The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) notes the public consultation IP 00004/25 - Renewal & Variation of the current IPPC permit for WEEE Recycle 4U Co. Ltd..
Here, the Environment and Resources Authority is informing the public that WEEE Recycle 4U Company Ltd. has applied for the renewal and variation of IPPC permit application IP 0004/25 concerning the operation of a hazardous waste management facility at the Ħal Far Industrial Estate, and is inviting public objections, representations, or comments as part of the consultation process under S.L. 549.77 Industrial Emissions Regulations.
In this context, the MSA strongly recommends the incorporation of Social Impact Assessment (SIA) as a core component of the permit renewal, also covering implementation, and ongoing monitoring.
The International Association for Impact Assessment defines Social Impact Assessment as “the processes of analysing, monitoring and managing the intended and unintended social consequences, both positive and negative, of planned interventions (policies, programs, plans, projects) and any social change processes invoked by those interventions”.
An SIA is an interdisciplinary process, and should employ various methods, both quantitative and qualitative. Social impact assessments should not be one-off exercises, but ongoing processes which engage with various stakeholders and which report back so as to ensure effective policy processes.
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