Environmental Management May/Jun 2016

Environmental Management

Southern Africa’s leading sustainable development publication

www.emmagazine.co.za May/June 2016

y, m o n o c e r u mo r o f s n a ur r t o y e v a s d To trul n y, a t i r u c e s r ate u m i l c f o s e protect o g rava e h t m ely o t r f a t m i t l u o plane t eed n e w , e e g h t n y a g r ch e n e e abl w e n e r , . n y a g r e l e c n e e k f a o m ind profitable k

BAMA BARACK O

ENERGY CH ALLENGES • PIPES AND PIPELINES • AFRICA'S GREEN WA LL

SIKHULISA SONKE • WE DEVELOP TOGETHER

Proudly South African, JG Afrika (previously Jeffares & Green) provides civil and structural engineering and environmental consulting services throughout Africa. With a century of in-depth industry experience, a rich history, and strong African roots, JG Afrika continues to offer clients sustainable solutions of uncompromising quality and integrity.

Tel: +27 11 231 2200 info@jgafrika.com www.jgafrika.com Johannesburg - Cape Town - Durban - Maputo - Maseru - Maun - Pietermaritzburg - Port Elizabeth - Postmasburg - Pretoria

ED’S NOTE

www.emmagazine.co.za

BY SAMANTHA MORGAN

Contents 04 TAKE NOTE

Dear Reader

This is now the third issue of the year of Environmental Management. That means that we will be halfway through the year by the time you receive this.

We have a key feature on renewable

Sam D. Molenaar and his colleagues

technologies. Someday it could help

energy in this issue – perhaps a good

from Wageningen University and

us store energy from local renewable

thing to remind ourselves, as winter

Wetsus (The Netherlands) wanted

sources safely and at a lower cost

starts setting in, that there are other

to come up with a less expensive,

than current options. (Source: ACS’

sources of energy that we can rely on,

sustainable solution.

journal Environmental Science &

not just to light up our world but to

The researchers combined,

keep us warm.

Technology Letters)

for the first time, two separate

Did you ever think you would

3

microbial energy systems: one that

Enjoy the read.

hear ‘so long lithium, hello bacteria

uses bacteria to form acetate from

Sami

batteries’?

electricity and one to convert the

Solar, wind and other renewable

produced acetate back into electricity.

energy sources are gaining ground as

The researchers successfully charged

nations work to lower greenhouse gas

the battery over a 16-hour period

emissions and reliance on petroleum.

and discharged it over the next eight

But sunlight and wind are not

hours, mimicking the day-night

constant, so consumers can’t count

pattern typical for solar energy

on them 24/7. Storing energy can

production. They repeated this cycle

make renewables more reliable, but

15 times in as many days. With further

current technologies such as lithium-

optimisation, they say the energy

ion batteries are limited by safety

density of the microbial battery could

issues, high costs and other factors.

be competitive with conventional

Railbanking for abandoned railways........................4 JG Afrika: engineering a new future ......................................6 Plastics industry encouraged to think innovatively ........................ 7

10 SUSTAINABLE

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Sustainable and bankable projects focusing on generating renewable energy… ........................10 Sika scoops Unilever ice-cream project ............................ 11

14 ENERGY

LEAD STORY Our coal-fired power stations .... 14

We apologise for an incorrect caption in the March issue alongside the article 'SRK story finally gets told.'

The caption should read: SRK Consulting SA board members Vassie Maharaj and William Joughin with chairman of SRK Consulting SA, Graham Howell.

The new look Environmental Management - Keeping you up to date

Energy efficient manufacturing of sustainable flooring.................. 16 The use of alternative fuels in cement manufacturing makes good business sense...................... 18

20 PIPES & PIPELINES

Saving water through plastics ..20

24 WASTE MANAGEMENT

Rapid urban expansion has prompted the need to improve efficiencies at wastewater plants........................ 24

26 WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Eavesdropping on Cameroon’s poachers .................. 26

28 LANDSCAPE

Africa’s Green Wall aims at tackling poverty and the degradation of soils in the Sahel-Saharan region .................. 28

31 CLASSIFIEDS THE TEAM EDITORIAL

SUBSCRIPTIONS

CONTACT

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ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT MAY/JUNE 2016

TAKE NOTE George/Knysna railway corridor, August 2007

Rail banking for abandoned railways

BY JOHN STEGMANN, CHAIRMAN OF THE GARDEN ROUTE CYCLEWAY ASSOCIATION

T

surrounding the fate of

THREE REASONS NOT CREDIBLE

the 67km George Knysna

How will the operators of heavy

railway corridor is likely

trucks travelling long distance be

he wasteful stalemate

to see its 10th anniversary in 2016.

enticed to off-load and re-load

In November last year there was to

their cargoes to use a daily rail link

be ‘an announcement within a week’

between George and Knysna? Is this

that the 1924 railroad is about to be

what the region’s economy needs,

rebuilt and opened for rail traffic.

or is the plan to extend the railway

Fortunately, no such announcement

from Knysna to Port Elizabeth

has been made.

without delay?

All interested parties were

How could the cost of carting

not consulted, no other uses for

heavy refuse 200km to Mossel Bay

the corridor were given serious

be viable? Now that the cost of the

consideration and no reasons for

Mossel Bay dumpsite itself has been

such a decision were given - only

hugely inflated will that simply add

chanced hearsay that there is the

to the cost? Is this what the region’s

need to get heavy trucks off the N2;

economy needs?

that there is the need to cart refuse

In 2006 when a storm damaged

from Plettenberg Bay to a dumpsite

the line Transnet declared that it

200km away every week, and that

would abandon the line as it had

the Choo-Tjoe is a great tourist

become unprofitable due to the loss

attraction.

of timber custom and to shake off the

The Garden Route rail corridor has

The Cape Town Cycle Tour - attracts many thousands of riders each year.

Photo: Mark Atkins/Shutterstock

4

burden of the annual R10m subsidy it

viable proved otherwise. While old

is therefore highly dependent upon

huge potential value for residents and

paid to keep the Choo-Tjoe running.

steam trains are attractions and

sound environmental management.

visitors. It has lain fallow for ten years

There was an outcry, not from the

there is merit keeping them going,

while the region has been prevented

timber industry or merchants, but

the corridor is too precious to be

from making use of it. In view its

from steam buffs and a public duped

restricted to this use.

location and diverse uses satisfactory

into believing that the Choo-Tjoe

reasons for suggesting exclusive

was still South Africa’s premier

a tourist destination, has a range

Cities around the world struggle

rail use, together with the projected

tourist attraction.

of accommodation and activities

with the disposal of an ever-

along its length. It has superb

increasing mass of refuse. Major

The Garden Route, renown as

1

What if Knysna and Plettenberg Bay adopted

a Zero-Waste policy?

capital and running costs, must be

It may once have been a great

given; and thorough consideration

tourist attraction but the money

beaches, lakes and rivers, forests and

cities and small towns are adopting

given to four ‘What if?’ questions,

and ten years spent on tedious

mountains to explore; and is unique

a Zero-Waste policy because

before any agreement on its future

attempts to show that the return of

in that it falls within a proclaimed

of the economic, health and

can be reached.

the Choo-Tjoe could be economically

National Park. The region’s economy

environmental advantages.

MAY/JUNE 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

TAKE NOTE components benefits physical as well as well as mental heath. A healthier population has several community benefits.

What if the Garden Route pioneered 21st Century

transportation?

Existing legislation has been an

Note that the proposed mapping

obstacle to the conversion of the

out a string of back roads and tracks

rail corridor into a cycleway. Ten

for mountain bikes will be welcome

years ago it was estimated that

as an adjunct. The cycleway, however,

it could take three years to get

is an entirely different concept that

the legislation altered and it was

is far more important because of the

clear that there wasn’t sufficient

infinitely greater immediate, regular

interest to attempt that. However,

and long-term benefits.

on-going development for over

Imagine if Knysna had a

The Altmuhl cycleway, Bavaria, between Nurnberg and Regensburg

4

the past half century of concepts

bicycle museum and a bicycle

for grade-separated personal

technology institute.

rapid transport may now be worth

3

investigating for sharing the

What if an independent

cycleway between George and

enterprise set up a Steam Park

Knysna. The object would be to

on the Garden Route?

provide rapid transportation, with

Economic advantages include

admitted to a faster group in the

It is commendable that steam

numerous stations en-route, in the

employment in profitable recycling

Cape Town Cycle Tour.

enthusiasts maintain working

form of on-demand, fully automated

examples of the great age of steam.

point-to-point personal transport

ventures, eliminating dumps (health

If these events fill the annual

benefit) and recovering land. Given

holiday opportunities what else could

A private railway offering a variety

24/7 for all users travelling between

time all cities will simply have to go

possibly attract them? There are a

of rides on old trains powered by

George airport and the Garden

this route, so why commit residents

couple of very significant elements

steam, on self-operated pomp-

Route Mall through to Plettenberg

of Plettenberg Bay and Knysna to

that they seek. (1) A major desire,

trollies and on rail-bikes would surely

Bay. Overhead dual lines would

a capital expense that could rather

particularly for urban dwellers, is

be a great asset to tourism here.

be powered by solar electricity

go towards recycling; and why lock

for somewhere safe and pleasant

There could be a steam museum, a

and include mini-containers for

them into ever-increasing costs of

to train or explore in their own time

functioning maintenance workshop,

automated goods delivery that

transport and dumping?

whenever that happens to be. (2) A

a cafe/restaurant and shop, as well

could see a reduction of small and

similar desire exists amongst many

as parking. Special ‘Agatha Christie

medium-sized vehicles on the N2.

What if the rail corridor was

more cyclists for safe and attractive

Who-dunnit’ evening train rides

For various examples see http://

converted into a cycleway?

conditions to simply enjoy cycling

and other events could be a great

faculty.washington.edu/jbs/itrans/

It is not generally known that

with children, family or friends. (3)

attraction. Suppose the track ran

The overhead rail service would

Cape Town has a steam train that

In common with people in other

around Groenvlei near Sedgefield –

meet the expropriation conditions as

occasionally runs between Cape

countries there is the desire to be

partly accommodated on SANPark

well as the safety concerns related

Town and Simon’s Town as a tourist

able to cycle in safety to school,

land and operated in full view of

to a shared corridor, and attract

attraction. Fares are expensive, and

shops or work. (4) Similarly, there is

motorists on the N2?

international attention.

so it only operates on special days. In

the desire amongst locals as well as

contrast, the whole world knows that

foreigners to tour a region by bicycle.

2

each year Cape Town has a major

South Africa does not yet have

RAILBANKING ●●A century or more ago it was relatively easy to preserve strips of land

cycling event that is over-subscribed

an example of a dedicated path

each year and has huge economic

created for cyclists who want to

suitable for railways. Given the importance of rail transport then,

benefits for the city, the region and

train, enjoy cycling, commute or tour

authorities were empowered to expropriate land where necessary

the country.

a region. This rail corridor has the

to create rail corridors. Expropriations were typically secured on

potential to be a superb example of

the understanding that once the rail service ended the land would

annual mass-start cycling event

a cycleway for cyclists to travel in

revert to the original owner. Densification and development that

has spawned similar annual events

safety and with relative ease along

has occurred since then has made the task of reviving them or

elsewhere in the country. Bicycle

an incredibly attractive route from

The popularity of Cape Town’s

establishing new corridors infinitely more difficult and costly. ●●In South Africa legislation, governing corridors for the national rail

ownership and the desire to ride

the centre of George to the centres

are now established features of an

of Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna

transport service requires that they be fenced on both sides and that

enormous potential market. The

and further on to Plettenberg Bay

access be limited to the railway authority. This precludes their use

Garden Route already has a couple of

and Keurboomsstrand, 100km, at any

such annual events – what can it do that will attract them to the Garden Route on every day of the year?

Riders are attracted to the annual events primarily because they offer

time they choose.

In addition to those four sources

for any other purpose. ●●Should the rail service cease there is the very real risk of the corridor being lost permanently, as happened in 1982 when the storm

of tourism, the cycleway would be

damaged Touwsrivier - Ladismith line was officially abandoned.

an inexpensive venue for an annual

Cyclists appealed unsuccessfully to have the magical corridor

event without disrupting motor

preserved. ●●At about that time a quarter of America’s railroads had been

safe car-free riding conditions.

traffic; it would also be open to

They also provide, as best they can,

joggers and runners and available for

operating under bankruptcy. The 1980 Staggers Rail Act enabled

scenic fresh-air routes and cater

athletic events.

them to deregulate, triggering a mass of rail line abandonments. In

for riders of all ages. They typically have an element of competition

Possibly the most beneficial feature of the cycleway for users is

1983 Congress moved to preserve the corridors by amending the National Trails Systems Act to create the Railbanking programme. ●●Railbanking allows abandoned corridors to be temporarily

with attractive prizes and gifts,

improved health. Regular physical

and in addition most record each

exercise in fresh air, beautiful

repurposed as nature trails for cycling and hiking until such time as

participant a final position – which

surroundings and free of dangers

the corridor is again required for rail transport.

is inevitably an incentive to be

that has both aerobic and strength

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT MAY/JUNE 2016

5

6

TAKE NOTE

JG Afrika: engineering a new future, developing together

Avheani Ramawa, an engineer in the Cape Town branch, celebrates the launch of the JG Afrika brand.

Johannesburg staff celebrating the launch of the JG Afrika brand are: (L-R) Anelile Gibixego, Nkosinathi Mtsweni, Pinky Mkhwanazi, Zanele Mashinini and Nkosinathi Nyandeni.

Then and now, our journey continues …

S

continent,” confirms Phakamile

and designed with a purpose; to

Ngqumshe, Director and Johannesburg

remember the company’s history,

Branch Manager.

to reflect its ethos and project its

The inclusion of ‘JG’ in the

future”, says Olivier. “The logo’s icon

outh Africa remains the

company’s new name denotes its

is representative of man-made,

beloved country; a land of

acknowledgement of and appreciation

engineered, symmetrical lines.

great opportunity. So too

for its history, while ‘Afrika’ indicates

These lines are contrasted with

does the continent of Africa.

its independence, its love for the

organic shapes which represent the

continent, and is a nod to the

environment (green) and water (blue),

consultancy has pledged its

traditional spelling of ‘Africa’. This is

denoting the environmental sphere of

commitment to the country, its love

most obviously represented in our first

JG Afrika’s services. The design and

for the continent, and its dedication

democratic National Anthem, Nkosi

name incorporates the three pillars

industry and customer requirements.

to a transformed and democratic

Sikelel’ iAfrika. “With this name, we will

of the Company’s ethos, experience,

To remain relevant, this must be a

Africa. To express this commitment,

show the world that we are true to our

quality and integrity while displaying

continuous process,” says Olivier. “As

and in celebration of its continued

African roots, while remaining unique

fresh innovative thinking.”

such, a strategy plan was meticulously

independence, the firm, formerly known

and maintaining our independence,”

as Jeffares & Green, embarked on a

believes Ngqumshe.

One engineering and environmental

rebranding exercise at the end of 2015.

Now known as JG Afrika, the

The brand development started

The JG Afrika personality is perfectly portrayed through the new brand colours, being blue and green.

devised to take JG Afrika to the next level on all fronts.”

As the African Proverb goes; “If you

with the selection of a new name,

In addition to the environmental

want to go quickly, go alone. If you

company and its staff are excited

and after much research the selected

connotations of these colours,

want to go far, go together.” This is the

about the message they are sending

options were presented to our

they are associated with trust,

basis of JG Afrika’s long-term plans.

a message that tells the world that

staff and a vote held. “We really

dependability, strength, peace, growth

“Together, we will continue to grow,

Africa has a lot to offer. “Our name

enjoyed the process of evaluating

and health. These characteristics

learn and develop, with a focus on

change speaks of our commitment to

the naming options and involving our

reflect the company’s culture.

continuous improvement. The time

being proudly South African. We want

staff,” says Paul Olivier, Managing

to make a bold statement that we

Director at JG Afrika.

are locally owned and managed and

The firm announced its new name to

“In planning for 2016, part of our

has come to look to the future and

goal for the new year was to sustain

to align our corporate identity with

the advancement and success that

our diverse expertise, our modern

plan to remain so. The company has

clients in February 2016 and launched

we have achieved for the past 94

approach and the great future Africa

a rich heritage and history in Africa.

the new brand throughout Africa

years. Over this period, the company

has as a growing continent,” concludes

We are very excited about the future

in April.

has progressed and evolved to keep

Olivier.

pace with fluctuations in demand, the

www.jgafrika.com

and remain committed to our beloved

MAY/JUNE 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

“The brand identity was developed

TAKE NOTE

Plastics|SA’s triple bottom line conference Plastics industry encouraged to create a sustainable future with innovative thinking

T

he South African Plastics

We are working tirelessly to achieve

Industry and government

this objective over the next 14

have the power to invent the

years through separation at source

future of the sustainable use

initiatives, growing imports and

of plastics if they harness imagination

exports to Africa, developing the

and creativity with the latest scientific

levels of new product innovation

and international developments.

and skills development and growing

This was the underlying message

industry support through public-

of the six keynote speakers who

private partnerships and working with

addressed delegates at the

government,” Plastics|SA Executive

Plastics|SA Conference that was held

Director, Anton Hanekom said in his

in March 2016, as part of the Propak

welcome address.

Africa Exhibition that took place at

Keynote speaker and the first Chief

Alec Erwin, Ex-Trade and Industry Minister

Ex-Trade and Industry Minister, Alec

entrepreneur and sustainability expert

Erwin, was the day’s second keynote

Jason Drew said that the industrial

the NASREC Exhibition Centre, South

Scientific Adviser to the President

speaker and provided practical advice

revolution is over, and that we are

of Johannesburg. The theme of the

of the European Commission, Dame

to local plastics businesses on how

now finding ourselves in the midst

second industry-specific conference

Anne Glover, stressed the need for

to increase trading in Africa. “Look at

of the sustainability revolution. “It

that was hosted by Plastics|SA, and

collaboration in science and said that

the facts, not at what politicians are

is no longer business as usual. The

sponsored in part by POLYCO and

with knowledge comes understanding,

telling you. We are living on a continent

world is looking for products that are

the Polystyrene Packaging Council

allowing us to tackle global challenges

that is the fastest growing region in

repairable, durable and upgradable to

(PSPC), was ‘The Triple Bottom Line

in a rational way. “There are many

the world and there are high levels

fulfil their needs, allowing companies

and the Plastics Industry: People,

skills and much expertise in the

of industrial activity taking place.

to make a profit of up to four times off

Planet, Profit’.

Plastics Industry. These assets have

There are many opportunities waiting

the same product,” Drew said.

to be used to ensure a sustainable

for you in infrastructure, industry

were invited to present their views

business which has, as its primary

and agriculture, but you are going to

conference was relevant, insightful

on what the future holds for the

concern, the society in which it works

need a clear plan of action and a well

and interesting.

South African plastics industry and

and where its products are used

thought-out strategy if you are going

Plastics|SA

the impact it has on the planet, its

and the planet whose resources are

to have a competitive advantage

Tel: (011) 314-4021

workforce and future profits.

vital for the industry. Innovation and

over India, Russia, China, Brazil and

Monya.Vermaak@plasticssa.co.za

creativity are key to addressing these

other rapidly industrialising nations

www.plasticsinfo.co.za

ZERO PLASTICS TO LANDFILL

challenges. This approach guides

making inroads into the continent,”

“Three years ago, we set ourselves

industry to sustainable production

Erwin warned.

the aspirational vision of achieving

which will also deliver profitability,”

zero plastics to landfill by 2030.

Dame Glover said.

Local and international speakers

Delegates agreed that the

Encouraging delegates to think outside the box, environmental

Speakers and Plastics|SA team

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT MAY/JUNE 2016

7

8

TAKE NOTE

Mpact Polymers will process 29 000 tonnes of post-consumer PET bottles diverted from landfills each year

Opening of Mpact polymers

Echoing Minister Molewa’s remarks, Mzwandile Masina, Deputy Minister of the DTI, noted that the new plant brought important benefits in terms of job creation. “As government, we are proud to have contributed to the sustainability of the project through the approval of Mpact Polymers as a Greenfield project for the Section 12i tax allowance incentive. We further acknowledge that income

Opening of a new recycled PET plant by Mpact brings South Africa a step closer to closing the loop in bottle-grade recycling

M

opportunities will be created through an estimated 1 000 jobs, as there will be greater demand for collectors, small businesses and buy-back centres which will assist Mpact in reaching their

inister of Environmental

16 percent in 2004 to 52 percent in

Affairs Ms. Edna Molewa

2015 (9 840 tonnes to 73 710 tonnes

officially unveiled

respectively). PETCO targets to collect

Mpact Polymers in

and recycle a landmark 70 percent

Wadeville, Germiston. The new bottle-

by 2022. Currently, 68 percent of all

to-bottle facility will produce recycled

PET material (virgin and recycled)

polyethylene terephthalate (rPET),

is processed into PET bottles and

which is the recycled raw material

these are primarily used by the

used for the manufacturing of new

beverage industry.

PET bottles from previously used PET

Group CEO, Mr Bruce Strong said,

PET, which is derived from crude oil.

“Today is a reflection of partnerships that work in both the public and private

operation’s recycling process complies

sectors. Together with our industry

with European Union (EU) Food Safety

partners, Coca-Cola South Africa, ABI

Authority specifications and is the

and PETCO, we have spent a lot of

first in Africa to meet The Coca-Cola

time and effort researching the PET

Company’s full certification for PET

recycling industry and developing a

bottles to package the company’s

PET recycling business that would be

soft drinks.

sustainable. Mpact Polymers is backed

The operation enjoys the backing

21 000 tonnes

of rPET will be produced for food and beverage packaging.

Commenting on behalf of Mpact,

bottles. rPET is a substitute for virgin The R350-million state-of-the-art

collection targets.”

by the required skills, experience, and

of the departments of Environmental

infrastructure, to take advantage of

Affairs (DEA), Trade and Industry (DTI)

the prospects in the collection and

and Economic Development (EDD)

recycling of PET bottles in South Africa.”

Mpact will create direct permanent jobs in Wadeville Ekurhuleni and a number of indirect jobs throughout the country.

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), which provided a R210m loan facility as well as R30million for its 21 percent equity stake in Mpact Polymers, wants to find new

186 000m2

of landfill space will be saved annually as a result CO2 emissions will be reduced by approximately

53 000 tonnes each year

ideas to real world problems. Says Chief Executive, Geoffrey Qhena, “The enhancement of skills transfer as well as the development of entrepreneurship and promotion of growth within the SMME sector fuels further optimism.”

President of Coca-Cola South Africa, Therese Gearhart, applauds the facility as the first on the African continent to meet Coca-Cola’s full certification exacting standards thus achieving approval to use this rPET in their products. Alan Clark, CEO of SABMiller

in promoting job creation, reducing

noted that this facility is directly in line

waste to landfill and improving rPET

with SABMiller’s Prosper sustainability

production that will ultimately help to

framework to create value by reducing

reduce the carbon footprint of the food

waste and carbon emissions.

and beverage industry.

“This successful venture illustrates

“Mpact has a long and proud history.

Our oldest manufacturing facility

what is possible when industry and

has been in operation for nearly 100

the public sector collaborate on

years, while we have been recycling

initiatives with a positive societal

in South Africa for over 40 years. We

impact, in this case, waste reduction,”

are committed to growth in South

says Minister of Environmental Affairs,

Africa and elsewhere. Our entry into

Ms Edna Molewa.

PET recycling demonstrates how,

The opening of Mpact Polymers

through enduring partnerships and

comes at a time when collection and

collaboration, we can contribute

recycling of plastic PET bottles is on

to inclusive, job-rich growth

the rise in South Africa. According to

while enhancing manufacturing

industry body PETCO, post-consumer

competitiveness,” concludes Strong.

PET collection and recycling grew from

www.mpact.co.za

MAY/JUNE 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

9

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT MAY/JUNE 2016

10

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Community-based renewable energy project

P

romethium Carbon,

Mines’ objective of creating viable

in cooperation with

programmes that best serve mining

Harmony Gold, launched

communities. The outcomes of the

an online toolkit on 17

project highlight that, post mine

March, to facilitate the development

life, sustainability of communities

of sustainable and bankable projects

and land rehabilitation can be

which will focus on generating

effectively achieved.”

renewable energy, rehabilitating

“Through projects such as the

mining impacted land and creating

Community-Based Energy Project,

jobs. This toolkit was launched during

mining’s potentially negative

a function that was hosted at the

impact on the environment can be

land rehabilitation which is cost- and

Chamber of Mines.

transformed into an economically-

environment-conscious.” said Louw.

The toolkit was the outcome of the

viable opportunity for mining

Community-Based Renewable Energy

communities. The project further

COMBINED SYNERGY

Project, funded by the British High

equips the community with skills that

The Community Based Renewable

Commission in Pretoria. This project

will enable long-term sustainability of

Energy Project proved that there is

effectively integrated renewable

the project.”

a dynamic synergy between mining

energy generation, restoration of

“South Africa is faced with a

land rehabilitation and renewable

and community development needs.

Melanie Naidoo-Vermaak,

mining impacted land and economic

number of difficult and interrelated

energy. Renewable energy projects

Executive of Environmental at

development in local communities to

socio-economic challenges, one

require substantial areas of land, and

Harmony commented: “Harmony fully

create sustainable value.

of which is energy poverty. Energy

as a result offer unique solutions to

appreciates that we have a critical

poverty is recognised around the

traditional rehabilitation challenges.

role to play in leaving a sustainable

Taking the diverse nature of South Africa’s developmental landscape

world as a major impediment to socio-

into consideration, the learnings of

By way of example, Professor

mining legacy. As a company we view

economic growth. A lack of energy,

Wayne Truter, a land rehabilitation,

the mitigation of our carbon footprint

the project have been distilled into the

or electricity, has major societal

rangeland and forage (grass and

as a key priority and in light thereof we

easy-to-use toolkit.

impacts ranging from educational

legume) specialist affiliated to

are excited to investigate renewable

constraints to health-related issues.

Grass SA and University of Pretoria,

energy and development alternatives

This toolkit gives

In South Africa, access to energy

discussed the application of

which will help us achieve our goals.”

guidance on the following:

plays a critical role in achieving the

phytoremediation for in situ removal

• Rehabilitating mining impacted land

development objectives as set out

of contaminants from soils.

for renewable energy generation

in the National Development Plan,”

Professor Truter explained that

Mr Louw further emphasised that there is a unique opportunity to augment an economy based on non-

explained Robbie Louw, Director of

grass bio-energy production, as an

renewable resources with an economy

Promethium Carbon.”

example of phytoremediation, is a

based on renewable resources which

cost-effective energy supply, with a

is green energy. “Practical renewable

heavily on land, both within the

high rural economic development

energy projects have the potential

• Integrating renewable energy with

boundaries of the mining operation

potential, is environmentally

to address both community energy

the needs of the mining sector to

and in surrounding areas. This has

friendly, and has a positive impact

needs as well as contribute to

alleviate grid pressure

left South Africa with large tracts

on greenhouse gas production and

alleviating grid pressure.”

of un-rehabilitated mining land.

soil conservation. Because of this,

Peter Boxer, Deputy British High

Current thinking shows that there is a

mining land rehabilitation is a catalytic

will assist rehabilitation practitioners

sustainable way to approach mining

opportunity to integrate energy needs

and project developers to optimise

• Utilising mine rehabilitation and renewable energy for socioeconomic upliftment of local communities

Commissioner said: “Governments

“Mining has traditionally impacted

“In summary, this practical toolkit

can have a crucial role to play in

synergies between impacted land,

the pricing of electricity. However,

the need for energy and local

communities can also contribute

economic development.”

substantially to driving a sustainable

“The long-term objective of the

social development agenda – not

project is to support and facilitate

only leading to more efficient and

the development of programmes

dependable provision to their

which will build on a 150 year-old

people, but also contributing to local

mining legacy to ensure post-mine life

economic development.”

sustainability and a greener future.

Mr Boxer concluded; “The mining

WHAT IS THE PROJECT ALL ABOUT?

industry continues to play a major

Roger Baxter, CEO of the Chamber

is working towards leaving a positive

of Mines, said: “The Community-

legacy on which South Africa and

Based Renewable Energy Project

its partners can build to achieve the

is an environmentally and socio-

country’s development objectives.”

economically sustainable initiative that is aligned with the Chamber of

MAY/JUNE 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

role in South Africa’s economy and

From left: Dr Wayne Truter, University of Pretoria; and Harmke Immink, Robbie Louw and HJ Swanepoel of Promethium Carbon.

www.promethium.co.za www.harmonygold.co.za

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Upliftment of Tembisa’s walkways

M

ore than a million of

and cyclists with a safe area, away

range ensured the walkways would

Corobrik’s Champagne

from the dangers of the road. The

remain for years to come.

PA clay pavers

walkways have also been designed for

have been used in

easy use by people with disabilities.”

the second and third phase of the

on the project, said the company was

rehabilitation of Tembisa sidewalks in

to the City of Ekurhuleni’s Bus Rapid

proud of the clay pavers’ range of

the City of Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.

Transport (BRT) system – known as

advantageous features.

The revitalisation project, initiated

Harambee – which is currently under

“This product will be exposed to

by the Ekurhuleni Municipality, has seen

construction. Construction of the

the harsh African climate, yet we

the upliftment of Tembisa’s walkways,

first phase has begun and will see a

can ensure the colour will remain

as well as the construction of cycle

56km route from Tembisa Hospital

after decades of weathering,”

tracks throughout the area, greatly

to Vosloorus via Isando, Kempton

said Mokoena. “The superior skid-

benefitting the 463 000 citizens.

Park, OR Tambo International Airport

resistance provided by the clay pavers

and Boksburg. This vital integrated

will also keep the Tembisa citizens

programme is being handled by Liviero

transport system forms another

safe, even in wet conditions, while the

and Moseme Construction. Paving is

important part of the urban renewal.

natural elements making up the paver

The second and third phase of this

being done along a 17km stretch, from

Commenting on the paving,

ensure no heat is reflected.”

the north to the south of Tembisa, on

Nel said the 1 045 550 Corobrik

either side of the road.

Champagne PA clay pavers have been

to be a part of Ekurhuleni Municipality’s

“The paving has been specifically

Mokoena said that Corobrik is thrilled

arranged in a herringbone pattern.

urban renewal programme which

done for the benefit of the thousands

“This is a fully interlocking design

is already proving to be extremely

of pedestrians who walk these roads

that not only looks great visually, but

valuable to the city’s residents.

daily,” explained Len Nel, Contracts

promotes even load-bearing, reducing

Corobrik (Pty) Ltd

Manager at Liviero. “This area has

the possibility of movement within the

Clement Mokoena

a very high traffic volume so it is

paving system.”

Tel: 011 871 8600

important to provide pedestrians

scoops Sika

Unilever ice cream project

A

The paved walkways run parallel

Corobrik’s Teboho Clement Mokoena, who liaised with contractors

He said the selection of Corobrik’s

www.corobrik.co.za

Suitable for normal to strong absorbent surfaces, it provides excellent bond strength and short waiting times. The primer was overlaid with a 6mm coating of Sikafloor-21 N PurCem, (1 100m2 beige, 1500m2 dark grey), a three-part, waterdispersed, medium to high strength, polyurethane modified cement and aggregate screed with selfsmoothing properties. Its excellent flow characteristics allowed for easy application while its aesthetically pleasing smooth textured aggregate

the highest and increasingly stringent

s a reliable supplier

contracted for the 2 600m2 project

surface is easy to clean and provides

international emission standards.

of high performance

which included extensive grinding of

medium slip resistance.

Sikaflex PRO-3 provides a movement

flooring systems, Sika

the floors prior to application of the

recently scooped the

Sika products.

contract for flooring Unilever’s new

Cracks and voids in the floor were

Since the factory was newly

capability of 25 percent, bubble-

constructed, the large, obstacle-

free curing and high mechanical

free, open floor area allowed for

and chemical resistance. This

state-of-the-art ice cream factory

filled with Sikadur-52 ZA, a two-

even quicker application of the

high performance, multi-purpose

at Lord’s View Industrial Park,

part, low viscosity injection liquid,

already easy-to-use Sika products.

sealant is suitable for indoor and

Midrand. The first factory of its kind

based on high strength epoxy resins.

Coving and detailing work was

outdoor applications.

in Africa, it boasts the latest green

Solvent-free and suitable for both dry

coated with Sikafloor-29 N PurCem,

technology including zero waste to

and damp conditions, Sikadur-52 ZA

a three-part, water-dispersed,

South Africans consume only one litre

landfill and the use of smart water

provides good adhesion to concrete,

coloured polyurethane modified

of ice cream per annum, compared to

efficiency technology.

mortar, stone, steel and wood. It

cement and aggregate mortar

15 litres per annum consumed by New

provides shrinkage-free hardening

with a finely textured smooth

Zealanders, Unilever is confident that

together with advice from Sika

and not only forms an effective

aggregate appearance.

its novel R600 million environmentally

representative Chad Tosen, specified

barrier against water infiltration and

six Sika products for sealing,

corrosion-promoting media, but

Sikaflex PRO-3 i-Cure, a one-part,

potential. This project was a perfect

screeding and coating of the factory

also structurally bonds concrete

moisture-curing, elastic joint sealant

example of Sika’s state-of-the-art

floor. All Sika products specified are

sections together.

that incorporates Sika’s advanced

‘green’ products enhancing a state-of-

i-Cure Technology. Designed to

the-art green design. www.sika.co.za

Engineers from Pharmadule,

approved for use in food processing

Floors were primed with

The floor was finally sealed with

plants, and boast multi-international

Sikafloor-161, a two-part, solvent-

reduce emissions, i-Cure sealants

endorsements. Industrial flooring

free, low viscosity epoxy resin that

and adhesives are solvent-free and

specialist, Seal Con Systems was

is economical and easy to apply.

totally odourless, thereby meeting

Since data shows that per capita,

efficient factory has significant growth

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT MAY/JUNE 2016

11

12

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Cost effective solutions for water reserves

A

decline in the water

time and cost thousands of rands

flexibility, a high level of strength

levels has left South

not budgeted for. Our PVC liners are

and does not contain any harmful

Africa under serious

an effective barrier against water

chemicals which could compromise

water crisis. The failure

loss caused by seepage and are

the water quality. The liner is

of dams to hold water for long

great for farming, municipal and

available in a standard 3.4m width,

periods can prove detrimental as

industrial applications.”

and is supplied in lengths varying

they form a massive part of our

from 80m to 150m per roll.

reserved water resources. Damax

suitable for many applications and

Kahn & Kahn’s dam liner presents an

are guaranteed to make reservoirs

Kahn & Kahn provides customers

opportunity to sufficiently care for

watertight. The drop in liners can be

with a two-part glue that can be

what is left of our reserved water.

used to replace damaged ones in

used to repair any major tears or

steel panel reservoirs or wire mesh

holes. In addition, there is a patch

in reservoirs is inevitable with

reservoirs. They have been proven

kit that works like a sticker and can

evaporation taking place constantly

to successfully seal the cracks

even be applied underwater for any

during the hot weather. However,

quickly without requiring frequent or

small holes.

seepage can significantly reduce the

close monitoring.

Losing small amounts of water

amount of reserved water. Seepage

Their effectiveness has been

If the liner is damaged, Damax

Tromp highlights that Damax Kahn & Kahn can either supply a DIY

can be a direct result of human error

proven through usage in local

drop in liner or install the liner for its

during construction, such as the use

municipalities for sewerage works

clients. “The liners are installed using

of unsuitable soil for the dam walls

projects. The product has also been

specialised machinery by trained staff

or poor maintenance.

used by a major petroleum company

who use a combination of a wedge

in its clean-up and filtration dam and

welder and an extrusion welder.

Tromp explains that over time,

for an agricultural project to create

Fusing the plastic sheeting is done

concrete can crack, causing

storage dams for cattle feed.

quickly, cost-effectively and the liner

Damax Kahn & Kahn MD David

considerable water losses.

“Repairs could take up valuable

MAY/JUNE 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Damax Kahn & Kahn liners are

Manufactured in South Africa, the liner is made from PVC, which boasts

can last up to 15 years,” he concludes. www.damax-group.co.za

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Disturbing ecosystems spurned R ecently, the Limpopo

Department of Economic Development and Tourism (LEDET)

refused to grant an application

for Aquila Steel’s proposed iron ore mine in Thabazimbi, Limpopo.

This decision is welcomed by the Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), which recognises the leadership demonstrated by LEDET in acknowledging the role of climate change considerations in development decisions. The LEDET’s approach is in line with international trends.

The LEDET refused to approve an environmental authorisation for Aquila Steel SA’s proposed iron ore mine in Thabazimbi, Limpopo. LEDET confirms, with reference to the White Paper on the National Climate Change Response, that one of South Africa’s climate change response objectives is to ‘effectively adapt to and manage unavoidable and potentially damaging climate change impacts through

breaches of environmental, mining

Gatkop cave, sites of significant

THABAMETSI POWER STATION

interventions that build and sustain

and water laws. The Department

cultural, spiritual and historic value,

The Thabametsi power station is one

South Africa’s social, economic

of Mineral Resources’ investigation

are situated on these properties

of eleven proposed privately-owned

and environmental resilience and

of these charges is expected to be

which Aquila Steel intends to mine.

coal-fired power plants (independent

emergency response capacity’.

finalised shortly.

Many of the 69 000 traditional

power producers (IPPs)) which have,

healer members of the THO visited

or are expected to submit bids to

In its refusal, LEDET notes that the Integrated Development Plan for the

UNLAWFUL CONSTRUCTION

the mountain and caves for spiritual

sell electricity to Eskom under the

Thabazimbi Municipality recognises

While Aquila Steel had obtained

reasons, until access was restricted

Coal Baseload Independent Power

that the well-functioning ecosystems

prospecting rights in 2007 and

by Aquila Steel.

Producer Procurement Programme

within the proposed development

2008 for iron ore on two properties

site ‘provide natural solutions that

outside of Thabazimbi in Limpopo,

environmental trends, environmental

and the South Durban Community

build resilience and help society

it had unlawfully constructed over

justice organisation Earthlife Africa

Environmental Alliance have launched

adapt to the adverse impacts of

33km of roads all over the Madimatle

Johannesburg (ELA), represented

appeals against two other proposed

climate change’. It acknowledges

Mountain, and drilled in approximately

by attorneys at the Centre for

IPPs, namely KiPower in Mpumalanga

the importance of conserving and

200 locations, clearing vegetation and

Environmental Rights (CER), asked

and Colenso in KZN. The outcomes of

preserving the unique ecosystem,

protected tree species in the process.

the Minister of Environmental Affairs

these appeals are awaited.

concluding that the iron ore mine

As well as being in contravention

to conduct a climate change impact

fails to amount to sustainable

of the conditions of its prospecting

assessment to ultimately set aside

requires multiple regulatory

development as ‘the disturbance of

rights, these activities were

the approval of the Thabametsi

approvals, including an environmental

ecosystems and loss of biological

conducted without environmental

Power Project, the proposed

authorisation (often incorporating

diversity cannot be avoided,

authorisation – a criminal offence

1200MW Thabametsi coal-fired

a waste management licence), an

minimised and remedied’.

under the National Environmental

power station – also to be located in

atmospheric emission licence, and a

Management Act.

water-scarce Limpopo.

water use licence.

Climate change aside, the iron ore mine proposed by Aquila has been the

Despite its history of unlawful

Keeping in line with these

ELA, together with partner

(CBLIPPPP). ELA, groundWork

A new coal-fired power station

It is hoped that LEDET’s decision to

subject of various legal proceedings.

activities, Aquila Steel submitted

organisation groundWork and

refuse environmental authorisation

On 28 May 2015, the Traditional

new applications for mining rights

community networks in the Vaal, the

is the first in a string of decisions

Healers Organisation (THO),

and environmental authorisation in

Highveld and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN),

recognising the importance of this

assisted by the CER attorneys, laid

respect of these properties. These

argue that energy from renewable

site and many others, and that Aquila

criminal charges against Aquila Steel

new applications were strongly

sources should be prioritised

Steel’s application for a mining right

and three of its directors Johann

opposed by a number of interested

over coal-fired power because of

will also be refused in line with the

Louis van Deventer, Anthony Poli

parties, including the THO.

coal’s detrimental impact on the

LEDET decision.

environment and human health.

www.cer.org.za

and Martin Nicholas Alciaturi, for

The Madimatle Mountain and

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT MAY/JUNE 2016

13

14

ENERGY

Global situation N

ot too many of us

While the governmental 2010 IRP

realise that coal is

programme has created opportunities

ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES

the most widely used

for economic development and

This situation can be attributed to

primary fuel globally,

sustainable growth, it has also created

a number of causes. Most power

accounting for approximately 36

the potential for environmental harm

stations are fairly old, (having been

percent of the world’s electricity

and subsequent legal liabilities.

built between 1967 -1988), and

production. Coal has dominated

Despite the fact that most of

require high levels of infrastructure

the energy supply sector from

the new plants are likely to use

maintenance. When they were initially

as early as 1880, fuelling our

cleaner, fluidised bed-technology,

built, they did not necessarily comply

economy, and it has given South

fundamentally, the power generation

with environmental regulations, and

Africa access to cheap electricity.

process remains the same.

also, owing to challenges with energy

State owned Eskom has been the

Given the recent objections and

generation and load-shedding, power

sole electricity provider, exclusively

concerns raised in terms of IPP

stations are unable to conduct regular

from coal fired power stations.

coal-fired plants by environmental

scheduled maintenance. Perhaps one

lobby groups, it would bode well for

of the most impactful causes is that

THE CURRENT SITUATION IS SUCH THAT:

IPPs wishing to enter the industry to

the good quality coal is exported to

take cognisance of environmental

generate valuable foreign income, while

• 77 percent of our energy needs

challenges posed by the sector.

the quality of coal for our local power

are directly derived from coal

From the perspective of

• 81 percent of all coal consumed

environmental auditors that

generation has declined considerably.

Sadly, many engineering solutions

domestically goes towards

have been involved with legal

designed to mitigate the environmental

electricity production, South

compliance audits at many coal-

pollution have become dysfunctional

Africa one of the top 20 carbon

fired power stations in South Africa,

or are no longer functional at all.

dioxide emitting countries

environmental challenges currently

Thus, given the recent objections and

globally

experienced at these power stations

concerns raised in terms of IPP coal-

are as follows:

fired plants by environmental lobbyists,

• The negative effects from power

it would be wise for IPPs wishing to

• Eskom is the 7th largest electricity generator in the world

stations • Over the past couple of years it has been observed that power stations

WHAT ABOUT THE FUTURE? The situation is unlikely to change significantly in the next decade,

in South Africa • Generate large volumes of fugitive dust • Regularly exceed the legally

enter the industry to take cognisance of environmental challenges posed.

Coal-bases IPP stations have to comply with various pieces of environmental legislation, with reference to environmental management, the National water

due to varying factors. We have

prescribed atmospheric

act, waste management, and air

large coal reserves, estimated at

emission limits

quality. This compliance does result

53 billion tonnes, which are enough

• Contribute to pollution of surface

in reasonable measures being put in

for almost 200 years. The other

and ground water resources in the

place to prevent pollution, or at least

reason things will not alter much at

vicinity of power stations

to minimise, control and remediate it.

all are that we have a relative lack of suitable alternatives to coal.

The South African Government implemented a 2010 Integrated

• Sterilise vast tracts of agricultural

based IPPs is that they either construct

due to ash disposal facilities (dams

entirely new power stations, or that

and dumps)

they take over existing power station

Resource Plan which includes

• Struggle to comply with conditions

6 250MW of new coal-based

of environmental authorisations

electricity generation, with 2 500MW being sourced from Independent Power Producers (IPPs). However, there has been public opposition to this and appeals against Environmental Authorisations of three privately owned coal-fired power stations.

MAY/JUNE 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

The options that lie ahead for coal-

land and contribute to soil pollution

infrastructure and refurbish with new technological options.

LANDFILL ENERGY

MATCHING COAL QUALITY TO PROCESS PLANT Both options have equally complex considerations which need to be taken in to account.

Burner mouths melted, pop-corn fly ash blocked air heaters and an unusually high percentage of fly

The challenges and opportunities in using high ash, low grade coals

has been difficult to regulate, and ash

in modern power generation

removal has become a challenge.

are numerous.

Ultimately, the effect of using

Southern Africa’s coal remaining reserves contain a very high ashcontent, resulting in an almost

MINERAL MATTER

ash resulted. Temperature control

MINERALS Inorganic matter behaviour Viscosity

poorer grades of coal results in

Agglomeration

higher levels of emissions and

Ash formation

poorer efficiency.

incombustible resource. Low combustion efficiency, burnout, and boiler inefficiency all cause problems and result in a very poor output.

Lethabo Power Station (4 600 MW) is a good case study of an aging infrastructure which has experienced its own very serious set of problems.

In using low combustible coal, there is extreme difficulty with ignition.

Eight meters had to be added to

CARBON EMISSIONS, CARBON TAX AND CARBON STORAGE

ORGANIC MATTER MACERALS

{ { ASH

potential to cut CO2 emissions by 33 percent. Coal has a significant role to play in the production of energy

Precipitability

in developing countries, not least

Ash handling

of which is Southern Africa. This

the height of boiler, and one extra

can be achieved; provided the low

meter was allowed between rows of

grade coal qualities are understood

burners in order to try and retain heat,

and most suitable technologies are

while the coal takes longer to ignite.

implemented to use the available coal.

Particulate emissions

Char formation Peak temperature Burnout

Flame stability

Slagging, Clinkering, Fouling Erosion

Ignition

Affects on the boiler:

Ash deposition

implemented properly, there is the

Devolatilisation

CHAR

Affects on the boiler:

If today’s technology can be

Organic matter behaviour

Heat output Heat transfer zones Rate of coal consumption Cost efficiency Process efficiency

Carbon-in-ash Gaseous emissions

Plant availability Plant capacity

Do the right thing! Prevent leakage.

Sealing and capping with Envirobent is an extreamly cost efficient and effective method of preventing seepage loss and ground water contamination. The product is ideal for waste disposal facilities, slimes dams, etc.

Water, the gold of tomorrow! Prevent your most valuable resource from seeping away through leakage. Your earth dam, the reliable water reservoir.

THE ENVIRONMENT’S SELECTED CHOICE For more information | maureenv@gwminerals.co.za | Tel: +27 (0)11 878 0366/71 Certified according to: ISO 9001 | ISO 14001 | OHSAS 18001 | ISO 50001

www.gwminerals.co.za Subsidiary of the Zimco Group (Pty) Ltd

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT MAY/JUNE 2016

15

16

ENERGY

Energy efficient manufacturing of sustainable flooring

T

he current energy crisis in

Photovoltaic (PV) panels are active

South Africa poses a serious

solar systems that utilise supply-side

threat to manufacturers and

technology to generate alternative

our GDP (gross domestic

energy, whereas passive solar

product). EM examines how Belgotex

systems, for example, using natural

Floors produce sustainable floors

sunlight for heating, merely reduce the

through energy efficient manufacturing.

demand. Silicon solar panels harness

Belgotex Floors have incorporated

the sun’s energy during daylight hours,

a resource efficiency and cleaner

converting sunlight into electricity

production strategy to reduce non-

through the photo-electric effect, a

renewable energy consumption

process similar to photosynthesis

and produce ecologically

in plants. The low maintenance

sustainable flooring.

requirements, autonomous operation

In order to move the company

and a long life expectancy make

towards more sustainable energy

solar power systems ideal for on-site

sources and alleviate reliance on the

renewable power generation.

national energy utility, numerous

Belgotex boasts enough north-

energy optimisation initiatives were put

facing roof surface to cover 50

in place. These include the installation

000m2, with plans to roll-out a

of a photovoltaic (PV) solar power

second and possibly third phase over

plant and extensive plant upgrades to

the next five years to meet their own

more energy-efficient equipment.

requirements. This would eventually enable to the company (once

Regular upgrades to various

products. The heat-set machine uses

SOLAR POWER

legislation changes), to feed power

lines and production processes are

25 percent less electricity and up to

Solar energy is considered the cleanest,

back into the national grid by selling

undertaken in order to maximise

60 percent less steam. This produces

most viable alternative to fossil-based

their excess electricity back to Eskom

production capacity and ensure long

higher yields at a more consistent

fuels and plays an important role in

during weekends, shutdown periods

term market sustainability.

yarn quality, with lower wastage.

decarbonising the global economy.

or power outages.

Over four thousand solar modules –

The move is also expected to

These upgrades improve

The new Master batch line and

operational efficiencies and not only

Twin-screw extruder lead to the

covering an area of 1.2 hectares –were

reduce the company’s future carbon

reduce operational costs through

employment of seven people to

installed on Belgotex’s 100 000m2

tax liability by between 5 – 10 percent

faster outputs, improved energy

produce master batch yarn and

factory roof tops in Pietermaritzburg,

due to the 1 386 tons of CO2 emissions

consumption or reduced downtime,

fibre, originally imported from

providing about five percent of the

saved each year from not having to rely

but are critical to meet delivery

the UK. Aside from reducing

giant’s annual energy requirement.

on coal-produced electricity.

deadlines and demand forecasts.

stockholding, as well as shipping

At a cost of R17 million, the daily

Several projects including an upgrade

and transport costs, this acquisition

to the Bitumen Line and Backing plant,

has improved speed to market,

be sufficient to power 700 average

ENERGY-EFFICIENT EQUIPMENT

as well as numerous systems within

enabling the company to utilise raw

households, with an expected five-

Analysis of the energy used in

the production process, resulted in

materials produced in-house.

to seven- year payback.

Belgotex’s production results in

improvements in quality, efficiency

With increasing petroleum/coal

continuous investment in new

and capacity. This enables Belgotex

pelletising machine, bitwinders,

prices, peak load penalties for large

technology to enhance existing

to produce products of international

tearing machine and edge opener

power users and a 16 percent annual

products and develop new ones.

standards, suitable for export.

enables the company to recycle

increase for utilities projected by Eskom,

These upgrades have reduced energy

self-generated solar power has obvious

energy generated is estimated to

The acquisition of a new

The faster Bitumen Line tile cutter

production waste back into grade

and/or raw material consumption,

produces a precision cut carpet tile at

one Eco-fibre and yarn. Effectively

advantages for both operational costs

without any loss of productivity

higher speeds with reduced change-

reducing their waste rates from their

and environmental management.

or quality.

over times and breakdowns. The

carpet production processes to

energy-efficient scanning system at

close to zero, the recycling machine

the backing plant minimises wastage

offers up to 20 percent energy

and speeds up the backing process.

savings, resulting in lower production

The Qualiscan regulates latex spread

costs and reduced CO2 emissions.

and foam height consistency for the

Rest assured whatever floor you

backing, whilst allowing for greater

choose from Belgotex Floors, it will

temperature and moisture control in

not cost the earth.

the oven. This results in quicker drying times and increased product output.

A heat-set machine and fare crimper

MAY/JUNE 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Belgotex (033) 897 7500

were purchased for their reduced

(021) 763 6900

consumption of resources, increased

(011) 380 9300

outputs and to improve the quality of

www.belgotexfloors.co.za

17

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT MAY/JUNE 2016

18

ENERGY

Waste tyres – the new coal

REDISA is proving that the use of alternative fuels in cement manufacturing makes good business sense for the industry, at the same time remediating the environment of waste tyres.

A

business sense for us to look at

ABOUT REDISA

alternative sources of energy for our

REDISA is a non-profit

cement plants,” said John Vorster,

company established in 2010.

General Manager at PPC De Hoek.

It developed a concept called

In addition, the ecological benefits

Waste into Worth which

of replacing coal with waste tyres as

resulted in an Integrated

ccording to a report

to source waste tyres as alternative

an energy source include conserving

Industry Waste Management

by Accenture on the

fuel. The company is currently

resources and reducing waste-

Plan to drive a circular

construction industry

receiving approximately 8 000

disposal requirements. The benefit

economy within the tyre

strategies for emerging

tonnes per annum of waste tyres for

of using waste tyres also means that,

industry. The REDISA Plan was

markets, the global construction

use in cement kilns in the Western

“Additional new business operations

approved by the Department of

industry is expected to grow over the

Cape from REDISA (Recycling and

can be established and the use of the

Environmental Affairs in 2012.

next decade, especially in the rapidly

Economic Development Initiative of

tyres saves fossil fuels,” added Vorster.

emerging economies of Asia, Latin

South Africa).

America, the Middle East, Africa and

According to REDISA CEO Hermann

REDISA holds manufacturers accountable for what they

Erdmann, “Given that the world

produce through a system

are utilised as a substitute (through

will be home to five billion middle

that ensures that waste

co-processing) for up to 20 percent of

class consumers within the next 20

tyres are recycled into worth.

infrastructure renewal and the

current coal usage. At PPC, indications

years, natural resources are being

From design to production,

increasing needs of developing

are that waste tyres will replace 15

placed under increasing stress to

distribution to recovery, disposal

‘megacities’, construction in emerging

percent of coal usage at its De Hoek

meet housing, product and lifestyle

to recycling, REDISA connects

markets is expected to double within a

plant alone. Energy scarcity in the

demands. To reduce this pressure,

everyone to ensure the tyre

decade and will become a $6.7 trillion

Western Cape is one of the reasons

REDISA has realised that waste

waste stream is efficiently

business by 2020.

why high-energy users look into the

should be looked at differently; not as

managed with minimal impact

use of alternative fuels. The co-

waste but as something with value.

on the environment.

Eastern Europe.

Driven by urbanisation, globalisation,

In order to benefit from the trends

The waste tyres supplied by REDISA

identified in the construction industry,

processing of waste in cement kilns

companies need to look at strategies

not only reduces cost but also reduces

cement industry is realising the value

REDISA enables socio-

to better position themselves to

carbon emissions from cement

in waste tyres as a fuel source, thereby

economic transformation by

manage the supply side and capture

manufacturers and reduces the need

reducing the need for coal.”

generating jobs, empowering

the increased demand. PPC, as a world

for non-renewable energy.

class provider of building materials and

“With an increased focus on the

It is commendable that the country’s

In South Africa, REDISA is using

Through its recycling process,

the informal sector, and

this solution to not only clear the

creating sustainable

solutions into the basic services sector,

sustainable use of resources and

environment of waste tyres, but

businesses.

is already using this insight to drive its

environmentally friendly waste

also to create and promote new

www.redisa.org.za

growth and development.

management practises to support

business opportunities through

www.matmarketingint.co.za

the growth in demand, it made

entrepreneurship and eco-innovation.

PPC has an approved agreement

MAY/JUNE 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

LANDFILL ENERGY

Environmental justice organisations commence legal action and call for a roll-out of clean renewable energy

W

hile most of South

Johannesburg (ELA) – together with

their community partners – to

have on air quality and surrounding

Africa’s attention

community partners in the Vaal,

launch appeals to the Minister of

water sources – such as the Thukela

is focused on

Mpumalanga Highveld, and KwaZulu-

Environmental Affairs to set aside

River – and greenhouse gas (GHG)

Medupi and Kusile

Natal – have launched a legal

the authorisations. The effect of the

emissions, have not been assessed”.

– South Africa’s much delayed

challenge against three proposed

appeals is to suspend the operation

and over-budget, new coal-fired

new coal-fired power stations

of the authorisations until the

contradicts and undermines South

Eskom power stations – little public

proposed under the CBLIPPPP.

appeals are decided.

Africa’s commitments arising

attention has been given to the

These are the 1 200MW Thabametsi

additional 2 500 megawatts (MW) of

power station (near Lephalale in

“The detrimental impacts on the

negotiations in Paris. In many

privately owned coal-fired electricity

the Limpopo); the 600MW KiPower

health of local communities, and

countries, including the United

that the Minister of Energy has

power station (near Delmas,

the huge water demands of the

States, Europe and China, the exit

planned. The new coal energy will be

Mpumalanga); and the 1 050MW

proposed dirty coal power plants,

from coal is well underway. “South

sold to Eskom by those independent

Colenso Power station (near Colenso,

are major grounds for the appeals.”

Africa, with its ample renewable

coal-fired power producers (IPPs)

KwaZulu-Natal).

that are successful bidders in terms

gW and ELA, with their community

CER attorney, Robyn Hugo, says:

All three proposed stations would

New investment in coal also

from the December 2015 climate

energy sources – particularly

be located in drought-disaster

wind and solar– should seize the

of the Coal Baseload Independent

partners, argue that there should be

areas, with KiPower to be based

competitive advantage to lead

Power Producer Procurement

no new investment in coal power, and

in the Highveld, an area already

among developing countries in

Programme (CBLIPPPP). These

that resources should be redirected

so overburdened by industrial

the establishment of a fossil free

plans are, however, under threat of

to renewable energy. gW Director,

exploitation and air pollution

economy. Should the appeals

widespread public resistance via

Bobby Peek, says: “Unlike dirty coal,

that it has been declared an air

be refused by the Minister of

environmental justice organisations

renewable energy projects in South

quality priority area under the Air

Environmental Affairs, we intend to

that are opposed

Africa have a track record of being

Quality Act. The Waterberg (where

challenge those decisions in court

to coal-fired power

built on time and within budget.

Thabametsi power station will be

as well,” ELA Project Coordinator,

Moreover, renewables do not damage

situated) has also been declared

Dominique Doyle concludes.

the health of people and pollute

an air quality priority area. Hugo

groundWork

water, or contribute to global warming

comments that the Environmental

Earthlife Africa

that causes climate change.”

Impact Assessment (EIA) process

dominique@earthlife.org.za

for Colenso “Has been conducted

megan@groundwork.org.za

because of its detrimental impact on the environment and human health.

To date, groundWork (gW) and Earthlife Africa

All three proposed coal-fired power stations have received

so hastily that many of the major

authorisations from the Department

impacts that the power station will

of Environmental Affairs (DEA) prompting attorneys at the Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) – representing gW, ELA and

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT MAY/JUNE 2016

19

20

PIPELINES & PIPES

Saving water through plastics Plastic water pipes help save water in the face of drought and water restrictions.

T

to support the rapidly increasing demand,” says Jan Venter, Chairman of the SAPPMA. This non-profit association represents more than 80 percent of the plastic pipe produced

he earth is parched.

in South Africa and focuses its

Worldwide, countries are

efforts on ensuring pipe systems

facing periods of intense drought. Areas such as

California are currently in the midst of the worst drought the state has seen in its 164-year history, with 38 million residents under strict water conservation rules to reduce urban consumption by 25 percent compared to 2013.

Closer to home, water restrictions were recently imposed on several

Water lost through leakage, incorrect metering and unauthorised consumption averaged around 37 percent of our country’s available water supply

that are leak-free and durable for long-term use. It also focuses on the rehabilitation of old pipelines.

Pipelines lie at the heart of South Africa’s infrastructure and should be replaced before they fail. Water distribution, waste disposal, irrigation and telecommunications all rely on pipelines to function,” he explains.

Although the South African plastic pipe industry is relatively small,

areas in KwaZulu-Natal following

it is of extreme importance in the

insufficient rainfall in the province.

development and maintenance of

According to a notice published in

the country’s infrastructure. It is

the Government Gazette recently,

also one of the most demanding

Water and Sanitation Department

industries, as plastic pipes and

Director-General Margaret-Ann

fittings are required to last in excess

Diedricks announced that water use

of 100 years, as opposed to the old

for irrigation from the Goedertrouw

cement, asbestos or steel pipelines

Dam would be cut by 70 percent,

that had a lifetime of no more than

with domestic use cut by 30

50 years.

percent and industrial use by 10 is to safeguard the area’s remaining

WHY PLASTIC PIPES ARE NECESSARY

potable urban water supplies in

“Two major causes of water loss are

preparation for a possible extended

corrosion and poor jointing. For this

period of drought.

reason, old steel or asbestos pipes

percent. Understandably, the goal

around the world are being replaced

SAPPMA

with plastic pipes, because they do

The Southern African Plastic

not rust and the joints are leak-proof

Pipe Manufacturer’s Association

if done correctly. As the voice of the

(SAPPMA), however, is pushing for

plastic pipes industry, we therefore

what many in the industry say is a

feel it’s our responsibility to not only

longer-term solution: Saving water

keep pushing for the country’s water

with plastic pipes.

infrastructure to be upgraded, but to

“For the past four years in

also educate consumers, engineers

particular, we have been voicing our

and other decision makers about the

concerns over the severe pollution

benefits of using plastic pipes versus

in our water sources, water losses in

other materials,” Venter said.

distribution caused by water leaks

The majority of South Africa’s

and wastage, and the lacking water

pipelines were installed in the

infrastructure that is expected

early 1950’s and 1960’s, and were

MAY/JUNE 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

PIPELINES & PIPES

manufactured from our country’s

SAPPMA grows as 11 new members sign up for membership

SAPPMA projects it will cost

existing pipelines are made of

several billions of Rand over

cement, asbestos or steel. Although

the next 25 years to repair existing

the exact makeup of the buried water

potable water systems nationally

systems in this country is not known,

that are reaching the end of their

cast iron pipes were used from 1870-

useful lives and to serve areas with

1930; cement-lined cast iron from

growing populations. If the investment

1930-70; asbestos cement from 1950-

isn’t made, the number of water

70; ductile iron pipes from 1960 on;

main breaks and system failures will

and PVC from 1970 onwards.

increase, the Association warns.

Larger footprint for industry body allows it to speak with a stronger voice when it comes to industry standards and matters

that were installed do not have an

completed a survey of 132

T

economic lifespan of longer than

municipalities in South Africa a few

with this growth, despite the fact that members are operating in

50 years. The fact that they have

months ago. Their findings revealed

very difficult economic and market conditions.

undoubtedly been corroded by now,

that water lost through leakage,

can be seen from all the water leaks

incorrect metering and unauthorised

high quality pipe, and a strict adherence to standards. We are

that are springing up everywhere, and

consumption averaged around 37

proud of the fact that we are now representing close to 90 %

disrupted water supplies. As a result

percent of our country’s available

of all the plastic pipes being produced in South Africa, and the

gallons of treated water is lost every

water supply. This amounts to a

entire value chain,” Venter says.

year around the country. If the local

financial loss of around R7.2 billion

municipalities were only to spend the

per year. Australia, another water-

membership certificates: Macneil Plastics, Southern Pipeline

money allocated in their budgets to

scarce country, loses less than 10

Contractors (SPC), Amanzi Starway, BLP Rubber, PESC, Borouge,

upgrade and replace old and failing

percent. South Africa simply cannot

Inkulu Plastic Pipes, Pexmart, Swan Plastics and Pipe-Tech.

water infrastructure, we would be

afford to continue losing so much

able to save enough purified water

treated water. Our economy and

organisation that unites all role players in our industry – from

to significantly reduce the impact

quality of life are being undermined

those that supply the raw materials all the way through to end

and long-term effects of the below

by issues such as compromised tap

users. It is a body that sets high standards and regulates these

average rainfall,” Venter says.

water quality, low fire hydrant flows,

standards equally effectively with their audit department. By

flooding and sinkholes.

joining SAPPMA, we feel we are seen as a legitimate partner in

“The old cement and steel pipes

Local plastic pipe manufacturers and installers are hoping that the

“The Water Research Commission

he Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturer’s Association (SAPPMA) has welcomed 11 new members since the beginning of the year, of which five are manufacturers of plastic (PVC and HDPE) pipes.

According to SAPPMA CEO, Jan Venter, they are very pleased

“A well-engineered pipe system is dependent on good design,

The following companies have been issued with new

“We decided to join SAPPMA because it is the only

Although the country is only now

the industry and in the industry organisation,” says Derek Faulds,

concerns about water scarcity and

waking up to the fact that water is

Managing Director of Cape Town based Macneil plastics who

the threats of ‘water shedding’ would

fast becoming a critical problem, we

produces PVC pressure pipe, sewer pipe, plumbing fittings,

be the conduit in which would see

are urging decision makers to pay

irrigation fittings and HDPE pipes and serves both the plumbing

these old pipelines being replaced by

attention to the warning signs before

industry as well as the Civils industry.

plastic pipes made from PVC or high

it is too late,” Venter concludes.

density polyethylene.

SAPPMA

testimony to the fact that membership to SAPPA continues to

Concludes Venter: “Our recent growth in numbers bears

Jan Venter

add value to individual organisations, as well as ensures quality

as opposed to other materials have

(011) 314-4021

and peace of mind for the end user. By enlarging our footprint,

been well documented and tested.

Jan@sappma.co.za

we can speak with stronger voice when it comes to matters that

Apart from having a lifetime that is

www.sappma.co.za

directly affect our industry, ranging from non-compliance to

The benefits of using plastic pipe

more than double of that of other

industry standards, to protecting our members against inferior

materials, plastic pipes are also

imports. Belonging to SAPPMA is a certain way of differentiating

quicker and easier to install, have

the responsible players in the field from those who are reckless

lower failure rates, less corrosion,

about quality and ethics, unlocks substantial benefits to

fewer joint leak prevention and lower

members, and increases marketing exposure for them through

in price compared to the other pipes.

being part of a reputable, regulated association”.

Says Venter: “HDPE and PVC pipes are lightweight and easy to handle, easy to join, available in a range of sizes and pressure ratings and have low frictional resistance,

Jan Venter, Chairman of SAPPMA

with hydraulic properties that remain

REFERENCES:

virtually unchanged over its useful

http://www.plasticsnews.com/article/20150728/NEWS/150729901/saving-water-with-plastics#utm_

life, resulting in lower energy use

medium=email&utm_source=pn-daily&utm_campaign=pn-daily-20150728&email_pndaily

and pumping costs”.

http://www.netwerk24.com/nuus/2015-08-05-rioolpyp-bars-erf-oorstroom http://www.gov.za/about-SA/water-affairs

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT MAY/JUNE 2016

21

22

PIPELINES & PIPES

Crisis in the plastic pipe manufacturing industry

T

he plastic pipe industry in South Africa, a key

in the industry

• Failed to ensure that testing facilities

infrastructural and critical

and laboratories needed to conduct

asset of South Africa, is

testing on products are adequate

facing a crisis which is threatening not

and that those persons responsible

only the industry as whole, but key

for the testing are competent

infrastructural sectors in South Africa, such as mining and water supply.

plastic pipes are no longer able to

attempted to address the numerous

use the SABS Certification Mark,”

issues with the SABS in regard to its

said Jan Venter, Chief Executive

testing facilities.

Officer of SAPPMA. Venter said that these

Despite numerous warnings issued in this regard by and attempts made

developments have, and will continue

by SAPPMA to address this issue

to have, dire consequences for the

over the past ten years, the SABS has

manufacturers, the industry and the

failed to take heed of these warnings

country including:

or implement any programme to avoid

• A diminishment of product

the present crisis.

confidence in the market place; • No measurable improvement in product and service quality; • Disqualifying manufacturers from

“On 29 March 2016 SAPPMA has, through our attorney David Swartz of Phillip Silver Swartz Incorporated, again called for an urgent meeting

The Southern African Plastic

submitting their products for tender,

with the SABS in order to address the

Pipe Manufacturers’ Association

as manufacturers are hindered in the

issues and the crisis at length. On 15

solely a result of the South African

(SAPPMA) is a voluntary, non-

sale and distribution of their products

April 2016 the SABS responded to the

Bureau of Standards (SABS) failing

profit organisation that represents

without the SABS mark of approval.

letter from our lawyers and agreed to

to perform in terms of its mandate as

almost 90 percent of all certified

well as its obligations prescribed in

manufacturers of HDPE and PVC

as May 2006, SAPPMA had

date of which is in the process of being

the Standards Act 2008.

plastic pipes being made in Southern

warned about the potential for

finalised,” Venter said.

Africa. One of its primary objectives

the actualisation of the crisis and

www.sappma.co.za

The cause of the current crisis is

Amongst others, the SABS has: • Failed to renew licenses which

is to improve product quality in the

have expired to plastic pipe

whole value chain of the plastic

manufacturers without providing

pipe industry in order to ensure the

any indication when the licenses

long-term viability of piping systems

would be renewed

used in infrastructure through its

• Unilaterally and without any consultation, decided in July

representatives.

“Directly as a result of the SABS’s

2015 to disallow partial testing of

failure to perform in terms of its

products manufactured by players

mandate, local manufacturers of

MAY/JUNE 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Several years ago and as early

the request for an urgent meeting, the

23

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ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT MAY/JUNE 2016

24

WASTE TREATMENT

Improving wastewater treatment plant efficiency

R

apid urban expansion

SEW-EURODRIVE Cape Town

has prompted the need

Branch Manager Byron Griffiths

to improve efficiencies

indicates that there are a number of

at wastewater

plans for upgrades to wastewater

plants. SEW-EURODRIVE boasts a

treatment plants across South Africa

comprehensive range of equipment

and Swaziland to improve current

to fulfil this need.

infrastructure.

He reveals that the company recently supplied ten FF107AM132 parallel helical geared motor units to the Matsapha Greenfields Wastewater Treatment Plant in

Byron Griffiths

Swaziland. “These units are ideallysuited for a mixing application in the wastewater treatment plant.”

What’s more, SEW-EURODRIVE also supplied geared motors for the mixers at the Saldanha

for applications such as aerators,

a good quality product that meets

Archimedes screw pumps, mixers,

the specifications laid out by industry

screen drives, bridge drives and rotary

at the best possible price. “Our

that are custom-designed

filters. “On each quote or tender, we

value-added service, combined with

to each and every client’s

provide geared solutions that meet

comprehensive stockholding and

and exceed the specification that

a national foot print, places us in a

the industry expects when looking at

good position, especially if planned

bearing life, service factor, thermal

projects go ahead as scheduled,” he

and gear ratings, and shaft stresses.”

concludes.

Wastewater Treatment Works.

“We provide detailed calculations

individual specifications and preferences,” Griffiths continues.

He points out that SEW-EURODRIVE supplies equipment

MAY/JUNE 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Griffiths believes that the greatest challenge in the industry is supplying

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26

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION Preuss’s Red Colobus monkey is among the world’s most endangered primates, and is threatened by poaching in Korup National Park, Cameroon, an important stronghold for the species

Eavesdropping on Cameroon’s poachers to save endangered primates Researchers are using acoustic monitoring to tune into gunshots and track a most deadly predator – Africa’s wildlife poachers monitoring

C

ameroon’s Korup National Park is home to elephants, chimpanzees, Red Colobus monkeys,

drill, and a myriad of noisy species, whose squawks, squeals and howls fill the forest air. For more than two years, twelve acoustic

Twelve acoustic monitors were deployed and recorded every sound covering a 54 square kilometre area of protected tropical forest.

monitors were deployed there and recorded every sound covering a 54 square

Nigeria, just a few kilometres away, makes it attractive to poachers.

4.5 million tons extracted from

“Much of the demand comes from

the Congo Basin each year. Taking

Nigeria as well as urban centres in

bushmeat itself is not always

Cameroon,” Linder said. “Hunting of

around the clock for just one

illegal, and it can be a vital source

wild meat is very commercialised

sound: gunshots.

of protein for the poor and a valued

now. There are professional hunters

commodity for the rich. But hunting

who earn most of their annual income

the effectiveness of anti-poaching

endangered species, especially

just from hunting. Nigerian hunters

patrols in African tropical forest

within protected areas, is against

come into Korup to hunt and bring the

protected areas,” Joshua Linder,

the law. It can pose a real threat to

meat back to Nigeria where it fetches

one of the lead scientists working

the survival of animal populations,

a higher price than in Cameroon.”

on the acoustic monitoring project,

and particularly to rare species.

kilometre area of protected tropical forest.

They were tuned to listen

“Our ultimate goal is to improve

told Mongabay.

MAY/JUNE 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Bushmeat is a major source of protein in Central Africa, with

Commons Korup’s proximity to

Linder of James Madison University, collaborating with

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION LANDFILL

27

An international team of scientists working in Cameroon’s Korup National Park recently completed a study in which they recorded all the sounds heard over a 54 square kilometre area.

It took more than two years to determine where and when gunshots were being fired “None of this information

to study human-wildlife conflict,

and Christos Astaras of the

was previously available to park

particularly with elephants, and to

University of Oxford, and joined

managers,” Linder noted. The

help locate unprotected populations

by Cameroon-based conservation

analysed data could help tell park law

of Preuss’s Red Colobus living

organisations, are trying to address

enforcement not only where they’ll

beyond Korup’s boundaries.

the threat of poaching in what

most likely find poachers, but when.

Linder describes as “one of the most

The project has not been without

The team shared their project findings with Nigerian and

important protected areas in Africa’s

its challenges. The dozen acoustic

Cameroonian protected area

Gulf of Guinea region.”

monitoring sensors — each with a

managers at a conference late last

detection radius of 1.2 kilometres —

year, and they now hope to convince

acoustic monitoring project suggests

run on heavy batteries that need to

other land managers to adopt the

that thousands of primates are killed

be carried through the forest over

eavesdropping technology. The

by illegal gun hunting annually in

rugged terrain and changed every

technique could ultimately have value

Korup,” the team told Mongabay.

three months. Also, more than

for protected areas, law enforcement,

Duikers, rodents, and even

200 000 hours of recordings were

and conservation researchers trying

elephants are hunted in Korup

gathered (equivalent to nearly 23

to track and curb poaching across

too, but it is the primates

years) which takes a lot of computer

Africa and around the world.

that are of greatest concern

storage and analysis, aspects of

Meanwhile, back in Korup, the

to conservationists.

the research that should not be

researchers’ work is already having

underestimated in future projects

an impact: “We recently helped park

that hunting is leading to declines

that may adopt this technology, the

managers design a comprehensive

in some of Africa’s most threatened

team warned.

wildlife monitoring programme

Theirs is an urgent task: “Our

“My own research in Korup shows

primate species,” Linder added, “such as the Critically Endangered Preuss’s Red Colobus (Procolobus preussi), one of the world’s 25 most endangered primates — an animal endemic to western Cameroon and parts of Nigeria. Korup is a critical stronghold for the species. A second Endangered

The monitors themselves can also be used to address other questions: future

Acoustic monitoring could be very useful in reserves around the globe, to protect great apes, elephants and other heavily poached species

plans include deploying the sensors

Motia Innocent hangs a sensor 10 meters up in the trees. Twelve sensors in total, each with a detection radius of 1.2 kilometres were installed in the forest.

Smoked monkey sold a local market.

for the whole park that includes acoustic monitoring. I’m hopeful that Photo © Christos Astaras.

Peter Wrege of Cornell University,

acoustic monitoring combined with other strategies can help to reverse this trend in hunting,” said Linder. www.mongabay.com

The project monitored a 54 square kilometre (21 square mile) area continuously for over two years, generating 200 000 hours of recordings. The data illuminated the hunting habits of poachers, making it possible to develop a responsive wildlife monitoring program in the park.

primate, the drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus), is also declining,” said Linder.

By monitoring poaching activity continuously for over two years, the team was able to gather data on hunting patterns in unprecedented spatial and temporal detail. Using that data, Protected Area Managers can then design anti-poaching patrols, evaluate their impact, and adapt patrols in response to new data.

The research has been revealing.

Hunting is highest early in the week, Image courtesy of James Linder.

as poachers ready for markets that most commonly occur on Saturdays.

Hunting occurs year-round, but peaks during the November-to-March dry season, and before major holidays.

The preferred hunting locations within the project area were also pinpointed.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT MAY/JUNE 2016

, Africas green LANDSCAPE

wall

The Great Wall of China was built over a millennium to ward off nomadic raiders. With Africa’s farmlands threatened by an enemy more pernicious than any Mongolian horde, Senegal is leading a 12-nation cooperative effort to erect a living defense system aptly named, the Great Green Wall of Africa.

T

he Sahara is currently

With this peril in sight, the

Populations in Sahelian

the second largest

leaders of Senegal, Mauritania,

Africa are among the poorest

desert in size, only

Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria,

and most vulnerable to

smaller than Antarctica.

Chad, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia,

climatic variability and land

However, unlike its frozen relative,

and Djibouti have banded together

degradation. They depend

the Sahara is actually expanding.

on an unprecedented endeavor to

heavily on healthy ecosystems

The United Nations estimates

stave off impending catastrophe.

for rain-fed agriculture, fisheries,

that, by 2025, two thirds of

Once complete, Africa’s Green

and livestock management to

Africa’s arable land will be

Wall will be a manmade forest of

sustain their livelihoods. These

covered in Saharan sand, vastly

drought-resistant trees (principally

constitute the primary sectors

expanding the current nine million

acacia) stretching across the

of employment in the region and

square kilometers. Even if these

entire continent.

generate at least 40 percent

predictions prove aggressive, the

It aims at tackling poverty and the

of the gross domestic product

effects of farmland destruction on

degradation of soils in the Sahel-

(GDP) in most of the countries.

a continent already hard-pressed

Saharan region, focusing on a strip

Additionally, the ecosystem

for food would be devastating on

of land of 15 km wide and

provides much needed livelihood

any level.

7 100 km long from Dakar to Djibouti.

products, such as fuelwood

Unfortunately, increasing population pressures on food, fodder, and fuelwood in a vulnerable environment have deteriorating impacts on natural resources

and bushmeat. Unfortunately, increasing population pressures on food, fodder, and fuelwood in a vulnerable environment have deteriorating impacts on natural resources, notably vegetation cover. Climate variability along with frequent droughts and poorly managed land and water resources have caused rivers and lakes to dry up and contribute to increased soil erosion.

The vision of a great green wall to combat ecological degradation was conceived in 2005 by the former President of the Federal

MAY/JUNE 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Sources: https://www.thegef.org/gef/great-green-wall http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-great-green-wall-of-africa

28

LANDSCAPE LANDFILL

The green wall aims at tackling poverty and the degradation of soils in the Sahel-Saharan region, focusing on a strip of land of 15 km wide and 7 100 km long from Dakar to Djibouti.

Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and the idea was strongly supported by President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal. The vision evolved into an integrated ecosystem management approach in January 2007, when the African Union adopted declaration 137 VIII, approving the ‘Decision on the Implementation of the Green Wall for the Sahara Initiative’. In June 2010, Burkina Faso, Chad, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Mali, Mauritania,

prioritise which projects they want

Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and Sudan

to implement, in conjunction with

The GEF has granted $100.8 million [2] to the GGW participating

signed a convention in Ndjamena,

GEF agencies and their partners.

countries to expand sustainable land and water management (SLWM)

Chad, to create the Great Green

They may “develop one or several

and adaptation in targeted landscapes and in climate vulnerable areas

Wall (GGW) Agency and nominate

projects in the context of this

in West African and Sahelian countries. Each country will design a

a secretary to further develop

programme and assign some or all

project based on national-level priorities for GEF and LDCF resources.

the initiative.

of their financial allocations to the

The projects will support the following activities:

Great Green Wall [1]”.

• Expand investment in SLWM technologies to help communities

The participating countries hope that by linking national-

Progress is apparent especially

adapt production systems to climate variability, generate income

level efforts across borders, they

in the Zinder region of Niger, where

and livelihoods, secure global public goods (such as retention

will tackle policy, investment,

tree density has significantly

of greenhouse gases, nitrogen fixation, groundwater recharge

and institutional barriers that

improved since the mid-1980s. GEF

and biodiversity), and reduce impacts from erosion, drought,

exacerbate the effects of climate

CEO Monique Barbut attributes the

change and variability, leading to

success to working with farmers to

desertification and deterioration

find technical solutions, particularly

of the environment and natural

long-term land and financial

resources and the risk of

solutions, in order to save the trees.

monitoring network improvements, ICT (information communication

conflicts between communities.

This form of natural regeneration

technology) innovations, institutional cooperation within and across

International Colloquiums are held

benefits local communities and

countries, and evidence based policy development

to discuss possible barriers as

the global environment alike by

well as share available knowledge

increasing crop yield, improving

on the vegetal species, systems

soil fertility, reducing land erosion,

of development, and GGW

improving fodder availability,

monitoring updates.

diversifying income, cutting

and flooding • Improve land-use planning, such as at watershed scale (i.e. Nigeria) or local levels (i.e. grazing reserves) • Improve and apply the information base: climate and water

wood collection time for women,

[1]

Monique Barbut, GEF CEO

Facility (GEF) emulates the spirit

strengthening resilience to climate

[2]

The programme is financed by the GEF Trust fund ($81.3 million) by resources from Land Degradation,

of collaboration by allowing

change, increasing biodiversity, and

Biodiversity, Climate Change allocations and the Sustainable Forest Management Forest and REDD+

participating GGW countries to

much more.

Incentive Programme, and by the Low Development Countries Fund for Adaptation ($19.5 million).

The Global Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT MAY/JUNE 2016

29

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35 INTERNATIONAL GEOLOGICAL CONGRESS TH

27 AUGUST - 4 SEPTEMBER 2016 I CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Over 5000 abstracts have been submitted for the 35th International Geological Congress that is to be staged in Cape Town from August 27 to September 4 this year.

Environmental Geoscience is well represented by sessions and symposia of interest to anyone involved in the environmental sciences. Visit the website for more detail on themes and symposia such as those listed below (http (http://www.35igc.org/Themes): • Coast and Society • Geological Controls of Contaminants in Soils and Groundwater • Geoscience in the Extractive and Power Industries • Geoscience for Environmental Management • Isotopic Tracing of Environmental Contamination • Geopollution • Environmental Remediation in Difficult Environments • Remote Sensing of Mining Environments • Water Resource Management www.35igc.org