But only four months remain before AECI closes its operation in Somerset West. About 100 tons of sulphur a day could start piling up at the refinery unless an alternative is found. Adams said he was concerned about the delay in finding a solution to the sulphur threat and would not hesitate to use his power under the Environmental Management Act to protect the rights of people. He had instructed officials in his department to investigate the situation and report back to him. But Caltex representative Paul Buley did not seem concerned about Adams's threat.
Plans are well under way to find responsible ways to dispose of the sulphur.
But he refused to give details about the alternatives. We are not prepared to discuss these two alternatives because it could compromise our negotiations with these groups. But if the solid sulphur caught fire, it would become an extremely hazardous substance. Professor Moss said if such a mountain of sulphur caught alight, the results could be devastating, posing a major health threat. Depending on the winds, fumes from the burning sulphur could be blown towards Cape Town.