New sewage treatment infrastructure built in Malta

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The project aimed at constructing a new urban wastewater treatment plant at Ta' Barkat, a new wastewater pumping station at Rinella, a new wastewater gallery and a submarine outfall, and upgrading of the existing Xghajra pumping station. The infrastructure completed the interventions foreseen in the Sewage Master Plan and covered the remaining wastewater that is currently being discharged untreated at sea.Jonathan Vassallo, Planning and Priorities Coordination Division, Maltese Ministry for European Affairs and EqualityAlong with the treatment plant, a new wastewater pumping station was built at Rinella and an existing pumping station at Xghajra was upgraded.In addition, a 1.7 km-long pipe for transport of untreated sewage from Rinella to the treatment plant, and a 1 km marine outfall for discharge of treated wastewater into the sea were installed. The latter also serves as a stormwater outflow. The project led to the creation of five full-time jobs.Untreated dischargeUntil 2011, some 80 % of wastewater generated in Malta was discharged untreated into the sea less than 800 m from the shore, which had a significantly adverse impact on the marine environment around the archipelago.To improve the quality of bathing water and comply with EU wastewater treatment requirements, particularly  regarding protection of coastal waters, the project ensured that all wastewater collected by sewerage networks in the south of Malta was treated prior to discharge.Energy and resources invested at the design stage helped guarantee the effectiveness of the treatment. Thorough analysis of various technologies was undertaken and the system that was chosen allowed for a degree of operational flexibility.Today, the developments form the core of Malta’s wastewater treatment infrastructure. The project was part of a broader national strategy to ensure sustainable sewage treatment. It represented the first step in reusing treated effluent to solve problems pertaining to the exploitation of aquifers – underground layers of water-bearing rock – for water supply.Clean coastal watersThanks to the infrastructure, all wastewater collected in Malta can be treated. This brought positive environmental effects, such as cleaning up the 5 km-long coastline between Fort Ricasoli and Marsaskala and raising the status of bathing water quality in the archipelago to ‘excellent’. Largely on account of the project, the European Environment Agency recognised the country for having some of the best bathing water in the EU.Clean seawater has enhanced living conditions for residents. Unpleasant odours, unsightly plumes and health risks associated with the discharge of untreated water  have been greatly reduced. It has created conditions for economic growth by bolstering the potential of the tourism and fishing industries on Malta’s east coast and increasing the value of properties in the area.Total investment and EU fundingTotal investment for the project “Malta South Sewage Treatment Infrastructure” is EUR 67 966 870, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 57 771 837 through the “Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life” Operational Programme for the 2007-2013 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Upgrading services of General Economic Interest (ERDF)”.