Marsa power station ‘constant source’ of black particle dust – MEPA

The report, commissioned by Mepa in August 2009 and published on 19th September, concluded that “it appears certain that the Marsa power station has been a constant source of emission of coarse black particles (cenospheres) for a long time”

It goes on to add that “such a strong and constant source has left a clear mark or signature of pollution which is hard to miss (e.g. the evidence from the church limestone surfaces).”

It adds that this “is one compelling reason for tentatively attributing to this same source that dust which causes the sporadic public complaint.”

The report however concedes that “such a preliminary conclusion would need to be tested and confirmed by proper and sufficient scientific examination of the dust fall.”

“It is anticipated that once the Marsa power station is decommissioned, deposition of coarse black particles or cenospheres will very likely decrease considerably,” it adds.

The report also speculates that “the occasional substantial deposits of coarse black particles or cenospheres occurring in the same localities as identified here and which cause public outcries are likely to be generated by the same source as the one responsible for the less observable ‘background’ black particle deposits.”

The report however says that it is not suggesting that the Marsa power station is the only source of black (or dark coloured) particles in Malta in the Grand Harbour, “since the presence of other emitters of dark coloured particulate matter which is not even related to a combustion source cannot be excluded.”

It adds that the area is one that is already rife with “grit blasting operations associated with ship repair and with steel construction as well as waste steel recycling activities do take place and could, under certain conditions, potentially generate dust in amounts that could cause a local nuisance.”

It however says that other emitters of coarse black particles would presumably be located close to the Marsa area and are sporadic and short-lived judging from the intermittent nature of the reports.

Moreover “there are no physical structures such as chimneys which would be expected to betray the existence of other significant combustion sources.”

Only months ago, the Marsa power station exceeded the 20,000 operational hours time limit imposed by the European Commission, which had allowed the government time to run the power station until the time allotment is used up.

However government has announced plans to extend the operation of the plant until the end of 2013, and even has gone so far as to apply for an extension to the operational hours allowed.

Environmental Commission Janez Potočnik is however not impressed with government’s chances at successfully obtaining an extension to the power station’s life time.

Just last week, he said in Malta that “under the Large Combustion Plants (LCP) directive, there is no mechanism for an extension to either the number of operational hours or the dates applicable.”

He added that it is however unlikely that an extension to the plant’s lifetime is on the cards: “It is likely that even with this revised review of operation hours, the Marsa plant might still not be compliant with the LCP directive.”

He urged the government to abandon attempts to obtain a derogation to the directive, and simply shut down the plant.

“So it is very important that Malta simply take immediate action to ensure compliance with the LCP directive and that is what will be closely monitored in future,” Potočnik said.