Authorities investigate acid leakage

Sulphuric acid seeped out of the tanker through this valve that did not have a safety cover
 

The soil nearby the tanker was visibly contaminated by the sulphuric acid

 

Ronelle Ramsamy

THE KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs (DAEA) have instituted an investigation following a leakage of hazardous sulphuric acid from a stationary tanker.
The discovery of the leaking tanker at a company in KwaMbonambi was made on Monday, when DAEA officials unexpectedly turned up at the premises for an inspection.
The Zululand Observer, which contacted DAEA officials, received a tip-off earlier this week that the tanker carrying a load of sulphuric acid had been taken to the respective location.
During an inspection at the site with DAEA officials, the tanker was found parked at the back of the premises with a valve leaking. Due to a missing valve cover, an unknown amount of sulphuric acid had seeped into the nearby ground as well as the storm water drain.

Responsibility
The sulphuric acid load, which was picked up from Foskor last Tuesday and Wednesday was reportedly sold to a local company in Richards Bay. However, Vice President of the Foskor Acid Division, Neel Naidoo told the Zululand Observer that Foskor is not responsible for contracting the transportation company that removes the load from their premises.
‘We take this matter very seriously especially when it affects the environment. We sell a proportion of our sulphuric acid to local customers.
‘Approximately 20,5 tons was picked up on Tuesday and 19,1 tons was picked up on Wednesday. However, the customer is responsible for transportation and contracts the company of their choice to pick up the sulphuric acid.
‘We have informed our clients of the incident,’ said Naidoo.
But, the manager of the transportation company in question has apologised, saying it was an unfortunate accident that was immediately rectified.
‘We had parked the tanker at the premises because we could not take the tanker to its destination, as their tankers were full.
‘The dust cover that sits on the valve had somehow come off. But as soon as we were informed of the leakage, I immediately came to the scene, removed the tanker and cleaned up the soil.’

Clean-up
Following the incident, DAEA officials have issued specific time-frames and instructions for the clean-up of the soil and remediation process.
As the substance is highly flammable, the tanker and contaminated soil had to be removed immediately.
Sulphuric acid reportedly affects the ph balance of the soil and kills the nutrients in the soil. ‘We will investigate and track down the source of the problem and appropriate action will be taken against the perpetrators. We will also assess the extent of the damage to the environment and see if environmental regulations have been contravened,’ said DAEA uThungulu District Manager, Richard Ngcamu.
According to Mbonambi Municipal Manager, MH Nkosi, the municipality will be working in conjunction with DAEA officials to conduct follow-up inspections at the site.