"Data you can't ignore": the new findings from Orot Rabin
Tests at the Orot Rabin power station in Hadera found that during 40% of the operating time of the coal units, air pollution was measured above the permitted level. The Sharon-Carmel Environmental Association reported that the units' operation has environmental and health implications. Malfunctions were recorded in the pollution reduction systems of units 4 and 2, but high emissions were also measured in units without malfunctions. No deviations were recorded at monitoring stations, but an increase in sulfur oxides was measured.
Tests conducted at the Orot Rabin power station in Hadera found that during 40% of the operating time of the coal units, air pollution was measured above the permitted level. This was reported by the Sharon-Carmel Environmental Association, which presented an expert opinion on the matter. During operations, malfunctions occurred in the systems intended to reduce pollution: in unit 4, there was a malfunction in the particulate filtration system, and in unit 2, a malfunction was discovered in the sulfur emission reduction system. However, high particulate emissions were also measured during the operation of units where no malfunction was reported. At air monitoring stations in the area, no deviations from environmental standards were recorded following the operations, but at several stations, an increase in sulfur oxide concentrations was measured. The expert opinion indicates that the recurrence of malfunctions in the pollution reduction systems, along with the high particulate levels measured during unit operation, requires stricter control before any further operation. It is also required to ensure that the Electric Company performs full inspection, repair, and maintenance of the systems, and to demand detailed documentation of the source of each malfunction, the manner of handling it, the tests conducted after repair, and the steps taken to prevent its recurrence.