proposed provision of a third tippler and associated ... tippler 3 draft basic... · report draft...

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Proposed Provision of a Third Tippler and Associated Infrastructure at the

Port of Saldanha

DRAFT BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT

DRAFT

July 2013 J31459

J31459 Tippler Draft Basic Assessment Report 20130718 NKKPJMBNK.doc Rev 0 / July 2013

Proposed Provision of a Third Tippler and Associated Infrastructure at the Port

of Saldanha: Basic Assessment Report

CONTENTS

Chapter Description Page

SECTION A: ACTIVITY INFORMATION 3

SECTION B: SITE/AREA/PROPERTY DESCRIPTION 28

SECTION C: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 39

SECTION D: IMPACT ASSESSMENT 43

SECTION E. RECOMMENDATION OF PRACTITIONER 55 APPENDICES Appendix A: Site Plans A1: Site map A2: Layout/route map A3: Sensitivity map (tippler) A4: Sensitivity map (bridge) A5: Regional map Appendix B: Photographs Appendix C: Facility Illustrations Appendix D: Specialist Reports D1: Air quality D2: Noise Appendix E: Public Participation and Comment and Response Report Appendix F: Impact Assessment Appendix G: Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) Appendix H: Details of Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP), Expertise and Declaration of

Interest Appendix I: Details of Specialists and Declarations of Interest Appendix J: Additional Information

BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT

Tippler 3 Draft Basic Assessment Report 2

(For official use only)

File Reference Number:

Application Number:

Date Received:

Basic assessment report in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010, promulgated in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), as amended.

Kindly note that: 1. This basic assessment report is a standard report that may be required by a competent authority in terms

of the EIA Regulations, 2010 and is meant to streamline applications. Please make sure that it is the report used by the particular competent authority for the activity that is being applied for.

2. This report format is current as of 1 September 2012. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ascertain whether subsequent versions of the form have been published or produced by the competent authority

3. The report must be typed within the spaces provided in the form. The size of the spaces provided is not necessarily indicative of the amount of information to be provided. The report is in the form of a table that can extend itself as each space is filled with typing.

4. Where applicable tick the boxes that are applicable in the report.

5. An incomplete report may be returned to the applicant for revision.

6. The use of ―not applicable‖ in the report must be done with circumspection because if it is used in respect of material information that is required by the competent authority for assessing the application, it may result in the rejection of the application as provided for in the regulations.

7. This report must be handed in at offices of the relevant competent authority as determined by each authority.

8. No faxed or e-mailed reports will be accepted.

9. The signature of the EAP on the report must be an original signature.

10. The report must be compiled by an independent environmental assessment practitioner.

11. Unless protected by law, all information in the report will become public information on receipt by the competent authority. Any interested and affected party should be provided with the information contained in this report on request, during any stage of the application process.

12. A competent authority may require that for specified types of activities in defined situations only parts of this report need to be completed.

13. Should a specialist report or report on a specialised process be submitted at any stage for any part of this application, the terms of reference for such report must also be submitted.

14. Two (2) colour hard copies and one (1) electronic copy of the report must be submitted to the competent authority.

15. Shape files (.shp) for maps must be included on the electronic copy of the report submitted to the competent authority.



SECTION A: ACTIVITY INFORMATION

Has a specialist been consulted to assist with the completion of this section? YES NO x

If YES, please complete the form entitled ―Details of specialist and declaration of interest‖ for the specialist appointed and attach in Appendix I. 1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

a) Describe the project associated with the listed activities applied for

BACKGROUND Introduction Transnet SOC Ltd proposes to install a third iron ore tippler (Tippler 3) at the Port of Saldanha. In a tippler, open bulk freight rail wagons are unloaded by rotation. The two iron ore tipplers currently in operation in the Port of Saldanha are approaching the end of their design life spans. A back-up tippler is therefore required to allow for major overhaul of the two existing tipplers. This project forms part of Transnet’s efforts to stay competitive in the international market for iron ore exports out of the Port of Saldanha, which forms the tail end of their Sishen – Saldanha iron ore railway. Transnet is a state owned company, which strives to deliver integrated, efficient services to promote economic growth within South Africa. Transnet, operating as an integrated freight transport company, contains five Operating Divisions and is supported by three Specialist Units as follows:

Operating Divisions:

Transnet Freight Rail;

Transnet Engineering;

Transnet National Ports Authority;

Transnet Port Terminals; and

Transnet Pipelines. Specialist Units:

Transnet Foundation;

Transnet Capital Projects; and

Transnet Property. Iron Ore Export South Africa recently overtook India as China’s third largest iron ore supplier and in 2012 provided China with 40.6 million tonnes. This was a 12% improvement on the 2011 export figures. South Africa’s revenue generated from iron ore export is steadily increasing and it is important that South Africa remains a strong competitor in the mining industry. At present a maximum of 60 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of iron ore is set for export from the Port of Saldanha. Transnet have determined that a new iron ore tippler is required in order to maintain the current capacity. Transnet are not seeking an expansion of their iron ore export operations through this Basic Assessment. PROPOSED ACTIVITIES Study Area The site for the proposed new tippler is located at the Saldanha Port which is South Africa's largest deep water port approximately 130 km north of Cape Town. The site is bordered on the northern side by the



road-over-rail bridge providing access to the west coast road just south of Salkor Yard (the marshalling yard) and on the southern side by the rail stop-block near the port jetty. The existing tipplers (Tipplers 1 and 2) are located just north of the stockpile area, which is adjacent to the port loading facility. A conveyor system transports the ore from the tipplers to the stockpile. The preferred location for the new tippler is approximately 1.4 km north of the existing tipplers near the Saldanha steel factory ArcelorMittal. From here a system of conveyors will also transport the ore to the stockpiles. Locality maps are provided in Appendix A and affected properties are listed in Appendix J. Principles of Tippler 3 Operation The 342-wagon loaded iron ore trains are split into three rakes of 114 wagons each at the Salkor Yard; from here they are shunted further down the track to the tipplers by a diesel locomotive. Wagons are emptied two at a time and the iron ore is transported on conveyor belts to stockpiles in the port. Iron ore from these stockpiles is later loaded onto waiting vessels. At the tippler, wagons are inverted through rotation to discharge the iron ore into a receiving bin feeding hoppers. Each hopper is fitted with five apron feeders, feeding the ore from the hoppers onto an incline conveyor transporting iron ore to the ship loading facilities at the port. In order to comply with air quality regulations a dust extraction and collection system is fitted to tipplers. The dust extraction system is operating continuously while unloading operations are taking place. A closely fitting shroud is installed around the tippler drum with a number of suction pipes at the back or bottom of the shroud, sucking air and also any dust in the air, in from the sides of the tippler drum. The five apron feeders are totally enclosed, each enclosure being fitted with a suction pipe over the discharge point to the conveyor. A tippler can offload c. 80 wagons in an hour. This amounts to 8 000 tonnes per hour if the wagons are fully loaded. An incline tunnel, of 310 m length, houses the conveyors transporting the ore from the feeders to the surface from where it is transported by overland conveyors to the port. A tippler building is approximately 110 m long, 37 m wide and 17 m high. The tippler building will be designed to house two tipplers, tippler 3 and also a potential fourth tippler (not to be built now and not included in this application). The design and operation of the third tippler follows the description above.

Tippler 3 equipment comprises of the following:

One tandem unit train wagon tippler

One wagon positioner

One set of entry train holding devices comprising wheel grippers

One set of exit train holding devices comprising wheel grippers

One hopper with five outlet bins

Five apron feeders with associated chutes and gates

Dust extraction system

Dust suppression reticulation

Conveyor belt linking Tippler 3 to the iron ore stockpiles

Water system for new conveyor transfer points and wagon spray systems

Potable water reticulation systems for new tippler.



Figure 1: Port of Saldanha: Inside of an existing tippler building (A), dust extractor (B), a loaded iron ore train

approaching tipplers 1 and 2 (C), loaded iron ore wagon inside a tippler (D).

Tippler Construction The new tippler building will be a steel superstructure with galvanized and painted steel sheet covers/ cladding, windows and doors including the brick and concrete control room. It will house two cranes of 20 ton lifting capacity, including their rails. The proposed new conveyor tunnel is expected to be ±160 m long. It is a single tunnel of rectangular concrete construction. The proposed tippler will be founded on rock, while the dust extraction plant is founded on a slab foundation. The positioner pulls the trains along through the tippler, and so requires a foundation to withstand the force that is required to move the loaded train. As the surface deposits are of sandy material it will be necessary to provide piles down to rock to support the foundation slab that runs down the length of travel of the positioner.

A A

B A

A

C A

D



Excavation is required for the tippler structure and the single conveyor tunnel, entailing excavation of 5 m to 7 m of soft material and 10 m of hard material. Two options were considered, i.e. a continuous embedded wall down to the top of granite rock at about 5 m depth, with excavation a depth of 10 m into the granite below; or an unsupported open excavation that consists of a battered slope (1:2) down to the granite rock and a wall below. Since the geotechnical conditions are not explicitly known, for costing purposes it was assumed that half of the excavated overburden would be open excavation and the other half embedded wall. The wall could be a pile wall or diaphragm wall. The difficulty of breaking through the calcrete layers is likely to be more easily done with pile wall construction than with a grab and chisel. The use of a cutter machine to excavate the diaphragm wall would make the option of diaphragm wall construction more favourable, but as it is a specialised machine it may be advantageous to configure the project design on more readily available pile boring plant. The preferred option is therefore the pile wall. It is recommended to use 600 mm diameter CFA piles at 650 mm centre to centre distances to obtain a waterproof wall. All piles would be bored to the limit of capability of the piling machine, which would be expected to take the pile base to the base of any completely weathered rock.

Figure 3. Vertical cross section through the proposed new tippler incline tunnel. .

Figure 2. Vertical cross section through the proposed new tippler building.



The expected shallow water table indicates that water will accumulate above the granite rock and flow towards the open rock excavation. The grouting required is likely to be confined to the shallow weathered part of the rock under the pile wall. Grouting should be carried out after blasting and excavating and should be targeted at the sections of the wall that are leaking. Control of ground water ingress would require a cut-off wall down to rock level behind the slope of the excavation. The tippler floor level is 3 m below MSL and 600 m from the sea. It is assumed that the vault floor will be fully tanked without under-drainage, depending on the rock structure. The tippler slab and superstructure will be equipped with permanent drainage systems and a vertical anchorage. The structure allows for a subsoil drainage system on the sides of the tippler building feeding a sump with permanent pumps. The ground water is pumped to a lined dam close to Tippler 3 to be available for re use or for discard. It is proposed that the construction will start with the relocation of Port Link Line 1 to a new position offset approximately 4 - 6 m from the newly constructed Port Link 2 (see below). Thereafter the supporting infrastructure and Tippler 3 will be built. Ballast for the new sections of railway line will most likely be sourced from existing licensed quarries. Conveyor A new conveyor will link Tippler 3 to the iron ore stock piles. The conveyor will be uni-directional and 1 600 m in length. The new conveyor will be positioned next to the existing ArcelorMittal conveyor. Refer to Appendix A6 for the position of the proposed conveyor. Satellite Workshops New satellite workshops will be required to provide for maintenance of localised infrastructure, thereby reducing the need to travel back to the existing main workshops. The Tippler 3 workshop will be located in close vicinity to the Tippler 3 amenities. A standard workshop type building with a floor area of 50 m2

is proposed. The building will be brick structures with basic services. These services include electrical, potable water and sewage and piped services. Water Supply A water reticulation system is required to cater for Tippler 3. The potable water reticulation system will be used for dust suppression in view of the distance from the industrial water system. Electricity Supply A new 11 kV process substation will be required to feed Tippler 3. The substation will be located in the Tippler 3 positioner building. The 11 kV substation will be supplied by substation P via two feeders. Railway lines Approximately 11 km of new railway track is required. Four additional railway lines of approximately 7.5 km combined length will be needed to feed the new tippler, these consist of two new arrival lines (approaching the tippler), one stacking line (for when the wagons have passed through the tippler and one escape line, bypassing the arrival lines and tippler to exit the rake back onto the port link lines. Approximately 3.5 km of the existing port link 1 railway line will be relocated to a position next to the existing port link 2 line. This will be done to provide room for the new tippler building and the associated new track. When Portlink 2 was constructed the relocation of Portlink 1 was already considered and the foundation completed therefore. The railway lines will be designed to handle 30 tons of weight per axle. It is estimated that 1 600 m3 of ballast will be required for each kilometre of new track. Electrical Powerline One 11 kV powerline will be relocated to make space for the conveyors and the rail stacking leg.



Duferco Bridge The Duferco bridge is a private bridge linking Duferco steel processing with Saldanha Steel (see locality maps in Appendix A) and is used for the transport of steel from Saldanha Steel to Duferco. The Duferco bridge will be relocated to accommodate the new rail feeder lines to the Tippler 3. The new bridge will be approximately 80 m long and will comprise of three spans with earth retaining structures in between the spans.

Figure 4: The existing Duferco bridge (left), diagram of proposed new position of Duferco bridge (existing bridge

shown in yellow and new bridge shown in red)

Camp Road Bridge Camp Road (R559) is a public road linking Saldanha to Langebaan and acts as a commuting route between the two towns. The road-over-rail bridge on Camp Road will need to be widened to accommodate the additional railway lines. Camp Road could be closed for periods during construction and an alternative route will be provided to motorists.

Figure 5: The existing Camp Road bridge (left), diagram of the proposed extension of the Camp Road bridge

(new section of the bridge shown in red).

Haul Roads Some existing haul roads will be diverted and new sections constructed. A portion of the haul road from Namakwa Sands to the port will have to be relocated onto land acquired from ArcelorMittal. Ongoing Maintenance The tippler is designed to be in operation for 4 million cycles; this translates to a 25-year lifespan. The tippler will require ongoing maintenance during its 25-year lifespan. The tippler will be off-line during planned routine maintenance; it is possible to conduct lubrication maintenance activities to tipplers between the arrival of rakes.



b) Provide a detailed description of the listed activities associated with the project as applied for

Listed activity as described in GN R.544, 545 and 546

Description of project activity

Activity 23 of GN 544: The transformation of undeveloped, vacant or derelict land to – (i) residential, retail, commercial, recreational,

industrial or institutional use, inside an urban area, and where the total area to be transformed is 5 hectares or more, but less than 20 hectares, or

(ii) residential, retail, commercial, recreational, industrial or institutional use, outside an urban area and where the total area to be transformed is bigger than 1 hectare but less than 20 hectares; -

except where such transformation takes place for linear activities.

The new tippler facility will be situated on vacant or undeveloped land outside the urban area and is expected to exceed 5 hectares, although the footprint will be smaller than 20 hectares.

Activity 28 of GN 544: The expansion of or changes to existing facilities for any process or activity where such expansion or changes to will result in the need for a permit or license in terms of national or provincial legislation governing the release of emissions or pollution, excluding where the facility, process or activity is included in the list of waste management activities published in terms of section 10 of the National Environmental Management: Waste act, 2008 (Act No.59 of 2008) in which case that Act will apply.

The existing Air Emissions Licence issued in terms of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act 39 of 2004 requires amendment to include the additional Tippler 3. The tippler will facilitate the process of offloading and on-loading iron ore from rail carriages onto a conveyor belt and as such will qualify as iron ore handling facility and potential source of dust.

Activity 4 of GN 546: The construction of a road wider than 4 metres with a reserve less than 13,5 metres

An access road, exceeding 4 meters in width, will be constructed to the new tippler which will be situated outside of the urban area. The road reserve is expected to be less than 13.5 m.

Activity 12 of GN 546: The clearance of an area of 300 square metres or more of vegetation where 75% or more of the vegetative cover constitutes indigenous vegetation. (a) Within any critically endangered or endangered

ecosystem listed in terms of section 52 of the

NEMBA or prior to the publication of such a list,

within an area that has been identified as critically

endangered in the National Spatial Biodiversity

Assessment 2004;

(b) Within critical biodiversity areas identified in

bioregional plans;

Within the littoral active zone or 100 metres inland from

The new tippler will be situated within the broader critical biodiversity area (CBA) identified in the bioregional plan for the West Coast area. Although vegetation on site is disturbed and badly degraded, the footprint requiring clearance of indigenous vegetation (> 75%) will exceed 300 m3.



high water mark of the sea or an estuary, whichever distance is the greater, excluding where such removal will occur behind the development setback line on erven in urban areas

Activity 13 of GN 546: The clearance of an area of 1 hectare or more of vegetation where 75% or more of the vegetative cover constitutes indigenous vegetation, except where such removal of vegetation is required for: (1) the undertaking of a process or activity included in

the list of waste management activities published in terms of section 19 of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act No. 59 of 2008), in which case the activity is regarded to be excluded from this list.

(2) the undertaking of a linear activity falling below the thresholds mentioned in Listing Notice 1 in terms of GN No544 of 2010

(a)Critical biodiversity areas and ecological support areas as identified in systematic biodiversity plans adopted by the competent authority. (b)National Protected Area Expansion Strategy Focus areas. (c)In Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape and Western Cape: i. In an estuary; ii. Outside urban areas, the following:

(aa) A protected area identified in terms of NEMPAA, excluding conservancies; (bb) National Protected Area Expansion Strategy Focus areas; (cc) Sensitive areas as identified in an environmental management framework as contemplated in chapter 5 of the Act and as adopted by the competent authority; (dd) Sites or areas identified in terms of an International Convention; (ee) Core areas in biosphere reserves; (ff) Areas within10 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; (gg) Areas seawards of the development setback line or within 1 kilometre from the high-water mark of the sea if no such

The new tippler will be situated within the broader critical biodiversity area (CBA) identified in the bioregional plan for the West Coast area. Although vegetation on site is disturbed and badly degraded, the footprint requiring clearance of indigenous vegetation (> 75%) will exceed 1 hectare in size.



development setback line is determined. iii. In urban areas, the following:

(aa) Areas zoned for use as public open space; (bb) Areas designated for conservation use in Spatial Development Frameworks adopted by the competent authority or zoned for a conservation purpose; (cc) Areas seawards of the development setback line;

(dd) Areas on the watercourse side of the development setback line or within 100 metres from the edge of a watercourse where no such setback line has been determined.

The Port of Saldanha requires an Atmospheric Emission License (AEL) in terms of section 46 (1) (d) of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004 (Act 39 of 2008) to cover the storage and handling of iron ore. The current AEL will require amendment to include the third tippler. The license amendment will be addressed concurrently with this Basic Assessment process.

2. FEASIBLE AND REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES

“alternatives”, in relation to a proposed activity, means different means of meeting the general purpose and requirements of the activity, which may include alternatives to— (a) the property on which or location where it is proposed to undertake the activity; (b) the type of activity to be undertaken; (c) the design or layout of the activity; (d) the technology to be used in the activity; (e) the operational aspects of the activity; and (f) the option of not implementing the activity. Describe alternatives that are considered in this application as required by Regulation 22(2)(h) of GN R.543. Alternatives should include a consideration of all possible means by which the purpose and need of the proposed activity (NOT PROJECT) could be accomplished in the specific instance taking account of the interest of the applicant in the activity. The no-go alternative must in all cases be included in the assessment phase as the baseline against which the impacts of the other alternatives are assessed. The determination of whether site or activity (including different processes, etc.) or both is appropriate needs to be informed by the specific circumstances of the activity and its environment. After receipt of this report the, competent authority may also request the applicant to assess additional alternatives that could possibly accomplish the purpose and need of the proposed activity if it is clear that realistic alternatives have not been considered to a reasonable extent. The identification of alternatives should be in line with the Integrated Environmental Assessment Guideline Series 11, published by the DEA in 2004. Should the alternatives include different locations and lay-outs, the co-ordinates of the different alternatives must be provided. The co-ordinates should be in degrees, minutes and seconds. The projection that must be used in all cases is the WGS84 spheroid in a national or local projection.



a) Site alternatives

Three site alternatives were identified at the design phase (refer to Appendix A for a regional and site maps). Alternative 1 (Preferred Alternative) is located approximately 1.4 km north of tipplers 1 and 2, space constraints in the port area prevent the tippler from being positioned closer to the existing tipplers. The sections of railway line linking the tipplers to the main track need to have gentle curves to avoid derailment. This is also a factor in determining the location of Tippler 3. Alternative 2 (not preferred) is located to the west of the existing tipplers and railway lines. At present the iron ore trains approach the tipplers to the east of the site and exit the port on the west side of the site. Alternative A is not feasible from an engineering perspective as it would require full iron ore trains to cross the railway lines to gain access to the tipplers this would disrupt rail traffic leaving the port. From an environmental perspective alternative 2 is not preferred as it is located within a critical biodiversity area (Pence and Magidi, 2008). A new Duferco bridge may not have to be constructed for this alternative. Alternative 3 (not preferred) is located on the same side of the railway tracks as the existing two tipplers. This alternative was eliminated due to space constraints there is an embankment to the south of the proposed position and the tippler cannot be moved north due to presence of buildings. A new Duferco bridge may not have to be constructed for this alternative. Alternative 3 will require excavating into the edge of a 20 m high, vegetated dune, which is part of a vegetated dune belt that extends eastwards along the shore in the direction of Langebaan. Not only would this require extensive earthworks but the presently stable dune could also become mobile threatening infrastructure by sand being blown in by the wind.



Alternative 1 (preferred alternative)

Description Lat (DDMMSS) Long (DDMMSS)

Location of Tippler 3 32°59’11" S 18º00’17" E

Location of existing Duferco bridge 32°58’41" S 18°00’36" E

Location of proposed new Duferco bridge 32°59’49" S 18°00’27" E

Location of mid-point of relocated powerline 32°58’49" S 18°00’07" E

Location of Camp road bridge extension 32°59’27" S 18°00’10" E

Alternative 2


Location of Tippler 3 32°59’49" S 17°59’54" E

Alternative 3


Location of Tippler 3 32°59’51" S 18°00’01" E In the case of linear activities:

Alternative: Latitude (S): Longitude (E): Alternative S1 (preferred)

Starting point of the activity 32°58’34‖S 18°00’55‖E

Middle/Additional point of the activity 32°59’11" S 18º00’17" E

End point of the activity 32°59’58‖S 17°59’57‖E

Alternative S2 (if any)


Middle/Additional point of the activity 32°59’49" S 17°59’54" E


Alternative S3 (if any)


Middle/Additional point of the activity 32°59’51" S 18°00’01" E


For route alternatives that are longer than 500 m, please provide an addendum with co-ordinates taken every 250 meters along the route for each alternative alignment. In the case of an area being under application, please provide the co-ordinates of the corners of the site as indicated on the lay-out map provided in Appendix A. b) Lay-out alternatives



The tippler technology determines how wagons are offloaded and hence there are no alternatives available to arrange tippler components differently

32°59’11 S 18º00’17" E

Alternative 2


No other layout alternative was identified

Alternative 3

Description Lat (DDMMSS) Long (DDMMSS) No other layout alternative was identified



c) Technology alternatives


It is proposed that Tippler 3 is to be designed to similar specifications as Tipplers 1 and 2. The existing tipplers meet international best practise management measures for dust emissions as they are fully enclosed, have dust extraction equipment installed to reduce dust emissions and are well maintained.

Alternative 2

An alternative design for the tippler would be an open air tippler with the wetting system. The iron ore wagons would pass through a number of sprinklers as an attempt to minimise dust emissions before being rotated.

Figure 6: Open air manganese tippler

This design of a tippler is used in the Port of Port Elizabeth at the manganese loading facility and it can be seen from the photographs (Figure 6) that these tipplers create significant dust emissions. By design it cannot meet modern air quality standards. This tippler design would create far more dust than the preferred alternative. Presently Transnet is rebuilding the manganese facility at the Port of Ngqura where a much improved dust control system will be implemented. It would be inadvisable to pursue the installation of this outdated technology. Hence the technology alternative 2 was dismissed at the design stage and this option was not carried forward to formal impact assessment.

Alternative 3

None

d) Other alternatives (e.g. scheduling, demand, input, scale and design alternatives)


As described in the section on project description

Alternative 2

No other alternative was identified

Alternative 3

No other alternative was identified e) No-go alternative

The no-go alternative in this case would mean the Port of Saldanha continues to operate using two iron ore tipplers. The iron ore capacity of South Africa would not be sustained due to the existing tipplers requiring downtime for repair and refurbishment. There will be a loss in future iron or export earnings to South Africa as the market demand would not be met. If the proposed activity is not implemented, the existing tipplers cannot be refurbished without interruption of the offloading activities. They would fail eventually due to old age. This would greatly compromise the iron ore export capabilities of Transnet. In the no-go alternative the relocation of the Duferco bridge the relocation of the 11 kV powerline and



the widening of the Camp Road bridge would not be required. The environmental impacts such as loss of vegetation would be avoided.

Paragraphs 3 – 13 below should be completed for each alternative. 3. PHYSICAL SIZE OF THE ACTIVITY

a) Indicate the physical size of the preferred activity/technology as well as alternative

activities/technologies (footprints): The size and design of the tippler is the same for the three previously discussed site alternatives.

Alternative: Size of the activity:

Alternative A11 (preferred activity alternative) 100 000 m2

Alternative A2 (if any) 100 000 m2

Alternative A3 (if any) 100 000 m2

or, for linear activities:

Alternative: Length of the activity:

Alternative A1 (preferred activity alternative) m

Alternative A2 (if any) m

Alternative A3 (if any) m

b) Indicate the size of the alternative sites or servitudes (within which the above footprints will

occur):

Alternative: Size of the

site/servitude:

Alternative A1 (preferred activity alternative) m2

Alternative A2 (if any) m2

Alternative A3 (if any) m2 4. SITE ACCESS

Does ready access to the site exist? YES X NO

If NO, what is the distance over which a new access road will be built m

Describe the type of access road planned:

N/A

Include the position of the access road on the site plan and required map, as well as an indication of the road in relation to the site.

1 “Alternative A..” refer to activity, process, technology or other alternatives.



5. LOCALITY MAP

An A3 locality map must be attached to the back of this document, as Appendix A. The scale of the locality map must be relevant to the size of the development (at least 1:50 000. For linear activities of more than 25 kilometres, a smaller scale e.g. 1:250 000 can be used. The scale must be indicated on the map.). The map must indicate the following:

an accurate indication of the project site position as well as the positions of the alternative sites, if any;

indication of all the alternatives identified;

closest town(s;)

road access from all major roads in the area;

road names or numbers of all major roads as well as the roads that provide access to the site(s);

all roads within a 1km radius of the site or alternative sites; and

a north arrow;

a legend; and

locality GPS co-ordinates (Indicate the position of the activity using the latitude and longitude of the centre point of the site for each alternative site. The co-ordinates should be in degrees and decimal minutes. The minutes should have at least three decimals to ensure adequate accuracy. The projection that must be used in all cases is the WGS84 spheroid in a national or local projection).

6. LAYOUT/ROUTE PLAN

A detailed site or route plan(s) must be prepared for each alternative site or alternative activity. It must be attached as Appendix A to this document.

The site or route plans must indicate the following:

the property boundaries and numbers of all the properties within 50 metres of the site;

the current land use as well as the land use zoning of the site;

the current land use as well as the land use zoning each of the properties adjoining the site or sites;

the exact position of each listed activity applied for (including alternatives);

servitude(s) indicating the purpose of the servitude;

a legend; and

a north arrow. 7. SENSITIVITY MAP

The layout/route plan as indicated above must be overlain with a sensitivity map that indicates all the sensitive areas associated with the site, including, but not limited to:

watercourses;

the 1:100 year flood line (where available or where it is required by DWA);

ridges;

cultural and historical features;

areas with indigenous vegetation (even if it is degraded or infested with alien species); and

critical biodiversity areas.



The sensitivity map must also cover areas within 100 m of the site and must be attached in Appendix A.

8. SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Colour photographs from the centre of the site must be taken in at least the eight major compass directions with a description of each photograph. Photographs must be attached under Appendix B to this report. It must be supplemented with additional photographs of relevant features on the site, if applicable. 9. FACILITY ILLUSTRATION

A detailed illustration of the activity must be provided at a scale of at least 1:200 as Appendix C for activities that include structures. The illustrations must be to scale and must represent a realistic image of the planned activity. The illustration must give a representative view of the activity.

10. ACTIVITY MOTIVATION

Motivate and explain the need and desirability of the activity (including demand for the activity):

1. Is the activity permitted in terms of the property’s existing land use rights?

YES X NO Please explain

The site is located in the railway corridor in an industrial area, within the Port of Saldanha.

2. Will the activity be in line with the following?

(a) Provincial Spatial Development Framework (PSDF) YES X NO Please explain

Section 2.3.2 of the Western Cape Provincial Development Framework (2009) affirms the presence of the Sishen - Saldanha railway line as a "prime freight mover in the Province". The tipplers are one of the essential components of this freight system.

(b) Urban edge / Edge of Built environment for the area YES X NO Please explain

The tippler will be located in an industrial area. Surrounding land uses are industrial including ArcelorMittal (Saldanha Steel) and Duferco Steel Processing.

(c) Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Spatial Development Framework (SDF) of the Local Municipality (e.g. would the approval of this application compromise the integrity of the existing approved and credible municipal IDP and SDF?).


Saldanha Bay’s location approximately 120 km north-west of Cape Town on the Cape West Coast has particular spatial implications for the municipality, which include:

Its proximity to Cape Town;

Its natural deep water harbour and its associated development potential; and

Being identified as a Presidential Development Growth Node.

Several industrial development initiatives have boosted the local economic development in the area, including:

Development of the Saldanha deep water port for bulk exports;



Saldanha Sishen railway connection; and

Development of Saldanha Steel (ArcelorMittal).

The strategic importance of the area is supported by the principles contained in the National Spatial Development Perspective (NSDP) and reinforced by the approved Provincial Spatial Development Framework (PSDF). In accordance with the PSDF and NSDP, Saldanha Bay is ranked as having a ―high‖ development potential, with more than 5 billion Rand of the district’s 6.7 billion Rand Gross Regional Product concentrated in the towns of Saldanha, Vredenburg and Malmesbury.

The 2011/2012 IDP of the Saldanha Bay Municipality identifies the ―back-of-port‖ area as the spatial focus for productive investment and development linked to the existing port and associated movement linkages. The focus in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) is to prioritise specific development in this area to Saldanha’s strategic advantage, which include renewable energy production, ship building and repair, steel production and manufacturing. According to the IDP, harbour-related industrial activity should also be encouraged within the industrial corridor.

In the local Spatial Development Framework (SDF), the area is also called the ―industrial development corridor‖ and intended to be an ―accelerated development zone‖ where productive development should be promoted. The SDF highlights the importance of the economic spin offs from the proposed upgrading and expansion of the Port and major industrial development is planned in the SDF for the ―back of port‖ area.

Considering the above it can be concluded that the proposed project (provision of a third tippler for the purpose of maintaining operations during the staged repair and maintenance of the other tipplers) will be in accordance with the IDP and SDF of the Municipality of Saldanha Bay.

(d) Approved Structure Plan of the Municipality YES X NO Please explain

In terms of the planning hierarchy, the lower-ranked frameworks and structure plans contain national development targets by implication, whether this is specifically stated or not.

(e) An Environmental Management Framework (EMF) adopted by the Department (e.g. Would the approval of this application compromise the integrity of the existing environmental management priorities for the area and if so, can it be justified in terms of sustainability considerations?)


The proposed activity will take place inside an approved rail corridor, the presence of which is taken into account when environmental management priorities for the area are determined.

(f) Any other Plans (e.g. Guide Plan) YES X NO Please explain

The proposed activity is in line with the Strategic Plan 2011 - 2014 of the Department of Public Enterprises, as it responds to government's fixed assets investment programme by providing for "adequate and efficient infrastructure services [that] can stimulate investment and increase the productivity of the customers of state owned enterprises."



3. Is the land use (associated with the activity being applied for) considered within the timeframe intended by the existing approved SDF agreed to by the relevant environmental authority (i.e. is the proposed development in line with the projects and programmes identified as priorities within the credible IDP)?


The development of the ―back of port‖ as an industrial corridor is identified as a main supporting strategy, amongst others, to ensure local economic development in the Saldanha Bay area. Higher impact and harbour related industrial activities are encouraged away from residential areas and within the industrial corridor. In this regard, the doubling of the current gross Regional Product and creation of 50 present more jobs in the local economy by 2014 are identified as high impact strategic goals in the IDP.

4. Does the community/area need the activity and the associated land use concerned (is it a societal priority)? (This refers to the strategic as well as local level (e.g. development is a national priority, but within a specific local context it could be inappropriate.)


The third tippler is constructed for the purpose of maintaining operations during the staged repair and maintenance of the other tipplers. As it stands, the iron ore facility at the Port of Saldanha is contributing substantially to the development of the local economy in the area by providing jobs, the training of technical qualified people and direct investment into services.

5. Are the necessary services with adequate capacity currently available (at the time of application), or must additional capacity be created to cater for the development? (Confirmation by the relevant Municipality in this regard must be attached to the final Basic Assessment Report as Appendix I.)


There is already an electricity supply to the area in the form of an 11 kV powerline that will be

connected to the new substation inside the tippler building.

6. Is this development provided for in the infrastructure planning of the municipality, and if not what will the implication be on the infrastructure planning of the municipality (priority and placement of services and opportunity costs)? (Comment by the relevant Municipality in this regard must be attached to the final Basic Assessment Report as Appendix I.)

YES NO X Please explain

No, it would not compromise the integrity of existing municipal infrastructure because Transnet

provides its own services for the freight rail operation.

7. Is this project part of a national programme to address an issue of national concern or importance?


The iron ore export through the Port of Saldanha is a Strategically Integrated Project and the

provision of a third tippler is assisting this.



8. Do location factors favour this land use (associated with the activity applied for) at this place? (This relates to the contextualisation of the proposed land use on this site within its broader context.)


The site is located in an industrial area within easy access of the Sishen – Saldanha railway line

between the rail yard where the train rakes are decoupled and the port where the ore is exported

from..

9. Is the development the best practicable environmental option for this land/site?


The proposed activity will take place inside an approved rail corridor that has been in existence for decades.

10. Will the benefits of the proposed land use/development outweigh the negative impacts of it?


The proposed tippler and its associated infrastructure will cover a relatively small footprint in an area

of degraded vegetation. The negative impacts associated with the development proposal will be

largely mitigated through the implementation of specific management measures that will be identified

in this Basic Assessment process.

11. Will the proposed land use/development set a precedent for similar activities in the area (local municipality)?


The site is already located in an established industrial area. The Sishen - Saldanha iron ore rail line is

unique and is important for South Africa’s national economy.

12. Will any person’s rights be negatively affected by the proposed activity/ies?


This is not foreseen.

13. Will the proposed activity/ies compromise the “urban edge” as defined by the local municipality?


The preferred site for the Tippler 3 development proposal is outside the urban edges of the adjacent

municipality.

14. Will the proposed activity/ies contribute to any of the 17 Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPS)?


National Government has identified 17 Strategic Integrated Projects (SIP) over the entire country which cover a range of social and economic infrastructure. The iron ore export through the Port of Saldanha is a Strategically Integrated Project (SIP 5) and the provision of a third tippler is assisting this.

15. What will the benefits be to society in general and to the local communities?

Please explain

The Port of Saldanha and the ―back of port‖ area has been identified as the economic engine room of the Municipal area. The ―back of port‖ is seen as a major economic growth point in the Western Cape Province and the importance is further acknowledged and planned in the IDP and SDF respectively. It is anticipated that the ―back of port‖ industrial expansion will be a turnkey project driving the growth of a major industrial corridor which, in the longer term, is envisaged to link the eastern part of Saldanha with the port and the port with the south-western section of Vredenburg. It is further anticipated that the industrial corridor will grow towards the other towns and benefit the entire district.



16. Any other need and desirability considerations related to the proposed activity?

Please explain

Tippler 3 is a component of the Sishen – Saldanha railway line that has positive economic impacts both locally and nationally.

17. How does the project fit into the National Development Plan for 2030? Please explain

One of the aims of the National Development Plan is to build more efficient and competitive infrastructure. The Tippler 3 development project is concerned with the efficient offloading of wagons arriving at the port from the Sishen to Saldanha iron ore line.

18. Please describe how the general objectives of Integrated Environmental Management as set out in section 23 of NEMA have been taken into account.

The proposed development has been adequately considered by a competent Environmental Assessment Practitioner, and all potential impacts that may have a significant impact on the receiving environment have been considered and mitigated to acceptable levels as required by the NEMA 2010 EIA regulations. The conclusions of the Basic Assessment process have been concisely summarised to adequately inform decision-making by the competent authority. A comprehensive Public Participation Process was also undertaken, which conformed to requirements in Chapter 6 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations. Further, all Interested and Affected Parties were given ample time to review and comment on all documents and reports.

19. Please describe how the principles of environmental management as set out in section 2 of NEMA have been taken into account.

By following the procedures set in the environmental impact assessment regulations and other applicable legislation, the EAP is ensuring that the proposed project is socially, environmentally and economically sustainable. By following the set procedures the interest of people and their needs are placed at the forefront of concern, and their physical, psychological, developmental, cultural and social interests are equitably served.

11. APPLICABLE LEGISLATION, POLICIES AND/OR GUIDELINES

List all legislation, policies and/or guidelines of any sphere of government that are applicable to the application as contemplated in the EIA regulations, if applicable:

Title of legislation, policy or guideline

Applicability to the project Administering authority

Date

Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (108 of 1996)

The Constitution paved the way for the protection of the natural environment and heritage resources through the recognition of the rights to a safe and healthy environment.

South African Government

1996

National Environmental Management Act (107 of 1998)

NEMA is the key environmental management legislation and states in s2(4)(k) that "the environment is held in public trust for the people, the beneficial use of resources must serve the public interest and the environment must be protected as the people’s common heritage‖ thereby paving the way for EIA

DEA 1998



process to assess developments that may have a harmful impact on the environment.

Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (Government Notice No. R. 543, 544 and 546)

The EIA regulations describe the EIA process to be followed including the public participation process, and the listed activities that may have a harmful impact on the environment and must be assessed.

DEA 2010

Occupational Health and Safety Act (85 of 1993)

The OHSA governs and ensures the protection of employees in the workplace. A number of permanent and contract skilled and semi-skilled workers will be involved in the construction of the different aspects of the project. Their appointment and work periods will be subject to the provisions of the OHSA.

Department of Labour

1993

National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (10 of 2004)

The Biodiversity Act provides for the management and protection of the country’s biodiversity within the framework established by NEMA. Inter alia, it provides for the protection of species and ecosystems. Some Critical Biodiversity Areas and vulnerable and endangered ecosystems or vegetation types have been identified on site or within close proximity to the site.

DEA 2004

National Environmental Management: Waste Act (59 of 2008)

Waste will be generated through certain project activities. All waste management and disposal must be managed in accordance with the Waste Act, e.g. disposal to licensed waste disposal / recycling facilities.

National and Provincial

2008

National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004 (39 of 2008)

The Port of Saldanha requires an atmospheric emission license in terms of section 46 (1) (d) of the Act

National and Provincial

2008

National Ports Act (12 of 2005)

The National Ports Act is the primary piece of legislation regulating the port sector in South Africa. It is concerned with the modernisation and efficient operations of our ports.

National 2005



12. WASTE, EFFLUENT, EMISSION AND NOISE MANAGEMENT

a) Solid waste management

Will the activity produce solid construction waste during the construction/initiation phase?

YES X

NO

If YES, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? 10 m3

How will the construction solid waste be disposed of (describe)?

Household-type domestic waste produced by construction workers will be channelled into the general waste stream of the port where it will be disposed of. Solid construction waste is not expected to contain hazardous material and will be disposed of at a licensed general waste municipal landfill site. Approximately 165 795 m3 of soil and rock will be generated from the excavation for the tippler building foundation, tippler vault and tippler incline conveyor tunnel. This material is expected to be non-hazardous, not regarded as waste and will be reused as far as possible for back fill for site levelling and landscaping.

Where will the construction solid waste be disposed of (describe)?

The Saldanha Local Municipality has two permitted general medium landfill sites which do not produce significant leachate (G:M:B-). The landfill sites are at Vredenburg and Langebaan; either one could be used.

Will the activity produce solid waste during its operational phase? YES X

NO

If YES, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? ≈1 m3

How will the solid waste be disposed of (describe)?

Iron ore dust is collected by dust extraction equipment. The filters are cleaned weekly from the accumulated fine iron ore dust which is not wasted but added to the product for sale. A small portion of this dust is sold for reuse as pigment for paint production and cement hardener. The filters are replaced annually amounting to approximately 10 m3 of waste that is disposed of as landfill.

If the solid waste will be disposed of into a municipal waste stream, indicate which registered landfill site will be used.

The Saldanha Local Municipality has two permitted general medium landfill sites which do not produce significant leachate (G:M:B-). The landfill sites are at Vredenburg and Langebaan; either one could be used.

Where will the solid waste be disposed of if it does not feed into a municipal waste stream (describe)?

N/A

If the solid waste (construction or operational phases) will not be disposed of in a registered landfill site or be taken up in a municipal waste stream, then the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA.



Can any part of the solid waste be classified as hazardous in terms of the NEM:WA? YES NO X

If YES, inform the competent authority and request a change to an application for scoping and EIA. An application for a waste permit in terms of the NEM:WA must also be submitted with this application.

Is the activity that is being applied for a solid waste handling or treatment facility? YES NO X

If YES, then the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA. An application for a waste permit in terms of the NEM:WA must also be submitted with this application. b) Liquid effluent

Will the activity produce effluent, other than normal sewage, that will be disposed of in a municipal sewage system?

YES NO X

If YES, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? m3

Will the activity produce any effluent that will be treated and/or disposed of on site? YES NO X

If YES, the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA.

Will the activity produce effluent that will be treated and/or disposed of at another facility?

YES NO X

If YES, provide the particulars of the facility:

Facility name: N/A

Contact person:

Postal address:

Postal code:

Telephone:

Cell:

E-mail: Fax:

Describe the measures that will be taken to ensure the optimal reuse or recycling of waste water, if any:

Groundwater pumped out of excavations during construction will be reused for dust suppression.

c) Emissions into the atmosphere

Will the activity release emissions into the atmosphere other that exhaust emissions and dust associated with construction phase activities?

YES X

NO

If YES, is it controlled by any legislation of any sphere of government? YES X

NO

If YES, the applicant must consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA. If NO, describe the emissions in terms of type and concentration:

A specialist report on atmospheric emissions from the third tippler in relation to the other dust sources at the port has been commissioned by the EAP for this Basic Assessment. The specialist report by Airshed Planning Professionals is attached in Appendix D. The Port of Saldanha requires an atmospheric emission license in terms of section 46 (1) (d) of the



National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004 (Act 39 of 2008). The atmospheric emission license (AEL) must cover the storage and handling of iron ore. The AEL for the port operations expired at the end of March 2013. A copy of the expired AEL is provided in Appendix J. An amendment of the AEL to include the third tippler is underway. Dust results from the storage and handling of iron ore in the port. The main sources of dust are shown in Table 1. They comprise conveyor transfer points, stacker-reclaimer operation at the iron ore stockpiles, wheel entrainment dust, ship loading and wind erosion. The tipplers account for the smallest amount of particulate emissions according to Burger & Krause (2006, 2011). Table 1: Unmitigated and mitigated dust sources at the iron ore bulk terminal (Airshed Planning Professionals,

2013).

Dust Source Emission rate (tons per annum)

PM10 TSP

Unmitigated Mitigated Unmitigated Mitigated

Tippler >90 9 >90 9

Conveyor 503 377 1599 1200

Stacker/ Reclaimers

343 257 817 613

Wind erosion 217 8 402 15

Vehicles 326 82 894 223

Ship loading 101 76 290 217

TOTAL 1580 809 4091 2276

The table shows that dust mitigation measures at the tipplers through air filtration can reduce both particulate matter of 10 microns or smaller (PM10) and total suspended particles (TSP) to a tenth of the unmitigated amount. Therefore, the focus for all efforts to reduce the negative dust impact should be on the other components of the transport system, most notably the conveyors and the iron ore stock piling operations. Using a dispersion model for all particulate emissions, ground level concentrations for fine (PM10) and extra fine (PM2.5), as well as dust fallout was predicted for the baseline operating scenario of 60 mtpa iron ore throughput of the transport system. According to the results of the modelling, the proposed third tippler may increase the maxima for fine and extra fine dust particles in the atmosphere by 3% and 4 %, respectively. Fallout is similarly predicted to increase by 3%. As the specialist study showed, both PM2.5 and PM10 daily average concentrations would comply with the current National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) of 65 µg/m³ and 120 µg/m³, respectively. However, the PM 2.5 predictions for the current operation are shown to already potentially exceed the daily average NAAQS from 2016 onwards, when a stricter concentration limit of 40 µg/m³ will apply. The major dust-fall impact area lies directly north of the facility owing to the predominant strong southerly winds occurring in the area. The current monthly average fallout rate of 600 mg/m²/day is within the non-residential area classification, but marginal with respect to the residential area classification. With the new tippler, this fallout rate is predicted to potentially increase to 620 mg/m²/day, which is still within the non-residential area classification, but exceeds the residential area classification. Whilst the addition of Tippler 3 was shown to marginally increase air concentrations and fallout at its proposed location and would have a small impact if assessed on its own, continued mitigation efforts must be instituted to improve the existing air quality which is already compromised by the current



operations. In view of the Draft National Dust Control Regulations published in September 2012, the introduction of more effective mitigation measures and the monitoring of emissions is mandatory if environmental authorisation is to be granted by the competent authority.

d) Waste permit

Will any aspect of the activity produce waste that will require a waste permit in terms of the NEM:WA?

YES NO X

If YES, please submit evidence that an application for a waste permit has been submitted to the competent authority e) Generation of noise

Will the activity generate noise? YES NO X

If YES, is it controlled by any legislation of any sphere of government? YES X

NO

If YES, the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA. If NO, describe the noise in terms of type and level:

Noise control regulations and SANS 10103: Short term noise impacts are anticipated during the construction phase of the project. It is however anticipated that the noise will be localised and contained within the construction site. The applicant must adhere to the relevant provincial noise control legislation (if any) as well as SANS 10103. Working hours should be restricted to 06h00 to 20h00 Monday to Saturday excluding public holidays for noisy demolition work, such as caused by working the wrecking ball or demolition hammer. No restriction on working hours is placed on other construction work (e.g. form work, concrete pouring) as the nearest occupied residences are more than 2 km away. During the operational phase noise will be generated by the movement of trains (braking, friction) into the tipplers and the tipplers themselves will generate noise. A noise survey conducted in 2012 by Apex Environmental (see Appendix D2) recorded noise levels exceeding the legal limit of 85 dB(A) at the existing tipplers 1 and 2. Therefore the existing tipplers are designated noise zones where hearing protection must be worn. The operation of the third tippler is predicted to create a new high noise zone approximately 1.4 km inland from the existing tipplers where hearing loss prevention must be implemented. It is not necessary to place a restriction on the tippler operating hours as the nearest occupied residences are more than 2 km away.

13. WATER USE Please indicate the source(s) of water that will be used for the activity by ticking the appropriate box(es):

Municipal X Water board Groundwater River, stream, dam or lake

Other The activity will not use water

If water is to be extracted from groundwater, river, stream, dam, lake or any other natural feature, please indicate the volume that will be extracted per month:

1 000 litres

Does the activity require a water use authorisation (general authorisation or water use license) from the Department of Water Affairs?

YES NO X



If YES, please provide proof that the application has been submitted to the Department of Water Affairs.

The construction arrangement envisaged for the tippler vault will limit the amount of ground water seeping through the tippler vault walls and floor. The water that does seep through will collect in a sump built into the tippler vault floor. A sump pump will then be installed, which will then pump the water to surface, into the surface stormwater system. 14. ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Describe the design measures, if any, that have been taken to ensure that the activity is energy efficient:

None.

Describe how alternative energy sources have been taken into account or been built into the design of the activity, if any:

None



SECTION B: SITE/AREA/PROPERTY DESCRIPTION Important notes:

1. For linear activities (pipelines, etc) as well as activities that cover very large sites, it may be necessary to complete this section for each part of the site that has a significantly different environment. In such cases please complete copies of Section B and indicate the area, which is covered by each copy No. on the Site Plan.

Section B Copy No. (e.g. A):

2. Paragraphs 1 - 6 below must be completed for each alternative.

3. Has a specialist been consulted to assist with the completion of this section? YES NOX

If YES, please complete the form entitled ―Details of specialist and declaration of interest‖ for each specialist thus appointed and attach it in Appendix I. All specialist reports must be contained in Appendix D.

Property description/physical address:

Province Western Cape

District Municipality

West Coast District Municipality

Local Municipality

Saldanha Bay Local Municipality

Ward Number(s)

Ward 6

Farm name and number

Refer to Appendix J

Portion number

Refer to Appendix J

SG Code Refer to Appendix J

Where a large number of properties are involved (e.g. linear activities), please attach a full list to this application including the same information as indicated above.

Current land-use zoning as per local municipality IDP/records:

The site is located in an industrial area which is surrounded by agriculture and land conservation areas. The activities will be largely contained within the rail servitude which is zoned for transportation.

In instances where there is more than one current land-use zoning, please attach a list of current land use zonings that also indicate which portions each use pertains to, to this application.

Is a change of land-use or a consent use application required? YES NO X



1. GRADIENT OF THE SITE

Indicate the general gradient of the site. Alternative S1:

Flat X 1:50 – 1:20 1:20 – 1:15 1:15 – 1:10 1:10 – 1:7,5 1:7,5 – 1:5 Steeper than 1:5

Alternative S2 (if any): Flat X 1:50 – 1:20 1:20 – 1:15 1:15 – 1:10 1:10 – 1:7,5 1:7,5 – 1:5 Steeper than

1:5

Alternative S3 (if any): Flat 1:50 – 1:20 1:20 – 1:15 1:15 – 1:10 1:10 – 1:7,5 1:7,5 – 1:5 Steeper

than 1:5 X

2. LOCATION IN LANDSCAPE

Indicate the landform(s) that best describes the site:

2.1 Ridgeline 2.4 Closed valley 2.7 Undulating plain / low hills

2.2 Plateau 2.5 Open valley 2.8 Dune

2.3 Side slope of hill/mountain

X 2.6 Plain 2.9 Seafront

3. GROUNDWATER, SOIL AND GEOLOGICAL STABILITY OF THE SITE

Is the site(s) located on any of the following? Alternative S1: Alternative S2

(if any): Alternative S3

(if any):

Shallow water table (less than 1.5m deep) YES NO X YES NO X YES NO X

Dolomite, sinkhole or doline areas YES NO X YES NO X YES NO X

Seasonally wet soils (often close to water bodies) YES NO X YES NO X YES NO X

Unstable rocky slopes or steep slopes with loose soil

YES NO X YES

X NO

YES NO X

Dispersive soils (soils that dissolve in water) YES NO X YES NO X YES NO X

Soils with high clay content (clay fraction more than 40%)

YES NO X

YES NO X

YES NO X

Any other unstable soil or geological feature YES NO X YES NO X YES NO X

An area sensitive to erosion YES NO X

YES X

NO

YES NO X

If you are unsure about any of the above or if you are concerned that any of the above aspects may be an issue of concern in the application, an appropriate specialist should be appointed to assist in the completion of this section. Information in respect of the above will often be available as part of the project information or at the planning sections of local authorities. Where it exists, the 1:50 000 scale Regional Geotechnical Maps prepared by the Council for Geo Science may also be consulted.



4. GROUNDCOVER

Indicate the types of groundcover present on the site. The location of all identified rare or endangered species or other elements should be accurately indicated on the site plan(s).

Natural veld - good conditionE

Natural veld with scattered aliensE X

Natural veld with heavy alien infestationE

Veld dominated by alien speciesE

Gardens

Sport field Cultivated land Paved surface X Building or other structure X

Bare soil

If any of the boxes marked with an ―E ―is ticked, please consult an appropriate specialist to assist in the completion of this section if the environmental assessment practitioner doesn’t have the necessary expertise. 5. SURFACE WATER

Indicate the surface water present on and or adjacent to the site and alternative sites?

Perennial River YES NO X UNSURE

Non-Perennial River YES NO X UNSURE

Permanent Wetland YES NO X UNSURE

Seasonal Wetland YES NO X UNSURE

Artificial Wetland YES NO X UNSURE

Estuarine / Lagoonal wetland YES NO X UNSURE

If any of the boxes marked YES or UNSURE is ticked, please provide a description of the relevant watercourse.

N/A

6. LAND USE CHARACTER OF SURROUNDING AREA

Indicate land uses and/or prominent features that currently occur within a 500m radius of the site and give description of how this influences the application or may be impacted upon by the application:

Natural area Dam or reservoir Polo fields

Low density residential Hospital/medical centre Filling station H

Medium density residential School Landfill or waste treatment site

High density residential Tertiary education facility Plantation

Informal residentialA Church Agriculture

Retail commercial & warehousing Old age home River, stream or wetland

Light industrial X Sewage treatment plantA Nature conservation area



Medium industrial AN X Train station or shunting yard N Mountain, koppie or ridge

Heavy industrial AN X Railway line N X Museum

Power station Major road (4 lanes or more) N Historical building

Office/consulting room Airport N Protected Area

Military or police base/station/compound

Harbour Graveyard

Spoil heap or slimes damA Sport facilities Archaeological site

Quarry, sand or borrow pit Golf course Other land uses (describe)

If any of the boxes marked with an ―N ―are ticked, how will this impact / be impacted upon by the proposed activity?

New railway lines will be constructed leading to Tippler 3 and one existing line will be relocated. Tippler 3 and the additional rail lines will be located within the existing rail servitude.

If any of the boxes marked with an "An" are ticked, how will this impact / be impacted upon by the proposed activity? Specify and explain:

The new tippler and associated infrastructure will be located in an existing rail servitude, so will not impact on surrounding industry.

If any of the boxes marked with an "H" are ticked, how will this impact / be impacted upon by the proposed activity? Specify and explain:

N/A

Does the proposed site (including any alternative sites) fall within any of the following:

Critical Biodiversity Area (as per provincial conservation plan) YES X NO

Core area of a protected area? YES NO X

Buffer area of a protected area? YES NO X

Planned expansion area of an existing protected area? YES NO X

Existing offset area associated with a previous Environmental Authorisation? YES NO X

Buffer area of the SKA? YES NO X

Tippler alternative 2 located in the northwest corner of locality map A3 would be partially contained within a CBA covering most of farm portion 16/197. This option is not the preferred alternative due to the presence of the CBA.

If the answer to any of these questions was YES, a map indicating the affected area must be included in Appendix A. 7. CULTURAL/HISTORICAL FEATURES

Are there any signs of culturally or historically significant elements, as defined in section 2 of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999, (Act No. 25 of 1999), including Archaeological or paleontological sites, on or close (within 20m) to the site? If YES, explain:

YES NO X

Uncertain



If uncertain, conduct a specialist investigation by a recognised specialist in the field (archaeology or palaeontology) to establish whether there is such a feature(s) present on or close to the site. Briefly explain the findings of the specialist:

Will any building or structure older than 60 years be affected in any way? YES NO X

Is it necessary to apply for a permit in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act 25 of 1999)?

YES NO X

If YES, please provide proof that this permit application has been submitted to SAHRA or the relevant provincial authority.

8. SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTER

a) Local Municipality

Please provide details on the socio-economic character of the local municipality in which the proposed site(s) are situated. Level of unemployment:

The unemployment rate of Saldanha Bay Local Municipality (LM) appears to be fluctuating. According to the 2001 census the unemployment rate of the Saldanha Bay Local Municipality at the time was 22.2%, this dropped to 17.9% in the 2007 Community Survey and then increased to 23.36% in the National Census 2011. Unemployment in Saldanha Bay is concentrated within the Coloured population with around 62% of the unemployed group consists of coloured people, 24.9% Africans and 12.4% white people. The group between 25 – 34 years of age makes up the largest portion of the labour force (31.4%) and the largest share of the unemployed (33.1%). The sectors in which most people were employed in are

Finance;

Insurance;

Real estate and business services;

General government services;

Community, social and personal services;

Mining and quarrying and

Wholesale and retail trade, catering and accommodation (Saldanha Bay Municipality IDP 2012-2017).

Economic profile of local municipality:

The town of Saldanha is the largest economic contributor in the West Coast Municipality. Saldanha Bay’s economy grew positively at a rate of 3.1% per annum over the period 2001 to 2009 compared to the district’s annual average growth rate of 2.9% for the same period. Table 2 below shows the sectoral contribution to Saldanha Bay’s GVA-R in 2001 and 2009. The leading sector contributors to the economy were



Manufacturing wholesale and trade (26.7%);

Finance and business services, catering and accommodation (19.4%) and;

Community services (16.6%).

Figure 7. Sector percentage contribution to Saldanha Bay’s economy (Source: Western Cape Provincial

Treasury calculations based on Global Insight research data).

The manufacturing sector’s contribution to local economy decreased by 5% from 2001 to 2009, but the contribution from the finance sector and community services increased over the same period. According to the Saldanha Bay IDP 2012 – 2017 nearly 14% of households have no annual income and 34% of households earn less than R38 200 per annum. The majority of Saldanha Bay Municipality’s GDP is generated in the following industries:

Manufacturing (30%);

Transport (16%);

Services (15%);

Trade (13%) and

Finance (12%). The industries in which most of the population of Saldanha Bay LM are employed are:

Services (22%);

Finance (16%);

Transport (7%)

Trade (17%);

Construction (7%);

Manufacturing (11%) and

Agriculture (14%). Employment opportunities in agriculture have fallen significantly between 2003 (approximately 7 500 jobs) and 2010 (approximately 3 050 jobs) while employment in the mining industry has grown during the same period (150 jobs in 2003 to 490 in 2010).



Literacy rate The criteria for literacy, according to the Department of Social Development, are that people older than 14 years who successfully completed 7 years formal education and passed Grade 7 are considered to be literate. A person older than 14 years who completed less than 7 years formal education is considered illiterate. In 2007, 85.3% of Saldanha’s population was considered to be literate. Learner enrolment Information on the learner enrolment numbers of a municipality enables the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) to determine the level of demands placed on schools for the current and future years. The learner enrolment numbers for learners residing in the Saldanha Bay municipal area between 2000 and 2010 are indicated in the figure below. Grade 9 experienced the highest growth with an annual average increase of 3.2% from 2000 to 2010. Educational Attainment Information on the educational attainment levels of inhabitants of a municipal area allows the WCED and municipality to plan services and development potential of people of the region. The information in the figure below was obtained from the 2007 community Survey in the Saldanha area. The graph below shows gender inequality in education levels between males and females. In particular higher education.

Figure 8. Level of education attainment for Saldanha Bay (source STATS SA, Census 2001 and Community Survey 2007).

b) Socio-economic value of the activity

What is the expected capital value of the activity on completion? R1.25 billion

What is the expected yearly income that will be generated by or as a result of the activity?

Tippler 3 is just one component of the entire value chain and its share is impossible to determine.



Will the activity contribute to service infrastructure? YES NO X

Is the activity a public amenity? YES NO X

How many new employment opportunities will be created in the development and construction phase of the activity/ies?

Temporary jobs may be created during the construction phase. These jobs will be a combination of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled.

What is the expected value of the employment opportunities during the development and construction phase?

R unknown

What percentage of this will accrue to previously disadvantaged individuals?

% unknown

How many permanent new employment opportunities will be created during the operational phase of the activity?

It is unlikely that permanent jobs will be created during the operational phase.

What is the expected current value of the employment opportunities during the first 10 years?

R unknown

What percentage of this will accrue to previously disadvantaged individuals?

unknown %

9. BIODIVERSITY

Please note: The Department may request specialist input/studies depending on the nature of the biodiversity occurring on the site and potential impact(s) of the proposed activity/ies. To assist with the identification of the biodiversity occurring on site and the ecosystem status consult http://bgis.sanbi.org or [email protected]. Information is also available on compact disc (cd) from the Biodiversity-GIS Unit, Ph (021) 799 8698. This information may be updated from time to time and it is the applicant/ EAP’s responsibility to ensure that the latest version is used. A map of the relevant biodiversity information (including an indication of the habitat conditions as per (b) below) and must be provided as an overlay map to the property/site plan as Appendix D to this report. a) Indicate the applicable biodiversity planning categories of all areas on site and indicate the

reason(s) provided in the biodiversity plan for the selection of the specific area as part of the specific category)

Systematic Biodiversity Planning Category If CBA or ESA, indicate the reason(s) for its selection in biodiversity plan

Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA)

X

Ecological Support

Area (ESA)

Other Natural

Area (ONA)

X

No Natural Area

Remaining (NNR)

Alternative 2 is located within a CBA. The area has been designated as a CBA on account of the presence of Red Data List plant taxa and critically endangered and endangered vegetation remnants. Refer to Appendix A1 for a map showing CBAs.

Alternatives 1 and 3 are outside of any CBA or

ESA.

Alternative 3 is partly inside an ONA (vegetated

dune field).

http://bgis.sanbi.org/

mailto:[email protected]



b) Indicate and describe the habitat condition on site

Habitat Condition

Percentage of habitat

condition class (adding up to 100%)

Description and additional Comments and Observations

(including additional insight into condition, e.g. poor land management practises, presence of quarries,

grazing, harvesting regimes etc).

Natural 0 % There are no natural areas remaining on site inside the rail servitude for any of the three alternatives.

Near Natural (includes areas with

low to moderate level of alien invasive

plants)

20 %

Near natural areas remain to the west of the rail servitude. Alternative 2 would be located here.

Degraded (includes areas

heavily invaded by alien plants)

50 %

The preferred alternative will be situated in a degraded area. The site is close to existing railway lines and road and is bisected by a powerline.

Transformed (includes cultivation,

dams, urban, plantation, roads, etc)

30 %

The site is surrounded by roads, railway lines an industrial developments.

c) Complete the table to indicate:

(i) the type of vegetation, including its ecosystem status, present on the site; and (ii) whether an aquatic ecosystem is present on site.

Terrestrial Ecosystems Aquatic Ecosystems

Ecosystem threat status as per the

National Environmental Management:

Biodiversity Act (Act No. 10 of 2004)

Critical Wetland (including rivers, depressions, channelled and unchanneled wetlands, flats,

seeps pans, and artificial wetlands)

Estuary Coastline

Endangered X

Vulnerable

Least Threatened YES NO X UNSURE YES NO X YES

NO

X

d) Please provide a description of the vegetation type and/or aquatic ecosystem present on site,

including any important biodiversity features/information identified on site (e.g. threatened species and special habitats)

Vegetation

The site is located in the Cape Floristic Region. This region is dominated by two vegetation types fynbos and renosterveld. The tippler will be located in Saldanha Flats Strandveld vegetation type (Mucina and Rutherford, 2006). 51.8% of this vegetation type is found within the Saldanha Bay Municipal area (Maree and Vromans, 2010). Saldanha Flats Strandveld was classified as an endangered vegetation type by Mucina and Rutherford, 2006. The original extent of Saldanaha Flats Strandveld was 760.23 km2. According the National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment only 45.4% of



Saldanha Flats Strandveld remains. Clearing of vegetation for the proposed tippler 3 and associated infrastructure will reduce this figure to 44.1%. The section of vegetation to be cleared is not part of a continuous patch of vegetation, but isolated by linear features, namely the rail lines and conveyor belts. Currently only 11% of the remaining Saldanha Flats Strandveld is protected, this figure is lower than the conservation target of 24%. The main threats to Saldanha Flats Strandveld are transformation for cultivation, urban development and alien invasive infestation.

A short section of the new 11 kV power line route, approximately 160 m, will be located in Saldanha Limestone Strandveld, this vegetation type is also classified as endangered (Mucina and Rutherford, 2006). The new Duferco bridge and the extension of the Camp Road bridge are both located in Saldanha Flats Strandveld. Refer to Appendix A for vegetation maps.

The vegetation within the rail reserve is heavily disturbed and there is little natural vegetation remaining. Remaining indigenous species tend to be weedy and resilient including:

Lycium ferocissimum (boxthorn);

Exomiis microphylla (brakbos)

Suaeda graveolens;

Chyrsanthemoides incana (grey bietou);

Tetragonia fruticosa (kinkelbossie);

Willdenowia incurvata, (sonkwasriet) and;

Felicia hyssopifolia.

Rooikrans (Acacia cyclops) is fairly common in areas of previous soil disturbance (Helme, 2006). Four Red Data species were observed in the dunes behind the Oyster Pond, namely Helichrysum cochleariforme, Euphorbia caput-medusae subsp. marlothiana vingerpol, Afrolimon capense and Limonium acuminatum (Low and Berry, 2007). This could be of importance when the locality alternative 3 for the third tippler is considered.

Critical Biodiversity Areas

The proposed position for the Duferco bridge is located approximately 7 m from a critical biodiversity area (CBA) The area has been designated as a CBA due to the presence of irreplaceable wetland and endangered vegetation remnants. The conservation objective for this land is to maintain natural land or rehabilitate degraded land to a natural or near natural state and ensure there is no further degradation (Pence and Magidi, 2008). Refer to Appendix A for sensitivity maps.

Avifauna

The site and broader surrounding area are home to several endemic bird species including Barlow’s lark (Certhilauda barlowi). A number of species of conservation concern also occur in the areas these include black harrier (Circus maurus) classified as vulnerable (Maree and Vromans, 2010).

Mammals

Thirty-two mammal species are likely to occur on site or in the surrounding area including the dune field south of the site. Species which may be present on site include yellow mongoose (Cynictis penicillata), Cape Serotine Bat (Neoromicia capensis), Karoo Bush Rat (Otomys irroratus), Cape



Hare (Lepus capensis) and Cape Fox (Vulpes chama) (Cooper, 2007).



SECTION C: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 1. ADVERTISEMENT AND NOTICE

Publication name Die Burger, Cape Argus, Weslander

Date published 13 June 2013

Site notice position Latitude Longitude

32°58’11.51 S 18°1’53.40 E

32°59’23.70 S 17°59’58.32 E

Date placed 19 June 2013

Include proof of the placement of the relevant advertisements and notices in Appendix E1. 2. DETERMINATION OF APPROPRIATE MEASURES

Provide details of the measures taken to include all potential I&APs as required by Regulation 54(2)(e) and 54(7) of GN R.543. Key stakeholders (other than organs of state) identified in terms of Regulation 54(2)(b) of GN R.543:

Title, Name and Surname

Affiliation/ key stakeholder status

Contact details (tel number or e-mail address)

Mr Antony Botha Transnet: Environment Quality Officer Safety, Security and Sustainability

[email protected] 031 308 8018

Ms Frans Palm (Secretary)

Langebaan Rate Payers and Residents Association

[email protected]

Mr Christo van Wyk Cove Home Owners Association

[email protected]

Mr M Smit (Chairma) Ratepayers Association of Vredenburg

[email protected]

Mr W Verster (Chairperson)

West Coast Peninsular Tourism Bureau

[email protected]; [email protected]

Mr Stephen Ross SFF Association Saldanha Bay [email protected]

Ms Innocentia Mahlabengwane

West Coast Biosphere [email protected]

Mr Mike Rothenburg Blue Water Bay Home Owners Associations

[email protected]

West Coast Pelagic Fishing Association

61 Saldanha Road, Saldanha

Include proof that the key stakeholder received written notification of the proposed activities as Appendix E2. This proof may include any of the following:

e-mail delivery reports;

registered mail receipts;

courier waybills;

signed acknowledgements of receipt; and/or

or any other proof as agreed upon by the competent authority.









3. ISSUES RAISED BY INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES

Summary of main issues raised by I&APs Summary of response from EAP

Increase in dust emissions The proposed third tippler may increase the maxima for fine and extra fine dust particles in the atmosphere by 3% and 4 %, respectively. Fallout is similarly predicted to increase by 3%. Transnet to reduce dust emissions as a whole for the entire port area.

Historical impacts of dust on surrounding properties, repainting of houses etc.

This Basic Assessment process will investigate the impacts resulting from the construction and operation of tippler 3. The Basic Assessment process will not be addressing historical issues. The basic assessment aims to identify the impacts of Tippler 3 and methods to mitigate these impacts.

Updating of the current atmospheric emissions license

The application for an Air Emissions License is running in parallel with this Basic Assessment.

Impact on the haul road between Namakwa Sands and the Port of Saldanha

To accommodate the new Duferco Bridge a section of the haul road linking Namakwa Sands to the port will be relocated onto property owned by ArcelorMittal

Impact on endangered vegetation types, Saldanha Flats Strandveld and Saldanha Limestone Strandveld

The EAP is aware of the conservation implications of this development. An assessment of the vegetation on site has been made. This has informed the impact assessment and the mitigation measures that must be implemented.

4. COMMENTS AND RESPONSE REPORT

The practitioner must record all comments received from I&APs and respond to each comment before the Draft BAR is submitted. The comments and responses must be captured in a comments and response report as prescribed in the EIA regulations and be attached to the Final BAR as Appendix E3. 5. AUTHORITY PARTICIPATION

Authorities and organs of state identified as key stakeholders:

Authority/ Organ of State

Contact person (Title, Name and Surname)

Tel No Fax No

e-mail Postal address

Department of Environmental Affairs

Mmatlala Rabothata

012 395 1768

012 320 7539

mrabothata@ environment.gov.za

Private Bay X447, Pretoria, 0001

Department of Environmental Affairs and Development

Leptieshaam Bekko

021 483 3370

021 483 4372

Ieptieshaam.Bekko @westerncape.gov.za

Private Bag X9086 Cape Town 8000



Planning: Costal Management Unit


H.F Prins (Municipal Manager)

022 433 8523


PO Box 242, Moorreesburg, 7310


Doretha Kotze

0224338523


Po Box 242, Moorreesburg, 7310

Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning

Helen Jordaan

014 830 780

[email protected]

7th floor Utilitas Building, 1 Dorp street, Cape Town, 8000

Department of Transport of Public Works (Western Cape Government)

Sharonette Webb-Olivier

Sharonette.Webb@westerncape,gov.za

9 Dorp Street, Cape Town

Department of Transport and Public Works

Mario Brown 0214832604

[email protected]

Private Bag x9185, Cape Town 8001

Cape Nature Alana Duffel- Canham

0218668029

[email protected]

Private Bag x5014, Stellenbosch 7599

Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries

Andrea Bernatzeder

0214307026

[email protected]

Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries

Fatima Samodien

0214307006


South African Maritime Safety Authority

19th floor, 2 Long Street, Cape Town, 8001`

SAS Saldanha, Defence Depot

J. Mudimu Private Bag X104, Pretoria, 0001

Include proof that the Authorities and Organs of State received written notification of the proposed activities as appendix E4. In the case of renewable energy projects, Eskom and the SKA Project Office must be included in the list of Organs of State.







6. CONSULTATION WITH OTHER STAKEHOLDERS Note that, for any activities (linear or other) where deviation from the public participation requirements may be appropriate, the person conducting the public participation process may deviate from the requirements of that sub-regulation to the extent and in the manner as may be agreed to by the competent authority. Proof of any such agreement must be provided, where applicable. Application for any deviation from the regulations relating to the public participation process must be submitted prior to the commencement of the public participation process. A list of registered I&APs must be included as Appendix E5. Copies of any correspondence and minutes of any meetings held must be included in Appendix E6.



SECTION D: IMPACT ASSESSMENT

The assessment of impacts must adhere to the minimum requirements in the EIA Regulations, 2010, and should take applicable official guidelines into account. The issues raised by interested and affected parties should also be addressed in the assessment of impacts.

1. IMPACTS THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE PLANNING AND DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, OPERATIONAL, DECOMMISSIONING AND CLOSURE PHASES AS WELL AS PROPOSED MANAGEMENT OF IDENTIFIED IMPACTS AND PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES

Provide a summary and anticipated significance of the potential direct, indirect and cumulative impacts that are likely to occur as a result of the planning and design phase, construction phase, operational phase, decommissioning and closure phase, including impacts relating to the choice of site/activity/technology alternatives as well as the mitigation measures that may eliminate or reduce the potential impacts listed. This impact assessment must be applied to all the identified alternatives to the activities identified in Section A(2) of this report. A complete impact assessment in terms of Regulation 22(2)(i) of GN R.543 is included as Appendix F. Significance is given assuming effective mitigation has been implemented. Detailed mitigated measures are presented in the EMPr, these mitigated measures are summarised below. ALTERNATIVE 1 (preferred)

Impact summary Significance Proposed mitigation

PLANNING AND DESIGN PHASE

No direct, indirect or cumulative impacts were identified.

No impact There are no mitigation measures to consider.

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Direct impacts

Noise will result from the use of heavy machinery and vehicles by personnel on site

Low The use of all plant and machinery shall be appropriate to the task required in order to reduce noise levels

Dust will result from clearing of vegetation, from the excavation of soil for the vault of the tippler and from demolition activities. Dust will result from the use of access roads which have not been tarred. Dust will also accumulate on the wheels of vehicles and be transported to roads outside the port.

Low Spraying of water.

No work under high wind conditions.

Speed limits are to be set for untarred access roads to reduce fugitive dust generation.

Construction vehicles must be washed down before they leave the site.

Closing the Camp Road will cause traffic delays as commuters will have to use a longer detour.

Low A traffic management plan shall be developed by the



contractor.

Publicise the period when the road will be closed and provide a detour for the public.

The demolishing of the Duferco Bridge and its replacement with a new structure may temporarily interfere with the transport of material between Saldanha Steel and Duferco Steel Processing.

Low The new bridge should be completed before the old bridge is demolished.

Damage to and loss of endangered vegetation will occur on the tippler footprint.

Low Clearing of vegetation should be kept to a minimum and must be introduced in a phased manner

Rehabilitation shall be undertaken as soon as a section of construction is finished.

The revegetation and habitat rehabilitation plan shall be implemented.

Refer to the EMPr for more detail on vegetation mitigation measures.

Indirect impacts

None were identified There are no mitigation measures to consider.

Cumulative impacts


OPERATION PHASE

Direct impacts

Noise will be experienced during the operation of tipplers. Noise will be generated by the movement and stopping of trains on tracks leading to the tippler. Tippler 3 operation will introduce a new high noise zone 1.4 km distant from the existing tippler high noise zones.

Low Noise protection equipment must be worn by tippler personnel.

The tippler is to be housed inside a building. Noise absorbing materials shall be used on the tippler walls and ceiling as far as this is practical. Alternatively, padded noise refuges shall be created for the tippler operators.

Iron ore dust is produced when loaded iron ore wagons are emptied at the tipplers.

Low The emissions are largely controlled by the dust extractor equipment.



Tipplers must not be operated without effective dust control in place.

Routine dust monitoring in accordance with the EMPr to be conducted in area surrounding tippler.

The permanent loss of a part of the Saldanha Flats Strandveld will occur on the construction footprint.

Medium As a minimum, no further loss of Saldanha Flats Strandveld should be permitted by future port expansion activities and the use of the presently available space shall be thoroughly optimised. An open space management plan is to be drawn up which also addresses plant rescue and protection of species of conservation concern.

The installation of a third tippler will enable Transnet to continue to export iron ore at the current level without interruption.

High No mitigation is required for this positive impact.

Indirect impacts


Cumulative impacts

The storage and handling of iron ore at the port generates fugitive dust. Although tippler operations are responsible for the smallest amount of particulate emissions compared to other sources, the cumulative effect introduced through the operation of a third tippler could potentially lead to a situation where the combined emissions will exceed legislated levels especially when stricter controls come into effect from 2016 onwards.

Low In order to achieve the reduction of this negative impact to low significance, all mitigation efforts at all sources of dust need to be increased. In particular,

Optimal performance of dust filtration systems at the tipplers;

Maintenance of the moisture content of iron ore to 1.2%;

Use of chemical dust suppressant;

Paving of gravel roads;

Daily sweeping of port roads;

Removal of dust piles under equipment, such as conveyors;

Installation of windshields



along the conveyor belt system where this is missing; and revegetation of any bare ground with hardy plant cover to reduce wind-blown dust.

Furthermore, monitoring of dust emissions shall be conducted at the proposed tippler location to determine current baseline conditions more precisely than by modelling alone, and also to determine the predicted increase in fine and extra fine dust particles with the introduction of tippler 3.

Additionally, a dust fallout monitoring network in the greater port area and beyond shall be implemented. The design and the operation of the fallout monitoring network shall meet the requirements of Section 21 of the National Environmental Management Air Quality Act, 2004.

DECOMMISSIONING AND CLOSURE PHASE

Tippler 3 is a necessary component of the operation of the Sishen - Saldanha Ore Line. This rail line will not be closed in the foreseeable future. Hence no impacts for this phase need to be rated and no rating table is provided.

Not rated

ALTERNATIVE 2





CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Direct impacts


Low The use of all plant and machinery shall be appropriate to the task



required in order to reduce noise levels.


Low Spraying of water, no work under high wind conditions, speed limits are to be set for untarred access roads to reduce fugitive dust generation, construction vehicles must be washed down before they leave the site.

Alternative 2 would require the crossing of existing rail lines leading to the port by the new approach and departure line. There are far reaching safety implications caused by the rail crossing that would negatively impact on train and iron ore rake movements, conveyors to the port iron ore stock pile, as well as signalling.

High The negative rail safety impacts are best avoided altogether by not pursuing the Tippler 2 alternative.

Damage to and loss of endangered vegetation will occur on the tippler footprint which will also be located inside a Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA)

High This is best avoided altogether by not pursuing the Tippler 2 alternative.

Indirect impacts

None were identified No impact There are no mitigation measures to consider

Cumulative impacts

None were identified. No impact There are no mitigation measures to consider.

OPERATION PHASE

Direct impacts

Noise will be experienced during the operation of tipplers. Noise will be generated by the movement and stopping of trains on tracks leading to the tippler. A new high noise zone will be created.

Low The tippler is to be housed inside a building.

Noise absorbing materials shall be used on the tippler walls and ceiling as far as this is practical. Alternatively, padded noise refuges shall be created for the tippler operators. Personnel shall wear hearing protection equipment.


Low The emissions are largely controlled by the dust extractor equipment. Routine dust monitoring in accordance with the EMPr to be conducted in area surrounding tippler.



The loss of a part of a Critical Biodiversity Area will occur.

High This is best avoided altogether by not pursuing the Tippler 2 alternative.



Indirect impacts

None were identified No impact There are no mitigation measures to consider

Cumulative impacts









Installation of windshields along the conveyor belt system where this is missing; and revegetation of any bare ground with hardy plant cover to reduce wind-blown dust.

Furthermore, monitoring of dust emissions shall be conducted at the proposed tippler location to determine current baseline conditions more precisely than by modelling alone, and also to determine the predicted increase in fine and extra fine dust particles with the introduction of tippler 3. Additionally, a dust fallout



monitoring network in the greater port area and beyond shall be implemented. The design and the operation of the fallout monitoring network shall meet the requirements of Section 21 of the National Environmental Management Air Quality Act, 2004



Not rated

ALTERNATIVE 3





CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Direct impacts


Low The use of all plant and machinery shall be appropriate to the task required in order to reduce noise levels.


Low Spraying of water.

No work under high wind conditions if it is likely that dust clouds will be precipitated.

Speed limits are to be set for untarred access roads to reduce fugitive dust generation.

Construction vehicles must be washed down before they leave the site.

Damage to and loss of endangered vegetation will occur on the tippler footprint. Alternative 3 will pose a medium negative impact on the ecology as it would intrude on the edge of a vegetated dune belt that extends eastwards along the shore in the direction of Langebaan.

Medium Clearing of vegetation should be kept to a minimum and must be introduced in a phased manner, where rehabilitation is immediately



undertaken as soon as a section of construction is finished.

An open space management plan is to be drawn up which also addresses plant rescue and protection of species of conservation concern.

Changes to the landform will occur as alternative 3 will require excavating into the edge of a 20 m high, vegetated dune. The presently stable dune could become mobile threatening infrastructure by sand being blown in by the wind.

High This impact is best avoided by not pursuing alternative 3.

Indirect impacts

None were identified No impact There are no mitigation measures to consider.

Cumulative impacts


OPERATION PHASE

Direct impacts

Noise will be experienced during the operation of tipplers. Noise will be generated by the movement and stopping of trains on tracks leading to the tippler. A new high noise zone will be created.

Low The tippler is to be housed inside a building.

Personnel shall wear hearing protection equipment.

Noise absorbing materials shall be used on the tippler walls and ceiling as far as this is practical. Alternatively, padded noise refuges shall be created for the tippler operators.


Low The emissions are largely controlled by the dust extractor equipment.

Routine dust monitoring in accordance with the EMPr to be conducted in area surrounding tippler.

The permanent loss of a part of the Saldanha Flats Strandveld will occur on the construction footprint.

Medium As a minimum, no further loss of Saldanha Flats Strandveld should be permitted by future port expansion activities and the use of the presently available space shall be



thoroughly optimised.



Indirect impacts


Cumulative impacts









Installation of windshields along the conveyor belt system where this is missing; and revegetation of any bare ground with hardy plant cover to reduce wind-blown dust.

Furthermore, monitoring of dust emissions shall be conducted at the proposed tippler location to determine current baseline conditions more precisely than by modelling alone, and also to determine the predicted increase in fine and extra fine dust particles with the introduction of tippler 3. Additionally, a dust fallout monitoring network in the



greater port area and beyond shall be implemented. The design and the operation of the fallout monitoring network shall meet the requirements of Section 21 of the National Environmental Management Air Quality Act, 2004



Not rated

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Direct, indirect and cumulative impacts

If the no-go alternative is pursued no construction will take place. Hence no rating table is provided.

Not rated

OPERATION PHASE

Direct, indirect and cumulative impacts

If the no-go alternative is chosen the Port of Saldanha continues to operate using two iron ore tipplers. The iron ore export capacity of South Africa would be capped at its present level or possibly reduced due to increasing maintenance requirement of the two existing tipplers. There will be a loss in future iron or export earnings to South Africa.

High The no-go alternative would constitute a highly significant negative impact for Transnet's iron ore export operations. This negative impact can be avoided by choosing the best environmental development option.


If the no-go alternative is pursued nothing requires decommissioning. Hence no rating table is provided.

Not rated

2. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Taking the assessment of potential impacts into account, please provide an environmental impact statement that summarises the impact that the proposed activity and its alternatives may have on the environment after the management and mitigation of impacts have been taken into account, with specific reference to types of impact, duration of impacts, likelihood of potential impacts actually occurring and the significance of impacts. Alternative 1 (preferred alternative)

No undue negative environmental impacts are expected to arise during the planning and design phase of the project.

During construction the existing port and rail operations, as well as road users potentially will be



affected by noise, dust, traffic congestion and other construction related nuisances. These negative impacts will be mostly site specific and temporary, and will have a low magnitude. With mitigation in place the environmental significance is low. Alternative 1 may result in the loss of sensitive vegetation namely Saldanha Flats Strandveld, but takes place outside the adjacent Critical Biodiversity Area. If the remaining intact vegetation type is conserved elsewhere, the loss at the tippler 3 footprint will constitute a negative impact of medium significance.

The installation of a third tippler will enable Transnet to continue to export iron ore at the current level without interruption during the operational phase.

Although tippler operations are responsible for the smallest amount of particulate emissions compared to other sources, the cumulative effect introduced through the operation of a third tippler could potentially lead to a situation where the combined emissions will exceed legislated levels especially when stricter controls come into effect from 2016 onwards. In order to achieve the reduction of this negative impact to low significance, dust suppression efforts at all sources of dust need to be increased.

The operation of the third tippler is predicted to create a new high noise zone approximately 1.4 km inland from the existing tipplers. Noise levels exceeding the legal limit of 85 dB(A) may be experienced necessitating the wearing of noise protection equipment by personnel as the first line of defence against hearing loss.

The proposed provision of a third tippler is a necessary component of the operation of the Sishen - Saldanha Ore Line. This heavy haul railway line will not be closed in the foreseeable future. Hence no impacts for the closure phase need to be rated.

Alternative 2


As with the other location alternatives, alternative 2 will cause construction related nuisances, namely noise, dust, and traffic congestion. These negative impacts will be mostly site specific and temporary, and will have a low magnitude. A major flaw of this alternative is the need for new rail lines to cross existing ones. This would cause enormous problems for the safety of rail operations. The safety concerns are not outweighed by the possibility that the Duferco and the Camp Road bridge works may not have to be undertaken if this alternative is pursued. While all three location alternatives may result in the loss of sensitive vegetation, alternative 2 is located within a Critical Biodiversity Area. The vegetation inside the CBA this area is more intact than for the other two alternatives. It is therefore more likely that species of conservation will be lost during vegetation clearing.

As with alternative 1, the installation of a third tippler will enable Transnet to continue to export iron ore at the current level without interruption during the operational phase.

Although tippler operations are responsible for the smallest amount of particulate emissions compared to other sources, the cumulative effect introduced through the operation of a third tippler could potentially lead to a situation where the combined emissions will exceed legislated levels especially when stricter controls come into effect from 2016 onwards. In order to achieve the reduction of this negative impact to low significance, dust suppression efforts at all sources of dust



need to be increased.

As is the case with the other alternatives high noise levels exceeding 85 dB(A) are expected to be experienced by personnel necessitating the need to wear noise protection equipment.

The proposed provision of a third tippler is a necessary component of the operation of the Sishen - Saldanha Ore Line. This heavy haul railway line will not be closed in the foreseeable future. Hence no impacts for the closure phase need to be rated.

Alternative 3


As with the other location alternatives, alternative 3 will cause construction related nuisances, namely noise, dust, and traffic congestion. These negative impacts will be mostly site specific and temporary, and will have a low magnitude. The positioning of the tippler in an area of steep topography would necessitate major excavations into a dune, which may consequently become unstable. This is rated as a negative impact of high significance that should be avoided by not selecting this option. Alternative 3 will definitely result in the loss of sensitive vegetation.

As with alternative 1, the installation of a third tippler will enable Transnet to continue to export iron ore at the current level without interruption during the operational phase.

Although tippler operations are responsible for the smallest amount of particulate emissions compared to other sources, the cumulative effect introduced through the operation of a third tippler could potentially lead to a situation where the combined emissions will exceed legislated levels especially when stricter controls come into effect from 2016 onwards. In order to achieve the reduction of this negative impact to low significance, dust suppression efforts at all sources of dust need to be increased.

As is the case with the other alternatives high noise levels exceeding 85 dB(A) are expected to be experienced by personnel necessitating the need to wear noise protection equipment.

Tippler 3 is a necessary component of the operation of the Sishen - Saldanha Ore Line. This rail line will not be closed in the foreseeable future. Hence no impacts for the closure phase need to be rated.

No-go alternative (compulsory)

The no-go alternative will not result in any negative environmental impacts however it will also prevent positive social and economic impacts. The Port of Saldanha would continue to operate using two aging iron ore tipplers. The iron ore capacity of South Africa would be capped at its present level or possibly reduced due to increasing maintenance requirement of the two existing tipplers. There will be a loss in future iron or export earnings to South Africa. If the proposed activity is not implemented, the existing tipplers cannot be refurbished without interruption of the offloading activities. They would fail eventually due to old age. This would compromise the iron ore export capabilities of Transnet catastrophically.



SECTION E. RECOMMENDATION OF PRACTITIONER

Is the information contained in this report and the documentation attached hereto sufficient to make a decision in respect of the activity applied for (in the view of the environmental assessment practitioner)?

YES X NO

If ―NO‖, indicate the aspects that should be assessed further as part of a Scoping and EIA process before a decision can be made (list the aspects that require further assessment).

If ―YES‖, please list any recommended conditions, including mitigation measures that should be considered for inclusion in any authorisation that may be granted by the competent authority in respect of the application.

The key premise of this Basic Assessment in support of the application for environmental authorisation for a third tippler is that no net expansion of the iron ore export takes place. Should Transnet desire to operate three tipplers simultaneously, the cumulative impacts of this action would have to be assessed in a new investigation and the air quality licensing requirements would have to be revisited. Based on the overall low environmental impact it is recommended that this activity receives authorisation. Best management and construction practices must be implemented from the onset of Tippler 3 construction to ensure that disturbances to the ongoing rail operations, to the Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) in the west, to sensitive vegetation on the construction footprint and to travellers using Camp Rd are kept to a minimum. The environmental management plan and other conditions of environmental authorisation must be adhered to. An Environmental Control Officer should be appointed for the construction phase.

Is an EMPr attached? YES X NO

The EMPr is attached as Appendix G. The details of the EAP who compiled the BAR and the expertise of the EAP to perform the Basic Assessment process is included as Appendix H. Declaration of interest for each specialist is included in Appendix I. Any other information relevant to this application and not previously included is attached in Appendix J.

Dr. Norbert Klages ________________________________________ NAME OF EAP

________________________________________ 18 July 2013_________________

SIGNATURE OF EAP DATE


J31459 Tippler Draft Basic Assessment Report 20130718 NKKPJMBNK.doc 56 Rev 9 / September 2012

SECTION F: APPENDIXES The following appendixes must be attached:

Appendix A: Site Plans Appendix B: Photographs Appendix C: Facility Illustration(s) Appendix D: Specialist Reports (including terms of reference) Appendix E: Public Participation and Comment and Response Report Appendix F: Impact Assessment Appendix G: Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) Appendix H: Details of Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP), Expertise and Declaration of Interest Appendix I: Details of Specialist’s Declaration of Interest Appendix J: Additional Information



REFERENCES

Aurecon (2013). Ore Line Expansion Project FEL-2 Executive Report Volume 1. Revision 00 30 April 2013

Chamberlain, M. (2013). Bulk Terminal Saldanha Noise Survey. Prepared by Apex Environmental.

Cooper, J (2007). Environmental Impact Assessment: Phase 2 Expansion of the Saldanha Iron Ore Export Terminal. Avifauna and Terrestrial Fauna. Strategic Environmental Focus (Pty) Ltd

Driver A., Sink, K.J., Nel, J.N., Holness, S., Van Niekerk, L., Daniels, F., Jonas, Z., Majiedt, P.A., Harris, L. & Maze, K. (2012). National Biodiversity Assessment 2011: An assessment of South Africa’s biodiversity and ecosystems. Synthesis Report. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Department of Environmental Affairs, Pretoria

Majiedt PA, Harris L and Maze K (2012). National Biodiversity Assessment 2011: An assessment of South Africa’s biodiversity and ecosystems. Synthesis Report. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Department of Environmental Affairs, Pretoria

Helme N (2006). Botanical Overview of Proposed Extensions to Existing Passing Loops on Sishen – Saldanha Railway Line. Compiled for SHE Cape Environmental CC

Low, B and Berry M (2007). Environmental Impact Assessment: Phase 2 Expansion of the Saldanha Iron Ore Handling Facility. Botany. Prepared for PDNA/ SRK JV

Maree, KS. and Vromans, DC (2010). The Biodiversity Sector Plan for the Saldanha Bay, Bergrivier, Cederberg and Matzikama Municipalities: Supporting land-use planning and decision-making in Critical Biodiversity Areas and Ecological Support Areas. Produced by CapeNature as part of the C.A.P.E. Fine-scale Biodiversity Planning Project. Kirstenbosch.

Mucina L and Rutherford MC, (2006). The Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. SANBI, Pretoria

Pence G and Magidi J (2008) C.A.P.E Fine-scale Biodiversity Planning Project, implemented by Cape Nature

Saldanha Bay Municipality, (undated). IDP 2012-2017

Statistics South Africa, (2009). Community Survey 2007: Basic Results Western Cape

Rouget M, Belinda R, Jonas Z, Driver A, Maze K, Egoh B and Cowling R (2005). South African National Biodiversity Assessment 2004 Technical Report. Volume 1: Terrestrial Component

Website references

Web reference 1: Statistics South Africa, Census 2011 data supplied to National Treasury for local government equitable share formula (accessed 15.03.2013) http://www.statssa.gov.za/publications/Census%202011_data_supplied_to_National_Treasury.asp

Web reference 2 BGIS Municipal Biodiversity Summary Saldanha Bay Local Municipality http://bgis.sanbi.org/municipalities/summaries.asp?muni=WC014 (accessed 16.03.2013)

http://bgis.sanbi.org/municipalities/summaries.asp?muni=WC014


\ Rev 6/ Aug 2012

DOCUMENT CONTROL FORM IP180_B

CLIENT : Transnet SOC Ltd

PROJECT NAME : Sishen – Saldanha Iron Ore Expansion Project: Tippler 3

PROJECT No. : J31459

TITLE OF DOCUMENT : Tippler 3 Draft Basic Assessment Report

ELECTRONIC LOCATION :

P:\J31459 Transnet Saldanha Port & Oreline EIAs\Tippler basic assessment\J31459 draft Basic Assessment Report_140613.doc

Approved By Reviewed By Prepared By

ORIGINAL NAME J-M. Ball

NAME J-M. Ball

NAME N. Klages/ K. Parkinson

DATE 14/06/2013

SIGNATURE

SIGNATURE

SIGNATURE

Prepared by Prepared By Prepared By

REVISION NAME

NAME

NAME

DATE

SIGNATURE

SIGNATURE

SIGNATURE

Approved By Reviewed By Prepared By

REVISION NAME

NAME

NAME

DATE

SIGNATURE

SIGNATURE

SIGNATURE

This report, and information or advice, which it contains, is provided by GIBB (or any of its related entities) solely for internal use and reliance by its Client in performance of GIBB’s duties and liabilities under its contract with the Client. Any advice, opinions, or recommendations within this report should be read and relied upon only in the context of the report as a whole. The advice and opinions in this report are based upon the information made available to GIBB at the date of this report and on current South African standards, codes, technology and construction practices as at the date of this report. Following final delivery of this report to the Client, GIBB will have no further obligations or duty to advise the Client on any matters, including development affecting the information or advice provided in this report. This report has been prepared by GIBB in their professional capacity as Consulting Engineers. The contents of the report do not, in any way, purport to include any manner of legal advice or opinion. This report is prepared in accordance with the terms and conditions of the GIBB contract with the Client. Regard should be had to those terms and conditions when considering and/or placing any reliance on this report. Should the Client wish to release this report to a Third Party for that party's reliance, GIBB may, at its discretion, agree to such release provided that: (a) GIBB’s written agreement is obtained prior to such release, and (b) By release of the report to the Third Party, that Third Party does not acquire any rights, contractual or otherwise, whatsoever

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