DURBAN - KWAZULU-NATAL MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Edtea) Ravi Pillay has announced that beaches that were closed after the chemical spill in July from the United Phosphorus LTD (UPL) leased warehouse would be allowed to reopen for recreational activities from tomorrow.
“The beaches that were closed due to contamination from the toxic chemical spill emanating from the UPL warehouse in Cornubia in July, would be significantly, but not completely, reopened from November 2,” a statement said yesterday.
Pesticide and agro-chemicals spilled into the Ohlanga River, uMhlanga Estuary and the sea as a result of a fire at the warehouse in Cornubia during the July unrest and looting.
The announcement comes after a peer review of a specialists’ report on the safety of the beaches.
Pillay said an exclusion zone would remain closed for all activities and fishing at the beaches remained prohibited.
“The specialists’ report had recommended that the beaches be reopened for recreational purposes, but that an ‘exclusion zone’ of 1km north and south of the uMhlanga estuary mouth, and one kilometre out to sea, in which all activities remain prohibited, should be maintained.”
Pillay said the national Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment would make a decision at the appropriate time on the reopening of the exclusion zone.
“All fishing and harvesting of marine resources (shore angling and the harvesting, utilisation and consumption of shellfish) between the uMgeni River mouth to Salt Rock and one kilometre out to sea, remain prohibited.”
Pillay said the decision to reopen beaches was made after a peer review of a report by specialists on the spill was completed by British Professor Jason Weeks. Pillay added that the peer review report would be released to the public.
“The peer review was undertaken by British Professor Jason Weeks, a highly respected and eminently qualified expert with vast experience in the assessment of toxic spills.”
In the opinion of Professor Weeks, based on an overview of the reported evidence, the recommendation to open the beaches could be supported for recreational use and surfing.
“Professor Weeks concluded that while there remained some uncertainties, efforts to remediate and remove any ongoing sources of contamination from the site and upper reaches of the tributary appeared to be effective.
“While the specialists have concluded that the beaches are safe to open for now, further monitoring and analysis will be conducted.
“The decision to restrict the harvesting of marine vertebrates or invertebrates from the region should remain in place. All collection is prohibited pending further monitoring and analysis. The monitoring will continue for the foreseeable future until evidence indicates that any risk has been adequately mitigated.”
Pillay added that the department was aware of the negative impact on businesses and subsistence fishermen.
“We had decided to approach the matter with extreme caution given the impact that any irresponsible decision could have on public health. We are satisfied now, as specialists have said, that there is little to no danger in reopening the beaches,” he said.
The decision to reopen the beaches comes after UPL had said it had written to Edtea, expressing its concern over the continued delay in reopening the beaches.
THE MERCURY