GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Ongoing assessment and clean-up operations are underway by local municipalities and other stakeholders to remove the oil contamination found on a number of Garden Route beaches in recent weeks.
This is according to a statement issued after a special joint operations committee (JOC) meeting of the Garden Route District Disaster Management Centre (DMC) was held yesterday with relevant coastal municipalities and other stakeholders.
The DMC confirmed that about 30 bags have been collected during clean-up operations so far and will be transported to approved hazardous waste disposal sites located in Cape Town and Gqeberha.
Disaster Management Chief Gerhard Otto said the exact source of the substance remains unknown. “Initial reports were received about traces of the substance found along the Bitou Municipality coastline, with subsequent sightings gradually moving westward across the region up to Still Bay. The substance typically dries out and breaks down within approximately 6 days.”
He said there are currently no reports of any impact on wildlife.
Members of the public who spot traces of the residue are urged to contact the GRDM Emergency Call Centre via WhatsApp at 081 709 5193, and to include a location pin of where it was spotted.
“These pins help GRDM accurately map and track where patches have occurred and where clean-up operations are required. An interactive map where residues have been discovered, will be published within the next week.”
Otto said the National Department of Transport is responsible for responding to the spill and implementing a relevant contingency plan. “Only once residue reaches the coastline above the high-tide mark do municipalities assume responsibility for clean-up operations.
“Samples of the residue will be tested; however, there is currently no conclusive evidence linking it to any specific source. Investigations of this nature are complex and can take some time to conclude. A follow-up update will be provided again on 19 November.”
Comment from the Transport Department is being awaited.
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