Updated | MEPA application filed to dismantle Birzebbugia oil storage tanks

The government has formally submitted an application with the Environment Authority to start dismantling the Shell tanks in Birzebbugia, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announced during a political acitivity.

The application was filed on Thursday morning.

In a statement issued on Friday morning, the Energy Ministry said the MEPA application kick starts the process for the dismantling of the 31 March facility in Birzebbugia.

The application requests the necessary permits to carry out refurbishment works at existing facilities.

The plans involve the change of use of existing underground storage tanks at Has Saptan. Currently these tanks are leased to third parties for overseas use on short-term contracts. These tanks will be refurbished and upgraded with modern safety features and will be used to store Enemed products. The project will utilise existing infrastructure and hence will not create environmental issues.

The energy ministry said the previous administration failed to close the Birzebbuga fuel depot and its proposals to build eight new over ground tanks at Ħas Saptan and Kordin, next to MCAST were refused by MEPA or faced major obstacles.

Addressing a political activity in Birzebbugia, one of the localities taking part in the local councils election, Muscat said the tanks will be dismantled during this legislature.

The oldest tank dates back to 1919, he said.

In Birzebbugia, Muscat immediately started off his speech discussing the government's energy plan, building up on the recent news that Malta was the only country to pass the EU executive's test over transposition of an EU directive on energy efficiency.

"Malta is becoming a leader in energy. The EU issues many directives regulating energy, one of which is the Energy Efficiency Directive which should be transposed into national law. And Malta is the only country not to face EU action, the only country to pass this test," Muscat said to a cheering audience, giving him a standing ovation.

The Labour leader said everyone was equal and wealth being generated was being spread among each and every region. Addressing the residents' dissatisfaction over the adjacent Freeport site, Muscat explained that the Freeport was important as one of the motors generating economic growth.

He said the government had kicked off works relating to the water polo and football pitches in Birzebbugia while plans for the embellishment of the Qajjenza promenade were in the pipeline.

"I know you have long been waiting for these projects but we cannot do everything at the same time ... We are doing one project after the other," he said, as he urged the residents to vote for the Labour candidates.

During the same political activity, backbencher Deborah Schembri made her pitch for a Yes vote in the spring hunting referendum.

Muscat, who said that every member of his parliamentary group would be allowed a free vote,  also said his party won't be campaigning. Addressing a cheering crowd, Schembri insisted that it should be up to the Maltese government to decide whether a spring hunting season should open or not.