MOSSEL BAY NEWS - PetroSA, South Africa's National Oil Company (NOC),
has experienced a formic acid spillage at the Mossel Bay Harbour.
The spill occurred on the evening of 17 April, due to a failure that
caused the forklift to drop its load, resulting in the spillage.
Formic acid is an organic substance used in the oil and gas well stimulation treatments.
Formic acid was spilled on a tar surface at the Mossel Bay Harbour, of
which approximately 10 litres flowed into a storm water drain. The area
was barricaded and cleaned up by PetroSA's emergency response unit and
the Mossel Bay Fire Department.
The Transnet National Ports Authority has, in accordance with the law, been informed of the spillage incident.
As a precautionary safety measure, the Sea Gypsey Restaurant, which is
situated at the Mossel Bay Harbour, was evacuated to prevent restaurant
patrons from inhaling fumes omitted from the spillage. The restaurant
was also closed for business for a day.
"Following the incident, no injuries were reported to employees or any
other persons. At PetroSA, safety is one of the cornerstones of our
operations, which is why our teams responded promptly and timeously to
the incident," Zama Luthuli, PetroSA' s Vice-President for Corporate
Affairs, said.
"A formal investigation into the incident has been launched. More
importantly, we wish to thank all our partners for the prompt assistance
and cooperation in dealing with the incident," she added.
- Mossel Bay Advertiser
