Warning against picking up contaminated marine life following chemical spillage issued by eThekwini Municipality

THE eThekwini Municipality has urged the public to refrain from picking up and collecting dead marine life off the uMdloti and uMhlanga coastline as they have been contaminated with toxic chemicals and could be harmful to humans.

City spokesperson, Lindiwe Khuzwayo said a specialised chemical clean-up company has been appointed to clean up the spill from a Cornubia chemical warehouse as well as any contamination including dead marine life.

“Special clean-up crews are on site to deal with the collection and disposal of dead marine and bird life in a responsible manner. The public is also reminded that the beaches north of the Umgeni River are closed as a precautionary measure. Collecting or harvesting of any marine life in the affected area is temporarily prohibited until the cause is determined and the threat has abated.

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“Authorities are continuously monitoring the area to determine the extent of the impact of the spill. Thus far, there has been fish kill only in the uMhlanga Estuary and beach area and uMdloti beach. The fish kill follows the toxic chemical spill into the uMhlanga Estuary after a chemical warehouse was burnt down during this week’s unrest. Based on specialist advice, the river mouth has been left open to help dilute the contamination in the lagoon,” Khuzwayo explained.

She added the Municipality was aware of the smoke from the remains of a burnt chemical warehouse in the Cornubia area, north of Durban.

“The fire has been extinguished on the site, however, there is still smoke due to a high volume of debris after the structure was destroyed by fire. Destroyed structural elements such as heavy steel, metal sheeting and concrete beams, which are an obstruction, are being removed to ensure that smoke is controlled and to ensure that it subsides as quickly as possible.

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“The public should take note that as the salvage operation continues, the smoke rises due to debris being turned over. Water is continuously applied to suppress the rising smoke and vapors. As a precautionary measure residents are advised to continue to close windows and doors and to put wet cloths over vents until smoke clears,” she said.