Oiled arenas harm the environment

Baylis said that using waste oil to reduce dust on arenas is not only illegal but environmentally hazardous too. He explained that pouring old motor oil on arenas causes significant environmental damage which could result in the perpetrators incurring significant fines and even criminal prosecution under the Environmental Management Act.

“In discussions with some of the stable yards that use this method of dust control, it appears that the owners of these yards are unaware of the dangers posed by used oil,” Baylis said.

“According to one owner the oil is significantly cheaper than using water as a dust control measure and is better for the environment because it doesn’t waste water. He was also of the belief that the oil is in any case a natural substance and breaks down naturally to harmless substances over time.”

Baylis explained that this view is unfortunately very far from the reality of the actual damage that is being done. The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism classifies waste or used motor oil as a hazardous substance. Depending on its source, it has an acute and chronic toxicity and very damaging environmental consequences, both short and long term.

“We have all observed the impact of oil spills on surface water and bird life,” Baylis said. “Not only does it kill the birds and cause birth defects for generations to come, but it also kills reeds and grassland.” He further explained that in places like Kyalami where a significant number of residents draw their potable water from groundwater sources, the oil drains through the underlying geology eventually finding its way to the groundwater sources.

“Responsible horsemanship also means caring for our environment and suitable dust control measures are part of that responsibility,” Baylis added.

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