‘No permit for sites used to burn mercaptan’ – PL

The sites, Mizzi said, were also inadequate.

Mizzi briefly explained the history of the mercaptan. Four to five years Enemalta bought mercaptan to mix with odourless gas as a preventive measure in case there were any gas leakages. When the supplier started mixing the gas with mercaptan, Enemalta ended up with 10 tanks of 45 gallons of mercaptan which could not be used.

The energy company tried unsuccessfully to return them to the supplier. As a result the hazardous waste was stored in Qajjenza and then Corradino. In both cases the tanks leaked. Enemalta attempted to contain the smell by putting the tanks into concrete and adding water, however this proved to be useless.

On advice from MEPA and Wasteserv, Enemalta hired a private company to dispose of the waste.

The mercaptan was burnt by a private company who has the license to dispose of hazardous waste in a fireworks factory between Mgarr and Rabat. Only 80 gallons were burnt in this factory. These 80 gallons were stored in containers and kept for two months at the fireworks factory until the building had to be used to produce fireworks.

When asked the name of the company, Joe Mizzi replied he will divulge the information after the investigation is carried out.

Labour MP Leo Brincat said: “Minister Tonio Fenech deceived Parliament and hid what really happened with the hazardous waste. The authorities knew of the hazardous waste and how it was burnt illegally as there is a set procedure to follow.

“Neighbours of both sites did not know about it and the employees of Enemalta and the private company who disposed of the waste were exposed to the hazard themselves.”

Brincat added, “I fully support any work done by the government for the welfare of animals. However, I would like the same measures to be applied when it comes to endangering people’s lives and not only animals.”

Mizzi said: “The misfortune is that the investigation I had asked the Prime Minister for is being led by the Prime Minister himself when this should have been investigated by the Police as the law was broken. Therefore this investigation may not be carried out as it should be,” said Joe Mizzi. 

Although little is known about the effects of mercaptan on human beings, overexposure can lead to fatalities.