PICS: Sappi ‘chemical spill’ on South Coast beach
The foam quickly started forming in the river, making its way downstream to the Umkomaas beach.
SOUTH Coast locals and environmental activists are worried that the foam which emanated from Sappi early on Tuesday morning, is not what Sappi has called ‘detergent’.
Not much information as to what kind of ‘detergent’ it was is available at present, but eThekwini Democratic Alliance Councillor Bob Daniel said he had taken a sample which would be sent for analysis.
Meanwhile, Sappi and the eThekwini Municipality have confirmed that the foam is not toxic.
“A small amount of detergent from the Sappi Saiccor Mill entered the backwash system and subsequently into the Umkomaas estuary,” confirmed Saiccor Mill general manager, Krish Naidoo.
Mr Naidoo added that although there were controls in place to prevent this, it appears that a leak developed in the collection weir which resulted in the release.
“The wave action mixed the detergent with air and resulted in foam on the beachfront and river mouth. The relevant authorities have been notified and a full investigation is underway,” said Mr Naidoo.
“It is not anticipated that there will be any impact from the leak, however, experts will sample the estuary and closely monitor the situation.”
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