EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: SCOPING REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) PROCESS FOR VISSERSHOK NORTH LANDFILL WASTE MANAGEMENT LICENCE

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1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: SCOPING REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) PROCESS FOR VISSERSHOK NORTH LANDFILL WASTE MANAGEMENT LICENCE SRK Project Number INTRODUCTION The City of Cape Town (CoCT) operates the Vissershok landfill complex, located ~25 km north of the City of Cape Town (see Figure 1). In March 2001, CoCT appointed SRK Consulting (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd (SRK) to conduct the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) required in terms of the then applicable Environment Conservation Act 73 of 1989 (ECA) for the expansion of the Vissershok landfill complex. On 23 August 2006, the Western Cape Ministry for Environment, Planning and Economic Development (MEPED) (now the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning [DEA&DP]) issued a Record of Decision (RoD) authorising the construction and related activities pertinent to the development of the Vissershok North Landfill (the site). A portion of the landfill was constructed in accordance with the RoD, which remains valid, though no waste disposal has occurred yet. The Section 20 ECA permit granted to the CoCT in February 2010 by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) for the operation of the landfill (and which permitted the disposal of GLB+ waste 1 ) expired on 2 February Due to the proximity of an informal settlement, which has now been relocated off the site, waste disposal had not commenced by 2 February 2015, and the ECA permit thus lapsed. Consequently, the construction of future cells was and remains authorised (and hence construction activities do not need to be applied for in the WML application). The Section 20 ECA permit has expired and operation of the landfill is no longer authorised. In terms of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act 59 of 2008 (NEM:WA), which is now the applicable legislation, a Waste Management Licence (WML) must be obtained for the operation of the landfill to replace the lapsed permit (the project). SRK Consulting (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd (SRK) has been appointed by the CoCT to undertake the Scoping and Environmental Impact Reporting (S&EIR, also referred to as EIA) process required in terms of the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 (NEMA). The EIA process is being undertaken in accordance with Section 21 of the EIA Regulations, 2014 (GN R982, as amended by GN R326). 1 Classification in terms of the 1998 Minimum Requirements applicable at the time: GLB+ = general waste, large landfill, significant leachate produced 2 RE-INITIATION OF THE EIA PROCESS In September 2017, CoCT applied for a WML for the operation of the Vissershok North landfill through an EIA process, as required in terms of NEM:WA (DEA Reference Number: 12/9/11/L79641/9). A Scoping Report (SRK Report No /1, dated September 2017) was released for stakeholder comment in September 2017 and updated at the end of the comment period to produce a Final Scoping Report, which was submitted to the DEA in October Because the advertisement at the beginning of the EIA process did not include all listed activities, and on advice of the DEA, CoCT then withdrew the WML application to re-start the EIA process (with a new advert). This Executive Summary and the associated Scoping Report, which form part of the new EIA process, are largely the same as the documents dated September 2017, which were previously released for stakeholder comment. Changes to the documents (vis-a-vis the September 2017 documents) were made to improve clarity, and are indicated in italics and underlined font for easier reference. 3 GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK A list of waste management activities was published in GN R921 on 29 November 2013, amended by GN R332 of 2014, promulgated in terms of NEM:WA. Two categories of the listed waste management activities published in GN R921 require a WML. A person wishing to undertake an activity listed under: Category A must conduct a Basic Assessment (BA) process; and Category B must conduct a Scoping & Environmental Impact Reporting (S&EIR) process as set out in the EIA Regulations promulgated in terms of Section 24 of NEMA as part of the WML application process. The proposed project triggers waste management activities that are listed in terms of Category B of GN R921 of 2013 (see Table 1). As the application includes the disposal of some hazardous waste such as is permissible to Class B landfill, DEA is the licensing authority. Consequently, the proponent is obliged to apply for a WML for the project. Since activities listed under Category B of GN921 apply to the project, an S&EIR process is required.

2 Page ii Table 1: Applicable NEM:WA listed waste mgmt. activities Category B: Requiring a S&EIR Process Disposal of waste on land 7 The disposal of any quantity of hazardous waste to land. 2 8 The disposal of general waste to land covering an area in excess of 200m 2 and with a total capacity exceeding tons. 9 The disposal of inert waste to land in excess of tons, excluding the disposal of such waste for the purposes of levelling and building which has been authorised by or under other legislation. Produce a Scoping Report for submission to the relevant authorities. It is also anticipated that a Water Use Licence (WUL) in terms of sections 21 of the National Water Act 36 of 1998 (NWA) may be required from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) (see Table 2). The requirements concerning a WUL will be discussed with DWS. Table 2: NWA water use activities for the project No g Description Disposing of waste in a manner which may detrimentally impact on a water resource. 4 ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESS The EIA Regulations, 2014 define the detailed approach to the S&EIR process, which consists of two phases: the Scoping Phase (the current phase) and the Impact Assessment Phase (see Figure 2). The objectives of the Scoping Phase are to: Identify stakeholders and inform them of the proposed activity, feasible alternatives and the S&EIR process; Describe the affected environment and potential environmental issues and benefits arising from the proposed project that may require further investigation in the Impact Assessment Phase; Develop terms of reference for specialist studies to be undertaken in the Impact Assessment Phase; Provide stakeholders with the opportunity to participate in the process and identify any issues or concerns; and 2 The applicant (CoCT) can apply to accept general and some types of hazardous materials that can be classified as Type 2 waste in terms of the National Norms and Standards for the Assessment of Waste for Landfill (GN R635 of 2013) and are permissible for disposal to a Class B landfill in terms of the National Norms and Standards for Disposal of Waste to Landfill (GN R636 of 2013). The waste component (that would have been) permissible under a H:h landfill classification assessed and authorised in the previous application (2006 RoD) is more hazardous than the hazardous waste component permissible under a Class B landfill classification for the current application. As such, the current application is for a less hazardous waste category than originally assessed. Figure 2: S&EIR Process *Note: EMPr = Environmental Management Programme Once the Scoping Phase has been completed, the Impact Assessment Phase will commence, in which the significance of potential impacts will be assessed and measures to avoid and /or mitigate negative impacts and enhance benefits will be determined. 5 DESCRIPTION OF THE SITE AND ENVIRONMENT The Vissershok landfill complex is located some ~25 km north of central Cape Town in the Blaauwberg District. The area surrounding Vissershok is characterised by a gently undulating coastal plain with low hills in the east, falling away towards the Atlantic Ocean in the west and the Diep River in the south. Elevations rise from 5 m amsl near the Diep River in the south to 60 m amsl near the Morningstar smallholdings in the north. The area around Vissershok is largely disturbed primarily due to agricultural activities - and/or infested with alien vegetation. Most fynbos that once occurred in the area has been displaced by these aliens, notably Port Jackson. The area also supports a low faunal diversity. Several bird species frequent the site, most notably seagulls, which have often been observed feeding off the waste. The site falls within a transition zone between peri-urban and rural areas, although the area in the immediate vicinity of the site is developed. Morningstar is the nearest formalised settlement, a relatively small community situated approximately 800 m north of the site, with a

3 Page iii semi-rural and tranquil character. The community was established in the 1950s and now consists of approximately 80 occupied smallholdings. The site is bounded on the west by an Eskom powerline servitude, on the east by the N7 national road, on the south by the Fuel Firing Services (FFS) oil recycling facility and the existing Vissershok landfill, and on the north by the Morningstar smallholdings. The Vissershok area is primary rural in character and includes both farms and numerous smallholdings, especially at Morningstar. However, in the last decade, rapid and extensive urban development south of Vissershok has occurred, altering the rural character of the area. The key land uses in the immediate vicinity of the Vissershok North landfill include the Kohler Brickworks, two waste disposal sites (Visserhok South and a private landfill) adjacent to Frankdale Road and the FFS oil recycling facility. The existing Vissershok landfill complex includes the Vissershok South landfill, which has been in operation since late Disposal operations at the existing Vissershok South landfill include: Landfilling general waste from transfer stations; Co-disposal of certain liquid hazardous wastes (solid and liquid waste) in trenches; and Landfilling of both general and industrial waste. 6 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 6.1 Project Motivation The CoCT is responsible for providing waste services, including the disposal of waste. In order to provide sufficient landfill capacity, CoCT obtained approval for the construction and (lapsed) approval for operation of the Vissershok North landfill. Vissershok North is an essential component of the CoCT s waste disposal airspace provision plan; as such it is critical that authorisation to operate the site is obtained. In order to fulfil its waste management mandate and appropriately utilise the Vissershok North landfill infrastructure, CoCT is applying for a WML for the operation of the facility (in its current location). 6.2 Constructed Infrastructure at Vissershok North The landfill has a total footprint of 55 ha. Construction of Phases 1 and 2 of the landfill was completed in This included the construction or installation of: Four cells, with a total extent of approximately 20 ha, inclusive of surrounding earthworks / berms (see Figure 3) Protective liners in all cells, consisting of a geosynthetic clay liner and two geomembrane layers (heavy duty plastic); Surface water management infrastructure; and A leachate collection system, including pipes and sumps (drains) in each cell to collect leachate, which will be treated at the existing Vissershok South leachate treatment plant. The primary geomembrane barrier is covered by 300 mm of sand, two protective geotextile layers and, on the surface, a minimum of 150 mm stone aggregate. A geotextile filter will be placed over the leachate collection system shortly before waste deposition, to limit degradation. Cells 1-3 are ready for use; however, no waste disposal has occurred to date. The leachate collection system for Cell 4 must still be connected to the leachate treatment plant; thereafter it is also ready for use. Cells 5-8 will be constructed in subsequent phases (as authorised by the 2006 RoD). 6.3 Project Operation The landfill can accept general waste as well as some kinds of hazardous materials that can be classified as Type 2 waste and are permissible for disposal to a Class B landfill in terms of the applicable regulations. The current application is for a less hazardous waste category than originally assessed and authorised in the 2006 RoD. The landfill will be filled to a maximum height of 60 m above ground level, providing million m 3 of airspace. The daily rate of waste deposition is a direct function of the size of the population served by the landfill, and the CoCT estimates that the landfill will have a projected lifespan of approximately years and is expected to reach capacity by ~2032. Existing infrastructure at the Vissershok landfill complex, including access roads, the weighbridge, rail tracks, dedicated siding (including container handling equipment), leachate transfer and treatment facilities, surface water management infrastructure, offices, vehicle parking bays, stores, material stockpiles (sand and clay) and fuel tanks will initially be shared and integrated across the entire Vissershok site. Figure 3: Aerial view of Vissershok North landfill

4 Page iv Figure 1: Locality Plan

5 Page v The Vissershok North landfill will not provide many additional jobs during operation, as it is anticipated that CoCT staff employed at the existing Vissershok landfill will also operate the new site. The existing landfill complex provides employment for approximately 56 people, including management, operators, administrative staff, supervisors and general labourers. 7 ALTERNATIVES Appendix 2 Section 2 (h)(i) of the EIA Regulations, 2014, requires that all S&EIR processes must identify and describe feasible and reasonable alternatives. The original EIA process for the proposed Vissershok Landfill Extension conducted in the 2000s considered a number of potential alternatives, including activity alternatives, location alternatives and layout alternatives. Consideration and assessment of these potential alternatives informed the 2006 decision to authorise the Vissershok North extension of the landfill. The construction of the landfill has lawfully commenced, and the RoD permitting construction of the remaining cells (within the approved footprint) remains valid. As such, construction activities do not need to be applied for in this WML application, and it is not reasonable to consider location / layout alternatives as part of this EIA process. A new WML must be obtained for the operation of the landfill, and the EIA will assess the impacts of the operation of the Vissershok North landfill in its current location. The operation of the Vissershok North landfill is largely determined by the existing infrastructure, and it is not reasonable to consider operational alternatives as part of this EIA process. The No-Go alternative will be considered and entails no change to the status quo, in other words the landfill cells already constructed will not be used for waste disposal. and have been responded to in the Issues and Responses summary. The following main issues were raised on the previous (2017) Scoping Report: The operation of the landfill may have biophysical impacts, specifically on groundwater, avifauna and air; The project may have socio-economic impacts, specifically on property value and health; The EMPr must include a Waste Management Plan, including certain aspects; and Certain technical information on the landfill needs to be provided. The stakeholder engagement activities related to the Scoping Phase of this current EIA process are summarised in Table 3 below. Relevant local, provincial and national authorities, conservation bodies, local forums and surrounding landowners and occupants have been directly notified of the S&EIR process and the release of the Scoping Report for comment. Table 3: Stakeholder Engagement during Scoping Activity Advertise commencement of EIA process (Tabletalk and Northern News) Date 20 / 21 June 2018 Release Scoping Report for public comment 21 June 2018 Public comment period 22 June 23 July 2018 Public Open Day 4 July 2018 Compile Issues and Responses Summary and finalise Scoping Report July / August KEY ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND IMPACTS The potential impacts of the project are mostly linked to the sensitivity of the biophysical environment, the sensitivity of the social environment (e.g. communities), the extent or footprint and nature of the project, expected emissions and discharges and stakeholders perceptions (although in this case, many of the impacts have occurred). 8 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT Stakeholder engagement is a key component of the S&EIR process and is being undertaken in accordance with Chapter 6 of the EIA Regulations, SRK initiated an EIA Process for the Vissershok North WML application in May 2017 with the release of an advertisement and Background Information Document. A Scoping Report was released for stakeholder comment in September CoCT then withdrew the WML application. The re-initiated EIA process for the Vissershok North WML application is substantially similar to the previous process. Although not part of this EIA process, all comments previously submitted in response to the September 2017 Scoping Report are included in this report, The following key environmental issues in effect, a preliminary suite of potential negative impacts and potential benefits of the project in its proposed setting related to the operation of Vissershok North have been identified. Air quality the landfill may generate emissions such as air pollutants (health related), odours and dust (nuisance) that affect air quality; Noise the operation of the Vissershok North landfill may increase noise levels in surrounding areas due to waste delivery trucks and on-site activities and machinery;

6 Page vi Geohydrology the disposal of waste at Vissershok North may affect underlying aquifers through alteration of flow or pollution of groundwater; Socio-economic the landfill may have adverse socio-economic impacts (e.g. on surrounding property values) or benefits (e.g. continued employment at the facility); Human health the disposal of waste, including some hazardous waste, may result in detrimental acute or chronic impacts on human health and the environment through direct or indirect exposure via water, air or soil and/or disease vectors; Traffic waste delivery trucks may have an impact on the existing road network, traffic flows and other road users; and Visual the operation of the Vissershok North landfill may affect the current visual character All of these issues were assessed by specialists in the previous EIA process undertaken for the project (in the 2000s). Possible environmental issues associated with the construction of the landfill were considered and authorised in the 2006 RoD and have already occurred for areas in which cells have been constructed, including: Ecology impacts related to clearing the site; Socio-economic impacts associated with the relocation of the Rooidakkies, Skandaalkamp and Spoorkamp informal settlements and construction costs; and Heritage impacts associated with transformation of the site. 10 PLAN OF STUDY FOR THE IMPACT ASSESSMENT SRK will conduct a streamlined EIA process compliant with the EIA Regulations, 2014 (as amended) for the operation of Vissershok North (in its current location). This involves appointing specialists to confirm that the previous baseline and impact studies still apply and are still valid, and/or to update any impact ratings in the event that this is not the case (i.e. no new specialist studies will be conducted where previous studies are still deemed valid). The original specialist studies assumed and assessed disposal of higher hazard waste than is currently being applied for. The results of the original studies can thus be considered conservative with regards to the current application. This approach was confirmed with DEA and DEA&DP in discussion with CoCT s officials and professional advisors. The following specialist studies will be reviewed and / or updated: Air Quality Assessment; Noise Assessment; Geohydrology Assessment; Socio-Economic Assessment; Human Health Risk Assessment; Traffic Assessment; Heritage Assessment; and Visual Assessment. Specialists will focus on operational impacts (including air quality, human health, geohydrology, traffic, noise, visual) for this EIA process. A number of construction-related impacts have largely occurred already (including ecology, socio-economics and heritage). Once specialist studies have been reviewed and/or updated, the results will be collated into an EIA Report and EMPr. The EIA Report and EMPr will be released for public comment through notifications to registered Interested and Affected Parties (IAPs). Key authorities will also be consulted as part of the process. All comments received will be incorporated into an Issues and Responses Summary, which will be appended to the EIA Report. The EIA Report and EMPr will then be submitted to the DEA for their decision.

7 Page vii HOW YOU CAN YOU PARTICIPATE IN THE EIA PROCESS Issues and concerns identified in the Scoping Study will assist in focussing the EIA and will be used to refine the terms of reference for specialist investigations. Stakeholders are therefore urged to participate: REVIEW THE REPORT Copies of the complete report are available for public review at the following locations: Table View Public Library; SRK s Cape Town office; and SRK s website: via the Library / Public Documents links. REGISTER OR PROVIDE YOUR OPINION Register or send written comment by 23 July 2018 to: Amy Hill at SRK Consulting ahill@srk.co.za Tel: , Fax: Postnet Suite #206, Private Bag X18, Rondebosch, 7701 ATTEND A MEETING A Public Open Day will be held to discuss the project and additional concerns or issues: Venue: Zonnekus Holiday Resort, Zonnekus Road, Morningstar Date: Wednesday 4 July 2018 Time: 15h00 to 18h00 Relevant Organs of State have been automatically registered as stakeholders. All other persons must request in writing to be placed on the register, submit written comments or attend meetings in order to be registered as stakeholders. Only registered stakeholders will be kept informed of the process and notified of any future opportunities to participate. Please note that, in the event of an appeal, SRK may be required to provide stakeholder contact details to the appellant. All stakeholders who were registered on the stakeholder database during the EIA process initiated in 2017 for this project will be retained on the project database.