The pollution response unit has had to intervene in 23 incidents of marine pollution caused by petroleum products from ships and terminals, while several other cases did not warrant intervention.

Answering a parliamentary question by Marthese Portelli (PN), Transport and Infrastructure Minister Joe Mizzi explained that the Pollution and Incident Response Unit (Piru) did not intervene operatively but ensured there were adequate resources to respond to incidents.

The unit also ensured immediate action in cases of emergency and saw that the work was being done appropriately. Another function of the unit was to make sure every terminal had a contingency plan to handle any incidents and emergencies that could occur.

In cases where the polluter was unknown, a contractor was engaged to clean up at the unit’s expense. If the polluter was eventually identified the financial outlay was recouped, if necessary by legal process.

The Piru received reports of pollution from various sources, but normally from the Vessel Traffic Services Unit. Daytime reports were almost immediately acted on. During and after clean-up operations, inspectors were on site to ensure that work was being done well.