Noxious fumes 'not company's fault'

The company identified by Labour MP Leo Brincat as the source of the noxious fumes that occasionally plague Marsa has denied the allegations, insisting it has always collaborated with the planning authority.

A spokesman for Waste Oils Company Ltd, situated at Spencer Hill in Marsa, said the company had to date not been notified of any conclusions reached by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority that the installation was the source of any noxious odours.

"We are therefore amazed that Leo Brincat has made such a statement and invite him to substantiate his allegations," the spokesman said.

Waste Oils is a major contributor to the protection of the environment, she added, by collecting used oil that would otherwise be illegally dumped on land and at sea.

Mr Brincat, Labour's environment spokesman, on Monday accused the company of illegally discharging material through sewers and culverts and causing noxious smells around Hexagon House in Marsa.

Mr Brincat gave a press conference on site and claimed that although the authorities had contemplated action against the company, none had been taken.

The company has a tank-cleaning service and collects waste oils, bilge water and ballast from all sectors of the marine industry for recycling.

Marsa mayor Francis Debono last May filed a judicial protest on behalf of residents against the planning authority and the government, claiming they failed to seriously consider the complaints about the inconvenience and health risks residents and employees were exposed to.

He had said residents and employees were suffering from asthma and respiratory problems because of the unbearable odour around Spencer Hill.