Haifa Bay Refinery Repair Work Halted Again Due to Benzene Pollution

Repair work at the Gadiv plant of Haifa Bay Chemicals (Bazan) was halted again on Friday, marking the second such incident in two weeks due to abnormal pollution levels. The Ministry of Environmental Protection reported that elevated benzene concentrations were measured throughout Thursday at a monitoring station in Kiryat Benjamin, Kiryat Ata. Work was initially reduced and then completely stopped Thursday evening, with no approval to resume until further notice. The ministry stated that benzene levels returned to normal after the work stoppage.

The incident follows a similar event on October 12, which led to the cancellation of classes at two local schools due to a sharp rise in pollution. That pollution surge also coincided with work at the Gadiv plant, which was damaged during Operation "Iron Swords." The plant is considered a crucial part of Bazan's fuel refining system. Repairs began the weekend of October 9, but benzene levels spiked sharply on Saturday, causing an initial halt. Although work did not resume, levels rose again Sunday afternoon, prompting the school closures. Work was then suspended until the following Sunday.

On October 14, the Ministry of Environmental Protection issued an administrative order to the Gadiv plant due to the benzene spikes during renovation and maintenance. Early this week, work was permitted to resume under an updated order with stricter monitoring and operational guidelines. For most of the week, benzene levels remained within normal limits, according to the ministry. It remains unclear what caused the latest rapid increase in benzene or if it could recur, potentially forcing further school closures.

Avihu Han, Deputy and Acting Mayor of Haifa and Chairman of the Haifa Bay Association for the Protection of the Environment, called for decisive action, stating, "Protecting the health of Haifa Bay residents requires uncompromising environmental responsibility from industrial plants." He added, "The severe anomaly requires decisive steps, and the closure of the plant is required as soon as possible. We cannot continue with a routine where the public is required to deal with the risks associated with industrial activity."

It is currently unknown if sanctions are being considered against Bazan. The Ministry of Environmental Protection indicated earlier this week that the first incident was still under investigation, and the second will likely be investigated as well before the ministry releases its conclusions.