Mepa helping police probe

The police have failed to provide an update on their investigation into February’s oil spill in Mosta valley but the planning authority says it is helping look into the case.

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority told The Times it was assisting the police in their ongoing investigations.

“Mepa is pursuing the case by further studies to determine whether there was any seepage of hydrocarbons (the basic organic compound found in oil) that could have contaminated the ground as a result of this spill.”

These studies, a Mepa spokesman said, will help the police conclude their investigations.

Meanwhile, Environment Minister Mario de Marco has reiterated his call for those responsible to be held “fully accountable”.

“The Ministry considers any incidents which have an effect on our environment to be of serious and grave concern and expects that legal action be taken against the party responsible,” Dr de Marco’s spokesman said.

Confirming that investigations were still under way to see if the spill had caused any contamination, the spokesman added: “Following the conclusion of such investigations and studies, the Ministry expects the party responsible for such spillage and damage to be held fully accountable under the law.”

Meanwhile, the police have maintained their silence, four months after saying they planned to file charges for crimes of an involuntary nature, although negligence was not yet ruled out.

The oil spill was caused by a leak from an old 45-gallon tank at the Ballut Blocks’ quarry yard. Up to 200 litres of black oil were estimated to have been carried by rainwater through a 400-metre stretch of the valley.

The spill was reported by a citizen who happened to be walking in the scenic valley. The oil was removed in a two-day clean-up operated contracted by Mepa.