COASTAL custodian Coastwatch KZN has casted doubts on the potential impacts of the major expansion project for the Port of Richards Bay.
State-owned freight logistics group Transnet is currently applying for an Environmental Authorisation (EA) from the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) to develop the local harbour, ‘making Richards Bay one of the largest ports worldwide’.
However, Coastwatch said it remains apprehensive about ‘holes’ in certain areas of the proposed project’s draft scoping report concerning dust, chemical emissions, metal contamination and the port estuary.
‘A dust monitoring programme has been operational at the site from 2008 to at least March 2012 (last available records).
‘It is with concern that we note that data from the past two years is unavailable.
‘It erodes confidence in the operation of activities.’
They further recommended that S02 (sulphur dioxide) emissions with increased ship traffic into the port be accurately assessed and all sources of metal contamination be identified.
‘It appears that the most significant sources of contamination are associated to port activities – probably spillage of metal ore fragments and scrap metal flakes during vessel loading in the Inner Basin Complex at the 600 and 700 series berths.
‘Coastwatch’s expectations are that sources of contamination be identified and addressed and the organisation fully supports the requirement that this will be done as set out in this section of the SR (scope report).’
Referring to an excerpt from an Environmental Management Framework Report in 2011, the group also highlighted the importance of the port estuary functioning as a natural system and complement port activities.
‘The biodiversity richness of the estuary and its surrounding areas is of global significance and vulnerable to change.
‘The SR recommends, based on the identification of potentially significant issues, that further comprehensive studies are required for the proposed project in the EIA phase,’ it said.
Port plans
According to Transnet’s Port Development Plan, the group has budgeted R5.5-billion in its Corporate Plan for the seven-year medium-term development, which will include the extension of the 500 and 600 series basin, for future cargo handling.
The proposed 900 series terminal west of the new ship building facility is also scheduled for the medium term, and will provide 11 general purpose berths.
In addition to three liquid bulk berths adjacent to Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT), an liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility has been proposed on the southern side of the entrance channel.
