Department's Role | Staff | Key Areas of Responsibility | EU Directives | Waste | Land Quality | Energy
Conservation | Climate Change | Policy & Legislation | Air Quality | Ape Management | Environmental Monitoring Unit 
Cemetery | Activities | Publications | General Literature & Resources

Environmental concerns continue to be of increasing importance in all our lives, as evidenced by the amount of media coverage on the environment. A substantial number of EU directives relating to environmental issues continue to be implemented. These deal with setting targets for the control of pollution, depletion of our natural resources, resource management etc. Gibraltar is committed to the EU policy on the preservation, protection and improvement of the environment.

The Department advises on the transposition of EU Directives and the creation of systems to manage the requirements of such directives. Our aim is to ensure that the environment receives the importance and respect it deserves and for the department to fulfil its duties and obligations on matters relating to the environment
with the aim of having a cleaner and safer environment for all to enjoy.

DEPARTMENT'S ROLE

Apart from dealing with EU Directives as described above, the Department is also tasked with the monitoring of contracts between Government and service providers which affect the general state of our environment including all environment protection, enforcement and management in areas such as waste, flora (including planted areas) fauna (including the macaques), and any other issues related to biodiversity/conservation management. Additionally it is also responsible for the management of the cemetery.

The Department assesses technical considerations, difficulties in implementation or enforcement, required resources, effects on existing or future installations or processes, benefits, financial implications and draft legislation.

Our objectives consist of:

1. Compliance with all local and applicable EU Environmental Legislation.
2. To create a self sufficient and sustainable environmental management and monitoring strategy.
3. To increase public awareness of environmental issues.
4. To monitor with a view to ensuring environmentally friendly behaviour and compliance with legislation from individuals as well as industry.

To contact us;

Department of the Environment
Duke of Kent House
Line Wall Road
Tel. No: 20050294
email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it


STAFF AT THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Environmental Monitoring Unit

Cemetery

KEY AREAS OF WORK

Contracts with the Government of Gibraltar monitored by the Department

Animal Welfare Centre

The company is contracted to manage, maintain, and attend to the proper running and maintenance of the animal impounding service. The duties include patrolling the streets and estates on a regular basis (a.m. and p.m.) for the collection of stray cats and dogs, seizure of stray cats and dogs, culling of cats, culling of feral pigeons (by use of multi-catch traps) when directed to do so by GOG, the seizure and collection of biters, seizure of suspected rabid animals, feeding and looking after impounded animals and biters for a statutory period, also the humane destruction of stray dogs and cats and proper disposal of carcasses, the management, administration and maintenance of the Dog Licensing service and the collection and disposal of dead animals, from where they lay. If a need arises they are to appear as witnesses in prosecutions in respect of dog fouling, unlicensed or unregistered dogs, etc. They manage the Dangerous Dogs legislation including seizure and destruction of dangerous dogs. They are appointed as Government Veterinary Practitioner for the purpose of managing and administering the provisions under Regulation EC 998/2003 on the noncommercial movement of pet animals. They need to provide veterinary expertise where necessary and advise the Government of Gibraltar on legislation, also assisting on public relation issues.

Environmental Agency

The company is contracted to inspect, monitor and manage public health and environmental matters. They are responsible for the following:-

• monitoring and inspection of general district.
• carrying out disinfestations, rodent control and disinfection.
• monitoring the air quality in the air monitoring stations and carrying out investigations on pollution (Water, Air, Noise)
• building control and inspections of new building applications and works.
• animals and birds in terms of issuing import licences for animals, and dealing with investigations of complaints relating to nuisances being created by animals.
• the inspection and control of food premises, imported food and sampling of foods.
• street traders, stalls and hawkers
• the issuing of permits for import or export of corpses
• waste and the shipment of waste
• intergrated pollution prevention control

For more information about this service:

www.environmental-agency.gi

EWMS

The company is contracted to dispose of clinical waste in accordance with EU Directives.

Gibralflora

The company is contracted to maintain and beautify a number of planted areas.

Gibraltar Veterinary Clinic

Gibraltar Veterinary Clinic is contracted to look after the health and well being of the Barbary Macaques. Tests must be carried out on a regular basis on the apes for possible infectious diseases.

GONHS

The Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society (GONHS), is a nongovernmental, membership-based  rganisation committed to research into and conservation of nature in Gibraltar and the organisation committed to research into and conservation of nature in Gibraltar and the region of the Strait of Gibraltar. They are contracted for the control, upkeep, feeding and general well being of the Barbary Macaques and also to carry out the culling of seagulls

Greenarc

The company is contracted to maintain and beautify a number of planted areas.

Master Service

The company is contracted to carry out cleaning duties as specified in a programmed schedule of works. Their responsibilities are: the cleansing of public places, highways, streets, roads, upper Rock, beaches and other specific areas, removal of accumulations including bulky items. They are to carry out the servicing of refuse containers, litterbins and bin holding areas. They are tasked to carry out the servicing of arks, playgrounds, and public toilets, the minor maintenance of street furniture and re-sanding of roads and pavements in the newly beautified areas within the city centre.

Monteverde & Sons Ltd

The company is contracted for the disposal of refuse, mattresses and bulky household items in accordance with EU Directives relevant to each type of waste.

Wildlife Gibraltar Ltd

This company is contracted for the upkeep of the Alameda Botanical Gardens. Some of the duties are: the maintenance of the “Dell” (sunken garden, maintenance of greenhouse, maintenance of nursery gardens and the general cleaning of the gardens, in terms of weeding and sweeping
of planted and common areas). They are also contracted to carry out surveillance monitoring of all terrestrial habitats.

EU DIRECTIVES

WATER

Bathing Waters

A new Bathing Water Directive (2006/7/EC) was adopted on the 15th February 2006 and will replace the existing directive by 2014. The new  Directive lays down provisions for more sophisticated monitoring and classification of bathing water. Directive 2006/7/EC requires Member States to draw up a management plan for each site to minimise risks to bathers, based on an assessment of the sources of contamination that are likely to affect it. The annual Bathing Water Report and Tourist Atlas can be viewed at http://ec.europa.eu/water/water-bathing/index_en.html

Information on a bathing site’s quality classification, the results of water quality monitoring, the site’s management plan and other relevant information is to be made readily available to the public, both through displays at the site and through the media and internet.

The classification of water quality at a bathing site will be determined on the basis of a three year trend instead of a single year’s result as at present. This means that the classification will be less susceptible to bad weather or one-off incidents. Where water quality is consistently good over a three-year period the frequency of sampling may be reduced.

Gibraltar has six bathing areas, Camp Bay, Catalan Bay, Eastern Beach, Little Bay, Sandy Bay and Western Beach. These areas are all monitored by the Environmental Agency on a fortnightly basis during 15th April to 30th October each year.

View the latest results www.environmental-agency.gi/beach.php

Potable Water Quality

The supply and quality of potable water in Gibraltar are controlled by the Public Health (Potable Water) Regulations 1994, the Public Health Potable Water) Rules 1994, Public Health Ordinance (Amendment) Act 2001 and Public Health (Potable Water) Rules 1994 (Amendment) Rules 2001.

Water quality is checked under a two-tier sampling and analysis programme:

• The water undertakers have their own “in house” programme and additionally submit samples of each batch of water produced to the Public Analyst at the Public Health and Clinical Pathology Laboratories. The analysis results are then interpreted by the Environmental Agency and the batch under consideration is only released for general supply if found fit.
  
• The Environmental Agency also carries out its own independent monitoring programme, sampling the water supplies as they reach the consumers. This programme is designed to meet the sampling criteria outlined in Directive 98/83/EC and our national legislation.

View the latest Check Monitoring results on www.environmental-agency.gi/weekly-water.php and the latest Audit Monitoring results on www.environmental-agency.gi/quarterly-water.php

Water Framework Directive

The overriding aim behind the Water Framework Directive is to ensure that all our water bodies, both coastal and groundwater, achieve or aintain “Good Status” by 2015. The implications of this Directive are therefore far more comprehensive than any other piece of water legislation.

With this aim in mind, Government appointed consultants to carry out an initial characterisation study and produce a report on their findings. This report provides a summary of Gibraltar's water bodies and includes an analysis of the characteristics of the Gibraltar River Basin District along with a review of the impact of human activity on the status of surface waters and groundwater. Data collected during this reporting process has
subsequently been used by the Water Framework Directive Working Group (WFDWG) to develop a monitoring network for Gibraltar. Consultants have also been contracted to facilitate the scheme. The WFDWG itself is made up of a panel of local professionals, scientists and Government officials. It was specifically established to provide ongoing technical and scientific advice to Government on the development and implementation of the Water Framework Directive.

WASTE

Municipal Waste

The strategy for waste management within Gibraltar has concentrated on the preference to handle and manage waste locally. Historically, this was realised through the operation of a municipal solid waste incinerator. However, following the closure of the facility in 2000, an alternative waste treatment and disposal strategy had to be developed.

At present all of Gibraltar’s municipal waste is sent to Sur Europa, a landfill site in Los
Barrios, Spain. Sur Europa opened a new environmental park in 2003. The environmental park employs an array of manual and automated separation and sorting processes to recover paper, plastics and metals from the incoming waste stream, with the organic fraction being
composted in a covered shed to provide a ‘saleable’ compost product. The residual waste is removed by separate conveyor to a baling plant, before being disposed of to a newly developed landfill adjacent to the facility.

Recycling

Sorting with the aim of recycling is also carried out locally for numerous types of waste. Wood and metal items, principally resulting from commercial wastes, are sorted at the site of the previous incinerator at Michael Dobinson Way. Furthermore, Government provides a separate Civic Amenity Site, presently at Buena Vista, which is operated by personnel from Gibraltar Community Projects. At this facility, householders are able to dispose of their bulky timber items, white goods, electrical and electronic goods, mattresses and scrap metal. These materials are then treated or recycled at the appropriate decommissioning plants. Other items that are currently being collected for recycling include batteries (collected by the
Environmental Agency).

Master Service is the contractor appointed by Government for the collection of glass and cans for recycling.

Hazardous Waste

The predominant hazardous waste material within Gibraltar is waste oil, comprising a mixture of waste oils/water from visiting ships, MOD sources, service stations and other light industry. These materials currently undergo preliminary treatment and water separation at a Slop Oil Reception and Treatment (SLOP) facility at 12 North Mole Road, before being transferred to an approved licensed waste facility for further treatment, regeneration or disposal.

The second most predominant hazardous waste material is clinical waste produced by the hospitals (St Bernard’s Hospital and the Royal Naval Hospital) and a number of medical, nursing, dental and veterinary practices. All clinical waste is currently disposed of at the EWMS clinical waste incinerator at Europa Advance Road.

Other hazardous wastes (including MOD wastes) are generally collected and disposed of by any one of a number of licensed private waste contractors. Such materials are delivered for treatment and/or disposal to suitably licensed waste facilities in Spain. The frequency and quantity of such other types of hazardous waste are largely dependent on the nature and occurrence of each waste stream.

For further information concerning any particular type of hazardous waste please contact the Environmental Agency.

LAND QUALITY

In an attempt to protect the land quality in Gibraltar, Government policy states that, in relation to development proposals, any impacts on land quality shall be of prime consideration when determining applications. Similarly, in relation to development on potentially contaminated or contaminated land, Government’s policy is that planning permission will normally be granted provided that it can be demonstrated that measures are taken to satisfactorily overcome any danger to human health, the environment or property. 

Each proposal for a development on potentially contaminated land is dealt with on a case-by-case basis.  Historical land use in Gibraltar has been such that, as with all EU countries, varying degrees of contaminated land exist.  The Department of the Environment monitor such cases closely to ensure that any contaminated (or potentially contaminated) material is properly dealt with. The removal and disposal of the contaminated material is considered as a hazardous waste and must be disposed of in an environmentally acceptable manner and in accordance with the instructions that the Environmental Agency may issue. If deemed necessary soil samples are taken to assess the degree and extent of contamination of a site.  The Government is drafting legislation that focuses on land quality management and enforces the polluter pays principle in respect to the contamination or pollution of land.   

In addition to the above, further ways in which the Government works to ensure that Gibraltar’s land area is of the highest quality, ensuring its long-term preservation include:

• Government of Gibraltar Development Plan available on - www.gibdevplan.gov.gi
• Issuing of Tree Preservation Orders
• Undertaking surveys of all planted green areas throughout Gibraltar so as to ensure better management and preservation of all such areas.
• The declaration of a significant portion of Gibraltar as a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive.

Soil plays an important role in controlling and mediating pressures on the environment, and as such, must be considered for the protection of water, air and human health.  Applicants for planning permission will be expected to make provision for the beneficial re-use of soil removed from the site.  Soil preservation is related to the issue of open spaces within urban environments.  There are areas of open space of various sizes, forms and character throughout Gibraltar that are considered important for their contribution to the built environment. There will be a presumption against the loss of open spaces that are considered important in terms of their:

• Contribution to the character and appearance of the built or natural environment;
• Recreational or amenity value;
• Ecological value

The aim is that this will include an assessment of all open spaces, taking into account factors such as nature conservation value, recreational and amenity value and landscape value, which will help in determining the relative importance of these areas.

ENERGY

There are currently three installations in Gibraltar producing energy. Two of these installations namely Waterport and OESCO power stations supply electricity to the civil population and the remaining one supplies electricity to Ministry of Defence establishments and some civilian properties. Waterport Power Station is operated by the Gibraltar Electricity Authority on behalf of the Government of Gibraltar and has a thermal power output of 40 MW whereas the OESCO power station is operated by the Ormrod Electricity Supply Company (private contractor to the Government of Gibraltar) and has a thermal power output of 58.9 MW. The Inter Services Generating Power Station operated by the Ministry of Defence has a thermal power output of 48 MW.
 
All the power stations are expected to be decommissioned in 2011 and replaced by a new power station to be built shortly.

Renewable Energy

The Government of Gibraltar (GOG) is fully committed to the ideology of generating an increasing proportion of Gibraltar’s electricity from renewable energy sources.  It therefore engaged consultants to investigate the feasibility of providing some of Gibraltar’s energy demands from renewable energy sources.  EU legislation is increasingly geared towards the supply of energy within the community from renewable energy sources.  Gibraltar is unique in its environmental and socio-economic setting, and this will undoubtedly affect our ability to comply with such legislation (see Policy & Legislation).

CONSERVATION

Conservation management is an important part of Gibraltar’s responsibilities. Centred on the Nature Protection Act 1991, this piece of substantial legislation protects particular species of plants and animals inhabiting the rock including those that are threatened. The Nature Protection Act also includes provisions to protect and conserve some of Gibraltar’s unique habitats such as the Upper Rock Nature Reserve and Windmill Hill Flats. Up to 31% of Gibraltar’s land areas have been protected at EU and local level and it is thus Government’s intention to ensure that these sites are adequately managed. A marine Special Area of Conservation has also been designated with the aim of protecting underwater habitats and key species such as cetaceans. The Government’s objective in relation to conservation and wildlife in Gibraltar is therefore:

• To protect and where necessary restore the structure and functioning of natural ecosystems.
• Stop the loss of biodiversity in our terrestrial and marine habitats

CLIMATE CHANGE

The climate change debate is fast becoming the main issue of environmental concern.  It has now been established amongst leading international scientists that climate change is occurring. The conclusions arising from the Copenhagen congress on climate change confirm that, given the high rates of observed emissions, the worst-case scenarios projected by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) are being realised. While it is recognised that the earth naturally undergoes cycles of warming and cooling, for many key parameters, the climate system is already moving beyond the patterns of natural variability within which our society and economy have developed and thrived.

The predicted effects of climate change in the Western Mediterranean are expected to consist of a rise in temperatures, lower levels of rainfall and a change in the intensity and distribution of the rainfall leading to a subsequent increase in flash floods.  A greater degree of unpredictability of extreme weather events, changes in precipitation, drier and hotter summers and heat waves are also expected.   Episodes such as drought are not expected to affect the human population in Gibraltar to a very large degree, as our potable drinking water source  largely originates from desalination.  This, however, may not be the case for the floral and fauna populations on the Rock.  These communities are likely to suffer from decreased rainfall. 

The Department of the Environment is looking into the effects of climate change both locally and in the region, with a view to further developing its climate change programme for Gibraltar.  The possible effects listed above are based on predicted climate scenarios and may not pan out as such, however, awareness of the possible effects allows for precautionary planning. The setting up of a local Climate Change Forum will further help Government in tackling its climate change objectives. The forum acts as a technical advisory group (TAG) to the Government and consists of local professionals, scientists and Government officials alike. TAG provides ongoing technical, scientific and managerial advice on policy development and implementation. It is, essentially, an independent advisory body, who’s recommendations are not obligatory but nevertheless carry substantial weight with decision-makers. It maintains transparency in its processes and establishes and maintains an open working relationship with Government.

POLICY AND LEGISLATION

The EU has a very prominent view on the environment, incorporating it into the heart of the decision making process.  The diversity in environmental legislation, which is incorporated into Gibraltar law, includes subjects such as drinking and bathing water quality, greenhouse gas emissions, control of wastes, solvent use, radiation emergency preparedness, air quality, pollution prevention and control, etc.  The origin of these topics in Gibraltar law largely stem from our obligation to transpose applicable EU Directives.  There are close to one hundred pieces of legislation transposed or in the process of being transposed into local law, all aimed at increasing levels of environmental protection. 

The Public Health Act dates back to 1955.  The Act, whilst originally dealing with issues of environmental concern, principally focused on health issues and on ensuring that sanitary living conditions were maintained.  Since then, what started as a trickle of environmental directives has, since the mid 1980’s, become a steady flow of more stringent, focused and demanding directives, all aimed at improving every aspect of our environment.  

One issue of concern for Gibraltar, resulting from our small size and limited resources, is our ability to comply with every aspect of every Directive, as they apply to us.  When such provisions are applied to a territory the size of Gibraltar, the resulting technical requirements can often present very complex issues for us to contend with.  Implementation costs can also be greatly distorted when compared on a per capita basis to much larger communities.  This said, Government aims to ensure that all reasonable, practical and necessary steps are taken to achieve compliance with all relevant environmental EU Directives.

When the EU introduces a new environmental directive, a process is set in motion locally to consider how this affects us, how best to go about its transposition into local law, and what systems exist or need to be put in place to ensure our compliance, including the establishment of monitoring, management and policing arrangements.  This process involves consultation, as appropriate, between various government departments and on occasions with non-governmental organisations with whom Government works closely.

Depending on the type of legislation being contemplated, the Department of the Environment advises the Government’s Legislation Support Unit on technical matters, difficulties in implementation or enforcement, required resources, effects on existing or future installations or processes, benefits and on the possible resulting financial implications.

The Legislation Support Unit (LSU) is responsible for drafting legislation for the Government of Gibraltar.  Legislation is drafted on the basis of information from other departments that are seeking to implement the policies of the Government.  In addition to this, the LSU also drafts legislation to secure compliance with Gibraltar’s international obligations. Of these international obligations, the European Union provides the most work, with the transposition of Directives in particular, being the most voluminous.

AIR QUALITY

Our air monitoring programme was started in April 2005 with the set up of two air monitoring stations, classified as a roadside and a sub-urban station. The stations were sited at locations recommended by UK air quality consultants from AEA Energy and Environment to ensure that they complied with the EU Air Quality Directives. The Directives establish annual limits or target values regulating specific ambient air pollutants. Its objective is to monitor air pollutants to check that the target levels are being kept and taking action when they are exceeded. In May 2008 a third station was added, specifically to monitor nitrogen dioxide in the south district.
The primary objectives of the monitoring network are:

• To provide the public with rapid and reliable information on urban air quality.
• To monitor compliance with European Directives and local statutory instruments.
• To assist in developing new policies.

The instrumentation deployed was selected to meet the data quality objectives within the European Air Quality Directives and national legislation.

The monitoring equipment itself forms only one aspect of the overall Gibraltar Air Monitoring Programme.  Appropriate maintenance and support, coupled with a well designed and managed quality control regime ensures that the raw monitoring data obtained are successfully processed, analysed and interpreted in order to provide information and ensure compliance requirements under the Air Quality Framework and Air Quality Daughter Directives.

Gibraltar air pollutant measurements are underpinned by a rigorous quality assurance and control programme.

The non-automatic network consists of a diffusion tube programme for Nitrogen Dioxide and Benzene, Toluene and Xylenes (BTX) as well as three partisol filter (Gravimetric) units which are used to monitor particulate matter (PM10 & PM2.5), Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium, Nickel and Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons (measured as Benzo(a)pyrene).

In addition to meeting the Gibraltar Government’s monitoring obligations, the data itself is disseminated in near real-time on the www.gibraltarairquality.gi web site This web-based dissemination and reporting forms an important tool for delivery of air quality data and provides descriptive statistics to a broad range of end users.

APE MANAGEMENT

The Barbary Macaque (Macaca Sylvanus), known locally as the Rock Ape, is the only free ranging wild primate in Europe. Its European range is restricted to the Rock of Gibraltar, where they have possibly been present since the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula from 711 AD.

GONHS and Gibraltar Veterinary Clinic are responsible under agreements with the Government of Gibraltar for the management of the Macaques i.e. looking after their well being and general condition as well as monitoring population levels.

It is illegal to feed the macaques and the penalty for such offence is £500.00. It is therefore strongly emphasised that the public do not feed the apes. The food offered by individuals as a treat for the apes disrupts their diet and can cause diseases such as diabetes

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING UNIT

The main duties of this unit are the daily monitoring and supervision of the cleansing and other municipal services provided by contractors to the Government throughout Gibraltar. Master Service are contracted by the Government of Gibraltar to provide most of the services and the unit has to ensure that these are delivered in an efficient manner and to the required high standards as specified in the agreements.
The following are the main services monitored by the unit:

• The cleansing of public places, highways, streets, roads and other specific areas.
• The removal of accumulations including bulky and other items.
• The servicing of refuse containers and bin holding areas.
• The servicing of litterbins.
• The servicing of parks and playgrounds.
• The maintenance of street furniture and re-sanding of roads and pavements in the newly beautified areas within the city centre.
• The servicing of public toilets.
• The collection of refuse.

The unit is also tasked with the monitoring and supervision of litter Control Areas, concessions / permits for the placing of tables and chairs, unauthorized works etc. Other duties include working in partnership with Government departments, agencies, developers and contractors on matters related to cleansing, refuse collection and other services and facilities provided.

The unit also attends to enquiries, complaints, reports etc, from the general public, traders and other entities on cleansing and other related matters.

CEMETERY

The Superintendent of the Cemetery heads the cemetery. The cemetery staff is comprised of a Keeper of the Cemetery, eight gravediggers and eight maintenance staff.

The North Front Cemetery is the only cemetery still in use for burials in Gibraltar; it was first opened to internments in 1756. North Front Cemetery is also an important military cemetery for members of the Armed Services who died in both World wars.

The cemetery is open to the public daily from 8.00 a.m. till 6.00 p.m.

Cemetery Application Forms

Should you wish to download any of the forms required to carry out a service at the cemetery, please click on the desired form.

•  Transfer of remains 
•  Transfer of ownership (Vault)
•  Application for construction of vault
•  Application for construction of monument

Please note that in order to complete the form, some of the data required (e.g. vault numbers) needs to be obtained from the main office at the cemetery.

For further information on any issues of the Cemetery, please do not hesitate to contact the Superintendent of the Cemetery on Tel: 20078491 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

ACTIVITIES

World Environment Day

 World Environment Day 2009

A day aimed to increase local awareness and promote green issues. WED is the United Nations flagship environmental event, celebrated every year on 5th June in more than 100 countries around the world. WED is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. WED was celebrated for the first time locally in 2004.  It has now become an annual feature in the Department’s agenda.

Newsletters

Newsletters are published on a bi-annual basis. They include information on environmental events as well as general information on the environment and services available to the public.

Annual reports

The reports detail the environmental monitoring results of the previous year and environmental objectives for the following year.   All Departmental literature is available to download from the Ministry of the Environment’s webpage.

 Photographic Competition Information

 Competition Entry Form