Haifa Bay Environmental Group Demands Immediate Action Over Benzene Pollution at BAZAN Refinery

Since last Friday, more than 130 half-hourly measurements of benzene levels exceeding the alert threshold of 10 micrograms per cubic meter were recorded at the BAZAN refinery monitoring station in Haifa Bay. The Haifa Bay Environmental Protection Association has called on BAZAN to intensify investigations, provide relevant operational data, and locate the source of the emissions. They emphasized that a single inspection without detecting a leak is insufficient given the frequency of exceedances.

Following the rise in benzene concentrations, joint surprise inspections were conducted by the Haifa Bay Environmental Protection Association and the Ministry of Environmental Protection at the Gadiv plant. On August 2, the plant was required to submit operational data and coordinate further testing. A subsequent inspection on Thursday examined benzene storage tanks and fuel dispensing activities using thermal imaging cameras, but no leaks were found.

The association stressed that monitoring and inspections will continue until the source of the benzene spikes is identified and addressed. They urged BAZAN to utilize all available monitoring and testing resources to investigate all potential emission sources. The association reiterated its responsibility to protect public health and the environment and vowed to maintain oversight until clear answers and solutions are achieved.

The Haifa Bay Environmental Protection Association also highlighted that the absence of findings in point inspections does not replace the need for comprehensive source identification and remediation. They will persist in demanding full operational data and necessary actions from BAZAN to resolve the pollution issue in Haifa Bay.