"Definite Carcinogen": Fine of 1,130,000 Shekels on Delek Menta

The Ministry of Environmental Protection fined Delek Menta company 1.13 million shekels after inspectors discovered deficiencies at the Mifgash Oranim gas station in Jerusalem, which caused the emission of toxic fuel vapors containing benzene, a definite carcinogen. The company corrected the deficiencies, but the fine was imposed for three violations.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection fined Delek Menta Retail Roads Ltd. 1.13 million shekels following serious deficiencies at the Mifgash Oranim gas station in Jerusalem. Ministry inspectors found that the fuel vapor monitoring control system did not record data as required, periodic tests were not conducted on time, and the filling openings of underground fuel tanks lacked sealing gaskets, causing toxic fuel vapors to be emitted into the air. Dr. Yitzhak Kadem, head of the Transportation Department at the Ministry, emphasized that the vapors contain benzene, defined as a definite carcinogen, and that proper vapor recovery systems can reduce about 85% of emissions. The company corrected the deficiencies, including replacing the vapor recovery system and installing sealing gaskets, but the fine was imposed for three separate violations after statutory reductions.