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.
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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
NIR
LabSpec 4
Terraspec Halo
Near infrared spectroscopy Fieldspec 4
LabSpec 4 Bench
Qualityspec TREK Terraspec 4
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T +27 (0) 11 577 0880 F +27 (0) 11 577 0882 wynand.smit@panalytical.com www.panalytical.com
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