In a decisive move during the first Environment and Resources Authority Board session of 2024, the Board confirmed the issuance of €8,000 in fines targeting four waste legislation infringements, including one in Gozo.

In Sannat, Gozo, a case of illegal waste incineration drew the ERA’s attention.

ERA officers, managed to identify the contravener who fled the scene and fined the culprit €1,200 for incinerating mixed waste.

The ERA said that the fines come as a result of diligent monitoring and investigation, showcasing ERA’s commitment to environmental sustainability and proper waste disposal.

Spotting wrongdoers through the monitoring of strategically placed cameras in hotspot areas, ERA officers caught two individuals illegally dumping a refrigerator and cardboard waste in an area at Handaq, Qormi. ERA imposed a €1,400 fine for this environmentally harmful act.

Another case involved the dumping of construction waste, specifically cement slurry on garrigue, by a cement mixer.

ERA officers who were provided with video footage by a vigilant member of the public, tracked down the offender through the vehicle registration number.

The culprit was required to manually remove the fresh concrete, supervised by ERA officers, resulting also in a €4,000 fine.

In another case of illegal waste incineration, ERA officers discovered smoldering burnt waste in a metal skip which led to a €1,200 fine.

ERA urged the public to report illegal waste disposal to the ERA via phone at 2292 3500 or through the online portal ERIS.

“Public cooperation is essential in supporting ERA’s Compliance Unit, which employs digital tools like drones and CCTV cameras to catch perpetrators. Together, let’s stand against irresponsible persons who degrade the environmental quality by irresponsible practices,” it said.

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