In response to a string of questions made last night in Parliament by Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil on the controversial LNG tanker, Occupational Health and Safety Authority Chairman Deo Debattista said that the relevant reports have not been made public because work is still ongoing.

In a letter sent to Dr Busuttil, he said that the competent authorities of the LNG tanker, made up by the OHSA, the Environment and Resources Authority, the Planning Authority and the Civil Protection Department, are tasked with evaluating and communicating conclusions of the reports submitted by the LNG tanker operators.

He said that this process is still ongoing and that the relevant authorities are also tasked with organising and carrying out inspections when the tanker becomes operational.

“In line with the competences of the relevant authorities, the OHSA was tasked with employing foreign experts that have much experience to assist on a technical level throughout evaluations of all the relevant documents.”

Dr Debattista said the documents will be made public once the evaluation process is concluded and the public consultation connected with the IPPC is launched.

He added that the OHSA believed that in this way, the entity would be observing the principles of transparency expected of public authorities and assured that the switch from heavy fuel oil to gas will be carried out in the most efficient and prudent way possible.

The Environment and Resources Authority responds

In response to Opposition Leader Simon Busutil’s demand that the LNG tanker be taken out of Marsaxlokk until the relevant safety reports are published, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) said that this is part of the process being adhered to.

In a letter addressed to Dr Busuttil, the ERA said “the same can be said for the publication of reports as requested by yourself, as these will be available for the public in the coming days as part of the process undertaken by this authority...it is good to note that as part of this exercise, there will also be a public consultation.”

It concluded by saying the ERA is ensuring that the necessary processes and studies are being adhered to in accordance with the law.