Emissions, air quality dominate consultation on power station

The level of emissions from the planned extension of the Delimara power station dominated two consultation meetings on the environmental impact of the project this afternoon, with some of those present calling for the new plant to operate on cleaner fuel.

The consultation, held under a marquee on the grounds of the power station, featured a presentation on the technology to be used, but comments from the floor quickly led to concerns over the fly ash and emissions which the extension would cause.

The new plant will operate using heavy fuel oil but one of those present, Mario Schemrbi, who was involved in the environment impact assessment, said that diesel would be better from an environmental point of view, not least because it would do away with the problem of disposing fly ash.

Pediatrician Patrick Zahra argued that public health should come first in the choice of the fuel to fire the power station.

Others among those present proposed using gas and also insisted that air monitoring equipment should be fitted.

The consultation meetings was attended by representatives of the Marsaxlokk, Birzebbuga and Marsaskala local councils, representatives of NGOs and MPs.