Transnet investigates R2.4m diesel spill
The pipeline, which has been in operation since 1965, is maintained and operated according to international standards. - Transnet
South Africa’s rail, port and pipeline company, Transnet, has been under the spotlight for the R2.4m diesel spillage in Hillcrest recently and is still trying to establish the cause of the pipeline failure.
Public relations, communications and marketing manger for Transnet, Saret Knoetze, said the exact cause of the spillage is still under investigation. According to Knoetze, the pipeline, which has been in operation since 1965, is maintained and operated according to international standards.
“In the last four years there have been two major diesel spillages (including the recent incident). The other incident was a result of third party damage, namely unauthorised working in the servitude area with heavy duty machinery, thereby damaging the pipeline,” explained Knoetze.
“The pipeline pressure is monitored 24 hours a day in the master control room. When the drop in pressure was noted, the pipeline was immediately shut down and the emergency response plans were activated. Pipeline representatives were on site within one hour of the spill and the area was made safe. Environmental clean-up experts were also on site within hours,” she added.
Investigations revealed the noise heard by residents could not be linked to the pipeline. “The noise in reference was never linked to the pipeline. It was reported that residents heard a ‘rumble’ in the distance, but when we investigated we could not link it to our pipeline,” said Knoetze.
Knoetze further stated that the cost of rehabilitation and duration of the clean-up will only be determined once a full rehabilitation plan has been finalised.
The pipeline was repaired by the early hours of Christmas morning and is back in operation.
