AFB Makhado - Rehabilitation of the environment due to fuel leak
Date: 19 May 2007
In a briefing by the Department of Public Works to the Department of Defence on the Repair & Maintenance Programme (RAMP) of military bases, further information was revealed relating the the leakage of jet A1 fuel at AFB Makhado (SeeNews article dated 19 June 2003).
Jet A1 fuel had leaked over a period of 15 years into the sub-soil. The fuel floats on the groundwater and in terms of the Water Act, rehabilitation was needed. It is now estimated that approximately 15 000 m3 had leaked into the sub-soil polluting the groundwater. As an emergency interim measure fuel was bailed from the groundwater after drilling 70 boreholes. To date 500 000 litres of fuel was removed. A contract started in May 2005 to drill a further 50 plus boreholes. Thirty boreholes will be equipped with pumps to lower the groundwater level and remove the fuel more effectively. Separators will be used to separate the fuel and water. The fuel will be removed and disposed off by a licensed organization. The water will be used to recharge the area, irrigate an area over the polluted site or used for irrigation purposes . Total rehabilitation cost for three years will be R18 million.
