Israel's Oil Refineries to face criminal enquiry over emissions

Israel's Oil Refineries (ORL) are to face a criminal enquiry from the Environmental Protection Ministry, with the body claiming that they are not doing enough to reduce emissions.

ORL has avoided the public eye for some time over their pollution records, however, they may be catching the attention of the public soon, after the Environmental Protection Ministry launched a criminal inquiry into its operations.

New measurements have suggested there are hundreds of cases of emission irregularities at its power station, and several other irregularities at sulfur treatment facilities. The oil refinery has been at the centre of environmental claims from local residents and environmental organisations, but it now seems that the matter will become a legal issue, as one organisation files for a criminal enquiry.

The company has been seen to make improvements over how it controls emissions, and is also looking to move to natural gas to aid these efforts. However, last year the systems built to prevent pollution were not operating adequately, resulting in high levels of pollution reaching the atmosphere.

ORL is required to conduct consistent monitoring of plant emissions which is then passed on to the Environmental Protection Ministry in Israel. The data received by the Haifa District allegedly revealed that the company did not fulfil conditions and emitted pollutants beyond the permitted levels.

Emissions such as nitrogen-oxide and sulfuric-oxide have therefore been emitted into the atmosphere without adequate control. The results seen at the ministry must have been quite severe, as it is quite rare for the commission to take such strict action. They noted that the irregularities were extensive and so there is no escape from a criminal investigation.

ORL said in response: "The company operates according to the strictest environmental protection standards. Over the last few years ORL has invested over NIS 600 million ($150 million) in order to fulfil the most advanced international standards in the field of environmental protection.

"We are working in complete cooperation with the Environmental Protection Ministry and in accordance with its instructions and directives."

Posted by Lauren Steadman