Quarrying and inert landfilling - a landscape assessment in Malta

Abstract

Malta is a small island state of 315.59km2, with a high population density and therefore large demands on the land use. This scenario causes extensive pressure on the limited mineral resources, and also with regards to waste disposal. The extraction of aggregate and masonry blocks, for the construction industry, is carried out using open-pits, which lead to numerous negative impacts on the landscape. Quarrying alters completely the terrain, leaving scars in the territory, destroys the natural habitat and disrupts the geomorphological processes and the aquifer recharge. Due to the relatively small size of Malta, quarries tend to invariably conflict with the various land uses. Malta depends heavily on landfills for waste disposal. This is a very land-intensive option, and without proper management, landfills lead to significant environmental problems. The disposal of construction and demolition waste constitutes a major challenge in Malta. The main strategies adopted in the case of construction and demolition waste are related to inert landfilling and recycling. The reduction of wastes and reuse of building materials, recycling and the proper disposal of building waste in approved sites are also promoted. Land reclamation is also discussed as a possible alternative. The utilisation of disused quarries for the disposal of inert waste has the advantages of providing a solution for both the disposal of construction and demolition material and also for the regeneration of these degraded areas. Quarries are therefore rehabilitated and eventually used for agricultural purposes. The effect of quarries on the landscape, their distribution and strategies for rehabilitation, are discussed in view of the surrounding land uses, environment and spaces. The potential disposal of inert waste in disused quarries leads to the eventual rehabilitation of heavily degraded areas.