Haifa Bay Environmental Association Reports Significant Benzene Exceedance
Translated & summarized from 0404 by baba
The Haifa Bay Municipal Association for Environmental Protection reported a benzene exceedance of nearly 69% on October 5, with pollution traced to the Bazan complex. This marks the third such exceedance recorded at the Kiryat Ata monitoring station since the start of 2026, though regulations allow up to seven annually. The association is conducting a professional examination to identify emission sources and their implications. Officials emphasized the need to prevent recurrence and ensure environmental compliance.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Benzene levels in Haifa Bay exceeded environmental standards by nearly 69% on October 5.
- The pollution source was identified as the Bazan industrial complex in Kiryat Ata.
- This is the third benzene exceedance recorded at the station since 2026.
- Regulations permit up to seven daily benzene exceedances per year.
- The environmental association is conducting a professional examination of the incident.
- Officials stressed the need for industrial compliance and prevention of recurrence.
The Haifa Bay Municipal Association for Environmental Protection reported a significant exceedance in benzene levels in the Haifa Bay area during the first week of October. On October 5, a mobile monitoring station located in Kiryat Ata, near the Bazan complex, recorded a daily benzene concentration of 6.6 micrograms per cubic meter. This level represents an approximately 69% exceedance of the daily environmental standard, which is set at 3.9 micrograms per cubic meter according to the Clean Air Law regulations.
The day prior, October 4, the same station measured a concentration of approximately 3.8 micrograms per cubic meter, which was about 97% of the daily environmental standard. Based on wind direction during the periods of high concentration, the source of the pollution was identified as the Bazan complex.
Since the beginning of 2026, this monitoring station has recorded three exceedances of the daily benzene standard, with two occurring in August and one in October. Regulations permit up to seven such exceedances per year.
Avihu Han, Deputy Mayor of Haifa and Chairman of the environmental association, stated that when a significant benzene exceedance is measured, the responsibility lies in preventing recurrence and ensuring industrial activity adheres to all environmental requirements. He added that the association will continue to monitor closely and act as necessary.
Dr. Lihi Shahar Berman, CEO of the association, noted that the measurements indicate an event requiring in-depth professional examination. She explained that the association's team is analyzing the monitoring data and meteorological conditions, particularly wind direction, to further identify the source and significance of the emissions.
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