Clarification from 'Electricité du Liban' on the Relocation of Expired Chemical Materials

Electricité du Liban announced in a statement that "in light of the information circulating in media and social networks regarding the issue of chemical materials, the institution wishes to clarify the following:

Electricité du Liban had previously contracted with Combilift, pursuant to Board of Directors Decision No. 19-3/2021 dated February 16, 2021, with the aim of relocating expired chemical materials and disposing of them. However, the institution was unable to relocate these materials abroad due to the Ministry of Environment's lack of approval at the time.

Subsequently, the institution re-engaged with Tecmo to dispose of the chemical materials, in accordance with Board of Directors Decision No. 444-24/2024 dated September 4, 2024. The institution did not hand over any of the materials to the company until it obtained all necessary approvals and permits in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

In this context, Sodium Metallicate, Rodine & Hydrogale, and Positive Resin were transported to the Zahle landfill after Tecmo received approval from the Ministry of Environment, along with written consent from the Mayor of Zahle, who initially withheld his approval but later reversed his position.

Additionally, Trisodium Phosphate was transported to Marj Bsalim after Tecmo secured approval from the Ministry of Environment. This followed a formal letter submitted by the company to the Ministry of Environment outlining the transportation procedure to Marj Bsalim and requesting approval. Trisodium Phosphate was also packaged at the Taste Laboratory under the supervision of the State Security Agency, in preparation for transport to Marj Bsalim.

Upon receiving a letter dated May 26, 2026, from the Lebanese Army Intelligence Directorate, accompanied by a letter from the Ministry of Agriculture No. 4725/3 dated April 14, 2026, which stated that no action should be taken on the remaining quantity currently stored at Marj Bsalim, Electricité du Liban issued two letters to Tecmo: the first dated June 25, 2026 (No. 3786), and the second dated July 6, 2026 (No. 3987). These letters instructed Tecmo not to take any action on the remaining Trisodium Phosphate stock unless approved by the Intelligence Directorate regarding the proposed measures, while strictly adhering to standards set by both the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture.

It should be noted that Electricité du Liban had previously informed all relevant authorities—before initiating any action concerning these materials—of all planned steps and procedures, including the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Interior, and other competent bodies, in full compliance with established procedures, laws, and regulations. Furthermore, Electricité du Liban continues to maintain ongoing communication with the contractor, Tecmo, as well as the Ministries of Environment and Agriculture, in search of a solution for the materials currently stored at the Zahle landfill and Marj Bsalim.