Metro still investigating oil dump behind foul smell in Centurion
The odour will worsen during cooler weather until the dumped oil has diluted, evaporated or worked its way through the environment, according to MMC Ziyanda Zwane.
The metro has identified two suspects directly responsible for illegally dumping an oil-based substance at Sunderland Ridge wastewater treatment works (WWTW) on January 8.
Residents of Rooihuiskraal to Laezonia reported a foul smell in January, which some said caused them health concerns.
At the time, they were told to avoid the river downstream of the WWTW and to close their windows and doors when the smell was detected.
Environment and agriculture MMC Ziyanda Zwane said a criminal investigation was underway, and that the names of the suspects may not be made public in terms of a confidentiality clause in the National Environmental Management Act.
“This substance has a high volatile organic compound concentration, meaning that it releases a vapour into the atmosphere,” said Zwane.
Zwane said the foul smell would linger until the substance sufficiently dilutes, evaporates or moves through the natural environment.
The odour would be particularly noticeable when the temperature drops, such as in the early morning and the evening.
“Due to the substance being an oil, it does not dissolve in water and it coats everything it comes into contact with.”
Because of this, it will take longer to dissipate.
Zwane said his department was working continuously to monitor the river and the treatment works outlet.
“The department is assessing the site and the receiving environment daily, and stopping all liquid waste transport in the area to verify the legality of operation,” said Zwane.
He said the department would soon have the result of tests on samples taken from the water to determine the chemical composition of the substance.
The results would help in identifying the impact the pollutant would have on the river.
“This will provide more information on possible treatment options and health risk management going forward.”
The department will update residents on further precautions to take once the information is received.
ActionSA PR councillors, Prajay Ramjee and Henriette Frolich, who have been following this story, said they are engaging with local businesses to identify partnerships that could assist the metro’s course of action.
“We will also be advocating for stricter control measures at the entrance of the WWTW and dumping area to ensure non-permitted waste is not dumped into the WWTW in the future.”
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