EMEA News
Richards Bay Leak a Mystery
More than a week after thousands of litres of oil leaked from a decommissioned pipeline into South Africa's Richards Bay, it remains unclear how the accident occurred, South African news site Independent Online reports.
"The line was not used. It was decommissioned," said Joe Mahlo, spokesman for the pipeline's owner, Engen Petroleum Ltd (Engen).
"It was closed with three valves; each valve is sufficient to stop the flow."
Mahlo said the company is seeking information on why oil was in the pipe and how it was pumped out.
The Richards Pay Port Authority said investigations are still under way.
Port manager Transnet is addressing the spill together with Engen, according to Herbert Msagala, general manager of operations.
"In 2012, we declared that this pipe must not be used," he said.
"It is not a leak from a live pipe."
Sandra Redelinghuys, Engen's corporate manager for environmental management, said mangrove swamp in the area, which is a nesting ground for terns and home to sea life including dolphins, was badly affected, and the full impact will not be known for months.
The port has remained operational throughout the incident and clean-up efforts.
Environmental groups have blamed poor maintenance and careless attitudes for the spill, according to South African news site Business Day.
"I think it is about time that the government hold these companies accountable for the damage they are causing to the environment," said Desmond D'sa of the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance.
Crews have been working to clean up the spill, which authorities said reached the harbour on April 10.
