Filenews 4 July 2022 - by Angelos Nicolaou
The state is proceeding with the revision of the Spatial Development Plan of Vasilikos, where the energy centre is being built and in the beginning provided for a terminal for the import of liquefied natural gas east of the EAC power plant and oil storage facilities. After the discovery of natural gas, things changed and it became apparent that the domestic market of Cyprus could consume part of this gas, especially for the production of electricity, where it will replace expensive and polluting fuels such as diesel and fuel oil, but most of it will have to be sold in international markets to make the development of the field sustainable.
The revision of the Spatial Development Plan of the Vassilikos area will be the update of the Spatial Plan, which was completed in 2017. The revised Spatial Development Plan includes the extension of the port of Vasilikos and the projects and uses / activities that are planned to be implemented in the area of Vasilikos and which were not taken into account in the previous Spatial Development Plan of the Vasilikos area and the changes in the planning / location of the uses / activities (to a greater or lesser extent) in relation to the existing Plan.
It is estimated that in July the Committee for the Evaluation of impacts on the environment from plans and programs will meet to examine the Strategic Environmental Impact Study for its revision. In addition to the competent government services, the community leaders of the nine communities of the area, Kalavasos, Pentakomou, Asgatas, Mari, Tochnis, Zygi, Maroni, Psematomenou and Choirokoitia, will be invited to submit their views at the meeting.
The area of Vasilikos was characterized as suitable for industrial development, as it already hosts the power plant of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus in Vasilikos, the cement production facilities of the Vasilikos Cement Works, oil storage terminals and other local industries. The coastal location of this area is a significant advantage.
In the wider area of Vasilikos there are today the following facilities:
• Vasilikos cement works and Vasilikos port. • Vassilikos Cement Works Quarry and facilities for the collection, management and storage of waste tires (end of life cycle) of the company Enerco - Energy Recovery Ltd, which include a reception and storage area, a secondary treatment area, as well as a specialized final reception and supply area. • EAC power station and similar marine facilities (single point mooring, water intake, thermal outfall). • Military base and military port. • Liquid fuel installations (Petrolina, VTTV and HELPE/ Yugen). • VTTV dock. • Archirodon Harbour. • Skyra Vasa Pier (with a temporary installation permit). • Aquaculture. • Landfill of Residues (LANDFILL) and Integrated Waste Management Facility (OEDA) of Limassol in Pentakomo, the OEDA plant where the unloading and management of waste takes place, as well as the biological station of leachate of the OEDA. • Other heavy industrial facilities, such as solid waste (metals) management unit, brick/tile and clay/gypsum and limestone quarries.
INTERVENTION
All in one basket
In the area of Vasilikos, as an Energy Centre, great prospects are opening up. However, for the concentration of all critical energy infrastructure in a single area, any explanation given is not based on common sense. Therefore, everyone, competent services and those responsible for the infrastructure, must take all safety measures for proper operation to protect the environment and public health. Only one moment of carelessness is enough for a serious disaster to occur and we expect the Environmental Authority to give a positive opinion on the revised plan if all appropriate measures are taken to mitigate the possibility of an accident in high-risk industrial facilities and when this occurs, since there is proximity to other dangerous installations, there will be no domino effect.
LAW.
