Residents fuming over ‘toxic’ stench

UPPER Highway residents are fuming over the ‘fetid’ odours in Hillcrest and surrounding areas.

According to Sarah Rosslien, she has been in contact with environmental groups about the Shongweni Enviroserv landfill site, which is suspected to be causing noxious gas smells in and around the Hillcrest area. She said many residents have experienced side effects from the odours that include nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, sinusitus and chest problems.

“We believe waste material from the diesel and petrol spill sites is being dumped at the Shongweni Enviroserv landfill, which definitely seems to exacerbate the problem. A large group of us have logged all the times, wind direction and type of smells as well as side effects experienced. We have statements from a number of residents with their experiences related to the landfill gases and how they have been affected,” said Rosslien.

The group of residents has notified Clive Kidd of Enviroserv and continue to call the Enviroserv emergency line when the odour occurs.

“A second landfill site is to be built next to the current site. We fear that matters will only degrade further. We’re all literally sick from the situation, this last week has been particularly potent and unbearable, with some of my neighbours landing up in hospital with pneumonia. We are increasingly worried about the damage this is doing to our families and our health,” said Rosslien.

DA councillor, Gillian Noyce, said Hillcrest seems to be in an odour belt and the right weather conditions can create a ‘perfect storm’. She said the chief culprit appears to be the EnviroServe landfill site, which takes in toxic waste streams which are precluded from general waste landfill sites because they have to be dealt with according to stringent legal conditions.

Another resident, Harold Gillitt, who has also suffered health issues from the odours, said air monitors was erected by an air quality specialist from Gauteng (Geozone) on 11 April. An air sample was taken by technicians on 26 April and residents are currently awaiting the results.

Makgabo van Niekerk, public relations officer at EnviroServe, said the company has appointed Brian Gibson to organise and facilitate a community meeting at Assagay Hotel and Conference Centre, 7 Kassier Road in Shongweni on Wednesday, 11 May at 4pm to 6.30pm, in an attempt to identify the likely source/s of odours experienced in the area during the past few months. The results of recent air quality monitoring in the Hillcrest area will be presented by an independent specialist.

“This meeting is an opportunity to engage the independent specialists including Dr Carlos De Norbrega, Andrew Dickson and Margot Saner. They will be available to respond to residents’ queries,” said Van Niekerk.