Benzene Leak Forces School Closures in Kiryat Ata, Sparks Political Debate
Translated & summarized from Zman Yisrael by baba
Two schools in Kiryat Kiryat Ata were closed due to dangerously high benzene levels from the BAZAN oil refinery, marking the first such closure in Israel. The incident occurred during maintenance work and led to peak benzene concentrations not seen in six years. While BAZAN claims legal compliance, environmentalists decry the lax Israeli standards. The event has intensified political debate over the future of Haifa Bay's industrial zone, with the next government expected to make a final decision.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Two Kiryat Ata schools closed due to extreme benzene pollution from BAZAN oil refinery.
- Benzene levels reached nearly 100 micrograms per cubic meter, the highest in six years.
- The incident highlights lax Israeli air quality standards, allowing up to seven annual exceedances.
- Environmentalists and Haifa's mayor demand relocation of industry from Haifa Bay by 2029.
- BAZAN's stock price dropped sharply following the environmental and health alert.
Two schools in Kiryat Ata were closed on Monday due to exceptionally high concentrations of benzene, a carcinogenic substance emitted from the nearby BAZAN oil refinery complex. This marks the first time in Israel that classes have been suspended due to air pollution. The incident, which occurred just two weeks before elections, has intensified the ongoing debate over the future of the Haifa Bay industrial zone. BAZAN had recently received government approval, upheld by the Supreme Court, to rebuild its internal power station destroyed by Iranian missiles during the war. This decision is questioned by some, given plans to eventually dismantle the petrochemical plants by 2029, a deadline now expected to be delayed. Energy Minister Eli Cohen has proposed relocating BAZAN to the Negev, a move that would likely cause significant delays.
The benzene leak occurred during maintenance work at BAZAN's "Gadiv" plant, which produces intermediate materials for various industries. Environmental groups claim BAZAN failed to submit detailed work plans to the Ministry of Environmental Protection, a charge BAZAN disputes, stating the ministry received full information. Monitoring devices detected alarming benzene levels, peaking on Saturday night with nearly 100 micrograms per cubic meter, the highest recorded in six years. These levels are approximately 1,000 times higher than normal street concentrations and posed a significant risk, especially to sensitive populations like schoolchildren.
In response to the extreme readings, the Ministry of Health ordered the closure of the two schools and advised workers within a one-kilometer radius to seal their windows. BAZAN was also instructed to immediately halt all maintenance work. Ironically, environmental protection agency officials working in the affected area also had to close their windows. Despite the severity of the readings, BAZAN maintains that the exceedances do not constitute a legal violation, as Israeli law permits up to seven annual exceedances of the daily standard. Environmental and health advocates argue this legal allowance is problematic and the Israeli standard for benzene is among the most lenient globally, calling for an urgent revision.
The incident has provided ammunition for environmental activists and Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav, who are demanding a commitment to relocate the industry from the bay by 2029. The controversy has also impacted BAZAN financially, with a sharp drop in its stock price. The incoming government will face the critical decision regarding the future of the oil refineries and the industrial zone in Haifa Bay, as the current situation leaves the air quality unresolved.
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