PULLES HOWARD & DE LANGE INC.

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT

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Completion of the Section 21 Permit and analysis of current surface and groundwater systems at CPC Tongaat Mushrooms Deodar Farm.

An assessment was undertaken of the surface and groundwater systems at the CPC Tongaat Mushrooms Deodar Farm specifically in terms of the Section 21 Permit requirements and compliance.

The environmental impact assessment of proposed pipelines: #1 river reaches between Johannesburg and Rustenburg; #2 land and river reaches adjacent to Florida Lake; #3 river reaches between Johannesburg and Brits

Detailed environmental impacts of the construction of pipelines on river crossing sites were undertaken to identify sensitive sites and to propose construction guidelines to reduce negative impacts.

Identification of residual impacts from a cyanide producing factory after closure.

Detailed investigations on residual chemical contamination in soils, underground water and surface water systems were undertaken at a site of a cyanide producing factory. The data were evaluated to determine the current environmental impact as well as the likely long term impact. Proposed remedial measures were also developed.

The environmental impact of extensions to the Wiggins Wastewater Treatment Works, Natal.

The Wiggins Wastewater Treatment Works was upgraded and expanded. A preliminary environmental impact assessment was undertaken in association with Stewart Scott Inc. to evaluate all the potential impacts. The need to perform a risk assessment on the sodium hypochlorite plant was identified. Additionally, proposals were prepared for additional investigations to quantify the impact of the works on the stormwater system and on the downstream users.

The environmental impact assessment of a new mill for African Products (Pty) Ltd.

A detailed analysis was undertaken to prepare a current status report for two proposed sites for a new maize processing mill for African Products. This covered all relevant aspects of each site including surface water hydrology, geology, climate, topography, animal and plant populations, and a preliminary assessment of the groundwater systems. The environmental impact of the mill on each site was evaluated and detailed assessments made regarding the discharge of high salt and COD effluents on the local and regional water resources.


Water aspects of the EMPR for Blyvooruitzicht Gold Mine

All water related aspects of the EMPR for Blyvooruitzicht Gold Mine were prepared. This included evaluation of all existing water monitoring data, development of water balances, assessment of impact on water resources, identification of appropriate management strategies, discussions with authorities, etc.


The environmental impact of extensions to the Nelspruit Wastewater Treatment Works, Eastern Transvaal.

The Nelspruit Wastewater Treatment Works has been expanded. A detailed environmental impact assessment was undertaken in association with Stewart Scott Inc. to evaluate all the potential impacts. The Nelspruit Works is on the Crocodile River and flows through the Kruger National Park below the works' discharge. The potential for increased concentrations on nutrients in the water was evaluated in terms of any potential impact on the Kruger National Park.

The environmental impact of the Johannesburg Southern Sewage Treatment Works on the Klip River.

This two year project, in association with Stewart Scott Inc., assessed the impact of the Johannesburg Southern Sewage Treatment Works on the Klip River in terms of bacteria, ammonia and phosphates. A detailed monitoring programme was developed to quantify all pollution sources in the area.

The breakdown in infrastructure in Soweto was clearly identified as a significant source of bacterial contamination. Detailed evaluations were made concerning users of the river, their water quality needs and objectives for the river were set. Detailed modelling of the river system was done as well as testing of various scenarios to quantify future pollution loads.

Investigation into the groundwater quality at Settlers Agricultural High School, and the potential health risk for the children.

The water quality of the potable supply to Settlers was investigated and the potential health risk to the children quantified. A conceptual treatment system was developed.

Environmental impact assessment for Umtata quarry

An evaluation of the proposed mining method and operation of the quarry was done, giving recommendations on blasting, noise and dust suppression, waste disposal, visual impacts, erosion and stormwater control and storage and protection of spoil and overburden. An assessment of the post mining land use options and rehabilitation steps was included

Environmental Management Programme Report for Spitzkop Colliery

The full EMPR was produced for Spitzkop Colliery, including all the detailed specialist studies that were required. This EMPR was the first fully quantitative EMPR produced in South Africa and also included a catchment study and a computerised water management model capable of quantifying the beneficial effect of various water management strategies on the receiving stream.

Geohydrological evaluation for a new coal mine to be situated in the upper Olifants River catchment

The geohydrology of the study area was defined and studied to determine whether the groundwater resources form a suitable water supply for the proposed mine during both the construction and operational phases of the mine. The potential hazards, operational mining problems and disposal problems associated with the regional geohydrology were defined. The study entailed detailed site data collection, inventory of all existing boreholes, siting, drilling and pump testing of new boreholes and modelling of the yield and quality of the groundwater resources.

Undertake a detailed mass water balance for a new coal mine to be situated in the upper Olifants River catchment

A mass water balance was prepared which integrated the geohydrology, surface hydrology, all water sources, users, treatment systems, reticulation circuits and all streams leaving the mine boundaries. Feasible water supply sources were identified through hydrological modelling of the catchment. The water requirements for the mine were developed and specified and alternative water supply sources were evaluated. Discussions were held with Eskom and the Department of Water Affairs to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of obtaining water from various water transfer pipelines, rivers and dams.