SEA of the Storm Water Master Plan

Malta is currently undertaking the formulation of 'A Storm Water Master Plan for the Maltese Islands' (SWMP) utilising funds already allocated under the Technical Assistance of the same EU initiative.

The main objectives of the Plan are:

- Management of the various impactd associated with storm water including flooding, road infrastructure deterioration and traffic management, civil protection and valley management in general and also with reference to particular flood prone areas and localities.
- Utilisation of storm water to augment the water resources of the Maltese Islands through harvesting, storage, use, re-use, recharge, recycling, distribution of storm water and proper disposal of excess.

It is therefore critical to integrate environmental protection, socio-economic requirements, civil protection within the programme to ensure sustainable development.

The SEA consists of a systematic process for evaluating the environmental consequences of the Master Plan in order to ensure that they are fully included and appropriately addressed at the earliest stage of decision-making, at par with economic and social considerations.