Sewage pollution in Umhlangamkhulu River in Sea Park a ”shocking shame”

An urgent warning has been issued after the Umhlangamkhulu River was recently found to be contaminated.
The river – home to a wide variety of birds, fish and other wildlife – forms the northern boundary of Sea Park and flows into the sea near Southport.

In a statement released by Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM), it said a complaint of raw sewage being pumped into the river on Friday (13th), was received last Saturday (14th).

“The alleged perpetrator is known by this office and investigations have been commissioned. A site inspection was conducted and additional information was gathered. Water samples were taken on site, and the results will determine the severity of the pollution.”

The municipality confirmed that it is working with other departments to ensure enforcement against the responsible party.

“At this point, we cannot provide any further information, but can assure you that action will be taken against the perpetrator by the competent authority.”

Ugu District Municipality spokesperson Zimbini Mpurwana confirmed that a complaint was received on February 15 regarding alleged pollution of the Umhlangamkhulu River.

She said a joint inspection was conducted the next day (16th) by officials from Ugu, the Department of Water and Sanitation, the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, and RNM at Sunrise Farms.

“The inspection identified that wastewater effluent was being discharged into the river from the farm’s wastewater containment system and vehicle washing activities.”

Mpurwana said the Department of Water and Sanitation is the competent authority in matters relating to river pollution and will lead the regulatory process.

“A verbal instruction has been issued to the farm representative to immediately cease the discharge. The farm has committed to implementing corrective measures without delay. A formal written notice will be issued by the competent authority, with compliance timeframes to be determined accordingly.”

She added that Ugu will continue to monitor the situation and support the relevant authorities to ensure compliance and protection of the environment.

Kevin Albertus, an executive at Sunrise Farms, said the matter is under review.
“At this stage, we are gathering the necessary information and cannot comment further until this process has been completed,” he said.

“Sunrise Farms remains committed to compliance with all environmental regulations and will engage with the relevant parties as appropriate once the review has concluded.”

Residents first raised the alarm after noticing a powerful and nauseating stench emanating from the river.
One resident described it as “the most revolting smell”, saying the water had turned green and was emitting an unbearable odour.

“When a member of my staff went to investigate, it was discovered that a stopcock valve was pumping sewage and dead chickens directly into the river, with the pipe leading towards a poultry operation.

“The fact is they shouldn’t have a pipe leading into the river in the first place,” the resident said.

The contamination has raised serious concerns about public health, marine life and the broader ecosystem, particularly as the river flows into the sea.

Joan Gallagher, chairperson of the Bendigo Conservancy Group, said she has been involved from the outset, and this has been going on for a long time.

Standing at the Southport bridge and looking down at the visibly contaminated river, Gallagher described the situation as “a shocking shame”.

“At the moment – obviously don’t get in, go close to, or drink the water,” she warned.
Gallagher also questioned who is monitoring the situation and what regulations are being enforced to prevent such pollution.

She urged residents, especially those walking dogs, to stay away from the river until further notice.

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