The power station extension permission – the technical facts
• The approved extension works are intended to cater for part of the shortfall of power that is projected once the Marsa Power Station is decommissioned as planned. The proposal also aims to increase the efficiency of the present generation plant and to cater for the increasing national electrical demand. • The proposed development shall occupy an area totaling 12,000m².
• The construction of the new electrical power generating plant was already covered by an outline development permit, which was approved in January of this year, and supported by an Environment Impact Assessment.
• The type of engines installed and fuel used for their operation were not approved in the outline permit, but were subject to an Integrated Pollution and Prevention and Control (IPPC) permit which is pending formal MEPA approval.
• The proposed extension consists of the construction and installation of a Power House, Abatement Area, Steam Turbine Building, Fresh Water Generator Area, Step-up and Aux, Trafo Cells, Service Tank Farm and Waste Management Plant. Enemalta is planning to construct the said extension over a period of 26 months, commencing operations by mid 2011. A total of 14,000m³ of excavation waste is expected to be generated in the process.
• Enemalta is obliged to notify the Occupational Health and Safety Authority with respect to any change in nature or quantities of the dangerous substances stored at their facility.
• The Malta International Airport found no objection to the proposed development provided that the chimney stacks are equipped with obstruction lighting.
• The permit was issued against a bank guarantee of €500,000 which shall be returned to the developer upon the satisfactory completion of construction and satisfactory compliance with permit conditions.
• The development shall not be operated until such time as the IPPC Permit is issued. Should the processing of the IPPC permit require infrastructural modifications to accommodate mitigation measures or abatement technologies, Enemalta is obliged to apply for the necessary amendments through a fresh application.
• Contaminated material shall be treated as waste and disposed of (or decontaminated) in accordance with the standard legal provisions laid down in LN 337 Waste Management (Permit and Control) Regulations of 2001 and LN 106 Waste Management (Activity Registration) Regulations, 2007.
• All bulk oil storage tanks shall be provided with an adequately designed bund system with an impermeable base and walls.
• The Marsaxlokk Local Council, being a recognised objector, is still in time to file an appeal against the approved permit. In the meantime, any development which may be carried out shall be undertaken at the risk that this permission may be revoked by the Planning Appeals Board or quashed by the Court of Appeal at a later stage – in which case, operations have to cease instantly.
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• The proposed development shall occupy an area totaling 12,000m². 
