NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

							NATIONAL ASSEMBLY


(For written reply)

QUESTION NO. 1621

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 38 of 2006

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 3 November 2006

Mr M Swart (DA) to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism:

    (1) Whether regular surveillance in respect of incidents of pollution (a) at sea and (b) on the
        coastline takes place; if not, why not; if so, who is responsible for such surveillance;

    (2) whether anyone has been contracted by his department to provide emergency support
        during incidents of pollution; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

                                                                                          N2178E




    MR M SWART
    SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT
    HANSARD
    PAPERS OFFICE
    PRESS




NATIONAL ASSEMBLY                        QUESTION 1621                                  N2178E
1621. THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM ANSWERS:

1.    Yes. The Department, through its contract with the National Airways Corporation, conducts
      daytime aerial surveillance flights to monitor our coastal and marine waters for incidences of
      pollution from oils and other hazardous substances. The flights are conducted by an aircraft
      named the ‘Kuswag 8’ (or Coastguard 8), which flies an average of 60 hours per month, and
      is capable of flying up to 50 nautical miles out to sea. A pre-approved monthly schedule
      ensures that the Kuswag 8 covers different stretches of the coastline through its programme.

      DEAT cooperates with the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) to prosecute
      vessels that are caught illegally discharging oily waste. The Department is also supported by
      the 35th Squadron of the Defence Force, which carries out anti-pollution surveillance during
      their normal maritime security patrols.

2.    No. The nature of an emergency response operation depends on the severity of the pollution
      incident. DEAT has an oil spill response team and equipment store that is capable of
      responding directly to small incidents. The team also possesses specialist expertise and
      contingency plans to coordinate much larger response operations with stakeholders. DEAT
      has four Environmental Protection Vessels that are capable of responding to pollution threats
      at sea, all of which have onboard concentrated oil dispersant for emergency application.

      Depending on the severity of the incident, DEAT or the party directly responsible for the
      incident can obtain technical resources and assistance from a variety of private companies
      (such as Drizit Environmental and HAZMAT), other government organisations (such as the
      National Ports Authority) and from the oil industry itself. There are many emergency response
      companies that operate on a commercial basis in South Africa. For significant pollution
      incidences and threats, oil and petroleum companies in South Africa are in a position to
      contract the services of highly-trained international response agencies (such as the well-
      known ‘Oil Spill Response Limited’) that guarantee a response within 24 hours.




NATIONAL ASSEMBLY                        QUESTION 1621                                   N2178E