The consultation process over the granting of an environmental permit for the controversial Delimara power station has been extended by a week. The decision was made after Enemalta presented the planning authority’s environment unit with a modelling study that predicts the spread and dilution of cooling water. The planning authority said that although the study was not a compulsory requirement for the processing of the environment application, known as IPPC, “it was deemed relevant” and, as a result, the consultation period was extended to October 7.

During the consultation period, the operator will be organising meetings with local councils and environmental groups

The IPPC (integrated pollution prevention control permit) is the last step in the planning process before the power station becomes operational. The height of the chimneys will be determined as part of this process.

Last week, the Labour Party said that authority officials were under “undue pressure” after two chimneys were built at a height of 65 metres without a permit.

The government insisted that the planning permit granted in 2009 had covered the construction of the chimneys although it left the height issue open. The consultation document is available on the planning authority website. Feedback can be sent in by emailingippc.consultation@mepa.org.mt or by writing to the Director of Environment Protection, Malta Environment and Planning Authority, St Francis Ravelin, Floriana. During the consultation period, the operator will be organising meetings with local councils and environmental groups, the planning authority said.