The Environment and Resources Authority has brushed off criticism that a geology report for a new high-rise project was inaccurate saying this was "merely" a tool to assess the environmental impact. The ERA was commenting on concerns raised by geologist Peter Gatt who last week told the Times of Malta a geological assessment of Qui-si-Sana, submitted as part of an application for the contentious Townsquare project, had failed to highlight a layer of "very weak rock" that could pose problems in supporting tall buildings. "When I say weak, I mean you can practically break the rock with your hands. It's like chalk. This is a rock that can be problematic if tall buildings are built on it," Dr Gatt said. An environment planning statement compiled by consultancy firm ADI says the only rock types present on the Qui-Si-Sana peninsula were lower globigerina limestone, a strong rock that could support a tall structure – "in fact most of Malta's towns are built on this rock" – and a layer of phosphate, present across most of the island. Dr Gatt has, however, insisted that, besides the two layers indicated, the area included a significant amount of middle globigerina limestone, a soft rock.
from timesofmalta.com http://ift.tt/29994y6
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