Two separate inquiries are to be carried out into allegations that toxic chemicals were incinerated at Mġarr two years ago.

The Finance Ministry said last night it will appoint an independent board of inquiry. This will investigate allegations made in regard to a number of procedures adopted by Enemalta corporation related to the chemical Merkaptan.

In a statement, Minister Tonio Fenech insisted that such an investigation should be carried out as quickly as possible to establish the facts in the light of the allegations made in recent days.

A report in the daily Maltese newspaper l-orizzont yesterday claimed that Enemalta secretly dumped 450 gallons of the toxic chemical at Mġarr after an attempt to abandon it at Corradino failed. The chemical contained in tanks was burnt in the open in the limits of the town.

Meanwhile, contacted by The Times the Malta Environment and Planning Authority said it had not authorised the alleged disposal of Merkaptan by incineration in an open field.

It said it would open an investigation into the claim.

It noted that the disposal of hazardous waste was regulated by the law.