The chimneys of the extension to the Delimara power have been erected without the necessary MEPA permit, Marsaxlokk deputy mayor Edric Micallef is claiming.

Mr Micallef said that the chimneys were not approved because:

* there were concerns that the dispersion model that determined the stack height did not take account the particulate matters predicted by the EIA to increase by four times those already existing; and

* the stack height was calculated as being from the bottom of the chimneys and not from the higher ground of Delimara where the government is proposing a national park for families.

Mr Micallef submitted a report to Mepa with his claim pointing out that the authority is suppose to issue an enforcement notice on illegal development.

The only remaining solution, he said, is that the new power station is operated by gasoil which would emit by far less particulate matter than the proposed heavy fuel oil plant.