The European Commission is investigating whether the Cepsa refinery complies with emissions levels set out in European directives, according European Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas.

In a response to a question in the European Parliament, Mr Dimas said he was aware of public concerns about heavy industry in this area.

“The Commission is aware of concerns regarding the operation of a particular installation in the area, the refinery Gibraltar-San Roque, and is presently investigating this matter in order to ensure correct implementation of the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive,” Mr Dimas said.

“Should the Honourable Member be aware of other installations of concern in the area, the Commission would welcome further information with a mind to any further investigations deemed necessary.”

Installations that fall within the scope of the IPPC Directive are required to operate in accordance with permits that set maximum emissions levels.

The ultimate aim to prevent harmful emissions or, where that is not possible, to reduce them and limit the impact on the environment.

Cepsa has repeatedly maintained that it operates to strict safety and environmental standards and that its refinery complies fully with EU emissions limits.

The question to Mr Dimas was tabled last May by Gibraltar’s former socialist MEP Glyn Ford, who has since lost his seat at the recent EU election.

Mr Ford also asked the Commissioner whether he would seek information from authorities in the area about possible links between heavy industry and cancer clusters.

“The Commission has…no information on specific cancer clusters in the area,” Mr Dimas said.