Taaibosch Leeuspruit Forum Minutes of Meeting leeu taai forum minutes 21 oct 2004.doc

Minutes of the 26th Leeu Taaiboschspruit Forum Meeting held on 21 October 2004 at Boiketlong

1. ATTENDANCE Abe de Kock Coalbrook Farmers Johanna Botha New Vaal Collieries PRESENT Gerhard Homann Metsimaholo LM Peter Hall Sasol Infrachem Henry Archer Sasol Sandra Potgieter Dow Plastics Ivan Cooper Süd-Chemie Bob Kleynjan Sasol Infrachem James Cooks Karbochem Denis Boden Natref PJ Groenewald DWAF: Vaaldam Pieter Vermaak DWAF: Vaaldam Carl Woodhouse Eskom Lethabo PS André van Zyl NFS District Mun. David Keyser Natref Kefilwe Maputla Dept of Env. Health Nthabeleng Rakometsi DoH Thabiso Dhlamini Comm. Serv. Env. Koos Swanepoel DWAF - Vaaldam Health Syd Parkhouse Anglo Coal Hans Kruger Sasol Technology Carl Scholtz Sasol Seeff Rademeyer DWAF APOLOGIES Andre Pretorius DWAF - Upper Vaal Piet Sefudi Sasol Mining Henk Beyleveld DoH – Env Health Marc deFontaine Rand Water Jan Froneman New Vaal Colliery Dawie Maree DWAF GS Chabalala DoH Marius Keet DWAF ABSENT Roelf Human Petronet Hans Seleke DTEEA Lesley Phillips Sasol Technology R&D Pule Matsela Metsimaholo LM Thabani Mlilo Sastech Thandi Mthembu Vaaldam Tjaart Coetzee Omnia Patrick Sophaza Omnia Fertilizers Sakkie Steyn Dow Plastics Sakkie de Villiers Driefontein Farmer Johan Zeelie N Dept Agriculture Motshidisi Manzini DWAF 2. WELCOME Hans Kruger welcomed all to the meeting, especially Andre van Zyl and David Keyser who are attending the meeting for the first time. Apologies were submitted by: André Pretorius Piet Sefudi Seef Rademeyer Marc DeFontaine Henk Beyleveld

3. ITEMS TO BE ADDED TO THE AGENDA 9.1 New Vaal Maccauvlei West Expansion (Syd Parkhouse)

9.2 Northern District Council (André van Zyl) Continued on next page

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Taaibosch Leeuspruit Forum Minutes of Meeting leeu taai forum minutes 21 oct 2004.doc

Taaibosch Leeuspruit Forum, Continued

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING The following spelling mistakes were reported and should be corrected:

5.6 Beyleveldt should be Beyleveld

6.3 Melinda should be Malinda

6.5 Nomaziz should be Nomazizi

8. loos should be looks

7. hi should be him

The minutes were accepted as correct with these comments included.

5. MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES (ACTION LIST) · The outstanding pledge due by Natref is to be paid. Denis will check if transfer has been made.

· The catchment tour will be arranged by DWAF – Golder Associates will arrange the transport. The tour will be held on 2 November and departure is from the Sasol Midlands main gate at 08h00. The tour will take up the whole day. Bob Kleynjan and James Cooks will also join.

· Ms Nomazizi Mdi from FS DTEEA was contacted with regards to the feedback on the solid waste sites in the catchment, and they undertook to attend the meeting. This has not happened since they did not send a representative, for the second meeting in succession. This is a critical issue and should be a high priority item in the Northern Free State. It takes at least two years to set up a site, and all waste being dumped impacts on groundwater.

· The FMC will revisit the strategic plan for the LTF over the next 2 FMC meetings (12 weeks) , and will distribute to the LTF after it has been updated.

· A letter of thanks to Kavita Pema has been drafted, but not yet sent. Hans Kruger will send this letter on behalf of the LTF by 29 October 2004.

· The FMC had decided that it is too late to write a letter to Spoornet regarding the incident on Sasol and this matter will be removed from the action list.

· Peter Hall did forward all the information on the Spoornet incident to Dawie Maree.

· André van Zyl will address MLM’s progress on the new landfill site.

6. COMMITTEE UPDATES 6.1. Technical Committee Details on the WQO are still available on the www.reservoir.co.za A number of meetings have been held since the last LTF meeting. The Technical Committee took stock of the actions and achievements to date, and it is currently the only Technical Committee functioning within the Upper Vaal Catchment. Kavita Pema congratulated and thanked the LTF Technical Committee. Continued on next page

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Taaibosch Leeuspruit Forum Minutes of Meeting leeu taai forum minutes 21 oct 2004.doc

Taaibosch Leeuspruit Forum, Continued

The next action is the Situational Analysis for the groundwater in the catchment. This is part of the reason for the catchment tour. DWAF appointed Golder Associates to drive this situational analysis. TJ Kruger will co-opt Jaap Smit to sit in on the Project Coordination meetings since he can add value with his knowledge of the catchment. The purpose of the catchment tour is mostly to share knowledge and information. For groundwater quality objectives, the methodology would be in line with the risk-based approach that DWAF follows, and the Technical Committee would be very reliant on DWAF for guidance in this matter. The way forward for the Technical Committee depends largely on the outcome of the Situational Analysis.

6.1.1. Driefontein Dam Tjaart Coetzee from Omnia was elected as the new Chair for the Driefontein Dam Steering Committee. A brief history of the Driefontein Dam investigation follows.

Walmsley did a Situational Analysis for surface water in 1998 and some hot spots were identified, of which the Driefontein Dam was one. The Driefontein Dam Steering Committee was formed, and comprised of representatives from Karbochem (then Dow ), Sasol Chemical Industries and Omnia Fertilizers. The Steering Committee then commissioned the CSIR to perform a study on the area. The outcome of this study was that further investigations were required. Jones & Wagener then went ahead and did geophysics and other intrusive work for the contaminants of concern. The major outcome was that each industry involved had to identify the sources of pollution found on the Driefontein Farm, which came from the respective industries. Together with DWAF, the various industries had to come up with a plan to remove the sources of pollution. The next recommendation was that the water in Henry’s Dam and Driefontein Dam should be landfarmed and sprayed onto the farm. This was not very successful, because it took 6 months to remove 2000m3 of water. The current plan is to empty Henry’s Dam into the domestic sewerage line at a low rate, which should take 2-3 weeks to complete. This would be a once off exercise, and the plan is to stop the pollution from recurring, clear out the dams, check the sediments and then depending on the sediment quality, devise a plan to address the pollution still present. The last step is to demolish the dam walls.

Some questions were raised by DWAF after receiving the Jones & Wagener report, and these have been addressed. There were also some remedial options suggested by Jones & Wagener, and these will be tested in small scale trials on site.

This project is an example of how problems in the catchment are identified and addressed, perhaps not as quick as some would have preferred, but the problem is resolved in the long run. The fencing around Driefontein Farm has been repaired, the cattle have been removed from the farm and signposts have been put in place to warn of the hazards in the water and soil. Continued on next page

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Taaibosch Leeuspruit Forum Minutes of Meeting leeu taai forum minutes 21 oct 2004.doc

Taaibosch Leeuspruit Forum, Continued

6.1.2. Paddabaai 6 Tasks have been identified for completion before the Steering Committee can be disbanded. These are: 1. Draw an accurate map of all pollution sources to Paddabaai through DWAF 2. Identify, with DWAF, all sampling points and responsibility for sampling 3. Establish the volumes of stormwater from each contributor 4. Establish the quality of stormwater from each contributor 5. Submit monthly reports to DWAF on the volume and quality of stormwater from each contributor 6. Omnia needs to include in their Site Water License application the request for discharging effluent 7. Fence off the entire Paddabaai stormwater weir André Pretorius could give feedback to the LTF on a monthly basis on the water quality and volumes into Paddabaai. The Farmer currently on the Soetevelde farm has erected a fence around the area, preventing access from Soetevelde into Paddabaai. DWAF had agreed with the contributors, excluding Omnia, that no Site Water Licenses are required if clean stormwater only is discharged into Paddabaai. If Omnia discharges any other water (i.e. treated effluent), a Site Water License is required.

6.2. Financial and Administrative Committee The balance of the LTF bank account on 1 September 2004 is R6650.56. Natref’s pledge has not been deposited yet. A budget will be drawn up and the biggest expenditure is expected to be the public relations. The drive will be to leverage the exposure of the Water Week and Techno X exhibitions.

6.3. Public Relations Committee Malinda Koekemoer will give proposals to the LTF on the PR options at the next LTF meeting. The LTF will be consolidating the PR efforts with the Sasolburg Community Working Group (SCWG). The primary function is to create awareness of water and the scarcity thereof in the catchment. There should be a drive to increase the awareness of the broader community of the LTF actions, and also canvassing for more members.

6.4. FMC Feedback The FMC meetings are scheduled for 08h00 on the following dates: 1 December 2004 27 January 2005 (LTF Meeting at 10h00) 24 March 2005 28 April 2005 (LTF Meeting at 10h00) 23 June 2005 28 July 2005 (LTF Meeting at 10h00) 15 September 2005 27 October 2005 (LTF Meeting at 10h00) 24 November 2005

André Pretorius had sent an e-mail to James Cooks with the following details: · Motshidishi Manzini is to stand in for André at this LTF meeting. · DWAF visited Holly Country on 7 October 2004. The chlorine dosing in the treatment plant was found to be ineffective, and this treated effluent is discharged into a holding dam. Some of this water is then used for irrigation of the golf course. Continued on next page

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Taaibosch Leeuspruit Forum Minutes of Meeting leeu taai forum minutes 21 oct 2004.doc

Taaibosch Leeuspruit Forum, Continued

· Louis Mathebula received the information on the Refengkgotso incidents. The LTF expressed the opinion that there is not sufficient action taken by the regulators. The sewerage is still discharged directly into the river with no chlorination. This matter will be followed up through André van Zyl on the catchment tour on 2 November. This situation should be monitored and any concerns communicated to both DWAF and Northern Free State District Council. · Several site visits were conducted by DWAF and an improvement on overall water quality has been noticed, including groundwater. The Department thanks the industry for the overall improvement. 6.5. Solid Waste Ms Nomaziz Mdi from FS DTEEA was reached and requested to give feedback on the status of the solid waste landfill sites in the catchment. No feedback has been received from this department since they were contacted initially in June 2004.

6.6. Pollution Incidents There were three incidents reported in the catchment since the last LTF Meeting.

6.6.1. Refengkgotso Sewerage was found running along the side of the road. DWAF Vaaldam representatives were not aware of this, but they are only involved in abstraction control. This is the area of responsibility of André Pretorius. There seems to be some confusion on who is the correct Pollution Control Officer from DWAF responsible for the area. This matter should also be taken up with André van Zyl from the Northern Free State District Council. 6.6.2. Coalbrook/Spoornet Sewer Pump Station Any polluted water from here would end up in Webb’s Dam and as such the Taaiboschspruit. There is some confusion on the responsible person for the area as well; a clear understanding of the responsibilities from the council and DWAF’s side is required to manage incidents here effectively. The Council Engineer is to be invited to the Catchment Tour as well (TJ Kruger to invite him), and the manager of Engineering Services (Mr MC Botha) should be contacted through Ivan Tsonev to address matter in this area. 6.6.3. Rand Water Reservoirs Mr Gerhard Homann reported of ±70 birds having died from organophosphate poisoning at the Rand Water reservoirs. These dead birds were sent to Onderstepoort for analysis to establish the reason for their death. 6 Peacocks and some hadedas also died, so it does not seem to be a food source, and could possibly be a water source. It is localized, and organophosphates are fast acting and lethal. There is no current action, but the LTF should take note of this incident. DWAF has not been involved at all, Gerhard Homann agreed to contact André Pretorius to inform him of the details that the local council has obtained to date. 6.7. DWAF Applications No update was received on the DWAF applications. The previous list is still included as Appendix 1 – Status of DWAF Applications.

Continued on next page

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Taaibosch Leeuspruit Forum Minutes of Meeting leeu taai forum minutes 21 oct 2004.doc

Taaibosch Leeuspruit Forum, Continued

7. FEEDBACK FROM VBCEC The last VBCEC meeting was cancelled. SCI had met with DWAF to obtain info on the CMA’s (Catchment Management Agency) and the requirements and expectations for establishing a CMA in the Upper Vaal. Peter Hall was requested to give a presentation on the CMA’s at the next LTF meeting. The CMA is established according to the National Water Act, i.e. the Minister establishes them. Structures have been put in place already, but due to capacity issues, the progress is slipping. DWAF decided to establish proto-CMA’s to assist other areas to set up CMA’s. Some CMA’s have been appointed, but are not functioning yet due to the severe capacity issues. The reference group is in abeyance, there is no chairman at this stage. DWAF would welcome industry’s who would volunteer for this. In the Vaal Barrage, it will take 3-5 years before the advisory committee can advise the minister on the area.

There are some things that affect the LTF that we do not have any control over, but we should continue to try and make a difference in the local area, and in our catchment. We can contribute by building the system from the ground upward. 8. WATER QUALITY REPORT As always the water quality report is available on www.reservoir.co.za and it was presented at the meeting. The Faecal Coliforms at the Rietspruit Weir is very high, and the indications at Webb’s Farm are that of an Eskom Overflow. DWAF is informed of the results of the sampling. It was requested that Marc DeFontaine give a presentation on the historical situation of the catchment based on the Rand Water samples. 9. NEW MATTERS

9.1. New Vaal Colliery Maccauvlei West Expansion – Syd Parkhouse The reason for the expansion is that Eskom requested the additional coal to be able to deliver more electricity. A feasibility study has been conducted, and some work is still outstanding. Aspects included in the study were Geology, Mining, Engineering, Processing and Financial. Various Mining options were investigated, and flexibility is a big issue. The actual positioning of the processing plant was also investigated in depth, and the drive was to move it further away from Bedworth Park than originally planned. This EMPR is an addendum to the current mine EMPR. The Engineering is currently being done, and after completion will be fed back to the Interested & Affected Parties. The mining is planned to be opencast mining, and certain areas will probably be excluded due to complications in access, mining and processing the material.

The drainage from the mine is not typical acid mine drainage, as it includes more alkaline sludges from Rand Water amongst others. The water balance was done by Frank Hodgson and preventative measures to limit and prevent groundwater contamination are being taken. Golder Associates are very much involved in this area. 9.2. Northern Free State District Council – André van Zyl André van Zyl attended the LTF meeting as representative for the NFS DC – Environmental Health. He was appointed 1 July 2004 to assist with and facilitate the devolution of Environmental Health to the District Municipality. They now have a budget, and have set goals and objectives. The focus of this section was previously not up to speed. They have tabled a document that covers Scope and Practice for Environmental Health, and this will be gazetted. Act 61 of 2003 defines Environmental Health on a national level, and some of the aspects covered by Environmental Health are water quality monitoring, waste and environmental pollution control. Continued on next page

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Taaibosch Leeuspruit Forum Minutes of Meeting leeu taai forum minutes 21 oct 2004.doc

Taaibosch Leeuspruit Forum, Continued

The water quality management covers the monitoring and surveillance of quality and consumption of water, but excludes provision of water. Waste management covers the monitoring of waste management systems.

A workshop for the NFS is arranged to set up a phased strategic plan to cover water quality, waste and sanitation. The deadline for the appointment of additional environmental health practitioners to cover the rural areas is set for 30 June 2005.

There are 2 burning issues in this area: 1. Sewerage works and the lack of control: André van Zyl can be contacted in the case of any incidents. 2. Waste Facilities: Some investigations have already been initiated, André van Zyl will also cover these. There are only 2 permitted sites in the entire Ngwathe area.

It was proposed that André join in the catchment tour on 2 November. Peter Hall to arrange this.

Questions: · Will Environmental Health also be involved in the new Air Quality Bill? Yes, their work will not only be focused on water and waste, but will extend to all environmental health issues. · Where will the environmental health practitioners be based? For the rural areas in the Northern Free State, the environmental health practitioners will be based in Sasolburg, and for all the other areas, the environmental health practitioners will be based in the town they work.

There is a Northern Free State Liaison Committee, and André suggested the LTF be represented there. The LTF expressed that they are looking forward to cooperation with Environmental Health, and that the relationship would be a positive and beneficial one. 10. DATE OF NEXT MEETING 27 January 2005 at Boiketlong Community Hall at 10h00.

Chairman: LTF Secretary: LTF

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Taaibosch Leeuspruit Forum Minutes of Meeting leeu taai forum minutes 21 oct 2004.doc

NR ACTION REQUIRED RESPONSIBILITY DUE DATE DWAF to appoint auditor for LTF bookkeeping. Dawie Maree Jan 2005

5.1 Outstanding pledge to be paid in full. Denis to confirm payment Denis Boden 27-01-2005 has been made

5.2 Forward all information on environmental happenings from Malinda Ongoing industries to FMC for use by the Public Relations committee. The Koekemoer, FMC purpose of the PR committee is to make industries aware of the actions of the LTF. The FMC will provide Malinda with information as well.

5.3 Complete catchment tour and visit remaining sampling points. Peter Hall, Golder 02-11-2004 Associates

5.4 Present situation on solid landfill sites in catchment – feedback Ms N Mdi, FS 21-10-2004 required from regulators DTEEA Overdue

6.4 Discuss situation at Refengkgotso with André van Zyl during James Cooks / 2-11-2004 catchment tour on 2 November 2004. Peter Hall

6.3 Malinda Koekemoer to present PR proposals to LTF Malinda 27-01-2005 Koekoemoer

FMC to revisit the LTF strategic plan over the next two FMC FMC, James 27-01-2005 meetings, then distribute to the LTF members. Part of the Cooks purpose of this is to prevent one committee from begin overloaded.

The LTF Chairman is to write a letter of thanks to Kavita Pema for TJ Kruger 29-10-2004 her contribution to the LTF.

6.5 MLM’s progress on the development of new landfill site. Ms N Mdi / André 21-10-2004 van Zyl Overdue

6.6.3 Gerhard Homann to inform André Pretorius about the incident Gerhard Homann 30-11-2004 where birds have been found dead at the Rand Water Reservoirs.

7 Peter Hall to give a presentation on the CMA’s at the next LTF Peter Hall 27-01-2005 meeting

8 Present the historical trends of the various Rand Water sampling Marc DeFontaine 27-01-2005 points in the LTF Catchment at the next LTF meeting

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Taaibosch Leeuspruit Forum Minutes of Meeting leeu taai forum minutes 21 oct 2004.doc

Appendix 1 – Status of DWAF Applications

LEEU-/ TAAIBOSCHSPRUIT FORUM

WATER USE LICENSE AUTHORISATIONS

ORGANISATION WATER USE ISSUES LIC ENSE STATUS

1.New Vaal Colliery

Section 21 ( c ) & ( i ) · Draft EMPR submitted to DWAF at end EMPR Approved. Applicant in process for 1.1 Maccauvlei West Reserve Section 21 (g) of November 2003 applying for Water Use Licenses Section 21 (h) · Comments from DWAF to applicant Section 21 (j) during Dec 2003

1.2 Cornelia Colliery and Section 21 (f) · Applied for license to discharge water Bankfontein Shaft Section 21 (g) from B1108 compartment and Cornelia Pending with DWAF and applicant Section 21 (j) Colliery into Vaal River. Applied for reserve (DWAF) · Technical Reports have been submitted, but DWAF requires additional information

Section 21 (e) · Water Use License up for review Applicant reviewed response from DWAF. 1.3 Irrigation Project Section 21 (j) · Applied for relaxation in License conditions

2 Sasol Chemical Industries & Section 21 (a) · Reports submitted Applicant submitted updated reports. Midlands site Section 21 (b) · Extra information was requested DWAF is currently evaluating. Section 21 (f) Section 21 (g) Section 21 (I)

3 Sigma Colliery Section 21 (g) Reports submitted. Meeting was held with Pending with DWAF (HO). HO will Head Office Geo- Hydrology to clarify certain proceed with application issues

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Taaibosch Leeuspruit Forum Minutes of Meeting leeu taai forum minutes 21 oct 2004.doc

Kragbron Sewage Works Section 21 (f) Applied to change Water Use License to Completed General Authorization in October 2003 Holcim Applied for mine closure (old quarry) close A site visit was conducted at the mine. A to Groenpunt Correctional Services preliminary report has been drafted and submitted to all relevant Departments by the consultant Multi Direct Investements Sections 21(a) Want to construct 50 Villas and related Completed (GA was issued for WQ issues) Section 21(I) infrastructure on the farm Boschbank 12 Applied for License for Taking of Water Section 21(K) (21a) Highland Knight Investements Sections 21(a) In process (negotiations) (Farm Voorspoed 361, Ptns 3 Section 21(I) and 4) Section 21(K) Section 21 (e) Groenpunt Sewage Works Section 21 (f) Exemption expires on 30 September 2004 Letter written to Correctional Services Section 21 (g) informing them and apply for the necessary authorisations

Defined Water Use Section 21 National Water Act (1998) a) Taking water from a water resource. b) Storing water. c) Impeding or diverting the flow of water in a watercourse. d) Engaging in a stream flow reduction activity contemplated in section 36. e) Engaging in a controlled activity identified as such in section 37(1) or declared under section 38 (1). f) Discharging waste or water containing waste into a water resource through a pipe, canal, sewer, sea outfall or other conduits. g) Disposing of waste in a manner which may detrimentally impact on a water resource. h) Disposing in any manner of water which contains waste from, or which has been heated in, any industrial or power generation process. i) Altering the bed, banks, course or characteristics of a watercourse. j) Removing, discharging or disposing of water found underground if it is necessary for the efficient continuation of an activity or for the safety of people. k) Using water for recreational purpose.

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