An environmental NGO is accusing Enemalta of issuing contradictory statements over the possible relocation of the Ħas-Saptan fuel discharge structure in Marsaxlokk Bay.

According to the environmental impact statement issued on February 25, Enemalta’s consultants had confirmed that such relocation was not necessary, and so was not considered in the study, Din l-Art Ħelwa said.

However, it pointed out that press reports on Sunday said Enemalta was submitting a separate application to remove the so-called fuelling dolphin on the recommendation of Italian expert Umberto Maffezzoli.

While requesting the publication of the Maffezzoli report, Din l-Art Ħelwa said such contradictory statements in the run-up to the planning authority’s decision on March 24 were unacceptable.

The NGO said if the fuelling dolphin had to be relocated, the new site should be indicated and considered within the same impact assessment as it had a direct impact on the proposed location of the gas storage tanker for the power station. The fuelling dolphin is located midway between the Delimara power station and the San Luċjan promontory, and is used to load fuel from ships to the Ħas-Saptan onshore storage installation.