Thermal camera reveals fuel vapor pollutants emitted in Haifa Bay

In depth

The Haifa Bay Environmental Protection Association exposed fuel vapor emissions from tankers in Haifa Bay. The tests were carried out using a special thermal camera, and emissions were found at the Bazan compound, among other places. The vapors may contain benzene, a carcinogen.

Inspection findings and thermal footage revealed severe emissions of fuel vapors containing carcinogenic substances, including benzene, without collection and treatment systems. Following severe exceedances in benzene concentrations, two schools in Kiryat Ata were closed.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection published a draft update to its emissions calculation method to improve the reliability of reporting. The ministry is refusing to approve the resumption of renovation work at Gadiv facilities of the Bazan group.