S.L. 549.50 Art. 26Closure and after- closure procedures for excavation voids. S.L. 549.10 S.L. 423.16 S.L. 423.20

(1) The operator shall be responsible for the maintenance, monitoring, control and corrective measures in the after-closure phase for as long as may be required by the competent authority, taking into account the nature and duration of the hazard, save where the competent authority decides to take over such tasks from the operator, after an excavation void, whether created through surface or underground extraction, has been finally closed and without prejudice to any Community or Maltese legislation governing the liability of the operator.

(2) When considered necessary by the competent authority, in order to fulfil relevant environmental requirements set out in Community or Maltese legislation, in particular those in 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, following closure of an excavation void, whether created through surface or underground extraction, the operator shall, control the physical and chemical stability of the inter alia, excavation void, whether created through surface or underground extraction, and minimise any negative environmental effect, in particular with respect to surface and groundwater, by ensuring that:

(a) all the structures pertaining to the excavation void, whether created through surface or underground extraction, are monitored and conserved, with control and measuring apparatus always ready for use; and

(b) where applicable, overflow channels and spillways are kept clean and free.