Export of Manganese Ore Via the Port of Lüderitz Environmental
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EXPORT OF MANGANESE ORE VIA THE PORT OF LÜDERITZ ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SCOPING REPORT Assessed by: Assessed for: May 2019 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Pektranam Logistics (Pty) Ltd wish to realise the export of manganese ore, originating from the Northern Cape, South Africa, through the Port of Lüderitz. Geo Pollution Technologies (Pty) Ltd was requested to undertake an environmental assessment for all activities associated with the proposed transport, storage and handling of the manganese ore. The project will develop in a phased approach. Initial volumes to be exported are 30,000 tons per month as one shipment. Based on available port capacity, and depending on other port users, this can be increased to three shipments per month (90,000 tons). During the environmental assessment process, and based on public and authority consultation, a significant shift in the proposed project plan occurred. Therefore, the original project plan that that was communicated to the public when the project was initiated, differs from the current project as proposed in this assessment. Some of these changes were communicated to the registered interested and affected parties and authorities, during the assessment process, via electronic communication and a second public meeting. However, since then, and based on more public input and objections and authority recommendations, more changes to the project plan were made. These are presented in the current report, which will also serve to inform registered interested and affected parties and authorities of the changes, as well as allow for another round of review and commenting. The current plan will allow for the transport of the ore in either bulk bags, containerised, or as loose ore, and will be by rail and / or road. The ore will require temporary stockpiling at Lüderitz until sufficient volumes are available to load a bulk cargo ship. For purposes of stockpiling of ore, two locations in Lüderitz are considered, and either one or both the sites may be utilized. The choice of site(s) will depend entirely on the methods of transport of ore. For bulk bags and containers, the old Road Contractors Company yard will be used, while a closed warehouse will be constructed in the industrial area for storage of loose ore. Regardless of the site for stockpiling, ore will be moved through Lüderitz and to the port by truck, where the cargo hold of the ship will be filled. The environmental assessment is conducted to determine all environmental, safety, health and socio- economic impacts associated with the project. Relevant environmental data has been compiled by making use of secondary data and from a reconnaissance site visit. Potential environmental impacts and associated social impacts were identified and are addressed in this report. Due to the nature and location of the project, some impacts can be expected on the surrounding environment, see summary impacts table below. Impacts can be expected along the entire transport route, at the bulk storage yard(s) and in the harbour. To prevent or mitigate environmental impacts it is recommended that environmental performance be monitored to ensure regulatory compliance and that corrective measures be taken if necessary. The proposed project is in line with Namibia’s vision of becoming an international logistics hub. Revenue generated through the transport and logistics sectors associated with the project will contribute significantly to the Namibian economy. For three shipments of ore the income potential is estimated at up to 600 to 700 million Namibian dollar. Employment will depend on the transport methods. At least 12 permanent jobs will be created in Lüderitz while another four will be created in Ariamsvlei. These numbers assumes only rail transport of ore, but should road transport be utilised, more jobs will be created and / or sustained. The project will increase the spending power of a portion of the Lüderitz community and contribute to the economic resilience of existing businesses that can supply services to Pektranam Logistics. By appointing local contractors and employees and implementing educational programs, the positive socio-economic impacts can be maximised. The major concerns related to the project comprise of health impacts related to dust inhalation as well as impacts of the increased traffic, and its associated noise, on the national roads as well as through the town of Lüderitz. The potential impact on the tourism industry is of a concern to residents of Lüderitz as well as for tourist establishments along the route from Ariamsvlei to Lüderitz. Collisions with animals, especially wild horses and hyenas between Aus and Lüderitz is possible. Potential groundwater, surface water and soil contamination and the possibility of fire is associated with the consumer fuel installation. This will however be limited by adherence to South African National Standards for fuel installations and Material Safety Data Sheet instructions. Noise pollution should meet the minimum requirements of the World Health Organisation standards. Pektranam Logistics is committed to minimize and prevent the expected negative impacts as far as is practically possible. The use of road marshals has been proposed to manage traffic during transport activities through town. This is especially the case at the Helen van Rhijn School and road intersections. Alternative transport routes are under investigation by Namport which could significantly reduce negative impacts. The environmental management plan included in Section 9 of this document should be used as a reference document during all phases (planning, construction (care and maintenance), operations and decommissioning) of the project and its facilities. All monitoring and records kept should be included in a report to ensure compliance with the environmental management plan. Parties responsible for transgression of the environmental management plan should be held responsible for any rehabilitation that may need to be undertaken. A Health, Safety, Environment and Quality policy could be used in conjunction with the environmental management plan. Operators, contractors and responsible personnel must be taught the contents of these documents. Municipal or national regulations and guidelines must be adhered to and monitored regularly as outlined in the environmental management plan. Impact Summary Class Values Impact Category Impact Type Construction Operations Positive Rating Scale: Maximum Value 5 5 Negative Rating Scale: Maximum Value -5 -5 EO Skills, Technology and Development 2 3 EO Revenue Generation and Employment 2 4 SC Demographic Profile and Community Health -2 -2 SC Health, Safety and Security (Employees) -2 -4 PC Air Quality Related Impacts (Off-Site) -4 SC Traffic -1 -4 PC Fire -1 -1 PC Noise -1 -4 EO Vibration Impact - Buildings and Infrastructure -3 PC Waste Production -2 -2 BE Ecosystem and Biodiversity Impact - Terrestrial -1 -1 BE Ecosystem and Biodiversity Impact - Marine -3 PC Groundwater, Surface Water and Soil Contamination -2 -3 EO Impacts on Utilities and Infrastructure -3 SC Visual Impact -1 -1 Cumulative Impact -2 -2 BE = Biological/Ecological EO = Economical/Operational PC = Physical/Chemical SC = Sociological/Cultural TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ 1 2 SCOPE .......................................................................................................................................................... 1 3 METHODOLOGY ....................................................................................................................................... 2 4 OPERATIONS AND RELATED ACTIVITIES ....................................................................................... 2 THE PLANNED EXPORTS ............................................................................................................................. 3 RAIL TRANSPORT : SOUTH AFRICA TO STORAGE YARD AT LÜDERITZ ........................................................ 3 ROAD TRANSPORT : SOUTH AFRICA TO STORAGE YARD AT LÜDERITZ ....................................................... 4 BULK STORAGE YARDS AND INFRASTRUCTURE ......................................................................................... 4 TRANSPORT : STORAGE YARD TO PORT ...................................................................................................... 6 OFFLOADING ACTIVITIES IN THE PORT ....................................................................................................... 7 EMPLOYMENT ............................................................................................................................................ 7 ALTERNATIVES COMPARISON .................................................................................................................... 8 5 ADMINISTRATIVE, LEGAL AND POLICY REQUIREMENTS ...................................................... 12 6 ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS .......................................................................................... 17 LOCALITY AND SURROUNDING LAND USE ............................................................................................... 17 CLIMATE .................................................................................................................................................. 20 CORROSIVE ENVIRONMENT .....................................................................................................................