According to local reports, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) Board has agreed to issue an environmental permit for UC Limited’s cement silo, which is situated next to the Kordin Grain Terminal at Laboratory Wharf in Corradino, Malta. The €3 million silo has a capacity to store up to 7500 t of cement.
In January 2014 Kordin Grain Terminal voiced concerns over the close proximity of the silo to its grain conveyor. The company argued that the risk of contamination of the grain by cement dust was high, which could result in a threat to public safety. Voluntary environmental organisation Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar (FAA) additionally expressed concerns over the silo’s proximity.
However, taking into account risk assessment tests carried out by UC Limited, the Environmental Health Directorate has recommended MEPA’s approval of the permit, providing that the company abide to all local regulations concerning air emissions, odour, noise, waste and accident prevention tests. The risk assessment investigations, which outlined the type and quantity of emissions, potential risk to the surrounding environment and planned mitigation and control measures, concluded that the silo posed an insignificant risk. UC Limited stated that cement handling is controlled and that any escaped dust would be immediately detected and dealt with.
Edited from various sources by Rosalie Starling