Updated: Black dust report does not confirm Marsa power station as culprit - Enemalta
(Adds PL, Marsa council statements)
At no point does the University study on black dust, published yesterday, confirm that the main source of the black dust samples collected is the power station, Enemalta said this afternoon.
A report by Alfred Vella, who heads the University's Chemistry Department, concluded that the "most likely candidate source" for black dust collected from the Fgura area was the power plant.
Enemalta said in a reaction that of the 11 particles analysed, only two contained vanadium and nickel, which are characteristic markers found in dust emissions from the combustion of the fuel used at Marsa.
The report also failed to compare the flyash produced by the Marsa station to confirm whether or not the concentrations were similar.
"Enemalta points out that it does not agree that the sporadic episodes of increased black dust is attributable to Marsa Power Station.
"The plant operates constantly and the points mentioned, such as faults or soot blowing, are really not relevant.
"Enemalta carries out soot blowing twice or three times a day and logs of this activity are submitted to MEPA, so that they can correlate any abnormal dust falls, which has not happened to date."
It said that the black dust complaints were concentrated over a period of two months and could not be attributed to the 10-month period when the precipitators were out of service.
"At the time, our monitoring equipment recorded almost steady emissions, consistent with those before and after this period. Enemalta does get short term effects during boiler faults or boiler start-ups, but these generally only last for a few minutes in case of faults or intermittently over a few hours in case of start-ups.
Enemalta said that it was, however, making every effort to shut down the Marsa Power Station as soon as possible bearing in mind the energy supply requirements of the country.
Apart from purchasing lower sulphur fuel oil (0.7% instead of 1% sulphur) to reduce emissions, Enemalta was continuously investing in projects such as the Delimara power station extension and the interconnector cable which will connect Malta to the European grid.
Enemalta 'passing the buck' - Leo Brincat
Addressing a news conference on the same subject, Labour’s environment spokesman Leo Brincat said it was about time someone took responsibility for and addressed the black dust problem.
He asked how, a report dated last March, was published only yesterday and noted that in House Committee meetings last June, Mepa representatives had stated they did not yet have the report.
Mr Brincat asked why nothing had ever been done on a report commissioned by the then minister Francis Zammit Dimech in 1999, which had also indicated that the problem had probably originated from Marsa.
He also referred to Enemalta’s statement which he said was passing the buck, a symptom of this administration.
Mr Brincat noted that, as regulator, Mepa had responsibility and a war of words is useless.
The Prime Minister also had the ersponsibility to take bull by the horn with his firm pair of hands.
Council threatens legal action
The Marsa council in a statement called on Mepa to make good for the damage done by the black dust on the health of residents.
Mepa, the council said, should also explain why it had taken it such a long time to find the source of the dust.
The council appealed to Mepa and Enemalta to assume responsibility and consult the council to take the necessary steps for the benefit of residents.
Unless this is done, the council retained its right to take legal action against Mepa and Enemalta.
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Mr Tony Camilleri
Sep 20th 2011, 23:50
It is those incompetents and responsible persons including those who appointed them and who took the wrong decisions not to use filters etc must be made to pay not the taxpayers.
Mr Victor vella
Sep 20th 2011, 20:29
Against all that have been discussed what the department of health is going to do now? Is the black dust coming from the chimneys a health hazard? What is the impact on the environment that ironically enough the regime of Gonzi came out with the green paper to show how environmental sensitive it is.?. The usual blatant hypocrisy coming from a despotic regime that whatever it says is right and is giving the impression that without Gonzi Malta will not continue to sink in the dirt of the Delimara power station in concert with that of the Marsa black dust.
Albert Bezzina
Sep 20th 2011, 19:30
At no point does the University study on black dust, published yesterday, confirm that the main source of the black dust samples collected is the power station, Enemalta said this afternoon.
IF THIS IS A LEGITIMATE REMARK THAN:-
IN NONE OF ENEMALTA'S STATEMENTS ON THE PRICE OF FUELS TO THE CONSUMER ISSUED AT THE END OF EACH MONTH DOES IT CONFIRM THAT ENEMALTA ACTUALLY PURCHASED FUEL AT THE AVERAGE PLATTS EUROPE PRICES OF THE PRECEEDING WEEKS! PURCHASES COULD HAVE BEEN MADE MONTHS AGO AT MORE FAVORABLE PRICES!
Mr Joseph N. Attard
Sep 20th 2011, 18:33
Enemalta's lawyers know only too well the possible consequences of ever accepting responsibility.
Ned Kelly
Sep 20th 2011, 18:20
Once Marsa power station is de-commissioned and the black dust stops, I wonder what Enemalta's explanation will be then?
Mr Lawrence Fenech
Sep 20th 2011, 17:49
Enemalta, m'ghandkomx limitu biex titmelhu bin-nies.
'
Mr Vincent Gauci
Sep 20th 2011, 17:20
I would appreciate clarification by Enemalta on the significance of "dust blowing", which I understand is a regular practice. Does that mean that the soot particles that are trapped by the precipitators are every now and then blown out of the chimney. It that's the case, what is the use of the precipitators, may I ask?
Mr Patrick Zahra
Sep 20th 2011, 17:09
The problem will soon be shifted further south to marsaxlokk thanks to this administration's insistence on an HFO powered plant instead of a much cleaner Gasoil powered one which will be less of a hazard to our health!!
Mr John Said
Sep 20th 2011, 16:36
A quick solution would be to switch off the Marsa power station and leave half Malta without electricity, hope it’s the part of those who always complain. What do you all expect that electricity comes from magic! Plus keep in mind that that area has one of the densest traffic, with all the factories in the surroundings, ship yards etc.
When the new power station was built, it was meant to replace the one in Marsa, but the increase in demand for electricity was greater than that forecasted, as Malta was experiencing the biggest economical growth ever and people had more money to spend, and more luxuries electrical gadgets and appliances to buy. Now that they decided to expand the new power station we had all this farce from those who think they now better! When they mentioned the wind turbines we got all experts commenting on the visual impact, and of the natural habitats. The government has been forking out money for people to invest in alternative energy, even gave out energy saving lights, but No we are not happy. Maybe the PL will not send the electricity bills, and they will get the electricity from the magic wond to avoid pollution.
Please give us a break!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A Dimech
Sep 20th 2011, 18:17
Mr Said -
Switch of power to those who are compalining ehh?
What about the government keeping his promise to close Marsa powerstation in time? This was suppose to have closed about 9 years ago if I remember correctly?
Perhaps you like to swollow some black dust?!!
Censu Filgolli
Sep 20th 2011, 16:36
Oh I know the culprit of this black dust.... "Aliens!!!"
Mr Edward Mallia
Sep 20th 2011, 16:28
Just a couple of small points on this matter: Was this monumental report from the University team based on analysis of 11 particles? Was there in fact no comparison with bona fides fly ash from Marsa? If not Professor Alfred Vella and his University team have lower standards than the year 2000 B.Sc. student the Chemistry department was supervising. That does not of course shield Enemalta from its habitual hypocrisy. It raised merry hell when the student -- who had carefully compared Fgura dust samples with Enemalta-donated fly ash -- published her results!
Finally, now that Enemalta has admitted that the precipitators WERE switched off -- why and on whose orders, may one ask -- for ten months, are its engineers suggesting that the fly ash was going straight up to heaven rather than falling on Fgura or that no fly ash was being produced at all?
Ms D Galea
Sep 20th 2011, 16:28
Dear Enemalta officials,
you will soon have all the population of Malta limping really badly , with all the leg pulling you have been trying to do.
Thank you.
Mr Joseph Calleja
Sep 20th 2011, 17:02
Good one Ms Galea....
Mr Daniel Jones
Sep 20th 2011, 16:13
Disgusting. Those responsible should hold their hands up and admit their fault and do everything in their power to rectify the situation. Instead they try to pass the blame elsewhere.
I think a class action law suit should be instigated. With criminal proceedings against the board as those ultimately responsible for the company.
Mr Joe Morana
Sep 20th 2011, 15:56
Simply pathetic....Shame !!!
Mr Stephen Borg
Sep 20th 2011, 15:40
So black smoke concentration is found in areas surrounding the Marsa power station and no where else in Malta and Enemalta wants us to believe their version of facts. Unbelievable
Mr Paul Sciberras
Sep 20th 2011, 15:32
Yes I agree that the Marsa power station is not the culprit.The culptir is the burned oil(zejt magruq) that is used in the Marsa power station by Enamalta.
Mr Joseph Calleja
Sep 20th 2011, 15:28
Let us cut the crap and the politics. It does not matter who is in power, who was in power and who will be in power. This might be a very serious health hazard and probably coming from the Marsa Plant. Enemalta is a government agency and we are way to familiar how they work. Why not spend the money and engage a true professional to find out if this black dust is harmful to humans and who the culprit is? So far all we know is that the black dust is floating in the air and people are breathing it. So if Enemalta is not responsible, who is? We need answers now, not years from now, when it is discovered that this black dust can cause Cancer or other serious deceases. It is the duty of the government to protect it's citizens NOW. Stop the finger pointing.
A Dimech
Sep 20th 2011, 17:00
HI Joseph.
You say let's stop being political. The way I see it, is that this is a political problem - everyway you see , it is a political problem -square one!
For 9 years this government has not managed to find out who the culprits are. 9 long years!!! or, could it be that the government is not interested in finding who the culprit is? or could it be the government already knows, and doesn't want to admit it?!! Don't forget, if they government admits, people can sue them!!!
that is why this is political. It is a government without the will to help people. It is a government happy to endanger lives - because now they spent all the money and are struggling to find money to close an old powerstation...
that is the problem = the government
M Cassar
Sep 20th 2011, 15:25
Halluna Enemalta. Your credibility has never been lower. Why not ask for an aplology and also commit yourselves never to pass on the cost of your inefficiences to the consumers who have to pay such high water and electricity bills
Carmel Xuereb
Sep 20th 2011, 15:24
@ Jo Camm
Kemm iddahhaqna ghax il-vera tara nahha wahda biss. Din bhal inkjesta tal-power station jista kien hemm imma, il-probabilta li kien hemm imma, provi cari u sodi ma nghatawx. Ghax jahsbu li ghad hawn il-boloh gewwa Malta li kullhadd jemmen dak xi rjus iriduna nemmnu. U biex forsi l-Enemalta thbi l-fatti messa qalet li xi hadd kien ghad baqalu l-irmied tal-faham li kien jingieb ghal power station tal-Marsa u xerdu flinhawi tal-Fgura, Rahal il-Gdid u Tarxien minn fuq ix helicopter. Tahsbu li ahna bhal gahan.
A Dimech
Sep 20th 2011, 15:10
Ha Ha Ha Ha!!!
considering this episode alone, this government doesn't merit to be elected!!! They are taking the whole country for a ride and playing with their health!!
And then Austin says = "PN always invested in People and gave trust to people".... come on guys!!
Saviour Sam Agius
Sep 20th 2011, 15:06
It's probably a combination of 3 factors, the power station, the shipyards and last but certainly not the least, the traffic that goes through Marsa.
FRANS H SAID
Sep 20th 2011, 15:06
Whatever, the buck still stops with the Prime Minister with a pure and chaste conscience.
Mr Robert Agius
Sep 20th 2011, 15:05
Cat and mouse game....will some few elected people pocket some cash.
FRANS H SAID
Sep 20th 2011, 15:03
If it was not so tragic, it would be comical. In an age of DNA and other facilities, cannot the dust be analysed properly? So the Govt want to blame the power station to justify the mix up in the new plant at Dellimara and thus accuse the opposion and turn the south people against them, while Enemalta wants to be seen as more holy than thou.
Stop pulling our legs. The credibility of all concerned is not worth one single cent.
Mr Paul Caruana
Sep 20th 2011, 14:53
An outrageous and misleading 'spin' of the MEPA report
Mr JOSEPH ZAMMIT
Sep 20th 2011, 14:53
And the joke continues in this country. The government thinks the people are all imbeciles.
So much arrogance, so much disrespect towards the peoples' health!
When is the government in this country going to start taking responsibility?
Mr A. Mizzi
Sep 20th 2011, 14:48
Black dust report does not confirm Marsa power station as culprit - it could just be exhaust from some U.F.O..... as was the big bang at Dingli, backfire by the same U.FO. flying over Dingli?
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110612/local/explosion-at-dingli-fireworks-store.370246
Ritianne Agius
Sep 20th 2011, 16:26
Hilarious, thanks! Kultant ahjar nidhku milli nibku.
A Galea
Sep 20th 2011, 14:42
Jeez it was faster than I thought, they didn't even bother wasting time in engaging a new expert, simple denial. Even lazier than I thought. Now that is cost saving at its best, great job chaps.
R. Mazzitelli
Sep 20th 2011, 14:39
then from where is the black dust coming??? from the etna maybe??!!! iddahhqunix please!! qed tippruvaw tghaddu n-nies ta njoranti u bhahen allura intom!!
michael fenech
Sep 20th 2011, 14:36
@ Mr.Victor Vella
Very well said.
Mr Karl Consiglio
Sep 20th 2011, 14:34
Every time Joseph Muscat mentioned this black dust the Nationalists laughed at him
Mr Jo Camm
Sep 20th 2011, 14:24
"most likely candidate source" for black dust collected from the Fgura area was the power plant." - I agree with Enemalta as my reaction to the report was exactly similar to its interpretation.
"most likely" shows that there was no conclusion but an opinion.
Mr R ferriggi
Sep 20th 2011, 14:22
THE BIG joke continues.
and ,,,,,, ENEMALTA AGAIN continues to take the piff of the maltese public.
WHAT disrespect to the maltese public!!!
and here the government is an accomplice, of course.
the REAL culprits are the politicians and their inaction.
and stop blaming labour. labour have not been in power for ages.
Mr Victor vella
Sep 20th 2011, 14:12
When one reads the above news one can recall the times of Russia under the Communist Regime. Black dust report does not confirm Marsa power station as culprit - Enemalta. Why not the government? How many chimneys there are at Marsa or better in Malta? The Gonzi Regime is supreme and above all liability so that nobody can claim the regime. The culprit of the black is the bad management of Gonzi regime. No more no less. The people are suffering the insensitivity, arrogance and incompetent regime led by Gonzi the new Grand Master of Malta when nobody can touch.
PAUL BUSUTTIL
Sep 20th 2011, 14:47
Mr. V. Vella is it the black dust that bothers you or Gonzi and Gonzi PN?
R Saliba
Sep 20th 2011, 14:54
It rained a bit today. Must be Gonzi's regime fault as well.
FRANS H SAID
Sep 20th 2011, 15:04
@ Paul Busuttil
BOTH
Michael Seychell
Sep 20th 2011, 15:12
Mr. Victor Vella - Your comment confirms that you are still living in a frame of mind of the state Malta was under Minoff/KMB governments, similar to extreme socialist regimes better referred to as Communist countries.
I can confirm that under Mintoff and later KMB no difference was made between the Government, Parastatal Companies, and/or the Malta Labour Party also known the Labour Movement.
To give one example it suffice to mention that during the 1971-72 talks on a new financial agreement with Britan, workers used to partake in daily demonstrations held by the MLP in support of the government. I can also confirm that workers employed in government departments, the Dry-docks, and in parastatal companies were still paid their full wages for their absence from work.
For those with short memory or who are too young to remember, even the State Radio and Television used to start the Day with the duty announcer saluting the people with the words - Bongu Malta Socjalista.
Michael Seychell
Tal-Pieta
Mr George Calleja
Sep 20th 2011, 15:35
Mr.Vella, if you consider Gonzi and his governemnt as 'regime' what should we call the Mintoff. KMB and Sant governments? Dictatorships !!!!
A Cuschieri
Sep 20th 2011, 15:45
"The culprit of the black is the bad management of Gonzi regime. "
Are you serious? Black dust has been coming out of the Marsa power station since the begining. Minn zmien Mintoff bil-malti!
How can you attribute this, and the damage it caused to Gonzi or the current administration? Simply ridiculous. You're more bothered by seeing the PN in government then by the actual black dust. Typical ...
Carmel Xuereb
Sep 20th 2011, 14:06
Dawn ta' l-Enemalta jridu joqghodu jduru mal-lewza jew u minghalihom jitmelhu bin-nies. Mhux kullhadd jaf li l-irmied kien gej mill-impjant tal-Marsa xi studju kellna bzonn, l-irmied ma kienx manna baghtu Alla issa harget izjed fis-sod b'dan ir-rapport u kieku jiena noqghod fl-dawk l-inhawi nfittex lil Enemalta ghall-inkonvinjenza ta' l-irmied u forsi tal-mard li gab.
Mr J Xerri
Sep 20th 2011, 14:03
Does this mean that we are back to square one?
Mr A Spiteri
Sep 20th 2011, 14:01
u ejja dawn bis-serjeta ?? :) :)