DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT … Final draft EIA Report 11 Sep… · EIA Report:...

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT

Development of new Landfill Site at Koedoespoort in Pretoria

Submitted to:

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

Prepared by:

SEPTEMBER 2015

http://www.mawenje.com

Email: [email protected] Brooklyn Bridge Office Park, 3rd Floor, Steven House,

570 Fehrsen Street, Brooklyn, 0181, Pretoria South Africa

Tel: +27 12 433 6472; +27 76 901 4006 Mawenje Consulting Africa: 2010/025052

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PRACTITIONER

Mawenje Consulting Africa (Pty) Ltd (MCA) undertook the Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA) process for Waste Licence application for the proposed Landfill

Site development at Koedoespoort in Silverton within Tshwane Metropolitan

Municipality. The Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) is represented by

Mr Gabriel Ngorima. The following specialists were involved with the above-

mentioned application:

Study name Name Organization

Hydro-geological Assessment

Dr Steve Kalule USK Environmental & Waste Engineering

Hydrological Study Mr Simphiwe Mtshali

Magalela Associates

Ecology Impact Assessment

Mr Farai Dondofema

Mawenje Consulting Africa (Pty) Ltd

Geotechnical Assessment Mr Samuel Jjuko USK Environmental & Waste Engineering Service

Geological Assessment Dr FJ Kruger GeoActiv (Pty) Ltd

Heritage Impact Assessment

Mr Foreman Bandana

Mbviseni Sustainable Environmental Initiative

Traffic Impact Assessment Pieter Wilken E-Square Engineering

Public Participation

Mr Henno Engelbrecht

Mawenje Consulting Africa

Contact Details of Environmental Assessment Practitioner

Gabriel Ngorima

Email: [email protected] Brooklyn Bridge Office Park, 3rd Floor, Steven House,

570 Fehrsen Street, Brooklyn, 0181, Pretoria South Africa

Tel: +27 12 433 6472; +27 76 901 4006 Mawenje Consulting Africa: 2010/025052

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PRACTITIONER .................................... ii TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................. iii LIST OF FIGURES .......................................................................................... v LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................ v LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS............................................................................ vi GLOSSARY OF TERMS ............................................................................... vii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................. viii 1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................... 1

1.1. DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREA ...................................................... 1 1.2. DETAILS OF THE APPLICANT .................................................................. 4 1.3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION .......................................................................... 4 1.4. SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN ...................................................................... 5 1.5. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................... 6

1.5.1. Environmental Impact Assessment Requirements ............................. 6 1.5.2. Other Legal Requirements ................................................................. 7

1.6. PROJECT MOTIVATION ............................................................................ 9 1.6.1. Background ....................................................................................... 9 1.6.2. Benefits of Koedoespoort Landfill Site Development ....................... 10 1.6.3. Project Licensing Requirements ...................................................... 10

2. APPROACH TO THE PROJECT ......................................................... 12 2.1 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS .......................... 12

2.1.1 Authority Consultation ..................................................................... 12 2.1.2 Application for Environmental Authorisation .................................... 12 2.1.3 Environmental Assessment Process ............................................... 12 2.1.4 Description of the Baseline Environment ......................................... 12

2.2 METHODOLOGY ...................................................................................... 13 2.2.1 Project Team ................................................................................... 13 2.2.2 Assessment Methodology................................................................ 14 2.2.3 Classification of Hazardous Waste .................................................. 16 2.2.4 Implications of Classification of Hazardous Waste ........................... 17

2.3 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS ........................................................ 17 3. DESCRIPTION OF THE BASELINE ENVIRONMENT ........................ 19

3.1 BIOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT ............................................................... 19 3.1.1 Climate ................................................................................................ 19 3.1.2 Hydrology ............................................................................................ 19 3.1.3 Geology ........................................................................................... 19 3.1.4 Geotechnical and Soil ...................................................................... 21 3.1.5 Hydrogeology .................................................................................. 21 3.1.6 Terrestrial Ecology........................................................................... 22 3.1.7 Air Pollution ..................................................................................... 24 3.1.8 Environmental Noise ....................................................................... 24

3.2 SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT .......................................................................... 24 3.2.1 Heritage Resources ......................................................................... 24 3.2.2 Socio Environment .......................................................................... 25 3.2.3 Land use and Zoning ....................................................................... 25 3.2.4 Access and Traffic ........................................................................... 26

4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ................................................................... 27 4.1 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS ....................................................... 27

4.2 OBJECTIVES OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ............................................ 27 4.3 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION DURING SCOPING PHASE ............................ 29

4.3.1 Identification of Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) .................. 29 4.3.2 Registration of I&APs ...................................................................... 29 4.3.3 Announcement of the proposed project ........................................... 30

4.4 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION DURING THE IMPACT ASSESSMENT PHASE ................................................................................................................. 31

4.5 LEAD AUTHORITY’S DECISION .............................................................. 31 5. ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS ............................................................. 33

5.1 IDENTIFICATION OF KEY ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES .......................... 33 5.1.1 The Physical and Biological Environment ............................................ 33 5.1.2 The man-made environment ................................................................ 43

5.2 RISK ASSESSMENT ................................................................................ 52 6. ALTERNATIVE ANALYSIS ................................................................. 55

6.1 NO-GO ALTERNATIVE ............................................................................. 55 6.2 LAYOUT ALTERNATIVES ........................................................................ 55 6.3 COMPARISONS OF OPTIONS ................................................................ 56

7. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...................................... 57 7.1 CONCLUSION .......................................................................................... 57 7.2 RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................. 57

REFERENCES .............................................................................................. 58

APPENDICES ................................................................................................ 59

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Locality Map ............................................................................................... 2 Figure 2: Aerial image of Koedoespoort Landfill Site Locality .................................... 3 Figure 3: Geology of the Koedoespoort Site: Green Bushveld Complex age diabase

(green) and Silicious and cherty Silverton Shale Formation in the north and south respectively (Source: Kruger FJ, 2013) ................................. 20

Figure 4: Disturbed floral community on site ............................................................ 23 Figure 5: Photo Plate- Status-quo land uses ........................................................... 26 Figure 6: Environmental Impact Assessment Process ............................................. 27

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Listed Activities applicable to the development ............................................ 7 Table 2: Project Team & Specialists ........................................................................ 13 Table 3: Waste Hazard Rating in South Africa ......................................................... 17 Table 4: Geology and soil ........................................................................................ 34 Table 5: Surface water impacts (Hydrological Assessment) .................................... 35 Table 6: Hydrogeological impacts (soil and water)................................................... 39 Table 7: Impact assessment of Terrestrial Ecology ................................................. 41 Table 8: Impact assessment of heritage and culture ................................................ 43 Table 9: Socio- economic impacts ........................................................................... 44 Table 10: Traffic impacts ......................................................................................... 45 Table 11: Visual impact assessment ....................................................................... 47 Table 12: Impact assessment of health and safety risk ........................................... 48 Table 13: Air Quality Impacts .................................................................................. 49 Table 14: Noise Impacts .......................................................................................... 51 Table 15: Risk Assessment ..................................................................................... 52

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

ACM - Asbestos Containing Material

CBD - Central Business District

DEA - Department of Environmental Affairs

DWS - Department of Water and Sanitation

EAP - Environmental Assessment Practitioner

EIA - Environmental Impact Assessment

EMP - Environmental Management Programme

GDARD - Gauteng Department of Agriculture, and Rural Development

HIA - Heritage Impact Assessment

I&APs - Interested and Affected Parties

IEM - Integrated Environmental Management

IFC - International Finance Corporation

MCA - Mawenje Consulting Africa

NEMA - National Environmental Management Act as amended, 1998

(Act No. 107 of 1998)

NEMWA - National Environmental Management Waste Act, 2008 (Act

No.59 of 2008)

NSBA - National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment

POS - Plan of Study for EIA

PPE - Personal Protective Equipment

PPP - Public Participation Process

SAHRA - South African Heritage Resources Agency

SANRAL - South African National Roads Agency Limited

SAR - South African Railway services

SEP - Stakeholder Engagement Plan

TE - Transnet Engineering

EIA Report: Landfill Site Development, Koedoespoort vii

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Asbestos The generic name used for a group of naturally occurring mineral silicate fibres of the

serpentine and amphibole series, displaying similar physical characteristics although

differing in composition.

Contaminant

A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is

present at levels that might cause harmful (adverse) health effects.

Crocidolite A type of asbestos in the amphibole group; it is also known as blue asbestos.

Environment

The surroundings within which humans exist and that are made up of—

(i) the land, water and atmosphere of the earth;

(ii) micro-organisms, plant and animal life;

(iii) any part or combination of (i) and (ii) and the interrelationships among and

between them; and

(iv) the physical, chemical, aesthetic and cultural properties and conditions of

the foregoing that influence human health and well-being.

Environmental Impact Assessment

The assessment of the effects of a development on the environment.

Environmental Management Programme

A legally binding working document, which stipulates environmental and socio-

economic mitigation measures that, must be implemented by several responsible

parties throughout the duration of the proposed project.

Hazardous Waste

Any waste that contains organic or inorganic elements of compounds that may,

owing to the inherent physical, chemical or toxicological characteristics of that waste,

have a detrimental impact on health and the environment.

Landfill Leachate

Leachate from a landfill varies widely in composition depending on the age of the

landfill and the type of waste that it contains. It can usually contain both dissolved

and suspended material. The generation of leachate is caused principally by

precipitation percolating through waste deposited in a landfill. Once in contact with

decomposing solid waste, the percolating water becomes contaminated, and if it then

flows out of the waste material it is termed leachate.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landfill

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waste

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Precipitation_%28meteorology%29

EIA Report: Landfill Site Development, Koedoespoort viii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Introduction

Mawenje Consulting Africa (PTY) Ltd (MCA) as an independent environmental firm

has been appointed to undertake the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

process for Waste Licence for the proposed Landfill Site Development at

Koedoespoort in Silverton within the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng.

The Project applicant is Transnet Engineering an Operating Division of Transnet

SOC Limited.

Site Description

Silverton is situated 6.5 kilometres to the East of Pretoria’s CBD just to the East of

the N1 highway within Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. The Koedoespoort site is

approximately 13.7 hectares and situated on Portion 201 of the Farm

Hartebeestpoort 328, which is a highly industrialized area.

Waste Description

Transnet Engineering generates a lot of waste from its business that comprise of

hazardous and non-hazardous waste. The hazardous waste generated include

chemicals, oils, batteries, lead, chemical sludge etc., Non-hazardous or general

waste include food waste, metal, plastic, rubber, paper, PPE, brake blocks and other

material. This waste needs to be treated and managed efficiently and this is the

reason for the need to develop the Koedoespoort landfill site.

Project Description

Transnet Engineering intends to develop a new landfill site at a site (named Site 5)

approximately 13.7 hectares in extent at its Koedoespoort Centre which will consist

of a hazardous waste disposal site and a recycling facility for all other waste material

that will be generated from Koedoespoort, Germiston and Bloemfontein regions. The

proposed landfill site will not be accessible and used by the members of the public.

Two Layout Alternatives are being investigated for the proposed Landfill site

development.

Legal Requirement

In terms of the National Environmental Management: Waste Management Act (Act

59 of 2008) a list of waste management activities that have, or are likely to have, a

detrimental effect on the environment was published. In terms of Government

Published regulations in GG 37083 Notice Number 921 dated 29 November 2013

these activities have been divided into three categories A, B and C. Category A

activities are equivalent to those that require a Basic Assessment process, while

Category B activities are those that require Scoping/Environmental Impact

Assessment as stipulated in the environmental impact assessment regulations made

under section 24(5) of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No.

107 of 1998).

EIA Report: Landfill Site Development, Koedoespoort ix

The proposed Hazardous Waste Disposal Site and Recycling Facility requires a

Scoping Report and Environmental Impact Assessment to be undertaken as part of

the Waste License Application process in terms of the National Environmental

Management: Waste Management Act (Act 59 of 2008) and specifically in line with

the Government regulations in GG 37083 Notice Number 921 dated 29 November

2013.

Project Motivation

The study conducted by USK Environmental and Waste Engineering of 2013 showed

that not all sites at Koedoespoort are equally impacted by asbestos in all its various

forms, i.e. friable fibres, Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) or the clearly

identifiable asbestos sheet (blanket). It was found that a site named Site 5 was found

to contain huge amounts of asbestos above the surface, and below the surface.

Based on the study it was recommended that Transnet Engineering should take a

systematic risk based approach to the management and remediation of the identified

risk areas. It was recommended that Transnet Engineering should seek to investigate

the option for using Site 5 as the central focal point for the remedial action plan for all

the contaminated sites within the Koedoespoort Centre. The feasibility study

undertaken by USK in 2013 further confirmed that it is technically and financially

feasible to develop a landfill site at the Koedoespoort Centre for the safe disposal of

asbestos and other hazardous waste recovered from the remediation of all

contaminated areas within the Centre.

Project Benefits

The proposed development will have the following benefits:

Reduce and eliminate risk of hazardous asbestos on site.

The Landfill Site Recycling activities will contribute towards sustainable waste

management on site.

Provide a long-term sustainable waste management strategy of hazardous

waste form Transnet Engineering business. This will also eliminate certain

recurrent and long-term costs associated with private disposal of hazardous

waste and contribute to business efficiency of Transnet Engineering.

Create employment for skilled and semi-skilled people during the construction

and operation of the proposed Landfill site.

Environmental Impact Assessment Process

The Waste Licence application in terms of the Scoping and EIA process was

submitted to DEA on 6 February 2015. Permission to undertake the scoping process

required in terms of the EIA Regulations of 2014 was granted on 16 March 2015 and

the Scoping Report was accepted on 9 July 2015. This current report is the

Environmental Impact Assessment Report and represents the final identification of

key issues or concerns as highlighted by the relevant authorities, interested and / or

affected parties (I&APs), Specialists and professional judgement by the

Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP).

EIA Report: Landfill Site Development, Koedoespoort x

The results of the specialist studies and a full assessment of the impacts and

proposed mitigation measures also form part of the EIA Report.

A separate process in terms of the Waste Act (Act 59 of 2008) is underway parallel to

this EIA process that seeks to obtain a remediation order for the contaminated land.

Transnet has therefore notified DEA (Directorate responsible for Land remediation) of

the contamination of the land and hence a Site Assessment was conducted for

remediation and was submitted to DEA.

Potential Environmental Impacts

Environmental Aspect

Relevant Area

Environmental Objective

Potential Impacts

Investigation Undertaken

PHYSICAL

Geology and soil

Site

To ensure that the structures on site suit the soil and geology on site.

Alteration of the geology and soil conditions through excavation activities and removal of large volumes of soil (cover material) associated with construction of the landfill site.

Geotechnical and Soil Investigations

Surface and ground water

Regional

To ensure that all watercourses within the study area are not adversely affected to the detriment of the environment and the surrounding communities.

Disruption of aquatic habitats through development.

Hydrological and Hydrogeological study

To prevent the disruption of catchments processes and functioning.

Disruption of natural drainage patterns.

To minimise erosion and to prevent surface water contamination.

Altered flow regimes as a result of hardened surfaces.

Terrestrial Ecology

Regional

To ensure that species of conservation importance are identified and preserved. To ensure that the ecological integrity and functionality of the system is maintained.

Fragmentation of habitat, loss of species of conservation importance, loss of biodiversity, disruption of natural processes and functionality.

Ecological Assessment

EIA Report: Landfill Site Development, Koedoespoort xi

Environmental Aspect

Relevant Area

Environmental Objective

Potential Impacts

Investigation Undertaken

SOCIAL

Visual aspects Regional

To minimise visual pollution.

Alteration of Landscape Character; and Other Visual impacts.

Non prescribed

To ensure that the development blends in with the landscape character.

To maintain an undisrupted skyline.

Heritage and Culture

Site

To ensure that all buildings, artefacts and symbols of culture and heritage significance are identified and preserved.

Loss of significant symbols of heritage and culture.

Heritage Impact

Assessment

Traffic and vehicular movements

Regional

To ensure that the proposed development will not have an adverse effect on traffic flow in the area

Increase traffic congestion

Traffic Impact

Assessment

Socio-economic

Regional

To ensure that the proposed development is socially, environmentally and economically sustainable.

Loss of livelihoods.

Non prescribed Loss of land tenure.

Risk Assessment

Risk Assessment generally considers the likelihood of occurrence and the

consequences of the occurrence of an event and systematically evaluates the nature,

effect and extent of exposure a vulnerable receptor may experience in relation to a

particular hazard. An environmental hazard is an event, or continuing process, which

if realized will lead to circumstances having the potential to degrade, directly or

indirectly, the quality of the environment (Royal Society, 1992).

There are a number of risks posed by the development and will be determined by the

following factors:

Type of Waste handled (general waste, mixed waste or hazardous waste);

The civil and environmental engineering controls in place to curb and manage

the sources (pollutant sources). This includes liners, geo-membranes, storm

water controls, landfill gas management infrastructure, leachate management

systems etc.

The geological and hydro geological setting of the landfill site;

The location in proximity of human receptors such as residential areas; and

Number of employees and number of people accessing the site.

EIA Report: Landfill Site Development, Koedoespoort xii

Environmental Impact Assessment Specialist Studies

Specialist studies were undertaken during the EIA process in order to assist with the

development of an understanding of the system processes and the potential impacts

of the proposed Koedoespoort Landfill Site Project on both the social and biophysical

environments.

These studies include:

1. Geotechnical Assessment

2. Geological Study

3. Hydrological Study

4. Hydro-geological Study

5. Ecological Impact Assessment

6. Heritage Impact Assessment

7. Traffic Impact Assessment

The results of the above-mentioned specialist studies were analysed and interpreted

in order to assess the potential impacts of the proposed development on the

environment, devise potential study area with respect to selected activities and

development of the necessary mitigation measures in order to minimise negative

impacts and optimise positive impacts. The specialist recommendations have been

incorporated in the Environmental Management Programme (EMPr).

Conclusion and Recommendation

The EIA Report consists of a detailed identification of various biophysical and social

issues that enabled the identification of potential impacts and key environmental

issues. A holistic approach based on the principles of EIA was used to integrate and

weigh the likely impacts of developing the Koedoespoort Landfill Site. The studies

show that the Landfill site will have a benefit to the environment as it seeks to

remediate an already contaminated site. Specialist studies undertaken further

indicates that the project will not have any negative impacts that cannot be mitigated

and there are environmental benefits for undertaking the project. The Site

Development Plan (SDP) and the Engineering designs have been developed to

mitigate any potential impacts. Based on the results of the EIA, Mawenje Consulting

recommends that this report is accepted by the authorities to allow Transnet to

proceed with the proposed project.

Koedoespoort Landfill Site Development Transnet Engineering SOC

Draft EIA Report: Landfill Site Development, Koedoespoort 1

1. INTRODUCTION

Mawenje Consulting Africa (PTY) Ltd (MCA) as an independent environmental

consulting firm was appointed to undertake the Environmental Impact Assessment

(EIA) process for Waste Licence for the proposed Landfill Site Development at

Koedoespoort in Silverton within the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng.

1.1. DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREA

Silverton is situated 6.5 kilometres to the East of Pretoria’s CBD just to the East of

the N1 highway within Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. The Koedoespoort site is

approximately 13.7 hectares and situated on Portion 201 of the Farm

Hartebeestpoort, which is a highly industrialized area. The site is situated along the

Trans road which connects to Dykor main road, connecting to Derdepoort main road

that connects to Stormvoel road that links Silverton, Silvertondale and Mamelodi to

N1 highway. It is approximately 4.1km east from the N1 highway, surrounded by

industrial developments on the East and West. The Southern side is a railway line

between the site and Silverton residential area. The Northern side is undeveloped

with vacant pieces of land with Water Works and a Canal. On the Western side of

the site is Transnet Engineering Koedoespoort Centre. The entire site surface has

been disturbed in one way or another and there is illegal dumping of waste that has

been ongoing on the site. The site is zoned as S.A.R (South African Railway

services), therefore the site can be developed in any way the Transnet Engineering

intends to, as long as it is in line with Transnet Engineering business processes.

The Locality map is on Figure 1 and Figure 2 gives the aerial view of the proposed

site.



Figure 1: Locality Map



Figure 2: Aerial image of Koedoespoort Landfill Site Locality

Koedoespoort Landfill Site



1.2. DETAILS OF THE APPLICANT

The details of the project applicant are indicated as follows:

Name of Applicant Contact Details

Transnet Engineering an Operating Division of

TRANSNET SOC LTD

Contact Person: Ms. Mmalaka Phejane

160 Lynette Street, Kilner

Park, Pretoria, 0184

012-391 1320

Transnet Engineering (TE) is an Operating Division of Transnet SOC Ltd and is the

backbone of South Africa's railway industry with nine product-focused businesses,

approximately 120 depots, seven factories and approximately 13,500 employees

countrywide. TE operates from seven operating centres scattered around the country

namely, Koedoespoort, Kilner Park, Durban, Germiston, Bloemfontein, Salt River

and Uitenhage. Koedoespoort, located about 6.5km from Pretoria CBD, is one of its

major operating centres. TE is dedicated to in-service maintenance, repair, upgrade,

conversion and manufacture of freight wagons, mainline and suburban coaches,

diesel and electric locomotives as well as wheels, rotating machines, rolling stock

equipment, Foundry and Ports businesses.

TE generates a lot of waste from its business that comprise of hazardous and non-

hazardous waste. The hazardous waste generated includes, chemicals, oils,

batteries, lead, chemical sludge etc. Non-hazardous or general waste includes food

waste, metal, plastic, rubber, paper, PPE, brake blocks and other material. This

hazardous waste needs to be treated and managed efficiently and this is the reason

for the need to develop the Koedoespoort landfill site. TE is committed to the

prevention of pollution and minimization of waste through its recycling initiatives.

1.3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

TE intends to develop a new landfill site at a site (named Site 5) approximately 13.7

hectares in extent at its Koedoespoort Centre which will consist of a hazardous

waste disposal site and a recycling facility for all other waste material that will be

generated from Koedoespoort, Germiston and Bloemfontein regions. The proposed

landfill site will not be accessible to the public. In summary, the works will focus

mainly on construction of:

Hazardous waste disposal site of approximately 31 766m2 with following

characteristics:

o Total airspace of approximately 360 000m3 to cater for estimated

1.26 million tons of waste

o Class A barrier system



o Estimated life: 25 – 30 years.

Leachate dam for contaminated stormwater and landfill leachate.

Stormwater management system for clean and contaminated

stormwater 1982m2.

Recycling facility of approximately 993.5m2.

Reverse logistics of returnable packaging area: 1738.8m2.

o Covered area catering for inbound, processing, outbound

o Concrete slab Staging and holding area

o Sufficient traffic segregation, truck turning circle

o Inspection and dispatching office

Administration and Operations building (613.9m2) consisting of:

o three offices

o boardroom

o kitchen area

o Three offices

o Open area office

o Meeting room

o Staff Canteen with associated facilities

o Change rooms for male and female staff

o Store room of approximately 36m2

o Ablution and shower facilities for male and female

o Open safety shower within the operation area

Access Control Facility consisting of

o Weigh bridge and

Security Office (36.7m2)

Other Infrastructure

o Wash bay for trucks with grease trap & connected to

contaminated water drainage system

o On-site laboratory (60m2)

o Peripheral gravel ring road within the site

o Paved parking area for trucks, forklifts and staff vehicles ( 30 car

parking bays)

o Monitoring boreholes – minimum four (upstream and

downstream and 2 others)

o Three phase power supply

o Perimeter fence.

A liner system, which will prevent the leachate from the waste material to

contaminate underground water, will be installed as an impenetrable barrier.

1.4. SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Two options of Layout were investigated for the proposed Landfill site. Appendix A1

and A2 are the two options of the Site Development Plan.



1.5. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

The aim of this component of the report is to provide a brief overview of the pertinent

policies as well as legal and administrative requirements applicable to the proposed

development.

1.5.1. Environmental Impact Assessment Requirements

The overarching environmental legislation for the management of the environment in

South Africa is the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998

“NEMA”) and its amendments. This legislation states that sustainable development

requires the integration of social, economic and environmental factors in the

planning, implementation and evaluation of environmental decisions to ensure that

development serves the present and future generations. Chapter 5 of NEMA makes

provisions for regulations to be formulated and published and these became effective

from 8 December 2014. These EIA regulations replaced the Environmental Impact

Assessment Regulations promulgated in 2010. Section 24 (F) of the NEMA prohibits

a listed activity from commencing prior to the authorisation thereof by the competent

authority.

The purpose of these Regulations is “to regulate procedures and criteria as

contemplated in Chapter 5 of the National Environmental Management Act for the

submission, processing, consideration and decision of applications for environmental

authorisation of activities and for matters pertaining thereto.” In terms of these EIA

Regulations, there are two major categories of Environmental Impact Assessment

Processes namely (1) Basic Assessments and (2) Scoping and Environmental

Impact Assessment.

Basic Assessment; and

Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessment.

Waste Management Listed Activities

Further to the above, a list of waste management activities that have, or are likely to

have, a detrimental effect on the environment was Published in GG 37083 Notice

Number 921 dated 29 November 2013 in terms of the National Environmental

Management: Waste Management Act (Act 59of 2008). These activities have been

divided into three categories A, B and C. Category A activities are equivalent to

those that require a Basic Assessment process, while Category B activities are those

that require Scoping/Environmental Impact Assessment as stipulated in the

Environmental Impact Assessment regulations made under section 24(5) of the

National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998). A person who

wishes to commence, undertake or conduct a waste management activity listed

under this Category, must comply with the requirements or standards determined by

the Minister in terms of this Act.



With respect to the proposed Hazardous Waste Disposal Site, and Recycling Facility

activities at the Transnet Engineering Koedoespoort site, Table 1 summarises the

listed activities, which triggered both Category A and Category B Listed activities,

and hence a Scoping Report and Environmental Impact Assessment was undertaken

as part of the Waste Licence Application process.

Table 1: Listed Activities applicable to the development

NOTICE ACTIVITY NUMBER

DESCRIPTION PROCESS REQUIRED

GN 921 of 2013

B(4) The treatment of hazardous waste in excess of 1 ton per day calculated as a monthly average using any form of treatment excluding the treatment of effluent wastewater or sewage.

Scoping & EIA

GN 921 of 2013

B(6) The treatment of general waste in excess of 100 tons per day calculated as a monthly average, using any form of treatment.

Scoping & EIA

GN 921 of 2013

B(7) The disposal of any quantity of hazardous waste to land.

Scoping & EIA

GN 921 of 2013

B(8) The disposal of general waste to land covering an area in excess of 200m2 and with a total capacity exceeding 25 000 tons.

Scoping & EIA

GN 921 of 2013

B(10) The construction of facility for a waste management activity listed in Category B of this Schedule (not in isolation to associated waste management activity).

Scoping & EIA

GN 921 of 2013

A(2) The sorting, shredding, grinding, crushing, screening or bailing of general waste at a facility that has an operational area in excess of 1000m2

Basic Assessment

1.5.2. Other Legal Requirements

The following list of legislation applies to the proposed development.

Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act No. 108 of 1996) The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act No. 108 of 1996) has significant

implications for environmental management. The main effects are the protection of

environmental and property rights, the drastic change brought about by the sections

dealing with administrative law such as access to information, just administrative

action and broadening of the locus standi of litigants.

These aspects provide general and overarching support and are of major assistance

in the effective implementation of the environmental management principles and



structures of NEMA. Section 24 in the Bill of Rights of the Constitution specifically

states. "Everyone has the right -

To an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being; and

To have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations,

through reasonable legislative and other measures that -

Prevent pollution and ecological degradation;

Promote conservation; and

Secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while

promoting justifiable economic and social development."

National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004)

The purpose of the Biodiversity Act is to provide for the management and

conservation of South Africa’s biodiversity within the framework of the NEMA and the

protection of species and ecosystems that warrant national protection. As part of its

implementation strategy, the National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment was

developed.

National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment

The National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment (NSBA) classifies areas as worthy of

protection based on its biophysical characteristics, which are ranked according to

priority levels.

National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of

2003)

The purpose of this Act is to provide for the protection, conservation and

management of ecologically viable areas representative of South Africa’s biological

diversity and its natural landscapes.

National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998)

The National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) aims to provide management of

the national water resources to achieve sustainable use of water for the benefit of all

water users. This requires that the quality of water resources is protected as well as

integrated management of water resources with the delegation of powers to

institutions at the regional or catchment level. The purpose of the Act is to ensure

that the nation’s water resources are protected, used, developed, conserved,

managed and controlled in responsible ways. The Act aims to regulate the use of

water and activities, which may impact on water resources through the categorisation

of ‘listed water uses’ encompassing water extraction, flow attenuation within

catchments as well as the potential contamination of water resources, where DWS is

the administering body in this regard.

National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 25 of 1999)

The National Heritage Resources Act legislates the necessity for cultural and

heritage impact assessment in areas earmarked for development, which exceed

0.5 hectares (ha) and where linear developments (including pipelines) exceed

300 metres in length. The Act makes provision for the potential destruction to



existing sites, pending the archaeologist’s recommendations through permitting

procedures. Permits are administered by the South African Heritage Resources

Agency (SAHRA).

Promotion of Access to Information Act (Act No. 2 of 2000) The Promotion of Access to Information Act (Act No. 2 of 2000) recognises that

everyone has a Constitutional right of access to any information held by the state

and by another person when that information is required to exercise or protect any

rights. The purpose of the Act is to foster a culture of transparency and

accountability in public and private bodies and to promote a society in which people

have access to information that enables them to exercise and protect their rights.

Legal Requirements for Contaminated Land Investigation in South Africa The National Environmental Management: Waste Act of 2008 (hereafter referred to

as the ‘Waste Act’) clearly identifies the status and risk of contaminated sites and

provides a legal mechanism for remediation activities to be instigated and controlled.

This development will in particular be undertaken in line with the national framework

requirements including:

Protocol for Site Risk Assessment

Reporting Norms and Standards for Contaminated Land

The Derivation and Use of Soil Screening Values

Application of Site Specific Risk Assessment

Quality Control and Quality Assurance of Field Sampling and Laboratory

Analysis.

Legal Requirements for Asbestos Investigation in South Africa

Asbestos is not a chemical toxin in the sense applied within the above

Framework for the Management of Contaminated Land in South Africa and thus

a slightly different approach has to be adopted when assessing sites, which may

be potentially contaminated with asbestos.

Further to the above framework, The South African Occupational Health and

Safety Asbestos Regulations (2001) provide guidance on regulation and

assessment of asbestos.

1.6. PROJECT MOTIVATION

1.6.1. Background

Transnet Engineering identified the need to conduct scientific investigation to confirm

the extent and severity of pollution at Koedoespoort Centre asbestos buried sites. A

consulting firm was appointed in 2012 to undertake the investigation on behalf

Transnet Engineering. The purpose of the study was to serve as a Scientific

Investigation Report to assess and evaluate the extent and severity of asbestos and

heavy metal contamination and pollution at the identified sites within the premises of

the Koedoespoort Centre.



The Koedoespoort Station (now Koedoespoort Centre) was commissioned in

October 1954. The station included a number of workshops for locomotives and

engineering workshops. During this period it was common practice to use asbestos

woven fibre for insulation and lagging at railway lines. Asbestos sheets and asbestos

containing material were removed as scrap material from the steam locomotive

boilers and was used to cover dust and clay between the railway lines in the yards

around the buildings and it also served as lagging material.

The study by USK Environmental and Waste Engineering of 2012 showed that not all

sites at Koedoespoort are equally impacted by asbestos in all its various forms, i.e.

friable fibres, Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) or the clearly identifiable asbestos

sheet (blanket). It was found that a site named Site 5 was found to contain huge

amounts of asbestos above the surface, and below the surface. Based on the study,

it was recommended that Transnet Engineering should take a systematic risk based

approach to the management and remediation of the identified risk areas. It was

further recommended that Transnet Engineering should conduct an investigation into

the environmental, engineering, social, financial, and legal feasibility of this option in

a process, similar to the candidate landfill siting process, and on the basis of this

feasibility study, a decision can be made on a way forward. The technical studies

undertaken as part of the initial feasibility study including hydro-geological,

geotechnical, engineering, and environmental studies indicated that the site is

generally a low risk site and lends itself to potential for development of a hazardous

waste disposal site.

1.6.2. Benefits of Koedoespoort Landfill Site Development

The proposed development will have the following benefits:

Reduce and eliminate risk of hazardous asbestos on site

The Landfill site recycling activities will contribute towards sustainable

hazardous waste management on site

Provide a long-term sustainable waste management strategy of hazardous

waste for Transnet Engineering business. This will also eliminate certain

recurrent and long-term costs associated with private disposal of hazardous

waste and contribute to business efficiency of Transnet Engineering

Create employment for skilled and semi-skilled people during the construction

and operation of the proposed Landfill site

1.6.3. Project Licensing Requirements

Transnet Engineering has notified the National Department of Environmental Affairs

on the contamination of the five sites at Koedoespoort. A process towards

Remediation for the site was initiated by Transnet with the Department of

Environmental Affairs (Appendix C3). The development of a landfill site will require a

Waste Licence Application and because this is for hazardous waste a Scoping and



Environmental Impact Assessment process is being followed (Appendix C2). The

proposed development of a landfill site is therefore part of an integrated and long

term strategy of management of waste (including contaminated land) for Transnet

Engineering.



2. APPROACH TO THE PROJECT

2.1 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS

2.1.1 Authority Consultation

Authority consultation plays an integral role in any EIA process. The authorities

guide the process through highlighting the necessary legislative requirements and

key areas of concerns. A consultative meeting was held with officials of the

Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and the Department of Water and

Sanitation (DWS)to establish which process should be followed (Minutes in Appendix

C1a). Subsequently, it was decided that application for this project be undertaken as

a Scoping and EIA process and parallel to that a process for Contaminated Land

remediation should be followed with the Directorate for Land Remediation also within

the Department of Environmental Affairs (Appendix C3).

2.1.2 Application for Environmental Authorisation

The Waste Licence application form in terms of the Scoping and EIA process was

submitted to DEA on 6 February 2015. Permission to undertake the scoping process

required in terms of the EIA Regulations of 2014 was granted on 16 March 2015

(refer to Appendix C2).

2.1.3 Environmental Assessment Process

This Scoping Report represents the initial identification of key issues or concerns as

highlighted by the relevant authorities, interested and / or affected parties (I&APs)

and professional judgement by the Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP).

In addition, the Scoping component of the EIA process allows for the identification of

the anticipated impacts, particularly those, which require specialist investigations.

The results of the specialist studies, a full assessment of the impacts and proposed

Study area will form part of the EIA Report.

2.1.4 Description of the Baseline Environment

The baseline environment of the study area represents the current prevailing

environmental conditions and existing levels of pollution or degradation prior to the

proposed development. The baseline information is therefore indicative of the current

environmental status. Baseline information was gathered through visual inspections

of the study area and its surroundings during site visits conducted on the 12th of

November 2014 and the specialist studies undertaken as part of the feasibility study

between 2012 and 2013.The baseline description provides an indication of:

Current environmental conditions

Current levels of disturbance / degradation and



Environmental and social sensitivity / tolerance to change

The baseline information serves as a reference point to scientifically measure or

professionally judge the future changes to the environment based on impacts

associated with the proposed project.

2.2 METHODOLOGY

2.2.1 Project Team

The EIA process requires the identification and the undertaking of specialist studies

to inform the Scoping Report and the EIA Report. Table 2 shows the specialist

studies that have been identified to inform the proposed development. These studies

were undertaken during the EIA phase of the application.

Table 2: Project Team & Specialists

Study name Name Organization Phase

Environmental Assessment

Mr Gabriel Ngorima

Mawenje Consulting Africa (Pty) Ltd

Scoping, EIA and Appeal

Hydro-geological Assessment

Mr F. de Lange

Sustainable Surface & Ground Water Solutions Scoping And EIA

Ecological Impact Assessment

Mr Farai Dondofema

Mawenje Consulting Africa (Pty) Ltd EIA

Hydrological Study

Mr Simphiwe Mtshali

Magalela Associates EIA

Geotechnical Assessment

Mr Samuel Jjuko

Geotechnical Engineering Division, University of Cape Town

Scoping & EIA

Geological Assessment

Dr FJ Kruger

GeoActiv (Pty) Ltd Scoping & EIA

Heritage Impact Assessment

Dr Foreman Bandama

Mbviseni Sustainable Environmental Initiative

EIA

Traffic Impact Assessment

Pieter Wilken

E-Square Engineering EIA

Public Participation

Mr Henno Engelbrecht

Mawenje Consulting Africa Scoping, EIA and Appeal

The Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the Environmental Practitioner is attached in Appendix

G.



2.2.2 Assessment Methodology

To assess the impacts of such a development, certain impacts occur at different

levels depending on the construction and operational phases of the project. The

project has therefore been parted into phases from which impacting activities may be

identified:

Status quo

The site as it currently stands taking cognizance of the disturbance and the

impacts remaining, while operating

Remediation Phase

All activities that occur on site up until the start of construction, including the

excavation of asbestos containing material, but including the initial site

preparations.

Construction phase

All construction and construction related activities that occur on site until the

contractor leaves the site

Operational phase

All activities including the operation and maintenance of the proposed

development.

The criteria for the description and assessment of environmental impacts were drawn

from the EIA Regulations, published by the Department of Environmental Affairs

(December 2014) in terms of NEMA.

The level of detail as depicted in the EIA regulations were fine-tuned by assigning

specific values to each impact. In order to establish a coherent framework within

which all impacts could be objectively assessed, it was necessary to establish a rating

system, which was applied consistently to all the criteria. For such purposes each

aspect was assigned a value ranging from one (1) to five (5), depending on its

definition. This assessment is a relative evaluation within the context of all the

activities and the other impacts within the framework of the project.

The impact assessment criteria used to determine the impact of the proposed

development was as follows:

Nature of the impact

The source of the Impact

Affected Stakeholders

Impacts of a positive nature are marked with a “(+)” sign in the significance column of

impact assessment tables.

The following criteria will be applied to the Environmental Impact Assessment:

Extent - The physical and spatial scale of the impact

Site - the impact could affect the whole, or measurable portion of the above

mentioned properties.

Local - the impacted area on extends as far as activity, e.g. a footprint



Regional - the impact could affect the area including the neighbouring activities,

transport routes and adjoining towns.

Duration - The lifetime of the impact, that is measured in relation to the lifetime of

the proposed development.

Short Term - the impact will either disappear with mitigation or will be mitigated

through natural processes in a span shorter than any of the phases.

Medium Term - the impact will last up till the end of the phases where after it will be

entirely negated.

Long Term - the impact will continue to last for the entire operational life of the

development, but will be mitigated by direct human action or by natural processes

thereafter.

Permanent - the only class of impact that will be non-transitory. Mitigation by human

action or natural process will not occur in such a way or in such a time span that the

impact can be considered transient.

Intensity - The intensity of the impact is considered by examining whether the

impact is destructive or benign, whether it destroys the impacted environment, alters

its functioning, or slightly alters the environment itself. This is rated as:

Low - the impact alters the environment in such a way that the natural processes or

functions are not affected.

Medium - the environment is altered, but function and process continue but in a

modified way.

High - function or process of the affected environment is the disturbed to the extent

where it temporarily or permanently ceases.

This will be a relative evaluation within the context of all the activities and other

impacts within the framework of the project.

Probability - This describes the likelihood of the impacts actually occurring. The

impact may occur for any length of time during the life cycle of the activity, and not at

any given time. The classes are rated as follows:

Improbable - the possibility of the impact occurring is very low, due to either

circumstances, design or experience.

Probable - there is a possibility that the impact will occur to the extent that provisions

must be made.

Highly probable - it is most likely that the impacts will occur at some or other stage of

the development. Plans must be drawn prior to the undertaking of any activity.

Definite - the impact will occur regardless of any preventative measure and only

mitigation measures of contingency plans will assist in containing the effect.

Mitigation measures- The impacts that are generated by the development can be

minimised if measures are implemented in order to reduce the impacts. The

mitigation measures ensure that the development considers the environment and the

predicted impacts in order to minimise impacts and achieve sustainable

development;



Determination of Significance – Without Mitigation. Significance is determined

through a synthesis of impact characteristics as described in the above paragraphs.

It provides an indication of the importance of the impact in terms of both tangible and

intangible characteristics. The significance of the impact “without mitigation” is the

prime determinant of the nature and degree of mitigation required; and

Determination of Significance – With Mitigation. Determination of significance

refers to the foreseeable significance of the impact after the successful

implementation of the identified mitigation measures.

Significance is rated as follows:

No significance - the impact is not substantial and does not require mitigatory action

Low - the impact is of little importance but may require limited mitigation.

Medium - the impact is of importance and is therefore considered to have a negative

impact. Mitigation is required to reduce the negative impacts to acceptable levels.

High - the impact is of great importance. Failure to mitigate, with the objective of

reducing the impact to acceptable levels, could render the entire development or

entire project proposal unacceptable, Mitigation is therefore essential.

2.2.3 Classification of Hazardous Waste

The waste generated within the borders of South Africa has been classified firstly in

terms of the Minimum Requirements for the Handling, Classification and Disposal of

Hazardous Waste (DWAF, 1998), hereafter referred to as the Minimum requirements,

and then by the SANS 0228 Code of Practice for the identification and classification

of dangerous substances and goods. The initial classification in terms of the Minimum

Requirements is to determine if the waste is either general waste or hazardous waste.

Hazardous waste is then further classified in terms of SANS 0228:2003. SANS 0228

classifies the waste into nine classes based on the type of risk involved. These

classes are as follows:

Class 1: Explosives

Class 2: Gases

Class 3: Flammable liquids

Class 4: Flammable Solids, substances liable to spontaneous combustion

substances that on contact with water, emit flammable gases

Class 5: Oxidizing substances and Organic peroxides

Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances

Class 7: Radioactive material

Class 8: Corrosives and

Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous substances and goods.

Further to the above-mentioned, DWS has a hazard level rating system that is

specified in Sections 2, 6 and 8 of the Minimum Requirements. The rating system

enables authorities to categorize waste in terms of quantity and quality and allocate a

Hazard Rating in order to safely dispose of the waste. The following hazard ratings

(Table 3) are defined and the correct procedure for allocating hazard rating is



specified in the minimum requirements:

Table 3: Waste Hazard Rating in South Africa

Hazard Waste Class Hazard rating Acceptance Landfill Option

Extreme Hazard Waste Rating 1 H:H Landfill Site

High Hazard Waste Rating 2 H:H Landfill site

Moderate Hazard Waste Rating 3 H:H or H:h Landfill site

Low Hazard Waste Rating 4 H:H or H:h Landfill Site

Very low Hazard Waste Rating <4 G:B+ Landfill (Special)

It is important to note that waste with a higher hazard rating can be delisted such that

it can be disposed at a H:h landfill. Waste with a higher hazard rating can be treated

before disposal, such that it becomes less hazardous, thus enabling it to be assigned

a lower hazard rating. The procedure for delisting of hazardous waste is specified in

Section 8 of the Minimum requirements.

Further to the above, the following will be applied:

High Hazard Waste requires the strictest control and urgent attention.

Contents are deemed to be significantly toxic and persist in the environment

and accumulate in biological tissues

Moderately Hazardous Waste possesses highly dangerous characteristics

and contains significant concentrations of highly/moderately toxic constituents

Low Hazardous Waste has dangerous characteristics or with significant

concentrations of leachable / biologically available toxic constituents

Potentially Hazardous Waste has characteristics of concern or with toxic

constituents, which are either in a form that will remain insoluble/ unavailable

or are in insignificant concentrations

2.2.4 Implications of Classification of Hazardous Waste

Hazardous waste requires stringent control and management, to prevent harm or

damage and hence liabilities. It may only be disposed of on a hazardous waste site.

Since the precautionary principle is applied, waste must always be regarded as

hazardous where there is any doubt about the potential danger of the waste stream

to man or the environment.

2.3 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS

There were no serious assumptions or limitations identified that would affect the

outcome of the EIA Process. Sufficient resources were available for the proper

undertaking of the EIA Process. All possible measures were employed in order to

notify landowners and other affected parties of the EIA Process, local and regional



press advertising, site notices, “knock and drop” notifications and direct notification of

directly affected landowners and adjacent landowners.



3. DESCRIPTION OF THE BASELINE ENVIRONMENT

3.1 BIOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

3.1.1 Climate

The Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality has a humid subtropical climate with long hot

rainy summers and short cool to cold, dry winters. The Municipality experiences the

typical winters of South Africa with cold, clear nights and mild to moderately warm

days. Although the average lows during winter are mild it can get bitterly cold due to

the clear skies and this in recent years have caused Tshwane to experience

temperatures in the range of 2°C to -5°C at night. The average annual temperature is

18.7 °C. This is rather high considering its relatively high altitude of about 1339

metres and is due mainly to its sheltered valley position, which acts as a heat trap

and cuts it off from cool southerly and south-easterly air masses for much of the

year.

Rain is mainly concentrated in the summer months, with drought conditions

prevailing over the winter months, when frosts may be sharp. Snowfall is an

extremely rare event; snowflakes were spotted in 1959, 1968 and 2012, but the

Municipality has never experienced an accumulation in its history. During a

nationwide heatwave in November 2011, Tshwane experienced temperatures that

reached 39 °C, unusual for that time of the year. Similar record-breaking extreme

heat events also occurred in January 2013, when the area experienced temperatures

exceeding 37 °C on several days. The all-time high recorded in Tshwane was 42 °C

on 25 January 2013. The year 2014 saw one of the wettest years on record for the

city. A total of 914mm fell up to end December with 220mm recorded in this month

alone (South Africa Weather Services, 2015).

3.1.2 Hydrology

The site drainage system is from South-west to North-east of the site. There are no

rivers or streams on site except a canal 500m north of the site that appears to be

connected to the Moretele River approximately 2km east of the site. A hydrological

study was undertaken as part of the EIA process. This was critical in providing

guidance in designing a proper Storm Water Management Plan for the proposed

Landfill.

3.1.3 Geology

The geology of the site comprises of two main rock types: Green Bushveld Complex

age diabase in the northern third of the plot and the siliceous and cherty Silverton

Shale Formation on the south. Whilst the shale is relatively resistant to weathering

and thus the soil cover in the south is relatively thin, the diabase is resistant too and

forms quite a prominent ridge. However, the contact between the two lithologies

shows the deepest weathering and thick soil formation as calculated from the

outcrop positions and the band elevations of the boreholes. The boreholes show that

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humid_subtropical_climate



the weathering is quite concentrated near the contact of the shale and diabase

(Figure 3). This contact may be fractured so as to represent an aquifer, and must

therefore be protected from ingress of contaminated water (Kruger FJ, 2013).

Figure 3: Geology of the Koedoespoort Site: Green Bushveld Complex age diabase (green) and Silicious and cherty Silverton Shale Formation in the north and south respectively (Source: Kruger FJ, 2013)

The rock types in this area are very impervious unless there is fracturing. A thin (0.5

– 1m) clay layer (local weathering material) that is well compacted would form an



effective seal between the rocks (and any associated aquifer) and the surface

(Kruger, 2013).

3.1.4 Geotechnical and Soil

According to the geotechnical report (Jjuko S, 2015): “The entire site surface has

been disturbed in one way or another by grading, dozing and dumping of mixed

waste including: stock piles of concrete and other construction rubble, paint, tar,

scrap metal, tyres, etc. Illegal dumping of waste has been ongoing on the site. The

compacted soil surface in several areas is an indication previous human activities

taking place on the site. Based on the surface contours derived from the borehole

collar elevations, the grounds generally (excluding the piles of waste and rubble)

slope gently towards the east and any runoff will be in that direction.”

The site is characterised by the residual soil varying between sandy clay and clayey

sand. The variation in composition is related to the mineralogy of the parent rock.

The upper 0.2m to 0.4m of the soil intersected by the boreholes comprised of top soil

with abundant organic matter of variable composition. These soil are considered

non-structural for supporting any imposed loading. Based on the detailed

examination of the drill cores and the results of laboratory strength tests (average

angle of friction of over 40°C), the residual material matrix underlying the site from as

little as 1.0m below existing ground level can be considered to be of sufficient

strength for satisfactory support of conventional spread footing foundations provided

such footings are dimensioned not to exceed a maximum permissible bearing

pressure of 200kPa. Higher structural loading would probably require further

structure-specific probing (Jjuko S, 2015).

The proposed landfill subsurface area is generally comprised of the Green Bushveld

Complex age diabase in the northern third of the site and the siliceous and cherty

Silverton Shale Formation on the south. It is underlain from about 0.2/0.4 m depth of

stiff to very stiff soil which could satisfactorily support conventional spread footing

foundations dimensioned not to exceed a maximum permissible bearing pressure of

225 - 250kPa. The residual material is composed of a matrix of clayey sands and

sandy clay soil. The in-situ material generally exhibits a fairly low permeability (but

not practically impermeable) and has a low to medium level of expansiveness.

Though it can potentially be used as cover or contaminant barrier, some soil

improvement techniques/methods may be required to achieve the desired level of

performance. (Jjuko S, 2015). More detailed testing in certain areas may be required

in order to produce the most suitable design with associated cost saving. Detailed

Geotechnical Study is in Appendix D2

3.1.5 Hydrogeology

A detailed Hydro-geological study was undertaken as part of the EIA. The aquifer at

the proposed site is classed as a minor aquifer and can be described as a low to

moderately yielding aquifer system of variable water quality.



Initial studies and existing geological maps suggest that there is a contact zone on

the site and it was suggested that this would increase the risk and vulnerability of

groundwater resources as such a contact zone could present a pathway for

contaminant transport. Geophysical surveys conducted at the site remained non-

conclusive about the presence of the contact zone. While there is some physical

evidence the contact zone, it appears that if such a zone exists on the site, it would

be much deeper than the bottom base layer of the site and as such may not pose

such a high risk (Kalule, 2015). A detailed Hydro- Geological study is in Appendix

D3.

3.1.6 Terrestrial Ecology

Silverton straddles two biomes, the Grassland and the Bushveld Biomes. An

Ecological Assessment was undertaken as part of the EIA. The vegetation type on

site was described by Mucina and Rutherford (2006) as the Marikina Thornveld.

Sections of the site were rated as low, medium or high sensitivity based on the level

of disturbance, ecological condition and species composition. Results of the study

indicate that the species composition of the vegetation is approximate less than 1%

of the species suggested by Mucina and Rutherford (2006). However, species

diversity was low on the sites close to and in the zones around the portion mainly

due to previous illegal dumping of waste activities (Figure 4). Most of the area was

degraded and these areas were found to be in need for further rehabilitation

(Dondofema F, 2015).



Acacia spp, with bird nests on site

Disturbed or pioneer floral community on site

Figure 4: Disturbed floral community on site

A detailed Ecological Assessment is in Appendix D7.



3.1.7 Air Pollution

Generally, the air quality in Silverton appears to be good. The air pollution that does

exist comes from a variety of sources but mainly due to vehicular emissions

considering that key national roads are within the vicinity of the site, which are N4

and N1. Because Silverton is approximately 1600m to 2000m above sea level, the

levels of oxygen on the Highveld are 20% less than that at the coast. This means

that incomplete combustion of fossil fuels often takes place. Wind speed and

direction influences the rate of diffusion of pollutants. The prevailing wind is north-

northwest and there is a vacant piece of land (including water works) and

Koedoespoort Centre in that direction.

3.1.8 Environmental Noise

The proposed site is adjacent to the Koedoespoort Centre used for rolling stock

manufacturing, maintenance and its supporting infrastructure. The site therefore

already has a degraded ambient noise climate more typical of an industrial area than

a rural environment. Daytime noise in the area is expected to be very low. Road

traffic noise is significant within 200m of the tar roads in the area. Existing noise

sources therefore include:

Industrial noise coming from Koedoespoort Centre activities and

Vehicles and other transport serving the local community.

3.2 SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT

3.2.1 Heritage Resources

Tshwane has a long history of settlement and associated with a variety of sites of

Heritage value. Within the Silverton area is located The Pioneer Museum. This is an

open-air tribute to South African settler history. The original farmstead has been

restored and preserved, giving visitors a rich insight into what life was like in South

Africa in the 1800s. The Silverton cemetery located 200m east of the site. There are

also a number of old buildings and rail line associated infrastructure in the vicinity of

the proposed site but the site itself is vacant and very disturbed.

The proposed site is 13.7 hectares and entails the development and upgrading of a

property greater than 0.5 hectares. Therefore, according to the National Heritage

Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 25 of 1999) an Archaeological and Heritage survey of

the development site is required in terms of Section 38 (3) of the Act. A Heritage

Impact Assessment (HIA) was undertaken, and the results form part of the EIA. The

proposed development lies on disturbed ground that is within a highly

industrialized zone. Desktop research indicated that the rich history and

archaeology of the general area prior to several industrial and residential

developments after the mid-20th century but field surveys on and around the

proposed area did not yield any heritage material (Bandama F, 2015). A detailed

Heritage study is in Appendix D5.



3.2.2 Socio Environment

Silverton is a suburb of Pretoria which is in the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality of

Gauteng. The surrounding area around Koedoespoort is largely urban with various

institution uses but dominated by residential settlements. Tshwane is in the northern

part of Gauteng Province, South Africa. It is one of the country's three capital cities,

serving as the executive (administrative) and de facto national capital.

There were around 2,921,500 (2011 census) people living within the borders of

Tshwane with a population density of 460/km2. As part of Gauteng, Tshwane

Metropolitan Municipality has experienced rapid in-migration and hence it has an

increasing population. The main language spoken in the area is Afrikaans; Pedi,

Sotho, Tswana, Tsonga, Zulu and English. Pretoria National Botanical gardens is

located just within 3km of the proposed site.

3.2.3 Land use and Zoning

The site is located around industrial, residential and commercial business areas. The

Southern side is a railway line between the site and Silverton residential area. The

Northern side is undeveloped with vacant pieces of land. On the Western side of the

site is Transnet Engineering Koedoespoort Centre. The entire site surface has been

disturbed in one way or another and there is illegal dumping of waste that has been

ongoing on the site. The site is zoned as S.A.R (South African Railway services),

therefore the site can be developed in any way the Transnet Engineering intends to,

as long as it is in line with TE business processes. Figure 5 shows current site

conditions.

http://www.mbendi.com/place/pretoria-gauteng-south-africa-1320

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gauteng_Province

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afrikaans

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedi_language

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sotho_language

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Setswana_language

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsonga_language

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zulu_language



Gravel road to site Rubble on site

Open vacant grassland Cement plant on site

Figure 5: Photo Plate- Status-quo land uses

3.2.4 Access and Traffic

Main access to the site will be through Trans road on the South-Eastern part of the

site. Secondary access will be through Lynette Street via Transnet Engineering site.

The site is situated among wide enough roads for trucks. There is a busy intersection

on Dykorroad next to the rail over road bridge that is to the south eastern entrance.

There are various options to access the site. Silverton is well connected to the City

and other national destinations as key national roads, N4 and N1 are within close

proximity. A Traffic Impact Assessment study was undertaken as part of the

Environmental Impact Assessment phase (Appendix D6).

Koedoespoort Landfill Site Transnet Engineering SOC


4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

4.1 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS

This section provides an overview of the Public Participation Process undertaken to

date during this EIA. The process flow diagram below provides a simplified graphic

overview of the EIA process and indicates the public participation process as well.

For this application, a Scoping EIA with a Waste Management License (WML) as

illustrated below (Figure 6) were be followed.

Figure 6: Environmental Impact Assessment Process

The principles of NEMA govern many aspects of EIA Reports, including consultation

with Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs). These principles include the provision

of sufficient and transparent information to I&APs on an ongoing basis, to allow them

to comment, and ensuring the participation of historically disadvantaged individuals,

including women, the disabled and the youth.

4.2 OBJECTIVES OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

The public consultation process is designed to provide information to and receive

feedback from Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) for use throughout the EIA

process, thus providing organisations and individuals with an opportunity to raise



concerns and make comments and suggestions regarding the proposed project. By

being part of the assessment process, stakeholders have the opportunity to influence

the project layout and design.

Documents will be made available at various stages during the EIA process to

provide stakeholders with information, further opportunities to identify issues of

concern and suggestions for enhanced benefits and to verify that the issues raised

have been considered.

The principles for the EIA that determine communication with society at large are

included in the principles of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA)

(Act 107 of 1998, as amended) and are elaborated upon in General Notice 657, titled

“Guideline 4: Public Participation” (Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism,

19 May, 2006), which states that: “Public participation process means a process in

which potential interested and affected parties (I&APs) are given an opportunity to

comment on, or raise issues relevant to, specific matters.”

Public participation is an essential and regulatory requirement for an environmental

authorisation process, and must be undertaken in terms of the Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA) Regulations GN R.982 (December 2014). Public participation is a

process that is intended to lead to a joint effort by stakeholders, technical specialists,

the authorities and the proponent/developer who work together to produce better

decisions than if they had acted independently.

Internationally, the public consultation process complies with the Equator Principles

(in particular Principles 5 and 6) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC)

Performance Standards (PS) (specifically PSs 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 and 8). A Stakeholder

Engagement Plan (SEP), provides a more comprehensive summary of the local

regulatory requirements and international standards that were considered in the

design of the public consultation process.

The Public Participation Process is designed to provide sufficient and accessible

information to Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) in an objective manner and:

During the Scoping Phase to enable them to:

Understand the context of the EIA

Become informed and educated about the proposed project and its potential

impacts

Raise issues of concern and suggestions for enhanced benefits

Verify that their comments, issues of concern and suggestions have been

recorded

Assist in identifying reasonable alternatives and

Contribute relevant local information and traditional knowledge to the

environmental assessment



During the impact assessment phase to assist them to:

Contribute relevant information and local and traditional knowledge to the

environmental assessment;

Verify that their issues and suggestions have been evaluated and considered

Investigations and feedback has been provided;

Comment on the findings of the EIA; and

Identify further issues of concern from the findings of the EIA.

During the decision-making phase:

To advise I&APs of the outcome, i.e. the authority decision, and how the

decision can be appealed.

4.3 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION DURING SCOPING PHASE

4.3.1 Identification of Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs)

I&APs were initially identified through a process of networking and referral, obtaining

information from existing stakeholder databases, liaison with potentially affected

parties in the study area, newspaper advertisements and a registration process

involving completion of a registration and comment sheet. The registration sheet

encouraged I&APs to indicate the names of their colleagues and friends who may

also be interested in participating.

I&APs representing various sectors of society include:

Government (national, provincial and local);

Municipalities

Environmental NGOs

Conservation Agencies

Community Representatives and CBOs

Directly affected communities

Business and Commerce and

Other.

4.3.2 Registration of I&APs

The NEMA Regulations (GN R.982) distinguishes between I&APs and Registered

I&APs.

I&APs, as contemplated in NEMA include: “(a) any person, group of persons or

organisation interested in or affected by an activity; and (b) any organ of state that

may have jurisdiction over any aspect of the activity”



In terms of the Regulations:

“An EAP managing an application must open and maintain a register which contains

the names, contact details and addresses of:

(a) All persons who; have submitted written comments or attended meetings

with the applicant or EAP;

(b) All persons who; have requested the applicant or EAP managing the

application, in writing, for their names to be placed on the register; and

(c) All organs of state which have jurisdiction in respect of the activity to

which the application relates.

A Register for I&APs was opened.All stakeholders on the initial database received a

letter in April 2015 inviting them to register as I&APs.

As per the EIA Regulations, future consultation during the Impact Assessment phase

will only take place with Registered I&APs. Stakeholders who were involved in the

initial consultation will be added to the register.The I&AP register will be updated

throughout the EIA process.

4.3.3 Announcement of the proposed project

Draft Scoping Report

A Draft Scoping Report (DSR) was made available for public review for 30 days from

Tuesday, 07 April 2015 until Wednesday, 06 May 2015.

The proposed project has been announced as follows:

Distribution of this Draft Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR)

and a letter of invitation to participate to all I&APs on the database,

accompanied by a registration, comment and reply sheet that will be

mailed/emailed to the entire stakeholder database.

The abovementioned documents were also made available at the public

library in close vicinity to the site

o Waverley Library, 1345 Cunningham Avenue, Pretoria, 0186 (012 332

2172) – approx. 2.5km away from site in Northern direction

o Alkantrant Library, Lynburn Road, Pretoria, 0081 (012 358 9671) –

approx. 4.5km away from site in Southern direction

Publication of two media advertisements (in English) in each of the following

newspapers

o Local Newspaper - Pretoria News Friday, 27 March 2015; and

o National Newspaper - The Citizen Friday, 27 March 2015.

Four (4) on-site notices (in English) advertising the EIA process were placed

along main roads along the proposed routes and at public places accessible



to the most part of the interested and affected parties, on Monday, 30 March

2015.

Distribution of letters by fax/post/email to I&APs.

Physical hard copy distribution of reports to the following parties;

o Shiba Sibone (DEA –Case Officer) – Department Environmental

Affairs

o The Regional Manager –DW&S

o Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

o City of Tshwane Municipality Air Quality Management

o City of Tshwane Municipality Environmental Management

o City of Tshwane Municipality Waste Management

o 2 copies for Libraries

o Client

All relevant documentation was also made available on the Mawenje

Consulting Africa website

o http://www.mawenje.com/cp/8176/news

4.4 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION DURING THE IMPACT ASSESSMENT PHASE

Public participation during the impact assessment phase of the EIA will entail a

review of the findings of the EIA, presented in the Draft EIA and EMP Reports. These

reports will be made available for public comment. I&APs will be advised timeously of

the availability of these reports and how to obtain them. They will be encouraged to

comment either in writing (mail or email) or by telephone. Ample notification of due

dates will be provided.

All the issues, comments and suggestions raised during the comment period on the

Draft EIA Report/EMP will be added to the Comments and Response Report (CRR)

that will accompany the Final EIA Report/EMP. The Final EIA Report/EMP will be

submitted to the DEA for a decision on the proposed project.

4.5 LEAD AUTHORITY’S DECISION

Once the DEA has taken a decision about the proposed project, the Mawenje Public

Participation Office will immediately notify I&APs of this decision and of the

opportunity to appeal. This notification will be provided as follows:

A letter will be sent, personally addressed to all registered I&APs,

summarising the authority’s decision and explaining how to lodge an appeal

should they wish to; and

An advertisement to announce the Lead Authority’s decision will be published

in the Pretoria Newspaper.



A grievance mechanism will be established by the client to record grievances during

the construction, operation and decommissioning phases of the proposed

development. A responsible person from the proposed facility will ensure that this

grievance mechanism is maintained and that grievances are attended to in a timeous

manner.

A detailed record of the Public Participation process undertaken is in Appendix E.



5. ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS

5.1 IDENTIFICATION OF KEY ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

The key issues relating to the proposed development were identified during site visits

to the study area. Key issues were further identified upon consultation with the

Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs), through past experiences on similar

developments, desktops studies and the status quo of the environment in the study

area. The impacts and key issues as identified during the Environmental Impact

Assessment phase are classified into two broad categories:

Category 1: The physical and biological environment; and

Category 2: The man-made environment.

Impacts of a positive nature are marked with a positive sign “(+)” in the last column of

the impact tables.

5.1.1 The Physical and Biological Environment

Geology and Soil

The environmental objective is to ensure that the structures built on site are suitable

for the local geological formation on site.

Various construction activities i.e. excavations and earth grading will be undertaken.

Depending on location, this may encourage soil erosion, soil compaction, chemical soil

pollution and soil degradation. These impacts will be localized as the activities will

occur on a footprint or on the development boundaries and also where access roads

will be constructed. Major impacts from these activities are anticipated to occur during

construction only.

The overall sample status of the site from a geotechnical point of view is disturbed

owing to previous activities. The site is characterised by clayey sand and pockets of

silty clay. Saturation of the abundant fine content in the soil may cause difficult working

conditions during rainy periods. Most of the soil is highly to completely weathered. The

geotechnical study concluded that no unstable geotechnical conditions should prevent

the development of this site into a landfill. Impacts to geology and soil during

construction and operation phases are shown in Table 4.



Table 4: Geology and soil

Mitigation Measures

Landfill cell basin floor levels could be extended between 3.0 and 4.0 metres

below ground surface. An additional subsurface drain channel will also be

considered to protect the floor from becoming saturated from seeping water.

Preparation operation will involve spreading, level and compacting to 98%

standard proctor density.

Excavation slopes of 45 degrees in non-marshy areas will be sustained without

posing slope instability issues.

Earthworks will be carried out predominantly in drier season to address potential

difficulty in wetter seasons.

Implementation of proper design of containment barrier system as per the legal

requirements for hazardous landfill sites of this nature should further reduce the

significance of risks to low- very low (Jjuko S, 2015).

Construction of anti-erosion berms.

Disturbance of catchment processes in terms of watercourses;

The proposed Koedoespoort Landfill Site lies on the eastern part of the Moretele River

Sub-catchment within quaternary catchment A23A (Pienaars River Catchment) of the

Crocodile (west) and Marico water management area (WMA). The Crocodile and

Phase Environmental Aspect

Nature of Impact

Extent (Scale)

Duration Intensity Probability Confidence Significance

Without mitigation

With mitigation

Co

nstr

uctio

n Excavations and

earth grading

Alteration

of the

geology

and soil

conditions

Local Short

term

Medium Definite High Medium Low

Co

nstr

uctio

n Excavations and

earth grading

Removal

of large

volumes of

soil (cover

material)

Local Short

term

Medium Definite High Medium Low

Op

era

tion

Handling of

waste and

hazardous

substances

Contamina

tion

of soil

Local Long

term

High Highly

probable

High High Low

Op

era

tion

Proper disposal

of hazardous

waste

Pollution of

soil

Local Long

term

High Highly

probable

High High (+) High (+)



Marico rivers are the two main rivers in this WMA. The A23A catchment covers an

area of about 682.400km2. Landfill sites are “dirty” areas with a potential of runoff

contamination. There is a risk of flooding, erosion and damage to infrastructure and

receiving watercourses. Thus, development and implementation of a stormwater

management plan is an essential part of the landfill planning and design phase. The

overall objective of the stormwater management is to ensure separation of clean and

dirty runoff. A detailed Hydrological Assessment was undertaken to determine impacts

on surface water. During construction it will be necessary to clear portions of

vegetation where the development will be placed. The major impact of vegetation

clearance is the exposure of soil to the agents of erosion, such as wind and water.

The atmospheric transportation and the deposition of the eroded material can lead to

siltation of the watercourses. Erosion can be expected if construction occurs within the

rainy season and therefore may result in the loss of topsoil. Impacts to surface water

during construction and operation phases are shown in Table 5.

Table 5: Surface water impacts (Hydrological Assessment)

Phase Environmental Aspect

Nature of Impact

Scale

Duration Intensity Probability Significance

Without mitigation

With mitigation

Con

str

uctio

n

Site clearance;

Site

establishment;

Construction

and/or upgrade

of roads

Increase in

runoff

discharges to

due to the

removal of

vegetative

cover and

compaction of

soil

Local Short term Medium Medium Low Low

Loss of

topsoil due to

erosion

Site Short term Medium Highly probable

Medium Low

Compaction

of soil

Site Short term Medium Highly probable

Medium Low

Soil pollution

from

hydrocarbon

spills (diesel,

petrol, oils

and

lubricants)

Site Short term Low Medium Low Low



Change in

watercourse

habitat and

retention

capacity due

to erosion, as

well as

siltation from

silt-laden

runoff from

the site

Local Medium term

Low Medium Low Low

Co

nstr

uctio

n

Blockage of

stormwater

drains due to

silt-laden

runoff from

construction

site


Con

str

uctio

n Site clearance;

Site

establishment;

Construction

and/or upgrade

of roads

Surface water

contamination

due to

hydrocarbon

spills

Local Short term Low Low

probability

Low Low

Con

str

uctio

n

Surface water

contamination

due to

maintenance

and washing

of

construction

vehicles

Local Short term Low Medium Low Low

Con

str

uctio

n Site clearance;

Site

establishment;

Construction

and/or upgrade

Surface water

pollution due

to solid waste

and sewage

disposal

Local Short term Low Medium Low Low



Co

nstr

uctio

n

of roads Surface water

contamination

due to

mobilisation

of exposed

pollutants

previously

disposed of

on the site


Op

era

tion

Leachate

drainage and

control

Pollution of

surface water

through

leachate from

the landfill.

Regional Permanen

t

Medium Highly

probable

Medium Low

Pollution of

surface water

through

seepage from

leachate dam

and sub-

surface

interflow.

Local Permanen

t

Medium Medium Medium Low

Op

era

tion

Waste recycling

and disposal

Contaminatio

n of

stormwater

through runoff

from the

wastebody,

recycling

facility and

weighbridge

Local Permanen

t


Op

era

tion

Pollution of

surface water

through

seepage from

wastebody

and sub-

surface

interflow.

Local Permanen

t




Mitigation measures

As far as reasonably possible, site clearance and construction early works must

be scheduled to take place during the low flow period (i.e. winter).

Construction of the stormwater dam with a silt-trap - as part of construction early

works.

Topsoil must be stripped and stockpiled before construction or upgrade of the

roads, to be used as part of landfill cover material.

Drip trays must be placed under parked construction vehicles.

Contaminated soil must be dealt with according to Transnet Engineering spill

handling procedures.

Maintenance and washing of construction vehicles must be undertaken on bunded

and impervious surfaces, or off-site

Adequate solid waste and sewage disposal facilities must be provided and easily

accessible to construction workers and site visitors.

Leachate from the waste body must be drained to a lined leachate dam and

disposed of into the municipal sewer system, subject to applicable City of

Tshwane By-Laws.

The landfill must be properly operated, with proper compaction and cover.

The final landfill profile must be free draining and drainage channels directing

runoff from and top and side slopes to the lined leachate dam.

Containment barrier (or lining) of the leachate dam to prevent seepage to the

subterranean environment.

Development and implementation of a Stormwater Management Plan.

Clean and dirty runoff must be separated up to 1:50 year storm.

Dirty water drains and channels must be impervious.

Runoff from the said dirty areas must be drained to a lined pollution control dam.

The wastebody must be equipped with a containment barrier (lining) in line with

Norms and Standards for Disposal of Waste to Landfill.

Soil and water (groundwater) contamination;

The objectives are:

To ensure that all watercourses within the study area are not adversely affected to the

detriment of the environment and the surrounding communities

To prevent the disruption of catchment processes and functioning

To minimise erosion and to prevent surface water contamination

The construction and operation of landfill sites is known to pose threats to soil and

both groundwater and surface water (Khandhlela, 2009), shown in Table 6. The

site currently poses a threat to water quality owing to already existing

contamination at the site. Soil and geological constraints are important

considerations when undertaking development. The main concern from a

hydrogeological point of view is the presence of a contact zone which could



increase the risk and vulnerability of groundwater resource contamination. Some

soil may exhibit a very high collapse potential and could settle under certain loads.

The choice of site and the nature of the proposed development should therefore

consider all geological constraints. Soil and water contamination is of concern

during both construction and operational phases.

A Specialist Hydrogeological Assessment was undertaken during the scoping and

EIA phases of this development to determine potential impacts on soil and water.

Application qualitative risk assessment such as the “Parsons Rating System” for

aquifer classification was used. Particular attention was paid to aquifer

classification, vulnerability and susceptibility.

Aquifer Classification

The aquifer at the proposed site is classed as a minor aquifer and can be

described a low to moderate yielding aquifer system of variable water quality.

Aquifer Vulnerability

A moderate likelihood does exist for contamination to reach a specific position in

the groundwater system. Previous studies and existing geological maps suggest

the presence of a contact zone. It was suggested that the presence of a contact

zone could increase the risk and vulnerability of groundwater as such a contact

zone could present a pathway for contaminant transport. However, geophysical

studies carried out throughout the scoping and EIA phases of this study remained

non-conclusive for the presence of a contact zone. If such a zone does exist, it

may pose a high risk.

Aquifer Susceptibility

The aquifer is rated to have medium susceptibility.

The geophysical study concludes that the proposed landfill poses a low to medium

contamination risk to groundwater. Where soil is highly erodible, measures are

required to prevent undue soil erosion and deliberate infiltration into the ground

water system. Table 6 shows hydrogeological impacts.

Table 6: Hydrogeological impacts (soil and water) Phase Environmental

Aspect

Impact Extent Duration Intensity Probability Confidence Significance

Without

mitigation

With

mitigation

Con

str

uctio

n Excavations,

drilling and

clearing of land

Disruption of

aquatic

habitats

through

contamination

Regional Short

term

Medium Probable Medium Medium Low



Op

era

tion Proper disposal

of hazardous

waste

Contaminatio

n of

groundwater

Local Long term High Highly

probable


Co

nstr

uctio

n Excavations,

drilling and

clearing of land

Disruption

of natural

drainage

patterns

Regional Short

term

Medium Probable Medium Medium Low

Op

era

tion

Operation

of landfill site

Altered flow

regimes as a

result of

hardened

surfaces

Regional Permanent Medium Improbable Medium Medium Low

Op

era

tion

Handling and

storage of

hazardous

wastes (e.g.

asbestos)

Contaminatio

n of

groundwater

Local Long

term

Medium Highly

probable

High High Low

Mitigation measures

The option of engineering the landfill site is seen as a mitigation measure to the

already existing threat and risk to water resources (engineering design for a Class

A- hazardous landfill site).

4 new drilled monitoring boreholes maintained as part of a water quality

monitoring programme. The 4 additional monitoring wells will further add to the

database of water quality and act as early monitoring systems.

Monthly monitoring of water levels, rainfall figures and water quality will be strictly

adhered to and this data will form the basis from which any changes in the

groundwater regime will be recognised.

The establishment and annual calibration of a groundwater management plan with

relevant groundwater monitoring and reporting protocol.

Owing to a deep water table, excavations will not extend below the recommended

depths (Khandhlela, 2009).

Storm water should be diverted away from waste sites and runoff storm water

should be collected in lined ponds (Khandhlela, 2009).

Landfill design to comply with DWAF Minimum requirements for waste disposal by

landfill.

Vehicles should only be serviced at well-established workshop area.

Water contaminated by contact with waste should be contained within the site and

disposed of properly(Khandhlela, 2009).



Ecological instability / Destruction of flora and displacement of fauna

Koedoespoort is located within Marikana Thornveld ecosystems which fall in the

Savanna biome. When open spaces are rezoned for development, indigenous species

tend to be replaced by exotic species and the environment is converted to sterile

landscapes that lack ecological value. A Specialist Ecological study was undertaken to

determine potential impacts on the ecological environment (fauna and flora). It was

found that the site has a general trend of low sensitivity and majority of the site

appears to be favourable for the proposed development. Historically and still presently,

the site harbours no Red Data species. Furthermore, the overall conservation status of

the site is vulnerable. The landscape is characterised by flat rolling land that is largely

disturbed. There is evidence of previous dumping and release of waste water and

storm water, both contributing to the highly disturbed status of the landscape. Table 7

shows impacts on the ecological environment.

The environmental objectives are:

To ensure that species of conservation are identified and preserved and

To ensure that the ecological integrity and functionality of the system is

maintained

Silverton is a current residential, industrial and commercial area and it’s evident that

the majority of the natural vegetation that used to occur on site has been displaced

through its establishment.

Table 7: Impact assessment of Terrestrial Ecology Phase Environmental

Aspect


Without

mitigation

With

mitigation

Co

nstr

uctio

n

Clearance of

vegetation for

construction of a

landfill

Destruct

ion of

local

populati

ons

(disturb

ance

and

habitat

loss)

Local Permanent Medium Probable Medium Low Low

Op

era

tion

Proper disposal

of hazardous

waste

Protecti

on of

ecologic

al

habitats


probable




Op

era

tion

Change in land

use

Destruct

ion of

local

populati

ons

(change

s in

commu

nity

structur

e,

introduc

tion of

alien

invader

species,

disturba

nces)

Region

al

Permanent High Highly

probable

Medium High Medium

Op

era

tion

Replacement of

fauna and flora

with artificial and

inhabitable

surfaces

Destruct

ion of

local

populati

ons

(disturb

ance

and

habitat

loss)

Local Permanent Medium Probable Medium Low Low

Mitigation measures

Special cognisance of drainage lines will be taken as they pose a threat to the

integrity of habitats and freshwater resources if erosion occurs or increases.

Although no Red Data species or protected plant and animal species were

identified, during the full development of this proposed landfill site, the layout and

construction footprints will be kept to a minimum.

Rehabilitation of areas where soil has been compacted when construction is

complete (Khandhlela, 2009).

Strict environmental guidelines will be adhered to, to ensure prevention of further

habitat loss for present fauna and flora as it causes irreversible damage to high

biodiversity ecosystems within the Marikana Thornveld vegetation type in the

Savanna biome.

Intentional killing of any fauna should be avoided by means of awareness

programmes presented to all sub-contractors and work force.

Controlling of alien vegetation after the removal of grass and a monitoring and

rehabilitation programme is recommended as part of the operational EMP.

All construction activities must be limited to normal working hours (daylight hours).



Prevention of runaway fires by keeping vegetation short in working areas and

ensuring that no fires are lit in close proximity to the vegetation and prohibition of

lighting fires in windy conditions.

5.1.2 The man-made environment

Displacement of Heritage and Culture;

The objective is to ensure that all buildings, artefacts and symbols of culture and

heritage significance are identified and preserved. Cultural impacts include impacts

such as the loss of language, loss of cultural heritage or change in the integrity of a

culture. South Africa is a multi-cultural society and urbanization has resulted in many

of the diverse cultures sacrificing their cultural integrity. Also indirectly related, is loss

of open space that may result in loss of natural and cultural heritage. The site has a

few existing buildings which were identified during a Specialist Heritage Impact

Assessment which was undertaken during the EIA phase to determine all the potential

impacts that the proposed Landfill site will have on the site. This is shown in Table 8.

Tshwane has a long history of settlement and associated with a variety of sites of

Heritage value. Some desktop studies, (published literature, maps and databases

research) followed by drive-through surveys and field walking formed part of the

methodology of the Specialist Heritage Impact Assessment Report. Previous and

present investigations found that there is no significant archaeological, heritage or

cultural materials on site. The Heritage Impact Assessment also informs that no

historically known groups occupied the area and most of the original settler

descendants moved away from the area. This means that there is very little intangible

heritage (oral traditions, knowledge and practices concerning nature, traditional

craftsmanship and rituals and festive events as well as instruments, objects and

artefacts and cultural spaces associated with group(s) of people) remains on site.

Overall, there is no archaeological reason why the development may not proceed.

Table 8: Impact assessment of heritage and culture

Phase Environmental

Aspect


Without

mitigation

With

mitigation

Con

str

uctio

n

Excavation,

drilling and

clearing of land

Loss of

significant

symbols,

heritage

sites and

resources

Site Short

term

Low Low Low Low Low



Mitigation measures

Although the site has no significant cultural or heritage material, all sub-

contractors and employees have the responsibility of ensuring that any possible

heritage sites, cultural material or chance finds are reported to the heritage

practitioner or South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA).

Socio-economic Impacts

The objective is to ensure that the proposed development is socially, environmentally

and economically sustainable. The proposed project will moreover take into

consideration, employment opportunities because of the present unemployment

challenges in Silverton and greater Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. Silverton is a

suburb and the area surrounding Koedoespoort is largely urban and dominated by

residential settlements.

A number of employment opportunities will be created by this development. Using

local labour would alleviate the need for temporary housing for construction workers.

Apart from direct opportunities that will be created in all the phases of the

development, a number of indirect jobs will also be created in the construction phase.

A positive impact will be improved safety and security as the premises will be fenced

off and guarded. Impacts on socio-economic factors are shown in Table 9.

Table 9: Socio- economic impacts

Phase Environmental

Aspect


Without

mitigation

With

mitigation

Con

str

uctio

n Safety and

security

improved safety

and security

Local Long term Medium Probable Medium High (+) High (+)

Con

str

uctio

n

Employment Creation of jobs Local Short

term

High Definite High High (+) High (+)

Op

era

tion

Change in land

use and

development

Loss of

intangible

heritage

(e.g.

language)

Local Long

term

Low Low Low Low Low



Co

nstr

uctio

n

Employment Loss of jobs from

existing cement

operations that

will be

decommissioned

Local Short

term

Medium Probable Medium Low Low

Op

era

tion Employment Creation of jobs Local Long term High Definite High High (+) High (+)

Op

era

tion Infrastructure Relief pressure

from existing

landfill sites

Local Long term Medium Highly

probable

Medium High (+) High (+)

Mitigation measures

Preference should be given to local labour.

Employment of 24 hour security guards on the premises (site access control).

A detailed register must be filled in by all persons entering the premises.

All vehicles must be searched for weapons or illegal and prohibited substances.

Development site should be fenced off.

Traffic impact

The objective is:

To ensure that the proposed development will not have adverse effects on traffic

flow in the area.

The construction and operation of a hazardous landfill site will involve the

transportation of waste by heavy vehicles such as trucks. This poses a threat to the

quality of roads and deterioration of road surfaces (Khandhlela, 2012). In addition, with

increased numbers of vehicles traveling to the site during both construction and

operational phases, there is increased potential for traffic. With increased trips by

trucks and private vehicles to the site is the increased risk of accidents. A Specialist

Traffic Impact Assessment was conducted to determine possible impacts on traffic.

Impacts on traffic can be seen in Table 10.

Table 10: Traffic impacts

Phase Environmental

Aspect


Without

mitigation

With

mitigation

Con

str

uctio

n

Construction

vehicles on

surrounding road

network

Increase in

traffic

congestion

(increased

potential for

accidents)

Local Short term Medium High High High Low



Mitigation measures

Box marking will be required within intersections.

Pedestrian walk way should be provided to ensure safety of pedestrians.

Adherence to speed limits by truck drivers and assigned speed limits within and

around the proposed landfill site as well as speed humps.

Development of traffic management plan to address issues related to traffic safety.

Construction vehicles must not be allowed on the road during peak hours. For

access control, construction vehicles should make use of an alternative entrance

(Khandhlela, 2009).

Visual impact

The objectives are:

To minimise visual pollution.

To ensure that the development blends in with the landscape character.

To maintain an undisrupted skyline.

The construction and development of a landfill site has potential impacts for the

aesthetic value of the surrounding environment. Potential businesses owners and local

residents are impacted by changes in the aesthetic value of their local environment.

The landscape impact severity refers to the magnitude of impact resulting from the

proposed project components. The severity of landscape impact is examined by

discussing the visual absorption capacity factor: Visual Absorption Capacity (VAC)

signifies the ability of the landscape to accept additional human intervention without

serious loss of character and visual quality or value. It is founded on the characteristics

of the physical environment such as vegetative screening, diversity of colours and

patterns and topographic variability. The negative impact would be that, stripping

vegetation from some portion of the site will alter the existing surface cover and will

contribute to displacement of the site’s character.

The visual value of this site would lie in its ability to harbour various levels of

biodiversity and its place in the Marikana Thornveld of the Savanna biome. As

mentioned however, the site is already disturbed owing to previous activities already

Op

era

tion

Moving of heavy

vehicles

Impact on

road network

(road surface

deterioration)

Local Short term Low Low Medium Low Low

Op

era

tion

Moving of heavy

vehicles

Traffic

congestion

Local Permanent Medium Definite High High Low



making it visually unpleasant. Initially the site preparation and construction phase will

cause high levels of visual contrast owing to vegetation clearing and existing

infrastructure will be demolished to make way for the new development but it is also in

the development phase of this project. The development will cause changes to the

landscape and this will influence visual value. The development will have minimum

visual impact and some of the features of the development will create a better

aesthetic value of the area as compared to the current conditions. Impacts on the

aesthetic and visual environment are shown in Table 11.

Table 11: Visual impact assessment

Mitigation measures

All forms of pollution are to be avoided by all employees and workers on site (can

be done by having signs that prohibit pollution of vandalism).

Additional planting in strategic areas should be done as soon as possible after

development.

Minimise the extent of disturbance as much as possible.

Maintain a vegetation buffer between activity and surrounding road networks

(Khandlhela, 2009).

Implement both a rehabilitation programme for vegetation and an alien eradication

programme (Khandlhela, 2009).

Phase Environmental

aspect


Without

mitigation

With

mitigation

Con

str

uctio

n

Construction of

landfill site

Landscape

character

change and

other visual

impacts


probable

High High Low

Con

str

uctio

n

Surface

disturbance

Reduction in

the value of the

land and visual

resource

Site Short term Low Definite High Low Low

Op

era

tion

Operation of new

landfill site

Increase in

aesthetic and

visual value of

site

Local Permanent High Definite High High (+) High (+)



Health, safety risks

Health aspects are included from a social perspective and will be expressed in non-

medical terminology. The impacts will be identified, mitigated, monitored, and/or

managed in the EMP. The land is contaminated with various forms of contaminants,

and hence it is a health and safety risk (Appendix B- Asbestos Analysis Report). The

development of the Landfill site will be an opportunity to sustainably manage the risk

on site (Risk assessment in Section 5.3). The landfill will manage and store hazardous

waste which poses a risk to all those who work on site as well as local communities.

Health and safety impacts are shown in Table 12.

Table 12: Impact assessment of health and safety risk

Mitigation measures

Place Hazard Warning Notices around the proposed site.

All asbestos training and awareness programmes are to be reassessed

and implemented (all contractors and employees working in areas of

asbestos exposure should be made aware of risks of exposure).

Individuals performing soil-disturbing activities, at sites where asbestos-

contaminated soil may be encountered, are required to complete on-the-

job asbestos-contaminated soil awareness training (providing necessary

information on duties that comply with requirements and how to report

exposed asbestos fibre).

An Asbestos Management Plan (AMP) must be developed for overall

guidance for all workers to comply with asbestos legal requirements and

to prevent exposure to airborne asbestos fibres and other Asbestos

Containing Materials (ACM).

Phase Environmental

aspect


Without

mitigation

With

mitigation

Rem

edia

tio

n Handling and

transport of

hazardous waste

Respiratory

diseases

Local Short term High Highly

probable

High High Medium

Op

era

tion Proper disposal of

hazardous waste

Respiratory

diseases


probable


Op

era

tion Handling of

hazardous waste

(e.g. asbestos)

Respiratory

diseases

Local

Long term High High High High Medium



Adequate dust control measures.

Airborne Asbestos Monitoring.

Illegal dumping Monitoring.

The proposed site should be fenced off.

All employees working at the proposed landfill site must get regular

health check-ups.

All employees must wear appropriate protective gear (dust masks, boots,

overalls and gloves).

Air Quality

Generally, the air quality in Silverton appears to be good. The main source of

air pollution is vehicle emissions considering that key national roads are within

the vicinity of the site which are the N4 and the N1. The incomplete combustion

of fossil fuels often occurs owing to Silverton’s 1600 to 2000m position above

sea level. The oxygen levels on the Highveld are 20% less than that at the

coast.

The construction and development of any landfill site and especially a

hazardous landfill site will impact the air quality of the surrounding environment.

The proposed development has a main objective of efficiently managing and

treating both non-hazardous and hazardous waste. Not only will landfill gases

be emitted but there will be an increase in dust levels from an increase in

vehicles travelling on the dust road as well as their vehicle emissions. Impacts

on air quality are shown in Table 13.

Table 13: Air Quality Impacts Phase Environmental

aspect


Without

mitigation

With

mitigation

Con

str

uctio

n Vehicle exhaust

emission

Deterioration

of air quality

Local Short

term

Low Definite High Low Low

Con

str

uctio

n Nuisance Increase in

dust levels by

vehicles on

unpaved

roads

Local Short

term

Low Definite Medium Medium Low

Con

str

uctio

n Clearance of

vegetation

Wind erosion

at open areas

Site Short

term

Low Definite High Low Low



Co

nstr

uctio

n Proper disposal

of asbestos

containing

materials

Respiratory

diseases

Site Short

term

High Highly

probable


Op

era

tion Material

operation

handling

Spread of air

pollution

(odour, landfill

gas) by wind

Site Short

term

Low Definite Medium Low Low

Op

era

tion

Nuisance Landfill gas

and odours

from

operational

activity

(deteriorated

air quality)

Local Long term Medium Highly

probable

Medium Medium Low

Op

era

tion Nuisance Increase in

dust levels by

vehicles on

unpaved

roads

Local Long term High Definite Medium Medium Low

Op

era

tion Proper disposal

of asbestos

containing

materials

Respiratory

diseases

Site Long term High Highly

probable


Mitigation measures

Materials that promote the emission of wastes with sulphate and sulphide

must be avoided by all means.

Tipping areas must be as small as possible to decrease the effect of wind.

There must be immediate covering of waste after disposal.

An enclosed treatment operation must be developed to assist with odours.

Waste composition inventory and inspection- The landfill operator must

ensure that a register is kept throughout all phases of the development of the

proposed landfill site with information indicating the origin of waste, type of

waste, date of delivery, identity of the producer or collector.

Landfill gas control and management – accumulation and migration of gas

must be controlled, ideally collected, treated and used.

Strict speed limits are to be adhered to, both in and around the site or speed

bumps to decrease dust levels.

Tarring of dust roads and some access routes.

Regular sweeping and vacuuming of tarred roads to reduce siltation on the

roads.

Increase in the amount of times that the roads are water sprayed to decrease

dust

Reduction in the size and extent of open areas to reduce wind erosion



A complaints register must be made accessible to the surrounding

communities with regards to bad odours or where any complaints can be laid

relating to the proposed landfill activity

Progressive rehabilitation.

Noise impacts

The proposed area for development of a landfill site is adjacent to the

Koedoespoort Centre which is used for Rolling stock and therefore the ambient

noise is already degraded. This however, is typical of an industrial area. Daytime

noise is expected to be low whilst road traffic noise will also have low significance.

Additional construction vehicles travelling to the site may generate additional

traffic noise and some construction activities may also generate additional noise.

The overall significance of noise for this development is low. Potential impacts on

noise are shown in Table 14.

Table 14: Noise Impacts Phase Environmental

aspect


Without

mitigation

With

mitigation

Con

str

uctio

n

Excavations and

drilling activities

on landfill site

Noise Local Short

term

Medium Highly

probable

High Low Low

Con

str

uctio

n Moving of heavy

vehicles

Noise Local Short

term

Low Highly

probable

Medium Low Low

Op

era

tion Movement of

dozers and

heavy vehicles

Noise Local Long term Low Probable Medium Low Low

Mitigation measures

For a development such as a landfill site, the impacts of the noise are usually

concentrated within the boundaries of the development site, making overall noise

impacts of low significance. To mitigate potential disturbance to surrounding

communities, construction activity must be limited to normal daylight working

hours.



5.2 RISK ASSESSMENT

Risk Assessment generally considers the likelihood of occurrence and the

consequences of the occurrence of an event and systematically evaluates the nature,

effect and extent of exposure a vulnerable receptor may experience in relation to a

particular hazard. It informs the management and communication of risk. An

environmental hazard is an event, or continuing process, which if realized will lead to

circumstances having the potential to degrade, directly or indirectly, the quality of the

environment (Royal Society,1992).

Pathways

A pathway is a route by which a particle of water, substance or contaminant moves

though the environment and comes into contact with, or otherwise, affects a receptor

(EA, 2001).

Risk

For a risk to exist there must be a source (or hazard or environmental pressure), a

pathway and a receptor or target (Daly, 2004).

Source- Pathway-Receptor (S-P-R) conceptual model

This is the basis for the Source- Pathway-Receptor (S-P-R) conceptual model for

environmental risk assessment and management. In addition, a conceptual model

also provides information useful to the scoping of any investigation as it identifies the

sites that pose the greatest risk to the environment and human beings and also

identifies the S-P-R linkages that have the highest risk associated with them.

Applicable Mitigation Measures and Remediation

The above principles of exposure and risk assessment aim at facilitating a clear

decision making process in devising mitigation measures to control any potential

risks evident in the conceptual model. The detailed information obtained through the

investigative programme will inform the decision on the extent of measures which are

required to manage the risk, which may involve breaking the pathway or removal of

the source or in some cases monitoring of the receptor.

Source –Pathway–Receptor Analysis for the proposed development

Table 5 summarizes the potential Source–Pathway–Receptor Analysis for the

proposed development.

Table 15: Risk Assessment

Source Pathway Receptor/Exposure

Waste Types Process of handling and

disposal of the various waste

streams at the landfill site and

Humans



transfer station.

Leachate Leachate Migration:

Vertically to the water table

or top of an aquifer, where

groundwater is the receptor

being considered;

Vertically to an aquifer and

then horizontally in the

aquifer to a receptor, such

as a well, spring or stream;

Horizontally at the ground

surface or at shallow depth

to a surface receptor.

Humans

Surface water

Groundwater

Sensitive Environments

Fauna and Flora

Contaminated Storm

water

Migration of contaminants in

storm water :

Vertically to the water table

or top of an aquifer, where

groundwater is the receptor

being considered;

Vertically to an aquifer and

then horizontally in the

aquifer to a receptor, such

as a well, spring or stream;

Horizontally at the ground

surface or at shallow depth

to a surface receptor.

Humans

Surface

Groundwater


Fauna and Flora

Landfill Gas, Dust and

Odours

Landfill Gas Migration:

Sub surface soil.

Air

Pipelines

Drainage systems

Manholes.

Dissolved in groundwater.

Humans

Surface

Groundwater


Fauna and Flora

Significance

Given the above the significance of the exposure risk posed by the proposed

development will be determined by the following factors:

Type of Waste Handled (general waste, mixed waste or hazardous waste);

The civil and environmental engineering controls in place to curb and manage

the sources (pollutant sources). This includes liners, geo-membranes, storm

water controls, landfill gas management infrastructure, leachate management

systems etc.

The geological and hydro geological setting of the landfill site;

The location in proximity of human receptors such as residential areas; and



Number of employees and number of people accessing the site.

The major contaminants or pollutants of concerns that may pose risk to both

humans and ecosystems associated with development include the following

pollutants:

o Metals;

o Total petroleum hydrocarbons;

o Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons;

o Chlorinated hydrocarbons;

o Polychlorinated biphenyls;

o Pesticides;

o Methane;

o Dioxins;

o Asbestos;

o Pharmaceuticals;

o Pathogens;

o Dust and Particulate Matter;

o Volatile Organic Compounds; and

o Landfill Gas (Methane, Carbon dioxide and non-methane organic

compounds

Other Occupational Hazards may include:

o Accidents;

o Musculoskeletal problems;

o Respiratory symptoms and diseases;

o Gastro-intestinal problems; and

o Skin problems.

Significance and Level Exposure

Personnel on the landfill site and the temporary hazardous waste storage facility may

be exposed to the same potential hazards outlined above, although the risk and

amount of exposure may differ depending on the type of work they do, the number of

exposure hours, and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) used. The significance of

this exposure can be rated moderate to high if no mitigation measures are employed

to manage the potential risks and hazards. However if the mitigation measures and

operational controls stipulated in the Environmental Management Programme, the

Operational Plan, and the requirements of the Occupational, Health and Safety

Management Plan are implemented then the significance of the exposure and human

and ecological risk is likely to be reduced to low.



6. ALTERNATIVE ANALYSIS

The EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) procedure stipulates that the

environmental investigation needs to consider feasible alternatives for any proposed

development. Therefore, DEA requires that a number of possible proposals or

alternatives be identified and considered in order to accomplishing the same

objectives.

6.1 NO-GO ALTERNATIVE

The study by USK Environmental and Waste Engineering of 2013 showed that not all

sites at Koedoespoort are equally impacted by asbestos in all its various forms i.e.

friable fibres, Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) or the clearly identifiable asbestos

sheet (blanket). It was found that a site named Site 5 was found to contain huge

amounts of asbestos above and below the surface. Based on the study it was

recommended that Transnet Engineering should take a systematic risk based

approach to the management and remediation of the identified risk areas. It was

recommended that TE should seek to investigate the option for using Site 5 as the

central focal point for the remedial action plan for all the contaminated sites within the

Koedoespoort Centre. It is therefore the objective of this EIA to conduct an

investigation into the environmental, social, financial, and legal feasibility of this site

for development of a Landfill site. The No-Go Alternative could therefore not be

considered given the primary objective of the project.

6.2 LAYOUT ALTERNATIVES

Two Layout Alternatives were considered for the development (Appendix A1 and

Appendix A2). The landfill and associated facilities should be designed to

Minimize potential environmental impacts.

Minimize health and safety risks for landfill site operations and the public.

Encourage recycling in accordance with the waste management hierarchy.

To make the most efficient use of resources on site.

The following Layout considerations were made:

1) Gate house-is the first line of active measures to check incoming waste

stream to detect non-conforming waste and direct materials to recycling

facility area. It should include facilities such as viewing platform and

cameras which allows gatehouse attendant to readily scrutinize the

incoming waste load.

2) Secondary entrance- It is a strategic access for use during the site

contamination remediation.

3) Hazardous disposal site –It is closer to the leachate dam, however the

final positioning of the hazardous disposable area will be determined by

the outcomes of the geological & hydrological report.



4) Leachate Dam- Is positioned at the lowest part of the site. The design

objective for a leachate collection system is to ensure that it is able:

a. To drain sufficiently so that the leachate head above the liner is

minimized

b. Approximately sized to collect the estimated volume of leachate

c. Resistance to chemical attack

d. Designed to be sufficiently robust to function and perform as

required for the expected landfill life cycle.

5) Operations block-strategically located to be able to accommodate

operational function and support function for the land fill site and recycling

areas

6) Admin Block-situated closer to the entrance and facing the bulk of the

site. This houses the administration and management functions

7) Weigh Bridge-this will facilitate the weighing of waste materials for

invoicing and monitoring waste disposable rates.

8) Reverse Logistics and Recycling Centre

9) Laboratory -is positioned close to the recycling facility and reverse

logistics. This facility will be used to test ad analyse samples taken from

the landfill site such as leachate and underground water.

6.3 COMPARISONS OF OPTIONS

Both Option A and Option B have leachate dams, however Option A, has a

stormwater dam. The storm water dam was specifically designed in order to

accommodate all internal runoff water within the site.

Option A has the administration block was combined with the operations

building and in the process reducing the footprint of the building as it covers a

smaller space. This is different to option B, where the two buildings are

separated.

Option A has the reverse logistics centre and the recycling centre merged.

The two facilities are separated in Option B.

Overall, the two options have marginal differences, however it is concluded that

Option A is recommended as it has reduced actual environmental footprint.



7. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

7.1 CONCLUSION

The Environmental Impact Assessment Report consists of a detailed identification of

various biophysical and social issues that enabled the identification of potential

impacts and key environmental issues. The EIAR identified several potential impacts

and for all of these impacts suitable mitigation measures were identified. The impacts

were quantified and rated appropriately during the EIA phase. The specialist studies

during EIA also assisted with the development of an understanding of potential

impacts of the proposed development on both the social and biophysical

environments. The majority of negative impacts can be mitigated appropriately and it

can be concluded that the project has strong motivation as it seeks to address an

existing environmental problem on site.

7.2 RECOMMENDATION

Based on the results of the Environmental Impact Assessment, MCA recommends

that this report and the Environmental Management Programme is accepted by the

authorities and a Waste Licence be granted for the proposed Landfill site with

conditions of implementing the Environmental Management Plan (Appendix F).



REFERENCES

Acocks, J.P.H. 1988. Veld Types of South Africa. Mem. Botanical Survey South

Africa. No. 57. DEAT: Pretoria.

DEA, 2014, National Environmental Management, Environmental Impact

Assessment Regulations, DEA, Pretoria

De Lange F, 2013, Hydrological Investigation Desktop Study Report, SSGS, South

Africa

Kalule SK, 2012, Asbestos And Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil Investigation At

Koedoespoort Station, USK Environmental & Waste Engineering, East London

Kruger FJ, 2013, Short Geological Report on the Transnet Koedoespoort Site, GeoActive Dynamic Geological Services, Johannesburg Low, A.D., Rebelo, G. (Editors) 1996. Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and

Swaziland. A companion to the Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho and

Swaziland. Pretoria.

National Department of Agriculture. 2002. Development and Application of a Land

Capability Classification System for South Africa. Report GW/A/2000/57. Pretoria

Statistics SA. 2011. Census 2011 Data.

South African Weather Service. 2015. Website: www.weathersa.co.za.

Date Accessed: 29 August 200

http://www.weathersa.co.za/



APPENDICES

Appendix A: Site Development Plan

Site Development Plan- Option A

Site Development Plan- Option B

Designs of the Landfill site

Appendix B: Asbestos and Heavy Metal Contamination Investigation

Appendix C: Correspondence with Authorities

Appendix C1- Minutes of Meeting with Authorities

Appendix C2: Acknowledgement Letter from DEA

Appendix C3: Acknowledgement Letter for Notification for Contaminated Land

Appendix D: Studies Undertaken

Appendix D1 Geological Study

Appendix D2 Geotechnical Study

Appendix D3 Hydro-geological Study

Appendix D4: Surface Hydrological Study

Appendix D5: Heritage Impact Assessment

Appendix D6: Traffic Impact Assessment

Appendix D7: Ecological Assessment

Appendix E: Public Participation

Appendix F: Environmental Management Plan

Appendix G: CV of Environmental Practitioner



Appendix A: Site Development Plan & Landfill

Design



Appendix A 1-Site Development Plan- Option A



Appendix A2- Site Development Plan- Option B



Appendix A3: Designs of the Landfill



Appendix B: Asbestos and Heavy Metal

Contamination Investigation



Appendix C: Correspondence with Authorities



Appendix C1- Minutes of Meeting with

Authorities



Appendix C2: Acknowledgement Letter from

DEA



Appendix C3: Acknowledgement Letter for

Notification for Contaminated Land



Appendix D: Studies Undertaken



Appendix D1 Geological Study



Appendix D2 Geotechnical Study



Appendix D3 Hydro-geological Study &

Storm water Management Plan



Appendix D4: Surface Hydrological Study



Appendix D5: Heritage Impact

Assessment



Appendix D6: Traffic Impact Assessment

& Traffic Management Plan



Appendix D7: Ecological Assessment



Appendix E: Public Participation



Appendix F: Environmental Management

Programme



Appendix G: CV OF ENVIRONMENTAL

PRACTITIONER

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