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Environmental Management

04 September 2023 Media Release: Sod-Turning Event marks a milestone for Regional Waste Management Facility

Media Release: Sod-Turning event marks a milestone for Regional Waste Management Facility

For Immediate Release
04 September 2023

In a significant step towards more sustainable waste management practices, the official sod-turning ceremony for the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Regional Waste Management Facility was held on Friday, 1 September 2023. The journey to this milestone began back in 2006 when investigations and processes for establishing the Regional Landfill Site commenced.

Sharing in this historic and groundbreaking occasion, were Executive Mayors and Municipal Managers and across the district, the GRDM Mayoral Committee Members and officials, representatives from National and Provincial Government, as well as engineering consultants and stakeholders from Standard Bank, Tefla and Zutari.

During his address, Municipal Manager of GRDM, Monde Stratu, gave a thorough background about the project. He explained: “Local municipalities have reached a point where their waste management sites have become exhausted, which is why this regional waste management facility is being constructed”. Further to this he said: “It was a blessing in disguise that the initial model did not realise as it saved GRDM millions of rands.

Stratu particularly commended the GRDM officials who have been driving the project to this point. “The resilience and commitment of all involved are paying off. And today, it is time to celebrate – despite what happened, we are still delivering on our promises,” Stratu emphasised.

In his remarks at the event, the Head of Public Sector- SA at Standard Bank, Timothy Mtlatla, spoke passionately about Standard Bank’s support to GRDM’s commitment towards green energy. He said: “Our institution remains focused on its purpose; our commitment is a profound purpose and is underscored by the meaningful impact to the community.  We are serving the sector that serves us”. Adding to these words, Mtlatla highlighted that the event is a remarkable example and testament of good working relations. And for this reason, he said: “With this initiative, we foresee a future that is cleaner and healthier for all communities we serve”.  Representatives from Tefla and Zutari also delivered their messages of commitment to the project.

Executive Mayors and Deputy Mayors from the local municipalities that were present, also shared words of support on behalf of their respective municipalities. Deputy Mayor of Mossel Bay, Cllr Cliffie Bayman, referred to this day as a significant step that is taken towards more sustainable waste management and environmental practices in a changing world of climatic changes and the now more common outbreaks of communicable diseases. With these words, he added that this event deserved to be on the 1 September, as it is the 1st day of Spring. He highlighted that “this is a season for new beginnings and the reason in which our environment shows the fruit of hard work – work that we have put in during the winter months”. Bayman in addition reiterated that Mossel Bay Municipality will take accountability with the GRDM to ensure that the objective of the facility is reached. In conclusion he said that Mossel Bay is a proud partner in full support of the project and therefore they are eager to see many benefits such as employment deriving from the facility.

Knysna Executive Mayor, Cllr Aubrey Tswenga, in his congratulatory speech to GRDM and participating municipalities, said: “Thank you for making the Regional Waste Management Facility a reality”. Tswenga, however, mentioned that more work still lies ahead to educate communities about waste management. “As municipalities,” he said that “we need to educate our communities to reduce waste to landfills. Further to this he urged the GRDM on behalf of Knysna, to continue to roll-out a regional educational programme to extend the lifespan of the facility.

Bitou’s Deputy Executive Mayor, Cllr Mavis Basukwe, during her words of support, said: “Bitou took a decision to participate in the project fully understanding the implications and consequences we would face from our communities and ratepayers”. As a result of showing leadership and the fact that Bitou fitted the cost implication in their budget over the years, she emphasised that “it is indeed pleasing to see the site is now finally under construction”. She thanked all participating municipalities and said that without them, the project would not have been feasible for Bitou alone and would have left Bitou in a serious predicament.

Executive Mayor of GRDM, in his keynote address extended warm words of gratitude to the service provider and consulting engineer, Tefla and Zutari, as well as to Standard Bank and participating municipalities for this legacy project. In unpacking his statement, Mayor Booysen added: “After today it won’t only be a legacy project anymore, but also a catalytic project, meaning that this project is a catalyst of what is coming”.

Mayor Booysen further referred to the realities of working together as stakeholders and said: “It is not easy for different municipalities to work today, as there are many aspects that can hamper initiatives such as this project. However, he commended Mossel Bay Municipality, especially Municipal Manager Collin Puren, for setting the tone on how government can work together and how intergovernmental relations should be executed. To the Deputy Executive Mayor of Mossel Bay, Cllr Bayman he said: “You went as far as advising us,” to safeguard a less complicated process.  Given the background of the project, Mayor Booysen urged councillors, professionals, and ward councillors to be decisive when decisions are made. “When we are decisive,” he said: “The ratepayers would back us up, because they would then understand what they are paying for and not making their own assumptions”. He elaborated that whenever a proposal is on the table, councillors would ask “how the project is going to affect the rates and taxes”. He advised: “It is our duty as politicians to go and explain to the taxpayers and ratepayers why we are doing what we do and why are we making the decisions in terms of what it will cost them”.

An Inaugural Site Meeting and Commencement of Works took place on the 13th of June 2023, which saw the official handover of the site to the appointed contractor, Tefla Group (Pty) Ltd. Over the following weeks, the site was established, benchmarks were verified by a surveyor on July 11, and the refurbishment of an existing farmhouse, set to become the site offices, is nearing completion. Clear and grub operations, excavations and material stockpiling is underway on the access roads and on Cell 1A.

The Regional Waste Management Facility, once complete, will include a domestic waste cell (Class B) and a separate hazardous waste cell (Class A) to accommodate low and medium-hazard-rated hazardous waste. Other infrastructure elements encompass roads, stormwater pipelines, leachate storage dams, contaminated stormwater dams, offices, laboratories, weighbridges, workshops, and security infrastructure. The project also includes a 3-hectare portion that will be used for a waste tyre recycling facility.   Both the Domestic Waste Cell 1 and the Hazardous Waste Cell will have a lifespan of approximately of 20 – 25 years.

The project’s timeline are as follows:

  • Construction Tender Closure (concluded) – October 25, 2022
  • Finalization of Debt Agreement (concluded) – July 2023
  • Contractor on Site (concluded) – July 2023
  •   Operations & Maintenance Tender Award – October / November 2023
  • Completion of Phase 1 – February 2024
  • Estimated Completion of Project – March 2025

The sod-turning event heralds the beginning of a cleaner and healthier future for the Garden Route region.

Listen to all the speeches here:

Welcoming remarks
https://soundcloud.com/communications-162287886/message-of-support-cllr-cliffie-bayman-deputy-executive-mayor-mossel-bay-1

Background of the project
https://soundcloud.com/communications-162287886/project-backround-monde-stratu-grdm-mm

Message of Support by Standard Bank
https://soundcloud.com/communications-162287886/message-of-support-standard-bank-timothy-matlala-head-of-public-sector

Message of Support by Zutari (PTY) LTD
https://soundcloud.com/communications-162287886/message-of-support-by-zutari-pty-ltd-andre-keyser-project-manager

Message of Support by Tefla (PTY) LTD
https://soundcloud.com/communications-162287886/message-of-support-ceo-of-tefla-group-pty-ltd-as-principal-agent-luvuyo-bugle-mlilo

Message of Support by Mossel Bay Municipality
https://soundcloud.com/communications-162287886/message-of-support-cllr-cliffie-bayman-deputy-executive-mayor-mossel-bay

Message of Support by Knysna Municipality
https://soundcloud.com/communications-162287886/message-of-support-knysna-municipality-aubrey-tsengwa-executive-mayor

Message of Support by Bitou Municipality
https://soundcloud.com/communications-162287886/message-of-support-bitou-municipality-cllr-mavis-busakwe-deputy-executive-mayor

Commitment to Service Delivery
https://soundcloud.com/communications-162287886/commitment-to-service-delivery-ald-memory-booysen-grdm-executive-mayor

Closing Remarks and Vote of Thanks
https://soundcloud.com/communications-162287886/closing-remarks-and-vote-of-thanks-ald-gert-van-niekerk-deputy-executive-mayor

Feature Image: Sharing in this historic and groundbreaking occasion, were Executive Mayors and Municipal Managers and across the district, the GRDM Mayoral Committee Members and officials, representatives from National and Provincial Government, as well as engineering consultants and stakeholders from Standard Bank, Tefla and Zutari.

ENDS

28 July 2023 Media Release: Oil spill sampling training and what you should know

Media Release:  Oil spill sampling training and what you should know

For Immediate Release
28 July 2023

A debriefing session was held by the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre (GRDMC) after the December 2022 oil droplet pollution along the Garden Route beaches. It was noted that there is a need for formal accredited training on correct oil pollution sampling procedures. The South African Maritime Safety Authority​ (SAMSA) managed to obtain the services of Mr Conor Bolas from International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited (ITOPF) to present this training.

On Wednesday, 26 July 2023, this training was presented via an on-line platform from their London Offices to more than 130 officials. ITOPF is a non-profit organisation that represents ship owners around the world and endorses a precise and operational response of oil spills, chemical spills, and any other hazardous substance spills in the marine environment.

In most cases spills occur within the ocean or coastal waters, however, they may also occur on land. Dr Bolas explained how the oil is broken down through a process called Chromatography; this process is a laboratory technique that separates a mixture into its original components. Once the oil has been tested, it is possible to know who is responsible for the oil spill based on the properties of the oil.

During the oil spill sampling training, valuable insights into best practices were received. The training, consisting of four sessions focused on Marine Spill Forensics.

Session 1 commenced with an introduction to ITOPF and the importance of sampling. The reasons for obtaining samples were thoroughly explained, and case studies were presented.

In session 2, Dr Bolas delved into understanding analysis, where a comprehensive overview of tests and standards was provided. To keep the session interactive, a quiz was conducted.

Session 3 covered potential complications and focused on sample considerations, including the required type, quantity, and quality. Additionally, other factors were explored such as laboratory capabilities, storage and shipping, oil weathering, legal aspects, and cost recovery.

Moving on to Session 4, various other factors were discussed, including the identification and monitoring of Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS), costs and compensation, taint testing, dispersants, wildfire and environmental monitoring. Emphasis was placed on sampling strategy, sample types, and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs).

In summary, Dr Bolas extensively covered the following topics:

  • The key reasons for sampling.
  • How to conduct proper sampling.
  • Types of analysis performed.
  • Understanding chemical fingerprinting.
  • Complicating factors in sampling.
  • Choosing appropriate analytes and considering the effects of weathering on samples.
  • Considerations for HNS and other specific circumstances.
  • Environmental monitoring and sampling.

-END-

Feature image:  Image of oil in water

Did you know: 

An oil spill is when liquid petroleum hydrocarbon is released into the environment because of human behaviour, particularly in marine areas. In most cases spills occur within the ocean or coastal waters, however, they may also occur on land.

27 July 2023 Media Release: Garden Route DM Council raises concerns about climate change

Media Release: Garden Route DM Council raises concerns about climate change

For Immediate Release
28 July 2023

This week at an Ordinary Council meeting hosted at the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Council Chambers on Wednesday 26 July, the Council of GRDM expressed their concern about weather-related incidents. Evidence is becoming clearer of a changing climate, following persistent rain in the Garden Route during the past few months.

Garden Route has become used to the high rainfall during the winter months, however in the recent never-ending periods of rain (more is predicted), with few intermittent days of sunlight, or cloud cover hampering drying out of soil and surfaces these conditions have changed the Garden Route’s landscape with diverse impacts on the agricultural, construction and commercial business sectors, as well as the urban and rural communities dependent on their normal functioning.

Rainfall figures were not exceedingly high throughout the past few months, but the constant floods and the fact that the wet region never had time to shed the water and properly dry out, damaged tarred roads and caused gravel roads to gradually become impassable. Furthermore, the erven of township dwellers with little ground cover, were completely wet for weeks on end.

Farmers on the coastal plateau perhaps suffered the most as productive dairy cows and livestock developed a variety of diseases because of the constantly muddy and wet underfoot conditions.  These cows had to be slaughtered as there is not enough time between rainy periods to recover and with many remain in a doubtful state of health.

GRDM Councillors stressed the need for regional preparedness in dealing with a changing climate, and how to be better prepared for out of the ordinary climate events.  Council also suggested that academic institutions such as universities should be requested for input and guidance, and from what avenues to obtain funding from, for invasive alien plant management and the upkeep of storm water systems. These funds should be sourced from national government where possible.

All this comes at a time when Europe and North America suffers the highest temperatures on record with thousands dying as the air becomes unbreathable and the constant heat unbearable. With this, the United Nations are expressing serious concerns and insisting actions, to dramatically reduce the burning of fossil fuels and that climate change inaction is unacceptable.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) recently co- hosted the Annual Climate Change and Environment Management Indaba with the Nelson Mandela University at the George campus. At the event, experts agreed that the Garden Route is a disaster-prone region, and that more planning needs to be in place even as predictions are that the region is heading to a drier period as the El Nino weather pattern will take effect later this year.

Article by: Cobus Meiring

19 July 2023 Media Release: Garden Route DM rolls out various activities before and on Mandela Day

Media Release: Garden Route DM rolls out various activities before and on Mandela Day

For Immediate Release
19 July 2023

While the world celebrates the life of an icon, the late President of the Republic of South Africa, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, employees of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) also followed his example to reach out to vulnerable community members throughout the region.

GRDM kicked off their activities on 17 July by hosting a pre-Madiba Day blood donation drive at its head office in George in collaboration with the Western Cape Blood Service. The GRDM also invited the public to donate blood, which resulted in just over 50 blood donations being made.

The Oudtshoorn Municipal Health Office donated nutritious and delicious ‘food socks’ to two families in the Buffelsdrift rural area of Oudtshoorn. Food socks contain pasta, rice, flavourings, stock powders, herbs, spices, dehydrated vegetables, pulses, beans, and soy products. GRDM officials bought the socks. The donation will provide food for eight beneficiaries for a week. The two families extended their appreciation to the GRDM officials for providing them with food.

The Oudtshoorn Municipal Health Office donated ‘food socks’ to families in Buffelsdrift.

Planning and Economic Development Department officials, comprised of the EPWP, Tourism and Local Economic Development, and Human Settlements sections, took Madiba Day activities to a new level when they rolled out the following activities at Kusile Baby Care in Thembalethu. In the morning, they divided themselves into different groups. The first group painted the outside walls of the school building with a primer. After that, others begin painting the building with a beautiful topcoat colour. Other officials, who are much more handy with a hammer and nails, installed PVC ceilings. Some of the female colleagues spent time reading and feeding toddlers and newborns. While others prepared a ‘braai’ lunch for the children and their educators. The daycare center also received a coat from officials.
GRDM Planning and Economic Development officials installing PVC ceilings and feeding toddlers at Kusile Baby Care in Thembalethu.
Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) of Garden Route District Municipality’s Wilderness region celebrated Mandela Day with 60 children from Klipdrift Primary School. The EHPs painted a classroom and supplied colourful tires to improve the playground area. EHPs also shared slices of cake and snack parcels with each child, while they also played games and shared the importance of giving back to others.
EHP officials of GRDM shared cake with children from Klipdrift Primary School and improved their playground.
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Firefighters proved that they can do more than fight wildfires and protect communities. They made sandwiches and distributed them with cool drinks to homeless people in George’s Shoprite parking lot.

GRDM Firefighters sharing sandwiches and cool drinks with homeless people in George.

Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Office of the Municipal Manager, donated 51 pairs of shoes and funds to Mzoxolo Primary School. The shoe donations sprout from the Walk a Child to School campaign and included more staff donations too. The school is already collecting small donations from learners on Fridays to buy shoes for those who are in need. Principal Raymond Eagan thanked the GRDM for the shoe donations and funding. He said: “Our school is home to 1554 bright minds and 42 dedicated teachers.” Learners are mainly from Borchards, Thembalethu, Maraiskamp, Parkdene, and Lawaaikamp. The Principal also said the school’s name, Mzoxola, means “a beacon for peace,” and it was established in 1994 by Naledi Pandor.

Officials of the Office of the Municipal Manager GRDM donated 51 pair of shoes and funds to Mzoxolo Primary School in Lawaaikamp.

ENDS

21 June 2023 Media Release: Floods cannot be prevented, but mismanagement of waste water can

Media Release: Floods cannot be prevented, but mismanagement of waste water can

For immediate release
21 June 2023

“Ongoing cold fronts bringing torrential rain and flooding with significant damage to infrastructure, property and degrading valuable agricultural land and crops in the Western Cape are beyond human control, and with a changing climate South Africa will in all probability experience an increase of episodic rainfall events and flooding, and these can have destructive results, of which the 2022 KZN flood incident is a perfect example, ” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

Globally, fresh water resources are increasingly under pressure as populations grow and rapid urbanisation and development impacts negatively on water availability and quality.

South African water authorities and municipalities are increasingly found wanting when it comes to environmental disasters that could have been prevented through  maintenance and the upgrading of water treatment plants, better trained staff as well as sufficient oversight and by dedicating sufficient resources. The present day threat to water security can however be addressed quite quickly to ensure better quality of waste water discharged after treatment resulting in healthier river systems to the benefit of down- stream water users and dependent eco systems.

South African authorities at all levels have neglected effective treatment of waste water over decades, and the deadly outbreak of Cholera claiming almost forty lives at Hammanskraal outside Pretoria in May 2023 is a horrific example of the result of what can only be described as gross neglect and incompetence, exacerbated by ever present power failures at pump stations. The Hammanskraal Cholera outbreak made headline news because of its deadly consequences, but what more often than not do not make the headlines is the effect of institutional failure to effectively deal with waste water on South African river health and eco system collapse. There are almost no river systems left in South Africa where the water is not contaminated to the point where it would be deadly to drink if not boiled or treated.

Responsible management of  waste water facilities and the protection of the country’s fresh water resources is entirely possible and absolutely not negotiable. This objective can be achieved through the training of dedicated staff dealing with water related tasks at all levels, sustained maintenance and upgrading of waste water facilities to cope with increased inflow of waste water, including sufficient technical capacity and know- how, oversight and experience.

Landowners also have a responsibility and a role to play in terms of water management

In the Garden Route and Southern Cape, the treatment of waste water is generally of an acceptable standard as a result of sound municipal management, but lots more can be done from an environmental management point of view. Aside from sticking to best water use management practices and extraction limits , landowners and land managers in the region should do more in terms of managing invasive alien plants on their properties, especially along rivers, streams and wetlands, and in the process contribute to ensuring the well- being of the environment and a higher quality of life for all living in the region.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum will be co- hosting its Climate Change and Environmental Management Indaba with the Nelson Mandela University at the George Campus on Thursday 29 June.

Enquiries: cobus@naturalbridge.co.za

Caption: The Swartvlei estuary can absorb large amounts of water during heavy rainfall or storm events.

ENDS

24 April 2023 Media Release: Preparing for a changing climate indicates that all is not bad news for the Southern Cape

Media Release: Preparing for a changing climate indicates that all is not bad news for the Southern Cape

For immediate release
26 April 2023

“A battered economy and several high profile local and global challenges such as continued power outages and the Russian invasion of the Ukraine grips South Africa’s socio- political attention and at the same time  divert vital focus away from the growing impact a of a changing climate and the challenges it already pose,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

“Despite these challenges there are positive signs of sincere efforts to plan ahead, and GREF wishes to keep a clear view on climate change and the impact it has already  bestowed on the Southern Cape over the past decade, including unimaginable wild fire disasters in June 2017 and 2018, persistent drought and slow but measureable sea level rise resulting in coastal degradation, and as rainfall patterns change, the advent of episodic rain storms resulting in flash floods destroying millions of rand worth of often irreplaceable infrastructure.”

“ The present and predicted impact of climate change is well known and solutions to lessen and mitigate its impact are well chartered, but more often than not targets are difficult to achieve as government spending required to act pro- actively is subdued as a result of a shrinking local economy and a myriad of urgent socio- economic issues to address, including the needs of impoverished jobless communities, unsustainable rates of urbanization and the deterioration of South Africa’s vital infrastructure backbone including power, water, roads and railways and falling behind the global curve in modernization and technology.”

“ Despite all  the challenges mentioned,  positive progress is being made as South Africa and its citizenry does show a clear understanding of the challenges it has to prepare for, and with the private sector and private landowners investing on an unprecedented scale in ensuring their own future survival in terms of green and sustainable energy options and by putting water security measures in place, including fresh water harvesting , water evaporation prevention and reducing the presence of invasive alien plants on their land, topped by significant foreign investment packages such as western financial funding aid to assist the country towards a just energy transition are major positive strides and is setting a platform for a more sustainable future.”

GREF will be hosting its Annual Climate Change and Environmental Management Indaba on Thursday 29 June at the Nelson Mandela University George Campus.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform and climate change think tank for all those in the Southern Cape involved in active and ongoing conservation and environmental management efforts to meet up, interact and showcase what they are busy with and what they are doing in terms of planning ahead.

Photo caption: Critically endangered biodiversity in the Garden Route is under threat from climate change and rapid urbanization – Image – Cobus Meiring.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Cobus Meiring: Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF)

Cell: 083 626 7619

Email: cobus@naturalbridge.co.za

21 April 2023 Cape EAPrac: Public Participation Process

Proposed Mossel Bay Crematorium Development

An application for Full Scoping & Impact Assessment for a new Crematorium on Erf 50 in MossDustria Industrial Park (Mossel Bay) has been submitted to the Department of Environment Affairs & Development Planning (DEADP) and Air Quality Emission License (AEL) to be submitted to Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM).

In order to be registered as an Interested and Affected Party (I&AP) for the environmental Amendment Application, individuals are requested to respond to this notice by submitting their complete contact details and any comment, in writing, to Louise-Mari van Zyl (louise@capeeaprac.co.za) or Cape EAPrac, PO Box 2070, George, 6530. Contact us at 044-8740365 for any telephonic queries.

Click and download the notice in Afrikaans – MossDustria Crematorium

13 December 2022 Media Release: Resource management, land restoration and legislation take centre stage in the Garden Route

Media Release: Resource management, land restoration and legislation take centre stage in the Garden Route

For Immediate Release
13 December 2022

“The Southern Cape and Garden Route is experiencing rapid development and has to make provision to accommodate a fast-growing population, and this more often than not generates friction and anxiety between authorities and landowners where legislation and capacity to e.g. process applications hampers development or where various sets of legislation are seemingly contradictory where for instance land rehabilitation and invasive alien plant eradication is of concern,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

“ GREF is hosting its annual key- stakeholder report-back event on 13 December in Wilderness, where regional conservation and environmental management entities and individuals will provide insight on matters pertaining to resource management and land restoration.”

“There is a continued need to understand the linkages between ensuring a high standard of living in the Southern Cape, new development, loss of biodiversity, destruction of wetlands and wildlands and unsustainable pressure on natural resources such as water, and the finding of solutions for environmental challenges are increasingly relevant.”

“In addition to the matters mentioned above, the Garden Route is already experiencing and recording evidence of rising sea levels and climate change, and these are all the more reasons for those who share a concern for the state of the environment to make their voices heard and intensify the environmental debate in order to ensure that sustainability and resilience of natural resources remain top of the regional agenda.”

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform and think tank for all those in the Southern Cape involved in active and ongoing conservation and environmental management efforts. Those interested in the event can email Louise Mare louisamare@gmail.com.

Caption: The Garden Route is a place of natural scenic beauty, and every effort must be made to conserve its sensitive environment

ENDS

05 October 2022 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality applies for an Alien Vegetation Control Programme Grant

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality applies for an Alien Vegetation Control Programme Grant

For Immediate Release
5 October 2022

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has applied for a grant, through the Western Cape Government Provincial Treasury, to reduce the fire risk and improve the water supply. The proposed project, budgeted at approximately R29 million, will include a coordinated alien invasive species clearing, ecological restoration plan and community training programme. It is planned for the various catchments and rivers/tributaries and their habitats within the region.

GRDM Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen says that if funding is approved, the project will contribute to the integrated development of marginalised communities through income-generating invasive alien vegetation clearing projects.

“The GRDM and partners also plan to grow the community’s skills by enhancing their knowledge about identifying alien vegetation and clearing it,” he said.

More benefits of the proposed project include:

  • Restoration of ecosystem functions (i.e., nutrient cycling, habitat value);
  • Protecting biodiversity;
  • Initiating regrowth of indigenous plants;
  • Reducing fire risks;
  • Increasing water security;
  • Erosion control;
  • Enhancing tourism potential;
  • Restoring of wetland and estuarine functions;
  • Enhance tourism potential;
  • Improving agricultural potential of land (grazing and crops);
  • Long-term conservation of the mountain catchments, rivers, wetlands, and remaining natural; and
  • Facilitate the establishment of a positive working relationship between local communities and local government.

A lot of invasive alien plants (IAP) thrive throughout the Garden Route and its seven local municipal areas. Projections indicate IAPs could double within the next 15 years if something isn’t done soon. Such plants pose a threat to biodiversity, water conservation efforts, agricultural management and fire risk management.

Managing IAPs is based on two fundamental principles – acting early and following up. This includes initial control to drastically reduce the existing IAP footprint; and controlling seedling, root suckers and regrowth. Finally, maintenance to sustain low and decreasing IAP numbers will yield more positive results.

Dr Nina Viljoen, Head of Environmental Management says many alien plants consume more water than local plants, depleting valuable underground water resources, which results in additional fuel for veld fires. “Lower slopes, river floodplains and forest and scrub vegetation are largely invaded by species such as Acacia mearnsii and Acacia melanoxylon, amongst others, said Dr Viljoen”.

Alien plant invasions are estimated to have reduced mean annual runoff in the major rivers within the district by almost 20% by 2007 (Le Maitre et al., 2013).

Where to report Alien Invasive Species

Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) – Invasive Species Forum
Biosecurity Compliance
Call Centre: 086 111 2468
Website: www.environment.gov.za

Please also contact the below person for information on training and advocacy forums:
Kay Montgomery
National Invasive Species Advocacy Project (for the DFFE)
M: +27 82 659 0939
E: kay@wordlink.co.za

Below are some of the many invasive alien plants in the region:

 

Feature image: According to Dr Viljoen, Acacia melanoxylon (featured) and Acacia mearnsii have invaded many lower slopes, river floodplains, forest and scrub vegetation in the region.

ENDS

 

13 September 2022 Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners monitor river water quality

Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners monitor river water quality

For Immediate Release
13 September 2022

Managing and protecting river systems are of utmost importance. Agricultural and land management practices, wastewater works maintenance, wetlands protection, and invasive alien plant control and eradication all play a role in the health of river systems.

“The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is the official Water Quality Monitoring Authority of the Garden Route region. Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) take water samples on a monthly basis to ensure that water intended for human consumption, recreation or use by industries is safe and complies with specific standards,” said Johan Compion, GRDM Manager for Municipal Health Services.

“The term water quality describes the physical, chemical, biological and aesthetic properties of water, which determine its suitability for a variety of uses and for protecting the health and integrity of aquatic ecosystems.”

Compion says the river water sampling and monitoring programme of the GRDM strives to provide accurate and consistent information. He added, “Sampling results assist to determine the main sources of pollution and to introduce specific interventions aimed at addressing these identified sources of pollution”.

The water quality monitoring function rendered by the EHPs of GRDM includes the following:

  • Monitoring of quality and availability of water intended for human consumption, recreation or use by industries;
  • Regular taking of water samples for analysis;
  • Identification and control of sources of water pollution;
  • Protection of water sources and resources by enforcement of legislation relating to the water quality;
  • Taking of samples for wastewater quality compliance;
  • Enforcement of legislation to ensure a supply of water safe for health (Water Services Act, 1977), Act No 108 of 1997) and South African National Standards (SANS Code 241).
  • Introduction of corrective and preventative actions (e.g., making recommendations to relevant authorities);
  • Implementation of health and hygiene awareness actions and education relating to the water supply.

Whenever risks can compromise safe drinking water in communities, the GRDM takes a preventative approach.

Sampling results serve to evaluate the suitability of the water of the various rivers for irrigation, livestock watering, recreational and domestic purposes and according to the following standards/ guidelines:

  • Wastewater limit values applicable to the discharge of wastewater into a water source in terms of the National Water Act, Act No. 36 of 1998.
  • South African Water Quality Guidelines: Agricultural use – Irrigation
  • South African Water Quality Guidelines: Agricultural use-Livestock Watering
  • South African Water Quality Guidelines: Recreational Use
  • SANS code 241 for drinking water

Typical water types that are monitored, sampled and analysed include, but are not limited to drinking water, rivers, dams, treated sewage effluent, recreational waters and industrial effluent. Rivers, which receive final effluent from Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW), are of higher risk to human health, and water- and environmental pollution. EHPs inspect WWTW, and do water sampling to ensure that the final effluents are safe to discard in rivers and the environment as per specific WWTW permit requirements.

The applicable legislation is enforced by EHPs and is stipulated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996, the Water Services Act, no 108 of 1997, the National Water Act no. 36 of 1998 and the National Health Act no. 61 of 2003.

The GRDM with an area of 23 331km² is a Category-C Municipality and comprises seven local municipalities: George, Mossel Bay, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn, Hessequa and Kannaland.

Criteria used to determine high-risk and low-risk rivers, include:

Rivers that receive final effluent from Waste Water Treatment Works, are regarded as high risk to human health.

The rivers in the GRDM region where EHPs take water samples monthly include the following:

A. HIGH RISK
A) Ruiterbos Paardekop River
B) Heidelberg Duiwenhoks River
C) Riversdale Goukou River
D) Oudtshoorn Olifants River
E) George Gwauiing River, Schaapkop River, Molen River
F) Mossel Bay Hartenbos River
G) Plettenberg Bay Ganzevlei
H) Kurland / Plettenberg Bay Sout River
I) Zoar and Ladismith Nels River
B. LOW RISK
A) Oudtshoorn Grobbelaars River
B) Mossel Bay Klein Brak
C) Knysna Salt River and Bongani
D) Plettenberg Bay Piesang-, Keurbooms-, and Ganzevlei River
E) Plettenberg Bay Touw and Kaaimans River
F) George Garden Route Dam
G) Mossel Bay Kleinbrak and Grootbrak Rivers

All relevant role-players, municipalities and state departments must be involved in serious cases of river pollution. Where necessary EHPs advise water users on appropriate treatment options in accordance with the usage of the water and the specific determinants (total Coliforms, E-Coli and Faecal Coli organisms) not complying with relevant standards or guidelines. The “polluter pays” principle is applicable in cases of continuous pollution of water resources. EHPs report non-compliance to water services authorities and institutions to implement rectification measures in cases of unsafe and unhealthy conditions and health hazards.

What is the difference between a Water Services Authority and the GRDM Municipal Health Services?

Collaboration between local municipalities, the Department of Water Affairs, the Department of Environmental Affairs, other government departments and private entities, as well as all relevant role-players, will ensure that short-, medium- and long-term goals are reached, to ensure clean and healthy river systems.

A Water Services Authority (WSA) is any district municipality or metropolitan or local municipality that is responsible for providing water services to end users. A water services authority may either provide water services itself (an internal mechanism) or contract a water services provider to provide water services (an external mechanism).

Municipal Health Services is a function of District Municipalities, and the EHPs perform water quality monitoring as part of their municipal health functions, which include the following:

  • Monitoring of water reticulation systems
  • Monitoring of quality and availability of water intended for human consumption, recreation or use by industries
  • Regular taking of water samples for analysis
  • Identification and control of sources of water pollution
  • Protection of water sources and resources by enforcement of legislation relating to the water quality
  • Enforcement of legislation to ensure a supply of water safe for health (Water Services Act, 1977 Act No 108 of 1997) and SANS Code 241
  • Introduction of corrective and preventative actions (e.g. making recommendations to relevant authorities)
  • Implementation of health and hygiene awareness actions and education relating to the water supply.

For any further information, please contact us at the respective regional offices within the Garden Route District Municipality:

Klein Karoo Region

Mr. Desmond Paulse
Tel: +27(0)44 272 2241
Cell: +27(0)83 678 6530
Address: 94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn

Mossel Bay

Mr. Sam Bendle
Tel:  +27(0)44 693 0006
Cell: +27(0)83 630 6108
Address C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay.

George Outeniqua

Ms. Emmy Douglas
Tel: +27(0)44 803 1501
Cell: +27(0)78 457 2824
Address: Mission Street, Industrial Area, George, 6530

George Wilderness

Mr. Pieter Raath
Tel: +27(0)44 803 1501
Cell: +27(0)83 644 8858
Address: Mission Street, Industrial Area, George

Knysna Region

Mr. James McCarthy
Tel: +27(0)44 382 7214
Cell: +27(0)82 805 9417
Address: 26A Queen Street, Knysna

Bitou Region

Mr. Gawie Vos
Tel: +27(0)44 501 1600
Cell: +27(0)83 557 1522
Address: 7 Gibb Street, Plettenberg Bay

Hessequa Region

Mr. Haemish Herwels
Tel: +27(0)28 713 2438
Cell: +27(0)83 678 6545
Address: 23 Michell Street, Riversdale, 6670

Mr. Johan Compion
Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services
Cell: +27(0)82 803 5161
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za

Switchboard: 044 803 1300

Feature image: Sample taken of water by an EHP.

ENDS