Israeli Ministry Shuts Down Chemical Plant, Orders Removal of Tons of Toxic Materials

摘要

Israel's Environmental Protection Ministry July 13 shut down one of the country's largest chemical manufacturing plants, citing "severe deficiencies in the maintenance facilities and storage of hazardous materials." The ministry revoked Haifa Chemicals' toxic substances permit and obtained a court order requiring the company to remove about 1,000 tons of toxic materials from the site within 14 days under Israel's Hazardous Substances Law. The toxic substances—including ammonia, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, and organic solvents—built up at the facility during a workers' strike that has halted most plant operations, including facility maintenance, for more than 70 days.