Petition on the Maltese Government’s plans to berth a floating liquefied gas storage unit close to shore and the risks it poses
Petition to the European Parliament on the Maltese Government’s plans to berth a floating liquefied gas storage unit close to shore and the risks it poses to residents
The Government of Malta has proposed that a floating Liquid Natural Gas (LNG)-carrying vessel with a reported capacity of 140,000 cubic meters of LNG will be berthed in Marsaxlokk Bay in Malta. This is intended as a storage supply for the natural gas-fired power plant being installed in the bay.
The petitioners believe that this floating gas storage unit may run contrary to the provisions of the SEVESO II Directive, particularly as this unit will be berthed so close to a heavily populated residential area, as well as an operational power station and land-based gas storage facilities.
The residents in the immediate vicinities of Marsaxlokk, Birzebbugia and Zejtun, as well as of the outlying areas are concerned for their safety and the risks being faced by their communities. Only a preliminary Quantitative Risk Assessment has so far been carried out, using generic software.
In contrast, other EU Member States with similar projects, such as those off the Italian ports of Livorno and Ancona, have ensured that safety is paramount and that the legitimate concerns of residents were addressed by stationing the depot a safe distance away from them, with proper security zones around the vessel. None of the above safety provisions are envisaged in the Maltese Government's proposed intentions.
Article 7 of the Directive outlines that "Member States shall require the operator to draw up a document setting out his major-accident prevention policy and to ensure that it is properly implemented. The major-accident prevention policy established by the operator shall be designed to guarantee a high level of protection for man and the environment by appropriate means, structures and management systems."
Article 17 also states that "Member States shall prohibit the use or bringing into use of any establishment, installation or storage facility, or any part thereof where the measures taken by the operator for the prevention and mitigation of major accidents are seriously deficient."
Marsaxlokk bay already houses a concentration of power generation and fuel storage facilities as well as very busy in-bay shipping movements of the Malta Freeport. No Maritime Risk Assessment has been carried out and one should be done prior to the issuing of any permit. It is unclear whether the consultation zones on this project have been established.
In the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - A Community approach on the prevention of natural and man-made disasters, the Commission signalled its intention to carry out a study on current practices of hazard and risk mapping in Member States. These should focus on disasters with potential cross-border impacts (e.g. floods or accidental release of chemicals and radio-nuclear agents), exceptional events (major storms), large-scale disasters (earthquakes), and disasters for which the cost of recovery measures appears to be disproportionate when compared to that of preventive measures.
The risks associated with the implementation of the project of conversion of power facilities to gas would be greatly mitigated if the gas storage for this plant be moved to a secure location and a safe distance from residential areas, outside the bay.
The petitioners urge the European Parliament to call upon the European Commission to investigate this risk to the public’s safety.
Updates
Reached 1,000 supporters
February 21, 2014
February 19, 2014
My family lives in the shadow of these proposed tanks and I refuse to stop fighting until our safety is guaranteed. We are getting very near to that thousand signature mark and hitting it will force the authorities to look at us differently. Please send the link to your neighbors so we can show them how many people demand a safer plan.
Reached 100 supporters
February 18, 2014
February 15, 2014
My family lives right in the shadow of this proposed project and the thought of that tanker being so close keeps me up at night. We are nearing our first hundred signatures and I need you to pass this link to a neighbor before the end of the day. If we hit this goal now we prove that our community refuses to be ignored.
643 Comments
After years waiting for the re-allocation of the Enemalta Gas Plant from Qajjenza, now that this wasfinally achieved we're going to end up with a much larger gas plant in the shape of a ship in our bay!
Aside from the obvious risk to the immediate vicinity and its inhabitants, has anyone considered the farther-reaching consequences of blowing up two main lifelines of the economy: the power station itself and the Freeport facilities?
My family lives in the vicinity but this project is not just a danger to them; it is a risk to the whole area - the population of which has not been consulted - and potentially to the whole country. The government is putting monetary considerations over the safety of its population.
I totally disagree in having a floating liquefied gas storage unit close to our shores coz it is like a timebomb waiting to explode!! Leakages happen and that is all it takes to have a dissastor!!!!
Worrying to say the least. If an accident occurs I am sure that the whole of Malta could be effected, not only of not having light/water but most important healhtwise.It could just be a time bomb ready to take off.
The risks are not acceptable under any circumstances.
It is risky especially in bad weather
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
By signing, you accept our Terms and Privacy Policy and agree to occasional emails about petitions. Unsubscribe anytime.
Share this petition
Share this petition to help it reach more people.
Your share link
Petition on the Maltese Government’s plans to berth a floating liquefied gas storage unit close to shore and the risks it poses
Petition to the European Parliament on the Maltese Government’s plans to berth a floating liquefied gas storage unit close to shore and the risks it poses to residents
The Government of Malta has proposed that a floating Liquid Natural Gas (LNG)-carrying vessel with a reported capacity of 140,000 cubic meters of LNG will be berthed in Marsaxlokk Bay in Malta. This is intended as a storage supply for the natural gas-fired power plant being installed in the bay.
The petitioners believe that this floating gas storage unit may run contrary to the provisions of the SEVESO II Directive, particularly as this unit will be berthed so close to a heavily populated residential area, as well as an operational power station and land-based gas storage facilities.
The residents in the immediate vicinities of Marsaxlokk, Birzebbugia and Zejtun, as well as of the outlying areas are concerned for their safety and the risks being faced by their communities. Only a preliminary Quantitative Risk Assessment has so far been carried out, using generic software.
In contrast, other EU Member States with similar projects, such as those off the Italian ports of Livorno and Ancona, have ensured that safety is paramount and that the legitimate concerns of residents were addressed by stationing the depot a safe distance away from them, with proper security zones around the vessel. None of the above safety provisions are envisaged in the Maltese Government's proposed intentions.
Article 7 of the Directive outlines that "Member States shall require the operator to draw up a document setting out his major-accident prevention policy and to ensure that it is properly implemented. The major-accident prevention policy established by the operator shall be designed to guarantee a high level of protection for man and the environment by appropriate means, structures and management systems."
Article 17 also states that "Member States shall prohibit the use or bringing into use of any establishment, installation or storage facility, or any part thereof where the measures taken by the operator for the prevention and mitigation of major accidents are seriously deficient."
Marsaxlokk bay already houses a concentration of power generation and fuel storage facilities as well as very busy in-bay shipping movements of the Malta Freeport. No Maritime Risk Assessment has been carried out and one should be done prior to the issuing of any permit. It is unclear whether the consultation zones on this project have been established.
In the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - A Community approach on the prevention of natural and man-made disasters, the Commission signalled its intention to carry out a study on current practices of hazard and risk mapping in Member States. These should focus on disasters with potential cross-border impacts (e.g. floods or accidental release of chemicals and radio-nuclear agents), exceptional events (major storms), large-scale disasters (earthquakes), and disasters for which the cost of recovery measures appears to be disproportionate when compared to that of preventive measures.
The risks associated with the implementation of the project of conversion of power facilities to gas would be greatly mitigated if the gas storage for this plant be moved to a secure location and a safe distance from residential areas, outside the bay.
The petitioners urge the European Parliament to call upon the European Commission to investigate this risk to the public’s safety.
Updates
Reached 1,000 supporters
February 21, 2014
February 19, 2014
My family lives in the shadow of these proposed tanks and I refuse to stop fighting until our safety is guaranteed. We are getting very near to that thousand signature mark and hitting it will force the authorities to look at us differently. Please send the link to your neighbors so we can show them how many people demand a safer plan.
Reached 100 supporters
February 18, 2014
February 15, 2014
My family lives right in the shadow of this proposed project and the thought of that tanker being so close keeps me up at night. We are nearing our first hundred signatures and I need you to pass this link to a neighbor before the end of the day. If we hit this goal now we prove that our community refuses to be ignored.
643 Comments
I wonder how many Government Ministers, MPs and /or their relatives live in the "endangered zone"? I'm sure it can't be many, since they do not seem to be bothered by the very valid safety concerns being voiced by people in the know!
After years waiting for the re-allocation of the Enemalta Gas Plant from Qajjenza, now that this wasfinally achieved we're going to end up with a much larger gas plant in the shape of a ship in our bay!
Aside from the obvious risk to the immediate vicinity and its inhabitants, has anyone considered the farther-reaching consequences of blowing up two main lifelines of the economy: the power station itself and the Freeport facilities?
My family lives in the vicinity but this project is not just a danger to them; it is a risk to the whole area - the population of which has not been consulted - and potentially to the whole country. The government is putting monetary considerations over the safety of its population.
I totally disagree in having a floating liquefied gas storage unit close to our shores coz it is like a timebomb waiting to explode!! Leakages happen and that is all it takes to have a dissastor!!!!
Worrying to say the least. If an accident occurs I am sure that the whole of Malta could be effected, not only of not having light/water but most important healhtwise.It could just be a time bomb ready to take off.
The risks are not acceptable under any circumstances.
It is risky especially in bad weather
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach 1,500 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via .
Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
Signing with Google or Facebook verifies your signature instantly — no email needed.
By signing, you accept our Terms and Privacy Policy and agree to occasional emails about petitions. Unsubscribe anytime.
Share this petition
Share this petition to help it reach more people.
Your share link
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
I wonder how many Government Ministers, MPs and /or their relatives live in the "endangered zone"? I'm sure it can't be many, since they do not seem to be bothered by the very valid safety concerns being voiced by people in the know!