Oil spill clean-up on track
Port authority and Engen first focus on infrastructure clean-up, then costs and liability for spill.
NOW that all the oil-stained vessels at the Port of Richards Bay have been shaped up and shipped out, Transnet National Port Authority (TNPA) is focusing on cleaning their blackened harbour walls.
The port authority says it is currently working with Engen to develop a plan to address polluted fenders, quay walls and infrastructure at the harbour after 6 000 litres of oil was spilled at the Engen-managed Joint Bunker Services terminal nearly a month ago.
‘All the affected vessels have been cleaned and have sailed,’ said Port of Richards Bay Harbour Master, Sabelo Mdlalose.
‘Our main focus now is on monitoring environmental and terminal berths as well as a way forward regarding the plan to clean the TNPA infrastructure.’
However, it still remains unclear what party will accept liability or foot the exorbitant bill for the clean-up.
‘The Joint Operations Committee (JOC) is currently finalising the clean-up operations effectively and efficiently.
‘Post that, an incident investigation will take place that will reveal what led to the incident.’
Mdlalose added that TNPA and Engen have separate objectives addressed by specialised teams sourced by Engen to ‘look at various activities and what is taking place. We are unable to indicate costing at this stage,’ he said.
Meanwhile the oil has been cleared from the surface of the water in the harbour and from the beaches within the port.
‘The Casuarinas beach, which was badly affected by the spill, is looking good,’ said Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife District Conservation Officer Frans Mthembu.
‘There are still balls of oil being removed by the clean-up teams, but the fish and marine life seems healthy and the progress made so far has been positive.
‘We will continue to monitor the site every day until the entire operation has been finalised.’
