ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING REPORT FOR

THE PROPOSED HEALTH CARE RISK WASTE

INCINERATOR WITHIN THE COEGA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ZONE –

EASTERN CAPE

February 2016

DEA REF: to be provided post formal application

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Document Description

Client:

Arvitrix (Pty) Ltd t/a Uloyiso Group_Medical Waste

Project Name:

Environmental Scoping Report for the Proposed Health Care Risk Waste Incinerator within the Coega

Industrial Development Zone – Eastern Cape

Royal HaskoningDHV Reference Number:

T01.PLZ.000423

Compiled by:

Vivienne Vorster

Date:

February 2016

Location:

East London

Review and approval:

Dumisani Bokveldt

_____________________________

Signature

© Royal HaskoningDHV

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission from Royal HaskoningDHV

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Table of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 10

1.1 Project Background and Need .......................................................................................................... 10

1.2 Key Objectives of the Study .............................................................................................................. 10

1.3 Approach to the Environmental Scoping Study ................................................................................ 10

1.4 Details of the Environmental Assessment Practitioner ..................................................................... 11

1.5 Structure of the Report...................................................................................................................... 13

2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................... 15

2.1 Project Location ................................................................................................................................ 15

2.2 Project Need and Desirability ........................................................................................................... 18

2.3 Health Care Waste Defined .............................................................................................................. 18

2.4 Incinerator and GRE Values ............................................................................................................. 20

2.5 Incinerator Specifications and Dimensions ....................................................................................... 20

2.6 Filtration System ............................................................................................................................... 22

2.6.1 Functioning of the Filtration System ................................................................................................. 23

2.6.2 Traditional Bag Filters versus Ceramic Filters .................................................................................. 24

2.6.3 Advantages of a Modular Filtration System ...................................................................................... 24

2.7 Sources of Medical Waste and Transportation ................................................................................. 26

2.8 Waste Management .......................................................................................................................... 26

2.9 Electrical Requirements .................................................................................................................... 27

2.10 Water Requirements ......................................................................................................................... 27

3 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES ....................................................................................... 28

3.1 Technology and Design Alternatives ................................................................................................ 28

3.4.1 Technology Alternatives.................................................................................................................... 28

3.4.2 Design Alternatives ........................................................................................................................... 29

3.2 Site Alternatives ................................................................................................................................ 30

3.3 Do Nothing / No-Go Alternative ........................................................................................................ 30

4 LEGAL REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................................... 31

4.1 The Constitution of South Africa (No 108 of 1996) ........................................................................... 31

4.2 National Environmental Management: Waste Act (No 59 of 2008) .................................................. 31

4.3 National Environmental Management Act (No 107 of 1998) ............................................................ 31

4.4 National Environmental Management Act: Air Quality Act (No 39 of 2004) ..................................... 32

4.4.1 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (No 1210 of 2009) ............................................................. 32

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4.5 Other Relevant Acts, Guidelines, Department Policies and Environmental Management

Instruments ................................................................................................................................................... 33

5 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION .......................................................................................... 34

5.1 Identification of Interested and Affected Parties ............................................................................... 34

5.2 Briefing Paper ................................................................................................................................... 34

5.3 Consultation with Competent Authority............................................................................................. 34

5.4 Consultation with Other Relevant Stakeholders ............................................................................... 34

5.5 Advertising ........................................................................................................................................ 35

5.6 Public and Authority Review of the Draft Scoping Report ................................................................ 35

5.7 Public Meeting .................................................................................................................................. 35

5.8 Issues Trail ........................................................................................................................................ 35

5.9 Submission of Environmental Scoping Report ................................................................................. 35

6 DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA ............................................................................. 36

6.1 Geology, Topography and Soils ....................................................................................................... 36

6.2 Climate .............................................................................................................................................. 36

6.2.1 Rainfall .............................................................................................................................................. 36

6.2.2 Wind .................................................................................................................................................. 37

6.2.3 Temperature ..................................................................................................................................... 38

6.3 Incidence of Extreme Weather ......................................................................................................... 38

6.4 Surface and Ground Water ............................................................................................................... 39

6.5 Ecology ............................................................................................................................................. 40

6.5.1 Vegetation ......................................................................................................................................... 40

6.5.2 Coega Open Space Management Plan ............................................................................................ 40

6.5.3 Fauna ................................................................................................................................................ 41

6.5.4 Coega Open Space Management Plan ............................................................................................ 42

6.5.5 Land Use ........................................................................................................................................... 43

6.6 Socio-Economic Profile ..................................................................................................................... 43

6.6.1 Economic Performance..................................................................................................................... 45

6.6.2 Labour Market ................................................................................................................................... 46

6.7 Air Quality ......................................................................................................................................... 46

6.7.1 Sensitive Receptors .......................................................................................................................... 46

6.7.2 Existing Ambient Air Quality Data ..................................................................................................... 46

6.8 Noise ................................................................................................................................................. 49

6.9 Heritage ............................................................................................................................................ 49

6.10 Road Network ................................................................................................................................... 50

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7 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROJECT .................................. 51

7.1 Construction Phase ........................................................................................................................... 51

7.2 Operational Phase ............................................................................................................................ 51

7.3 Decommissioning Phase .................................................................................................................. 52

7.4 Cumulative Impacts .......................................................................................................................... 52

8 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS .......................................................... 53

9 PLAN OF STUDY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ...................... 54

9.1 Approach to Undertake the EIA Phase of the Project ...................................................................... 54

9.1.1 Authority Consultation ....................................................................................................................... 54

9.1.2 Aims of the Environmental Impact Assessment ............................................................................... 54

9.1.3 Specialist Studies .............................................................................................................................. 54

9.1.4 Impact Assessment Methodology ..................................................................................................... 55

9.1.5 Environmental Impact Assessment Report....................................................................................... 58

9.1.6 Draft Environmental Management Programme ................................................................................ 58

9.2 Public Participation Process ............................................................................................................. 59

9.2.1 Advertising ........................................................................................................................................ 59

9.2.2 Identification of and Consultation with Key Stakeholders ................................................................. 59

9.2.3 I&AP Database ................................................................................................................................. 59

9.2.4 Consultation and Public Involvement ................................................................................................ 59

9.2.5 Issues Trail ........................................................................................................................................ 59

9.2.6 Public and Authority Review of the Consultation Environmental Impact Assessment Report ......... 59

9.2.7 Authority Review of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report ................................................ 60

9.2.8 Environmental Authorisation and Waste Management Licence ....................................................... 60

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List of Figures

Figure 1: Environmental studies flowchart ......................................................................................................................... 11

Figure 2: Coega IDZ Zones ................................................................................................................................................... 16

Figure 3: Site Locality within Zone 5 of the Coega IDZ ........................................................................................................ 17

Figure 4: Diagrammatic Layout of a Macroburn Incinerator .............................................................................................. 22

Figure 5: Inside the Glosfume Ceramic Filtration System ................................................................................................. 23

Figure 6: Singular Ceramic Filtration Module ..................................................................................................................... 25

Figure 7: Transportation of two Filtration Modules ............................................................................................................ 26

Figure 8: Types of Precipitation throughout the Year ......................................................................................................... 37

Figure 9: Average daily minimum (red), maximum (green) and average (black) wind speeds for the Port Elizabeth area 37

Figure 10: Daily Average low (blue) and high (red) temperatures ...................................................................................... 38

Figure 11: The HCRW Incinerator Site in relation to the Coega River ................................................................................. 39

Figure 12: Population and Gender Distribution for the Eastern Cape ................................................................................. 44

Figure 13: Road network around the HCRW Incinerator site .............................................................................................. 50

List of Tables

Table 1: Details of the EAP .................................................................................................................................................. 11

Table 2: ESR requirements according to appendix 2 of GN R. 982 ...................................................................................... 13

Table 3: Site Details ............................................................................................................................................................. 18

Table 4: HCRW Categories and Definitions (Source: World Health Organisation & SANS 10248-1) ................................... 18

Table 5: Typical Proposed GRE Factors for HCRW .............................................................................................................. 20

Table 6: Bag Filter versus Ceramic Filter Comparison ......................................................................................................... 24

Table 7: Listed activities according to Category B of NEM:WA GN 921 .............................................................................. 31

Table 8: Extreme Weather Conditions Port Elizabeth ......................................................................................................... 38

Table 9: Fertility Rates, Provincial and South Africa ........................................................................................................... 44

Table 10: Sectoral Contribution at Basic Prices ................................................................................................................... 45

Table 11: Summary of Amsterdamplein Baseline AAQ Data 2009 (C&M Consulting Engineers, 2013).............................. 46

Table 12: Summary of Amsterdamplein Baseline AAQ Data, 2010 (C&M Consulting Engineers, 2013)............................. 47

Table 13: Summary of Amsterdamplein Baseline AAQ Data, 2011 (C&M Consulting Engineers, 2013)............................. 47

Table 14: Summary of Amsterdamplein Baseline AAQ Data, 2012 (C&M Consulting Engineers, 2013)............................. 48

Table 15: Typical rating levels for noise in districts ............................................................................................................. 49

Table 16: Potential construction phase impacts ................................................................................................................. 51

Table 17: Potential operational phase impacts .................................................................................................................. 52

Table 18: Criteria to be used for the rating of impacts ....................................................................................................... 56

Table 19: Significance rating of classified impacts ............................................................................................................. 57

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List of Appendices

APPENDIX A: LOCALITY MAP

APPENDIX B: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION DOCUMENTS

APPENDIX B1: I&AP DATABASE

APPENDIX B2: BRIEFING PAPER

APPENDIX B3: ADVERTS

APPENDIX B4: SITE NOTICES

APPENDIX B5: PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES

APPENDIX B6: ISSUES TRAIL

APPENDIX C: AUTHORITY CONSULTATION

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Glossary

Alternatives - Different means of meeting the general purpose and requirements of the activity, which may

include site or location alternatives; alternatives to the type of activity being undertaken; the design or layout of

the activity; the technology to be used in the activity and the operational aspects of the activity.

Construction – The building, erection or establishment of a facility, structure or infrastructure that is

necessary for the undertaking of a listed or specified activity but excludes any modification, alteration or

expansion of such a facility, structure or infrastructure and excluding the reconstruction of the same facility in

the same location, with the same capacity and footprint.

Cumulative impact - The impact of an activity that in itself may not be significant but may become significant

when added to the existing and potential impacts eventuating from similar or diverse activities or undertakings

in the area.

Do-nothing alternative - The ‘do-nothing’ or ‘No go’ alternative is the option of not undertaking the proposed

activity, that is, the maintenance of the status quo.

Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) -The individual responsible for planning, management and

coordination of environmental impact assessments, strategic environmental assessments, environmental

management programmes or any other appropriate environmental instrument introduced through the EIA

Regulations.

Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) - A detailed plan of action prepared to ensure that

recommendations for enhancing or ensuring positive impacts and limiting or preventing negative

environmental impacts are implemented during the life cycle of a project. The EMPr focuses on the

construction phase, operation (maintenance) phase and decommissioning phase of the proposed project.

Environmental Impact - A change to the environment, whether adverse or beneficial, wholly or partially,

resulting from an organisation’s activities, products or services.

Fatal Flaw – Issue or conflict (real or perceived) that could result in a development being rejected or stopped.

Such an issue or conflict would be considered to be a significant issue that mitigation could not address.

Health Care Risk Waste -

Integrated Environmental Management - A philosophy that prescribes a code of practice for ensuring that

environmental considerations are fully integrated into all stages of the development and decision-making

process. The IEM philosophy (and principles) is interpreted as applying to the planning, assessment,

implementation and management of any proposal (project, plan, programme or policy) or activity - at local,

national and international level - that has a potentially significant effect on the environment. Implementation of

this philosophy relies on the selection and application of appropriate tools for a particular proposal or activity.

These may include environmental assessment tools (such as strategic environmental assessment and risk

assessment), environmental management tools (such as monitoring, auditing and reporting) and decision-

making tools (such as multi-criteria decision support systems or advisory councils).

Interested and Affected Party - For the purposes of Chapter 5 of the NEMA and in relation to the

assessment of the environmental impact of a listed activity or related activity, means an interested and

affected party contemplated in Section 24(4)(a)(v), and which includes - (a) any person, group of persons or

organisation interested in or affected by such operation or activity; and (b) any organ of state that may have

jurisdiction over any aspect of the operation or activity.

Mitigate -The implementation of practical measures designed to avoid, reduce or remedy adverse impacts, or

to enhance beneficial impacts of an action.

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Abbreviations and Acronyms

AEL Atmospheric Emission Licence

AQIA Air Quality Impact Assessment

BID Background Information Document

CDC Coega Development Corporation

DEA Department of Environmental Affairs

EA Environmental Authorisation

EAP Environmental Assessment Practitioner

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EIAR Environmental Impact Assessment Report

EMPr Environmental Management Programme

ESR Environmental Scoping Report

ESS Environmental Scoping Study

GRE General Refuse Equivalent

GN Government Notice

HCRW Health Care Risk Waste

IDZ Industrial Development Zone

I&APs Interested and Affected Parties

IEM Integrated Environmental Management

LIDP Local Integrated Development Plan

NEMA National Environmental Management Act

NEM:AQA National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act

NEM:WA National Environmental Management: Waste Act

NGOs Non-Governmental Organisations

OSMP Open Space Management Plan

PPP Public Participation Process

SH&E Safety, Health and Environmental

UK United Kingdom

WMA Water Management Area

WML Waste Management Licence

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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project Background and Need

Arvitrix (Pty) Ltd Trading as Uloyiso Group_Medical Waste (hereafter referred to as Uloyiso Group) is a

company based in Port Elizabeth who have identified a need for the safe disposal and treatment of medical

waste products within the Eastern Cape. There is currently no operational incinerator within the Eastern Cape

Province and the only treatment of Health Care Risk Waste (HCRW) is done using the autoclave system at a

facility outside of East London. Additional HCRW is transported to other incinerators outside of the province.

Costs associated with additional transportation are borne by the HCRW producer.

HCRW is therefore often transported a great distance for treatment and then transported back for final

disposal at the Aloes Landfill site in Port Elizabeth.

Uloyiso Group is therefore proposing to establish a Health Care Risk Waste Incinerator in the Eastern Cape,

in order to provide an efficient disposal facility that is able to dispose of all kinds of Health Care Waste, within

close proximity to where these wastes are generated.

1.2 Key Objectives of the Study

The key objectives of the project are therefore to:

Establish and operate an incinerator capable of disposing of Health Care Risk Waste;

Provide an incinerator within the Eastern Cape province;

To develop an alternative to the current disposal of HCRW in the Eastern Cape.

1.3 Approach to the Environmental Scoping Study

The environmental impacts associated with the proposed project require investigation in compliance with

Government Notice No. 921 of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (Act No 59 of 2008)

(NEM:WA) and the EIA Regulations (2014) published in Government Notice No. R. 982 to No. R. 985 and

read with Section 24 (5) of the National Environmental Management Act - NEMA (Act No 107 of 1998) as

amended.

An Atmospheric Emissions License (AEL) will also be required in terms of the National Environmental

Management: Air Quality Act (No 39 of 2004) (NEM:AQA).

The competent authority responsible for issuing the required licenses for the proposed project is the National

Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA).

The required environmental studies include the undertaking of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

process. This process is being undertaken in two phases (see Figure 1) that will ultimately allow the

competent authority to make an informed decision:

Phase 1 - Environmental Scoping Study (ESS) including Plan of Study for EIA; and

Phase 2 - EIA and Environmental Management Programme (EMPr).

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Figure 1: Environmental studies flowchart

The ESS provides a description of the receiving environment and how the environment may be affected by the

development of the proposed project. The ESS also identifies alternatives and mitigation options to be

evaluated and investigated during the EIA phase of the project.

A Specialist Air Quality Impact Assessment and Application for Atmospheric Emissions License will be

undertaken as part of the project. The Air Quality Impact Assessment will be undertaken by Royal

HaskoningDHV and will be reviewed externally by an independent Air Quality Specialist.

Additional issues for consideration have been extracted from feedback during the public participation process,

which commenced at the beginning of the Scoping phase, and will continue throughout the duration of the

project. All issues identified during this phase of the study will be documented within this Environmental

Scoping Report (ESR). Thus, this ESR provides a record of all issues identified as well as any fatal flaws, in

order to make recommendations regarding the project and further studies required to be undertaken within the

EIA phase of the proposed project.

1.4 Details of the Environmental Assessment Practitioner

Royal HaskoningDHV has been appointed by Uloyiso Group as the independent Environmental Assessment

Practitioners (EAPs) to conduct the necessary studies to obtain an Environmental Authorisation and a Waste

Management Licence for the proposed project.

The professional team of Royal HaskoningDHV have considerable experience in the environmental

management and EIA fields. Royal HaskoningDHV have been involved in and/or managed several of the

largest Environmental Impact Assessments undertaken in South Africa to date. A specialist area of focus is on

the assessment of multi-faceted projects, including the establishment of linear developments (national and

provincial roads, and power lines), bulk infrastructure and supply (e.g. wastewater treatment works, pipelines,

landfills), electricity generation and transmission, the mining industry, urban, rural and township

developments, environmental aspects of Local Integrated Development Plans (LIDPs), as well as general

environmental planning, development and management.

The particulars of the EAP are presented in Table 1 below.

Table 1: Details of the EAP

Details

Consultant: Royal HaskoningDHV

Contact Persons: Vivienne Vorster

Postal Address PO Box 15261

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Telephone: 043 707 3000

Facsimile: 043 707 3005

E-mail: Vivienne.vorster@rhdhv.com

Expertise: Ms Vorster is a Senior Environmental Consultant with eight years experience in the consulting industry. Areas of expertise include undertaking and management of Environmental Impact Assessments, Waste Management Licenses, Water Use Authorisations and Environmental Auditing. Ms Vorster is based in the East London office where she is currently the project manager of numerous environmental projects within the Eastern Cape.

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1.5 Structure of the Report

This ESR has been compiled according to the guidelines provided in Government Notice R.982 of the EIA

Regulations (2014) – refer to Table 2 below.

Table 2: ESR requirements according to appendix 2 of GN R. 982

ESR Requirements Section / Comment

(a) details of (i) the EAP who prepared the report; and (ii) the expertise of the EAP including a curriculum vitae

1.4

(b) the location of the activity, including

(i) the 21 digit Surveyor General code of each cadastral land parcel

(ii) physical address and farm name, where available (iii) where the required information in items (i) and (ii) is not

available, the coordinates of the boundary of the property

2.1

(c) a plan which locates the proposed activity or activities applied for at an appropriate scale

2.1

(d) a description of the scope of the proposed activity, including –

(i) all listed activities triggered (ii) a description of the activities to be undertaken, including

associated structures and infrastructure

2

(e) a description of the policy and legislative context within which the development is proposed including an identification of all legislation, policies, plans, guidelines, spatial tools, municipal development planning frameworks and instruments that are applicable to this activity and are to be considered in the assessment process

4

(f) a motivation for the need and desirability for the proposed development including the need and desirability of the activity in the context of the preferred location

1.1 and 3.2

(g) a full description of the process followed to reach the proposed preferred activity, site and location, including –

(i) details of all the alternatives considered (ii) details of the public participation process undertaken in terms of regulation 41 of the Regulations, including copies of the supporting documents and inputs (iii) a summary of the issues raised by interested and affected

parties and an indication of the manner in which the issues were incorporated, or the reasons for not including them

(iv) the environmental attributes associated with the alternatives focusing on the geographical, physical, biological, social, economic, heritage and cultural aspects

(v) the impacts and risks identified for each alternative (vi) the methodology used in determining and ranking the nature,

significance, consequences, extent, duration and probability of potential environmental impact and risks associated with alternatives

(vii) Positive and negative impacts that the proposed activity and alternatives will have on the environment

(viii) The possible mitigation measures that could be applied (ix) Outcome of the site selection matrix

3

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ESR Requirements Section / Comment

(x) If no alternatives were investigated, the motivation for not considering such

(xi) A concluding statement indicating the preferred alternatives

(h) A plan of study for undertaking the environmental impact assessment process to be undertaken, including –

(i) a description of the alternatives

(ii) a description of the aspects to be assessed

(iii) aspects to be assessed by specialists

(iv) a description of the proposed method of assessing the environmental aspects

(v) a description of the proposed method of assessing duration and significance

(vi) an indication of the stages at which the competent authority will be consulted

(vii) particulars of the public participation process that will be conducted during the environmental impact assessment process

(viii) a description of the tasks that will be undertaken as part of the environmental impact assessment process

(ix) identify suitable measures to avoid, reverse, mitigate or manage identified impacts and to determine the extent of the residual risks that need to be managed and monitored

9

(i) An undertaking under oath or affirmation by the EAP in relation to

(i) the correctness of the information provided in the report

(ii) the inclusion of comments and inputs from stakeholders and interested and affected parties

(iii) any information provided by the EAP to interested and affected parties and any responses by the EAP to comments or inputs made by interested and affected parties.

Signature on Application Forms

(j) An undertaking under oath or affirmation by the EAP in relation to the level of agreement between the EAP and interested and affected parties on the plan of study for undertaking the EIA

N/A to date

(k) Where applicable, any specific information required by the competent authority

N/A to date

(l) Any other matter required in terms of section 24(4)(a) and (b) of the Act

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2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.1 Project Location

The proposed HCRW incinerator will be located within the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ), on the

outskirts of Port Elizabeth. The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) is a state owned entity formed in 1999

mandated to develop and operate the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) which is located adjacent to

the modern deep water port facility, Port of Ngqura.

The CDC is responsible for allocating sites to prospective developers based on the type of industry and

suitability of the industry within the various zones of the Coega IDZ. Figure 2 depicts the zones within the IDZ.

A site was allocated to Uloyiso Group for the proposed HCRW Incinerator in Zone 5, which is known as the

Metallurgical Cluster. The site is located within the Northern corner of Zone 5. The required footprint for the

HCRW Incinerator is 0.7 hectares or 7 000m2. The proposed site is located adjacent to the existing Bosun

Bricks, which is a paving brick, kerbing and retaining wall manufacturing and distribution company. See

Locality plan in Figure 3.

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Figure 2: Coega IDZ Zones

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Figure 3: Site Locality within Zone 5 of the Coega IDZ

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Table 3: Site Details

Erf / Farm details: Erf 318

SG 21 digit code C07600230000031800000

Landowner details: Coega Development Corporation

Co-ordinates (centre point): 33˚ 46’ 14.83” S ; 25˚ 37’ 44.10” E

2.2 Project Need and Desirability

As described in the project background (Section 1.1), there is currently no operational incinerator in the

Eastern Cape. Treatment of some Health Care Risk Waste (HCRW) is done by Compass Waste at their

premises in Berlin, while the rest is transported to George, Cape Town or Johannesburg. It is then transported

back to Port Elizabeth for final disposal at the Aloes Landfill site.

Gauteng, the Western Cape, the Free State and the North West are currently the only provinces with

operational incinerators. These incinerators have been operational for years and would require upgrading in

order to meet the current Ambient Air Quality Standards. When maintenance on these incinerators is

undertaken, a back-log of untreated HCRW builds up due to a lack of disposal options. It often also leads to

an increase in illegal dumping, which is already a common problem throughout South Africa.

Transportation of HRCW also significantly increases the costs associated with treatment and disposal of such

waste. These costs are borne by the HCRW generators as well as the risk of transportation of hazardous

waste over long distances. Atmospheric emissions from the trucks transporting the waste increase the carbon

footprint while also having an impact on ambient air quality.

An incinerator within close proximity to where the waste is generated is therefore financially beneficial for the

HCRW generators and disposal companies such as Compass Waste. Minimising the number of trucks and

the distances they travel will decrease the atmospheric emissions associated with the transportation of waste.

2.3 Health Care Waste Defined

Health Care Waste (HCW) refers to any waste that is produced by a Health Care Facility (HCF) involved in the

diagnosis, treatment or immunisation of human beings and animals. HCW is generally produced at HCFs such

as hospitals, clinics, laboratories, veterinarians, and any place or site where professional health services are

carried out.

Health Care Risk Waste (HCRW) consists of potentially hazardous wastes produced at health care facilities.

These are considered to be wastes that have a pathogenic, chemical, explosive, or radioactive nature. HCRW

requires proper treatment to disinfect, sterilize or destroy the harmful components of the waste stream thus

ensuring safe disposal that safeguards public health and the environment. HCRW comprises Infectious Non-

Anatomical waste (commonly referred to as Infectious waste), Pathological waste, sharps, Pharmaceutical

waste, Radioactive waste, Chemical waste, Cytotoxic waste, Pressurised Containers and medical wastes

containing heavy metals.

Table 4: HCRW Categories and Definitions (Source: World Health Organisation & SANS 10248-1)

Category Definition Examples

Infectious Non-anatomical waste

Waste that contains of is suspected to contain or contains pathogens such as viruses,

Surgical dressings and bandages, infected bedding, infectious cultures and stocks from

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bacteria, parasites or fungi laboratories and all waste from patients with infectious diseases.

Pathological (Anatomical) Waste Waste once forming the anatomy or a constituent of a human being or animal.

Waste containing tissues, organs, body parts, blood, body fluids, animal carcasses.

Sharps Waste capable of causing injuries such as cuts, abrasions or puncture wounds.

Needles, syringes, clinical glass, blades, instruments.

Pharmaceutical Waste Waste comprising expired, unused, spilt or contaminated pharmaceuticals and medication

Unused medicines, medications and residues or medicines that are no longer usable as medication, packaging waste that has been in contact with medication, discarded items used in the handling of pharmaceuticals, such as bottles or boxes with residues, gloves, masks, connecting tubing and drug vials.

Chemical Waste Waste comprising of solid, liquid and gaseous products that are to be discarded and that contain dangerous or polluting chemicals which can endanger humans, animals or the environment, when improperly disposed of.

Solvents, disinfectants, pesticides and diagnostic chemicals such as Formaldehyde

Heavy Metals Waste Waste with high content of heavy metals such as Mercury or Cadmium

Batteries, broken thermometers, blood pressure gauges.

Pressurized Containers Empty or discarded pressurised cylinders, cartridges and aerosol cans containing inert or potentially harmful gases that may explode if handled and disposed of incorrectly.

Gas cylinders, gas cartridges, aerosol cans containing gases used on health care such as oxygen, anaesthetic and compressed air.

Radioactive Waste Waste comprising liquid, solid or gaseous materials that contain or are contaminated with radionuclides at concentrations or activities greater than the clearance levels and for which no use is foreseen

Sealed sources in instruments and open sources used in vitro diagnosis or nuclear medical therapy, unused liquids from radiotherapy or laboratory research, contaminated glassware, packages or absorbent paper, urine and excreta from patients treated or tested with unsealed radionuclides.

Cytotoxic Waste Waste containing substances capable of interacting with living cells and/or causing genetic damage

Waste containing cytostatic drugs (often used in cancer therapy), genotoxic chemicals such as Benzene.

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2.4 Incinerator and GRE Values

Incineration can be defined as a waste treatment process which involves the combustion of organic

substances contained in waste materials. The waste is combusted by controlled burning at high temperatures

and is then converted into ash, gas and heat.

The proposed incinerator is known as the Macroburn 500c Incinerator. The incinerator is suitable for burning

500kg/hr of waste with a General Refuse Equivalent (GRE) factor of 1 and approximately 350kg/hr of medical

waste with a maximum of 15% halogenated plastic.

The GRE is a concept to determine the capacity of an incinerator. The burning rate of waste in an incinerator

varies according to the characteristics of the waste. The variation is taken into account by comparing the

waste with ‘general waste’ which is defined as follows:

Calorific value 4600 kcal/kg1

Moisture 15% maximum

Density 160kg/m3

Ash 5% approximately

Dry loose office waste that does not have excessive quantities of food, plastics or densely packed paper is

typical ‘general waste’ and is given a GRE of 1. The ratio between the weight of general waste and the weight

of a particular waste that an incinerator can burn in a given time period is called the General Refuse

Equivalent (GRE). The actual capacity of the incinerator is therefore calculated by GRE divided by GRE

factor. Typically proposed GRE factors for HCRW are tabulated below:

Table 5: Typical Proposed GRE Factors for HCRW

Type of Waste GRE

Sorted boxed HCRW 2

General Hospitals 1.3

Maternity Hospitals 1.4

Teaching Hospitals 1.5

Out Patients 1.25

So if, for example, an incinerator can incinerate 100kg GRE waste per hour, it will only be able to incinerate

100kg/hr divided by 2 for sorted boxed HCRW = 50kg/hr (GRE factor 2).

2.5 Incinerator Specifications and Dimensions

The dimensions of the Macroburn 500c Incinerator are tabulated below:

Dimensions Size

Height 3.45m

Length 3.37m

Width 3.37m

Loading door opening 0.75 x 0.75

1 kcal is the symbol of kilocalorie. One kilocalorie is equal to 1000 calories.

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Grate/hearth area 3.7m2

Primary chamber volume 5.56m3

Secondary Chamber total volume 7.6m3

Minimum stack 0.9m diameter

Approximate weight 25800 kg

The exterior casing of the incinerator is made from a 5mm mild steel plate, with a zinc sprayed finish for

corrosion protection. The grate, loading door and ashing door are made from high grade cast iron. The

protective and insulating layer used inside the incinerator, known as refractory lining is a 49% Alumina

Monolithic refractory capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 1500˚C. Macroburn incinerators

operate best with top mounted, natural draught chimneys. Corrosion resistant steel is used for construction

material of the chimney. The chimneys do not require refractory lining or insulation.

Waste is fed into the incinerator using the ‘underfeed’ or ‘low level’ type feed ram. These rams feed through a

smaller opening low down in the front plate of the incinerator and cause the waste to enter from below the

level of the hearth. Control of the combustion rate and burning characteristics are greatly improved by this

type of unit.2

The Marcoburn Flame Intensifier is a recuperative system for providing greatly improved combustion

efficiency and fuel savings. Fuel consumption is reduced to as little as 25% of the fuel used by other

incinerators. In addition, the hotter, cleaner flame produces less unburnt carbon and less smoke. The smaller

flame also requires less combustion volume and the incinerator capacity is increased by approximately 10 –

20%.3

Macroburn Incinerators also have the following safety and control features:

Automatic combustion rate control ensures that an excessive burning rate is immediately and

automatically reduced. Conversely, when the burning rate is low, more rapid combustion is induced. This

control is achieved by variations in gas flows and pressures and does not incorporate any moving or

wearing parts;

Automatic temperature controls regulate the auxiliary heat supplied by both primary and secondary

burners. This ensures longer refractory life and maximum fuel saving;

Automatic fan controls keep the burner fans running after shutdown. These switch off automatically once

the incinerator has cooled off sufficiently. This results in longer life for the burner draught tubes, nozzles,

diffusers and flame detectors;

Automatic air control completely eliminates the necessity for manual operation of air dampers. Balanced

quantities of primary and secondary air are constantly varied to suit changing combustion conditions;

Preheated combustion air which saves fuel is drawn into the combustion chambers from the ante-

chamber where heat is collected from the base of the chimney stack;

Explosion relief safety doors swing open in the unlikely event of an explosion. The sliding loading door

swings out at the bottom and the blast is directed downwards;

High quality insulation around the entire incinerator ensures low surface temperatures and minimum fuel

consumption; and

Simplified electric control panels on standard Macroburns are designed for operation by unskilled labour.

A single, lockable push-button actuates the starting of all burners, fans, ignition transformers, solenoid

2 As per offer to purchase received by Uloyiso Group from Saubatech (Pty) Ltd

3 As per information brochure received from Saubatech (Pty) Ltd

Page | 22

valves and control instruments in the correct sequence. Similarly the shut down is actuated by a single

push-button4

MACROburn

MACROburn INCINERATOR

CHIMNEY

ROOF PLATE

FLAME INTENSIFIER FANS

SECONDARY THERMOCOUPLE

PRIMARY THERMOCOUPLE

SECONDARY BURNER

PRIMARY BURNER(S)

CONTROL PANEL

FLY ASH SCREEN CHAMBER

MANUAL LOADING DOOR

FEED INLET

HYDRAULIC POWER PACK

FEED RAM

Figure 4: Diagrammatic Layout of a Macroburn Incinerator

The Macroburn 500c Incinerator makes use of electricity to heat up and diesel to incinerate the waste.

Approximately 340 litres of diesel are required per 8 hour shift. A 7 500 litre diesel container will be stored on

site for use during operation. The diesel container will be bunded to ensure any leaks or spills will be

adequately contained.

2.6 Filtration System

A hot gas filtration system, known as the Glosfume Ceramic Filtration System will be fitted with the incinerator

in order to decrease the atmospheric emissions.

Hot gas emissions are produced by a wide range of processes, containing impurities or products which may

be dangerous, toxic and polluting. As per environmental legislation, emissions must not be allowed to escape

to the atmosphere, without being filtered. Traditional filtration systems were not very effective due to the high

temperatures involved and the fact that particulates would often pass through conventional filters.

4 As per information brochure received from the agent, Saubatech (Pty) Ltd

Page | 23

Hot gas ceramic filtration is the newest kind of filtration system, developed in the United Kingdom (UK) by a

company called Glosfume, who have been producing hot gas filtration systems for over 25 years.

2.6.1 Functioning of the Filtration System

Polluted waste gases enter the housing on the ‘dirty’ side of the system and are drawn through the hollow

ceramic filter elements into the ‘clean’ side. The filter element structures are so fine that particles cannot pass

through it and adhere to the outer surface of the element. Filtered gases are discharged to atmosphere.

In time, the surface of the filter elements which have collected particulates will increase in thickness. This

creates a higher differential pressure across the filter elements. The pressure is recovered by reverse pulse

cleaning. At a pre-set time, compressed air is automatically blown back through the filter elements to

discharge the collected particles as a filter cake. The removed material falls to the bottom of the filtration

housing and is removed either manually via a collecting tray or automatically using a screw conveyor.

Figure 5: Inside the Glosfume Ceramic Filtration System

The Element (1) hangs vertically from header plate (2) within the filter vessel. The header plate separates

the filter's clean and dirty compartments.

Hot Gas is drawn through the filter medium (3) from outside to inside.

Particulates and dry scrubbing sorbents are collected on the outer surface (4) of each filter element.

These consist of the PM10, PM2.5 size ranges; these agglomerate.

The particles are removed from the element by reverse jet cleaning (5). This reversal causes the

accumulated solids to be detached from the outer surface of the ceramic filter elements.

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The particulates and spent dry-scrubbing sorbents are discharged through the hopper outlet (6) for

collection and disposal.

The filter body can be protected with insulation (7) and trace heated (8) to prevent the formation of the

condensation when the equipment is not in use.

Incoming gas stream (9) and sorbent.

Outgoing cleansed gas stream (10).

Injection point for activated carbon and/or sodium bicarbonate.

2.6.2 Traditional Bag Filters versus Ceramic Filters

The table below illustrates the improvements a ceramic filter can offer versus traditional bag filters:

Table 6: Bag Filter versus Ceramic Filter Comparison

Bag Filter Ceramic Filtration System

Poor thermal durability Filter media withstand temperatures to 1000˚C

Flammable Not flammable

Not resistant to acid and alkali’s when below dew point

Resistant to acid and alkali’s above or below dew point

Blind when subjected to high levels of sub-micron particles

Withstands sub-micron particles

Typical maximum operating temperature 200˚C Typical maximum operating temperature 450˚C

Require heat exchangers, spark arrestors, cyclones, reaction towers

No requirement for cyclones, spark arrestors or reaction towers

Typical particulate emission levels 5 – 10mg/m3 Typical particulate emission levels < 3mg/m

3,

typically 1mg/m3

Unlike conventional bag filters and other types of filtration, ceramic filters are able to remove submicron

particles as small as a nanogram. In operation they do not flex which prevents submicron particles from

entering the substrate. Work carried out by Technicatome (French Nuclear Fuels) recorded particulate levels

as low as 0.0017mg/Nm3.5

Where emissions also contain acid gases such as HCl, HF and S02 and dioxins, pollutants can be neutralised

by scrubbing using sodium bicarbonate or lime and activated carbon in combination with the ceramic filter

system.

2.6.3 Advantages of a Modular Filtration System

The Glosfume ceramic filtration system has four standard size modules. These modules can however be

linked together to form larger filtration units, depending on the emissions and specific project requirements.

The filtration system can therefore consist of either a single module or multiple linked modules. Individual

modules can also be shut down for maintenance, without process closure, ensuring maximum operational

flexibility.

5Glosfume website. (www.glosfume.com)

Page | 25

Figure 6: Singular Ceramic Filtration Module

Page | 26

Figure 7: Transportation of two Filtration Modules

2.7 Sources of Medical Waste and Transportation

Medical waste will be sourced from a variety of institutions throughout the Eastern Cape. Uloyiso Group will

enter into agreements with facilities that generate Health Care Risk Waste and require disposal thereof. These

will include:

Health laboratories;

Government hospitals and clinics;

Private hospitals and clinics;

Birth control hospitals;

Poultry farmers and factories;

Military hospitals;

Correctional Services Hospitals;

Pharmaceutical laboratories; and

Abattoirs

The medical waste will be transported by road, from source to the incinerator within trucks certified by the

municipality to transport HCRW. The HCRW will be off loaded at the incinerator site and stored within a

designated storage area of approximately 100m2.

Waste will not be stored on site for a maximum timeframe of 48 hours prior to incineration.

2.8 Waste Management

The physical waste from the incineration process is ash. The ash will be stored in drums, where after it will be

removed from the incinerator site and disposed of at the Aloes Landfill Site, which is located outside of Port

Elizabeth. The Aloes Landfill site is classified as an H;H site and can accept high hazardous waste.

Page | 27

The only other waste will be very small quantities of domestic sewage and solid waste from employees at the

site. There are currently no sewage facilities at the site and a septic tank will need to be installed by Uloyiso

Group. The domestic solid waste will be disposed of to landfill.

2.9 Electrical Requirements

The power supply for the incinerator will be provided from the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM)

network via the CDC existing electrical network. The incinerator will run on diesel and electricity requirements

are primarily for employees daily uses such as lighting and heating.

2.10 Water Requirements

The incineration process does not use water. Potable water is required for domestic use. These requirements

will be obtained from the municipal supply.

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3 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES In terms of the EIA Regulations, Appendix 2, Section 2 (h)(i) a Scoping Report must contain a full description

of the process followed to reach the proposed preferred activity, site and location within the site including –

details of all the alternatives considered. In addition, the obligation that alternatives are investigated is also a

requirement of Section 24(4) of the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) (as amended).

An alternative in relation to a proposed activity refers to the different means of meeting the general purpose

and requirements of the activity (as defined in Government Notice R.982 of the EIA Regulations, 2014), which

may include alternatives to:

a) The property on which or location where it is proposed to undertake the activity;

b) The type of activity to be undertaken;

c) The design or layout of the activity;

d) The technology to be used in the activity;

e) The operational aspects of the activity; and

f) The option of not implementing the activity.

3.1 Technology and Design Alternatives

3.4.1 Technology Alternatives

There are three primary forms of treatment which can be used for HCRW. These are categorised as being

either:

Thermal: Incineration, Autoclaving, Microwaving;

Chemical: Chlorine disinfection

Mechanical: Shredding, Grinding, Mixing and Compaction.

Mechanical treatment is generally an additional treatment stage that is used in conjunction with either thermal

or chemical treatment to reduce treated waste volumes.

3.1.1.1 Chemical Treatment

Chemical Treatment involves the use of chemical disinfectants to destroy pathogens. The degree to which

chemical treatment is successful in pathogen destruction is dependent on various factors such as: disinfection

type, surface area of waste particle, temperature and pH.

Chemical disinfection has been used for treating liquid waste, pathological waste (blood, urine) non-

anatomical Infectious HCRW, and sharps. It is therefore unable to treat pharmaceutical, chemical or cytotoxic

waste. Negative impacts associated with this treatment include potential toxic emissions and liquid

contaminants.6

6 Compendium of Technologies for Treatment/Destruction of Health Care Waste, UNEP 2012

Page | 29

3.1.1.2 Autoclaving

Autoclaving is considered to be a low-heat thermal treatment, which uses steam, heat and pressure to

disinfect waste. An autoclave consists of a metal chamber designed to withstand high temperatures and

pressures, with a sealable door and series of pipework and valves that serve to introduce and remove steam

to and from the vessel.

Autoclaving is able to treat cultures and stocks, sharps, laboratory waste (excluding chemical waste) and

infectious waste. Waste which cannot or should not be autoclaved includes chemical waste, volatile and semi-

volatile organic compounds, chemotherapeutic waste, cytotoxic and pathological waste.

Although possible to treat pathological waste and other large bulky wastes such as bedding material and large

animal carcasses, time and temperature parameters make this option unfeasible.7

3.1.1.3 Microwaving

Microwave treatment is a steam based process that is undertaken with moist heat and steam generated by

microwave energy. Water within the waste materials is rapidly heated and kills pathogens through heat and

pressure.

The type of wastes treated by microwaving is very similar to those treated by autoclaving. Microwaving is able

to treat cultures and stocks, sharps, laboratory waste (excluding chemical waste) and non-anatomical

infectious waste. Volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds, bulk chemotherapeutic wastes, mercury, and

chemical wastes should not be treated in a microwave. 8

3.1.1.4 Need and Motivation for Incineration

These alternative technologies were not further investigated, as Incineration is the only form of treatment that

is able to treat all types of HCRW. It is therefore the only feasible option for treatment of all forms of HCRW,

given that there is currently no incinerator within the Eastern Cape Province.

It will also be financially beneficial for the producers of HCRW who pay for the waste to be transported outside

of the province for treatment before being transported back for final disposal. It will also reduce the risk

associated with transportation of hazardous waste over long distances.

3.4.2 Design Alternatives

The Macroburn 500c Incinerator is already specifically designed for incineration purposes. The technology

and design of the incinerator therefore cannot be altered.

Design alternatives can be considered with regard to the type of filtration system used for air quality

management. The proposed Glosfume ceramic filtration system, which is a new technology in South Africa,

has proved to have far greater emission controls than the older types of air emission systems such as bag

filters.

Since air emissions are one of the primary negative impacts associated with incinerators, using the best form

of air emission control system is a positive aspect for both public and environmental health. It is therefore the

preferred system for management of atmospheric emissions for the proposed incinerator.

7 Compendium of Technologies for Treatment/Destruction of Health Care Waste, UNEP 2012

8 Compendium of Technologies for Treatment/Destruction of Health Care Waste, UNEP 2012

Page | 30

3.2 Site Alternatives

Initially, various locality alternatives were evaluated for the location of the Incinerator.

Reasons for siting the project within Port Elizabeth are as follows:

It is the largest city within the Eastern Cape Province;

There are numerous facilities within Port Elizabeth and surrounds requiring disposal of HCRW;

The Aloes Landfill site, which is a hazardous landfill site, is located outside of Port Elizabeth; and

Waste from other areas within the Eastern Cape can be transported to Port Elizabeth for disposal, as

there are numerous road network linkages from other areas of the province.

The primary two options for a site within NMBM were identified as being:

Coega IDZ; and

Municipal land owned by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM);

NMBM is currently in the process of undertaking a feasibility study for a proposed Waste Beneficiation Project

within Port Elizabeth. A potential site was identified on municipal land. Uloyiso Group is not guaranteed a

lease of the land and municipal procurement processes would be required at this site. (tender process).

Uloyiso Group therefore opted not to assess the NMBM site further and the Coega IDZ zone 5 site is the

preferred site for the proposed project.

3.3 Do Nothing / No-Go Alternative

Should the status-quo remain the same and the proposed project not be implemented, the Eastern Cape

would continue to have to transport HCRW outside of the province for treatment and HCRW producers would

have to continue paying for transportation of their waste outside of the province for disposal.

There is currently a shortage of licensed HCRW incinerators within South Africa and the probability of illegal

dumping of HCRW within the province will increase.

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4 LEGAL REQUIREMENTS In order to protect the environment and ensure that this development is undertaken in an environmentally

responsible manner, there are a number of significant pieces of environmental legislation that will need to be

complied with. They include the following:

4.1 The Constitution of South Africa (No 108 of 1996)

The Bill of Rights, in the Constitution of South Africa (No 108 of 1996), states that everyone has a right to a

non-threatening environment and requires that reasonable measures be applied to protect the environment.

This protection encompasses preventing pollution and promoting conservation and environmentally

sustainable development. These principles are embraced in NEMA and given further expression.

4.2 National Environmental Management: Waste Act (No 59 of

2008)

On 03 July 2009, under section 19 (1) of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (No 59 of

2008), a list of waste management activities (GN 921) which have, or are likely to have a detrimental effect on

the environment were published in November 2013. No person may commence, undertake or conduct a

waste management activity listed GN 921 unless a licence is issued in respect of that activity. This list of

waste activities requiring a WML in terms of the NEM:WA as a result of the proposed project triggers the

following listed activities.

Table 7: Listed activities according to Category B of NEM:WA GN 921

Category B Activity

Description Applicability

4 The treatment of hazardous waste in excess of 1 ton per day calculated as a monthly average; using an form of treatment excluding the treatment of effluent, wastewater or sewage. .

The incinerator will treat medical waste which is considered to be hazardous in nature. When operating at full capacity, it is anticipated that more than 1 ton will be treated per day.

10 The construction of a facility for a waste management activity listed in Category B of this schedule (not in isolation as associated waste management activity).

The construction of the incinerator at the Coega IDZ will trigger this activity.

4.3 National Environmental Management Act (No 107 of 1998)

The National Environmental Management Act (No 107 of 1998) [NEMA] provides the overarching legislative

framework for environmental governance in South Africa. Several Specific National Environmental

Management Acts (SEMAs) have now been promulgated, all of which fall under the overarching NEMA

(discussed below). The point of departure of NEMA is a set of National Environmental Management Principles

that inform any subsequent environmental legislation, implementation of that legislation and formulation and

implementation of environmental management plans at all levels of government.

NEMA gives expression to the Bill of Rights, within the Constitution of South Africa (No 108 of 1996), which

states that everyone has a right to a non-threatening (safe and healthy) environment and requires that

reasonable measures are applied to protect the environment. This protection encompasses preventing

pollution and promoting conservation and environmentally sustainable development. These principles are

embraced in NEMA and given further expression.

Page | 32

The EIA Regulations were promulgated in order to revise the procedure and criteria relating to environmental

authorisations for the commencement of activities in order to avoid detrimental impacts on the environment or,

where it cannot be avoided, to mitigate and effectively manage these impacts and optimise positive

environmental impacts. The 2014 EIA Regulations, which were promulgated in December 2014, repeal the

EIA 2010 Regulations.

The Waste Management License will be undertaken in accordance with the 2014 EIA Regulations.

4.4 National Environmental Management Act: Air Quality Act (No 39

of 2004)

The National Environmental Management (NEM): Air Quality Act (No 39 of 2004) (as amended)has shifted the

approach of air quality management from source-based control to receptor-based control. The main objectives

of the Act are to:

Give effect to everyone’s right ‘to an environment that is not harmful to their health and well-being’.

Protect the environment by providing reasonable legislative and other measures that (i) prevent pollution

and ecological degradation, (ii) promote conservation and (iii) secure ecologically sustainable

development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development.

The NEM:AQA makes provision for the setting and formulation of national ambient air quality standards for

‘substances or mixtures of substances which present a threat to health, well-being or the environment’. More

stringent standards can be established at the provincial and local levels.

The control and management of emissions in the NEM:AQA relates to the listing of activities that are sources

of emission and the issuing of emission licences. Listed activities are defined as activities which ‘result in

atmospheric emissions and are regarded as having a significant detrimental effect on the environment,

including human health’. Listed activities have been identified by the Minister of the Department of

Environmental Affairs and atmospheric emission standards have been established for each of these activities.

These listed activities now require an Atmospheric Emission Licence (AEL) to operate.

The Listed Activity which triggers the need for an AEL is Category 8: Thermal Treatment of hazardous and

general waste.

The Minister is the competent authority for the issuing of emission licences where the listed activity relates to

the activities listed in terms of section 24(2) of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998, or in terms

of section 19(1) of the National Environmental Management Waste Act, 2008.

The competent authority for review and authorising the AEL is therefore the National Department of

Environmental Affairs (DEA).

4.4.1 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (No 1210 of 2009)

Air quality guidelines and standards are fundamental to effective air quality management, providing the link

between the source of atmospheric emissions and the user of that air at the downstream receptor site. The

ambient air quality guideline values indicate safe daily exposure levels for the majority of the population,

including the very young and the elderly, throughout an individual’s lifetime. Air quality guidelines and

standards are normally given for specific averaging periods. These averaging periods refer to the time-span

over which the air concentration of the pollutant was monitored at a location. Generally, five averaging

periods are applicable, namely an instantaneous peak, 1-hour average, 24-hour average, 1-month average,

and annual average.

The Department of Environmental Affairs in 2009 issued the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for

criteria pollutants which are commonly emitted, i.e. SO2, NO2, Pb,PM10, Benzene and CO.

Page | 33

4.5 Other Relevant Acts, Guidelines, Department Policies and

Environmental Management Instruments

Legislation Consideration

National Water Act (No 36 of 1998) Any water use as outlined in Section 21 of the National Water Act.

National Heritage Resources Act (No 25 of 1999)

Protection of heritage and archaeological resources, artefacts and graves.

National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (No 10 of 2004) and Regulations

Potential impacts on indigenous vegetation and sensitive geographical areas triggering Listing Notice 3 activities.

Page | 34

5 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION One of the general objectives of integrated environmental management laid down in Section 23(2)(d) of

NEMA is to “ensure adequate and appropriate opportunity for public participation in decisions that may affect

the environment”. An inadequate and non-transparent Public Participation Process (PPP) has the potential to

provide a negative decision and perception regarding the proposed project.

The EIA Regulations (2014) place a lot of emphasis on the public participation process and have been revised

to contain comprehensive guidelines to involve the public in the EIA study.

The primary aims of the public participation process include:

Meaningful and timeous participation of Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs);

Identification of issues and concerns of key stakeholders and I&APs with regards to the proposed

development, i.e. focus on important issues;

Promotion of transparency and an understanding of the proposed project and its potential environmental

(social and biophysical) impacts;

Accountability for information used for decision-making;

Serving as a structure for liaison and communication with I&APs;

Assisting in identifying potential environmental (social and biophysical) impacts associated with the

proposed development; and

Inclusivity (the needs, interests and values of I&APs must be considered in the decision-making process).

5.1 Identification of Interested and Affected Parties

I&APs were identified primarily through an existing database as well as from responses received from the site

e-notice and advert placed for the project. Letters/emails were sent to key stakeholders and other I&APs,

informing them of the application process and indicating how they could become involved in the project. The

contact details of all identified I&APs are updated on the project database, which is included in Appendix B1.

This database will be updated on an on-going basis throughout the EIA process.

5.2 Briefing Paper

A briefing paper or Background Information Document (BID) for the project was compiled in English, (refer to

Appendix B2). The aim of this document is to provide a brief outline of the application and the nature of the

development. It is also aimed at providing preliminary details regarding the EIA process, and explains how

I&APs could become involved in the project. The briefing paper was distributed to all identified I&APs and

stakeholders, together with a registration/comment sheet inviting I&APs to submit details of any issues,

concerns or inputs they might have with regards to the project.

5.3 Consultation with Competent Authority

The National Department of Environmental Affairs are the competent authority for authorisation of both the

Waste Management License (WML) and the Atmospheric Emissions License (AEL).

5.4 Consultation with Other Relevant Stakeholders

Consultation with other relevant key stakeholders were undertaken through telephone calls and written

correspondence in order to actively engage these stakeholders from the outset and to provide background

information about the project during the ESS. A list of these stakeholders is provided in Appendix B1.

Page | 35

5.5 Advertising

In compliance with the EIA Regulations (2014), notification of the commencement of the EIA process for the

project was advertised in the Herald newspaper on 21st of January 2016 (Appendix B3). I&APs were

requested to register their interest in the project and become involved in the EIA process. The primary aim of

these advertisements was to ensure that the widest group of I&APs possible was informed and invited to

provide comments and questions regarding the project.

The Coega IDZ has an agreement with the environmental authorities that instead of site notices being placed

at the proposed locality, an e-notice is uploaded on the notice board within the main business centre building

located on the corner of Alcyon Road & Zibuko Street within the IDZ.

Example of the e-notice is included in Appendix B4.

5.6 Public and Authority Review of the Draft Scoping Report

The advert placed in the Herald newspaper included the availability of the consultation Environmental Scoping

Report (ESR) and Plan of study for EIA for review and comment. Details of the public meeting were also

contained within the advert.

The consultation ESR, together with the Plan of Study for EIA has been made available for authority and

public review for a total of 30 calendar days from 18 February 2016 to 18 March 2016. In addition, the report

was also made available at the following public locations within the study area:

Coega Main Business Centre Building;

Office of Royal HaskoningDHV (The Acres, 20 Nile Road, Perridgevale, Port Elizabeth); and

Royal HaskoningDHV website (http://www.rhdhv.co.za/pages/services/environmental/current-

projects.php).

The consultation ESR was submitted simultaneously to the DEA for comment.

5.7 Public Meeting

A public meeting was held on 28th of January 2016 at Coega Vulindlela Village. The primary aim of the public

meeting session was to:

Provide I&APs with information regarding this proposed project.

Provide an overview of the EIA and PP Process.

Provide an opportunity for I&APs to seek clarity and provide input into the project.

To record comments raised and include them in the ESR.

To interact with the project team.

A copy of the minutes of the public meeting that was held is included in Appendix B5.

5.8 Issues Trail

Issues, comments and concerns raised in the public participation process during the EIA process have been

compiled into an Issues Trail (Appendix B6). The Issues Trail will be updated on a continuous basis.

5.9 Submission of Environmental Scoping Report

After the 30 calendar day review period by Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) the Scoping Report will be

updated to include I&APs comments, where after it will be submitted to the DEA for review and decision

making.

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6 DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA

6.1 Geology, Topography and Soils

The IDZ is situated on a coastal platform that descends towards the sea in a series of gentle steps orientated

parallel to the existing coastline. This platform has been incised by the Coega River, which flows towards the

sea across the western and south-western parts of the IDZ. Coega Kop, inliers of Table Mountain Sandstone

rising to 145 metres, is a prominent hill in the northwest of the IDZ.

The proposed site is located in Zone 5 of the Coega IDZ. The area is in the southern and central part of the

IDZ which is traversed by linear, palaeo-beach ridges and troughs running parallel to the present coastline.

The area is generally flat with a low gradient sloping in a westerly direction toward the Coega River catchment

area.

The geology of the Coega IDZ is characterised by coastal limestone, overlaid by calcareous sands blown

onshore.

Zone 5 is characterised primarily by the Alexandria Formation (15 m thick package of calcretes, shelly sands,

gravels, silts and clays) which in turn is underlain directly by the Sundays River and Kirkwood Formations,

comprising low permeability mudstones that weather to clay. These formations range in thickness from

approximately 10 m in the vicinity of Coega Kop to more than 1000 m towards the centre of the Algoa Basin to

the south. The Alexandria Formation rocks have a low permeability and thus a high residence time of

groundwater in contact with the host rock, resulting in increased potential for leaching of salts from the

formation. As a result they yield limited amounts of generally poor quality, and hence un-potable, groundwater.

The Coega Fault extends west of the Groendal dam eastwards towards the coast, dipping at between 30° and

60° for about 120 km. It is a normal tensional fault with a vertical southward throw of 500 m to 100 m. This

geological feature occurs to the south of Zone 5.

Soils in the area can generally be described as ‘weakly developed lime rich soils’. These are generally shallow

soils are often associated with rocky land, however soils can also be deep and well-drained in floodplain areas

(Hartmann, 1998).

The IDZ is underlain by calcrete, sand and gravel deposits that overlie low permeability clays. These clays

limit the vertical infiltration of rainwater and induce a horizontal groundwater flow towards the Coega River

channel. Consequently, rapid run-off takes place following precipitation (SRK, 2005).

6.2 Climate

The Eastern Cape Province has a complex climate. There are broad variations in temperature, rainfall and

wind patterns, mainly as a result of movements of air masses, altitude, mountain orientation and the proximity

of the Indian Ocean.

6.2.1 Rainfall

The area falls within the warm temperate climate zone with bimodal winter rainfall varying between 400 and

800 mm per year. Average rainfall for the area is approximately 624 mm annually, with peaks in spring and

autumn. The most common forms of precipitation are shown in Figure 8 below:

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Figure 8: Types of Precipitation throughout the Year

6.2.2 Wind

Over the course of the year typical wind speeds vary from 0 m/s to 10 m/s. Wind speeds rarely exceed 15

m/s, which is classified as high wind. Highest average wind speeds occur in October, at approximately 6 m/s,

while the average maximum wind speed is 10 m/s. The lowest wind speeds are recorded in July with an

average speed of 4 m/s. (Weatherspark, 2015)

Figure 9: Average daily minimum (red), maximum (green) and average (black) wind speeds for the Port

Elizabeth area

The wind direction is primarily from a westerly or south-westerly direction, with easterly winds being

experienced during the spring and summer months. Windy conditions are more prominent during the day,

although wind is experienced all year round within the Port Elizabeth area.

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6.2.3 Temperature

Algoa Bay is situated near the junction of the temperate and subtropical climatic regions, and it has a warm

temperate climate. The warm season is from December to March with an average daily high temperature of

25˚C and a low of 18˚C. The cold season is from end of May to October with an average low of 8˚C and a

high of 20˚C (Weatherspark, 2015).

Figure 10: Daily Average low (blue) and high (red) temperatures

6.3 Incidence of Extreme Weather

Table 8 below, shows the incidence of extreme weather conditions for the Port Elizabeth area. High winds are

the most common form of extreme weather, followed by frequent severe drought cycles. The region

experiences between 240 and 270 sunny days per year. These days are defined as having more than 50

percent of the possible sunshine duration. Between zero and 10 days a year are completely overcast. Mean

annual relative humidity lies between 70 and 80 percent. Winter experiences a mean monthly relative humidity

of between 60 and 70 percent and summer between 80 and 90 percent. The maritime influence on the local

climate is clearly evident and the given values would be expected to decrease further inland.

Table 8: Extreme Weather Conditions Port Elizabeth

Max Temp

< 35˚C

Min Temp

< 0˚C

Rain

> 30 mm Thunder Hail Snow Fog

Average number of days per annum

15 2 2 15 1 0 22

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6.4 Surface and Ground Water

The Coega River, which is a relatively small sand-bed river, is the most significant surface water feature

associated with the Coega IDZ. The Coega catchment area is approximately 45 km long, 15 km wide and has

a total area of about 550 km². The Coega River classification, based on preliminary river classification

guidelines, ranges from moderately modified (i.e. C classification) in the upper reaches to critically modified

(i.e. F classification) in the lower reaches at the salt works facility. The Coega River is approximately 1.3 km

away from the proposed HCRW Incinerator site at its closest point.

The IDZ is underlain by calcrete, sand and gravel deposits that overlie low permeability clays. These clays

limit the vertical infiltration of rainwater and induce a horizontal groundwater flow towards the Coega River

channel. Consequently, rapid run-off takes place following precipitation. Due to the limited infiltration of

rainfall, a significant fluctuation in groundwater level does not occur, although groundwater levels can fluctuate

by 3-4 metres with rainfall. Any contaminants originating from planned industrial development could infiltrate

the sandy subsurface but would eventually emanate in seepage in the Coega River and beach environments.

Shallow groundwater levels at Coega are about 3 to 5 m below the surface, just above the contact between

the permeable sands and the underlying impermeable clays. Groundwater flow follows surface water

drainage, i.e. in a south-easterly direction. Shallow groundwater has a high natural salinity and total dissolved

solids content. The hydrochemistry is dominated by sodium and chlorine, and naturally occurring traces of

Magnesium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Iron, Manganese and Aluminium have been found. This chemical

constituency is a result of the connate nature of the water and soil water interactions, and not industrial

pollution. However, evidence that soil may be eutrified by small-scale farming activities is gathered by the

presence of nitrate, nitrite, ammonia and bacteria. Because of the poor water quality, surface water and

shallow groundwater are not exploited for usage (SRK, 2005).

Figure 11: The HCRW Incinerator Site in relation to the Coega River

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6.5 Ecology

6.5.1 Vegetation

According to Mucina and Rutherford, (2006), Zone 5 falls within the Albany Thicket Biome with the vegetation

type of the area consisting of Coega Bontveld which is also known as Grass Ridge Bontveld (Vlok & Euston-

Brown, 2002).

There are two major vegetation types in the Coega IDZ - dune and inland vegetation. Vegetation in Zone 5

falls into the latter type and is classified as Grass Ridge Bontveld. Bontveld vegetation has a high level of

endemism and has significant conservation value. Because of this, the Coega Open Space Management Plan

(OSMP) has designated two Bontveld conservation areas in the IDZ.

This vegetation type is often found on moderately undulating plains and is characterised by the presence of a

mixture of Fynbos, Grassland, Succulent Karoo, and as well as Thicket element bushclumps. The distribution

of this vegetation type is restricted to shallow stony soils strongly influenced by an underlying calcareous

substrate. The Coega Bontveld has many Species of Special Concern (SSC), often in the form of small

succulents and geophytes

More than 30 Eastern Cape endemic species occur in the IDZ, key species including Orthopterumcoegana

(endangered), two unusual growth forms of Euphorbia polygona and Haworthiatranslucens (endemic to

Coega Kop) and Aloe bowiea which is a small endangered grass aloe found at only a few sites in the area.

Common alien invader species include Acacia cyclops, A. longifolia and Opuntiaficus-indica. These species

threaten indigenous vegetation in the area, and invade areas that have been disturbed.

6.5.2 Coega Open Space Management Plan

The Coega Open Space Management Plan (OSMP) is a plan, approved by the Department of Environmental

Affairs (DEA) which provides a guideline for the development of areas within the Coega IDZ while also

providing for areas which may not be developed and must be protected. The plan provides the results of a

status quo analysis, detailed investigations undertaken by environmental consultants and land use planners,

and the need to fulfil legal obligations placed on the CDC through EIAs and Records of Decisions (RoD) from

the DEA, the Port EIA and the two Change in Land Use EIAs.

The preparation and maintenance of an OSMP for the Coega IDZ is a mandatory requirement in terms of the

legislative framework applicable to the area. The OSMP is a requirement in terms of:

• The ROD for the change in land use of the Core Development Area of the IDZ (27 May 2002)

• The ROD for the Port of Ngqura (27 May 2002)

• Conditions associated with the rezoning of the IDZ in terms of LUPO

• The ROD for the change in land use of the remainder of the IDZ (6 March 2007)

The primary objectives of developing an OSMP for the IDZ are to:

• Promote preservation of the environment where natural systems and/or specific habitats require it. (for

example: sensitive and/or protected vegetation types)

• Manage and preserve the cultural resources within the open spaces of Coega IDZ.

• Manage and preserve land for its aesthetic or passive recreational value, for active recreational use, and for

its contribution to the quality of life of the concessionaires, tenants and the public.

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• Meet recreation space demands as well as provide natural amenities for the IDZ working population.9

6.5.3 Fauna

Terrestrial habitats in the Coega region have been impacted on in various ways, primarily due to

anthropogenic factors such as infrastructure and disturbance of natural land. This means that some

components of the terrestrial fauna have been severely impacted by previous human activity, particularly the

loss of vegetation, invasion of alien vegetation, local extinction of large mammals, and varied industrial

developments. However, despite the construction and development activity within the IDZ the following fauna

have been observed in Zone 5, these are namely; kudu, duiker, steenbok, grysbok, tortoises, rabbits, jackal,

mongooses, herons and numerous raptor species (SRK, 2013).

Based on previous assessments of the Coega region the following paragraphs describe the different fauna of

the region.

6.5.3.1 Birds

Due to its varied habitats, the Coega region has a diverse avifauna and over 150 species are resident or

common visitors to the region (Coastal & Environmental Services, 1997). Most diversity occurs in the thicket

clumps. A number of terrestrial birds are of conservation concern. Threatened occasional visitors to the region

include the blue crane (Anthropoidesparadiseus), Stanley’s bustard (Neotisdenhami), the Martial eagle

(Polemaetusbellicosus) and the African marsh harrier (Circus ranivorus). All are considered Vulnerable in

South Africa (Barnes, 2000).

Other terrestrial species of conservation concern in a regional context include the secretary bird (Sagittarius

serpentaris) and the Knysna woodpecker (Campetheranotata). Both are considered Near Threatened in South

Africa (Barnes, 2000). No breeding populations of all these terrestrial species are known in the Coega region,

and with the exception of Stanley’s bustard all are uncommon visitors. As part of the CDC / IDZ environmental

monitoring plan several sensitive, as well as Red Data listed, bird species have been observed within the

coastal region in proximity to the study area. Species with conservation concern included the African

Oystercatcher (Haematopusmoquini), while the Damara Tern (Sterna balaenarum), now listed as Near

Threatened, has also been sighted. The Red Data book (Barnes, 2000) has these species listed as

Endangered and Near Threatened respectively. BirdLife International has revaluated these species’ Red Data

status, using the latest set of IUCN criteria to rate their threat categories. The Damara Tern has been rated as

Near Threatened, a lower risk category than in 2000, while the African Oystercatcher retains its rating as Near

Threatened (Birdlife International, 2012).

6.5.3.2 Reptiles

The Eastern Cape is home to 133 reptile species including 21 snakes, 27 lizards and eight chelonians

(tortoises and turtles). More than half of the Eastern Cape’s endemic reptile species occur in the Algoa Bay

area, giving the region a high conservation value (Branch, 1988). The majority of these are found in Mesic

Succulent Thicket and riverine habitats. The list of reptiles of special concern is very significant since it

includes five endemic species (two of which are endangered), eight CITES-listed species banned from

International Trade in Endangered Species, one rare species and four species at the periphery of their range.

More than a third of the species are described as relatively tolerant of disturbed environments, provided

migration corridors of suitable habitat are maintained to link pristine habitats.

6.5.3.3 Amphibians

9 Coega Open Space Management Plan Revision 1, Coega Development Corporation. July 2014

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Amphibians are well represented in sub-Saharan Africa, from which approximately 600 species have been

recorded. A relatively rich amphibian fauna occurs in the Eastern Cape, where a total of 32 species and sub-

species occur. This represents almost a third of the species known from South Africa. Knowledge of

amphibian species diversity in the Coega region is limited and based on collections housed in national and

provincial museums. It is estimated that as many as 17 species may occur. However, none of these species

are endemic or of conservation concern

6.5.3.4 Mammals

Large game makes up less than 15% of the mammal species in South Africa and a much smaller percentage

in numbers and biomass. In developed and farming areas, such as the CDC, this percentage is greatly

reduced, with the vast majority of mammals present being small or medium sized. Of the 62 mammal species

known or expected to occur in the Coega area, none are now considered endemic to the coastal region. The

conservation status of South African mammals has recently been re-assessed. The conservation status of

some has been downgraded, with the African wild cat, Aardvark, Honey badger and Duthie’s golden mole no

longer considered threatened. The White-tailed rat (Mystromysalbicaudatus) has not been recorded in the

Coega region, whilst Duthie’s golden mole is not known from east of the Swartkops River. No subspecies are

recognised of the Hairy-footed gerbil (Gerbilluruspaeba) which is also unthreatened. The conservation status

of two species remains indeterminate (Data Deficient), and the only two terrestrial mammals of conservation

concern in the region are the Blue duiker (Vulnerable) and Honey Badger (Near Threatened) (Friedmann &

Daly, 2004).

6.5.3.5 Terrestrial Invertebrates

The distribution of the terrestrial invertebrates found along the coast depends to a large degree on the extent

and composition of the natural vegetation. One grasshopper species (Acrotyloshirtus) is endemic to the

dunefields, but these areas do not form part of the study site. Of nearly 650 butterfly species recorded within

the borders of South Africa, 102 are considered of conservation concern and are listed in the South African

Red Data Book for Butterflies. Two have become extinct, whilst three rare butterflies are known from a

number of scattered localities in the Coega region.

The small blue lycaenid butterfly Lepidochrysopsbacchus is known from four localities in the Eastern Cape.

One of these is reported to occur in the “general area” of the Coega IDZ, but not within the port area. Another

rare small copper lycaenid, Poecilimitispyroeis, has a similar distribution to Lepidochrysopsbacchus, extending

from the southwestern Cape to Little Namaqualand. An isolated eastern race, P.p. hersaleki, was described

from Witteklip Mountain (Lady’s Slipper) to the west of Port Elizabeth. It has also been recorded from St

Albans and from the Baviaanskloof Mountains. There is currently no evidence that this rare butterfly occurs in

the Coega area, or that a suitable habitat for the eastern race exists in the port area (Coastal & Environmental

Services, 1997).

6.5.4 Coega Open Space Management Plan

The Coega Open Space Management Plan (OSMP) is a plan, approved by the Department of Environmental

Affairs (DEA) which provides a guideline for the development of areas within the Coega IDZ while also

providing for areas which may not be developed and must be protected.

The OSMP has identified environmental no-go areas that are to be protected from development. These no-go

areas have varying functions from natural areas, where emphasis is on conservation of areas to protect

special vegetation types and preserve ecological processes, to recreational and visually attractive open space

areas for relief in the built environment, screening off industrial buildings and softening the development.

Page | 43

The plan provides the results of a status quo analysis, detailed investigations undertaken by environmental

consultants and land use planners, and the need to fulfil legal obligations placed on the CDC through EIAs

and Records of Decisions (RoD) from the DEA. The OSMP is a requirement in terms of the following Record

of Decisions, approved by DEA:

The ROD for the change in land use of the Core Development Area of the IDZ (27 May 2002);

The ROD for the Port of Ngqura (27 May 2002);

The ROD for the change in land use of the remainder of the IDZ (6 March 2007)

It is also a requirement in terms of the conditions associated with the rezoning of the IDZ.

6.5.5 Land Use

The Coega IDZ consists of approximately 11,000 hectares of sector specific zoned land with purpose built

infrastructure and is earmarked for industrial development. Land uses in the Coega IDZ presently consist of

infrastructure, harbour facilities, industrial & commercially developed land, industrial facilities and vacant land.

Vacant land is destined for future industrial and commercial use and open spaces, as per the CDC’s Open

Space Management Plan (OSMP). Zone 5, which is known as the Metallurgical Cluster currently does not

have many other operational industries. Bosun Bricks is located adjacent to the proposed incinerator site. The

site allocated to Uloyiso Group is adjacent to an area designated as Open Space as per the OSMP.

6.6 Socio-Economic Profile

The study area falls within the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBMM) which is located in

Port Elizabeth.

The Socio-Economic Profile is taken from the Eastern Cape Socio-Economic Review and Outlook undertaken

by the provincial Department of Economic Development Environmental Affairs and Tourism (2013).

The Eastern Cape is home to 6.7 million people, equivalent to 12.8% of the national population. This makes

the Eastern Cape the third most populated province after Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. The population grew

by 4.5% from the 2001 census. The population of the Eastern Cape shows that the 0-4 and 15-19 age cohorts

are the biggest contributors to the province’s population. Those under the age of 30, account for 57% of the

province’s population.

The Eastern Cape is ranked number one in terms if the extent of net migration; close to 214,815 people

migrated to other provinces from the Eastern Cape Province alone between 2006 and 2011.

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Figure 12: Population and Gender Distribution for the Eastern Cape

The fertility rate measures the ratio of live births in the province to the population of the province. The mortality

rate on the other hand is measured as the ratio of deaths to population. Both are expressed per 1000 per

year. The two together with migration are major components of population growth. In general, there is a

negative correlation between the level of development and the core components of population growth: fertility,

mortality, and migration. Hence, they indicate where the province stands in comparison with other provinces in

terms of socio-economic development.

Table 9: Fertility Rates, Provincial and South Africa

WC NC FS KZN NW GP MP LP EC SA

2001 - 2006

2.5 2.6 2.4 3.2 3.1 2.2 2.7 3.0 3.4 2.8

2006 - 2011

2.3 2.4 2.3 2.8 2.8 2.1 2.5 2.9 2.8 2.5

South Africa had an average fertility rate of 2.8 children per woman between 2001 and 2006. The Eastern

Cape recorded the highest fertility rate at 3.4 children per woman during this time, which was significantly

above the national average. The fertility rate for South Africa fell marginally to 2.5 children between the years

2006 and 2011. The Eastern Cape Province had the second highest rate of 2.8 children per woman between

2006 and 2011. Hence, the fertility rate in the Eastern Cape declined significantly over the period, a positive

sign of development.

Female life expectancy is generally higher than that of males. Life expectancy in the Eastern Cape between

2001 and 2006 was 50.2 for males and 54 for females. This increased to 51.3 for males and remained the

same for females between 2006 and 2011.

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The Eastern Cape tops the list of poor provinces in terms of exposure to average deprivation both in 2007 and

2011. A study was undertaken to estimate poverty levels within the Eastern Cape using Fuzzy Index of

Poverty (FIP). The FIP allows for the inclusion of a holistic set of development measures in assessing well-

being. Twelve indicators of well-being are be considered: employment, municipal services (such as refuse

collection, access to water, access to toilet, and access to electricity for lighting, cooking, and heating), type of

dwelling, education, income, household size, and access to means of communication such as cell phones.

6.6.1 Economic Performance

GDP within the Eastern Cape increased by 3.42% in 2011, a 1 percentage point improvement compared with

2010. Only three provinces (Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Western Cape) registered growth rates higher than

the Eastern Cape. However, growth in the Eastern Cape (and the rest of South Africa) is lower than the pre-

crisis growth rate of approximately 5%. In 2011, the Eastern Cape contributed 8% of the 3.46% national

growth in GDP. Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape contributed comparatively much larger

shares at 41%, 17% and 16% of the total growth respectively.

Table 9 below, shows the contribution to the GDP regional (GDPR) of ten activities grouped into three sectors.

The tertiary sector is the largest sector in the Eastern Cape contributing 76.7% of the GDPR, followed by the

secondary sector at 21.2%, and the primary sector at 2.2%. Three activities account for 61% of the GDPR:

finance, real estate and business services at 22.4%, general government services at 21.2%, and

manufacturing at 17.5%.

Breaking down GDP growth into sectors helps to determine the relative importance of a sector within the

provincial economy.

Table 10: Sectoral Contribution at Basic Prices

Sectors 2002 2011 % Point Change

Primary Sector 2.7 2.2 - 0.5

Agriculture, forestry and fishing 2.5 2.1 - 0.5

Mining and quarrying 0.2 0.1 - 0.1

Secondary Sector 22.3 21.2 - 1.2

Manufacturing 19.6 17.5 - 2.2

Electricity, gas and water 1.1 1.1 0.0

Construction 1.6 2.6 1.1

Tertiary Sector 75.0 76.7 1.7

Wholesale and Retail trade 14.5 13.8 - 0.7

Transport, storage and communication 8.8 8.9 0.1

Finance, real estate and business services

20.1 22.4 2.4

Personal services 10.2 10.3 0.1

General government services 21.5 21.2 - 0.2

All industries at basic prices 100 100

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6.6.2 Labour Market

The Eastern Cape employed 1.3 million people in 2012, which is equal to 9.7% of the total number of people

employed in the whole country. This makes the Eastern Cape the fourth largest employer after Gauteng,

KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape.

The unemployment rate in the Eastern Cape is however high. It rose from 28.2% in 2011 to 30% in 2012. This

is despite a 2.5% increase in employment. A simultaneous increase in both the unemployment and

employment levels is explained by an increase in the total size of the labour force, in excess of the increase in

total number of new jobs.

The distribution of employment by activities within the Eastern Cape in 2012, shows that more than 60% of

people are employed in 3 activities: government social and personal services (26.1%), wholesale and retail

(23.5%) and manufacturing (12.2%). Conversely, the primary sectors comprising mining and quarrying (0.1%)

and agriculture, forestry, hunting and fisheries (4.5%) employed far fewer people.

6.7 Air Quality

6.7.1 Sensitive Receptors

A sensitive receptor is defined as a place or activity which could involuntarily be exposed to air emissions

generated from the proposed operations. Based on this definition the land uses surrounding the proposed

HCRW Incinerator site are considered to be sensitive receptors. The surrounding land is primarily vacant,

except for the Bosun Bricks operations adjacent to the proposed site. The Coega Quarry is located to the

north-east of the HCRW Incinerator site. The CDC’s security and ops yard is directly opposite the site, along

the MR435.

6.7.2 Existing Ambient Air Quality Data

There are 3 ambient air quality monitoring stations (Amsterdamplein, Coega Saltworks and Motherwell)

owned by the CDC, and monthly, quarterly and annual reports of results are published. Data collected at the

monitoring station at Amsterdamplein (closest to the site and located along the dominant wind direction axis)

for the period 2009 – 2012) is tabulated below.

The Air Quality Monitoring Stations (AQMS) were not running between October 2012 and December 2014.

They commenced again with data capture as from January 2015. This information will be updated with the

latest Air Quality Monitoring data when the 2015/2016 annual report is available.

Table 11: Summary of Amsterdamplein Baseline AAQ Data 2009 (C&M Consulting Engineers, 2013)

Amsterdamplein Station

Parameter NO2 NO2 SO2 SO2 SO2 SO2 PM10 PM10

Unit ppb ppb ppb ppb ppb ppb µg/m3 µg/m

3

Averaging Period 1 hour

Annual 10 minute

1 hour

24 hour

Annual 24 hour

Annual

Percent Data capture 79.5 N/A 71.9 79.6 95.6 N/A 99.7 N/A

Jan 2009 to Dec 2009 (Average)

2.3 N/A 1.0 0.9 0.9 N/A 16.9 N/A

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Jan 2009 to Dec 2009 (Minimum)

0.01 N/A 0.1 0.1 0.1 N/A 4.0 N/A

Jan 2009 to Dec 2009 (Maximum)

439.5 N/A 46.6 43 11.4 N/A 71.5 N/A

Ambient Standards (RSA) 106 21 191 134 48 19 120 50

Number of Exceedances 3* 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

* There are 88 allowable exceedances per year for NO2

Table 12: Summary of Amsterdamplein Baseline AAQ Data, 2010 (C&M Consulting Engineers, 2013)

Amsterdamplein Station

Parameter NO2 NO2 SO2 SO2 SO2 SO2 PM10 PM10

Unit ppb ppb ppb ppb ppb ppb µg/m3 µg/m

3

Averaging Period 1 hour

Annual 10 minute

1 hour

24 hour

Annual 24 hour

Annual

Percent Data capture 47.2 N/A 25.78 31.12 52.88 N/A 66.3 N/A

Jan 2010 to Dec 2010 (Average)

1.2 N/A 0.8 0.8 0.9 N/A 13 N/A

Jan 2010 to Dec 2010 (Minimum)

0 N/A 0.0 0.0 0.1 N/A 0.4 N/A

Jan 2010 to Dec 2010 (Maximum)

41.6 N/A 65.4 59.2 15.8 N/A 57.1 N/A

Ambient Standards (RSA) 106 21 191 134 48 19 120 50

Number of Exceedances 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Table 13: Summary of Amsterdamplein Baseline AAQ Data, 2011 (C&M Consulting Engineers, 2013)

Amsterdamplein Station

Parameter NO2 NO2 SO2 SO2 SO2 SO2 PM10 PM10

Unit ppb ppb ppb ppb ppb ppb µg/m3 µg/m

3

Averaging Period 1 hour

Annual 10 minute

1 hour

24 hour

Annual 24 hour

Annual

Percent Data capture 77.08 N/A 78.23 77.04 81.1 N/A 54.79 N/A

Jan 2011 to Dec 2011 (Average)

1.24 1.48 2.15 2.15 2.11 1.74 59.31 30.81

Jan 2011 to Dec 2011 (Minimum)

0.01 N/A 0.0 0.01 0.16 N/A 0.43 N/A

Jan 2011 to Dec 2011 (Maximum)

87.88 N/A 36.85 26 4.48 N/A 250.63 N/A

Ambient Standards (RSA) 106 21 191 134 48 19 120 50

Number of Exceedances 0 0 0 0 0 0 62 0

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Table 14: Summary of Amsterdamplein Baseline AAQ Data, 2012 (C&M Consulting Engineers, 2013)

Amsterdamplein Station

Parameter NO2 NO2 SO2 SO2 SO2 SO2 PM10 PM10

Unit ppb ppb ppb ppb ppb ppb µg/m3 µg/m

3

Averaging Period 1 hour

Annual 10 minute

1 hour

24 hour

Annual 24 hour

Annual

Percent Data capture 57.2 N/A 57.0 57.8 60.2 N/A 79.5 N/A

Jan 2012 to Dec 2012 (Average)

0.79 0.8 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.6 33.8 31.4

Jan 2012 to Dec 2012 (Minimum)

0 N/A 0 0 0.03 N/A 0 N/A

Jan 2012 to Dec 2012 (Maximum)

25.9 N/A 30.1 15.8 2.3 N/A 115.5 N/A

Ambient Standards (RSA) 106 21 191 134 48 19 120 50

Number of Exceedances 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

The data suggests a relatively unpolluted airshed in and around the Amsterdamplein monitoring station. PM10

data recorded in 2011 showed 62 exceedances, where there were no exceedances in any other year. The

source of Particulate Matter (PM) in the area is likely to be of natural origin, as historically high levels of PM in

polluted urban areas usually correlate with high levels of other criteria pollutants. Baseline levels for all other

measured pollutants at Amsterdamplein station were low, which indicates that the PM was not from a man-

made / industrial source.

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6.8 Noise

Zone 5 of the Coega IDZ is located within the central / western area, while the proposed HCRW Incinerator

site is located within the northern corner of zone 5. Existing industries in proximity to the proposed incinerator

are Bosun Bricks, which is a paving brick, kerbing and retaining wall manufacturing company and the Lafarge

Quarry. The Quarry is located outside of the IDZ, but will be approximately 200m from the proposed

incinerator. Surrounding land, which is currently vacant, is planned for future industrial uses in accordance

with the zoning policy of the Coega IDZ.

Existing ambient noise levels are not anticipated to be as high as an industrial area with numerous industries,

although there will be existing noise from the Bosun Bricks, the Quarry operations and the MR435 road noise.

Key guidelines to manage noise within the Coega IDZ have been developed as part of the CDC’s

Environmental Management System. These guidelines include:

any noise from a source, or a combination of sources, measured in accordance with the SANS

10103:2008, must not cause a rating of level of ambient noise, measured on the boundary, to exceed the

maximum permissible rating level for the zone;

a noise impact investigation for certain activities will be necessary in certain circumstances, as indicated

in the noise impact procedure;

aim for a “zero dB(A)” increase in ambient noise level;

buffer zones should be established around zones with large in-zone noise levels;

noise emitted from a source should not exceed the maximum permissible rating levels of outdoor noise for

land-uses within, and surrounding, Coega, as indicated in Table 15 below.

As per CDC’s Zone Rules, all investors to monitor noise on the boundary of the sites and noise levels may not

exceed 70 decibels day or night.

Table 15: Typical rating levels for noise in districts

Zone Maximum Lr (dBA)

Day Evening Night

Industry 70 70 60

Business, commercial 65 60 55

Residential, education, hospital

55 50 45

Rural, recreational 45 40 35

Nature Reserve 35 30 25

6.9 Heritage

Dr Johan Binneman, on behalf of Eastern Cape Heritage Consultants, has previously conducted a Phase 1

Archaeological Impact Assessment of Zone 5 of the Coega IDZ (Binneman, May 2010).

This study found that large areas have previously been cleared of the dense vegetation which covers most of

Zone 5 and that it is unknown whether any archaeological sites/materials were destroyed during that clearing.

The assessment found that the area is of low cultural sensitivity and that it is unlikely that any archaeological

sites/material would be located during development.

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It is possible, however, that sites of cultural or archaeological importance may be uncovered during bush

clearing activities.

Dr John Almond (Almond J. E., April 2010) conducted a Phase 1 Paleontological assessment of Zone 5 and

found that:

The overall paleontological sensitivity of Zone 5 of the Coega IDZ is moderate to high. In the study area the

Kirkwood Formation lying beneath the Algoa Group may contain scientifically important plant or dinosaur

remains, although these are admittedly rare. Most excavations in Zone 5 will encounter potentially fossiliferous

sediments of the Algoa Group, while only deeper excavations (>2m) are likely to intersect the underlying

Cretaceous beds. Surface deposits assigned to the “Bluewater Bay Formation” are of limited paleontological

interest, but they should also be inspected for possible fossil material such as vertebrate bones, teeth and

non-marine molluscs.

6.10 Road Network

The site can be accessed off the N2 from Neptune Road and the MR 435 / R102.

Figure 13: Road network around the HCRW Incinerator site

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7 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH

THE PROJECT This Environmental Scoping Study (ESS) aims to identify the potential positive and negative impacts (both

biophysical and social) associated with the proposed project. The following potential impacts have been

identified for the proposed site within the Coega IDZ. These impacts are only potentials identified for

Construction at this early stage of the project, and may or may not materialise. However, all of these potential

impacts will be assessed and adequately managed and mitigated.

7.1 Construction Phase

Table 16: Potential construction phase impacts

Affected Environment Potential Impact

Soils Removal and compaction of soil during construction activities. Erosion, degradation and loss of topsoil due to construction activities. Potential contamination of soils due to spillage, leakage, incorrect

handling of fuel and other hazardous materials.

Geohydrology (groundwater) Contamination of groundwater due to spillage, leakage, and incorrect handling of fuel and other hazardous materials.

Hydrology (surface water) Decreased infiltration and increased surface water run-off due to soil compaction by heavy machinery.

Ecology Removal of vegetation (i.e Grass Ridge Bontveld) at the site. Impact on the remaining (Albeit limited) faunal component residing in

or utilising the land

Social Labour will be sourced locally as far as possible for construction activities.

Air Quality Potential air pollution due to vehicle movement to and from the site. Dust generation due to construction activities.

Noise Noise generation during the construction phase.

Traffic Increase in traffic due to construction activities.

Waste General waste generated on site which includes domestic waste and small amounts of building rubble.

Hazardous waste generated through the spillage of oil/diesel/chemicals used during construction.

Heritage No sites, features or objects of cultural significance are known to exist.

Health and Safety Potential health and safety impacts during construction.

7.2 Operational Phase

These impacts are only potentials identified for Operations at this early stage of the project, and may or may

not materialise. However, all of these potential impacts will be assessed and adequately managed and

mitigated.

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Table 17: Potential operational phase impacts

Affected Environment Potential Impact

Soils Potential contamination of soils due to spillages and/or leakages of fuels and other hazardous materials.

Geohydrology (groundwater) Potential contamination of groundwater should leakages or spillages of fuel or hazardous materials not be adequately addressed.

Hydrology (surface water) No impacts are anticipated during the operational phase as there are no surface water sources in close proximity to the site.

Social It is anticipated that approximately 40 new jobs will be created during operation of the incinerator.

Safe disposal of HCRW from various sources within the province.

Air Quality Odours and emissions from the incinerator.

Waste Generation of general and hazardous waste during operation activities.

Traffic Impact of trucks transporting HCRW to the incinerator site.

7.3 Decommissioning Phase

At this point of the project planning process, the necessity for and timing of decommissioning of the proposed

project is not known. However, like construction impacts, decommissioning impacts are inherently temporary

in duration. Impacts relating to decommissioning and rehabilitation activities (demolition, landscaping,

compaction etc.) will be addressed within the EIA phase and in the EMPr.

7.4 Cumulative Impacts

Cumulative impacts associated with the project will be further investigated in detail during the EIA study.

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8 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS This ESS for the proposed HCRW Incinerator project has been undertaken in accordance with the

Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (2014) published in Government Notices R. 982 of 04

December 2014 read with Section 44, of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of

1998).

In line with Appendix 2 (Section 2) of the EIA Regulations, this ESS aimed to identify and provide:

A description of the proposed activity;

A description of the environment that may be affected by the activity and the manner in which the

physical, biological, social, and economic aspects of the environment may be affected by the proposed

activity;

The identification of all legislation and guidelines applicable to the development;

A description of environmental issues and potential impacts, including cumulative impacts, that have been

identified;

Details of the public participation process conducted to date; and

A Plan of Study for Environmental Impact Assessment including the methodology that will be adopted in

assessing the potential impacts that have been identified, including specialist studies or specialised

processes that will be undertaken.

Based on the ESS undertaken, it can be concluded that there are no fatal flaws associated with the project.

Potential environmental impacts have been identified and will be further investigated in the EIA phase. The

methodology that will be used for assessment of potential significant impacts is contained in Chapter 9 (Plan

of Study for EIA).

Two potential sites were initially identified for the proposed incinerator, but as detailed in Section 3.1, the

municipal site was not assessed in further detail. The site within Zone 5 of the Coega IDZ will be assessed as

the preferred site in the EIA phase.

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9 PLAN OF STUDY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL

IMPACT ASSESSMENT Potential environmental impacts (biophysical and social) associated with the proposed project have been

identified in the ESS. No fatal flaws have been identified to date. All potentially significant and cumulative

impacts will be further investigated and assessed within the EIA phase of the project. Mitigation measures will

be contained in the EMPr to be compiled during the EIA phase.

The EIA phase will aim to adequately assess and address all potentially significant environmental issues in

order to provide the National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) with sufficient information to make an

informed decision regarding the proposed project.

9.1 Approach to Undertake the EIA Phase of the Project

The following points below outline the proposed approach to undertaking the WML / EIA phase of the project.

It is believed that the proposed approach will adequately fulfil the requirements of the competent authority, the

requirements of the EIA Regulations (2014) and the objectives of environmental best practice, so as to ensure

transparency and to allow an informed decision regarding the project to be made.

9.1.1 Authority Consultation

Ongoing consultation with DEA, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Ward Councillor, and all other

authorities identified during the ESS phase of the project (and further ones that may be identified during the

EIA phase) will continue throughout the duration of the project. Authority consultation is therefore seen as a

continuous process that takes place until completion of the environmental investigations.

9.1.2 Aims of the Environmental Impact Assessment

The EIA will aim to achieve the following:

To supplement, where necessary, the assessment of the social and biophysical environments affected by

the development;

To assess impacts on the study area in terms of environmental criteria;

To identify and recommend appropriate mitigation measures for potentially significant environmental

impacts;

To complete an EMPr for the inclusion of proposed mitigation measures; and

To undertake a fully inclusive public participation process to ensure that I&AP issues and concerns are

recorded and addressed.

9.1.3 Specialist Studies

A detailed Air Quality Impact Assessment (AQIA) will be undertaken by RHDHV’s internal Air Quality

specialists.

The proposed methodology to be followed is provided below:

Phase 1 - Baseline assessment

Determine the atmospheric dispersion potential for the area being assessed;

Identification of sensitive receptors within close proximity to the proposed operations;

Identification of other sources within the area impacting on ambient air quality; and

In order to assess the possible cumulative air quality impacts, monitored ambient and meteorological data

will be sourced for the area under investigation.

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Phase 2 - Impact Assessment Phase

An assessment of fugitive and point source emissions;

The model which will be used in the impact assessment is AERMOD, a state-of-the-art Planetary

Boundary Layer (PBL) air dispersion model, was developed by the American Meteorological Society and

USEPA Regulatory Model Improvement Committee (AERMIC). AERMOD is a steady-state plume

dispersion model for simulating transport and dispersion from point, area or volume sources based on an

up to date characterization of the atmospheric boundary layer. AERMOD utilizes a similar input and output

structure to ISCST3 and shares many of the same features, as well as offering additional features.

AERMOD fully incorporates the PRIME building downwash algorithms, advanced depositional

parameters, local terrain effects, and advanced meteorological turbulence calculations.

Impact results will be presented in the forms of Isopleths plots which reflect the gridded contours of zones

of impact at various distances from the contributing source. The dispersion patterns which will be

generated by the contours will be a representation of the maximum predicted ground level concentration

for the period being assessed.

An assessment of compliance will be conducted using available health risk screening levels obtained for

the pollutants identified. Comparison will be made to both locally and internationally available health risk

levels for these pollutants.

A comprehensive draft and final Air Quality Impact Assessment Report will be compiled.

The Air Quality Impact Assessment Report will also form part of the Atmospheric Emissions License (AEL)

which will be applied for in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (No. 39 of 2004)(as

amended).

9.1.4 Impact Assessment Methodology

The potential environmental impacts associated with the project will be evaluated according to it nature,

extent, duration, intensity, probability and significance of the impacts, whereby:

Nature: An overview of the impact and defines it as being beneficial, neutral or detrimental in its impact on

the environment;

Spatial Extent: Defines physical extent or range of the impact. It will be indicated whether the impact will

be limited to the site of the development activity specifically, limited to the immediate surroundings (local),

the regional area, and/or the national area;

Duration: Indicates the lifetime of the impact as a result of the proposed activity;

Probability: Describes the likelihood of an impact actually occurring;

Cumulative: Describes the cumulative effect of the impacts on the environmental and social parameter;

and

Severity: Scientifically evaluates how severe negative impacts would be, or how beneficial positive

impacts would be on a particular affected system or a particular affected party.

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Table 18: Criteria to be used for the rating of impacts

Criteria Description

Spatial Extent

National (4)

The whole of South Africa

Regional (3)

Provincial and parts of neighbouring provinces

Local (2)

Within a radius of 2 km of the construction site

Site (1)

Within the construction site

Duration

Permanent (4)

Mitigation either by man or natural process will not occur in

such a way or in such a time span that the impact can be

considered transient

Long-term (3)

The impact will continue or last for the entire operational life of

the development, but will be mitigated by direct human action

or by natural processes thereafter. The only class of

impact which will be non-transitory

Medium-term (2)

The impact will last for the period of the construction phase, where

after it will be entirely negated

Short-term (1)

The impact will either disappear with mitigation or will be mitigated through natural process in a span

shorter than the construction phase

Probability Of Occurrence

Definite (4)

Impact will certainly occur

Highly Probable (3)

Most likely that the impact will occur

Possible (2)

The impact may occur

Improbable (1)

Likelihood of the impact materialising is very low

Severity

Very Severe (4)

Irreversible and permanent change to the environment which

cannot be mitigated

Severe (3)

Long-term impacts on the environment that could be

mitigated

Average (2)

Medium impacts on the environment. Mitigation is easy, cheap, less time consuming as

the impact is partially reversible.

Negligible (1)

Environment is marginally affected by the proposed development. Completely

reversible with implementation of minor mitigation measures

Cumulative

High (4)

Impact will result in significant cumulative impacts

Medium (3)

Impacts will result in medium significant cumulative impacts

Low (2)

Impact will result in Low cumulative impacts

Negligible (1)

Impact will result in negligible to no cumulative impacts

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Significance is determined through a synthesis of the various impact characteristics. Significance is an

indication of the importance of the impact in terms of both physical extent and time scale, and therefore

indicates the level of mitigation required. This describes the significance of the impact on the social parameter.

The calculation of the significance of an impact uses the following formula:

(Extent + Duration + Probability + Cumulative effect) x Severity

The status of the impact determines whether the value is positive (beneficial) or negative (detrimental).

The summation of the different criteria produces a non-weighted value. By multiplying this value with the

severity rating, the resultant value acquires a weighted characteristic which can be measured and assigned a

significance rating.

The impact is rated in terms of the criteria presented in the table below.

Table 19: Significance rating of classified impacts

Impact Rating Description Quantitative

Rating

Positive

High Of the highest positive order possible within the bounds of impacts that could

occur.

+46 to +64

Medium Positive impact is real, but not substantial in relation to other impacts that

might take effect within the bounds of those that could occur. Other means of

achieving this benefit are approximately equal in time, cost and effort.

+21 to +45

Low Positive impacts are of a low order and therefore likely to have a limited

effect. Alternative means of achieving this benefit are likely to be easier,

cheaper, more effective and less time-consuming.

+5 to +20

Negligible

impact

Negligible

impact

Zero (or effective neutral) impact. +4 to -4

Negative

Low Impact is of a low negative order and therefore likely to have little real effect.

In the case of adverse impacts, mitigation will be required, or both. Social,

cultural, and economic activities of communities can continue unchanged.

-5 to -20

Medium A negative impact is real, but not substantial in relation to other impacts that

might take effect within the bounds of those that could occur. In the case of

adverse impacts, mitigation is both feasible and fairly possible. Social cultural

and economic activities of communities are changed but can be continued

(albeit in a different form). Modification of the project design or alternative

action(s) may be required to avoid or minimise such impacts.

-21 to -45

High Of the highest negative order possible within the bounds of impacts that could

occur. In the case of adverse impacts, there is no possible mitigation that

could offset the impact, or mitigation is difficult, expensive, time-consuming,

or a combination of these. Social, cultural and economic activities of

communities are disrupted to such an extent that these come to a halt or

modified beyond recognition.

-46 to -64

The suitability and feasibility of all proposed mitigation measures will be included in the assessment of

significant impacts. This will be achieved through the comparison of the significance of the impact before and

after the proposed mitigation measure is implemented. Mitigation measures identified as necessary will be

included in an EMPr. The EMPr will form part of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR).

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9.1.5 Environmental Impact Assessment Report

The EIAR will contain the following:

Details of the EAP who compiled the report and their expertise to carry out an EIA;

Detailed description of the activity/ies;

A description of the environment that might be affected by the activity and the manner in which the

physical, biological, social, economic and cultural aspects of the environment may be affected by the

proposed activity;

Details of the public participation process conducted during the Scoping Phase and the ongoing

consultation during the EIA phase;

Description of the need and desirability of the activity including advantages and disadvantages that the

activity may have on the environment and the community that may be affected by the activity;

An indication of the methodology used in determining the significance of potential environmental impacts;

A summary of the findings and recommendations of any specialist report or report on a specialised

process;

A description of all environmental issues that were identified during the environmental impact assessment

process, an assessment of the significance of each issue and an indication of the extent to which the

issue could be addressed by the adoption of mitigation measures;

An assessment of each identified potentially significant impact, including cumulative impacts, the nature of

the impact, the extent and duration of the impact, the probability of the impact occurring, the degree to

which the impact can be reversed, the degree to which the impact may cause irreplaceable loss of

resources and the degree to which the impact can be mitigated;

A description of any assumptions, uncertainties and gaps in knowledge;

An opinion as to whether the activity should or should not be authorised, and if the opinion is that it should

be authorised, any conditions that should be made in respect of that authorisation;

An environmental impact statement which contains a summary of the key findings of the environmental

impact assessment; and a comparative assessment of the positive and negative implications of the

activity.

A draft Environmental Management Programme (EMPr); and

Copies of any specialist reports and reports on specialised processes.

9.1.6 Draft Environmental Management Programme

During the compilation of the EIAR, a draft EMPr will be compiled in accordance with the EIA Regulations

(2014). The draft EMPr will provide the actions for the management of identified environmental impacts

emanating from the project and a detailed outline of the implementation programme to minimise and/or

eliminate the anticipated negative environmental impacts. The draft EMPr will provide strategies to be used to

address the roles and responsibilities of environmental management personnel on site, and a framework for

environmental compliance and monitoring.

The EMPr will include the following:

Details of the person who prepared the EMPr and the expertise of the person to prepare an EMPr;

Information on any proposed management or mitigation measures that will be taken to address the

environmental impacts that have been identified in the EIAR, including environmental impacts or

objectives in respect of operation or undertaking of the activities, rehabilitation of the environment and

closure where relevant;

A detailed description of the aspects of the activity that are covered by the draft EMPr;

An identification of the persons who will be responsible for the implementation of the measures;

Where appropriate, time periods within which the measures contemplated in the draft EMPr must be

implemented;

Proposed mechanisms for monitoring compliance with the EMPr and reporting thereon;

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An environmental awareness plan; and

Procedures for managing incidents which have occurred as a result of undertaking the activity and

rehabilitation measures.

9.2 Public Participation Process

The primary aims for the public participation process include the following:

Meaningful and timeous participation of I&APs;

Promoting transparency and an understanding of the proposed project and its potential environmental

(social and biophysical) impacts;

Accountability for information used for decision-making;

Serving as a structure for liaison and communication with I&APs;

Assisting in identifying potential environmental (social and biophysical) impacts associated with the

development; and

The needs, interests and values of I&APs must be considered in the decision-making process.

9.2.1 Advertising

The primary aim of adverts in the EIA phase is to provide information regarding the availability of reports for

public review.

9.2.2 Identification of and Consultation with Key Stakeholders

The identification of I&APs and key stakeholders will continue into the EIA phase of the project as the public

participation process is a continuous process that runs throughout the duration of an environmental study.

9.2.3 I&AP Database

All I&AP information (including contact details), together with dates and details of consultations and a record

of all issues raised is recorded within a comprehensive database of I&APs. This database will be updated on

an on-going basis throughout the project, and will act as a record of the communication/involvement process.

9.2.4 Consultation and Public Involvement

Consultation with I&APs is considered to be critical to the success of any EIA process. Therefore, one-on-one

consultation (via telephone calls, fax and emails) will be undertaken. The aim of this process will be to provide

I&APs with details regarding the process and to obtain further comments regarding the project. Minutes of all

meetings held will be compiled and forwarded to all attendees. These minutes will also be included in the

EIAR.

9.2.5 Issues Trail

All issues, comments and concerns raised during the public participation process of the EIA study will be

compiled into an Issues Trail. This Issues Trail will be incorporated as part of the EIAR.

9.2.6 Public and Authority Review of the Consultation Environmental Impact Assessment Report

The consultation EIAR will be made available at public places for public review and comment. The

consultation EIAR will also be submitted to DEA simultaneously. A 30-calendar day period will be allowed for

this review process. An advertisement indicating the availability of this report for public scrutiny will be placed

in a local newspaper. I&APs registered on the project database will be notified of the availability of this report

by correspondence.

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9.2.7 Authority Review of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report

After the public review period, all relevant comments received from the public will be considered and included

into a final EIAR. This final document will be submitted to the DEA for final review and decision-making.

9.2.8 Environmental Authorisation and Waste Management Licence

On receipt of the environmental authorisation and waste management licence for the project, I&APs registered

on the project database will be informed and its associated terms and conditions by correspondence.