Consultation session: EU’s proposed Soil Framework Directive

The European Commission is proposing a Directive to protect and ensure the sustainable use of soil across the EU. The Directive will, if adopted, impose an obligation on land users to take precautionary measures if their activities may significantly hamper soil functions, and establish measures to limit the introduction of dangerous substances into the soil.

In this context MEUSAC is organising a briefing and consultation session for stakeholders on the issues involved, the current discussions taking place at the EU level and developments to be expected in the near future.

This session should be of particular interest to operators of:

Establishments such as power stations and gas installations

IPPC (integrated pollution prevention & control) sites

Areas in airports, land-based areas in ports and areas in former military sites where use, handling and storage of significant amounts of relevant hazardous substances occurs or has occurred.

Petrol and filling stations – this is because fuel leakage from damaged underground pipelines and tanks can, because of its known toxicity, have a detrimental or fatal effect on the flora and fauna within the contaminated area.

Dry cleaning facilities – a dry cleaning facility can contaminate soil or groundwater with hazardous chemicals used in dry cleaning. 

Quarries – since the removal of vast quantities of rock can result in the removal of layers of valuable soil. Moreover, machinery and heavy traffic used in a quarry could cause soil erosion.

Waste landfills

Waste water treatment installations

Pumping stations and areas where leaks have been reported of pipelines for the transport of hazardous substances.

The session, which will be conducted in Maltese, is being held as follows:

Tuesday 23^rd November 2010

Time: 9.00 – 10.30 hrs

Venue: 254, Europe House, St Paul Street, Valletta

Participation is free of charge, however registration is highly recommended in view of seating restrictions and should reach MEUSAC offices by not later than noon of Friday 19th November 2010 on email address  For further details and assistance on this event, kindly contact Mr Brian Pace at the abovementioned address.