Image 1 : Condition of tank at current location on 2024/02/28
Removal of a washed up insulated boiler tank from the Goukamma MPA.
Background :
Approximately 10 years ago, a boiler tank, insulated with expanded foam, washed up in the Goukamma MPA at approximately 34° 3'4.41"S, 22°51'30.22"E. The location was inaccessible to vehicles for a land-based recovery, and the shoreline and surf zone were too rough for a sea-based removal.
Successive sea storms and abnormally high tides have shifted the tank approximately 5.3km eastwards along the shoreline to its current location at 34° 3'57.58"S, 22°55'4.50"E, which is approximately 4.5km from the Wildside parking area, making it accessible for a recovery.
Tank Description :
The tank is a steel tank with a hole on one side and a ring on the opposite side. The entire tank is insulated with a layer of expanded foam.
Approximate dimensions of the tank are 3.5m x 3.0m x 1.8m.
 Photo 2 : Condition of tank on 2020/10/11
Motivation for recovery.
Photo 3 : Pieces of foam west of the tanks current location.
The expanded foam insulation layer covering the steel tank has gradually degraded and broken down, polluting the shoreline with foam particles and micro-particles. Over the past two years the rate of disintegration of the foam layer has increased, creating an urgency to remove it to mitigate future contamination of the shoreline in the MPA.
Map indicating eastward movement of tank since washing up.
Recovery Options :
Through a combination of a call to action on social media platforms and meetings with interest groups, private businessmen and Goukamma Nature Reserve manager, Strandloper Project has identified four feasible recovery methods to get the tank, or parts of it to the Wildside parking area.
- Helicopter Lift and drop-off at the Wildside parking area. This would be the ideal recovery method to keep the entire tank and insulation layer intact. Once deposited at the Wildside parking area, the tank can be transferred to a recovery truck and transported to a suitable location for responsible disposal.
- 6 Ton truck and excavator to load the tank and transport to the Wildside parking area.
- Winch onto a sled and drag off the beach to the Wildside parking area with a 4 x 4.
- Cut the foam off the steel tank and load onto trailer and tow the trailer to the WIldside parking area with a 4 x 4 or quad bike. The tank will then be coated with eco rubber to prevent the remaining foam from disintegrating until plans are made to recover the steel component of the tank.
Permissions :
A project of this nature encompasses a combination of authorities and Strandloper Project is working to ensure that there are no obstacles to prevent this essential environmental operation to be a success.
Any suggestions and assistance in securing the relevant permissions will be greatly appreciated.
Target Date
We would like to arrange removal before the end of mid year 2024.
Funding
To date Strandloper Project has recived two private donations towards the cost of removal of the tank. We are still in the process of asking for donations and sponsorship. If you, or your company would like to contribute towards the cost of this project, please email Mark for more details. |
