New fuel depot a potential 'lethal cocktail'

Paola council has called for a halt to plans to build a five million gallon fuel depot, fearing it could turn the region into a potentially "lethal cocktail".

The area of Cottonera, Marsa, Paola and part of the Grand Harbour could be at risk if Enemalta persisted with plans to relocate the March 31 Petroleum Depot from Birzebbuga to Ras Hanzir, the council has warned.

The local council's environment consultant Lino Bianco, speaking to the media on site, expressed shock that the Malta Environment and Planning Authority had not even requested an Environment Impact Assessment before giving its go-ahead, on the grounds that the site was already committed for this development.

Enemalta is dismantling the existing derelict tanks at Ras Hanzir to make way for four large fuel tanks. The permit was issued subject only to the condition that, before the dismantling starts, a detailed method statement be made, including details of safety measures to be undertaken during the works.

Architect Bianco said the development proposal required an assessment of the likely impacts of the proposed development on the environment, health, socio-economic fabric, and cultural and natural heritage.

It was ironic that a kerosene hawker needed to undergo a thorough assessment to store a relatively small volume of fuel, Mr Bianco said, and yet MEPA was turning a blind eye to such a large project.

The authorities also needed to take into consideration the frequent spillages that take place in such reservoirs.

The architect recalled the massive explosion at a fuel depot in Hemel Hempstead in the UK in December 2005, with the repercussions felt several metres away.

The problem is exacerbated since the site is located practically next door to a paint factory, and close to the Marsa power station.

Mayor Ray Attard said the new plans posed a potential threat to residents (located within 400 metres), and the MCAST students.

A spokesperson for MEPA said that an environment report had been drawn up by Professor Alfred Vella when the original tanks were built and therefore there was no need for a fresh EIA since there is no change in use.

"However, this doesn't mean we won't carry out other assessments, if deemed necessary - each application is treated on its own merits," MEPA said.