Submitted by Andrew September on
Land Parcel Type:
Erf/Farm No.:
129
Ptn No.:
5
HWC file No.:
HM/WEST COAST/SALDANHA BAY/PORT OF SALDANHA/ PORTION 5 OF FARM 129
Street Address:
Saldanha Steel Access Road off MR559
MyContent link:
Registered Owner:
Transnet
Grading:
Nature of Application:
Proposed third Tippler Facility along railway line associated with Port of Saldanha
Date of Site Visit:
Wednesday, 15 June 2016
HWC Representatives:
Andrew September and Jonathan Windvogel
Met on Site By:
Nokhuthela Hlongwane (ECO), Jaco Van Rensburg (Environmental Officer) & Lehlohonolo Tsotetsi (Project Manager)
Reasons for Site Inspection:
A member of the public reported to HWC that the proposed bulk excavation work for Tippler 3 site was taken place without palaeontological monitoring as per the condition set by the HWC record of decision (21 August 2013) and the approved EMPr (September 2013). HWC was concerned as the Greater Saldanha Bay Area is highly sensitive to palaeontological resources. HWC Officials Andrew September and Jonathan Windvogel were sent to investigate whether this has taken place.
Findings of Site Inspection:
The HWC Official (Andrew September) met the ECO, Project Manager and Environmental Officer on site and the officials noted that bulk excavation work has indeed taken place without palaeontological monitoring. According to the Transnet Representatives, the developers were of the impression, that bulk works could continue for 3 meters only, before palaentological monitoring should take place. However the HWC Official reminded the Transnet Representatives that the HWC Decision did not specify such and required that monitoring take place for all bulk earthworks and therefore it should of been complied with. The representatives also noted that there was a procurement process at the moment for a palaeontologist and assured the Official that monitoring will take place for further bulk earthworks.
Recommended Action:
HWC Official issued the Stopworks Order and ordered that all work on site be ceased until compliance is met.
The Stopworks Order will be lifted once there is physical proof that a palaeontologist has been appointed by the developer to monitor further earthworks. The physical proof will be sent to the HWC Official.
Which committee should this report be submitted to?:
Project Number Link:
0
Managers Comments: