Hartebeestpoort Dam visited by specialists

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Parent Category: News

Created on Monday, 31 August 2009 06:26

Published on Monday, 31 August 2009 06:26

Written by Rick van Rossum, CEO, HWAG

A group of scientists from all over the world met with Hartebeespoort Water Action Group (HWAG) this week to discuss the Algal problems facing the Hartbeespoort dam. Phycology - the study of Algae - was the topic of the day!

The visit arranged by Prof Bheki Mamba of the University of Johannesburg and sponsored by HWAG, included Professors, Rui Krause, Victor Wepener and our own Gert Stein, all of UJ,
 
Prof Eric Hoek of UCLA, Prof Sammy Boussiba of the Ben Gurion U in Israel, Justice Thwala of the U of Swaziland and a representative of the U of KN, completed the international group. Prof Sammy Boussiba is the President of the International Society of Applied Phycology
 
A presentation addressing the problems and current remediation actions taken, was made by Garry McKay with additional information provided by Dirk Bouwer and myself, at the Kurperoord offices of the Metsiame project.
 
An informative and eye opening visit to the Hartbeespoort Water Treatment Plant and the Vermiculture Project near the dam wall, interlaced with a luncheon workshop concluded the visit, produced much debate and perhaps some sympathy regarding our tortured facilities.
 
Various options, including algal harvesting and prevention were discussed and the hope was expressed to be able to have a return visit during our Algae season, to be able to experience the annual explosive Algal bloom of unique proportions.
 
The enthusiasm shown by the visitors will be followed through with exchanges of information covering a wide spectrum, bringing more expertise to the problems and providing solutions for the Hartbeespoort dam.