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local
news
Secret report reveals massive fuel
leaks at Birzebbugia
A confidential report reveals that Enemalta loses over 400 tonnes
of fuel from its tanks at Birzebbugia on an annual basis. The
loss is made through evaporation of the fuel and is a serious
health hazard.
The report has not been made public and the tonnes of oil would
also translate into thousands of liri.
The news, comes at a time when the rising cost of fuel is already
a hot issue after the Arab countries’ decision to cut their
output sent the oil market into disarray.
But the fuel leaks will be of no surprise to Birzebbugia residents,
who have long complained about pollution to the sea from the Enemalta
tanks.
Birzebbugia local council has often raised the issue of fuel leaking
into the sea and also polluting the air, causing problems to residents
and visitors to the locality.
Apart from the evaporation other accidents have taken place.
One famous incident occurred when petrol had leaked into the surrounding
sea area, contaminating the water and shoreline, much to the dismay
of residents and summer swimmers, who were warned not to bathe
in the area.
Events had culminated when Birzebbugia local council placed a
large boulder in front of the Enemalta facility’s gates in
protest against the pollution. The boulder was shifted to the
side, where it remains as a reminder.
And just recently, 40 tonnes of crude oil overflowed from a tank
in Marsa at the power station compound, due to a faulty gauge.
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