The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) is investigating the water quality at Oriel Park after reports of wildlife dying due to alleged pollution.
The NEWS reported on June 5 in the article Resident nurses frail gosling back to health that Nikita Loreggian treated a gosling after it was affected by pollution allegedly due to illegal dumping at Oriel Park.
“The stream seemed to be polluted and could have been dumping or a spillage of paraffin or a different sort of gasoline,” she said.
“When I spoke to other Bedfordview residents who walk their dogs in the park, they reported a strong smell of paraffin or petrol coming from the water,” said Loreggian.
CoE spokesperson Themba Gadebe confirmed CoE was notified about dead birds in Oriel Park by Ward 20 Clr Jill Humphreys. Upon arrival at Oriel Park, CoE officials observed one dead goose next to the stream.
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“There was also a strong smell of hydrocarbons which may suggest spillage of diesel, petrol or oil in the water,” said Gadebe.
Water samples were taken to determine the actual chemical constituents.
“Unfortunately, the dead goose was in a bad decomposed state and further tests could not be done to determine the cause of death.”
Investigations continue and further site visits will be undertaken in the coming week.
Due to ongoing investigations, he said the city cannot confirm whether the bird died due to pollution.
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On whether the strong smell is paraffin or gasoline, Gadebe stated this will only be determined once water quality results are released by the laboratory.
“The investigation is meant to determine the cause of the pollution and bird deaths. Once established, those responsible will have to take the responsibility for the clean-up.”
Gadebe said this is in line with the Polluter Pays principle. He said several departments deal with open water systems. These include Environmental Resource and Waste, Water and Sanitation and Roads and Stormwater.
“It is important for the community to report such incidents as soon as they become aware of them so that we can investigate.”
