Severe Pollution in Haifa Bay Prompts Urgent Calls to Shut Down Oil Refineries
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Severe pollution from benzene was detected in Haifa Bay, with monitoring stations near the Bazan oil refineries registering sharp increases. While Bazan claims no leaks were found, environmental officials are demanding accountability and urging the government to close the refinery complex. The Haifa Bay Association for Environmental Protection is closely monitoring the situation and pushing for a clear timeline for the closure of petrochemical activities.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Severe benzene pollution alerts were recorded in Haifa Bay near the Bazan oil refineries.
- Environmental officials suspect Bazan or Gadiv facilities as the source of the emissions.
- Bazan claims internal checks found no leaks or spills, but environmental groups dispute this.
- The Deputy Mayor of Haifa called for the immediate closure of the Bazan complex.
- Environmental groups are demanding the government expedite the closure of the refinery.
- Low wind speeds contributed to the buildup of pollutants in the air.
A severe pollution event occurred in Haifa Bay, marked by a series of alerts indicating sharp increases in benzene concentrations throughout the day and into the night. These abnormal readings were detected by monitoring units stationed near the Oil Refineries Ltd. (Bazan) complex and at a nearby social high school. Wind direction data suggests that the emissions likely originated from Bazan or Gadiv facilities.
Bazan and Gadiv responded to the Haifa Bay Association for Environmental Protection, stating that internal checks revealed no leaks or spills. The Association noted that Bazan is currently working to shut down facilities that may be related to the measured increases. Low wind speeds during the night reportedly limited the dispersion of pollutants, contributing to the elevated levels.
In response to the findings, the Deputy Mayor of Haifa and Chairman of the Haifa Bay Association for Environmental Protection, Avihu Han, demanded immediate action. He emphasized that the repeated alerts and rising benzene levels necessitate full accountability and transparency for residents regarding the source of emissions and preventative measures. Han reiterated the need for fundamental change in the bay, advocating for the swift closure of the Bazan complex and the relocation of petrochemical activities.
Dr. Lihi Shahar Berman, Director General of the Haifa Bay Association for Environmental Protection, criticized what she perceived as Bazan's lack of findings, stressing that alert thresholds are designed to trigger emergency response teams to locate and address pollution sources. She expressed concern that, as in most previous cases, Bazan's emergency team returned without identifying any issues, urging the plant to take full responsibility for the pollution and cease its emissions.
The Association stated it will continue to monitor the situation closely and demand comprehensive information on the tests conducted and actions taken by the facilities. Concurrently, the Association is calling on the government to expedite the implementation of the decision to close the Bazan complex and establish a clear timeline for this process.
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