ערוץ 1 בכתבה על תכנית "קרקעות הצפון" במפרץ חיפה 1.1.2015,

Summary

A new plan to relocate fuel tanks from the Haifa area to a site near an existing refinery is causing concern among environmental organizations. The proposed location will not only house the tanks but also a new storage facility for 20,000 tons of liquefied petroleum gas, three times the current amount in the entire Haifa Bay area. This move raises safety concerns, with the risk of dangerous explosions and the proximity to other hazardous facilities. Additionally, the site sits on a geologically unstable fault line, intensifying fears about potential disasters. Despite these risks, local authorities and the public remain alarmingly passive about the situation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The plan to relocate fuel tanks in Haifa raises concerns among environmental organizations due to the presence of other hazardous facilities nearby.
• 😀 The new plan includes constructing a gas storage facility near existing refineries, which could store three times the amount of propane found in the entire Haifa Bay today.
• 😀 There is a serious concern that a fire in this area, caused by a missile or earthquake, would be catastrophic and difficult to control, given the flammable and dangerous nature of the site.
• 😀 The relocation of the fuel tanks has been discussed for years, but it is now clear that the new site will still be near hazardous facilities, which poses a risk to public safety.
• 😀 The plan includes a refinery and gas storage facility, which environmental groups argue are both dangerous and should not be located in the same area.
• 😀 Despite the risks, no local authorities have officially opposed the project, which raises concerns about the lack of responsibility in planning.
• 😀 The new plan is part of a larger project for the northern lands, which was approved by the Haifa district committee, but there is still concern about its safety and environmental impact.
• 😀 The area planned for development is located near the Yagur Fault, which has active geological activity, increasing the risk of accidents in case of a natural disaster.
• 😀 The government is planning to expand the hazardous material storage, including massive quantities of fuel and gas, without fully addressing the dangers associated with these plans.
• 😀 There is a growing public outcry regarding the government's handling of this project, especially since it might lead to the exposure of thousands of people to toxic materials and increased health risks.

Q & A

What is the main concern regarding the relocation of fuel tanks in Haifa?

The main concern is that relocating the fuel tanks near existing hazardous facilities could increase the risk of a dangerous fire or explosion. The area is already considered hazardous due to the presence of dangerous materials and refineries.

What additional facility is planned near the relocated fuel tanks?

A new storage facility for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), designed to hold 20,000 tons, is planned near the relocated fuel tanks. This amount is three times the current LPG storage in the Haifa Bay area.

Why is the combination of fuel tanks and a gas storage facility concerning?

The combination of fuel tanks and a large gas storage facility in close proximity creates a highly volatile and explosive environment, which raises serious safety concerns in case of a fire, earthquake, or missile strike.

What is the significance of the 'North Lands' program?

The 'North Lands' program involves relocating the fuel tanks from populated areas, but it has faced criticism due to the proposed new facilities being in close proximity to dangerous infrastructure, such as refineries and gas storage.

What geological risks are associated with the site for the new facilities?

The site is located on the Yagur Fault Line, an active geological fault. This raises concerns about the safety of constructing industrial facilities in an area prone to seismic activity.

What actions have local authorities taken in response to the planned relocation?

Despite the safety risks, local authorities have not opposed the plan, which has angered environmental groups and residents. Some also criticize the lack of local representatives at meetings discussing the plan.

How have environmental groups reacted to the plan?

Environmental groups are deeply concerned about the proposed relocation, particularly due to the increased danger posed by combining fuel storage and gas facilities in an already hazardous area.

What is the historical context of the site being planned for development?

The site was previously deemed unsuitable for industrial development due to its proximity to an active fault line. It had been rejected for such purposes over a decade ago.

What are the potential health risks related to the planned relocation of fuel tanks and gas storage?

There are significant health risks, especially for nearby residents, due to the toxic and explosive materials involved. The increased storage of hazardous substances could exacerbate pollution and cause serious health problems, including poisoning.

What is the broader issue with the government's approach to the relocation plan?

The broader issue is the lack of a cohesive, well-planned strategy for the relocation. The government is criticized for not addressing the interconnected risks of various hazardous facilities, creating a potentially dangerous situation for both people and the environment.