The Environment Ministry claims it and the emergency services were not given critical information about the dangerous substances stored in the burned warehouse.
Ministry of Environmental Protection southern region director Arik Bar Sade has decided to launch a criminal investigation against Makhteshim Agan Industries Ltd. (TASE: MAIN) subsidiary Agan Chemical Products Ltd. in Ashdod. The decision follows a hearing for the company's representatives after a fire at the plant's powder warehouse three weeks ago.
During the fire hazardous substances were burned as defined by the Hazardous Substances Law of 1993.
The fire was handled by the factory in apparent violation of the conditions of its business license and its poisonous substances permit. According to the Ministry, during the fire representatives of the factory did not know, and did not pass on important information to the emergency services and the representatives of the Ministry of Environmental Protection about the type and amounts of the materials stored in the burned warehouse. "This information is critical for appropriate handling during incidents involving hazardous substances," said the Ministry's announcement.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on February 8, 2009
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