Michael Nkalane
THE Oceana Fishmeal Factory in Hout Bay has invested R11 million to update its chemical scrubbing technology to tackle the odour which had residents up in arms, and almost resulted in its closure.
But its chief executive Francois Kuttel made it very clear that Hout Bay would not have fresh-smelling air. “Let me be categorical here, unfortunately, nothing we are going to do will stop the smell. The technology simply does not exist,” he said.
In August, the Fresh Air for Hout Bay (FAHB) group complained about the smell coming from the factory. This led to a decrease in production levels and almost resulted in the factory’s closure.
On Tuesday, the Oceana’s operating lease was extended at the CCMA from one to five years. However, FAHB says the odour had a negative impact on everyday life.
Of Oceana’s R11m investment, Kuttel said: “This is in addition to a R50m investment in odour abatement technology over the last 15 years.
“This further R11m is to update our chemical-scrubbing technology, which was installed in 1996. This will ensure the scrubber is operating at maximum efficiency and in line with international best practice,” he said.
Kuttel said the company would also institute a trial period for an alternative chemical to be used in the scrubber as recommended by the City.
“Oceana is also investing in technology which will facilitate phase separation and thereby further optimise the production process.
“Oceana will continue to keep the lines of communication open with concerned members of the community, and will continue to research and invest in new odour abatement technology that is proven to be more effective or suitable.”
He stressed that it must be noted that while the company does everything possible to minimise emissions, it cannot completely eliminate the smells associated with fishmeal production.
“While the scrubber upgrade will continue to minimise odorous vapours, it will not result in changes to the characteristic smell of the factory – which will remain a function of wind direction during production days.”
However, FAHB founder Kiara Worth said that improving odour-abating technology would not make a significant difference to rid the smell.
“No amount of technology can get rid of the smell coming from that factory during production days. We need to look at this question: is this the best industry for Hout Bay?” she said, adding that FAHB was looking at ways of how to conduct an environmental research at the factory.
@siyaks