Birzebbuga group claims ship contaminated bay

The Birzebbuga Action Group has called on the Malta Environment and Planning Authority to fine the Freeport after a container ship last week scraped the seabed as it entered harbour and contaminated the area with the material that was dredged up. In a statement, the group said the 190-metre Tyrusland berthed at the Freeport’s West Quay terminal which was incomplete and not yet equipped for such ships. It said that if the quay was used by another ship, the situation would be repeated. The group asked Mepa to fine the Freeport but the Mepa said that no fines for such contamination existed. The group argued that unless the Freeport was fined, there was nothing to keep it from reusing the quay. Mepa requested a study to be made and circulated among the member of the Environmental Permit Committee.