EIA-REP-325d-12 _BB_ - 201.09.14.pdf - SAHRA

Surface water impacts:
Surface water resources within the vicinity of the project area are already impacted due to mining activities. The
historic water quality of the Witpuntspruit exceeds the Resource Quality Objectives for the catchment. Currently
there is no evidence of further degradation of the water quality as measured upstream and downstream of
Usustu Coal operations. Water quality could be classed as unacceptable in terms of variables such as pH, TDS,
SO4, Mn, Al and Fe. Mining at Usutu Colliery may cause further degradation of the water resource if appropriate
water management practises are not in place. Mining will impact on the aquatic ecology as well as wetlands
within the project area. These impacts are rated as moderate to high and with the implementation of mitigation
measures, impacts will have a rating of low to moderate.
Water Use and Management
The approach in water management for the mine is founded in the requirements set for a water resource
management framework on a catchment level. This entails that the mine will strive to follow a pro-active,
coherent and consistent management strategy in accordance with the objectives to be achieved as provided in
the Internal Strategic Perspective of the Upper Vaal.
It is further envisaged that the mine will impact on the wetland area as significant coal reserves are located in
these areas. The water management approach of the mine will be to replace the affected wetlands with artificially
constructed wetlands as part of the rehabilitation program.
The current footprint of the mine will be considered in the layout of new infrastructure to ensure that clean areas
are maximised, dirty areas minimised, and that adequate containment facilities are in place to prevent spillages
and discharge to the environment. The settling pond will be phased out and replaced with an appropriately
designed pollution control dam. The proposed mining footprint will be rehabilitated by means of an artificial
wetland to assist with further improvement of water quality.
Recommendations:
The feasibility of the mine is dependent on the mining of coal reserves on the Farm Janhendriksfontein 263It.
The sterilisation of coal reserves in close proximity to the wetland areas will create a situation that not sufficient
funding through mining will be generated to implement the entire pollution prevention infrastructure. The mining
of coal adjacent to the wetland areas could be approved as the wetland specialist study has stated that the
relatively small scale of the mining activity and the low conservation status of the wetlands will result in no major
negative impact.
The commitment by the mine to reinstate affected wetlands and to rehabilitate disturbed areas will result in a
situation where the water management practices adopted by the water management area. It is recommended
that the water uses as applied for by the mine be approved on condition that all water management measures
as specified are implemented.
Wetland Delineation and functionality report
The wetlands were assessed as having a combined impaired Class D rating. It was determined that the wetlands
are considered to be ecological important and sensitive. The biodiversity of these wetlands are usually very
sensitive to flow and habitat modifications and plays a role in moderating the quantity of water in major rivers.
However, in some instances, these functions could no longer be attributed to some of the wetlands.
The Wethealth assessment revealed that in terms of natural and human services the wetlands are moderately to
seriously modified. The loss of natural habitats and basic ecosystem functions are extensive and were caused
EIA-REP-325d-11
October 2012
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