Assessing the impact on the environment

Recently a public meeting was held about the Environmental Impact Assessment and Water Use License for the community of Phola.

The meeting was held to update the community about the environmental impact assessment and water use licenses at Kendal Power Station.
The community was told about the continuous ash disposal facility at the power station. Eskom also briefed the community about the need for such a project.

Issues that were covered included environmental impact assessment, waste management license and water use license application processes. A summary of the environmental findings and mitigation and measures as per the draft environmental impact report were also presented.

It was said that the ash disposal facility design and implementation started in mid 1980s, which complied with the previous legislation and new waste and environmental legislation. The need to apply for existing ash disposal facility footprint of about 374ha was also indicated.

Other issues that were dealt with were:
*Existing lawful operation;
*Lining requirements;
*Ongoing rehabilitation;
*Groundwater monitoring;
*Surface water monitoring;
*Dust suppression measures in place;
*Continuous Ash Disposal Facility – approximately 208ha, will be lined after transition period;
*Class C barrier system will have rehabilitation plan and will have improved dust suppression measures and monitoring;
*Water management philosophy with new permanent dams;
*Groundwater monitoring will be expanded;
*Surface water monitoring will be expanded as well;
*Continued ashing on existing unlined Ash Disposal Facility will
be necessary during the transition period due to environmental authorisation application processes that must be completed;
*Detailed design;
*Preparation of the site;
*Acquiring the materials for the liner; and
*Construction of the class C barrier system.

The process authorization of licences and the department legislation environmental impact will also need to be followed. Other assessments on the environment will also need to be carried out, including water use licence.

Some members of the community felt that they needed to be briefed before such a meeting, and that a tour of the power station needed to be taken so that they can have a better understanding. It was agreed a delegation from the community would undertake such a tour and report back to the community before the next meeting.