(Hai Fa – Haifa and the surrounding area news corporation) Joint inspection findings by the Haifa Bay Cities Association for Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Environmental Protection revealed fuel vapor emissions from tankers during their filling at dispensing terminals, including at the ZAN complex. Following the findings, the ministry published a draft to update the emissions calculation method, which is intended to reduce underestimation and improve the reliability of reports to the Environmental Emissions Registry.
Thermal camera reveals contaminants invisible to the eye
As part of the inspection activity, the Haifa Bay Cities Association for Environmental Protection uses an advanced thermal camera, capable of detecting emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are not visible to the naked eye. The tests conducted revealed that fuel vapors are emitted directly into the air, without being collected in the vapor collection system and reaching treatment facilities as required. According to the findings, these vapors may contain pollutants, including benzene, which is known to be a carcinogen. These are significant findings that indicate a failure in the vapor collection process during the filling of the tankers, which leads to exposure of the environment and residents to hazardous substances.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection examines the safety of tankers and updates the calculation method
Following the findings, the Ministry of Environmental Protection examined the integrity of fuel tankers, their maintenance, and their tightness. At the same time, the Ministry examined data on the subject and formulated a draft to update the method for calculating emissions from tankers at distribution terminals, which was published in November. The update is intended to reduce the underestimation in calculating the scope of emissions and improve the reliability of reports to the Environmental Emissions Registry (EER), so that the reported data will more accurately reflect the reality on the ground.
"We will continue to work to protect the health of Haifa Bay residents"
Deputy and Acting Mayor of Haifa and Chairman of the Haifa Bay Cities Association for Environmental Protection, Avihu Hahn, said that "the findings illustrate the importance of professional supervision and the use of advanced technologies to detect pollutant emissions. Updating the calculation method is an important step in ensuring more reliable reporting on the scope of emissions and formulating environmental policy based on accurate data. We will continue to work to protect the health of Haifa Bay residents."
The Association's CEO, Dr. Lihi Shahar Berman, added that "the thermal camera makes it possible to identify fuel vapor leaks that are not treated in vapor recovery systems. The findings emphasize the need for periodic leak tests and careful maintenance of fuel tankers, to prevent direct emissions of pollutants into the air."