Energy crisis puts industries at risk
Coastal watchdog warns water utility of potential blackout disaster.
COASTWATCH KZN’s Dr Judy Bell did not mince her words at the Mhlathuze Effluent Pipeline Forum when she instructed the local water utility to prepare for the ‘worst case scenario’ should the energy crisis force industrial shutdowns.
While Mhlathuze has been an exception to load shedding owing to its crucial services in the region, she warned there is still a possibility Eskom would be forced to pull the plug on them, which would have adverse environmental effects.
‘You need a contingency plan,’ said Bell.
‘To think you will never be cut off is like asking for a hammer to the head.
‘And then there is always Murphy’s law – you could be cut off in the middle of a cyclone or flood.
‘If you issue a red code, your clients must also know what to do regarding their waste water if a shutdown hits them.’
Mhlathuze’s customers include Foskor, Tronox KZN Sands, BHP Billiton Hillside Aluminium, Mondi and Mpact, who all use the utility’s waste water disposal system to flush run-off water to sea. A power outage would stop the pump flushing run-off water to sea.
However, Mhlathuze representatives said there is a system in place to bypass its pump station should a power emergency occur.
Despite their current backup plan, the utility agreed to start working on a crisis management plan in case of a blackout.
Drought dreads
Another serious concern for Coastwatch is the region’s drought.
‘If we are running out of water now, think what winter will be like,’ said Bell.
‘Water services and authorities must get involved in the Water Reconciliation Strategy.’
The study (headed by the Department of Water Affairs) partners with stakeholders, government and non-governmental organisations to evaluate and prioritise interventions to assess potential savings and reconcile available water resources.
