MEP asks Brussels to intervene on black dust

Labour MEP Louis Grech is urging the European Commission to take up the issue of black dust in the south of Malta and to force the government to get to the bottom of it and identify the source.

Despite years of investigations by the planning authority, the source of black dust, which appears every so often in large parts of the south, has not yet been identified. Although many suspect the Marsa power station, this has not yet been confirmed as the soot collected for the analysis did not include the chemicals that would conclusively prove this.

Accusing the government of dragging its feet in finding a solution, Mr Grech tabled a parliamentary question to the Commission demanding that Brussels intervene.

"Given that during these 10 years the government failed to address this problem, so much so that it says it still does not know where this black dust is coming from, can the European Commission take up the issue," Mr Grech asked.

"Can the Commission investigate to what extent EU regulations on the environment and emissions are being adhered to in Malta and request that the Maltese authorities finally take the appropriate measures by drawing up a plan of action to solve this pollution?"

The black dust problem was raised again in Malta's Parliament last week.

Replying to questions by various MPs from both sides of the House, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi reiterated his commitment that Malta Environment and Planning Authority experts would be asked to appear before a House committee to brief MPs on the issue.

He said that, until now, the dust samples collected were not sufficient to identify the source. Every effort was being made to ensure the tests were of the highest quality.