Category: Archive – 2011

Environmental noise, caused by traffic and industrial activities is one of the main local environmental and health problems in Europe and the source of an increasing number of complaints from the public. This led to the adoption of Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise, which has been transposed into Maltese law through Legal Notice 193 of 2004, Assessment and Management of Environmental Noise Regulations, 2004.

 

Directive 2002/49/EC obliges all Member States to develop strategic noise maps designed for the assessment of noise exposure for areas inside designated agglomerations, and areas in the vicinity of major roads, railways and airports. This Directive does not require Member States to assess noise generated by other activities, such as those arising from construction works, outdoor entertainment, workplace noise and fireworks noise. Member States are also obliged to design noise action plans based upon the noise-mapping results. These action plans are aimed at preserving environmental noise quality where it is good; and preventing and reducing environmental noise where necessary and particularly where exposure levels can induce harmful effects on human health.

Malta's strategic noise maps were generated by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA). These maps were generated by estimating noise levels resulting from major road traffic – defined as roads with more than 6 million vehicle passages annually.

Strategic noise maps are produced by 3D computer modeling techniques, which calculate the noise level at specific points resulting from the sound emanating from particular sources. The modeling software for the assessment of noise levels from major roads utilises data on traffic flow, type of road, types of vehicles, percentage of traffic flow, mean traffic speed, road gradient, road surface type, location of bridges, height of buildings, meteorology and other factors.

These strategic noise maps and related data flows were reported to the Commission in May 2011 and a draft noise action plan has been recently published by MEPA. The draft action plan provides an overview of the requirements and obligations of Malta's Environment Noise Regulations and presents a summary of the results of the strategic noise mapping within Malta.

The draft noise action plan is available for public consultation till the end of June. Comments received will be taken into consideration and the draft action plan will be amended accordingly. A summary of the amended action plan will then be submitted to the Commission for consideration.

The draft noise action plan is available at:

http://www.mepa.org.mt/noise-action-plan

The Malta Council for Science and Technology will be organising a general information session on the 7th Framework Programme (FP7) – the EU's main instrument for funding research and technological development. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The information session aims to give a broad overview of the funding programme including aspects of participation and information on how to get support. 

The main target group for this session are newcomers with no or very limited experience in FP7. 

The Malta Council for Science and Technology is the National Contact Point Organisation for FP7 in Malta.

More info: http://www.mcst.gov.mt/events.aspx?nid=270.

 

 

BACKGROUND      –     The existing Directive 1999/36/EC on transportable pressure equipment refers to Directives 94/55/EC and 96/49/EC for technical requirements.  Directives 94/55/EC and 96/49/EC have been replaced by Directive 2008/68/EC which incorporates the requirements contained in international agreements on transport of dangerous goods by road, rail and inland waterways into Community legislation. 

 

The new Directive on transportable pressure equipment (2010/35/EU) reflects the changes in Directive 2008/68/EC and introduces clarifications on other aspects of the current Directive on Transportable Pressure Equipment (1999/36/EC). 

KEY POINTS OF DIRECTIVE

The obligations of different economic operators, including owners and operators of transportable pressure equipment are now clearly defined. The economic operators should be responsible for the compliance of transportable pressure equipment with the safety and market access rules.

Directive 2010/35/EU does not apply to transportable pressure equipment which was placed on the market before the relevant date of implementation of Directive 1999/36/EC and which has not been subject to reassessment of conformity. Where existing transportable pressure equipment not previously assessed for conformity with Directive 1999/36/EC is to benefit from free movement and free use, it should be subject to reassessment of conformity.

In order not to hinder transport operations between Member States and third countries, Directive 2010/35/EU does not apply to transportable pressure equipment exclusively used for the transport of dangerous goods between the territory of the Union and that of third countries.

Periodic inspections, intermediate inspections and exceptional checks of transportable pressure equipment should be carried out in accordance with the Annexes to Directive 2008/68/EC and with Directive 2010/35/EU to ensure continued compliance with their safety requirements.

Compliance of new transportable pressure equipment with the technical requirements of the Annexes to Directive 2008/68/EC and this Directive should be demonstrated by means of a conformity assessment to provide evidence that the transportable pressure equipment is safe.

WHO WILL BE AFFECTED?     

Manufacturers, authorised representatives, importers and distributors.

DEADLINES

Feedback to arrive at our offices by noon of Friday 24th June 2011.

CONTACT DETAILS

MALTA COMPETITION AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS AUTHORITY,

; 23952000

The statement by Keith Bestow, Managing Director of Arriva, on Bisazza Street Sliema is not only arrogant to the extreme but in very bad taste. Many people have been involved in this pedestrianisation project of Bisazza Street and many of us, including GRTU, had to suffer much unfair criticism for supporting this project as the concept of pedestrianised zones in commercial centres is still not widely understood and accepted.

 

Almost a million Euros of public moneys have been spent and the private sector is investing heavily to upgrade the services in the area and the project has now the support of the Sliema Community and the public in general. It is inconceivable that a just declared pedestrianised zone be immediately made to suffer, even temporarily, any motor traffic, worst of all a steady flow of busses.

The technical issue Arriva mentioned as the reason for causing them to dare public opinion and proceed with their original plan is not insurmountable. Government has already promised additional public moneys to help the Bus Monopoly to cover the costs and it is the responsibility of Arriva now to resolve the problem before the launch of the new public transport service. It is their problem and they should not dump it on the public.

The logistics of the effect of closing Bisazza Street is also not insurmountable as the alternative rout exists and any technical arrangements can still be managed with the few weeks that remain. GRTU sees the issue as one of management and Arriva must now prove that they are capable of resolving such a hiccup. The closure of streets for periods of time will reoccur and it can't be believed that if a part of the network needs re-routing that the whole system dysfunctions. GRTU expects a better and more professional public relations attitude by Arriva. GRTU also believes that this is also an issue for Government. The pedestrianisation of Bisazza Street has been on the cards for months. How is it possible that one part of Government responsible for transport management and the other part of Government responsible for public projects had such a poor relationship not to have smoothened out the matter without disturbing the public?

GRTU is stating very clearly, that Bisazza Street is now a pedestrianised zone. Buses should not now be allowed to pass through this pedestrianised zone, even temporarily. GRTU will support all action that ensures that what the majority now accept as an irreversible fact will not be thwarted by the arrogance and pretentions of Arriva. GRTU has publicly wished Arriva all the success it deserves as GRTU has from the initial stages supported the privatisation and complete overhaul of the new public bussing service as it is vital for commerce and for better traffic and environmental management.

On this issue however GRTU believes Arriva is erring and erring very badly and it should therefore without much ado bow its head to the opinion of the vast majority of the public on whose support Arriva's success further depends. GRTU augurs that this issue is resolved in the next few days.

Today Green MT has reached the astounding number of 850 members totalling 16,000 tons of seperated waste yearly market placement! Making Green MT by far the largest.

 

From April till today Green MT, GRTU's fully owned subsidiary, has seen a tremendous increase of producers taking on their environmental obligations in relation to LN 277/2006. Lenghty discussions with the Authorities – the Approving Body, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority and the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs – have led to improved enforcement by MEPA's  Environment Waste Directorate in relation to this Environment Legislation.

Waste Packaging producers, thus importers and traders who import products to Malta for the first time with the intention of placing them on the market, are liable to recover 55% of Packaging Waste placed on the market or 70% if they are currently exempt from Eco Contribution. Following recovery of the material, on behalf of its members who place packaging waste on the Maltese market, the Scheme then carries out sepration, baling and eventually delivery for final recycling of the material. The Scheme in turn provides its members individually with a Compliance Certificate.

All producers are liable in the same manner at law be it if they place a significant tonnage on the market or a minimal amount. Producers are liable according to the tonnage they place. Green MT incessantly campaigns and insists that producers and importers need to accept the extended producer responsability concept. Through this collective effort, the Business Community should be proud that it is working hand in hand and providing means which are making collection, separation and export of their own Packaging Waste possible.

Green MT services to great efficiency 41 localities. We aim to provide a service which is organised and which is sensitive to the economies of scale. For this to be successful a lot of cooperation is needed from a number of stake holders for Schemes to be able to function and provide sterling services to Local Councils.

"GRTU took a bold decision to build a not-for-profit Waste Management Compliance Scheme of its own to help in the compliance with environmental legislation and alleviate the burden on the business community. We strongly believe that business organisation should not simply grumble and propose but they should also act directly to get work done and be of service to small business owners. We found a lot of difficulties and we still face much unfair and unjustified criticism from individuals who out to know better. We are however greatly satisfied that 41 Local Councils of all political shades have chosen to utilise the services of Green MT to meet their green waste obligations and that 850 enterprises are today Green MT members. Today more than 70 contractors work for us and WasteServ depends on Green MT for almost 80% of the recyclable waste it handles. Government authorities are now aware that Green MT leads." stated Vince Farrugia, Chairman Green MT.

Vincent Farrugia as Rapporteur on EESC's opinion on the Commission Communication on Removing cross-border tax obstacles for EU citizens, has obtained the endorsement of the special EESC study-group for recommending the commission to set the EC council to set-up a Cross-Border Tax Observatory exercise under the auspices of the European Commission to gain, on an on-going basis, a detailed and practical understanding of existing tax barriers and their evolution and whose functions would include:

 

the investigation of tax obstacles as reported by EU citizens;

the undertaking of research to uncover other obstacles;

the investigation of the effectiveness of on-going efforts to remove obstacles;

the estimation of the effects on EU citizens of the matters under the purview of the Observatory;

regular reviews of changes in tax policies and administrative requirements within EU Member States so as to assess the extent and manner in which tax obstacles may be evolving, and to specifically highlight and report on instances where such obstacles would be increasing;

the study of the introduction of tax equalisation mechanisms, which are through this Opinion being proposed as effective instruments whereby  workers who change their place of work between countries within the EU on a frequent basis would be liable to pay tax always under the same, single jurisdiction;

to study the extent to which harmonisation is effective in the context of specific tax regimes such as VAT and the way in which its implementation or lack thereof is impinging on tax distortions within the Single Market;

the establishment of ad hoc working groups to gather information and propose solutions in the context of the above issues;

the issuing of reports on  regular and ad hoc bases to detail the results of the work of the Observatory and to provide recommendations to eliminate tax obstacles to cross-border transactions.

Following the strong reaction of GRTU (See GRTU Press Release dated 25.05.11) in representation of all Cargo Hauliers (Burdnara) operating to and from the Grand Harbour, a fact finding and action resolution meeting was held between GRTU Malta Chamber of SMEs and the Valletta Gateway Terminals (VGT) at the GRTU premises in Valletta today.

 

The VGT team was led by Mr Wai Kiong Lai – VGT Chief Officer and VGT terminal managers, while GRTU was represented by President Paul Abela, Director General Vince Farrugia and Burdnara representatives. The currant traffic congestion and logistical problems affecting the Port area were discussed in detail and an action programme was agreed so that action will be immediately implemented to relieve the congestion problems. It is expected that the planned action will tackle bottle necks over the next few weeks.

The two sides also agreed to meet again within a month to further resolve problems that may still occur and make joint recommendations to Government for additional issues that may require action at a higher – Malta Transport and Ministry –  levels.

Mr Vince Farrugia as EESC Rapporteur on the Commission Green Paper on expanding the use of eProcurement in the EU, has this week met Heide Ruehle Rapporteur from the side  of the European Parliament with the aim of exchanging views on each other's draft reports. A couple of major issues arose:

 

eProcurement policy should embrace all procurements – below and above thresholds. Mr Farrugia argued that we need to provide facilities at national, regional and local level so that SMEs would have facilitated participate in Procurment through electronic system. SMEs are finding it extremely hard to collect a multiplicity of documents which would be easily accessible though the eProcurement service.

If eProcurement should become mandatory on Member States or not. The set EU target was that by 2010 at least 50% of public procurement will be carried out electronically. The Commission however evaluates that less than 5% of the Member States' procurement budgets is awarded through e-procurement. This is a big failure and those suffering most are SMEs as they have the tremendous potential to service projects but unless facilitated it becomes an insurmountable obstacle.

Security Certification: Vince Farrugia argued that The authentication model that one adopts should be directly correlated to the level of security to be applied for the e-service introduced. A digital certification security framework should be adopted only when the level of risk requires such protection.

As a politician Ms Ruehle has strong reservations on the issue of thresholds. The general understanding reached at end of the meeting is that the best solution is to go in a well worded instigation of strong leadership and guidance by the Commission so that through a process of actions new desirable targets should be achieved.

Cadmium in jewellery, plastics and brazing sticks will be banned in the EU from December 2011. High levels of the harmful substance cadmium have been found in some jewellery articles, especially in imported imitation jewellery. Consumers including children risked being exposed to cadmium through skin contact or through licking. The new legislation prohibits the use of cadmium in all types of jewellery products, except for antiques. The ban also covers cadmium in all plastics and brazing sticks, which are used to join dissimilar materials as fumes that are released during this process are highly dangerous if inhaled.

 

The ban ensures that EU consumers are better protected against exposure to cadmium, and will reduce environmental pollution from cadmium. It will be adopted as an amendment under REACH.

The new legislation prohibits cadmium in all plastic products while encouraging the recovery of PVC waste for use in a number of construction products. As PVC is a valuable material that can be recovered a number of times, the new legislation allows the re-use of recovered PVC containing low levels of cadmium in a limited number of construction products, without danger for the public or environment. In order to fully inform buyers, construction products that will be made of this recovered PVC will be marketed with a specific logo.

Cadmium is also present in brazing sticks, which are used to join dissimilar materials, and it is used for specific applications such as amateur modelling of steam engines of trains. Fumes released during the brazing process are highly dangerous if inhaled. The use of these brazing materials will be prohibited except for very specific professional uses.

Background

Cadmium is a carcinogenic substance and is toxic for the aquatic environment. In 1988 the Council adopted a resolution for an action programme to combat environmental pollution by cadmium. In the past it was used as a colouring agent or stabilizer in some plastic articles. It has been prohibited in the EU in a number of plastic articles since 1992, but was still allowed in some rigid PVC as at that time alternatives were not available on the market. Since alternatives became available the European PVC industry decided to phase out cadmium from all PVC as part of a program called "Vinyl 2010". The use of cadmium in batteries and electronics has been restricted since 2004. The new ban will be listed in Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation (Regulation No. 1907/2006 for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals).