MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Air pollution unites ordinary Spaniards and Gibraltar

Although there are areas of disagreement between Gibraltar and Spain, ordinary people in both countries are united in being deeply concerned after an incident at the weekend.

Many would have seen the frightening scene which developed at about 19.00hrs on Sunday at the CEPSA refinery. Reports today in the Spanish press explain what occurred and that the flaring was a response to a sudden power failure in the Pinar de Rey substation.

Nevertheless, the size of the flames and volume of gaseous smoke heading for Gibraltar was extremely unnerving and the Environmental Safety Group received numerous calls from people worried about what they were seeing.

With five chimneys alight with tall flames for the best part of one hour people could only watch with horror as the heavy smoke continued to cover La Linea town and Gibraltar. Flaring at refineries is known to release hundreds of different toxins and the smoke seen cannot be dismissed simply as soot. A spokesman said

"Refineries may need to protect its equipment and plant by blowing gases away from the immediate workplace; unfortunately this means towards residential populations living in Spain and Gibraltar. When will the authorities on both sides of the border set up a cross border contingency plan to kick into action the minute an incident like this occurs? What if something had gone badly wrong at the Refinery and the situation deteriorated?"

This type of intense polluting activity underlines the need for a proper epidemiological study to be done to assess the damage being done to public health. It also highlights the need for better practices to be adopted by industries such as refineries as any fall-out impacts heavily on people and the environment.

Although cross border co-operation remains difficult due to Spain's non recognition of Gibraltar institutions, the concerned environmental groups on both sides are united to deal with an issue that potentially affects everyone's health.

Recently one of the MEP's for Gibraltar, Mr Neil Parish was taken on a tour of the industrial area and expressed amazement at the level of air pollution. At the time, it was very light compared to the events of the weekend.

Source: gibnews.net