Malta - Burning of animal carcasses sparks inquiry

[Pathfinder]

Sunday, June 3, 2012 by
Bertrand Borg

Burning of animal carcasses sparks inquiry

Malta?s environment regulator has confirmed it is investigating Wasteserv for the suspected burning of imported animal carcasses at its Marsa incinerator.

Confirmation of the investigation came hours after Labour environment spokesman Leo Brincat alleged Wasteserv was possibly using its incinerator to dispose of carcasses imported from North Africa.

Mr Brincat warned the carcasses might be infected with foot and mouth disease, and called for an independent inquiry.

But a Resources Ministry spokesman denied this latter claim outright. Any animal-related waste entering Maltese ports was only brought ashore once it had been cleared and properly sealed by an official from the Veterinary Regulation Directorate, the spokesman said.

The spokesman added that Wasteserv had never disposed of carcasses originating in North Africa and that the government had no problem acceding to an independent investigation.

A Mepa spokesman said the suspicious burning had been flagged by one of its regulators in an inspection of Wasteserv?s Thermal Treatment Facility.

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http://www.timesofmalta.com/article...ing-of-animal-carcasses-sparks-inquiry.422450