AUTHORITIES were called in last week to investigate foam emanating from the Foskor plant and landing on neighbouring premises.
Complaints were first raised by the woodchip plant adjacent to Foskor, where at times the incident looked like a foam party in progress.
The bubble bath-like foam balls carried into the parking lot as far as Woodchip Glade road and onto the John Ross Parkway.
TWK Manager Dave Conradie said the foam smelt and tasted acidic, and he was concerned about possible corrosion, pollution and contamination.
City of uMhlathuze environmental officials visited the scene on Wednesday.
In a written response to a Zululand Observer enquiry, Foskor said the foam originated from the cooling towers.
‘The foaming observed is formed during the production of phosphoric acid as a result of a detergent used to improve crystal morphology,’ said Group Manager: Corporate Affairs, Abram Ledwaba.
‘The foam is a result of failure of the original defoamer system at the old reactor.
‘Low temperatures and wind at the time resulted in increased stability in the foam and the spread of the foam beyond Foskor boundaries.
‘The defoamer was manually dosed at the cooling tower to prevent any further foam formation.
‘To prevent recurrence another automated defoaming system is currently being constructed..
‘Although foaming is part of normal operation, Foskor commits to taking all the necessary steps to ensure that this does not affect the public,’ said Ledwaba.
