The project will bring Malta in line with the EU Urban Wastewater Directive 91/271/EC thus complying with the need to treat all urban wastewater entering collecting systems, before discharge. The project also falls under the purpose of the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC, as defined in Article 1, particularly in relation to the protection of coastal waters; the project will restore bathing water quality to the 5km coastline extending between Ricasoli and Marsascala, in line with the Bathing Water Directives 76/160/EEC and 2006/7/EEC (raising the classification level from Class 3 to Class 1); eliminate all raw wastewater discharges to the sea, together with the unsightly wastewater plume slicks and associated health risks; eliminate all bad odour emissions resulting from the raw wastewater discharge; increase the residential and recreational value of the North East coastal area; improve the tourist potential of the North East coastal area.