Residents near the Milnerton Lagoon have raised concerns over a persistent and foul odour that has lingered for weeks, causing discomfort in the area. The unpleasant smell, which has been described as overpowering, is reportedly linked to recent sewer pollution incidents, prompting local authorities to investigate the source and take action to address the issue.
The City received a backlash from residents and demanded better implementations to curb the ongoing smell and pollution.
TygerBurger has reported about several sewage spills at the lagoon over the years, while various solutions were put in place.
The City said they acknowledge the frustration experienced by residents living in close proximity to the lagoon “and are making every effort to implement solutions.
“Multiple targeted interventions are underway to mitigate the impact of the recent sewage pollution incidents which have led to the odour emanating from the Milnerton Lagoon. A series of events has compromised the integrity of the sewer system, which are being addressed systematically.”
Incidents
The question the public is asking is: “What incidents led to the current situation?”
The City outlined the below incidents:
- July – the collapse of the rising main at the corner of Omuramba and Racecourse Roads.
“A sewer pipe collapse of the rising main at the corner of Omuramba and Racecourse roads occurred on 23 July. In order to repair the line, the Phoenix/Joe Slovo pump station was temporarily deactivated. Repairs started on 26 July.
- August – September – further collapses occur while repairs are in progress.
While repairs to the 300 mm diameter gravity sewer were in progress, surcharging and overflows occurred at Sanlam Park, Marconi Beam and Lupin Crescent pump stations.
With the constant large volumes of water being diverted for repairs, and heavy rains in July/ August, more pipe bursts were experienced in the network. Added to this, there was also low compatibility to secure the connection points between the deteriorating existing pipe and new UVC replacements.
By 30 September, at least three separate repairs were successfully completed, replacing 21 meters of pipe in Omuramba Road, the City says.
- October – Changeover to CIPP lining to rehabilitate the pipe
A strategic decision was made to fast track Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) rehabilitation of the gravity sewers along Omuramba and Racecourse Road until Montague Drive, was made. During October a project manager was assigned, enabling project scoping and scheduling of resources for the project to be completed.
“Unfortunately, stormwater systems leading to the Erica Road Low Flow Diversion and the Milnerton Lagoon were subsequently affected by the continuous overflows.”
As investigations continued, another significant contributing factor to the higher effluent volumes was the necessary adjustments made to the Milnerton Pressure Management Zone earlier this year. This inadvertently caused increased water pressure in Joe Slovo which also led to higher volumes of wastewater and grey/black water entering the formal sewer and stormwater system in this area.
- November – continued replacement of the gravity main leading to the Phoenix/Joe Slovo pump station
The CIPP project commenced on 4 November. “Operational teams are currently working on site to repair a now much longer section of the deteriorating pipe by relining it. This is a trenchless method which is a cost-effective, less invasive and can be completed without removing or replacing the old pipe.”
The City says plans have also been put in place for the Joe Slovo area to be re-isolated within the broader pressure management zone by mid-December, to reduce the grey/black water volumes entering the stormwater system.
Solutions
Owen Hurling, one of the residents, says all the interventions by the City are welcomed, but these interventions need to be properly implemented.
The City responded saying they have made significant progress with the various targeted interventions to reduce the impact of recent sewage pollution incidents. This includes the rehabilitation of the collapsed sewer pipeline at the corner of Omurumba and Racecourse roads.
“The final section of Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) lining for the collapsed sewer line was completed on Thursday 5 December. The Phoenix/Joe Slovo pump station was thereafter switched back on and has since been fully operational.
In addition, vacuum tankers remain available and on standby, to take up any further overflows from sewer manholes. They are also being utilized to remove stagnant/contaminated water from the Milkyway Pond and Erica Road outfall thereby reducing sewer contamination in the storm water system.”
In October, investigations determined that another contributing factor to the high effluent volumes, was the necessary adjustments made to the Milnerton Pressure Management Zone earlier this year.
“This inadvertently caused increased water pressure in Joe Slovo, leading to higher volumes of wastewater entering the formal sewer and stormwater system in the Milnerton area.”
More interventions
Asked if any further interventions had been identified, the City says bioremediation of the Milnerton Lagoon and Erica Road Outfall is being considered.
“The City’s Scientific Services Branch have advertised a Request for Quotations (RfQs), to explore the feasibility of suitable bioremediation solutions at various locations within the affected area, as well as to pilot nano-bubbler technology in the Milnerton lagoon. The RfQ is currently being expedited through supply chain management processes.
“Plans are also underway to monitor hydrogen sulphate (H2S) levels in the Milnerton Lagoon vicinity through a mobile air quality station. The City is currently in the planning phase towards installation of a unit.”
Once in place, the H2S machine will run 24 hours a day, monitoring the levels of emissions in the area, commonly caused by organic breakdown of sewage.
Residents near the Milnerton Lagoon have raised concerns over a persistent and foul odour that has lingered for weeks, causing discomfort in the area. The unpleasant smell, which has been described as overpowering, is reportedly linked to recent sewer pollution incidents, prompting local authorities to investigate the source and take action to address the issue.
The City received a backlash from residents and demanded better implementations to curb the ongoing smell and pollution.
TygerBurger has reported about several sewage spills at the lagoon over the years, while various solutions were put in place.
The City said they acknowledge the frustration experienced by residents living in close proximity to the lagoon “and are making every effort to implement solutions.
“Multiple targeted interventions are underway to mitigate the impact of the recent sewage pollution incidents which have led to the odour emanating from the Milnerton Lagoon. A series of events has compromised the integrity of the sewer system, which are being addressed systematically.”
Incidents
The question the public is asking is: “What incidents led to the current situation?”
The City outlined the below incidents:
- July – the collapse of the rising main at the corner of Omuramba and Racecourse Roads.
“A sewer pipe collapse of the rising main at the corner of Omuramba and Racecourse roads occurred on 23 July. In order to repair the line, the Phoenix/Joe Slovo pump station was temporarily deactivated. Repairs started on 26 July.
- August – September – further collapses occur while repairs are in progress.
While repairs to the 300 mm diameter gravity sewer were in progress, surcharging and overflows occurred at Sanlam Park, Marconi Beam and Lupin Crescent pump stations.
With the constant large volumes of water being diverted for repairs, and heavy rains in July/ August, more pipe bursts were experienced in the network. Added to this, there was also low compatibility to secure the connection points between the deteriorating existing pipe and new UVC replacements.
By 30 September, at least three separate repairs were successfully completed, replacing 21 meters of pipe in Omuramba Road, the City says.
- October – Changeover to CIPP lining to rehabilitate the pipe
A strategic decision was made to fast track Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) rehabilitation of the gravity sewers along Omuramba and Racecourse Road until Montague Drive, was made. During October a project manager was assigned, enabling project scoping and scheduling of resources for the project to be completed.
“Unfortunately, stormwater systems leading to the Erica Road Low Flow Diversion and the Milnerton Lagoon were subsequently affected by the continuous overflows.”
As investigations continued, another significant contributing factor to the higher effluent volumes was the necessary adjustments made to the Milnerton Pressure Management Zone earlier this year.
This inadvertently caused increased water pressure in Joe Slovo which also led to higher volumes of wastewater and grey/black water entering the formal sewer and stormwater system in this area.
- November – continued replacement of the gravity main leading to the Phoenix/Joe Slovo pump station
The CIPP project commenced on 4 November.
“Operational teams are currently working on site to repair a now much longer section of the deteriorating pipe by relining it. This is a trenchless method which is a cost-effective, less invasive and can be completed without removing or replacing the old pipe.”
The City says plans have also been put in place for the Joe Slovo area to be re-isolated within the broader pressure management zone by mid-December, to reduce the grey/black water volumes entering the stormwater system.
Solutions
Owen Hurling, one of the residents, says all the interventions by the City are welcomed, but these interventions need to be properly implemented.
The City responded saying they have made significant progress with the various targeted interventions to reduce the impact of recent sewage pollution incidents.
This includes the rehabilitation of the collapsed sewer pipeline at the corner of Omurumba and Racecourse roads.
“The final section of Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) lining for the collapsed sewer line was completed on Thursday 5 December.
“The Phoenix/Joe Slovo pump station was thereafter switched back on and has since been fully operational.
In addition, vacuum tankers remain available and on standby, to take up any further overflows from sewer manholes.”
In October, investigations determined that another contributing factor to the high effluent volumes, was the necessary adjustments made to the Milnerton Pressure Management Zone earlier this year.
Asked if any further interventions had been identified, the City says bioremediation of the Milnerton Lagoon and Erica Road Outfall is being considered.
Residents near the Milnerton Lagoon have raised concerns over a persistent and foul odour that has lingered for weeks, causing discomfort in the area.
The unpleasant smell, which has been described as overpowering, is reportedly linked to recent sewer pollution incidents, prompting local authorities to investigate the source and take action to address the issue.
The City received a backlash from residents and demanded better implementations to curb the ongoing smell and pollution.
TygerBurger has reported about several sewage spills at the lagoon over the years, while various solutions were put in place.
The City said they acknowledge the frustration experienced by residents living in close proximity to the lagoon “and are making every effort to implement solutions.
“Multiple targeted interventions are underway to mitigate the impact of the recent sewage pollution incidents which have led to the odour emanating from the Milnerton Lagoon. A series of events has compromised the integrity of the sewer system, which are being addressed systematically.”
Incidents
The question the public is asking is: “What incidents led to the current situation?”
The City outlined the below incidents:
- July – the collapse of the rising main at the corner of Omuramba and Racecourse Roads.
“A sewer pipe collapse of the rising main at the corner of Omuramba and Racecourse roads occurred on 23 July. In order to repair the line, the Phoenix/Joe Slovo pump station was temporarily deactivated. Repairs started on 26 July.
- August – September – further collapses occur while repairs are in progress.
While repairs to the 300 mm diameter gravity sewer were in progress, surcharging and overflows occurred at Sanlam Park, Marconi Beam and Lupin Crescent pump stations.
With the constant large volumes of water being diverted for repairs, and heavy rains in July/ August, more pipe bursts were experienced in the network. Added to this, there was also low compatibility to secure the connection points between the deteriorating existing pipe and new UVC replacements.
By 30 September, at least three separate repairs were successfully completed, replacing 21 meters of pipe in Omuramba Road, the City says.
- October – Changeover to CIPP lining to rehabilitate the pipe
A strategic decision was made to fast track Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) rehabilitation of the gravity sewers along Omuramba and Racecourse Road until Montague Drive, was made. During October a project manager was assigned, enabling project scoping and scheduling of resources for the project to be completed.
“Unfortunately, stormwater systems leading to the Erica Road Low Flow Diversion and the Milnerton Lagoon were subsequently affected by the continuous overflows.”
As investigations continued, another significant contributing factor to the higher effluent volumes was the necessary adjustments made to the Milnerton Pressure Management Zone earlier this year. This inadvertently caused increased water pressure in Joe Slovo which also led to higher volumes of wastewater and grey/black water entering the formal sewer and stormwater system in this area.
- November – continued replacement of the gravity main leading to the Phoenix/Joe Slovo pump station
The CIPP project commenced on 4 November. “Operational teams are currently working on site to repair a now much longer section of the deteriorating pipe by relining it. This is a trenchless method which is a cost-effective, less invasive and can be completed without removing or replacing the old pipe.”
The City says plans have also been put in place for the Joe Slovo area to be re-isolated within the broader pressure management zone by mid-December, to reduce the grey/black water volumes entering the stormwater system.
Solutions
Owen Hurling, one of the residents, says all the interventions by the City are welcomed, but these interventions need to be properly implemented.
The City responded saying they have made significant progress with the various targeted interventions to reduce the impact of recent sewage pollution incidents. This includes the rehabilitation of the collapsed sewer pipeline at the corner of Omurumba and Racecourse roads.
“The final section of Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) lining for the collapsed sewer line was completed on Thursday 5 December. The Phoenix/Joe Slovo pump station was thereafter switched back on and has since been fully operational.”
Asked if any further interventions had been identified, the City says bioremediation of the Milnerton Lagoon and Erica Road Outfall is being considered.
