Concern over oil washing ashore

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Concern has been raised about reports over the weekend of oil contamination on certain beaches along the Garden Route.

SANParks confirmed that they are monitoring the extent of the spill. "We are working hand-in-hand with other relevant organisations to assess the situation and implement a comprehensive response plan. We will provide regular updates as more information becomes available."

Phokela Lebea, communications officer for the Garden Route National Park, said the source of the contamination is still being investigated.

"We urge beachgoers to steer clear of the affected area until it is completely cleared. Cleanups of the section of the beach that is exposed are currently underway."

He said the areas under SANParks' jurisdiction that are specifically affected are between Gericke Point and Kleinkrantz, where oil globules have been washing up on the shoreline due to tidal action.

Disaster centre JOC

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Communications Officer Marlene Nqumse said a joint operations committee meeting organised by the Garden Route disaster management centre is to be held at 15:00 this afternoon (Wednesday 5 November) with all affected local municipalities and relevant government departments.

"The clean-up above the high-water mark on affected beaches falls under the responsibility of the respective coastal local municipalities, and the Department of Transport is the lead authority in this matter."

She said the disaster management centre's role is to ensure a coordinated response and information sharing. "A joint media release will be issued following the meeting to provide an official update on the situation and actions taken."

After a beach walk between Wilderness and Sedgefield.

Tourism

Mark Dixon from the Strandloper Project said collaborators of the project have noticed oil contamination on various beaches and it seems that the contamination is between Blombos at Stilbaai and Plettenberg Bay.

“The last thing the Garden Route needs now is that visitors have a negative experience on our beaches. I saw some tourists coming off Swartvlei Beach this week who had to wipe off the oil sticking to their feet.

"It is important that clean-up efforts on prime destination beaches start as soon as possible, and that the oil be tested to establish the origin of the spill. I’ve reported it to the GRDM and George Tourism, but it seems that there is no co-ordinated protocol to respond to the situation.”

Dixon said the beaches between Wilderness and Buffels Bay have been significantly impacted due to strong winds last week, causing the oil to be washed ashore. “The oil is present as small globules and smears, and clings to coastal organic material and plastic pollution.

He said the beaches between Wilderness and Buffels Bay have been significantly impacted due to strong winds last week causing the oil to be washed ashore. It sticks to organic material and plastic.

Wilderness resident Balvindra Walter also alerted authorities after going for a walk on the beach between Wilderness and Sedgefield, returning with "oiled" feet.

He says he got no response. "There does not seem to be any urgency, even with tourist season upon us and Wilderness hoping for another Blue Flag, not to mention the impact on the environment. Even the plastic litter has oil on it and when I pick trash off the beach, it sticks to my fingers.

"I think it’s a safety concern for animals and humans alike and would not recommend eating of mussels or oysters."

The oil sticks to organic material and plastics.