PN claims OHSA report on LNG terminal ‘fundamentally flawed’

Maritime lawyer and president of the Nationalist Party executive Ann Fenech lambasted the preliminary study on the LNG terminal and the floating storage unit in Marsaxlokk Bay published this week by the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA).

According to Fenech, the report was “fundamentally flawed”.

Flanked by PN MEP hopeful Stefano Mallia, Fenech said the summary of the OHSA report excluded the risk of immediate ignition. She said a conservative approach for the principal weather classes and average wind speeds was adopted.

The report was compiled by Dr George Papadakis, a SEVESO Directive expert. He identified three zones where the development of the energy facilities would not pose a danger to neighbouring residences.

“Even though the decision for the gas-powered power station is scheduled for 24 March, a maritime impact assessment has not yet been carried out,” Fenech said.

Mallia said it was “ironic” that government was holding various public consultation meetings but was not listening to the residents of Marsaxlokk and Delimara.

He said 91% were against the government’s proposal due to safety issues and because it hindered the work of the fishermen and the Freeport.

“I asked the Energy Minister 20 questions but received no reply. As a result, I passed these questions to the Nationalist MPs to be asked during parliamentary questions. The replies are horrendous.”  

The PN candidate said that it was shocking listening to the mayor of Marsaxlokk  defending the project as one that posed no danger to the residents.

“This project is different from the one proposed a year ago. Storage tanks have since increased from 60,000 cubic metres to 180,000,” Mallia said.

The OHSA report acknowledges the visual intrusion resulting from the presence of the FSU unit but notes that this development can be reversed if the vessel is moved away.