It is a dirty job. It is an unsafe job. We are subjected to pollution, disease and opportunistic crime all day while we are trying to make this happen. But we realise how important this task is. So we are prepared to put it all on the line to get the job done.
The Plan
We install drainage nets onto storm water outlets at offending sites immediately as we find them. The netting is simply and easily attached to concrete drain pipes. Tests have shown this system to highly effective, in one case a small net collecting 350 kg of waste, including plastic food wrappers and bottles, in just one hour during a recent rain storm.
The nets are placed on the outlet of drainage pipes, which are located between residential areas and natural areas … This ensures that the habitat of the local wildlife is protected and minimizes the risk of wildlife being caught in the nets. To date, no wildlife has been caught up in any of the nets.
Prior to the nets, city workers would collect debris in the water by hand. And endless private beach cleanup initiatives struggled to cope with constant dumps of plastic after rain.
The new system is picked up and cleaned out using cranes when the nets become full of waste. Then, the waste is sorted in a designated facility. Here, green waste is transformed into mulch, and other materials are separated into recyclable/non-recyclable.
The drainage nets have been a huge success in other parts of the world. We hope to expand this effort constantly, with installation of more nets in the nature reserve areas and other sensitive areas over the next two years.
We know that the Durban community is very passionate about environmental initiatives and rallies around actions with positive environmental impact. And we are sure that the response to this project will be very positive.
About
Our nets are engineered to capture gross pollutants and handle powerful stormwater runoff at most urban hot spots. Commercial grade, reusable nets provide full capture of gross pollutants as small as 5 mm, including organic materials (such as leaves) that could reduce the levels of phosphorous and nitrogen in our water. This economical solution to litter and debris in stormwater runoff is highly effective for “first flush.” To prevent flooding, built-in overflows allow heavy runoff to flow unimpeded.
This is the ideal end-of-pipe solution for capturing floatables in combined sewer overflow applications. Additionally identical systems in the Americas have a proven track record of success with zero failures for more than 15 years.
Statistics and Construction
- Standard sizes are 18”, 24”, 30”, 36”, 60″ and custom sizes are available
- Weir configuration best serves outfalls larger than 70″
- 304/316 stainless steel hubs made in SA
- Hubs are anchored into concrete or attached to existing pipe ends/outfalls
- Commercial grade HDPE nets are durable, reusable and easily maintained
- Nets are minimum 5 feet in length
- Highly effective for “first flush”
Unique Features
- Captures gross pollutants as small as 5mm, as well as organic materials (such as leaves) that could reduce the levels of phosphorous and nitrogen
- Overflows designed in hubs and weirs
- Easily emptied with truck mounted crane or two man crew
- Assists with sediment fallout and collection
Blog
The crisis lurking in South Africa’s stormwater drains
As plastic pollution in oceans worsens, an expert is calling on councils to rethink how they manage stormwater drains to prevent plastics from entering waterways. Lurking in our stormwater drains – out of sight and out of mind – is an astounding volume of plastic. It’s estimated that around 80 per cent of plastic in …
Continue reading “The crisis lurking in South Africa’s stormwater drains”
Contact
Oliver +27 (0) 726578881