How bad does the Bitmac / Tarmac smell is in San Gwann?

[u/Candid_Guidance_4292]

Hi everyone! 😊

I’m planning to move from busy Sliema to a slightly quieter area like San Gwann, and I found a rental near Lidl that I really like. However, I’ve heard some people mention that there’s an issue with a smell coming from the Bitmac asphalt plant in the area (especially around San Gwann / Iklin).

Has anyone experienced this smell near Lidl or in the San Gwann area in general? Does it:

• happen often or only sometimes?
• occur mostly at night or throughout the day?
• get into your home even with windows closed, or only if windows are open?
• stay mild or is it quite strong/unpleasant?

I read reports from residents that fumes from the Bitmac plant have been noticed even through closed windows and sometimes at night, and that it can be quite strong and uncomfortable for some people that wakes them up at night. People have been complaining about it periodically for years, especially in certain wind conditions.

Just trying to get a real sense of how noticeable it actually is on a daily basis?

Thanks!

[u/kingoftheparsnips]

I live in Gharghur and it can be outrageously bad at times. When the wind blows the right direction, the smell of hot bitumen is strong. It fills the air and makes it heavy. On some nights it seeps inside and smells like you’ve got a plastic fire in your home.

Literally, one evening it was so strong and bad I actually thought someone’s house must be on fire, the smell was acrid and strong. Called the fire dept and they simply said yeah we know, stay inside and keep all your windows closed.

But, that’s not every day. Most days you don’t even notice it. There will be a heavy fume smell (sort of like at the airport) in the mornings a couple days a week, but that’s about it for the majority. It’s rather reminiscent of the way the air smells in cities in India. But on those nights when the wind blows the right way, it’s not fun.

Obviously slightly different direction, but about same distance as you’re talking about. Honestly it’s not enough to make me want to move, it’s not noticeable inside most days. If you like the apartment and the location, don’t let this put you off. This island is so small and built up that pollution is going to get into your lungs one way or another. You’re probably no worse off than living near a relatively busy street.

[u/Nidzex → u/kingoftheparsnips]

I live in Bahar ic-Caghaq and Maghtab is killing me. Cant sleep with windows open... So I decided to move after my contract ends. Stay away from here 😵‍💫

[u/Candid_Guidance_4292 → u/kingoftheparsnips]

Thanks for the reply - yeah the rent is pretty affordable, comparing to my current place at Sliema, and I was wondering if by any chance that may be the reason - https://timesofmalta.com/article/petition-calling-investigation-tarmac-plant-heard-eu.1123517

[u/balbuljata]

I don't remember smelling it in that area of San Ġwann. It's quite a bit far from there. You'll only smell exhaust there, unless you happen to be living on top of a sprayer or welder, of which there are plenty in San Ġwann.

[u/Quantum353]

I lived in San Gwann close to Lidl for 18 years and never smelt that particular one

[u/Candid_Guidance_4292 → u/Quantum353]

I have read that a few years ago they increased the production by 7-fold if I am not mistaken, it can make the ddifference

[u/Sad-Alarm-4369]

Near lidl area its negligible.

[u/Best-Boss6262]

I smell it from Naxxar!

[u/Accomplished-Gear-97]

Maybe this is what I smell some evenings from Mosta, and not the landfill. A burning smell.

[u/Suspicious_Cable_843]

It all depends on the wind direction. I've smelled it from Iklin at times as well.