------ Forwarded Message
From: Morne Viljoen <mviljoen@bdz.co.za>
Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2006 08:18:57 +0200
To: "Trevor Babich (Fishingowl)" <4_babich@fishingowl.co.za>, Elise Tempelhoff <eliset@beeld.com>
Subject: Coordinated government response to the fuel leak at OR Tambo International Airport

This is a press release from DEAT.   My question is just this: Why have they only started co-operating after the 3rd spill”?  What about all the Vaal river spills?

Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism

WEDNESDAY, 08 NOVEMBER 2006: Government has responded to the unprecedented fuel spillage at O R Tambo International Airport on 8 November 2006 by unleashing the full might of the environmental enforcement units at national, provincial and local level.

Current estimates are that at least one million liters of aviation fuel were spilled into the stormwater system, and into the Blaauwpan Dam.

Officials from the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT), the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment (GDACE) and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Council are working around the clock to ensure that measures are taken to protect the health of local residents and to remediate the environment.

Environmental Management Inspectors from DEAT and GDACE, dubbed the ‘Green Scorpions’, are working hand in hand with enforcement officials from the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) and Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Council to investigate the cause of the incident, and possible contraventions of environmental legislation.

A criminal case has already been opened into the incident on suspicion of an offence under the National Water Act.

Government is also investigating the actions and measures taken by ACSA leading up to this incident, particularly in view of previous similar incidents at OR Tambo International. Directors of ACSA could be held personally liable in terms of the environmental legislation that has been breached as a result of this incident.

A follow up meeting will take place between ACSA management and senior government officials on Thursday, 9 November 2006 to discuss detailed clean up and remediation requirements, and other measures to prevent future incidents.

On Tuesday, 7 November 2006, rapid response teams hired by ACSA, overseen by Ekurhuleni Emergency Services, began clean-up operations in an effort to limit further damage to the environment.  Many volunteers are also assisting in order to save some of the birdlife affected by the spillage.

if you feel strongly enough either way send us your bouquets or turds, all opinions are relevant 4_babich@fishingowl.co.za