ESG PRESS RELEASE

RE WASTE MANAGEMENT PLANT APPLICATION

16^TH JUNE 2017

The ESG highlights a current application on the online planning website for the setting up of a Waste Management Plant at the ex-incinerator site that will serve to receive, separate and prepare for onward recycling, of mixed domestic waste that currently arrives at the “Waste Transfer Site”, Pit or Quarry as it is also commonly known. Most of this waste is presently sent to Los Barrios for crude separation and baling, as well as landfill.

In recent times however, there have already been dynamic changes in waste handling with the emergence of the Eco Park at Flint Road handling evermore streams and volumes of waste for recycling.

It is clear that a larger and purpose built facility is required to further develop recycling capacity in Gibraltar and this new application outlines the approach towards doing just that. Coupled with uncertainly of border fluidity due to Brexit the plan to manage our waste responsibly on an in-house basis is a positive and progressive step that we have called for, for some years now.

The ESG adds that it strongly welcomes this move towards greater recycling, organic composting, and overall in-house management of waste in a purpose built enclosed facility. These tick all the boxes for the group – for maximum recycling over any form of incineration – who are delighted to see this direction taken by Government and principally the Ministry for the Environment.

It also hopes the project takes off soon and will be following this closely.”

Search for F/14952/17  on egov.gi planning applications website.

Application heading

F/14952/17 | CLEARING, ENABLING AND INSTALLING A WASTE MANAGEMENT PLANT COMPLETE WITH SUPPORT ACCOMMODATION TO COMPLEMENT AND ENHANCE THE ACTIVITIES OF THE EXISTING ECOPARK AT FLINT ROAD, DEVILS TOWER ROAD, GIBRALTAR | EX INCINERATOR SITE, EUROPA ADVANCE ROAD

 ESG Comment on USA pulling out of Paris Agreement on Climate Change

“As environmental campaigners where Climate Change tops our core objectives we naturally see the USA’s pulling out of the Paris Agreement, itself a long awaited and major effort, as sad and shocking, but not surprising, given the sharp U-turn taking place in the States at present on matters of environmental protection and on letting loose the fossil fuel industries.

Nevertheless it has been heartening to see the rest of the world unite in a resolute manner determined to continue with their efforts to mitigate against the worst impacts of climate change. It is also good to know that despite their announcements the USA will not be able to simply pull out overnight and that therefore the impacts of this baling out may be less drastic than feared.

It is also enlightening to learn, despite their administration signalling withdrawal, that there are many organisations, groups, businesses and politicians in the US that have committed to following the Paris Accord. This will also help to reduce the effects of President Trump’s regrettable stance and send a message to those in power.

Locally we must do what we can to also reduce our own impact and live as sustainably as possible.”

The ESG was recently given a detailed tour of the new Power Station site by Chief Bouygues Engineer Jean-Francois Conci, and GibElec’s CEO, Michael Caetano. Of particular interest to the group was to learn more about the stack monitoring and real-time equipment, which has not yet arrived.

Nevertheless the group was very impressed with the scale of the project and the thoroughness in which it is being undertaken. It will also be glad to take up another chance to visit the plant once the specialist monitoring equipment has arrived in Gibraltar.

The group welcomes the opportunity to have been able to raise several technical questions about the new facility directly with the project leaders and would like to thank them for their time during our lengthy visit.

The ESG also thanks the Minister for the Environment for making the visit possible.

See ESG Facebook page for pictures of site visit