S.L. 549.50 Art. 24Construction and management of excavation voids. S.L. 549.10 S.L. 423.16 S.L. 423.20

In backfilling into an excavation void, whether created through surface or underground extraction, the operator shall ensure that:

(a) the excavation void, whether created through surface or underground extraction, is suitably located, taking into account in particular Community or Maltese obligations relating to protected areas, and geological, hydrological, hydrogeological, seismic and geotechnical factors, and is backfilled in such a way so as to meet the necessary conditions, in the short and long-term perspectives, preventing pollution of the soil, air, groundwater or surface water, taking into account especially the Pollution Caused by Certain

Dangerous Substances discharged into the Aquatic Environment Regulations, the Protection of Groundwater against Pollution caused by Certain Dangerous Substances Regulations, and the Water Policy Framework Regulations, and ensuring efficient collection of contaminated water and leachate as and when required under the permit, and reducing erosion caused by water or wind as far as it is technically possible and economically viable;

(b) the excavation void, whether created through surface or underground extraction, is suitably backfilled to ensure its physical stability and to prevent pollution or contamination of soil, air, surface water or groundwater in the short and long-term perspectives as well as to minimise as far as possible damage to landscape; and

(c) there are suitable plans and arrangements for regular monitoring and inspection of the excavation void, whether created through surface or underground extraction, by competent persons and for taking action in the event of results indicating instability or water or soil contamination: Provided records of the monitoring and inspections shall be kept, together with permit documentation, in order to ensure the appropriate hand-over of information, particularly in the event of a change of operator;

(d) suitable arrangements are made for the rehabilitation of the land and the closure of the excavation void, whether created through surface or underground extraction; and

(e) suitable arrangements are made for the after-closure phase of the excavation void, whether created through surface or underground extraction.