UPDATE: Contaminated soil bagged for disposal

Latest update from Transnet on behalf of Preston Khomo, Port Manager

DESPITE the leak, operations at the port have continued on a limited basis and operational and clean-up activities of the affected areas are being prioritised.

The following immediate and ongoing actions have been taken:

• The formation of an integrated and multi-disciplinary team including Enviroserv, Drizit and Spilltech are working together towards managing and cleaning up the oil spill.
• 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 Engen managed pipeline is being monitored daily.
• The number of field specialists and management of resources on site has been increased
• A Joint Operations Committee (JOC) that meets twice a day to share updates, discuss new developments and shift priorities where applicable has been formed.
• Engen has mobilised environmental consultants to scientifically establish any environmental impacts.
• The spill clean-up remains a 24hr operation.
• TNPA has reported the incident to the authorities being the Department of Environmental Affairs and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

Due to the potential impact on the Mangrove’s and shore life in close proximity to some berths, resources and cleanup activities here have been prioritized with high frequency feedback to the management team.

Oil free berths will be used for vessel relocation and vessel cleaning if required. The inspection team has been tasked with further inspections of additional berths to enhance the restoration of normal operations.

READ Oil spill in harbour