Residents accuse Foxhill animal hide curing business of pollution

A Fox Hill, Salt Rock, business owner operating in the curing industry has denied allegations that they are the cause of a ghastly stench in the area and the possible pollution of a nearby wetland.

Concerned residents, fearing health issues, brought the matter to the attention of Salt Rock councillor Privi Makhan and from there environmental, health, water and sanitation authorities were informed.

Water samples have been taken and sent for testing in order to determine if the wetland has been polluted. The outcome is yet to be confirmed by the Water and Sanitation department.

Speaking to The North Coast Courier, owner of Mismar Trading, Alan Engelbrecht said that allegations levelled against him had been “a witch hunt”.

The business cures animal hides for processing by a large tannery in Gauteng.

According to residents, staff have been seen washing off animal hides in the driveway of the business.

The water becomes mixed with animal fat and blood, running down into a nearby stream which eventually wash into a wetland.

When there has not been rain for a while, the water builds up and becomes stagnant, causing a horrid stench, residents claim.

According to Engelbrecht’s landlord, Sean Hackland, this build up of water has been an issue ever since the area has seen an increase in development.

However, Hackland disputes that the water is contaminated with blood and fat.

Adjoining property land owner, Dave Faber said that they would make a decision on what to do once the test results have come back.

“If pollution is found, we will ensure that we trace the culprit and that it is rectified. If it turns out to be a simple drainage (with normal water build up) issue which only washes out with heavy rains, a drainage pipe must be installed beneath the dirt road to allow for the flow of water,” said Faber.

Business owner Engelbrecht denied that the business was a tannery.

“We do not use chemicals nor do we use water when treating hides. We use salt, we are a curing operation and not a tannery,” he said.

He said it would not make sense to wash the fat away, as it had a monetary value.

“Fat is money for us as we store this on site until we have roughly one tonne worth. This is then sold to the gelatin industry for around R2 000,” he said.

The only water which is collected from the hides comes after the hides had been salted, and moisture drawn from the hides.

This water is disposed of at the Frasers waste water treatment works. A log-sheet confirming the disposal was provided to the Courier.

The state veterinarian for iLembe district, Dr Brighton Dara, said Engelbrecht was licenced and was running his business appropriately.

Do you want to receive news alerts from The North Coast Courier via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.