Gas storage for new power station ‘a time bomb’ – AD
Green party says storage of gas should be situated outside Marsaxlokk Bay.
Placing gas storage inside Marsaxlokk Bay was like placing a "time bomb", Alternattiva Demokratika said today.
AD spokesman for sustainable development Carmel Cacopardo said that residents' concerns as outlined in the Social Impact Assessment were not being adequately addressed.
AD noted that while the conversion from heavy fuel oil to gas will improve the air quality in the surrounding localities, the risk assessment on the gas storage facility at Marsaxlokk Bay was "far from convincing".
"It is necessary and essential that the gas storage is carried outside Marsaxlokk Bay. AD is aware that the required technical solutions need time and substantial additional expense," Cacopardo said.
"It is however important that undue haste is swept aside and consequently that additional studies be carried out until there is no more doubt that all the risks to which the communities of Marsaxlokk and Birzebbuga have been exposed are adequately addressed."
AD chairperson Arnold Cassola said the health and security of the residents of Marsaxlokk and Birzebbuga should be the foremost consideration.
"The national consensus on the use of gas for the generation of electricity should be implemented with full respect towards the residents. If this is not done, a time-bomb will be installed at Marsaxlokk Bay," he said.