Olive Harvest Byproduct Threatens Northern Israel's Waterways
תומצת מתוך Zman Yisrael על ידי baba
Northern Israel's wastewater treatment plants are at risk of collapse due to an expected surge of "akar," an acidic byproduct from olive oil production, during the upcoming harvest season. A lack of government funding for the collection and dispersal of this substance means untreated sewage could be released into local waterways and the sea. Environmental groups and plant operators are warning of severe ecological damage if immediate action is not taken by state regulators.
הידיעה ב-5 שורות · תקציר של baba
- Northern Israel's wastewater plants face collapse from olive oil byproduct "akar" due to lack of funding.
- Untreated sewage could flow into streams and the sea if "akar" is not managed.
- A bumper olive crop is expected, increasing the volume of the problematic byproduct.
- Previous funding for "akar" collection and dispersal as fertilizer has been cut for the 2026-2027 season.
- Environmental groups warn of severe ecological damage and beach closures without intervention.
Northern Israel's wastewater treatment facilities, particularly the Karmiel plant, are facing an imminent environmental crisis due to the influx of "akar," an acidic byproduct from olive oil production. This substance, normally handled through a subsidized collection and dispersal program, has not been funded for the upcoming 2026-2027 olive harvest season. Mekorot Development and Initiative, which manages several treatment plants, has warned that without urgent state intervention, the plants will be overwhelmed, leading to the discharge of untreated sewage into local streams and the Mediterranean Sea.
The situation is exacerbated by an expected bumper olive crop this year, meaning a larger volume of akar will be produced. Wastewater treatment plants are not equipped to handle this highly acidic and organic material, which can clog pipes, damage equipment, and create toxic environments for aquatic life. Farmers who rely on treated wastewater, known as "kholim," for irrigation will also be deprived of this resource.
Previously, the Water Authority allocated approximately 700,000 to 1 million shekels annually for contractors to collect and disperse the akar as fertilizer in open areas, a solution that proved effective and prevented environmental damage. However, relevant government ministries have failed to budget for this program for the upcoming season, leaving the Water Authority unable to issue the necessary tenders.
Environmental groups like Zalul have urgently appealed to government regulators, including the Water Authority, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, and the Ministry of Health. Mor Gilboa, CEO of Zalul, warned of devastating consequences, including the collapse of sewage systems, raw sewage flowing into rivers and the sea, and the closure of beaches, all preventable with a modest budget.
While the Ministry of Environmental Protection has initiated enforcement actions against olive oil presses to prevent them from dumping akar into the sewage system, officials acknowledge that enforcement alone is insufficient without a systemic solution. The Water Authority, while agreeing on the necessity of akar collection, has deflected responsibility, citing budget cuts by unspecified "government ministries" and emphasizing that the responsibility for proper wastewater treatment lies with local authorities and their water corporations.
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