Ray Bugeja, president of the Fisheries Cooperative and his wife this morning filed a judicial letter to the chairman of Mepa, Vincent Cassar, objecting to the storage of gas on a floating facility in Marsaxlokk Bay.

They said they were concerned by the plans to store 136,000 cubic metres of liquefied natural gas in a bay which was surrounded by houses and businesses.

Furthermore, they said no maritime impact assessment had been held to guide the Mepa board before it decided in the gas power station permit next Monday. This study was a requirement in terms of the law and no decision could be taken without it.

The study would consider the impact of the floating gas storage facility on harbour movements, fishing and other maritime businesses in the area.

The study would also consider the possible consequences of rough weather on the facility, the risks of a collision and other incidents.

They said that although Mepa had, in a public consultation meeting, a maritime impact assessment had been promised, it did not happen.

They also referred to the report by George Papadakis, engaged by the Health and Safety Authority and said he had assumed that the immediate area around the facility would be ignition free but various scenarios were not examined.

Dr Ann Fenech signed the letter. 

Asked about the fact that she was also part of the PN, Dr Fenech said she had been a lawyer on maritime issues for 27 years and had also been legal counsel for Mr Bugeja for several years.