepared to establish with precision the site

boundaries and site levels. The depth levels of the quarry vary from an elevation of 105.54

meters from mean sea level on the western parts of the site to an elevation of 99.00

meters from mean sea level on the eastern parts of the site. Such details are included in

the drawings prepared for the scope of this development. The shape of the site is an

irregular one and compromises three separate areas one of which would be utilized for

the erection of the solar panels.

The current and future state of the quarry is dependent on the fill capacity of the quarry,

the rate of dumping and the rate of aggregate production and reuse. The fill capacity

depends on the rate of dumping and the fill compaction based on the type of material

used for compaction. The currently void space amounts to about 150,370 cubic meters to

reach the required levels identified in the drawings prepared for the purpose of the

development, which stipulate heights reaching the existing street levels of 105.54 meters,

103.94 meters, and 99.0 meters above mean sea level after backfilling is completed and

all other activities in the quarry have ceased. Therefore, a total of 150,370 cubic meters

of inert construction material would be used for the backfilling of the quarry. The tillage

of land also helps in the compaction of the surface if problems of compaction exist. Having

finished this process, the solar farm would be built which consists from a reservoir

structure, substation and solid foundations upon which the structure of the solar panels

could be built to resist wind loads and ground subsidence whilst securing the PV modules

in place. The quarry can then be used for the installation of PV modules to collect solar

energy and generate electricity.

The two sub-areas marked as third party property consist of an open field with a

compacted gravel surface. It is also foreseen that these areas are infilled with the

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deposition and compaction of inert construction material. The second area marked as the

third-party property, adjacent to existing quarries, is also identified for infilling, as

proposed in a previous application for the same quarry, once adjacent quarries would be

filled with inert material. Notwithstanding this provision in the quest to avoid constructing

a very thick retaining wall, this area of the quarry would be proposed for the construction

of stores and garages in a separate application submission.

Crusher with conveyor belt Construction Inert Material

Figure 4: Existing Quarry

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1.3 Planning history and site operations

The minerals extraction consists in the cutting and dressing of globigerina limestone into

blocks of standard sizes and loaded onto trucks, ready to be transported to construction

sites across Malta. These quarrying activities, almost exhausted by large have left a

distinctive void that is being replaced with inert construction material dumping within the

quarry by tipper trucks disposing of waste material from construction sites. Once such

activity ceases the extracted minerals will be replaced with inert construction material up

to levels indicated on the drawings.

Figure 5: Existing Quarry

Existing Structure

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Another critical component of quarry activity is the production of aggregate stones of

various sizes to be used for the construction industry. This entails the use of various

crushing equipment to break larger stone blocks into smaller ones. The large stone blocks

are deposited into chutes loaded by means of shovels to produce coarse and fine grain

aggregate.

The current quarry is permitted under PA 02310/14 and a restoration method statement

has been approved for the proposed works highlighted in the application. Other previous

applications include PA 04955/07 for the deposition of inert material and agricultural soil

on site. PA 00981/16 has also been approved which sanctions a pre-1978 building still

existing on site.

1.4 Physical characteristics of the site, including size scale and design

The site is surrounded by other quarries, agricultural fields, and access roads. The quarries

are still in operations as this area is characterized by extensive quarry operations, still

ongoing. The site occupies an area of approximately 27,933 square meters. A single

structure currently exists on site located at street level on the northeast part of the site.

The site is bounded by stone rubble and stone masonry boundary walls with gates

permitting access to the site. The proposed solar farm would occupy 21,008 square

meters from the total site area whilst the rest 6,635 square meters indicated as third party

property would remain as open fields, part of which could be turned into storages and

garages for heavy vehicles and goods.

The dumping activities of construction inert material and mineral extraction of soft

limestone blocks have altered the topography of the site. With vast excavated parts,

topographical undulations, and aggregate stockpiles made from crushed construction

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stone material, permitting access to the crushers, other structure located on the site, and

other areas of the quarry especially where large changes in levels exist due to mineral

extraction.

1.5 A description of surrounding land uses, their nature, extent and environmental

characteristics

The development site lies on the northwest periphery of the Mqabba Local plan. The area

features agricultural land, sparse built-up areas, quarrying of mineral extraction,

construction/yard plants, stone crushing facilities, industrial storage for heavy vehicles

and other associated uses.

All neighboring activities can be easily identified in the Environmental Constraints map of

the Mqabba local plan and as such the limits stipulated within the plan have been

respected so far. The site also lies on the periphery of the Mqabba development zone and

buffer zone.

The site is accessible from access roads, accessible from Triq it-Torrijiet Vincenti and Triq

Valletta. The infrequent use of these lanes does not create conflicts of use and as such,

there is a good flow of vehicles.

A series of quarries characterize the area. They feature high boundary walls with

extensive excavated fields, crushed aggregates, and machinery required for quarry

operations. The presence of agricultural fields in the periphery and vicinity of the site

covered with agricultural soil and sparse vegetation features moderately disturbed

habitats and soil cover within the area due to notorious industrial activity.

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Figure 6: Surrounding Land Uses

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The Proposed Development - The Need for such Development in ODZ

areas

2.1 Objectives of the proposal

The objectives of the proposal are meant to continue and safeguard the economic

benefits of the site in terms of economic, environmental and social objectives to be able

to rehabilitate and use the site as deemed fit.

Economic Objectives

• Optimum power plant design whereby the development is optimally balanced in

terms of costs and performance. The solar farm capacity to generate electricity is

set to exceed 1000KWp. Under an agreed Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) program, the price

of electricity from renewable energy is specified for a predetermined period of

time and this has to be agreed with the relevant authorities. This has to be in line

with the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP).

• Achieving project completion on time and within budget. To build an efficient and

reliable power-plant that generates revenues at the expected energy production.

This includes required backfilling and land engineering to restore the exhausted

quarry.

• Estimated project lifespan 20-30 years. The project must be feasible and viable

whereby enough PV modules are provided to cover the costs and ensure a return

on investment.

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• To reclaim land and rehabilitate the quarry for storage which will convert a disused

quarry into an energy production facility. Monitoring of plant performance in

response to adequate maintenance and plant management.

Social Objectives

• Furthermore, the provision of solar farms would be beneficial for the operator of

the site who is accustomed to such industry whilst improving the quality of life

and air quality.

• The development will bring an improvement to the area from a previously

underutilized site to a functional solar farm that would include environmental

benefits as outlined in this report. The provision of sustainable energy production

facilities will also enhance the residential, commercial and agricultural areas

elsewhere.

Environmental Objectives

It is desirable that the project achieves high environmental standards to protect the

landscape, ecological and cultural values of the area and the quarry itself. Environmental

objectives can be summed up in the following set of criteria:

• Quarry rehabilitation and restoration by reclaiming land to former states by

developing a progressive restoration strategy that allows for the infilling of the

quarry voids and the subsequent reuse of the site to storage, energy production,

and other beneficial after uses.

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• Provide an environmentally friendly strategy for the disposal of non-hazardous

material and inert wastes. Thus permitting the local construction industry achieving

a more sustainable way of disposing of waste material. Provide dust and noise

mitigation measures to suppress and minimize airborne particulates generated

from the activities proposed within the quarry.

• PV plant design developed to fulfill site-specific requirements and constraints and

ensure project feasibility. Key design features include anti-reflective PV modules

and arrangement, and provision of a substation to optimization energy supply to

the electricity grid.

• Water control infrastructure provision to collect rainwater generated on-site into

suitable tanks or to store rainwater into reservoirs for secondary use.

• Infrastructure for electricity generation on site and clean energy sources to power

machinery and vehicles.

• Safeguarding the interests of residential, agricultural and other commercial uses

located elsewhere. Thus further enhancing the landscape, cultural and even

ecological value of other areas by locating potentially obstructive or unwanted uses

of land to such sites.

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Figure 7: Development Objectives

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The Restoration and Development of the Quarry

2.2 Policy and Planning Context

The site falls under policy SMMW01 that regulates the use of the site for strict quarrying

operations and SMCO08 that seeks to protect the aquifers from contamination. The

adjoining agricultural land falls under policy SMAG01 for agricultural land use as indicated

on the MA3 Mqabba Environmental Constraints Map, Area Policy Maps of the Malta

South Local Plan. Quarries in state or need of rehabilitation are further regulated by policy

SMIA09. The restoration of the quarry will adhere to broader objectives outlined in

Structure Plan policy MIN 13(1990) and the Strategic Plan for the Environmental and

Development (SPED).

The proposal also presents an opportunity to locate unwanted uses of land through the

restoration of a quarry by infilling of inert waste material once quarry operations would

cease completely. Quarrying and backfilling operations must be carried out in accordance

with the Code of Practice for Quarry Working and Restoration (Annex 3 of the

Supplementary Guidance of the Minerals Subject Plans, 2003).

Waste material suitable for recycling will be turned into either fine or coarse grain

aggregate stones of varying sizes by loading them into crushers from chutes and conveyor

belts. The unsuitable materials will be sorted by categories, dumped and compacted

within the quarry by mechanical shovels or into skips to be dumped into other certified

locations.

The proposed development is in line with the criteria of the policy framework in terms of

its design, location and scale in order to mitigate the negative visual impacts from the

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generated activities by not exceeding height restrictions and as such it is in line with policy

SMIA 11 of the SMLP. This measure will also mitigate noise generated on site and the

equipment used will be of the latest technology available.

2.3 Waste streams, raw materials, storage, and handling.

The report attempts to provide a likely prediction of the waste streams during the

operation of the quarry. The main objectives are to enhance the overall quality of the

environmental capital post quarrying activity. The concept of sustainability ensures no

loss of land for use by future generations should occur and should improve the post-

mineral extraction activity in the socio-economic, agricultural and ecological dimensions

of the site.

Crushing activities will take place on marked areas on the plan to avoid over spilling of

quarrying and crushing activities on site causing disturbance to the proposed works. After

the works have ceased the quarry will be backfilled to appropriate levels shown on

drawings provided.

The commencement of the first backfilling phase would depend on the estimated time

the quarry would take to be completely backfilled once quarrying of stone would cease

completely. Assuming 1,250 cubic meters are dumped every week to fill about 150,370

cubic meters for the backfilling phase would take 120 weeks to complete the backfilling

of the disused parts. This covers a surface area of 22,124 squares meters which reaches a

maximum depth of 69.38 meters above mean sea level whilst the maximum restored

levels would reach 105.54 meters above mean sea level.

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A small structure used for housing generators and a proposed substation room fall within

the site boundaries and are to be used to connect the solar farm to the rest of the

electricity grid. The proposed substation room would be used to house equipment

needed for the transmission of electricity from the solar farm to the electricity grid. It is

also estimated that 9,165 modules of photovoltaic panels would be mounted on a

galvanized steel structure, fixed on reinforced concrete foundations.

Particulate matter emissions in the form of PM10 are the main causes of nuisance from

quarry operations. PM10 are generated from stone cutting and dressing, waste removal,

and emissions due to transport from nearby unsurfaced roads. These emissions are

significantly reduced due to the presence of moisture and in wet conditions as a result of

rainfall. It is envisaged by this report that the stipulated timeframes and quarry fill

capacity would mitigate the generation of excessive airborne particulates and dust

emissions in the air and will not exceed the average permissible generation of PM10 for

quarry operations.

Waste generation on site (PM10) Tones (1000xkg)

Stone cutting 0

Stone dressing 0

Waste operations 0.352

Due to transport 14.36

Other materials not suitable for recycling or for disposal within the quarry have to be

disposed of into refuse carts or sold to third parties. These will be loaded and unloaded

into suitable and certified waste treatment facilities located off-site. These include cable

wires, plastics, iron and steel, wood, bituminous mixtures. The European Waste Codes

(EWC), Construction and Demolition wastes (including excavated soils from contaminated

sites), describes the wastes and suitable destinations for the wastes.

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Practical measures must be in place to reduce waste and mitigate negative environmental

impacts. Consideration for Best Practicable Environmental Options (BPEO) has been made

prior concluding this report in order for the development to be feasible whilst minimizing

damage towards the environment in the long and short-term. Preference for reuse of

waste was given in order to minimize the negative consequences of demolition waste fast

filling of the quarry itself whilst generating an economic return on investment by means

of crushing and quarry infilling activities. Complete disposal is always the last option since

not all waste can be recovered and reused. It is also foreseen by this report that by the

end of quarry operations proposed the quarry will be turned into a solar farm and used

to generate electricity as outlined in this report.

2.4 Protection and Conservation of ODZ areas – Waste, water and energy handling

Unloading of materials from trucks to dampen inert construction waste on-site generated

from the construction industry during demolition works should be carried out in

conformance with recognized environmental standards. Dust mitigation measures will be

in line with the Environmental Management Construction Site Regulations, 2007 (L.N. 295

of 2007).

The backfilling phase will involve the use of a mechanical shovel and will be brought on

site from construction site locations spread across the island by HGV trips.

All equipment and machinery will be provided with silencers and noise suppression

devices as prescribed by law and in accordance with BS 5228: Part 1: 1984: Noise Control

on Construction and Open Sites – Code of Practice for Basic Information and Procedure for

Noise Control.

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Works will be carried out as per permit conditions and regulations on operating hours.

Construction works must cease between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. as defined in construction

regulations in Malta for noise levels exceeding 65db. At all-time respect the levels as

established by the Work Place (Minimum Health and Safety Requirements for the

Protection of Workers from Risks resulting from Exposure to noise) Regulations, 2006

published by Legal Notice 158 of 2006.

Monitoring of works will ensure that these works are carried out in conformance with

Environmental Management Construction Site Regulations, 2007 (L.N. 295 of 2017) to

protect the environment. Vehicular access will be restricted to areas where oil and fuel

leakages are easily detectable and remedial action can be easily and properly taken.

2.5 Description of services for the treatment of water, waste and energy sources

The site is connected to the existing power grid, water supply, and telephone networks,

which are already available in the area. The maximum requested power for the proposed

development is 500kVA for the backfilling phase.

A generator is to be used to generate electricity if required. If need be the applicant shall

be in contact with the service providers for electricity and water to connect the area with

the rest of the infrastructural system should planning permissions be granted.

There will be no storage of chemicals, oils, fuels, and other hazardous substances on site.

The site will have all first aid equipment required in cases of emergency, hand-held fire

extinguishers, sand buckets and spill kits will be installed in strategic areas.

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Rainwater runoff will be allowed to naturally percolate through the ground during the

backfilling phase. Once the ground surface is completed the water will be collected from

on-site reservoirs. Water falling into the reservoirs will be filtered to remove dust

particulates and residues from the water to be used for irrigation and washing purposes.

Waste resulting from open storage facility will be collected in containers until they are

taken to a certified site for disposal or recycling. These containers will be located within

the site boundaries and covered with tarpaulin adequately tightened to the skips.

2.6 Uses, Technologies, locations, land use and arrangements

Crushing equipment with conveyor belts and chutes to deposit stone are found on site to

break the stone into coarse and fine gain aggregates. Conveyor belts must be kept

covered at all times and crushers must be equipped with vacuum systems to suppress

dust. The use of respirators and mouth filter masks must be used to screen the workers

from inhaling the dust. The machines are either diesel driven or electrically driven and

must have functional exhaust and muffler systems.

The amount of construction waste entering the site will be measured and recorded

accordingly. Construction waste loaded onto trucks and covered with tarpaulins to

suppress dust. At the end of each month, the recorded data has to be forwarded to the

relevant authorities.

Removable waste separation skips will be used for the temporary storage of steel, timber,

aluminum, rubber, and glass which may be mixed with the construction waste. The

sampling, sieving, and logging of all wastes according to the European Waste Catalogue

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in view of a Commission Decision 94/3/EEC. The recording of waste has to follow the

Waste Management Regulations as published by L.N 22 of 2009.

Pressurized water will be used on site to suppress dust particulates and clean the mud

from truck wheels exiting the site prior exiting the site. A water supply tank will be

provided for the washing of trucks wheels.

Spill kits will be kept on site to remove any accidental spillage from machinery and trucks,

such as engine oils, and fuels. This will prevent any leaching to the aquifers to avoid

contamination.

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2.7 Works Method Statement - Project development sequencing, employment, parking

requirements and machinery

The restoration statement is part of the requirements set by the Planning Authority with

respect to the development of the stone quarry located in Mqabba. The following plan

presents a restoration strategy for the utilization of the quarry and to establish a set of

working procedures for proper land reclamation. These works must be in accordance with

the Code of Practice for Quarry Working and Restoration (Annex 3 of the Supplementary

Guidance of the Minerals Subject Plans, 2003).

The development of the quarry is to be divided into two major stages, the restoration

stage and the development of the solar farm stage, as outlined in this report. Different

surface levels are present on site and thus infilling have to occur in a specific manner. The

deepest areas outlined in the drawings by level markers will be first to be infilled and then

followed by the other phases of development.

Phase 1: backfilling and crushing activities:

• Appropriate signage will be erected on the site gate and boundary walls of the quarry and

working areas. If necessary a billboard shall be erected on the site entrance in accordance

with the Environment Management Construction Site Regulations, (Schedule 1, and

Regulation 7 of L.N. 295 of 2007) and shall be erected in time and kept in good conditions

at all times.

• It is estimated that 4-6 employees will be working on the infilling parts highlighted in the

provided plans.

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• The material entering the site can be crushed by a mobile crusher or worked out using a

road roller to compact the material. Compaction will affect the porosity of the area and

reduce dust generation.

• The inert fill material should be compacted to prevent subsequent subsidence, increase

the water holding capacity, and increase the capacity of fill using a road roller.

• Dumping should be carried out in a sloping manner at controlled heights until the final

top level is reached as indicated in the respective sections and plans.

• The inert material will be adequately deposited on site using a mechanical shovel, a back-

hoe with a bucket, or a grab lorry. The truck or lorry will be covered with a tarpaulin or

other dust sheets to prevent airborne particles.

• All boundary walls will be built or consolidated in place along the boundaries of the site,

and these consist of rubble walls or stone masonry walls with a weathered appearance of

varying heights.

Current and proposed operating hours of the quarry are from 7:00 a.m. to 16:00 p.m.

Phases of development:

Employees (no.) Time-frames (weeks) Parking

provision

(no.)

Machinery (no.)

Phase 1 7-9 120 4 1 - Shovel and Wheel

Loaders

2 - Tipper Truck

1 – On-site Crusher

1 - Road Roller

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Figure 8: Quarry backfilling levels

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The Development of the Solar Farm

2.8 Policy and Planning Context

The principal objective of the National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP) for the

Maltese Island covering the period 2015-2020, is that ‘all types of indigenous RES can

sustainably and cost-effectively contribute to reaching the national 10% target’. The

NREAP envisages that by 2020 about 4.70% of electricity is generated from RES energy by

means of photovoltaic panels which amount to 278.13 GWh. The proposed solar farm is

expected to generate an average of 20.54 GWh of electricity daily of 2.4GW power which

amounts to 7.38% of the required electricity from RES.

The NREAP recognizes the fact that PV technology is land intensive and have an

inescapable visual impact. The Planning Authority (PA) has also drafted a Solar Farm Policy

(2017) document which sets the framework within which solar farms should be planned

and designed, outlining its vision for Solar PV development in Malta. Sites designated as

quarries particularly those located in Mqabba, Siqqiewi, and Qrendi are favored for solar

farms. Whereas, it is not considered practicable to erect solar farms in the area of high

landscape value, Natura 2000 site, Special Protected Areas and Special Areas of

Conservation, and other arable and sensitive areas as deemed appropriate. The main

message from the Strategy is to focus growth on previously-used land.

PV systems that produce energy from renewables also fit well with the National Energy

Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP, 2012) on energy policy in Malta. Solar farms are an

established technology for providing a source of safe and clean energy which produce

zero emissions when in operation. Solar energy is not only sustainable, it is also

renewable, meaning that it will never run out. PV systems that make use of indigenous

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energy reduce the reliance on imported fuels. It is expected that PV panel technology

would reach 11.5% of the gross final consumption of electricity in Malta.

The PV panels have a low to moderate visual impact on the local landscape and generate

from negligible to zero levels of noise, pollution, bi-products or emissions. The proposed

development envisages a solar farm on approximately 21,008 square meters of quarry

land in close proximity to the Malta International Airport and located on the outside

development zone of Mqabba. The PV panel structure and modules will take

approximately 6 months to construct and will have an operational life-span of about 25

years.

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2.9 Description of services for the treatment of water, waste and energy sources

The site is connected to the existing power grid, water supply, and telephone networks,

which are already available in the area. It is further estimated that during the summer

period 29GWh of electricity is produced daily while 12GWh are produced during winter

periods. The total power generated by the solar farm amounts to 2.4GW of power. It is

envisaged that the life-cycle CO2 emissions for solar energy production would amount to

between 0.03kg – 0.08kg of CO2 per KWh, and includes the manufacturing, maintenance,

transportation, installation and decommissioning phase.

If need be the applicant shall be in contact with the service providers for electricity and

water to connect the area with the rest of the infrastructural systems should planning

permissions be granted.

Rainwater runoff will be allowed to naturally percolate through the ground during the

operational lifespan of the project. Mitigation measures to reduce flooding from

rainwater include the construction of underground reservoirs. Water falling into the

reservoirs will be filtered to remove dust particulates and residues from the water to be

used for irrigation and washing purposes. Water resulting from washing will be cleansed

through an oil/water separators to clear the water from residues of oil, wax, detergents

and other substances and appropriate filtration system to remove dust particulates from

water prior storing the water in the reservoir.

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Figure 12: Reservoir with oil/water separator.

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2.10 Uses, technologies, location, land use and arrangements

The second stage involves the construction of a utility substation to transmit electricity

from the solar farm to the grid. The energy producing facility will be built with a modern

PV system consisting of inverter boxes that are used to change the current from a direct

flow of current to an alternating current flow. Switches to control and monitor the

performance of the PV modules will be located within the utility substation connecting

the solar farm to the rest of the electricity grid via transmission lines.

The components of the solar farm have been described in detail in the works method

statement outlined below for the purpose of the development of the solar farm. A figure

is being produced below for better understanding of how the solar farm is to be

structured and to show the relationship between its different components.

Figure 13: Solar farm components and structure.

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2.11 Works Method Statement - Project development sequencing, employment, parking

requirements and machinery

The solar farm would comprise the following:

• PV panels and associated supporting frames with ground mounting;

• Reinforced concrete foundations for mounting of the supporting structure;

• Below ground cabling;

• Low voltage switch gears and dry-cast resin transformers;

• A sub-station housed in a proposed structure to allow connection to the Local

Distribution Network;

• Maintenance and reconstruction of boundary walls and CCTV;

• Temporary set-down areas;

• Site access and gates.

Phase 1: earthworks:

• Earthworks would be carried out in accordance with the approved scheme of restoration

for the quarry being undertaken by the landowner. These earthworks do not form part of

the solar farm proposals. Once backfilling is complete the construction of the solar farm

would commence. It is envisaged that the solar farm construction phase would require 2-

6 employees working on site.

• Any screed material of loose fill shall be stored on site and covered with tarpaulin to

prevent airborne particulates. All works are to be carried out within the perimeter of the

site and shall not obstruct or hinder any activities on the surrounding streets and

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pavements. No machinery can be placed on streets or street frontages unless authorized

by Local Councils or as defined by local legislation. In such cases use of flashing lights and

hazards signs must be provided and must allow a safe passage past the site at all times.

• Setting out is a critical step prior the commencement of excavations to ensure correct

positioning and alignment of the substructure footing in relation to each other and

respect the geometry of the entire structure, which must be carried out to the accuracy

stipulated in the specifications.

• Whereas the contractor is responsible for the setting out, the latter or the engineer

should arrange for independent survey checks of the setting out over and above any less

rigorous checks carried out beforehand.

• The required excavations for footings must include extra side space beyond the perimeter

of the footings such as 0.5m. Dewatering of excavations by means of gravity is usually the

most economical means of keeping foundation pits dry and control the ponding of water.

Additional measures including the lowering of groundwater level using well points.

• Rebar shall be cut and bend on site as per bar reinforcement diagrams. Bottom

reinforcement is to be supported with concrete blocks or spacers of the correct thickness.

If required an inspection requested is to be submitted for steel reinforcement checking

and approved by an engineer/architect prior concrete casting.

• Formwork is required to be provided to the sides of the footing prior concrete casting.

Ensure the area to receive concrete is clean from all sort of rubbish and dirt and other

deleterious material via an air compressor.

• Readymade concrete shall be provided from batching plant. The rate of concrete supply

shall be between 30/50 cubic meters per hour. Concrete vibrators shall be available on

site to use at the time of receiving concrete to improve compaction. Slumps should

between 150mm and 100mm and a specified temperature of not more than 30 deg.

Concrete should not be dropped at a height higher than 2 meters. If required hand

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troweling should be carried out to get a smooth surface at the top footing level. The

concrete is to be added with waterproofing admixtures.

• Backfilling of over-excavation should be carried out in the same material and procedure

utilized for the backfilling of the quarry. The sand ballast material should be dumped on

site and leveled to the required levels. Soil will be leveled using scrapers. Soil compaction

is carried out by an excavator of a jumping-jack type compactor. The soil shall be watered

and the compaction process must be repeated until compaction is completed.

• Trees will be instated on site if necessary or required. Only native and endemic species

can be relocated on site and these must adhere to the Guidelines of Planting &

Landscaping in the Maltese Islands (2002) to protect the soil from erosion and enhance

the ecology of the area.

Figure 9: Foundation Detail.

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Phase 2: gate, reservoir, and substation construction:

• The solar farm would be accessed from Triq l-Isqof. A new gate 4.5m wide is being

proposed to access the solar farm from Triq l-Isqof. The proposed access would feature a

new timber gate with galvanized steel frame measuring 2.76m by 4.5m. The existing 3.5m

high boundary wall would be reconstructed and consolidated with a double leaf

weathered stone finish masonry boundary wall as indicated on the drawings of the

proposed gate. The wall will be recessed pointed with a lime-mix mortar with added

terracotta chippings to provide a weathered appearance.

• An oil/water separator and sand filters with a high-quality valve will be constructed into

a concrete encasement to filter the water from particulates and residues prior being

stored into reservoirs. The reservoir will be constructed to store water run-off, which will

be filtered through an oil/water separator and filters.

• A structure of single density hollow concrete blockwork, 230m thick, infilled C25 concrete

is proposed for the reservoir walls held together with a mortar mix of adequate strength

to create a strong bond and pointed with a mortar mix. The roof structure will be

constructed from steel reinforcement with C28/35 concrete, topped with structural

reinforced concrete, and finished with a power float. The resulting cavity 100mm wide

would be infilled with steel reinforced C25 concrete spanning in both horizontal and

vertical directions to restrain lateral earth pressure and cracking of concrete.

• The concrete walls would be constructed onto a solid base of 270mm thick concrete. The

excavated pit floor would be sealed with a C20 blinding concrete layer to receive the

structural base floor. The required reinforcement would be provided to resist

superimposed loads from the structure and earth pressure acting on the reservoir’s walls

and roof.

• The proposed substation measures 6m by 7m measured externally and has an elevation

of 4.35m. It is located on the north side of the quarry along the boundary wall facing Triq

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L-Isqof. HCB would be built beneath the ground to ensure the stability of the arising

structure. The same construction methodology would be used for the facades of the

substation. The façade will be rendered with cement mortar placed onto cement boards

or alternatively clad by means of frameless PV panels attached to the façade. The upper

and lower parts of the façade would be finished with a stone coping and fascias to prevent

any water ingress from the roofs or lower parts of the structure. The resulting cavity and

proposed plasterboard on the inside face of the façade serve to mitigate excessive hot

temperature arising inside the room to prevent damaging the equipment. Additional

cooling and ventilation flow through the vents located on the galvanized steel door.

Figure 10: Substation Details.

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Phase 3: paneling:

• The landscaping plan shows that the panels would be arranged into sets of two rows each

over the former quarry. The panel area would be located in the area marked for the solar

farm. Solar panel installers must fulfill the requirements of Directive 2009/28/EC, as

installers of PV panels must be certified as required by the Regulator for Energy and Water

Services (REWS) Act, 2015.

• All panels will be mounted on frames with a maximum height of panels 3m above ground

level whilst the lowest part of the panel would be about 1m above ground level. The

panels would be oriented south facing, east to west and set between 1.5m apart to allow

for scheduled regular maintenance and for overshadowing of the panels.

• The mounting panels would be matt finish, galvanized steel with steel posts of 200mm

diameter or steel sections measuring 200mm by 200mm, driven (screwed) onto the

foundation walls. A specification of the foundation structure is provided in figure 9 above.

The panel structure would be secured to the foundations which would provide adequate

resistance to wind loads since supporting posts are unable to break the ground surface.

The panels would be mounted at a fixed angle facing southwards. The panels will be

provided with anti-reflective coatings to mitigate glare and reflections affecting

overpassing aircraft and maneuverability.

• The switch gears or inverters and transformers convert the solar energy from Direct

Current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC) and allows electricity to be transferred around

the site at an appropriate voltage. These prefabricated components will be set on

elevated concrete bases within the substation structure. Specifications and details of the

substation structure are shown in the drawings provided.

• The Distribution Network Operator will install the equipment within the new-sub-station

that will be constructed to the north of the site as shown on the drawings. The

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Distribution network operator will also install the connecting cable from the proposed on

site-substation to the Point of Connection.

Phase 4: site security:

• The site will be secured by 3.5m high boundary walls along street frontages in double leaf

weathered masonry stone with an appropriate appearance. Infra-red (non-visible), wall

or pole mounted CCTV cameras (2.5m in height) will also be provided at strategic locations

as identified by the supplier along the boundaries of the site. These will enable remote

surveillance of the site.

Phase 5: decommissioning:

• The operational lifespan of the solar farm is 25 years. Since the site falls within a policy

objective removal of the solar farm would create a drawback from such provisions and

therefore, provided that alternative solutions are found for generating renewable energy

the solar farm must continue to be in operation and be renewed for future use.

Notwithstanding this criteria, the site shall be returned to ecology to reflect the site’s

biodiversity objectives and all equipment and tracks shall be removed from the site.

Figure 11: Panel mounting and connections

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2.11.3 Phases of development:

Employees (no.) Time-frames

(months)

Parking

provision

(no.)

Machinery (no.)

Phase 1 3-5 3 months 6 1 – Van

1 – Ready Mixer

1 – Excavator

1 – Tipper Truck

1 – Jumping-Jack Compactor

Phase 2 4-5 8-12 months 6 1 – Van

1 – Ready Mixer

1 – Backhoe Loader

1 – Excavator

2 – Tipper Truck

1 – Mobile Crane


1 – Tipper Truck

1 – Mobile Crane


1 – Cherry picker, hiab

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Access to and off-site

Vehicles will travel along internal surfaces to access the panel areas. These will be used

for the construction phases. Temporary equipment set-down areas will be provided to

the west of the site on the northern edge of the site. Such areas can be removed following

the completion of the construction phases to make space for panels upon completion.

Such areas can be secured by temporary fencing and lit.

Provision of a gate along the access road accessed from Triq it-Torrijiet Vincenti, Triq

Valletta and Triq l-Isqof provides access to the site during the operational phase of the

solar farm. Provision for parking will be provided within the site boundaries itself. Once

operational the site will be unmanned and access for occasional maintenance will be

typically made by light good vehicles. Maintenance and inspections will take place on a

monthly basis.

The proposal would provide for parking within the site itself. The quarry disposes of

enough space to accommodate parking within the quarry without disrupting other

ongoing operations.

The proposal does not require alternative arrangements in terms of transport.

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Site management and waste management

Proper waste management strategies for the project, especially where there is potential

for contamination, pollution and health risks will provide the appropriate practices and

measures in waste management and environmental impact mitigation measures. Waste

Management Plans in Malta are regulated by S.L 549.63 on Waste Regulations 2011 that

regulates Waste Management Plans, Permits, and Controls and with L.N. 337 of 2001 of

the Environment Protection Act 2011.

2.13.2 The waste management shall include actions such as the collection, transport, recovery

and disposal of waste as well as the supervision of operations, after-care of disposal sites,

and dealership activities. The recording of waste would have to follow waste

management regulations for the recording of waste entering and leaving the site. Only

licensed persons would be able to utilize the site subject to proper documentation,

sieving, and logging of all wastes listed in the European Waste Catalogue in view of a

Commission Decision 94/3/EEC. The recording of waste has to follow the Waste

Management Regulations as published by L.N 22 of 2009. These have to be forwarded to

the relevant authorities at the end of each month.

2.13.3 Other recyclable building waste can be collected separately into skips and recycled at an

approved site and these include timber, scrap steel and off-cuts, pallets, plastics, paper,

and cardboard.

Spent oils and fuels will be collected into containers placed on pallets which can hold

110% of the said capacity. Spent lead-acid batteries will be stored in an acid-resistant

container and collected by an authorized waste broker/carrier for disposal at an approved

site.

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PV panels should be made from materials that should be reused after their end-of-life

such-as silicon. Disposal of PV panels should be carried out by a certified contractor.

Rubble walls and boundary walls which as identified as primary landscaping elements

should be regularly maintained for soil preservation and for aesthetic reasons. Regular

pruning and training of trees would maintain vegetative species in a good condition and

the site clean and in an active condition.

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Potential Environmental Impacts

3.1 Qualitative Effects and Mitigation Proposals

The mitigation measures proposed in this report provide a datum with respect to which

the proposed development scheme could be developed and assessed.

Engineering activities associated with stone extraction and processing is the most obvious

engineering impact of quarrying resulting in a change in its geomorphology and

conversion of land use with its associated visual impact. This major impact is accompanied

by loss of habitat, noise, dust, vibrations, erosion, sedimentation and dereliction of the

mined site. Quarrying that removed the rock overlying water-filled land might manifest

into water table contamination. The impact caused by extensive engineering works would

be mitigated through backfilling by restoring the quarry to previously established

topographical levels.

The visual and geomorphic impact is a function of the size of the quarry and the location

of the quarry. It is therefore recommended that this impact is reduced my maximizing

reserves through adequate backfilling, by maximizing the fill capacity of the quarry, and

extensive paneling of PV modules. Likewise properly reclaimed land can also improve the

quality of life. Therefore the landforms should follow the proposed development plan to

attain a good design as a response to the site intrinsic functional, ecological and

geomorphological characteristics with the aim to preserve the quality of water. As such

the site is surrounded by quarries of similar characteristics and therefore the proposal is

unlikely to have a high negative visual impact as it seeks to complement the surrounding

activities. The area is only perceived by those making use of the quarry, workers and alike,

the residents in close proximity, and those making use of the adjacent roads, where only

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the boundaries walls and gates are visible. The proposed yard is well screened by means

of boundaries walls and topographical levels proposed.

The impact of quarrying to remove overlying strata of soil and rock may result in reduced

evapotranspiration and increase the effective rainfall. Measures must be taken to protect

groundwater by controlling water runoff and sedimentation. If the surface water is

polluted the groundwater may quickly become contaminated since the protective layers

of limestone have been removed. Vehicles would be rendered unable to enter the field

once the solar farm has been erected and therefore potential spills or leeches to the

underlying geological strata would be avoided. Nonetheless, a system of oil/water

operators and filters will be installed on site to collect surface water runoff from the

construction of the open field surface to remove any residues from washing operations

and oils from trucks and vehicles falling on site.

The impacts of noise generated from operating equipment and trucks can be mitigated

by using the latest technology available in the construction industry. EU Directive

2004/14/EC governs the maximum noise emissions in the environment by equipment

used outdoors and this has been transposed in the Maltese Law by L.N. 64 of 2002. Hence

under these regulations, equipment sound-power levels have to be declared, and quality-

control procedures established to ensure compliance with legislation. Crushed stone

operators and dimension stone quarries are responsible for assuring that the noise

emitted from the quarry does not exceed the level set by regulations and must conform

to the Environmental Management Construction Site Regulations, 2007 (L.N. 295 of

2007). Noisy equipment such as crushers and rock saws must be located away from

populated areas and enclosed in sound deadening structures. The conveyor will be used

for in-pit movement of materials rather than trucks. Noisy operations will be restricted

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for timeframes stipulated in this report. Workers must be protected from noise by means

of hearing protectors.

Dust is the most visible and potential unwanted aspect of quarry restoration. Dust may

occur from excavation, drilling, crushing, truck traffic and screening. The amount of dust

depends on air quality, rock moisture content, and quality of rock properties, the

prevailing wind a size of operations. Mitigation measure includes good housekeeping, use

of water trucks, pressurized water for wheel-washing of vehicles and PV panels, control

of vehicle speed and construction of high boundary walls and plantings. Conveyor belts

must be kept covered at all times and crushers must be equipped with vacuum systems

to suppress dust. The use of respirators and mouth filter masks must be used to screen

the workers from inhaling the dust. The nuisance of dust is greater in drier conditions and

in wind conditions over 5.5 m/s. Dust deposition onto neighboring agricultural soil and

vegetation cover can affect the evapotranspiration rates, photosynthesis, and soil

fertility. High boundary walls can control the dispersion of dust particulates to

neighboring fields. If necessary the ground should be watered during drier conditions to

prevent airborne particulates lifting off the ground. Emission from vehicles in the forms

of Benzene NO2 and PM10 will have a negligible impact on air quality. Spent oils and fuels

will be collected into containers placed on pallets which can hold 110% of the said

capacity. Spent lead-acid batteries will be stored in an acid-resistant container and

collected by an authorized waste broker/carrier for disposal at an approved site.

Resource reuse and sustainable employment reduce the environmental impacts of the

energy production elsewhere and of dumping of the construction material by improving

the efficiency of inert waste disposal and generation of electricity and efficient use of

water by improving air quality and supporting adaptation to the effects of climate change.

The benefits of backfilling of construction material and generating clean, renewable

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energy outweigh the costs and benefits of using the land for agricultural purposes since

the erosion from quarrying is mitigated and can be used for sustainable disposition of

construction waste and efficient energy production.

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Summary

The report has established a clear course of action for the development of the quarry.

Through the identification of possible environmental impact, the likelihood

environmental nuisance will be mitigated as much as possible.

The report also clearly establishes the policy framework within which such development

will occur. These policy document mandate in favor of such development which is

regarded as land demanding and visually obtrusive to be located in areas that do not

hinder other uses and affect negatively the countryside. The report highlights that

policies, such as the Structure Plan policy MIN 13 (1990), The Strategic Plan for the

Environment and Development, (SPED, 2015), the Code of Practice for Quarrying Work

and Restoration and the Minerals Subject Plan (2003), and the Solar Farm Policy (2017),

that encourage the development of such site into such uses outlined by this report.

A number of measures taken to reduce the environmental impacts of the development

will seek to mitigate the negative visual impact and attenuate noise. In fact, the activities

will take place at a level below the highest boundary wall and screened by adequate

boundary walls. The emission of dust will be partly controlled by wheel washing facilities

to prevent dust and residues migrating to nearby roads and the surfaces would be

watered as necessary should airborne particles in the form of PM10 become a nuisance

to adjacent residents and users.

The proposed development will contribute towards the cause of climate change by

reducing CO2 emissions, thereby ensuring that future generations have access to low

carbon energy and a high-quality environment. It is considered that the potential impacts

from the construction, operation and decommissioning of the proposal are not significant

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and when balanced against the pressing need for renewable energy and strategies the

potential impacts following mitigation can be considered acceptable. It is therefore

considered that the proposal accords with the South Malta Local Plan and material

considerations.

Good working practices will be employed where possible during construction and

operations phases to ensure dust and noise are mitigated and waste is controlled in an

effective manner, such as by observing the provisions made with the Environmental

Management Construction Site Regulations, 2007 (L.N. 295 of 2007), covering building

materials and site cleaning.

A clear course of action is proposed and all impact is identified and addressed by adequate

means and measures in light of the context of the site and a suitable after-use for the

quarry is determined and considered to be sustainable to pursue.

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project description statement. pa18_05039 - pds.pdf · solar farm at ex-quarry 38/48, triq...

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