GEORGE NEWS - Rainwater collecting around the fuel tanks of the aviation gas refuelling facility at George Airport must be drained away as the water could contaminate the fuel, which could be disastrous.
This is according to a private plane owner, Glenn van Heerden, who regularly refuels his aircraft at the facility. "There should be drainage outlets so that water never accumulates around the tanks. Water mixed with aircraft fuel can easily cause engine loss and a crash," he warns.
Van Heerden rents a hangar at the general aviation area at the airport.
New fuel supplier
Van Heerden is also concerned about a new fuel supplier apparently being appointed to replace Air BP, whose contract lapsed in November last year and has been supplying fuel on a month-to-month basis since.
"We cannot find any evidence of a tender being called, but apparently a new supplier is taking over from Air BP soon."
George Herald has tried to obtain comment from George Airport manager Brenda Vorster, but at the time of going to print, she has not replied to queries via email or phone.
A query in January about safety issues with the refuelling facility also elicited no response from Vorster, but at the time, Air BP replied, "Safety of our operations at all of our sites is our priority, as well as the safety of our people and customers. As we transition to hand over the business to the new operator, ensuring a smooth handover of operations and safety remain a priority for us during this period."
It appears that no tendering process has been launched to seek a new supplier after Air BP's contract lapsed.
Air BP's comment
The latest response from Air BP regarding the rain water was via Dineo Teffo, Air BP's asset senior manager (Africa), who said: "We are aware that the water collects in the bunded area, which was designed to provide protection in the event of any product spills; this is expected and normal. The water does not come into contact with product that is supplied to customers, and we have a system and process in place that ensures the water gets drained from the bunded area after heavy rains. At all of the locations we are present, we follow global safety guidelines to ensure safe and reliable operations for our customers at all times. "
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