The City of Ekurhuleni has conducted a site visit to Oriel Park following complaints from residents and ward councillors regarding the pollution of the stream.
The pollution is believed to have been caused by a fuel tanker that overturned on the N3.
One resident claimed there was a smell of petrol coming from the water at Oriel Park.
Ekurhuleni spokesperson Themba Gadebe said the site visit together with Ward 20 Clr Jill Humphreys took place on November 16.
“According to some community members there was a tanker carrying fuel that overturned on the N3, and unfortunately the fuel made its way into the water body through a storm water channel,” Gadebe said.
“Sanral has been contacted with regards to the incident to provide a detailed remediation plan. This will give an indication of the methods and timelines needed to address the problem.”
According to Gadebe, when an individual or company is responsible for such pollution, they are required to report the incident to the relevant authorities – in this case, to the national Department of Water Affairs, the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the City of Ekurhuleni.
“Secondly, they will bear the remediation costs, including specialists appointed to undertake the work,” he said.
In addition, the responsible party may be required to monitor and report on the progress of the remediation, until such time as the authorities are convinced the negative impacts of the incident have been sufficiently addressed.
