CHAPTER 8 – MPUMALANGA PROVINCE
Provincial Green Drop Score 56%
Provincial Best Performer
Mbombela Local Municipality is the best performing municipality in Mpumalanga Province:
86.3% Municipal Green Drop Score 57% improvement on 2009 Green Drop status 86% of plants in low and medium risk positions 71% and 96% Site Inspection Scores
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Introduction
Wastewater services delivery is performed by eighteen (18) Water Services Authorities in Mpumalanga via an infrastructure network comprising of 76 wastewater collector and treatment systems.
A total flow of 159 Ml/day is received at the 76 treatment facilities, which has a collective hydraulic design capacity of 323 Ml/day (as ADWF). This means that 49%% of the design capacity is taken up by the current operational flows, leaving a 51% to meet the future demand without creating new capacity. However, the findings of the Green Drop assessment suggest that a significant portion of surplus capacity might not be ‘readily available’, as result of inadequate maintenance and operational deficiencies at lower capacity municipalities. A different scenario is also possible, especially at high capacity municipalities, where infrastructure cope with flows that exceed the theoretical design capacity without compromising the final effluent capacity. This attainment is however, dependant on qualified and experienced plant management and scientific services.
MICRO MACRO SMALL SIZE MEDIUM LARGE SIZE SIZE SIZE Total 0.5-2 SIZE 10-25 <0.5 >25 Undetermined Mℓ/day 2-10 Mℓ/day Mℓ/day Mℓ/day Mℓ/day Mℓ/day No of WWTPs 7 27 27 9 2 4 76 Total Design Capacity 1.5 26.4 124.7 114.5 56 4 323.1 (Ml/day) Total Daily Inflows 0.3 12.9 47.7 62.7 35.5 44 159.1 (Ml/day) *ADWF = Average Dry Weather Flow
Provincial Green Drop Analysis
Analysis of the Green Drop assessments and site inspection results indicate that performance vary from excellent to unsatisfactory. A total of 100% municipalities were assessed during the 2010/11 Green Drop Certification.
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GREEN DROP COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS Performance Performance Category 2009 2010/11 trend Incentive-based indicators 10 18 Number of municipalities assessed (53%) (100%) ↑ Number of wastewater systems assessed 50 76 ↑
Average Green Drop score 30% 42% ↑ 14 31 Number of Green Drop scores ≥50% (37%) (40.8%) ↑ 36 45 Number of Green Drop scores<50% (63%) (59.2%) ↑ Number of Green Drop awards 2 1 ↓
Average Site Inspection Score N/A 57% N/A
PROVINCIAL GREEN DROP SCORE N/A 56% N/A N/A = Not applied ↑ = improvement, ↓= digress, →= no change
The 100% assessment coverage included a total of 76 wastewater systems for Mpumalanga. The improved rate of submission of performance portfolios by municipalities affirms the commitment by municipal management in Mpumalanga to raise their service standard and performance. It appears as though the incentive-based regulatory approach succeeds as positive stimulus to facilitate improved performance and public accountability, whilst establishing essential systems and processes to sustain and measure gradual improvement.
Whereas only 14 systems obtained Green Drop scores ≥50% in 2009, 31 systems obtained >50% in the 2010/11 Green Drop cycle. On average, the GDC scores increased from 30% to 42%, indicating an impressive improvement record for Mpumalanga. Unfortunately, only 1 system achieved Green Drop status in 2010/11 compare to 2 in 2009. However, readers must be mindful that Green Drop requirements become more stringent with every assessment cycle.
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When comparing 2010/11 Green Drop results with 2009, the following trends are observed: 26 more systems were assessed in 2010 (76) compared to 2009 (50) 1 system achieved Green Drop Certification, indicating 1 systems are considered ‘excellent’ (>90%). This marks a reduction from the2 excellent systems that were achieved in 2009 24% ‘average systems’ in 2009 improved to 30% in 2010/11 68% of systems were in ‘critical state’ in 2009 compared to 38% in 2010/11 × However, systems previously in ‘critical’ (2009) moved into ‘very poor’ (2010), resulting in an increase in ‘very poor’ systems.
Provincial Risk Analysis
The Green Drop requirements are used to assess the entire value chain involved in the delivery of municipal wastewater services, whilst the risk analyses focus on the treatment function specifically.
CUMULATIVE RISK COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS Performance Performance Category 2009 2010/11 trend Risk-based indicators Highest CRR 18 23 ↑ Average CRR 12 14 ↑ Lowest CRR 5 5 → Average Design Rating (A) 1.3 1.3 → Average Capacity Exceedance Rating (B) 3.5 4.2 ↑ Average Effluent Failure Rating (C) 5.1 6.1 ↑ Average Technical Skills Rating (D) 2.5 2.7 ↑ AVERAGE % DEVIATION FROM maximum- 62.6 72.6 CRR ↑ N/A = Not applied ↑ = digress, ↓=improvement, →= no change
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From the above table, it can be observed that the Province has not been successful in arresting or reducing the overall risk position. The average CRR as a % of the maximum CRR has increased from 62.6 to 72.6%, indicating an aggressive increase in risk position for the Mpumalanga wastewater treatment plants. Renewed effort (and adequate resources) will have to be applied to ensure that treatment plants move reliably and consistently into a lower risk space. Regulatory surveillance is placed on the municipal plants that are positioned in high- to critical risk space. These municipal treatment plants are clearly identified in this Chapter under “Regulatory Impression” and marked with CRR↑ for each individual plant.
The CRR analysis further points out that efforts related to technical skills, final effluent quality and plant capacity has not paid off, as is seen in the higher weightings against the CRR B, C and D factors, whilst the capacity rating (A) remained constant.
When observing the movement of risk in the following bar-chart, a definite trend is observed whereby plants previously in low and medium risk positions are moving into high and critical risk positions. This is evident from the increase in number of plants in high risk from 19 to 32, whilst an equally negative trend is seen in the increase of critical risk plants from 3 to 12. The number of plants in low risk space decreased from 18 to 7, whilst the plants in medium risk position decreased from 41 to 25.
Overall, the risk trend is one of positive replacement with more plants in higher risk positions compared to 2009.The primary objective for Mpumalanga would be to arrest this decline and displacement, and apply the necessary means to reverse this trend. Fifty-eight (58) % of all municipal plants in Mpumalanga are now in high- to critical risk landscape. This is a direct indicator of the inadequacies pertaining to plant capacity, effluent quality and technical skills. Experience has learnt that the cost and specialist resources are much higher to address critical risk scenario, compared to earlier interventions when detecting early warning signals of a plant moving into distress. A further alarming trend is the movement to employ treatment technologies that require higher skill and operational funds, are may not be sustainable options. However, more work will have to be done to quantify this as a (national) trend.
90 – 100% Critical risk WWTPs % Deviation = 70 - <90% High Risk WWTPs CRR/CRR(max) TREND 50-<70% Medium risk WWTPs <50% Low Risk WWTPs
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The following municipalities are in critical risk positions in 2010/11. All municipal plants that are in critical and high risk space are placed under regulatory surveillance:
2011 Average Priority WSA Name WWTPs in critical risk space CRR/CRRmax % deviation 1 Delmas LM 94% Botleng, Delmas
2 Mkhondo LM 92% Amsterdam
3 Msukaligwa LM 91% Breyten, Ermelo, Chrissesmeer, Davel
4 Lekwa LM 89% Standerton
5 Albert Luthuli LM 87% Carolina
6 Bushbuckridge LM 83% Dwarsloop, Mkhuhlu
8 Nkomazi LM 74% Komatipoort
Critical risk WSA and plants High risk WSA and plants
Note: above list reflect critical risk plants only. Municipalities are urged to consult the content of this Chapter to identify the plants that are in high risk positions.
Conclusion
The Green Drop results for 2010-2011 indicated that municipal wastewater management in Mpumalanga is not satisfactory, but improving as indicated by the Provincial Green Drop score of 56%. This profile is somewhat skewed, as some good performing institutions have a positive impact on the provincial picture. Analyses of the CRR risk trends indicate a strong movement of plants into high and critical risk space. Hence, whilst the Green Drop improvement trend is positive for the management aspects, the negative CRR trend indicate that treatment plants need concerted attention. A positive indicator for the Province is the marked improvement in submission of evidence, and the subsequent 100% assessment of all municipal systems. This progress has ensured that a verified baseline is in place, from where informed decision can be taken towards gradual and sustainable improvement.
One Green Drop Certificate is awarded in Mpumalanga: 1 Green Drop : Mbombela Local Municipality
If you want to achieve excellence, you can get there today. Just quit doing less-than-excellent work” Thomas J Watson
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Performance Barometer
The following log scale indicates the various positions that municipalities hold with respect to their individual Municipal Green Drop Scores:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
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Water Services Authority: Albert Luthuli Local Municipality
Municipal Green Drop Score: 17.2%
Elukwatini / Performance Area Carolina Badplaas
Eerstehoek Systems Process Control, Maintenance & 38 7.5 46 Management skills Monitoring Programme 30 0 0 Credibility of Sample Analyses 70 30 70 Submission of Results 0 0 0 Wastewater Quality Compliance 10 0 0 Failure Response Management 0 0 0 Bylaws 45 60 60 Treatment & Collector Capacity 25 55 0 Asset Management 40 40 10 Bonus Scores 1.2 2.6 0 Penalties 0 0 0 Green Drop Score (2011) 18.8% (↑) 19.4% (↑) 12.6% (↑) Green Drop Score (2009) NA-0% NA-0% NA-0% Treatment Capacity (Ml/d) 2.5 0.4 1.8 Operational % i.t.o. Capacity NI (assume >100%) NI (assume >100%) NI (assume >100%) Cumulative Risk Rating (CRR) 17 13 16 % i.t.o. Maximum Risk Rating 94.4% (↑) 72.2% (↑) 88.9% (↓)
Ekulindeni / Mpuluzi Performance Area Oshoek
Kromdraai /MayFlower Systems Process Control, Maintenance & 5 46 35 Management skills Monitoring Programme 0 0 0 Credibility of Sample Analyses 30 30 10 Submission of Results 0 0 0 Wastewater Quality Compliance 0 0 0 Failure Response Management 0 0 0 Bylaws 0 60 60 Treatment & Collector Capacity 70 70 70 Asset Management 40 40 30 Bonus Scores 0 0 0 Penalties 0 0 0 Green Drop Score (2011) 15.0% (↑) 22.5% (↑) 18.5% (↑) Green Drop Score (2009) NA-0% NA-0% NA-0% Treatment Capacity (Ml/d) NI NI NI Operational % i.t.o. Capacity NI (assume >100%) NI (assume >100%) NI (assume >100%) Cumulative Risk Rating (CRR) 16 16 16 % i.t.o. Maximum Risk Rating 88.9% (↑) 88.9% (↑) 88.9% (↑) NI - No information NA- Not assessed
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Regulatory Impression
The Albert Luthuli Local Municipality has performed unsatisfactory during the Green Drop assessments indicating that wastewater services are not being managed according to the expectations of the regulation programme. The municipality is however commended for taking the 1st step to submit evidence for assessment against the stringent Green Drop requirements. Positive developments such updating of a Water Services Development Plan might assist to raise the efficiency of wastewater management within the municipality.
Albert Luthuli is presented with the opportunity to identify the gaps in sanitation service delivery and to plan and work towards a gradual and sustainable improvement in the short to medium term future. Given the low municipal score of 17.2%, it is hoped that the Gert Sibande DM will work with the WSA to achieve improve wastewater services. A viable proposition may be present if the regional laboratory develops the appropriate type of scientific and process control expertise.
The assessors were impressed with the commitment of the team under difficult circumstances, marked by people in acting positions, funding constraints and asset transfers from DWA. A number of shortcomings can be highlighted from the assessment results, of which the most pertinent finding would possibly be the lack of registered and technically skilled persons in the WSA. Many other gaps are in direct consequence of this status, including the gaps pertaining to including the inadequacy of a monitoring programme, submission of results, lack of flow monitoring, and consequentially the non- compliance to effluent quality discharge standards. Management driven aspects such as asset management and incident response management also underwrites the unsatisfactory performance by the WSA.
The regulatory viewpoint is that wastewater services remain in fragile state, which is evident from the low Green Drop scores and the lack of basic operational information such as design capacity, flows and quality monitoring. Analysis of the CRR trends is equally discouraging as all 6 wastewater treatment plants have digressed into high- and critical risk positions, with an ever increasing trend (↑) that indicate the likelihood that 5 of the 6 facilities may reach maximum CRR position (except Elukwatini). The status of wastewater services demand the attention of municipal management, as well as local and provincial governance. Appropriate support may be the most effective way to raise performance, implying the close involvement of the financial and procurement departments.
Green Drop Findings: 1. Six out of 6 wastewater treatment works do not measure their operational flow and 3 of the systems do not have confirmed design capacities. The continued functioning of these works is not sustainable. Significant infrastructure investment is required, but it should be planned for robust basic technology according to the current lack of effective wastewater management and operation practices. 2. The above transgression is further reflected in the low scores awarded for planning of collector and treatment facilities for 3 of 6 systems 3. Other than Caroline, none of the other 5 systems could present sufficient proof of monitoring records. Thus the finding of the no-monitoring transgression which is a significant risk. Compliance monitoring need to take precedence, followed by process and catchment monitoring. 4. Underlying above symptoms and evidence of poor performance, is possibly the lack of skilled staff, especially at the smaller works. Registration of technical staff must be prioritised, and the appropriate forms have already been provided to the responsible manager. 5. In addition to above, the WSA should commence with application for plant classification and authorisation. 6. Lastly, the lack of incident response management and asset management suggest that the municipality do not have contingency plans or good practice in place from where to formulate
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an improvement plan. A risk-based approach will be a adequate mechanisms to focus the WSA and mobilise scarce resource to actions that hold highest risk to the public and environment.
The Regulator is not satisfied with the overall performance of wastewater services management in Albert Luthuli. The WSA is to submit a Corrective Action Plan to DWA within 30 of release of the Green Drop Report.
Site Inspection Score Carolina 23%
The Carolina plant was inspected to verify the Green Drop findings: The appearance of the plant is poor - unmaintained and abandoned. The terrain is overtook with weeds and sludge from the drying beds is disposed on the ground with little regard for good practice No records or evidence of maintenance or monitoring schedules, manual or procedures could be presented Screening and grit removal is inadequate and find its way to secondary process units. Rags were noticed as far down as the secondary clarification tank A flow meter is in place, but not functional No process control is implemented, and basic operational parameters such as DO, MLSS and SVI is not applied -subsequently, the activated sludge plant efficiency cannot be measured. Visual inspection indicate a very low mixed liquor suspended solids, possibly low sludge age, low COD input, high oxygen input and inefficient aeration One of 2 clarifiers operational, others is out of commission for ‘repairs’ No disinfection for 3 weeks, await feedback from management, no stock on plant Sludge drying beds is operational, however unclassified sludge do not have a safe destination and sacrificial disposal to land is opted for.
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Water Services Authority: Bushbuckridge Local Municipality
Municipal Green Drop Score: 28.5%
Performance Area Acornhoek Dwarsloop Hoxane Thulamahashe Systems Process Control, Maintenance & 18 53 18 63 Management skills Monitoring Programme 0 50 0 50 Credibility of Sample Analyses 10 18 10 18 Submission of Results 0 50 0 50 Wastewater Quality Compliance 8 5 5 5 Failure Response Management 23 23 23 23 Bylaws 20 20 20 20 Treatment & Collector Capacity 22 25 18 18 Asset Management 40 40 40 35 Bonus Scores 0 4.5 0 4.5 Penalties 2.25 3 3 3 Green Drop Score (2011) 16.0% (↑) 31.4% (↑) 14.8% (↑) 30.5% (↑) Green Drop Score (2009) 5% 6% 5% 10.5% Treatment Capacity (Ml/d) 0.04 1.6 0.1 0.8 Operational % i.t.o. Capacity NI (assume >100%) 447% NI (assume >100%) NI (assume >100%) Cumulative Risk Rating (CRR) 12 18 15 16 % i.t.o. Maximum Risk Rating 66.7% (↑) 100% (↑) 83.3% (↑) 88.9% (↑)
Tintswalo / Performance Area Manghwazi Maviljan Mkhuhlu
Hospital Systems Process Control, Maintenance & 25 38 35 55 Management skills Monitoring Programme 50 50 0 50 Credibility of Sample Analyses 18 10 10 18 Submission of Results 50 50 0 50 Wastewater Quality Compliance 5 5 5 8 Failure Response Management 23 23 23 23 Bylaws 20 20 20 20 Treatment & Collector Capacity 25 10 20 10 Asset Management 25 40 40 40 Bonus Scores 0 6 4.5 6.9 Penalties 3 3 3 2.25 Green Drop Score (2011) 21.9% (↑) 29.5% (↑) 21.3% (↑) 33.3% (↑) Green Drop Score (2009) 5% 6% 6% 8% Treatment Capacity (Ml/d) 0.1 0.9 0.5 2.2 Operational % i.t.o. Capacity NI (assume >100%) NI (assume >100%) NI (assume >100%) NI (assume >100%) Cumulative Risk Rating (CRR) 12 15 14 18 % i.t.o. Maximum Risk Rating 66.7% (→) 83.3% (↑) 77.8% (↑) 100% (↑) NI - No information NA- Not assessed
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Regulatory Impression
Bushbuckridge performed unsatisfactory during the Green Drop assessments, indicating that the wastewater services are not being managed effectively and that the expectations of the regulation programme are largely not being met. The low Municipal Green Drop Score (2.5%) point to significant institutional challenges to manage its wastewater services.
A number of (red marked) shortcomings were found in the evidence presented, which include the total lack of monitoring operational flows to all plants, gaps in quality monitoring and submission of results, data credibility that underscores inadequate scientific support, as well as the most critical gap of all – non-compliance of effluent quality discharged to the environment. Management systems are also not in place, as was evident by the lack of appropriate Bylaws, incident response management, infrastructure planning and asset management.
On a positive note, the municipal team impressed the assessors with their efforts to present a performance portfolio. The teams’ positive attitude and willingness to learn improved ways of doing sanitation business (e.g. compliance calculation was done with the team) indicate that training and technical based management are imperative to continued improvement. Already, it is noted that Bushbuckridge achieved a positive Green Drop scoring trend (↑) for all systems when compared with the 2009 results.
Unfortunately, the Regulator views the wastewater services as substandard at this stage and requires decisive and appropriate action to raise performance. Analysis of the CRR ratings indicate that six of 8 treatment plants have moved into high- and critical risk positions, and hold a significant risk to public health and the environment. The trends indicate that 7 plants are moving towards 100% CRRmax (↑), whereby the plants will then reside in maximum risk space. Once this status has been reached, costly and specialist resources will be needed to turn around such dire status. The Regulator trusts that this undesirable baseline will motivate municipal management and governance to rectify its status without further hesitation.
Green Drop Findings: 1. None of the 8 wastewater treatment plants has actual flow data from which the operational capacity can be calculated. For this reason, it is assumed that all plants are exceeding its design capacity. 2. On this basis, no future planning can be done to rectify the situation and the continued functioning of these works is completely unsustainable. Significant skills, planning and infrastructure investment are required, and preference should be taken towards robust basic technology when considering the apparent lack of management, maintenance and operation practices. 3. Eight out of 8 systems could not present sufficient evidence of monitoring, process knowledge, data submission and compliance to the required effluent discharge standards. 4. The low % compliance to effluent limits (all plants) is a serious transgression that holds high risk to the public and receiving resources. 5. All systems do not have adequate plans in place to address the shortcomings evident for collector and treatment systems. 6. All systems do not have Bylaws or incident response management in place. 7. Asset management has not been adopted or practiced even on basic levels, and should receive priority attention. The lack of financial information and ring-fenced financial management reflect poorly on cooperation between technical and financial units with Bushbuckridge.
The Regulator is not satisfied with the overall performance of wastewater services management in Bushbuckridge. The WSA is to submit a Corrective Action Plan to DWA within 30 of release of the Green Drop Report.
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Site Inspection Score Dwarsloop 60%
The Dwarsloop treatment plant was inspected to verify the Green Drop findings: The plant appearance is not satisfactory and a number of improvements are listed in the Inspection Report. Workers busy to cut grass on embankments at time of inspection. New fence and gate. Small mobile monitoring kit on site, basic operational and maintenance logs kept on site – relevance indicate that staff is doing best with knowledge at hand, but training and improved knowledge base required. Strong technical management that focus on system- and procedures development will add significant value Screening and grit removal is adequate, flow measurement in place and well recorded, lime applied to grit before burial. Division box at pond system have sludge build up and scum accumulation, valves removed for repairs, no timeframe provided when will reinstallation take place One biofilter decommissioned due to infrastructure deficiencies, other biofilter experience problems at centre column resulting in uneven flow distribution Disinfection with chlorine chips replaced with chlorine gas – functional and monitored. Scum and floatable material should be removed before discharge Various safety hazards were noticed despite 12 safety representatives and dedicated SHE Manager, e.g. electrical distribution boards not locked, safety shoes not worn by operators, eating in chemical store room.
Green Drop site inspection of the Dwarsloop treatment plant head of works and flow meter
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Water Services Authority: Delmas Local Municipality
Municipal Green Drop Score: 28.5 %
Performance Area Delmas Botleng Systems Process Control, Maintenance & 40 45 Management skills Monitoring Programme 25 25 Credibility of Sample Analyses 48 40 Submission of Results 0 0 Wastewater Quality Compliance 0 0 Failure Response Management 41 41 Bylaws 30 30 Treatment & Collector Capacity 37 48 Asset Management 65 65 Bonus Scores 0 0 Penalties 0 0 Green Drop Score (2011) 27.90% (↓) 29.13% (↓) Green Drop Score (2009) 50% 54% Treatment Capacity (Ml/d) 5 4.5 Operational % i.t.o. Capacity NI (assume >100%) NI (assume >100%) Cumulative Risk Rating (CRR) 17 17 % i.t.o. Maximum Risk Rating 94.4% (↑) 94.4% (↑) NI - No information NA- Not assessed
Regulatory Impression
The Delmas Local Municipality performed unsatisfactory during the latest Green Drop assessments. The municipal GDC score of 28.5% is compounded by the negative trend (↓) in Green Drop scores, showing a marked digression from 54% to 27/29% over the past year. The Green Drop results indicate that wastewater services are not being managed according to the expectations of the regulation programme.
Basic information could not be presented by the municipal team, including operational flow measurements, bylaw implementation and unit cost of services, as part of essential asset management and maintenance. The results present evidence to indicate that technical competency and decisive management style have not been prioritised within the institution, and may underwrite many of the challenges that the municipality continue to face.
The site inspections provided valuable insight into how the municipality operate and this information could assist management to rectify some of the key issues that underlies the poor performance. The assessment team noted that operators were unable to interpret results and affect operational changes to the process. Very poor knowledge on the basic functioning of the treatment units was evident, and decisions are made with dire consequence to the environment (e.g. pond clean up). Inadequate control over the construction site and work were disconcerting, and the contractors seem to ‘handle’ the municipality. The WSA representative could not verify what is being constructed and why – project management is sadly lacking. A high number of people are found on site, but productivity is questionable.
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The last piece of evidence analysed is also negative, as it shows that both the treatment facilities have now moved into critical risk space (↑) – experience has shown that it becomes a costly and specialised function to turnaround a treatment facility that has a 94.4% failure on all crucial aspects.
It remains a regulatory concern that Delmas continue along an unsustainable road of service delivery, despite the vast interventions directed at the WSA. One of the positive observations is certainly the fact that Delmas prepared to the best of their ability for the assessment. It is hoped that municipal management and governance use these findings to employ a practical and risk based approach to prioritise and implement turnaround actions.
Green Drop Findings: 1. Two out of 2 wastewater treatment works could not provide operational flows. In addition, the 25% quality monitoring practice render the continued functioning of these plants to be completely unsustainable, as the most basic information is not in place to support any form of decision-making. 2. None of the 2 systems could present proof of data submission. 3. Inadequate responses were received when assessing process control knowledge. The interpretation of scientific data to process adjustment information is absent. Thus the finding of the no-monitoring transgression which is a significant risk. 4. The most significant transgression would possibly be the low % compliance that is observed for all treatment plants, which is compounded by the low technical skills base found at these plants. 5. None of the systems had adequate plans in place for collector and treatment systems. 6. None of the systems had adequate incident response management in place which, given the state of wastewater services in Delmas, is a most necessary component when facing with disaster and emergency situations. 7. Bylaws content and implementation
The Regulator is not satisfied with the overall performance of wastewater services management in Delmas. The WSA is to submit a Corrective Action Plan to DWA within 30 of release of the Green Drop Report.
Site Inspection Scores Delmas 43% Botleng 58%
Both plants were inspected to confirm the findings of the Green Drop assessments: The plant’s appearance is consistent with poor maintenance practice, with a number of equipment defunct, sludge spillages not cleared, unsafe and uncontrolled earthworks and vegetative growth on and in most civil structures Staff attitude is apathetic and unresponsive, poor management practice and lack of control is evident, e.g. shift workers absence is not noticed, middle management leave for extended lunch breaks, dirty office/lab with unhygienic fly breeding problem Inlet works is in reasonable condition, flow meter in place (right) and reading taken (Note the discrepancy with the “No Information” presented at the assessment). Primary settling compromised by inadequate sludge take off and possible overloading, otherwise in good condition Biofilters decommissioned and not functional Activated sludge plant efficiency is highly compromised. Sludge is continuously recycled to the plant, as no contingency plan is in place for cleaning of the ponds and sludge lagoons. No operational control in place, no process knowledge.
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Secondary clarification is understandably compromised, with heavy scum formation and bulking evident. Scum is manually removed and dumped next to the SCT No disinfection taking place, reason given being low water pressure (although boosterpump is running) – effluent bypass the contact channels to accommodate the pond cleaning process Sludge handling is poor o sludge lagoons being cleaned at time of inspection o drying beds not coping with the load o aerobic digester being cleaned o anaerobic digester decommissioned o dewatering equipment under tender evaluation (appropriate technology?)
Delmas in snapshot: Left: high solids carryover from primary settling tanks; Middle: scum formation and high COD discharge from secondary clarifiers; Right: activated sludge plant with high sludge return rates, scum formation and bulking evident; Top right: sludge lagoons being filled to capacity – inadequate sludge handling practice
The Botleng plant was found in similar condition than the Delmas plant, with the same operational deficiencies: Flow meter fitted and readings recorded, but data not presented Sludge drying beds in good condition but not used Roaming monitoring kit in place – training on process control will significantly improve plant operation, but need to occur under supervision of wastewater specialist Construction in progress at the plant.
Left: Construction underway at the Botleng plant – concern is expressed whether Delmas will put timeous measures in place to maintain and operate this upgraded facility Right: Flow meter in place at the plant, but not used to record flows
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Water Services Authority: Dipaleseng Local Municipality
Municipal Green Drop Score: 26.1 %
Performance Area Balfour Plant Grootvlei Eskom Systems Process Control, Maintenance & 20 15 Management skills Monitoring Programme 85 55 Credibility of Sample Analyses 30 0 Submission of Results 75 75 Wastewater Quality Compliance 0 0 Failure Response Management 0 0 Bylaws 0 0 Treatment & Collector Capacity 8 0 Asset Management 50 45 Bonus Scores 2.8 2.8 Penalties 0 0 Green Drop Score (2011) 26.8% (↑) 20.3% (↑) Green Drop Score (2009) 10% 7% Treatment Capacity (Ml/d) 4 0.5 Operational % i.t.o. Capacity 95% 60% Cumulative Risk Rating (CRR) 14 12 % i.t.o. Maximum Risk Rating 77.8% (↑) 66.7% (↑) NI - No information NA- Not assessed
Regulatory Impression
The Dipaleseng Local Municipality has performed unsatisfactory during the Green Drop assessments indicating that the wastewater services are not being managed according to the expectations of the regulation programme. The Green Drop requirements are largely not met and result in a low overall municipal score for Dipaliseng (26.1%). The gaps in the current performance reach into various aspects of wastewater service delivery, including technical skill levels, data credibility, incident response management, bylaw implementation and infrastructure planning and management. The assessor’s impressions were that the municipality did not take reasonable effort to prepare for the assessment, especially for the site inspections.
Nevertheless, the municipality’s progress is noted with encourage as related to the improved Green Drop results (↑) compared to the 2009 results. Unfortunately, this positive trend is not substantiated when analysing the treatment facilities specifically. CRR trend analysis indicates that the Belfour plant is already in high risk space, whilst both plants reflect increased risk trends (↑). Note the 95% capacity constraint that adds to this risk position – plant capacity is likely to be taken up by the increased wastewater demand, but artificial loading via extraneous flows to the sewer carry a high likelihood.
From these results, Dipaliseng has an opportunity to identify the critical gaps first, and take a risk-based approach to rectify the high-risk areas in a phased approach over the next 1-5 years. For now, the situation in Dipaliseng is considered inadequate and will hold the attention from a regulatory view. The findings demand the attention of municipal management and political principles at local, district and provincial levels.
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Green Drop Findings: 1. Two out of 2 wastewater treatment plants have monitoring programmes in place, but credibility is sub-standard. 2. None of the 2 systems have a registered and technical proficient skills base in place (although the municipality has the benefit of an experienced water quality person) 3. Existing useful use or new water use applications must be resolved with Water Affairs. 4. None of the systems had failure response management in place 5. Bylaws need to be developed and implemented 6. Lastly, the absence of a risk-based approach and adoption of integrated asset management principles, result in good infrastructure not being valued and maintained to reach its designed lifespan. This is bound to place an additional burden on the municipal budget when reactive repairs and premature replacements will have to be done to ensure an acceptable service level.
The Regulator is not satisfied with the overall performance of wastewater services management in Dipaliseng. The WSA is to submit a Corrective Action Plan to DWA within 30 of release of the Green Drop Report.
Site Inspection Score Balfour 49% Grootvlei Eskom 40%
The Belfour plant was inspected to verify the findings of the Green Drop assessment: No manual on site, reasonable maintenance records available, and good operational logsheets – organised and practical On-site monitoring equipment available and functional Plant is well maintained with neat lawns and clean buildings Screening, grit removal and calibrated flow meters functional and well maintained Uneven flow distribution over PST weirs, signs of sludge accumulation – plant supervisor await approval for maintenance on PSTs Secondary clarification also compromised, same as PSTs, high turbudity effluent, high solids carry-over All aerators on ASP not functional, no proof provided of operational parameters such as MLSS, SVI and DO monitoring Disinfection of final effluent with sodium hypochloride – microbial counts not available to verify efficiency Good sludge drying practice and infrastructure condition Two of 4 anaerobic digesters functional – poor condition, no process control evident
The Eskom Grootvlei plant was found in less satisfactory condition: Incomplete record keeping, monitoring equipment not presented for viewing Plant appears abandoned with random sludge spillage and pooling not cleaned up, buildings dilapidated and unhygienic (assessor impression = ‘terrible state’) Activated sludge plant not fully operational, no process control Disinfectant stock in place – disinfection efficiency questionable.
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Water Services Authority: Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality
Municipal Green Drop Score: 58.6 %
Performance Area Vaalbank Siyabuswa Systems Process Control, Maintenance & 48 88 Management skills Monitoring Programme 0 100 Credibility of Sample Analyses 0 100 Submission of Results 0 0 Wastewater Quality Compliance 0 15 Failure Response Management 11 66 Bylaws 45 45 Treatment & Collector Capacity 0 38 Asset Management 40 60 Bonus Scores 2.5 6.5 Penalties 3 0 Green Drop Score (2011) 16.6% (↓) 58.9% (↑) Green Drop Score (2009) 28% 40% Treatment Capacity (Ml/d) 0.07 10 Operational % i.t.o. Capacity NI (assume >100%) 70% Cumulative Risk Rating (CRR) 12 13 % i.t.o. Maximum Risk Rating 66.7% (↑) 56.5% (→) NI - No information NA- Not assessed
Regulatory Impression
The Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality has performed unsatisfactory during the Green Drop assessments indicating that the wastewater services are not being managed according to the expectations of the regulation programme. A number of key Green Drop requirements are not being met, resulting in an overall municipal score of 58.6%. The most prominent gaps are to be found in the lack of submission of results, effluent quality compliance, Bylaws and planning aspects related to the collector and treatment infrastructure. The lack in flow monitoring is relevant to Vaalbank only.
The results indicate that the Siyabuswa system has improved markedly from its 2009 status, and that the strong technical structure gives substance to monitoring and data credibility (100% achieved). Given the 70% operational flow of the plant, it is surprising that this plant only holds a (low) 15% effluent quality compliance. These findings would be helpful in scoping the priorities for the WSA in the immediate future.
Unfortunately, the Vaalbank system does not tag on the promising path of Siyabuswa, having moved downwards from a Green Drop score of 28 to 16%. In addition, the CRR risk profile indicate a continued digress (↑) for the Vaalbank treatment plant. Both plants is still residing in medium risk space, which is considered an important point of reference, when considering the few medium risk plants found in Mpumulanga.
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Green Drop Findings: 1. One of the 2 wastewater treatment works does not monitor flow and are unable to measure if the plant capacity is still sufficient for the daily operational flow. 2. One of the 2 plants does not monitor quality and no submission of results is recorded for both plants. Thus the finding of the no-monitoring transgression which is a significant risk. 3. Both plants are non-compliant in terms of effluent quality discharge to the receiving environments. 4. Should any of the two systems face a disaster or emergency situation, it would not be in a position to deal with such, as the necessary protocol and procedures are not in place. 5. A major shortcoming is presented in terms of planning of collector and treatment capacity and adopting sound asset management practice.
Site InspectionScore Siyabuswa 53%
The following observations were made for the plant: The overall appearance of the plant is positive The inlet works is compromised by the poor control of screenings and grit channels has not been cleaned for 3 years (reported) Activated sludge plant is running very high MLSS, the process configuration and flow diversion result in poor COD removal and nitrogen removal Secondary clarifiers and chlorination contact channels are neglected, vegetative growth on the civil structures, weirs compromised, poor effluent quality, chlorine demand high as result of high ammonia effluent (as result of ASP not controlled) Sludge handling inadequate – sludge lagoons overloaded, no use of drying beds as the structures are cracking. High likelihood of sludge overflow from lagoons to environment. Assessors note “urgent attention required at plant”.
Assessors note that this plant is in urgent need of maintenance and cleaning at various process stage
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Water Services Authority: Emakhazeni Local Municipality
Municipal Green Drop Score: 70.2%
Belfast / Performance Area Emthonjeni Machadodorp
Siyathuthuka Systems Process Control, Maintenance & 78 78 10 Management skills Monitoring Programme 100 60 100 Credibility of Sample Analyses 100 100 100 Submission of Results 100 100 100 Wastewater Quality Compliance 60 60 20 Failure Response Management 100 100 45 Bylaws 100 100 40 Treatment & Collector Capacity 22.5 0 15 Asset Management 17.5 0 5 Bonus Scores 9.1 2.6 13.7 Penalties 0 0 0 Green Drop Score (2011) 76.3% (↑) 60.9% (↑) 50.9% (↑) Green Drop Score (2009) 23% 25% 20% Treatment Capacity (Ml/d) 3.5 1.5 0.5 Operational % i.t.o. Capacity NI (assume >100%) NI (assume >100%) NI (assume >100%) Cumulative Risk Rating (CRR) 13 12 14 % i.t.o. Maximum Risk Rating 72.2% (→) 66.7% (↑) 77.8% (↑)
Performance Area Waterval / Mwgenwa Dullstroom / Sakhelwe Systems Process Control, Maintenance & 68 45 Management skills Monitoring Programme 100 100 Credibility of Sample Analyses 100 100 Submission of Results 100 100 Wastewater Quality Compliance 72 15 Failure Response Management 45 45 Bylaws 100 100 Treatment & Collector Capacity 30 55 Asset Management 40 5 Bonus Scores 9.1 13.7 Penalties 0 0 Green Drop Score (2011) 76.0% (↑) 58.4% (↑) Green Drop Score (2009) 7.5% 18% Treatment Capacity (Ml/d) 2.4 1 Operational % i.t.o. Capacity NI (assume >100%) 110% Cumulative Risk Rating (CRR) 10 13 % i.t.o. Maximum Risk Rating 55.6% (↑) 72.2% (↑) NI - No information NA- Not assessed
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Regulatory Impression
The Emakhazeni Local Municipality performance exceeds the average performance of its peers in the Province. The municipal score of 70% indicate satisfactory performance by the WSA and Emakhazeni impresses with its consistent and marked improvement in Green Drop scores (↑) when compared with the 2009 results. The municipality is commended for the significant progress made, especially notable in the areas of monitoring, data credibility and Bylaws.
However, the lower lying scores of Machadodorp, Dullstroom and Emtjonjeni indicate that the overall wastewater services need to be elevated to be on par with the expectations of the regulation programme. The key gaps is presented in terms of the planning aspects related to collector and treatment capacity, failure response management, asset management, the lack in flow monitoring, as well as non-compliance to effluent quality discharge standards. Dullstroom treatment plant (and possibly the collector system) is hydraulically overloaded, resulting in 15% compliance only.
From the 2010/11 Green Drop results, it is possible for the municipality to identify the key gaps in its water services delivery function and to rectify those in a risk-based approach. If the municipality could apply focus and resources to these, it is possible to move its Green Drop score towards >80% in the GDC 2011/12 cycle – thereby establishing a new benchmark for the Province. Unfortunately, at present time, the municipal services fall short of best practice and performance. This is particularly evident when analysing the risk trends of the treatment works, which indicate all 5 plants to have increased risk profiles (↑), with 3 plants in high risk space.
Green Drop Findings: 1. Four out of 5 treatment plant do not monitor its incoming flow. Such baseline information is necessary to inform future planning. Moreover, Dullstroom seems to be already stretched in terms of design capacity exceedance. The lack of flow monitoring impedes on the CRR ratio of the treatment plants. 2. Three of 5 systems do not have the necessary incident response management protocol in place, which remains a managerial priority. 3. None of the 5 plants comply with effluent discharge limits, thereby posing a risk to the receiving environment and public health. 4. Crucial to future success, is planning of the collector and treatment capacity and appropriateness of technologies to achieve the objectives of the municipality. Any planning should be done in close consultation with the affordability of the services and the municipal capabilities regarding operation.
Site Inspection Score Belfast 72%
The Belfast plant was inspected to verify the findings of the Green Drop assessment: The plant’s appearance is very good, fenced and well maintained visually Inlet works functional, flow meter dysfunctional for several months All unit processes are reasonably well maintained, but efficiency cannot be measured as the monitoring results and interpretation thereof is not available Sludge drying beds in poor condition.
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Water Services Authority: Emalahleni Local Municipality
Municipal Green Drop Score: 45.6%
Performance Area Ferrobank Naauwpoort Phola / Ogies Rietspruit Systems Process Control, Maintenance & 34 43 28 28 Management skills Monitoring Programme 80 80 40 80 Credibility of Sample Analyses 100 100 100 100 Submission of Results 50 50 50 50 Wastewater Quality Compliance 15 15 20 15 Failure Response Management 34 34 34 34 Bylaws 100 100 100 100 Treatment & Collector Capacity 48 62 48 20 Asset Management 5 35 5 2 Bonus Scores 8.8 8.8 2.8 2.8 Penalties 0 0 3 0 Green Drop Score (2011) 46.0% (↑) 52.9% (↑) 24.9% (↑) 35.9% (↑) Green Drop Score (2009) NA-0% 11.5% 18% 17% Treatment Capacity (Ml/d) 15.5 10 2.8 0.9 Operational % i.t.o. Capacity NI (assume >100%) 119% NI (assume >100%) 44% Cumulative Risk Rating (CRR) 18 16 12 9 % i.t.o. Maximum Risk Rating 78.3% (↑) 69.6% (↑) 66.7% (↓) 50% (↓)
Performance Area Riverview Klipspruit Kriel / Ganala Systems Process Control, Maintenance & 43 50 55 Management skills Monitoring Programme 90 80 40 Credibility of Sample Analyses 100 100 100 Submission of Results 50 50 50 Wastewater Quality Compliance 15 15 0 Failure Response Management 34 34 34 Bylaws 100 100 100 Treatment & Collector Capacity 55 38 20 Asset Management 5 5 5 Bonus Scores 8.8 8.8 3.8 Penalties 0 0 3 Green Drop Score (2011) 48.7% (↑) 46.7% (↑) 33.9% (↑) Green Drop Score (2009) 15.5% 26% 21% Treatment Capacity (Ml/d) 11 10 5 Operational % i.t.o. Capacity 114% NI (assume >100%) NI (assume >100%) Cumulative Risk Rating (CRR) 20 18 13 % i.t.o. Maximum Risk Rating 87.0% (↑) 78.3% (↑) 72.2% (↑) NI - No information NA- Not assessed
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Regulatory Impression
The Emalahleni Local Municipality has performed unsatisfactory during the Green Drop assessments indicating that the wastewater services are not being managed according to the expectations of the regulation programme. The Green Drop requirements are not met, especially with regard to technical skills, submission of results, asset management and effluent quality compliance.
However, it is most encouraging to note that scientific (data) credibility and Bylaws implementation have been addressed and achieved full credits. A significant reference point for Emalahleni is the 100% positive trend (↑) in improved Green Drop scores is noticed when compare with the 2009 GDC status.
Despite the positive developments, the situation in Emalahleni is considered frail from a regulatory view as it continues to hold risk to public health and the environment (reference: unacceptable conditions found during site inspections). The municipality has not been able to arrest and rectify the risk elements at 5 of its 7 treatment plants. Five of the plants is in high risk positions, and may move into critical risk space by the next Green Drop cycle 2011/12, if decisive action and appropriate resources are not applied to the specific issues that impact on performance. The findings demand the attention of municipal management and governance.
Green Drop Findings: 1. Four out of 7 wastewater treatment plants cannot determine its load contribution to the receiving water resources, as result of the absence in flow monitoring. Two of the 7 plants exceed the design capacity, which impact on the plants’ ability to meet effluent quality discharge standards. 2. None of the 7 systems had captured its data on the GDS or could show any prove of submission of results to the Department of Water Affairs, as per legal requirement. 3. None of the systems have adequate failure response management plans in place 4. None of the systems have adequate plans in place to create or avail sufficient capacity in the collector and treatment systems. 5. Lastly, the adoption of asset management principles and methodologies is not in place.
Site Inspection Scores Naauwpoort 53% Klipspruit 35%
Two plants were inspected to verify the findings of the Green Drop assessments: The site is under construction which impedes on reasonable comment regarding the plant’s appearance The inlet works is functional but screenings are finding their way to the biological nutrient removal plant. Grit removal is severely compromised by pump blockages (damages) and hardened grit accumulation is evident in the grit channels, Grit classifier is not functional Five aerators not functional on BNR plant, no process control, poor sludge characteristics evident Disinfection taking place, but efficiency not confirmed Sludge drying beds not maintained and not well controlled for sludge disposal.
The Klipspruit plant is under construction - poor contingency planning is in place, most of the plant processes is dysfunctional and poor effluent quality and sludge management practices are the norm. Regulatory trigger: insufficient planning to mitigate pollution risks during time of construction.
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Water Services Authority: Govan Mbeki Local Municipality
Municipal Green Drop Score: 51.1% (Sasol plant excluded)
Performance Area Bethal Trichardt Evander Kinross Systems Process Control, Maintenance & 70 73 73 83 Management skills Monitoring Programme 50 40 50 30 Credibility of Sample Analyses 40 55 70 70 Submission of Results 85 85 85 85 Wastewater Quality Compliance 0 0 0 0 Failure Response Management 23 23 23 23 Bylaws 100 100 100 100 Treatment & Collector Capacity 58 60 60 45 Asset Management 63 70 70 70 Bonus Scores 9.1 8.6 7.8 7.8 Penalties 0 0 0 0 Green Drop Score (2011) 49.8% (↓) 50.7% (↓) 51.6% (↓) 49.1% (↓) Green Drop Score (2009) 58.5% 58% 54% 56.5% Treatment Capacity (Ml/d) 6.9 2 16.5 2 Operational % i.t.o. Capacity 51% 70% 67% NI (assume >100%) Cumulative Risk Rating (CRR) 15 11 15 18 % i.t.o. Maximum Risk Rating 65.2% (↓) 61.1% (→) 65.2% (→) 78.3% (↑)
Performance Area Embalenhle Leandra/ Leslie Secunda Sasol Systems Process Control, Maintenance & 75 70 54 Management skills Monitoring Programme 30 30 90 Credibility of Sample Analyses 70 55 85 Submission of Results 85 85 75 Wastewater Quality Compliance 20 0 88 Failure Response Management 23 23 100 Bylaws 100 100 40 Treatment & Collector Capacity 70 60 50 Asset Management 83 70 48 Bonus Scores 5.2 7.8 82.5 Penalties 0 0 0 Green Drop Score (2011) 58.8% (↑) 48.6% (↓) 81.2% (↑) Green Drop Score (2009) 57% 56.5% N/A Treatment Capacity (Ml/d) 5.6 8.5 14 Operational % i.t.o. Capacity NI (assume >100%) 141% 121% Cumulative Risk Rating (CRR) 18 17 13 % i.t.o. Maximum Risk Rating 78.3% (↑) 73.9% (→) 56.5% (↓) NI - No information NA- Not assessed
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Regulatory Impression
The Govan Mbeki Local Municipality has performed unsatisfactory during the Green Drop assessments indicating that the wastewater services are not being managed according to the expectations of the regulation programme. The Green Drop requirements are largely not met, especially with regard to insufficient monitoring programme, non-compliance to legal effluent quality requirements, failure response management and no-flow monitoring. However, it is most encouraging to note that data submission and data credibility has improved markedly and a full set of Bylaws is in place.
The addition of the Sasol-operated plant is a positive development and the regulator note the finalisation of a Service Level Agreement to govern this WSA/WSP arrangement. The Secunda system scored a good 81.2% which exceeds the average performance of the WSA-run plants. Much is to be gained if improved practices can be replicated at the other plants. Key to the success of this arrangement is the management of stormwater ingress (and other extraneous flows) on the collection system. Once this problem has been resolved, the capacity of the plants needs to be reassessed to confirm if plant upgrades are required.
Analysis of the Green Drop results indicates that only Embalenhle improved on the 2009 score, whilst the 5 systems digressed (↓). Analysis of the CRR risk profiles indicate that 3 treatment plants remain in high risk space, with only one plant showing an improvement trend (↓). The Sasol plant’s trends will be monitored from year 2010 onwards but currently resides in medium risk space. The findings demand the attention of municipal management.
Green Drop Findings: 1. Two of 7 wastewater treatment plants do not monitor operation flows, and one plant is exceeding its hydraulic design capacity. 2. This transgression reaches beyond flow monitoring, as 6 of 7 plants do not have the required quality monitoring in place – process, compliance and catchment monitoring. 3. Six of the 7 systems had failure response management in place to deal with emergencies and pollution incidents. 4. None of the treatment plant complies to effluent quality discharge standards. This transgression takes part of it root cause from the inadequate process knowledge displayed at plant operational level. 5. Lastly, asset management and planning aspects form the foundation for further improvement – these areas need an institutional champion and strong and practical implementation focus.
Site Inspection Scores Dilapidated state of civil structures at Evander Evander 55% Embalenhle 58% Sasol / Secunda 80%
Three plants were inspected to verify the Green Drop assessments: No radio communication compromises effective control and safety arrangements on the plants, especially considering the high incidents of vandalism and theft in especially the Evander and Embalenhle surrounding areas – free access to the plant despite concrete palisade fence. Fence broken down at Evander. Basic operational logging takes place No lime stabilisation of grit and screenings before burial At Embalenhle, various units out of commission or under repair – including primary settling
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tanks, biofilters and humus tanks At Embalenhle, a 4 Ml/day BNR plant and clarifier constructed but never commissioned – this wasteful expenditure need to raise some questions regarding the quality of construction and project management in the municipal environment At Evander, old infrastructure with high maintenance, need evaluation re repairs vs replacement At Evander, poor process control of ASP evident, no use of sludge age, mixers on anaerobic basins not operational, phosphate removal compromised as result of control deficiencies Chlorine gas cylinders scales not functional Sludge drying beds operational but sludge removal frequency could be optimised Anaerobic digesters structurally in good condition, stability not measured, sludge not classed.
The Sasol Secunda plant is operated by Sasol Industries, and inspection observations include the following: The site was clean, however the assessor impression was that maintenance does not meet Green drop expectations. Vegetation growth between the paving and in some of the unit processes. Stormwater drains were blocked with vegetation Plant manager reported that after heavy rains the flow to the plant is extremely high due to stormwater ingress - stormwater collection dams in place, but the capacity of these is exceeded and all unit processes flood. Good health and safety procedures noted, note however that chlorine sensor not functional Logsheets and manuals are on site, no classification display Limited on-site monitoring equipment in place, chlorine equipment accuracy should be confirmed, inline EC monitoring in place – Sasol lab takes samples with turn-around time of 6 hours Workplace satisfaction is reasonable, some frustration due to poor maintenance of plant equipment, inadequate staff and interference in plant operation by other sections of the facility, e.g. incinerator staff requiring excessive wastage to benefit their process at the expense of the WWTP process Screening material and grit removal on manual removals was unmaintained at time of inspection. Grit accumulation will reduced plant capacity and increased wear-and-tear on mechanical equipment. Automated grit removal facility in good condition. Two flow meters on feed-line – flow readings do not correspond Primary settling tanks civil structures in good condition, however cleaning of weirs, vegetative growth on central well and high levels of primary sludge indicate that routine maintenance not optimally executed Disinfection point must be reassessed Sludge handling takes place at the reclamation plant, not
included in Secunda is working in partnership with Govan Mbeki to address the high storm water assessment. ingress to the Secunda plant during wet weather events. This single corrective aspect will have a significant impact on plant performance and plant capacity.
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Water Services Authority: Lekwa Local Municipality
Municipal Green Drop Score: 19.0%
Performance Area Standerton Morgenzon Systems Process Control, Maintenance & 55 28 Management skills Monitoring Programme 0 0 Credibility of Sample Analyses 0 0 Submission of Results 0 0 Wastewater Quality Compliance 0 0 Failure Response Management 14 14 Bylaws 30 30 Treatment & Collector Capacity 50 60 Asset Management 40 8 Bonus Scores 0 0 Penalties 0 0 Green Drop Score (2011) 19.4% (↑) 12.8% (↑) Green Drop Score (2009) NA-0% NA-0% Treatment Capacity (Ml/d) 12 0.8 Operational % i.t.o. Capacity NI (assume >100%) 112% Cumulative Risk Rating (CRR) 23 14 % i.t.o. Maximum Risk Rating 100% (↑) 77.8% (↓) NI - No information NA- Not assessed
Regulatory Impression
The Lekwa Local Municipality has performed unsatisfactory during the Green Drop assessments indicating that the wastewater services are not being managed according to the expectations of the regulation programme. The Green Drop requirements are largely not met, with the exception of some progress on planning aspects related to treatment and collector capacity. The lack of monitoring in terms of quality and also flow at the Standerton plant suggest that Lekwa’s wastewater services does not have the most essential aspects covered, and sustainable management of the infrastructure is questionable. Notably, the Morgenzon plant is already exceeding its design capacity by 12%, which would require smart process control and planning for short term upgrade or water demand management to be implemented.
However, the municipality is commended for taking the 1st step to submit evidence for assessment, thereby having the opportunity to analyse the gaps and take corrective action.
The situation in Lekwa is considered critical from a regulatory view and holds high risk to public health and the environment. The Standerton plant has now moved into a maximum risk space (100%) and the Morgenzon plant reside in a high risk position. The findings demand the attention of municipal management and governance. It is clear that the limited technical staff is overburdened to keep just the most basic functions running, but urgent decisions need to be taken regarding additional human and funding resources.
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Green Drop Findings: 1. Two out of 2 wastewater treatment plants cannot determine it impact on receiving water and other natural resources, as result of the absence in monitoring. This transgression reaches beyond effluent quality monitoring, and include volumetric (flow) metering as well. 2. One plant is exceeding its design capacity and is likely not to meet effluent discharge standards. 3. None of the Lekwa wastewater systems have management systems in place. This is evident by the lack of failure response management, Bylaw implementation and asset management.
The Regulator is not satisfied with the overall performance of wastewater services management in Lekwa. The WSA is to submit a Corrective Action Plan to DWA within 30 of release of the Green Drop Report.
Site Inspection Scores Standerton 40% Morgenzon 19%
Two Lekwa plants were inspected to verify the Green Drop assessment findings:
The Morgenzon plant is clean and in a good condition and has recently been refurbished – lining: Pond number 3 could improve as sludge build up is noticed No facilities or records is kept at the plant, no personnel at the plant No screen as this function is taking place at the pumstations No flow measurement or monitoring of this plant
The Standerton plant is clean, fenced and marked with appropriate signage: The inlet works is maintained and functional, no flow monitoring Primary settling is compromised by sludge build up and the frequency of sludge withdrawal should be increased Biofilters and activated sludge plant has structural and mechanical breakdown, some of which is being attended to No process control in place, poor sludge characteristics noted for activated sludge Clarifiers is not cleaned and poor settling occurs, resulting in a high solids carry-over Disinfection facility and stock in place, but no chlorination takes place as result of the high solids in the final effluent Sludge drying beds are well maintained but signs of vandalism.
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Water Services Authority: Mbombela Local Municipality
Municipal Green Drop Score: 86.3 %
White River Hazyview Rockys Drift Matsulu Performance Area (WSP: Mbombela (WSP: Mbombela (WSP: Mbombela (WSP: Mbombela
Systems LM) LM) LM) LM) Process Control, Maintenance & 90 90 65 80 Management skills Monitoring Programme 85 75 90 100 Credibility of Sample Analyses 61 55 55 100 Submission of Results 85 85 85 85 Wastewater Quality Compliance 20 48 100 88 Failure Response Management 48 48 48 100 Bylaws 40 40 40 100 Treatment & Collector Capacity 63 68 90 48 Asset Management 75 75 65 75 Bonus Scores 6.5 6.5 3.2 73.8 Penalties 0 0 0 0 Green Drop Score (2011) 61.6% (↑) 69.2% (↓) 81.3% (↑) 88.3% (↓) Green Drop Score (2009) 57% 72% 73% 94% Treatment Capacity (Ml/d) 3.5 0.7 1.5 6 Operational % i.t.o. Capacity 93% NI (assume >100%) 29% 37% Cumulative Risk Rating (CRR) 11 9 5 8 % i.t.o. Maximum Risk Rating 61.1% (↓) 50% (↑) 27.8% (→) 34.8% (↓)
Kingstonvale Nelspruit Kabokweni Kanyamazane Performance Area
(WSP: Bushbuckridge LM) Systems Process Control, Maintenance & 70 90 90 Management skills Monitoring Programme 60 100 100 Credibility of Sample Analyses 55 100 100 Submission of Results 85 85 75 Wastewater Quality Compliance 0 88 88 Failure Response Management 0 100 100 Bylaws 5 100 100 Treatment & Collector Capacity 45 100 48 Asset Management 45 75 70 Bonus Scores 9.7 0 3.6 Penalties 3 0 0 Green Drop Score (2011) 46.0% (↑) 90.9% (↑) 88.1% (↓) Green Drop Score (2009) 44% 71% 91% Treatment Capacity (Ml/d) NI 26 8 Operational % i.t.o. Capacity NI (assume >100%) 50% 78% Cumulative Risk Rating (CRR) 15 11 10 % i.t.o. Maximum Risk Rating 83.3% (↓) 39.3% (↓) 43.5% (↓)
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Regulatory Impression
The Mbombela Local Municipality has performed well during the Green Drop assessments and achieved 1 Green Drop Certifications out of the 6 systems. The municipal team managed to improve on their previous Green Drop status for the majority of their systems, however, Hazyview and Kanyamanzane digressed from their 2009 status and Matsulu lost its Green Drop status. Mbombela performance is marked by adequate preparation, meticulous planning and close cooperation with their WSPs. The WSP for the Green Drop Certified Nelspruit /Kingstonvale system is Silulumanzi. The Green Drop Certification was verified via a site inspection, which confirmed the GDC result with an inspection score of 96%.
The Green Drop requirements are largely met for three systems, although significant gaps are still evident for the low scoring systems Whiteriver, Hazyview and Kabokweni. It is hoped that the municipality will replicate the good practice evident at the Kingstonvale system to improve the other systems as well. The team is to be congratulated on meeting the DWA requirements on effluent quality, and for retaining and building the strong technical skills base that underwrites to a large extent the success of the systems that achieved >80%.
In verification of the Green Drop findings, the risks profile for the seven wastewater treatment plants indicate that 4 of the 7 plants have decreased their risk profile (↓) over the past year. Five plants reside in medium to low risk space. Hazyview resides in medium risk space, but has an increased CRR trend. Kabokweni resides in high risk space, but is aided by a reduced risk trend. A risk-based approach and formulation of a W2RAP is recommended to pioritise high-risk areas and to improve services delivery in a methodical and sustainable manner.
It is the regulatory impression that the non-conforming wastewater systems with GDC scores as low as 46% impede on the overall performance of Mbombela. There is no reason why the current municipal score of 86.1% could not be elevated to >90% by addressing the lower performing systems.
1 MBOMBELA SYSTEM IS GREEN DROP CERTIFIED
Green Drop Findings: 1. Two out of 7 wastewater treatment plants do not monitor its operational flows, and thereby compromise future planning and efficiency monitoring 2. None of the 7systems had captured its data on the GDS, including the Kingstonvale plant. 3. Three of the 7 systems are faring poorly in terms of effluent quality compliance 4. Four of the 7 systems do not have incident response management in place 5. Four of the 7 systems do not have adequate Bylaws or implementation thereof in place. 6. incident response management in place 7. Four of the 7 systems need to improve on the credibility of their data, and process control (technical) practice must improve. 8. Lastly, the shortcomings on asset management principles and systems, especially unit costing against ring-fenced expenditure records, will hamper improved Green Drop scores in future.
Site Inspection Scores White River 71% Kingstonvale/ Nelspruit 96%
Devoted staff member at work at the Kingstonvale plant cleaning screenings manually. He understands the importance of his job and how essential the inlet works is to the rest of the plant performance
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The Kingstonvale (Nelspruit) plant appears neat and well maintained: Buildings neat, interiors painted Good maintenance and operations system in place – demonstrated the creation of job cards and failure reports if not signed off Monitoring equipment in place, e.g daily measuring of flow, hourly meters on all mechanical equipment, daily DO measurement, hypochloride dosing New screen being fitted at inlet works, good quality grit from classifier Primary sludge take off to anaerobic digesters on scheduled cycle Two of 4 biofilters functional Activated sludge plant operated well, MLSS 5000 during winter months, one mixer need repairs – dead zone Disinfection taking place using 5 ton hypochloride /week at 12% active chlorine, target 0.5 mg/l free chlorine level, 20 minutes contact time
Anaerobic digesters efficiency monitoring could improve
Effluent impact on irrigation practice and soil (SAR etc) could improve.
The White River plant appearance does not echo that of Kingstonvale: Construction ongoing but apart from the disruption associated with the upgrades, the gardens are neglected, the grass are long and there are weeds growing in the concrete cracks at the inlet works, damaged fences, poor control over construction and other vehicles entry/exit Grit removal done manually, not very effective 40% of aerators on activated plant not functional, mixer replacement with aeration suggest some changes in design configuration for optimised N and P removal Disinfection takes place via 2x70 kg Chlorine gas cylinders connected with switch over device, 4 cylinders in stock. Dosing at 300 g/h which is 2.4 mg/l for 3 Ml/d (for 420 kg on site, the storage time will be 58 days - adequate). 37 minutes contact time is adequate Staff claims no sludge treatment, as all sludge is recycled to the plant – this practice seems unlikely, improved sludge handling recommended.
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Water Services Authority: Mkhondo Local Municipality
Municipal Green Drop Score: 0%
Performance Area Piet Retief Amsterdam Systems Process Control, Maintenance & 0 0 Management skills Monitoring Programme 0 0 Credibility of Sample Analyses 25 25 Submission of Results 0 0 Wastewater Quality Compliance 0 0 Failure Response Management 0 0 Bylaws 0 0 Treatment & Collector Capacity 0 0 Asset Management 0 0 Bonus Scores 0 0 Penalties 3 3 Green Drop Score (2011) 0% (→) 0% (→) Green Drop Score (2009) NA-0% NA-0% Treatment Capacity (Ml/d) 2 5 Operational % i.t.o. Capacity NI (assume >100%) NI (assume >100%) Cumulative Risk Rating (CRR) 16 17 % i.t.o. Maximum Risk Rating 88.9% (↑) 94.4% (↑) NI - No information NA- Not assessed
Regulatory Impression
The Mkhondo Local Municipality has performed unacceptably as is evident from the 0% Green Drop municipal score. It is clear that all resources have been depleted at this municipality and a ‘run to failure’ approach is taken as last resort. Wastewater services are not being managed in a sustainable way and actions are purely reactive. Some in-house maintenance staff is available but overburdened with poor resources and lacking decision processes and systems. A WSP laboratory is in place, but optimal arrangements are not in place to draw sufficient value from this arrangement. Management staff is not adequately qualified or experienced to turn this situation around. The Green Drop assessment was (bravely) attended, but none of the requirements were met - resulting in a 0% GDC score. This baseline suggests that wastewater services are collapsing in terms of essential management, operations and maintenance systems.
The situation in Mkhondo is considered critical from a regulatory view and holds high risk to public health and the environment. The municipality has not been able to arrest and rectify the risk elements at any of its 2 plants. Both Piet Retief and Amsterdam is in critical risk positions, and both plants show increased risk profiles which means that it is likely that both plants will move into CRRmax position (100% risk) in the short term future. The findings require the attention of provincial and national governance, as the situation might not resolve with the current constraints on municipal level.
Green Drop Findings: 1. Both the Amsterdam and Piet Retief wastewater systems hold a 0% conformance to all nine Green Drop criteria assessed. No single criteria can be highlighted.
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The Regulator is not satisfied with the overall performance of wastewater services management in Mkhondo. The WSA is to submit a Corrective Action Plan to DWA within 30 of release of the Green Drop Report.
Site Inspection Score Piet Retief 37%
The Piet Retief plant was inspected to verify the 0% Green Drop findings and to obtain insight into the issues on the ground: No operational or maintenance records is available, as the limited resources are focussing on keeping the most essential infrastructure running Inflow and effluent records is however kept since 2008 – these records were not presented at the assessment, indicating a low preparation level for the assessment The general appearance is one of neglect and abandonment. Grass is burnt as opposed to cut, buildings neglected, evidence of sludge spillages not cleaned up The assessor’s impression was that the staff is highly unsatisfied with their workplace environment and the steady digress that is occurring The head of works receives influent from two main sources (Piet Retief and Ethandakukahyna outfall sewers) - hand raked screens installed but handling and draining of screening material considered to be unacceptable. Screenings placed in bins and buried in trenches outside the perimeter fencing Local lighting not functional, which begs the question whether screenings are removed during the night shift. Evidence of intermitted or continued unit process spillage was evident at these structures. The general appearance of mechanical equipment is that of neglect. Biofilters - centre bearing of rotating arm has failed on the old plant, new plant distribution arms not functional New activated sludge plant - mechanical equipment installed showed signs of neglect. Gearboxes show signs of seal, bearing and or gear failure, whilst the electrical motor bearings are noisy showing signs of eminent failure. Aerator # 5 not operational due to shaft failure. Aerator #2 effective operation is hampered by the fact that half the brush sections are missing. Aerator #4’s mechanical drive units have been removed for repair. Repairs take long due to discontinued gearbox models. Access to operational equipment is considered an OHS risk - however this is an inherent design shortcoming No process control in place, sludge wastage takes place ad hoc Secondary clarification unsatisfactory - operator was found to remove debris material from surface and dispose of into the final effluent channel Activated return sludge pumps in good condition – replaced 3 years ago Disinfection is defunct - rotameter indicate the dosing rate in the morning, the scale is not operational and in general poor state, hence the operator not aware that the chlorine cylinder may have been empty as opposed to the rotameter being faulty The final effluent discharge showed high quantities of suspended solids being transferred, rendering any disinfection ineffective with high chlorine demand Primary and activated sludge arrangements in place to discharge to separate drying beds – practice acceptable with room for improvement Anaerobic digestion (cold mixed) in place, with no process control. Structures in acceptable condition, with isolated concrete spalling noted on the two older tanks.
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Water Services Authority: Msukaligwa Local Municipality
Municipal Green Drop Score: 9.1%
Performance Area Ermelo Breyton Lothair Chrissismeer Systems Process Control, Maintenance & 55 10 10 10 Management skills Monitoring Programme 10 10 10 20 Credibility of Sample Analyses 0 0 0 0 Submission of Results 0 0 0 0 Wastewater Quality Compliance 0 0 0 0 Failure Response Management 39 39 39 25 Bylaws 40 40 40 40 Treatment & Collector Capacity 0 0 0 0 Asset Management 18 18 18 85 Bonus Scores 0 0 0 0 Penalties 0 0 0 0 Green Drop Score (2011) 12% (↑) 7.5% (↑) 7.5% (↑) 7.1% (↑) Green Drop Score (2009) NA-0% NA-0% NA-0% NA-0% Treatment Capacity (Ml/d) 7 (-8.5*) 6 0.975 1 Operational % i.t.o. Capacity NI (assume >100%) NI (assume >100%) NI (assume >100%) NI (assume >100%) Cumulative Risk Rating (CRR) 21 22 14 17 % i.t.o. Maximum Risk Rating 91.3% (↑) 95.7% (↑) 77.8% (↑) 94.4% (↑)
Performance Area Davel Systems Process Control, Maintenance & 10 Management skills Monitoring Programme 0 Credibility of Sample Analyses 0 Submission of Results 0 Wastewater Quality Compliance 0 Failure Response Management 25 Bylaws 40 Treatment & Collector Capacity 0 Asset Management 17.5 Bonus Scores 0 Penalties 0 Green Drop Score (2011) 5.13% (↑) Green Drop Score (2009) NA-0% Treatment Capacity (Ml/d) 2 Operational % i.t.o. Capacity NI (assume >100%) Cumulative Risk Rating (CRR) 17 % i.t.o. Maximum Risk Rating 94.4% (↑) NI - No information NA- Not assessed
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Regulatory Impression
The Msukaligwa Local Municipality has performed unsatisfactory during the Green Drop assessments indicating that the wastewater services are not being managed according to the expectations of the regulation programme. The Green Drop requirements are largely not met, with the exception of some progress in terms of asset management and incident response management. The lack of monitoring of quality and flows at all the plants suggest that Msukaligwa’s wastewater management practice does not cover the most essential aspects, and sustainable management of infrastructure is questionable.
The municipality is commended for taking the 1st step to submit evidence for assessment, thereby indicating their commitment to embrace change and plan towards improvement. It is however, regrettable that the municipality did not attend – and use the opportunity presented by the Confirmation Assessment to strengthen their case. It is also hoped that the service of the Gert Sibande laboratory has not been put into practice to ameliorate some of the performance negativities.
The situation in Msukaligwa is considered critical from a regulatory view and holds high risk to public health and the environment. All treatment plants have moved into a critical risk space, except Lothair which is in high risk space. There is little doubt that the increased risk trend (↑) will place these plants in 100% (maximum) risk space within the next year, if the necessary actions are not taken. The findings demand the attention of municipal management and governance. It is clear that the limited technical staff is overstretched to keep just the most basic functions running, but urgent decisions need to be taken on municipal manager level regarding additional human and funding resources.
Green Drop Findings: 1. Five out of 5 wastewater treatment plants cannot determine it impact on receiving water and other natural resources, as result of the absence in monitoring. This transgression reaches beyond effluent quality monitoring, and include volumetric (flow) metering as well. 2. None of the Lekwa wastewater systems have management systems in place. This is evident by the lack in treatment and collector capacity planning, Bylaws and asset management. 3. The poor practice and low performance can amongst others be attributed to a lack in technical and management capacity - to include scientific, process and planning competencies.
The Regulator is not satisfied with the overall performance of wastewater services management in Msukaligwa. The WSA is to submit a Corrective Action Plan to DWA within 30 of release of the Green Drop Report.
Site Inspection Score Ermelo 41% The Ermelo plant was inspected to confirm the Green Drop assessment results. The plant condition is a welcome improvement from the assessment interview. Although many shortcomings are evident, some positive observations could be made related to the plant: The plant classification and Class V supervisor certificates are clearly displayed at the site Plant appearance is poor as result of the construction activities ongoing The supervisor confirmed the plant capacity to be 8.5 Ml/day* contrary to the evidence of 7 Ml/day provided by the WSA team that was assessed No logbooks are kept as the majority of operators cannot read or write. The supervisor submits weekly reports to the OPS manager No site monitoring equipment available, except a new DO meter Very poor workplace satisfaction and staff is frustrated with the inadequate management support and budget to carryout operations efficiently Inflow meter in place and in working order (note the discrepancy - submission of ‘NI’) Supervisor’s innovation with sludge drying is commendable. It is however of concern that the entire plant’s performance rest on one skilled person’s care and diligence Laboratory arrangements with the new Gert Sibande Laboratory have not come into effect.
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Water Services Authority: Nkomazi Local Municipality
Municipal Green Drop Score: 42.8%
Performance Area Hectorspruit Tonga / Nyathi Mhlatikop Systems Process Control, Maintenance & 57.5 43 50 Management skills Monitoring Programme 50 10 65 Credibility of Sample Analyses 70 70 70 Submission of Results 0 0 0 Wastewater Quality Compliance 55 0 15 Failure Response Management 11 23 23 Bylaws 40 40 40 Treatment & Collector Capacity 8 11 8 Asset Management 50 30 43 Bonus Scores 4.1 2.8 2.8 Penalties 0 3 0 Green Drop Score (2011) 48.3% (↑) 18.4% (↑) 33.7% (↑) Green Drop Score (2009) NA-0% NA-0% NA-0% Treatment Capacity (Ml/d) 0.4 NI 0.75 Operational % i.t.o. Capacity NI (assume >100%) NI (assume >100%) 85% Cumulative Risk Rating (CRR) 12 15 13 % i.t.o. Maximum Risk Rating 66.7% (↑) 83.3% (→) 72.2% (↑)
Performance Area Komatipoort Malelane Systems Process Control, Maintenance & 58 50 Management skills Monitoring Programme 65 65 Credibility of Sample Analyses 70 70 Submission of Results 0 0 Wastewater Quality Compliance 83 75 Failure Response Management 0 0 Bylaws 40 40 Treatment & Collector Capacity 8 8 Asset Management 50 35 Bonus Scores 1.9 2.8 Penalties 0 0 Green Drop Score (2011) 52.8% (↑) 48.3% (↑) Green Drop Score (2009) NA-0% NA-0% Treatment Capacity (Ml/d) 1.25 0.8 Operational % i.t.o. Capacity NI (assume >100%) NI (assume >100%) Cumulative Risk Rating (CRR) 18 9 % i.t.o. Maximum Risk Rating 100% (↑) 50% (↓) NI - No information NA- Not assessed
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Regulatory Impression
The Nkomazi Local Municipality has performed unsatisfactory during the Green Drop assessments indicating that the wastewater services are not being managed according to the expectations of the regulation programme. However, the municipality is commended for taking a positive decision to submit their wastewater services portfolio of evidence for assessment against the Green Drop requirements. The assessors were impressed with a strong team presence and effort to motivate the Nkomazi case. Already, pockets of strengths are identified which can be used to transform the lower scoring areas. The average scores awarded against the technical skills (WSP has strong scientific and operational experience) and data credibility which should be further developed. Komatipoort has improved its effluent compliance to an impressive 83%.
Overall, the municipal Green Drop score of 42.8% indicate that performance is not at good practice on and compliance levels, and several gaps were identified. The most prominent gaps include the monitoring of flow and quality, submission of results, effluent quality compliance, bylaws and incident response management, systems capacity planning and asset management. In assessing the implementation of Bylaws, the municipality could not confirm the presence of non-municipal owned plants and local regulation of these sanitation systems.
Analysis of the risk profile of the treatment facilities indicated that 3 plants are in high risk space, whilst the Komatipoort plant is now occupying maximum critical risk space. The trend shows an increased risk movement and the municipality should take a risk-based approach to identify the most critical issues and address these first. Certainly, a 1st step would be to measure the incoming flow and put plans in place to avail sufficient capacity to meet the sanitation demand.
Green Drop Findings: 1. Five out of 5 systems do not have adequate monitoring in place, especially with regard to process and catchment monitoring. 2. Four of the 5 treatment plants do not monitor inflow or effluent volumes, whilst the design capacity of the Tonga plant is unknown. 3. None of the plants have achieved scores for data submission. 4. Five of the five systems do not have adequate failure response management or bylaws in place, or implementation thereof. 5. Planning aspects of the sewer collection systems and treatment plant are not adequate and will hamper decision making and resource allocation in order rectify deficiencies. 6. Asset management is not sufficiently institutionalised and ringfencing of cost centres remain outstanding to determine the cost of services in order to inform appropriate tariff structures.
Site Inspection Scores Malelane 56%
Above: grit channels cleaned 3x The Malelane plant was inspected to verify the Green Drop findings: per day; Below: pond cleared of vegetation 1xyear The inlet works are well maintained with daily grit removal Flow meter in place, but not functional, no flow readings taken A new chlorine building is almost complete, even though not currently discharging Final pond effluent appears clear and of visual good quality Surroundings were undergoing maintenance, which occurs annually and includes cutting of grass, harvesting of hyacinth from pond. However, desludging of ponds is not conducted, accumulation of sand/ soil in pond observed.
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Water Services Authority: Pixley ka Seme Local Municipality
Municipal Green Drop Score: 54.2 %
Performance Area Volksrust Vukuzahke Amersfoort Systems Process Control, Maintenance & 56 53 85 Management skills Monitoring Programme 55 65 75 Credibility of Sample Analyses 40 40 70 Submission of Results 0 0 0 Wastewater Quality Compliance 10 15 10 Failure Response Management 23 23 23 Bylaws 100 100 100 Treatment & Collector Capacity 35 93 63 Asset Management 50 35 50 Bonus Scores 11.06 11.06 11.06 Penalties 0 0 0 Green Drop Score (2011) 51.1% (↑) 51.1% (↑) 54.6% (↑) Green Drop Score (2009) 20% 20% 20% Treatment Capacity (Ml/d) 4 1.5 2 Operational % i.t.o. Capacity NI (assume > 100%) 193% 25% Cumulative Risk Rating (CRR) 16 16 13 % i.t.o. Maximum Risk Rating 88.9% (↑) 88.9% (↑) 72.2% (↓)
Performance Area Perdekop Wakkerstroom Systems Process Control, Maintenance & 85 63 Management skills Monitoring Programme 55 55 Credibility of Sample Analyses 40 40 Submission of Results 0 0 Wastewater Quality Compliance 10 10 Failure Response Management 23 23 Bylaws 100 100 Treatment & Collector Capacity 15 85 Asset Management 50 50 Bonus Scores 11.06 10.13 Penalties 0 0 Green Drop Score (2011) 46.3% (↑) 50.1% (↑) Green Drop Score (2009) 25% 18% Treatment Capacity (Ml/d) 0.8 1 Operational % i.t.o. Capacity 38% NI (assume >100%) Cumulative Risk Rating (CRR) 10 16 % i.t.o. Maximum Risk Rating 55.6% (↑) 88.9% (↑) NI - No information NA- Not assessed
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Regulatory Impression
The Pixley ka Seme Local Municipality has improved markedly since the 2009 Green Drop status and achieved a municipal score 54.2% in 2010/11. The performance is still not meeting the requirements of the regulation programme, but certainly moving into a position of strength. The WSA has a comprehensive WSDP and Bylaws in place. Eight year monitoring results are noted and recent training in water and wastewater treatment took place. The close cooperation with the Gert Sibande DM, DBSA and Netherlands partnership is noted and confirm that progress is also made on matters of Water Demand Management and revenue enhancement.
However, the Green Drop results indicate that specific gaps can be addressed to ensure a continued improvement in the upcoming GDC assessment cycle. The key shortcomings pertain to credibility and submission of results, effluent quality compliance and incident response management. O&M manuals or Standard Operating Protocols are not in place for all systems. In-house expertise on wastewater treatment is inadequate and create an over reliance on WSPs. Sewer collection and treatment capacity planning are compromised by the lack of flow monitoring at the Volksrust and Wakkerstroom plants, whilst Vukuzakhe has already exceeded its ADWF design capacity.
Analysis of the risk profiles of the treatment plant indicates that attention should be given to this portfolio. Four of the 5 plants reside in high risk positions and all plants, except Perdekop, follow a trend of increased risk over the past year. Decisive action and resources are required to get the WSA treatment plants up to standard and within the requirements of the law. The introduction of a risk- based approach may assist in allocating scarce resources to higher risk infrastructure and processes.
Green Drop Findings: 1. Four out of 5 wastewater treatment plants do not have sufficient credibility pertaining to their scientific data. All systems failed in terms of submission of results to the water authority. 2. Monitoring should be broadened in terms of process and catchment monitoring as well as classification of sludge. This transgression reaches beyond effluent quality monitoring, and include volumetric (flow) metering as well (2 plants do not log flows). 3. Two of the 5 systems lack an adequate technical skills base in place and is not registered with the Department. All plants need to be authorised and existing lawful use must be confirmed. 4. Two systems lack adequate planning to ensure that existing infrastructure meet future sanitation demands.
Site Inspection Score Volksrust 52%
The Volksrust plant was inspected to verify the Green Drop assessment findings: The plant terrain is sufficiently neat and tended to, although no exceptional effort is noted No manuals and records are in place with the exception of flow records (note the discrepancy with assessment findings where ‘no flow’ results were presented) Screening and primary settling are not well maintained (bottom left) Biofilters and activated sludge structures adeqaute but mechanical defficiencies (2nd left) Chlorination takes place but dosing control and efficiency are questionable Ponds and surroundings are well maintained (2nd right) No process control of anaerobic sludge digestion, mechanical mixing disfunctional (far right).
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Water Services Authority: Steve Tshwete Local Municipality
Municipal Green Drop Score: 76.1%
Middelburg / Kwazamokuhle Mine Villagers Performance Area Boskrans / Komati / Hendrina / Blinkpan
Systems Mhluzi Process Control, Maintenance & 100 100 100 100 Management skills Monitoring Programme 70 100 50 50 Credibility of Sample Analyses 100 100 70 100 Submission of Results 100 20 100 100 Wastewater Quality Compliance 15 100 0 15 Failure Response Management 100 100 45 73 Bylaws 70 100 80 40 Treatment & Collector Capacity 85 100 80 85 Asset Management 100 100 100 100 Bonus Scores 7.2 4.3 7.5 7.5 Penalties 0 0 0 0 Green Drop Score (2011) 75.8% (↑) 82.4% (↑) 68.3(↑) 71.8% (↑) Green Drop Score (2009) 21.5% NA-0% 6% 6% Treatment Capacity (Ml/d) 30 3.8 1.2 0.5 Operational % i.t.o. Capacity 75% 100% 17% 56% Cumulative Risk Rating (CRR) 18 11 9 8 % i.t.o. Maximum Risk Rating 64.3% (↑) 61.1% (→) 50% (↑) 44.4% (↑) NI - No information NA- Not assessed
Regulatory Impression
The Steve Tshwete Local Municipality has improved markedly since the 2009 Green Drop status and achieved a municipal score 76.1% in 2010/11. The WSAs performance is considered very good and meet most of the requirements of the regulation programme. The assessors were impressed with the efforts of the team, lead by knowledgeable and hands-on management. The municipal portfolio of evidence confirmed good practice in terms of Asset management, GDS submission of results and the availability of registered technical staff and O&M manuals. The training initiatives over the past year are commendable. The incorporation of a risk-based approach is noted and development thereof will be followed at the upcoming GDC cycle.
As Steve Tshwete is committed to achieve Green Drop status in the future, it makes for a meaningful exercise to analyse the remaining gaps in wastewater service delivery. The most prominent gaps are observed for effluent quality compliance, with the exception of Kwazamokuhle (Hendrina) which achieved 100% compliance. Further gaps are presented by monitoring regimes (especially process, sludge and catchment related), Bylaw implementation and failure response management. The Hendrina plant has reached its design capacity and this aspect must be addressed.
Analysis of the risk profiles of the treatment plant indicates that all treatment plants reside in low and medium risk space. However, attention should be given to the increased risk trends for 3 of the 4 plants (↑). The overall regulatory view is that the municipal services are managed with diligence and responsible care, and that continued progress can be expected from Steve Tshwete.
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Green Drop Findings: 1. Three of 4 treatment plants do not have sufficient monitoring in place 2. One plant (Hendrina) did not comply to submission requirements and data submission to the GDS has not been completed 3. Three of 4 treatment plants do not comply to effluent quality discharge standards, as authorised by the Department of Water Affairs 4. Three of 4 systems do not have adequate Bylaws content and implementation in place. Note that Bylaw implementation is not limited to industrial trade-effluent discharges, but is useful for enforcement of package plant operations, vacuum tank practices, stormwater management (possibly under building regulations), illegal connections, etc. 5. Three of 4 systems do not have adequate and time-based plans and resources in place to rectify any shortcomings. 6. Part of asset management should address ring-fenced costing (unit cost) for actual services costs, which need to inform tariff formulas.
Site Inspection Score Boskrans / Middelburg 73% Kwazamokuhle 97%
Two plants were inspected to verify the Green Drop assessment findings.
The Boskrans site appearance impressed positively upon the assessors, fenced with adequate access control: Sludge spillage remnants evident reduced the overall plant impression – not cleared for 2-3 days No manual is in place to support operational decision (work in progress). Operational and maintenance schedules and results are in place The Process Controllers on site are efficient and competent in terms of plant operation – demonstrated good understanding of parameters such as MLSS testing and application Work satisfaction is positive, very enthusiastic and committed staff Head of works and activated sludge treatment well maintained – one of ASP reactors out of commission await maintenance (procurement stage) Secondary clarification well maintained, but high sludge blanket noticed – optimised sludge control needed, bulking to be investigated via microbiological methods Disinfection takes place after pond - chlorination efficiency and contact requirements could be optimised Maturation ponds in poor state and sludge overflow presents high risk to the Klein Olifantsriver Sludge press not functional, but repaired on day of inspection. No sludge classification presented.
The Kwazamokuhle plant was found to be in excellent condition, as is evident in the high 97% score achieved. The staff is congratulated for maintaining this standard and to note the assessor panel recommended: “...this plant would qualify for nomination to the SA Wilson Award by the Water Institute of Southern Africa...”
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Water Services Authority: Thaba Chewu Local Municipality
Municipal Green Drop Score: 80.6%
Performance Area Lydenburg Sabie Graskop Systems Process Control, Maintenance & 80 80 75 Management skills Monitoring Programme 100 50 80 Credibility of Sample Analyses 55 55 55 Submission of Results 85 75 75 Wastewater Quality Compliance 60 60 60 Failure Response Management 93 52 93 Bylaws 61 85 85 Treatment & Collector Capacity 65 60 0 Asset Management 85 82.5 80.5 Bonus Scores 5 8.25 9.1 Penalties 0 0 0 Green Drop Score (2011) 83.1% (↑) 77.1% (↑) 78.3% (↑) Green Drop Score (2009) NA-0% NA-0% NA-0% Treatment Capacity (Ml/d) 9 5 2 Operational % i.t.o. Capacity 61% 38% 45% Cumulative Risk Rating (CRR) 12 8 7 % i.t.o. Maximum Risk Rating 52.2% (↑) 44.4% (↓) 38.9% (↑) NI - No information NA- Not assessed
Regulatory Impression
The Thaba Chewu Local Municipality has performed very well and achieved a municipal Green drop score 80.6%. The WSAs performance meets the majority of the requirements of the regulation programme. The assessors were impressed with the efforts of the small team and their preparation according to the published GDC 2010/11 criteria. Wastewater services are not at an ‘excellent’ standard as yet, but certainly moving into a position of strength which could present Thaba Chewu as a potential future Green Drop candidate. Good practice is evident in the risk-based audits and failure response management established, as well as the inclusion of sludge monitoring as part of the process analysis. The value added by the analytical laboratory in making process adjustment recommendations is noted.
The role of the public a key driver to Thabe Chewu’s improved performance is duly noticed. The Regulatory is encouraged by the public’s positive engagement with the 2009 Green Drop Report and for becoming part of the positive drive to raise the standard of wastewater services in Lydenburg and surrounding areas.
Analysis of the 1020/11 Green Drop results points towards specific areas that leave room for further improvement. The most prominent gaps are observed for effluent quality compliance, data credibility, Bylaw implementation collector and treatment capacity planning aspects. Analysis of the CRR risk profiles of the treatment plant indicates that all treatment plants reside in low and medium risk space. However, attention should be given to the increased risk trends for the Lydenburg and Graskop plants
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(↑). The overall regulatory view is that the municipal services are managed with great diligence and positive will to effect further improvements.
Green Drop Findings: 1. Two of 3 treatment plants would benefit by expanding upon the current monitoring regimes 2. All plants did not comply with the full submission requirements and data submission and is encouraged to update the national GDS system. 3. Three of 3 treatment plants do not comply with effluent quality discharge standards, as authorised by the Department of Water Affairs. The plants have sufficient capacity, suggesting that process control need to be optimised to ensure higher treatment efficiencies. 4. Three of 3 systems do not have adequate Bylaws implementation in place. 5. Three of 3 systems do not have adequate and time-based plans and resources in place to rectify any shortcomings. In such event that sufficient capacity is available; it is still required to quantify the services levels against current and future demand scenarios. Under utilisation of sewer infrastructure could compromise efficiency as much as overload.
Site Inspection Score Lydenburg 92%
The Lydenburg plant was inspected to verify the green Drop findings and the plant was found to be in very good condition with two knowledgeable and enthusiastic Process Controllers on site: The plant and surroundings are neat and grass had recently been burnt. This type of maintenance is not recommended and effort should be made by Social Services unit to improve the vegetation and garden maintenance methodology All process units were found in good functional condition, from the inlet works to the biofilter and sludge handling units. Inflow and outflow meter readings are taking which would allow the plant to do a complete water balance, when using pump rates for sludge volume calculations. The disinfection efficiency could be optimised to prevent overdosing of chlorine gas.
Excellent condition of a well operated and maintained pumpstation at Lydenburg
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Water Services Authority: Thembisile Hani Local Municipality
Municipal Green Drop Score: 29.6 %
Performance Area Tweefontein Kwalanga East Kwalanga West Systems Process Control, Maintenance & 52.5 23 23 Management skills Monitoring Programme 80 45 45 Credibility of Sample Analyses 60 63 55 Submission of Results 0 0 0 Wastewater Quality Compliance 0 10 15 Failure Response Management 14 0 0 Bylaws 25 10 10 Treatment & Collector Capacity 58 18 18 Asset Management 30 38 38 Bonus Scores 4.9 1.9 1.9 Penalties 0 0 0 Green Drop Score (2011) 34.0% (↑) 22.6% (↑) 23.1% (↑) Green Drop Score (2009) NA-0% NA-0% NA-0% Treatment Capacity (Ml/d) 0.75 0.25 0.25 Operational % i.t.o. Capacity 87% NI (assume >100%) NI (assume >100%) Cumulative Risk Rating (CRR) 9 13 13 % i.t.o. Maximum Risk Rating 50% (↓) 72.2% (↓) 72.2% (↓) NI - No information NA- Not assessed
Regulatory Impression
The Thembisile Hani Local Municipality has performed unsatisfactory, indicating the wastewater services are not meeting the expectations of the regulation programme. The Green Drop requirements are largely not met and result in a low overall municipal score for Thembisile Hani (29.6%).The wastewater services are marked by a low level of planning, asset management, bylaws enforcement and effluent monitoring and compliance. These areas are compounded by the lack of technical and management expertise.
On a positive note, the WSA took the 1st step to submit evidence for assessment against the stringent Green Drop requirements. These findings present the municipality with a valuable opportunity to identify the main gaps and work towards a gradual and sustainable improvement of wastewater services in Thembisile Hani.
Analysis of the risk profiles of the treatment plants indicate that the Kwalanga East and West plants are in high risk space. A positive reference point is however that all plants show a trend of reduced risk over the past year. This trend can continue should the municipality prioritise flow monitoring and improving the quality of effluent discharge.
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Green Drop Findings: 1. Three out of 3 wastewater treatment plants have inadequate and unregistered technical staff in place. 2. Two of the 3 systems do not record flows to the plants, and the quality monitoring programme need to be broadened to provide an improved base for process control and compliance monitoring. 3. None of the treatment plants achieved adequate effluent quality compliance, thereby posing a risk to the receiving environment and public health. 4. Key managerial functions and systems are not in place – bylaws, incident response management and planning aspects. 5. The absence of a risk-based approach and adoption of integrated asset management principles, result in existing infrastructure not being valued and maintained to reach the expected design lifespan. This is bound to place an additional burden on the municipal budget when reactive maintenance and premature replacements will have to be done to ensure an acceptable service level.
The Regulator is not satisfied with the overall performance of wastewater services management in Thembisile Hani. The WSA is to submit a Corrective Action Plan to DWA within 30 of release of the Green Drop Report.
Site Inspection Scores Tweefontein 60% Kwalanga East 21%
Two plants were inspected to verify the findings of the Green Drop assessments: The Kwalanga East plant is an atrocious state: The surroundings are unkept and unmaintained Vacuum tankers discharge septic tanks and other wastes directly into the ponds without any checks and controls Three of the 4 ponds are operational, but in very poor condition – no management or maintenance system are in place Extensive algae and sludge build-up noticed, poor effluent quality No flow monitoring takes place Home-made attempts at chlorination is completely inefficient
Pond system in poor condition with excessive algae growth and Disinfection facility in place, but no sludge accumulation chemicals for chlorination
The Tweefontein plant is in slightly better condition: Logbooks with records of tanker discharge, settling tests and flow readings were at the site The site is fairly well maintained, grass cut and fenced Activated sludge plant operational but RAS pumps not functional Limited process control knowledge demonstrated (SVI as case tested) Disinfection facility and sufficient contract time in place but not stock to chlorinate Drying beds maintained and used for waste sludge drying Flow meters in place at head of works and final discharge.
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Water Services Authority: Umjindi Local Municipality
Municipal Green Drop Score: 56.0%
Performance Area Barberton Systems Process Control, Maintenance & 86 Management skills Monitoring Programme 60 Credibility of Sample Analyses 40 Submission of Results 50 Wastewater Quality Compliance 48 Failure Response Management 28 Bylaws 100 Treatment & Collector Capacity 0 Asset Management 65 Bonus Scores 2.5 Penalties 0 Green Drop Score (2011) 56.0% (↑) Green Drop Score (2009) NA-0% Treatment Capacity (Ml/d) 5.8 Operational % i.t.o. Capacity NI (assume >100%) Cumulative Risk Rating (CRR) 16 % i.t.o. Maximum Risk Rating 69.6% (↓) NI - No information NA- Not assessed
Regulatory Impression
The Umjindi Local Municipality has performed unsatisfactory during the Green Drop assessments indicating that the wastewater services are not being managed according to the expectations of the regulation programme. The municipal score of 56.0% indicate that the Green Drop requirements are largely not met, with the exception of Bylaw enforcement. The most prominent gaps are presented in the areas of sample credibility, effluent quality compliance, failure response management and infrastructure capacity planning.
On a positive note, the municipality is commended for taking this 1st step to present evidence for assessment. The regulatory view is that this baseline will aid to assist the WSA to address the gaps in a systematic and gradual process of improvement until good practice becomes the norm in Umjindi. The risk profile of the Barberton treatment plant already shows an improved trend in risk behaviour, with the plant residing in medium risk space with a downwards (good) trend (↓).
Green Drop Findings: 1. One of 1 wastewater treatment plants cannot optimise its process control and impact on receiving water resources, as result of the inadequate monitoring. This transgression reaches beyond effluent quality monitoring, and include volumetric (flow) metering as well. 2. Data submission and data credibility fall short of expectation of the Green Drop requirements 3. 45% compliance to legislative requirements regarding authorised operation of the plant and effluent quality discharge 4. ‘No volumetric flow’ also translates to ‘no planning’ for collection and treatment capacity
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5. The absence of a asset management principles result in an additional burden on the municipal budget when reactive maintenance and premature replacements will have to be done to ensure an acceptable service level.
Site Inspection Scores Barberton 49%
The Barberton plant was inspected to verify the Green Drop assessment findings: The plant is currently under construction and the overall appearance is therefore not conducive to pleasant working environment The most essential manuals, certificates and log books are in place, no flow recording Inlet works functional and maintained, biofilters off line as result of construction Activated sludge plant functional, but no process control Clarifiers functional but scrapers not functional, high solids carry-over Disinfection taking place, sufficient stock in place, well maintained final effluent channel Sludge handling practice of emptying the sludge lagoon for sacrificial land disposal need to receive attention.
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