Ashalim Creek (Nahal Ashalim) Incident
On June 30, 2017, ICL Rotem, a subsidiary of ICL located in Israel’s Negev region, experienced a significant environmental incident in which approximately 100,000 cubic meters of acidic phosphogypsum liquid were released into the surrounding environment as a result of a breach in a detainment pond. The liquid entered the nearby Ashalim Creek (Nahal Ashalim), a dry riverbed that leads from the vicinity of the Rotem Industrial Zone to the Dead Sea. Ashalim Creek flows through an area designated as a nature reserve, managed by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA). The incident has since been under investigation led by Israel’s Ministry of Environmental Protection. \
The Company took immediate action to stop the flow out of the breached pond, in full coordination with the Ministry and the INPA. ICL worked closely with the various authorities in the region, primarily under the direct instructions and supervision of the INPA. Coordination and continued follow up of restoration activities are being conducted by ‘HaMaarag’ (Israel’s National Ecosystem Assessment program).
The initial focus was on providing immediate relief to reduce the environmental impact on wildlife and vegetation along the path of the flow. Activities included a massive operation to pump out water holes along the dry river bed where liquid collected. The liquid was then transported back to ICL Rotem for treatment. In parallel, ICL is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Rehabilitation efforts at the Ashalim riverbed
Rehabilitation Efforts Continue
Concurrently, arrangements were made to irrigate impacted trees and transport potable water, as well as to create alternative drinking spots for the wildlife population in the region. In addition, various monitoring schemes were established by the INPA to monitor soil, water and vegetation.
Installing Drip Irrigation Systems for the Acacia Trees
Mitigation efforts were also taken at the lower reaches of Ashalim Creek near the Dead Sea where the flow collected in the Ashalim reservoir as well as in an abandoned ICL quarry that has since been developed into a small saltwater wetland, known locally as “Swan Lake”. ICL conducted a range of detainment, diversion, monitoring and neutralization operations in these lower reaches of the Ashalim Creek. While some damage to the wetland was observed in the immediate months following the incident, a year later most of the vegetation has recovered.
Following the incident, the INPA closed the nature reserve to the public. However, during the 2017-2018 rainy season, there were two major rain events that caused the Ashalim Creek (Nahal Ashalim) to flow vigorously. Measurements taken following the rainy season by the INPA indicate a significant improvement to environmental parameters of the creek. The Ami-Az trail above the canyon has also been opened to the public.
ICL remains strongly committed to supporting and assisting in the various operations being conducted along the dry river bed, including the long-term monitoring and restoration of the affected areas.
For more information on the restoration of the Ashalim Creek click here for the INPA website (Hebrew only).
