AD requests release of Enemalta mercaptan report

In a letter to the MEPA focal point for freedom of access to information on the environment, AD spokesperson for sustainable development Carmel Cacopardo demanded the release of the report in terms of articles 3, 4 and 5 of the regulations.

Enemalta Corporation has been carrying out an internal investigation on a case of theft from the corporation, which inadvertently discovered the cause of an incident two years ago that resulted in a foul smell of gas reported across Malta.

The Enemalta board of inquiry was told that on 4 September 2009, 10 barrels each containing 45 gallons of methyl mercaptan were allegedly burnt in the limits of Mġarr. The activity was carried out by a number of Enemalta employees assisted by a fire engine belonging to Enemalta’s fire section.

One of the reasons for the inexplicable, foul smell that resulted is that methanethiol is a colourless gas that smells like rotten cabbage. But it is also found in humans and animals, and disposed of through animal feces. It occurs naturally in cheese, and is one of the chemicals responsible for bad breath and flatulence.

The incidents had provoked reports from various localities including San Gwann, Valletta, Birkirkara, Rabat, Iklin and Imsida about the persisting gas foul smell. But 24 months down the line, Enemalta has never made any formal declarations on the cause of the smell.

Enemalta had then said that its technical staff had investigated all the corporation’s installations, visited towns using gas detectors, and also visited “a site where Mercaptan was deposited in the morning” but only said it had established there was no danger.

Mercaptan is the harmless, non-toxic chemical that is added to natural gas to make it easier to detect in case of a leak.