Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids (LNAPLs) are used throughout the world for numerous applications,
the most well-known being automotive fuels, such as petrol and diesel. The widespread production,
distribution, storage and use of LNAPLs results in the ubiquitous occurrence of spillage to ground (Geller
et al, 2000). Considering the hazardous nature of most LNAPLs due to their explosive and toxic
characteristics, releases of LNAPLs to ground have well documented human health and ecological
consequences.
The occurrence of leaking underground and above-ground storage tanks at service stations and consumer
installations is a common cause of contamination; and is described in literature for various countries of
the world (Dietz et. al., 1986; Moschini et al, 2005; Mulroy and Ou, 1997; Harris, 1989; The Institute of
Petroleum, 2002).
Little failure data are however available for the South African context. In addition to this, data
concerning the location and characteristics of sites storing LNAPLs in South Africa is similarly scarce.
The study analysed data from three sources, namely the eThekwini Fire and Emergency Services data,
GIS data and data from a local consultancy, in order to determine whether certain factors increased
contamination risk posed by these facilities. The results indicated that contamination may be a result of
numerous factors, but primarily line and tank failure. The type of installation was also found to have a
significant influence on whether a site would be contaminated or not.
In addition to the above, the results indicated that certain circumstances increase the severity of loss.
The results indicated the need for more investigation to be performed into contamination as a result of
LNAPL loss to ground, and the need for protective measures to be implemented for high risk sites where
the likelihood and severity of a potential loss is high. Focus should then be centred on the probability of
failure of non-ferrous pipework and GRP tanks to ensure adequate protective mechanisms are in place in
the event of a failure of this newer infrastructure.
In addition, a review of regulatory control of LNAPL storage in South Africa and the eThekwini
Municipality, with reference to the international context, indicated the need for a specific department
within the local government structure that manages LNAPLs with the objective of reducing
contamination incidents.
The continued use of underground storage of LNAPLs will always present a risk of failure/contamination
due to the unseen nature of the installations and related infrastructure. It is this risk that requires
regulatory management. Details of contaminated sites in South Africa should be within the public
domain. / Thesis (M.Sc.Eng.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:ukzn/oai:http://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za:10413/9600 |
| Date | 23 September 2013 |
| Creators | Pfotenhauer, Torin. |
| Contributors | Buckley, Christopher A. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | en_ZA |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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