UPDATE: Oil clean-up to last 5 days
Transnet National Ports Authority’s releases statement on oil spill.
Statement from Transnet on behalf of: Preston Khomo, Port Manager
Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) environmental department at the Port of Richards Bay is monitoring the clean-up operation being undertaken by Engen’s clean up team that includes Enviroserv, Drizit and Spilltech.
Enviroserv is conducting the rehabilitation of the contaminated soil and sand at the Small Craft Harbour. All the contaminated soil and sand is being bagged for safe disposal.
Drizit and Spilltech teams are currently using oil skimmers to drain the oil from the water. All the oil drained is being put into tanks at the quayside.
The onsite Drizit team has the spillage under control and the source of the spillage has been stopped.
TNPA has reported the incident to the authorities being the Department of Environmental Affairs and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
The spillage reached the Small Craft Harbour yesterday and at 8am today oil was observed at 600 Series berths. In response, On Scene Incident Commander prioritised the areas for the clean-up.
The On Scene Incident Manager and TNPA’s Environment Dept. are conducting ongoing inspections to monitor areas that have been affected and also to allocate teams to clean and rehabilitate the areas.
The clean-up is expected to continue for the next five (5) days and TNPA will remain with the clean-up teams for the entire process to ensure that all the affected areas are rehabilitated ad restored to their natural state.
No operational impacts are anticipated as a result of the incident as the spillage. All observed spillages are being contained in the sections where it is observed to prevent it from contaminating other parts of the Port.
