International Airport
8 November 2006
Government has responded to the unprecedented fuel spillage at OR Tambo
International Airport on 8 November 2006 by unleashing the full might of the
environmental enforcement units at national, provincial and local level.
Current estimates are that at least one million litres of aviation fuel were
spilled into the stormwater system, and into the Blaauwpan Dam.
Officials from the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT),
the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment (GDACE) and
the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Council are working around the clock to ensure that
measures are taken to protect the health of local residents and to remediate
the environment.
Environmental Management Inspectors from DEAT and GDACE, dubbed the 'Green
Scorpions,' are working hand in hand with enforcement officials from the
Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) and Ekurhuleni Metropolitan
Council to investigate the cause of the incident, and possible contraventions
of environmental legislation.
A criminal case has already been opened into the incident on suspicion of an
offence under the National Water Act.
Government is also investigating the actions and measures taken by the
Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) leading up to this incident,
particularly in view of previous similar incidents at OR Tambo International.
Directors of ACSA could be held personally liable in terms of the environmental
legislation that has been breached as a result of this incident.
A follow up meeting will take place between ACSA management and senior
government officials on Thursday, 9 November 2006 to discuss detailed clean up
and remediation requirements, and other measures to prevent future
incidents.
On Tuesday, 7 November 2006, rapid response teams hired by ACSA, overseen by
Ekurhuleni Emergency Services, began clean-up operations in an effort to limit
further damage to the environment. Many volunteers are also assisting in order
to save some of the birdlife affected by the spillage.
Enquiries:
Blessing Manale
Cell: 083 381 2939
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
8 November 2006
