Southcrest stream polluted with industrial waste
Southcrest residents have noted the colour changes and strong chemical smell emitted from a nearby stream.
SOUTHCREST residents have been closely monitoring a stream at the Heidelberg complex on Voortrekker Road that has reportedly run in different colours for three years.
The water periodically changed colour from faintly red to burnt orange to a wine-coloured maroon with a strong chemical smell, according to one resident who has taken photographs of the small river’s colour changes, daily for months.
The residents have reported the matter to authorities and finally received a resolution to the mystery in February 2016.
An investigation by the Ekurhuleni Water and Sanitation Department indicated that industrial effluent had been allowed to contaminate the water in the stream.The Industrial Effluent Department of Joburg Water in Tulisa Park also inspected the site to find the source of the pollution. Officials there found contaminated water flowing from a closed storm water culvert coming from Tulisa Park and the Steeledale industrial area.
A company in Brunel street in Tulisa Park was found to be directly pumping effluent into the storm water drains along the road, according to the Joburg Water investigation. A company representative reportedly stated that they were unaware of the effluent being allowed into the storm water drains.
The RECORD is awaiting comment from Joburg Water and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality regarding further steps to be taken at the Southcrest stream.
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