Investigation launched into South Africa’s biggest petrol company

South Africa’s largest petrochemical company, Sasol, is being investigated following allegations that it dumped hazardous chemical waste into the Klipspruit River catchment.

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister David Maynier shared details about the criminal investigation with National Assembly member Noluthando Makasi in response to Parliamentary questions.

The MP asked the Minister about the illegal release of hazardous chemicals, including vanadium, potassium carbonate, diethanolamine, and heavy metals, from Sasol’s Benfield operations into the Klipspruit River.

She asked for details on the scientific methods used to establish the facts surrounding the alleged contamination, and wanted confirmation about the measures implemented to prevent industrial pollution.

The matter dates back to 2019, when former Sasol senior process manager Ian Erasmus alleged that off-spec chemical solutions and washwaters containing elevated vanadium levels were diverted into stormwater systems between 2012 and 2019.

He added that this was done instead of the off-spec chemical solutions and washwaters being safely contained and treated.

Following his disclosure, the complaint faced multi-year administrative and regulatory delays across the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), and environmental inspectorates.

Since then, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and its specialised environmental investigators have launched criminal investigations into Sasol’s Secunda operations.

The investigators executed warrants at Secunda, probing its chemical sewer network, shut-off valves, bypass channels, and routes leading to API wastewater containment tanks.

They are now examining whether any hazardous substances may have entered public waterways, including the Klipspruit River.

Investigators are also looking into whether any Sasol officials provided false or misleading information to environmental inspectors or parliament during past compliance checks.

The petroleum company has denied the illegal dumping allegations, stating that its clean-water circuit is physically segregated from its contaminated wastewater circuit.

Sasol added that it operates within its Water Use Licenses and has submitted compliance documentation to environmental authorities.

Investigations are ongoing

In his response, Maynier explained that the issue forms part of an ongoing criminal investigation by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).

He added that releasing information before a final decision regarding the continued prosecution of Sasol Secunda would be premature and could also potentially prejudice the investigation and criminal proceedings.

According to the minister, the department must act in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Act and also abide by all applicable legal requirements governing criminal investigations and proceedings.

“Accordingly, the DFFE must respect and uphold the integrity of the criminal investigation and prosecutorial processes,” he said.

“This includes compliance with legal requirements and procedures regulating the disclosure or release of information in an ongoing criminal investigation.”

Maynier added that the regulation and protection of water resources primarily fall within the mandate of the Department of Water and Sanitation, and that his department was providing support where needed.

He noted that this is done through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s specialised investigative capacity.

The Sasol matter was brought to his department’s attention through a South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) inquiry.

Environmental Management Inspectors from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment were then assigned to assist with the investigation.

They examined the allegations of pollution emanating from the Secunda site and its impact on the Vaal River System.