ERA says it is mulling fines for fish farm operator for breaches that led to slime at Ħondoq
The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) said Saturday that it is considering imposing a fine on a fish farm operator for breaching environmental permit conditions that led to a slime patch at Ħondoq ir-Rummien Bay in Gozo.
In a statement, ERA said it regularly carries out inspections to monitor Maltese seas and beaches so as to safeguard the environment, particularly in areas that are protected by environmental laws. In addition, the authority said it immediately takes action whenever it receives related reports on its emergency phoneline, that is available every day.
As has already been reported on the authority's social media page, a slime patch was noted at Ħondoq ir-Rummien Bay, part of which touched the sandy beach in the same location. Once the source was identified, it immediately coordinated a clean-up operation in consultation with the Gozo Ministry and the Qala Local Council, where the Federation of Fish Farmers was requested to collect the slime and clean up the oil on the sand.
This work, which has been ongoing for several days, is being carried out by the Federation of Fish Farmers at their expense and under the supervision of ERA officials, ERA said.
ERA said it is also considering action through administrative fines on the fish farm operator for breaching the environmental permit conditions that led to this episode. These conditions are included in environmental permits in order to limit environmental damage.
It is worth noting that this type of action is carried out for every case that the ERA investigates, the authority said.
ERA added that it is committed to protecting the environment by taking immediate action with polluters, as it has done in recent days.
ERA said it continues to prioritise the inspections carried out by the Authority's officers and invites the public to get in touch on 2292 3500 whenever they notice any contamination.