Environmental Screening–Reivilo, Greater Taung Local Municipality, Rural Water Supply

ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING–REIVILO, GREATER TAUNG LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, RURAL WATER SUPPLY

Prepared By: Environmental Management group P.O. Box 37473 Langenhovenpark, 9330 Tel: 051 412 6350 Fax: 086 556 2125 Contact Person: S.E. van Rooyen PROJECT DETAILS

PROJECT TITLE: ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING–REIVILO, GREATER TAUNG LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, RURAL WATER SUPPLY

PROJECT PROPONENT: Dr Ruth S Mompati District Municipality PO Box 21 60 Market Street Vryburg 8600

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT: Environmental Management Group P.O. Box 37473 Langenhoven Park 9330 Phone: 051 412 6350 / 083 678 3032 Fax: 051 412 6351 Contact Person: S.E. van Rooyen

LEAD EAP: S.E. van Rooyen Email: [email protected]

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT TEAM: S.E. van Rooyen CW Vermeulen M.O Keikelame C.N Mlangeni

DOCUMENT STATUS: Draft Environmental Screening and EMP

DATE: July 2018

Table of Contents 1. Locality ...... 4 2. Purpose of the Screening Report ...... 1 3. Description of the Environment ...... 1 3.1 General ...... 1 3.2 Topography ...... 2 3.3 Environmental features ...... 2 3.3.1 Flora ...... 2 3.3.2 Fauna ...... 2 4. Development proposal ...... 2 4.1 Proposed land uses ...... 2 5. 2. Applicable Legislation and Guidelines ...... 2 5.1 National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (ACT 107 of 1998), as amended 7 April 2017 ...... 2 5.1.1 Identification of Listed Activities applicable to the Project ...... 4 5.2 National Water Act (ACT NO. 36 of 1998) ...... 4 5.2.1 Identification of Listed Activities applicable to the Project ...... 5 5.3 National Environmental Management: Waste Act (ACT NO. 59 of 2008) ...... 5 5.3.1 Identification of Listed Activities applicable to the Project ...... 6 5.4 National Heritage Resources Act (ACT 25 OF 1999) ...... 6 5.4.1 Identification of Listed Activities applicable to the Project ...... 6 5.5 The Constitution of South Africa Act, 1996 (Act No.108 of 1996) ...... 6 5.5.1 The Environmental Clause ...... 6 5.5.2 Access to Information ...... 7 5.5.3 Just Administrative Action ...... 7 5.5.4 Enforcement of Rights ...... 7 5.6 Environmental Conservation Act, (Act No 73 of 1989) ...... 7 5.7 The White Paper on Integrated Pollution and Waste Management for South Africa ...... 7 5.8 Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act 85 of 1993) ...... 8 6. Conclusion and Recommendations ...... 9 APPENDIX 1: DETAILS AND EXPERTISE OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PRACTITIONER ...... 11 APPENDIX 2: MAPS ...... 15 APPENDIX 3: SITE LAYOUT PLAN AND PROPOSED WORKS ...... 17 APPENDIX 4: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 19 APPENDIX 5: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION REPORT ...... 21 APPENDIX 6: HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT ...... 23

1 APPENDIX 7: RISK MATRIX ...... 25 APPENDIX 8: PHOTOS ...... 27 APPENDIX 9: C&I GENERAL AUTHORISATION REGULATIONS ...... 29

ACRONYMS USED IN THIS REPORT

BID : Background Information Document

DWS : Department of Water and Sanitation

READ : North West Dept. Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development

EAP : Environmental Assessment Practitioner

EIA : Environmental Impact Assessment

EMP : Environmental Management Plan

IDP : Integrated Development Plan

NEMA : National Environmental Management Act

I&AP : Interested and Affected Parties

NEMA : National Environmental Management Act

NEMWA : National Environmental Management: Waste Act

NWA : National Water Act

PPP : Public Participation Process

3 1. Locality

The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality is a Category C municipality located in the North West Province. It is the largest district in the province covering almost 43,700 km² making up almost half of its geographical area. The district municipality comprises of five local municipalities, i.e. Naledi, Greater Taung, Kagisano-Molopo, Mamusa and Lekwa-Teemane. As the Water Services Authority (WSA) in the Greater Taung Local Municipal area, the Dr Ruth S Mompati District Municipality has the responsibility to provide safe and adequate water supply to meet the basic Level of Service for all communities.

A project was identified to install water infrastructure to the town of Reivilo located in the Greater Taung LM area of jurisdiction. A technical business plan and funding application for Phase 1 of the project was submitted to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), they approved a budget of R11 643 294,11 incl. VAT as part of their WSIG program. Currently Phase 1 is in construction, the intent of this report is to motivate funding for Phase 2 of the project to finish the outstanding scope of work successfully. Refer to the locality drawing in Figure 1 for the position of the town.

Figure 1: Locality of the proposed Geduldspan, Dr R Segomotsi District Municipality, rural water supply project.

1 2. Purpose of the Screening Report

In terms of the principles of Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) requiring environmental considerations to be integrated into a development formulation process, it is the responsibility of the proponent and supporting planners to respond, as fully and as early as possible, to the environmental implications arising from a development proposal. This should ideally be undertaken prior to the application for environmental authorisation and/or the initiation of any formal process of environmental assessment.

Environmental Screening is the process by which key environmental issues associated with a proposed development are anticipated at the earliest opportunity, and are considered as an integral part of the formulation of a site development plan. Potential significant environmental impacts also have to be anticipated, and mitigation options accommodated in initial development designs. It is a process that takes the form of a preliminary environmental evaluation.

An important aim of the pre-application screening is to establish whether there are aspects of the proposal that are either technically flawed or have the potential to give rise to significant or un-acceptable environmental consequences – the identification of potential “fatal flaws”. The identification of fatal flaws should include an analysis of the following:

 Ecological fatal flaws – identify and evaluate the ecological assets of the target area and predict the consequences and impacts of the proposed development on these assets.

Environmental screening thus aims to establish whether a proposed development is flawed in terms of anticipated environmental impacts and whether or not the proposal needs to be authorised by the competent authority. Environmental screening could therefore:

 eliminate the need for further environmental assessment, because the proposal has been abandoned on the basis of the fatal flaw analysis;  eliminate the need for further environmental assessment, because there is certainty that the proposal will not require environmental authorisation to proceed;  require adjustments to be made to the proposal prior to submission of the application to the authorities to authorise the activity.

3. Description of the Environment

3.1 General

The study area is approximately 113km drive from Vryburg to Reivilo and is located South West of Vryburg. Currently there are two production boreholes in use at Reivilo village, both of them are equipped with submersible pumps. Both of these Boreholes are regarded as the main production boreholes, each of them produces the same litres of water per second and is then pumped to a ground level bulk storage tank where the excess water is stored. Reivilo have a water reticulation system in place with household and erf connections as the level of service implemented with most stands. Part of the water reticulation system in Boipelo is still small size HDPE pipes which cause very low residual pressures in certain areas. ESKOM powerlines are also present on site, and connected to these two boreholes. Currently there are a ground level

1 pressed steel tank for bulk storage and an elevated pressed steel tank on a 20 m high stand for elevated storage. All of the above-mentioned forms part of the water reticulation system in Reivilo, with most stands located within a 200m radial distance of communal standpipes and ranges from 63 – 110 mm in diameter.

The primary objective of this project is to plan and design a water supply network to cater for an acceptable Level of Service which will be constructed in accordance with DWS and WSIG regulations, this includes the bulk water supply as well as upgrading of some sections of the existing reticulation network. This design report will give detail on the existing infrastructure, criteria used, calculations, results and implementation program for the water supply to the town of Reivilo.

3.2 Topography

The topography of the site is described as angulating, sloping slightly in a South-Easterly direction. There is an elevation difference of approximately 11 m between the upper and lower portions of the investigated area which is situated between approximately 1438m and 1427m above mean sea level.

There are no other topographical features applicable on site.

3.3 Environmental features

3.3.1 Flora

According to Mucina & Rutherford, Reivilo is located in the Ghaap Plateau Vaalbosveld regarded as Least threatened. Only 1% of this vegetation type has been transformed on account of rural, agricultural and industrial development (Figure 2). This vegetation type is described as a flat plateau with a well-developed shrub layer compromising a dominant shrub/tree layer of Tarchonanthus camphoratus and Vachellia karroo. Several other common shrub species to be found are Olea europaea subsp. africana, Senegalia tortilis, Ziziphus mucroata and Searsia lancea. In the southern parts of this vegetation type Olea is regarded as the more important taxa, whereas Senegalia mellifera and Senegalia tortilis and Senegalia hebeclada is known to be dominating the north and western parts of this unit.

Due to the disturbed nature of the vegetation layer present in the study area, the ecological sensitivity is deemed to be low. Illegal dumping and harvesting of natural material resulted in the degraded status of this particular area, thus this disturbed area cannot be deemed as part of the Ghaap Plateau Vaalbosveld. Most of the natural vegetation layer have been removed by means of human interferences, leaving bare ground is with several scattered tree species remaining on site. Connectivity with the surrounding natural vegetation of the Ghaap Plateau Vaalbosveld is absent, with relative no importance to this particular project.

The proposed pipeline crosses a natural pan adjacent to the road. It is highly recommended that the pipeline layout be amended to avoid crossing the natural pan. If the pan is to be crossed, Environmental Authorisation must be obtained prior to construction commencement.

3.3.2 3.3.2 Fauna

Before conducting the faunal survey, a desktop assessment was conducted to note the prevalent faunal species occurring on or near the site. A list of expected species was compiled and used as a reference during the field surveys to ensure that species that should theoretically occur within the area were not overlooked. Distinct faunal habitats were identified on site (if present), after which these habitats were assessed to record the associated species present in that specific habitat.

Due to the fact that the majority of faunal species are either nocturnal, hibernators, secretive and/or seasonal it is increasingly difficult to confirm their presence or absence by means of actual observations alone. Therefor a number of authoritative tomes such as field guides, databases and scientific literature were utilized to deduce the probable occurrence of faunal species. The Animal Demography Unit: Virtual Museum (http://vmus.adu.org.za/) was consulted to verify the records and occurrence of recorded faunal species.

The site was thoroughly assessed in terms of its floristic species composition as well as habitat availability in terms of individual habitat preferences of faunal species potentially occurring on or near the site. The site holds a large verity of alien invasive plant species which is a good indicator of surface disturbances and a transformed habitat.

Reivilo was found to be inhabited by a number of feral and domestic dogs and cats as well as other free- roaming livestock such as pigs, cattle, goats and chickens. The aforementioned feral and domestic animals present on the site further adds to the reduction of naturally occurring fauna since they either pray on the resident natural fauna or directly compete with the natural fauna for food, water and territory. It can thus be reasoned that the available habitat can only be described as disturbed/transformed or semi-residential, neither of which are expected to hold species of conservation importance. Only widespread and common faunal species adapted to a transformed environment are expected to occur. Based on the faunal assessment, it is highly unlikely that the site holds any threatened/near threatened faunal species nor any other species of conservation concern.

Since the proposed project entails the laying of pipes (directly adjacent to existing roads), as well as small scale upgrading and construction of boreholes and storage tanks, no loss of natural faunal habitat is expected. Owing to the above-mentioned it was concluded that the site holds a low to very low ecological value and that the proposed projects will have a minimal impact on the faunal composition of the said site and the surrounding area.

Figure 2: Ecological sensitivity map indicating environmental features within the proposed development, as well as the surrounding environment.

1 4. Development proposal

4.1 Proposed land uses

In terms of a completed, “Reivilo, Greater Taung Local Municipality, Rural Water Supply – Design Report”, dated 3 April 2018, the following development is proposed.

 Removal of the existing 131 kℓ tank and replace it with a 400 kℓ tank elevated 20 metres.  Construct a new 200mm diameter uPVC Class 9, 523m long.  Construct a new 160mm diameter uPVC Class 9, 389m long.  Construct a new 110mm diameter uPVC Class 9, 453m long which is connected directly to the boreholes.  Construct a new 75mm diameter uPVC Class 9, 1105m long.  Construct a new 50mm diameter HDPE Type IV Class 10, 801m long.

Phase 1: Reivilo

 Take down and of existing 131 kℓ water storage tank and replace it with a 400 kℓ water storage tank;  Drilling for new water sources;  Upgrading of the current reticulation system;  Construction of a temporarily water reticulation system with communal standpipes at 200m radial walking distances for the informal household area.

Phase 2: Reivilo

 Erection of a new concrete pre-fabricated pump house buildings;  Installation of mono pumps with column pipes;  Installation of new electrical motors with all associated electrical work;  Installation of new Motor Control Centers (MCC) including new pressure – and timer switches;  Equipping of new production boreholes with Lister engines; and  Erecting of security fencing around boreholes;  Construction of a new 400 cubic meter storage tank;  New pumping main pipelines will be constructed from the new production boreholes to the ground level bulk storage reservoir;

5. Applicable Legislation and Guidelines

5.1 National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (ACT 107 of 1998), as amended 7 April 2017

The National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) provides the legislative framework for Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) in South Africa. Section 24 provides that all activities that may significantly affect the environment and require authorisation by law must be assessed prior to approval. NEMA also provides for co-operative environmental governance by establishing principles for decision-making on matters affecting the environment, institutions that will promote co-operative governance and procedures for co- ordinating environmental functions exercised by organs of the State and to provide for matters connected

therewith. Section 2 of NEMA establishes a set of principles that apply to the activities of all organs of state that may significantly affect the environment.

These include the following:

 Development must be sustainable;  Pollution must be avoided or minimised and remedied;  Waste must be avoided or minimised, reused or recycled;  Negative impacts must be minimised; and  Responsibility for the environmental health and safety consequences of a policy, project, product or service exists throughout its life cycle.

These principles are taken into consideration when a government department exercises its powers, for example during the granting of permits and the enforcement of existing legislation or conditions of approval.

Section 28(1) of NEMA states that “every person who causes, has caused may cause significant pollution or degradation of the environment must take reasonable measures to prevent such pollution or degradation from occurring, continuing or recurring”. If such pollution cannot be prevented, then appropriate measures must be taken to minimise or rectify such pollution. These measures may include:

 Assessing the impact on the environment;  Informing and educating employees about the environmental risks of their work and ways of minimising these risks;  Ceasing, modifying or controlling actions which cause pollution/degradation;  Containing pollutants or preventing movement of pollutants;  Eliminating the source of pollution; and  Remedying the impacts of the pollution.

The authorities may direct an industry to rectify or remedy a potential or actual pollution problem. If such a directive is not complied with, the authorities may undertake the work and recover the costs from the responsible industry.

The statutory mechanism of issuing environmental authorisations, which follow after the undertaking of an environmental assessment process, is a tool utilised by the relevant authorities to ensure that activities undertaken do not cumulatively have an unacceptable negative impact on the environment. The current listed activities and authorisation process promulgated in terms of section 24 of the NEMA commenced on 04 December 2014.

Section 24 of the NEMA, headed “Environmental Authorisations”, sets out the provisions which are to give effect to the general objectives of Integrated Environmental Management (“IEM”), as laid down in Chapter 5 of the NEMA. In terms of section 24(2), the potential impact on the environment of listed activities must be considered, investigated, assessed and reported on to the competent authority charged by the NEMA with granting of the relevant environmental authorisation.

Accordingly, the listed activities for which an environmental authorisation is required have been promulgated in three different government notices, namely:

 Government Notice R 327 in Government Gazette No. 40772 dated 07 April 2017 (“Listing Notice 1”), which identifies those activities for which a basic assessment (“BA”) must be undertaken in

accordance with the procedure set out in GNR 326 in Government Gazette No. 40772 of 07 April 2017 (“GNR 326”);  Government Notice R 325 in Government Gazette No. 40772 dated 07 April 2017 (“Listing Notice 2”), which identifies those activities for which a scoping and environmental impact reporting (“S&EIR”) must be undertaken in accordance with the procedure set out in regulations GNR 326 in Government Gazette No. 40772 of 07 April 2017 (“GNR 326”); and  Government Notice R 324 in Government Gazette No. 40772 dated 07 April 2017 (“Listing Notice 3”), which identifies those activities within specific geographical areas for which a BA must be undertaken in accordance with the procedure set out in regulations 19 to 20 of GNR 324.

It must be noted that Listing Notice 1 and Listing Notice 3 pertain to those activities which are deemed to have a lesser environmental impact whilst those listed in Listing Notice 2 have a more significant impact on the environment and accordingly, a more detailed and extensive level of assessment is required to be undertaken.

5.1.1 Identification of Listed Activities applicable to the Project

In terms of the information provided to us and interpreting the listed activities provided for in Listing 1, Listing 2 and Listing 3, the following listed items are triggered by the proposed scope.

Listing Notice 1: Activity 19 (i): The infilling or depositing of any material of more than 10 cubic meters into, or the dredging, excavation, removal or moving of soil, sand, shells, shell grit, pebbles or rock of more than 10 cubic meters from a watercourse.

5.2 National Water Act (ACT NO. 36 of 1998)

The National Water Act (NWA), 1998 (Act 36 of 1998) is the primary statute providing the legal basis for water management in South Africa and has to ensure ecological integrity, economic growth and social equity when managing and using water.

Section 21 of the NWA specifies a number of water uses, including:

. 21(a) taking water from a water resource; . 21(b) storing water; . 21(c) impeding or diverting the flow of water in a watercourse; . 21(d) engaging in a streamflow reduction activity contemplated in Section 36 of the Act; . 21(e) engaging in a controlled activity identified as such in section 37(1) or declared under section 38(1); . 21(f) discharging waste or water containing waste into a water resource through a pipe, canal, sewer, sea outfall or other conduit; . 21(g) disposing of waste in a manner which may detrimentally impact on a water resource; . 21(h) disposing in any manner of water which contains waste from, or which has been heated in, any industrial or power generation process; . 21(i) altering the bed, banks, course or characteristics of a watercourse; . 21(j) removing, discharging or disposing of water found underground if it is necessary for the efficient continuation of an activity or for the safety of people; and . 21(k) using water for recreational purposes.

These water uses require authorisation in terms of the NWA. Authorisation can be obtained through the application for a Water Use License or registration of the water use activity in terms of the General 4

Authorisation (GA) with the DWA. Section 22(1) of the NWS stipulates the conditions under which water use is permitted.

In terms of Section 39 of the NWA, a procedure is available to enable the responsible authority to permit specific water uses by publishing a GA in the Gazette. A GA can be restricted to a specific water resource, a category of persons, a defined geographical area or a period of time. Despite registering a water use in terms of the GA, conformity with other relevant laws are still required. The use of water under a GA does not require a licence until the GA is revoked, in which case licensing will be necessary. A GA does not replace or limit an entitlement to use water, such as an existing lawful water use or a licence, which a person may otherwise have under the NWA.

5.2.1 Identification of Listed Activities applicable to the Project

Based on the various land uses proposed section 21 water uses are applicable especially for activities such as, taking water from a water resource, impeding or diverting the flow of water in a watercourse and altering the bed, banks, course or characteristics of a watercourse. Therefore, the following water uses apply:

21(a) taking water from a water resource; 21(b) storing water; 21(c) impeding or diverting the flow of water in a watercourse; 21(i) altering the bed, banks, course or characteristics of a watercourse.

5.3 National Environmental Management: Waste Act (ACT NO. 59 of 2008)

To reform the law regulating waste management in order to protect health and the environment by providing reasonable measures for the prevention of pollution and ecological degradation and for securing ecologically sustainable development; to provide for institutional arrangements and planning matters; to provide for national norms and standards for regulating the management of waste by all spheres of government; to provide for specific waste management measures; to provide for the licensing and control of waste management activities; to provide for the remediation of contaminated land; to provide for the national waste information system; to provide for compliance and enforcement; and to provide for matters connected therewith. These activities are listed as a result of their potential to have a significant detrimental impact on the environment.

The National Environmental Management: Waste Act (NEMWA) (Act No. 59 of 2008) was promulgated on the 20th August 2008. This Act was enacted inter alia to:

. reform the law regulating waste management in order to protect health and the; . environment by providing reasonable measures for the prevention of pollution and; . ecological degradation and for securing ecologically sustainable development; to . provide for institutional arrangements and planning matters; to provide for; . national norms and standards for regulating the management of waste by all; . spheres of government; to provide for specific waste management measures; to . provide for the licensing and control of waste management activities; to provide for; . the remediation of contaminated land; to provide for the national waste; . information system; to provide for compliance and enforcement.

The object of this Act is- To protect health, well-being and the environment by providing reasonable measures for:

. minimising the consumption of natural resources; . avoiding and minimising the generation of waste; reducing, re-using, recycling and recovering waste; . treating and safely disposing of waste as a last resort; . preventing pollution and ecological degradation; . securing ecologically sustainable development while promoting justifiable economic and social development; . promoting and ensuring the effective delivery of waste services; . remediating land where contamination presents, or may present, a significant risk of harm to health or the environment; and . achieving integrated waste management reporting and planning;  to ensure that people are aware of the impact of waste on their health, well-being and the environment;  to provide for compliance with the measures set out in paragraph (a); and  generally, to give effect to section 24 of the Constitution in order to secure an environment that is not harmful to health and well-being.

5.3.1 Identification of Listed Activities applicable to the Project

In terms of the above, none of the Waste Categories according to NEMWA are or will be of relevance to the proposed Reivilo rural water supply project, mainly based on the fact that waste generation and treatment will not occur on site.

5.4 National Heritage Resources Act (ACT 25 OF 1999)

According to the National Heritage Resources Act of 1999 Section 38 requires any person who intends to undertake a development categorised as— (a) the construction of a road, wall, powerline, pipeline, canal or other similar form of linear development or barrier exceeding 300m in length.

5.4.1 Identification of Listed Activities applicable to the Project

The proposed pipeline construction exceeds the length of 300m, thus a Phase 1 Heritage Assessment is conducted and needs to be submitted to SAHARA

5.5 The Constitution of South Africa Act, 1996 (Act No.108 of 1996)

The Constitution is the supreme law of South Africa, against which all other laws are measured; any laws in conflict with it are therefore invalid. It protects certain fundamental rights which are, however, not absolute, and may be limited in terms of law of general application to the extent that the limitation is reasonable and justifiable in an open and democratic society based on human dignity, equality and freedom‟ (Section 36).

5.5.1 The Environmental Clause

One such fundamental right in Section 24 provides the basic framework for all environmental policy and legislation, and it states: “Everyone has the right – a) to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being; and

b) to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that – I. Prevent pollution and ecological degradation; II. Promote conservation; and III. Secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development.”

It is however important to note that though an activity may be allowed in terms of an Act of Parliament or a permit issued under a statute, it may still be declared unlawful if it is harmful to human health or well-being.

5.5.2 Access to Information

Section 32 provides that everyone has the right of access to any information held by the State or another juristic person and that is required for the exercise or protection of any rights.

5.5.3 Just Administrative Action

Section 33 of the Constitution entrenches the right to lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair administrative action, as well as written reasons for administrative actions that have adversely affected a person’s right.

5.5.4 Enforcement of Rights

In terms of Section 38, if any rights in the Bill of Rights have been infringed or threatened, a court may be approached for assistance by a person acting individually; on behalf of another who is incapacitated; on behalf of a group or class of persons; in the public’s interest, or as an association in the interests of its members.

5.6 Environmental Conservation Act, (Act No 73 of 1989)

In terms of section 20 (1) of the Environmental Conservation Act, 1989, (Act 73 of 1989), waste can only be disposed of at a facility that has a permit issued by the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry. The facility must be sited, designed, operated and monitored strictly in accordance with the permit conditions. These conditions will include the requirements, standards and procedures set out in the DWAF‟s waste management series. It should be noted that section 20 (1) of the Environmental Conservation Act, 1989 has been amended in terms of the issuing of waste disposal permits and exemptions is now the responsibility of the minister of Environmental Affairs.

Section 24 of the Act allows the Minister to make regulation with respect to a number of waste management issues and include the following regulations:

 Disposal site application;  Directions for control and management of general and small waste disposal sites  Noise control regulations; and plastic bag Regulations  The waste will thus be subject to a permit issued under section 20 of the ECA.

5.7 The White Paper on Integrated Pollution and Waste Management for South Africa

Integrated pollution and waste management is a holistic and integrated system and process of management aimed at pollution prevention and minimisation of source, managing the impact of pollution and waste of the receiving environment and remediation damaged environments.

The White Paper on Integrated Pollution and Waste management for South Africa represent a paradigm shift from dealing with waste only after it is generated (i.e.” end of pipe towards)

 Pollution prevention  Waste minimisation  Cross media integration  Institution integrated both horizontal and vertical, of department and spheres of government; and  Involvement of all sectors of society in pollution and waste management.

The government believes that pollution prevention is one of the most effective means of protecting South Africa people and environment. Pollution prevention eliminates costly and unnecessary waste and promotes sustainable development. It aims to reduce risks to human health and environment by trying to eliminate the causes rather than treating the symptoms of pollution.

This Integrated Pollution and Waste Management for South Africa apply to all government institutions, society at large and to all activities that impact on pollution and waste management. One of the fundamental approaches of this policy is to prevent pollution, minimise waste and to control and remediate impacts. The management of waste will be implemented in a holistic and integrated manner, and will extend over the entire waste cycle, from “cradle to grave” including the generation, storage, collection, transportation, treatment and final disposal of waste.

The government aims to:

 Encourage the prevention and minimisation of waste generation and thus pollution at source;  Encourage the management and minimization of the impact of unavoidable waste from its generation to its final disposal;  Ensure the integrity and sustained “fitness for use” of all environmental media, i.e. air, water and land;  Ensure that any pollution of the environment is remediated by holding the responsible parties accountable;  Ensure environmental justice by integrating environmental considerations with the social, political and development needs and rights of all sectors, communities and individuals; and  Prosecute non-compliance with authorizations and legislation.

5.8 Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act 85 of 1993)

The Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 is South Africa’s principle legislation concerning health and safety of employees. It also aims to protect persons who are not at work against hazard to health and safety arising out of or in connection with the activities of persons at work. The Act places the responsibility on the employer to ensure a safe and healthy working environment and to cause every employee to be made conversant with health and safety requirements relevant to their work. At the same time the Act places the responsibility on the employee to follow its employer’s health and safety procedures and instructions. A number of Regulations have been promulgated under the Act that is relevant to development including the following:

 General Administrative Regulations, 1994  Asbestos Regulations, 2001  Lead Regulations, 2003  Regulations for Hazardous Chemical Substances, 1995

 Hazardous Biological Agents of 2001;  General Safety Regulations, 1986  Environmental regulations for workplaces (Department of Labour, 1994); and  Construction Regulations, 2003.

6. Conclusion and Recommendations

In terms of the information provided to us and interpreting the listed activities provided for in Listing 1, Listing 2 and Listing 3, the following listed items are triggered by the proposed scope.

It is important to notify the engineers and contactors that protected tree species Vachellia erioloba and Boscia albitrunca do exist on site. Since this is a protected tree species, the removal thereof will have to be issued with a DAFF permit obtained from Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries prior to commencement of removal.

In terms of the above, none of the Waste Categories according to NEMWA are or will be of relevance to the proposed Reivilo, rural water supply project, mainly based on the fact that waste generation and treatment will not occur on site.

The proposed pipeline construction exceeds the length of 300m, thus a Phase 1 Heritage Assessment is conducted and needs to be submitted to SAHARA.

Section 28(1) of the National Environmental Management Act however make reference to the “duty of care”, it is therefore recommended that an Environmental Control Officer (ECO) be appointed to monitor construction activities and enforce environmental legislation through regular site visits.

APPENDIX 1: DETAILS AND EXPERTISE OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PRACTITIONER

EAP DETAILS

EAP: S E van Rooyen

CONTACT DETAILS: Email: [email protected] Cell: 083 678 3032

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING COMPANY: Environmental Management Group P.O. Box 37473 Langenhoven Park 9330 Tel: 051 412 6350 Fax: 051 412 6351

EAP QUALIFICATIONS: Sampie van Rooyen has a MS.c in Environmental Sciences and over 5 years’ experience in the environmental industry. He is also registered with SACNASP reg no. 116554

CO- AUTHOUR DETAILS

NAME: Pieter Bester

CONTACT DETAILS: [email protected] 0828263806

CO-AUTHOUR QUALIFICATIONS: Pieter Bester is a 2nd year Bsc Environmental science and Geography Student at University of Pretoria.

NAME: Cassia Mlangeni

CONTACT DETAILS: [email protected] 051 412 6350

CO-AUTHOUR QUALIFICATIONS: Cassia Mlangeni has a BSc Honours degree in Agrometeorology. She has over 2 year’s environmental-related experience in projects covering environmental management aspects

APPENDIX 2: MAPS

APPENDIX 3: SITE LAYOUT PLAN AND PROPOSED WORKS