4a Old Main Road, Judges Walk, Kloof, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, 3610 PO Box 819, Gillitts, 3603, South Africa Tel: +27 (0) 31 764 7130 Fax: +27 (0) 31 764 7140 Web: www.gcs-sa.biz
GCS (Pty) Ltd. Reg No: 2004/000765/07 Est. 1987 Offices: Durban Johannesburg Lusaka Maseru Ostrava Pretoria Windhoek Directors: AC Johnstone (Managing) PF Labuschagne AWC Marais S Pilane (HR) W Sherriff (Financial) Non-Executive Director: B Wilson-Jones
www.gcs-sa.biz
Geohydrological Investigation for the Ethafeni Precinct Planning Project - Section 24G Motivation
Report
Version – Final Draft
15 September 2016
Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions (Pty) Ltd
GCS Project Number: 15-0563
Client Reference: E-BL00.160054
Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions (Pty) Ltd Ethafeni Precinct - Section 24G Motivation
15-0563 15 September 2016 Page ii
GEOHYDROLOGICAL INVESTIGATION FOR THE ETHAFENI PRECINCT PLANNING PROJECT - SECTION 24G MOTIVATION
Report Version – Final Draft
15 September 2016
Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions (Pty) Ltd
15-0563
DOCUMENT ISSUE STATUS
Report Issue Final Draft
GCS Reference Number GCS Ref - 15-0563
Client Reference 15-0563
Title Geohydrological Investigation for the Ethafeni Precinct
Planning Project - Section 24G Motivation
Name Signature Date
Author Henri Botha
September 2016
Document Reviewer Pieter Labuschagne
September 2016
Director Pieter Labuschagne
September 2016
LEGAL NOTICE This report or any proportion thereof and any associated documentation remain the property of GCS until the mandator effects payment of all fees and disbursements due to GCS in terms of the GCS Conditions of Contract and Project Acceptance Form. Notwithstanding the aforesaid, any reproduction, duplication, copying, adaptation, editing, change, disclosure, publication, distribution, incorporation, modification, lending, transfer, sending, delivering, serving or broadcasting must be authorised in writing by GCS.
Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions (Pty) Ltd Ethafeni Precinct: 24G Motivation
15-0563 15 September 2016 Page iii
CONTENTS PAGE
1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 4
1.1 APPROACH ................................................................................................................................... 4 1.2 DECELERATION OF INDEPENDENCE .................................................................................................... 5
2 PROJECT AREA ............................................................................................................................ 5
2.1 PROJECT AREA .............................................................................................................................. 5 2.2 AQUIFER CHARACTERISTICS .............................................................................................................. 7 2.3 HYDROCHEMISTRY ......................................................................................................................... 9
3 ACTIVITIES AND GEOHYDROLOGICAL IMPACTS .......................................................................... 9
3.1 UNLAWFUL CONSTRUCTION ............................................................................................................. 9 3.2 MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE......................................................................................................... 10
4 CONCLUDING REMARKS ........................................................................................................... 11
4.1 RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................................................................... 12
5 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................. 12
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 2-1: Locality map of the Ethafeni Precinct Area ........................................... 6 Figure 2-2: Groundwater levels and flow directions (estimated with Bayesian interpolation of available data) of the Ethafeni Precinct Project area .......................... 8
15-0563 15 September 2016 Page 4
1 INTRODUCTION
GCS Water and Environment (Pty) Ltd (GCS) was appointed by Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions
(Pty) Ltd (Triplo4) to undertake a geohydrological investigation for the Ethafeni Precinct
Project and to provide a motivational report in terms of the Section 24 G NEMA application.
This document aims to motivate why the KwaDukuza Municipality should not have to take
responsibility of the unlawful construction of private housing that has impacted the area, in
terms of geohydrology. Therefore, the main objectives of this document are:
To supply a summary of the geohydrological conditions of the site;
To supply a summary of the hydro-chemical conditions of the site;
Identify the geohydrological impacts as a result of the site conditions before and after
the installation of municipal infrastructure (piping, roads, electricity, sewer etc.) in
the area;
Discuss and motivate why the municipal infrastructure installed benefits the area, in
terms of geohydrological risk and impacts.
Therefore, this report aims to motivate based on the existing geohydrological impacts and not
potential impacts for the proposed formalisation and in-situ upgrades to the Ethafeni Precinct
Area, which are to take place.
The potential impacts from the proposed formalisation and in-situ upgrades to the Ethafeni
Precinct Area is discussed in the accompanying report, titled: Geohydrological Investigation
for the Ethafeni Precinct Planning Project (GCS, 2016).
1.1 Approach
The following approach or philosophy was adopted for the compilation of the motivation
report:
The G4 Guideline document for Impact Prediction (DWAF, 2008) was followed. This
refers to the Source-Pathway-Receiver Principle (“SPR”). The SPR, in the case of the
Ethafeni Precinct Area and for the purpose of this motivation report refers to the:
o Source:
Any pollution source which may be or was introduced into the aquifer
system before and after municipal infrastructure was installed in the
Ethafeni Precinct area (these are all identified sources which exists in
the area but excludes potential sources from the proposed
formalisation of the area). Therefore, impacts caused by the unlawful
construction of private housing and the limited municipal
infrastructure installed to date.
15-0563 15 September 2016 Page 5
o The Pathway:
Refers to an aquifer system where potential seepage form pollution
sources can emanate, be transported by groundwater movement and
potentially be associated with a shallow or deeper aquifer system.
o The Receiver:
Refers to a surface stream, wetland or river and in some cases users
of the groundwater system (pathway), like community water supply
or usage for irrigation and livestock watering.
1.2 Deceleration of independence
GCS (Pty) Ltd (GCS) was appointed to conduct a specialist groundwater study and to act as the
independent hydrogeological specialist in this application. GCS performed the work relating
to the application in an objective manner, even if this results in views and findings that are
not favourable to the applicant. GCS has the expertise in conducting the specialist report
relevant to this application and will not engage in conflicting interests in the undertaking of
this study. This report presents the findings of the investigations which include the activities
set out in the scope of work.
2 PROJECT AREA
2.1 Project Area
The Ethafeni project area lies west of the Mvoti Toll Plaza on the N2 national road and south-
east of Groutville, within the KwaDukuza Local Municipality, Ilembe Municipality, KwaZulu-
Natal. The project area comprises 82 properties on approximately 230 Ha of land. The site
topography is characterised by gentle to flat topography which gently slopes towards the Mvoti
River to the North. Elevations typically range from 50 to 85 mamsl (metres above mean sea
level). Large portions of the Ethafeni area are classified as wetlands. A locality map is
presented in Figure 2-1.
Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions (Pty) Ltd Ethafeni Precinct: 24G Motivation
15-0563 15 September 2016 Page 6
Figure 2-1: Locality map of the Ethafeni Precinct Area
Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions (Pty) Ltd Ethafeni Precinct: 24G Motivation
15-0563 15 September 2016 Page 7
2.2 Aquifer characteristics
The following provides a summary of the most important aquifer related aspects. The
information was obtained by means of a desktop assessment, review other specialist reports
and a field investigation.
The desktop study indicate two aquifer systems in the area, a shallow alluvium aquifer
underlain by the deeper fractured Dwyka and Ecca aquifer, of the Karoo Sequence.
Data suggest that groundwater movement is slow in the deeper aquifer associated
with Dwyka and Ecca sediments and moderate within the alluvium sediments.
Therefore, it is anticipated that contaminant movement will be slow-moderate for the
general area.
A linear correlation exists between the surface elevations and groundwater elevations.
This relationship suggests that the groundwater levels more or less mimic the
topographic surface. Groundwater flow directions also tend to be from topographic
higher areas towards lower lying areas, in most cases.
Data gathered from the desktop study and field investigation indicates that shallow
(in the order of 0.5-10 mbgl) and perched groundwater levels occur across the area.
The analysed hydrochemical data indicates ambient water qualities are generally
saline (mineralised chloride water).
No groundwater users were identified in the area. The surface water streams,
wetlands and the groundwater aquifer are the only receptors of potential pollution.
Water for human consumption and agricultural purposes within the areas are either
obtained from the wetland streams or limited municipal water supply to the area.
Based on the aquifer host rock the saturated groundwater seepage velocity rate is
estimated to be in the order of 1-10 m/day for saturated alluvium and 1x10-1 to
1x10-7 for Dwyka and Ecca sediments.
Recharge for the local aquifer system seems to be between 3 to 8% of annual rainfall.
Typical storativity values for Karoo rock aquifers are in the order of 5x10-3 to 5x10-4.
Figure 2-2 shows the groundwater map generated for the area. The map indicates the
estimated flow directions and groundwater table elevation throughout the area.
Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions (Pty) Ltd Ethafeni Precinct: 24G Motivation
15-0563 15 September 2016 Page 8
Figure 2-2: Groundwater levels and flow directions (estimated with Bayesian interpolation of available data) of the Ethafeni Precinct Project area
Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions (Pty) Ltd Ethafeni Precinct: 24G Motivation
15-0563 15 September 2016 Page 9
2.3 Hydrochemistry
The following supplies a brief overview of the hydrochemical conditions of the Ethafeni
Precinct area. Hydrochemical data was obtained from the field investigation as well as
Groundwater Resource Information (GRIP) and National Groundwater Archive (NGA)
databases.
All water sources samples exhibit neutral pH conditions.
All surface water samples collected from the streams in the area exhibit elevated
electrical conductivity (EC) values above DWAF ideal values. Elevated sodium and
chloride concentrations are also noted with the addition of elevated iron and nitrate
observed at some surface water points. It is anticipated that the elevated elemental
concentration observed relates to the drought felt in the area. During dry seasons
precipitation of salts exceeds dissolution due to the absence of sufficient water.
All surface water samples collected exhibit elevated faecal coliforms, total coliforms
and E. coli counts above SANS 241-1:2015 acute limits which are caused by faecal
contamination. The water in the streams are therefore unfit for human consumption.
However, water can still be used for irrigation purposes. It is anticipated that livestock
grazing in the area as well as the poor sewer infrastructure are the sources of pollution
to the streams.
Groundwater quality range from good quality to elevated microbial activity.
3 ACTIVITIES AND GEOHYDROLOGICAL IMPACTS
Based on the methodological approach (as mentioned in Section 1.1) the geohydrological
impacts can be divided into two groups, namely:
Impacts associated with the unlawful construction of the private housing; and
Impacts associated with the installation of the municipal infrastructure.
3.1 Unlawful construction
It is anticipated that the unlawful construction of dwellings in the Ethafeni Area has increased
the geohydrological risk in the area. As per the field investigation and desktop study, it is
evident that numerous wetlands occur in the area, shallow groundwater levels occur
throughout the area and that limited municipal infrastructure exists. However, because the
aquifer is poorly exploited and classified as a minor aquifer, the existing impact on the aquifer
can be seen as moderate-low.
The following geohydrological impacts are anticipated as a result of the unlawful housing
construction in the area:
Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions (Pty) Ltd Ethafeni Precinct: 24G Motivation
15-0563 15 September 2016 Page 10
Inadequate municipal infrastructure (sewer pipelines, bulk water supply pipelines,
airborne sanitation, sufficient access roads and waste disposable facilities) has
rendered the aquifer at risk. Due to the lack of the above mentioned facilities, the
resident’s disposes of both general and sewage waste at/near the soil surface. This
increases the contamination risk of both the shallow groundwater table and the nearby
wetlands.
Most of the Ethafeni area exhibits houses constructed very close to each other, with
most of them making use of pit latrines or other septic systems. Therefore, it is
anticipated that due to the generally flat elevation and shallow water table that
passive groundwater contamination is occurring.
Stockpiling general waste (paper, plastic, garden refuge, building rubble etc.) in some
areas due to the lack of disposal facilities; or dumping of waste into excavated pits in
the area allows for poor quality seepage into the shallow groundwater aquifer.
It appears as though many residents have resorted to hand dug trenches/channels to
divert groundwater for both irrigation and drinking purposes. It is anticipated that
exposing the groundwater in such a manor puts the shallow groundwater table at risk
for contamination by anthropogenic activates. It is anticipated that diverting
groundwater from the natural occurring wetlands in the area, may also have an impact
on the overall wetland health (both quality and quantity).
The cemetery, established at the head of one of the large valleys on site, will have a
big impact on the shallow groundwater aquifer and future groundwater users in the
area. The location of the cemetery within the wetland and in an area with an
acknowledged shallow water table is likely to be resulting in contamination of
groundwater as the decomposing bodies leach into the ground water system.
3.2 Municipal infrastructure
There is limited municipal infrastructure in the Ethafeni Area. However, in contrast to the
somewhat negative geohydrological impacts of the unlawful housing which has taken place,
the municipal infrastructure has improved the areas where it exists. Hence, it is anticipated
that the municipal infrastructure installed to date has reduced the overall geohydrological
impact in the area.
It is anticipated that the following factors have been improved, in terms of geohydrological
risk, due to the already installed municipal infrastructure:
Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions (Pty) Ltd Ethafeni Precinct: 24G Motivation
15-0563 15 September 2016 Page 11
Providing some of the dwellings with municipal water have enabled the residents to
use municipal water for drinking and irrigation purposes. Effectively this has reduced
the number of burrow pits, canals and drains which divert the shallow groundwater to
the desired areas of use. It is anticipated that this has reduced the exposure of
groundwater to the atmosphere resulting in a decrease of water contamination.
Providing sewer infrastructure in some areas has enabled the residents to dispose of
waste in a more hygienic manor. It is anticipated that this has greatly decreased the
potential impact on the groundwater aquifer due to the reduction of sewage discharge
into the shallow aquifer and nearby wetlands. Though there may be risk of pollution
from municipal sewage systems, it is anticipated that proper management, monitoring
and maintenance of these sewer lines will keep the risk low-insignificant.
The construction of proper roads have allowed for municipal service truck (such as
septic removal services, garden and building removal services and general waste
removal services) to gain easy access to the Ethafeni site. A number of skips were
noticed in the area, which are made available for residents to dispose of waste in a
proper and safe manor. Therefore, it is anticipated that the impact on the
groundwater aquifer has been reduced due to the removal of potential contamination
agents from the area.
It is anticipated that dwellings who have access to electricity have improved their
overall living standards. In context, this means that conventional methods to generate
heat (burning of wood, plastic, grass etc.) leaving residue on the soil surface has been
reduced. Effectively, by increasing electricity access to users in the Ethafeni area will
decrease the Ethafeni carbon footprint, decrease the amount of burnt waste in
contact with the soil and will reduce the overall geohydrological impact.
4 CONCLUDING REMARKS
The anticipated geohydrological impacts, as summarised in the previous chapter, indicate
that:
Unlawful housing development with no fixed layout plan or municipal infrastructure
plan poses a risk to the groundwater aquifer.
Municipal service infrastructure (piping, roads, electricity etc.) have most likely
improved and uplifted the area. In context this has reduced the overall
geohydrological impact in areas where the infrastructure exists.
Unlawful housing is taking place at a rate that exceeds the rate at which municipal
service infrastructure can be made available/installed in the area. Therefore, the
municipality has limited control over what is being done in the area, not to mention
that all activates not approved by the municipality is unlawful.
Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions (Pty) Ltd Ethafeni Precinct: 24G Motivation
15-0563 15 September 2016 Page 12
The above mentioned statements suggest that the municipality should not have to take
responsibility of the unlawful construction of private housing that has impacted area. All
activities not approved by the municipality or authorities are unlawful and hence the
municipality cannot take responsibility for unlawful acts.
Therefore, the municipality can only take responsibility for pollution or impacts caused by
infrastructure installed by the municipality.
4.1 Recommendations
It is recommended that the formalisation of the township, in terms of adequate service
infrastructure (water pipes, sewer lines, electricity, access roads, storm water facilities,
airborne sanitation facilities) be implemented to further reduce the geohydrological impact
in the area.
Furthermore, routine monitoring of all available groundwater boreholes, wetlands and stream
in the area should be conducted on a regular basis. This will help to establish areas that will
require further improvement in terms of municipal infrastructure and services to limit the
impact on the environment.
5 REFERENCES
Africa Environmental Management Consultants (ACER). 2013. Ethafeni planning and
development framework for KwaDukuza Municipality, KwaZulu Natal. Pre-Feasibility Study:
Environmental and Wetland Assessments. Revision 1.0.
Botha, G.A. and Singh, R. 2012. Geological, geohydrological and development potential
zonation influences; Environmental management framework for Umkhanyakude district,
Kwazulu-Natal. Council of Geoscience.
DEIP. 1995. Department of the Environment Industry Profile: Sewage works and sewage farms.
Date of access: 4 February 2016. Retrieved from:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/314252/sc
ho0195bjld-e-e.pdf.
DWA. 2007. Best Practice Guidelines – G3: Water Monitoring Systems.
DWA. 2008. Best Practice Guidelines: Impact Prediction (G4).
DWA. 2012. Aquifer Classification of South Africa map. Hydrological Services. Groundwater
Information.
SMA. 2014. Ethafeni Precinct Plan - Proposed Draft Layout over Various Portions of Groutville.
Struwig Mendes Associates. 2001. Proposed Layout Phase 4A.