Ministry Approves Partial Maintenance Resume for Bazan Plant After Spikes

The Ministry of Environmental Protection has granted partial approval for the Gadiv plant, part of the Bazan Group, to resume maintenance work strictly in facilities where benzene content is below 1%. Refurbishment and maintenance works in benzene-rich facilities remain suspended until the company presents additional measures to ensure maximum emission reduction.

The ministry issued its decision following an order to halt operations after four instances of elevated benzene concentrations were recorded at environmental monitoring stations during October. Benzene is a known human carcinogen, prompting the authorities to implement strict measures to minimize public exposure. The initial spike forced the Ministry of Health to temporarily close two local schools.

Following a professional review, the ministry prohibited the resumption of work in high-content benzene facilities, where levels can reach dozens of percent. To reconsider, the plant must introduce robust safety measures preventing further anomalies. The partial resumption is subject to strict regulatory oversight, continuous monitoring, round-the-clock facility patrols, phased operations, and the potential shutdown of steam systems.

Data analysis linked steam and purification operations to the spikes, including an exceedance recorded on October 22 at the Kiryat Benjamin monitoring station. Despite ongoing dialogue and expert consultations, the plant failed to provide adequate explanations or alternative preventative solutions, leading to tightened administrative orders.

Dorit Zis, Director of the Haifa District at the Ministry of Environmental Protection, stated that the agency's primary responsibility is ensuring public safety and environmental protection. She emphasized that the limited authorization depends strictly on compliance with rigorous monitoring requirements while high-risk facilities require further emission reduction safeguards.