Labour MPs Joe Mizzi and Leo Brincat said today they were prepared to disclose documents related to the illegal disposal of Mercaptan if an investigation ordered by the Finance Minister was truly serious and independent.

Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, the Labour MPs said Enemalta had had 450 gallons of the chemical, which is used to give odour to LPG used in homes throughout Malta and Gozo.

When LPG started being imported without the need for the additive, Enemalta moved the barrels containing the chemical to Qajjenza, where they started to leak, raising complaints. They were then moved to Corradino where the problem persisted.

An amount was disposed of at Benghajsa - the MPs were prepared not to say how - and on the recommendation of Mepa and Wastserv a contractor was engaged to dispose of the remaining 80 gallons. The barrels were taken to a fireworks factory between Rabat and Mgarr, but when a festa approached and the fireworks factory was needed it was decided to burn this waste.

The operation was performed by the contractor, although the corporation approved what was taking place, the MPs said. 

Mr Brincat observed that no permits were issued by Mepa, which is such cases normally even issued conditions on how hazardous waste was transported.

The MPs criticised Finance Minister Tonio Fenech for having, in reply to a parliamentary question, indicated that Enemalta had used up its supply of Mercaptan, when that was not the case.

They said that the minister should be among those interviewed during the inquiry.