بشأن المواد المخزنة في منشآت طرابلس… بيانٌ هام من “الطاقة”

Lebanon's Ministry of Energy Responds to Rumors About Stored Chemicals in Tripoli and Zahrani Facilities

Today, Saturday, the Ministry of Energy and Water issued an official statement addressing rumors about its alleged inaction in removing stored chemicals from the Tripoli and Zahrani facilities. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and professionalism in managing this sensitive issue, ensuring that all procedures adhere to international laws and standards.

Project Details:
The Ministry explained that it has been working for over two years on packaging and removing stored chemicals. It conducted five public tenders under the highest standards of transparency and public procurement laws. The most recent tender resulted in the selection of AGROMEC, a company that submitted the lowest bid, saving two million dollars compared to competing offers. The Ministry highlighted the company’s proven expertise in handling hazardous materials.

Exceptional Approvals and Expedited Execution:
The project received exceptional approval from President General Joseph Aoun, while the caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati signed an extraordinary decision on January 20, 2025, to expedite implementation due to the project's critical importance for public health and the environment.

Inspection and Processing Measures:
The Ministry confirmed that the selected company conducted all necessary laboratory tests in coordination with the Ministry’s labs. Additionally, a report by the Lebanese Army confirmed that the stored materials are not radioactive. AGROMEC has completed the packaging of materials in Zahrani facilities and is now in the final stages of analysis and packaging in Tripoli facilities. The materials will be transported to a specialized facility in Europe for safe processing and disposal in accordance with international environmental regulations.

Call for Fact-Checking:
The Ministry urged citizens and media outlets to verify information before sharing it, warning against attempts to mislead public opinion by “those fishing in troubled waters.” It also emphasized its readiness to provide clarifications regarding the adopted procedures, reiterating that the safety and health of citizens remain its top priorities.

Significance of the Project:
This project is part of Lebanon's efforts to eliminate hazardous chemicals stored in vital facilities. These efforts have become increasingly urgent following the Beirut Port explosion in August 2020, which underscored the importance of effectively managing hazardous materials to prevent similar disasters.