NNA – Electricite Du Liban (EDL) on Wednesday issued a statement addressing recent media and social media reports concerning the chemical materials at the Zouk power plant. EDL reaffirmed that according to security authorities and the German firm CombiLift, the chemicals present are neither flammable nor explosive and pose no risk to public safety.
Previous clarifications on March 24, 2022, and April 29, 2022, were reiterated, and EDL referenced an intelligence report from October 30, 2023, confirming the same.
EDL clarified that these chemicals are standard for thermal power plants and industrial facilities within the Zouk area.
In response to concerns from the Zouk Mikael municipality, EDL requested any documented studies proving the danger of these chemicals for further review with international manufacturers and relevant specialists. No response has been received to date.
Additionally, EDL highlighted an ongoing agreement with CombiLift to dispose of 13 tons of expired chemicals, pending approval from the Ministry of Environment. Efforts are underway to expedite this process, including exploring alternative disposal companies.
EDL firmly denied the presence of ammonium nitrate at the Zouk plant, citing confirmations from intelligence and military reports. The utility urged accurate information dissemination and stressed its readiness to clarify any concerns to reassure the public.
