Eia Report

December 2012
XSTRATA COAL SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD
Final Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Proposed Xstrata Coal Water Reclamation Scheme
Submitted to: Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (MDEDET) [Ref. No. 17/2/3N-139]
REPORT
Report Number. Distribution:
10613280 - 11760 - 8
1 x Xstrata Coal South Africa 1 x Interested and Affected Parties 1 x Unbound Copy to GAA Project File 1 x Copy to GAA Library
XSTRATA MINE WATER RECLAMATION SCHEME - FINAL EIA
PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT

Xstrata Coal South Africa Pty Ltd (Xstrata) proposes to construct and operate a Mine Water Reclamation Scheme (MWRS) to treat water from its mining operations at Goedgevonden (GGV), Tweefontein and iMpunzi Coal Mines. The proposed MWRS will involve construction of a Water Treatment Plant (WTP) at Tweefontein Colliery to treat approximately 45 M of mine water per day. The components of the proposed Project will comprise the following:
Collection of excess mine water from Goedgevonden, Tweefontein, and iMpunzi Coal Mines; Installation of pipeline and pumping systems to transfer excess mine water from Boschmans South and Arthur Taylor Colliery (ATC) / Tavistock to the proposed WTP; Construction of a WTP where mine water can be treated to potable water standards; Construction of treated water distribution system for delivery of treated water for discharge; and The disposal of waste generated during the mine water treatment process (brine and sludge).
In order to obtain Environmental Authorisation for the proposed project, Xstrata is required to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) (NEMA); compile an environmental management programme (EMP) addendum in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act 28 of 2002) (MPRDA); submit an integrated water use licence application (IWULA) in terms of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998) (NWA); and obtain a waste management licence (WML) for the disposal of brine in terms of National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act 59 of 2008) (NEMWA). Golder Associates Africa (Pty) Ltd, an independent company, conducted the EIA, IWULA and WML. This document is the Final EIA which has been compiled following completion of the Scoping Phase. The purpose of this Final EIA is for Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) to review the findings of the impact assessment as well as the specialist studies compiled by the EIA technical specialists. A period of 21 calendar days (excluding public holidays) will be available for public review of the Final EIA and this final report will also then be submitted to the lead authority for the EIA, the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (MDEDET).
December 2012 Report No. 10613280 - 11760 - 8
Figure 1: Overview of EIA and public participation processes, showing the key steps in each process and anticipated timeframes
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PUBLIC REVIEW OF THE FINAL EIA/EMP REPORT

This Final Environmental Impact Assessment Report / Environmental Management Programme are available for comment for a period of 21 days from Monday 3 December 2012 to Monday 14 January 2013.
The report is also available on the Golder Associates website: www.golder.com/public
OPPORTUNITIES TO COMMENT
Stakeholders can comment on the Final EIA and EMP by: Submitting comments by e-mail, fax or telephone directly to the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (MDEDET) (see below).
DUE DATE FOR COMMENT ON THIS FINAL EIA/EMP REPORT

Monday 14 January 2013
Please submit comments to the relevant persons listed below:
Ms Martha Seshweni Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (MDEDET) Piet Koornhof Building Corner of Justice and Kruger Streets, WITBANK Tel: (013) 690 1279
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Executive Summary
Xstratas coal mining operations at Goedgevonden, Tweefontein, and iMpunzi Coal Mines (located 25 km south west of eMalahleni (Figure 2)), have been operating for a number of years and comprise mainly underground coal mining operations . Prior to and during mining the underground areas are dewatered by pumping water away from active areas and storing this water in previously mined underground voids to allow safe access to the coal reserves. Following a review of the mine plan, Xstrata plans to mine in areas close to the voids where water is stored. Prior to mining these areas, this water will need to be extracted to the surface. The objective of the project is to collect and treat contaminated mine water accumulating within the underground operations at ATC/Tavistock 2# and at Boschmans South. This will allow mining to take place within previously flooded areas and provide clean water to Xstratas potable water network and possibly to the Phola/Ogies Reservoirs for community water supply. Any excess treated water would be discharged into the Zaaiwaterspruit. The Mine Water Reclamation Scheme will be designed to collect and treat a maximum of 45 million litres of water per day (Ml/day) during operations. The proposed project will involve the construction and operation of a Mine Water Reclamation Scheme consisting of mine water abstraction points and delivery pipelines, a mine water storage dam, a water treatment plant (WTP), sludge and brine ponds (for WTP waste), treated water supply pipelines and support infrastructure such as power lines and access roads. The project is located on XCSA owned land, which is characterised by mining and agricultural activities typical of the Mpumalanga Highveld area. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Process assessed the potential negative impacts and positive benefits of the proposed project and corresponding mitigation measures proposed to reduce the negative impacts and enhance the positive benefits. Key potential impacts identified during the EIA process were:
Positive impacts associated with:
The collection and treatment of contaminated water arising from the underground workings ; The potential provision of potable water to the mine, and potential future users (local community
and the proposed Lesedi Power Station);
The removal of water from underground voids to allow mining operations to continue; Access to additional coal reserves; and Employment and capital expenditure which will provide a boost to the local economy.
Negative impacts relate to:
Habitat loss and degradation through vegetation clearing; Potential local loss of species of conservation importance namely the Marsh Sylph (located within
the wetland areas);
Increases in exotic and / or declared invader species; Altered wetland hydrology due to interception / diversion / impoundments of flows; and Water quality deterioration due to seepage and leakage out of the brine ponds and sludge dams
and pipelines.
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Mitigation measures for the above impacts include:
Avoiding watercourses and wetlands as much as possible through site selection, project layout and pipeline routing undertaken in the project design process.; Minimising the construction footprint as far as possible; Establishing an exotic species control programme; To reduce impacts to wetlands/ streams as far possible the pipelines will be constructed on pipe bridges across the flow channels of sensitive watercourses; and Implementing best practice measures for lining and leak detection at the sludge and brine ponds and pipeline (through pressure detection and emergency shut off systems).
Key issues identified by stakeholders during the EIA process relate to the following:
Concern that the project could affect neighbouring farm borehole yields;
This aspect has been investigated by the groundwater specialist team, who have indicated that the
project is unlikely to affect neighbouring farm borehole yields. Nevertheless, during construction and operation groundwater monitoring will be carried out to identify any impact on borehole yields and water quality.
The potential positive impact of the project on water resources (particularly regarding the salt loads of the Olifants river catchment);
Surface water modelling carried out indicates that the impact of clean water on the Olifants river
catchment is negligible due to the relatively low amount of water that would be discharged.
Whether water from the WTP will be made available to communities and the municipality.
XCSA has committed to investigating viable supply options for the community and municipality.
Based on the findings of the impact assessment an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been produced which will form an addendum to the Tweefontein Environmental Management Programme Report (EMPR). The priorities of the EMP are:
During construction:
Extra care will be undertaken during construction in wetlands areas. This will include carrying out a
detailed ecological survey (inclusive of relocation if necessary) for red data species prior to construction at sensitive areas, phasing construction activities in wetland / stream areas for the dry season, appointing a wetland ecologist to monitor construction activities, and implementing best practice construction methods to minimise and rehabilitate impacts on wetlands;
Ensuring that the contractor is aware of and is responsible for implementing the construction
elements of the EMP;
Undertaking best practice construction practices ensuring good housekeeping, hazardous

material management, erosion control, dust suppression, noise monitoring and traffic management;
Ensuring proper liner placement and installation of a leak detection system at the sludge and brine
ponds and pipelines; and
Appointing an Environmental Control Officer (ECO) to verify the implementation of the EMP and
assign compliance measures, and appointing an external consultant to carry out bi-monthly environmental audits (focusing on construction activities in wetlands).
During operations:
Investigating viable sustainable supply options for the potable water produced; and Ensuring all hazardous materials is contained appropriately.
At Closure:
Developing a detailed rehabilitation and closure plan, focusing on rendering the brine and sludge
ponds safe for future land use and minimising impacts to wetlands during decommissioning.
CONCLUSION
The positive benefits of the Project (clean water, allowing mining to continue and creation of employment) provide a strong argument as to why the project should be approved. By identifying sensitive areas (wetlands) early in the design phase, and throughout the EIA process, these areas have been avoided as far as possible. By implementing best practice engineering measures (liners and leak detection systems for the sludge and brine ponds and pipelines) as well as the measures outlined in the EMP and implementing a project to provide the community with a potable water supply, the project should provide an overall benefit to the area, offsetting to an extent the current impacts of mining.
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Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND .................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 2.0 Overview ....................................................................................................................................................... 1 Details of the Proponent ............................................................................................................................... 2 Details of the Environmental Impact Assessment Practitioner ...................................................................... 3
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT...................................................................................................... 6 2.1 2.1 2.2 2.2.1 2.3 2.3.1 2.3.2 2.3.3 2.4 2.4.1.1 2.4.2 2.4.3 2.4.3.1 2.4.4 2.4.4.1 2.4.4.2 2.4.4.3 2.4.4.4 2.4.4.5 2.4.5 2.4.6 2.4.7 2.4.8 2.4.8.1 2.4.8.2 2.5 Project Objective ........................................................................................................................................... 6 Location ........................................................................................................................................................ 6 Project Components ..................................................................................................................................... 6 Project Phases .............................................................................................................................................. 6 Water Collection and Distribution System ..................................................................................................... 9 Abstraction Boreholes ................................................................................................................................... 9 Collection Pipelines....................................................................................................................................... 9 Treated Water Distribution .......................................................................................................................... 10 Water Treatment Plant (WTP) .................................................................................................................... 10 Soil Data and Geotechnical Conditions.............................................................................................. 11 Raw Water Dam.......................................................................................................................................... 11 Water Treatment Plant ................................................................................................................................ 11 Water Quality ..................................................................................................................................... 12 Waste Management System ....................................................................................................................... 15 Waste Streams .................................................................................................................................. 15 Waste Classification........................................................................................................................... 15 Waste Facilities .................................................................................................................................. 16 Long-term waste disposal .................................................................................................................. 21 Common Waste Disposal Elements................................................................................................... 22 Storm Water Management .......................................................................................................................... 23 Access and Ring Roads.............................................................................................................................. 25 Security Fence ............................................................................................................................................ 25 Project-Related Services ............................................................................................................................ 25 Power Supply..................................................................................................................................... 25 Potable Water Supply and Sanitation ................................................................................................ 26 Employment ................................................................................................................................................ 26
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2.6 2.6.1 2.6.2 2.6.3 3.0
Construction, Operation and Closure Activities ........................................................................................... 26 Construction ................................................................................................................................................ 26 Operational Activities .................................................................................................................................. 29 Rehabilitation and Closure .......................................................................................................................... 29
PROJECT ALTERNATIVES .................................................................................................................................... 29 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 Treatment Alternatives ................................................................................................................................ 29 Location Alternatives................................................................................................................................... 29 Pipeline Routing Alternatives ...................................................................................................................... 32 Site Layout Alternatives .............................................................................................................................. 35 Waste Disposal Alternatives ....................................................................................................................... 35 Potable Water Use Alternatives .................................................................................................................. 35 No Go ......................................................................................................................................................... 35
4.0
LEGAL, POLICY AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ..................................................................................... 35 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.3.1 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.8.1 4.8.2 4.8.3 4.8.4 4.8.5 4.9 4.9.1 4.9.2 4.9.3 4.9.4 4.10 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 35 Relevant South African Legislation Applicable to the Project...................................................................... 36 Environmental Impact Assessment: NEMA ................................................................................................ 36 Listed Activities ........................................................................................................................................... 37 EMPR amendment in terms of the MPRDA ................................................................................................ 39 Water Use Licence: NWA ........................................................................................................................... 39 National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (59 of 2008) (NEMWA) ....................................... 40 Integrated Environmental Permitting ........................................................................................................... 41 Other Regulations ....................................................................................................................................... 41 SAHRA Authorisation: NHRA ................................................................................................................ 41 Water care works registration (NWA) .................................................................................................... 42 Servitude Registration ........................................................................................................................... 42 Contractual Agreements........................................................................................................................ 42 By-laws.................................................................................................................................................. 42 Administrative Framework .......................................................................................................................... 42 Department of Mineral Resources - MPRDA......................................................................................... 42 Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism - NEMA ................... 43 Department of Water Affairs - NWA ...................................................................................................... 43 Department of Environmental Affairs - NEMWA.................................................................................... 43 Xstrata Sustainable Development Policy .................................................................................................... 43
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5.0
DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT THAT MAY BE AFFECTED .................................................................. 45 5.1 5.1.1 5.1.1.1.1 5.1.1.1.2 5.1.2 5.1.3 5.1.4 5.1.5 5.1.6 5.1.7 5.2 5.2.1 5.2.2 5.2.3 5.3 5.3.1 5.3.2 5.3.3 5.3.4 Physical environment .................................................................................................................................. 46 Climate and Air Quality.......................................................................................................................... 46 Diurnal wind roses .......................................................................................................................... 49 Seasonal wind roses ...................................................................................................................... 49 Noise ..................................................................................................................................................... 51 Topography ........................................................................................................................................... 54 Geology ................................................................................................................................................. 54 Soils, Land use and Land Capability ..................................................................................................... 54 Surface Water ....................................................................................................................................... 59 Groundwater ......................................................................................................................................... 62 Biological Environment ............................................................................................................................... 63 Terrestrial Ecology ................................................................................................................................ 63 Aquatic Ecology .................................................................................................................................... 70 Wetland Ecology ................................................................................................................................... 72 Socio-economic Environment ..................................................................................................................... 74 Socio-economic..................................................................................................................................... 74 Traffic .................................................................................................................................................... 75 Sites of cultural/historical importance .................................................................................................... 76 Visual aspects ....................................................................................................................................... 77
6.0
IMPACT ASSESSMENT .......................................................................................................................................... 78 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.4.1 6.4.2 6.4.3 6.4.4 6.4.5 6.4.6 6.4.7 6.5 Approach to Impact Assessment ................................................................................................................ 78 Methodology for assessing impacts ............................................................................................................ 79 Study Area .................................................................................................................................................. 81 Physical environment .................................................................................................................................. 83 Climate and Air quality .......................................................................................................................... 83 Noise and Vibration ............................................................................................................................... 85 Topography ........................................................................................................................................... 87 Geology ................................................................................................................................................. 87 Soils, Land use and Land Capability ..................................................................................................... 87 Surface Water ....................................................................................................................................... 88 Groundwater ......................................................................................................................................... 91 Biological Environment ............................................................................................................................... 92
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6.5.1 6.5.2 6.6 6.6.1 6.6.2 6.6.3 6.7 6.8 6.9 7.0
Terrestrial Ecology ................................................................................................................................ 92 Aquatic and Wetland Ecology ............................................................................................................... 94 Socio-economic Environment ..................................................................................................................... 97 Sites of cultural/historical importance .................................................................................................... 99 Visual aspects ....................................................................................................................................... 99 Traffic .................................................................................................................................................. 100 Summary .................................................................................................................................................. 100 Potential Cumulative Impacts ................................................................................................................... 120 Strategic Planning ..................................................................................................................................... 121
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ..................................................................................................................................... 122 7.1 7.1.1 7.2 7.2.1 7.2.2 7.2.3 7.2.4 7.2.5 7.2.6 7.3 7.4 7.5 Identification of Interested and Affected Parties ........................................................................................ 123 Register of I&APs ................................................................................................................................ 123 Public Participation during the Scoping Phase ......................................................................................... 123 Announcement of the opportunity to become involved ........................................................................ 123 Obtaining Initial Comment ................................................................................................................... 124 Authority Consultation ......................................................................................................................... 124 Public Review of the Draft Scoping Report ......................................................................................... 125 Comment and Response Report ......................................................................................................... 126 Public review of the Final Scoping Report ........................................................................................... 126 Public Comment thus far........................................................................................................................... 128 Public Participation during the Impact Assessment phase........................................................................ 126 Environmental Authorisation ..................................................................................................................... 126
8.0 9.0
DIFFICULTIES, LIMITATIONS AND UNCERTAINTIES, AND IMPLICATIONS FOR DECISION MAKING ......... 128 PROPOSED ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ..................................................................................... 128 9.1 9.2 9.2.1 9.2.2 9.2.3 9.2.4 9.3 9.4 9.5 Key Priorities ............................................................................................................................................. 128 Organisational Capacity, Roles and Responsibilities ................................................................................ 129 Environmental Control Officer (ECO) .................................................................................................. 129 Responsibility of contractors ............................................................................................................... 129 Environmental incidents and breaches of EMP conditions .................................................................. 130 Complaints management .................................................................................................................... 130 Register of Environmental and Social Impacts ......................................................................................... 130 Table of Actions ........................................................................................................................................ 130 Specific Plans ........................................................................................................................................... 147
9.5.1 9.6 9.6.1 9.6.2 9.6.3 9.6.4 9.6.5 9.7 9.7.1 9.7.2 9.8 9.8.1 9.8.2 9.8.3 9.8.4 9.9 9.10 9.11
Soils Handling, Storage and Rehabilitation Plan ................................................................................. 147 Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting ....................................................................................................... 151 Pre-construction Audit ......................................................................................................................... 151 Auditing/Inspections ............................................................................................................................ 151 Environmental Monitoring.................................................................................................................... 151 Surface Water monitoring.................................................................................................................... 151 Ecological Monitoring .......................................................................................................................... 152 General Environmental Procedures .......................................................................................................... 152 Method Statements ............................................................................................................................. 152 Record Keeping .................................................................................................................................. 152 Standards and Guidelines......................................................................................................................... 152 Air Quality............................................................................................................................................ 152 Surface Water ..................................................................................................................................... 153 Groundwater ....................................................................................................................................... 154 Noise and Vibration ............................................................................................................................. 154 NON-COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES ....................................................................................................... 154 Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan ........................................................................................ 155 Finalising the EMP .................................................................................................................................... 155
10.0 REHABILITATION AND CLOSURE PLANNING .................................................................................................. 155 10.1 PROJECT MOTIVATION: NEED AND DESIRABILITY ............................................................................ 156
11.0 NEXT STEPS IN THE EIA PROCESS ................................................................................................................... 156 11.1.1 Stages at which the competent authorities will be consulted............................................................... 156
12.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................................................ 156 13.0 UNDERTAKING ..................................................................................................................................................... 158 14.0 REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................................................... 159
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TABLES Table 1 Project Proponent ................................................................................................................................................... 2 Table 2: Details of Golder Associates ................................................................................................................................. 3 Table 3: EIA Team .............................................................................................................................................................. 3 Table 4: Project location ...................................................................................................................................................... 6 Table 5: Mine Water Collection - Estimated Abstraction Rates ........................................................................................... 9 Table 6: Waste streams classification ............................................................................................................................... 16 Table 7: Design Flow Rates .............................................................................................................................................. 16 Table 8: Primary waste design volumes ............................................................................................................................ 18 Table 9: Secondary waste design volumes ....................................................................................................................... 18 Table 10: Brine waste design volumes .............................................................................................................................. 19 Table 11: Cleaning Chemicals waste design volumes ...................................................................................................... 19 Table 12: Number of Wetland Crossings per Pipeline Route Alternative .......................................................................... 32 Table 13: Activities which have been identified as Listed Activities in terms of the EIA Regulations, dated June 2010, under the NEMA ..................................................................................................................................... 37 Table 14: National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998) Section 21 water use summary ...................................................... 39 Table 15: Specialist Studies and Study Team Proposed................................................................................................... 45 Table 16: Graveyards within the Project Area ................................................................................................................... 76 Table 17: Air emissions from the process ......................................................................................................................... 83 Table 18: Distance from the WTP site boundary for certain construction noise impact ..................................................... 85 Table 19: Distance from the WTP site for certain noise impacts for various increases over the recommended ambient noise limit levels.................................................................................................................................. 86 Table 20: Summary of major noise sources associated with the WTP and the possible remedial measures. .................. 86 Table 21: Water quality discharge impact assessment of Zaaiwaterspruit ........................................................................ 90 Table 22: Impact Assessment ......................................................................................................................................... 102 Table 23: Project announcement distribution data .......................................................................................................... 124 Table 24: Public Places at which EIA documents were made available .......................................................................... 124 Table 25: EMP Table of Actions ...................................................................................................................................... 132
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FIGURES Figure 1: Overview of EIA and public participation processes, showing the key steps in each process and anticipated timeframes ....................................................................................................................................... 2 Figure 2: Project Location ................................................................................................................................................... 5 Figure 3: Illustration of the Components of the Proposed Water Reclamation Scheme ...................................................... 7 Figure 4: Project Overview - Flow Diagram ......................................................................................................................... 7 Figure 5: Project Layout ...................................................................................................................................................... 8 Figure 6: WTP Configuration ............................................................................................................................................. 12 Figure 7: Proposed Water Treatment Plant Layout ........................................................................................................... 13 Figure 8: WTP Layout ....................................................................................................................................................... 14 Figure 9: Process Flow Diagram of Waste Management System ..................................................................................... 17 Figure 10: G:L:B+ Landfill Minimum Liner Requirements .................................................................................................. 19 Figure 11: Hazardous Waste Landfill H:H and Encapsulation Minimum Liner Design ...................................................... 21 Figure 12: The proposed stormwater management system layout and Subcatchments. .................................................. 24 Figure 13: WTP location alternatives................................................................................................................................. 31 Figure 14: Pipeline Route Alternatives .............................................................................................................................. 34 Figure 15: Integrated Permitting Process .......................................................................................................................... 41 Figure 16: Xstrata Sustainable Development Policy....................................................................................................... 44 Figure 17: Location of the XMWTP within the Highveld Priority Airshed ........................................................................... 47 Figure 18: Average high and low temperatures for Ogies in 2010 (source: World Weather Online, 2011) ....................... 48 Figure 19: Modelled wind rose for 2010 ............................................................................................................................ 49 Figure 20: Modelled diurnal wind roses with predominant wind directions for 2010 .......................................................... 50 Figure 21: Modelled seasonal wind roses with predominant wind directions for 2010 ...................................................... 51 Figure 22: All identified sensitive receivers in the TOP study area .................................................................................... 53 Figure 23: Soils at the WTP............................................................................................................................................... 56 Figure 24: Land Capability at the WTP.............................................................................................................................. 57 Figure 25: Pre-construction Land use at the WTP............................................................................................................. 58 Figure 26: Secondary and Quaternary Catchments of the Project Area............................................................................ 60 Figure 27: Surface Water Sampling Locations .................................................................................................................. 61 Figure 28: Localities of hydrocensus boreholes for the TOP project and previous studies ............................................... 63 Figure 29: Marsh sylph (Metisella meninx) recorded in the study area at the location - 26 5.042'S, 29 7.738'E. ........... 66 Figure 30: Vegetation communities in the study area........................................................................................................ 67 Figure 31: Ecological functioning of study area ................................................................................................................. 68 Figure 32: Conservation importance of study area ............................................................................................................ 69 Figure 33: Map of Aquatic Biomonitoring Sites.................................................................................................................. 71 Figure 34: NFEPA map dataset indicating the wetland FEPA's and wetland clusters within the vicinity of the study area .................................................................................................................................................................. 72
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Figure 35: Wetland Delineation in the Study Area (Present Ecological State) .................................................................. 74 Figure 36: eMalahleni LM Industry Sector Employment versus GVA Contributions 2010 ................................................. 75 Figure 37: Graveyards Identified in the Study Area ........................................................................................................... 77 Figure 38: Mitigation Hierarchy Adapted from (BBOP, 2009) ............................................................................................ 79 Figure 39: EIA Study Area ................................................................................................................................................. 82 Figure 40: Soils Stripping and Stockpiling Guide............................................................................................................. 150
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APPENDICES APPENDIX A Geotechnical Report APPENDIX B Design Report APPENDIX C Surface Water Specialist Study APPENDIX D Site Selection Reports APPENDIX E Air Quality Specialist Study APPENDIX F Noise and Vibration Specialist Study APPENDIX G Soils, Land use and Land Capability Specialist Study APPENDIX H Terrestrial Ecology Specialist Study APPENDIX I Aquatic Ecology Specialist Study APPENDIX J Wetland Ecology Specialist Study APPENDIX K Socio-economic Specialist Study APPENDIX L Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Specialist Study APPENDIX M Visual Specialist Study APPENDIX N Public Participation Documents APPENDIX O Document Limitations
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

Abbreviation ABA ADMS AMD ATC dBA Explanation Acid Base Accounting Atmospheric Dispersion Model System Acid Mine Drainage Arthur Taylor Colliery Decibel with the A-weighting factor. The decibel logarithmic scale is used as a measure for sound (based on sound pressure, and intensity). The A-weighting factor is used to give a single figure index which takes into account the varying sensitivity of the human ear. Background Information Document. A short summary document used to distribute information to stakeholders about the project and the EIA process. Community Based Organisations Cleanstream Environmental Consultants Department of Environmental Affairs who are responsible for implementing the requirements of the National Environmental Management series of Acts in South Africa District Municipality The Department of Mineral Resources who have primary responsibility in South Africa for administration of mining legislation, and who act as the lead agent in approval of Applications for Prospecting and Mining Rights. Draft Scoping Report. Digital Terrain Model, also known as a digital elevation model, a computer generated model illustrating the elevation of an area. Department of Water Affairs - the national body responsible for the implementation of the National Water Act (NWA). Electrical Conductivity Environmental Control Officer Environmental Impact Assessment Ecological Importance and Sensitivity eMalahleni Local Municipality Ecological Management Class
BID CBO Cleanstream DEA DM DMR
DSR DTM DWA EC ECO EIA EIS eLM EMC
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Abbreviation EMP
Explanation Environmental Management Programme. A report required under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (Act No. 28 of 2002) to support an application for mining rights. The EMP addendum required for the Project must be based on an Environmental Impact Assessment report. Environmental Management System Fish Response Assessment Index. Final Scoping Report Golder Associates Africa (Pty) Ltd Geosynthetic clay liner Gross Domestic Product Gross Domestic Product - Regional Goedgevonden Coal Mine Government Notice Regulation Gross Value Added Hazard Rating 1 (extreme risk) hazardous waste requiring stringently designed storage facilities in line with South African Waste Classification and Management Regulations Hazard Rating 3 (moderate risk) hazardous waste requiring less stringently designed storage facilities in line with South African Waste Classification and Management Regulations Historically Disadvantaged South African Heritage Impact Assessment, an assessment of the impact on archaeological and cultural heritage due to a proposed project. High Priority Area Regional air quality management area. Hazard Rating 4 (low risk) hazardous waste requiring a less stringently designed storage facilities in line with South African Waste Classification and Management Regulations Interested and Affected Parties, stakeholders who are interested in the project or can be affected by it. Integrated Development Plan Local Municipality Cubic metres
EMS FRAI FSR GAA GCL GDP GDP - R GGV GNR GVA H:H H:h
HDSA HIA HPA HR4 I&APs IDP LM m

3
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Abbreviation mamsl MAR MDEDET
Explanation Metres above mean sea level. Mean Annual Run-off The Mpumalanga Provincial Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, which is primarily responsible for the implementation of the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) and its Regulations in the Mpumalanga Province. Million litres per day Minimum Requirements for Waste Disposal by Landfill Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency. Not Applicable National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998). National legislation governing requirements for environmental assessment for projects. National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (59 of 2008) (NEMWA). National regulations governing waste management activities. Non- Governmental Organisations National Heritage Resources Act (no 25 of 1999) legislation governing archaeological and heritage resources. National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998) National legislation governing water use in South Africa. The regulations promulgated in terms of the NWA identify listed activities and prescribe the licensing process required for the identified water use activities. Present Ecological State Particulate matter less than 10 microns in size River Health Programme. South African National Standards Republic of South Africa. South African National Biodiversity Institute Social and Labour Plan Total Dissolved Solids Tweefontein Optimisation Project
Ml/day MR MTPA N/A NEMA NEMWA NGOs NHRA NWA
PES PM10 RHP SANS RSA SANBI SLP TDS TOP
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Abbreviation UF WCMR Wetland HI WHCA WHO WTP WML WULA XCSA XMWTP
Explanation Ultra-filtration Waste Classification and Management Regulations Wetland Habitat Integrity. World Heritage Convention Act. World Health organisation Water Treatment Plant Waste Management Licence Water Use Licence Application Xstrata Coal South Africa Xstrata Mine Water Treatment plant
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1.0 1.1
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND Overview
Xstratas coal mining operations at Goedgevonden, Tweefontein, and iMpunzi Coal Mines (located 25 km south west of eMalahleni (Figure 2)), have been operating for a number of years and comprise mainly underground coal mining operations . Prior to and during mining the underground areas are dewatered by pumping water away from active areas and storing this water in previously mined underground voids to allow safe access to the coal reserves. Following a review of the mine plan, Xstrata plans to mine in areas close to the voids where water is stored. Prior to mining these areas, this water will need to be extracted to surface. The objective of the project is to collect and treat contaminated mine water accumulating within the underground operations at ATC/Tavistock 2# and at Boschmans South. This will allow mining to take place within previously flooded areas and provide clean water to Xstratas potable water network, the proposed Lesedi Power Plant and possibly to the Phola Reservoir for community water supply. Any excess treated water would be discharged into the Zaaiwaterspruit. The Mine Water Reclamation Scheme will be designed to collect and treat a maximum of 45 million litres of water per day (Ml/day). The proposed project will involve the construction and operation of a Mine Water Reclamation Scheme consisting of mine water abstraction points and delivery pipelines, a mine water storage dam, a water treatment plant (WTP), sludge and brine ponds (for WTP waste), treated water supply pipelines and support infrastructure such as power lines and access roads. Before the proposed project may go ahead, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998) (NEMA) and the EIA Regulations (GNR 543, 18 June 2010) must be undertaken and submitted to the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (MDEDET). Xstrata has appointed Golder Associates, an independent engineering and environmental consulting company to conduct the EIA. The EIA has been conducted in parallel with the following required regulatory processes:
An amendment to Environmental Management Programme (EMP) of Tweefontein coal mine in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development (MPRDA) (Act 28 of 2002) to be submitted to the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR); Integrated Water Use Licence Application (IWULA) in terms of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998) to be submitted to the Department of Water Affairs (DWA); and A Waste Management Licence (WML) Application for the management of wastes associated with the water treatment process in terms of National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act 59 of 2008) (NEMWA) to be submitted to the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA).
This document is the Final EIA Report and presents the following information as required by the EIA Regulations (GNR 543, 18 June 2010): i) 1) Executive Summary Provides a non-technical summary, presenting the key findings and recommendations of the EIA. Introduction and Project Background Introduces the project, defines the structure of the report, introduces the project proponent, provides the details of the environmental practitioner, and explains the EIA process. Description of the Proposed Project - Provides a summary of the key project components, the project location, scale, nature and design, production process, main inputs and outputs, and activities during different phases of the project. Project Alternatives summarises alternatives considered by the project proponent.
2)
3)
4)
Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework Discusses the policy, legal, and administrative framework within which the EIA, EMP, WML and WULA have been carried out. This includes a summary of relevant South African regulations, the applicable administrative framework, and the EIA, EMP Addendum, WML and WULA process. Description of the affected environment Describes the current biophysical, socio-economic, and cultural status of the area, key characteristics (sensitive or vulnerable areas), important heritage resources, current land use and livelihoods. Assessment and Evaluation of Impacts and Risks of Project and proposed mitigation measuresSummarises the potentially significant impacts and their distribution. This section includes the approach to significance rating, positive and negative impacts, cumulative impacts, sensitive areas, socioeconomic aspects, the proposed activitys impact on the environment, distribution of impacts, and impacts associated with certain mitigation measures; discusses the mitigation measures proposed for such a development; provides degree of confidence in and probable effectiveness of the mitigation measures. Public Participation This section provides a summary of the public participation activities undertaken during the EIA/EMP and WULA process, a description of the issues raised and where these are addressed in the report. Difficulties, Limitations and Uncertainties, and Implications for Decision Making Summarises the validity of the information, highlighting uncertainty, assumptions and the implications of decision making with regard to possible gaps in the study. The Proposed Environmental Management Programme - Contains the practical plans and systems that will be implemented should the project be approved. This section spells out clear responsibilities for preparation and implementation of the EMP, the objectives and targets for environmental management, and precise, clearly defined management actions and responsibilities, a schedule, audit and monitoring procedures.
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10) Rehabilitation and closure costing Contains a summary of the rehabilitation measures and associated closure costs of the project. 11) Conclusions and recommendations - summarises the key issues, both positive and negative, explains risks and uncertainties related to the findings of the EIA and states future management actions, and associated implications for decision making. 12) References references to literature used in the EIA, personal communication, and conventional knowledge. 13) Appendices technical material supporting the EIA, specialist reports, public participation information, comments and response report of the EIA, and guarantees or assurance of mitigation implementation.
1.2
Item
Details of the Proponent

Description Duiker Mining (Pty) Ltd (Xstrata Coal South Africa) Tweefontein Complex. Tweefontein 13IS, Leraatsfontein Private Bag X16, Witbank, Mpumalanga Johan du Plessis Xstrata Coal South Africa Johan du Plessis
Table 1 Project Proponent
Proponent Name of Mine Address Mine Manager Mine Owner Contact Person
Item
Description Duiker Mining (Pty) Ltd (Xstrata Coal South Africa) Tweefontein Complex. Tweefontein 13IS, Leraatsfontein Private Bag X16, Witbank, Mpumalanga
Name and Address of Mineral Rights Holder
1.3
Details of the Environmental Impact Assessment Practitioner
Golder Associates Africa (Pty) Ltd (hereafter Golder) has been appointed by Xstrata to undertake the environmental authorisation process for the proposed project. Golder is experienced in environmental management and assessment and is familiar with the integrated environmental permitting requirements for development projects. The company is well known for its integrity, independence and skill in assisting interested and affected parties to participate in the EIA process. Golder has no vested interest in Xstrata or the proposed project. Table 2: Details of Golder Associates Name Address Golder Associates Africa (PTY) Ltd Thandanani Park, Matuka Close, Halfway Gardens, Midrand PO Box 6001, Halfway House, 1685, South Africa T: [+27] (11) 254 4800 | F: [+27] (11) 315 0317 | Nyundo Armitage (EIA Project Manager) / Erika du Plessis (Public Participation Coordinator)
Contact Persons
The EIA team for this project comprises the following personnel and sub-consultants: Table 3: EIA Team Name Brent Baxter Nyundo Armitage Maritte Weideman Erika du Plessis Peter Kimberg Warren Aken Adrian Hudson Dieter Kassier Alexandra Armitage Trevor Coleman Riana Munnik Olivia Chapman Jenny Botha Johan Bothma Role Golder EIA Project Director Golder EIA Project Manager Golder EIA Project Coordinator Golder Public Participation Coordinator Golder - Ecologist Golder Aquatic Ecologist Golder Terrestrial Ecologist Wetland Consulting Services Golder Socio-economic Consultant Golder Surface water Consultant Golder Water Use and IWULA Application Golder Waste Management Licence Application Golder Closure and Land Use Golder Visual Impact specialist
Name Jennifer Pretorius Julius Pistorius Candice Russell John Hassall Piet Steenekamp
Role Golder Ground Water Specialist Independent Heritage and Archaeology specialist Golder Air Quality Specialist Independent Noise and Vibration Specialist RehabGreen Soil Specialist
Figure 2: Project Location
2.0 2.1
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT Project Objective
The objective of the project is to abstract and treat contaminated mine water accumulating within the underground operations at Goedgevonden, Tweefontein, and iMpunzi Coal Mines, which will allow mining to take place safely close to such areas, and to provide clean water to Xstratas potable water network and possibly to the Phola and / or Ogies Reservoir for community water supply. Any excess treated water would be discharged into the Zaaiwaterspruit. The Mine Water Reclamation Scheme will be designed to collect and treat a maximum of 45 million litres of water per day (Ml/day).
2.1
Location
The Mine Water Reclamation Scheme is located at Xstratas Goedgevonden, Tweefontein, and iMpunzi Coal Mines located approximately 25 km south west of eMalahleni, Mpumalanga Province. Table 4: Project location Type Province District Municipality Magisterial District Local Municipality Traditional Authority Landowners Adjacent Landowners Land Claims Name Mpumalanga Nkangala eMalalheni eMalalheni Xstrata Coal South Africa Andries Strydom (Zaaiwater 11/00015) None
2.2
Project Components
The Water Treatment Plant comprising of a raw water pond, reverse osmosis water treatment plant, waste transportation infrastructure and disposal facilities (sludge and brine facilities); and Water collection and distribution system comprises of pumping mine water from Arthur Taylor Colliery (ATC)/Tavistock and Boschmans South to the Water Treatment Plant, inclusive of a recirculation pipeline to an injection borehole into the Witcons underground workings (required for the initial 3 months of commissioning of the WTP) and treated water to the mine potable supply network, and/or alternatively to the proposed Lesedi Power Plant and community supply, with discharge of excess water to the environment.
The project consists of:
A conceptual illustration of the project components is presented in Figure 3, and Figure 4 below presents the overall project flow diagram. The actual project layout (location of the WTP, abstraction points, and pipeline routings) is presented in Figure 5.
2.2.1
Project Phases
The project will have the following phases: 2012 to mid-2013 environmental authorisation process and feasibility study; Third Quarter 2013 construction phase (to commence following environmental authorisation); 2014: Phase 1 abstraction and treatment of 15 M /day; 2022: Phase 2 abstraction and treatment of 30 M /day; and 2039: Phase 3 abstraction and treatment of 45 M /day.
Figure 3: Illustration of the Components of the Proposed Water Reclamation Scheme
Figure 4: Project Overview - Flow Diagram

Figure 5: Project Layout

2.3
Water Collection and Distribution System
The water extraction points will be designed to withdraw water from the mine workings at ATC/Tavistock and Boschmans South. Based on the assumed increase in water flows from the mining areas, the collection system will be designed to accommodate the flows as indicated in Table 5. Table 5: Mine Water Collection - Estimated Abstraction Rates Start of operation Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase3 2015 2037 2042 Average flow Boschmans South 5 M /day 10M /day 20M /day Average flow ATC/Tavistock 10M /day 20 M /day 25 M /day Total average flow to be accommodated at the water treatment plant 15M /day 30M /day 45M /day
2.3.1
Abstraction Boreholes
Boreholes will be drilled into the mine workings for Phase 1 (2014) at each abstraction point, three at ATC and two at Boschmans South (Figure 5). A borehole will also be drilled at Witcons for recycling water into the underground workings during WTP commissioning. Each borehole will be equipped with a corrosion resistant borehole pump installed in a sump created in the floor of the mine workings. The inlets will be protected from sucking in debris by the installation of appropriate screens around the inlet sumps. One pump will serve as the duty pump while the other will be a standby unit. In addition, the required supporting infrastructure such as valves and pump houses will be designed to suit the system in the best manner and according to Xstrata specifications. At ATC/Tavistock Coal, XCSA will provide a 6.6kV supply from an existing ATC substation near the extraction point. A new 6.6kV overhead line will also be installed to the Boschmans South abstraction point. No pumps or electricity supply will be required for the injection borehole at Witcons.
2.3.2
Collection Pipelines
The pipelines will be designed to convey water volumes as indicated in Table 5 for each of the operating phases to optimise the flow in the pipeline while taking into consideration the practicality of construction of additional pipelines and the flow velocities. A single pipeline will be constructed between each abstraction point and the WTP. A second pipeline will be required at the commencement of phase 3. The diameter of the phase 1 pipeline will be sufficient to accommodate the water flow required for phase 2. The pipeline required for Phase 3 will be designed to accommodate the additional 10 M /day water flow to the Xstrata Mine Water Treatment Plant (XMWTP). Pipeline routing is a critical element of the pipeline design and every effort has been made to avoid sensitive environmental areas, existing services, existing and future infrastructure and planned mining areas. Although all attempts will be made to keep the pipeline routes on land belonging to Xstrata, it may be necessary to register servitudes for sections of the pipeline routes, particularly where the pipelines are in close proximity to existing rail services. Servitudes will be 10 m wide with a temporary access road next to the pipeline.
Pipeline Crossings
The proposed pipelines will cross a number of wetlands and streams. The preferred pipeline combination will cross a maximum of 14 wetlands / streams. To reduce impacts to wetlands/ streams as far possible the pipelines will be constructed on pipe bridges across the flow channels of sensitive watercourses. Pipe bridges shall comprise concrete piers founded 1.7m below natural ground level (to prevent scouring) and spaced at 20m intervals. The piers will support a tubular steel, lattice structure carrying the pipeline/s. These lattices will have a minimum 500- mm of freeboard above the 1:100 year flood level.
2.3.3
Treated Water Distribution
Treated water will be discharged into the Zaaiwaterspruit below the Witcons Dam Wall. The proposed route for the gravity pipeline runs from the proposed WTP to the downstream section of the Witcons Dam. The layout of the pipeline route is shown in Figure 5. In summary:
The entire discharge pipeline route length is 991 m; Daily Average flow Daily Peak Flow Instantaneous Average flow Instantaneous Peak flow = = = = 45 000 m /day; 54 000 m /day; 521 /s (24 flow hours per day); and 625 /s (24 flow hours per day).
3 3
Gabions will be constructed at the discharge point to reduce the risks of erosion of the banks of the Zaaiwaterspruit. Other alternatives for treated water distribution are being evaluated, but fall out of the scope of this EIA at this stage.
2.4
Water Treatment Plant (WTP)
The WTP will be located at the old demolished Witcons village site situated on portions 3 and 27 of the Farm Zaaiwater11 IS, approximately 5 km south west of the abstraction point at Boschmans South and 8 km west of the abstraction point at ATC/Tavistock. The water treatment plant is required to convert the contaminated mine water to potable water suitable for the following uses:
Xstratas internal use (4 M /day); The planned Lesedi power plant (1.2 to 1.7 M /day); Possible future potable water supply to surrounding communities (Ogies, Phola or Reedstream); and Discharge to the environment (current scope of the EIA).
The water treatment plant will be developed in three phases. Phase 1 will be able to treat 15 M /day; phase 2 a total of 30 M /day and phase 3 to treat 45 M /day. The Phase 1 WTP will be designed to treat an average flow of 15 M /day. The required flow rate to be treated will be determined by performing a detailed water balance on the four mining areas using Xstratas latest mine plan. Provision will be made for future modular upgrades in the flow capacity to be treated. The layout of the WTP is presented in Figure 7 and comprises the following components:
Raw Water Dam; Water Treatment Plant (comprising pre-treatment, desalination, filtration, reverse osmosis processing and water storage facilities); and Waste Management System:
An emergency brine facility; Primary gypsum sludge facilities; and Secondary/ gypsum sludge disposal facility.
10
2.4.1.1
Soil Data and Geotechnical Conditions
A full geotechnical investigation was conducted by the Geotechnical Division of Golder for the proposed WTP site and associated pipeline infrastructure route which was reported in the Preliminary Geotechnical report, and captured and summarised in the final Geotechnical report. The objective of the investigation was to develop a general characterisation of the site. The Geotechnical report provides recommendations on fill materials and engineering parameters for preliminary design of embankment foundations and walls. The report also comments on the slope stability of the embankment walls. In all, a total of thirty nine (39) test pits were excavated and sixteen (16) boreholes were drilled. Full details of the geotechnical investigation are contained in the final Geotechnical Report (APPENDIX A).
2.4.2
Raw Water Dam
A Raw Water Pond is required to ensure the following: A constant flow of raw water to the treatment plant; A blend of the two sources of water to keep the quality of the raw water constant; and A buffer capacity of water should something go wrong with the collection system.
For the 2037 scenario the expected treatment capacity will be 30.0 M /day. To provide a buffer capacity of 8 hours, a storage capacity of 15 M will be required. Provision will be made to increase the size of the raw water pond to provide a buffer capacity of 24 hours if required. This can be achieved through the design and construction of the raw water pond in phases to accommodate the water flows as per Table 5. To avoid licensing and dam safety requirements, the capacity of the dam will 3 be less than 50,000 m and wall heights less than 5m. Mine water will be delivered into a poly-ethylene lined raw water pond at the WTP. Raw water will then be fed to the WTP.
2.4.3
Water Treatment Plant
The proposed WTP will be designed and constructed for a long service life. The mine water from the respective mining areas will have to be treated even after mine closure. While the mine water quality may improve over time, the mine dewatering requirements are expected to continue for a long time. The WTP will be designed to have a high level of reliability. The WTP will likely comprise the following:
Two pre- treatment units; Three sand filter units; Three ultra-filtration (UF) filters; Three reverse osmosis units; and Storage tanks for treated water.
11
Figure 6: WTP Configuration
2.4.3.1
Water Quality
The water treatment plant will be designed to produce both potable water and water suitable for discharge to the environment. The treated water quality must comply with standards for potable water and the receiving water quality objectives (RWQO) of the catchment area within which the plant will be located. Other parameters that will be designed for in general are:
The temperature of the treated water shall not exceed 26 C at any time; The potable water shall have a free chlorine residual of no less than 0.4 mg/ and no more than 0.8 mg/ . This does not apply to the water discharged to a river; and The water will meet the microbiological requirements specified in SANS 241.
rd
The World Health Organisation (WHO) published a guideline for drinking water quality (2006 3 Ed). Chemical parameters that appear in this publication and not in the SANS 241 specification shall also apply.
12
Figure 7: Proposed Water Treatment Plant Layout
13
Figure 8: WTP Layout
14
2.4.4
Waste Management System
The proposed water treatment plant will, by the nature of the process, produce various waste streams. It is required that these waste streams are quantified, collected and stored and ultimately disposed in a manner which is in accordance with relevant legislation, and with the long term sustainability of the complex in mind.
2.4.4.1
Waste Streams
Following an options analysis carried out by the engineering design team, six (6) waste streams were identified that would be produced by the construction and operation of the WTP. The waste management system selected will consist of the following:
Primary dewatered/filtered cake waste (primary sludge), which will be disposed into a sludge disposal facility; Secondary dewatered/filtered cake waste (gypsum sludge), which will be disposed into a sludge disposal facility separate to the gypsum sludge disposal facility; The technology to be used for the XCSA WTP provides for a zero liquid effluent (brine) solution. However, provision must be made for emergency situations. This will be in the form of an emergency brine pond facility; Membrane cleaning chemicals, which will be disposed into the emergency brine pond facility; Partially treated water stream produced during commissioning of phases 1 and 2 will be pumped or gravity fed back into the dirty water system; and Following the treatment of the brine solution, a waste stream consisting of solid state salts will be produced. The salts will either be disposed into the emergency brine pond facility or a new separate facility.
2.4.4.2
Waste Classification
The waste streams were classified based on information provided by design engineers Aveng Water (Keyplan) (which in turn was based on feed water qualities). This was to determine the liner requirements for each type of waste stream. The classification was based on two documents, namely:
The Minimum Requirements for Waste Disposal by Landfill (MR), Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, Second Edition, 1998; and The Draft Standard for Assessment of Waste for Landfill Disposal (WCMR), GN 433 of 2011, st Government Gazette No. 34415, Vol. 553, 1 July 2011.
The results are presented in Table 6. Notes on Table 6:
G: General Waste (Non-Hazardous); L: Large Landfill Size Class; B : Significant leachate will be produced in terms of the Site Water Balance, therefore requiring a leachate management system; H: Hazardous Waste; Hazard Rating (HR):
+
1: Extreme Hazard; 2: High Hazard; 3: Moderate Hazard;
15
4: Low Hazard;
H:H Facility: Can receive Hazard Ratings 1 4; and H:h Facility: Can receive Hazard Ratings 3 4 only.
Table 6: Waste streams classification Dewatered Primary Sludge MR hazard rating MR liner requirement WCMR risk profile WCMR liner requirement N/A G:L:B
+
Dewatered Gypsum Sludge N/A G:L:B

+
Brine HR4 H:H Type 1 Class A
High Recovery Salts HR4 H:H Type 1 Class A
Cleaning Chemicals N/A N/A N/A N/A
Partially Treated Water N/A N/A N/A N/A
Type 3 Class C
Type 2 Class B
The classification and design of the liner system will be based on the Minimum Requirements for Waste Disposal by Landfill as follows:
The emergency brine pond will be designed in accordance with the Minimum Requirements for Waste Disposal by Landfill Figure A.8.8 Hazardous Waste Lagoons; The Primary sludge disposal facility will be designed in accordance with the Minimum Requirements for Waste Disposal by Landfill Figure A.8.5 G:L:B+ Landfills; and The Secondary/ gypsum sludge disposal facility will be designed in accordance with the Minimum Requirements for Waste Disposal by Landfill Figure A.8.5 G:L:B+ Landfills.
2.4.4.3
Waste Facilities
A summary of the design flow rates for each of the three systems are given in Table 7 and illustrated in Figure 9. Table 7: Design Flow Rates Description Feed flow to raw water storage ponds Treated water discharge lines Primary dewatered sludge to sludge ponds (trucked) Gypsum dewatered sludge to sludge ponds (trucked) High recovery salts Brine to emergency brine pond EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra acetate), cleaning 3 9.2 m /day 1 chemicals to emergency brine pond Note 1: EDTA chemicals only used during cleaning operations. 190 m /day 18.4 m /day
3 3
Volume Flow Average 15 M /day

3
Mass Flow Maximum 18 M /day 18 M /day

3
Average
Maximum
39.1 m /day 44.2 m /day

3
100 m /day 132 m /day

3
49.7 t/day 57.6 t/day 4.46 t/day
127 t/day 172 t/day 12.9 t/day
16
Figure 9: Process Flow Diagram of Waste Management System
17
Primary dewatered/filtered cake waste site

This waste site (sludge dam) will be located within the area indicated as sludge on the site layout plan (Figure 7). The site will be designed for five (5) years of waste production in two cells. The design waste volumes are presented in Table 8: Table 8: Primary waste design volumes Phase Commissioning Phase 1 Commissioning Phase 2 Fully Operational Average Volume/day (m ) 27.4 27.4 39.1
3
Duration/cell (Days) 30 30 913
Total Volume (m ) 821.0 821.0 35680
Each cell will be designed to accommodate 40 000 m by volume, allowing for an estimated five years 3 disposal and 80 000 m total waste disposal; The footprint area will be approximately 4.5 ha (2.25 ha/cell); The liner will be Class C / G:L:B ; Waste will be delivered by truck; and This waste facility will fall outside of the 1:100 year flood line or 100 m from the edge of the watercourse, but will fall within the 500 m zone from the edge of the watercourse.
+
Secondary dewatered/filtered gypsum cake waste site

This waste site (sludge dam) will be located within the area indicated as sludge on the site layout plan (Figure 7). The site will be designed for five (5) years of waste production in two cells. The design waste volumes are presented in Table 9: Table 9: Secondary waste design volumes Phase Commissioning Phase 1 Commissioning Phase 2 Fully Operational Average Volume/day (m ) 30.9 44.2
3
Duration/cell (Days) 30 913
Total Volume (m ) 927.4 40355
Each cell will be designed to accommodate 40 000 m by volume, allowing for an estimated five years 3 disposal and 80 000 m total waste disposal; The footprint area will be approximately 4.5 ha (2.25 ha/cell); The liner will be Class B / G:L:B ; Waste will be delivered by truck; and This waste facility will fall outside of the 1:100 year flood line or 100 m from the edge of the watercourse, whichever is the closest, but will fall within the 500 m zone from the edge of the watercourse.
+
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Liner Design Primary and Secondary Sludge Facilities

The classification and design of the liner system is based on the DWAs MR. The primary and secondary sludge disposal facilities will be designed in accordance with the DWAs MR G:L:B+ Landfill configuration see Figure 10.
Figure 10: G:L:B+ Landfill Minimum Liner Requirements
Emergency Brine Pond

This waste site (emergency brine pond) will be located within the area indicated as brine on the site layout plan (Figure 7). The site will accommodate three (3) months of brine production, and three (3) years of membrane cleaning chemicals. The brine pond will be equipped with a pumping system to allow the brine to be returned to the stage 4 (brine treatment) process. The design waste volumes are presented in Table 10 and Table 11: Table 10: Brine waste design volumes Phase Fully Operational Average Volume/day (m ) 66
3
Duration/cell (Days) 90
Total Volume (m ) 5940
Table 11: Cleaning Chemicals waste design volumes Phase Fully Operational Average Volume/month (m ) 276
3
Duration/cell (Days) 36
3
Total Volume (m ) 9936
The emergency brine pond will be designed to accommodate 17 000 m by volume; The footprint area will be approximately 1 ha; The liner will be Class A / H:H; and
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The emergency brine pond will be just outside a 500 m offset from the edge of the watercourse in a previously impacted area.
Liner Design Emergency Brine Pond

The classification and design of the liner system was based on the DWAs Minimum Requirements for Waste Disposal by Landfill 2nd Edition. The brine stream was classified as hazardous. No lining guideline is given in the DWAs MR for Waste Disposal by Landfill for liquid containment systems except for H:H hazardous lagoons. It is thus preferred to follow a precautionary approach and use the lining system suggested for H:H hazardous lagoons. Such a lining system consists of the following, from top to bottom:
2.0 mm thick high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembrane primary liner; 600 mm compacted clay (CCL) with k < 10-7 cm/s; Leakage detection system; Leachate and leakage flows will be diverted towards sumps located in one corner of each pond module floor. From these sumps, two solid HDPE pipes (one for each stream) will be installed, where they will discharge into sumps situated adjacent on the outside of the ponds. The external sump will be divided into separate leachate and leakage chambers. From these sumps, submersible pumps will be used to pump the liquid streams back to the raw water storage ponds. The following hydraulic component will be part of the leachate/leakage return pipeline system:
Non Return Valve: to prevent backflow into the sump; Flow meter: to allow the monitoring of the liquid stream volumes; and Gate Valve: to allow maintenance of the hydraulic equipment.
1 mm thick high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembrane secondary liner; and 300 mm Compacted Clay Layer (CCL) with k < 10-7 cm/s.
In general, the Department of Water Affairs Civil Design Department requires the thickness of the secondary HDPE geomembranes to be increased to 1.5 mm.
20
Figure 11: Hazardous Waste Landfill H:H and Encapsulation Minimum Liner Design
Partially treated water stream

The partially treated water produced during the commissioning phases will be approximately 200 m /hr or 4.8 M /day. This volume of water cannot be contained in an extended raw water pond or a larger brine pond due to economic considerations. This waste stream will be pumped or gravity fed back into the dirty water system. A proposed solution will be to pump it backwards along the Boschmans pipeline route towards the source water during the commissioning phases. This implies that water will not be extracted from Boschmans during the commissioning phase and water used for commissioning will be from ATC only.
3
Soluble salts
The salts can be trucked, but not compacted or stacked and worked to lines and levels as the material 3 becomes granular when dried. The average volume of salts produced will be approximately 1.7 m /day. A final decision on the disposal of the salts is yet to be made. There are three options available: a) b) c) Bagged and temporarily stored to be removed from site for sale or final disposal (to be determined at a later stage following commissioning); Disposal within the emergency brine pond facility; or A separate completely sealed waste facility.
2.4.4.4
Long-term waste disposal
Currently the facilities are being designed to provide waste disposal capacity for 5 years. The rationale for the 5-year horizon is as follows:
The exact volumes of wastes which will be produced from the WTP will only be fully quantified once the plant is fully operational; The exact chemistry of the waste streams will only be known once the plant is fully operational; and
21
The resale/reclamation value of each of the waste streams cannot be quantified until the plant is fully operational and the volumes and chemistry of the wastes can be physically measured.
Therefore, the decision was made to design for only 5 years of waste disposal for this phase of the project until the parameters listed above could be physically measured. Furthermore, it was decided to keep the waste streams separate if any future reclamation value is determined. Long term solutions include, but are not limited, to the following:

a) b) c)
Sale of the primary and secondary dewatered/filtered cakes, as well as the soluble salts, which would require no further waste disposal facilities; Sale of only the secondary dewatered/filtered cakes, as well as the soluble salts. This would result in the need to develop new waste facilities for the primary sludge only. Options for this include: New waste facilities to the south of the rail line; New waste facilities to the west of the R545; or Co-disposal with other mine waste streams. If no resale value can be established for any of the waste streams, new waste facilities will be required for all the waste streams produced. Similar options are available as for those listed above.
The long term solution will require a new site investigation procedure regardless of which option is selected as the current site will only be able to accommodate the 5 years by volume of waste disposal as proposed. The brine facility should be sufficient for the life of the WTP as there is no anticipated liquid effluent.
2.4.4.5
Common Waste Disposal Elements
The following elements are generally common to the emergency brine pond, temporary sludge storage area and the dewatered sludge cake disposal facilities:
Spillways and Dam Safety

The minimum freeboard above the maximum water level will be designed in accordance with Regulation 704 and Best Practice Guidelines. Dam Safety legislation stipulates inter alia: Capacity requirements of clean and dirty water systems. Every person in control of a mine or activity mustd) e) f) g) h) confine any unpolluted water to a clean water system, away from any dirty area; design, construct, maintain and operate any clean water system at the mine or activity so that it is not likely to spill into any dirty water system more than once in 50 years; collect the water arising within any dirty area, including water seeping from mining operations, outcrops or any other activity, into a dirty water system; design, construct, maintain and operate any dirty water system at the mine or activity so that it is not likely to spill into any clean water system more than once in 50 years; design, construct, maintain and operate any dam or tailings dam that forms part of a dirty water system to have a minimum freeboard of 0.8 metres above full supply level, unless otherwise specified in terms of Chapter 12 of the Act; and Design, construct and maintain all water systems in such a manner as to guarantee the serviceability of such conveyances for flows up to and including those arising as a result of the maximum flood with an average period of recurrence of once in 50 years.
i)
The facilities will be designed to comply with these requirements. The full design report is appended in APPENDIX B.
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2.4.5
Storm Water Management
Clean and dirty water subcatchments

Department of Water Affairs (DWA) requires that all mines design, construct, maintain and operate independent clean and dirty water systems so that they are not likely to spill more than once in 50 years (National Water Act, 1998). Therefore the proposed mine water treatment plant development area was discretised into subcatchments based on the topography of the region. These subcatchments were then classified as either clean or dirty water catchments based on the land usage. The extent of the clean and dirty water areas is shown in Figure 12.
Description of the proposed stormwater management system

The objective of the stormwater management system is to separate the clean and dirty catchments. The clean water runoff being generated from the upslope clean water catchments will be diverted away from the area producing dirty water as shown in Figure 12. The dirty water runoff generated from the mine infrastructure will be contained for re-use. The proposed stormwater management system:
The clean water runoff generated upslope of the proposed development site will be diverted by means of a cut-off trench (C1) around the development area and routed to discharge into the environment. The clean water runoff generated adjacent to the proposed Raw Water Ponds, WTP Platform, Sludge and Brine Ponds will be diverted by means of a cut-off trenches (C2, C3 and C4) around the development area and routed to discharge into environment.This reduces the need for on-site water storage and, consequently, minimizes the risk of spillage into the dirty water system. The dirty water runoff generated from the pond and water treatment plant areas will be contained, with the ponds sized so as to minimize the risk of spilling to 1 in 50 year recurrence as per regulation 704.
A stormwater channel cleaning program should also be implemented as a standard operating procedure. As a minimum the sediment should be removed from the channels during the dry season and at least once during the wet season. This maintenance program would improve the efficiency of the proposed system by reducing the probability of spills as well as maintaining compliance with Regulation 704. Additional information relating to modelling the stormwater management plan, sub-catchment and channel characteristics, are appended in APPENDIX C. The stormwater management plan described here has been developed to meet the requirements of Regulation 704 of the National Water Act by:
Confinement of any unpolluted water to a clean water system away from possible contamination; Collection of water arising within dirty water areas into a dirty water system; Sizing of both the clean and dirty water systems so that it conveys the 1 in 50 year flood peaks; The design of the proposed stormwater system has been carried out at a conceptual level. A detailed design process will be followed which involves further hydraulic analysis, geotechnical work, identification of infrastructure such as pipes and cables that could be impacted on by the proposed system, specification and tender documents developed to allow for the construction tender process.
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Figure 12: The proposed stormwater management system layout and Subcatchments.
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2.4.6
Access and Ring Roads
Two roads will be constructed during the pre-construction phase. The north entrance will be for construction and equipment delivery vehicles (heavy vehicles). This road will be in the form of a ring road which leads from the entrance of the site to the laydown and store areas, returning to the entrance. The second road will be for private vehicles (light vehicles) which enter through a separate (south) entrance and leads directly to the site office area. This separation of entrances and vehicles enables quicker access to the site by staff and visitors and also helps prevent congestion that one entrance may create. Vehicles carrying deliveries that do not go to the laydown areas will be able to drive past the laydown areas and have access to the stores.
2.4.7
Security Fence
A permanent fence will be erected around the perimeter of the main Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and dams site. The materials of construction will be in accordance with the XCSA specification for permanent fencing. The site access points (north entrance for construction vehicles and south entrance for nonconstruction vehicles) will be modified when the construction phase is complete. When the project moves from the construction phase into the operational phase, a new permanent access gate to the works will be constructed. Permanent fencing will also be erected around the remote sections of the plant:
ATC Abstraction Point (25m x 25m) Boschmans Abstraction Point (25m x 25m) Witcons Dam Borehole Area (15m x 15m)
Internal fencing will be erected around the WTP that will be constructed in Phase I of the project, also encompassing laydown areas. The size of this area is approximately 150m x 150m. The north-east side of this fence can be moved when the WTP is expanded during Phases II and III. Internal fencing will be erected around the Temporary Water Supply, Diesel Generator and MV Substation located next to the laydown area. The hazardous facilities will be fenced around with a 1.8 m high razor flat wrap fence to prevent unauthorized entry. Signs indicating that unauthorized entry is prohibited will be placed along the fence. Only pedestrian access will be allowed to the disposal facilities. Access to the facilities will be controlled at a normally locked motorized access control gate on the eastern edge of the facilities.
2.4.8
2.4.8.1
Project-Related Services
Power Supply
XCSA are currently upgrading the existing electrical network in the area from 11kV to 22kV and will provide a 22kV power supply to the proposed water treatment works from an existing 22kV overhead line in the area of the works. The following equipment will be included in the electrical installation:
A new overhead line from the existing line at the point of supply, complete with line gang isolators at each end of the line in a fenced area; A 22kV incoming panel with feeders for the 22/0.525kV transformers and local MV network as required; and MV and LV cabling for the above.
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A suitable incoming substation building will be built to accommodate the 22kV incoming circuit breaker, metering and the distribution equipment that is required to supply the water treatment plant.
2.4.8.2
Potable Water Supply and Sanitation
Potable water will be sourced from the WTP. Sewage during operations will be treated through a small batch reactor activated sludge treatment plant with 3. an annual throughput capacity of less than 2,000 m
2.5
Employment
It is estimated that approximately 200 additional employment opportunities will be created for skilled and unskilled workers during the construction phase only. This will be over an 18-month period. Approximately thirty (30) permanent jobs will be created for the routine operation and maintenance of the Water Reclamation Scheme.
2.6 Construction, Operation and Closure Activities 2.6.1 Construction

Abstraction Point Construction
Construction at the abstraction points will include drilling and casing of the abstraction boreholes, construction of the pump station and powerline and erection of a fence around the abstraction point.
Pipeline Construction
The pipelines will be constructed as follows:
General Pipeline Construction;
Moving laydown areas (for pipeline materials) will be established along the pipeline routes. Pipelines will be buried in a trench of approximately 1.3m deep with a 0.3m bedding layer of sand placed at the bottom of the trench. The trenches will be excavated using Tractor Loader Backhoes (TLBs), pipelines placed and the trenches backfilled. The pipelines will be equipped with flow detection systems for leak detection, and valves as required. During construction an access road will be constructed adjacent to the pipelines as described below.
Pipeline Crossings;
During construction of the pipelines, an access road will be required adjacent the pipeline for construction of the piers and delivery and hoisting of lattice structures onto the piers. The access road will be approximately 25m wide. In drier areas, the access road will comprise only a 100-mm gravel layer. Where there is standing water, it will be constructed from inert rock fill and a gravel surface layer and will vary in thickness from 500 1000-mm. Prior to construction, topsoil and wetland soils will be stripped down to 200-mm and stockpiled for reinstatement after construction once the rock fill and gravel is removed and the surface rehabilitated. The central flow channel (between the central two piers) will not have an access road thus ensuring unhindered stream flow. A provision is made for four 600-ND concrete pipes to be installed through the access road embankment at suitable locations to further facilitate stream flow. Rock fill will be placed along the face of the access road embankment (within 2m of these pipes) to prevent scouring. This applies to both the upstream and downstream sides. Concrete for the piers will be supplied by a ready-mix plant. Excess concrete will be appropriately disposed of off-site. The pipeline is of steel construction with bolted/flanged connections. This avoids the need for welding and painting of the pipeline in the wetland area. This reduces the number of workers on the pipeline and thus reduces the wetland impact.
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WTP Construction
During construction the following facilities will be developed at the WTP:
Laydown Areas comprising;
Site offices for:

Keyplans site staff (able to accommodate 8 site staff and 2 visiting head office staff); and XCSA site staff (able to accommodate 10 persons).
Laydown areas for:

Civil, Structural and Earthworks contractor; Installation contractor; and Mechanical and Piping installation contractor.
The total laydown area for all contractors is 100m x 300m in size and will be located at the WTP.
Road and Access;
Two roads will be constructed during the pre-construction phase at the WTP. The north entrance will be for construction and equipment delivery vehicles (heavy vehicles). This road will be in the form of a ring road which leads from the entrance of the site to the laydown and store areas, returning to the entrance. The second road will be for private vehicles (light vehicles) which enter through a separate (south) entrance and it will lead directly to the site office area.
Power Supply;
Power to the WTP will be obtained from the 11kV line that is located close to the plant. This will be stepped down to 380V through temporary construction transformers located next to the laydown area. Potable distribution boards, as required, will provide power for the construction teams. The step down transformer will be positioned in a safe location and surrounded by a fence and lockable gates. Only authorized personnel will have access to the transformer itself and the master power distribution board. A diesel generator will be positioned next to the temporary construction transformers to supply power in case of outages. Construction power required at the ATC, Boschmans and Witcons sites as well as along the pipeline routes will be provided by utilizing diesel generators as required.
Lighting;
Although there will not be any night construction, lighting masts will be provided in the main WTP construction area and the contractors laydown area. This will assist the security guards during night shifts and patrols.
Accommodation;
No site construction camps will be developed for this project. All contractors will be required to find accommodation for their staff in nearby towns such as Ogies and Witbank.
Water;
Potable water will be trucked in by one of the main contractors and stored in a temporary portable tank. Site staff will have access to this water for drinking purposes only. Three months prior to commissioning, bulk potable water is required for hydraulic testing of all water retaining structures and mixing of chemicals. Also, membranes on the plant, once installed, are flushed with potable water prior to commissioning them. Raw water will be pumped, using a diesel driven pump, from the
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Witcons Dam and treated in a 2-membrane reverse osmosis filtration plant to provide the required bulk potable water. This will be located next to the contractors laydown area.
Fencing;
Permanent fencing will be established around the perimeter of the WTP and dams sites and abstraction boreholes.
Construction Store;
The WTP workshop will be constructed early on after site mobilisation by the civil contractor. The workshop will be used as the equipment store until construction is complete
Ablutions;
These will be rented on a contract basis which includes daily maintenance i.e. replenishment of potable water and removal of sewage.
Drainage;
All terraces and roads will be designed and constructed to maximize effective drainage of rainwater. Adequate sleeving will be provided during terrace and road construction for temporary underground services such as power reticulation, water distribution and communications.
Diesel Storage;
Diesel will be stored in the contractors laydown area in the WTP area. The storage area will have to be bunded to comply with environmental requirements. It is envisaged that two storage areas will be required in the WTP area. The ATC abstraction point, Boschmans abstraction point and the Witcons borehole area will each require a bunded diesel area.
Dust Suppression;
A water spray truck will be utilised to spray roads and areas where there is heavy traffic flow to reduce dust created by vehicles and equipment.
Construction activities at the WTP

Construction activities at the WTP will include:
Land clearance by bulldozers; Stockpiling of soils; Pile driving; Minor drilling; General construction activities such as cement works, brick laying, steel erection; and WTP testing
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2.6.2
Operational Activities
Once operational, the WTP will be operated by a core staff of approximately 30 employees. Operations will include pumping of water from the abstraction boreholes to the WTP, water treatment, and discharge. General activities will include regular maintenance of pump, pipeline and WTP infrastructure, continuous leak detection (in the form of flow pressure gauges and annual infra-red pipeline monitoring). Traffic will include deliveries and haulage of waste off-site (estimated at 1-2 trucks per week), and employee commuting.
2.6.3
Rehabilitation and Closure
The project is likely to be permanent, however should closure be required, the rehabilitation and closure activities recommended in Section 10.0 will be undertaken.
3.0
PROJECT ALTERNATIVES
Treatment alternatives such as utilising the existing water treatment facilities at Anglo Coals eMalahleni Water Treatment Plant and utilising other water treatment technologies; Mobile water treatment as a contingency measure; Location alternatives for siting the WTP; Pipeline routing alternatives; Site layout alternatives; and Waste disposal alternatives.
As part of the pre-feasibility process a number of alternatives have been evaluated, these include:
A detailed site selection process has been carried out, inclusive of a risk assessment, financial and environmental analysis. This section provides a short summary of the preferred alternatives identified.
3.1
Treatment Alternatives
A number of treatment options were initially identified and conceptually evaluated. These treatment options included: Passive water treatment; Offsite treatment through existing infrastructure (e.g. eMalahleni water treatment plant); and The proposed project.
Passive treatment was discarded due to the requirement for potable water supply and the installation of pipelines to the eMalahleni Water Treatment Plant was deemed to be too expensive due to the distance required for the pipelines.
3.2
Location Alternatives
As part of the pre-feasibility study, the following options were considered for the location of the WTP (Figure 13): Area 1 within the northern portion of the Tweefontein North area; Area 2 within the northern and southern Goedgevonden areas; Area 3 within the centre of the iMpunzi mining area; and Area 4 Various additional sites.
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The sites were evaluated utilising a site selection matrix which ranked each site against the following criteria:
Engineering; Environmental; Social; Economic; and Regulatory processes required.
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Figure 13: WTP location alternatives

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These options were selected as they were in close proximity to the abstraction points, conformed to general engineering requirements and were not considered for future mining activities. The conclusion of both the site selection and risk assessment processes indicated the preferred option to be site 4A at Witcons Village. This was based on technical, geological, geotechnical, environmental, social, economic and legal evaluation criteria. Site 4E was ranked as the second preferred option, with site 4B being the third ranked option. See APPENDIX D for the detailed site selection report.
3.3
Pipeline Routing Alternatives
A number of pipeline routing options from the abstraction points to the WTP as well as potable water pipelines from the WTP to various end users were identified for further assessment in the EIA process. Figure 14 presents the pipeline route options that have been evaluated. A key consideration was avoidance of wetlands and watercourses as far as practicable. In selecting the preferred alternatives, the following criteria were considered:
Number of wetland crossings; Length of wetland crossings Location of proposed pipelines along existing wetland crossings Nature of proposed Zaaiwaterspruit/Klippoortjiespruit crossings.
The evaluation of each alternative is indicated in Table 12 with the preferred alternative highlighted. Table 12: Number of Wetland Crossings per Pipeline Route Alternative Number of Wetland Crossings Pipeline route/alternative Total Collection pipe from ATC (A1) Collection pipe from ATC (A2) Collection pipe Boschmans (B4) Collection pipe Boschmans (B3) Collection pipe Boschmans (B1) Collection pipe Boschmans (B2) Excess water pipeline (C1) Excess water pipeline (C3) Excess water pipeline (C2) Potable water pipeline (P1) Potable water pipeline (P2) Potable water pipeline (P3) 8 8 4 4 6 6 2 2 2 14 14 4 CVB 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 UVB 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 HS 6 6 3 3 5 5 1 1 1 10 10 3 Pans 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total length of wetland crossings (m) 3,355 m 3,566m 1,656m 803m 2,560 m 1,584 m 556 m 315 m 183 m 3,930 m 4,268 m 1,395 m 1 2 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 1 2 Ranking of routes
Based on the analysis indicated in Table 12 the following pipelines were selected as preferred and are illustrated in Figure 5.
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Collection pipe from ATC (A1); Collection pipe Boschmans (B4); Excess water pipeline (C1); Potable water pipeline (P1); and Potable water pipeline (P3).
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Figure 14: Pipeline Route Alternatives
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3.4
Site Layout Alternatives
The layout of the WTP (mine water storage dam, plant, sludge and brine ponds) was selected based on a number of factors, namely geotechnical, presence of wetlands, capacity required and land ownership requirements. The final layout of the WTP avoids the wetland areas completely as illustrated in Figure 7.
3.5
Waste Disposal Alternatives

No liquid waste solution through the investigation of alternative uses for sludge and brine (i.e. construction materials); and Alternative locations for the brine and sludge ponds.
Waste disposal alternatives that were investigated in the EIA process include:
The no liquid waste solution was selected based on current best practice, and the possibility of providing gypsum to third parties as a by-product (this aspect will be investigated further once the WTP has been commissioned). The layout of the sludge and brine ponds was determined so as to avoid wetland areas.
3.6
Potable Water Use Alternatives

Supply to;
Potential alternatives for potable water supply include:
The proposed Lesedi Power plant ; The participating mines (Tweefontein, ATC, Boschmans and GGV) water supply networks; and /or The Phola reservoir for community use.
Bottling of water for commercial sale; Discharge into the environment;
The Zaaiwaterspruit; Surrounding wetlands systems; and / or Other watercourses in the vicinity of the Project Area.
The final alternative has not yet been decided by XCSA and will be determined through an additional study being carried out by XCSA to determine potential supply options. Therefore, for the purposes of this EIA, potable water will be discharged into the Zaaiwaterspruit.
3.7
No Go
Should the project not go ahead, the benefits of water treatment and potable water supply would be lost and the risk of uncontrolled contaminated discharge from underground mining operations would remain. In addition Xstrata would need to fundamentally amend the mine plan for operations at Goedgevonden, Tweefontein, and iMpunzi Coal Mines resulting in a potentially significant reduction in operations.
4.0 4.1
LEGAL, POLICY AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK Introduction
This section summarises the policy, legal, and administrative framework within which the Environmental permitting processes will be carried out. This includes a summary of relevant South African regulations as
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well as Xstrata Coal South Africa safety, health and environment policy. In addition, the section introduces the regulatory authorities responsible for environmental authorisation.
4.2
Relevant South African Legislation Applicable to the Project

Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (Act 28 of 2002)(MPRDA); National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) (NEMA); National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (59 of 2008) (NEMWA) ; and National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998) (NWA).
The following key legislation is applicable to this project:
Other legislation applicable to the project includes, but is not limited to: South African Heritage Resources Act; National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act; National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act; Environment Conservation Act; Agricultural Resources Act; World Heritage Convention Act (WHCA); and Municipal by-laws.
Before the proposed project may go ahead, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998) (NEMA) and the EIA Regulations (GNR 543, 18 June 2010) must be undertaken. The EIA is being conducted in parallel with the following required regulatory processes:
4.3
An amendment to Environmental Management Programme(s) of participating coal mines in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development (MPRDA) (Act 28 of 2002); Water Use Licence Application and dam safety registration process in terms of the National Water Act, 1998 (NWA) (Act 36 of 1998); and A Waste Management Licence Application for the disposal of brine and gypsum sludge in terms of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act 59 of 2008) (NEMWA).
Environmental Impact Assessment: NEMA
The key legislation pertaining to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the proposed project can be summarised as follows:
National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998) (NEMA); and The Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (GN R.543 to 546, 18 June 2010 as corrected 10 December 2010).
The NEMA is the overarching and enabling legislation for environmental protection and management in South Africa. Section 24 of the Act requires that any potential impact on the environment, socio-economic conditions and cultural heritage of activities that require authorisation or permission by law and which may significantly affect the environment must be considered, investigated and assessed prior to the implementation. It also places a duty of care on every person who causes, has caused or may cause
36
pollution or degradation of the environment to take reasonable measures to prevent, minimise and rectify such pollution or degradation. Regulations GN R.543 to 546 published in June 2010 in terms of Section 24 and 44 of the NEMA regulate the EIA process. The identification of activities which may have a substantial detrimental effect on the environment is guided by Section 19 of GN R.543, while the EIA process is guided by part 2 and/or part 3 of GN R.543. Should activities listed under Listing Notice 1 (GN R.544) or Listing Notice 3 (GN R.546) be triggered, a basic assessment procedure needs to be followed. A scoping and EIA procedure needs to be conducted should activities listed under Listing Notice 2 (GN R.545) be triggered. These procedures are outlined in detail in GN R.543.
4.3.1
Listed Activities
Some of the activities associated with the proposed project are Listed Activities in terms of the EIA Regulations (GN R543), dated June 2010, under the NEMA. Table 13 below sets out the activities which have been identified as Listed Activities in terms of the NEMA. Table 13: Activities which have been identified as Listed Activities in terms of the EIA Regulations, dated June 2010, under the NEMA Number and date of the relevant notice: Activity No (s) (in terms of the relevant notice) Listed activity as per the detailed project description (and not as per wording of the 1 relevant Government Notice) : The project will involve the construction of infrastructure to convey water from the abstraction points to the Water Treatment Plant. The water will be conveyed in pipelines of about 0.5 metres in diameter at rates of up to 520 litres/second over distances of up to 10 km. The pipeline route will be outside of urban areas and some sections of it will be within a road reserve. The project will involve the construction of raw water dams, brine ponds, sludge ponds clean water storage dams, office buildings and other infrastructure, some of them within a watercourse or within 32 metres of a watercourse. The individual raw water and clean water dams will all be less than 10 ha in surface area and none of them will have wall heights exceeding 5 metres, but their combined capacity will exceed 50 000 cubic metres. During operations, the water treatment facility may need to store sulphuric and hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide for use in the water treatment processes at a combined capacity in excess of 3 80 m . During pipeline construction over watercourses
Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations GN 543 (18 June 2010) Listing Notice 1 (GN R.544)
11
12
13
18
Please note that this description should not be a repetition of the listed activity as contained in the relevant Government Notice, but should be a brief description of activities to be undertaken as per the project description
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Number and date of the relevant notice:
Activity No (s) (in terms of the relevant notice)
Listed activity as per the detailed project description (and not as per wording of the 1 relevant Government Notice) : there may be a requirement to dredge, excavate or remove more than 5 cubic metres of material from a watercourse. The access roads to be constructed may be wider than 8 metres. The existing access road to the WTP may be extended by more than 1 km, the access road may be wider than 8m. Land clearance to develop the WTP may result in more than 5ha of land with more than 75% indigenous vegetation being cleared. The footprint of the office buildings will exceed 10 square metres. Construction of infrastructure such as the mine water abstraction systems, conveyance pipelines, substations and power lines will exceed 10 square metres and at places occur within a watercourse or within 32 metres of a watercourse. The storage of contaminated mine water, in ponds, the disposal of brine and sludge in ponds which may constitute a dangerous good. The abstraction of acid mine water, its storage in ponds, the disposal of brine and sludge in ponds and the discharge of treated water to the environment require licensing in terms of the National Water Act 1998 (Act 36 of 1998). The construction of discharge facilities from the WTP to the Zaaiwaterspruit. Construction of the non-linear components of the project will take place on and cause physical alteration of more than 20 hectares of undeveloped, vacant / derelict land at Witcons village.
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14
Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations GN 543 (18 June 2010) Listing Notice 3 (GN R.546)
16
5 Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations GN 543 (18 June 2010) Listing Notice 2 (GN R.545)
10
15
Since some of the activities associated with the proposed project are Listed Activities in terms of Listing 2, the project was subject to the scoping and EIA procedure as provided for in part 3 of the NEMA EIA Regulations GN 543. Consequently, the EIA process adopted for this project was designed to satisfy the requirements of a scoping and EIA process.
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4.4
EMPR amendment in terms of the MPRDA
The participating mines will need to submit EMP Addenda in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act 28 of 2002) (MPRDA) to the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR).
4.5
Water Use Licence: NWA
Chapter 4 of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998) (NWA) lays the basis for regulating the water uses listed in Section 21 of the NWA. Water use is defined broadly, and includes taking and storing water, activities which reduce stream flow, waste discharges and disposals, controlled activities (activities which impact detrimentally on a water resource), altering a watercourse, removing water found underground for certain purposes, and recreation. In general a water use must be licensed unless it is listed in Schedule I, is an existing lawful use, is permissible under a general authorisation, or if a responsible authority waives the need for a licence. As described in the preceding chapters, the proposed project will involve construction of a Water Treatment Plant (WTP) at Tweefontein Colliery to treat approximately 45 M of mine water per day from the Xstrata coal mining operations at Goedgevonden, Tweefontein and iMpunzi. In this respect the individual mining operations will each have an integrated water use licence (IWUL) issued in terms of Section 40 of the NWA and may need to request an amendment. The WTP and its associated activities would require an IWUL. In summary the water uses to be undertaken in relation to the construction and operation of the proposed mine water reclamation scheme (MWRS) are set out in Table 14. Table 14: National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998) Section 21 water use summary Activity Collection of excess mine water from Goedgevonden, Tweefontein and iMpunzi Coal Mines Storage of treated water Installation of pipeline and pumping systems to transfer excess mine water from the mines to the proposed WTP; The disposal of waste generated during the mine water treatment process. Potential discharge of treated water to a water resource Section 21 water use
21 (a) abstraction of water; and 21 (j) abstraction of underground water to continue mining (relates specifically to each mine). 21 (b) storing water. 21 (c) and (i) water course crossings (pipelines). 21 (g) disposal of contaminated water containing waste and residues. 21 (f) discharging waste or water containing waste into a water resource through a pipe, canal, sewer, sea outfall or other conduit;
In support of the integrated water use licence application an integrated water and waste management plan (IWWMP) will be compiled in accordance with the latest Department of Water Affairs Operational Guideline, the objective of such a document being a consolidated approach to summarise all relevant water resource management information into a simple, feasible, and implementable plan in support of water use licence authorisations.
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4.6
National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (59 of 2008) (NEMWA)
The National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (59 of 2008) (NEMWA) requires that all listed waste management activities must be licensed and that the licensing procedure must be integrated with an environmental assessment process. Regulation GN R. 718 lists the waste management activities that require licensing. Section 4 of the NEMWA provides for the application of the Waste Act and in terms of subsection (1) (b), the NEMWA does not apply to: ...(b) residue deposits and residue stockpiles that are regulated under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act No. 28 of 2002);... Residue deposits and residue stockpiles are respectively defined in section 1 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 28 of 2002 (MPRDA) as: Residue deposit... any residue stockpile remaining at the termination, cancellation or expiry of a prospecting right, mining right, mining permit, exploration right or production right; Residue stockpile... any debris, discard, tailings, slimes, screening, slurry, waste rock, foundry sand, beneficiation plant waste, ash or any other product derived from or incidental to a mining operation and which is stockpiled, stored or accumulated for potential re-use, or which is disposed of, by the holder of a mining right, mining permit or production right Although the project is in an area that is authorised for mining, the following waste activities (Regulation GN R. 718) associated with the proposed XMWTP project are not incidental to the mining operations, are not exempt from the NEMWA and therefore require a waste management licence in terms of the NEMWA:
Category A: Activity 3(1): The storage, including the temporary storage, of general waste at a facility 3 that has the capacity to store in excess 100 m of general waste at any one time, excluding the storage of hazardous waste in lagoons (temporary sludge storage at the WTP); Category A: Activity 3(2): The storage including the temporary storage of hazardous waste in a facility 3 that has the capacity to store in excess 35 m of hazardous waste at any one time, excluding the storage of hazardous waste in lagoons (temporary storage of brine at the WTP); Category A: Activity 3(18): The construction of facilities for activities listed in Category A (temporary brine and sludge storage facilities at the WTP); Category B: Activity 4(5): The treatment of hazardous waste using any form of treatment regardless of the size or capacity of such a facility to treat such waste (brine treatment); Category B:Activity 4(7): The treatment of effluent, wastewater or sewage with an annual throughput capacity of 15 000 cubic metres or more (WTP); Category B: Activity 4(9) the disposal of any quantity of hazardous waste to land (brine, membrane cleaning chemical waste); Category B: Activity 4(10) the disposal of general waste to land covering an area in excess of 200 m (primary and secondary / gypsum sludge waste); and
2
Category B: Activity 4(11): The construction of facilities for activities listed in Category B (emergency brine pond and sludge disposal facilities).
Since both Category A and Category B activities will be undertaken at the WTP, a full EIA process needs to be followed to support the waste management license application process. The same EIA, public
40
consultation process and specialist studies outlined in Sections 6.9 and 11.0 will serve the purpose of licensing the waste facilities.
4.7
Integrated Environmental Permitting
An integrated permitting process has been adopted to conform to the requirements of the MPRDA, NEMA, NEMWA and the NWA as illustrated in Figure 15.
Integrated Regulatory Process IWULA (NWA) WML (NEMWA)
Waste Classification
EIA (NEMA)
EIA Application / Project Announcement Draft Scoping Report Draft Scoping Report Public Review
EMPR (MPRDA)
Waste Licence Application IWULA technical supporting documents / forms / IWWMP
Draft Scoping Report (DSR)
Conceptual designs
Final Scoping Report (FSR) Public Review FSR submission FSR Approval
Final Scoping Report (FSR)Submission
Submit conceptual designs to DEA
Specialist Studies and Impact Assessment Draft EIA Public Review Final EIA Public Review
Draft EMP
IWULA/IWWMP submission
Submission of WML with EIA appended
Final EIA Submission
Final EMP submission
IWUL Authorisation (DWA)
Waste Licence Authorisation (DEA)
Environmental Authorisation (MDEDET)
MPRDA Authorisation (DMR)
Figure 15: Integrated Permitting Process
4.8
4.8.1
Other Regulations
SAHRA Authorisation: NHRA
As stipulated in Section 27(18) of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act 25 of 1999), no person may destroy, damage, deface, excavate, alter, remove from its original position, subdivide or change the planning status of any heritage site without a permit. A Phase 1 Heritage Impact Assessment is being conducted for the project. The aims with the Phase I HIA study are:
To establish whether any of the types and ranges of heritage resources as outlined in Section 3 of the National Heritage Resources Act (No 25 of 1999) occur in the Project Area and, if so, to determine the nature, the extent and the significance of these remains; and
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To establish if any of these heritage resources will be affected by the Project and, if so, to evaluate what appropriate mitigation measures must be taken if any of the types and ranges of heritage resources will be affected.
4.8.2
Water care works registration (NWA)
The WTP may need to be registered as a water care works in terms of the NWA and as a water services provider under the Water Services Act.
4.8.3
Servitude Registration
Registration of servitudes for the pipelines and rezoning where a pipeline route is located on private land will be required.
4.8.4
Contractual Agreements
Contractual agreements will need to be established with regard to:
Water supply contract with the Local Municipality; Contracts between the applicant and mines transferring polluted water to the scheme; and Waste disposal contract with the mine receiving the waste residue from the scheme.
4.8.5
By-laws
The mine water collection system, plant site and distribution system are all located within the eMalahleni Local Municipality (eLM). The following municipal by-laws are applicable to the proposed project and will be adhered to during construction and operation:
4.9
Public Health By-laws; Waste Management By-laws; and Public Open Spaces By-laws.
Copies of these by-laws should be kept on site for reference purposes.
Administrative Framework
Department of Mineral Resources - MPRDA
This section summarises the key administrative bodies relevant to the project.
4.9.1
The Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) through its Minerals Regulation Branch (MRB) is responsible for regulating the mining and minerals industry to achieve transformation and contribute to sustainable development. The purpose of the MRB is to administer the MPRDA and other applicable legislation. This is to ensure the granting of prospecting and mining rights in terms of the Act and to promote mineral development, including urban renewal, rural development and black economic empowerment. It is responsible for co-ordinating and liaising with national, provincial and local government structures for efficient governance. It is also tasked with addressing past legacies with regard to derelict and ownerless mines and enforcing legislation regarding mine rehabilitation by means of regulated environmental management plans (DMR, 2011). The DMR through its MRB is responsible for authorising the EMPR amendment in terms of the MPRDA and liaising with MDEDET in terms of the EIA approval process for NEMA.
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4.9.2
Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism - NEMA
In South Africa, EIA is the responsibility of both national and provincial government institutions. Policy formulation and coordination takes place at national level, while approval of EIAs for most development proposals has been devolved to the provinces. In terms of Regulation 1184, the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism designated the provinces as competent authorities, i.e. they are empowered to authorise development activities. Therefore, in terms of the NEMA authorization process for the Project, the responsibility for approval of this EIA rests with the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (MDEDET).
4.9.3
Department of Water Affairs - NWA
The Department of Water Affairs (DWA) is the custodian of South Africa's water resources. It is primarily responsible for the formulation and implementation of policy governing the water sector. It also has overall responsibility for water services provided by local government (http://www.dwaf.gov.za/about.asp). The National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998) provides the DWA with the tools for the optimal management of South Africas water resources. The registration of water use is one of these tools and is a statutory obligation for this project. As such, an Integrated Water Use License application (IWULA) is required to be submitted to DWA for approval. The IWULA process includes mandatory public consultation, which has been addressed by integrating the IWULA process with the EIA process.
4.9.4
Department of Environmental Affairs - NEMWA
The licensing authority for waste management is the national Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) for activities involving hazardous waste and the provincial environmental authority, in this case the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (MDEDET), when the waste is not rated as hazardous. Since the waste management activities at the XMWTP are associated with hazardous waste streams, the application for this license will be submitted to the DEA.
4.10
Xstrata Sustainable Development Policy
See Figure 16.
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Figure 16: Xstrata Sustainable Development Policy
44
5.0
DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT THAT MAY BE AFFECTED
This section presents a summary of the environmental and social baseline studies, which have been informed by specialist studies undertaken for the EIA as well as previous studies undertaken in support of prior environmental permitting processes such as the EIA/EMP and IWULA for the proposed Tweefontein Optimisation Project (TOP) carried out between 2009 and 2010 (Cleanstream, 2010). The specialist studies undertaken, inclusive of a summary of their scope (details of which are contained in the Final Scoping Report (Golder, 2012)) are presented in Table 15. Table 15: Specialist Studies and Study Team Proposed Specialist Study Name of Specialist Existing Information to be Utilised Summary of Scope of work Desktop study supplemented with available regional data. Project-specific impact assessment. Desktop study supplemented by once off noise survey at WTP site. Desktop study supplemented by soil, land use, and land capability study at the WTP site and along part of the pipeline route. Desktop study supplemented by additional mine surface water monitoring and water balance information, and specific modelling of the impact on surface water from potable discharge. Desktop study. Desktop study supplemented by a once off field visit to identify any additional ecology and plug gaps in vegetation mapping. Desktop study supplemented by two additional aquatic biomonitoring sites. Desktop study supplemented by additional wetland delineation and evaluation along sections of the pipeline route not
Climate and Air Quality
Candice Allan Golder Associates
(Cleanstream, 2010)
Noise and Vibration
John Hassall Independent
(Cleanstream, 2010) and (Blast Management and Consulting, 2010)
Soils, Land Use Land Capability
and
Piet Steenekamp RehabGreen
(Terrasoil Science, 2010)
Surface Water
Trevor Coleman Golder Associates
(Jones and Wagner, 2010)
Groundwater
Gerhard van der Linde Golder Associates Adrian Hudson Golder Associates
(Groundwater Complete, 2010) (De Castro and Brits c.c., 2010) (De Castro and Brits, 2010) and (Engelbrecht, G.D., 2010) (Cleanstream Biological Services, 2010)
Terrestrial Ecology
Aquatic Ecology
Warren Aken Golder Associates
Dieter Kassier Wetland Consulting Services Wetland Ecology (Wetland Consulting Services, 2010)
45
Specialist Study
Name of Specialist
Existing Information to be Utilised
Summary of Scope of work covered by existing studies. Desktop study supplemented by a once off site visit to interview two adjacent local businesses and a farmer (leasing land from Xstrata). Desktop study supplemented by a further site walkover. Desktop study supplemented by a site visit. Standard rehabilitation and closure plan and costing.
Socio-economic
Alexandra Armitage Golder Associates
(Nemai Consulting, 2010)
Phase 1 Assessment Visual Assessment Rehabilitation Closure
Heritage
Dr Julius Pistorius Independent Johan Bothma Golder Associates Jenny Botha Golder Associates
(Pistorius, 2010)
Impact
(Cleanstream, 2010)
and
5.1
5.1.1
Physical environment
Climate and Air Quality
The objective of the air quality study was to identify and characterise likely sources of air emissions from the Project and to assess potential impacts to ambient air quality. In line with the Final Scoping Report the following scope of work was undertaken for the air quality specialist study:
Literature / data review to determine:
Ambient air quality for the area; Existing site air quality and meteorological data / reports (a recent air quality study is available
(Cleanstream, 2010). Site meteorological data has been compared against commercial meteorological data; and
Estimates of likely rates of generation of nuisance dust, fine particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) and
CO2 from the project construction and closure activities. This section provides a summary of the baseline findings of the air quality study which is appended (APPENDIX E).
Regional Air Quality Setting

The XMWTP is located within the Highveld Priority Airshed (HPA) (Figure 17). The HPA covers 2 approximately 31,106 km , including parts of Gauteng and Mpumalanga Provinces, with a single metropolitan municipality, three district municipalities, and nine local municipalities. Within the HPA, the project is located at Xstratas Goedgevonden, Tweefontein, iMpunzi, and Southstock Coal Mines, 7 km south east of Ogies in the eMalahleni Local Municipality (Mpumalanga). The local municipality has a population of approximately 407,100 and a relatively high population density of 152 per km compared to national levels of 41 per km (STATSSA, 2007).
46
The municipality is mostly characterised by rural farmland, dispersed urban settlements, coal mines and power stations. Although eMalahleni is traditionally known for coal mining and electricity production, other manufacturing industries are also developing, making eMalahleni a prominent industrial node. Urban centres have largely been developed around mining and electricity operations, some of which are now decommissioned. These account for the high population density and include the eMalahleni complex, the largest urban area in the municipality, Kriel, and Ogies.
Figure 17: Location of the XMWTP within the Highveld Priority Airshed
Climate
Precipitation
The XMWTP is located in the summer rainfall region of South Africa and thus receives most of its rainfall during this period. Station 0478093 Ogies reflects a mean annual precipitation (MAP) of 719 mm, recorded over the course of 92 years (1908 - 2000) (Jones and Wagner, 2010). Precipitation is often characterised by intense thunderstorms, which occur mainly in the late afternoon, from October to March, with the maximum in January. These thunderstorms, although brief, are often ferocious, and are accompanied by thunder, lightning and occasional hail, and are generally followed by clear skies (DEA, 2010).
Temperature
2010 average monthly maximum and minimum temperatures for Ogies are given in Figure 18. The temperature profile depicts what is typically expected for the Highveld. The highest temperatures in the region are experienced during the summer months of December, January and February and the lowest during the winter months of June, July and August. The average daily maximum temperatures range from
47
approximately 24C in January to approximately 16C in June, with minima ranging from approximately 13C in January to approximately 1C in June (World Weather Online, 2011).
Figure 18: Average high and low temperatures for Ogies in 2010 (source: World Weather Online, 2011)
Wind Speed and Direction

Wind roses summarize the occurrence of winds at a specified location via representing their strength, direction and frequency. Calm conditions are defined as wind speeds of less than 1 m/s which are represented as a percentage of the total winds in the centre circle. Each directional branch on a wind rose represents wind originating from that specific cardinal direction (16 cardinal directions). Each cardinal branch is divided into segments of different colours which represent different wind speed classes. For the current wind roses, wind speed is represented in classes, 1 to 2 m/s in blue, 2 to 4 m/s in dark green, 4 to 6 m/s in light green and > 6 m/s in yellow. Each circle represents a percentage frequency of occurrence.
Wind rose for 2010

Winds at XMWTP are expected to originate from the north (12.5 % of the time) and east (8% of the time) (Figure 19). Wind speeds are low to moderate, with a low percentage (11.92 %) of calm conditions (<1 m/s).
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Figure 19: Modelled wind rose for 2010
5.1.1.1.1
Diurnal wind roses
A minor diurnal variation in wind is observed (Figure 20). Between 00:00 to 05:59, winds are predominantly from the north (15% of the time) and north-north-east (13% of the time). During the morning (06:00 to 11:59), winds are predominantly from the north (15.5% of the time) and north-north-west (10.5% of the time). During the afternoon (12:00 to 17:59), winds are predominantly from the north-west (14.5% of the time) and northnorth-west (12% of the time). During the evening (18:00 23:59), winds are predominantly from the north (11.0% of the time) and north-north-east (10.75% of the time).
5.1.1.1.2
Seasonal wind roses
A minor seasonal variation in wind is observed (Figure 21). During summer (DJF), winds are predominantly from the north (17.5% of the time) and north-north-east (10.5% of the time). During autumn (MAM), winds are predominantly from the east (10.5% of the time) and east-south-east (9.25% of the time). During winter (JJA), winds are predominantly from the south-east (13.75% of the time) and east-south-east (13.5% of the time). During spring (SON), winds are predominantly from the north (22.5% of the time) and north-north-east (13%).
49
00:00 to 05:59 N 15% of the time NNE 13% of the time
06:00 to 11:59 N 15.5 % of the time NNW 10.5% of the time
12:00 to 17:59 NW 14.5 % of the time NNW 12% of the time
18:00 to 23:59 N 11.0 % of the time NNE 10.75% of the time
Figure 20: Modelled diurnal wind roses with predominant wind directions for 2010
50
Summer (DJF) N 17.5 % of the time NNE 10.5 % of the time
Autumn (MAM) E 10.5 % of the time ESE 9.25 % of the time
Winter (JJA) SE 13.75 % of the time ESE 13.5 % of the time
Spring (SON) N 22 % of the time NNE 13 % of the time
Figure 21: Modelled seasonal wind roses with predominant wind directions for 2010
5.1.2
Noise
Noise and vibration baseline and impact assessments were carried out during the EIA / EMP process undertaken for the Tweefontein Optimisation Project (TOP), the study areas of which include parts of the WTP and Pipeline footprint (Cleanstream, 2010) and (Blast Management and Consulting, 2010).
51
From a review of existing information, preliminary site visits and a desk top review of available aerial and topographical information, the following sensitive receptors have been identified within the project area:
Two small businesses, one situated directly adjacent to the WTP and one approximately 3.5km north of the project area; Ogies town which is located 7km north of the WTP; A farm residence situated 2.5km north west of the northern corner of the water collection pipeline from Boschmans South; and Zaaiwater village situated 500m north of the midway point of the water collection pipeline from ATC/Tavistock. Figure 22 presents the sensitive receptors identified to date.
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Figure 22: All identified sensitive receivers in the TOP study area
53
A noise assessment was carried out by JH Consulting in August 2012. Measurements of the existing noise climate in accordance with the relevant SANS 10103:2008 Code of practice within the Project area were made at 5 defined positions around the site as described as per in APPENDIX F. In summary the results of the noise baseline indicated that existing sources of noise in the Project area are:
Natural sounds of the bush; Noise of existing mining activities near to the site; and Noise from roads (incl. domestic traffic as well as trucks carrying coal from the mines).
The current ambient noise levels are generally comparable with the levels associated with farming activities. Due to numerous daytime sources including traffic on the adjacent national roads, haul roads and mining related blasting activities, the noise and vibration levels are most prominent during the daytime and the noise emitted during these activities is occasionally intrusive to the wellbeing of the community. Previous studies (Cleanstream, 2010) predict ambient noise levels to rise by 10dBA as a result of operational activities associated with the proposed Tweefontein Optimisation Project and that these levels will probably exceed the South African National Standards (SANS) rating level within the mining boundary.
5.1.3
Topography
The proposed site itself is representative of the local topography and is not characterised by any prominent topographical features, but lies on undulating topography between 1540-1600 m above mean sea level.
5.1.4
Geology
The Tweefontein Complex is located near the southern margin of the Witbank Coalfield, which is clearly defined by pre-Karoo granite and felsite hills and is underlain predominantly by rocks of the Karoo Supergroup. Sub-outcrops of older basement rocks of the Transvaal Supergroup rocks also occur nearby. The major Ogies dyke traverses the mine, striking in a West to East direction. The 50m wide dyke, along with an associated burnt halo, sterilises approximately a 300m wide feature through the mine. Minor northsouth trending dykes are also seen across the mine with minor burnt halos. The Karoo sequence comprises a sedimentary succession of sandstones, shales and coal measures. The coal measures are contained within the Middle Ecca Group. The sedimentary succession overlies the Dwyka formation, comprised of diamictites and tillites. The Ogies Dyke that cuts through the Tweefontein Complex area in a roughly east-west direction has the most profound impact on the geohydrology in the region. A number of smaller dolerite dykes have been mapped in the extensive underground mining operations. Fault structures are also indicated with local displacement and fracturing but none of the dykes or faults have a profound influence on groundwater flow and mass transport. The main reason is that many of the structures have been mined through and the hydraulic properties (conductance storage) along the dykes or faults are negligible compared with the mine voids - underground or opencast (Groundwater Complete, 2010).
5.1.5
Soils, Land use and Land Capability
A soil assessment was carried out by Rehab Green Monitoring Consultants cc in June 2012. The complete specialist study is appended in APPENDIX G. Soils baseline and impact assessments were carried out during the EIA / EMP process undertaken for the Tweefontein Optimisation Project (TOP), the study areas of which include parts of the WTP and Pipeline footprint (Terrasoil Science, 2010) and (Steenekamp, 2007).
54
These studies indicate that the soils within the Project area have high agricultural potential and /or are of importance from a wetland and hydrological perspective. The soils are predominantly moderately deep to deep. Rocky and low potential areas are consequently limited (Terrasoil Science, 2010). Seven Soil groups were identified in the Tweefontein optimization project area: Red apedal, arable yellow-brown apedal, nonarable yellow-brown apedal, shallow rocky, disturbed, vertic, and wetland soils. The land use capability of these soil groups vary from arable and grazing, to wetlands. Seventeen soil forms were identified in the Tweefontein and Goedgevonden areas namely; Hutton, Clovelly, Griffin, Pinedene, Avalon, Bainsvlei, Glencoe, Dresden, Katspruit, Glenrosa, Mispah, Rensburg, Tukula, Fernwood, Longlands, Wesbank, and Kroonstad (Steenekamp, 2007). At the WTP a large portion of the site (approximately half the area) has been previously excavated and has limited soil cover.
Baseline Assessment
The findings of the soils specialist study (at the WTP) were as follows:
Soils and land capability (Figure 23 and Figure 24);
37.33% of the proposed plant area is classed as arable land with moderate agricultural potential.
The arable soils consist of moderately deep, moderately well-drained, yellow brown soils, dominated by the Glencoe soil form, symbolized as soil type Gc2;
16.95% of the proposed plant area is classed as grazing land capability with low agricultural
potential. The grazing potential soils consist of shallow, frequently disturbed, moderately welldrained, yellow brown soils, dominated by the Glencoe soil form, symbolized as soil type Gc3;
45.72% of the proposed plant area is classed as wilderness land with very low to no agricultural
potential. This section, symbolized as Exc, consists of excavated areas with no remaining topsoil; and
No areas were classed as wetland.
Pre-construction land use (Figure 25);
27.41% of the proposed plant area is used for soybean production, probably in rotation system with
maize.
26.87% of the proposed plant area was mainly used for residential purposes prior to invasion of
mining activities. The area is currently vacant and somewhat disturbed due to the construction and removal of former structures; and
45.72% of the proposed plant area was mainly used for crop farming prior to the invasion of mining
activities. The area was in the meantime excavated and no stored topsoil was observed. The area is currently vacant and permanently disturbed.
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Figure 23: Soils at the WTP
56
Figure 24: Land Capability at the WTP
57
Figure 25: Pre-construction Land use at the WTP
58
5.1.6
Surface Water
Tweefontein Complex is situated within the Olifants River catchment and falls within quaternary subcatchments B11F and B11G, with a small portion in B20G of the Limpopo-Olifants primary Drainage Region (Figure 26). The Zaaiwaterspruit and Klippoortjiespruit converge to the south west of the mining area. They drain the southern portion of the mining area, namely Witcons, while the Tweefonteinspruit drains the northern portion, namely Waterpan and Boschmans. The Tweefonteinspruit and Zaaiwaterspruit converge to the east of the mining area and flow into the Olifants River. The Olifants River flows through the Witbank Dam and on to the Loskop Dam. Further downstream it flows through the central part of the Kruger National Park and into Mozambique. It eventually joins the Limpopo River and discharges to the Indian Ocean on the east African coastline. The primary surface water uses in the region are irrigation, formal and informal domestic usage, and livestock watering. Downstream of the Tweefontein Complex, surface water use is primarily for agricultural and informal domestic purposes. Witbank Dam is used for both potable and industrial purposes, as well as for recreation (Jones and Wagner, 2010). An annual report is produced at the end of each calendar year summarising the water quality in the rivers and streams around the Tweefontein Complex. The sampling locations are shown in Figure 27. The water quality monitoring program shows that all streams within the Tweefontein mining area are affected by mining. In all instances the upstream monitoring locations are affected, with the water quality deteriorating within the Tweefontein Complex (Jones and Wagner, 2010). This is indicated by elevated electrical conductivity and sulphate, as well as iron, aluminium, magnesium and calcium at the majority of sampling localities (Jones and Wagner, 2010). The elevated iron and aluminium may also be due to farming activities in the area (from fertilisers, etc.) as the surface water is generally not acidic, with pH values being close to neutral at most localities (Jones and Wagner, 2010).
59
Figure 26: Secondary and Quaternary Catchments of the Project Area
60
Figure 27: Surface Water Sampling Locations

61
5.1.7
Groundwater
Groundwater Complete was contracted by Cleanstream Environmental Consultants (Cleanstream) to provide specialist geohydrological inputs to the EMP of the proposed Tweefontein Optimisation Project of Duiker Mining (Pty) Ltd in 2010. The description provided here is a summary of the work completed, together with data collected during a hydrocensus that took place from February 2010 to March 2010 (Clean Stream Field Scientists, 2010).
Aquifer description
In the Tweefontein Complex areas two interacting aquifer systems were identified, although they are of the same aquifer type. The first system is a shallow aquifer that occurs in the transitional soil and weathered bedrock zone or sub-outcrop horizon. This aquifer generally has a low yield with phreatic water levels sometimes occurring on unweathered bedrock, plinthic or clayey layers. Yields in this aquifer are low (less than 0.3 l/s) and the aquifer is generally not usable for sustainable groundwater supply. According to the Parsons Classification system, the aquifer is usually regarded as a minor or a non-aquifer system. The second, main aquifer system is the deeper fractured rock aquifer where groundwater yields, although more heterogeneous, can be much higher. This aquifer system usually displays semi-confined or confined characteristics with piezometric heads often significantly higher than the water-bearing fracture position. Fractures occur in any of the co-existing host rocks due to different tectonic, structural and depositional processes. Aquifer yields in this system vary from zero to approximately 2 l/s in the Karoo rock types that occur in the Tweefontein Complex area. Yields from these aquifers could be sufficient to supply drinking and sanitation water to mining operations as well as for small scale cleaning and dust allaying purposes. According to the Parsons Classification system, the aquifer could be regarded as a sole aquifer system.
Water Level Depth

Groundwater levels in the Tweefontein Optimisation Project area are available as time-series monitoring data from 2005 to 2009 in the Tweefontein Complex monitoring program (Annual Environmental Monitoring Report, January 2009). More levels were measured during the hydrocensus survey at the proposed Vlaklaagte mining area. It follows from the time-series plot that the static water level in the mining area is generally less than 30 metres below surface. The water levels in several boreholes are however deeper where boreholes have been drilled into underground mining areas and water levels of up to 100 metres below surface have been measured. The general natural flow direction for groundwater in the Tweefontein Optimisation Project area varies depending on the position in the project area. The flow is from west to east in the southern parts of the Tweefontein complex along the Zaaiwater and Tweefontein streams (Cleanstream, 2010).
Groundwater Quality
Ambient groundwater quality information is available for groundwater monitoring and hydrocensus boreholes. Several monitoring boreholes exist in the Tweefontein Complex area and groundwater qualities are measured at these localities as part of the existing (quarterly) Tweefontein Complex monitoring program. The following conclusions were drawn from the groundwater quality assessment:
Groundwater qualities in the Tweefontein mining area vary from excellent to poor; Water quality distribution displays significant variation over short distances; Significant impacts occur where groundwater has become unfit for any of the general uses (domestic, irrigation, aquatic eco-systems or livestock watering); Impacts are mostly confined to the operations or within a very short distance from the workings; Even though the sulphate concentrations in some boreholes are very high, the pH in the groundwater remained within ideal limits for drinking water in most of the boreholes; Shallow groundwater in underground areas is mostly unaffected. Only boreholes drilled into underground workings display elevated TDS levels; and
62
Plume distance from sources is very small at less than 100 metres from the source.
Groundwater Users
From the hydrocensus and water user survey conducted by Clean Stream Scientific Services (2010) in the proposed Vlaklaagte mining area and other previous hydrocensus investigations conducted in the Tweefontein Complex area it followed that groundwater from boreholes is used mainly for domestic water supply, livestock watering and watering of gardens, but insufficient groundwater yield is available to sustain any significant (>1 ha) irrigation projects.
Specific Aspects relating to the Project Area

The WTP is located on the Ogies Dyke, which acts as a groundwater flow barrier on a regional scale. Some small dolerite dykes and localized faults also exist but these are not expected to have a major effect on groundwater flow. The Ogies Dyke has been holed through in a few positions by mining and the potential effect of the bridging of the flow barrier is considered during studies of inter-mine water movement. The nearest groundwater users are located approximately 3km north west and upstream / gradient of the WTP as shown in Figure 28.
WTPP
Figure 28: Localities of hydrocensus boreholes for the TOP project and previous studies
5.2
5.2.1
Biological Environment
Terrestrial Ecology
A terrestrial ecological study was undertaken over the project area between January and June 2012, supplementary to previous studies undertaken in the project area, (Engelbrecht, G.D., 2010), (De Castro and Brits, 2010) and (De Castro and Brits c.c., 2010). The study is appended to this report (APPENDIX H).
Baseline Assessment
The findings of the terrestrial ecological study indicate that the majority of study area has been transformed or highly degraded, most prominently as a result of historic and current cultivation, mining and other
63
anthropogenic activities. Patches of semi-natural and natural vegetation do occur along the study areas drainage features and around natural pans.
Vegetation communities
Four vegetation communities were identified during the field survey (Figure 30). These were recognised based on physiognomy, moisture regime, slope, species composition and disturbance characteristics. Vegetation communities include:
Cultivated land (current and former); Mixed grassland community; Hyparrhenia secondary grassland; and Moist grass and sedge community.
Although recorded as such, there is considerable variation within these communities as a result of current and historic anthropogenic disturbance. A number of transformed sites mainly associated with anthropogenic developments such as inter alia, mine areas, residential sites, railway infrastructure, roads, agricultural infrastructure and former homesteads are situated in the study area. These sites have typically either been severely degraded or completely transformed, and are characterised by various exotic species. Such areas were noted, but were subject to no further investigation. Cultivated land and Hyparrhenia disturbed grassland are rated as having low, and medium conservation importance respectively. Conversely, the conservation importance of the mixed grassland vegetation community and the moist grass and sedge vegetation community is regarded as being high. This is primarily attributable to the fact that these communities provide habitat for a variety of flora and fauna and a number of species of conservation importance.
Declared weeds and invasive plants

See APPENDIX H for a list of declared weeds and invasive plants.
Red Data and protected flora

Red Data and/or protected species recorded in the study area during the 2012 survey are Gladiolus crassifolius, Crinum bulbispermum and Eucomis autumnalis. These are listed as Protected according to Schedule 11 of the Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act (No 10 of 1997), while the latter two species are further listed as Declining according to the IUCN (2011). The Vulnerable Frithia humilis has also previously been recorded in the study area at the site designated as Highly Significant in terms of MBCP (M Ltter, pers comm., 2012 & De Castro Brits 2010). An additional 21 Red Data and/or protected plant species have historically been recorded in the general vicinity in which the study area is situated. These are primarily from the families AMARYLLIDACEAE (7 species), ORCHIDACEAE (5 species) and IRIDACEAE (4 species) and all have a high probability of occurring in the study area. Refer to APPENDIX H for a list of Red Data and/or protected plant species.
Fauna
Through a combination of hunting and habitat loss/degradation the Mpumalanga Highveld is largely devoid of free-range large mammals. Mammals are thus typically represented by smaller, nocturnal species. Four common and widespread mammals were recorded in the study area during the site survey. These were the Common duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia), Water mongoose (Atilax paludinosus), Black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) and Bushpig (Potamochoerus porcus). Moreover, the tracks of either the Cape clawless otter (Aonyx capensis) or the Spotted-necked otter (Lutra marculicollis) were also observed. Unusually, although numerous rodent burrows were observed throughout the study area, no rodents were caught during the field survey a possible consequence of the inclement weather. Refer to APPENDIX H for a list of mammals historically occurring in the study area.
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Both otters species are of conservation importance, as are the Serval (Felis serval) and the Water rat (Dasymys incomtus) which were previously recorded at Tweefontein Colliery (Engelbrecht, 2010). Fourteen other mammal species that may occur in the study area are listed as Red Data and/or protected species. The probability of these species occurring in the study area ranges from moderate to high (APPENDIX H).
Birds
Birds recorded in the study area are typical of Mpumalangas grassland and wetland environments. Common birds observed include aquatic species such as the Reed cormorant (Phalacrocorax africanus), Whitebreasted cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), Common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), Red-knobbed coot (Fulica cristata), as well as the Egyptian goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus) and the Spurwinged goose (Plectropterus gambensis) and a number of raptors including the Marsh owl (Asio capensis), Spotted eagle owl (Bubo africanus), Eastern red-footed falcon (Falco amurensis) and the African fish eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) Refer to APPENDIX H for a list of all birds observed during the 2012 field survey. All recorded species are common and are not restricted in terms of range or habitat. According to Emery, Lotter and Williamson (2002) many of Mpumalangas most threatened bird species are dependent on wetlands and the short, dense grasslands and tall grasslands in the province all of which are found to some measure in the study area. Although no bird species of conservation importance were recorded in the study area during the 2012 field survey, six such species have previously been recorded at the Tweefontein Colliery (Engelbrecht, 2010). These are:
Greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber); Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni); Lanner falcons (Falco biarmicus); African marsh harriers (Circus ranivorus); African grass owls (Tyto capensis); and Southern bald ibis (Geronthicus calvus).
An additional ten Red Data/protected bird species may occur in the study area. These along with their conservation status and probability of occurrence are listed in APPENDIX H.
Herpetofauna
Three species of herpetofauna were recorded during the field survey. These are the Variable Skink (Trachylepis varia) a common and widespread reptile, and the amphibians, the Common caco (Cacosternum boettgeri) and Painted reed frog (Hyperolius marmoratus taeniatus) also common and widespread species. Refer to APPENDIX H for lists of herpetofauna potentially occurring in the study area.
Arthropods
Nineteen arthropod taxa were recorded in the study area during the site survey refer to APPENDIX H. The majority these are common species, with widespread distributions. One species, the Marsh Sylph (Metisella meninx) is however of conservation importance (Figure 29 and species of conservation importance account). Two Marsh sylph (Metisella meninx) butterflies were recorded at the location 26 5.042'S, 29 7.738'E during the field survey. The Marsh sylph (Metisella meninx) is listed as a vulnerable species (VU) and occurs in wetland and marsh habitats on the Highveld and into the mountainous regions of Mpumalanga and adjacent areas. Through both historic and current anthropogenic activities, these habitats have been disturbed throughout the range of the Marsh sylph (Metisella meninx), leading to the threatened status of this sensitive species.
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Adult Marsh sylphs (Metisella meninx) feed on a variety of plants including inter alia, Verbena bonariensis, Scabiosa columbaria, Persicaria attenuata and members of the Asteraceae family, while female butterflies only lay their eggs of the grass Leersia hexandra. Within the study area these plants are generally well represented in undisturbed areas comprising the moist grass and sedge vegetation community. It is thus likely that other groups of Marsh sylphs (Metisella meninx) exist in these areas in the study area.
Figure 29: Marsh sylph (Metisella meninx) recorded in the study area at the location - 26 5.042'S, 29 7.738'E.
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Figure 30: Vegetation communities in the study area

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Figure 31: Ecological functioning of study area
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Figure 32: Conservation importance of study area

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5.2.2
Aquatic Ecology
An aquatic ecology assessment was conducted at sites associated with the proposed MWRS and consisted of a baseline characterisation and impact assessment. The results are based on results gathered during 2 field surveys conducted in April and June 2012(APPENDIX I). The objectives of the study were;
Characterization of the baseline state of aquatic ecosystems in the project area as per the scope of work; Evaluation of the extent of site-related effects in terms of selected ecological indicators; Identification of listed aquatic biota based on the latest International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) rankings, or other pertinent conservation ranking bodies; and Identification of sensitive or unique aquatic habitats which could suffer irreplaceable loss; and Identification of potential problems and recommendation of suitable mitigation measures.
The study area is situated in the Olifants Water Management Area (WMA 4) in quaternary drainage region B11F. The streams form part of the Saaiwaterspruit & Zaaiwaterspruit catchments, both tributaries of the Tweefonteinspruit which confluences with the Olifants River just upstream of Witbank dam. The study area falls within the Highveld (11) Lower Level 1 Ecoregion and the Eastern Highveld Grassland biome. Sampling was conducted in 5 wetland and 2 pan sites (Figure 33). Sampling sites were selected in association with proposed project infrastructure elements such as pipeline crossings of streams and wetlands and water abstraction points.
Although water quality generally complied with the Target Water Quality Range values (TWQR) provided by the DWAF (1996) some low pH values and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentrations were noted which may have a limiting effect on aquatic ecosystems; Based on the Intermediate Habitat Assessment System (IHAS) habitat availability for aquatic macroinvertebrates was poor at all of the sampling sites. This was attributed primarily to the low gradients of the streams, the absence of Stones-in-Current (SIC) habitat types and the homogenous Typha capensis dominated habitats. Based on this assessment habitat availability can be considered to be a limiting factor of aquatic macroinvertebrate diversity at the sites associated with the proposed MWRS; Based on the SASS5 results biotic integrity in the project ranged from largely to seriously (Present Ecological State (PES) Class D) to seriously (PES Class E/F) modified. It should however be noted that the South African Scoring System, Version 5 (SASS5) index was not developed for the assessment of wetland and pan habitats and the results may represent an underestimation of the biotic integrity of the project area; Fish species diversity and abundance was lower than expected with only 2 of the 8 expected indigenous fish species recorded in very low abundances. This was attributed to the absence of large, deep, open bodies of water within the wetlands. The low diversity and abundance of fish species may in be attributed in part to the limited fish habitats within these systems; The presence of the aggressively invasive fish species Gambusia affinis (Mosquitofish) may also be contributing to the low diversity and abundance of indigenous fish; No sensitive aquatic organisms were recorded during the 2 field surveys. Given the level of development and mining related disturbance in the region no sensitive aquatic organisms are expected to occur in the project area. The aquatic macroinvertebrate and fish communities are comprised of tolerant taxa with a wide range of tolerance to impacts such as water quality impairment and habitat modification.
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Figure 33: Map of Aquatic Biomonitoring Sites

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5.2.3
Wetland Ecology
A wetland ecological study was undertaken over the project area in April 2012 (APPENDIX J), and supplementary to previous studies undertaken in the project area, (Wetland Consulting Services (2009)), the data for this report was utilized, but was extensively updated through groundtruthing of every wetland along the proposed pipeline route and within the proposed WTP footprint.
Freshwater Ecosystems Priority Areas

The recently published Atlas of Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas in South Africa (Nel et al, 2011) which represents the culmination of the National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas Project (NFEPA), a partnership between SANBI, CSIR, WRC, DEA, DWA, WWF, SAIAB and SANParks, provides a series of maps detailing strategic spatial priorities for conserving South Africas freshwater ecosystems and supporting sustainable use of water resources. Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (FEPAs) were identified through a systematic biodiversity planning approach that incorporated a range of biodiversity aspects such as ecoregion, current condition of habitat, presence of threatened vegetation, fish, frogs and birds, importance in terms of maintaining downstream habitat. It must however be pointed out that only limited data was available for the wetland aspect of the project and that some of the data used is out-dated. As such, the identification of wetland FEPAs should be seen as a low confidence assessment only. The Atlas of Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas in South Africa (Nel et al, 2011) was consulted to determine if the study area falls within a river FEPA or within close proximity of any wetland FEPAs or wetland clusters. An extract of the NFEP map data is illustrated in Figure 34.
Figure 34: NFEPA map dataset indicating the wetland FEPA's and wetland clusters within the vicinity of the study area
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Based on the map above, most of the upper reaches of the Zaaiwaterspruit and its tributaries are considered to constitute a Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area. However, the data as represented in the map above is obviously dated, as virtually the entire upper reaches of the Zaaiwaterspruit upslope of the R545 Ogies to Bethal road has been mined out by current opencast mining activities (Goedgevonden and Khutala Collieries) and a large river diversion has replaced the valley bottom wetland, which no longer exists in this area. Given these changes and the criteria in identifying wetland FEPAs, it is considered highly unlikely that the upper reaches of the Zaaiwaterspruit would have been classified as a FEPA had up to date information been utilised for the NFEPA assessment. An important wetland cluster is also indicated as occurring within the study area, though closer inspection of these wetlands on aerial imagery indicates that they consist mostly of man-made dams as well as a slurry pond and a highly impacted small pan. It is suggested that classifying these wetlands as an important wetland cluster was again caused either by a lack of accurate data or as an error in remote sensing data.
Wetland Delineation and Classification

A wetland delineation and assessment was undertaken for all wetlands within the affected footprint and within 500 m of the affected footprint for the proposed WTP and associated pipeline network (APPENDIX J). Wetlands within the area were found to be extensive and to cover approximately 30 % of the land surface, consisting predominantly of hillslope seepage wetlands. The large unchannelled valley bottom wetland associated with the Zaaiwaterspruit traverses the area, with the proposed WTP located on its southern banks adjacent to the Witcons Dam and just upstream of the confluence with the Klippoortjiespruit. A number of smaller tributaries entering the Zaaiwaterspruit from the south will also be affected by the proposed pipeline network. A single pan, Boschmans Pan, falls within the affected area, with the proposed Boschmans South abstraction point located just to the south of the pan. Three grab water samples were collected from wetlands within the area (Zaaiwaterspruit, Boschmans Pan and Klippoortjiespruit) to provide an indication of water quality. Results indicated that water within the Zaaiwaterspruit is significantly impacted by upstream mining activities, with a pH of 3.1 and sulphate levels of 1 585 mg/l recorded. The Klippoortjiespruit in contrast was characterised by good quality water. A total of 18 hydro-geomorphic wetland units were identified along the proposed pipeline routes. Each wetland unit was assessed in terms of functional importance, present ecological status (WET-Health) and Ecological Importance and Sensitivity. The functional assessment indicated that the direct human benefits provided by the wetlands was generally limited, mostly due to the fact that the wetlands are all located on mine land that is not currently actively utilised for agricultural purposes and not accessible to the public. In terms of ecological goods and services, the importance of the wetlands in terms of water quality maintenance and biodiversity maintenance was highlighted by the functional assessment. In terms of the Present Ecological State (PES) assessment (Figure 35), the wetlands along the Zaaiwaterspruit and to the north of the Zaaiwaterspruit were found to be mostly in a moderately modified condition (PES category C), while the wetlands to the east of the Klippoortjiespruit and associated with the southern tributaries of the Zaaiwaterspruit were mostly in a largely modified to seriously modified condition (PES categories D and E), with the increased deterioration attributed to more intensive mining activities in close proximity to these wetlands and their catchments. The Zaaiwaterspruit itself was considered to be in a PES category D/E. Ecological importance and sensitivity scores indicated most of the affected wetlands to be of Low/Marginal to Moderate importance and sensitivity.
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Figure 35: Wetland Delineation in the Study Area (Present Ecological State)
5.3
5.3.1
Socio-economic Environment
Socio-economic
The project is located in eMalahleni Local Municipality, a municipality covering just less than 2,700 km in Nkangala District Municipality, Mpumalanga Province. The local municipality has a population of approximately 407,100 (increasing by 23% since 2005) and a relatively high population density of 152 per km compared to national levels of 41 per km. The municipality is mostly characterised by rural farmland, dispersed urban settlements, coal mines and power stations. Although eMalahleni is traditionally known for coal mining and electricity production, other manufacturing industries are also developing, making eMalahleni a prominent industrial node. Urban centres have largely been developed around mining and electricity operations, some of which are now decommissioned. These account for the high population density and include the eMalahleni complex, the largest urban area in the municipality, Kriel, and Ogies, the closest buying centre to the project area approximately 10km away, housing several businesses including filling stations, groceries, banks and medical facilities. The project footprint is located on mine-owned land. Two small businesses, an engineering firm and a small restaurant / shop, are within 100m of the project footprint. Within a 5km radius, the project area is surrounded by agricultural land to the south and west, interspersed with farm houses, operations and farmworker housing, and mine-owned land to the north and east. Heavy vehicles on surrounding roads and evident mining activities are visible everywhere in this area. Given the natural resources of the municipality and associated developments, employment is centred around the mining and quarrying industry sectors and the wholesale and retail trade, each sector representing 23 %
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of employment in eMalahleni LM (Figure 36). However, mining and quarrying have a significantly larger economic contribution, with the sector representing 40 % of Gross Value Added (GVA) in the municipality, compared to only 6% at national level. Manufacturing, predominantly in eMalahleni town, is the second largest and increasingly important economic contributor, representing 18 % of GVA in 2010, an increase of 6 % since 2000.
40%
23% 18% 7% 3% 1% Agriculture, forestry and fishing Mining and quarrying Manufacturing 3% Electricity, gas and water 8% 6% 2%
23% 11% 7% 4% 11% 6%
8%
8% 4%
9%
Construction
Wholesale and Transport, retail trade, storage and catering and communication accommodation
Finance, Community, insurance, real social and estate and personal services business services
General government
Emalahleni LM Industry sector employment
Emalahleni LM Industry sector GVA contribution
Figure 36: eMalahleni LM Industry Sector Employment versus GVA Contributions 2010
The local economic growth and associated employment opportunities have resulted in a large population influx into the municipality, causing a population growth 17 % higher than in South Africa as a whole over the last five years. The requirements of the mining and manufacturing sectors for a skilled workforce attract the 2 educated and economically active population into the area. As such, education levels are above average, the population of working age is greater, the population not economically active is lower and more than 50 % of households earn above R19,200 per annum. Although employment levels are higher in eMalahleni LM than at national level, the higher proportion of economically active population results in higher unemployment figures. As such, should employment opportunities be created, it is expected that positions can be filled locally. The disadvantage of a large population influx is the resulting pressure on local services. The eMalahleni LM Integrated Development Plan 2010/11 (IDP) indicates a housing backlog of 45,408, the highest housing backlog in Nkangala DM. eMalahleni LM has committed to build 7,900 houses per annum to address the backlog and increasing sizes of informal settlements. In addition, household electricity provision is 18 % lower than at national level and the eMalahleni IDP indicates that 9,716 households do not have adequate water supply and 18,585 households do not have sufficient sanitation services. Continued developments over the next 20 years will increase pressure on the local municipality to ensure sufficient raw water supply that can be purified to satisfy the projected water demands. The Witbank Dam, which has a 98% assured yield of 32 million m/annum (87.7Ml/d), is the major source of water, supplying almost 90% of potable water demand in eMalahleni LM. However, given the population growth, the projected 3 water demand for 2025 is almost double this current yield at around 171Ml/d .
5.3.2
Traffic
The following road sections are within or in close proximity to the Project Area:
National route N12 - 10km north west of the WTP; Provincial road R545 (P52-3) directly adjacent to the WTP (western side); Provincial road R547 adjacent to the potable water pipeline at IMpunzi;
Economically active refers to a person in the labour force, either employed or unemployed. According to Statistics South Africa 2003, a not economically active person is not in the labour force such as a housewife, student, scholar, pensioner or retired person, and any others not seeking work.
3
Socio-Economic Study Tweefontein Optimisation Project. Nemai Consulting May 2010
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Provincial road D1834 which will need to be crossed by the collection and distribution pipelines next to Zaaiwater village); and Provincial road D455 which will need to be crossed by the potable water pipeline 2km north east of the ATC/Tavistock abstraction point.
Traffic disruption due to construction works for pipeline crossings over roads and increased traffic at the junction of the R545 to the WTP during deliveries will need to be assessed in the EIA.
5.3.3
Sites of cultural/historical importance
A Phase I Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) was required as per Section 38 of the National Heritage Resources Act (Act 25 of 1999) for the project (see APPENDIX L).
Baseline Assessment
Historical towns closest to the Tweefontein Mine optimization area include Delmas, Ogies and Witbank. The historical buildings and structures that were identified in the project area which are older than sixty years or which are approaching this age are protected and therefore can be indicated as having a High significance. Furthermore all graves and graveyards that were identified are considered to be of high significance and are protected by various laws (Pistorius J.C.C, 2010). At least eighteen graveyards and a number of historical buildings and structures occur within the perimeters of Xstratas Tweefontein and iMpunzi Coal Mines boundaries. These historical buildings, some of which have been destroyed or demolished since they were documented in 2010, and graveyards are indicated in Figure 37. Not all of these heritage resources have any relevance with regard to the Mine Water Reclamation Scheme and therefore only those that might have a bearing on the construction and operation of the Mine Water Reclamation Scheme are discussed. The Phase I HIA study for the Mine Water Reclamation Scheme revealed the following types and ranges of heritage resources as outlined in Section 3 of the National Heritage Resources Act (No 25 of 1999), namely:
At least three graveyards (GY03, GY04 and GY18) occur near the pipeline routes associated with the Mine Water Reclamation Scheme (Table 16).
All graveyards and graves can be considered to be of high significance and are protected by various laws. Table 16: Graveyards within the Project Area Graveyards GY03 GY04 GY18 Coordinates 26 03' 101'S; 29 08' 154'E 26 0' 854'S; 29 10 865'E 26 05' 34.69"S; 29 10' 45.35"E Location and brief description Next to dirt road in Boschmans Colliery. More than 20 graves. Historical. Next to Blue Gum avenue. More than 20 graves. Between railway line and dump. Less than five graves.
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Figure 37: Graveyards Identified in the Study Area
5.3.4
Visual aspects
Landscape character is a visually-orientated description of the natural (physical and biological) and humanmade (land-use) attributes within the study area. The nature and occurrence of these elements together determine the visual quality or visual resource value of the landscape. The regional topography is generally undulating with few prominent landforms, although localised alterations by open pit mining are especially prevalent in the vicinity of the site. These landforms create prominent landmarks, but they are visually intrusive and they detract from the visual quality of the landscape. Agricultural and mining activity in the proposed project area has resulted in the large-scale transformation or complete removal of the representative grassland plant communities. The result is that natural or somewhat disturbed vegetation only occurs along watercourses or fringes of other activities. Visually, the remaining
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vegetation cover throughout the project area is largely homogenous in appearance and localised clumps of alien invader trees (predominantly Eucalyptus and Wattle species) and human-made infrastructure become prominent elements in the landscape. In addition to the afore-mentioned mining and agricultural activities, a number of other manmade elements occur in the project vicinity. These include the towns of Phola and Ogies, the N12 highway, R555 and R547 regional roads, high mast power lines and other linear infrastructure. Based on landscape character, the visual quality of the study area varies somewhat, with the areas most affected by mining having the lowest resource value. Agricultural land uses, although artificial, have a somewhat higher resource value as they are closer in appearance to the natural or pre-mining visual environment; however few areas with a high resource value remain.
6.0 6.1
IMPACT ASSESSMENT Approach to Impact Assessment
This EIA endeavours to comply with the requirements of the principles contained in the NEMA, South Africas overarching environmental legislation. Key principles contained in the NEMA include:
Sustainability development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs; Mitigation hierarchy The mitigation hierarchy describes a step-wise approach (BBOP, 2009) that illustrates the preferred approach to mitigating adverse impacts as follows (the governing principle is to achieve no net loss and preferably a net positive impact on people and the environment as a result of the project): 1) 2) 3) 4) The preferred mitigation measure is avoidance; Then minimisation; Then rehabilitation or restoration; and Finally offsetting residual, unavoidable impacts.
Developers have a duty of care towards the environment.
The assessment of the impacts of the proposed activities has been conducted within the context provided by these principles and objectives.
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Positive Benefit
Net Positive Impact
Additional Enhancement
Offsets Offsets Predicted Impact

Restoration / Rehabilitation
Predicted Impact Predicted Impact Predicted Impact

Minimisation
Minimisation
Residual Impact
Avoidance
Avoidance
Avoidance
Negative Impact
Figure 38: Mitigation Hierarchy Adapted from (BBOP, 2009)
The impact assessment is divided into several fields of specialist study, which have now been completed. The findings of the specialist studies have been integrated in this chapter The following specialist studies have been undertaken as part of this EIA process:
Air quality study APPENDIX E; Noise and Vibration Study APPENDIX F; Soil, land use and land capability APPENDIX G; Surface Water study APPENDIX C; Terrestrial, Aquatic and Wetland Ecological study APPENDIX H, APPENDIX I, and APPENDIX J; Socio-economic assessment APPENDIX K; Cultural heritage and archaeology APPENDIX L; and
Visual impact assessment APPENDIX M. 6.2 Methodology for assessing impacts

The significance of the impacts identified during the impact assessment phase was determined using the approach outlined below. This approach incorporates two aspects for assessing the potential significance of impacts (utilising terminology from the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism Guideline document on EIA Regulations, April 1998), namely occurrence and severity, which are further sub-divided as follows:
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Occurrence Probability of occurrence Duration of occurrence
Severity Scale / extent of impact Magnitude (severity) of impact
To assess each of these factors for each impact, the following four ranking scales were used: MAGNITUDE 10 - Very high/dont know 8 High 6 - Moderate 4 Low 2 - Minor SCALE 5 - International 4 - National 3 - Regional 2 - Local 1 - Site only 0 None DURATION 5 - Permanent 4 - Long-term 3 - Medium-term (8-15 years) 2 - Short-term (0-7 years) (impact ceases after the operational life of the activity) 1 Immediate PROBABILITY 5 - Definite/dont know 4 - Highly probable 3 - Medium probability 2 - Low probability 1 - Improbable 0 - None
Once these factors are ranked for each impact, the significance of the two aspects, occurrence and severity, is assessed using the following formula: SP (significance points) (magnitude + duration + scale) x probability The maximum value is 100 significance points (SP). The impact significance was then rated as follows: Indicates high environmental significance Indicates moderate environmental significance Indicates low environmental significance Positive impact An impact which could influence the decision about whether or not to proceed with the project regardless of any possible mitigation.
SP >75
SP 30 75
An impact or benefit which is sufficiently important to require management and which could have an influence on the decision unless it is mitigated. Impacts with little real effect and which should not have an influence on or require modification of the project design. An impact that is likely to result in positive consequences/effects.
SP <30 +
Definitions
For the methodology outlined above the following definitions were used:
Magnitude is a measure of the degree of change in a measurement or analysis (e.g., the area of pasture, or the concentration of a metal in water compared to the water quality guideline value for the metal), and is classified as none/negligible, low, moderate or high. The categorization of the impact
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magnitude may be based on a set of criteria (e.g. health risk levels, ecological concepts and/or professional judgment) pertinent to each of the discipline areas and key questions analysed. The specialist study must attempt to quantify the magnitude and outline the rationale used. Appropriate, widely-recognised standards are to be used as a measure of the level of impact.
Scale/Geographic extent refers to the area that could be affected by the impact and is classified as site, local, regional, national, or international. Duration refers to the length of time over which an environmental impact may occur: i.e. transient (less than 1 year), short-term (0 to 5 years), medium term (5 to 15 years), long-term (greater than 15 years with impact ceasing after closure of the project), or permanent. Probability of occurrence is a description of the probability of the impact actually occurring as improbable (less than 5% chance), low probability (5% to 40% chance), medium probability (40% to 60% chance), highly probable (most likely, 60% to 90% chance) or definite (impact will definitely occur).
In addition to the above-mentioned variables addressed in the impact assessment matrix, for each respective impact that is identified the following was determined:
The Direction of an impact, which may be positive (+), neutral ([]) or negative (-) with respect to the particular impact (e.g., a habitat gain for a key species would be classed as positive, whereas a habitat loss would be considered negative). Reversibility is an indicator of the potential for recovery of the end point from the impact. In some cases, reversibility can occur relatively quickly (e.g., in the case of a temporary loss of habitat). In other cases, the effect may extend over a longer period. This is rated as irreversible (I), easily reversible (ER) or potentially reversible (PR). Frequency describes how often the impact may occur within a given time period and is classified as low, medium or high frequency. Seasonal considerations are discussed where these are important in the evaluation of the impact.
6.3
Study Area
The proposed study area comprises the WTP site at Witcons village, abstraction points and the pipeline corridor (comprising the raw water pipelines from Boschmans South and ATC, and the potable water supply network and alternatives) plus a 500m buffer around the project footprint as indicated in Figure 39.
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Figure 39: EIA Study Area
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6.4
Physical environment
6.4.1 Climate and Air quality Construction Phase

The sources and emissions likely to be relating to the MWRS are outlined in Table 17. It is anticipated that the majority of emissions will occur during the construction phase, specifically relating to the construction of infrastructure and storage dams. The fugitive emissions of particulate matter (PM) are likely to be associated with land clearing, ground excavation, cut and fill operations (i.e., earth moving). It is anticipated that the dust emissions will vary from day to day, depending on the level of activity, the specific operations, and the prevailing meteorological conditions. Dust emissions can be mitigated by:
Using covers and/or control equipment (water suppression); Minimizing dust from open area sources, including storage piles, by using control measures such as installing enclosures and covers, and increasing the moisture content; Dust suppression techniques, such as applying water or non-toxic chemicals to minimize dust from vehicle movements; Managing emissions from mobile sources through regular maintenance;. Avoiding open burning of solid waste; Speed limits on paved and unpaved roads; and Progressive re-vegetation.
Implementation of the above mitigation measures would result in a low residual impact.
Operations
No significant atmospheric emissions are anticipated as part of the proposed water treatment plant itself. During the operational phase, emissions are anticipated to be largely limited to the movement of vehicles and machinery over exposed surfaces which will generate dust and diesel fumes. In summary, the emissions anticipated to emanate from the XMWTP are expected to include pollutants such as PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, CO2, and VOCs. However PM10 are expected to be the most prevalent emissions, which will largely originate from fugitive sources during construction. Table 17: Air emissions from the process Phase Mine water abstraction Activity/ process Construction of two boreholes, drilled into the mine workings at each abstraction point Operation of each borehole, equipped with two borehole pumps. One pump will serve as the duty pump while the other will be a standby unit. The pumps will be powered by a 6.6kV supply from an existing substation near the extraction point. Infrastructure and vehicles Construction of a network of buried pipelines Construction vehicles Emission Short duration, high impact, localised PM10 fugitive emissions Electrical pumps will not produce direct emissions
Short duration, high impact localised PM10 fugitive emissions Temporary line source. Typical vehicle emissions include carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons
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Phase
Activity/ process
Emission (including benzene, 1.2-butadiene, aldehydes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), sulphur dioxide (SO2), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulates (Samaras and Sorensen, 1999). Short duration, high impact, localised PM10 line source/fugitive emissions Short duration, low impact, localised PM10 line source/fugitive emissions Long duration, low impact, localised PM10 line source emissions Permanent line source. Primary pollutants typically emitted include carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (including benzene, 1.2butadiene, aldehydes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), sulphur dioxide (SO2), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulates (Samaras and Sorensen, 1999). Short duration, high impact, localised PM10 fugitive emissions Short duration, high impact, localised PM10 fugitive emissions
Construction of access roads Construction of powerlines Use and maintenance of pipeline servitudes approximately 10 m wide Use of access roads
Water treatment plant
Construction of a raw water dam Construction of two pre- treatment units, three sandfilter units, three Ultra Filtration (UF) filters, three reverse osmosis units, and storage tanks for treated water Construction of a brine storage facility, a short term waste storage area, and dewatered sludge waste facilities Mine water processing
Short duration, high impact, localised PM10 fugitive emissions Area source emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). No significant atmospheric emissions are expected (EPA, 1997). Area source, localised odours and VOCs (EPA, 1997) Area source, localised odours and VOCs (EPA, 1997)
Storage of the mine water into the polyethylene lined raw water dam Storage of waste materials in brine and dewatered sludge waste facilities
In terms of the impact assessment it was clear from the available data that the surrounding sources does impact the regional ambient air quality; however the expected ambient air quality contribution and the resultant impacts of the MWRS emissions were anticipated to be minimal for most of the priority pollutants. Following mitigation these impacts were rated as low.
Closure
Impacts would be limited to the initial decommissioning phase where construction type activities will be undertaken. The impacts and mitigation would be as per the construction phase.
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6.4.2 Noise and Vibration Construction phase

The fixed infrastructure and the underground pipeline itself will be constructed on existing mining areas and very remote from any sensitive receptors, and the duration of the majority of the construction activities will be very short, following the construction front along the pipeline alignment. The construction at the water treatment plant site, including earthworks to construct the various ponds, will be of longer duration and therefore of greater impact. During the construction phase the noise impact will be high at the nearest sensitive receptors (the workshop and the general store) being 360m from the site for the duration of the construction phase if no mitigation measures are taken. Table 18: Distance from the WTP site boundary for certain construction noise impact Exceedance dB 0 3 3!5 5!7 7 ! 10 10 ! 15 Noise Impact None Very low Low Moderate High Very high Distance-Day 1000m 730m 550m 440m 360m Less than 360m Distance-Night 3360m 2360m 1900km 1450m 1090km Less than 1090m
In the worst case, as described above, with no specific mitigating measures, and using the limit levels in Table 18, the impact at various distances from the construction site during daytime will be as illustrated in Table 18 and, although it is assumed that noisy operations will be carried out during daytime hours only, the potential night-time impact is shown in the last column for completeness. Total construction noise generation is a complex combination of a number of different machines and vehicles operating together. A number of previous measurements of such collective operations have yielded an equivalent noise value for prediction purposes for this assessment of 81.1 dB(A) at 15m from the nearest boundary of the plant. Mitigation measures to reduce the possible Noise impact during the construction phase of the proposed project are:
Proper design and maintenance of silencers on diesel-powered construction equipment; Systematic maintenance of all forms of equipment; Training of personnel to adhere to operational procedures that reduce the occurrence and magnitude of individual noisy events; Earthworks and material stockpiles should be placed so as to protect the boundaries from noise; and If acoustic screens are constructed, it should be of such a height as to effectively act as a noise barrier.
Following mitigation these impacts are rated as low.
Operational phase
The majority of the system, including the pipelines themselves and the associated abstraction stations will not generate significant self-noise in normal operation. The noise levels from a similar operating pumping plant was measured and it was found to generate 68.6 dB(A) at 15m from the nearest boundary of the plant.
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This value is taken as the noise level to be expected from the proposed pumps. The investigation shows that the proposed plant will have a minor impact on the noise climate in the surrounding environment in the operational phase, even at night. In the worst case, with no specific mitigating measures, the impact at various distances from the plant during daytime and night-time is predicted in Table 19. Table 19: Distance from the WTP site for certain noise impacts for various increases over the recommended ambient noise limit levels. Eceedance dB 0 3 3!5 5!7 7 ! 10 10 ! 15 Noise Impact None Very low Low Moderate High Very high Distance-Day 230m 160m 140m 115m 72m Less than72m Distance-Night 720m 500m 415m 360m 220m Less than 220m
There are no noise impact implications for the underground pipeline itself during the operational phase. Mitigation measures to reduce the possible noise impact during the operational phase of the proposed project are:
Proper maintenance of silencers on diesel-powered construction equipment; Systematic maintenance of all forms of equipment; Training of personnel to adhere to operational procedures that reduce the occurrence and magnitude of individual noisy events; Earthworks and material stockpiles should be placed so as to protect the boundaries from noise; and If acoustic screens are constructed, it should be of such a height as to effectively act as a noise barrier.
Table illustrates the major noise sources associated with the WTP and the possible remedial measures to reduce those impacts. Table 20: Summary of major noise sources associated with the WTP and the possible remedial measures. Source Remedial measures Select vehicle routes carefully by internalising the roads Fit efficient silencers and enclose engine compartments Mobile equipment noise Damp mechanical vibrations Maintain equipment conscientiously Erect acoustic screens at permanent sites, internal roads, and especially around the WTP site Carefully select permanent plant site Fixed plant noise Reduce noise at source by acoustic treatment Isolate source by acoustic enclosure

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Closure
Impacts will be limited to the initial decommissioning phase where construction type activities are undertaken. The impacts and mitigation will be as per the construction phase.
6.4.3
Topography
Impacts to topography include:
During pipeline construction, the temporary stockpiling, compaction of in situ material, excavation, mixing, and replacement of excavated material will affect surface topography; and The development of the WTP, brine and sludge ponds will permanently alter the topography at Witcons village.
To mitigate these impacts appropriate soils handling and rehabilitation both along the pipeline and the WTP where feasible (See section 9.5.1) should be implemented. In addition by applying surface water management measures as described in Section 6.4.6 the baseline topographical function (drainage) can be maintained. Following mitigation these impacts are rated as low and moderate.
6.4.4 6.4.5
Geology Soils, Land use and Land Capability
No impacts anticipated.
Key potential impacts identified for soils, land capability and land use are as follows:
Construction phase
Potential impacts during construction are:
Pipeline Construction:
During the excavation of pipeline trenches, the natural soil profile and horizon sequences may be
disturbed which could cause the natural functioning of soils in terms of a growth medium and habitat for fauna and flora to cease; and potential soil erosion; and
Disturbance of the natural soil profile and horizon sequences reducing soil fertility and function and
potential soil pollution if backfill material is mixed with contaminated material.
WTP site clearing, earth moving, and excavation activities could result in:
Loss of approximately 6 hectares of arable soils and 3 hectares of grazing soils; Soil erosion caused by exposure of soil surfaces to rain and wind; Soil contamination due to uncovering areas of previous land contamination (such as old septic
tanks, fuel storage areas, spilled materials, waste disposal areas or asbestos materials) or spills/leaks; and
Changes to the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil due to stockpiling and
subsequent mixing of soil layers during handling. Mitigation measures for construction impacts include:
Establishing specific procedures for soils handling and storage with the objective of maintaining the physical and chemical properties of stockpiled soils for use in rehabilitation (See Section 9.5.1). Reducing or preventing erosion by:
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Scheduling activities to avoid heavy rainfall periods (i.e., during the dry season) or modifying or
suspending activities during extreme rainfall and high winds to the extent practical;
Contouring and minimizing length and steepness of slopes; Mulching to stabilize exposed areas; Re-vegetating areas promptly; Designing channels and ditches for post-construction flows; Lining steep channels and slopes; and/or Reducing or preventing off-site sediment transport through use of settlement ponds, flocculation
and silt fences.
Undertaking soil contamination investigations during construction at the demolished Witcons village site and along the pipeline corridor. Developing a management strategy for contaminated soil as required; and Implementing fuel and oil handling spills prevention and remediation procedures.
In summary the brine pond, a portion of the sludge pond and the majority of the raw water pond is situated on undisturbed land and these structures will have a moderate to high impact on soil, land capability and land use. The construction of these structures implies complete removal of the remaining topsoil layer (0-900 mm). The principal of storing all excavated soil, to be used for rehabilitation, should be followed. It is important to realize that in large shortage of topsoil is going to be encountered during the decommissioning phase because large portions of the proposed plant footprint are already excavated. The topsoil layer (0-900 mm) should therefore be stockpiled and may not be used for the construction of wall embankments etc. Following mitigation the residual impacts are rated from low to moderate.
Operational phase
The impacts during the construction phase will remain during the operational phase until the area is rehabilitated during the decommissioning phase. No definite additional impacts to soil, land capability and land use will occur during the operational phase. Smaller possible impacts such as over spilling of ponds may occur during the rainy season which will probably cause salt and/or sludge pollution. By implementing and installing liner and leak detection systems at the brine and sludge dams and within the pipelines, implementing fuel and oil handling spills prevention and remediation procedures, constructing fuel and oil containment facilities and maintaining spill kits on site for use in emergencies, the residual impact of these aspects would be low.
Closure
The nature of the Project means that it is likely that the WTP will continue indefinitely and the WTP and pipelines are not closed. Should this be the case there may be an opportunity to utilise the soils elsewhere or to more appropriately rehabilitate previously excavated areas at Witcons village.
6.4.6
Surface Water
Key potential impacts that were identified for surface water are as follows:
Construction Phase
Pipeline construction across water courses which could result in in the alteration of stream beds and banks, erosion, temporary stream flow reduction and impedance due to pipeline construction across watercourses;
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Site clearance, access road design / development, etc., resulting in increased erosion and runoff: The removal of vegetation from the site and the hardening of surfaces could also result in additional runoff volumes and erosion; Erosion from roads causing siltation in local watercourses; and Spillage of oil and/or fuel resulting in surface water contamination (hydrocarbons).
Mitigation measures include: Utilising isolation techniques such as berming or diversion during construction to limit the exposure of disturbed sediments to moving water; Utilising trenchless technology for pipeline crossings (e.g., suspended crossings) or installation by directional drilling; Implementing soils mitigation measures for erosion / siltation control; Restricting the duration and timing of in-stream activities to the dry season; Segregating and diverting clean water runoff to prevent mixing with water having a high solids content; Limiting access road gradients to reduce runoff-induced erosion; Providing adequate road drainage based on road width, gradient, surface material, compaction, and maintenance; Potential contaminants (fuel and oils etc.) used and stored on site should be stored and prepared on bunded surfaces to contain spills and leaks. Sufficient spill clean-up material must be kept on site at all times to deal with any minor spills; Disposing of all soil contaminated due to leaks or spills as hazardous waste; Waste should be stored on site in clearly marked containers in a demarcated area. All waste material should be removed at the end of every working day to designated waste facilities at the main construction camp/mining facility. All waste must be disposed of offsite; and Ensure that no equipment is washed in the streams, and if washing facilities are provided that these are placed no closer than 100m from a wetland or watercourse.
Following mitigation these impacts are rated as low and moderate
Operational Phase
Excess potable water discharge to the Zaaiwaterspruit. Treated water will be discharged into the Zaaiwaterspruit below the Witcons Dam Wall. The proposed route for the gravity pipeline runs from the proposed WTP to the downstream section of the Witcons Dam. The layout of the pipeline route is shown in Figure 5. It is assumed the proposed potable water (product water) does not significantly change in terms of water quantity and quality over time, and that the naturalised stream flow of the Zaaiwaterspruit is 0.761 3 3 m /s (DWA, 2008). The instantaneous average discharge of potable water of 0.521 m /s would improve the downstream ambient water quality, as the dilution effect is significantly large. There is only one DWA monitoring stations (B1H29 Phoenix Dam) within 10 km of the discharge point that would assist in determining the immediate impact, but it is no longer monitored. However, using th the 95 percentile water quality results for B1H29 for the period 1995 to 1996 and assuming it is representative, it can be seen that a local improvement in water quality is realised, an average
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percentage improvement of 25% (Table 21). However, it is very likely that this percentage improvement is the maximum as the current state of B1H29 is unknown rendering this assessment as low confidence due to limited data. The major variable that should be monitored is fluoride, discharged at 1.5 mg/l and above the interim RWQOs. Table 21: Water quality discharge impact assessment of Zaaiwaterspruit 95th Percentile Case Scenario Parameter Interim RWQOs 6.5 to 8.4 70 380 650 25 1 150 70 70 1 0.4 2.4 436 296 182 31 55 1.3 11.5 7.2 34.2 0 0 2641.8 3909 48 67.1 165 18.5 Feed Water 8.4 Product Water 7.0 Phoenix Dam (B1H29) 7.96 115.12 490.34 857 59.48 73.96 0.724 93.24 48.36 91.5 318 576 43 44 0.96 60 32 68 0 0 Likely Impact after mixing
pH (-) Conductivity (mS/m) Sulphate (mg/L) Total dissolved solids (mg/L) Chloride (mg/L) Total alkalinity (CaCO3) (mg/L) Fluoride (mg/L) Calcium (mg/L) Magnesium (mg/L) Sodium (mg/L) Iron (dissolved) (mg/L) Manganese (dissolved) (mg/L)
Erosion around the discharge point into the Zaaiwaterspruit causing localised deterioration of the river bank; and Potential risk of surface water contamination (sludge, brine or poor quality mine water from the raw water dam) due to leaks.
Mitigation Measures
Mitigation measures include:
Development of a detailed stormwater management plan. Such a plan should aim to minimise changes to post-development flows in terms of velocity and volume of flows leaving the site. This can be achieved in a number of ways, including minimising extent of hardened surfaces, maximising infiltration by using grass swales and enhanced swales to convey stormwater, installation of attenuation facilities etc. Post development flows should not exceed pre-development flow velocities for regular return events up to the 1:5 year event; Careful inspections and maintenance of the stormwater management system should be undertaken at least twice yearly, once at the start of the rainfall season (September) and once in January, as well as following any heavy storm event, to ensure effective functioning and to clear any blockages due to debris, sedimentation or vegetation; Clean and dirty water areas should be clearly defined and all clean stormwater discharged to the environment. No dirty water should be discharged; Liner and leak detection to be installed at the brine and sludge dam and within the pipelines. Procedures for leakage detection and remediation to be established; Install gabions at the discharge point into the Zaaiwaterspruit to reduce the potential for erosion;
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Monitor and evaluate the potential improvement in water quality in the Zaaiwaterspruit; and Investigate the need to use an energy dissipation device at the point of discharge.
Following mitigation these impacts are rated as low and moderate.
Closure
Impacts will be limited to the initial decommissioning phase where construction type activities are undertaken. The impacts and mitigation will be as per the construction phase. The positive impact of the potential improvement to the Zaaiwaterspruit will cease at closure. The brine and sludge ponds could leak as the ponds deteriorate, resulting in contamination of ground and surface water. A closure plan will need to be developed focusing on capping and sealing the brine and sludge ponds to render them safe at closure.
6.4.7
Groundwater
Key potential impacts that were identified for groundwater are as follows:
Construction Phase
Spillage of oil and/or fuel resulting in ground water contamination (hydrocarbons).
Mitigation measures include: Constructing adequate fuel and oil containment facilities; and Implementing fuel and oil handling spills prevention and remediation procedures.
Operational Phase
Abstraction of poor quality mine water for treatment, resulting in the removal of poor quality mine water that would eventually decant into the receiving environment a positive benefit of the project; Removal of groundwater allowing mining operations to continue a potentially positive benefit for mining development; and. Potential risk of groundwater contamination (sludge, brine or poor quality mine water from the raw water dam) due to leaks. However potential receptors (groundwater users) are located 3km away from the WTP and they are unlikely to be affected by any groundwater contamination, which is also likely to plume away from the receptors and towards the Zaaiwaterspruit.
Mitigation Measures
Mitigation measures include:
Liner and leak detection to be installed at the brine and sludge dam and within the pipelines. Procedures for leakage detection and remediation to be established;
Closure
Impacts will be limited to the initial decommissioning phase where construction type activities are undertaken. The impacts and mitigation will be as per the construction phase.
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The brine and sludge ponds could leak as the ponds deteriorate, resulting in contamination of ground and surface water. A closure plan will need to be developed focusing on capping and sealing the brine and sludge ponds to render them safe at closure.
6.5
6.5.1
Biological Environment
Terrestrial Ecology
The principle project related concern is the loss and disturbances of semi-natural and natural habitat leading to a reduction in ecological functioning and biodiversity in the study area. Specific impacts relating to this primary concern are categorised and described as follows:
Construction
Habitat loss and degradation associated with vegetation clearing - vegetation clearing will occur in all areas where infrastructure is to be developed. Much of the proposed water treatment plant site is already transformed and degraded, and is in poor ecological condition. Similarly, in many reaches, the proposed water pipelines are routed across current or formerly cultivated fields. Habitat loss and degradation resulting from the proposed project in these areas is not of major concern. However, habitat loss and degradation at sites where the proposed water pipelines are routed across wetland areas is of concern. These systems are highly sensitive and comprise important habitat for on-site fauna and flora - some of which are Red Data/protected species. The sensitive Marsh sylphs (Metisella meninx) for example was recorded at such a wetland crossing. Disturbances in these areas can negatively affect the population stability of such a species, leading to local extinctions. Without adequate mitigation the significance of habitat loss/degradation is rated as high, but it can be reduced to a moderate rating with correct management. Habitat fragmentation - The proposed project involves inter alia, the construction of a number of water pipelines. In most instances the proposed pipelines traverse across land already transformed/disturbed by cultivation or other anthropogenic activities, and adjacent to existing linear infrastructure (roads and railway crossings). Habitat fragmentation resulting from pipeline construction in these areas is not considered to be of high significance. Where the proposed pipelines traverse across untransformed habitats, such as wetland areas, habitat fragmentation will occur. This notwithstanding, considering the small diameter of the pipeline and the fact that in such areas the proposed pipeline will be raised above ground level, it is anticipated that any negative environmental impacts caused by habitat fragmentation will not, in themselves, be of major concern. The consequence of this impact is therefore rated moderate. Spillage of harmful or toxic substances - In terms of fuels, lubricants and other chemicals, the probability of spillage will be highest in storage, lay-down and vehicle parking areas, yet may occur anywhere where proposed construction activities take place. Thereafter, spillages of harmful substances, such as untreated water, may occur from all proposed infrastructure (holding ponds, abstraction points and transfer pipelines) if these are not adequately monitored and maintained. The significance of this impact is therefore rated moderate. Sensory disturbances - Sensory disturbance at all construction areas will increase during the construction phase of the proposed project. During the operational phase, however, it is anticipated that sensory disturbances along the pipeline routes and abstraction points will be negligible, and low at the water treatment plant provided mitigation measures are implemented. Dust generation - The proposed project will involve the clearing of vegetation to make way for the water pipelines and associated brine and sludge facilities, and soil stockpiling. Moreover, vehicle traffic at construction areas will increase above the existing levels. These activities will lead to increased dust entrainment. This notwithstanding, dust entrainment can be reduced during construction through the implementation of suitable mitigation measures as indicated in Section 6.4.1. Overall, with adequate mitigation the consequence of this impact is rated low.
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Increases in exotic and / or declared invader species - Exotic, invasive species are prevalent throughout much of the project area. It is anticipated that construction activities, most notably the laying of the proposed pipelines, may further exacerbate the spread of exotic species into sensitive wetland areas. Without adequate attention, the significance of this impact is rated high, yet it can be reduced to a low rating with correct management. Loss of species of conservation importance - A number of species of conservation importance occur, or potentially occur in the study area. Elements of notable concern viz. the proposed project are:
Marsh sylphs(Metisella meninx) were recorded where pipeline Collection B1 crosses (265.042'S,
297.738'E);
Gladiolus crassifolius plants were located at the site of the proposed water treatment plant
(26 5.933S, 29 63.472E) and close to the location where Potable P1 pipeline crosses a wetland o o area (26 06.353S, 29 12. 311E);
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Frithia humilis have been recorded in the Highly significant area, immediately north-west of the
water treatment plant (MBCP); and
A number of Crinum bulbispermum and Eucomis autumnalis were recorded in the in the general
vicinity of where proposed pipelines are sited in wetland areas (general localities: 26 06.020S, o o o 29 04.528E and 26 5.134S, 29 7.383E). Without correct management the environmental significance of this impact were regarded as high. However, if the mitigation measures outlined are implemented, the significance can be decreased to a moderate rating. Mitigation measures for the above impacts include:
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Restricting vegetation to the proposed development footprint; Applying the measures outlined in the soils handling, storage and rehabilitation plan (Section 9.5.1); Rehabilitating excavated areas adjacent to the WTP to offset losses of moist grassland; Where it is necessary for linear infrastructure to be routed across important or sensitive habitats (e.g. wetlands), measures should be taken to:
Limit the footprint of areas to be excavated, and/or cleared of vegetation; Route infrastructure across the narrowest portion of the sensitive habitat; and Prevent obstruction/disruption of surface or subterranean water flow.
Implement surface water mitigation measures; Implement noise and air quality mitigation measures; Establish an exotic species control programme, including monitoring, to reduce the encroachment of exotic invasive species.
Loss of species of conservation importance may be mitigated in the following ways:
Prior to construction, all areas designated for vegetation clearing should be clearly marked and surveyed for Red Data/protected flora and fauna species; and In the event that Red Data/protected flora are identified within the designated construction footprints and require relocation, rescue permits must be obtained from the provincial authority, and a suitable exsitu, and/or in-situ conservation plan developed. The conservation plan must be approved by the provincial authority.
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Operations
Terrestrial ecological impacts are likely to be most prominent during the construction phase. Potential additional impacts relate to potential spills and contamination which have been discussed in Section 6.4.6.
6.5.2
Aquatic and Wetland Ecology
Key potential impact on aquatic and wetland ecology includes:
Construction
Surface water impacts discussed in Section 6.4.6 could have an impact on aquatic and wetland ecology (site clearance, erosion and contamination) Disturbance of wetland habitat and fauna due to construction activities Increased erosion within wetlands due to disturbance of wetland sediments Increased sediment movement into wetlands due to disturbances on side slopes Altered wetland hydrology due to interception/diversion/impoundment of flows Increase in alien vegetation Deterioration in water quality due to leaks and spills of hazardous substances
Mitigation measures include Implementing surface water measures outlined in Section 6.4.6. Additional measures include:
In order to reduce the potential impacts associated with the introduction of contaminants dissolved or suspended in the runoff from the construction sites, where practically possible, no runoff should be introduced into wetlands directly. Introduction into dry land areas is preferred as the vegetation and soils provide an opportunity to limit the movement of the contaminants and the environment is conducive for natural degradation. Excavated soils should be stockpiled on the upslope side of the excavated trench so that eroded sediments off the stockpile are washed back into the trench. Concentration and accumulation of flows along the servitude should be prevented by regularly providing for surface runoff to flow into the adjacent grassland rather than along the construction servitude and into the wetlands. Soils should be landscaped to the natural landscape profile with care taken to ensure that no preferential flow paths or berms remain. Limit the extent of exposed pipeline trench excavations at any one time by phasing the excavations and laying of the pipeline. Where possible, stockpile soils on upslope side of trench. If not possible, place a bidim wall or fibre roll sediment barrier adjacent to the wetland boundary to prevent sediments washing into the wetlands. Close trench and revegetate as soon as possible after excavation. Where steep slopes occur (e.g. northern bank of Zaaiwaterspruit) hessian blankets or similar should be used to stabilise soils. The construction servitude should be kept to a minimum width to limit vegetation destruction, and needs to be clearly demarcated in the field. No activities should be allowed outside the construction servitude.
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All material stockpiles and construction camps should be located outside wetland areas. Within the permanently wet areas (Typha and Phragmites reed beds) it should not be necessary to replant any areas, but rather allow natural re-vegetation to occur. The areas where vegetation is destroyed and disturbed will however need to be monitored against invasion by alien vegetation and, if encountered, will need to be removed. If natural re-vegetation is unsuccessful, seeding and planting of the area will need to be implemented in consultation with an appropriate wetland vegetation specialist. Within hillslope seepage wetlands and the seasonal and temporary verges of the valley bottom wetlands, seeding/hydro seeding with an appropriate mix of indigenous grass species will be required. Where the trench excavation breaches subsurface control points such as sandstones ledges, these should be recreated using low permeability material such as bentonite. Temporary impoundments and diversion berms required to facilitate construction within the valley bottom wetlands must be fully removed following completion of construction. All foreign material should be removed to ensure that no unnatural flow obstructions or preferential flow paths remain.
Operations
Potential impacts on aquatic and wetland ecology during the operational phase of the project include:
Stormwater discharge from the WTP causing erosion of wetland areas; Desiccation of downslope wetlands due to decreased water inputs due to disruption of subsurface flow due to pipelines; Water quality deterioration due to seepage and leakage out of the brine ponds and sludge dams or leaks from the pipelines; Increased flows and water quality deterioration due to leaks and/or pipe failure Erosion due to subsidence and piping along pipeline route; Increased flows within the Zaaiwaterspruit leading to erosion; Loss of seasonality of flows within the Zaaiwaterspruit due to year round discharge of water into the Zaaiwaterspruit; Altered water quality within the Zaaiwaterspruit due to discharge of potable water; Changes to wetland vegetation in response to altered flows; and Loss of sensitive aquatic species.
Mitigation measures: See surface water measures (Section 6.4.6); A surface water quality monitoring plan and biomonitoring program should be implemented to monitor downslope water resources for signs of pollution derived from the brine ponds and sludge dams. Trench breakers must be installed along the pipeline trench. A material with low hydrological conductivity (a bentonite mix is recommended), in the form of trench breakers should be packed around the pipe and should be installed at regular intervals to prevent the pipeline behaving as a conduit and to intercept any concentrated flow down the pipeline route. Spacing between trench breakers should vary depending on the slope of the landscape the steeper the slope the smaller the distance between
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trench breakers. Spacing should be such that flows backing up behind one trench breaker extend back to the base of the previous trench breaker.
A walk through survey should be undertaken long the entire pipeline route 6 months after completion of construction activities and then again at yearly intervals to survey for signs of subsidence along the pipeline route. Any subsidence should be immediately repaired. Regular monitoring of the Zaaiwaterspruit should be undertaken for signs of erosion and to determine the response of the wetland to the increased flows. If any signs of erosion are observed, a wetland rehabilitation specialist should be appointed to compile a rehabilitation plan, which should then be implemented as soon as possible. A surface water quality monitoring program should be implemented to ensure the quality of the water being discharged falls within the required standards.
Closure
Potential impacts at closure include:
Water quality deterioration due to mobilisation of pollutants;
To mitigate all contaminated material on site, including potentially contaminated soils underlying the
brine ponds and sludge dams, should be removed and disposed of in suitable waste disposal facilities as required by legislation. If possible, rehabilitation of contaminated soils should be done in situ to prevent the loss of the soils. Bare soil areas should be revegetated as soon as possible.
Disturbance of wetland habitat and fauna due to decommissioning activities;
To mitigate, decommissioning activities should stay within the disturbed footprint and not extend
into any wetland areas. All temporary camps, temporary stockpiles, vehicle/machinery parking areas and truck turning circles should be located outside wetland areas
Any disturbed wetland area should be rehabilitated immediately. Compacted soils should be
ameliorated through ripping and scarifying followed by landscaping to the natural landscape profile. A mix of indigenous grass species should be utilised for re-vegetation. Revegetated areas should be monitored to ensure successful establishment.
An alien vegetation management plan should be implemented during the construction phase to
manage and clear alien infestations and to ensure rehabilitated areas are not colonised by alien species.
Increased sediment movement off site and into wetlands;
To mitigate, the extent of the decommissioning activities should be limited to the actual disturbed
footprint.
Clearing activities and earthworks should be undertaken during the winter months/dry season. Vegetation/infrastructure clearing should be phased to minimise the extent of exposed bare soil
areas at any one time.
Flow concentration and increase in flow velocities should be minimised. Preferential flow paths such
as ruts running perpendicular or parallel to the slope should be blocked and repaired.
Sediment traps such as bidim walls or fibre rolls should be installed along the downslope side of the
activities but upslope of the wetland boundary. These must be regularly inspected following storm events and repaired as required.
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Disturbance of wetland habitat and fauna due to mobilisation of sediment during removal of pipelines;
To mitigate, pipes underlying wetlands should be left in place following decommissioning of the
water treatment plant to ensure no further disturbance to the wetland habitat.
Altered wetland hydrology due to interception/diversion/impoundment of flows.
water treatment plant to ensure no further disturbance to the wetland habitat.
Increase in alien vegetation
water treatment plant to ensure no further disturbance to the wetland habitat. Following mitigation these impacts are rated as low.
6.6
Socio-economic Environment
Construction
During the Construction phase of the proposed project, the following impacts and there possible sources were identified:
Employment Creation - It is estimated that approximately 200 additional employment opportunities will be created for skilled and unskilled workers during the construction phase of the Mine Water Reclamation Scheme. Continued Procurement - Xstrata will continue to secure goods and services from suppliers locally and elsewhere. Additional Xstrata operations will mean that jobs in supporting economic sectors will increase over the construction and phase. Air Quality - It can be expected that levels of dust will increase during the construction phase as a result 4 of increased activities. However, the Air Quality Specialist Report indicates that the expected ambient air quality contribution and the resultant impacts of the XCWRS emissions are anticipated to be minimal for most of the priority pollutants. Noise - It can be expected that levels of noise will increase during the construction phase as a result of increased activities. Given the existing activity within the project area, it is unlikely that additional noise creation will have a significant impact on the majority of surrounding communities. However, should the two businesses identified on portions 15 and 24 of Zaaiwater 11 JP be permanent or have live-in employees, it can be expected that noise levels will have a moderate significance, given the close proximity of the businesses to the WTP. Impact to Cultivated Land - Xstrata has noted that certain land portions included in the proposed project are currently being leased to surrounding landowners for cultivation purposes. Should the project go ahead, sections of these land portions may be affected by project infrastructure and access restricted, affecting the potential of landowners to continue cultivation or harvest activities.
Mitigation measures for possible Construction phase impacts include:
Employment Creation - Xstrata is committed to local recruitment and procurement where feasible, as well as involving the community in training and enterprise development opportunities. This employment policy will be extended to any contract workforce. Xstrata will advertise construction jobs in local newspapers and inform local community leaders where necessary about the nature of the work and the number and type of jobs available to them.
Air Quality Baseline Assessment for the Xstrata Mine Water Treatment Plant. Golder Associates December 2011.
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Procurement - Xstrata will follow their Social and Labour Plan (SLP) for sourcing of goods and services. Air Quality - It is recommended that mitigation measures identified in the Air Quality Impact Assessment be implemented and monitoring continues to ensure that impacts to the quality of life and health status of local communities are avoided or minimised. Noise - It is recommended that mitigation measures identified in the Noise Impact Assessment be implemented and monitoring continues to ensure that impacts to the quality of life are avoided or minimised. Cultivation Land - It is recommended that Xstrata inform all landowners engaged in lease agreements on mine-owned land of the proposed date of commencement of the construction phase in sufficient time to allow harvesting of crops and avoid potential economic impacts associated with loss of crops or labour time.
Operational
During the Operational phase of the proposed project, the following impacts and there possible sources were identified:
Employment Creation - Approximately 30 permanent jobs will be created for the routine operation and maintenance of the Water Reclamation Scheme during the operations phase. As per Xstrata policy, locals will be given preference; however, it is noted that it may be difficult to source skilled and management staff from the local population if skills levels are inadequate. Community Development - Xstrata have a number of community development programmes in place within the local municipality. The importance of such support is highlighted by the lack of available services and rapidly increasing population. Expansion of project activities will ensure the much-needed on-going support for such community development projects.
Mitigation measures for possible Operational phase impacts include:
Employment Creation - Xstrata is committed to local recruitment and procurement where feasible, as well as involving the community in training and enterprise development opportunities. This employment policy will be extended to any contract workforce. Xstrata will advertise construction jobs in local newspapers and inform local community leaders where necessary about the nature of the work and the number and type of jobs available to them. Procurement - Xstrata will follow their Social and Labour Plan (SLP) for sourcing of goods and services.
Decommissioning and Closure

The decommissioning and closure phase will include dismantling and removing surface infrastructure and land rehabilitation. The area should be rehabilitated back to pre-mining conditions as far as possible. It is therefore recommended that a detailed rehabilitation and closure plan is developed during operations. Potential impacts associated with the Decommissioning Phase may include the following:
A temporary increase in employment opportunities followed by a decrease. Closure would result in the loss of employment opportunities, increasing unemployment levels in the local municipality; Noise and dust impacts associated with decommissioning activities; Impacts to the quality and quantity of water resources surrounding the project area; and Change in economic benefits from mining to agriculture and other economic activities.
It is assumed that impacts will be fully assessed and options explored to mitigate these impacts during the Closure Plan. Potential mitigation measures may include:
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A program of retrenchment and re-training during the Operational Phase, providing employees with clear, transparent information on planned activities and closure dates, offering full retrenchment packages or relocation to maintain employment at other operations sites where possible; An analysis of possible sustainable community development programs to be put in place; and An assumption that project activities will only end following an assessment of cumulative impacts and the compilation of a management plan for potential future impacts associated with operations.
6.6.1 Sites of cultural/historical importance Construction

It is highly unlikely that any one of the graveyards will be affected (destroyed, altered, damaged, removed) by the proposed Project. If graveyards are to be affected, the following mitigation measures should be applied:
If graveyards are going to be affected indirectly (and not physically) they can be demarcated with brick walls or with fences. Conserving graveyards in situ in mining areas create the risk and responsibility that they may be damaged accidentally, that the mine remains responsible for their future unaffected existence and maintenance and that controlled access must exist for any relatives or friends who wish to visit the deceased; and If the graveyards are to be affected directly (physically) they can be exhumed and relocated. The exhumation of human remains and the relocation of graveyards are regulated by various laws, regulations and administrative procedures. This task is undertaken by forensic archaeologists or by reputable undertakers who are acquainted with all the administrative procedures and relevant legislation that have to be adhered to whenever human remains are exhumed and relocated. This process also includes social consultation with a 60 days statutory notice period for graves older than sixty years. Permission for the exhumation and relocation of human remains have to be obtained from the descendants of the deceased (if known), the National Department of Health, the Provincial Department of Health, the Premier of the Province and the local police.
There is also a potential for accidental alteration, destruction or removal of unidentified cultural heritage during construction. To reduce the risk of the impact occurring chance find procedures should be established in order to reduce the potential for accidental destruction of heritage resources during Project development.
6.6.2 Visual aspects Construction

Potential visual impacts include:
Site clearance, access road design / development, etc. The primary sources of visual pollution will be due to construction activities, dust mobilisation, lighting at night and construction vehicles traversing the proposed pipeline routes and WTP site. These activities will temporarily transform the physical landscape.
This impact can be mitigated by implementing dust control measures as outline in Section 6.4.1. Due to the relatively remote nature of the project from sensitive receptors this aspect is rated as low.
Operations
The WTP will be the only visible infrastructure, and due to the relatively remote nature of the project from sensitive receptors this aspect is rated as moderate. Mitigation measures could include landscaping and planting trees around the WTP to screen the brine and sludge ponds. Directional lighting should be used to reduce visual impacts at night.
99
6.6.3 Traffic Construction

During the construction phase of the project minor increases in traffic are anticipated due to delivery of construction materials (heavy vehicles) and employees commuting from nearby towns. This increase in traffic is likely to affect the R545 and provincial roads D1834 and D455.Traffic impacts during construction could potentially include:
Minor congestion at the junction to the WTP or when a number of deliveries arrive at the same time; and Increased risk of traffic-related accidents and injuries to workers and local communities.
Mitigation measures include: Sourcing goods and services locally to the extent practical (to reduce journey lengths); Installation of speed or traffic control systems at site access junctions if practical; and Employing safe traffic control measures, such as road signs and warning traffic users of dangerous conditions at site access points.
Operations and Closure

Traffic impacts are likely to be negligible during operations and similar to the construction phase at closure.
6.7
Summary
Positive impacts associated with:
Key potential impacts are:
The collection and treatment of contaminated water arising from the underground workings ; The potential provision of potable water to the mine, and potential future users (local community
and the proposed Lesedi Power Station);
The removal of water from underground voids to allow mining operations to continue; and Employment and capital expenditure which will provide a boost to the local economy.
Negative impacts relate to
Habitat loss and degradation through vegetation clearing; Potential local loss of species of conservation importance namely the Marsh Sylph; Increases in exotic and / or declared invader species; Altered wetland hydrology due to interception / diversion / impoundments of flows; and Water quality deterioration due to seepage and leakage out of the brine ponds and sludge dams
and pipelines. Mitigation measures for the above impacts include:
Avoiding watercourses and wetlands as much as possible through site selection, project layout and pipeline routing undertaken in the project design process.; Minimising the construction footprint as far as possible
100
Establishing an exotic species control programme; To reduce impacts to wetlands/ streams as far possible the pipelines will be constructed on pipe bridges across the flow channels of sensitive watercourses; and Implementing best practice measures for lining and leak detection at the sludge and brine ponds and pipeline (through pressure detection and emergency shut off systems).
101
Table 22: Impact Assessment BEFORE MITIGATION AFTER MITIGATION
Significance Rating
Reversibility
Reversibility I I I I I
Discipline
Aspect
Description of impact
Probability
Probability
Frequency
Air Quality
Construction of Boreholes and Pipelines
Short duration, high impact, localised PM10 fugitive emissions
Construction
30
M LOW
Air Quality
Construction of WTP and access roads
Construction
30
LOW
Air Quality
Construction Vehicles
MOD
Air Quality
Use of access roads
MOD
HIGH
102
HIGH
NEG
NEG
Air Quality
ER
Mine water processing
Area source emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). No significant atmospheric emissions are expected (EPA, 1997).
Operations
35
None
35
MOD
NEG
NEG
ER
Permanent line source. Typical vehicle emissions include carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (including benzene, 1.2-butadiene, aldehydes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), sulphur dioxide (SO2), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulates (Samaras and Sorensen, 1999).
All vehicles and equipment to be maintained on a regular basis.
Operations
40
40
MOD
NEG
NEG
ER
Temporary line source. Typical vehicle emissions include carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (including benzene, 1.2-butadiene, aldehydes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), sulphur dioxide (SO2), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulates (Samaras and Sorensen, 1999).
Construction
30
30
LOW
NEG
NEG
Minimise dust from material handling sources by: Using covers and/or control equipment (water suppression). Minimizing dust from open area sources, including storage piles, by using control measures such as installing enclosures and covers, and increasing the moisture content. Dust suppression techniques, such as applying water or non-toxic chemicals to minimize dust from vehicle movements. Managing emissions from mobile sources through regular maintenance. Avoiding open burning of solid waste. Speed limits on paved and unpaved roads. Progressive re-vegetation
12
L LOW
NEG
12
ER
NEG
ER
Frequency
Magnitude
Magnitude
Project Phase
Mitigation measures Duration
Significance Rating
Direction
Direction
Duration
Score
Score
Scale
Scale
BEFORE MITIGATION
AFTER MITIGATION
Significance Rating
Reversibility
Reversibility I I ER ER ER ER
Discipline
Aspect
Probability
Probability
Frequency
Air Quality
HIGH
Air Quality
HIGH
Noise and Vibration
Construction Activities (earthworks, drilling etc.)
Other construction related activities, such as movement of heavy machinery and vehicle traffic, will also result in temporary impacts on noise levels in the study area.
Construction
20
Noise and Vibration
Abstraction pumps
HIGH
HIGH
NEG
Noise and Vibration
Decommissioning activities.
Decommissioning related activities, such as movement of heavy machinery and vehicle traffic, will also result in temporary impacts on noise levels in the study area.
Closure
As per construction phase
12
L MED NEG
103
ER
NEG
ER
WTP activities
Operation
35
21
HIGH
Noise and Vibration
General operations at the WTP. (Assessment based on sound output levels from similar existing WTPs).
HIGH
NEG
NEG
ER
Operation of the pump stations etc. The noise levels from a similar operating pumping plant was measured and this value is taken as the noise level expected from the proposed pumps, and generate 68.6 dB(A) at 15m from the nearest boundary of the plant
Operation
35
Proper design and maintenance of silencers on diesel-powered construction equipment; Systematic maintenance of all forms of equipment; Training of personnel to adhere to operational procedures that reduce the occurrence and magnitude of individual noisy events; Earthworks and material stockpiles placed so as to protect the boundaries from noise; and If acoustic screens are constructed, it should be of such a height as to effectively act as a noise barrier.
12
MED
21
MED
NEG
NEG
ER
HIGH
NEG
NEG
ER
Storage of waste materials in brine and dewatered sludge waste facilities
Exposure of dewatered and dried sludge and brine to wind. Area source, localised odours and VOCs (EPA, 1997)
Operations
21
Maintain moisture content of sludge and brine ponds to the extent practicable and monitor dust.
21
HIGH
NEG
NEG
ER
Storage of the mine water into the poly-ethylene lined raw water dam
Area source, localised odours and VOCs (EPA, 1997)
Operations
35
None
35
Frequency
Magnitude
Magnitude
Project Phase
Significance Rating
Direction
Direction
Duration
Score
Score
Scale
Scale
BEFORE MITIGATION
AFTER MITIGATION
Significance Rating
Reversibility
Reversibility PR PR PR PR PR PR
Discipline
Aspect
Probability
Probability
Frequency
Topography
LOW
Topography
LOW
Soils
LOW
Soils
LOW
Soils
LOW
Soils
Soil stockpiles
LOW
104
LOW
NEG
NEG
ER
Changes to the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil due to stockpiling and subsequent mixing of soil layers during handling.
Construction
50
24
LOW
NEG
NEG
ER
WTP Site clearing, earth moving, and excavation activities
Loss of approximately 6 hectares of arable soils and 3 hectares of grazing soils;
Construction
65
45
LOW
NEG
NEG
ER
Disturbance of the natural soil profile and horizon sequences reducing soil fertility and function and potential soil pollution if backfill material is mixed with contaminated material.
Construction
35
Establish specific procedures for soils handling and storage with the objective of maintaining the physical and chemical properties of stockpiled soils for use in rehabilitation. Alleviation of compaction at the footprint of stockpiles by ripping. Amelioration of topsoil according to soil analysis. Re-vegetation with grass mixture dominated by local climax species. Annual maintenance of soil fertility by fertilizer applications.
25
LOW
NEG
NEG
ER
During the excavation of pipeline trenches, the natural soil profile and horizon sequences will be disturbed which will cause the natural functioning of soils in terms of a growth medium and habitat for fauna and flora to cease; and potential soil erosion.
Construction
45
25
LOW
NEG
NEG
WTP Development
ER
The development of the WTP, brine and sludge ponds will permanently alter the topography at Witcons village.
Operations
40
Shape and contour Brine and sludge ponds as far as practicable. Implement surface water mitigation measures (clean and water separation to retain baseline topographic function).
35
LOW
NEG
NEG
ER
During pipeline construction, the temporary stockpiling, compaction of in situ material, excavation, mixing, and replacement of excavated material will affect surface topography
Construction
20
Replace soils and excavated materials (as per the soils rehabilitation plan) to reinstate baseline topography along pipeline trenches.
20
Frequency
Magnitude
Magnitude
Project Phase
Significance Rating
Direction
Direction
Duration
Score
Score
Scale
Scale
BEFORE MITIGATION
AFTER MITIGATION
Significance Rating
Reversibility
Reversibility PR PR PR PR
Discipline
Aspect
Probability
Probability
Frequency
Soils
Soil erosion caused by exposure of soil surfaces to rain and wind.
Construction
27
Reducing or preventing erosion by: Scheduling activities to avoid heavy rainfall periods (i.e., during the dry season) or modifying or suspending activities during extreme rainfall and high winds to the extent practical. Contouring and minimizing length and steepness of slopes Mulching to stabilize exposed areas. Re-vegetating areas promptly. Designing channels and ditches for postconstruction flows Lining steep channels and slopes. Reducing or preventing off-site sediment transport through use of settlement ponds, flocculation and silt fences. LOW NEG
15
Soils
Soil contamination due to uncovering areas of previous land contamination (such as old septic tanks, fuel storage areas, spilled materials, waste disposal areas or asbestos materials).
Construction
33
Undertake a soil contamination investigations during construction at the demolished Witcons village site and along the pipeline corridor. Develop a management strategy for contaminated soil as required. LOW NEG ER
11
LOW
Soils
LOW
105
LOW
NEG
NEG
Spillage of oil and or fuel
Soil contamination (hydrocarbons)
Construction / Operation
30
M ER
Implement fuel and oil handling spills prevention and remediation procedure. Construct fuel and oil containment facilities. Maintain spill kits on site for use in emergencies.
10
LOW
NEG
NEG
Soils
ER
Vehicle movement
Soil compaction resulting from mechanical equipment.
Construction
50
Rip compacted soil following completion of construction activities where soil compaction has taken place.
24
LOW
NEG
LOW
NEG
ER
Frequency
Magnitude
Magnitude
Project Phase
Significance Rating
Direction
Direction
Duration
Score
Score
Scale
Scale
BEFORE MITIGATION
AFTER MITIGATION
Significance Rating
Reversibility
Reversibility PR PR PR PR ER
Discipline
Aspect
Probability
Probability
Frequency
Soils
Pipeline Operations
Leaks or spills from collection pipelines could result in soil contamination.
Operation
18
L LOW NEG
Soils
WTP Operation
LOW
LOW
Land Capability
WTP Construction
4.78ha of agricultural land and 12.92 ha of wilderness/grazing land capability will be affected during pipeline construction.
Construction
60
M LOW NEG
40
M LOW LOW NEG
ER
Surface Water
Pipeline construction across water courses.
Alternation of stream bed and banks, temporary stream flow reduction and impedance due to pipeline construction across watercourses.
Construction
40
LOW
NEG
106
NEG
Utilise isolation techniques such as berming or diversion during construction to limit the exposure of disturbed sediments to moving water Utilise trenchless technology for pipeline crossings (e.g., suspended crossings) or installation by directional drilling.
20
ER
LOW
NEG
NEG
Land use
ER
WTP Construction
Change of land use (temporarily) along the pipeline routes and indefinitely at the WTP Site.
Construction
10
70
Establish specific procedures for soils handling and storage with the objective of maintaining the physical and chemical properties of stockpiled soils for use in rehabilitation. Alleviation of compaction at the footprint of stockpiles by ripping. Amelioration of topsoil according to soil analysis. Re-vegetation with grass mixture dominated by local climax species. Annual maintenance of soil fertility by fertilizer applications.
40
LOW
NEG
NEG
ER
Spills of leaks from the Brine and/or sludge ponds have the potential to contaminate soils.
Operation
36
Liner and leak detection to be installed at the brine and sludge dam and within the pipelines. Procedures for leakage detection and remediation to be established.
12
LOW
Install leak detection systems to immediately detect pipeline spills. Test pipelines during construction to ensure integrity.
L NEG
ER
Frequency
Magnitude
Magnitude
Project Phase
Significance Rating
Direction
Direction
Duration
Score
Score
Scale
Scale
BEFORE MITIGATION
AFTER MITIGATION
Significance Rating
Reversibility
Reversibility ER ER ER
Discipline
Aspect
Probability
Probability
Frequency
Surface Water
Site clearance
Increased sedimentation of water sources as a result of exposed soils due to vegetation clearing and soil stripping operations.
Construction
40
Implement soils mitigation measures for erosion / siltation control. Restrict the duration and timing of in-stream activities to the dry season. Segregate and divert clean water runoff to prevent mixing with water having a high solids content. LOW NEG ER
20
LOW
Surface Water
Oil and fuel handling
Spillage of oil and/or fuel resulting in surface water contamination (hydrocarbons).
Construction
30
Potential contaminants (fuel and oils etc.) used and stored on site should be stored and prepared on bunded surfaces to contain spills and leaks. Sufficient spill clean-up material must be kept on site at all times to deal with any minor spills; Disposing of all soil contaminated due to leaks or spills as hazardous waste; Waste should be stored on site in clearly marked containers in a demarcated area. All waste material should be removed at the end of every working day to designated waste facilities at the main construction camp/mining facility. All waste must be disposed of offsite; and Ensure that no equipment is washed in the streams, and if washing facilities are provided that these are placed no closer than 100m from a wetland or watercourse. LOW NEG ER
20
107
LOW
NEG
LOW
NEG
NEG
Surface Water
Road construction
Erosion from roads causing siltation in local watercourses
Construction
40
M ER
Limit access road gradients to reduce runoffinduced erosion Provide adequate road drainage based on road width, gradient, surface material, compaction, and maintenance.
20
LOW
NEG
Frequency
Magnitude
Magnitude
Project Phase
Significance Rating
Direction
Direction
Duration
Score
Score
Scale
Scale
BEFORE MITIGATION
AFTER MITIGATION
Significance Rating
Reversibility
Reversibility ER PR ER
Discipline
Aspect
Probability
Probability
Frequency
LOW
Surface Water
Storm water drainage.
Contamination of water due to dirty water discharge.
Operation
33
Development of a detailed storm water management plan. Such a plan should aim to minimise changes to post-development flows in terms of velocity and volume of flows leaving the site. Maintenance of storm water channels to separate clean and dirty water.
22
LOW
LOW
108
LOW
NEG
NEG
ER
Surface Water
Potable water discharge to the Zaaiwaterspruit
Erosion around the discharge point into the Zaaiwaterspruit.
Operation
32
Install gabions at the discharge point into the Zaaiwaterspruit to reduce the potential for erosion.
16
LOW
NEG
NEG
PR
LOW
POS
POS
Surface Water
ER
Improved water quality due to excess potable water discharge to the Zaaiwaterspruit.
Operation
32
Monitor and evaluate the potential improvement in water quality in the Zaaiwaterspruit.
32
Frequency
Magnitude
Magnitude
Project Phase
Significance Rating
Direction
Direction
Duration
Score
Score
Scale
Scale
BEFORE MITIGATION
AFTER MITIGATION
Significance Rating
Reversibility
Reversibility ER ER ER ER ER
Discipline
Aspect
Probability
Probability
Frequency
LOW
Surface Water
Leaks at the sludge and brine ponds.
Surface Water contamination (sludge, brine or poor quality mine water from the raw water dam) due to leaks.
Operation
24
L LOW NEG
Groundwater
Handling of fuel and oils.
LOW
Groundwater
Groundwater contamination (sludge, brine or poor quality mine water from the raw water dam) due to leaks.
Operation
24
L LOW NEG
Groundwater
Groundwater abstraction
HIGH
109
HIGH
POS
POS
ER
The polluted (excess) mine water being abstracted, treated and re-used will significantly reduce the volumes of polluted mine water in the region, contribute significantly to cost savings in terms of water provision to end users, and make a contribution to replace water lost to the Ecological Reserve due to wider mining impacts in the Upper-Olifants catchment.
Operation
45
None
45
LOW
Install liners and leak detection to at the brine and sludge dam and within the pipelines. Establish procedures for leakage detection and remediation. Monitor Groundwater quality.
L NEG
ER
LOW
NEG
NEG
ER
Accidental spillage of oil or other hydrocarbons and pollutants along the proposed pipeline routes and within the construction sites/camps may result in groundwater contamination.
Construction
18
Constructing adequate fuel and oil containment facilities; and implementing fuel and oil handling spills prevention and remediation procedures.
12
LOW
NEG
ER
Install liners and leak detection to at the brine and sludge dam and within the pipelines. Establish procedures for leakage detection and remediation Undertake surface water quality monitoring and biomonitoring to monitor downslope water resources for signs of pollution derived from the brine ponds and sludge dams.
LOW
NEG
NEG
Surface Water
ER
Surface Water contamination (sludge, brine or poor quality mine water from the raw water dam) due to leaks. As the ponds deteriorate at closure
Closure
36
Develop and implement detailed closure plan which focuses on the best measure to cap and close the brine and sludge ponds.
12
Frequency
Magnitude
Magnitude
Project Phase
Significance Rating
Direction
Direction
Duration
Score
Score
Scale
Scale
BEFORE MITIGATION
AFTER MITIGATION
Significance Rating
Reversibility
Reversibility ER ER
Discipline
Aspect
Probability
Probability
Frequency
Terrestrial Ecology
Construction of WTP and Pipelines
Habitat loss and degradation through vegetation clearing
Construction
10
75
Restricting vegetation to the proposed development footprint; Applying the measure outlined in the soils handling, storage and rehabilitation plan; and Rehabilitating excavated areas adjacent to the WTP to offset losses of moist grassland.
40
NEG
NEG
ER
PR
Terrestrial Ecology
Loss of species of conservation importance
Construction
10
80
Prior to construction, all areas designated for vegetation clearing should be clearly marked and surveyed for Red Data/protected flora and fauna species and a relocation programme implemented if necessary.
30
NEG
NEG
ER
110
PR
Frequency
Magnitude
Magnitude
Project Phase
Significance Rating
Direction
Direction
Duration
Score
Score
Scale
Scale
BEFORE MITIGATION
AFTER MITIGATION
Significance Rating
Reversibility
Reversibility PR PR ER
Discipline
Aspect
Probability
Probability
Frequency
Terrestrial Ecology
Construction of Pipelines
Habitat fragmentation through vegetation clearing and erection of linear infrastructure
Construction
60
LOW
Terrestrial Ecology
Spillage/ leaks
Spillage of harmful or toxic substances
56
Implement surface water mitigation measures.
30
LOW
MED
111
MED
NEG
NEG
Terrestrial Ecology
Noise and light from construction an operations
Sensory disturbances of fauna populations from lighting and noise
30
M ER
Implement noise and air quality mitigation measures.
16
LOW
NEG
NEG
PR
LOW
NEG
NEG
PR
Where possible, the proposed pipelines should be aligned with existing linear infrastructure (such as railways and roads) or routed through already transformed / degraded areas (cultivated land). Where it is necessary for linear infrastructure to be routed across important or sensitive habitats (e.g. wetlands), measures should be undertaken to: - Limit the footprint of areas to be excavated, and/or cleared of vegetation; - Route infrastructure across the narrowest portion of the sensitive habitat; and - Prevent obstruction/disruption of surface or subterranean water flow.
50
Frequency
Magnitude
Magnitude
Project Phase
Significance Rating
Direction
Direction
Duration
Score
Score
Scale
Scale
BEFORE MITIGATION
AFTER MITIGATION
Significance Rating
Reversibility
Reversibility ER PR ER
Discipline
Aspect
Probability
Probability
Frequency
Terrestrial Ecology
Construction activities
Dust generation leading to habitat degradation
Construction
60
Implement soils and air quality measures.
18
HIGH
NEG
NEG
Terrestrial Ecology
ER
PR
Increased sediment movement into wetlands due to disturbance on side slopes
Construction
50
Minimise sediment movement on side slopes through appropriate erosion control measures.
28
HIGH
112
MOD
NEG
NEG
ER
PR
Increases in exotic and / or declared invader species
Construction
75
An exotic species control programme, including monitoring, must be developed and implemented to reduce the encroachment of exotic invasive species.
27
HIGH
NEG
NEG
ER
Frequency
Magnitude
Magnitude
Project Phase
Significance Rating
Direction
Direction
Duration
Score
Score
Scale
Scale
BEFORE MITIGATION
AFTER MITIGATION
Significance Rating
Reversibility
Reversibility ER ER PR PR
Discipline
Aspect
Probability
Probability
Frequency
Pipeline construction.
Altered wetland hydrology due to interception / diversion / impoundments of flows.
Construction
75
Apply appropriate construction techniques to retain baseline permeability following pipeline construction in wetlands. Removing all impoundments and berms that could restrict surface flow at completion of construction activities in wetlands.
40
HIGH
HIGH
Deterioration in water quality due to leaks and spills of hazardous substances
Construction
50
21
HIGH
HIGH
NEG
113
NEG
ER
Storm water discharge
Operation
65
36
LOW
LOW
NEG
NEG
ER
MOD
NEG
NEG
ER
Construction
52
Implement an alien vegetation plan.
15
HIGH
NEG
NEG
ER
Frequency
Magnitude
Magnitude
Project Phase
Significance Rating
Direction
Direction
Duration
Score
Score
Scale
Scale
BEFORE MITIGATION
AFTER MITIGATION
Significance Rating
Reversibility
Reversibility PR PR ER I
Discipline
Aspect
Probability
Probability
Frequency
Desiccation of downslope wetlands due to decreased water inputs due to poor storm water diversion.
Operation
44
M HIGH NEG
44
M HIGH HIGH LOW LOW NEG
Sludge and brine ponds and pipelines.
Water quality deterioration due to seepage and leakage out of the brine ponds and sludge dams and pipelines.
Operation
80
ER
20
HIGH
NEG
Pipeline operations
Erosion due to subsidence and piping along pipeline route
Operation
65
Implement erosion monitoring and control measures to minimise during operations.
20
HIGH
NEG
HIGH
NEG
114
NEG
Discharge of potable water to the Zaaiwaterspruit.
Increased flows within the Zaaiwaterspruit leading to erosion
Operation
32
M ER
Install gabions at the discharge point as energy dissipaters and monitor erosion and employ rehabilitation measures if erosion is occurring.
16
NEG
ER
NEG
ER
Frequency
Magnitude
Magnitude
Project Phase
Significance Rating
Direction
Direction
Duration
Score
Score
Scale
Scale
BEFORE MITIGATION
AFTER MITIGATION
Significance Rating
Reversibility
Reversibility PR ER PR I PR
Discipline
Aspect
Probability
Probability
Frequency
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NEG
HIGH
Water quality deterioration due to mobilisation of pollutants
Closure
48
M HIGH NEG
Undertake best practice rehabilitation and closure measures. ER
16
L LOW NEG
115
HIGH
NEG
NEG
ER
Loss of sensitive aquatic species
Operation
13
Discharge water quality requirements as set by the wetland reserve should be met at all times.
13
NEG
ER
Operation
48
48
HIGH
Pipeline operation.
Changes to wetland vegetation in response to altered flows
No mitigation possible. The vegetation will respond to the flows within the system and changes are inevitable.
HIGH
POS
POS
Altered water quality within the Zaaiwaterspruit
Operation
60
M ER
Monitor and evaluate the potential improvement in water quality in the Zaaiwaterspruit.
60
HIGH
NEG
NEG
ER
Loss of seasonality of flows within the Zaaiwaterspruit. Surface water modelling indicates the impact of the discharge is likely to be negligible in terms of the change of flow into the wetland.
Operation
24
None
24
Frequency
Magnitude
Magnitude
Project Phase
Significance Rating
Direction
Direction
Duration
Score
Score
Scale
Scale
BEFORE MITIGATION
AFTER MITIGATION
Significance Rating
Reversibility
Reversibility ER ER ER ER ER
Discipline
Aspect
Probability
Probability
Frequency
Disturbance of wetland habitat and fauna
Closure
55
Undertake best practice rehabilitation and closure measures.
21
HIGH
Socioeconomic
Socioeconomic
Socioeconomic
HIGH
HIGH
POS
116
POS
ER
Operation
40
48
HIGH
Socioeconomic
Potential for community potable water supply.
Investigate the feasibility of providing potable water to the local community in a sustainable fashion.
LOW
POS
POS
ER
Employment creation: It is estimated that approximately 200 additional employment opportunities will be created for skilled and unskilled workers during the construction phase of the Mine Water Reclamation Scheme Continued procurement: Xstrata will continue to secure goods and services from suppliers locally and elsewhere. Additional Xstrata operations will mean that jobs in supporting economic sectors will increase over the construction and phase. Employment creation: Approximately 30 permanent jobs will be created for the routine operation and maintenance of the Water Reclamation Scheme during the operations phase. As per Xstrata policy, local population will be given preference.
Construction
30
M LOW POS ER
Place preference on the employment of local people.
40
M LOW LOW POS
Construction
21
L LOW POS
Place preference on local goods and services.
28
L POS
ER
Operation
18
Place preference on the employment of local people.
24
LOW
NEG
NEG
ER
Frequency
Magnitude
Magnitude
Project Phase
Significance Rating
Direction
Direction
Duration
Score
Score
Scale
Scale
BEFORE MITIGATION
AFTER MITIGATION
Significance Rating
Reversibility
Reversibility ER ER ER
Discipline
Aspect
Probability
Probability
Frequency
Socioeconomic
HIGH
Socioeconomic
A temporary increase in employment opportunities followed by a decrease.
Closure
24
L LOW NEG
Implement a retrenchment programme for workers. ER
20
L LOW LOW NEG
Heritage
WTP and Pipeline Construction
It is highly unlikely that any one of the graveyards will be affected (destroyed, altered, damaged, removed) by the proposed Project.
Construction
10
12
Avoid impacting graveyards. If not possible, apply graveyard protection measures, and / or relocate graves if affected.
10
12
ER
Heritage
Accidental alteration, destruction or removal of unidentified cultural heritage during construction
Construction
10
12
Establish chance find procedures should be established in order to reduce the potential for accidental destruction of heritage resources during Project development
10
12
LOW
NEG
117
NEG
ER
HIGH
POS
POS
ER
Community development: Xstrata have a number of community development programmes in place within the local municipality. Expansion of project activities will ensure the much-needed on-going support for such community development projects.
Operation
24
Expand community development programmes to the affected area.
36
Frequency
Magnitude
Magnitude
Project Phase
Significance Rating
Direction
Direction
Duration
Score
Score
Scale
Scale
BEFORE MITIGATION
AFTER MITIGATION
Significance Rating
Reversibility
Reversibility I I I ER ER ER I ER ER
Discipline
Aspect
Probability
Probability
Frequency
Visual
LOW
LOW
NEG
Visual
LOW
LOW
NEG
Visual
HIGH
Visual
MOD HIGH
Visual
Rehabilitation activities
MOD
MOD
118
MOD
POS
POS
Visual
ER
Reinstatement of natural topography and topography and resultant improvement in the visual resource value
Closure
40
As per rehabilitation plan.
40
MOD
NEG
NEG
Reclamation activities leading to temporary removal of natural vegetation and land cover, transformation of the site topography, presence of construction machinery and dust pollution
Closure
25
ER
Visual
Lighting at night
Light impacts at night.
Operation
40
Apply directional lighting.
35
As per construction phase
25
MOD HIGH
NEG
NEG
NEG
NEG
ER
Presence of water treatment plant infrastructure in area of moderate visual resource value Presence of feeder dam, brine and slurry ponds in area of moderate visual resource value
Operation
40
Landscaping and planting trees around the WTP to screen the brine and sludge ponds. At night directional lighting should be used to reduce visual impacts at night.
28
LOW
NEG
NEG
ER
Presence of above-ground pipeline crossings and other pipeline infrastructure in high visual resource value areas (stream crossings and natural vegetation cover areas)
Operation
40
None
40
NEG
ER
Visual
Construction
24
Implement air quality measures for dust control.
15
LOW
Airborne dust as a result of construction activity
LOW
NEG
NEG
WTP Construction
Construction of water treatment plant infrastructure, feeder dam, brine and slurry ponds in area of moderate visual resource value
Construction
30
M I
30
NEG
Visual
Construction
30
30
LOW
Construction activities in areas of moderate visual resource value
Keep construction areas beat and orderly. Implement dust suppression, and rehabilitate exposed areas.
LOW
NEG
NEG
Pipeline infrastructure construction activities in high visual resource value areas (stream crossings and natural vegetation cover areas)
Construction
40
M I
40
Frequency
Magnitude
Magnitude
Project Phase
Significance Rating
Direction
Direction
Duration
Score
Score
Scale
Scale
BEFORE MITIGATION
AFTER MITIGATION
Significance Rating
Reversibility
Reversibility ER ER
Discipline
Aspect
Probability
Probability
Frequency
Traffic
LOW
Traffic
LOW
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LOW
NEG
NEG
Increased risk of traffic-related accidents and injuries to workers and local communities.
Construction
22
L ER
Install speed or traffic control systems at site access junctions if practical; and Employ safe traffic control measures, such as road signs and warning traffic users of dangerous conditions at site access points.
11
LOW
NEG
NEG
Minor congestion at the junction to the WTP or when a number of deliveries arrive at the same time; and
Construction
21
L ER
Source goods and services locally to the extent practical (to reduce journey lengths).
18
Frequency
Magnitude
Magnitude
Project Phase
Significance Rating
Direction
Direction
Duration
Score
Score
Scale
Scale
6.8
Potential Cumulative Impacts
Cumulative effects are changes to the environment that are caused by an action in combination with other past, present and future human actions (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, 1999). From a high level overview of the project area, the following past, present and future actions have had the most significant impact on the environment within the local municipality:
Mining defunct mines and the continuing development of underground and opencast coal mining operations. It is anticipated that the TOP will commence in the near future, which will have a bearing on the impacts arising from the WTP project. Power generation Eight of the eleven currently operational coal-fired power stations in the country are situated in Mpumalanga province and contribute roughly 70% of the total electricity generated in South Africa (DEAT, 2003). The Kusile power station is scheduled to come on line in 2017 (Eskom, 2010) and Lesedi, an additional coal fired power station, is scheduled to be constructed within the Tweefontein Mine Lease area within the next 5 years Agricultural development; Industrial; and Urban development.
These actions have resulted in the following key regional impacts: Poor water quality in the Olifants River catchment due to discharge of effluent from mining (acid mine drainage / contaminated surface runoff / erosion), agriculture (runoff of fertilisers and pesticides / erosion), industry (effluent discharge) and urban use (waste / sewage discharge) (DWA, 2011); Increased stress on the amount of water in the Olifants River catchment due to water use for mining, agriculture, industry and urban use; Loss of high potential agricultural soil due to mining (insufficient rehabilitation / loss of soils for open pits and mining infrastructure), industry, over-grazing and urban development); Loss of biodiversity due to land clearance for mining, agriculture, industry and urban use coupled with impacts resulting from contamination of streams and drivers within the Olifants Catchment; Air pollution (sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrogen oxide (NO), ozone (O3) and fine particulates (PM10)) resulting from coal fired power stations, mining operations, vehicle tailpipe emissions, household fuel combustion, biomass burning and various miscellaneous fugitive dust sources. The project area falls within the Highveld Priority Area (HPA) (DEA, 2010).
The objective of the project is to collect and treat contaminated mine water from underground workings for potable use (for Xstrata mines and possibly for the municipality) which will allow mining to continue and prevent the discharge of contaminated water. Potential cumulative impacts resulting from the proposed project in context of the regional impacts listed above are as follows:
Poor water quality in the Olifants River catchment excess potable water discharge into the Olifants catchment may improve water quality by diluting pollution loads ; Increased stress on the amount of water in the Olifants river catchment - provision of potable water from underground water sources may reduce the stress on the catchment resulting from surface water abstraction;
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Loss of high potential agricultural soil construction of the pipelines will result in a temporary impact on soils as much of the pipelines will be buried and disturbed areas are likely to recover. The WTP will require clearance and stockpiling of soils which may never be used if the WTP is to exist indefinitely. The stockpiled soil could be used at other areas of the mine to supplement soil requirements for rehabilitation; Loss of biodiversity - construction of the pipelines will result in a temporary impact on biodiversity as much of the pipelines will be buried and disturbed areas are likely to recover. Land clearance at the WTP will have a small impact on biodiversity as the area is situated on a previously demolished village; and Air pollution dust will be generated during the construction / decommissioning.
Construction impacts will occur for a short period of time (approximately 18 months), however the operational benefits of the project in terms of the treatment of water for potable water supply and discharge into a stressed and polluted catchment may mean that project could have a cumulative beneficial impact on water in the municipality. These benefits (water supply and clean water discharge) will be assessed further in the EIA through a high level desk top review of existing information on regional impacts.
6.9
Strategic Planning
As required by the NEMA EIA Regulations (2010) (Listing Notice 3: List of Activities, as per Sections 24(2) and 24D), projects are required to be verified against a number of geographical aspects. The following sources of information have been reviewed in terms of the requirements: a) In Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Northern Cape provinces: ii) iii) iv) v) vi) vii) A protected area identified in terms of NEMPAA, excluding conservancies; National Protected Area Expansion Strategy Focus areas; World Heritage Sites; Sensitive areas as identified in an environmental management framework as contemplated in chapter 5 of the Act and as adopted by the competent authority; Sites or areas identified in terms of an International Convention; Critical biodiversity areas as identified in systematic biodiversity plans adopted by the competent authority or in bioregional plans;
viii) Core areas in biosphere reserves; ix) Areas within 10 kilometres from national parks or world heritage sites or 5 kilometres from any other protected area identified in terms of NEMPAA or from the core area of a biosphere reserve; and Areas seawards of the development setback line or within 1 kilometre from the high-water mark of the sea if no such development setback line is determined.
x)
The Project (WTP and associated) Pipelines is located in an area that has been indicated as:
Ecosystems maintenance area as per Mpumalanga Biodiversity Conservation Plan (Mpumalanga Parks Board, 2006); Gm 12 Eastern Highveld grassland by Mpumalanga Biodiversity Conservation Plan (Mpumalanga Parks Board, 2006);
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The pipeline route crosses over wetlands and wetland clusters as defined by the National Freshwater Ecosystem Protected Areas (NFEPA) (SANBI, 2010) as well as the Zaaiwaterspruit which has been defined as a class D (largely modified) river by DWA and as critically endangered by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI, 2010); The WTP is located close to an area which is defined as Important and Necessary and Highly Significant by the Mpumalanga Biodiversity Conservation Plan (Mpumalanga Parks Board, 2006); and The majority of the pipeline routes are located on areas defined as Least Concern / No Natural habitat remaining by the Mpumalanga Biodiversity Conservation Plan (Mpumalanga Parks Board, 2006).
From this information the key aspects that need to be focused on in the EIA include:
Wetlands (especially the wetland cluster in the south eastern area of the project); and The critically endangered Zaaiwaterspruit.
Additional mitigation will be focused on these two aspects in the EIA and project design framework. In addition, the following documents and publications have been reviewed in order to provide an initial assessment of the project in terms of local and regional planning:
7.0
Integrated Development Plan (eMalahleni Local Municipality, 2011) the project is in line with the IDPs strategy to address water and sanitation issues within the Municipality (the water treatment plant could provide potable water to communities).
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Public participation is an essential and regulatory requirement for an environmental authorisation process, and is guided by Regulations under the NEMA; specifically the EIA Regulations (GN 543 of June 2010). The NEMA, Regulation 543 states: Public participation process means a process in which potential interested and affected parties (I&APs) are given an opportunity to comment on, or raise issues relevant to, specific matters. The public participation process is designed to provide sufficient and accessible information to I&APs in an objective manner to assist them to: During the scoping phase:
raise issues of concern and suggestions for enhanced benefits; verify that their issues have been recorded; assist in identifying reasonable alternatives; and contribute relevant local information and traditional knowledge to the environmental assessment.
During the impact assessment phase: contribute relevant information and local and traditional knowledge to the environmental assessment; verify that their issues have been considered in the environmental investigations; and comment on the findings of the environmental assessments.
During the decision-making phase: advise I&APs of the outcome, i.e. the authority decision, and how and by when the decision can be appealed.
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7.1
Identification of Interested and Affected Parties
In terms of the EIA Regulations under the NEMA, stakeholders are required to formally register as stakeholders/Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) for the EIA. The Public Participation Office started this process by developing an initial stakeholder list of I&APs and advising stakeholders by letters, addressed to them personally, of the opportunity to register for the EIA. I&APs were identified through a process of networking and referral; obtaining information from Golders existing stakeholder database; liaison with potentially affected parties in the study area; newspaper advertisements; and a registration process involving completion of a registration and comment sheet. The registration sheet encouraged I&APs to indicate the names of their colleagues and friends who may also be interested in participating. In February and March 2012 during announcement of the project the stakeholder database consisted of 121 stakeholders representing a broad spectrum of sectors of society. The initial stakeholder database is included as APPENDIX N.
7.1.1
Register of I&APs
The NEMA Regulations (GN R543) distinguish between I&APs and registered I&APs. I&APs, as contemplated in Section 24(4)(d) of the NEMA include: (a) any person, group of persons or organisation interested in or affected by any activity; and (b) any organ of state that may have jurisdiction over any aspect of the activity. In terms of the Regulations registered interested and affected parties means: An interested and affected party whose name is recorded in the register opened for that application. For that purpose, an EAP managing an application must open and maintain a register which contains the names, contact details and addresses of: a) j) k) All persons who have submitted written comments or attended meetings with the applicant or EAP; All persons who have requested the applicant or EAP managing the application, in writing, for their names to be placed on the register; and All organs of state which have jurisdiction in respect of the activity to which the application relates.
All stakeholders on the initial database received a letter in February 2012 inviting them to register as I&APs. To ensure that all I&APs received sufficient opportunities to register, they were invited to register as stakeholders by completing a Registration Sheet and returning it to the Public Participation Office by the closing date of Friday, 16 March 2012 As per the EIA Regulations stakeholders were informed about the availability of the DSR for public comment, that future consultation during the Impact Assessment phase would only take place with registered I&APs, and that unless otherwise indicated, I&APs who do not register, would be assumed to be no longer interested. Stakeholders that were involved in the initial consultation and who attended any of the public meetings during the Scoping Phase were added to the register. The I&AP register was updated throughout the Scoping Phase.
7.2
7.2.1
Public Participation during the Scoping Phase

Announcement of the opportunity to become involved
The opportunity to participate in the EIA and to register as an I&AP was announced in February 2012 in English as follows:
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Distribution of a letter of invitation to become involved, personally addressed to an initial 121 I&APs, accompanied by a Background Information Document (BID) and a registration and comment sheet. The BID contained details of the proposed project and maps of the project area. The BID was either mailed to stakeholders or e-mailed to everyone on the database with e-mail addresses. The registration and comment sheet also provided opportunity for I&APs to indicate how they wished to receive their notifications and documents for comment. Table 23 shows distribution of the BID. Copies of the BID, registration and comments sheet are included as APPENDIX N.
Table 23: Project announcement distribution data

Background Information Document, letter of invitation and registration and comment sheet Distribution Mailed to 64 stakeholders on database Emailed to 58 stakeholders on database BIDs placed in 3 public places (see below) Total number of BIDs distributed Number of BIDs 64 58 15 137
Placement of the invitation letter, Background Information Document, registration and reply sheet, with an A3 poster to draw attention at three (3) public places in the project area. (Table 24). The poster encouraged I&APs to take a BID and registration and reply sheet on display.
Table 24: Public Places at which EIA documents were made available
Public Place Ogies Local Municipality Public Library Phola Public Library eMalahleni Local Municipality Library Ogies Phola eMalahleni Locality Contact Person The Librarian The Librarian The Librarian Telephone number 013 643 1027 013 643 1027 013 690 6911
Posting the invitation letter, BID, registration and reply sheet, on the Golder website ww.golder.com/public Publishing English and Afrikaans advertisements in the main body of the Witbank News, a local newspaper in the project area, on Friday, 24 February 2012. A copy of the advertisement is included as APPENDIX N. Erecting A2 laminated site notices in the project area.
7.2.2
Obtaining Initial Comment
Initial comment was invited by means of the Background Information Document (BID). I&APs could contribute issues in writing by completing and returning comment sheets.
7.2.3
Authority Consultation
Between January and March 2012, XCSA and Golder held meetings with the MDEDET, DMR, DEA and the DWA as the relevant decision-making authorities. The aim of these meetings was to discuss the following required regulatory processes:
An amendment to the Environmental Management Programme(s) of participating coal mines in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development (MPRDA) (Act 28 of 2002); A Water Use Licence Application in terms of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998); and
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A Waste Management Licence Application for the disposal of brine and gypsum sludge in terms of National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act 59 of 2008) (NEM:WA).
7.2.4
Public Review of the Draft Scoping Report
The Draft Scoping Report was available for public review for 40 days from Monday, 28 May 2012 to Monday, 9 July 2012. The Draft Scoping Report and its supporting documents were distributed for public review and comment as follows:
Placed in the following public places:
Ogies Local Municipality Public Library (Tel: 013 643 1027); Phola Public Library (Tel: 013 643 1027); eMalahleni Local Municipality Library (Tel: 013 690 6911); Golder Associates, Midrand (Tel: 011 254 4800)
E-mailed to registered I&APs on the database with e-mail addresses; Mailed/e-mailed to I&APs who request copies of the report; Made available at the Public Meeting (see below), and Posted on Golders website: www.golder.com.
I&APs were invited to comment in any of the following ways: By attending a Public Meeting to be held in the project area; By completing and submitting a comment sheet made available with the Draft Scoping Report at public places in the project area; and By submitting additional written comments to the Public Participation Office by e-mail, fax, or telephone.
All comments and issues raised during the comment period on the Draft Scoping Report were documented in a Comment and Response Report accompanies this draft EIA Report and EMP. Public Meeting A Public meeting was held: Date: Thursday, 21 June 2012 Time: 11:00 13:00 Venue: Witbank Civic Theatre The purpose of the Public Meeting was:
To present the contents of the Draft Scoping Report and Plan of Study for Impact Assessment, to I&APs To provide I&APs with an opportunity to verify that their issues were captured correctly, and To contribute further comments.
Information was displayed visually and on detailed maps. Stakeholders were invited to contribute comments in the language of their choice. Copies of the Draft Scoping Report and its supporting documents were made available in hard copy and on CD. Relevant legislation, guidelines and other publications were also
125
available for I&APs easy reference. Comments and suggestions raised at this meeting were recorded and captured in a Comment and Response Report.
7.2.5
Comment and Response Report
Issues raised during the Scoping Phase were captured in a Comment and Response Report. Comments raised at the Public Meeting and written comments were summarized in the CRR, indicating both the comment and responses compiled by the EIA team and the project proponent.
7.2.6
Public review of the Final Scoping Report
The Final Scoping Report was available for public review for 21 days from Monday, 16 July 2012 to Thursday, 2 August 2012. The Final Scoping Report and its supporting documents were distributed for public review and comment as follows:
Ogies Local Municipality Public Library (Tel: 013 643 1027); Phola Public Library (Tel: 013 643 1027); eMalahleni Local Municipality Library (Tel: 013 690 6911); Golder Associates, Midrand (Tel: 011 254 4800)
E-mailed to registered I&APs on the database with e-mail addresses; Mailed/e-mailed to I&APs who request copies of the report; and Posted on Golders website: www.golder.com.
I&APs were invited to comment in any of the following ways: By completing and submitting a comment sheet made available with the Final Scoping Report at public places in the project area; and/or By submitting additional written comments to the Public Participation Office by e-mail, fax, or telephone.
No comments were received on the Final Scoping Report. Thereafter the Final Scoping Report was submitted to MDEDET and subsequently approved on 18 September 2012.
7.3
7.3.1
Public Participation during the Impact Assessment phase

Public Review of the Draft Environmental Impact Assessment Report
The Draft EIA Report and associated specialist studies was available for public review for 40 days from Monday, 22 October 2012 to Friday, 30 November 2012. The Draft EIA Report and its supporting documents were distributed for public review and comment as follows:
Ogies Local Municipality Public Library (Tel: 013 643 1027); Phola Public Library (Tel: 013 643 1027); eMalahleni Local Municipality Library (Tel: 013 690 6911);
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Golder Associates, Midrand (Tel: 011 254 4800)
Mailed/e-mailed to I&APs who request copies of the report; Made available at the Open House Meeting (see below), and Posted on Golders website: www.golder.com.
I&APs were invited to comment in any of the following ways: By attending an Open House Meeting to be held in the project area; By completing and submitting a comment sheet made available with the Draft Scoping Report at public places in the project area; and By submitting additional written comments to the Public Participation Office by e-mail, fax, or telephone.
All comments and issues raised during the comment period on the Draft Scoping Report were documented in a Comment and Response Report accompanies this draft EIA Report and EMP. Open House Meeting An Open House meeting was held: Date: Thursday, 15 November 2012 Time: 11:00 14:00 Venue: Ogies Local Municipality Chambers, Ogies The purpose of the meeting was:
To present the findings of the Draft EIA Report to I&APs To provide I&APs with an opportunity to verify that their issues were captured correctly, and To contribute further comments.
Information was displayed visually and on detailed maps. Stakeholders were invited to contribute comments in the language of their choice. Copies of the Draft EIA Report and its supporting documents were made available in hard copy and on CD. Relevant legislation, guidelines and other publications were also available for I&APs easy reference. Comments and suggestions raised at this meeting were recorded and captured in a Comment and Response Report.
7.3.2
Comment and Response Report
Issues raised during the Scoping Phase were captured in a Comment and Response Report. Comments raised at the Open House Meeting and written comments were summarized in the CRR, indicating both the comment and responses compiled by the EIA team and the project proponent.
7.3.3
Public review of the Final EIA Report
The Final EIA Report will be available for public review for 21 days from Monday, 3 December 2012 to Monday 14 January 2013. The Final EIA Report and its supporting documents will be available for public review and comment on Golders website: www.golder.com and has been submitted directly to MDEDET. I&APs are invited to comment in any of the following ways:
By submitting additional written comments directly to MDEDET by e-mail, fax, or telephone (contact Ms Martha Seshweni Tel: (013) 690 1279); and/or
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7.4
By submitting additional written comments directly to Golder by e-mail, fax, or telephone (Contact Ms Qondile Sibiya, Tel 011 254 4800).
Public Comment thus far
All comments and issues captured are contained in the Comments and response Report (CRR) contained in APPENDIX N. Key issues identified by stakeholders thus far relate to the following:
Concern that the project could affect neighbouring farm borehole yields or quality;
This aspect has been investigated by the groundwater specialist team, who have indicated that the
project is unlikely to affect neighbouring farm borehole yields. Nevertheless, groundwater monitoring will be carried out during construction and operation to identify any impact on borehole yields and quality.
The potential positive impact of the project on water resources (particularly regarding the salt loads of the Olifants river catchment);
Surface water modelling carried out indicates that the impact of clean water on the Olifants river
catchment is negligible due to the relatively low amount of water being discharged; and
7.5
Whether water from the WTP will be made available to communities and the municipality.
XCSA has committed to investigating viable supply options for the community and municipality.
Environmental Authorisation
Stakeholders will be advised in writing and by way of advertisements in the media of the authority decision on the EIA and the conditions of the authorization, if positive. Stakeholders will also be advised that the decision may be appealed, and will be provided with guidance on how to do so.
8.0
DIFFICULTIES, LIMITATIONS AND UNCERTAINTIES, AND IMPLICATIONS FOR DECISION MAKING

Air Quality
In order to increase the confidence level of this assessment it is recommended that a dispersion
model be developed for the facility so that the impacts can be quantified.
Surface Water
No flow and rainfall data against which the runoff calculations might be calibrated were available.
The runoff volumes were therefore calculated theoretically;
Since no flow data was available for estimation of the roughness coefficients, the Mannings n
coefficients were estimated by comparing the vegetation and nature of the channel surfaces to published data (Hicks and Mason, 1991).
9.0 9.1
PROPOSED ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN Key Priorities

During construction:
Based on the assessment of impacts key priorities of the EMP are as follows:
Extra care will be undertaken during construction in wetlands. This will include, carrying out a
detailed ecological survey (inclusive of relocation if necessary) for red data species prior to construction at sensitive areas, phasing construction activities in wetland / stream areas for the dry
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season, appointing a wetland ecologist to monitor construction activities, and implementing best practice construction methods to minimise and rehabilitate impacts on wetlands;
Ensuring that the contractor is aware of and is responsible for implementing the construction
elements of the EMP;
Undertaking best practice construction practices ensuring good housekeeping, hazardous

material management, erosion control, dust suppression, noise monitoring and traffic management;
Ensuring liner placement and leak detection system are installed at the sludge and brine ponds and
pipelines; and
Appointing an Environmental Control Officer (ECO) to verify the implementation of the EMP and
assign compliance measures, and appointing an external consultant to carry out bi-monthly environmental audits (focusing on wetland construction activities).
During operations:
Investigating viable sustainable supply options for the potable water produced; and Ensuring all hazardous materials are contained appropriately.
At Closure:
Developing a detailed rehabilitation and closure plan, focusing on rendering the brine and sludge
ponds safe for future land use and minimising impacts to wetlands during decommissioning.
9.2
9.2.1
Organisational Capacity, Roles and Responsibilities

Environmental Control Officer (ECO)
XCSA will appoint an Environmental Control Officer (ECO) to implement and manage the proposed EMP, as this position is currently vacant. The role of the ECO is as follows:
Ensure that all contractors/subcontractors/employees are fully aware of their environmental responsibilities. This will take the form of an initial environmental awareness-training program in which requirements of the EMP will be explained; Undertake on-going training of the workforce; The ECO shall monitor the contractors actions to ensure that the developers staff and/or contractors are adhering to all the stipulations of the EMP; The ECO shall be responsible for monitoring the construction activities throughout the project by means of undertaking site visits and meetings. These visits should be documented as part of the site meeting minutes; and Continued auditing and updating of the EMP.
9.2.2
Responsibility of contractors
All contracting companies will receive a copy of the EMP at time of tender. Each contractor is to familiarise himself with the environmental management measures for the site and ensure that contracting prices allow for environmental management costs. At appointment each contractor must have his copy of the EMP on site. It is the responsibility of the contractors to ensure that all of their staff are aware of the measures applicable to their area of work on site. It is the responsibility of the contractor to bring to the attention of the ECO any environmental incident or breach of the conditions of the EMP, within 24 hours of occurrence of such event, through the companys Incident Reporting System.
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9.2.3
Environmental incidents and breaches of EMP conditions
The ECO will bring to the attention of the Tweefontein site manager major environmental incidents or breaches of the conditions of the EMP, within 24 hours of occurrence of such event. The site manager will notify the controlling authority within 48 hours of such an incident, if the environmental incident constitutes a breach of any permit or licence condition. The ECO will continuously monitor the contractors adherence to the EMP and will issue the contractor with a notice of non-compliance whenever transgressions are observed. The ECO will record the nature and magnitude of the non-compliance in a register, the action taken to discontinue the non-compliance, the action taken to mitigate its effects and the results of the actions. The contractor should act immediately when a notice of non-compliance is received and implement the agreed corrective action. Any avoidable non-compliance with the EMP will be considered sufficient grounds for the imposition of a penalty. The value of the penalty will be equal to the cost of corrective action, i.e. the cost to the contractor equals twice the cost of corrective action. Any non-compliance with the agreed procedures of the EMP is a transgression of the various statutes and laws that define the manner in which the environment is managed. Set penalties should be enforced. Penalties shall be specified in the contract with the Contractor.
9.2.4
Complaints management
Complaints received regarding activities on the construction site pertaining to the environment will be recorded in a register and the response noted with the date and action taken. This record will be submitted with the monthly reports and a verbal report should be given at regular site meetings.
9.3
Register of Environmental and Social Impacts
The purpose of the EMP is to ensure that appropriate control and monitoring measures are in place to deal with all significant potential environmental and social impacts of a project. An impacts register therefore provides a focus for environmental and social management. The potential impacts of the project including proposed mitigation measures are discussed in the section 6.0. A summary of impacts is provided in Table 22.
9.4
Table of Actions
Table 25 below presents the detailed management actions that will be undertaken to avoid, minimise, mitigate or compensate for negative impacts and the enhancement measures for positive impacts. The table is divided into construction, operational and closure phases of the project. The terminology used is as follows:
Discipline i.e. Air Quality; Aspect defines what project activity is likely to cause the impact (this is linked directly to the impact assessment Table 22; Project Phase defines the time that the action is required (i.e. pre-construction, construction or operational); Detailed Actions presents the detailed actions proposed to avoid, minimise, mitigate or compensate for negative impacts and the enhancement measures for positive impacts; Responsible person / entity defines who is responsible for undertaking the management actions; Monitoring Mechanism presents the mechanism that will be utilised to monitor and evaluate the success of the management action; Indicator / Performance Criteria presents the criteria that will be utilised to determine the success or failure of a management action; and Timing defines when the action will take place and the deadline for completion.
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Table 25: EMP Table of Actions Discipline Aspect Description of impact Project Phase Objective Detailed Mitigation Actions Construction and operational parameters: Dust control on roads All permanent access roads will be paved. Speed limit of 20 km/h to be set on all unpaved roads and 35 km/h on paved roads. Regular speed humps will be placed on all project roads to restrict speed. Dust suppression will be in the form of wet suppression and chemical stabilization through continuous water bowsing by one dedicated water bowser throughout activities. A temporary decontamination pad and/or a stabilized construction entrance can be provided at active site entrance/egress locations to keep adjacent paved areas clean; All onsite traffic will be restricted to specific designated roads. Dust control during drilling Water suppression whilst drilling will be undertaken. Procedures will be developed and distributed to contractors relating to dust suppression during drilling. Penalties will be established for drilling contractors not utilizing set procedures for drilling dust suppression. Dust Suppression at cleared areas and stockpiles All cleared areas will be subject to wet and chemical dust suppression to reduce dust to the extent practicable, particularly during the dry season. A water bowser for dust suppression will be stationed on site for the duration of construction activities. Wind breaks and shelters can be used at the discretion of the ECO dependent on the extent of dust Unused cleared areas and stockpiles will be progressively vegetated under the instruction of the ECO using an approved mix of indigenous vegetation. Temporary line source. Typical vehicle emissions include carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (including benzene, 1.2-butadiene, aldehydes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), sulphur dioxide (SO2), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulates (Samaras and Sorensen, 1999). Pre-construction audit. Construction and operational audits. Air Quality monitoring. Responsible Person / Entity Monitoring Mechanisms Indicator / Performance Criteria Timing
Air Quality
Construction of Boreholes and Pipelines
Construction
Minimise dust
Construction Contractor
Air Quality
Construction of WTP and access roads
Construction
Minimise dust
Permanent access roads paved. Speed limit and speed humps in place. Wet suppression in place. Drilling activities undertaken with wet suppression. PM10 and dust levels within defined limits at mine boundary and nearest receptors (See Section 9.8).
Design criteria adopted prior to construction. Monitoring network in place prior to construction.
Air Quality
Construction
Maintain vehicles and equipment
All vehicles and equipment will be maintained as per operational requirements and maintenance logs kept on site for inspection by the ECO.
Construction Audits
All vehicles and equipment maintained as per operating requirements and maintenance logs up to date.
In place for construction
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Discipline
Aspect
Description of impact Permanent line source. Typical vehicle emissions include carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (including benzene, 1.2-butadiene, aldehydes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), sulphur dioxide (SO2), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulates (Samaras and Sorensen, 1999). Area source emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). No significant atmospheric emissions are expected (EPA, 1997).
Project Phase
Objective
Detailed Mitigation Actions
Responsible Person / Entity
Monitoring Mechanisms
Indicator / Performance Criteria
Timing
Air Quality
Use of access roads
Operations
Maintain vehicles and equipment
All vehicles and equipment will be maintained as per operational requirements and maintenance logs kept on site for inspection by the ECO.
Environmental Audits
All vehicles and equipment maintained as per operating requirements and maintenance logs up to date.
In place for operations
Air Quality
Mine water processing Storage of the mine water into the poly-ethylene lined raw water dam Storage of waste materials in brine and dewatered sludge waste facilities
Operations
None
None
Air Quality
Area source, localised odours and VOCs (EPA, 1997)
Operations
None
None
Air Quality
Exposure of dewatered and dried sludge and brine to wind. Area source, localised odours and VOCs (EPA, 1997)
Operations
Monitor dust from sludge and brine ponds.
The operator will visually assess if dust is being generated by the brine and sludge ponds. Should dust be observed, the operator will appoint an independent air quality specialist to develop a mitigation plan. All vehicles and equipment will be maintained as per operational requirements and maintenance logs kept on site for inspection by the ECO. Environmental noise procedures to be established and noise reduction training to be provided to equipment operators. Where feasible stockpiles will be placed between the WTP and the nearest sensitive receptor (the adjacent workshop). Noise to be monitored by the ECO at least Biannually using sound level 1 or 2 meters during the construction phase (for both environmental and health and safety requirements). Where necessary temporary acoustic screens will be established to reduce noise to SANS compliance levels. Maintenance programme to be established and implemented for pump and WTP equipment. Bi-annual noise monitoring at the WTP and pump station to be undertaken. Additional measures (maintenance and/or acoustic screens) to be established if necessary.
Adhoc inspections / community complaints log.
Visual records of dust.
Operations
Noise and Vibration
Construction Activities (earthworks, drilling etc.)
Other construction related activities, such as movement of heavy machinery and vehicle traffic, will also result in temporary impacts on noise levels in the study area.
Construction
Minimise and monitor noise impacts during construction.
Construction Audits. Noise monitoring.
Noise levels within SANS standards (See Section 9.8). No complaints from surrounding land users.
Construction.
Noise and Vibration
Abstraction pumps
Operation of the pump stations etc. The noise levels from a similar operating pumping plant was measured and this value is taken as the noise level expected from the proposed pumps, and generate 68.6 dB(A) at 15m from the nearest boundary of the plant
Operation
Minimise and monitor noise impacts.
Operational audits.
Noise levels within SANS standards. No complaints from surrounding land users.
Operations
133
Discipline
Aspect
Description of impact General operations at the WTP. (Assessment based on sound output levels from similar existing WTPs).
Project Phase
Objective
Timing
Noise and Vibration
WTP activities
Operation All vehicles and equipment will be maintained as per operational requirements and maintenance logs kept on site for inspection by the ECO. Noise to be monitored by the ECO at least Biannually using sound level 1 or 2 meters during the construction phase (for both environmental and health and safety requirements). Where necessary temporary acoustic screens will be established to reduce noise to SANS compliance levels.
Noise and Vibration
Decommissioning related activities, such as movement of heavy machinery and vehicle traffic, will also result in temporary impacts on noise levels in the study area.
Closure
Minimise and monitor noise impacts during construction.
Construction Audits. Noise monitoring.
Noise levels within SANS standards (See Section 9.8). No complaints from surrounding land users.
Decommissioning
Topography
During pipeline construction, the temporary stockpiling, compaction of in situ material, excavation, mixing, and replacement of excavated material will affect surface topography The development of the WTP, brine and sludge ponds will permanently alter the topography at Witcons village. During the excavation of pipeline trenches, the natural soil profile and horizon sequences will be disturbed which will cause the natural functioning of soils in terms of a growth medium and habitat for fauna and flora to cease; and potential soil erosion. Disturbance of the natural soil profile and horizon sequences reducing soil fertility and function and potential soil pollution if backfill material is mixed with contaminated material. Loss of approximately 6 hectares of arable soils and 3 hectares of grazing soils; Changes to the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil due to stockpiling and subsequent mixing of soil layers during handling.
Construction
Rehabilitate Soils
See soils handling and rehabilitation measures
Topography
WTP Development
Operations
Minimise impact on topography
See surface water measures.
Soils
Construction
Soils
Construction Minimise Impacts to soil Apply soil stripping, stockpiling and rehabilitation procedures (See 9.5.1) Construction Contractor
Construction Audits. Post construction soils evaluation
Soils rehabilitated to baseline fertility and compaction standards.
Construction
Soils
Construction
Soils
Soil stockpiles
Construction
134
Discipline
Aspect
Project Phase
Objective
Timing
Soils
Soil erosion caused by exposure of soil surfaces to rain and wind.
Construction
Prevent soils erosion.
Where practicable construction activities will be scheduled for the dry season. The ECO will be empowered to suspend activities during extreme rainfall and high winds to the extent practical. Areas of potential soils erosion will be identified and measures implemented as appropriate to reduce erosion, such as; - Contouring and minimizing length and steepness of slopes - Mulching to stabilize exposed areas. - Re-vegetating areas promptly. - Designing channels and ditches for postconstruction flows - Lining steep channels and slopes. - Reducing or preventing off-site sediment transport through use of settlement ponds, flocculation and silt fence
Construction audits
Minimal soil erosion.
Construction
Soils
Soil contamination due to uncovering areas of previous land contamination (such as old septic tanks, fuel storage areas, spilled materials, waste disposal areas or asbestos materials).
Construction
Minimise Impacts to soil
The construction team will be instructed to identify and isolate areas of potential soil contamination during construction of the WTP and pipelines. The ECO will be informed of any contaminated land identified. The ECO will indicate the measures to be undertaken to characterise the extent of the contamination and the rehabilitation / clean up measures required.
ECO
Construction audits and inspections.
Contaminated soils identified, rehabilitated or cleaned up during construction.
Construction
Soils
Vehicle movement
Soil compaction resulting from mechanical equipment.
Construction
Following completion of construction activities all areas that have been utilised for soil stockpiling will be ripped and rehabilitated.
Construction audits and inspections.
Vegetation reestablished and in natural sustaining condition within 12 months of the construction completion. Spills cleaned up within 24 hours of occurring
Construction and operations
Soils
Spillage of oil and or fuel
Soil contamination (hydrocarbons)
XCSA spills procedures for hydrocarbons will be distributed to contractors and implemented onsite during construction.
ECO
Construction audits and inspections. Spills records.
All phases.
135
Discipline
Aspect
Project Phase
Objective
Indicator / Performance Criteria No spills from pipelines. Leak detection system in place. Pipeline testing undertaken.
Timing
Soils
Pipeline Operations
Leaks or spills from collection pipelines could result in soil contamination.
Operation
Reduce the risk of spills, and react quickly to stop and clean up spills.
Pipeline leak detection systems will be installed and verified. Pipeline testing to be carried out. Emergency response procedures adhered to in the event of a spill.
Construction audits. Continual leak detection.
Soils
WTP Operation
Spills of leaks from the Brine and/or sludge ponds have the potential to contaminate soils. Change of land use (temporarily) along the pipeline routes and indefinitely at the WTP Site. 4.78ha of agricultural land and 12.92 ha of wilderness/grazing land capability will be affected during pipeline construction.
Operation
Land use
WTP Construction
Construction
Minimise impacts to Land use
Apply soil stripping, stockpiling and rehabilitation procedures (See 9.5.1)
Land Capability
WTP Construction
Construction
Minimise impacts to land capability
Apply soil stripping, stockpiling and rehabilitation procedures (See 9.5.1) Pipe bridges will be constructed across the flow channels of all watercourses. Pipe bridges shall comprise concrete piers founded 1.7m below natural ground level (to prevent scouring) and spaced at 20m intervals. The piers will support a tubular steel, lattice structure carrying the pipeline/s. These lattices have a minimum 500mm of freeboard above the 1:100 flood level. Construction activities will be sequenced to occur during the dry season for pipeline river crossings.
Construction Audits. Post construction soils evaluation Construction Audits.Post construction soils evaluation
Soils rehabilitated to baseline fertility and compaction standards. Soils rehabilitated to baseline fertility and compaction standards. Pipeline river crossings constructed during the dry season. Pipeline bridges constructed as per specification. No impact on surface water flow / quality. Soils measures for erosion in place. Erosion minimised to local areas and not flowing into surface water. Construction activities across watercourses undertaken during the dry season. No impact on surface water flow / quality. Access roads well maintained and in good condition. No impact on surface water flow / quality.
Surface Water
Pipeline construction across water courses.
Alternation of stream bed and banks, temporary stream flow reduction and impedance due to pipeline construction across watercourses.
Construction
Minimise the impact of pipeline construction on streams
Construction audits. Surface water monitoring (flow and quality).
Construction.
Surface Water
Site clearance
Increased sedimentation of water sources as a result of exposed soils due to vegetation clearing and soil stripping operations.
Construction
Minimise erosion
Soils measures for erosion will be implemented. Temporary drainage channels for clean and dirty water separation will be established where feasible. Construction activities will be sequenced to occur during the dry season for pipeline river crossings.
Construction audits. Surface water monitoring (flow and quality).
Construction.
Surface Water
Road construction
Erosion from roads causing siltation in local watercourses
Construction
Minimise erosion
Roads will be compacted and maintained as per design requirements.
Construction audits. Surface water monitoring (flow and quality). Inspection of
Construction.
136
Discipline
Aspect
Project Phase
Objective
Monitoring Mechanisms access road conditions.
Timing
Surface Water
Oil and fuel handling
Spillage of oil and/or fuel resulting in surface water contamination (hydrocarbons).
Construction
Pollution prevention and control.
All harmful or toxic substances kept on site will be stored in bunded areas, or in the correct manner as stipulated by the relevant Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS); An inventory of all hazardous materials and corresponding MSDS will be kept on site during construction; An emergency spillage containment plan will be developed and implemented to control for the spillage of harmful and toxic substances. Spills procedures will be established and communicated to all contractors. Potential contaminants (fuel and oils etc.) used and stored on site will be stored and prepared on bunded surfaces to contain spills and leaks. Sufficient spill clean-up material must be kept on site at all times to deal with any minor spills. Larger spills should be reported to the ECO and the relevant authorities (DWA) immediately, with specialists appointed to oversee the clean-up operations; All soil contaminated due to leaks or spills as hazardous waste.
Construction audits. Surface water monitoring (flow and quality). Inspection of fuel oil and other hazardous materials storage and handling.
No impact on surface water flow / quality. All fuel/oil and hazardous material correctly stored. Spills procedures prominently displayed at working areas.
Construction.
Waste will be stored on site in clearly marked containers in a demarcated area. All waste material should be removed at the end of every working day to designated waste facilities at the main construction camp/mining facility. All waste must be disposed of offsite.
Construction audits. Surface water monitoring (flow and quality). Inspection of fuel oil and other hazardous materials storage and handling. Construction audits. Surface water monitoring (flow and quality). Inspection of fuel oil and other hazardous materials storage and handling.
All vehicles and machinery will be adequately maintained to prevent the leakage of fuels and lubricants; and should be refuelled and stored in designated areas only; and
No impact on surface water flow / quality. All fuel/oil and hazardous material correctly stored. Spills procedures prominently displayed at working areas. No impact on surface water flow / quality. All fuel/oil and hazardous material correctly stored. Spills procedures prominently displayed at working areas.
Construction.
Construction.
137
Discipline
Aspect
Project Phase
Objective
Indicator / Performance Criteria Monitoring system in place and results interpreted. Detailed storm water plan in place.
Timing
Surface Water
Improved water quality due to excess potable water discharge to the Zaaiwaterspruit.
Operation
Monitor impacts on the Zaaiwaterspruit
Surface water monitoring of the Zaaiwaterspruit will be undertaken (monthly quality) and continuous flow.
ECO
Operational audits.
Prior to construction.
Surface Water
Contamination of water due to dirty water discharge.
Operation
Plan and install proper storm water management measures.
Surface Water
Erosion around the discharge point into the Zaaiwaterspruit.
Operation
Minimise erosion
A detailed storm water management plan will be developed prior to construction. The plan will aim to minimise changes to post-development flows in terms of velocity and volume of flows leaving the site. This can be achieved in a number of ways, including minimising extent of hardened surfaces, maximising infiltration by using grass swales and enhanced swales to convey storm water, installation of attenuation facilities etc. Post development flows should not exceed predevelopment flow velocities for regular return events up to the 1:5 year event. Storm water discharge points will be located outside wetland areas in terrestrial grassland. Discharge points should be protected against erosion and should incorporate. Careful inspections and maintenance of the storm water management system will be undertaken at least twice yearly, once at the start of the rainfall season (September) and once in January, as well as following any heavy storm event, to ensure effective functioning and to clear any blockages due to debris, sedimentation or vegetation. Gabions will be installed at the discharge point. The discharge point will be photographically monitored on a monthly basis to determine the response of the wetland to the increased flows. If any signs of erosion are observed, a wetland rehabilitation specialist will be appointed to compile a rehabilitation plan, which should then be implemented as soon as possible. A detailed closure plan will be developed focusing on rendering the brine and sludge ponds safe following closure. Liner and leakage detection systems will be installed and operated as per design requirements. A monthly surface water quality monitoring and bi annual biomonitoring program will be implemented to monitor downslope water resources for signs of pollution derived from the brine ponds and sludge dams.
XCSA
Operational audits.
Storm water systems in place and working as required.
Operations
Construction audits.
Gabions constructed. No erosion at discharge point.
Operations
Surface Water
Surface Water contamination (sludge, brine or poor quality mine water from the raw water dam) due to leaks. As the ponds deteriorate at closure
Closure
XCSA
Operational Audits
Detailed closure plan in place and implemented.
3 years prior to closure.
Surface Water
Surface Water contamination (sludge, brine or poor quality mine water from the raw water dam) due to leaks.
Operation
Construction Audits.
Liner and leakage detection system signed off by an independent engineer on completion.
Construction.
138
Discipline
Aspect
Description of impact Accidental spillage of oil or other hydrocarbons and pollutants along the proposed pipeline routes and within the construction sites/camps may result in groundwater contamination.
Project Phase
Objective
Timing
Groundwater
Handling of fuel and oils.
Construction
As per surface water measures.
Groundwater monitoring
Groundwater
Groundwater contamination (sludge, brine or poor quality mine water from the raw water dam) due to leaks.
Operation
Liner and leakage detection systems will be installed as per design requirements. Two boreholes will be established down gradient of the Sludge and Brine ponds, and monitored on a monthly basis to detect any contamination. Measures will be implemented to reduce the contamination if identified.
Construction Audits.
Liner and leakage detection system signed off by an independent engineer on completion. Groundwater monitoring undertaken. Groundwater quality unchanged due to WTP.
Construction.
Groundwater
Groundwater abstraction
The polluted (excess) mine water being abstracted, treated and reused will significantly reduce the volumes of polluted mine water in the region, contribute significantly to cost savings in terms of water provision to end users, and make a contribution to replace water lost to the Ecological Reserve due to wider mining impacts in the Upper-Olifants catchment.
Operation
Monitor abstraction rates.
XCSA will monitor abstraction rates form the underground areas and will include this data in the overall groundwater model for the mine to determine future impacts.
XCSA
Operational audits.
Abstraction rates monitored
Operations
Vegetation clearing will be restricted to the proposed development footprint, with no unnecessary clearing permitted outside of this area. Areas to be cleared, including construction sites, lay-down areas and vehicle turning points, will be marked/taped-off to prevent unnecessary disturbances prior to clearance. Apply soil stripping, stockpiling and rehabilitation procedures (See 9.5.1) The ECO will oversee the vegetation clearing process. Pre-construction audit. Construction audits. Vegetation clearance restricted. Vegetation reestablished at closed areas.
Terrestrial Ecology
Habitat loss and degradation through vegetation clearing
Construction
Avoid and minimise impacts to terrestrial ecology
Pre-construction and construction.
139
Discipline
Aspect
Project Phase
Objective
Timing
Terrestrial Ecology
Loss of species of conservation importance
Construction
Immediately prior to construction, a detailed ecological study will be undertaken. The scope of which will be to identify any red data species, along the pipeline routes and WTP area, prepare a conservation plan (to be approved by MPTA), apply for relevant relocation permits, and to relocate red data species to suitable areas.
XCSA
Pre-construction audit. Construction audits.
Red data species study undertaken and species moved.
Pre-construction.
Terrestrial Ecology
Construction of Pipelines
Habitat fragmentation through vegetation clearing and erection of linear infrastructure
Construction
See wetland and surface water measures
Terrestrial Ecology
Spillage/ leaks
Spillage of harmful or toxic substances
See XCSA hazardous materials storage, spills and emergency response procedures.
Terrestrial Ecology
Noise and light from construction an operations
Sensory disturbances of fauna populations from lighting and noise
See noise and air quality measures.
Terrestrial Ecology
Dust generation leading to habitat degradation
Construction
See soils and air quality measures. An ecologist will be included in the construction audit team as required and will at the end the construction phase evaluate impacts on ecology and recommend additional measures.
ECO
Construction Audits
Soils and air quality measure implemented. Ecologist on construction audit team.
Construction
Terrestrial Ecology
Increases in exotic and / or declared invader species
Construction
The XCSA invasive species programme will be rolled out to include the WTP project area.
XCSA
Invasive species monitoring.
Invasive species minimised
All phases.
140
Discipline
Aspect
Project Phase
Objective
Detailed Mitigation Actions Pipeline trench excavations will be limited by phasing the excavations and laying of the pipelines as defined in a construction plan. Soils will be stockpiled on the upslope side of trench where safe to do so. If not possible, a bidim wall or fibre roll sediment barrier will be placed adjacent to the wetland boundary to prevent sediments washing into the wetlands. Trenches will be vegetated as soon as possible after excavation. Where steep slopes occur (e.g. northern bank of Zaaiwaterspruit) hessian blankets or other erosion control measure will be used to stabilise soils. During construction in wetlands, subsurface control points such as sandstones ledges will be identified and where the trench excavation breaches them, these will be recreated using low permeability material such as bentonite. Temporary impoundments and diversion berms required to facilitate construction within the valley bottom wetlands will be fully removed following completion of construction. All foreign material will be removed to ensure that no unnatural flow obstructions or preferential flow paths remain. During construction, a wetland ecologist will be appointed to monitor the affected wetland and provide instruction for construction activities in wetland areas.
Timing
Increased sediment movement into wetlands due to disturbance on side slopes
Construction
Minimise erosion.
Construction audits. Wetland monitoring
Erosion control measures in place.
Construction
Pipeline construction.
Altered wetland hydrology due to interception / diversion / impoundments of flows.
Construction
Retain wetland hydrology and flows
Construction audits. Wetland monitoring
Wetland hydrology and flow retained.
Construction
Construction
The XCSA invasive species programme will be rolled out to include the WTP project area.
XCSA
Invasive species monitoring.
Invasive species minimised
All phases.
Aquatic and Wetland Ecology Aquatic and Wetland Ecology
Deterioration in water quality due to leaks and spills of hazardous substances
Construction
Storm water discharge
Operation
See surface water mitigation measures A detailed storm water management system based on the current conceptual plan will be developed prior to construction. Storm water discharge from the WTP will be directed to wetland areas, with clean and dirty water kept separate as per the detailed design. The storm water system will be maintained on a bi-annual basis and inspected.
Desiccation of downslope wetlands due to decreased water inputs due to poor storm water diversion.
Operation
Establish and maintain an appropriate storm water system.
XCSA
Operational audits.
Storm water systems in place and working as required.
Operations
141
Discipline
Aspect
Project Phase
Objective
Timing
Sludge and brine ponds and pipelines.
Water quality deterioration due to seepage and leakage out of the brine ponds and sludge dams and pipelines.
Operation
See surface water mitigation measures
Pipeline operations
Erosion due to subsidence and piping along pipeline route
Operation
Minimise erosion.
Increased flows within the Zaaiwaterspruit leading to erosion
Operation
Monitor erosion at the discharge point into the Zaaiwaterspruit
XCSA will install trench breakers along the pipeline trench in wetland areas where the pipeline is buried. A material with low hydrological conductivity (a Bentonite mix or similar), in the form of trench breakers will be packed around the pipe and will be installed at regular intervals to prevent the pipeline behaving as a conduit and to intercept any concentrated flow down the pipeline route. Spacing between trench breakers will vary depending on the slope of the landscape the steeper the slope the smaller the distance between trench breakers. Spacing will be such that flows backing up behind one trench breaker extend back to the base of the previous trench breaker. A wetland ecologist will be appointed to carry out a walk through survey will be undertaken long the entire pipeline route 6 months after completion of construction activities and then again at yearly intervals to survey for signs of subsidence along the pipeline route. Any subsidence identified will be immediately repaired. Gabions will be installed at the discharge point. The discharge point will be photographically monitored on a monthly basis to determine the response of the wetland to the increased flows. If any signs of erosion are observed, a wetland rehabilitation specialist will be appointed to compile a rehabilitation plan, which should then be implemented as soon as possible.
Operational audits.
Trench breakers installed. Minimal erosion and subsidence.
Operations
Surface water monitoring.
Gabions installed. Monitoring undertaken.
Operations
Loss of seasonality of flows within the Zaaiwaterspruit. Surface water modelling indicates the impact of the discharge is likely to be negligible in terms of the change of flow into the wetland.
Operation
Monitor flows within the Zaaiwaterspruit.
Monitor flow within the Zaaiwaterspruit.
ECO
Surface water monitoring.
Flow monitoring undertaken.
Operations
Altered water quality within the Zaaiwaterspruit
Operation
Monitor surface water and flow in the Zaaiwaterspruit
A surface water quality monitoring point will be established on the Zaaiwaterspruit to monitor quality (monthly) and flow (continuous) to evaluate the water quality and flow changes in the Zaaiwaterspruit. Discharge water quality will be monitored as part of the operational activities at
ECO
Surface water quality monitoring. WTP operational monitoring of discharge quality See Section 9.8
Surface water monitoring in place.
Construction
142
Discipline
Aspect
Project Phase
Objective
Detailed Mitigation Actions the plant.
Monitoring Mechanisms for compliance criteria.
Timing
Aquatic and Wetland Ecology Aquatic and Wetland Ecology
Pipeline operation. Discharge of potable water to the Zaaiwaterspruit.
Changes to wetland vegetation in response to altered flows
Operation
Monitor wetland changes. Pollution prevention and control.
The pipeline route will be included in the overall XCSA ecological monitoring programme.
ECO
Annual ecological monitoring.
Monitoring undertaken.
Operations
Loss of sensitive aquatic species
Operation
See surface water measures. A detailed rehabilitation and closure plan will be developed prior to closure. The plan will outline that Decommissioning activities should stay within the disturbed footprint and not extend into any wetland areas. All temporary camps, temporary stockpiles, vehicle/machinery parking areas and truck turning circles should be located outside wetland areas. Any disturbed wetland area should be rehabilitated immediately. Compacted soils should be ameliorated through ripping and scarifying followed by landscaping to the natural landscape profile. A mix of indigenous grass species should be utilised for re-vegetation. Vegetated areas should be monitored to ensure successful establishment. A detailed rehabilitation and closure plan will be developed prior to closure. The plan will outline that Decommissioning activities should stay within the disturbed footprint and not extend into any wetland areas. All temporary camps, temporary stockpiles, vehicle/machinery parking areas and truck turning circles should be located outside wetland areas. Any disturbed wetland area should be rehabilitated immediately. Compacted soils should be ameliorated through ripping and scarifying followed by landscaping to the natural landscape profile. A mix of indigenous grass species should be utilised for re-vegetation. Vegetated areas should be monitored to ensure successful establishment.
Water quality deterioration due to mobilisation of pollutants
Closure
XCSA
Operational audits.
Closure plan in place prior to closure.
Prior to closure.
Disturbance of wetland habitat and fauna
Closure
Minimise disturbance of wetland habitat and fauna.
XCSA
Operational audits.
Closure plan in place prior to closure.
Prior to closure.
143
Discipline
Aspect
Description of impact Employment creation: It is estimated that approximately 200 additional employment opportunities will be created for skilled and unskilled workers during the construction phase of the Mine Water Reclamation Scheme Continued procurement: Xstrata will continue to secure goods and services from suppliers locally and elsewhere. Additional Xstrata operations will mean that jobs in supporting economic sectors will increase over the construction and phase. Employment creation: Approximately 30 permanent jobs will be created for the routine operation and maintenance of the Water Reclamation Scheme during the operations phase. As per Xstrata policy, local population will be given preference. Potential for community potable water supply. Community development: Xstrata have a number of community development programmes in place within the local municipality. Expansion of project activities will ensure the much-needed on-going support for such community development projects.
Project Phase
Objective
Timing
Socioeconomic
Construction
Employ local people.
Xstrata is committed to local recruitment and procurement where feasible, as well as involving the community in training and enterprise development opportunities. Refer to the Tweefontein Social and Labour Plan (SLP).
XCSA
Construction Audits
Local employment in line with XCSA objectives.
Construction.
Socioeconomic
Construction
Utilise local goods and services.
Xstrata will follow their Social and Labour Plan (SLP) for sourcing of goods and services.
XCSA
Construction Audits
Local procurement in line with XCSA objectives.
Construction.
Socioeconomic
Operation
Employ local people.
Xstrata is committed to local recruitment and procurement where feasible, as well as involving the community in training and enterprise development opportunities
XCSA
Operational Audits
Local employment in line with XCSA objectives.
Construction.
Socioeconomic
Operation
Investigate potable supply opportunities.
XCSA will commission a feasibility study to determine the most sustainable potable water supply option for the community.
XCSA
Operational Audits
Operations
Socioeconomic
Operation
Expand XCSA community development programme to include the project.
XCSA will continue to implement community development programmes, with periodic reviews and monitoring of existing projects to assess the success of implementation and any necessary adjustments.
XCSA
Operational Audits
Community development plan in place.
Operations
Socioeconomic
A temporary increase in employment opportunities followed by a decrease.
Closure
Establish retrenchment programme prior to closure.
A program of retrenchment and re-training during the Operational Phase, providing employees with clear, transparent information on planned activities and closure dates, offering full retrenchment packages or relocation to maintain employment at other operations sites where possible; An analysis of possible sustainable community development programs to be put in place; and
XCSA
Operational Audits
Retrenchment plan in place.
Prior to closure.
144
Discipline
Aspect
Project Phase
Objective
Timing
Heritage
It is highly unlikely that any one of the graveyards will be affected (destroyed, altered, damaged, removed) by the proposed Project.
Construction
Avoid / minimise impacts to cultural heritage
Graveyard GY03, GY04 and GY018 will be clearly indicated on project plans as no go areas. In addition where appropriate will be marked clearly on the ground using markers or fences; - If the graveyards are to be affected directly (physically) an independent archaeologist and forensic expert will be appointed to developed an appropriate plan of action.
ECO
Pre-construction audit
Graveyards marked on maps and plans and on the ground.
1 month prior to construction
Heritage
Accidental alteration, destruction or removal of unidentified cultural heritage during construction
Construction
Avoid / minimise impacts to cultural heritage
Method statement to be established relating to chance find procedures to be produced and distributed to all contractors and workforce in order to reduce the potential for accidental destruction of heritage resources during mine development. The method statement will include: - An indication of heritage resources to be aware of (prepared by an heritage expert); - Stop work procedures in the event of a find (to be developed by the mine manager); and - Contact details for SAHRA and an accredited archaeologist (ASAPA) who should be contacted in the event of a find.
ECO
Chance find procedures in place and with contractor.
1 month prior to construction.
Visual
Pipeline Construction WTP and Pipeline Construction WTP Construction WTP and Pipeline Construction
Pipeline infrastructure construction activities in high visual resource value areas (stream crossings and natural vegetation cover areas) Construction activities in areas of moderate visual resource value Construction of water treatment plant infrastructure, feeder dam, brine and slurry ponds in area of moderate visual resource value Airborne dust as a result of construction activity Presence of above-ground pipeline crossings and other pipeline infrastructure in high visual resource value areas (stream crossings and natural vegetation cover areas)
Construction
Visual
Construction Minimise visual intrusion Construction
All construction areas will be kept neat and orderly and will be subject to inspection by the ECO at any time. Directional lighting to be used at night.
Construction audits.
Visual
Good housekeeping at all construction areas. Directional lighting used.
Construction phase.
Visual
Construction
Visual
Operation
Minimise dust.
See air quality measures
145
Discipline
Aspect
Description of impact Presence of water treatment plant infrastructure in area of moderate visual resource value Presence of feeder dam, brine and slurry ponds in area of moderate visual resource value Light impacts at night. Reclamation activities leading to temporary removal of natural vegetation and land cover, transformation of the site topography, presence of construction machinery and dust pollution Reinstatement of natural topography and topography and resultant improvement in the visual resource value Minor congestion at the junction to the WTP or when a number of deliveries arrive at the same time; and
Project Phase
Objective
Indicator / Performance Criteria Sludge and brine ponds side slopes vegetated. Directional lighting utilised. Directional lighting installed.
Timing
Visual
Operation
Minimise visual impacts
XCSA will landscape side slopes of brine and sludge ponds with indigenous vegetation. Directional lighting will be used for all outdoor lighting. Directional lighting will be utilised (lights will be directed to buildings).
Construction.
Visual
Lighting at night
Operation
Minimise light impacts.
XCSA
Construction audit.
Construction.
Visual
Closure
Minimise visual impacts
Apply construction measures.
Visual
Closure
Ensure area rehabilitated following closure.
Implement rehabilitation and closure plan.
Traffic
Construction
Minimise journey times for vehicles.
Xstrata will follow their Social and Labour Plan (SLP) for sourcing of goods and services.
XCSA
Construction Audits
Construction.
Traffic
Increased risk of traffic-related accidents and injuries to workers and local communities.
Construction
Reduce the risk of traffic accidents.
Traffic control measures will be established (traffic lights / three way stop) at the entrance of the WTP on the R545. XCSAs health and safety policies and procedures for drivers will apply to all employees and contractors at the WTP.
XCSA
Construction Audits
No increase in vehicle accident rate.
Construction.
146
9.5
9.5.1
Specific Plans
Soils Handling, Storage and Rehabilitation Plan
Stripping and stockpiling is an impact on soil, land capability and land use, but it is important to realize that the way in which this action is performed is also part of the mitigation measures. The impact on soil, land capability and land use are mitigated by means of the rehabilitation process, which commences with proper stripping and stockpiling of topsoil during the construction phase, as opposed to a process that starts with replacing of topsoil during the decommissioning phase. As the project is likely to have an indefinite duration, and may be operational for a long period of time, specific planning for rehabilitation of the WTP footprint is not feasible at this stage. However, as useful soils will be cleared by the project construction, these will be placed in adjacent areas (such as previously excavated areas) to re-establish and enhance the neighbouring soils and land capability. Rehabilitation and subsequent mitigation, consists therefore of the following phases:
Stripping and stockpiling of topsoil; Backfilling of pipeline trenches and previously excavated areas adjacent to the WTP to establish to a free draining surface (subsoil materials); Replacing and levelling of topsoil and preparation of the surface (along pipelines and at excavated areas adjacent to the WTP); and Soil amelioration and re-vegetation.
If the first phase of rehabilitation, namely proper stripping and stockpiling of topsoil, are not done with the aim to reinstate post-rehabilitation land capability similar to pre-construction land capability, then successful rehabilitation will not be achieved and it will probably result in a serious deterioration from pre-construction to post-rehabilitation land capability. It is therefore crucial to follow the proposed rehabilitation procedures precisely in order to minimise degradation of soil characteristics and to re-establish the highest possible post-rehabilitation land capability.
Construction phase
Stripping and stockpiling principles
The term topsoil refers to the A and B-horizons of the soil profile as defined in the Taxonomic Soil Classification system for South Africa. The A-horizon comprises the upper part (0-300 mm) of the soil profile and the B-horizon from 300 mm up to the stripping depth specified per soil type indicated in Figure 23. Stripping, stockpiling and replacing of topsoil has a very high impact on soil, land capability and land use and the procedures followed during execution of these actions directly influence the post-rehabilitation land capability and consequently determine the degree of deterioration from pre-construction to post-rehabilitation land capability. They also directly determine the possible post-rehabilitation land uses. During stripping and stockpiling the following principles should be adhered to:
Prevent mixing of high quality topsoil (A and B-horizons) with low quality underlying material to ensure sufficient volumes of high quality soil for rehabilitation. The quality of soil earmarked for rehabilitation purposes deteriorates significantly when the high quality topsoil is mixed with the underlying poorer quality material (clay layers, calcrete, plinthite, weathered rock etc.). This results in significant deterioration in the quality of the soils physical and chemical properties and a decline in the soil fertility necessary for re-vegetation. The deterioration in soil quality also significantly increases the susceptibility of rehabilitated soils for erosion and seal and crust formation. Separate stockpiling of different soil types to obtain the highest post-mining land capability. Topsoil quality or potential is not just limited to the grade of soil generally referred to as topsoil but can vary from very high to low due to various properties. Soil properties of different soil types can vary substantially, e.g. high quality red and yellow well-drained soils and low quality grey poorly drained
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wetland soils can occur over very short distances in the same field. Mixing of different soil types results in rapid changes in soil properties and characteristics such as texture, infiltration rates and water holding capacity over short distances after replacement, which will definitely adversely affect the postrehabilitation land capability.
Separate stripping, stockpiling and replacing of soil horizons (A and B-horizon) in the original natural sequence to combat hardsetting and compaction, maintain soil fertility and conserve the natural seed source. The higher soil fertility of the A-horizon, especially phosphorus and carbon contents, declines significantly when it is mixed with the B-horizon, resulting in poorer re-vegetation success. It also increases the susceptibility to compaction and hard setting. The A-horizon also serves as a seed source which will enhance the re-establishing of natural species. The A and B-horizons should be stripped and stockpiled separately and replaced with the A-horizon overlying the B-horizon. Contrary to the general perception, separate stockpiling of different soil types and horizons does not have significant cost implications for the mine and only requires planning and continuing management.
The soil horizons and properties influencing stripping and stockpiling procedures are discussed in further detail in APPENDIX G
Stripping and stockpiling procedure

Stripping and stockpiling of topsoil takes place during the construction phase only. The following stripping and stockpiling procedures need to be executed precisely: Figure 40 shows the soil types in the proposed plant footprint that need to be stripped and stockpiled on two separate stockpiles. The A and B-horizon should be stripped and stockpiled separately and marked with a signboard as specified in the guidelines for the rehabilitation of mined land (Chamber of Mines of South Africa., 2007). The size of the stockpiles should be based on the soil volume per stockpile as indicated in Figure 40.
Soils to be stripped and stockpiled on stockpile 1 are shown in green and consist of high quality yellow brown soils. Stockpile 1 consists of separate sections for the A (0-300mm) and B-horizons (300-900 mm). Soils to be stripped and stockpiled on stockpile 2 are shown in orange and consist of somewhat disturbed soils, contaminated with building rubble, tar, concrete slabs and low quality terrestrial subsoil material at places. The surface should first be cleaned before stripping and stockpiling takes place. Due to the existing disturbance, the total soil profile (0-500 mm) can be stockpiled together and should be consider as B-horizons soils. The proposed topsoil stockpile positions are outlined in green and orange. The most suitable stockpile positions should be determined by the construction and mining engineers, considering all the practical implications. The positions should be surveyed and staked out by the mine surveyor.
The soil types that should be stripped and stockpiled either separately or together are shown in Figure 40. The figure includes a table that shows the stripping depths, the areas and percentages as well as the total soil volume per soil type, based on the stripping depth. It also shows the replacing depth (topsoil thickness) and post-rehabilitation land capability class. This was determined by calculating the total soil volume per soil group (stockpile), divided by the original area which was stripped. This implies that the total footprint (including the areas with currently no topsoil), will be replaced at a single average depth of 400 mm.
Replacing and levelling of topsoil and preparation of the surface
The total soil volume of stockpiles 1 and 2 at the WTP should be spread evenly around adjacent areas. The available soil volume should be sufficient to cover the area to a depth of 400 mm. The excavated areas (inclusive of pipeline trenches) should first be covered with soil of the B-horizons. Care should be taken to tip enough soil per square unit to reinstate the total required B-horizon thickness at once. The dumped soil heaps should thus only be levelled to reach the required horizon/soil thickness. This will prevent compaction in the lower profile which cannot be alleviated
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afterwards. Spreading of soil over far distances and repeated traversing should be avoided. Caterpillartype tracked equipment is preferred for levelling of the B-horizons due to the large quantities of soil that need to be handled and the tracks cause less compaction. Bowl scrapers cause enormous compaction and should not be used.
The A-horizon should then be tipped systematically over the loosened B-horizon surface and spread evenly. Replacing the A-horizon involves much smaller quantities of soil and a combination of a lighter dozer and grader should be used. Graders have the ability to create a more even surface with less traversing than a dozer, without creating too much compaction. The replaced topsoil thickness should be progressively monitored during replacement to verify if it is similar to the replacing depth and to prevent that shortages of topsoil are encountered.
Soil amelioration and re-vegetation
The soil fertility status should be determined by soil chemical analysis after levelling (before seeding/revegetation), and soil amelioration should be done accordingly as recommended by a soil specialist, in order to correct the pH and nutrition status before re-vegetation. The rehabilitated sections should be re-vegetated with a grass mixture dominated by local climax species in early summer to stabilize the soil. A short term fertilizer program should be based on the soil chemical status after the first year in order to maintain the fertility status for 2 to 3 years after rehabilitation until the area can be declared as selfsustaining.
Post-rehabilitation land capability requirements

The post-rehabilitation land capability class will be determined mainly by the soil type and the thickness of the soil layer placed back on the subsoil surface. Other factors and characteristics that might influence the post-rehabilitation land capability are slope, compaction and reduction of soil quality due to contamination of soils by subsoil and soft overburden material. A post-rehabilitation land capability assessment needs to be done by a soil specialist by means of auger observations at a grid spacing of 50 x 50 m. This is required to evaluate the rehabilitation procedures and to verify that the topsoil thickness is similar to the replacing depths.
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Figure 40: Soils Stripping and Stockpiling Guide
Operational phase
No handling of topsoil will take place during the operational phase
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9.6
9.6.1
Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

Pre-construction Audit
A pre-construction audit will be undertaken to verify compliance with the actions outlined in the EMP for the pre-construction phase of the project. If non-compliances are identified the pre-construction audit will make recommendations on what actions should be undertaken to comply with the EMP for pre-construction. The scope of the pre-construction audit will include:
Verification that detailed design parameters have been addressed in detailed planning i.e. storm water management, river crossings, erosion protection, and water management systems; and Verifying that:
Environmental monitoring has commenced; Equipment procurement criteria is in place; and Chance find procedures are in place. 9.6.2 Auditing/Inspections
During the construction phase of the project, the ECO will be responsible for undertaking audits and inspections to verify compliance with the EMP, and any conditions of the environmental approval. These audits will be undertaken on a regular basis (fortnightly) and also ad hoc and any non-compliance will be recorded. Weekly tracking records of compliance will be produced and discussed during weekly EHS toolbox talks which will occur between the contractor and the ECO. An independent environmental audit will be undertaken once every two months for the duration of the construction phase and closure phases and bi-annually during the operational phase of the Project. The environmental audit team will include a wetland ecologist.
9.6.3
Environmental Monitoring
Groundwater
A groundwater monitoring program will be developed and implemented as follows: Two groundwater monitoring boreholes will be drilled down-gradient of the brine and sludge ponds.
Monitoring Frequency
Quarterly (The schedule will be reviewed after a period of two years)

Parameters
The water quality parameters to be tested for will include pH, EC, TDS, Total Alkalinity, Ca, Mg, Na,
K, Cl, SO4, F, SAR, NO3, PO4, Dissolved Mn, Dissolved Fe and Dissolved Al.
Records
All records will be stored at XCSA Tweefontein. 9.6.4 Surface Water monitoring
Surface water monitoring will be continued as illustrated in Figure 27 and described in Section 5.1.6. An additional monitoring point will be established immediately downstream of the WTP discharge point and will monitor both flow and quality.
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Sampling will take place monthly at the sites. The water quality parameters to be tested for will include pH, EC, TDS, Total Alkalinity, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, SO4, F, SAR, NO3, PO4, Dissolved Mn, Dissolved Fe and Dissolved Al.
9.6.5
Ecological Monitoring
The existing Tweefontein ecological monitoring programme will be extended to include the Project area.
9.7
9.7.1
General Environmental Procedures

Method Statements
Method statements from the contractor will be required for specific sensitive actions on request of the authorities or ECO. All method statements will form part of the EMP documentation and are subject to all terms and conditions contained within the EMP document. For each instance where it is requested that the contractor submit a method statement to the satisfaction of ECO, the format should clearly indicate the following:
What a brief description of the work to be undertaken; How a detailed description of the process of work, methods and materials; Where a description / sketch map of the locality of work; When the sequencing (phases) of actions with commencement date and completion date estimates; and The performance criteria applicable.
The contractor must submit the method statement before any particular construction activity is due to start. Work may not commence until the method statement has been approved by the ECO. The EMP currently indicates that method statements are required from the contractor for the following:
Hazardous waste (used oil) management; Storage of fuel and re-fuelling procedures; and Construction waste storage, collection and disposal
9.7.2
Record Keeping
All records related to the implementation of this management plan (e.g. site instruction book, ECO diary, method statements, etc.) must be kept together in a safe place. Records should be kept for two years and be available at any time for scrutiny by any relevant authority.
9.8
9.8.1
Standards and Guidelines

Air Quality
The standards and guidelines to which the performance criteria will be evaluated against are as follows:
At this current point in time there are no legislated standards or regulations in terms of allowable dust fallout rates. Furthermore there is no national standard in terms of the methodology for dust fallout monitoring, or in terms of the equipment design. The Department of Water and Environmental Affairs (DWEA) (the old DEAT) have published guideline values for allowable dust fallout which have been accepted by the Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) as the reference fallout rates for dust deposition for the purpose of Environmental Management Programme Reports (EMPRs) (Table 26).
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Table 26: DWEA dust fallout guidelines Classification Very Heavy Heavy Moderate Slight Dust fallout averaged over 1 month (30-day average) (mg/m /day) > 1200 500 1200 250 500 < 250
2
On 27 May 2011 the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs (DWEA), published the proposed Draft National Dust Control Regulations for public comment (Government Gazette no 34307). It is the intention that these regulations be passed into law following the closure of the public consultation period (Golder anticipates this to occur during 2012). The XMWTP will therefore take cognisance of these draft regulations and will operate in such a manner that these regulations can be met. The draft regulations propose the following:
No person may conduct any activity in such a way to give rise to dust in such quantities and concentrations that:
The dust or dust fallout has a detrimental effect on the environment, including health, social
conditions, economic conditions, ecological conditions or cultural heritage or has contributed to the degradation of the ambient air quality beyond the premises where it originates from;
The dust remains visible in the ambient air beyond the premises where it originates from; or The dust fall at the boundary or beyond the boundary of the premises where it originates exceeds
600 mg/m /day averaged over 30 days in residential and light commercial areas measured using reference method ASTM D1739; or 1200 mg/m /day averaged over 30 days in areas other than residential and light commercial areas measured using reference method ASTM D1739.
2 2
9.8.2
Surface Water
Compliance criteria for surface water relate to the Resource Water Quality Objectives (RWQO) for Witbank Dam catchment management units (specifically Management Unit Number 5) as defined by DWA (DWAF, 2009) shown in Table 27. The target objective will be compliance with the RWQO at the Zaaiwaterspruit discharge point monitoring location. Table 27 : Summary of existing RWQO for Witbank Dam catchment management units Water Quality Variable PHYSICAL Conductivity pH Dissolved Oxygen Suspended Solids % sat mg/ mS/m 35 6.5 9.0 70 100 120 2.0 70 6.5 9.0 70 25 50 0.5 0.5 6.5 9.0 70 25 50 2.0 6.5 9.0 70 25 50 2.0 70 6.5 9.0 70 25 50 0.5 0.5 6.5 9.0 70 2.0 70 6.5 9.0 70 0.5 0.5 60 6.5 9.0 70 0.5 0.5 70 6.5 9.0 70 25 50 120 0.5 0.5 Units Management Units 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Turbidity NTU CHEMICAL, INORGANIC Alkalinity, CaCO3 Barium, Ba Boron, B mg/ mg/ mg/
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Water Quality Variable Bromide, Br Calcium, Ca Chloride, Cl Fluoride, F Magnesium, Mg Potassium, K Sodium, Na Sulphate, SO4
Units mg/ mg/ mg/ mg/ mg/ mg/ mg/ mg/
Management Units 1 24 20 1 15 50 30 30 1.5 2 1 150 25 1 70 50 70 200 1.5 3 1.5 50 620 1.5 4 1.5 50 830 1.5 5 1 150 25 1 70 50 70 380 1.5 6 1.5 50 380 1.5 7 1 150 25 1 70 50 70 140 1.5 8 1 40 25 1 25 50 70 80 1.5 9 1 24 25 1 15 50 70 155 450 1.5
Total dissolved mg/ solids Sodium Adsorption 0.5 meql Ratio (SAR) METALS (Dissolved) Iron, Fe Manganese, Mn Aluminium, Al PLANT NUTRIENTS Ammonia , NH3-N Nitrate, NO3-N Phosphate, PO4-P Total Phosphorus
*
mg/ mg/ mg/ mgN/ mgN/ mgP/ mgP/
1.0 0.5 0.1 0.02 -
1.0 0.5 0.1 0.02 6 0.05 0.2 100 15
1.0 0.5 0.1 0.02 0.05 0.2 100 15
1.0 0.5 0.1 0.02 0.05 0.2 100 15
1.0 0.5 0.1 0.02 6 0.05 0.2 -
1.0 0.5 0.1 0.02 -
1.0 0.5 0.1 0.02 6 -
1.0 0.5 0.1 0.02 6 -
0.1 0.5 0.1 0.02 6 0.02 0.05 0.2 100 15
Total Nitrogen mgN/ MICROBIOLOGICAL Faecal Coliform Chlorophyll a

Note:
# per 100m g/
*free, unionised ammonia form (NH3)
9.8.3 9.8.4
Groundwater Noise and Vibration
No deterioration from baseline conditions.
Compliance will be evaluated against DEA. NO. R. 154. Noise Control Regulations in Terms of Section 25 of the Environmental Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No. 73 of 1989). Govt. Gazette. No. 13717, 10 January 1992.
9.9
NON-COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES
Non-Compliances are occurrences when management actions, discharges or emissions do not conform to the objectives of the EMP. The procedures relating to Non-Compliance are as follows:
Identification of Non-Compliance, through environmental and social monitoring or internal or external auditing of the EMP; Investigation into the root cause of the non-compliance; Communication (verbally and in writing) with responsible person;
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Implementation of measures to regain compliance; Documenting the incident (if significant) on site log; and
Future monitoring of the non-compliance by the ECO. 9.10 Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan
XCSA Tweefontein emergency preparedness and response plan will be extended to include the WTP and pipelines.
9.11
Finalising the EMP
This EMP will be updated to include any conditions provided by the Regulator(s) within any Environmental Authorisation. In addition, the EMP will be updated whenever necessary throughout the life of mine to reflect any changes or additional measures as appropriate.
10.0 REHABILITATION AND CLOSURE PLANNING

XCSA will develop a detailed closure plan, within two years prior to the closure of the project. As it is the intention that this project should operate indefinitely, this section provides closure objectives for the project, should the facility need to be closed. The following battery limits are relevant to this closure situation:
Water treatment plant capable of treating an average flow of 45 M /day; Two raw water storage ponds of 15,000 m that will ensure a 24 hour supply of mine water to the water treatment plant; An emergency brine pond of 15,900 m able to accommodate three months of brine production in the event that the water treatment plant shut down or the brine management system fails; One primary sludge and one secondary pond, each of 36,500 m that can accommodate 2,5 years of sludge production each; and Excess water discharge pipe, able to accommodate the estimated volume of water for the final phase of the water treatment plant development. The pipeline consists of, measured from the water treatment plant:
3 3 3
100 m pipeline with diameter 560 mm; 100 m pipeline with diameter 700 mm ; and 681 m pipeline with diameter of 800 mm.
It has been assumed that, should the WTP need to be decommissioned and dismantled all related infrastructure (raw water ponds, brine and sludge ponds, pipelines and pumps and actual RO plant) will be removed and the footprint area rehabilitated. The closure objectives for the WTP are as follows:
Remove all pipelines and associated pumps linking the two mining operations to the WTP, potentially leaving in situ, underground pipelines in wetland areas; Dismantle and remove all infrastructure directly related to the RO WTP; Capping, covering and profiling the brine and sludge ponds to accept an appropriate growth medium layer (topsoil) suitable for the establishment of vegetation;
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Shape, level and profile the remaining disturbed footprint area, and vegetate; Conduct routine surface water, groundwater and ecological health monitoring to ensure that the implemented closure measures achieve the stipulated performance objectives on an on-going basis towards eventual site relinquishment; and Implement corrective action, as directed by the above monitoring, to ensure that the performance objectives/criteria are achieved.
Should closure be required, a detailed rehabilitation and closure plan will be developed for the project.
10.1
PROJECT MOTIVATION: NEED AND DESIRABILITY
The objective of the project is to collect and treat mine water accumulating within the underground operations at ATC/Tavistock 2# and at Boschmans South. This will allow mining to take place within previously flooded areas and provide clean water to Xstratas potable water network, the proposed Lesedi Power Plant and possibly to the Phola Reservoir for community water supply. Any excess treated water would be discharged into the Zaaiwaterspruit. The need and desirability of the Project can be summarised as follows:
Pollution collection and treatment of contaminated Groundwater; Provision of potable water to water users, potentially including communities; Potential dilution of polluted surface water sources through the discharge of clean water into the Zaaiwaterspruit; and Mining operations will be able to continue in currently flooded underground areas, allowing mining to continue to contribute to the economy of the region.
11.0 NEXT STEPS IN THE EIA PROCESS

The next step is finalising Draft EIA Report and EMP following a period of public review. Following completion public review period on the Draft EIA, the report will be updated and submitted for final public comment and to the regulator for approval (following the 21 day public review period on the Final EIA).
11.1.1
Stages at which the competent authorities will be consulted
Competent authorities (namely MDEDET, DMR, DEA and DWA) have been consulted prior to formally commencing the environmental permitting process and will continue to be consulted as follows:
Once the draft Scoping Report has been prepared (in April 2012); During the scoping report decision making phase (June / July 2012); Once the draft EIA has been prepared (November 2012); and During the EIA decision making phase as requested (November 2012 to February 2013).
12.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The positive benefits of the Project (clean water, allowing mining to continue and employment) provide a strong argument as to why the project should be approved. By identifying sensitive areas (wetlands) early in the design phase, and throughout the EIA process and avoiding these areas as far as possible, through project layout, as well as designing measures to reduce the impact on wetlands, the negative impacts have been avoided and minimised to the extent possible. By implementing best practice engineering measures (liners and leak detection systems for the sludge and brine ponds and pipelines) as well as the measures
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outlined in the EMP and implementing a Project to provide community potable water supply, the project should provide an overall benefit to the area, offsetting to an extent the current impacts of mining.
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13.0 UNDERTAKING
UNDERTAKING BY XSTRATA COAL SOUTH AFRICA I,_______________________, the undersigned and duly authorised thereto by the Company Xstrata Coal South Africa Ltd. have studied and understand the contents of this document in its entirety and hereby duly undertake to adhere to the conditions as set out therein including the amendment(s) agreed to by the Regional Manager and approved on
Signed at.___________________. On this day of . 2012.
....................................... Signature of applicant
....................................... Designation
AGENCY DECLARATION: THIS DOCUMENT WAS COMPLETED BY GOLDER ASSOCIATES ON BEHALF OF XSTRATA COAL SOUTH AFRICA LTD.
APPROVAL
Approved in terms of Section 39(4) of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act 29 of 2002)
Signed at.on this......................day of............2012.
.........................................
REGIONAL MANAGER REGION:
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14.0 REFERENCES
Alade, O. (2010). Characteristics of particulate matter over the SA industrialised Highveld. M Sc research project. Johannesburg: Department of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of Witwatersrand. APCD. (1995). Colorado State Implementation Plan for Particulate Matter (PM10) - Denver Metropolitan Non-attainment Area Element, jointly prepared by Regional Air Quality Council and Colorado Department of Health, Air Pollution Control Division, signed into. Avzcons. (2010). Traffic Impact Study. Proposed closure/realignment of sections of roads D2770 (R547) & P141-1. Clean Stream Environmental Consultants. E09-012. AvzconS. (2010). Traffic Impact Study. Proposed closure/realignment of sections of roads D2770 (R547) & P141-1. Clean Stream Environmental Consultants. E09-012. BBOP. (2009). Biodiversity Offset Implementation Handbook. Blast Management and Consulting. (2010). Tweefontein Optimisation Project Approval Gate Guideline Ground Vibration and Air Blast Study. Borm, P. J., & Tran, L. (2002). Form quartz hazard to quartz risk: the coal mines revisited. Annal of Occupational Hygiene, 25-32. Bredenkamp. (1989). BREDENKAMP, G.J., JOUBERT, A.F. AND BEZUIDENHOUT. H. 1989. A reconnaissance survey of the vegetation of the Potchefstroom-Fochville-Parys area. South African Journal of Botany 55: 199-206. Bromilow, C. (2010). Problem Plants and Alien Weeds of South Africa. Pretoria: Briza Publishers. Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency. (1999). Cumulative Effects Assessment - Practitioners Guide. Carruthers, V. (2001). Frogs and Frogging in South Africa. Cape Town : Struik Publishers. Chamber of Mines of South Africa. (2007). Guidelines for the rehabilitation of mined land. Johannesburg: Coaltech Research Association. Cleanstream. (2010). Ambient Air Quality Impact Study in Support of the Proposed Tweefontein Optimisation Project. Cleanstream. (2010). Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Programme Report for the Tweefonetain Optimisation Project. Cleanstream. (2010). Environmental Noise Report in Support of the Proposed Tweefontein Optimisation Project . Cleanstream. (2010). Visual Impact Assessment for the proposed Tweefontein Optimisation Project (TOP) (MetroGIS / Clean Stream. Cleanstream Biological Services. (2010). Aquatic Fauna Assessment for the Tweefontein Optimisation Project (TOP), Tweefontein Complex. Coetzee. (1993). COETZEE, J.P., BREDENKAMP, G.J. AND VAN ROOYEN, N. 1993. The sub-humid warm temperate mountain bushveld plant communities of the Pretoria-Witbank-Heidelberg area. South African Journal of Botany 59: 623-632. Costanza. (1997). Costanza, R., d'Arge, R., de Groot, R., Farber, S., Grasso, M., Hannon, B., Limburg, K., Naeem, S., O'Neill, R.V., Paruelo, J., Raskin, R.G., Sutton, P., van den Belt, M.,. The value of the world's ecosystem services and natural capital. Nature, 387,.
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December 2012

XSTRATA COAL SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD

Report Number. Distribution:

XSTRATA MINE WATER RECLAMATION SCHEME - FINAL EIA

PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT

December 2012 Report No. 10613280 - 11760 - 8

XSTRATA MINE WATER RECLAMATION SCHEME - FINAL EIA

December 2012 Report No. 10613280 - 11760 - 8

XSTRATA MINE WATER RECLAMATION SCHEME - FINAL EIA

PUBLIC REVIEW OF THE FINAL EIA/EMP REPORT

The report is also available on the Golder Associates website: www.golder.com/public

DUE DATE FOR COMMENT ON THIS FINAL EIA/EMP REPORT

Please submit comments to the relevant persons listed below:

December 2012 Report No. 10613280 - 11760 - 8

XSTRATA MINE WATER RECLAMATION SCHEME - FINAL EIA

Positive impacts associated with:

Negative impacts relate to:

XSTRATA MINE WATER RECLAMATION SCHEME - FINAL EIA

Mitigation measures for the above impacts include:

Undertaking best practice construction practices ensuring good housekeeping, hazardous

December 2012 Report No. 10613280 - 11760 - 8

XSTRATA MINE WATER RECLAMATION SCHEME - FINAL EIA

December 2012 Report No. 10613280 - 11760 - 8

XSTRATA MINE WATER RECLAMATION SCHEME - FINAL EIA

December 2012 Report No. 10613280 - 11760 - 8

XSTRATA MINE WATER RECLAMATION SCHEME - FINAL EIA

2.6 2.6.1 2.6.2 2.6.3 3.0

December 2012 Report No. 10613280 - 11760 - 8

XSTRATA MINE WATER RECLAMATION SCHEME - FINAL EIA

December 2012 Report No. 10613280 - 11760 - 8

XSTRATA MINE WATER RECLAMATION SCHEME - FINAL EIA

December 2012 Report No. 10613280 - 11760 - 8

XSTRATA MINE WATER RECLAMATION SCHEME - FINAL EIA

December 2012 Report No. 10613280 - 11760 - 8

XSTRATA MINE WATER RECLAMATION SCHEME - FINAL EIA

December 2012 Report No. 10613280 - 11760 - 8

XSTRATA MINE WATER RECLAMATION SCHEME - FINAL EIA

December 2012 Report No. 10613280 - 11760 - 8

XSTRATA MINE WATER RECLAMATION SCHEME - FINAL EIA

December 2012 Report No. 10613280 - 11760 - 8

XSTRATA MINE WATER RECLAMATION SCHEME - FINAL EIA

December 2012 Report No. 10613280 - 11760 - 8

XSTRATA MINE WATER RECLAMATION SCHEME - FINAL EIA

GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

BID CBO Cleanstream DEA DM DMR

DSR DTM DWA EC ECO EIA EIS eLM EMC

December 2012 Report No. 10613280 - 11760 - 8

XSTRATA MINE WATER RECLAMATION SCHEME - FINAL EIA

HDSA HIA HPA HR4 I&APs IDP LM m

December 2012 Report No. 10613280 - 11760 - 8

XSTRATA MINE WATER RECLAMATION SCHEME - FINAL EIA

Abbreviation mamsl MAR MDEDET

Ml/day MR MTPA N/A NEMA NEMWA NGOs NHRA NWA

PES PM10 RHP SANS RSA SANBI SLP TDS TOP

December 2012 Report No. 10613280 - 11760 - 8

XSTRATA MINE WATER RECLAMATION SCHEME - FINAL EIA

December 2012 Report No. 10613280 - 11760 - 8

XSTRATA MINE WATER RECLAMATION SCHEME - FINAL EIA

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND Overview

December 2012 Report No. 10613280 - 11760 - 8

XSTRATA MINE WATER RECLAMATION SCHEME - FINAL EIA

Details of the Proponent

Table 1 Project Proponent