BASELINE SCOPING REPORT
ARANDIS MARBLE (PTY) LTD MINING LICENCE 126 WALVIS BAY DISTRICT (ERONGO REGION)
MAY 2014
PROJECT INFORMATION
Project Title: BASELINE SCOPING REPORT ARANDIS MARBLE (PTY) LTD MINING LICENCE 126, WALVIS BAY DISTRICT, (ERONGO REGION)
Type of Study: BASELINE SCOPING REPORT
Project Location: WALVIS BAY DISTRICT, (ERONGO REGION)
Project Number: ERONGO/R.E.D/ARANDIS/2014-05
Competent Authority: DIRECTORATE OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS (MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND TOURISM)
Proponent: R.E.D GRANITI (NAMIBIA) (PTY) LTD PO BOX 4076 WALVIS BAY
Consultancy: URBAN GREEN CC PO BOX 11929, KLEIN WINDHOEK TELEPHONE: +264-61-300 820 FAX: +264-61-401 294 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.urbangreenafrica.com Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 - OVERVIEW
1. INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 BACKGROUND 1 1.2 THE STUDY AREA 2 1.3 MOTIVATION TO THE STUDY 5 1.4 TERMS OF REFERENCE 5 1.5 OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE OF THIS REPORT 6 1.6 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS 6 1.7 STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT 6
CHAPTER 2 - PROJECT TEAM
2.1 ROLE PLAYERS 8 2.2 EXPERTISE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PR ACTIONER 8
CHAPTER 3 - STUDY APPROACH & METHODOLOGY
3.1 BACKGROUND TO STUDY APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY 9 3.2 BASELINE ASSESSMENT 10 3.3 WAY FORWARD 10
CHAPTER 4 - LEGISLATION APPLICABLE TO THE PROJECT
4.1 NAMIBIAN LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR EIA’S 12 4.1.1 The Constitution of the Republic Of Namibia (1990) 12 4.1.2 Environmental Management Act (Act No. 7 of 2007) 13 4.2 NAMIBIAN SECTORAL LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS 14 4.2.1 The Water Act (Act No. 54 of 1956) 14 4.2.2 Water Resources Management Act (Act 11 of 2013) 14 4.2.3 Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Ordinance (Ordinance 11 of 1976), As Amended 15 4.2.4 Hazardous Substance Ordinance (Ordinance 14 of 1974), As Amended 15 4.2.5 Draft Pollution Control and Waste Management Bill (July 1999) 15 4.2.6 Forestry Act (Act 12 of 2001), As Amended 15 4.2.7 Soil Conservation Act (Act 76 of 1969), As Amended 16 4.2.8 Nature Conservation Ordinance (Ordinance 4 of 1975), As Amended 16 4.2.9 Labour Act No. 6 of 1992, As Amended 16 4.2.10 Public Health Act (Act 36 Of 1919), As Amended 17 4.2.11 Minerals (Prospective and Mining) Act 33 of 1992, As Amended 18
i Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014
4.3 OTHER RELEVANT LEGISLATION & APPROVALS REQUIRED 19 4.3.1 Other Relevant Legislation & Policies 19 4.3.2 Permits, Licences and/or Approvals Required 19
CHAPTER 5 - THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
5.1 LOCALITY 21 5.2. THE BUILD-UP ENVIRONMENT 21 5.2.1 Land Use 21 5.2.2 Services and Infrastructure 21 5.2.3 Socio-Economic Environment 22 5.2.4 Cultural, Archaeological & Heritage 23 5.2.5 Visual Aesthetics & Sense of Place 23 5.3 BIOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT 24 5.3.1 Meteorology and Climate 24 5.3.2 Air Quality 24 5.3.3 Geology and Soils 24 5.3.4 Topography and Hydrology 24 5.3.5 Fauna and Flora 25
CHAPTER 6 - DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
6.1 SITE LAYOUT AND FOOTPRINT 26 6.2 OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES 26 6.3 SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT 28 6.4 HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCESSES 29 6.5 MAINTENANCE PROCESSES 30 6.6 REHABILITATION 30
CHAPTER 7 - ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND POTENTIAL IMPACTS
7.1 METHOD OF ASSESSMENT 32 7.2 POTENTIAL IMPACTS IDENTIFIED AND ASSESSED 34
CHAPTER 8 - CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS
8.1 CONCLUSION 66 8.2 RECOMMENDATIONS 67 8.3 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT 68
REFERENCES 69
ii Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014
LIST OF ACRONYMS
°C Degrees Celsius DEA Directorate of Environmental Affairs DEAT Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism DWAF Department of Water Affairs and Forestry E.g. Example EAP Environmental Assessment Practitioner EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMA Environmental Management Act EPL Exclusive Prospecting License HSE Health, Safety and Environment m3 Cubic meter MAWF Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry MET Ministry of Environment and Tourism ML Mining License NDP National Development Plans OEMP Operational Environmental Management Plan SA Southern Africa ToR Terms of Reference
FIGURES
Figure 1.1: Regional Map of ML 126 Figure 1.2: Area Map of operations on ML 126 Figure 3.1: Process flow diagram of the Study Figure 6.1: Process flow diagram for granite mining operations
TABLE
Table 1.1: Structure of the report Table 2.1: The role players Table 2.2: Qualifications and expertise of the environmental assessment practitioner
iii Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014
Table 4.1: Listed activities as per Government Notice 29 of 6 February 2012 applicable to the Project
Table 4.2: Permits and/or licence and/or approvals that are required when in operation Table 7.1: Impact assessment criteria Table 7.2: Assessment table of potential impacts during the Operational Phase
PHOTOS
Photo 5.1: Visual aesthetics and sense of place of the Project site Photo 5.2: Flora in the general area of the Project site Photo 6.2: One of the reject waste areas on-site Photo 6.3: The process of extracting the mineral dimension stone from an identified and exposed geologic deposit on-site Photo 6.4: One of the stock areas on-site Photo 6.5: Staff accommodation (left), Site office and accommodation of management (right) Photo 6.6: Explosives storage area on-site Photo 6.7: Dedicated work shed on-site
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Correspondence between Urban Green cc and the Office of the Environmental Commissioner
Appendix B: Namib Naukluft Park Regulations
Appendix C: Operational Environmental Management Plan
iv Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
This Baseline Scoping Report has been compiled in support of obtaining an Environmental Clearance Certificate to continue with existing mining of the mineral dimension stone (i.e. granite) which is an existing listed activity. Application is made on behalf of Arandis Marble (PTY) Ltd, operating under and owned by R.E.D Graniti (Namibia) (PTY) Ltd, in accordance with Section 27(3) of Namibia’s Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2007), and based on feedback received from the Office of the Environmental Commissioner (Appendix A).
This Report presents information on the project team; the study approach and methodology of the Baseline Scoping Report; legislation applicable to the Project site; baseline information on the affected environment; description of the Project site; an assessment and description of the nature and extent of the potential impacts (environmental and socio-economic); and lastly a conclusion with recommendations based on the study’s findings.
This chapter of the Report provides a background to the Project site; brief reference to the locality of the study area; motivation to the study; the study’s terms of reference; purpose of the Report; the assumptions and limitations of the study; and the structure of the Report.
1.1 BACKGROUND Arandis Marble (PTY) Ltd operating under and owned by R.E.D Graniti (Namibia) (PTY) Ltd, hereafter referred to as the Proponent, is the company actively mining (i.e. quarrying) the mineral dimension stone (i.e. granite) at ML 126, and are accordingly the mining licence holders. The mined minerals are sold into the local market, and are also exported to international markets such as South Africa and Europe where it is mainly used for office and/or kitchen work surfaces.
ML 126 is located within the Walvis Bay District and also falls within the Walvis Bay Rural Constituency and the Namib Naukluft Park, Erongo Region (see Figure 1.1 and Figure 1.2).
Mining activities on ML 126 was started in 1999 as EPL 2345 and was changed to ML 126 in 2002. Mining activities on ML 126 seized in 2009 due to a slow world economic market and ample reserve stock, the ML remains dormant. Future extensions will be as per the allowed boundaries of the ML, the allowed boundaries will not be exceeded. Life expectancy is very difficult to determine as it will be dependent on demand and supply factors of the economic market, as well as the availability of granite of acceptable quality within the mine.
A Mining License extension for ML 126 has been applied to the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the extension is pending.
1 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------1.2 THE STUDY AREA ML 126 is located within the Walvis Bay District and also falls within the Walvis Bay Rural Constituency and the Namib Naukluft Park, situated within the southern parts of the Erongo Region being one of Namibia’s western regions (see Figure 1.1 and Figure 1.2).
A detailed description of the study area is presented in Chapter 5 of this Scoping Report.
2 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------
Figure 1.1: Regional Map of ML 126
3 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------
Scrap Yard Mining Quarry 1 Stock Area 1 Reject Waste Area 1
Explosives Storage Area Staff Accommodation
Site Office and Accommodation Stock Area 2
Reject Waste Area 3 Reject Waste Area 2 Work Shed
Mining Quarry 2
Stock Area 3
D1983
ML 126 NamWater Reservoir
Figure 1.2: Area Map of operations on ML 126
4 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------
1.3 MOTIVATION TO THE STUDY The Project as presented in this Baseline Scoping Report contains a ‘listed activity’ as per GN. No. 29 of 2012 requiring that Environmental Clearance be obtained from the Environmental Commissioner, Directorate of Environmental Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Tourism.
This Baseline Scoping Report was accordingly undertaken based on correspondence with the Office of the Environmental Commissioner and feedback received from the Office of the Environmental Commissioner (Appendix A), as discussed in Section 3.1 of this Report. Accordingly, Urban Green cc, an independent environmental consultancy has been appointed by the Proponent to conduct a Baseline Scoping Report and OEMP for purpose of applying for Environmental Clearance.
1.4 TERMS OF REFERENCE The Terms of Reference were inferred from the requirements of the applicable legislation (see Chapter 4) and feedback received from the Office of the Environmental Commissioner (Appendix A). The aims of the Baseline Scoping Report are listed below.
Aims of the Baseline Scoping Report:
• Describe the existing activity;
• Describe the property on which the activity is being undertaken and the location of the activity on the property;
• Describe the environment that is affected by the activity and the manner in which the physical, biological, social, economic and cultural aspects of the environment are affected by the activity;
• Provide information on the methodology that has been adopted in assessing the potential impacts that have been identified;
• Investigate the current legal framework to which the activity needs to comply with;
• Identify all positive and negative environmental and socio-economic impacts associated with the activity;
• Suggest the most suitable mitigation measures so as to reduce the nature and extent of any negative impacts on the environment associated with the activity;
• Maximize the potential benefits associated with the activity;
• Identify matters of concern requiring further detailed assessment, if any;
• Provide any specific information required by the competent authority;
• Provide an Operational Environmental Management Plan for the existing activity;
5 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------• Integrate all the information into a Report to allow an informed decision to be taken concerning the existing activity; and
• Ensure that the study complies with the requirements of the Environmental Management Act, No. 7 of 2007 and EIA Regulations (GN. No. 30 of 2012).
This Study aims to apply for Environmental Clearance only, while any additional permits or licences and/or approval that are required (see Table 4.2) for the operation of the Project, would need to be applied for by the Proponent.
1.5 OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE OF THIS REPORT This Baseline Scoping Report has been compiled in support of obtaining an Environmental Clearance Certificate to continue with existing mining of the mineral dimension stone (i.e. existing listed activity) for the Proponent, in accordance with Section 27(3) of Namibia’s Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2007).
1.6 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS
The following assumptions and limitations apply to the study:
• It is assumed that the information provided by the Proponent are accurate;
• It is assumed that there will be no significant changes to the Project site description or surrounding environment between the completion of the Study and existing operations that could substantially influence findings, recommendations with respect to mitigation and management, etc.
1.7 STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT
This report consists of eight chapters as outlined below.
Table 1.2: Structure of the report
SECTION CONTENTS
Introduction
Chapter 1 Provides a background to the existing activities; terms of reference; study assumptions and limitations; overview of the study area; and outlines the purpose and structure of this report.
Project Team and Expertise
Provides information about the role players in the project and the expertise of the Chapter 2 EAP.
6 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------
Study Approach and Methodology
Chapter 3 Summarises the framework for environmental management in Namibia; the background to the study approach and methodology followed; baseline assessment and way forward.
Legislative Aspects
Chapter 4 Provides an overview of the key legislation having an implication on various activities associated with the existing activities.
The Affected Environment
Chapter 5 Describes the details pertaining to the site locality; characteristics of the surrounding area, the existing biophysical, socio-economic and cultural-historic environment of the study area.
Description of the Project
Chapter 6 Provides a general description of the existing activities; the site layout and footprint; operational activities; plant and equipment; the social environment; health and safety processes; and lastly rehabilitation.
Assessment of Environmental Issues and Potential Impacts
Chapter 7 Provides a general description of the method of assessment; describes and assess the potential impacts associated with the existing activities; and provides mitigation formulation of potential impacts.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Chapter 8 Provides conclusions and recommendations for implementation during the operation of the existing activities, as appropriate.
7 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------CHAPTER 2 PROJECT TEAM
2.1 ROLE PLAYERS
The role players in this project are set out in Table 2.1.
Table 2.1: The role players
ORGANISATION PROJECT ROLE
Directorate of Environmental Affairs Decision-making Authority for Environmental Environmental Commissioner Clearance Certificate
R.E.D Graniti (Namibia) (PTY) Ltd Proponent
Urban Green cc Environmental Assessment Practitioner
2.2 EXPERTISE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PRACTITIONER The qualifications and expertise of the environmental assessment practitioner are set out in Table 2.2.
Table 2.2: Qualifications and expertise of the environmental assessment practitioner
NAME Urban Green cc (Mr Brand van Zyl)
RESPONSIBILITY ON Principle Environmental Assessment Practitioner THE PROJECT Project management; impact assessment and mitigation formulation; reporting and application for Environmental Clearance
QUALIFICATIONS M. Degree in Environmental Management; M. Degree Town and Regional Planning; Bachelor of Arts Urban Geography
PROFESSIONAL Namibian Council for Town and Regional Planners REGISTRATION
EXPERIENCE IN YEARS 11+
EXPERIENCE Brand van Zyl has been involved in various Environmental Impact Assessment studies throughout Namibia and of different kind.
8 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------CHAPTER 3 STUDY APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY
This chapter of the Report presents the Baseline Scoping process followed as prescribed by the Environmental Management Act (No 7 of 2007) and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (Government Notice 30 of 6 February 2012) as well as the correspondence between the EAP and the Environmental Commissioner. The Terms of Reference (see Chapter 1 Section 1.3) and relevant legislation (Chapter 4) guided this study’s approach and methodology followed.
3.1 BACKGROUND TO STUDY APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY The Proponent is desirous to obtain the necessary environmental clearance for their existing mining activity (mining of the mineral dimension stone) as per the Environmental Management Act, No. 7 of 2007 and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (Government Notice 30 of 6 February 2012).
Given the fact that current legislation does not provide regulations and/or guidelines to be followed by entities that where already carrying out listed activities pre-promulgation of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations on 6 February 2012, an application was lodged with the Office of the Environmental Commissioner to continue with the existing mining activity undertaken by the Proponent while an application for environmental clearance was being prepared.
Following the application, correspondence received from the Office of the Environmental Commissioner (Appendix A) stated that given that existing activities are taking place (i.e. existing listed activities), it is not required to conduct a full Environmental Scoping Assessment (as the case would be for a new Mining License), but rather have an EMP in place focusing on the operational activities and rehabilitation following decommissioning of the activity. The Office of the Environmental Commissioner also stated that in drafting the EMP, it must cover Regulation 8 (a-e) and Regulation 15(g) as per the EIA Regulations (content of this Report).
The amended process for applying for an Environmental Clearance Certificate is presented by Figure 3.1 below.
9 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------
Registration of Project & Application for Environmental Clearance with Environmental Commissioner
Scaled Down Scoping Assessment [Regulations 8(a)-(e) & 15(g)]
Submission of the Baseline Scoping Report and OEMP with the Environmental Commissioner
Evaluation of Baseline Scoping Report and OEMP and decision by the Environmental Commissioner
Figure 3.1: Process flow diagram of the Study
3.2 BASELINE ASSESSMENT The Baseline Scoping Report has been prepared as a baseline assessment to give a description of the existing activities on-site, as well as to give a determination of the impact significance of the existing activities on the environment.
The methodology followed during the Baseline Scoping Report included:
• An on-site meeting with the technical advisor of R.E.D. Graniti (Namibia) (Pty) Ltd Mr J. de Jager to obtain site specific information;
• Review and assessment of the primary information;
• Assessing the potential effects of the existing activities on the environment;
• Assessing whether and to what extent the potential effects identified can be mitigated and whether there are any significant issues and effects that require further investigation;
• Informing the way forward; and
• Ensuring informed transparent and accountable decision-making by the relevant authorities.
3.3 WAY FORWARD The following steps are envisaged for the remainder of the study process:
• The Baseline Scoping Report and OEMP will be submitted to the Office of the Environmental Commissioner, Directorate of Environmental Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Tourism, for consideration and decision-making;
10 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------• On receipt of the Baseline Scoping Report and OEMP the Environmental Commissioner will review and accept or reject the Study and decide if a detailed assessment is required;
• In the event that the Environmental Commissioner is of the opinion that no detailed assessment is required an Environmental Clearance Certificate with conditions will be issued, and activities will be allowed to continue.
11 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------CHAPTER 4 LEGISLATION APPLICABLE TO THE PROJECT
For the purpose of environmental protection and sustainable renewable resource management to the benefit of all, legislation from different spheres under control of many Ministries have been adopted and enacted by Parliament. In support to the goal of sustainable renewable resource management, various International Treaties and Conventions have also been agreed to by Namibia.
There are a number of sectoral laws that fall under the general rubric of environmental laws. Sectoral laws are generally specific and apply to sectors such as forestry, water, mining and so forth. Any activity, such as the mining of the mineral dimension stone, having certain impacts would therefore have to comply with some or other legislative requirement/s before commencement.
This chapter is divided as follows: (i) the first section considers the framework for environmental management in Namibia; (ii) the second section presents the national sectoral legislative requirements applicable to the activities of the Project; and (iii) the third section discusses other relevant legislation and approvals that might be required.
4.1 NAMIBIAN LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR EIA’S
4.1.1 The Constitution of the Republic Of Namibia (1990) Namibia’s environmental policies are based on the requirements of the Namibian Constitution to endorse the concept of sustainable development. The Constitution of the Republic of Namibia (1990) is the principal and guiding supreme legislation whereby the country commits itself to sustainable development through environmental protection and wise resource management.
Article 95 (1), Promotion of the Welfare of the People, puts forward this intention as follows:
“…the State shall actively promote and maintain the welfare of the people by adopting, inter alia, policies aimed at… maintenance of ecosystems, essential ecological processes and biological diversity of Namibia and utilization of natural resources on a sustainable basis for the benefit of all Namibians both present and future.”
In accordance with the Constitution, the National Government has formulated policies, development plans (such as Vision 2030, NDP’s etc.) and legislation directed at sustainable development.
In accordance with the Constitution it is thus necessary and important that the Project be in support to these national goals.
12 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------4.1.2 Environmental Management Act (Act No. 7 of 2007) The Environmental Management Act (2007) (EMA) was promulgated in December 2007 and commenced on 6 February 2012 (Government Gazette 28 of 2012). It is administered by the Directorate of Environmental Affairs (DEA), under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.
Its main objectives capture the essence and importance of this particular legislation, which are to:
• Ensure that the significant effects of activities on the environment are considered in time and carefully;
• Ensure that the findings of an assessment are taken into account before decision is made in respect of activities.
In Section 3(2) of the EMA, a set of principles are established which give effect to the provisions of the Constitution for integrated environmental management. Although these principles are not enforceable, it is incumbent upon decision makers to consider them when deciding on the approval of a project.
The EMA stipulates that no party, whether private or governmental, can conduct a listed activity without an environmental clearance certificate to be obtained from the Environmental Commissioner (Section 27.3). Depending on the type of activity/ies being applied for, the Commissioner may request that an Environmental Impact Assessment be conducted. Section 27(2) refers to the List of activities (Government Notice 29 of 6 February 2012) that may not be undertaken without an Environmental Clearance Certificate. The following listed activity is applicable to the Project:
Table 4.1: Listed activities as per Government Notice 29 of 6 February 2012 applicable to the Project
GN No. Activity No. Activity Description
Mining and Quarrying Activities -
29/2012 3.1 The construction of facilities for any process or activities which requires a licence, right or other form of authorisation, and the renewal of a licence, right or other form of authorisation, in terms of the Minerals (Prospecting and Mining Act), 1992.
The Project triggers the above mentioned section constituting that an Environmental Clearance Certificate be obtained from the Environmental Commissioner.
Section 3(2)(l) states that “damage to the environment must be prevented and activities which cause such damage must be reduced, limited or controlled”. If such pollution cannot be prevented then appropriate measures must be taken to minimise or rectify such pollution.
13 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------The Proponent has the responsibility to ensure that the Project as well as the Baseline Scoping process conforms to the principles of the Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2007). In conducting the study Urban Green cc has been cognisant of this need, and accordingly the Baseline Scoping process has been informed by the underlying principles of the Act.
Section 56 of the Act further stipulates the EIA Regulations that apply to an Environmental Impact Assessment, as set out in Government Notice No. 30 of 6 February 2012. As per the correspondence received the Office of the Environmental Commissioner the Study will cover Regulation 8 (a-e) and Regulation 15(g).
4.2 NAMIBIAN SECTORAL LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS There are a number of sectoral laws that fall under the general rubric of environmental laws. Sectorial laws are generally applicable to specific sectors such as forestry, water, mining and so forth. A number of Namibian legislation and policies have environmental considerations in respect of operations to be carried out in most development initiatives in Namibia as listed below.
This section reviews the legislation as they are applicable to the different components of the Project.
4.2.1 The Water Act (Act No. 54 of 1956) The existing water legislation in force is the Water Act, Act 54 of 1956, promulgated by the South African Government for South Africa, but because the then South West Africa was under South African administration, only certain Articles in the Act that was relevant to Namibia were made applicable in the country according to Article 180 of the Act. The Act remains in force in Namibia terms of Article 140 of the Constitution, until such time as it is repealed or amended by an Act of the Namibian Parliament.
The main focus of the Water Act is to provide for sustainable development and use of water resources, and restricts the pollution of waters by means of any activity. The Water Act consolidates and amends the laws relating to the control, conservation and use of water for domestic, agricultural, urban and industrial purposes.
4.2.2 Water Resources Management Act (Act 11 of 2013) This Act controls the abstraction and use of water through licensing including bulk water supply by water services providers. The Act also regulates disposal of sewage, the prevention of surface and groundwater pollution, and the sustainable use of water resources. Part IX: Control and Protection of Groundwater Section 48 discusses borehole drilling, mining and other operations.
14 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------4.2.3 Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Ordinance (Ordinance 11 of 1976), As Amended This Ordinance generally provides for the prevention of the pollution of the atmosphere. Part 4 deals with control of dust and provides for the proclamation of dust control areas. The entire area of Namibia, with the exception of the east Caprivi Strip is classified as a controlled area, as laid out in section 4(1)(a) of the Ordinance (GN. No. 309/1976).
No dust pollution is expected given that ML 126 is dormant. Care should however be taken during clearing of land and excavations during the operational phase, as it could be categorised as causing a public nuisance under common law.
4.2.4 Hazardous Substance Ordinance (Ordinance 14 of 1974), As Amended This ordinance provides for the control of substances which may cause injury or ill-health to or death of human beings by reason of their toxic, corrosive, irritant, strongly sensitizing or flammable nature or the generation of pressure thereby in certain circumstances. It covers manufacture, sale, use, disposal and dumping as well as import and export.
Hazardous substances are grouped as Group I, II, III, and IV in terms of Section 3(1) of the mentioned Ordinance. During the operational phase certain hazardous substances will be kept on-site and requires special mitigations to prevent any potential pollution harm to humans and the natural environment.
4.2.5 Draft Pollution Control and Waste Management Bill (July 1999) The Bill relates to preventing and regulating the discharge of pollutants to the air, water and land; and to regulating noise, dust and odour pollution; and to establishing a system of waste planning and management. Reference is also made to hazardous substances being a parcel duplication of what is covered in the Hazardous Substances Ordinance.
The Bill amalgamates a variety of Acts and Ordinances, mainly inherited from the South African administration, which provides protection for particular species, resources or components of the environment.
During the operational phase, the Bill has relevance to the Project considering the aspects of waste management. This issue of waste management is also addressed by the National Sanitation Strategy promoting recycling through safe and hygienic recovery and use of nutrients, organics, trace elements, water and energy, and the safe disposal of all human and other wastes.
This Bill will be rewritten and it is widely accepted that the draft Bill will change substantially.
4.2.6 Forestry Act (Act 12 of 2001), As Amended The Act deals with forests in general and matters incidental thereto. Of importance to the Project is that the Act affords general protection of the environment (Part IV). Permits are required for the removal of trees, bushes or shrubs, or any indigenous plants.
15 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------4.2.7 Soil Conservation Act (Act 76 of 1969), As Amended Partially similar to the other acts and ordinances above, this Act addresses the issues of vegetation and ground water, but also includes the matter of soil. In specific the Act focus on combating and preventing soil erosion, the conservation, protection and improvement of soil, vegetation and water sources and resources.
4.2.8 Nature Conservation Ordinance (Ordinance 4 of 1975), As Amended The Ordinance provides for the conservation of nature, including the protection of ecosystems and protected species of plants and animals as listed in the Schedules of the Ordinance. It covers game parks and nature reserves, the hunting and protection of wild animals (including game birds), problem animals, fish, and the protection of indigenous plants in general. It is administered by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and includes a number of schedules listing threatened and endangered species of plants and wild animals. If any of these are identified as being affected by the Project, a permit will have to be obtained.
4.2.9 Labour Act No. 6 of 1992, As Amended Under this Act, occupational health and safety to employees is covered under the Regulations relating to the Health and Safety of employees at work (Government Notice 156 of 1997). Sub-contractors however are not subject to any provisions of the Act, as sub- contractors are not considered to be employees in terms of Namibian common law.
Chapter 4 of the Act stipulates that all employees have the right to health and safety at the workplace. The Proponent should make provision for a Health and Safety Officer in order to maintain a healthy and safe environment to all workers.
As per Chapter 6, Physical Hazards and General Provisions, Part A Regulation 197 (Government Notice 156 of 1997) stipulates that in areas where it is suspected that noise levels are above 85dB(A) over an eight hour period, the employer shall take reasonable steps to reduce the levels to below 85dB(A). If this is not possible, noise areas (those above 85 dB (A)) must be clearly marked and measured every 36 months.
Other aspects regulated by the Act, include the safe use of machinery, exposure to hazardous substances, general provisions for physical hazards, protective equipment, occupational medical facilities and emergency arrangements.
Since the promulgation of the Labour Act in 1992, a large number of regulations have been gazetted dealing with various aspects of employers’ and employee’s rights and obligations, including health and safety. The administration of these regulations, however, is assigned to various Ministries as per Government Notice No. 10 of 1997, published in Government Gazette No. 1615.
16 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------4.2.10 Public Health Act (Act 36 Of 1919), As Amended The Act covers a variety of aspects with relevance to the general wellbeing and health of the public. With relevance to the Project site, the Act refers to the control of ‘nuisances’.
Section 119 of this Act prohibits the existence of a ‘nuisance’ on any land owned or occupied by any person. Having relevance to the Project site, the Act defines ‘nuisance’ as:
(a) Any dwelling or premises which is or are of such construction or in such a state or so situated or so dirty or so verminous as to be injurious or dangerous to health or which is or are liable to favour the spread of any infectious disease; (b) any stream, pool, lagoon, ditch, gutter, watercourse, sink, cistern, water closet, earth closet, privy, urinal, cesspool, drain, sewer, dung pit, slop tank, ash pit or manure heap so foul or in such a state or so situated or constructed as to be offensive or to be injurious or dangerous to health; (c) any well or other source of water supply or any cistern or other receptacle for water, whether public or private, the water from which is used or is likely to be used by man for drinking or domestic purposes or in connection with any dairy or milk shop or in, or in connection with the manufacture or preparation of, any article of food intended for human consumption, which is polluted or otherwise liable to render any such water injurious or dangerous to health; (e) any accumulation or deposit of refuse, offal, manure or other matter whatsoever which is offensive or which is injurious or dangerous to health; (g) any public building which is so situated, constructed, used or kept as to be unsafe, or injurious or dangerous to health; (i) any factory or trade premises not kept in a cleanly state and free from offensive smells arising from any drain, privy, watercloset, earthcloset, or urinal, or not ventilated so as to destroy or render harmless and inoffensive as far as practicable any gases, vapours, dust or other impurities generated, or so overcrowded or so badly lighted or ventilated as to be injurious or dangerous to the health of those employed therein; (k) any area of land kept or permitted to remain in such a state as to be offensive, or liable to cause any infectious, communicable or preventable disease or injury or danger to health; (n) any other condition whatever which is offensive, injurious or dangerous to health.
No real nuisance as per the definition above is associated with the Project site during the operational phase, but care should however be taken to limit dust and noise pollution from the Project site given that it could be categorised as causing a public nuisance under common law.
17 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------4.2.11 Minerals (Prospective and Mining) Act 33 of 1992, As Amended The Minerals (Prospecting and Mining) Act is administered by the Directorate of Mines, under the auspice of the Ministry of Mines and Energy. The Act stipulates that prior to issuing of a mining or prospecting permit, the Applicant must ensure compliance to the Environmental Management Act, No. 7 of 2007 and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (Government Notice 30 of 6 February 2012) by conducting an EIA and/or an EMP to ensure adequate environmental protection is guaranteed on the said Project. The Act also provides for the rehabilitation of prospecting and mining areas and for minimizing and preventing pollution.
“Mine” is defined in the Act as: (a) when used as a noun, any place where mining operations are or have been carried on, and includes any excavation or accessory works which is or are necessary for, or incidental to, such mining operations; or (b) when used as a verb, means any operations calculated to win any mineral or group of minerals from a mine or from any ore won from a mine, and includes any operations which are necessary for, or incidental to, such operations, and ‘mining’ shall have a corresponding meaning;
“Mineral” is defined in the Act as: “Mineral” means any substance, whether in solid, liquid or gaseous form, occurring naturally in, on or under any land and having been formed by, or subject to, a geological process.”
“Excavation” is defined in the Act as: Any trench, pit, quarry, shaft or other open or underground working made in the course of mining operations, prospecting operations or quarrying operations, as the case may be, excluding any superficial excavations made for purposes of geochemical soil and rock sampling.
Mine Health & Safety Regulations, 10th Draft, made under Section 138A of the Minerals (Prospecting and Mining) Act deals with the Health and Safety of Persons Employed or Otherwise Present in or at Mines. The Regulations provide for amongst others; the transport, usage and storage of explosives and blasting; protective equipment, clothing and devices; design, use, operation, supervision and control of machinery; fencing and guards; and safety measures during repairs and maintenance.
18 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------4.3 OTHER RELEVANT LEGISLATION & APPROVALS REQUIRED
4.3.1 Other Relevant Legislation & Policies (i) National Heritage Act (No. 27 of 2004) – The Act ensures the protection of cultural and archaeological sites. The Act requires the identification of cultural and archaeological sites within the study area, registration and protection thereof.
(ii) Parks and Wildlife Management Bill - The Parks and Wildlife Management Bill has not been promulgated, however once promulgated the Bill will repeal the Nature Conservation Ordinance (Ordinance 4 of 1975). The Bill aims to provide a legal framework for the sustainable use and maintenance of Namibia’s ecosystems, biological diversity and ecological processes. The Bill will allow the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and the Ministry of Minerals and Energy, to allow mining to take place within parks subject to the relevant environmental assessments and clearances.
• Minerals Policy of Namibia - The Policy provides guiding principles and direction while communicating the values of the Namibian people in pursuit of the development of the mining sector. The Policy also highlights the importance of developing the mining sector to ensure environmentally acceptability and includes consideration for the health and safety of people.
• Management and Development Plan for the Namib-Naukluft Area of the Namib- Skeleton Coast National Park – The Plan sets out Regulations (Appendix B) that specify what is allowed or not allowed to take place within the Namib-Naukluft Area of the Namib-Skeleton Coast National Park.
4.3.2 Permits, Licences and/or Approvals Required Mining License extension to ML 126 has been applied for to the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the extension is pending. Approval for D1983 road use and access has been obtained from the Roads Authority. In terms of the Project the following permits (Table 4.2) are applicable when in operation.
Table 4.2: Permits and/or licence and/or approvals that are required when in operation
Activity Permit / Licence / Legislation / Institute Approval
Mining of the mineral Licence Minerals (Prospective and Mining) Act dimension stone 33 of 1992 Ministry of Mines and Energy Directorate of Mines Mine Health & Safety Regulations, Transportation of Explosives Permit 10th Draft, made under Section 138A of the Minerals (Prospecting and Mining) Act
19 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------Ministry of Mines and Energy Directorate of Mines Road use and access of Approval Roads Authority D1983
20 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------CHAPTER 5 THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
In this chapter information is presented on the Site’s locality and characteristics of the surrounding area; the existing biophysical, socio-economic and cultural-historic characteristics of the study area and surroundings. The description has been compiled based on secondary information and primary data obtained following the on-site assessment.
5.1 LOCALITY ML 126 is located within the Walvis Bay District and also falls within the Walvis Bay Rural Constituency and the Namib Naukluft Park, situated within the southern parts of the Erongo Region being one of Namibia’s western regions (see Figure 1.1 and Figure 1.2).
The small settlement of Utuseb is situated about 5km to the north-west of the Project site. The closest towns to the Project site is that of Gobabeb, situated about 45km from the site in a south–easterly direction and Walvis Bay situated about 55km from the Project site in a north-westerly direction. The ephemeral Kuiseb River is situated about 3km from the site in a south-westerly direction. Accessibility to the Project site is regarded as good following the M36 and turning off onto the D1983.
5.2 THE BUILD-UP ENVIRONMENT
5.2.1 Land Use Large parts of the Erongo Region are desert and owned by the State as protected areas under conservation management; these include the Namib-Naukluft Park in the south and central area, and the National West Coast Recreation Area in the north (SAIEA 2010). The Ministry of Environment and Tourism carries responsibility for management of these protected areas, and intends expanding the formal protected area to include the area around Walvis Bay and the dune belt running northwards to Swakopmund (SAIEA 2010). This area has since been proclaimed as the Dorob National Park as of 1 December 2010. This proclaims the entire coastal belt of the country as the Namib Skeleton Coast National Park, protected areas comprise almost exactly 33% of the Erongo Region (SAIEA 2010).
The three most significant land uses in the Erongo region are conservation/tourism, agriculture and mining. The current land use of the site is that of mining for the mineral dimension stone (i.e. granite).
5.2.2 Services and Infrastructure Although mining activities on ML 126 are currently dormant, the following services and infrastructure exist on the Project site when in operation.
Access and Road Infrastructure - Access to the Project site is obtained from the gravel road D1983. Approval for road use and access has been obtained from the Roads Authority.
21 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------Water Infrastructure – Water to the Project site is supplied by means of a NamWater pipeline which leads to a reservoir situated on the Project site.
Electricity Infrastructure – Currently no electricity is supplied to the Project site. Generators are used to supply electricity to ML 126 when active.
Waste Water Infrastructure - The waste water system on the Project site currently consist of soakaways with waste water draining into the natural environment, posing a hygiene and sanitation risk. Although possible groundwater pollution is minimal given the low water table of the area, the use of soakaways has been prohibited by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) (Code of Practice, Vol. 1, 2008). The Proponent will have to investigate other forms of effluent disposal.
Waste Disposal - Solid waste removal is the responsibility of the Proponent and restricted to the Project site. The facility of a local domestic and hazardous waste disposal landfill is available, and is situated in Walvis Bay. Used oils are taken to the main site office of Damara Granite (PTY) Ltd, and are collected there by Exigrade, a waste oil recycling company situated in Walvis Bay who reuses and recycles the used oil. Scrap metals are either transported to or collected on-site by Walvis Bay Scrap who reuses and recycles the scrap metals. Mining waste on the Project site consists of reject dimension stone (i.e. granite) rocks. The rocks are stored at a dedicated reject waste area and are later reused during the rehabilitation phase (see Photo 6.2).
5.2.3 Socio-Economic Environment The Namibian 2011 Population and Housing Census Preliminary Results reported the Erongo Region has a population of 150 400 people. The Erongo Region has seven constituencies, namely Daures, Omaruru, Arandis, Karibib, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay Rural and Walvis Bay Urban. The Walvis Bay Urban and Swakopmund constituencies have the highest population and are the main growth centres in the region, with the Walvis Bay Rural constituency being the third most populated constituency, and the Omaruru constituency being the least populated constituency.
The Erongo Region has the second highest income per capita (after the Khomas Region) and the lowest rate of human poverty. This can be attributed to the well developed and established fishing, mining and tourism sectors of the region. The drivers of economic development in the region have been identified as the mineral sector, fisheries, tourism, NamPort and the Walvis Bay Corridor Group (SAIEA 2010). Important mining operations are concentrated on gold (Navachab Mine), dimension stone (numerous marble and granite quarries), salt (at Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Cape Cross), stone and sand quarrying, and gemstones (SAIEA 2010).
The Erongo Region has a well developed transport network comprising of air, sea, road and rail infrastructure, thus facilitating trade via Walvis Bay and supporting it as a centre for commercial trade.
22 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------The closest populated area to the Project site is that of the Utuseb settlement. The settlement is home to about 700 people belonging to the ǂAonin community or also known as the Southern Topnaar community. The settlement has a Primary School (J.P Brand Primary School) and a Clinic (Utusib Clinic). The residents mainly rely on subsistence farming, government grants and the harvesting of the !Nara Melon which they sell to tourists in the town of Walvis Bay.
5.2.4 Cultural, Archaeological & Heritage The small settlement of Utuseb is home to about 700 people belonging to the ǂAonin community or also known as the Southern Topnaar community. A memorial stone of the Topnaar the Ebenesser ǁHaibeb is located within the settlement and was erected in 1982.
No record of any cultural or historical importance or on-site resemblance of any nature could be located within the footprint of the Project site during the on-site visit.
5.2.5 Visual Aesthetics & Sense of Place The Project site falls within the boundaries of the Namib Naukluft National Park, thus having a high visual and sense of place value. The Project site has been disturbed by current mining activities. The Project site is mostly flat to undulating gravel plains making the site visible over a fairly large area (see Photo 5.1).
Activities in the immediate general area are that of mining and subsistence farming.
Photo 5.1: Visual aesthetics and sense of place of the Project site
23 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------5.3 BIOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
5.3.1 Meteorology and Climate The Namib Sand Sea is characterised by a scarcity of rain, with the Walvis Bay area receiving an average annual rainfall of less than 50mm (Atlas of Namibia, 2002). Along the coast, the air remains humid throughout the year as a result of moist air feeding off the Atlantic. During the least humid month of the year (June) the average humidity value for the greater area of Walvis Bay is between 30-50%. During the most humid month of the year (February) the average humidity value for the greater area of Walvis Bay is between 80- 100% (Atlas of Namibia, 2002). Winds from the south and west predominate along the coast, but occasional hot and dry east (or berg) winds create unpleasant conditions (Atlas of Namibia, 2002). Average annual temperatures in the greater Walvis Bay area are between 16 °C - 22 °C.
5.3.2 Air Quality No air quality monitoring station exists in the vicinity of the Project site and is thus not measured and quantified. Given the rural character of the area and absence of any large scale industries, the air quality is regarded as good. Vehicular emissions from plant and machinery as well as civilian vehicles are expected within the vicinity of the Project site and roadways although thought to be low. Strong winds could cause dust pollution in terms of sand storms from the desert.
5.3.3 Geology and Soils The Project site forms part of the slightly undulating coastal plain of the Central Namib Desert. The bedrock mainly consists of schist of the Swakop group, and partly of Arandis Marble, which are replaced by strongly eroded flat dolerite banks in certain areas (Biodiversity in SA, 2010 Vol 1). Localised granite outcrops also occur on the landscape surface (Biodiversity in SA, 2010 Vol 1). Gypsisols are important and gypsum crust elements are frequently seen at the surface, especially along washes (Biodiversity in SA, 2010 Vol 1).
5.3.4 Topography and Hydrology According to SAIEA 2010, in the Erongo Region, the land rises steadily from sea level to about 1,000 m across the breadth of the Namib. The Namib land surface is mostly flat to undulating gravel plains, punctuated with occasional ridges and isolated ‘inselberg’ hills and mountains. Namibia’s highest mountain, Brandberg (2,579 m), lies in the far northern part of the Erongo Region. The eastern edge of the Namib is marked by the base of the escarpment in the southern part of the region. In the northern part, the escarpment is mostly absent and there is a gradual rise in altitude to over 1,500 m. South of the Kuiseb River lies the Central Namib Sand Sea and sand dunes also form a narrow coastal belt between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.
The Namib plain is incised by a few main ephemeral rivers that run seawards from wetter parts of their catchments further inland. Of the four main rivers in the Erongo Region, the
24 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------Swakop (including its main tributary the Khan) and the Omaruru Rivers have approximately similar mean annual runoffs of about 40 million cubic metres per annum, although surface flows in the Omaruru reach the Omdel dam on average every second year, and only every fourth year in the Swakop (Heyns and van Vuuren, 2009). Mean annual runoff of the Kuiseb and Ugab Rivers is about half that of the former two. However, while the surface flows are important, they are short-lived and the real value of the rivers lies in their alluvial aquifers (Heyns & van Vuuren, 2009). Palaeochannels in the Omaruru River about 40 km from the coast form the underground Omaruru Delta which is an important water source for the Central Namib. Some alluvial water in the Swakop and Khan is abstracted for prospecting and mining. In the Kuiseb there are water supply schemes at Gobabeb, Swartbank and Rooibank, the latter two forming part of the Central Namib Water Supply Scheme.
5.3.5 Fauna and Flora The Project site falls within the Central Namib Desert area of Namibia. Vegetation cover in the surrounding area is dominated by gravel, sparse shrubs and grasses (Atlas of Namibia, 2002). Given the arid conditions there is no agricultural land use in the surrounding area (Biodiversity in SA, 2010 Vol 1), however subsistence farming is known to occur.
Flora on-site is sparse (see Photo 5.2). If any flora occurred on-site during the pre- development phase, it was destroyed during the establishment and development phase of the Project site. Due to the scarcity of vegetation and water fauna in the surrounding area of the site is limited to the occasional farm animal (e.g. donkey, sheep, and goat) of subsistence farmers in the area. No animals have been reported to be injured, trapped or killed on-site by current mining activities or staff.
Photo 5.2: Flora in the general area of the Project site
25 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------CHAPTER 6 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
This chapter provides a general description of the existing activities; the site layout and footprint; operational activities; plant and equipment; the social environment; health and safety processes; and lastly rehabilitation.
The information presented in this chapter has been provided to the Environmental Assessment Practitioner by the Proponent.
6.1 SITE LAYOUT & FOOTPRINT As indicated by Figure 1.1 and Figure 1.2, ML 126 is located within the Walvis Bay District and also falls within the Walvis Bay Rural Constituency and the Namib Naukluft Park, Erongo Region. When active, only a percentage of the total ML is mined by Arandis Marble (PTY) Ltd. The Project site consists of a site office, two mining quarry areas, three reject waste areas, three stock areas, a scrap yard (scrap machinery/metal), an explosives storage area, a work shed for the general servicing of plant and machinery, and staff accommodation in the form of sleeping quarters and ablution facilities. An area map of operations on ML 126 is depicted in Figure 1.2.
6.2 OPERATIONAL PROCESSES Although mining activities on ML 126 are currently dormant the operational process of mining the mineral dimension stone (i.e. granite) is discussed below.
The operational process of mining the mineral dimension stone (i.e. granite) as illustrated by Figure 6.1, begins with identifying and exposing a granite deposit in its natural form (i.e. rock formations). Once the deposit has been identified and exposed, top and sub-soil is removed and the extraction (i.e. quarrying) of the granite in its natural form can begin. Both the identification and top and sub-soil removal phases’ produces reject sand and stone which is removed to the on-site reject waste area/s (see Photo 6.2 and Figure 1.2) for later use as backfilling during the rehabilitation phase, as discussed in Section 6.6.
Identification Top and Sub- Extraction / Transportation to and exposure soil Removal Quarrying Stock Area for of Granite Retail Deposit
Reject Sand and Stone
Used for Transportation to Reject Sand Backfilling of the On-site Reject and Stone Quarry during Waste Area Rehabilitation Phase
Figure 6.1: Process flow diagram for granite mining operations
26 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------
Photo 6.2: One of the reject waste areas on-site
Extracting (i.e. quarrying) is the process of removing large blocks of stone from an identified and exposed geologic deposit by means of using a particular technique such as digging, blasting, cutting and/or sawing. The type of technique used depends on the physical properties of the deposit itself. The technique of blasting, for fragmentation of the rock (limited and controlled use of weak explosives) and diamond wire sawing is used on-site see (Photo 6.3).
The wire saws are fitted with a diamond abrasive and operated with a small stream of water as to cool the saw during the cutting process. The stone is then cut into large individual blocks of a specified size. The blocks are then based on their visual and physical quality either taken to the stock area/s (see Photo 6.4 and Figure 1.2) or to the on-site reject waste area/s (see Photo 6.2 and Figure 1.2). Blocks that have been selected for resale are transported from the on-site stock areas to the main stock area of Damara Granite (PTY) Ltd for resale, given its close proximity to the town and harbour of Walvis Bay. Mining machinery, such as drilling and blasting equipment, compressors, cranes for lifting the blocks and trucks for transport are used on-site.
27 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------
Photo 6.3: The process of extracting the mineral dimension stone from an identified and exposed geologic deposit on- site
Photo 6.4: One of the stock areas on-site
6.3 SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT The work force required is generally small given the fact that the process is mostly machine intensive and not labour intensive. Work force activities include plant and machine operators and specialised skills such as drilling and cutting of the granite blocks. When active, management includes a Quarry Manager, Technical Advisor, Administrator and a HSE Officer. Given the distance between the Project site and Walvis Bay (main residential area of workers) staff accommodation in the form of sleeping quarters and ablution facilities are available on site (see Photo 6.5).
28 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------
Photo 6.5: Staff accommodation (left), Site office and accommodation of management (right)
6.4 HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCESSES
Health and Safety processes are as per the Proponents set out Health and Safety Policies and Procedures.
Health and Safety processes of mines are regulated by the Minerals (Prospective and Mining) Act 33 of 1992, as well as the amended Regulations made under Section 138A of the Minerals (Prospecting and Mining) Act that deals with the Health and Safety of Persons Employed or Otherwise Present in or at Mines, and the Labour Act No. 6 of 1992, as discussed in Section 4.2.11. The Proponent has the responsibility to ensure that Health and Safety processes are developed, implemented and adhered to. When active, all explosives used during blasting activities are stored on the Project site at a dedicated access controlled and demarcated area (see Photo 6.6).
Blasting and handling and storage of explosives should be carried out as per the Mine Health & Safety Regulations, 10th Draft, made under Section 138A of the Minerals (Prospecting and Mining) Act that deals with the Health and Safety of Persons Employed or Otherwise Present in or at Mines, Part X Explosives And Blasting.
Explosives storage area on-site Photo 6.6:
29 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------6.5 MAINTENANCE PROCESSES When active, maintenance processes on the Project site are that of general and hazardous waste, the reject waste areas, fencing, as well as general servicing of plant and machinery. The servicing of plant and machinery are conducted on-site in a dedicated work shed (see Photo 6.7). All breakdowns of plant and machinery are taken to the main workshop situated at the main site office of Damara Granite (PTY) Ltd. The Proponent has the responsibility to ensure that maintenance processes are developed, implemented and adhered to.
Photo 6.7: Dedicated work shed on-site
6.6 REHABILITATION Although mining activities on ML 126 are currently dormant the rehabilitation process followed is discussed below.
As mining in the quarries progresses the reject sand and stone produced during the operational phase is removed and stored next to the quarries at the dedicated reject waste areas (see Photo 6.2 and Figure 1.2). The reject waste areas are shaped by using reject rock and sand. The sand is used as stabilization and compacted to shape the reject waste areas vertically as well as horizontally. Additional sand required is sourced from the topsoil of impending mining areas or from dune sand that is blown into the area from the south-west. Sand heaps of 40-60m3 is collected every 2 to 3 months and stockpiled at a dedicated soil stockpile area on-site.
Once mining in the particular quarry has seized the reject rock and sand from the reject waste area is placed back into the quarry by means of backfilling. The area is then compacted and reshaped to resemble that of the natural surrounding environment. Although the aim is to cover as much of the reject rock as possible, this is not always practicable. For this reason the Proponent is considering using the process of rock-shading on the remaining
30 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------exposed reject rock during the rehabilitation phase. Rock-shading is the use of the chemical ferric chloride. Ferric chloride is sprayed directly onto the exposed reject rock surface and through a chemical reaction the product breaks down the surface of the reject rock and changes its appearance to that of its natural pre-processed form. By using this product the rehabilitated area will resemble the natural surrounding environment, lessening the negative manmade visual impact of the mine/s, which is an important factor given that ML 126 falls within the Namib Naukluft National Park.
31 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------
CHAPTER 7 ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND POTENTIAL IMPACTS
Although mining activities on ML 126 are currently dormant the assessment of environmental issues and potential impacts are discussed below.
This chapter provides a general description of the method of assessment; describes and assess the potential impacts associated with operational activities; and provides mitigation measures of potential impact. These measures are aimed at avoiding or minimising negative impacts or enhancing potential benefits.
7.1 METHOD OF ASSESSMENT Impacts identified were evaluated in terms of duration (time scale), extent (spatial scale), intensity (magnitude), probability, and status, in combination providing the expected significance (Table 7.1).
The magnitude of an impact is a judgment value that rests with the EAP while the determination of significance rests on a combination of the criteria for duration, extent and magnitude. Significance is also a judgment value made by the EAP.
Table 7.1: Impact assessment criteria CRITERIA CATEGORY
Impact This is a description of the expected impact.
Nature Positive: The activity will have a social/ economical/ environmental benefit. Describe the type of effect. Neutral: The activity will have no effect.
Negative: The activity will be socially/ economically/ environmentally harmful.
Extent Site Specific: Expanding only as far as the activity itself (onsite)
Describe the scale of the Small: Restricted to the site’s immediate environment within 1 km impact. of the site (limited)
Medium: Within 5 km of the site (local)
Large: Beyond 5 km of the site (regional)
Duration Temporary: < 1 year
Predicts the lifetime of the Short-term: 1 – 5 years impact. Medium term: 5 – 15 years
Long-term: >15 years (Impact will stop after the operational or running life of the activity, either due to natural course or by human interference)
32 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------Permanent: Impact will be where mitigation or moderation by natural course or by human interference will not occur in a particular means or in a particular time period that the impact can be considered temporary.
Intensity Very low: Affects the environment in such a way that natural and/or social functions/processes are not affected. Describe the magnitude (scale/size) of the Impact. Low: Natural and/or social functions/processes are slightly altered.
Medium: Natural and/or social functions/processes are notably altered in a modified way.
High: Natural and/or social functions/processes are severely altered and may temporarily or permanently cease.
Probability of Occurrence Improbable: Not at all likely.
Describe the probability of Probable: Distinctive possibility. the impact actually Highly probable: Most likely to happen. occurring. Definite: Impact will occur regardless of any prevention measures.
Degree of Confidence in Unsure/Low: Little confidence regarding information available Predictions (<40%).
State the degree of Probable/Med: Moderate confidence regarding information confidence in predictions available (40-80%). based on availability of Definite/High: Great confidence regarding information available information and specialist (>80%). knowledge
Significance No change: A potential concern which was found to have no impact when evaluated. The impact on each component is determined Very low: Impacts will be site specific and temporary with no by a combination of the mitigation necessary. above criteria. Low: The impacts will have a minor influence on the development site and/or environment. These impacts require some thought to adjustment of the project design where achievable, or alternative mitigation measures.
Moderate: Impacts will be experienced in the local and surrounding areas for the life span of the development and may result in long term changes. The impact can be lessened or improved by an amendment in the project design or implementation of effective mitigation measures.
High: Impacts have a high magnitude and will be experienced regionally for at least the life span of the development, or will be irreversible. The impacts could have the no-go proposition on portions of the development in spite of any mitigation measures that could be implemented.
33 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------7.2 POTENTIAL IMPACTS IDENTIFIED AND ASSESSED Given the nature of the Project site, measured against the sensitivity of the receiving natural and social environments, as assessed by the EAP, potential impacts (positive & negative) were identified some of greater potential significance and others of less.
The impacts identified are those associated with the Operational Phase of the Project site. Sections 7.2.1 gives a broad overview of each impact, while a comprehensive assessment outcome with mitigations is presented in Table 7.2.
Detailed mitigatory measures and environmental requirements having direct relevance to the operational impacts are presented in the Operational Environmental Management Plan (Appendix C).
7.2.1 Operational Related Impacts (i) Erosion & Sedimentation The clearing of vegetation as well as the exposing of soil during operational activities may lead to erosion of the surfaces due to rain and/or wind.
Given the areas predominantly flat topography (Refer to 5.3.4) the potential for erosion and sedimentation is low. Mitigation measures are listed in Table 7.2.
(ii) Habitat Destruction and Loss of Biodiversity The alteration of the land use from natural environment to mining activities has changed the present landscape and resulted in the permanent displacement of the existing vegetation and faunal populations (Refer to 5.3.5).
Given the natural characteristics of the environment, removal of top and sub-soil cover is expected to have a moderate impact before mitigation and a low impact following proper mitigation measures and continues monitoring (see Table 7.2).
(iii) Visual & Sense of Place The Project site has been disturbed by current mining activities (Refer to 5.2.5). The activities associated with the Project site (e.g. site camp, vegetation clearance, excavations, mining quarries, reject waste sites, operation of plant and machinery etc.) will be visible.
Given the natural characteristics of the environment, visual and sense of place impact is expected to have a moderate impact before mitigation and a low impact following proper mitigation measures and continues monitoring (see Table 7.2).
(iv) Health, Safety and Security Operational activities on-site have the potential for accidental injury, either minor or major accidents. Given the distance between the Project site and Walvis Bay (main residential area of workers) staff accommodation in the form of sleeping quarters and ablution facilities
34 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------are available on the Project site (Refer to 6.3). On-site health, safety and security of all personnel is an important responsibility from the side of the Proponent (Refer to 6.4).
Health, safety and security impacts is expected to have a moderate impact before mitigation and a low impact following proper mitigation measures and continues monitoring (see Table 7.2).
(v) Transport Operational activities are associated with an increase in plant and vehicle movement both on- and off-site, seeing that granite blocks will be transported from the Project site to the stock area of Damara Granite (PTY) Ltd for resale (Refer to 6.2). General road safety and maintenance of plant and vehicles is an important aspect and requires special attention from the side of the Proponent.
Transport and its associated impacts are expected to have a moderate impact before mitigation and a low impact following proper mitigation measures and continues monitoring (see Table 7.2).
(vi) Noise & Vibration The area surrounding the Project site is largely of an undeveloped desert nature (Refer to 5.3.3), with the exception of the Utuseb settlement situated less that 5km form the Project site. A noise nuisance is defined as meaning “any sound that disturbs or impairs or may disturb or impair the convenience or peace of persons”. Noises and vibrations are expected as a result of operational activities by the use of plant, machinery and blasting on-site.
Given the distance to the nearest receiver (i.e. Utuseb settlement), noise and vibration are expected to have a moderate impact before mitigation and a low impact following proper mitigation measures and continues monitoring (see Table 7.2).
(vii) Dust & Emissions Nuisance dust is defined as “the total dust in the air including inhalable and respirable fractions.” Dust and gaseous emissions can be associated with on-site operations, of which the severity is directly related to the extent of operational activities and the nature of the receiving environment. Given the distance to the nearest receiver (i.e. Utuseb settlement), dust is not regarded as having a significant impact. Strong winds could cause dust pollution in terms of sand storms from the desert (Refer to 5.3.2).
Potential dust and emission impacts are regarded as being low in significance (see Table 7.2).
(viii) Waste Management Operational activities are associated with waste generation (Refer to 5.2.2). Waste management is an important aspect and requires special attention from the side of the Proponent.
35 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------Waste management is expected to have a moderate impact before mitigation and a low impact following proper mitigation measures and continues monitoring (see Table 7.2).
(ix) Water Management Operational activities are associated with the use of water. Given the fact that the Project site falls within a water scarce area (Refer to 5.3.4), the implementation of water conservation measures are an important aspect and should be considered by the Proponent.
Water management is expected to have a low impact. Mitigation measures are listed in Table 7.2.
(x) Storage & Handling Management Proper storage and handling management of plant, vehicles, machinery, hazardous substances, explosives etc. are an important aspect and requires special attention from the side of the Proponent.
Storage and handling maintenance is expected to have a moderate impact before mitigation and a low impact following proper mitigation measures and continues monitoring (see Table 7.2).
(xi) Socio-economic No major negative socio-economic impacts can be associated with the Project. The operational phase is likely to only generate a low significant socio-economic impact as only a limited amount of employment opportunities exist given the fact that the process is mostly machine intensive and not labour intensive.
Socio-economic impacts are expected to have a low impact. Mitigation measures are listed in Table 7.2.
(xii) Heritage/Archaeological Resources The Erongo region is known to be an archaeologically sensitive area, however no record of any cultural or historical importance or on-site resemblance of any nature could be located within the footprint of the Project site during the on-site visit (Refer to 5.2.4).
The probability of locating any important archaeological heritage remains during operational activities is regarded as being low. However, if any archaeological heritage remains are found on-site mitigation measures are listed in Table 7.2.
7.2.2 Impact Assessment Table Table 7.2 below gives a comprehensive assessment outcome with mitigations of the above mentioned impacts.
36 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------Table 7.2: Assessment table of potential impacts during the Operational Phase
Significance Impact Degree of Nature Extent Duration Intensity Probability Mitigation Description confidence Pre- Post- (Elaborated on in the Mitigation Mitigation OEMP)
OPERATIONAL PHASE
Apply acceptable engineering standards and design, or Best Management Practices (BMP).
BMPs are defined as physical, structural, and/or managerial practices, that when used singly or in Negative combination, prevent or Erosion & impact on Probable/ Small Short-term Low Probable Low reduce the expected Very Low Sedimentation indigenous Medium impact/s. vegetation Structural BMPs typically include sediment ponds or traps, filter fences, check dams, and riprap.
Managerial BMPs include preserving the natural vegetation, leaving buffer zones, and providing dust
37 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------control.
Sand should be stockpiled away from drainage channels and low berms need to be placed around sand heaps.
Plan the timing of operations to avoid clearing and grading during erosive high rainfall months of the year. If excavation cannot be avoided during rainy seasons, temporarily exposed soil surfaces should be covered e.g. by tarpaulin, and access roads should be protected by crushed stone or gravel, as excavation proceeds.
Intercepting channels should be provided (e.g. along the crest/edge of the excavation) to prevent storm runoff from washing across exposed soil surfaces.
Arrangements should always be in place to ensure that adequate surface protection measures can be safely
38 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------carried out well before the arrival of a rainstorm.
The OEMP (Chapter 2 - Operational Management & Monitoring) provides detail specifications and requirements to avoid any potential impacts.
Show overall environmental commitment by adapting a ‘minimalistic damage’ approach.
Vegetation clearance should be restricted to the area footprint.
Conduct a Vegetation and Potential Habitat Species Site Survey prior to negative Destruction and Site Probable/ any future clearing activities effect on Short-term Low Probable Moderate Low Loss of specific Medium to establish protected / ecological Biodiversity endangered species diversity Identify and mark vegetation that should be protected (no- go areas).
In the event of protected species being found within the footprint appropriate methods should be applied to relocate these species
39 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------appropriately. This should be done in consultation with a qualified and experienced ecologist.
Restrict plant and vehicle movement to the Project site and restrict movement into identified no-go areas (if any) or beyond the ML boundaries.
No hunting, trapping, setting of snares or any other disturbance of any fauna species should be tolerated.
Fires on-site shall be kept small and appropriate to their function. The Proponent shall ensure that the fire risk is reduced to a minimum and shall take immediate and effective steps to extinguish any fire that may break out.
The OEMP (Chapter 2 - Operational Management & Monitoring) provides detail specifications and requirements to avoid any
40 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------potential impacts.
Keep as much natural vegetation on-site if possible.
Buildings and infrastructure on-site should be painted with natural colours to promote blending with the natural environment.
Care needs to be taken with reflective or bright surfaces so that glare is avoided. Negative Visual & Sense of impact on the Highly Definite/ Small Temporary Medium Moderate Light sources must be Low Place immediate Probable High placed in such a way, or landscape shielded, so as to provide light only to the area that needs to be lit. All light spillage and pollution must be minimised.
Restrict the height and extent of the reject waste site.
The OEMP (Chapter 2 - Operational Management & Monitoring) provides detail specifications and
41 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------requirements to avoid any potential impacts.
The Proponent must comply with all applicable occupational health and safety requirements.
The health, safety and security of all personnel sleeping on site should be ensured at all times.
Ensure that all personnel are properly trained depending Negative on the nature of their work. impact on Health, Safety Site Temporary/ Low/ Probable/ Education and training of people’s Probable Moderate and Security specific Permanent Medium Medium personnel and the public Low health, safety through on-site inductions. and security Provide for a first aid kit and properly trained person to apply first aid when necessary.
A lead person should be identified and appointed to be responsible for emergencies occurring on the site. This person should be clearly identified to the personnel.
42 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------Restrict unauthorised access to the sites and implement access control measures.
Speed limits on-site should be defined (e.g. 25km/h), and enforced, for all vehicles on the site.
Clearly demarcate the ML boundaries along with signage of unauthorised access.
Personnel and visitors to the site must be fully aware of all health and safety measures and emergency procedures.
The workforce should be provided with all necessary Personal Protective Equipment including earplugs.
Access roads on-site should be clearly demarcated.
All plant and vehicles should be maintained regularly as to not leak and cause spillages.
Spill kits should be readily available and used on-site.
43 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------Drip trays should be readily available and used on-site.
Secure and proper fencing and warning signs should be erected around the open quarry areas.
Care must be taken in the storage and handling of all chemicals as to not have a negative health and safety impact on the user.
Blasting;
Blasting should be carried out as per the Mine Health & Safety Regulations, 10th Draft, made under Section 138A of the Minerals (Prospecting and Mining) Act that deals with the Health and Safety of Persons Employed or Otherwise Present in or at Mines, Part X Explosives And Blasting.
Ensure that blasting operations are conducted as to minimise the risk of adverse environmental impact.
44 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------Use alternative methods to blasting if possible.
Develop a well planned blast strategy to minimise the impacts of flyrock, noise and dust.
The OEMP (Chapter 2 - Operational Management & Monitoring) provides detail specifications and requirements to avoid any potential impacts.
Appropriate traffic safety awareness signs should be placed at conspicuous locations on-site.
Drivers of plant and vehicles Negative should have valid driver’s impact on licenses with ample road Definite/ Transport Small Temporary Low Probable Moderate experience on proper road Low infrastructure High usage and manners on-site and road as well as when making use users of public roads.
Speed limits on-site should be defined (e.g. 25km/h), and enforced, for all vehicles on the site.
45 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------All plant and vehicles need to be in a road worthy condition.
The Proponent shall make use of approved methods to control the movement of his equipment and vehicles so as not to constitute a hazard on the road.
All plant and vehicles should be maintained regularly as to not leak and cause spillages.
Spillages should be avoided. When these occur, they should be cleaned immediately.
Access roads on-site should be clearly demarcated.
Drip trays must be placed underneath construction vehicles when not in use to contain all oil that might leak from these vehicles.
The OEMP (Chapter 2 - Operational Management & Monitoring) provides detail
46 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------specifications and requirements to avoid any potential impacts.
Use equipment that is properly fitted with noise reduction devices such as mufflers.
Appropriate directional and intensity settings are to be maintained on all hooters and sirens.
Operate noise-generating equipment during set out Negative working hours to reduce the impact on the Definite/ Noise & Vibration Small Temporary Low Definite Moderate potential of creating a noise Low immediate High nuisance. environment Workers operating equipment that generates noise should be equipped with noise protection.
It is recommended that workers operating equipment generating noise of ≥ 80 dBA (decibels) continuously for 8 hours or more should use ear muffs. Workers experiencing
47 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------prolonged noise levels 70 - 80 dBA should wear earplugs.
Ensure that plant and machinery are maintained in a well working order as to not be a noise nuisance.
No amplified music should be allowed on the sites.
The Proponent shall not use sound amplification equipment on-site unless in emergency situations.
Blasting;
Notify all applicable parties of blasting times and dates.
Blasting shall be avoided during high wind and undesirable weather conditions, as to reduce the effects of noise, fumes and dust impacts.
Develop a well planned blast strategy to minimise the impacts of flyrock, noise and
48 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------dust.
Blasting times must, where possible be limited to the hours from 08:00 to 17:00 during weekdays only.
Use alternative methods to blasting if possible.
The OEMP (Chapter 2 - Operational Management & Monitoring) provides detail specifications and requirements to avoid any potential impacts.
Removal of vegetation should be restricted to the minimum.
Speed limits on-site should be defined (e.g. 25km/h), Negative Site Definite/ and enforced, for all vehicles Dust & Emissions visual and air Temporary Very Low Probable Low Very Low specific High on the site. quality impact Construction activities during high winds should be limited to those activities not generating dust.
Handling and transport of
49 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------erodible materials should be avoided under high wind conditions.
Where possible stockpiles of fine material (e.g. sand) should be located in sheltered areas and covered.
Raw materials such as sand should be adequately covered after placement for transportation, as to prevent any escaping particles into the air.
Drop heights should be minimised.
Appropriate dust suppression measures should be used when dust generation is unavoidable. Effective dust screens, sheeting or netting should be provided to restrict dust from being blown.
Fires on-site shall be kept small and appropriate to their function. The
50 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------Proponent shall ensure that the fire risk on and near the site is reduced to a minimum and shall take immediate and effective steps to extinguish any fire that may break out.
No burning of any waste is allowed on-site.
It is imperative that all machinery and vehicles on- site is road worthy and do not give rise to excessive smoke or emissions.
Where unavoidable, personnel working in dusty areas should be provided and fitted with respirators.
Blasting shall be avoided during high wind and undesirable weather conditions, as to reduce the effects of noise, fumes and dust impacts.
Controls on each blast require weather conditions to be incorporated into the
51 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------blast design to reduce the effects of fume and dust impacts on neighbours and the environment.
During high wind conditions, the Proponent and/or HSE Officer will evaluate the situation and make recommendations as to whether dust management measures are adequate, or whether working will cease altogether until the wind speed drops to an acceptable level.
The OEMP (Chapter 2 - Operational Management & Monitoring) provides detail specifications and requirements to avoid any potential impacts.
Classify waste according to their waste type (e.g. Negative General, Hazardous, Waste impact on the Probable/ Small Temporary Low Probable Moderate Recyclable). Low Management immediate Medium environment Raise awareness through educational talks.
52 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------No burning, burying or dumping of any waste materials, vegetation or refuse shall be allowed to occur.
The accumulation of solid and hazardous waste materials must be avoided as far as possible.
The Proponent shall set up a solid waste control and removal system.
Soil contaminated by oil, fuel or chemicals shall be removed and disposed of at a registered Hazardous Waste Disposal Site or rehabilitated in-situ.
Receipts for hazardous waste disposal shall be filled and kept in the on-site filling system.
Refuse shall be disposed of into scavenger- and weather-proof lidded bins.
The Proponent shall remove the refuse collected from the site at least once a week, or
53 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------as needed.
Refuse must be disposed of at an authorised landfill acceptable to the DEA (i.e. Walvis Bay Landfill)
The Proponent shall make provision for clean-up of the site at least once a week.
Where possible and practical, materials used or generated by operational activities shall be recycled.
Where possible and practical, containers for glass, paper, metals and plastics shall be provided (a four bin recycling system). Office areas are particularly suited to this form of recycling process.
Where possible and practical, such as at stores and offices, waste shall be sorted for recycling purposes.
The Proponent shall set up a sewage waste control and removal system.
54 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------The use of soakaways has been prohibited by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) (Code of Practice, Vol. 1, 2008).
It is recommended that chemical toilets be used on- site.
These should be serviced and maintained by a service provider at regular agreed intervals.
Chemical toilets should be secured to the ground in order to prevent them from toppling due to wind or any other cause.
Chemical toilets should be maintained in a clean and tidy state and effluent disposed of accordingly.
The OEMP (Chapter 2 - Operational Management & Monitoring) provides detail specifications and requirements to avoid any potential impacts.
55 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------Reduce water usage through water conservation.
Re-use water for dust suppression.
Identify and fix any leaking Negative Site Definite/ taps or water features on- Water impact on Temporary Very Low Probable Low specific High site. Very Low Management water reserves The OEMP (Chapter 2 - Operational Management & Monitoring) provides detail specifications and requirements to avoid any potential impacts.
The Proponent must comply with all applicable occupational health and safety requirements.
All hazardous substances Negative used on-site should be Storage & impact on the Probable / stored in a bunded area. Handling Small Temporary Low Probable Moderate Low immediate Medium Management All plant and machinery environment should be maintained regularly as to not leak and cause spillages.
Ensure that oil/ fuel spillages from construction vehicles and machinery are
56 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------minimised and that where these occur, that they are appropriately dealt with.
Oil leakage or spillage should be contained and cleaned up immediately, and disposed of appropriately.
Drip trays must be placed underneath construction vehicles when not in use to contain all oil that might leak from these vehicles.
Drip trays must be placed underneath mobile diesel bowsers to contain diesel that might leak from these devices.
Spill kits should be readily available and used on-site.
All breakdowns should be taken to the main workshop for repairs.
The Proponent shall ensure that delivery personnel are supervised during offloading.
When loading materials, materials shall be appropriately secured to
57 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------ensure safe passage between destinations.
Loads including, but not limited to sand, stone and refuse, shall have appropriate cover to prevent them spilling during transit.
The Proponent shall be responsible for any clean-up resulting from the failure by his employees or suppliers to properly secure transported materials.
All manufactured and/or imported material shall be stored within the Proponents site footprint, and, if so required, out of the rain.
Imported fill/soil/sand materials shall be free of weeds, seeds, litter and contaminants.
Where reasonably practical, construction vehicles and equipment shall be refuelled at the fuel depot on site.
The surface under the refuelling area shall be
58 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------protected (bunded) against pollution.
The Proponent shall ensure that there is always a supply of absorbent material (e.g. chemcap, spill-sorb, drizzat pads, enretech and peat moss) readily available to neutralise and where possible be designed to encapsulate minor spillage. The quantity of such materials shall be able to handle a minimum of 200 ℓ of liquid spill.
Fuels shall be stored at a suitable location inside the Proponents site footprint.
The fuel storage area must not be located near (i.e. less than 100m) any water resource, including a river, stream or surface water body.
The Proponent shall ensure that all liquid fuels (petrol and diesel) are stored in tanks with lids, which are
59 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------kept firmly shut.
The tanks shall be situated on a smooth impermeable surface (plastic or concrete) base with an earth bund (plastic must have sand on top to prevent perishing). The impermeable lining shall extend to the crest of the bund and the volume inside the bund shall be 110% x the total capacity of all the storage tanks.
Bunds must be kept free of debris and any other object not originally designed to be included in the bund.
The drainage valve/s of the bund/s must be closed at all times, and only opened under controlled conditions.
The Proponent shall keep fuel under lock and key at all times.
No smoking shall be allowed in the vicinity of fuel tanks.
The Proponent shall educate workers on the appropriate
60 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------methods for workshop maintenance and fuel points to prevent fuel and oil being washed out of containment areas.
Only empty and externally clean tanks may be stored on the bare ground. All empty and externally dirty tanks shall be sealed and stored on an area where the ground has been protected. In addition, if fuel is dispensed from 200 ℓ drums, the proper dispensing equipment shall be used, and the drum shall not be tipped in order to dispense fuel. The dispensing mechanism of the fuel storage tank shall be stored in a waterproof container when not in use.
Symbolic safety signs depicting “No Smoking”, “No Naked Lights” and “Danger” are to be provided, and are to conform to the requirement of SABS 1186.
61 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------The product contained within the tank shall be clearly identified, using the emergency information system detailed in SABS 0232 part 1.
Any electrical or petrol- driven pump shall be equipped and positioned, so as not to cause any danger of ignition of the product.
Areas for storage of fuels and other flammable materials shall comply with standard fire safety regulations and may require the approval of a fire safety officer.
The Proponent shall ensure that there is adequate fire- fighting equipment at the fuel stores and that personnel are adequately trained to use this equipment.
All on-site fuel storage tanks are to be designed and constructed in accordance with a recognised Act and code (Petroleum Product
62 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------and Energy Act, No. 13 of 1990, as amended).
The rated capacity of such a fuel storage tank shall provide sufficient capacity to permit expansion of the product contained therein by the rise in temperature during storage.
The fuel storage tank shall be erected at least 3.5m from buildings, boundaries and any other combustible or flammable materials.
Adequate precautions shall be provided to prevent spillage during the filling of any tank.
If larger capacity tanks are required then an acceptable rational design based on a relevant national or international code or standard shall be submitted to the Directorate Energy, Petroleum and Downstream (Ministry of Mines and Energy).
63 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------Handling and storage of explosives should be carried out as per the Mine Health & Safety Regulations, 10th Draft, made under Section 138A of the Minerals (Prospecting and Mining) Act that deals with the Health and Safety of Persons Employed or Otherwise Present in or at Mines, Part X Explosives And Blasting.
The OEMP (Chapter 2 - Operational Management & Monitoring) provides detail specifications and requirements to avoid any potential impacts.
Preference should be given to local labour.
Benefits to local labourers Positive should not be restricted to impact on Probable/ short term financial benefits, Socio- Economic socio- Large Long -term Low Probable Low Very Low Medium but longer term social economic upliftment through skills security transfer and entrepreneurial skills development and initiatives.
64 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------The OEMP (Chapter 2 - Operational Management & Monitoring) provides detail specifications and requirements to avoid any potential impacts.
If an archaeological site or remains (i.e. fossils, coins, articles of value or antiquity) is discovered during any operational activities, the work is to be halted and the Proponent and/or HSE Officer notified immediately, Negative who shall contact the Heritage / impact on Site Probable/ Namibian Heritage Council. Archaeological historical Temporary Very low Improbable Low Very Low specific Medium Only after the site has been Resources heritage inspected will the Proponent artefacts be allowed to continue.
The OEMP (Chapter 2 - Operational Management & Monitoring) provides detail specifications and requirements to avoid any potential impacts.
65 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------
CHAPTER 8 CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
This chapter of the Report presents the assessment conclusion following the Baseline Scoping Report, as well as the key recommendations and the environmental statement for consideration by the Authorities. The conclusion and recommendations as presented in this chapter has been drawn from the assessment outcome, as presented in Chapter 7.
8.1 CONCLUSION
The Baseline Scoping Report has been compiled in support of obtaining an Environmental Clearance Certificate to continue with existing mining of the mineral dimension stone (i.e. existing listed activity) for Arandis Marble (PTY) Ltd, operating under and owned by R.E.D Graniti (Namibia) (PTY) Ltd, in accordance with Section 27(3) of Namibia’s Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2007).
The Project as presented in this Baseline Scoping Report contains a ‘listed activity’ as per GN. No. 29 of 2012 requiring that Environmental Clearance be obtained from the Environmental Commissioner, Directorate of Environmental Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Tourism before commencement of these activities.
The report was accordingly undertaken based on feedback received from the Office of the Environmental Commissioner (Appendix A). Consequently, Urban Green cc, an independent environmental consultancy was accordingly appointed by the Proponent to conduct a Baseline Scoping Report and OEMP for purpose of applying for Environmental Clearance.
Given the nature of the Project (see Chapter 6), evaluated against the sensitivity of the receiving environment (see Chapter 5), it is inevitable that the existing activities will have an impact on its receiving socio-economic and biophysical environment, some of greater potential significance and others of less (see Chapter 7). The current existing activities are expected to have a positive contribution, given that the mitigation measures and recommendations as set out in this Report are adhered to.
Obtaining an Environmental Clearance Certificate is of crucial importance for the Proponent to continue with operation of a listed activity. Any activity, having certain impacts would therefore also have to comply with some or other legislative requirement/s (see Chapter 4), it is thus equally important that the necessary approvals, permits and licenses, if required also be obtained from the relevant authorities.
Based on the baseline information as provided by the Project Team and Proponent, this Baseline Scoping Report after following the above evaluation, concludes there is currently no evidence indicating that any of the impacts identified are of such significance that it cannot be mitigated and that the current mining activities on ML 126 of Arandis Marble (PTY) Ltd operated and owned by R.E.D Graniti (Namibia) (PTY) Ltd , Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region as presented in this Report, could not be allowed to continue. It is however required that the recommendations as presented below first be satisfied with approval from the Environmental Commissioner.
66 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------
8.2 RECOMMENDATIONS It is therefore recommended that the Project be approved, subject to the following recommendations and final approval by the Environmental Commissioner as per the Environmental Management Act, No. 7 of 2007.
• All required permits, licenses and approvals for the project as discussed in Chapter 4 be obtained from the relevant Authorities.
• That all other recommendations and mitigations listed under Section 7.2 and listed in Table 7.2 be implemented during the Operational Phase, of which the most important ones are listed below:
th o Ensure that all applicable Mine Health & Safety Regulations, 10 Draft, made under Section 138A of the Minerals (Prospecting and Mining) Act that deals with the Health and Safety of Persons Employed or Otherwise Present in or at Mines are implemented and followed at all times.
o Blasting and handling and storage of explosives should be carried out as per the Mine Health & Safety Regulations, 10th Draft, made under Section 138A of the Minerals (Prospecting and Mining) Act that deals with the Health and Safety of Persons Employed or Otherwise Present in or at Mines, Part X Explosives And Blasting.
o The Proponent must comply with all applicable occupational health and safety requirements.
o Drivers of plant and vehicles should have valid driver’s licenses with ample experience on proper road usage and manners on-site as well as when making use of public roads.
o All plant and vehicles need to be in a road worthy condition. o Ensure that secure and proper fencing and warning signs are present around the open quarry areas.
o Show overall environmental commitment by adapting a ‘minimalistic damage’ approach.
o Conduct a Vegetation and Species Site Survey prior to any future clearing activities to establish protected / endangered species.
o Implement dust minimisation measures on-site when necessary. o Implement noise minimisation measures on-site when necessary. o Implement a solid waste removal system. o Implement a sewage waste removal system. o Preference should be given to local labour.
67 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------
o If an archaeological site or remains (i.e. fossils, coins, articles of value or antiquity) is discovered during any operational activities, the work is to be halted and the Proponent and/or HSE Officer notified immediately, who shall contact the Namibian Heritage Council. Only after the site has been inspected will the Proponent be allowed to continue.
8.3 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT Based on the information presented in this Baseline Scoping Report, the Environmental Assessment Practitioner is of the opinion that the immediate and larger environment will not be significantly impacted given that the above recommendations as proposed in this Report be implemented and monitored, and responsible environmental practises are applied by the Proponent and its Management. This statement is based on the understanding that the recommended investigation has a positive outcome.
Urban Green cc, the independent environmental assessment practitioner, recommends to the relevant authorities that the application for the current mining activities on ML 126 Arandis Marble (PTY) Ltd, operated and owned by R.E.D Graniti (Namibia) (PTY) Ltd, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region to continue with a listed activity be approved on condition that the above recommendations (see Section 8.2) be met and that continues monitoring be conducted as per the Environmental Management Act (Act No. 7 of 2007) and this Baseline Scoping Report. It is important that proof of monitoring be submitted with the office of the Environmental Commissioner for review of Environmental Clearance renewal after 3 years.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO STATE TO ALL COMPETENT AUTHORITIES, THAT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS HAVE VERY LITTLE VALUE IN CONTRIBUTING TO SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTISES IF NOT IMPLEMENTED BY THE PROPONENT AND EQUALLY IMPORTANT IF NOT MONITORED AND REGULATED BY THE RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITIES.
THIS STUDY AND REPORT DOES NOT PREVENT ANY OF THE EXPECTED IMPACTS FROM NOT TAKING PLACE, BUT CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED THROUGH CONTINUES OPERATIONAL MONITORING.
IT HAS THUS BECOME IMPORTANT THAT MONITORING AND AUDITING OF PROJECTS BE DONE AS PER THE APPLICABLE LEGISLATION AND THAT THIS BE MADE PART OF ALL APPROVALS ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITIES.
68 Baseline Scoping Report Arandis Marble (Pty) Ltd, ML 126, Walvis Bay District, Erongo Region May 2014 ------
REFERENCES
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Appendix A
Correspondence between Urban Green cc and the Office of the Environmental Commissioner
Appendix B
Namib Naukluft Park Regulations
Namib Naukluft Park Regulations
The following Regulations are made in terms of Prospecting and Mining within the Namib Naukluft Park. These conditions are made by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and must be adhered to at all times.
• Prospecting and mining for strategic minerals only, will be permitted in the park, and then only in areas where they will not unduly undermine conservation priorities, i.e. nowhere in a zone categorized as a Strict Nature Reserve (IUCN category 1a), a Wilderness Area (IUCN category 1b) and a Monument (IUCN category 3), not in the intertidal zone, not within 5 km’s of Damara tern nesting sites, Penguin and Seal colonies, not in or within 5km’s of the Naukluft Mountains and/or public recreation and tourism (i.e. not within 5km’s of any lodge or public campsite).
• All prospecting and mining will be preceded by an EIA and EMP, in accordance with Namibia’s Environmental Management Act of 2007, and the relevant mining legislation.
• All mines must be rehabilitated after closure or abandonment, in accordance with the Environmental Management Act of 2007. ______
Appendix C
Operational Environmental Management Plan