Environmentalists want to know why a beach in KZN is covered with foam
Environmental lobby groups called on Wednesday for an inquiry into the cause and impact of a chemical spill that led to a blanket of foam covering Umkomaas Beach on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. JSE-listed paper company Sappi has conceded that the spill emanated from its Saiccor plant in Umkomaas. The eThekwini Municipality and the Department of Environmental Affairs said they were investigating the spill and their officials had been to the scene. The two bodies said the foam was not toxic but warned community members to stay clear of the scene until the spill had been cleared. According to Saiccor mill general manager Krish Naidoo: "A small amount of detergent from the Sappi Saiccor mill entered the backwash system and subsequently into the Umkomaas estuary. "The wave action mixed the detergent with air and resulted in foam on the beachfront and river mouth. The relevant authorities have been notified and a full investigation is under way." Naidoo added: "It is not anticipated tha...
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