Media advisory 7 February 2024
Cllr Ziyanda Zwane
MMC for Environment and Agriculture Management
The public is hereby informed that the City is aware of the ongoing noxious odour in the Centurion area as a result of the illegal disposal of an oil-based substance into Sunderland Ridge Wastewater Treatment Works on 8 January 2024. This substance has a high volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration, meaning that it releases a vapour in the atmosphere, which causes the odour being experienced.
The odour will continue to be detected, especially when it is cooler (early morning, late afternoon and at night), until the substance fully dilutes and/or evaporates and/or moves through the natural environment. Please also note that, due to the substance being an oil, it does not dissolve in water and it “coats” everything it comes into contact with. Hence, with its associated odour, the oil will linger in the environment much longer than a water-based substance that may quickly be washed away.
This was a once-off illegal activity and the Environment and Agriculture Management Department is working continuously in terms of monitoring the river and the wastewater treatment works outlet, assessing the site and receiving environment daily, and stopping all liquid waste transport vehicles observed in the area to verify legality of operation. Soon, expected results of water samples taken will assist in determining the chemical composition of the substance disposed of and its pollution impact on the river.
This will provide more information on possible treatment options and health risk management going forward. Once the results are in, the community will be updated on the state of the receiving environment (river) regarding any new precautions to be taken. Two suspects were identified who can directly be linked to the illegal disposal of the said oily substance at Sunderland Ridge Wastewater Treatment Works.
A criminal investigation is currently underway in terms of contraventions under the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act 59 of 2008) in association with the national Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. If found guilty, a R10 million fine, imprisonment of 10 years or both may apply. Also, the City’s Water and Sanitation Department is taking action in terms of the City of Tshwane Sanitation By-law. The names of these suspects may not be made public in terms of the confidentiality clause in Section 31Q of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998).
Enquiries:
Dr Pimelo Ngidi