This is according to the EMM spokesperson, Themba Gadebe, who responded about a month after the Advertiser first submitted a query about the dam.
The Advertiser reported on the matter in an article ‘Who is responsible?’ on the front page of the issue dated October 27.
The dam, at the intersection of Rondebult and Yaldwyn roads, had a clear blueish-green colour to it in mid-October.
The DA Ekurhuleni spokesperson for environmental development, André du Plessis, and ward councillor Simon Lapping requested the water be tested as soon as possible.
Gadebe said: “Water Quality suspects there was a sewer blockage near Kelly Road which spilled into the storm water drainage system towards the reported channel at Empire Road to the pond; however, this was reported and fixed.
“Two inspections were conducted in October after the tests were done and no evidence of the bluish-coloured effluent pollution was identified,” said Gadebe.
“The dilution may have occurred due to previous rains, hence the pollution was not identified.”
The situation is being closely monitored for any reoccurrence.
Gadebe said more samples were yet to be taken to verify the water quality of the dam.
“The blue water originates from a company that is discharging permitted effluent with a blue colour, into the sewer. However, due to the sewer blockage, it spills into the storm water drainage system,” he said.
“The company complies to discharge standards.”
- Extracting water
Furthermore, the Advertiser has also received complaints from witnesses who have spotted a truck from a construction company in Krugersdorp with an outlet pipe into the dam water, on multiple occasions.
The company told the newspaper that they extract water from the dam which they use to suppress dust at construction sites, and that they have permission from the property owner to do so.
The company does a lot of business in and around the Boksburg area.
The Advertiser waited for feedback from the company with regards to who owns the property, but have received no response.
“We are not pumping anything into the water – we take environmental issues very seriously,” said the company.
According to Gadebe, the water body in question is sub-divided between both the EMM and the Airport Company South Africa (ACSA).
“The EMM has not given any permission to the company to draw water from the dam. This can be noted as an illegal activity and the matter will be taken up by the city’s legislative compliance division,” reported Gadebe.
Witnesses are urged to take down the registration numbers and pictures of any suspicious trucks near the dam and report this to du Plessis on 083 655 8187 or Lapping on 078 350 5063.
