Beach reopened after investigation into spill

Video

MOSSEL BAY NEWS & VIDEO - Following repairs and rehabilitation after a leak from a "sump overflow" in the vicinity of the PetroSA's Voorbaai Tank Farm resulted in the spill of some condensate (feedstock) at Bayview Beach, the beach has been reopened on Tuesday.

The spill on Saturday, 19 January was contained using sand barriers, which were built on the beach to prevent further spillage.

To allow for the effective clean-up of the affected areas, the beach was closed to the public between Hartenbos and Bayview.

On Tuesday the all-clear was given after a company appointed by PetroSA, Geo Pollution Technologies, conducted a vapour survey to assess the extent of secondary pollution plume. The spillage seems to be confined to the site of the initial spill.

"A preliminary investigation has established 'a sump overflow into the storm water drain' was the cause of the spill and not a leak on the pipeline. This was an isolated incident that took place for the first time on Saturday. PetroSA adheres to strict safety and environmental standards and conducts regular risk-based inspections (RBIs) in all our operations

"We are pleased that, with the support of the Mossel Bay Municipality and other local stakeholders, we were able to speedily and effectively contain the spill before causing damage.

Watch a video below:

"All the recoverable oil was pumped back into the tanks and the contaminated soil removed as part of the clean-up and of rehabilitating the area. The contaminated soil was taken to our landfill for treatment to remove oil from it," PetroSA spokesperson Tumoetsile Mogamisi said.

The public are urged to contact S.M.A.R.T. (072 227 4715), should they see any contaminated marine animals or seabirds.

Teams were quick to respond to clean up the spill on Bayview Beach. The beach has been reopened for use for the public. Photo: Ivor van Zyl