May 04 - Government Notes EU Court Of Justice Ruling On Sewage Treatment In Gibraltar

The Government of Gibraltar has pledged to make a further announcement soon following a judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union on the treatment of sewage in Gibraltar, which concerns not only Gibraltar but also other urban agglomerations of the United Kingdom.

A spokesman for Number Six said: "The lack of sewage treatment has long been an issue, and it was not until the present Government was elected that serious steps were taken to resolve this.

"A tender was issued and a preferred bidder identified. This followed a great deal of work in ensuring that the technology was suitable. The fact that Gibraltar’s sewage is carried in salt water, and that in periods of rain this is greatly diluted meant that the system used had to work for a wider range of conditions than is the norm.

"This took a great deal of time to resolve. At present discussions on the funding model for the plant are in an advanced stage and the government will be making a full announcement soon.

"Gibraltar needs to treat its sewage not only because it is a requirement under EU law, but because a country that wants to take its place in the global community and be treated internationally with respect cannot in the 21st Century be seen to discharge untreated sewage into the marine environment."

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