Nationalist MEP candidate Therese Comodini Cachia has called for impact studies to probe the effects of the proposed LNG storage tank on the Freeport and Marsaxlokk bay.
Dr Comodini Cachia said the social impact assessment of the storage tank did not take into consideration whether the structure would negatively affect the Freeport or the work and livelihood of Marsaxlokk fishermen.
Strongly opposed by more than 90 per cent of Marsaxlokk and Birżebbuġa residents, the proposal is to have a 160,000 metre cubed tanker moored at a new quay linked to the Delimara power station.
Dr Comodini Cachia yesterday held a press conference out in the middle of the bay on an 85-year-old fishing vessel, close to where the storage unit will be anchored to show its proximity to the community.
“It is very clear that this area is very close to the Freeport and the bay – how will the storage tank affect their lives and operations?” she asked.
When the tank is being refilled no sea traffic is allowed in a radius of two nautical miles – will the same happen in Malta?
Residents contested the placing of the tank on three grounds – safety, visual impact and the way it would impact fishermen. In spite of this, the government was intent of forging ahead with its plans to anchor the gas storage vessels in Marsaxlokk.
“Tankers will come in regularly to refill the storage area – will the area be closed off when this happens?” she asked.
Dr Comodini Cachia referred to a similar set-up in Livorno, Italy where the storage tanker was anchored 22 km outside the bay for safety reasons.
“When the tank is being refilled no sea traffic is allowed in a radius of two nautical miles – will the same happen in Malta? And if so, when will the government decide to tell us?”
Closing off part of the bay would affect the work of the Marsaxlokk fishermen but no study had been carried out to verify the economic impact.
There still was no indication about whether the aviation fuel dolphin, which supplies Ħas-Saptan, was going to be relocated and, if so, to where, Dr Comodini Cachia added.
The project also had to conform with the conditions imposed in the EU’s Seveso Directive.
In a statement last night, Labour MEP candidate Miriam Dalli said despite the necessary studies carried out, the PN was trying to stop a project which would deliver electricity through gas.