The Mepa board has agreed to issue an environment permit for the cement silo at Corradino, despite safety concerns by Kordin Grain Terminal and environment NGO Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar.
Kordin Grain Terminal in January initiated legal action to stop the operations of the silo, located next door at Laboratory Wharf.
It claimed that the proximity of its open-air grain conveyor to the cement silo, operated by UC Limited, posed a public health hazard in view of possible contamination.
FAA made the same arguments in a statement yesterday, also claiming that the cement silo development never went through a proper development application process.
The Case Officer, however, recommended approval of the permit and the board was told this afternoon that operations were sealed and the risks were very limited.
There were seven votes in favour of the permit, and two against.