Alliance cries foul over emissions

DESMOND D’Sa of the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), says the health of residents living along the fence-line of the Engen Refinery was being impacted by the effects of gas emissions from the refinery’s Kerosene Hydrotreater Unit.

The residents of Wentworth, Merebank and the Bluff were the worst affected by the emissions from the unit, which became operational over the December 2023 holiday period.

“Residents were shocked to suddenly be faced by flaring and the emission of what has now been confirmed as benzene concentrations.

“We are concerned that Engen has not acted in good faith, which has impacted on the health and well-being of the community. We acknowledge that work for our people is important. However, the health and well-being of our people must be put before profit and the menial employment opportunities provided to the community.

“We cannot compromise the well-being of people and we call on all residents to take a stand against Engen, which has acted irresponsibly,”

D’Sa said.

Air quality control officer for SDCEA, Bongani Mthembu, said the emissions were confirmed as benzene concentrations.

“There are great risks associated with the inhalation of benzene, which includes cancer, bone marrow suppression, reproductive and developmental effects, respiratory irritation, liver and kidney damage, cardiovascular effects and skin irritation.

“Despite having published a notification in local media in October 2023, no warning was given to the community alerting them of the dangers, risks and emissions that would arise from the flaring. This resulted in a bleak Christmas for many residents, who reported to the SDCEA, experiencing respiratory related difficulties arising from the emissions,” Mthembu said.

But Engen Refinery communications manager Gavin Smith said the Engen Durban Marine Terminal and Solvents Manufacturing Complex operated in strict accordance with its Atmospheric Emissions Licence (AEL) and all applicable laws and permits.

“Engen conducts consistent emissions monitoring along the terminal’s fenceline. Baseline monitoring was conducted prior to the December 2023 start-up of the Kerosene Hydrotreater Unit (now called the Solvents Manufacturing Complex), and post start-up, with no noticeable impact on the emissions, which were within AEL limits.

“A community flier compiled in collaboration with the Community-Engen Joint Committee was published in local media containing information about the solvents manufacturing project.

“Furthermore, 2 000 flyers were also distributed door-to-door to the fenceline residents in Merebank and Wentworth on October 25 last year.

“Engen continuously engages openly with a broad representation of South Durban community representatives through the Community-Engen Joint Committee to address matters of concern and to explore the co-creation of future opportunities.

“This is Engen’s primary platform of engagement with the South Durban community, through which numerous community-led outreach initiatives aimed at uplifting and empowering the local community continue to be jointly and effectively spearheaded,” Smith added.