Controversial grit blasting at Cottonera

The way the Palumbo affair is being tackled by the authorities is somewhat disturbing.

Whereas officials of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority have finally come round to agree with protests lodged by Cottonera residents mainly through the services of the Cospicua and Senglea local councils, namely that grit blasting is unacceptable, Palumbo Shipyards are evidently dragging their feet in their acquiescence to Mepa’s decision.

They have simply agreed, and I quote, to submit an application for an environmental permit which would establish a legally binding framework for the environmental performance of the shipyards.

Their statement goes on to spell out its dilly-dallying tactics in these words: “It is expected that this application is to be submitted shortly and will be followed up by further technical discussions. The issue of a permit with conditions stipulating environmental standards of performance would be subject to a public consultation process”.

In other words, grit blasting activities will be continuing despite the protests made by Cottonera residents who are suffering the consequences of contracts drawn without taking the quality of their lives into consideration.

Grit blasting is when copper particles are blasted onto ships to remove paint and rust, thereby leaving a smooth and clean surface.

As Palumbo Shipyards pointed out, this method is not illegal per se but, and this is a big but, its legality can be called into question if its residue pollutes the environment or creates a health hazard, such as if the tiny specs of paint, rust and metal become airborne.

The Cottonera residents believe it certainly is a health hazard and an immense inconvenience to them and their families. In order to be fair to all involved in the matter, Mepa moved from complete passiveness to a different position whereby it ordered Palumbo Shipyards to stop the procedure, namely grit blasting.

Apparently, Mepa had overlooked taking measures which experts in the matter readily pointed out. As a major industrial concern, Palumbo Shipyards needed an IPPC permit to regulate their emissions. Equally astounding was the Health Division’s judgment regarding the size and, therefore, the possibility of particles not being inhaled.

What was even more amazing, indeed verging on the unbelievable, was the conclusion the public was encouraged to reach insofar as the protagonists in this latter-day drama seemed to be equating the welfare of yachts and the living conditions of neighbouring Cottonera residents. When I read this I simply could not believe my eyes.

I am sure many other citizens were as shocked as I was.