1. Impact on the Guano Platforms

Notes on a meeting with Messrs. Klein of the Swakopmund Salt Company held on Wednesday, 8 April 2009

Present: Mr. NP du Plessis Mr. W Venter Mr. E Simon Mr. D Klein Mr J Klein

Mr Venter introduced the purpose of the meeting and thanked Messrs. Klein for attending and receiving the team.

According to the Salt Company, they have 3 main concerns namely the impact on the Guano production, potential impact on their oyster farming activities and impact on water quality. In addition they have some interesting experiences with their own pumping operations which could be of use to the project.

1. Impact on the guano platforms

Guano is produced at a limited number of sites in the world. The Salt Company is a major producer and they are concerned about the impact of the project on the birds. They strongly feel that the desalination project should therefore not have an impact on the production of guano. The following points are of concern:

 The birds spent 2/3 of the day on the water and contribute to the nutrients in the water. Locally the food chain could become under pressure if the birds move away.  During dense fog conditions, birds may be at risk to be killed in the power lines.  It is likely that the pumps will create a low frequency vibration which they have heard is not well received by birds and could cause the birds to move away. This is a major concern.

2. Impact on the Oyster Farming Activities

 Salt Co plans to establish an off-shore oyster hatchery for use in times when the water temperature in the ponds is too high. Any chemicals in the brine discharge that could adversely impact the planned off-shore oyster hatchery will be detrimental to the oyster farming. Generally, this should not be a problem but northerly winds may cause brine to be pushed south which may impact on their farming activities.

3. Impact on water quality

Salt Co at Mile 4 is one of only seven operative salt producing pans in Africa. Any deterioration in the water quality will have a negative impact on their business venture. 4. Panther Bake Private Game reserve and Panther Mining Area

The proposed location of the desalination plant (both options) seems to be inside the boundaries of the Panther Mining area, an area that was registered to the Salt Company to prevent competition right next to them. However, the Kleins do not see this as a problem and would not mind the desal plant to be on this land. Irrespective, it will still be necessary formalise this situation, either through a formal agreement or a cancellation of a portion of this mining area. They see that synergies are possible and will be interested to receive some of the brine from the plant as long as it is at no cost to them. They would however not require more than 15 000 m3 per day.

A Private Game Reserve was established many years ago. There is a sign board next to the road indicating the reserve. Mr Klein from the Salt Company said that he will get a copy of the proclamation to Ernst. (Ernst will also attempt to get a copy from the Surveyor General.)

The following was also said:

 A Certain Prof H Trimble did a lot of research/work on biological aspects at the salt works.  Mark Bornman is a local avifauna expert who could be approached for avifauna information. He did a lot of work on the birds at the guano platforms and at the salt works.  The reports on the research that was done at Mile 4 in the late seventies early eighties could have valuable information. The existence of the reports is unclear. DWA could have copies.  It was recommended that brackish water from the Swakop River and sewerage effluent water be investigated as a source of water for the first step to increase water supply. Brackish water is easier to treat than seawater.  A pipeline on the ocean floor at Luderitz was washed away completely. The pipeline was completely lost. Contact person for more info is Mr Gossow at Saltz Gossow.  There is almost no growth in the Salt Company’s pipelines and the need for shock chlorination is questioned.  Mr Klein said that there is very little or no change in the water quality along a depth profile.

The meeting then closed.