In a statement this afternoon MEPA said that, the IPPC permit approved by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) Board on 5 December 2011, authorised the operation of the Delimara Power Station Extension (DPSE) using heavy fuel oil (HFO).

“The permit conditions require Enemalta to carry out ambient air monitoring, and stipulate that this data is to be assessed by an independent air quality consultant appointed by a Monitoring Committee set up for this purpose. The committee is chaired by MEPA includes a representative of the four local councils (Marsaxlokk, Birzebbuga, Zejtun and Ghaxaq) and a representative of EneMalta,” MEPA said.

“It was proposed that ambient air monitoring data would be analysed, before the Authority would decide whether HFO could continue to be used, or whether the operation of DPSE would be restricted to the use of gasoil. The IPPC permit requires this decision to be taken by the Authority by no later than September 2012.

“The Air Quality Management Resource Centre at the University of the West of England, Bristol, has been selected as the independent air quality consultant by the Monitoring Committee.

“The consultants have informed the Monitoring Committee that they require at least 6 months’ monitoring data with DPSE in full operation. Due to the extent of the data required, and the time frames for ambient air monitoring and the commissioning of the Delimara Power Station Extension, the independent consultants will not be in a position to prepare their report in time for the September 2012 timeframe to be met, MEPA said.

MEPA concluded, “It is therefore being recommended, in agreement with the Monitoring Committee, that the relevant condition in the IPPC permit should be revised to extend the timeframe from September 2012 to no later than June 2013.”

The public consultation document is available on the MEPA website at www.mepa.org.mt/public-consultation and comments will be received until 18 June 2012.

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