FINAL BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT FOR THE PROPOSED DECOMMISSIONING OF FUEL TANKS LOCATED AT CRAMMIX BRICKS, BRAKENFELL

Transcription

1 Chevron South Africa (Pty) Ltd FINAL BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT FOR THE PROPOSED DECOMMISSIONING OF FUEL TANKS LOCATED AT CRAMMIX BRICKS, BRAKENFELL January 2015 DEA&DP REFERENCE: 16/3/1/1/A5/11/1046/14 SEC REFERENCE: PO Box 30134, Tokai, 7966 Telephone: , Fax:

2 BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT (AUGUST 2010) Basic Assessment Report in terms of the NEMA Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010 Kindly note that: AUGUST This Basic Assessment Report is the standard report required by DEA&DP in terms of the EIA Regulations, 2010 and must be completed for all Basic Assessment applications. 2. This report must be used in all instances for Basic Assessment applications for an environmental authorisation in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA), as amended, and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010, and/or a waste management licence in terms of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act 59 of 2008) (NEM: WA), and/or an atmospheric emission licence in terms of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004 (Act No. 39 of 2004) (NEM: AQA). 3. This report is current as of 2 August It is the responsibility of the Applicant / EAP to ascertain whether subsequent versions of the report have been published or produced by the competent authority. 4. The required information must be typed within the spaces provided in the report. The sizes of the spaces provided are not necessarily indicative of the amount of information to be provided. It is in the form of a table that will expand as each space is filled with typing. 5. Incomplete reports will be rejected. A rejected report may be amended and resubmitted. 6. The use of not applicable in the report must be done with circumspection. Where it is used in respect of material information that is required by the Department for assessing the application, this may result in the rejection of the report as provided for in the regulations. 7. While the different sections of the report only provide space for provision of information related to one alternative, if more than one feasible and reasonable alternative is considered, the relevant section must be copied and completed for each alternative. 8. Unless protected by law all information contained in, and attached to this report, will become public information on receipt by the competent authority. If information is not submitted with this report due to such information being protected by law, the applicant and/or EAP must declare such non-disclosure and provide the reasons for the belief that the information is protected. 9. This report must be submitted to the Department at the postal address given below or by delivery thereof to the Registry Office of the Department. No faxed or ed reports will be accepted. Please note that for waste management licence applications, this report must be submitted for the attention of the Department s Waste Management Directorate (tel: and fax: ) at the same postal address as the Cape Town Office Region A. 10. Unless indicated otherwise, two electronic copies (CD/DVD) and three hard copies of this report must be submitted to the Department. DEPARTMENTAL DETAILS CAPE TOWN OFFICE REGION A (Cape Winelands, City of Cape Town: Tygerberg and Oostenberg Administrations) Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Attention: Directorate: Integrated Environmental Management (Region A2) Private Bag X 9086 Cape Town, 8000 Registry Office 1 st Floor Utilitas Building 1 Dorp Street, Cape Town Queries should be directed to the Directorate: Integrated Environmental Management (Region A2) at: Tel: (021) Fax: (021) CAPE TOWN OFFICE REGION B (West Coast, Overberg, City of Cape Town: Helderberg, South Peninsula, Cape Town and Blaauwberg Administrations Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Attention: Directorate: Integrated Environmental Management (Region B) Private Bag X 9086 Cape Town, 8000 Registry Office 1 st Floor Utilitas Building 1 Dorp Street, Cape Town Queries should be directed to the Directorate: Integrated Environmental Management (Region B) at: Tel: (021) Fax: (021) GEORGE OFFICE (Eden and Central Karoo) Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Attention: Directorate: Integrated Environmental Management (Region A1) Private Bag X 6509 George, 6530 Registry Office 4 th Floor, York Park Building 93 York Street George Queries should be directed to the Directorate: Integrated Environmental Management (Region A1) at: Tel: (044) Fax: (044) View the Department s website at for the latest version of this document. 1

3 DEPARTMENTAL REFERENCE NUMBER(S) File reference number (EIA): File reference number (Waste): File reference number (Other): 16/3/1/1/A5/11/1046/14 PROJECT TITLE The proposed decommissioning of fuel tanks located at Crammix Bricks, Brakenfell (Erf ST214). DETAILS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PRACTITIONER (EAP) Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP): Adrian Sillito Kirsty Robinson Contact person: Kirsty Robinson Postal address: PO Box Tokai Postal code: 7966 Telephone: (021) Cell: Fax: (021) Adrian Sillito MSc Engineering Geology EAP Qualifications Kirsty Robinson MPhil in Climate Change and Sustainable Development (2012) EAP Registrations/Associations Certified Environmental Assessment Practitioner Member of the International Institute Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) Pri. Sci. Nat Associate Member of the Institute for Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) Details of the EAP s expertise to carry out Basic Assessment procedures Sillito Environmental Consulting (SEC) has extensive experience in environmental assessment procedures and has completed several thousand applications across South Africa since This basic assessment report is also guided by cradle to grave knowledge related to oil industry activities from EIA through to site closure. This includes baseline contamination assessments following site closure, human health risk assessments and recommendations for remedial actions, where required. Other in house experience includes environmental control officer exposure in the construction and decommissioning of service stations and fuel storage facilities. 2

4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE CONTENT OF THE BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT: Introduction and Project Description Chevron South Africa (Pty) Ltd, hereafter known as the applicant, proposes to decommission fuel storage tanks in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, Act No. 107 of 1998, as amended ( NEMA ). The tanks are located at Crammix Bricks located on Erf ST214, Crammix Road, Brakenfell, Western Cape. Since 1941, Crammix Bricks has been one of the largest and most technologically advanced producers of clay brick products in South Africa. Historically Heavy Fuel Oil on site was used to fire the kilns for the brick vitrification process. Diesel was used for re-fuelling trucks to undertake a combination of clay mining and transport, earthmoving and quarry rehabilitation and dispatch of finished goods. The Crammix Bricks site will most likely be re-zoned in the future for residential and commercial purposes. As a result of this, the Crammix Bricks factory permanently closed down in December The fuel storage tanks currently located on the site are thus no longer required and are no longer in use. The tanks to be decommissioned, which were associated with the brick manufacturing facility, will include: 2 x 83m 3 aboveground fuel storage tanks (Heavy Fuel Oil) 1 x 23m 3 aboveground fuel storage tank (Diesel) 1 x 14m 3 underground fuel storage tank (Diesel) The total fuel capacity will be up to 300m 3. Please note: The total fuel amount is indicated as up to 300m 3 instead of precisely 203m 3 as SEC has allowed for any potential discrepancy s in tank volume which may be discovered in the underground utilities clearance survey which will take place just prior to the tank decommissioning (this has happened in the past). As such SEC has accounted for up to 300m 3 in the general fuel storage areas in the assessment of impacts of the decommissioning process as indicated in the site plans attached as Appendix B. A Baseline Environmental Conditions Assessment of the area around the 2 x 83m 3 aboveground storage tanks (HFO) and the 1 x 14m 3 underground fuel storage (DGO) was conducted in May According to the results of the assessment, the Interpretive Report (dated June 2013) as well as an from the applicant dated 26 th February 2014, the site was classified as a non-contaminated site. Environmental Resources Management. Environmental Conditions Assessment, 2013). The Baseline Environmental Conditions Assessment of the area was updated in October 2014 to include not only the assessment of the area around the 2 x 83m 3 aboveground storage tanks (HFO) and the 1 x 14m 3 underground fuel storage (DGO) but also an assessment of the area around the 1 x 23m 3 above ground fuel storage tank (DGO). The applicant confirmed in an dated 21 st October 2014 that the risk profile of the site remains the same. As such, the site decommissioning is therefore not expected to involve any remediation activities (Environmental Resources Management, Environmental Conditions Assessment, 2014). Site decommissioning is thus not expected to involve any remediation activities. A detailed methodology of the sampling procedure and storage of samples from the applicant and specialist who undertook the above mentioned site assessments has been included as part of Appendix G the Final BAR. Please Note: The applicant has confirmed in an dated 26 th September 2014 that once the tanks have been removed, a follow-up contamination assessment will be undertaken once the tanks have been removed. This will be submitted to DEA&DP Land Management, Directorate Pollution Management as well as the City of Cape. The applicant further confirms that they will comply with all commitments contained within the Final BAR and EMP and acknowledges that all legislative requirements for remediation of contamination that may be detected at the site once a further contamination assessment has been undertaken will be adhered to in order to ensure compliance with the provisions of Part 8 of the National Norms and Standards for the remediation of contaminated land and soil quality, of NEM: Waste Act No. 59 of 2008 (NEMWA). Please see both the original and updated Environmental Conditions Assessment Reports (dated May 2013 and October 2014 respectively), the Interpretive Report (dated June 2013) and the s from the applicant (dated 26 th February 2014 and 21 st October 2014) as well as the detailed methodology of the sampling procedure attached as part of Appendix G. Legislative Context The application for Environmental Authorisation is being made to the competent authority, namely the Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP), and is required since the proposed development includes activities which are listed in terms of the NEMA Environmental Impact Assessment ( EIA ) Regulations, In terms of the NEMA EIA Regulations (2010) the above-mentioned proposal will trigger the following activity; authorisation for which is now being applied for: Government Notice No. 544 of the EIA Regulations, Activity 27 (v) Activity 27- The decommissioning of existing facilities or infrastructure, for~ (i) Electricity generation with a threshold of more than 10MW; (ii) Electricity transmission and distribution with a threshold of more than 132kV; (iii) Nuclear reactors and storage of nuclear fuel (iv) Activities, where the facility or the land on which it is located is contaminated; (v) Storage, or storage and handling, of dangerous goods of more than 80 cubic metres; In terms of the EIA Regulations which pertain to the decommissioning application process, a Basic Assessment process must be followed, which includes the compilation of this Basic Assessment Report (BAR). 3

5 Description of the Site and Surrounding Environment The 4 fuel tanks to be decommissioned are located at Crammix Bricks on Erf ST214, Crammix Road, Brakenfell, Western Cape. The Crammix Bricks site itself has been almost entirely transformed as a result of the historical activities at the site (brick manufacturing and mining). According to the City of Cape Town s Biodiversity Network however, on the north-west portion of the site, relatively good patches of fynbos vegetation remain on and abutting the larger Crammix site and are listed as CBA1A. These remnants however, shouldn t be affected by the proposed decommissioning activities as the activities will be undertaken in the already disturbed/mined area, on the southern section of the site. The larger Crammix Bricks site is predominantly surrounded by residential and agricultural land uses. According to the City of Cape Town s Biodiversity Network however, a small CBA1B area is located on the north-east boundary of the larger Crammix Bricks site, a small OESA area is located on the north-west boundary of the larger Crammix Bricks site and small a CBA1A and an area classified as Protected in Perpetuity are located on the west boundary of the larger Crammix Bricks site. In addition, according to the City of Cape Town s Biodiversity Network, the Braken Nature Reserve (an area classified as Protected in Perpetuity ) is located 500m from the larger Crammix Bricks site boundary as well as a small patch of land classified as CBA 1E. Public Participation Process A public participation process is required in order to fulfil the requirements of a Basic Assessment process. The public participation process needs to be undertaken in accordance with the 2010 NEMA EIA Regulations. The following activities have been undertaken thus far: Initial and Draft Basic Assessment Report Notification Identified interested and affected parties as well as Organs of State were notified of the Basic Assessment process and at the same time notified of the availability of the Draft Basic Assessment (Draft BAR) report for review and comment on 23 rd July The following parties were notified of the availability of the Draft BAR: DEA&DP: Land Management (Region1) DEA&DP: Pollution Management Department of Water Affairs Department of Agriculture City of Cape Town Municipality (District C) Stellenbosch Municipality Municipal Ward Councillor Ratepayer s Associations Relevant NGO s Landowner Landowners and occupants of properties adjacent to the site In addition to this, a newspaper advertisement was published in the Tygerburger local newspaper on 23 rd July 2014; site notices were placed at the site on the 22 nd July; and the Draft BAR was placed at the local Brakenfell Public Library on the 21 st July The Draft BAR was also made available on the SEC website for review and comment between the 21 st July 2014 and 1 st September All registered stakeholders were given the opportunity to review and comment on the Draft BAR for a period of 40 days between 23 rd July and 1 st September Comments received and responses sent during the public comment period for the Draft BAR have been recorded in a Comments and Responses Report. In addition, all issues raised during this period have been included in the Final BAR (this report) for review by all registered stakeholders and for submission to the DEA&DP. The following activities will be undertaken from this point forward: Final Basic Assessment Report Notification: The Final BAR (this report) includes the comments, issues and concerns raised by registered stakeholders during the Draft BAR phase public participation process and is now made available for public comment for a period of 21 days. Comments received and responses sent during the public comment period for the Final BAR will be recorded in an updated Comments and Responses Report. This, along with copies of all comments received and responses sent, will be included in the Final BAR submission when it is submitted to the DEA&DP for a decision. Please refer to Appendix F for a full record of the public participation process undertaken to date. Alternatives In terms of the principles of NEMA and potential impacts identified associated with the proposed activity, alternatives in fulfilling the general objectives of the application have been identified and considered. Where alternatives have been identified as reasonable and feasible, alternatives have been comparatively assessed during the Basic Assessment Process. 1. Property and Location Alternatives Alternative property/location site alternatives were not investigated for the purposes of this application as the proposed activity will comprise the decommissioning of existing fuel tanks located at Crammix Bricks. Thus no property/location site alternatives were investigated or assessed as this would not meet the general purpose and requirements of this application. 4

6 2. Activity Alternatives No activity alternatives were investigated as this would not meet the general purpose of this application. The proposed activity is considered the best environmental option for the site as not only are the tanks now inactive, but leaving the ageing, unmonitored / unmaintained tanks in place increases the risk of potential tank failure and subsequent soil and groundwater contamination. 3. Design or Layout Alternatives Design or layout alternatives are not considered applicable, as the general purpose of this application is a once off activity to decommission fuel tanks located at Crammix Bricks. 4. Technology Alternatives Technology alternatives were not considered applicable as the general purpose of the application is the decommissioning of fuel tanks. As such, the nature of the proposed activity is such that the process has associated impacts. Therefore only process alternatives have been investigated for this site. 5. Operational Alternatives Operational alternatives were not considered applicable as the general purpose of the activity is a once-off decommissioning of fuel tanks at Crammix Bricks. As such, the nature of the proposed activity is such that the process has associated impacts. Therefore only process alternatives have been investigated for this site. 6. Other Alternatives: Decommissioning Process Alternatives: The decommissioning process has two key stages: purging the tanks of remnant product and degassing the tanks; and then the physical removal and disposal of the tanks and infrastructure. For both of these aspects, there are associated health, safety and environmental risks. For example, risk of explosion if the tanks are not degassed correctly; health and safety risks to employees if tests are not conducted during the process to establish whether fuel vapour and nitrogen levels are sufficiently low to allow works to proceed; risk of leaks or spills of remnant product or sludge from the fuel lines or tanks which could contaminate soil and groundwater; and fire risk associated with unmanaged hot works on or near the tanks and fuel lines. The best practice or preferred process alternatives have been chosen for the minimisation of any such risks. 7. No-Go Alternative The No-Go Alternative was investigated as required by the principles of NEMA. The No-Go Alternative would entail not decommissioning the fuel tanks located at Crammix Bricks. As such the fuel tanks would remain in place and the portion of the site where the tanks are located would not be able to be utilised for any alternative purposes. This could result in loss of potential revenue for the landowner as a result of not being able to utilise the affected portion of the site for any other purpose. Leaving the tanks in situ could also result in an increasing environmental risk with time associated with the potential for failure of the tanks and infrastructure over time. As such, the No-Go Alternative is not considered to be a reasonable and feasible alternative for the site. Environmental Impacts Identified and Assessed A. Proposed Activity: The proposed decommissioning of fuel tanks at the Crammix Bricks site has the following associated direct impacts: Negative Direct Impacts A temporary increase in dust and vibrations in the vicinity of the site due to the construction-type nature of the tank decommissioning activities. A temporary increase in fuel vapour emissions in the vicinity of the site with associated health and safety impacts. A temporary increase in noise. A temporary increase in the amount of heavy traffic on the adjacent road network due to construction vehicles accessing the site. If undertaken incorrectly, the tank decommissioning activities on site could lead to an increased risk of soil and groundwater contamination. If inadequate training is undertaken and inadequate firefighting equipment is kept at the site, the tank decommissioning activities could increase the risk of fire and explosion. This has the potential to impact the residential and agricultural areas surrounding the site. Positive Direct Impacts The permanent removal of potential health, safety and environmental risks associated with ageing, unmaintained fuel storage infrastructure situated at the site. The creation of temporary employment opportunities during the tank decommissioning activities. The landowner will be able to utilise the portion of the site where the tanks have been located for an alternative purpose, thereby increasing the potential for enhanced personal income. The proposed decommissioning also has the potential to have the following associated cumulative impacts: Negative Cumulative Impacts A temporary increase in dust and vibrations in the vicinity of the site due to the construction-type nature of the tank decommissioning activities. A temporary increase in emissions (due to tank degassing procedures). A temporary increase in noise. A temporary increase in the amount of heavy traffic due to the construction-type nature of the decommissioning activities. Please note that these negative impacts are considered to be cumulative due to the surrounding land use (dust from the surrounding agricultural activities, emissions from traffic on the M23 and the dense road network surrounding the site, noise from traffic and the adjacent agricultural activities, traffic as a result the existing traffic flow in the area. 5

7 Positive Cumulative Impacts The creation of temporary employment opportunities during the tank decommissioning activities Please note that the positive impact is considered cumulative due to the surrounding land use being a source of additional employment in terms of work on the agricultural land (farm labourers and managers) as well as in the residential areas. The impact assessment undertaken found that, the potential negative environmental and social impacts arising as a result of the tank decommissioning can be mitigated to an acceptable level. Provided that the proposed mitigation measures are implemented, no factors were determined which should prevent the proposed tank decommissioning from taking place. In order to avoid/manage the potential negative direct and cumulative impacts of the tank decommissioning, an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been compiled. The EMP lists the various impacts that may occur during the decommissioning of the site, the proposed management and mitigation measures, the responsible person or party for ensuring that the mitigation measures are complied with and the frequency of compliance monitoring to be undertaken. The EMP should be updated regularly. Please note that the decommissioning of the 4 fuel tanks located at Crammix Bricks is the preferred alternative. B. The No-Go Alternative The No-Go Alternative means the option of not implementing the proposed activity i.e. not decommissioning the fuel tanks located at the site. As such the fuel tanks would remain in place permanently. Positive impacts of the No-Go Alternative: There will be no temporary increase in dust and vibrations in the vicinity of the site due to the construction-type nature of the decommissioning activities not commencing. There will be no temporary increase in noise due to the construction-type nature of the decommissioning activities not commencing. There will be no temporary increase in the amount of heavy traffic at the site due to the construction-type nature of the decommissioning activities not commencing. As the decommissioning will not occur, there will be no risk of incorrectly undertaken degassing and decommissioning. Incorrect procedures could lead to a temporary increased environmental risk of soil and groundwater contamination which in turn could have associated human health risks (respiratory system irritation through vapour inhalation; irritation through dermal contact; etc.). If the tank degassing and decommissioning is undertaken incorrectly, there is an associated risk of fire and explosion. With the No-Go alternative, this risk is quite minimal. Negative Impacts of the No-Go Alternative: There will be no permanent removal of potential health, safety and environmental risks associated with ageing, unmaintained tanks situated at the site. There will be no creation of temporary employment opportunities during the decommissioning activities The landowner will not be able to utilise that portion of the site for any other purpose. Please note that the No-Go Alternative is not considered to be a reasonable and feasible alternative for this site and this alternative is not preferred. Please refer to Section F of this report for a detailed investigation and assessment of the above mentioned impacts. EAP Recommendation and Mitigation Measures From the impact assessment undertaken for the site, it has been determined that the potential negative impacts associated with the proposed decommissioning of the fuel tanks can all be mitigated to an acceptable level. In addition, the positive impacts associated with the proposed activity are of greater significance than any positive impacts that may be associated with the No-Go Alternative. The EAP therefore finds it reasonable to recommend that the proposed decommissioning of the fuel tanks located at Crammix Bricks should be authorised to proceed as it is the best practible environmental option for the site. The recommended mitigation measures contained in Section F of the BAR and in the EMP for the proposed activity should be implemented and adhered to in order to avoid or minimise these potential impacts. In particular: Soil and Groundwater Contamination Adequate training of the tank decommissioning contractor s staff will ensure that the impact is minimised and, should it occur, rapid, informed action is taken to contain the spillage. A competent professional (the site assessment/ risk assessment practitioner) should be present during the tank removal process to monitor the subsurface conditions as well as provide guidance where required. All fuel lines will be drained of product and flushed before being disconnected from tanks and degassed to minimise the potential soil contamination risk associated with potential spillages. All sludge, remaining product, contaminated water etc., which is a by-product of the above, shall be collected and removed off site and disposed of at a licensed landfill site or recycled. Chain-of-custody documentation for safe disposal will be included in the site closure audit report to be submitted to the relevant authorities. With the disposal of fuel product slops and any sludge and contaminated water, all of which is hazardous waste, the relevant waste policies and protocols (such as the Waste Classification and Management Regulations) need to be adhered to. Otherwise, the associated risk of soil and groundwater contamination if the hazardous waste is handled, transported and disposed of incorrectly, is unacceptably high. The tanks should be thoroughly emptied prior to dismantling and should only be removed from site once they have been drained 6

8 and degassed. The tanks will be removed to the contractor s site where they will either be cleaned and prepared for re-use, or will be cold cut and disposed of to a scrap metal dealer. Trained, permit holding contractors will be used during the decommissioning process to minimise health and safety and environmental risk at the site. Chevron s health and safety protocols should be adhered to at all times. If contamination occurs because of the removal of the storage tanks and other infrastructure, or if contamination is found that was the result of leaks during the use of the tanks, the Department of Water Affairs must be notified immediately. All rehabilitation measures contained in the emergency response plan should be adhered to at all times. If pollution of groundwater occurs, a remediation plan including a provision for groundwater monitoring for a reasonable timeframe after the clean-up operation has taken place, must be provided to the Department of Water Affairs. The precautionary principle applies at all times. If pollution of groundwater sources occurs, every effort must be made to reduce the contamination as far as possible. Fuel Vapour Emissions to ambient atmosphere: Air Quality: Tanks and the tank manhole area should be vented and to ensure that any vapours are below levels that pose a health and safety risk and that oxygen levels are acceptably high. Health Effects: Workers performing the degassing must stand up wind from the operation and if required wear respirators with organic vapour cartridges. All workers are to wear the correct personal protection. Equipment should include clean leather gloves during the degassing operation. Gas test results must be within acceptable limits for breathing at all times. Once N2 is introduced, continuous gas testing of the work area during tank decommissioning is required to prevent asphyxiation as a result of the N2 displacing the oxygen in the area. Should the tank shows a sign of collapse or implosion during the vacuum process, work is to be stopped immediately. Chevron s health and safety protocols for the degassing of the tanks can be implemented for this impact. Trained, permit holding contractors will be used during the decommissioning process to minimise health and safety and environmental risk at the site. Steps must be taken to avoid any health nuisance relating to emissions as defined by the City of Cape Town Environmental Health by-law P.N of Fire Explosion and Risk: The decommissioning and disposal of the fuel storage tanks will comply with the American Petroleum Industry s (API) standard 1604 relating to the closure of petroleum storage tanks. Controls and precautionary measures include that all firefighting equipment and a fire watch must be available on site prior to the degassing process. Firefighting facilities will be to Oil Industry standards, which will include hand-held fire extinguishers and a hose reel. These facilities must be approved by the local fire department. The pump to be used for the emptying of the tank must be flame proof. Remaining product from the tanks should be emptied into appropriately sealable metal drums. All fuel lines will be drained of product and flushed before being disconnected from tanks and degassed to minimise the potential fire risk associated with fuel vapour compression. The fuel lines will be cold cut (i.e. a manually operated blade will be used as opposed to power tools), vented and removed from site. Controls and precautionary measures for any hot work in hazardous areas will be implemented which includes the following: Minimisation of hot work by using alternative methods and equipment such as air driven tools, cold cutting and pre-fabrication off site. The use of appropriate shielding and screening such as blanketing with firefighting foam and water screens to minimise fire risk. Spark quenching by wetting down and/or using construction power tools such as jack hammers under running water. A fire attendant will be on stand-by during the decommissioning process The use of appropriate shielding and screening such as blanketing with firefighting foam and water screens to minimise fire risk. Spark quenching by wetting down and/or using construction power tools such as jack hammers under running water. A fire attendant will be on stand-by during the decommissioning process. Trained, permit holding contractors will be used during the degassing and decommissioning process to minimise health and safety and environmental risk at the site. Adequate training in emergency response situations of the contractor and construction personnel undertaking the tank decommissioning activities will be carried out. Chevrons method statements for the degassing and decommissioning process must be adhered to at all times. These have been attached as part of Appendix H. The tanks will be removed from site once they have been drained and degassed. The aboveground tanks will either be removed to the contractor s site where they will both be cleaned and prepared for re-use, or will be cold cut and disposed of to a scrap metal dealer. Once the tanks have been cleaned and degassed, there is no longer any environmental, health or safety risk associated with the infrastructure and safe disposal certificates are not necessary. Dust Adherence to the Dust Management Plan which is contained in Appendix H, and which includes the following measures: All vehicles should adhere to the local speed limit of 60km/hr on Crammix Road and 10km/hr within Crammix Bricks itself. When travelling in areas that are particularly dusty, vehicle speed should be reduced further. All roads upon which vehicles associated with the decommissioning activities travel on should be wet down either manually or by water bowser/ tanker as required. Areas where excavation will occur as well as areas where excavated soil and clean sand stockpiles are stored should be wet down. Quarry water bodies should be used for wetting down activities and not potable water. All excavated soil and clean sand stockpiles should be stored in neat separate piles in an area on the site with the lowest wind exposure. 7

9 Erection of shade netting screens around the areas where excavation activities will occur. Covering of the excavated soils and clean sand stockpiles with netting should be considered. All Contractors and personnel associated with the decommissioning activities should wear dust masks as required. The use of goggles should also be considered. Contractors to abide by dust management protocols established for the site already. Risk of Fire and Explosion (Health and Safety Risk) All workers are to wear the correct personal protection. The decommissioning and disposal of the fuel storage tanks will comply with the American Petroleum Industry s (API) standard 1604 relating to the closure of petroleum storage tanks. Controls and precautionary measures include that all firefighting equipment and a fire watch must be available on site prior to the degassing process. Firefighting facilities will be to Oil Industry standards, which will include hand-held fire extinguishers and a hose reel. These facilities must be approved by the local fire department. The pump to be used for the emptying of the tank must be flame proof. Remaining product from the tanks should be emptied into appropriately sealable metal drums. Tanks and the tank manhole area should be vented and to ensure that any vapours are below levels that pose a health and safety risk and that oxygen levels are acceptably high. All fuel lines will be drained of product and flushed before being disconnected from tanks and degassed to minimise the potential fire risk associated with fuel vapour compression. The fuel lines will be cold cut (i.e. a manually operated blade will be used as opposed to power tools), vented and removed from site. Controls and precautionary measures for any hot work in hazardous areas will be implemented which includes the following: Minimisation of hot work by using alternative methods and equipment such as air driven tools, cold cutting and pre-fabrication off site. The use of appropriate shielding and screening such as blanketing with firefighting foam and water screens to minimise fire risk. Spark quenching by wetting down and/or using construction power tools such as jack hammers under running water. A fire attendant will be on stand-by during the decommissioning process The use of appropriate shielding and screening such as blanketing with firefighting foam and water screens to minimise fire risk. Spark quenching by wetting down and/or using construction power tools such as jack hammers under running water. A fire attendant will be on stand-by during the decommissioning process. Trained, permit holding contractors will be used during the degassing and decommissioning process to minimise health and safety and environmental risk at the site. Adequate training in emergency response situations of the contractor and construction personnel undertaking the tank decommissioning activities will be carried out. Chevrons method statements for the degassing and decommissioning process must be adhered to at all times. These have been attached as part of Appendix H. The tanks will be removed from site once they have been drained and degassed. The aboveground tanks will either be removed to the contractor s site where they will both be cleaned and prepared for re-use, or will be cold cut and disposed of to a scrap metal dealer. Once the tanks have been cleaned and degassed, there is no longer any environmental, health or safety risk associated with the infrastructure and safe disposal certificates are not necessary. Noise The decommissioning contractor must use modern equipment, which produces the least noise. Any unavoidably noisy equipment must be identified and located in an area where it has the least likely impact. The use of noise shielding screens must be considered and the operation of such machinery restricted to when it is actually required. The use of ear protectors for workers using any machinery which emits noise in excess of 85dBA. Visual Screening of the site during the decommissioning activities. Screening of stockpiles. Traffic Warning signage (i.e. trucks turning ) must be erected near the access point of the site on Crammix Road. A traffic marshal should be posted at the entrance of the site to assist with the safe and smooth flow of vehicles on the road whilst heavy construction vehicles are entering and exiting the site. No construction traffic may access the site after normal working hours as defined by the local authority. 8

10 SECTION A: ACTIVITY INFORMATION 1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION (a) Is the project a new development? YES NO (b) Provide a detailed description of the development project and associated infrastructure. Chevron South Africa (Pty) Ltd, hereafter known as the applicant, proposes to decommission fuel storage tanks in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, Act No. 107 of 1998, as amended ( NEMA ). The tanks are located at Crammix Bricks located on Erf ST214, Crammix Road, Brakenfell, Western Cape. Since 1941, Crammix Bricks has been one of the largest and most technologically advanced producers of clay brick products in South Africa. Historically Heavy Fuel Oil on site was used to fire the kilns for the brick vitrification process. Diesel was used for re-fuelling trucks to undertake a combination of clay mining and transport, earthmoving and quarry rehabilitation and dispatch of finished goods. The Crammix Bricks site will most likely be re-zoned in the future for residential and commercial purposes. As a result of this, the Crammix Bricks factory permanently closed down in December The fuel storage tanks currently located on the site are thus no longer required and are no longer in use. The tanks to be decommissioned, which were associated with the brick manufacturing facility, will include: 2 x 83m 3 aboveground fuel storage tanks (Heavy Fuel Oil) 1 x 23m 3 aboveground fuel storage tank (Diesel) 1 x 14m 3 underground fuel storage tank (Diesel) The total fuel capacity will be up to 300m 3. Please note: The total fuel amount is indicated as up to 300m 3 instead of precisely 203m 3 as SEC has allowed for any potential discrepancy s in tank volume which may be discovered in the underground utilities clearance survey which will take place just prior to the tank decommissioning (this has happened in the past). As such SEC has accounted for up to 300m 3 in the general fuel storage areas in the assessment of impacts of the decommissioning process as indicated in the site plans attached as Appendix B. A Baseline Environmental Conditions Assessment of the area around the 2 x 83m 3 aboveground storage tanks (HFO) and the 1 x 14m 3 underground fuel storage (DGO) was conducted in May According to the results of the assessment, the Interpretive Report (dated June 2013) as well as an from the applicant dated 26 th February 2014, the site was classified as a non-contaminated site. Environmental Resources Management. Environmental Conditions Assessment, 2013). The Baseline Environmental Conditions Assessment of the area was updated in October 2014 to include not only the assessment of the area around the 2 x 83m 3 aboveground storage tanks (HFO) and the 1 x 14m 3 underground fuel storage (DGO) but also an assessment of the area around the 1 x 23m 3 above ground fuel storage tank (DGO). The applicant confirmed in an dated 21 st October 2014 that the risk profile of the site remains the same. As such, the site decommissioning is therefore not expected to involve any remediation activities (Environmental Resources Management, Environmental Conditions Assessment, 2014I). Site decommissioning is thus not expected to involve any remediation activities. A detailed methodology of the sampling procedure and storage of samples from the applicant and specialist who undertook the above mentioned site assessments has been included as part of Appendix G the Final BAR. Please Note: The applicant has confirmed in an dated 26 th September 2014 that once the tanks have been removed, a follow-up contamination assessment will be undertaken once the tanks have been removed. This will be submitted to DEA&DP Land Management, Directorate Pollution Management as well as the City of Cape. The applicant further confirms that they will comply with all commitments contained within the Final BAR and EMP and acknowledges that all legislative requirements for remediation of contamination that may be detected at the site once a further contamination assessment has been undertaken will be adhered to in order to ensure compliance with the provisions of Part 8 of the National Norms and Standards for the remediation of contaminated land and soil quality, of NEM: Waste Act No. 59 of 2008 (NEMWA). Please see both the original and updated Environmental Conditions Assessment Reports (dated May 2013 and October 2014 respectively), the Interpretive Report (dated June 2013) and the s from the applicant (dated 26 th February 2014 and 21 st October 2014) as well as the detailed methodology of the sampling procedure attached as part of Appendix G. 9

11 (c) List all the activities assessed during the Basic Assessment process: GN No. R. 544 Activity No(s): Describe the relevant Basic Assessment Activity (ies) in writing as per Listing Notice 1 (GN No. R. 544) 27 (v) The decommissioning of existing facilities or infrastructure, for~ (i) Electricity generation with a threshold of more than 10MW; (ii) Electricity transmission and distribution with a threshold of more than 132kV; (iii) Nuclear reactors and storage of nuclear fuel (iv) Activities, where the facility or the land on which it is located is contaminated; (v) Storage, or storage and handling, of dangerous goods of more than 80 cubic metres; Describe the portion of the development as per the project description that relates to the applicable listed activity. The proposed activity will comprise the decommissioning of fuel tanks used for the storage of dangerous goods. The tanks to be decommissioned will include: 2 x 83m 3 aboveground fuel storage tanks (Heavy Fuel Oil) 1 x 23m 3 aboveground fuel storage tank (Diesel) 1 x 14m 3 underground fuel storage tank (Diesel) The total fuel capacity will be up to 300m 3. A Baseline Environmental Conditions Assessment of the area around the 2 x 83m 3 aboveground storage tanks (HFO) and the 1 x 14m 3 underground fuel storage (DGO) was conducted in May According to the results of the assessment, the Interpretive Report (dated June 2013) as well as an from the applicant dated 26 th February 2014, the site was classified as a non-contaminated site. Environmental Resources Management. Environmental Conditions Assessment, 2013). The Baseline Environmental Conditions Assessment of the area was updated in October 2014 to include not only the assessment of the area around the 2 x 83m 3 aboveground storage tanks (HFO) and the 1 x 14m 3 underground fuel storage (DGO) but also an assessment of the area around the 1 x 23m 3 above ground fuel storage tank (DGO). The applicant confirmed in an dated 21 st October 2014 that the risk profile of the site remains the same. As such, the site decommissioning is therefore not expected to involve any remediation activities (Environmental Resources Management, Environmental Conditions Assessment, 2014I). A detailed methodology of the sampling procedure and storage of samples from the applicant and specialist who undertook the above mentioned site assessments has been included as part of Appendix G the Final BAR. Please Note: The applicant has confirmed in an dated 26 th September 2014 that once the tanks have been removed, a follow-up contamination assessment will be undertaken once the tanks have been removed. This will be submitted to DEA&DP Land Management, Directorate Pollution Management as well as the City of Cape. Please refer to Appendix G for the Environmental Condition Assessment (2013) and the updated Environmental Conditions Assessment (2014). GN No. R. 546 Activity No(s): Describe the relevant Basic Assessment Activity (ies) in writing as per Listing Notice 3 (GN No. R. 546) Describe the portion of the development as per the project description that relates to the applicable listed activity. If the application is also for activities as per Listing Notice 2 and permission was granted to subject the application to Basic Assessment, also indicate the applicable Listing Notice 2 activities: GN No. R. 545 Activity No(s): If permission was granted in terms of Regulation 20, describe the relevant Scoping and EIA Activity (ies) in writing as per Listing Notice 2 (GN No. R. 545) Describe the portion of the development as per the project description that relates to the applicable listed activity. 10

12 Waste management activities in terms of the NEM: WA (Government Gazette No ): GN No Category A Describe the relevant Category A waste management activity in writing. Activity No(s): Please note: If any waste management activities are applicable, the Listed Waste Management Activities Additional Information Annexure must be completed and attached to this Basic Assessment Report as Appendix I. If the application is also for waste management activities as per Category B and permission was granted to subject the application to Basic Assessment, also indicate the applicable Category B activities: GN No. 718 Category B Describe the relevant Category B waste management activity in writing. Activity No(s): Atmospheric emission activities in terms of the NEM: AQA (Government Gazette No ): GN No. 248 Describe the relevant atmospheric emission activity in writing. Activity No(s): (d) Please provide details of all components of the proposed project and attach diagrams (e.g. architectural drawings or perspectives, engineering drawings, process flow charts etc.). Buildings YES NO Provide brief description: The tanks are located at Crammix Bricks located on Erf ST214, Crammix Road, Brakenfell, Western Cape. The total size of the site is approximately 17.3ha. Buildings and infrastructure located on the site: Crammix Bricks clay brick and paver manufacturing factory which contains the following infrastructure: o Computer controlled extruder and cutter; o Drier and Tunnel kilns; o Brick kilns cars ; o Clay brick cooling and storage area; Offices; Clay quarry; and a Small dam on the northern border of the site boundary. Please note: Whilst the above mentioned buildings and infrastructure located at the Crammix Bricks site are no longer in use, they are not part of the scope of the decommissioning. Infrastructure located on the site to be decommissioned: 2 x 83m 3 aboveground fuel storage tanks (Heavy Fuel Oil); 1 x 23m 3 aboveground fuel storage tank (Diesel); and 1 x 14m 3 underground fuel storage tank (Diesel). Infrastructure (e.g. roads, power and water supply/ storage) YES NO Provide brief description: Roads The fuel tanks to be decommissioned are located at Crammix Bricks off Crammix Road. Crammix Road connects to Kruis Street. Kruis Street in turn connects to the M23 thereafter to the South of the site. There is a dense network of roads in the area which connect either to the R300 to the West of the site as well as the R304 to the East of the site. Power and Water Supply The site is a fully serviced site with access to Municipal water and electricity supply as well as a connection to the Municipal sewer. Processing activities (e.g. manufacturing, storage, distribution) YES NO Provide brief description: Storage Historically the fuel tanks have been used on site for the storage of Heavy Fuel Oil (for the brick vitrification process) and the storage of Diesel (for the re-fuelling of trucks). The Crammix Bricks factory closed down in December 2013 and the fuel tanks are thus no longer in use or required. As such no processing, manufacturing, storage or distribution activities are currently occurring on site. 11

13 Storage facilities for raw materials and products (e.g. volume and substances to be stored) Provide brief description YES NO Storage and treatment facilities for solid waste and effluent generated by the project Yes No Provide brief description Other activities (e.g. water abstraction activities, crop planting activities) Yes No Provide brief description 2. PHYSICAL SIZE OF THE ACTIVITY (a) Indicate the size of the property (cadastral unit) on which the activity is to be undertaken. (b) Indicate the size of the facility (development area) on which the activity is to be undertaken. (c) Indicate the physical size (footprint) of the activity together with its associated infrastructure: (d) Indicate the physical size (footprint) of the activity: (e) Indicate the physical size (footprint) of the associated infrastructure: Size of the property: The total extent of the site is approximately 17.3ha Size of the facility: The fuel storage tanks and associated bunds and delivery lines and pumps cover a combined area of approximately 120m 2 Size of the activity: The fuel storage tanks and associated bunds and delivery lines and pumps cover a combined area of approximately 120m 2 The fuel storage tanks and associated bunds and delivery lines and pumps cover a combined area of approximately 120m 2 The fuel storage tanks and associated bunds and delivery lines and pumps cover a combined area of approximately 120m 2 and, for linear activities: (f) Indicate the length of the activity: Length of the activity: m 3. SITE ACCESS (a) Is there an existing access road? The site can be accessed via Crammix Road. (b) If no, what is the distance over which a new access road will be built? (c) Describe the type of access road planned: Please Note: indicate the position of the proposed access road on the site plan. YES NO 12

14 4. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY ON WHICH THE ACTIVITY IS TO BE UNDERTAKEN AND THE LOCATION OF THE ACTIVITY ON THE PROPERTY (a) Provide a description of the property on which the activity is to be undertaken and the location of the activity on the property. The tanks are located at Crammix Bricks located on Erf ST214, Crammix Road, Brakenfell, Western Cape. The total size of the site is approximately 17.3ha. Buildings and infrastructure located on the site: Crammix Bricks clay brick and paver manufacturing factory which contains the following infrastructure: o Computer controlled extruder and cutter; o Drier and Tunnel kilns; o Brick kilns cars ; o Clay brick cooling and storage area; Offices; Clay quarry; and a Small dam on the northern border of the site boundary. Please note: Whilst the above mentioned buildings and infrastructure located at the Crammix Bricks site are no longer in use, they are not part of the scope of the decommissioning. Infrastructure located on the site to be decommissioned 2 x 83m 3 aboveground fuel storage tanks (Heavy Fuel Oil); 1 x 23m 3 aboveground fuel storage tank (Diesel); and 1 x 14m 3 underground fuel storage tank (Diesel). Figure 1: Site Map indicating the location of the fuel tanks to be decommissioned at Crammix Bricks (image courtesy of Google Earth, 2014). Please also refer to Appendix B for additional site layout plans. (b) Please provide a location map (see below) as Appendix A to this report which shows the location of the property and the location of the activity on the property; as well as a site map (see below) as Appendix B to this report; and if applicable all alternative properties and locations. 13

15 Locality map: The scale of the locality map must be at least 1: For linear activities of more than 25 kilometres, a smaller scale e.g. 1: can be used. The scale must be indicated on the map. The map must indicate the following: an accurate indication of the project site position as well as the positions of the alternative sites, if any; road names or numbers of all the major roads as well as the roads that provide access to the site(s) a north arrow; a legend; the prevailing wind direction (during November to April and during May to October); and GPS co-ordinates (Indicate the position of the activity using the latitude and longitude of the centre point of the site for each alternative site. The co-ordinates should be in degrees and decimal minutes. The minutes should have at least three decimals to ensure adequate accuracy. The projection that must be used in all cases is the WGS84 spheroid in a national or local projection). Site Plan: Detailed site plan(s) must be prepared for each alternative site or alternative activity. The site plan must contain or conform to the following: The detailed site plan must be at a scale preferably at a scale of 1:500 or at an appropriate scale. The scale must be indicated on the plan. The property boundaries and numbers of all the properties within 50m of the site must be indicated on the site plan. The current land use (not zoning) as well as the land use zoning of each of the adjoining properties must be indicated on the site plan. The position of each element of the application as well as any other structures on the site must be indicated on the site plan. Services, including electricity supply cables (indicate above or underground), water supply pipelines, boreholes, sewage pipelines, storm water infrastructure and access roads that will form part of the development must be indicated on the site plan. Servitudes indicating the purpose of the servitude must be indicated on the site plan. Sensitive environmental elements within 100m of the site must be included on the site plan, including (but not limited to): o Rivers. o Flood lines (i.e. 1:10, 1:50, year and 32 meter set back line from the banks of a river/stream). o Ridges. o Cultural and historical features. o Areas with indigenous vegetation (even if it is degraded or infested with alien species). Whenever the slope of the site exceeds 1:10, then a contour map of the site must be submitted. (c) For a linear activity, please also provide a description of the route. Indicate the position of the activity using the latitude and longitude of the centre point of the site. The co-ordinates must be in degrees, minutes and seconds. The minutes should be given to at least three decimals to ensure adequate accuracy. The projection that must be used in all cases is the WGS84 spheroid in a national or local projection. Latitude (S): Longitude (E): 33 o o (d) or: For linear activities: Latitude (S): Longitude (E): Starting point of the activity o o Middle point of the activity o o End point of the activity o o Please Note: For linear activities that are longer than 500m, please provide and addendum with co-ordinates taken every 100 meters along the route. 5. SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Colour photographs of the site and its surroundings (taken of the site and from the site) with a description of each photograph. The vantage points from which the photographs were taken must be indicated on the site plan, or locality plan as applicable. If available, please also provide a recent aerial photograph. Photographs must be attached as Appendix C to this report. It should be supplemented with additional photographs of relevant features on the site. Date of photographs must be included. Please note that the above requirements must be duplicated for all alternative sites. 14

16 SECTION B: DESCRIPTION OF RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT Site/Area Description For linear activities (pipelines, etc.) as well as activities that cover very large sites, it may be necessary to complete copies of this section for each part of the site that has a significantly different environment. In such cases please complete copies of Section B and indicate the area which is covered by each copy No. on the Site Plan. 1. GRADIENT OF THE SITE Indicate the general gradient of the sites (highlight the appropriate box). Flat Flatter than 1:10 1:10 1:4 Steeper than 1:4 2. LOCATION IN LANDSCAPE (a) Indicate the landform(s) that best describes the site (highlight the appropriate box (is). Ridgeline Plateau Side slope of hill/mountain Closed valley Open valley Plain Undulating plain/low hills Dune Sea-front (b) Please provide a description of the location in the landscape. Figure 2: Map depicting the larger Crammix Bricks site (delineated in yellow), the location of the tanks (yellow placemark) and the surrounding land uses. 15

17 The 4 fuel tanks to be decommissioned are located at Crammix Bricks located on Erf ST214, Crammix Road, Brakenfell, Western Cape. Description of the Crammix Bricks site itself: The Crammix Bricks site itself has been almost entirely transformed as a result of the historical activities at the site (brick manufacturing and mining). According to the City of Cape Town s Biodiversity Network however, on the north-west portion of the site, relatively good patches of fynbos vegetation remain on and abutting the larger Crammix site and are listed as CBA1A. These remnants however, shouldn t be affected by the proposed decommissioning activities as the activities will be undertaken in the already disturbed/mined area, on the southern section of the site. Description of the area surrounding the larger Crammix Bricks site: The following land uses occur in the immediate vicinity of the larger Crammix Bricks site: North Residential areas from the site boundary onwards. North-East A small patch of land classified by the City of Cape Town s Biodiversity Network as CBA1B (from the site boundary for approximately m). Agriculture areas from the boundary of the CBA1B area onwards. East An unnamed dam/reservoir (approximately 350m from the site boundary). Agricultural areas from the site boundary onwards. South-East Agricultural areas from the site boundary onwards. South Agricultural areas from the site boundary onwards. South-West Residential areas from the site boundary onwards. West A small patch of land classified by the City of Cape Town s Biodiversity Network as CBA1A (from the site boundary for approximately 150m). A small patch of land classified by the City of Cape Town s Biodiversity network as a Protected in Perpetuity adjacent to the CBA1A to the north also stretching for approximately 150m. Residential areas from the boundary of the CBA1A and Conservation areas onwards. North-West A small area classified by the City of Cape Town s Biodiversity Network as an OESA area is located on the most north-west boundary of the site and stretches for approximately 500m. Residential areas are located both above and below the OESA area from the site boundary onwards. According to the City of Cape Town s Biodiversity Network the Braken Nature Reserve (an area classified as Protected in Perpetuity ) is located 500m from the site boundary along the boundary of the residential areas. In addition, according to the City of Cape Town s Biodiversity Network, adjacent to the Braken Nature Reserve to the north there is also a small patch of land classified as CBA 1E. Please refer to Appendix C for photographs of the site and its surroundings and Appendix D for a Land Cover map illustrating the land use of the site and the surrounding areas as well as a Fine Scale Map indicating the biodiversity features identified on the northern portion of the site and adjacent to the larger Crammix Bricks site. 3. GROUNDWATER, SOIL AND GEOLOGICAL STABILITY OF THE SITE (a) Is the site(s) located on or near any of the following (highlight the appropriate boxes)? Shallow water table (less than 1.5m deep) YES NO UNSURE Seasonally wet soils (often close to water bodies) YES NO UNSURE Unstable rocky slopes or steep slopes with loose soil YES NO UNSURE Dispersive soils (soils that dissolve in water) YES NO UNSURE Soils with high clay content YES NO UNSURE Any other unstable soil or geological feature YES NO UNSURE An area sensitive to erosion YES NO UNSURE An area adjacent to or above an aquifer. YES NO UNSURE An area within 100m of the source of surface water YES NO UNSURE 16

18 (b) If any of the answers to the above are YES or unsure, specialist input may be requested by the Department. (Information in respect of the above will often be available at the planning sections of local authorities. Where it exists, the 1: scale Regional Geotechnical Maps prepared by Geological Survey may also be used). (c) Please indicate the type of geological formation underlying the site. Other Granite Shale Sandstone Quartzite Dolomite Dolorite (describe) Please provide a description. According to the baseline Environmental Conditions Assessment conducted by Environmental Resources Management in May 2013 and the updated baseline Environmental Conditions Assessment conducted by Environmental Resources Management in October 2014: Geology: According to the 1: Geological Map of Cape Town (3318), the site is underlain by sandy soils of the Springfontyn Formation which is further underlain by greywacke, phyllite and quartzitic sandstone of the Tygerberg Formation. The Springfontyn Formation is Quartenary in age and Tygerberg Formation is of the Neoproterozoic era. Hydrogeology The 1: scale hydrogeological map series (Cape Town, Sheet 3317) and the 1: Aquifer Classification map of South Africa compiled by the Department of Water Affairs indicates that the site is underlain predominantly by undifferentiated coastal deposits ( unconsolidated to semi-consolidated sediments including sand, calcrete, calcarenite, aeolianite, marine gravel, clay, silcrete and limestone). (Environmental Resources Management. Environmental Conditions Assessment, 2013) (Environmental Resources Management, Environmental Conditions Assessment, 2014). Please refer to Appendix G for the Environmental Condition Assessment (2013) and the updated Environmental Conditions Assessment (2014). 4. SURFACE WATER (a) Indicate the surface water present on and or adjacent to the site and alternative sites (highlight the appropriate boxes)? Perennial River YES NO UNSURE Non-Perennial River YES NO UNSURE Permanent Wetland YES NO UNSURE Seasonal Wetland YES NO UNSURE Artificial Wetland YES NO UNSURE Estuarine / Lagoonal wetland YES NO UNSURE (b) Please provide a description. 5. BIODIVERSITY Please note: The Department may request specialist input/studies depending on the nature of the biodiversity occurring on the site and potential impact(s) of the proposed activity/ies. To assist with the identification of the biodiversity occurring on site and the ecosystem status consult or BGIShelp@sanbi.org. Information is also available on compact disc (cd) from the Biodiversity-GIS Unit, Ph. (021) This information may be updated from time to time and it is the applicant/ EAP s responsibility to ensure that the latest version is used. A map of the relevant biodiversity information (including an indication of the habitat conditions as per (b) below) and must be provided as an overlay map to the property/site plan as Appendix D to this report. 17

19 (a) Highlight the applicable biodiversity planning categories of all areas on site and indicate the reason(s) provided in the biodiversity plan for the selection of the specific area as part of the specific category). Systematic Biodiversity Planning Category If CBA or ESA, indicate the reason(s) for its selection in biodiversity plan The Crammix Bricks site itself has been almost entirely transformed as a result of the historical activities at the site (brick manufacturing and mining). Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) Ecological Support Area (ESA) Other Natural Area (ONA) No Natural Area Remaining (NNR) According to the City of Cape Town s Biodiversity Network however, on the north-west portion of the site, relatively good patches of fynbos vegetation remain on and abutting the larger Crammix site and are listed as CBA1A. These remnants however, shouldn t be affected by the proposed decommissioning activities as the activities will be undertaken in the already disturbed/mined area, on the southern section of the site. Please refer to Appendix D: Fine Scale Biodiversity Map. (b) Highlight and describe the habitat condition on site. Habitat Condition Natural Percentage of habitat condition class (adding up to 100%) Approximately 5% Description and additional Comments and Observations (Including additional insight into condition, e.g. poor land management practises, presence of quarries, grazing/harvesting regimes etc.). Please refer to description and comments below. Near Natural (includes areas with low to moderate level of alien invasive plants) Degraded (includes areas heavily invaded by alien plants) Transformed (Includes cultivation, dams, urban, plantation, roads, etc.) Approximately 95% 0% 0% According to the Mucina and Rutherford Vegetation Map of South Africa (2006), the site is located within the Fynbos Biome. Original natural vegetation in the area would have consisted of critically endangered Cape Flats Sand Fynbos (FFd5) with pockets of critically endangered Swartland Granite Renosterveld (FRg2) and Swartland Shale Renosterveld (FRs9). The Crammix Bricks site itself has been almost entirely transformed as a result of the historical activities at the site (brick manufacturing and mining). According to the City of Cape Town s Biodiversity Network however, on the north-west portion of the site, relatively good patches of fynbos vegetation remain on and abutting the larger Crammix site and are listed as CBA1A. These remnants however, shouldn t be affected by the proposed decommissioning activities as the activities will be undertaken in the already disturbed/mined area, on the southern section of the site. (c) Complete the table to indicate: (i) The type of vegetation, including its ecosystem status, present on the site; and (ii) Whether an aquatic ecosystem is present on site. Please refer to Appendix D for the Original Vegetation Map, the current Land Cover Map and Fine Scale Biodiversity Map to view the site and surrounding areas in the context of the above. Ecosystem threat status as per the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act No. 10 of 2004) Terrestrial Ecosystems Critical Cape Flats Sand Fynbos; Swartland Granite Renosterveld; Swartland Shale Renosterveld. Endangered Vulnerable Wetland (including rivers, depressions, channelled and unchanneled wetlands, flats, seeps pans, and artificial wetlands) Aquatic Ecosystems Estuary Coastline Least Threatened YES NO UNSURE YES NO YES NO 18

20 (d) Please provide a description of the vegetation type and/or aquatic ecosystem present on site, including any important biodiversity features/information identified on site (e.g. threatened species and special habitats) The tanks are located on Erf ST 214 at the Crammix Bricks site which located on Crammix Road, Brakenfell, Western Cape, According to the Mucina and Rutherford Vegetation Map of South Africa (2006), the site is located within the Fynbos Biome. Original natural vegetation in the area would have consisted of critically endangered Cape Flats Sand Fynbos (FFd5) with pockets of critically endangered Swartland Granite Renosterveld (FRg2) and Swartland Shale Renosterveld (FRs9). The Crammix Bricks site itself has been almost entirely transformed as a result of the historical activities at the site (brick manufacturing and mining). According to the City of Cape Town s Biodiversity Network however, on the north-west portion of the site, relatively good patches of fynbos vegetation remain on and abutting the larger Crammix site and are listed as CBA1A. These remnants however, shouldn t be affected by the proposed decommissioning activities as the activities will be undertaken in the already disturbed/mined area, on the southern section of the site. There are no aquatic ecosystems present on site. Figure 3: Map indicating the biodiversity areas located on and adjacent to the site. (image courtesy of the City of Cape Town: Biodiversity Network). Please also refer to Appendix D for the Original vegetation map as well as for the current Land Cover map to view the land cover on and around the site. 6. LAND USE OF THE SITE Please note: The Department may request specialist input/studies depending on the nature of the land use character of the area and potential impact(s) of the proposed activity/ies. Untransformed area Retail Power station Open cast mine Low density residential Commercial & warehousing Office/consulting room Underground mine Medium density residential High density residential Informal residential Light industrial Medium industrial Heavy industrial Military or police base/station/compound Spoil heap or slimes dam Casino/entertainment complex Quarry, sand or borrow pit Tourism & Hospitality facility Dam or reservoir Hospital/medical centre School Tertiary education facility Church Old age home Sewage treatment plant Train station or shunting yard Railway line Major road (4 lanes or more) Airport Harbour Sport facilities Golf course Polo fields Filling station 19

21 Landfill or waste treatment site Plantation Agriculture River, stream or wetland Mountain, koppie or ridge Museum Historical building Graveyard Other land uses (describe): (a) Please provide a description. Small dam on the Northern border of the site boundary. Nature conservation area Archaeological site According to the City of Cape Town s Biodiversity Network, on the north-west portion of the site, relatively good patches of fynbos vegetation remain on and abutting the larger Crammix site and are listed as CBA1A. These remnants however, shouldn t be affected by the proposed decommissioning activities as the activities will be undertaken in the already disturbed/mined area, on the southern section of the site. The tanks are located on Erf ST 214 at the Crammix Bricks site which is located on Crammix Road, Brakenfell, Western Cape, Buildings and infrastructure located on the site: Crammix Bricks clay brick and paver manufacturing factory which contains the following infrastructure: o Computer controlled extruder and cutter; o Drier and Tunnel kilns; o Brick kilns cars; o Clay brick cooling and storage area; Offices; Clay quarry; and a Small dam on the northern border of the site boundary. Please note: Whilst the above mentioned buildings and infrastructure located at the Crammix Bricks site are no longer in use, they are not part of the scope of the decommissioning. Infrastructure located on the site to be decommissioned 2 x 83m 3 aboveground fuel storage tanks (Heavy Fuel Oil); 1 x 23m 3 aboveground fuel storage tank (Diesel); and 1 x 14m 3 underground fuel storage tank (Diesel). Please refer to Appendix A for a detailed locality map illustrating the land use of the site. 7. LAND USE CHARACTER OF SURROUNDING AREA (a) Highlight the current land uses and/or prominent features that occur within +/- 500m radius of the site and neighbouring properties if these are located beyond 500m of the site. Please note: The Department may request specialist input/studies depending on the nature of the land use character of the area and potential impact(s) of the proposed activity/ies. Untransformed area Retail Power station Open cast mine Low density residential Commercial & warehousing Office/consulting room Underground mine Medium density residential High density residential Informal residential Light industrial Medium industrial Heavy industrial Military or police base/station/compound Spoil heap or slimes dam Casino/entertainment complex Quarry, sand or borrow pit Tourism & Hospitality facility Dam or reservoir Hospital/medical centre School Tertiary education facility Church Old age home Sewage treatment plant Train station or shunting yard Railway line Major road (4 lanes or more) Airport Harbour Sport facilities Golf course Polo fields Filling station Landfill or waste treatment site Plantation Agriculture River, stream or wetland Mountain, koppie or ridge Museum Historical building Graveyard Nature conservation area Archaeological site 20

22 The 4 fuel tanks to be decommissioned are located at Crammix Bricks located on Erf ST214, Crammix Road, Brakenfell, Western Cape. The Crammix Bricks site itself has been almost entirely transformed as a result of the historical activities at the site (brick manufacturing and mining). According to the City of Cape Town Biodiversity Network however, on the north-west portion of the site, relatively good patches of fynbos vegetation remain on and abutting the larger Crammix site and are listed as CBA1A. These remnants however, shouldn t be affected by the proposed decommissioning activities as the activities will be undertaken in the already disturbed/mined area, on the southern section of the site. Other land uses (describe): The larger Crammix Bricks site is predominantly surrounded by residential and agricultural land uses. According to the City of Cape Town s Biodiversity Network however, a small CBA1B area is located on the north-east boundary of the larger Crammix Bricks site, small OESA area is located on the north-west boundary of the larger Crammix Bricks site and small a CBA1A and an area classified as Protected in Perpetuity are located on the west boundary of the larger Crammix Bricks site. In addition, according to the City of Cape Town s Biodiversity Network the Braken Nature Reserve (an area classified as Protected in Perpetuity ) is located 500m from the larger Crammix Bricks site boundary as well as a small patch of land classified as CBA 1E. Please refer to Appendix A for site and locality maps as well as Appendix D for the current Land Cover map and Fine Scale Biodiversity Map to view the site and surrounding areas in the context of the above. (b) Please provide a description, including the distance and direction to the nearest residential area and industrial area. 21

23 The 4 fuel tanks to be decommissioned are located at Crammix Bricks located on Erf ST214, Crammix Road, Brakenfell, Western Cape. Description of the Crammix Bricks site itself The Crammix Bricks site itself has been almost entirely transformed as a result of the historical activities at the site (brick manufacturing and mining). According to the City of Cape Town s Biodiversity Network however, on the north-west portion of the site, relatively good patches of fynbos vegetation remain on and abutting the larger Crammix site and are listed as CBA1A. These remnants however, shouldn t be affected by the proposed decommissioning activities as the activities will be undertaken in the already disturbed/mined area, on the southern section of the site. Description of the area surrounding the larger Crammix Bricks site. The following land uses occur in the immediate vicinity of the larger Crammix Bricks site: North Residential areas from the site boundary onwards. North-East A small patch of land classified by the City of Cape Town s Biodiversity Network as CBA1B (from the site boundary for approximately m). Agriculture areas from the boundary of the CBA1B area onwards. East An unnamed dam/reservoir (approximately 350m from the site boundary). Agricultural areas from the site boundary onwards. South-East Agricultural areas from the site boundary onwards. South Agricultural areas from the site boundary onwards. South-West Residential areas from the site boundary onwards. West A small patch of land classified by the City of Cape Town s Biodiversity Network as CBA1A (from the site boundary for approximately 150m). A small patch of land classified by the City of Cape Town s Biodiversity network as a Protected in Perpetuity adjacent to the CBA1A to the north also stretching for approximately 150m. Residential areas from the boundary of this CBA1A and Conservation areas onwards. North-West A small area classified by the City of Cape Town s Biodiversity Network as an OESA area is located on the most north-west boundary of the site and stretches for approximately 500m. Residential areas are located both above and below the OESA area from the site boundary onwards. According to the City of Cape Town s Biodiversity Network the Braken Nature Reserve (an area classified as Protected in Perpetuity ) is located 500m from the site boundary along the boundary of the residential areas. In addition, according to the City of Cape Town s Biodiversity Network, adjacent to the Braken Nature Reserve to the north there is also a small patch of land classified as CBA 1E. Please also refer to Appendix C for photographs of the site and its surroundings and Appendix D for a Land Cover map illustrating the land use of the site and the surrounding areas as well as a Fine Scale Map indicating the biodiversity features identified on the northern portion of the site and adjacent to the site. 22

24 8. SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASPECTS Describe the existing social and economic characteristics of the community in order to provide baseline information. Please note: Socio-economic data has been taken from the following source: City of Cape Town 2011 Census, Suburb: Brakenfell (July 2011) Figure 4: Map depicting the range of the census July, 2011 (Image courtesy of the City of Cape Town Strategic Development Information and GIS Department, July 2013). Available from: 23