Residents anxious over smell

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GEORGE NEWS AND VIDEOS - Residents in certain areas of Heather Park are concerned about a regularly occurring chemical smell that they suspect originates from the asphalt plant at Witfontein.

It is affecting their quality of life and health, says Anthony Breakey of Taaibos Avenue, who speaks on behalf of the concerned residents. A number of people have reported health problems like sinusitis, headaches, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

"It has been affecting mostly Heather Park residents for the last two years. My wife and I have been trying to find out where it comes from. We eliminated all possible sources until one day we drove past the AECI Much Asphalt plant at Witfontein and realised that the smell at the plant is what we are experiencing at home."

Heather Park is situated about 2km from the plant, as the crow flies. Whenever there is a northerly to north-westerly wind, the smell spreads to them. "One couple, these days fearing a northerly breeze, would drive down to the sea to escape the odour," says Breakey.

Although the plant has been there for more than two decades, he suspects that a forest at Witfontein that burned down about two years ago and was recently cut down further, had previously formed a natural buffer between the neighbourhood and the plant.

"Such a plant should never have been approved by George Municipality at this site."

AECI replies

AECI says its latest isokinetic emission monitoring reports, dated April 2024 and September 2024 respectively, confirm full compliance with all licensing requirements.

"In October, after a complaint was raised, two independent inspections were conducted by local municipal officials, both of which verified that there were no sub-standard or non-compliant conditions at our facility.

"Additionally, regarding a complaint lodged late on Friday 8 November, we would like to clarify that our production had already ceased at 14:00 that day. No activities took place at our facility on Saturday 9 November, when another complaint was submitted," says AECI.

Anthony and Chantal Breakey at the asphalt plant they believe is causing the odour experienced in their neighbourhood.

"To further address community concerns, we have proactively commissioned an additional volatiles of combustion test, which will be conducted soon.

"We are also evaluating preventive measures, such as incorporating fuel conditioners and exploring alternative fuel sources, to assess any additional enhancements these could provide. We are dedicated to open dialogue with the community, and our representative, Riaan Odendaal, participates in a community WhatsApp group to stay engaged with residents and provide real-time updates on any questions or issues that arise."

GRDM investigates

Herman Pieters, communication manager for the Garden Route District Municipality, says the environmental section has met with complainants who reported experiencing diesel and asphalt odours.

An investigation is underway and an inspection was conducted at the plant and in Heather Park.

The facility is required to perform annual emission testing and tests conducted in April confirmed compliance.

"Upon review, it was confirmed that Much Asphalt uses heavy furnace oil for drying aggregates and paraffin for heating bitumen. Diesel is not used in their processes, as evidenced by their fuel purchase records."

Pieters said results of passive sampling for volatile organic compounds are being awaited. Additional monitoring using an active air quality monitor will be conducted at the Breakeys' home to capture detailed data.

If the investigation confirms that Much Asphalt is the source of the odours, GRDM will issue a notice requiring the facility to take reasonable measures to prevent offensive odour emissions.