Haifa Municipality Threatens to Shut Down Oil Refineries Following Pollution
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Haifa Municipality is holding a hearing for the three Bazan oil refineries, potentially revoking their operating permits due to ongoing environmental violations, including benzene pollution. Mayor Yona Yahav vowed to end "negligence" and prioritize public health over economic interests. The refineries' permits expire at the end of October, and authorities will decide on further actions, possibly including a shutdown.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Haifa Municipality summoned Bazan oil refineries for a hearing over environmental violations.
- The refineries' operating permits are set to expire at the end of October.
- A recent benzene pollution incident forced the closure of two schools in Kiryat Ata.
- Mayor Yona Yahav vowed to end "negligence" and prioritize public health.
- Authorities will consider revoking permits or issuing a cease-and-desist order.
The Haifa Municipality has summoned the managements of the three Bazan oil refineries for a hearing, signaling a potential end to their operations. This drastic move follows a recent benzene pollution incident that led to the closure of two schools in Kiryat Ata and widespread public health concerns. The refineries' operating permits are set to expire at the end of the month, and the municipality is considering not renewing them.
The municipality cited a series of environmental violations in its summons, including repeated exceedances of benzene emissions, breaches of emission permits, and deficiencies in hazardous material handling. Between 2020 and 2024, recurring benzene level anomalies were recorded around the facilities, and despite previous enforcement actions, untreated emission sources remain. The Ministry of Environmental Protection issued an administrative order against the Gadiv plant on October 14th due to the latest pollution event.
Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav declared that "the days of negligence in Haifa Bay are over." He stated that he would not allow the residents of Haifa and the Krayot to be held hostage by polluting industry or have their health and safety sold to wealthy owners, emphasizing that residents' health takes precedence over any economic interest. The municipality intends to utilize all legal powers to protect its citizens.
During the hearing, the municipality will examine options such as issuing an administrative cease-and-desist order or seeking a court injunction to halt operations. Representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, and the Haifa Bay Area Municipal Association for Environmental Protection will participate in assessing the risks and necessary protective measures for the public.
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