health risks
10 November 2006
Due to the fuel spillage incident from OR Tambo that took place on Tuesday,
7 November 2006 and contaminated the Blaauwpan Pan, Bonaero Park, Ekurhuleni,
it has become necessary to inform the public of key facts regarding the
response to the incident and impacts on local residents.
The product spilled is aircraft fuel, currently estimated at around 1
million litres. Clean-up is taking place around the clock and the spread of the
spill has been fully contained. The outlet from the dam has been sealed off
since Tuesday, 7 November 2006, and will not be re-opened until authorities are
satisfied with the water quality.
Rapid Spill Response teams have been pumping off fuel since Tuesday, 7
November 2006. In addition, an organic peat absorbent is used to absorb spilled
fuel. The absorption product contains no chemicals, and poses no risk at all.
The absorbed waste product will be removed from the spill site to an authorised
disposal site.
The fuel spilled gives off certain vapours with a strong odour, including
toluene and xylene. Authorities are monitoring the levels of these vapours on
an ongoing basis.
Whilst levels of these chemicals are higher than normal, authorities are
satisfied that the levels are well within safety limits and pose no medium or
long-term health risk. No levels of benzene have been recorded.
Due to the strong odour, discomfort might be experienced by local residents.
Residents are advised to stay in well-ventilated areas, by opening windows on
the downwind side. The odour will continue to dissipate until all the spilled
fuels have been removed.
Authorities have taken water samples, both at the source of the spillage and
at boreholes surrounding the Blaauwpan Dam. Should samples show that the
product has reached groundwater; the sampling programme will be extended
appropriately.
Residents surrounding Blaauwpan Dam who rely solely on borehole water should
contact: Jan Bodenstein from Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Environmental
Health on Cell: 082 302 0469.
Residents and visitors will not be able to access the Blaauwpan Dam until
further notice.
Enquiries:
Blessing Manale
Cell: 083 381 2939
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
10 November 2006
