At least this one Freshwater crab has survived last weekend’s oil spill that occurred in Gozo’s Lunzjata/Xlendi valley, however it is now being threatened by an oil slick just feet away (see uppermost brown patch in photo below) which is now coming downstream from the remaining accumulation and is being precariously held back by a bamboo stick and its leaves. This lonely crab is enjoying the clear valley water after the clean up finished a few days ago, entailing the removal of many hundreds of litres of used oil and diesel that had been dumped by an unknown person or persons into the sewage system leading to the Lunzjata sewage pumping room which then lead to the huge oil spill in this beautiful scenic valley.

The prompt action taken by the Civil Protection to clean up the valley made it possible for this Freshwater Crab to survive from this pollution. Also the nearby farmers had words of praise for the clean up work the Civil Protection did.

In the meantime the farmers have started watering their crops from the valley again, hoping and praying that such pollution never occurs again in this beautiful valley.

Recently Nature Trust Malta said that this is an issue is of double concern, as not only does it affect the ground water it also has a negative and serious effect on the endemic freshwater crab found in this valley. This valley is a protected site, whilst the crab is also protected under Maltese law and therefore its protection merits top priority. Nature Trust (Malta) feels that this is another serious blow to our local biodiversity.

Concerned local people called for the authorities to pull up their socks and start to take concrete actions, as is their duty, MEPA is obliged by the EU directives to protect such habitats and species. Of utmost priority should be the installation of a backup generator to prevent the reoccurence of such a polluting overflow during future power cuts. The Police must also strenously continue their investigations into this wanton dumping of oil in the Lunzjata Valley and apprehend the culprits before further damage is inflicted.

Freshwater Crab photos taken this Saturday, April 10th by Michael Bajada.

Permalink: Precarious survival in sewage & oil spills at Lunzjata Valley