After benzene irregularities: Gadiv plant receives approval to resume work

The Ministry of Environmental Protection has approved the resumption of maintenance work at the Gadiv plant in Haifa Bay, following benzene concentration irregularities last week. The approval is subject to a strict order requiring immediate reduction or cessation in case of an increase in pollution indicators, which will be measured in real time across three different metrics.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection has approved the resumption of maintenance and renovation work at the Gadiv plant in Haifa Bay, after benzene concentration irregularities were measured at air monitoring stations in the area last week. The approval was granted after the plant completed the requirements set by the ministry, and simultaneously an updated administrative order was issued to it, stipulating strict conditions for the continuation of work. The order states that the continuation of work will depend on real-time data, and in the event of an increase in indicators, the plant will be required to reduce or stop operations. Monitoring will be based on three metrics: operational data within the plant, benzene concentrations at monitoring stations on the plant fence, and benzene concentrations at environmental stations in Haifa Bay. Dorit Ziss, director of the Haifa District at the ministry, stated that the ministry will continue to closely monitor the monitoring data and enforcement of the order's conditions, and that plans to cease petrochemical activity in the area are being advanced under National Outline Plan 75.