MEPA said this evening that “an email, dated 10th July 2012, published by the St Paul’s Bay Local Council continues to confirm that the local council was never authorised to dump the sand and other objects it removed from a nearby slipway in Qawra.”

“It is very clear from the content of the email that discussions were still ongoing, especially regarding the dumping of the sand back into the sea.,” MEPA continued, “this is particularly clear when in the email the Authority informed the council that ‘Thus to be able to process your application further, please provide us with site plan for an alternative site for the deposition of sand.”

MEPA said that “the council is trying to deceive the public by only publishing the preliminary email of 10th July and not having published all the correspondence including the most relevant ones which were sent on the 1st and 2nd August 2012, which included conditions regarding the way forward.”

In its correspondence with the local council, MEPA said it informed them that “it is crucial to note that this no objection is subject to further assessment in relation to the dumping/deposition of sand in the sea.” Additionally, MEPA said it clearly indicated that “the no objection is for removal of sand only.”

MEPA concluded by saying it “calls upon the council to stop its blaming game and make a public apology for its mistake in dumping the sand and other material without having the necessary clearance from the Authority.”

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