Follow procedure when discarding industrial effluent – CoE
The CoE is not aware of any deliberate discharges of pollutants into the stormwater system.
In light of the community’s concerns regarding pollution in Eastleigh Spruit, the City of Ekurhuleni confirmed that action was taken against a business for discharging pollutants into the waterway.
Pollution in the spruit, which runs through Protea Park, has been a concern for residents for many years.
Although Ward 19 Clr Bill Rundle recently informed the NEWS that two businesses in Eastleigh’s industrial area received contravention notices for illegally discharging pollutants into the spruit, the CoE could only confirm issuing one Eastleigh business a contravention notice since the start of the year.
CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the city issued the notice and the business adhered to the instruction.
ALSO READ: Tips on buying cars online
Zweli said despite the business’ compliance, there have been some reports of pollutants still in the waterway.
He said an inspection done by the city identified broken sewerage infrastructure that is being attended to.
“The pipe was broken by a contractor who entered the stream with an excavator,” said Zweli.
“The city suspects that the downstream end of the pipe was closed with mass concrete for a retaining wall on the western embankment of the Eastleigh Spruit.
Zweli said the city is assessing all options to rectify the situation.
He said the CoE is not aware of any deliberate discharges of pollutants into the stormwater system.
“An accident or incident can and does occur occasionally,” said Zweli.
Those who wish to discharge pollutants must follow the regulations and by-laws put in place by the municipality.
“Water and sanitation by-laws indicate the process and procedure to apply for an industrial effluent discharge permit,” said Zweli.
“The permit allows companies to discharge industrial effluent into the sewer system under control and with certain conditions.”
If done illegally, pollutants discharged into stormwater drains or directly into waterways such as the Eastleigh Spruit will damage the environment and ecosystem.
Zweli said if a company is found illegally discharging pollutants into the waterways, the CoE will issue an inspection notice to the company and it will be expected to rectify the matter.
Also follow us on:
