The Birżebbuġa local council has now stepped in following residents’ concerns. 

“As a Local Council, we are very disappointed that now Birżebbuġa has to suffer from another industrial nuisance,” the council said in a statement. 

“The Ħal Far plant has been operating for less than a week and has already started creating inconveniences for our residents.”

“The situation is unacceptable and shows a great lack of respect towards the community of Birżebbuġa.”

The local council also confirmed that it has submitted its and residents’ complaints with the Environment Resources Authority. 

“It’s disgusting – everyone around me can smell it,” one resident told Lovin Malta. 

“No one came to cut the red ribbon when it opened. I wonder why?” asked another. 

Ħal Far’s tuna recycling plant is a project of some of the main players in the industry, namely Azzopardi Fisheries, MFF and Fish and Fish. It will process around 4,000 tonnes of tuna remains every year. 

Prior to the plant, the remains, which consist of the insides, the head, the spine and the tail, were usually thrown were thrown out at sea, around 11 nautical miles off the coast with the approval of authorities. 

The plant manufactures products like oils which can be used for animal and fish feed.

Still, it appears that the plant is causing a major nuisance to residents of the area. However, it remains to be seen whether any action will be taken.

Have you noticed the smell?