April 2021 For: Astral Operations Ltd - Home - IQS Holdings

IQS Holdings (Pty) Ltd. Company Reg. No. 2016/185594/07. 64 Halepensis Street, Lynnwood Ridge, Pretoria, 0081

Tel: +27 82 808 0502, [email protected]

Directors: L Bredenhann

April 2021

For: Astral Operations Ltd

Report: Final Scoping Report for an Organic Waste Composting and Pelletising/Pelleting Facility

Reference Number: 002/20-21/W0003

Astral Operations LTD

Final Scoping Report - Organic Waste Composting and Pelletising/Pelleting Facility

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THE OJECTIVE OF THIS REPORTRT This Report documents the Final Scoping Phase of the Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessment required for undertaking a Waste Management Licence Application for an Organic Waste Composting and Pelletising / Pelleting Facility for Astral Operations on Portion 13 of the Farm Boschkop 543 JR in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (CTMM), Gauteng.

Astral Operations Ltd has appointed IQS Holdings (Pty) Ltd as an independent consultant, to conduct an EIA (for undertaking a Waste Management Licence Application) and to evaluate the potential environmental and social impacts of the proposed project.

The first phase of an EIA is the Scoping Phase, during which public comments and suggestions are invited so that they can be evaluated by the EIA technical specialists during the following phase (the Impact Assessment Phase) of the EIA.

The purpose of this final Scoping Report in accordance with the EIA (GN R. 982 of 4 December 2014 (as amended) is as follows:

Identify the relevant policies and legislation relevant to the project;

Motivate the need and desirability of the proposed activity;

Sufficiently describe the project (including the local environment) to enable I&APs to enable stakeholders to meaningfully identify issues and concerns of relevance to the proposed project;

Outline the process in the Scoping Phase with specific reference to the Public Participation and the Plan of Study that will be followed in the subsequent EIA; and

Identify suitable measures to avoid, manage or mitigate identified impacts and to determine the extent of the residual risks that need to be managed and monitored;

The Scoping process to date are as follows:

The Draft Scoping Report was submitted to GDARD on 27 November 2020 and simultaneously placed in the public domain. The public comment period was until 18 January 2021 as per the regulatory provisions; and

GDARD conducted a site visit on 22 February 2021; and

The comments on the Draft Scoping Report from GDARD was received on 9 March 2021;

The waste management licence applicant is Astral Operations Ltd, which is part of Astral. Astral is a leading Southern African integrated poultry producer. Astral acknowledges its responsibility to the environment extends beyond legal and regulatory requirements. The



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environmental sustainability vision of Astral is “to drive sustainability through the implementation of innovative, sustainable and value adding proven solutions”.

Astral’s environmental sustainability mission inter alia involves the reduction of carbon emissions, waste to landfill, reduction in energy and water consumption throughout their operations.

After having considered their Duty of Care and Extended Producer Responsibilities the company proposes to establish its own Organic Waste Composting and Pelletising / Pelleting Facility Portion 13 of the Farm Boschkop.

The proposed Waste Composting and Pelletising / Pelleting Facility will occupy an area of approximately 9.8518 hectares (ha) (inclusive of redundant chicken sheds) demarcated for authorisation.

To undertake the Waste Composting, Astral must acquire a Waste Management and a Water Use Licence in accordance with the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998) (as amended) (NEMA) and its Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (GN Rs. 982, 983 and 984 dated 4 December 2014 (as amended) (EIARs), the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 1998 (Act 59 of 2008) (NEM:WA) (as amended) and its associated Waste Regulations (GN R.921 dated 29 November 2013) (as amended) and the National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998) (NWA).

The following key aspects are part of undertaking the licence application processes:

Registering the envisaged authorisation applications with the Competent Authorities GDARD and DWS and acquire application and registration numbers;

Commence the Public Participation Process to proceed throughout the authorisation application processes;

Concurrent with the above complete and submit Waste Management and a Water Use Licence application as contemplated in NEM:WA and NWA;

Compilation of final Scoping Report at the time of the commencement of the public participation process for comment within the stipulated 30-day period;

Compilation of a Draft Environmental Impact Assessment report incorporating all initial public comments and additional technical specialist studies for distribution and collation of further comments for a 30-day period; and

Prepare final EIAR for submission to the GDARD.

This Final Scoping Report is designed to meet the requirements of the EIA regulations and to make provision for the comments of Interested and Affected parties (I&APs) for the compilation of the Draft EIA.



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The closure date for comment on this final report is 11 May 2021. IAPs will remain involved throughout subsequent phases: Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) which will be updated after IAP review for submission to GDARD, for a decision on the project.

This report contains the following:

The background to, the need for and a description of the proposed project;

Policies and legislation relevant to the project;

An overview of the Scoping, the public participation process and relevant legislation;

A description of the existing environment in the project area;

Needs and desirability assessment of the project;

Potential environmental issues and impacts which have already been identified; and

Comments and Responses in respect of the interested and affected parties; and

GDARD comments and resolution.

This project, in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations GN R. 982 of 4 December 2014 (as amended) consists of the following phases:

The EIA process of this project is now in the Scoping Phase.

How the I&APs can participate by commenting on this Final Scoping Report:

This Final Scoping Report has been made available for comment from 10 April 2021 to 11 May 2021 to the authorities, key stakeholders and persons who have requested a copy.

Registered stakeholders can obtain electronic copies from the public participation office.

Comment on the Final Scoping Report can be submitted as follows:

Comment by email or telephone; Supplementary written submissions; and Complete the comment sheet included with the hard copy Report.

Comments about the project must please reach Ms Zelda van Wyk (public participation office) and Mr Leon Bredenhann by 11 May 2021.

Scoping Phase & Public Participation

Period

Impact Assessment Phase (Specialist

studies and impact assessment)

EIA and EMP Phase (Findings of impact

assessment)GDARD Decision

Making Phase



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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

Astral generates significant amounts of chicken litter from their rearing, layer and broiler chicken operations.

Although various initiatives are currently underway to further improve their environmental sustainability, Astral has identified the need to optimally use the resource potential of their chicken litter especially at the locations where it is generated.

For this reason, Astral envisages an Organic Waste Composting and Pelletising / Pelleting Facility at their chicken farming operations at the Bayview facility to compost their chicken litter.

IQS Holdings (Pty) Ltd (hereinafter IQS) was appointed by Astral Operations Ltd (hereinafter Astral) as Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAP) to undertake a Waste Management and Water Use Licence Applications for an Organic Waste Composting and Pelletising / Pelleting Facility on Portion 13 of the Farm Boschkop 543 JR in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (CTMM), Gauteng.

The proposed facility will be on a site which is 9.8518 ha (inclusive of redundant chicken sheds) in extent.

A Scoping and Environmental Impact Reporting (S&EIR) process is followed in compliance with Sections 24 and 44 of the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) as amended) (NEMA) and supporting regulations as of relevance.

The purpose of this Final Scoping Report (DSR) is to identify alternatives as well as the potential environmental impacts that may arise as a result of the proposed development for appropriate assessments by the technical specialists during the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

The sensitivity of the environment the proposed site has been assessed by the Environmental Screening tool as prescribed based environmental screening tool in terms of section 24(5)(h) of the NEMA, 1998 (Act No 107 of 1998) and regulation 16(1)(b)(v) of the EIA regulations, 2014, as amended.

The Plan of Study to follow in the subsequent Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process is also outlined in this Final Scoping Report.

GENERAL PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Composting can be described as the controlled conversion of degradable organic waste into stable products with the aid of microorganisms. Compost is widely used as fertilizer and soil amendment in agriculture. Astral intends using an aerobic composting process that is far less harmful than anaerobic composting.



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The design will be optimized in respect of cost (construction and operation), energy use (conservation of resources) and preventing unacceptable pollution. Best practise considerations apply in selecting the correct design and composting process based on land suitability, particle size, carbon to nitrogen ratio, moisture content, oxygen requirements and pathogen control.

The mature compost will be in bulk and could be pelletised for beneficial use.

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

The proposed development includes activities listed in regulations GN R. 921 of 17 November 2013 (promulgated in terms of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act 59 of 2008) as amended (NEM:WA)) and water uses in Section 21 of the NWA.

The waste management activities application will be done at the Gauteng Department of Agricultural and Rural Development (GDARD) and subject to a Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessment process as contemplated in Chapters 3 and 6 of GN R. 982 in of 4 December 2014 (amended in Government Notice 599 dated 29 May 2020).

The Water Use Licence Application will be submitted to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and will be performed in terms of the most recent Water Use Authorisation Application Process Guidelines of the DWS.

The waste management activities include recycling or recovery and/or treatment of waste as related to composting and pelletising / pelleting. The water uses and accompanying application are 21 (c), (i) and (g) as associated with potential impacts on a water resource.

The objectives and requirements of the legislation relevant to the project will inform its methodology. The relevant legislation is listed in this final Scoping Report.

The final Scoping Report will be followed Impact Assessment (EIA) and further present the opportunity during which public comments and suggestions are identified so that they can be evaluated by the technical specialists during the following EIA phase.

POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

Environmental impacts are determined by typical effects composting can have on the environment but also considering the sensitivity of the environment.

The sensitivity of the environment has been assessed using the environmental screening tool in terms of section 24(5)(h) of the NEMA, 1998 (Act No 107 of 1998) and regulation 16(1)(b)(v) of the EIA regulations, 2014, as amended. The Screening Tool has been developed by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) which is web application with spatial datasets.



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In view of the foregoing the potential impacts will be assessed as part of the EIA study through the following specialist studies:

Ecological Assessment;

Phase 1 Archaeological Impact Assessment;

Paleontological Impact Assessment;

Stormwater Management Plan;

Wetland Assessment; and

Groundwater Assessment.

A stormwater management plan, a borehole hydrocensus and environmental management plan will also be developed as part of the following EIA study.

MITIGATION

Composting can be considered as a mitigating practise.

One reason for this is that it can serve as an alternative to chemical fertilizers.

Chemical fertilizers broadly speaking can contribute to greenhouse effects, ozone layer depletion and environmental pollution. Many farmers therefore revert to the use of compost as part of regenerative farming practices.

Composting has positive and negative environmental impacts. The main environmental components potentially affected by composting pollution are air and water.

Mitigation against air pollution all revolve around aspects such as:

Proper process design and operation; Optimum facility siting; Odour dissipation; and Strict environmental monitoring and corrective mitigation;

A variety of measures will further be identified during the EIA phase that will serve to mitigate the scale, intensity, duration or significance of the impacts. These will include recommended best practises to be implemented during the establishment and operational phases of the project.

CONCLUSION

The final Scoping Report for the proposed Composting Facility is based on presently available information and present the following key outcomes:

The sensitivity of the environment associated with the Composting Facility has been identified assessed using the Environmental Screening developed by the DEA;

Legislation relevant to the proposed project has been identified;



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In view of the regulatory requirements of legislation and the sensitivity of the environment the required studies have been identified for completion by the specialists in the following EIA phase;

A Plan of Study for the subsequent EIA phase has been presented; A Needs and Desirability assessment has been performed; Alternatives in respect of site location and composting as presented in the Draft Scoping

Report have been amended; All stakeholders were identified and will be afforded adequate opportunity to comment on

the final Scoping Report; IAPs Comments and responses; and GDARD comments and resolution.



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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. OVERVIEW OF PROJECT ........................................................................................... 1

1.1. Project Background and Need ................................................................................. 1

1.2. Objectives of Project................................................................................................ 1

1.3. Site Location ........................................................................................................... 1

1.4. Astral Operations Ltd ............................................................................................... 4

1.4.1. Sustainable development ........................................................................................ 4

1.4.2. Black Economic Empowerment ............................................................................... 5

1.4.3. Social responsibility ................................................................................................. 5

1.4.4. Employment equity .................................................................................................. 5

1.4.5. Health and Safety .................................................................................................... 5

1.4.6. Environmental Sustainability and Compliance ......................................................... 5

1.5. Details and Expertise of Study Team ....................................................................... 6

1.5.1. IQS Holdings (Pty) Ltd ............................................................................................. 6

1.5.2. Expertise of the EAP from IQS Holdings (Pty) Ltd ................................................... 7

1.5.3. Details and Expertise of the Specialists ................................................................... 8

1.6. Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessment in South Africa ............................. 9

1.7. Scoping Phase ...................................................................................................... 10

1.7.1. Nature and Structure of a Scoping Report ............................................................. 10

1.7.2. Assumptions and Limitations ................................................................................. 10

2. LEGAL AND POLICY REQUIREMENTS .................................................................... 11

2.1. The Constitution of South Africa ............................................................................ 11

2.2. National Environmental Management Act .............................................................. 11

2.3. National Water Act ................................................................................................ 12

2.4. National Environmental Management: Waste Act .................................................. 13

2.5. Listed Activities...................................................................................................... 13

2.6. National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act ........................................... 14

2.7. Relevant Policies and Guidelines .......................................................................... 14



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2.7.1. Department of Environmental Affairs Integrated Environmental Management Guidelines ............................................................................................................. 14

2.7.2. Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (2013) (SPLUMA) and the applicable Municipal Planning Bylaws ................................................................... 14

2.7.3. Environmental Management Framework ............................................................... 15

3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES ........................................................... 15

3.1. Waste Generation ................................................................................................. 15

3.2. The Composting Process ...................................................................................... 16

3.2.1. Design Considerations .......................................................................................... 16

3.2.2. Storage ................................................................................................................. 18

3.2.3. Screening .............................................................................................................. 18

3.2.4. Composting ........................................................................................................... 18

3.2.5. Process Monitoring ................................................................................................ 18

3.2.6. Pelletising / Pelleting ............................................................................................. 18

4. PROJECT ALTERNATIVES ....................................................................................... 19

4.1. No Go .................................................................................................................... 19

4.2. Alternatives ........................................................................................................... 19

5. NEED AND DESIRABILITY ........................................................................................ 21

6. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT .................................................................. 31

6.1. Environmental Management Framework ............................................................... 31

6.2. Biophysical Environment ....................................................................................... 32

6.2.1. Current Land Use .................................................................................................. 32

6.2.2. Climate .................................................................................................................. 32

6.2.3. Topography ........................................................................................................... 32

6.2.4. Ecological Sensitivity ............................................................................................. 32

6.2.5. Agricultural Potential.............................................................................................. 37

6.2.6. Plant Species ........................................................................................................ 38

6.2.7. Animal Species Sensitivity ..................................................................................... 39

6.2.8. Soils ...................................................................................................................... 40

6.2.9. Wetlands ............................................................................................................... 41



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6.2.10. Stormwater Management ............................................................................... 43

6.2.11. Hydrocensus .................................................................................................. 44

6.2.12. Groundwater ................................................................................................... 44

6.2.13. Geology .......................................................................................................... 46

6.2.14. Civil Aviation Sensitivity .................................................................................. 47

6.2.15. Defence Theme Sensitivity ............................................................................. 48

6.3. Social Environment ............................................................................................... 49

6.3.1. Surrounding Land Uses ......................................................................................... 49

6.3.2. Population ............................................................................................................. 49

6.3.3. Tshwane Size and Population Density .................................................................. 49

6.3.4. Tshwane Demographics ........................................................................................ 49

6.3.5. Tshwane Population Growth.................................................................................. 50

6.4. Phase 1 Archaeological Impact Assessment ......................................................... 50

6.5. Palaeontology........................................................................................................ 51

6.6. Air Quality .............................................................................................................. 51

7. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT ...................................................... 52

7.1. Potential Environmental Issues and Impacts ......................................................... 52

7.2. Cumulative Impact ................................................................................................. 53

8. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION .......................................................................................... 53

8.1. Public Participation Process Objectives ................................................................. 54

8.2. Phases of Consultation .......................................................................................... 54

8.2.1. Scoping Phase ...................................................................................................... 54

8.2.2. Impact Assessment Phase .................................................................................... 54

8.2.3. Decision-making Phase ......................................................................................... 55

8.3. Methodology .......................................................................................................... 55

8.3.1. Scoping Phase ...................................................................................................... 55

9. PLAN OF STUDY FOR THE EIA PHASE ................................................................... 58

9.1. Preparation of the EIA Report ................................................................................ 58

9.2. Alternatives to be Assessed .................................................................................. 58



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9.3. Specialist Studies .................................................................................................. 58

9.4. Impact Assessment Methodology .......................................................................... 60

9.5. Mitigation and Management .................................................................................. 60

9.6. Cumulative Impact Management ........................................................................... 60

9.7. Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) .................................................. 60

10. CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................... 61

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Location of the Composting Facility ........................................................................ 2

Figure 2: Site Photographs.................................................................................................... 3

Figure 3: Location of the proposed Composting Facility ........................................................ 4

Figure 4: Integrated Waste Management Hierarchy .............................................................. 6

Figure 5: Typical Composting Process ................................................................................ 18

Figure 6: Site area indicated on Environmental Management Zone Map. Source: DEA, Environmental Management Framework Report, 2014. ...................................................... 31

Figure 7: Gauteng Conservation Plan ................................................................................. 33

Figure 8: SANBI Ecological Sensitivity ................................................................................ 36

Figure 9: Gauteng Agricultural Potential .............................................................................. 37

Figure 10: Plant Species Sensitivity .................................................................................... 38

Figure 11: Animal Species Theme Sensitivity...................................................................... 39

Figure 12: Soils ................................................................................................................... 40

Figure 13: National Wetlands .............................................................................................. 41

Figure 14: NFEPA Wetlands ............................................................................................... 42

Figure 15: Proposed Catchment Areas ............................................................................... 43

Figure 16: Study Area ......................................................................................................... 44

Figure 17: Geology ............................................................................................................. 46

Figure 18: Civil Aviation Theme Sensitivity .......................................................................... 47

Figure 19: Defence Theme Sensitivity ................................................................................. 48

Figure 20: Location of Site Notices Erected ........................................................................ 57



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LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Co-ordinates of the corner points of the envisaged Composting Facility .................. 2

Table 2: Activities that require waste management licences in terms of NEM:WA ............... 13

Table 3: Need and Desirability of the envisaged Organic Waste Composting and Pelletising / Pelleting Facility .................................................................................................................. 21

Table 4: Issues and impacts identified in the design and construction phase of the proposed development ....................................................................................................................... 52

Table 5: Environmental impacts identified in the operational phase of the proposed development ....................................................................................................................... 52

Table 6: Directly Affected and Adjacent Landowners .......................................................... 55

Table 7: Environmental Sensitivities identified using the Environmental Screening Tool ..... 59

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A: A3 Drawings

Appendix B: Public Participation Report



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ACRONYMS CA Competent Authority CH4 Methane CO2 Carbon dioxide CTMM City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality C-Plan Gauteng Conservation Plan CRR Comments and Responses Report DWS Department of Water and Sanitation EAP Environmental Assessment Practitioner EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMF Environmental Management Framework EMPr Environmental Management Programme EMZ Environmental Management Zone GDARD Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development GNR Government Notice Regulation ha Hectares I&AP Interested and Affected Party IDP Integrated Development Plan IEM Integrated Environmental Management IQS IQS Holdings (Pty) Ltd NEM:WA National Environmental Management: Waste Act (Act No. 59 of 2008) NEMA National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 0f 1998) NEMBA National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) NH4 Ammonia NHRA The National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 25 of 1999) NWA The National Water Act 1998 (Act No 36 of 1998) PPP Public Participation Process SEIA Scoping & Environmental Impact Assessment SDF Spatial Development Framework SPLUMA Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act, 2013 WULA Water Use License Application



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1. OVERVIEW OF PROJECT

1.1. Project Background and Need

Astral generates significant amounts of chicken litter from their rearing, layer and broiler chicken operations.

Although various initiatives are currently underway to further improve their environmental sustainability, Astral has identified the need to optimally use the resource potential of their chicken litter especially at the locations where it is generated.

For this reason, Astral envisages an Organic Waste Composting and Pelletising / Pelleting Facility (hereinafter Composting Facility) at their chicken farming operations at the Bayview facility to compost their chicken litter.

1.2. Objectives of Project

The overall objectives of the project are to:

Beneficially use chicken litter waste as an environmental resource in this instance as a fertilizer in a fashion that complies to all relevant legislation;

Continuously improve on establishing environmentally beneficial low impacting waste management practice alternatives within the Astral group;

To tangibly give effect to Astral’s environmental sustainability mission and to contribute to reduction in pollution; and

Further enhance current initiatives on community upliftment also through job creation.

1.3. Site Location

The proposed project application for a Composting Facility is envisaged on Portion 13 of the Farm Boschkop 543 JR in the CTMM, Gauteng on rural land. The Surveyor General Number as per the Windeed for the Bayview Farm is TOJR00000000054300013.

Table 1 1 below lists the corner point coordinates of the proposed site. It should be noted that the existing servitudes on Portion 13 has resulted in a reduced project site and is indicated in Figure 1 below (Refer to Appendix A for A3 size maps). The location of the proposed project site has therefore been updated and are shown in Figure 1 and Figure 3. Figure 2 presents photographs of the site.




Table 1: Co-ordinates of the corner points of the envisaged Composting Facility

Point Latitude Longitude

A - North western corner 25°55'21.1078"S 28°35'38.7869"E

C - North eastern corner 25°55'18.9310"S 28°35'51.2496"E

D - South western corner 25°55'30.8764"S 28°35'54.7163"E

E - South eastern corner 25°55'26.6905"S 28°35'40.3511"E

Figure 1: Location of the Composting Facility




A: Photograph taken from centre of site looking North

B: Photograph taken from centre of site looking East.

C: Photograph taken from centre of site looking South

D: Photograph taken from centre of site looking West.

Figure 2: Site Photographs




Figure 3: Location of the proposed Composting Facility

The Composting Facility forms part of the envisaged composting site of approximately 9.8518 ha in extent (inclusive of redundant chicken sheds) (as delineated in Figures 1). The composting site is part of the Boschkop farm which is approximately 342.6 ha. At present the farm is primarily used for chicken farming and feedlots.

1.4. Astral Operations Ltd

Astral Foods was established and listed in April 2001 on the JSE Limited, after Tiger Brands unbundled its agricultural operations.

Astral Operations Ltd is part of Astral Foods and consists of Astral Poultry and Astral Feeds.

Astral Foods is in the JSE Limited’s top 100 companies and has more than 3 shareholders. Astral has been acknowledged by the Business Report’s Most Empowered Survey in 2016 as being the 75th most empowered company on the JSE.

1.4.1. Sustainable development

Astral regards sustainable development as an integral and essential part of always conducting their business and endeavour to inform their stakeholders in terms of the three pillars of sustainability, namely economic, social and environmental.

The environmental sustainability vision of Astral is “to drive sustainability through the implementation of innovative, sustainable and value adding proven solutions”.




1.4.2. Black Economic Empowerment

The company is committed to the concept of broad-based black economic empowerment and actively promote the empowerment of staff members and the communities in which they operate and scored 100% in socio-economic development because of their wellness programme.

1.4.3. Social responsibility

Astral plays an active role in the communities in which they operate through a social investment strategy which focuses on education, HIV/AIDs initiatives and upliftment.

These, amongst others, include initiatives such as Choc Childhood cancer foundation South Africa, animal care, Sunshine Trust and specific upliftment projects.

1.4.4. Employment equity

All Astral’s operations comply with the Employment Equity Act and annual reports are submitted to the Department of Labour. Employment equity committees have been established at every business unit to set and monitor progress.

1.4.5. Health and Safety

Astral complies with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act 85 of 1993). Senior management within each operation is responsible for compliance to occupational health and safety requirements and is committed to provide the necessary financial and human resources to ensure that Astral’s Health and Safety objectives are implemented, monitored and maintained.

These Health and Safety objectives inter alia encompass adherence to applicable health and safety legislation, standards, frameworks and best practice relevant to the Astral group and the continual identification, evaluation, mitigation and control of health and safety risks within the group.

1.4.6. Environmental Sustainability and Compliance

Astral acknowledges its responsibility to the environment extends beyond legal and regulatory requirements.

The establishment of the Composting Facility and converting chicken litter generated at this farm into fertilizer, is part of Astral’s environmental sustainability mission of the reduction of carbon emissions, waste to landfill, reduction in energy and water consumption.

The Composting Facility will further make it possible Astral to give effect to the Integrated Waste Management Hierarchy (IWMH) (please see Figure 4). The IWMH is an important environmental principle stipulated in the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998).




Figure 4: Integrated Waste Management Hierarchy

The recently approved National Waste Management Strategy also promotes Circular Economy as a central theme. In establishing the Composting Facility Astral will also act in support here of in that the chicken litter waste is reused, and its nutrients is recycled into fertilizer.

Composting therefore is an important part in Astral’s pursuance of environmental sustainability.

1.5. Details and Expertise of Study Team

1.5.1. IQS Holdings (Pty) Ltd The consultants of IQS have been providing environmental management services in the following areas since 2016:

Strategic Advisory Services;

Industry/Integrated Waste and Water Management Plan and Strategies;

Environmental related authorisations applications;

Environmental Impact Assessments;

Compliance strategies;

Contaminated land assessments, rehabilitation, and remediation;




Waste-to-energy;

Water and wastewater treatment solutions;

Waste management facilities design, operation, closure, and remediation;

Waste, water and environmental training;

Public Participation;

Stakeholder engagement strategies; and

Facilitation and conflict resolution.

1.5.2. Expertise of the EAP from IQS Holdings (Pty) Ltd Leon Bredenhann Leon Bredenhann has 44 years of experience in water, water quality and waste management in the mining, oil and gas, chemical, industrial, waste management and other sectors. His experience covers:

Industrial chemistry: analysis and interpretation of water and waste water treatment works, water reclamation, potable water distribution and industrial effluents at local government level;

Water resource engineering: water conservation and water quality management in desert environments;

Waste management policy, strategy and guidelines: leading and developing a range of waste management policies, strategies and guidelines for South Africa;

Training and lecturing: developing and presenting training in water and waste management at various technicons and universities; and

Integrated waste management solutions and waste and water permitting: consulting to the mining, oil and gas, chemical and waste management industries and designing project-specific solutions and waste compliance strategies.

Senior lecturer at Technical University (previously called Technikons in South Africa) level. Responsible for developing the new National Diploma in Water Care in motion, involving equipping laboratories, writing all lecture material, lecturing and examining of students in Water Treatment Technology, Pollution Control, Engineering Aspects, Chemistry and Water Analysis

Prior to establishing his own consultancy in 2016, Leon held senior waste and water management positions as lecturer at a technical university, at the South African Department of Water Affairs and Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism where he spearheaded South Africa’s waste policy, strategy and guideline development, and in a global firm as Waste Sector leader for Africa where he led a team of scientists to develop project-related waste solutions.

His work has received international acclaim and awards. The Minimum Requirements for Waste Disposal by Landfill which he spearheaded setting the foundation for an international




set of guidelines for waste management in developing countries developed by the International Solid Waste Association and by the USEPA. This document was also the basis for Botswana’s “Landfill Guidelines.”

Leon has published 48 national papers and authored and/or co-authored 23 international papers.

Leon will also be conducting the Environment Monitoring Plan for the Scoping and EIA process and for inclusion into the water use licence application.

Zelda an Wyk

Zelda has a BA Environmental Management and has been involved with project support and administration at various firms since 1999. She has also been responsible for project administration on major international projects. Zelda obtained her BA Environmental Management degree in 2016 and excelled in her role as environmental consultant on various Impact Assessments and environmental projects. She coordinated a technical team, managed projects and associated tasks, was responsible for client liaison and coordination of project consultants. Zelda also led on business development initiatives across a variety of industries. Her involvement with environmental authorisation projects also included ISO 9000:2015 quality management.

1.5.3. Details and Expertise of the Specialists Christa Clusters (Ecology)

Christa holds a MSc Ecology from the University of Pretoria and has 26 years of experience in the field. She is responsible for all Ecological Assessments, Red Data Species assessments, Biodiversity studies and Rehabilitation plans at Eco Assessments. She is currently registered as a Professional Natural Scientist with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (Reg. No.400003/03 Environment and Botanical).

Antoinette Bootsma (Wetland)

Antoinette completed a BSc Hons degree in Botany at the University of Pretoria and is currently working on a research-based MSc at the University of South Africa. She is an active member of the Gauteng Wetland Forum through her input into the presentation of the Basic Wetland course. Antoinette is also a member of the Wetland Practitioners Professional Society. Antoinette is a full member of the Council for Scientific Professionals SACNASP # 100029-08. She acts as mentor and external reviewer to specialists in the field.

Tobias Coetzee (Archaeological)

Tobias holds a MA (Archaeology) from the University of Pretoria (2017). He will be assisting with the Heritage Statement that will be required for the Scoping and EIA process. He is




currently a Registered Professional Archaeologist with the Association of Southern African Professional Archaeologists (ASAPA), CRM accredited, membership no: 289.

Dr. Heidi Fourie (Palaeontology)

Heidi holds a Ph.D Palaeontology (B.Sc in Geology and Zoology). She worked in the field of palaeontology since 1994 and during this period has curated the fossil collections at the National Museum of Natural History. Collections include Invertebrates, Plants, Reptiles, Amphibia, Fish, Dinosaurs and Therapsid. She is a member of the Palaeontological Society of South Africa and International Congress of Vertebrate Morphologists.

Hannes Welman (Stormwater Management Plan)

Hannes holds a B.Eng (Hons) Water Resources Engineering from the University of Pretoria (2016). He will be assisting with the stormwater Plan and associated infrastructure that will be required. He is currently registered with the South African Institute of Civil Engineers (SAICE) and Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).

Lucas Smith (Groundwater Assessment)

Lucas holds a MSc Geohydrology, from the IGS (UFS) Bloemfontein (2003). He executed and managed different hydrogeological projects, focussing on aspects such as community water supply programmes, geophysical investigations, characterisation of aquifers, pollution studies, in-stream flow requirements, hydraulic fracturing, dolomite and karst investigations and monitoring, chemical borehole rehabilitation (biofouling) and hydro-chemical analyses.

Cornette van Staden (Geographic Information Services)

Cornette had 14-year experience as a GIS technical and have experience with ArcGIS (9, 10) Global Mapper, Google Earth Pro and Map Source. She has extensive experience in the production of GIS maps using field data collected and other external sources, such as CAD data. GIS mapping for the Environmental, using field data collected and other external sources. Production of GIS maps based on original topographic maps available in electronic format, digitized maps.

1.6. Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessment in South Africa

The purpose of a Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA) process is to evaluate the impact of development on the receiving biophysical and social environment and to propose measures that can reduce these impacts once implemented in the planning, construction as well as the operational phases.




A SEIA is intended to be a systematic and consultative process that gathers comprehensive and detailed information on the social, economic and environmental consequences of proposed developments.

The relevant competent authority - in this case the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) uses this information to make an informed decision on development applications that maximises socio-economic outcomes, while ensuring the continuance or improvement of ecological function. The objective for an EIA, therefore, is to promote sustainable development through effective management of social, environmental and economic impacts, so that:

Valuable environmental resources are safeguarded by avoiding negative irreversible changes;

Human health and safety are protected; and

The social and economic dimensions of the proposed development are enhanced.

1.7. Scoping Phase

During the Scoping phase all available information concerning the intended project and the receiving environment is gathered and subjected to a preliminary risk and impact assessment. Interested and Affected parties (I&APs) are informed about the proposed project and their comments on issues of concern are invited. An important output from the information evaluation and consultation with I&APs will be a clear understanding of the key issues that must be further addressed in the EIA. A key issue is an unresolved question or concern about social, economic or environmental consequences. These determine the terms of reference for any specialist studies required during the EIA phase to follow.

This final scoping report incorporates comments as received from all registered IA&Ps and responses from the EAP. The specialist studies as proposed in the Draft Scoping Report will be finalised going into the EIA phase.

1.7.1. Nature and Structure of a Scoping Report This report fulfils the requirements of the 2014 EIA Regulations (as amended on 7 April 2017 in GN R. 326 and again on 18 April 2018 in GN R. 706), which clearly specifies the required content of a Scoping Report.

1.7.2. Assumptions and Limitations This report is based on information that is currently available.

The report is based on the proposed Composting Facility on Portion 13 of the Farm Boschkop 543 JR. Descriptions of the natural and social environments are based on limited fieldwork and available literature. More information will be provided in the EIA phase based on the outcome of the specialist studies.




2. LEGAL AND POLICY REQUIREMENTS

The objectives and requirements of the legislation relevant to the project will inform its methodology.

The legislation that may be applicable to the project encompasses the following:

The Constitution of South Africa, 1996 (Act No. 96 of 1996) (as amended) (CSA); National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (No. 39 of 2004) (NEMAQA); An Environmental Authorisation in terms of the National Environmental Management

Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (as amended) (NEMA); A Water Use Licence Application in terms of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No.

36 of 1998) (as amended) (NWA); A Waste Management Licence in terms of the National Environmental Management:

Waste Act, 2008 (Act No. 59 of 2008) (as amended) (NEM:WA); Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act, 2013 (SPLUMA) and the

applicable Municipal Planning Bylaws; National Organic Waste Composting Strategy of 2013; Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993) (OHSA); and National Health Act, 2003 (Act No. 61 of 2003) (NHA).

2.1. The Constitution of South Africa

The Bill of Rights in the Constitution in Section 24 states as follows:

Everyone has the right –

(a) To an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being; and

(b) To have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that – (i) prevent pollution and ecological degradation; (ii) promote conservation; and (iii) secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development.

This protection encompasses preventing pollution and promoting conservation and environmentally sustainable development. The proposed project will ensure of such rights.

2.2. National Environmental Management Act

The National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA), as amended and its EIA Regulations, inter alia requires that an application for environmental authorisation for certain listed activities must be submitted to the provincial environmental authority.

The current EIA regulations, GN R.982, GN R.983, GN R.984 and GN R.985, promulgated in terms of Sections 24(5), 24M and 44 of the NEMA and subsequent amendments,




commenced on 8 December 2014. GN R.983 lists those activities for which a Basic Assessment is required, GN R.984 lists the activities requiring a full EIA (Scoping and Impact Assessment phases) and GN R.985 lists certain activities and competent authorities in specific identified geographical areas. GN R.982 defines the waste management activities for which EIA processes must be undertaken to apply for Environmental Authorisation.

Section 2 of NEMA establishes a set of principles that apply to the activities of all organs of state that may significantly affect the environment. These include the following:

Development must be sustainable; Pollution must be avoided or minimised and remedied; Waste must be avoided or minimised, reused or recycled; Negative impacts must be minimised; and Responsibility for the environmental health and safety consequences of a policy,

project, product or service exists throughout its life cycle.

Section 28(1) states that: “Every person who causes, has caused or may cause significant pollution or degradation of the environment must take reasonable measures to prevent such pollution or degradation from occurring, continuing or recurring.” If such degradation/pollution cannot be prevented, then appropriate measures must be taken to minimise or rectify such pollution. These measures may include:

Assessing the impact on the environment; Informing and educating employees about the environmental risks of their work and

ways of minimising these risks; Ceasing, modifying or controlling actions which cause pollution/degradation; Containing pollutants or preventing movement of pollutants; Eliminating the source of pollution; and Remedying the effects of the pollution.

2.3. National Water Act

The National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) as amended (NWA).

In executing the study due consideration will be given to the protection of water quality also as outlined below and in this context the protection of the water resource.

Section 19 of the NWA, which states that an owner of land, a person in control of land or a person who occupies or uses the land which thereby causes, has caused or is likely to cause pollution of a water resource must take all reasonable measures to prevent any such pollution from occurring, continuing or recurring and must therefore comply with any prescribed waste standard or management practices.

Due to the industrial processes the following water uses under Section 21 of the NWA is triggered:

(c) Impeding or diverting the flow of water in a watercourse;

(i) Altering the bed, banks, course or characteristics of a watercourse; and




(g) Disposing of waste in a manner which may detrimentally impact on a water resource.

The above water uses need to be registered with the DWS before the project can commence.

2.4. National Environmental Management: Waste Act

The National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act No. 59 of 2008) (NEM:WA) commenced on 1 July 2009. This Act requires that all listed waste management activities must be licensed in terms of Section 44 of the Act. The licensing procedure must be integrated with the environmental impact assessment process.

Government Notice 921, which commenced on 29 November 2013, lists the waste management activities that require licensing in terms of the NEM:WA.

2.5. Listed Activities

The proposed development includes activities that fall within the scheduled activities under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations 2014. Activities applied for under NEM:WA have been identified in terms of GN R. No. 921 and requiring Environmental Authorisation by way of an integrated Scoping and EIA process due to the nature of chicken manure.

This list has been fully amended in accordance with the comments that have been received from GDARD and encompasses:

All references to ‘hazardous’ and hazardous activities must be removed.

Table 2: Activities that require waste management licences in terms of NEM:WA

Regulation Nr

Activity Nr Activity Description Activity Description & Project Relevance

GN R. 921 of 29 November 2013

Section 4. Category B

Reuse, recycling or recovery of waste: Activity (3). Treatment of waste: Activity (6). Construction of facilities and associated structures and infrastructure: Activity (10).

Activity (3): The recovery of waste including the refining, utilisation, or co- processing of the waste at a facility that processes in excess of 100 tons of general waste per day, excluding recovery that takes place as an integral part of an internal manufacturing process within the same premises. Activity (6): The treatment of general waste in excess of 100 tons per day calculated as a monthly average, using any form of treatment. Activity (10): The construction of a facility for a waste management activity listed in Category B of this Schedule (not in isolation to associated waste management activity).




Regulation Nr

Activity Nr Activity Description Activity Description & Project Relevance

GN R. 921 of 29 November 2013

Section 4 Category C

Storage of waste: Activity (1)

Activity (1): The storage of general waste at a facility that has the capacity to store in excess of 100m³ of general waste at any one time, excluding the storage of waste in lagoons or temporary storage of such waste.

2.6. National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act

National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (No. 10 of 2004) (NEMBA) requires the management and conservation of South Africa’s biodiversity within the framework of the NEMA and the protection of species and ecosystems that warrant national protection. As part of its implementation strategy, the National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment was developed.

The fauna and flora prevailing in the study area will be handled in terms of the NEMBA as amended, including all the pieces of legislation published in terms of this act.

2.7. Relevant Policies and Guidelines

2.7.1. Department of Environmental Affairs Integrated Environmental Management Guidelines

Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) is a philosophy, which prescribes a code of practice for ensuring that environmental considerations are fully integrated into all stages of the development process.

This philosophy aims to achieve a desirable balance between conservation and development. IEM is a philosophy, which prescribes a code of practice for ensuring that environmental considerations are fully integrated into all stages of the development process.

2.7.2. Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (2013) (SPLUMA) and the applicable Municipal Planning Bylaws

The Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) came into operation on 1 July 2015 and governs all land use planning applications across the country together with the applicable Municipal Planning Bylaws. According to this new legislation, the following planning principles should be considered for all new developments:




Spatial justice: ‘To address past spatial imbalances through improved access to and use of land, with particular focus on equitable access to those who were previously excluded.’

Spatial sustainability: Protecting agriculturally and environmentally valuable land whilst ensuring that the land markets are well-functioning. Current and future costs of infrastructure for development as well as limiting urban sprawl, have to be considered in terms of spatial sustainability.

Efficiency: Optimum use of existing resources and infrastructure and minimising negative financial, social, economic and environmental impacts.

Good governance: An integrated approach to development and efficient streamlined application procedures with timeframes being adhered to by all parties, are supported.

Spatial resilience: Flexibility in spatial plans, policy and land use management systems to ensure sustainable livelihoods in communities most likely to suffer the impacts of economic and environmental shocks.

The planning of the proposed development will take cognizance of the above principles.

2.7.3. Environmental Management Framework

The Gauteng Provincial Environmental Management Framework is legal instruments in terms of the Environmental Management Framework Regulations, 2010.

The purpose of the regulations is to assist environmental impact management including EIA processes, spatial planning and sustainable development.

3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES

3.1. Waste Generation

Waste will primarily originate from chicken houses that are cleaned after production stages. The chicken manure, feathers and bedding that is removed is known as chicken litter.

Chicken manure contains two main forms of Nitrogen (N) namely uric acid and undigested proteins, which represent 70 and 30 per cent respectively of the total nitrogen. Chicken manure usually has high P concentrations. Reported P concentrations in litter are variable, ranging from 9.8 to 27.1 g/kg, with the majority in a soluble form. Frequent analysis will be performed of chicken litter used for composting at Bayview and no waste that is hazardous or dead chickens will be used as feed material.

Astral used to sell off their chicken litter but in adhering to the Extended Producer Responsibility, acts responsibly to treat the chicken litter into compost that will be utilised for agricultural purposes. The aim is to eventually provide the compost in pelletised form.




3.2. The Composting Process

Composting can be described as the controlled conversion of degradable organic waste into stable products with the aid of microorganisms. Compost is a stable organic mixture resulting from the breakdown of organic components; it is typically dark brown or black and contains humus which provides soil-like, earthy smell. Compost is widely used as fertilizer and soil amendment in agriculture.

The organic portion of the chicken litter waste can be converted to products using biological, chemical and thermal processes.

Astral will use composting of their chicken litter at the envisaged site as a biological process that can be either aerobic or anaerobic. When an aerobic biological process is used (presence of oxygen) the primary by-products are water, heat and carbon dioxide. However, if an anaerobic process (absence of free oxygen) is used methane is produced which is far more harmful greenhouse gas compared to carbon dioxide.

Astral intends using an aerobic composting process.

3.2.1. Design Considerations

Composting facilities can be highly mechanised especially if automation is pursued and if all design factors are to be controlled optimally.

Astral will use mechanical equipment from the beginning for example for mixing and turning to maintain uniformity of nutrients, microorganism, air and moisture content. With time however it is envisaged that the process will become more mechanised to optimise the process. Pelletising / pelleting will also be considered with time to add to the efficiency of compost quality and transportation and explore the use of pellets as an energy source. This with time will add to mechanism not compromising sustainable environmental development and the provision of career opportunities.

The design will be optimized in respect of cost (construction and operation), energy use (conservation of resources) and preventing unacceptable pollution.

Best practise therefore applies in selecting the correct design and composting process based on the following considerations:

Site Location: The position of the envisaged Site (see Figure 1) has been selected to provide easy site access, enough space for maneuvering of equipment and for composing area of at least 50 m3/d, buffer distance for odour control and simplify stormwater management. The site is in an area that is accessible to emergency response personnel and equipment. Preference was given to a land portions that was already used for feedlots or chicken farming instead of using a greenfield.

Particle size: Ideally waste used for composting should be between 25 and 75 mm in size. Chicken litter can generally be divided into three distinct fractions namely fine, middle, and coarse fractions. The chicken litter from Astral comfortably fits into the particle size range that is acceptable for composting. Should larger particle general




organic waste, say crop residues, in future be blended into the chicken litter, pre-treatment through suitable shredding/screening will be introduced.

Carbon/Nitrogen ratios and moisture content: Although the acceptable range of carbon/nitrogen ratios may vary between 20:1 and 40:1 the preferred range of 25:1 to 30:1 will be pursued.

Blending and Seeding: Correct seeding will reduce the composting time using partially decomposed compost at about 1 to 5%. Optimum moisture content will be maintained during seeding.

Moisture content: optimum moisture content normally is at about 55% and range between 50 to 60% during composting is acceptable. The moisture content of most chicken litter varies normally between 20 and 35%. Water therefore will be added to the chicken litter removed from the chicken houses before commencement of composting. Any run-off from surface areas as contained through the storm water management system will be reused for this purpose also to conserve water. Moisture content will be optimally manage using basic squeezing methods managed as well as more sophisticated laboratory assessments.

Air requirements: Air contains about 20% oxygen. At least 50% of this oxygen concentration will be maintained throughout the compost. This will be achieved by regular turning of piles, mixing the litter with bulking materials or installing pipes to migrate air passively or actively through the pile. Maintaining the correct levels of oxygen will prevent development of anaerobic conditions within the compost body and hence control odour.

The temperature in the composting pile is planned to be monitored to maintain temperatures between 44 and 66°C .at this temperature most pathogens, fly larvae and weed seeds are killed. This temperature range could also be higher temperatures of between 60 and 70°C pending variables such as carbon to nitrogen ratios, oxygen and moisture.

A high level typical turned windrow flow diagram for an aerobic composting process is shown in Figure 5 below.

Astral will over time optimise the plant unit processes, and configuration and the flow diagram below therefore present a first principles layout as currently envisaged. Process optimisation will always be based on best engineering, public health, aesthetics and environmental consideration principles.




Figure 5: Typical Composting Process

3.2.2. Storage

Chicken litter (consisting of chicken manure and wood shavings / other bedding material) will be stored under controlled conditions taking cognizance of the norms and standard in GN R. 926 of 29 November 2013).

3.2.3. Screening

Screening is optional. It is a form mechanical pre-treatment and not foreseen initially but may be necessary for the removal of large-size fractions and non-compostable material if in future organic waste other than chicken litter is sourced.

3.2.4. Composting

Composting will take place through windrows in the open. The windrow piles would be established on constructed hard surface to create a low permeability floor to provide for control of potential leachate and improve materials handling.

It is estimated that the windrows will be approximately 100 meters long, 4 to 6 meters wide and 2 to 2.5 meters high. Windrow construction will be done with the use of a front-end loader and dump truck at minimum.

The windrow will be turned regularly (normally weekly) to aerate the composting material and to ensure uniformity of decomposition.

3.2.5. Process Monitoring

Process monitoring and optimisation will take place by measuring and controlling oxygen concentration, temperature and moisture content during the process. Other parameters for monitoring can include carbon to nitrogen ratio and pH.

3.2.6. Pelletising / Pelleting

Appropriate technology of the stabilized compost may later be used to covert the compost into pellets and potentially adjust the nutrient content as may be beneficial for agricultural purposes.




4. PROJECT ALTERNATIVES One of the objectives of an EIA is to investigate alternatives to the proposed project. The EIA Regulations 2014 define alternatives as:

“different means of meeting the general purpose and requirements of the activity, which may include alternatives to; -

a) the property on which or location where it is proposed to undertake the activity;

b) the type of activity to be undertaken;

c) the design or layout of the activity;

d) technology to be used in the activity; or

e) operational aspects of the activity”

All proposed alternatives must be both reasonable and feasible.

This report considers a number of alternatives that will be discussed below.

4.1. No Go

Astral at present sells off their chicken litter. In proceeding herewith, Astral will not be able to proactively manage their downstream liabilities related to chicken litter and will fall short in adhering to the proximity principle of managing waste as close as possible to the point of generation and implementing the Integrated Waste Management Hierarchy.

Therefore, should the Status Quo proceed, Astral will underachieve in terms of the Company’s sustainability and environmental policies and in a way job opportunity associated with the composting operations will not take effect.

4.2. Alternatives

Technologies alternative to composting amongst others include landfilling, incineration, anaerobic digestion, gasification, and pyrolysis. Various comparative studies between composting and alternative technologies have been done in the past.

Landfilling organic waste contributes to the generation of methane and the greenhouse effect. Thermal technologies such as incineration, gasification and pyrolysis can be very costly and does not always compare favourably with composting environmentally and from the feasibility point of view. In anaerobic digestion involves the biodegradation of organic waste in an enclosed structure producing methane gas that can be used to generate energy. It has been shown that composting is economically preferable to anaerobic digestion at smaller scale below 50,000 tons per annum. Anaerobic digestion however saves more greenhouse gases in the context of replacing fossil fuel energy.

Composting although extensively used, has some shortcomings namely:

Local climate conditions can influence windrow and static pile composting;




Odor control can be a challenge if the composting process is not correctly managed and monitored; and

Windrow and static pile composting require relatively large areas.

Composting however also presents benefits:

It returns nutrients to the soil that reduces the need for chemical fertilizers;

it increases crop yields;

Avoidance of methane and leachate formation in landfills; extension of municipal landfill life by diverting organic materials from landfills; and

Can decrease the need for water, fertilizers, and pesticides in agriculture.

In view of the foregoing composting is the preferred technology.

Six different sites were identified on the Boschkop Farm in the Draft Scoping Report as alternative locations for establishing the Composting Facility. It was subsequently revealed that five of the sites were located in a servitude area and only the proposed project site is suitable to proceed with. The proposed site is suitable is for its closeness to access roads, fire control, its position next to the Conradie Boerdery Compost site and its general topography for efficient stormwater control.

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ded

by th

e R

egio

n’s

SDF

and

IDP

prio

ritie

s of

the

area

. Whe

n co

nsul

ted

thes

e pl

ans

did

not

show

any

inte

nded

pla

nnin

g th

at is

in c

ontra

dict

ion

with

the

envi

sage

d C

ompo

stin

g Fa

cilit

y. T

he G

aute

ng R

ural

Dev

elop

men

t Pla

n pr

ovid

es

stat

emen

ts th

at is

sup

porti

ve o

f agr

icul

tura

l, to

uris

m a

nd o

ther

rura

l de

velo

pmen

t ini

tiativ

es n

one

of w

hich

opp

oses

the

Com

post

ing

Faci

lity.

The

IDP

pres

ent h

igh-

leve

l obj

ectiv

es e

.g. a

“city

that

fa

cilit

ates

eco

nom

ic g

row

th a

nd jo

b cr

eatio

n” b

ut is

sile

nt fo

r in

resp

ect

of th

e Bo

schk

op fa

rm

1.1.

8. G

loba

l and

inte

rnat

iona

l res

pons

ibilit

ies

rela

ting

to th

e en

viro

nmen

t (e.

g.

RAM

SAR

site

s, C

limat

e C

hang

e, e

tc.).

G

loba

l and

inte

rnat

iona

l res

pons

ibilit

ies

do n

ot h

ave

rele

vanc

e to

the

envi

sage

d si

te.

1.2.

How

will

this

dev

elop

men

t dis

turb

or e

nhan

ce e

cosy

stem

s an

d/or

resu

lt in

the

loss

or p

rote

ctio

n of

bio

logi

cal d

iver

sity

? W

hat m

easu

res

wer

e ex

plor

ed to

firs

tly

avoi

d th

ese

nega

tive

impa

cts,

and

whe

re th

ese

nega

tive

impa

cts

coul

d no

t be

avoi

ded

alto

geth

er, w

hat m

easu

res

wer

e ex

plor

ed to

min

imis

e an

d re

med

y (in

clud

ing

offs

ettin

g) th

e im

pact

s? W

hat m

easu

res

wer

e ex

plor

ed to

enh

ance

pos

itive

impa

cts?

Envi

ronm

enta

l scr

eeni

ng h

as b

een

used

to h

ighl

ight

are

as o

f sen

sitiv

ity

whi

ch w

ill be

add

ress

ed in

the

follo

win

g EI

A ph

ase.

The

se s

tudi

es

incl

ude

Ecol

ogic

al a

nd R

isk

Asse

ssm

ent,

Her

itage

Sen

sitiv

ity

Eval

uatio

n, P

aleo

ntol

ogic

al S

tudy

, Wet

land

Impa

ct A

sses

smen

t and

G

eohy

drol

ogic

al a

sses

smen

t. A

stor

mw

ater

man

agem

ent p

lan,

a

bore

hole

hyd

roce

nsus

and

env

ironm

enta

l man

agem

ent p

lan

will

also

be

per

form

ed a

s pa

rt of

the

EIA

stud

y.

Whe

n ta

king

the

setb

ack

dist

ance

s be

twee

n th

e en

visa

ged

site

and

the

spec

ific

sens

itive

are

as in

to c

onsi

dera

tion,

toge

ther

with

the

rela

tivel

y lo

w im

pact

s fro

m c

ontro

lled

aero

bic

com

post

ing,

no

unac

cept

able

po

llutio

n fo

r whi

ch m

itiga

tion

cann

ot b

e in

stat

ed, i

s fo

rese

en.

1.3.

How

will

this

dev

elop

men

t pol

lute

and

/or d

egra

de th

e bi

ophy

sica

l env

ironm

ent?

W

hat m

easu

res

wer

e ex

plor

ed to

firs

tly a

void

thes

e im

pact

s, a

nd w

here

impa

cts

coul

d no

t be

avoi

ded

alto

geth

er, w

hat m

easu

res

wer

e ex

plor

ed to

min

imis

e an

d re

med

y (in

clud

ing

offs

ettin

g) th

e im

pact

s? W

hat m

easu

res

wer

e ex

plor

ed to

enh

ance

po

sitiv

e im

pact

s?

1.4.

Wha

t was

te w

ill be

gen

erat

ed b

y th

is d

evel

opm

ent?

Wha

t mea

sure

s w

ere

expl

ored

to fi

rstly

avo

id w

aste

, and

whe

re w

aste

cou

ld n

ot b

e av

oide

d al

toge

ther

, w

hat m

easu

res

wer

e ex

plor

ed to

min

imis

e, re

use

and/

or re

cycl

e th

e w

aste

? W

hat

mea

sure

s ha

ve b

een

expl

ored

to s

afel

y tre

at a

nd/o

r dis

pose

of u

navo

idab

le w

aste

?

The

Com

post

ing

Faci

lity

will

conv

ert c

hick

en li

tter w

aste

into

an

agric

ultu

ral r

esou

rce

and

in th

is re

spec

t is

a ta

ngib

le e

xam

ple

of th

e im

plem

enta

tion

of th

e In

tegr

ated

Was

te M

anag

emen

t Hie

rarc

hy.

Con

tam

inat

ed s

torm

wat

er ru

n-of

f fro

m th

e co

mpo

stin

g pa

d m

ay b

e re

gard

ed a

s a

was

te b

ut w

ill be

inte

rcep

ted

at a

ppro

pria

tely

con

tain

ed

so a

s no

t to

caus

e un

acce

ptab

le p

ollu

tion.

To

cons

erve

the

use

of

wat

er th

is c

onta

min

ated

run-

off w

ill be

recy

cled

to m

aint

ain

appr

opria

te

moi

stur

e co

nten

t with

in th

e co

mpo

stin

g pr

oces

s. A

s Se

ctio

n 21

(g)

wat

er u

se li

cens

e au

thor

isat

ion

will

also

be

obta

ined

.

Ast

ral O

pera

tions

LTD

Fina

l Sco

ping

Rep

ort -

Org

anic

Was

te C

ompo

stin

g an

d Pe

lletis

ing/

Pel

letin

g Fa

cilit

y

23

IQS

|

Inte

grity

● Q

ualit

y ●

Ser

vice

Requ

irem

ent

Part

whe

re re

quire

men

t is

addr

esse

d/re

spon

se

1.5.

How

will

this

dev

elop

men

t dis

turb

or e

nhan

ce la

ndsc

apes

and

/or s

ites

that

co

nstit

ute

the

natio

n’s

cultu

ral h

erita

ge?

Wha

t mea

sure

s w

ere

expl

ored

to fi

rstly

avo

id

thes

e im

pact

s, a

nd w

here

impa

cts

coul

d no

t be

avoi

ded

alto

geth

er, w

hat m

easu

res

wer

e ex

plor

ed to

min

imis

e an

d re

med

y (in

clud

ing

offs

ettin

g) th

e im

pact

s? W

hat

mea

sure

s w

ere

expl

ored

to e

nhan

ce p

ositi

ve im

pact

s?

The

spec

ific

area

env

isag

ed fo

r the

Com

post

ing

Faci

lity

have

bee

n us

ed fo

r fee

dlot

s in

the

past

as

wel

l as

chic

ken

hous

ing.

The

site

doe

s no

t hav

e an

y cu

ltura

l her

itage

impo

rtanc

e. A

her

itage

spe

cial

ist w

ill ne

verth

eles

s be

use

d du

ring

the

EIA

phas

e.

1.6.

How

will

this

dev

elop

men

t use

and

/or i

mpa

ct o

n no

n-re

new

able

nat

ural

re

sour

ces?

Wha

t mea

sure

s w

ere

expl

ored

to e

nsur

e re

spon

sibl

e an

d eq

uita

ble

use

of th

e re

sour

ces?

How

hav

e th

e co

nseq

uenc

es o

f the

dep

letio

n of

the

non -

rene

wab

le

natu

ral r

esou

rces

bee

n co

nsid

ered

? W

hat m

easu

res

wer

e ex

plor

ed to

firs

tly a

void

th

ese

impa

cts,

and

whe

re im

pact

s co

uld

not b

e av

oide

d al

toge

ther

, wha

t mea

sure

s w

ere

expl

ored

to m

inim

ise

and

rem

edy

(incl

udin

g of

fset

ting)

the

impa

cts?

Wha

t m

easu

res

wer

e ex

plor

ed to

enh

ance

pos

itive

impa

cts?

The

prop

osed

Com

post

ing

Faci

lity

will

not b

e ut

ilisin

g an

y re

new

able

or

non

-rene

wab

le n

atur

al re

sour

ces,

but

inst

ead

cont

ribut

e to

the

cons

erva

tion

of n

atur

al re

sour

ces

thro

ugh

prod

ucin

g or

gani

c ag

ricul

tura

l fer

tilis

er c

ompa

red

to c

hem

ical

ferti

liser

s w

hich

con

sum

es

reso

urce

s an

d co

ntrib

utes

to th

e cu

rrent

env

ironm

enta

l im

pact

(p

endi

ng th

e de

gree

of m

itiga

tion

empl

oyed

in th

ese

inst

ance

s).

As a

lread

y ex

plai

ned

this

dev

elop

men

t will

not u

se/w

ill im

pact

on

rene

wab

le n

atur

al re

sour

ces

and

the

ecos

yste

m o

f whi

ch th

ey a

re

part.

1.

7. H

ow w

ill th

is d

evel

opm

ent u

se a

nd/o

r im

pact

on

rene

wab

le n

atur

al re

sour

ces

and

the

ecos

yste

m o

f whi

ch th

ey a

re p

art?

Will

the

use

of th

e re

sour

ces

and/

or

impa

ct o

n th

e ec

osys

tem

jeop

ardi

se th

e in

tegr

ity o

f the

reso

urce

and

/or s

yste

m ta

king

in

to a

ccou

nt c

arry

ing

capa

city

rest

rictio

ns, l

imits

of a

ccep

tabl

e ch

ange

, and

th

resh

olds

? W

hat m

easu

res

wer

e ex

plor

ed to

firs

tly a

void

the

use

of re

sour

ces,

or i

f av

oida

nce

is n

ot p

ossi

ble,

to m

inim

ise

the

use

of re

sour

ces?

Wha

t mea

sure

s w

ere

take

n to

ens

ure

resp

onsi

ble

and

equi

tabl

e us

e of

the

reso

urce

s? W

hat m

easu

res

wer

e ex

plor

ed to

enh

ance

pos

itive

impa

cts?

1.

7.1.

Doe

s th

e pr

opos

ed d

evel

opm

ent e

xace

rbat

e th

e in

crea

sed

depe

nden

cy o

n in

crea

sed

use

of re

sour

ces

to m

aint

ain

econ

omic

gro

wth

or d

oes

it re

duce

reso

urce

de

pend

ency

(i.e

. de -

mat

eria

lised

gro

wth

)? (n

ote:

sus

tain

abilit

y re

quire

s th

at

settl

emen

ts re

duce

thei

r eco

logi

cal f

ootp

rint b

y us

ing

less

mat

eria

l and

ene

rgy

dem

ands

and

redu

ce th

e am

ount

of w

aste

they

gen

erat

e, w

ithou

t com

prom

isin

g th

eir

ques

t to

impr

ove

thei

r qua

lity

of li

fe)

The

prop

osed

dev

elop

men

t will

redu

ce re

sour

ce d

epen

denc

y as

st

ated

abo

ve.

1.7.

2. D

oes

the

prop

osed

use

of n

atur

al re

sour

ces

cons

titut

e th

e be

st u

se th

ereo

f? Is

th

e us

e ju

stifi

able

whe

n co

nsid

erin

g in

tra- a

nd in

terg

ener

atio

nal e

quity

, and

are

ther

e m

ore

impo

rtant

prio

ritie

s fo

r whi

ch th

e re

sour

ces

shou

ld b

e us

ed (i

.e. w

hat a

re th

e op

portu

nity

cos

ts o

f usi

ng th

ese

reso

urce

s th

is th

e pr

opos

ed d

evel

opm

ent

alte

rnat

ive?

)

The

prop

osed

dev

elop

men

t will

not u

se n

atur

al re

sour

ces.

Ast

ral O

pera

tions

LTD

Fina

l Sco

ping

Rep

ort -

Org

anic

Was

te C

ompo

stin

g an

d Pe

lletis

ing/

Pel

letin

g Fa

cilit

y

24

IQS

|

Inte

grity

● Q

ualit

y ●

Ser

vice

Requ

irem

ent

Part

whe

re re

quire

men

t is

addr

esse

d/re

spon

se

1.7.

3. D

o th

e pr

opos

ed lo

catio

n, ty

pe a

nd s

cale

of d

evel

opm

ent p

rom

ote

a re

duce

d de

pend

ency

on

reso

urce

s?

The

prop

osed

dev

elop

men

t will

prom

ote

redu

ced

depe

nden

cy o

n re

sour

ces

as c

hick

en li

tter w

ill be

con

verte

d in

com

post

and

for

ferti

lizer

use

in a

gric

ultu

ral a

pplic

atio

ns.

1.8.

How

wer

e a

risk-

aver

se a

nd c

autio

us a

ppro

ach

appl

ied

in te

rms

of e

colo

gica

l im

pact

s?

The

prop

osed

dev

elop

men

t will

have

a m

inim

al im

pact

on

the

ecol

ogic

al in

tegr

ity d

ue to

the

posi

tion

of th

e si

te w

hich

is o

n an

are

a pr

evio

usly

use

d fo

r agr

icul

tura

l pur

pose

s. A

n ec

olog

ical

spe

cial

ist w

ill ho

wev

er p

erfo

rm a

n as

sess

men

t on

ecol

ogic

al s

ensi

tivity

is a

nd

pote

ntia

l im

pact

s in

the

EIA

phas

e.

1.8.

1. W

hat a

re th

e lim

its o

f cur

rent

kno

wle

dge

(not

e: th

e ga

ps, u

ncer

tain

ties

and

assu

mpt

ions

mus

t be

clea

rly s

tate

d)?

Th

e lim

its o

f cur

rent

kno

wle

dge

as to

be

expe

cted

in a

Sco

ping

Pha

se.

No

assu

mpt

ions

bas

ed o

n ga

ps, u

ncer

tain

ties

in k

now

ledg

e ar

e re

gard

ed a

s ne

cess

ary

at th

is s

tage

. 1.

8.2.

Wha

t is

the

leve

l of r

isk

asso

ciat

ed w

ith th

e lim

its o

f cur

rent

kno

wle

dge?

Th

e le

vel o

f ris

k as

soci

ated

with

the

limits

of c

urre

nt k

now

ledg

e ca

n be

co

nsid

ered

low

. Th

e po

tent

ial r

isks

that

hav

e be

en id

entif

ied

in th

is

final

Sco

ping

Rep

ort w

ill be

furth

er a

sses

s in

the

EIA

phas

e.

1.8.

3. B

ased

on

the

limits

of k

now

ledg

e an

d th

e le

vel o

f ris

k, h

ow a

nd to

wha

t ext

ent

was

a ri

sk-a

vers

e an

d ca

utio

us a

ppro

ach

appl

ied

to th

e de

velo

pmen

t?

1.9.

How

will

the

ecol

ogic

al im

pact

s re

sulti

ng fr

om th

is d

evel

opm

ent i

mpa

ct o

n pe

ople

’s e

nviro

nmen

tal r

ight

in te

rms

follo

win

g:

No

pote

ntia

l eco

logi

cal i

mpa

cts

that

may

impa

ct o

n pe

ople

’s

envi

ronm

enta

l rig

hts

have

bee

n id

entif

ied.

Sho

uld

such

impa

ct th

e be

com

e kn

own

base

d on

tech

nica

l spe

cial

ist i

nves

tigat

ions

in th

e fo

llow

ing

EIA

phas

e it

will

be re

porte

d an

d be

dea

lt w

ith in

com

plia

nce

with

the

rele

vant

legi

slat

ion.

N

o he

ritag

e si

tes

are

fore

seen

. A

herit

age

asse

ssm

ent w

ill ne

verth

eles

s be

per

form

ed in

the

EIA

phas

e.

N

egat

ive

impa

cts

will

be m

anag

ed b

y fo

llow

ing

com

post

ing

best

pr

actic

e an

d m

aint

aini

ng th

e ne

cess

ary

setb

ack

dist

ance

to th

e ex

tent

re

quire

d.

Tech

nolo

gica

l alte

rnat

ives

for t

reat

ing

the

chic

ken

litte

r has

bee

n pr

esen

ted

in th

is re

port

and

as a

resu

lt he

reof

aer

obic

com

post

ing

has

been

pre

sent

ed a

s th

e pr

efer

red

and

best

pra

ctic

al e

nviro

nmen

tal

optio

n in

Sec

tion

4 of

this

Rep

ort.

1.9.

1. N

egat

ive

impa

cts:

e.g

. acc

ess

to re

sour

ces,

opp

ortu

nity

cos

ts, l

oss

of a

men

ity

(e.g

. ope

n sp

ace)

, air

and

wat

er q

ualit

y im

pact

s, n

uisa

nce

(noi

se, o

dour

, etc

.), h

ealth

im

pact

s, v

isua

l im

pact

s, e

tc. W

hat m

easu

res

wer

e ta

ken

to fi

rstly

avo

id n

egat

ive

impa

cts,

but

if a

void

ance

is n

ot p

ossi

ble,

to m

inim

ise,

man

age

and

rem

edy

nega

tive

impa

cts?

1.

9.2.

Pos

itive

impa

cts:

e.g

. im

prov

ed a

cces

s to

reso

urce

s, im

prov

ed a

men

ity,

impr

oved

air

or w

ater

qua

lity,

etc

. Wha

t mea

sure

s w

ere

take

n to

enh

ance

pos

itive

im

pact

s?

1.10

. Des

crib

e th

e lin

kage

s an

d de

pend

enci

es b

etw

een

hum

an w

ellb

eing

, liv

elih

oods

an

d ec

osys

tem

ser

vice

s ap

plic

able

to th

e ar

ea in

que

stio

n an

d ho

w th

e de

velo

pmen

t’s e

colo

gica

l im

pact

s w

ill re

sult

in s

ocio

-eco

nom

ic im

pact

s (e

.g. o

n liv

elih

oods

, los

s of

her

itage

site

, opp

ortu

nity

cos

ts, e

tc.)?

1.

11. B

ased

on

all o

f the

abo

ve, h

ow w

ill th

is d

evel

opm

ent p

ositi

vely

or n

egat

ivel

y im

pact

on

ecol

ogic

al in

tegr

ity o

bjec

tives

/targ

ets/

cons

ider

atio

ns o

f the

are

a?

1.12

. Con

side

ring

the

need

to s

ecur

e ec

olog

ical

inte

grity

and

a h

ealth

y bi

ophy

sica

l en

viro

nmen

t, de

scrib

e ho

w th

e al

tern

ativ

es id

entif

ied

(in te

rms

of a

ll th

e di

ffere

nt

elem

ents

of t

he d

evel

opm

ent a

nd a

ll th

e di

ffere

nt im

pact

s be

ing

prop

osed

), re

sulte

d

Ast

ral O

pera

tions

LTD

Fina

l Sco

ping

Rep

ort -

Org

anic

Was

te C

ompo

stin

g an

d Pe

lletis

ing/

Pel

letin

g Fa

cilit

y

25

IQS

|

Inte

grity

● Q

ualit

y ●

Ser

vice

Requ

irem

ent

Part

whe

re re

quire

men

t is

addr

esse

d/re

spon

se

in th

e se

lect

ion

of th

e “b

est p

ract

icab

le e

nviro

nmen

tal o

ptio

n” in

term

s of

eco

logi

cal

cons

ider

atio

ns?

1.13

. Des

crib

e th

e po

sitiv

e an

d ne

gativ

e cu

mul

ativ

e ec

olog

ical

/bio

phys

ical

impa

cts

bear

ing

in m

ind

the

size

, sca

le, s

cope

and

nat

ure

of th

e pr

ojec

t in

rela

tion

to it

s lo

catio

n an

d ex

istin

g an

d ot

her p

lann

ed d

evel

opm

ents

in th

e ar

ea?

Pote

ntia

l and

neg

ativ

e cu

mul

ativ

e im

pact

s ar

e di

scus

sed

in S

ectio

n 7

of th

is re

port.

Pos

itive

impa

cts

rela

ting

to a

dvan

cing

circ

ular

eco

nom

y an

d su

stai

nabl

e de

velo

pmen

t are

brie

fly d

iscu

ssed

in S

ectio

n 1

of th

is

Rep

ort.

2.

1. W

hat i

s th

e so

cio-

econ

omic

con

text

of t

he a

rea,

bas

ed o

n, a

mon

gst o

ther

co

nsid

erat

ions

, the

follo

win

g co

nsid

erat

ions

? Th

e ID

P (a

nd it

s se

ctor

pla

ns’ v

isio

n, o

bjec

tives

, stra

tegi

es, i

ndic

ator

s an

d ta

rget

s) a

nd a

ny o

ther

stra

tegi

c pl

ans,

fram

ewor

ks o

f pol

icie

s ap

plic

able

is n

ot s

peci

fic to

this

are

a, ID

P pl

an is

pro

gram

mes

and

pr

ojec

ts.

As a

lread

y st

ated

, the

IDP

pres

ent h

igh-

leve

l obj

ectiv

es e

.g.

a “c

ity th

at fa

cilit

ates

eco

nom

ic g

row

th a

nd jo

b cr

eatio

n” b

ut is

sile

nt fo

r in

resp

ect o

f the

Bos

chko

p fa

rm.

The

prop

osed

Was

te C

ompo

stin

g Fa

cilit

y w

ill cr

eate

som

e jo

bs a

nd a

s st

ated

in th

e W

aste

Man

agem

ent L

icen

ce A

pplic

atio

n fo

rms

appr

opria

te in

-hou

se a

nd e

xter

nal t

rain

ing

will

be p

rovi

ded

to th

e ex

tent

war

rant

ed.

2.1.

1. T

he I

DP

(and

its

sec

tor

plan

s’ v

isio

n, o

bjec

tives

, st

rate

gies

, in

dica

tors

and

ta

rget

s) a

nd a

ny o

ther

stra

tegi

c pl

ans,

fram

ewor

ks o

f pol

icie

s ap

plic

able

to th

e ar

ea,

2.1.

2. S

patia

l prio

ritie

s an

d de

sire

d sp

atia

l pat

tern

s (e

.g. n

eed

for i

nteg

rate

d of

se

greg

ated

com

mun

ities

, nee

d to

upg

rade

info

rmal

set

tlem

ents

, nee

d fo

r de

nsifi

catio

n, e

tc.),

2.

1.3.

Spa

tial c

hara

cter

istic

s (e

.g. e

xist

ing

land

use

s, p

lann

ed la

nd u

ses,

cul

tura

l la

ndsc

apes

, etc

.), a

nd

2.1.

4. M

unic

ipal

Eco

nom

ic D

evel

opm

ent S

trate

gy (“

LED

Stra

tegy

”).

2.2.

Con

side

ring

the

soci

o-ec

onom

ic c

onte

xt, w

hat w

ill th

e so

cio-

econ

omic

impa

cts

be o

f the

dev

elop

men

t (an

d its

sep

arat

e el

emen

ts/a

spec

ts),

and

spec

ifica

lly a

lso

on

the

soci

o-ec

onom

ic o

bjec

tives

of t

he a

rea?

2.

2.1.

Will

the

deve

lopm

ent c

ompl

emen

t the

loca

l soc

io-e

cono

mic

initi

ativ

es (s

uch

as

loca

l eco

nom

ic d

evel

opm

ent (

LED

) ini

tiativ

es),

or s

kills

dev

elop

men

t pro

gram

s?

2.3.

How

will

this

dev

elop

men

t add

ress

the

spec

ific

phys

ical

, psy

chol

ogic

al,

deve

lopm

enta

l, cu

ltura

l and

soc

ial n

eeds

and

inte

rest

s of

the

rele

vant

com

mun

ities

? 2.

4. W

ill th

e de

velo

pmen

t res

ult i

n eq

uita

ble

(intra

- and

inte

r-gen

erat

iona

l) im

pact

di

strib

utio

n, in

the

shor

t- an

d lo

ng-te

rm?

Will

the

impa

ct b

e so

cial

ly a

nd e

cono

mic

ally

su

stai

nabl

e in

the

shor

t- an

d lo

ng-te

rm?

2.

5. In

term

s of

loca

tion,

des

crib

e ho

w th

e pl

acem

ent o

f the

pro

pose

d de

velo

pmen

t w

ill:

The

prop

osed

Com

post

ing

Faci

lity

will

crea

te s

ome

jobs

and

will

utilis

e ch

icke

n m

anur

e as

a p

rodu

ct a

nd n

ot a

was

te.

The

com

post

will

be

sold

for a

gric

ultu

ral a

nd g

arde

ning

pur

pose

s.

2.

5.1.

resu

lt in

the

crea

tion

of re

side

ntia

l and

em

ploy

men

t opp

ortu

nitie

s in

clo

se

prox

imity

to o

r int

egra

ted

with

eac

h ot

her,

2.

5.2.

redu

ce th

e ne

ed fo

r tra

nspo

rt of

peo

ple

and

good

s,

Ast

ral O

pera

tions

LTD

Fina

l Sco

ping

Rep

ort -

Org

anic

Was

te C

ompo

stin

g an

d Pe

lletis

ing/

Pel

letin

g Fa

cilit

y

26

IQS

|

Inte

grity

● Q

ualit

y ●

Ser

vice

Requ

irem

ent

Part

whe

re re

quire

men

t is

addr

esse

d/re

spon

se

2.5.

3. re

sult

in a

cces

s to

pub

lic tr

ansp

ort o

r ena

ble

non-

mot

oris

ed a

nd p

edes

trian

tra

nspo

rt (e

.g. w

ill th

e de

velo

pmen

t res

ult i

n de

nsifi

catio

n an

d th

e ac

hiev

emen

t of

thre

shol

ds in

term

s pu

blic

tran

spor

t),

The

Com

post

ing

Faci

lity

will

optim

ise

the

use

of e

xist

ing

reso

urce

s an

d in

frast

ruct

ure

in th

at c

hick

en li

tter w

hich

is g

ener

ated

will

be c

onve

rted

into

reso

urce

s at

the

poin

t of g

ener

atio

n an

d th

e av

aila

ble

for

agric

ultu

ral a

pplic

atio

ns in

the

imm

edia

te e

nviro

nmen

ts w

here

cro

p fa

rmin

g in

ter-a

lia a

pplie

s.

2.5.

4. c

ompl

imen

t oth

er u

ses

in th

e ar

ea,

2.5.

5. b

e in

line

with

the

plan

ning

for t

he a

rea,

2.

5.6.

for u

rban

rela

ted

deve

lopm

ent,

mak

e us

e of

und

erut

ilised

land

ava

ilabl

e w

ith

the

urba

n ed

ge,

2.5.

7. o

ptim

ise

the

use

of e

xist

ing

reso

urce

s an

d in

frast

ruct

ure,

2.

5.8.

opp

ortu

nity

cos

ts in

term

s of

bul

k in

frast

ruct

ure

expa

nsio

ns in

non

-prio

rity

area

s (e

.g. n

ot a

ligne

d w

ith th

e bu

lk in

frast

ruct

ure

plan

ning

for t

he s

ettle

men

t tha

t re

flect

s th

e sp

atia

l rec

onst

ruct

ion

prio

ritie

s of

the

settl

emen

t),

2.5.

9. d

isco

urag

e "u

rban

spr

awl"

and

cont

ribut

e to

com

pact

ion/

dens

ifica

tion,

2.

5.10

. con

tribu

te to

the

corre

ctio

n of

the

hist

oric

ally

dis

torte

d sp

atia

l pat

tern

s of

se

ttlem

ents

and

to th

e op

timum

use

of e

xist

ing

infra

stru

ctur

e in

exc

ess

of c

urre

nt

need

s,

2.5.

11. e

ncou

rage

env

ironm

enta

lly s

usta

inab

le la

nd d

evel

opm

ent p

ract

ices

and

pr

oces

ses,

As

out

lined

in S

ectio

n 1

of th

is re

port

the

envi

sage

d de

velo

pmen

t st

rong

ly c

ontri

bute

s to

sus

tain

able

dev

elop

men

t and

reso

urce

op

timis

atio

n as

it re

late

s to

circ

ular

eco

nom

y is

and

the

Inte

grat

ed

Was

te M

anag

emen

t Hie

rarc

hy.

Also

ple

ase

see

Sect

ion

7 of

this

R

epor

t.

2.5.

12. t

ake

into

acc

ount

spe

cial

loca

tiona

l fac

tors

that

mig

ht fa

vour

the

spec

ific

loca

tion

(e.g

. the

loca

tion

of a

stra

tegi

c m

iner

al re

sour

ce, a

cces

s to

the

port,

acc

ess

to ra

il, e

tc.),

Loca

tiona

l alte

rnat

ives

hav

e be

en d

iscu

ssed

and

a h

igh-

leve

l co

mpa

r ison

pre

sent

ed (p

leas

e re

fer t

o Se

ctio

n 4

for a

ltern

ativ

es).

2.5.

13. t

he in

vest

men

t in

the

settl

emen

t or a

rea

in q

uest

ion

will

gene

rate

the

high

est

soci

o-ec

onom

ic re

turn

s (i.

e. a

n ar

ea w

ith h

igh

econ

omic

pot

entia

l),

The

prop

osed

dev

elop

men

t will

pres

ent e

mpl

oym

ent a

nd s

ocia

l ec

onom

ic re

turn

s in

inte

lligen

t fas

hion

in a

n ar

ea w

here

chi

cken

litte

r is

gene

rate

d an

d w

here

bot

h ca

pita

l and

ope

ratio

nal i

nves

tmen

t cou

ld

bene

fit th

e lo

cal c

omm

uniti

es.

2.

5.14

. im

pact

on

the

sens

e of

his

tory

, sen

se o

f pla

ce a

nd h

erita

ge o

f the

are

a an

d th

e so

cio-

cultu

ral a

nd c

ultu

ral-h

isto

ric c

hara

cter

istic

s an

d se

nsiti

vitie

s of

the

area

, and

N

o as

pect

s on

the

site

of s

ite o

f cul

tura

l her

itage

and

arc

haeo

logi

cal

impo

rtanc

e as

it m

ay re

late

to th

e en

visa

ged

deve

lopm

ent h

as b

een

iden

tifie

d. T

echn

ical

spe

cial

ist s

tudi

es a

s en

visa

ged

for t

he E

IA p

hase

w

ill se

rve

as fi

nal v

erifi

catio

n.

2.5.

15. i

n te

rms

of th

e na

ture

, sca

le a

nd lo

catio

n of

the

deve

lopm

ent p

rom

ote

or a

ct

as a

cat

alys

t to

crea

te a

mor

e in

tegr

ated

set

tlem

ent?

M

ore

inte

grat

ed s

ettle

men

t is

not p

re-e

mpt

ed a

s a

resu

lt of

es

tabl

ishi

ng th

e C

ompo

stin

g Fa

cilit

y.

Ast

ral O

pera

tions

LTD

Fina

l Sco

ping

Rep

ort -

Org

anic

Was

te C

ompo

stin

g an

d Pe

lletis

ing/

Pel

letin

g Fa

cilit

y

27

IQS

|

Inte

grity

● Q

ualit

y ●

Ser

vice

Requ

irem

ent

Part

whe

re re

quire

men

t is

addr

esse

d/re

spon

se

2.6.

How

wer

e a

risk-

aver

se a

nd c

autio

us a

ppro

ach

appl

ied

in te

rms

of s

ocio

-ec

onom

ic im

pact

s?

2.6.

1. W

hat a

re th

e lim

its o

f cur

rent

kno

wle

dge

(not

e: th

e ga

ps, u

ncer

tain

ties

and

assu

mpt

ions

mus

t be

clea

rly s

tate

d)?

The

leve

l of r

isk

asso

ciat

ed w

ith th

e lim

its o

f cur

rent

kno

wle

dge

is

cons

ider

ed to

be

low

. In

con

side

ring

pote

ntia

l ris

ks a

void

ance

was

the

first

app

roac

h an

d w

here

avo

idan

ce w

as n

ot p

ossi

ble

optio

ns fo

r re

med

y, m

odifi

catio

n, m

inim

isat

ion

and

cont

rol w

ere

cons

ider

ed.

Ref

er to

Sec

tion

7.

2.6.

2. W

hat i

s th

e le

vel o

f ris

k (n

ote:

rela

ted

to in

equa

lity,

soc

ial f

abric

, liv

elih

oods

, vu

lner

able

com

mun

ities

, crit

ical

reso

urce

s, e

cono

mic

vul

nera

bilit

y an

d su

stai

nabi

lity)

as

soci

ated

with

the

limits

of c

urre

nt k

now

ledg

e?

2.6.

3. B

ased

on

the

limits

of k

now

ledg

e an

d th

e le

vel o

f ris

k, h

ow a

nd to

wha

t ext

ent

was

a ri

sk-a

vers

e an

d ca

utio

us a

ppro

ach

appl

ied

to th

e de

velo

pmen

t?

2.7.

How

will

the

soci

o-ec

onom

ic im

pact

s re

sulti

ng fr

om th

is d

evel

opm

ent i

mpa

ct o

n pe

ople

’s e

nviro

nmen

tal r

ight

in te

rms

follo

win

g:

No

nega

tive

impa

cts

on th

e so

cio-

econ

omy

as a

resu

lt of

the

prop

osed

W

aste

Com

post

ing

Faci

lity

have

bee

n id

entif

ied.

The

pla

nt w

ill co

ntrib

ute

to th

e so

cio-

econ

omy

in th

e ar

ea.

2.

7.1.

Neg

ativ

e im

pact

s: e

.g. h

ealth

(e.g

. HIV

-Aid

s), s

afet

y, s

ocia

l ills

, etc

. Wha

t m

easu

res

wer

e ta

ken

to fi

rstly

avo

id n

egat

ive

impa

cts,

but

if a

void

ance

is n

ot

poss

ible

, to

min

imis

e, m

anag

e an

d re

med

y ne

gativ

e im

pact

s?

2.7.

2. P

ositi

ve im

pact

s. W

hat m

easu

res

wer

e ta

ken

to e

nhan

ce p

ositi

ve im

pact

s?

Posi

tive

impa

cts

are

prim

arily

of s

ocio

-eco

nom

ic n

atur

e. T

hese

po

sitiv

e im

pact

s w

ill be

furth

er e

nhan

ced

thro

ugh

the

requ

ired

skills

tra

inin

g as

it re

late

s to

the

resp

onsi

ble

oper

atio

n of

the

Com

post

ing

Faci

lity.

2.

8. C

onsi

derin

g th

e lin

kage

s an

d de

pend

enci

es b

etw

een

hum

an w

ellb

eing

, liv

elih

oods

and

eco

syst

em s

ervi

ces,

des

crib

e th

e lin

kage

s an

d de

pend

enci

es

appl

icab

le to

the

area

in q

uest

ion

and

how

the

deve

lopm

ent’s

soc

io-e

cono

mic

im

pact

s w

ill re

sult

in e

colo

gica

l im

pact

s (e

.g. o

ver u

tilis

atio

n of

nat

ural

reso

urce

s,

etc.

)?

Hum

an w

ell-b

eing

from

a s

ocio

-eco

nom

ic p

oint

of v

iew

ove

rsha

dow

s an

y po

tent

ial i

mpa

ct o

n th

e ec

osys

tem

ser

vice

s. S

trict

ly s

peak

ing

the

use

of c

ompo

st fo

r agr

icul

tura

l pur

pose

s w

ill ad

vanc

e th

e en

viro

nmen

tal s

ervi

ce p

oten

tial o

f the

soi

ls w

here

it is

app

lied.

The

pr

elim

inar

y id

entif

ied

impa

ct o

f the

pro

pose

d C

ompo

stin

g Fa

cilit

y is

pr

esen

ted

in S

ectio

n 7

of th

is re

port.

2.

9. W

hat m

easu

res

wer

e ta

ken

to p

ursu

e th

e se

lect

ion

of th

e “b

est p

ract

icab

le

envi

ronm

enta

l opt

ion”

in te

rms

of s

ocio

-eco

nom

ic c

onsi

dera

tions

? Si

te a

nd te

chno

logi

cal a

ltern

ativ

es h

ave

been

con

side

red

as p

art o

f th

e th

ough

t pro

cess

to s

elec

t a b

est p

ract

ical

env

ironm

enta

l opt

ion

and

to a

vert

any

form

of e

nviro

nmen

tal i

njus

tice.

The

pro

pose

d pr

ojec

t al

tern

ativ

es a

nd th

eir p

oten

tial i

mpa

cts

on th

e so

cial

env

ironm

ent a

re

incl

uded

in S

ectio

n 4

of th

is re

port.

2.10

. Wha

t mea

sure

s w

ere

take

n to

pur

sue

envi

ronm

enta

l jus

tice

so th

at a

dver

se

envi

ronm

enta

l im

pact

s sh

all n

ot b

e di

strib

uted

in s

uch

a m

anne

r as

to u

nfai

rly

disc

rimin

ate

agai

nst a

ny p

erso

n, p

artic

ular

ly v

ulne

rabl

e an

d di

sadv

anta

ged

pers

ons

(who

are

the

bene

ficia

ries

and

is th

e de

velo

pmen

t loc

ated

app

ropr

iate

ly)?

Ast

ral O

pera

tions

LTD

Fina

l Sco

ping

Rep

ort -

Org

anic

Was

te C

ompo

stin

g an

d Pe

lletis

ing/

Pel

letin

g Fa

cilit

y

28

IQS

|

Inte

grity

● Q

ualit

y ●

Ser

vice

Requ

irem

ent

Part

whe

re re

quire

men

t is

addr

esse

d/re

spon

se

Con

side

ring

the

need

for s

ocia

l equ

ity a

nd ju

stic

e, d

o th

e al

tern

ativ

es id

entif

ied,

allo

w

the

“bes

t pra

ctic

able

env

ironm

enta

l opt

ion”

to b

e se

lect

ed, o

r is

ther

e a

need

for o

ther

al

tern

ativ

es to

be

cons

ider

ed?

2.11

. Wha

t mea

sure

s w

ere

take

n to

pur

sue

equi

tabl

e ac

cess

to e

nviro

nmen

tal

reso

urce

s, b

enef

its a

nd s

ervi

ces

to m

eet b

asic

hum

an n

eeds

and

ens

ure

hum

an

wel

lbei

ng, a

nd w

hat s

peci

al m

easu

res

wer

e ta

ken

to e

nsur

e ac

cess

ther

eto

by

cate

gorie

s of

per

sons

dis

adva

ntag

ed b

y un

fair

disc

rimin

atio

n?

2.12

. Wha

t mea

sure

s w

ere

take

n to

ens

ure

that

the

resp

onsi

bilit

y fo

r the

en

viro

nmen

tal h

ealth

and

saf

ety

cons

eque

nces

of t

he d

evel

opm

ent h

as b

een

addr

esse

d th

roug

hout

the

deve

lopm

ent’s

life

cyc

le?

Sect

ion

1.4

of th

is re

port

cont

ains

a d

escr

iptio

n of

the

man

ner i

n w

hich

th

e ap

plic

ant i

nten

ds to

info

rm e

mpl

oyee

s of

any

env

ironm

enta

l ris

k th

at m

ay re

sult

from

thei

r wor

k an

d th

e m

anne

r in

whi

ch ri

sks

will

be

deal

t with

in o

rder

to a

void

pol

lutio

n or

deg

rada

tion

of th

e na

tura

l en

viro

nmen

t.

2.13

. Wha

t mea

sure

s w

ere

take

n to

: D

etai

ls o

n th

e Pu

blic

Par

ticip

atio

n Pr

oces

s fo

llow

ed a

re in

clud

ed in

Se

ctio

n 8

of th

is re

port.

2.13

.1. e

nsur

e th

e pa

rtici

patio

n of

all

inte

rest

ed a

nd a

ffect

ed p

artie

s,

2.13

.2. p

rovi

de a

ll pe

ople

with

an

oppo

rtuni

ty to

dev

elop

the

unde

rsta

ndin

g, s

kills

and

ca

paci

ty n

eces

sary

for a

chie

ving

equ

itabl

e an

d ef

fect

ive

parti

cipa

tion,

2.

13.3

. ens

ure

parti

cipa

tion

by v

ulne

rabl

e an

d di

sadv

anta

ged

pers

ons,

2.

13.4

. pro

mot

e co

mm

unity

wel

lbei

ng a

nd e

mpo

wer

men

t thr

ough

env

ironm

enta

l ed

ucat

ion,

the

rais

ing

of e

nviro

nmen

tal a

war

enes

s, th

e sh

arin

g of

kno

wle

dge

and

expe

rienc

e an

d ot

her a

ppro

pria

te m

eans

, 2.

13.5

. ens

ure

open

ness

and

tran

spar

ency

, and

acc

ess

to in

form

atio

n in

term

s of

the

proc

ess,

2.

13.6

. ens

ure

that

the

inte

rest

s, n

eeds

and

val

ues

of a

ll in

tere

sted

and

affe

cted

pa

rties

wer

e ta

ken

into

acc

ount

, and

that

ade

quat

e re

cogn

ition

wer

e gi

ven

to a

ll fo

rms

of k

now

ledg

e, in

clud

ing

tradi

tiona

l and

ord

inar

y kn

owle

dge,

2.

13.7

. ens

ure

that

the

vita

l rol

e of

wom

en a

nd y

outh

in e

nviro

nmen

tal m

anag

emen

t an

d de

velo

pmen

t wer

e re

cogn

ised

and

thei

r ful

l par

ticip

atio

n th

erei

n w

ere

be

prom

oted

?

The

Publ

ic P

artic

ipat

ion

Rep

ort w

ill co

ntai

n a

list o

f Int

eres

ted

and

Affe

cted

Par

ties

iden

tifie

d, n

otifi

catio

ns fo

rwar

ded

to th

em, t

oget

her

with

a c

omm

ents

and

resp

onse

regi

ster

. D

etai

ls o

n th

e Pu

blic

Pa

rtici

patio

n Pr

oces

s fo

llow

ed a

re in

clud

ed in

Sec

tion

8 of

this

repo

rt.

2.14

. Con

side

ring

the

inte

rest

s, n

eeds

and

val

ues

of a

ll th

e in

tere

sted

and

affe

cted

pa

rties

, des

crib

e ho

w th

e de

velo

pmen

t will

allo

w fo

r opp

ortu

nitie

s fo

r all

the

segm

ents

of

the

com

mun

ity (e

.g.)

a m

ixtu

re o

f low

-, m

iddl

e-, a

nd h

igh-

inco

me

hous

ing

oppo

rtuni

ties)

that

is c

onsi

sten

t with

the

prio

rity

need

s of

the

loca

l are

a (o

r tha

t is

prop

ortio

nal t

o th

e ne

eds

of a

n ar

ea)?

Ast

ral O

pera

tions

LTD

Fina

l Sco

ping

Rep

ort -

Org

anic

Was

te C

ompo

stin

g an

d Pe

lletis

ing/

Pel

letin

g Fa

cilit

y

29

IQS

|

Inte

grity

● Q

ualit

y ●

Ser

vice

Requ

irem

ent

Part

whe

re re

quire

men

t is

addr

esse

d/re

spon

se

2.15

. Wha

t mea

sure

s ha

ve b

een

take

n to

ens

ure

that

cur

rent

and

/or f

utur

e w

orke

rs

will

be in

form

ed o

f wor

k th

at p

oten

tially

mig

ht b

e ha

rmfu

l to

hum

an h

ealth

or t

he

envi

ronm

ent o

r of d

ange

rs a

ssoc

iate

d w

ith th

e w

ork,

and

wha

t mea

sure

s ha

ve b

een

take

n to

ens

ure

that

the

right

of w

orke

rs to

refu

se s

uch

wor

k w

ill be

resp

ecte

d an

d pr

otec

ted?

Envi

ronm

enta

l aw

aren

ess

train

ing

will

be p

rovi

ded

to c

ontra

ctor

s an

d w

orke

rs o

n si

te.

The

train

ing

will

high

light

dan

gers

of c

hick

en li

tter o

n si

te a

nd th

e en

viro

nmen

tal r

isks

it c

an p

ose.

2.16

. Des

crib

e ho

w th

e de

velo

pmen

t will

impa

ct o

n jo

b cr

eatio

n in

term

s of

, am

ongs

t ot

her a

spec

ts:

Tem

pora

ry c

onst

ruct

ion

jobs

will

be c

reat

ed, a

nd lo

cal l

abou

r will

be

utilis

ed th

ere

the

nece

ssar

y sk

ills a

re a

vaila

ble.

2.16

.1. t

he n

umbe

r of t

empo

rary

ver

sus

perm

anen

t job

s th

at w

ill be

cre

ated

, 2.

16.2

. whe

ther

the

labo

ur a

vaila

ble

in th

e ar

ea w

ill be

abl

e to

take

up

the

job

oppo

rtuni

ties

(i.e.

do

the

requ

ired

skills

mat

ch th

e sk

ills a

vaila

ble

in th

e ar

ea),

2.

16.3

. the

dis

tanc

e fro

m w

here

labo

urer

s w

ill ha

ve to

trav

el,

2.16

.4. t

he lo

catio

n of

jobs

opp

ortu

nitie

s ve

rsus

the

loca

tion

of im

pact

s (i.

e. e

quita

ble

dist

ribut

ion

of c

osts

and

ben

efits

), an

d

2.16

.5. t

he o

ppor

tuni

ty c

osts

in te

rms

of jo

b cr

eatio

n (e

.g. a

min

e m

ight

cre

ate

100

jobs

, but

impa

ct o

n 10

00 a

gric

ultu

ral j

obs,

etc

.).

2.17

. Wha

t mea

sure

s w

ere

take

n to

ens

ure:

Va

rious

Gov

ernm

ent D

epar

tmen

ts w

ere

iden

tifie

d an

d in

clud

ed o

n th

e I&

AP li

st a

nd th

is fi

nal S

copi

ng R

epor

t will

be fo

rwar

ded

to th

em.

They

w

ill be

not

ified

as

the

EIA

proc

ess

take

s pl

ace

and

docu

men

ts a

re

avai

labl

e fo

r com

men

ts.

Dur

ing

the

proc

ess

all r

elev

ant e

nviro

nmen

tal

and

was

te m

anag

emen

t leg

isla

tion

and

guid

elin

es w

ere

cons

ider

ed

and

inco

rpor

ated

into

the

appl

icat

ion.

2.17

.1. t

hat t

here

wer

e in

terg

over

nmen

tal c

oord

inat

ion

and

harm

onis

atio

n of

pol

icie

s,

legi

slat

ion

and

actio

ns re

latin

g to

the

envi

ronm

ent,

and

2.

17.2

. tha

t act

ual o

r pot

entia

l con

flict

s of

inte

rest

bet

wee

n or

gans

of s

tate

wer

e re

solv

ed th

roug

h co

nflic

t res

olut

ion

proc

edur

es?

2.18

. Wha

t mea

sure

s w

ere

take

n to

ens

ure

that

the

envi

ronm

ent w

ill be

hel

d in

pub

lic

trust

for t

he p

eopl

e, th

at th

e be

nefic

ial u

se o

f env

ironm

enta

l res

ourc

es w

ill se

rve

the

publ

ic in

tere

st, a

nd th

at th

e en

viro

nmen

t will

be p

rote

cted

as

the

peop

le’s

com

mon

he

ritag

e?

Dur

ing

the

Publ

ic P

artic

ipat

ion

Proc

ess

and

the

Scop

ing

EIA

proc

ess

all i

ssue

s an

d co

ncer

ns ra

ised

by

I&AP

s, s

take

hold

ers

and

Org

ans

of

Stat

e w

ill be

inco

rpor

ated

and

resp

onse

s pr

ovid

ed.

2.19

. Are

the

miti

gatio

n m

easu

res

prop

osed

real

istic

and

wha

t lon

g-te

rm

envi

ronm

enta

l leg

acy

and

man

aged

bur

den

will

be le

ft?

The

Envi

ronm

enta

l Man

agem

ent P

rogr

amm

e w

ill co

ntai

n al

l ide

ntifi

ed

impa

cts

and

miti

gatio

n m

easu

res

as re

quire

d. T

he m

itiga

tion

mea

sure

s ai

m to

pro

tect

bot

h th

e bi

o-ph

ysic

al a

nd s

ocio

-eco

nom

ic

envi

ronm

ent i

n th

e sh

ort-

and

long

-term

. 2.

20. W

hat m

easu

res

wer

e ta

ken

to e

nsur

e th

at h

e co

sts

of re

med

ying

pol

lutio

n,

envi

ronm

enta

l deg

rada

tion

and

cons

eque

nt a

dver

se h

ealth

effe

cts

and

of p

reve

ntin

g,

cont

rollin

g or

min

imis

ing

furth

er p

ollu

tion,

env

ironm

enta

l dam

age

or a

dver

se h

ealth

ef

fect

s w

ill be

pai

d fo

r by

thos

e re

spon

sibl

e fo

r har

min

g th

e en

viro

nmen

t?

The

miti

gatio

n m

easu

res

as w

ell a

s m

onito

ring

audi

ting

and

resp

onse

to

any

adv

erse

effe

cts

will

purs

ue th

e in

tern

alis

atio

n of

pot

entia

l ex

tern

alis

ed c

osts

.

Ast

ral O

pera

tions

LTD

Fina

l Sco

ping

Rep

ort -

Org

anic

Was

te C

ompo

stin

g an

d Pe

lletis

ing/

Pel

letin

g Fa

cilit

y

30

IQS

|

Inte

grity

● Q

ualit

y ●

Ser

vice

Requ

irem

ent

Part

whe

re re

quire

men

t is

addr

esse

d/re

spon

se

2.21

. Con

side

ring

the

need

to s

ecur

e ec

olog

ical

inte

grity

and

a h

ealth

y bi

o-ph

ysic

al

envi

ronm

ent,

desc

ribe

how

the

alte

rnat

ives

iden

tifie

d (in

term

s of

all

the

diffe

rent

el

emen

ts o

f the

dev

elop

men

t and

all

the

diffe

rent

impa

cts

bein

g pr

opos

ed),

resu

lted

in th

e se

lect

ion

of th

e be

st p

ract

icab

le e

nviro

nmen

tal o

ptio

n in

term

s of

soc

io-

econ

omic

con

side

ratio

ns?

The

proj

ect a

ltern

ativ

es a

re a

ddre

ss in

Sec

tion

4 of

this

repo

rt.

2.22

. Des

crib

e th

e po

sitiv

e an

d ne

gativ

e cu

mul

ativ

e so

cio-

econ

omic

impa

cts

bear

ing

in m

ind

the

size

, sca

le, s

cope

and

nat

ure

of th

e pr

ojec

t in

rela

tion

to it

s lo

catio

n an

d ot

her p

lann

ed d

evel

opm

ents

in th

e ar

ea?

The

proj

ect p

oten

tial c

umul

ativ

e im

pact

s as

soci

ated

with

the

Com

post

ing

Faci

lity

are

addr

esse

d in

Sec

tion

7 of

this

repo

rt.




6. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

All the drawings in this section have been updated to show the boundaries of the reduced footprint of the envisaged Composting Facility.

6.1. Environmental Management Framework

The Gauteng Provincial Environmental Management Framework serves as a legal instrument towards sustainable environmental impact management in terms of the Environmental Management Framework Regulations, 2010. The purpose of the regulations is to assist environmental impact management including EIA processes, spatial planning and sustainable development. The Five Environmental Management Zones (EMZ) were identified.

The proposed project area falls within Zone 3 and Zone 4. Zone 3 (Refer to Figure 6) according to the EMF is sensitive to development activities and in several cases also have specific values that need to be protected. Conservation and related tourism and recreation activities should dominate development in this zone.

Zone 4: Normal control zone (Refer to Figure 6). This zone is dominated by agricultural uses outside the urban development zone. Agricultural and rural development that support agriculture should be promoted.

The envisaged Composting Facility therefore is aligned with the zone 4 normal control zone that can be used for agricultural and rural development.

Figure 6: Site area indicated on Environmental Management Zone Map. Source: DEA, Environmental Management Framework Report, 2014.




6.2. Biophysical Environment

6.2.1. Current Land Use The study area is impacted by historical and current anthropogenic activities (mainly agriculture). The predominant land uses identified on the day of the assessment for the study area include, inter alia land occupied by agricultural infrastructure (such as feedlots and product storage areas).

6.2.2. Climate

The study area in question occurs within the Gauteng Highveld, the climate of which is typically mild, or cool to moderate, with warm, wet summers and cool dry winters. The average minimum and maximum temperatures recorded for the region are 3°C and 27°C respectively, with the summer maximum averaging 26°C, the winter maximum averaging 9.8°C. The winter months (June to August) are characterised by intermittent cold spells, especially during July and August, and occasionally during September.

The rainy season occurs roughly from October to March with an average rainfall of 700 mm being recorded, although this varies from 559 mm to 960 mm. The vast majority of the rainfall occurs in the form of short-duration, high-intensity thunderstorms, with extreme weather conditions (hail, fog and snow) rarely occurring. The average relative humidity throughout the year can range from 38-69%.

The winter air is typically dry, with the long clear nights and the absence of wind resulting in the occurrence of frost on average 30 days per year.

6.2.3. Topography

The topography for the region wherein the existing plant (and proposed upgrade) is located, consists of hills, ridges and undulating plains with low to moderate relief, forming the southern extremity of the Springbok Flats and rising to levels of between 1450 m and 1600 m above sea level. The study area itself is flat and the region can be described as gently rolling countryside with the Magaliesberg quartzite ridge to the north.

6.2.4. Ecological Sensitivity

According to the Gauteng Conservation Plan (C-Plan) the entire farm falls within an Ecological Support Area Refer to Figure 7 (Refer to Appendix C for A3 size map). Although most of the natural vegetation in the study area has been transformed completely by agriculture, listed activities under GN R. No. 324 (Listing Notice 3) has been included in this application.




Figure 7: Gauteng Conservation Plan

Vegetation Types

The site traverses the Rand Highveld Grassland according to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) which stretches from east Tshwane, eastwards past Delmas and Bronkhorstspruit and northwards towards Marble Hall.

The conservation status of this vegetation type is Endangered as it is poorly conserved in small reserves such as Bronkhorstspruit and Boskop Dam nature reserves.

The main land uses that has altered this vegetation type are cultivation, plantations and dam building.

Endangered Ecosystems (as per Section 52 NEMBA)

In Notice GN 1002 in section 52 of National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (No 10 of 2004), all the ecosystems are listed that are nationally threatened and in need of protection.

The site is not affected by Endangered Ecosystems.

Protected Areas

The site does not affect any formally protected areas.




Birds

The habitats presented on the site for birds included grassland, exotic woodland and open water habitat. Common grassland species were recorded in the grazing areas such as larks and lapwings, and several water birds were recorded on an around the dam such as ducks, weavers and herons. Tall exotic trees that occur on the site are likely to provide habitat to small raptor species and should therefore ideally not be removed.

Potential Impacts and mitigation

Floral Biodiversity

The proposed development is located on a piece of property which supports no original natural vegetation. The vegetation is therefore described as “altered” implying that the original species were replaced by a new set of hardy species more resilient to grazing and trampling. These species include a small diversity of grass and mostly weedy forb species. The proposed developments are therefore unlikely to have an impact on the biodiversity of the site. No sensitive or indigenous trees are threatened by the development.

Mitigation measures:

Where possible, no trees should be removed from the site. Should trees need to be removed, they should be replaced with indigenous trees species local to the area e.g.

Any rehabilitation effort should include rehabilitation with an indigenous mix of grass species.

Floral species of conservation concern

Altered grassland further has a low probability to support species of conservation value. In addition, a part of the site has already been altered by historically built chicken coops, which has altered the vegetation also in this area.

Common faunal species

Limited faunal species or signs of fauna were observed on site. This may be due to the altered habitat as well as cattle and vehicle movement in the area. Common faunal species will however still roam through the predominantly rural landscape despite the altered habitats. Large exotic trees must be retained where possible as they may provide roosting habitat for small to medium raptor species. Workers on site should not trap or hunt fauna on or around the site.


Should any fauna be encountered on site during development, they must be appropriately relocated into the neighbouring natural areas. Species that could be encountered include snakes and hedgehogs;

Tall trees (including exotic trees) must be retained on site. Before construction starts, construction workers should be educated with regards to

illegal animal trapping.




Fauna of Conservation concern

Threatened faunal species are more habitat sensitive. They are often associated with intact ecosystems. They are unlikely to occur on the site. The closest unique or relatively natural habitat to the site, is the wetland habitats that were observed below the dam wall and towards the stream. These areas are however more than 200 meters away from the site and will only be affected if stormwater runoff quality deteriorates.


Both the construction and the operational phases must include a stormwater management strategy that address potential impacts on the downhill ecology.

Connectivity of habitats

The proposed development is unlikely to affect the connectivity habitats, due to the presence of rural land around the proposed development area. This implies that faunal species that are displaced by development activities can disperse into surrounding natural land if threatened.

Ecological Support Areas (ESA)

No ESA’s identified in the Gauteng spatial database, will be directly affected by the development.

Construction activities and operational phase

Construction activities will have a variety of impacts on the fauna and flora of the site as well as on the surrounding area. Construction or operational large vehicles are likely to impact on the neighboring land if not controlled. Soil disturbance or vegetation disturbance that is not rehabilitated, will give rise to the establishment of exotic plants.


In the construction and the operational phases, the construction camp and work areas need to be clearly demarcated to prevent activities spilling over onto other pieces of land;

Waste and litter management strategies must be in place to contain waste and litter to the development site;

Topsoil must be conserved if it needs to be removed for the development; and Drip trays must be available on site to prevent soil pollution from leaking trucks.




Figure 8 obtained from the SANBI database indicates that the site is vulnerable. As mentioned previously the site has been previously disturbed by agricultural activities and no ecological sensitivity is present.

Figure 8: SANBI Ecological Sensitivity




6.2.5. Agricultural Potential The study area is significantly impacted by historical and current anthropogenic activities (mainly agriculture). The predominant land uses identified on the day of the assessment for the study area include, inter alia:

Land under cultivation (the majority); Small patches of remaining natural vegetation; Land occupied by agricultural infrastructure (such as feedlots and product storage

areas); and Little residential land uses (mainly farmsteads and developments on smallholdings.

Figure 9 below according to GDARD has medium agricultural potential but the site photographs depicted in Figure 2 indicates that the project area is occupied by existing feedlots and previous agricultural activities.

Figure 9: Gauteng Agricultural Potential




6.2.6. Plant Species

Figure 10 with data obtained from the GDARD database indicates that the project site has plant species that are of a medium sensitivity. A site visit and photographs in Figure 2 indicates that the site has been previous disturbed and there are no sensitive plant species located in the proposed project area.

Figure 10: Plant Species Sensitivity




6.2.7. Animal Species Sensitivity

According to the environmental screening and Figure 11 obtained from the GDARD database the proposed project site is located in animal species sensitive area. The proposed project site was previous utilised for agricultural activities and no medium or high animal species are present on the site. The bulk of the project area consists of cattle feeding lots and old chicken houses with related infrastructure.

Figure 11: Animal Species Theme Sensitivity




6.2.8. Soils

Figure 12 below indicates freely drained soils but as mentioned above the site has been disturbed by previous agricultural practices.

Figure 12: Soils




6.2.9. Wetlands

Figure 13 and Figure 14 indicates the National Wetlands according to the GDARD database. Several artificial wetlands are shown to the north and east of the site. They correspond to farm dams and WWTW with Rank 6 status which refers to wetlands with no known biodiversity importance.

The footprint of the Compost Recovery Plant is potentially limited only by the 50 m buffer zone of a small wetland along the northern site boundary. It is possible that future analysis of soil and water chemistry may show this wetland to be the result of outflow from French drains or stormwater from residences upslope. Although this buffer zone should be kept undeveloped until such time as the wetland is shown to be artificial, the proposed compost recovery plant is unlikely to affect this wetland since it is located upslope of the site.

Implementation of the stormwater management plan as developed (to be included in the draft EIA Report as per regulatory prescriptions) for the Composting Facility should ensure that any polluted runoff does not leave the premises. Appropriate independent water quality monitoring Osspruit. Should demonstrate compliance to this requirement.

Figure 13: National Wetlands




Figure 14: NFEPA Wetlands




6.2.10. Stormwater Management

The total area analyzed in the stormwater master planning is 63 ha. The general fall of the site towards the south-east at an average slope of 3%. The site is currently undeveloped and is not affected by any floodlines.

The total area contributing stormwater runoff was determined by analysing the higher-lying areas around the development. The existing natural ground contours were examined to identify key ridges and valleys that define the existing drainage basins in the area. It was determined that a ridge along the northern boundaries of D4 and D5 delineates the drainage basins such that: the area south of the ridge will contribute to the stormwater runoff in the development. The Catchment D6 to the east also generates runoff that flows towards the development site, which was also determined from the natural ground contours.

Runoff generated from the composting areas (D1.1 and D3) will be considered ‘dirty water’ and the runoff generated within the redundant chicken housing area (D2) will at present be considered ‘clean water’.

The site lies between the rainfall stations, Welbekend (0513836W) and Blesbokfontein (0514537W). The Mean Annual Precipitation (MAP) was determined by interpolating between the stations, and was found to be is 710 mm. The number of days thunder is heard in this region is 60. The aforementioned is required to determine the stormwater runoff generated within the site using the Rational Method.

Figure 15: Proposed Catchment Areas




6.2.11. Hydrocensus

A hydrocensus was conducted across the project area during December 2020. The survey included the proposed development area and adjacent properties and concentrated on identifying existing boreholes to enhance the knowledge of the groundwater systems and current groundwater use.

6.2.12. Groundwater

Groundwater Abstract (Pty) Ltd (hereinafter GWA) was appointed to assist with the groundwater assessment.

The aquifer system underlying the site is classified as minor, which can be defined as an aquifer system that is composed of rocks not having a high primary permeability (Shangoni, 2020). The extent of the aquifer is limited and the water quality variable, but they are important for local supply and supporting base flow for rivers.

There are no boreholes on the proposed Astral development site. Subsequently all interpretations and conclusions are based on borehole information from surrounding properties.

Figure 16: Study Area




The groundwater level below surface varied between 1.18 m bgl (borehole AS18), and 8.56 m below surface (borehole AS08) and confirms a groundwater flow direction from southwest to northeast.

The identified boreholes in the area serve as only water supply source to most of the landowners.

Based on the SANS 241 Drinking Water Guideline, the following conclusions were drawn:

1. Health effects: i. E. coli – E. coli counts of 1 and 640 units per 100 ml were recorded for

boreholes AS03 and AS22 respectively – no E. coli should be present. Escherichia coli is a specific indicator of faecal pollution which originates from humans or warm-blooded animals. These enterobacteria can be transmitted via the oral route and may cause diseases such as gastroenteritis.

Borehole AS03 is an upstream control sample (approximately 2 km southwest from the proposed Astral site) and the E. coli count possibly relates to cattle movement near the borehole.

Borehole AS22 is at Oxbow Country Estate (approximately 2 km downstream from the proposed Astral site) and the borehole is close to the main Estate complex and residential units. Oxbow Country Estate is also next to the Osspruit and in the lowest topographical point in the Farm Boschkop study area. The high E. coli count possibly relates to a combination of on-site impacts, plus commercial / agricultural activities upstream / to the west.

ii. Fluoride – boreholes AS14 and AS22 have a high fluoride concentration (16.2 and 1.95 mg/L respectively), compared to 1.5 mg/L allowed. Elevated fluoride concentrations are often associated with intrusive formations.

2. Operational effects: i. Total Coliforms – Total coliform bacteria are common in the environment (soil

or vegetation) and are generally harmless. High Total Coliform counts were observed in borehole AS22; borehole at Oxbow Country Estate.

ii. Total Hardness – High total hardness levels were measured for boreholes AS03 and AS22 and relate to elevated Calcium concentrations in the groundwater.

High bacterial counts and high fluoride concentrations are the chemicals of concern currently associated with the Farm Boschkop 543-JR project area (properties / boreholes surrounding the proposed Astral site), based on the list of parameters used for the water quality analysis during the December 2020 hydrocensus. Most salts and metals were present in concentrations below the SANS241 drinking water guideline limits.




Based on the SANS241 guideline and on the sampled borehole water results, the groundwater sampled from the 3 boreholes are not fit for human consumption, unless treated. The 3 boreholes sampled are:

Borehole AS 03 – approximately 2 kilometres southwest from the proposed Astral site. On Festive Chicken / Astral property. Used as an upstream sample point.

Borehole AS 14 – approximately 1.3 kilometres southeast. On property of Mr. Jannie Vermeulen. Used as a downstream sample point and next to Osspruit.

Borehole AS 22 – approximately 2 kilometres southeast. On Oxbow Country Estate property. Used as a downstream sample point.

The groundwater sampling points were randomly selected and based on local catchment and possible groundwater flow characteristics.

6.2.13. Geology

The project area is located on The Silverton Formation shales which are rich in carbon and pyrite and show cross-bedding. Brown to khaki-weathering shales is stratigraphically below the Magaliesberg Formation. These shales are visible in road cuttings. The Silverton shale Formation is the thickest of all the shale formations of the Pretoria Group (300-3000 m). It forms wide valleys and when changed to hornfels it can be used for roof coverings (Visser 1989).

The shale formation is stable in general. No seismic risk is anticipated.

Figure 17: Geology




6.2.14. Civil Aviation Sensitivity

According to the environmental screening and Figure 18 obtained from the GDARD database the proposed project site is located in a civil aviation sensitive area. The Kitty Hawk Aerodrome airfield is 15.5 km from the site and no structures or infrastructure with heights of significance will be established as part of the proposed Composting Facility.

The Bio2Watt waste to energy plant is approximately 1.4 km north east of the envisaged site with infrastructure of more significance in respect of the aerodromes. The Bio2Watt Facility is operated with the necessary environmental authorisations.

Figure 18: Civil Aviation Theme Sensitivity




6.2.15. Defence Theme Sensitivity

According to the environmental screening and Figure 19 obtained from the GDARD database the proposed project site is located in a low defence theme sensitivity.

Figure 19: Defence Theme Sensitivity




6.3. Social Environment

6.3.1. Surrounding Land Uses The surrounding land use activities of the proposed project comprise mainly of agricultural activities (cattle and chicken feedlots).

6.3.2. Population The proposed project falls within the Tshwane, Gauteng Province. Tshwane's 2020 population is now estimated at 2,565,660. Tshwane has grown by 484,423 since 2015, which represents a 4.27% annual change. These population estimates and projections come from the latest revision of the UN World Urbanization Prospects. These estimates represent the Urban agglomeration of Tshwane, which typically includes Tshwane's population in addition to adjacent suburban areas. (Source: https://worldpopulationreview.com/world-cities/pretoria-population)

Tshwane is a city located in the Gauteng Province in South Africa. Tshwane is one of three capital cities in the country and is the seat of the government’s executive branch. As of 2016, the urban area of Tshwane has a population of 2.125 million.

The South African city of Tshwane is not just one of the country’s capitals, but it also is the center of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. The city itself has over 700,000 inhabitants, while the much-larger urban area has a population of 2,125,000. Tshwane has built a reputation around higher education and research, as it is the home of three universities and hosts the South African Bureau of Standards.

The proposed development falls within City of Tshwane Ward 101 (79900101) with an estimated population of 30 368 according to the South African Census of 2011. The area consists of approximately 557.9 square kilometres with 54.4 people per square kilometre.

6.3.3. Tshwane Size and Population Density

The city of Tshwane occupies 687.54 kilometers squared (265.46 square miles). The population density comes to approximately 1,100 residents per square kilometer (2,800 residents per square mile).

6.3.4. Tshwane Demographics

Tshwane is located north of Johannesburg and lies between the Bushveld and Highveld. It stretches across approximately 1,644 kilometers. The city itself has a population that exceeds 700,000, and the urban population exceeds 2 million.

According to data from 2011, the primary ethnicity was white, comprising 52.5% of the population. Black Africans accounted for 42% of the population, followed by Coloured at 2.5%, Indian or Asian at 1.9% and Other at 1.2%. This is a significant change from 2001 data, which had Whites listed as 67.7% of the population and Black Africans accounting for




just 24.5%. When the township populations are considered, whites become a minority in Tshwane, although the city still has the largest white population in sub-Sahara Africa.

The primary language spoken in the area is Afrikaans. Other languages include Sepedi, Xitsonga, Sesotho and English, amongst others. The religion is varied across the area, and Pretoria is the site of churches, mosques, synagogues and a Jewish temple. In addition to being the seat of the country’s executive branch of government, the de facto capital city also hosts foreign embassies, and has the second largest number of embassies in the world behind the United States. The city is the site of many official government offices, including the office of South Africa’s president, which is located in the Union Building. Pretoria is considered a major commercial and industrial center, and its main industries include manufacturing in railroads, automobile and machinery and iron and steel casting.

6.3.5. Tshwane Population Growth

Because of its role in politics and its thriving industries, the population of Tshwane is expected to grow at a steady rate over the next few decades. The 2016 population of 2.1 million is estimated to climb to 2.3 million in 2020, while it is expected to exceed 2.7 million by 2030.

6.4. Phase 1 Archaeological Impact Assessment

Mr Tobias Cronje conducted a Phase 1 Archaeological Impact Assessment during January 2021 on the proposed development site. The Environmental Screening Tool Report identifies the south-eastern and south-western corners of the demarcated study area as highly sensitive in terms of archaeological and cultural heritage. However, no heritage sites were observed during the pedestrian survey and no structures exceeding 60 years of age appear on historical aerial images and topographical maps as the area appears to have been associated with crop cultivation since at least 1939, thereby disturbing the archaeological context. Therefore, this area can be regarded as having a low sensitivity in terms of archaeological and cultural heritage.

Due to no visible heritage material exceeding 60 years of age within the demarcated project area and subject to the approval by SAHRA, the proposed construction of the Composting Facility may continue. Should skeletal remains be exposed during development and construction phases, all activities must be suspended and the relevant heritage resources authority contacted. Also, should culturally significant material be discovered during the course of the said development, all activities must be suspended pending further investigation by a qualified archaeologist.

Recommendations

The following recommendations are made in order to avoid the destruction of heritage remains on the area demarcated for the development of the Composting Facility:




Because archaeological artefacts generally occur below surface, the possibility exists that culturally significant material may be exposed during the development and construction phases, in which case all activities must be suspended pending further archaeological investigations by a qualified archaeologist. Also, should skeletal remains be exposed during development and construction phases, all activities must be suspended and the relevant heritage resources authority contacted.

Should the need arise to expand the proposed development beyond the surveyed areas outlined in this study, the following applies: A qualified archaeologist must conduct a full Phase 1 Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA) on the sections beyond the demarcated area that will be affected by the development in order to determine the occurrence and extent of any archaeological sites and the impact development might have on these sites.

The revised site boundary includes a small section towards the north of the fenced-off area that was not surveyed. Although the presence of culturally significant material is unlikely due to past cultivation, care should be exercised when developing in this vicinity. It is advised that a qualified archaeologist be contacted whenever uncertainty regarding potential heritage remains are encountered.

No sites of heritage importance were observed on the demarcated surveyed portion of Portion 13 of the Farm Boschkop 543 JR. From a heritage point of view, development may proceed on the demarcated project area, subject to the abovementioned conditions, recommendations and approval by the South African Heritage Resources Agency.

6.5. Palaeontology

Dr H Fourie conducted a desktop palaeontology assessment on the proposed development site. Should fossil material be discovered during the course of the development (e. g. during bedrock excavations), this must be safeguarded, where feasible in situ, and reported to a palaeontologist or to the Heritage Resources authority. In situations where the area is considered paleontologically sensitive (e. g. Karoo Supergroup Formations, ancient marine deposits in the interior or along the coast) the palaeontologist might need to monitor all newly excavated bedrock. The developer needs to give the palaeontologist sufficient time to assess and document the finds and, if necessary, to rescue a representative sample.

All the land involved in the development was assessed and none of the property is unsuitable for development.

6.6. Air Quality

The proposed composting and pelletising / pelleting activities will have a low impact on the air quality of the immediate area. Odour from the composting plant may however create nuisances and for this reason the composting plant will be meticulously monitored and operated to maintain aerobic conditions and minimise odours impacts. Fast growing perennial trees will also be selected and established to curtail odour impacts.




7. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT

7.1. Potential Environmental Issues and Impacts

The environmental issues and resulting impacts that have been identified for all phases of the project are provided in the Table 4 and Table 5 below. These identified impacts will be further assessed during the EIA phase and appropriate mitigation measures will be recommended in order to reduce the significance of these potential impacts.

Table 4: Issues and impacts identified in the design and construction phase of the proposed development

Proposed Activity Before Mitigation

After Mitigation

Assessment

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PHASE IMPACTS

Potential soil disturbances and erosion Medium Low EIA

Stormwater Management to prevent surface and ground water pollution

Medium Low EIA

Composting surface area preparation to prevent unacceptable ground water pollution

Medium Low EIA

Table 5: Environmental impacts identified in the operational phase of the proposed development


After Mitigation

Assessment

OPERATIONAL PHASE IMPACTS

Odour from the storage and decomposition of the compost Medium Low EIA

Groundwater and surface water pollution from waste generated during storage

Medium Low EIA

Nuisances due to sub-optimal operations Medium Low EIA

Mechanical noise during compost operations Medium Low EIA

POSITIVE IMPACTS

Job creation Highly Positive EIA

Advancing circular economies Highly Positive EIA





After Mitigation

Assessment

Converting chicken litter waste into a resource for beneficial use

Highly Positive EIA

Transfer of skills and training of local people Highly Positive EIA

CUMULATIVE IMPACT

Odour impacts: Composting Facility, Bio2Watt Biogas Facility and animal feedlots on adjacent farm portions.

Medium Low EIA

7.2. Cumulative Impact

It is extremely challenging to accurately predict and manage cumulative impacts for reasons such a synergistic and antagonistic (oversimplified) impact, complexity of ecological processes and need for historical and baseline environmental data.

Sources contributing to cumulative impacts in the immediate area are from:

The Bio2Watt Biogas Facility;

Conradie Composting Facility; and

Beefcor Feedlot.

Comments from the IAPs reflected their concerns regarding the current impacts from the above operations.

The Bio2Watt Biogas and Conradie Composting Facilities are operated and monitored in terms of the provisions of their licences and in this regard their impacts should be conformant. It is against this background that the envisaged Composting Facility will be developed operated and monitored in terms of prescribed standards set by the relevant legislation and best practises to appropriately protect the environment. Furthermore, Astral is a highly esteemed company with well-developed sustainable policies and practises.

8. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

The Public Participation Process (PPP) for Astral’s proposed Composting Facility has been developed to address stakeholder requirements for engagement and to ensure compliance with the environmental regulatory requirements.

The PPP provides Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) with the opportunity to consider the proposed project, to submit the needed comments and to receive feedback from the independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) and proponent.




I&APs represent relevant sectors of society and various relevant organs of state. It also highlights the next steps as part of the environmental regulatory process.

8.1. Public Participation Process Objectives

The PPP objectives for the environmental regulatory process are listed below:

To ensure that I&APs are informed about the proposed project;

To provide I&APs opportunity to provide comment on the proposed project;

To utilise local knowledge and identifying environmental and social concerns associated with the proposed project;

To involve I&APs in identifying methods in which concerns can be addressed;

To provide opportunity for stakeholder to verify that comments have been accurately recorded; and

To comply with the legal requirements.

8.2. Phases of Consultation

As part of the PPP the three phases of consultation during the environmental regulatory process are detailed below:

8.2.1. Scoping Phase

During the Scoping Phase, the following core PPP activities will be undertaken:

Stakeholders are identified;

Background Information Letter (BIL) and letters will be distributed together with the placement of adverts and site notices;

The final environmental scoping report and associated documentation will be made available for public comment;

Consultation with I&APs will be conducted as required once their interest has been established during the public participation process; and

The application is currently in the Final Scoping Report phase and comments have been received. All comments and responses received during this phase are captured in the Comments and Responses Report (CRR) in the Public Participation Report that is appended in Appendix B.

8.2.2. Impact Assessment Phase

For the Impact Assessment Phase the following main PPP activities will be conducted:

Opportunity will be provided to I&APs to comment on specialist findings, impacts assessments and recommendations;




Feedback will be obtained on the specialist studies conducted and mitigation measures proposed;

I&APs verified if comments were accurately recorded and responded to.

8.2.3. Decision-making Phase

With completion of the Impact Assessment Phase all registered IAPs will be notified of the relevant competent authorities’ decisions about the proposed project.

8.3. Methodology

The proposed methodology implemented for the PPP is in-line with the prescribed environmental regulatory legislation and set out in further detail below.

8.3.1. Scoping Phase

Identification of Stakeholders

To ensure a proper representation of stakeholders interested in or affected by the proposed project, the following identification methods will be used to develop a stakeholder database:

Windeed and desktop searches were conducted in and around the project area to verify land ownership and obtain contact details;

Responses will be received from newspaper advertisement and site notices;

Responses will be received from distribution of the Background Information Letter (BIL); and

Telephonic and one-on-one consultations with landowners and land occupiers have been done to identify additional I&APs.

Stakeholders for the proposed project are grouped into the following categories: Government: National, Provincial, District and Local authorities;

Landowners: Directly affected and surrounding landowners; and

Business: small and medium enterprises and formal organisations.

Directly affected and adjacent landowners for the proposed project are included in Table 6 below:

Table 6: Directly Affected and Adjacent Landowners

Farm and Portions Landowners

Portion 14 and 21 of the Farm Boschkop 543 Conradie Organics / JP Conradie Boerdery

Portion 18 of the Farm Boschkop 543 Tlotlo Mkhululi Maphosa Trust

Portion 17 of the Farm Boschkop 543 Beefcor






Portion 3 of the Farm Boschkop 543 H & P Smith Boerdery (Pty) Ltd

Remaining extent of the farm Boschkop 543 JR

Bio2Watt

Portion 10 of the Farm Boschkop 543 Oxbow Country Estate

Public Participation Media

The legislative requirements indicate that specific media / materials be utilised as part of the PPP. Over and above the legislative requirements, the following media have been utilised for the PPP to inform stakeholders of the proposed project.

Landowner Notification Letter: a letter informing directly affected landowners and/or occupiers was developed and emailed. The letter provided a broad overview of the proposed project, environmental legislation and the independent EAP. The proof of distribution to directly affected landowners/occupiers accompanied the NEMA application to the competent authority; the GDARD.

Background Information Letter (BIL): included the location and a project description, legislative processes and requirements that was followed, specialist studies that have been conducted, list of competent authorities, triggered listed activities in terms of NEMA and the consultation / registration process with contact details of the EAP.

Newspaper Advertisements: an English newspaper advert was placed in The Bronkhorstspruit Streek Nuus on 27 November 2020. The advertisements included a brief project description, applicable legislation, competent authorities, details of the appointed EAP and information about availability of the Scoping report for public comment and details about the public meeting.

Site Notices: English site notices were put up at various places. These site notices contained a brief project description, information about the required legislation, competent authorities, details of the appointed EAP and information about availability of the Scoping report for public comment.

Progress Emails: Emails to announce availability of the relevant reports for public comment.




Figure 20: Location of Site Notices Erected

Although the site footprint has now been reduced due to servitude limitations previously referred to the said site is still part of the original site location only as a reduced area and therefore the site notices as originally erected still applies.

Comments and Responses

Comments have been received from the following I&APs:

Boschkop Community Association;

Bronkhorstspruit Catchment Forum; and

Beefcor.

Responses to these comments have been tabulated in a register and forms part of the Public Participation Report (Appendix B)

These comments in brief are as follows:

The volumes of chicken litter to be processed relative to the threshold values stipulated in GNR 921 of 11 October 2017;

The impact of the envisaged the Composting Facility in contributing to cumulative impacts;

The alleged pathogenic nature of compost and risks related hereto;




Dust generation and its management due to increased traffic bringing chicken litter from outside to the envisaged Composting Facility;

The classification of chicken litter assuming that it is hazardous; and

Limitations regarding the potential locations of the Composting Facility because of existing servitudes.

9. PLAN OF STUDY FOR THE EIA PHASE

The purpose for defining a Plan of Study is to guide the contents of specialist assessments during the EIA phase in order to define impacts and mitigation that will sustainably manage these impacts within acceptable environmental limits.

9.1. Preparation of the EIA Report

The main purpose of this Final Scoping Report is to gather and evaluate environmental information which will provide sufficient supporting motivation to identify potential impacts, specialist studies required, mitigation measures to be considered for collective resolution during the EIA phase to follow.

9.2. Alternatives to be Assessed

Based on the initial assessment of alternatives included in the final Scoping Report, the following alternatives will be assessed in the EIA Phase:

No-Go Alternative; Preferred Alternative; and Process Alternative.

9.3. Specialist Studies

The Final Scoping Report presents the regulatory requirements for the development, environmental sensitivities and as a result hereof specialist studies that need to be conducted during the EIA phase. The environmental screening tool in terms of Section 24(5)(h) of GN 42561 of 5 July 2019 of the National Environmental Management Act 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) have been used to identify environmental sensitivities.




The environmental screening tool has highlighted the following environmental sensitivities:

Table 7: Environmental Sensitivities identified using the Environmental Screening Tool

Environmental

Sensitivity

Very High

Sensitivity

High Sensitivity Medium

Sensitivity

Low Sensitivity

Agricultural X

Animal Species X

Aquatic

Biodiversity

X

Archaeological

and Cultural

Heritage

X

Civil Aviation X

Relative Defence X

Plant Species X

Terrestrial

Biodiversity

X

The Plan of Study will therefore include the following specialist studies:

Ecological Assessment;

Phase 1 Archaeological Impact Assessment;

Paleontological Impact Assessment;

Stormwater Management Plan;

Wetland Assessment; and

Groundwater Assessment.

In addition to the above, a stormwater management plan as well as a high-level Operational Plan and Environmental Management Plan will be presented in the Draft EIA Report.

Key issues relating to potential environmental impacts will further be identified and addressed in consultation with the Interested and Affected Parties (I&AP’s).




9.4. Impact Assessment Methodology

To assess the impacts effectively, the project will be divided into three phases: Pre-construction, Construction and Operational phases. The assessments will be conducted as stated below:

Identification of key issues; Analysis of the activities relating to the proposed development; Assessment of the potential impacts arising from the activities, without mitigation;

and Investigation of the relevant mitigation measures, as well as an assessment of their

effectiveness in alleviating impacts.

9.5. Mitigation and Management

Mitigation measures should be recommended in order to enhance benefits and minimise negative impacts. The following should be addressed:

Mitigation objectives; Recommended mitigation measures; Effectiveness of mitigations measures; and Recommended monitoring and evaluation programme (EMPr).

9.6. Cumulative Impact Management

The existing farming- and waste management activities on adjacent farm portions contribute to the local cumulative impacts. The proposed Composting Facility will contribute to potential impacts. Mitigation measures in respect of cumulative impacts management will be further presented in the Draft EIA Report.

9.7. Environmental Management Programme (EMPr)

The EMPr informs the Applicant and the technical team of the guidelines which will need to be followed during construction and operation to ensure that there are no lasting or cumulative negative impacts of the construction process on the environment. This includes:

The standards and guidelines that must be achieved in terms of environmental legislation;

Mitigation measures and environmental specifications which must be implemented for all phases of the project to minimise the extent of environmental impacts, to manage environmental impacts and where possible to improve the condition of the environment;

Guidance through method statements that are required to be implemented to achieve the environmental specifications;

Corrective actions that must be taken in the event of non-compliance with the specifications of the EMPr; and

Measures to prevent long-term or permanent environmental degradation.




10. CONCLUSION The final Scoping Report for the proposed Composting Facility is based on presently available information and present the following key outcomes:

The sensitivity of the environment associated with the Composting Facility has been identified assessed using the Environmental Screening developed by the DEA;

Legislation relevant to the proposed project has been identified; In view of the regulatory requirements of legislation and the sensitivity of the

environment the required studies have been identified for completion by the specialists in the following EIA phase;

A Plan of Study for the subsequent EIA phase has been presented; A Needs and Desirability assessment has been performed; Alternatives in respect of site location and composting as presented in the Draft

Scoping Report have been amended; All stakeholders were identified and will be afforded adequate opportunity to

comment on the final Scoping Report; IAPs Comments and responses; and GDARD comments and resolution.

Zelda van Wyk

Environmental Consultant

Leon Bredenhann

Director




Appendix A: A3 Drawings

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Appendix B: Public Participation Report

IQS Holdings (Pty) Ltd. Company Reg. No. 2016/185594/07. 64 Halepensis Street, Lynnwood Ridge, Pretoria, 0081

Tel: +27 82 808 0502, [email protected]

Directors: L Bredenhann

April 2021

For: Astral Operations Ltd

Report: Public Participation Report for the Astral Organic Waste Composting and Pelletising/Pelleting Facility


Public Participation Report for the Astral Organic Waste Composting and Pelletising/Pelleting Facility

i IQS | Integrity ● Quality ● Service

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. OBJECTIVE ................................................................................................................. 1

2. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 1

3. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS OBJECTIVES .................................................... 1

3.1. Scoping Phase ........................................................................................................ 2

3.2. Impact Assessment Phase ...................................................................................... 2

3.3. Decision-making Phase ........................................................................................... 2

4. METHODOLOGY ......................................................................................................... 2

4.1. Identification of Stakeholders ................................................................................... 2

4.1.1. Public Participation Media ....................................................................................... 3

4.1.2. Consultation with Stakeholders ............................................................................... 4

4.2. Impact Assessment Phase ...................................................................................... 5

4.2.1. Public Participation Media ....................................................................................... 6

5. RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................................ 6

6. CONCLUSIONS ........................................................................................................... 6

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Directly Affected and Adjacent Landowners ............................................................ 3

Table 2: Public Participation Scoping Phase Activities .......................................................... 4

Table 3: Interested and Affected Parties Comments Summary – Bronkhorstspruit Catchment Forum ................................................................................................................................... 5

Table 4: Interested and Affected Parties Comments Summary – Manley Manley Inc. ........... 7

Table 5: Interested and Affected Parties Comments Summary – Boschkop Community Association ......................................................................................................................... 13



ii IQS | Integrity ● Quality ● Service

Table 6: Interested and Affected Parties Comments Summary – Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development ..................................................................................... 14

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A: Stakeholder Database

Appendix B: I&AP Correspondence

Appendix C: Public Participation Correspondence

Appendix D: Comment and Response Report




1. OBJECTIVE

The objective of this report is to provide a summary of the:

Public Participation Process to date as undertaken for the Astral Operations LTD (Astral) Organic Waste Composting and Pelletising/Pelleting Facility;

Comments received from the IAPs and the EAP’s Responses hereto; and to

Provide recommendations.

2. INTRODUCTION

The Public Participation Process (PPP) for Astral Operations LTD (Astral) proposed Organic Waste Composting and Pelletising/Pelleting Facility has been structured to conform to the regulatory requirements in this regard and as a consequence give effect to stakeholder requirements for engagement.

The proposed development includes scheduled activities under the 2014 EIA Regulations as well as activities listed in terms of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act 59 of 2008) as amended (NEM:WA) resulting in the need for Environmental Authorisation (EA) from the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD). Proposed activities listed in terms of National Water Act, 1998 (Act 37 of 1998) (NWA) will require a Water Use License (WUL) to be administered by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).

Activities applied for under NEM:WA include GN R No. 921, Category B, Activities 3, 6 and 10 requiring Environmental Authorisation Environmental Authorisation by way of an integrated Scoping EIA process.

Water use activities applied for under NWA Section 21 c, g and i and requiring a Water Use Licence application.

The PPP provided Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) with the opportunity to consider the proposed project, to submit their comments and to receive response from the independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) and proponent.

The I&APs represent individuals or groups in the society connected to the proposed development as well as relevant organs of state administering mandates as applicable to the project.

3. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS OBJECTIVES

The PPP objectives for the environmental regulatory process are to:

Ensure that I&APs are informed about the proposed project;

Provide I&APs opportunity to provide comment on the proposed project;

Utilise local knowledge and identifying environmental and social concerns associated with the proposed project;




Provide opportunity for stakeholder to verify that comments have been accurately recorded; and

Comply with the legal requirements.

The three phases of consultation during the environmental regulatory process are detailed below:

3.1. Scoping Phase

During the Scoping Phase, the following core PP activities were undertaken:

Stakeholders were identified;

Background Information Letter (BIL) were distributed together with the placement of adverts and site notices;

The draft Environmental Scoping Report and associated documentation was made available for public comment; and

Comments were obtained from I&APs and responded to.

3.2. Impact Assessment Phase

For the Impact Assessment Phase the following main PP activities will be undertaken:

Feedback on the specialist studies conducted and mitigation measures proposed;

Opportunity to I&APs to comment on specialist findings, impacts assessments and recommendations;

Environmental reports will be made available for public comment; and

I&APs will be able to verify if comments were accurately recorded and were responded to.

3.3. Decision-making Phase

With completion of the Environmental Impact Assessment Phase all registered IAPs will be notified of GDARD’s decision in respect of the proposed project.

4. METHODOLOGY

The proposed methodology implemented for the PPP is in-line with the prescribed environmental regulations and set out in further detail below.

4.1. Identification of Stakeholders

To ensure a proper representation of stakeholders interested in or affected by the proposed project, the following identification methods were used to develop a stakeholder database:

Windeed and Google Earth searches were conducted in and around the project area to verify land ownership and obtain contact details;

Responses were received from the newspaper advertisement and site notices; and




Responses were received from the distributed Background Information Letter (BIL).

Stakeholders for the proposed project are grouped into the following categories: Government: National, Provincial, District and Local authorities;

Landowners: Directly affected and surrounding landowners;

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs): Environmental and social organisations; and

Business: small and medium enterprises and formal organisations.

A stakeholder database was compiled and updated throughout the PPP with new stakeholders (refer to Appendix A). Directly affected and adjacent landowners for the proposed project are included in Table 1 below:

Table 1: Directly Affected and Adjacent Landowners


Portion 14 and 21 of the Farm Boschkop 543 Conradie Organics / JP Conradie Boerdery

Portion 18 of the Farm Boschkop 543 Tlotlo Mkhululi Maphosa Trust



Portion 3 of the Farm Boschkop 543 H & P Smith Boerdery (Pty) Ltd

Remaining extent of the farm Boschkop 543 JR

Bio2Watt

Portion 10 of the Farm Boschkop 543 Oxbow Country Estate

4.1.1. Public Participation Media

The legislative requirements require that specific media / materials be utilised as part of the PPP. Over and above the legislative requirements, the following media have been utilised for the PPP to inform stakeholders of the proposed project (see Table 2 for further details). The various Public Participation media / materials used during the Scoping phase have been included as Appendix B:

Landowner Notification: The BIL was also forwarded via email to landowners and/or occupiers that provide a broad overview of the proposed project, environmental legislation and the independent EAP.

Background Information Letter (BIL): The BIL presented the location and description of the project, legislative processes and requirements that will be followed, list of competent authorities, triggered listed activities in terms of NEM:WA and NWA and the consultation / registration process with contact details of the EAP.

Newspaper Advertisements: An English newspaper advert was placed in The Bronkhorstspruit Streek Nuus on 27 November 2020. The advertisements included a




brief project description, applicable legislation, Competent Authorities, details of the appointed EAP and information about availability of the Scoping Report for public comment; and

Site Notices: English site notices were put up at various places. These site notices contained a brief project description, information about the relevant legislation, Competent Authorities, details of the appointed EAP and information about availability of the Scoping report for public comment.

Figure 1: Location of Site Notices Erected

4.1.2. Consultation with Stakeholders

Comments raised by stakeholders have been captured in the Comment and Response Report (CRR) (see Appendix D) and was closely considered and addressed, where applicable, by the EAP in order to ensure the scope for specialist studies undertaken during the Impact Assessment Phase are well defined. Responses have been provided to stakeholder comments and included in the CRR (see Appendix D).

Table 2, provide more details on the PP activities undertaken during the Scoping phase.

Table 2: Public Participation Scoping Phase Activities

Activity Details Reference in Report

Identification of stakeholders

Stakeholder database which represents various sectors of society, including directly affected and adjacent landowners, in and around the proposed project area.

Appendix A Stakeholder database




Activity Details Reference in Report Directly affected landowner / occupier notification

Astral contacted affected landowners directly to notify them about the proposed development.

Appendix B I&AP Correspondence

Distribution of announcement letter and Background Information Letter (BIL)

BID, announcement letter was emailed on 27 November 2020.

Appendix C Public Participation Correspondence

Placing of newspaper advertisement

An English advert was placed in the Bronkhorstspruit Streek Nuus on 27 November 2020.


Putting up of site notices English site notices were put up at the proposed project site on 27 November 2020.


Announcement of Draft Scoping Report

Announcement of availability of the Scoping Report was emailed and posted to stakeholders together with the formal project announcement on 27 November 2020. Copies of the Scoping Report were available at:

Astral Offices on Boschkop Portion 13. The Draft Scoping Report was made available on www.iqsholdings.com (under Public Documents). (Comment period: 27 November 2020 until 18 January 2021)


Announcement of the Final Scoping Report

Notification for availability of the Final Scoping Report was emailed and posted to stakeholders on 10 April 2021. Copies of the reports have been made available on www.iqsholdings.com (under Public Documents). (Comment period: 10 April 2021 until 11 May 2021)


Obtaining comments from stakeholders

Comments, issues of concern and suggestions received from stakeholders are captured in the Comment and Response Report.

Appendix D Comment and Response Report

4.2. Impact Assessment Phase

The Environmental Impact Assessment phase PPP for the Organic Waste Composting Facility will be combined in order to provide stakeholders with a holistic view of the proposed project. The PPP information for the project will be included in the newspaper advertisement, notification poster and progress emails.




4.2.1. Public Participation Media

The Public Participation media / materials used during the Impact Assessment phase are set out below:

Newspaper Advertisement: English newspaper advertisements were placed in the local newspaper. The advertisement included information about availability of the Draft Scoping Report for public comment (see Appendix C);

Notification Poster: English posters was put up on the fence adjacent the proposed site to provide information about the proposed project and availability of the Draft Scoping Report (see Appendix C); and

Progress Emails: Email to reiterate availability of the relevant reports for public comment were sent to the complete stakeholder database (see Appendix B).

5. RECOMMENDATIONS

In view of the comments received from the IAPs the following are recommended:

The specialist studies as initially suggested in the Draft Scoping Report e.g., wetlands assessment, containment of contaminated stormwater et cetera proceed to the EIA phase; and

The management of cumulative impacts receive specific attention to ensure that impacts from current sources as per the concerns of the IAPs are appropriately addressed.

6. CONCLUSIONS

The Public Participation Process commenced with the submission of the Draft Scoping Report to GDARD on 27 November 2020.

The project was announced with notification letters, newspaper advertisements and site notices to provide for informed participation.

Comments from the IAPs were received on 18 January 2021.

A draft Scoping Report as compiled in conformance with accordance with the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998) (as amended) (NEMA) and its Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (GN Rs. 982, 983 and 984 dated 4 December 2014 (as amended) (EIARs) formed the basis of the IAPs comments.




It is submitted that the PPP as outlined in this Report adhere to the regulatory requirements stipulated above and achieves the following objectives:

Ensure that I&APs are informed about the proposed project;

Provide I&APs opportunity to provide comment on the proposed project;

Utilise local knowledge and identifying environmental and social concerns associated with the proposed project;

Provide opportunity for stakeholder to verify that comments have been accurately recorded; and

Comply with the legal requirements.

Zelda van Wyk Leon Bredenhann

Environmental Consultant Director




Appendix A: Stakeholder Database

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Own

ers

and

occu

pier

s of

land

adj

acen

t to

the

site

whe

re th

e ac

tivity

is o

r is

to b

e un

derta

ken

or to

any

alte

rnat

ive

site

The

owne

rs a

nd o

ccup

iers

of l

and

with

in 1

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of t

he b

ound

ary

of th

e si

te o

r alte

rnat

ive

site

who

are

or m

ay b

e di

rect

ly a

ffect

ed b

y th

e ac

tivity

.Th

e m

unic

ipal

cou

ncillo

r of t

he w

ard

in w

hich

the

site

or a

ltern

ativ

e si

te is

situ

ated

and

any

org

anis

atio

n of

rate

paye

rs th

at re

pres

ents

the

com

mun

ity in

the

area

The

mun

icip

ality

whi

ch h

as ju

risdi

ctio

n in

the

area

Any

orga

n of

sta

te h

avin

g ju

risdi

ctio

n in

resp

ect o

f any

asp

ect o

f the

act

ivity

(exa

mpl

e: E

skom

, Spo

orne

t, Ro

ads

Depa

rtmen

t, W

ater

Sup

ply,

Par

ks B

oard

s, C

onse

rvat

ion

Agen

cies

, Far

mer

s Un

ions

, Rat

e Pa

yers

Ass

ocia

tions

)Re

gula

tory

aut

horit

ies

(exa

mpl

e: D

epar

tmen

t of W

ater

Affa

irs a

nd F

ores

try, N

atio

nal D

epar

tmen

t of A

gric

ultu

re, D

epar

tmen

t of M

iner

als

and

Ener

gy, S

outh

Afri

can

Herit

age

Reso

urce

s Ag

ency

, Dep

artm

ent o

f Env

ironm

enta

l Affa

irs)

Regi

ster

ed S

take

hold

ers

(see

bel

ow)

all p

erso

ns w

ho, a

s a

cons

eque

nce

of th

e pu

blic

par

ticip

atio

n pr

oces

s co

nduc

ted

in re

spec

t of t

hat a

pplic

atio

n in

term

s of

regu

latio

n 54

, hav

e su

bmitt

ed w

ritte

n co

mm

ents

or a

ttend

ed m

eetin

gs w

ith th

e ap

plic

ant o

r EAP

; al

l per

sons

who

, afte

r com

plet

ion

of th

e pu

blic

par

ticip

atio

n pr

oces

s re

ferr

ed to

in p

arag

raph

(a),

have

requ

este

d th

e ap

plic

ant o

r the

EAP

man

agin

g th

e ap

plic

atio

n, in

writ

ing,

for t

heir

nam

es to

be

plac

ed o

n th

e re

gist

er; a

nd

all o

rgan

s of

sta

te w

hich

hav

e ju

risdi

ctio

n in

resp

ect o

f the

act

ivity

to w

hich

the

appl

icat

ion

rela

tes.

Astra

l_I&

AP D

atab

ase_

Fina

l




Appendix B: I&AP Correspondence

1

Zelda van Wyk

From: Zelda van WykSent: Monday, 30 November 2020 9:35 AMTo: [email protected]: FW: Astral Operations - Draft Scoping Report - Applications for an Organic Waste

Composting and Pelletising Facility - GAUT 002/20-21/E2707Attachments: IQS-PP BID_Astral EA for Composting Activities_2Nov2020_LB.pdf

Good morning Mr. Rabie, Kindly find attached our background letter regarding a proposed development for an Organic Waste Composting and Pelletising Facility on Portion 13 of the Farm Boschkop 543 JR. Should you require any additional information please do not hesitate to contact me. Kind Regards / Vriendelike Groete, Zelda van Wyk E N V I R O N M E N T A L C O N S U L T A N T RELENTLESSLY PURSUING REAL SOLUTIONS 2020 the year of understanding the needs of our cl ients

Cell: 082 253 0669 Email: [email protected] Web: www. iqsholdings.com

Postal: P.O. Box 72216, Lynnwood Ridge, Pretor ia, 0040

Address: 64 Halepensis Street , Lynnwood Ridge, Pretor ia, 0081

From: AgriSA <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, 30 November 2020 9:27 AM To: Zelda van Wyk <[email protected]> Subject: RE: Astral Operations - Draft Scoping Report - Applications for an Organic Waste Composting and Pelletising Facility - GAUT 002/20-21/E2707

Good morning Zelda Please send information of this nature to Agri SA’s head of natural resources, Mr Janse Rabie – [email protected] Kind regards From: Zelda van Wyk <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, 27 November 2020 15:57 To: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; AgriSA <[email protected]>; Peter Nkosi <[email protected]>; [email protected]

2

Cc: Leon Bredenhann <[email protected]>; [email protected] Subject: Astral Operations - Draft Scoping Report - Applications for an Organic Waste Composting and Pelletising Facility - GAUT 002/20-21/E2707 Dear Sir/Madam Notice is hereby given in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations GN R. 982 of 4 December 2014, promulgated in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998) as amended, and the requirements for Water Use Licence Applications in terms of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998), that Astral Operations Ltd intends to develop and operate an organic waste composting and pelletising facility on Portion 13 of the Farm Boschkop 543 JR.

The Draft Scoping Report (DSR) is available for public comment from 27 November 2020 until 18 January 2021 and is available on our website (www.iqsholdings.com) (under Public Documents) and at the Astral Offices on Portion 13 of the Farm Boschkop 543 JR. Should you wish to register as an Interested and Affected Party for the proposed development or provide comments, kindly complete and return the attached Comment and Registration form. Further detail regarding the proposed development is available in the attached Background Information Letter. Kind Regards / Vriendelike Groete, Zelda van Wyk E N V I R O N M E N T A L C O N S U L T A N T RELENTLESSLY PURSUING REAL SOLUTIONS 2020 the year of understanding the needs of our cl ients

Cell: 082 253 0669 Email: [email protected] Web: www. iqsholdings.com Postal: P.O. Box 72216, Lynnwood Ridge, Pretor ia, 0040 Address: 64 Halepensis Street , Lynnwood Ridge, Pretor ia, 0081

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Zelda van Wyk

From: Zelda van WykSent: Tuesday, 08 December 2020 11:35 AMTo: Frank LovellCc: [email protected]; Andre Ferrera ([email protected]); Arno Van Der

Merwe; [email protected]; Frikkie Smit; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Lee Muller; [email protected]; Kyle Lovell; [email protected]; [email protected]; Robin Watson ([email protected]); Rudy Mes; [email protected]; [email protected]; Leon Bredenhann

Subject: RE: Astral ProposalAttachments: IQS-PP BID_Astral EA for Composting Activities_2Nov2020_LB.pdf

Good morning Frank, Thank you for your and the Boschkop Community Association’s interest in the project, herewith acknowledgment of your email and confirmation that everyone has been registered. Kindly see attached the Background Information Letter that will provide you with more information regarding the proposed project. The Draft Scoping Report (DSR) is also currently available for public comment until 18 January 2021 and is available on our website (www.iqsholdings.com) (under Public Documents) and a hard copy of the report at the Astral Offices on Portion 13 of the Farm Boschkop 543 JR. Should you require any additional information please do not hesitate to contact me. Kind Regards / Vriendelike Groete, Zelda van Wyk E N V I R O N M E N T A L C O N S U L T A N T RELENTLESSLY PURSUING REAL SOLUTIONS 2020 the year of understanding the needs of our cl ients

Cell: 082 253 0669 Email: [email protected] Web: www. iqsholdings.com Postal: P.O. Box 72216, Lynnwood Ridge, Pretor ia, 0040 Address: 64 Halepensis Street , Lynnwood Ridge, Pretor ia, 0081 From: Frank Lovell <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, 08 December 2020 11:21 AM To: Zelda van Wyk <[email protected]> Cc: [email protected]; Andre Ferrera ([email protected]) <[email protected]>; Arno Van Der Merwe <[email protected]>; [email protected]; Frikkie Smit <[email protected]>; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Lee Muller <[email protected]>; [email protected]; Kyle Lovell <[email protected]>; [email protected]; [email protected]; Robin Watson ([email protected])

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<[email protected]>; Rudy Mes <[email protected]>; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Astral Proposal Dear Zelda The Boschkop Community Association was established in July 2004 to look after the interests of the residents and businesses of our area. We would therefore like to be added to the list of interested parties. Members of the Association have all asked to included on the list. We do have a list of concerns with regards to the proposals but will wait for the full proposal so that we can meet to discuss. Kind Regards Frank Lovell Boschkop Community Association Cell: 082 446 1098

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Zelda van Wyk

From: Cara Stokes <[email protected]>Sent: Monday, 18 January 2021 9:39 AMTo: Leon BredenhannCc: 'Stephan Blomerus'; Zelda van WykSubject: RE: Bronkhorstspruit Catchment Forum

Thanks Leon. From: Leon Bredenhann [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 18 January 2021 09:26 AM To: Cara Stokes Cc: Stephan Blomerus; Zelda van Wyk Subject: RE: Bronkhorstspruit Catchment Forum Dear Cara, Thank you for your comments. We will study them and respond appropriately. Feel free to contact us should you have any enquiries about the project. Kind Regards / Vriendelike Groete, Leon Bredenhann D I R E C T O R RELENTLESSLY PURSUING REAL SOLUTIONS


From: Cara Stokes <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, January 18, 2021 9:09 AM To: Leon Bredenhann <[email protected]> Subject: Bronkhorstspruit Catchment Forum Dear Leon, Please find comments attached for Astral PROPOSED ORGANIC WASTE COMPOSTING & PELLETISING FACILITY - GAUT 002/20-21/E2707. Please add myself as the representative from the BCF onto your stakeholder list for future communication. Kind Regards Cara Stokes Chairperson

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083 651 8297 www.bronkiescatchmentforum.co.za Facebook: Kungwini Water Wise/Bronkhorstpsruit Catchment Forum

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Zelda van Wyk

From: Zelda van WykSent: Tuesday, 09 February 2021 2:00 PMTo: [email protected]: Astral Operations- Organic CompositingAttachments: IQS-PP BID_Astral EA for Composting Activities_2Nov2020_LB.pdf; Site

Boundaries_Scoping report.jpg; High Level Compost and Site Layout.jpg; Astral - Composting Site Boundaries_Scoping Report.kmz; IQS03_#1_1.jpg

Follow Up Flag: Follow upFlag Status: Flagged

Good afternoon Rudzani, Trust you are well. We are in process with an EIA process for Astral Operations for a proposed new composting facility in the Boschkop area. We have forwarded a CD of the draft Scoping Report to yourself and it was delivered on 20 January 2021 – see attached proof of deliver. The Draft Scoping Report is also currently available on our website (www.iqsholdings.com) (under Public Documents). Can you please let us know when we can expect your / the CoT comments on the Draft Scoping report. We had discussions with the Department of Agricultural and Rural Development and they would like to receive comments from the CoT. Kindly let me know Kind Regards / Vriendelike Groete, Zelda van Wyk E N V I R O N M E N T A L C O N S U L T A N T RELENTLESSLY PURSUING REAL SOLUTIONS


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Zelda van Wyk

From: Lucas Mahlangu <[email protected]>Sent: Thursday, 26 November 2020 11:51 AMTo: Franz ScheepersCc: Linda Polljonker; Leon Bredenhann; Zelda van Wyk; IQSubject: RE: Urgent Enquiry in respect where to apply for a composting waste management

licence: GDARD / DEA

Hello Zelda If you will be composting general waste, please apply with GDARD, however if you will be composting Hazardous waste like blood, dead chickens, etc, please apply with DEFF Lucas From: Franz Scheepers Sent: Wednesday, 11 November 2020 13:15 To: Lucas Mahlangu <[email protected]> Cc: Linda Polljonker <[email protected]>; Leon Bredenhann <[email protected]>; Zelda van Wyk <[email protected]>; IQ <[email protected]> Subject: RE: Urgent Enquiry in respect where to apply for a composting waste management licence: GDARD / DEA Dear Lucas Please see query below for your consideration and informed response. Regards Franz Scheepers Environmental Control Officer: IEA: Capacity and Support: External IEM Support Department Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Environment House Cnr. Steve Biko and Soutpansberg Road, Pretoria Cel: 063 684 3554 Tel: 012 399 9285 From: Zelda van Wyk [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, 11 November 2020 13:13 To: IQ Cc: Linda Polljonker; Franz Scheepers; Leon Bredenhann Subject: RE: Urgent Enquiry in respect where to apply for a composting waste management licence: GDARD / DEA Good afternoon, Apologies for following up again but we need a way forward to proceed. Await your urgent response. Kind Regards / Vriendelike Groete, Zelda van Wyk E N V I R O N M E N T A L C O N S U L T A N T RELENTLESSLY PURSUING REAL SOLUTIONS

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2020 the year of understanding the needs of our cl ients

Cell: 082 253 0669 Email: [email protected] Web: www. iqsholdings.com Postal: P.O. Box 72216, Lynnwood Ridge, Pretor ia, 0040 Address: 64 Halepensis Street , Lynnwood Ridge, Pretor ia, 0081 From: Zelda van Wyk Sent: Tuesday, 10 November 2020 12:30 PM To: 'IQ' <[email protected]> Cc: 'Linda Polljonker' <[email protected]>; 'Franz Scheepers' <[email protected]>; Leon Bredenhann <[email protected]> Subject: Urgent Enquiry in respect where to apply for a composting waste management licence: GDARD / DEA Good afternoon, We have been appointed by a company to apply for an waste management licence application for chicken manure composting. The chicken manure may be hazardous in view of it micro biological composition. For this reason we regard the waste as biohazardous and will proceed with an the EIA process for waste management licence application assuming that the compost is hazardous. We have already registered because it is a composting facility the application with GDARD, however in hindsight we will not like to make a mistake by applying to the wrong authority in view of the potential biohazardous nature of the compost. Can you therefore respond to this email and give us “permission”/”assign” the application to GDARD. If not possible please indicate that this application must be directed to your DEA office as a matter of urgency as we need to proceed with the public participation process within a week. Kind Regards / Vriendelike Groete, Zelda van Wyk E N V I R O N M E N T A L C O N S U L T A N T RELENTLESSLY PURSUING REAL SOLUTIONS 2020 the year of understanding the needs of our cl ients


Disclaimer

This message and any attachments transmitted with it are intended solely for the addressee(s) and may be legally privileged and/or confidential. If you have received this message in error please destroy it and notify the sender. Any unauthorized usage, disclosure, alteration or dissemination is prohibited. The Department of Environmental Affairs accepts no responsibility for any loss whether it be direct, indirect or consequential, arising from information made available and actions resulting there from. The views and opinions expressed in this e-mail message may not necessarily be those of Management..

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Zelda van Wyk

From: Zelda van WykSent: Friday, 11 December 2020 11:24 AMTo: [email protected]: Leon BredenhannSubject: FW: Astral operations- organic compositingAttachments: IQS-PP BID_Astral EA for Composting Activities_2Nov2020_LB.pdf; Site

Boundaries_Scoping report.jpg; High Level Compost and Site Layout.jpg; Astral - Composting Site Boundaries_Scoping Report.kmz


Good morning Masala, Thank you for telephone call. The proposed site falls within Quaternary Catchment B20C. Please see attached maps of where the site is located together with more background information regarding the proposed development. The Draft Scoping Report is also currently available for public comment until 18 January 2021 and is available on our website (www.iqsholdings.com) (under Public Documents). Should you require any additional information please do not hesitate to contact us. Kind Regards / Vriendelike Groete, Zelda van Wyk E N V I R O N M E N T A L C O N S U L T A N T RELENTLESSLY PURSUING REAL SOLUTIONS 2020 the year of understanding the needs of our cl ients

Cell: 082 253 0669 Email: [email protected] Web: www. iqsholdings.com Postal: P.O. Box 72216, Lynnwood Ridge, Pretor ia, 0040 Address: 64 Halepensis Street , Lynnwood Ridge, Pretor ia, 0081 From: Zelda van Wyk Sent: Wednesday, 09 December 2020 9:23 AM To: Ramalisa Adam (MBA) <[email protected]> Cc: Macevele Stanford (BHT) <[email protected]>; Lousern Malatji <[email protected]>; Leon Bredenhann <[email protected]> Subject: RE: Astral operations- organic compositing Good morning Adam, Thank you for your call this morning.

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The proposed site falls within Quaternary Catchment B20C. Please see attached maps of where the site is located together with more background information regarding the proposed development. The Draft Scoping Report is also currently available for public comment until 18 January 2021 and is available on our website (www.iqsholdings.com) (under Public Documents). Should you require any additional information please do not hesitate to contact us. Kind Regards / Vriendelike Groete, Zelda van Wyk E N V I R O N M E N T A L C O N S U L T A N T RELENTLESSLY PURSUING REAL SOLUTIONS 2020 the year of understanding the needs of our cl ients


From: Ramalisa Adam (MBA) <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, 09 December 2020 9:14 AM To: Zelda van Wyk <[email protected]> Cc: Macevele Stanford (BHT) <[email protected]>; Lousern Malatji <[email protected]> Subject: Astral operations- organic compositing Morning, Zelda please kindly confirm the exact area where this application, Include the catchment and exactly the area where this operation is

Warm Regards, Mr. Ramalisa Adam Deprtment of water and Sanitation TPA Building Cnr Schurinck and Rossouw Street LYDENBURG 1120

DISCLAIMER: This message and any attachments are confidential and intended solely for the addressee. If you have received this message in error, please notify the system manager/sender. Any unauthorized use, alteration or

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dissemination is prohibited. The Department of Water and Sanitation further accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss, whether it be direct, indirect or consequential, arising from this e-mail, nor for any consequence of its use or storage.

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Zelda van Wyk

From: Zelda van WykSent: Tuesday, 09 February 2021 1:41 PMTo: [email protected]: Leon BredenhannSubject: FW: Astral operations- organic compositingAttachments: IQS-PP BID_Astral EA for Composting Activities_2Nov2020_LB.pdf; Site



Good afternoon Masala, Trust you are well. Can you please let us know when we can expect your / the DWS comments on the Draft Scoping report for the composting facility. We had discussions with the Department of Agricultural and Rural Development and they would like to receive comments from the DWS. Kindly let me know Kind Regards / Vriendelike Groete, Zelda van Wyk E N V I R O N M E N T A L C O N S U L T A N T RELENTLESSLY PURSUING REAL SOLUTIONS

Cell: 082 253 0669 Email: [email protected] Web: www. iqsholdings.com Postal: P.O. Box 72216, Lynnwood Ridge, Pretor ia, 0040 Address: 64 Halepensis Street , Lynnwood Ridge, Pretor ia, 0081 From: Zelda van Wyk Sent: Friday, 11 December 2020 11:24 AM To: [email protected] Cc: Leon Bredenhann <[email protected]> Subject: FW: Astral operations- organic compositing Good morning Masala, Thank you for telephone call. The proposed site falls within Quaternary Catchment B20C. Please see attached maps of where the site is located together with more background information regarding the proposed development.

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The Draft Scoping Report is also currently available for public comment until 18 January 2021 and is available on our website (www.iqsholdings.com) (under Public Documents). Should you require any additional information please do not hesitate to contact us. Kind Regards / Vriendelike Groete, Zelda van Wyk E N V I R O N M E N T A L C O N S U L T A N T RELENTLESSLY PURSUING REAL SOLUTIONS 2020 the year of understanding the needs of our cl ients

Cell: 082 253 0669 Email: [email protected] Web: www. iqsholdings.com Postal: P.O. Box 72216, Lynnwood Ridge, Pretor ia, 0040 Address: 64 Halepensis Street , Lynnwood Ridge, Pretor ia, 0081 From: Zelda van Wyk Sent: Wednesday, 09 December 2020 9:23 AM To: Ramalisa Adam (MBA) <[email protected]> Cc: Macevele Stanford (BHT) <[email protected]>; Lousern Malatji <[email protected]>; Leon Bredenhann <[email protected]> Subject: RE: Astral operations- organic compositing Good morning Adam, Thank you for your call this morning. The proposed site falls within Quaternary Catchment B20C. Please see attached maps of where the site is located together with more background information regarding the proposed development. The Draft Scoping Report is also currently available for public comment until 18 January 2021 and is available on our website (www.iqsholdings.com) (under Public Documents). Should you require any additional information please do not hesitate to contact us. Kind Regards / Vriendelike Groete,

Zelda van Wyk E N V I R O N M E N T A L C O N S U L T A N T RELENTLESSLY PURSUING REAL SOLUTIONS 2020 the year of understanding the needs of our cl ients


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From: Ramalisa Adam (MBA) <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, 09 December 2020 9:14 AM To: Zelda van Wyk <[email protected]> Cc: Macevele Stanford (BHT) <[email protected]>; Lousern Malatji <[email protected]> Subject: Astral operations- organic compositing Morning, Zelda please kindly confirm the exact area where this application, Include the catchment and exactly the area where this operation is Warm Regards, Mr. Ramalisa Adam Deprtment of water and Sanitation TPA Building Cnr Schurinck and Rossouw Street LYDENBURG 1120

DISCLAIMER: This message and any attachments are confidential and intended solely for the addressee. If you have received this message in error, please notify the system manager/sender. Any unauthorized use, alteration or dissemination is prohibited. The Department of Water and Sanitation further accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss, whether it be direct, indirect or consequential, arising from this e-mail, nor for any consequence of its use or storage.

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Zelda van Wyk

From: Zelda van WykSent: Wednesday, 09 December 2020 9:23 AMTo: Ramalisa Adam (MBA)Cc: Macevele Stanford (BHT); Lousern Malatji; Leon BredenhannSubject: RE: Astral operations- organic compositingAttachments: IQS-PP BID_Astral EA for Composting Activities_2Nov2020_LB.pdf; Site



Good morning Adam, Thank you for your call this morning. The proposed site falls within Quaternary Catchment B20C. Please see attached maps of where the site is located together with more background information regarding the proposed development. The Draft Scoping Report is also currently available for public comment until 18 January 2021 and is available on our website (www.iqsholdings.com) (under Public Documents). Should you require any additional information please do not hesitate to contact us. Kind Regards / Vriendelike Groete, Zelda van Wyk E N V I R O N M E N T A L C O N S U L T A N T RELENTLESSLY PURSUING REAL SOLUTIONS 2020 the year of understanding the needs of our cl ients

Cell: 082 253 0669 Email: [email protected] Web: www. iqsholdings.com Postal: P.O. Box 72216, Lynnwood Ridge, Pretor ia, 0040 Address: 64 Halepensis Street , Lynnwood Ridge, Pretor ia, 0081 From: Ramalisa Adam (MBA) <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, 09 December 2020 9:14 AM To: Zelda van Wyk <[email protected]> Cc: Macevele Stanford (BHT) <[email protected]>; Lousern Malatji <[email protected]> Subject: Astral operations- organic compositing Morning, Zelda please kindly confirm the exact area where this application, Include the catchment and exactly the area where this operation is

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Zelda van Wyk

From: Zelda van WykSent: Wednesday, 09 December 2020 9:23 AMTo: Ramalisa Adam (MBA)Cc: Macevele Stanford (BHT); Lousern Malatji; Leon BredenhannSubject: RE: Astral operations- organic compositingAttachments: IQS-PP BID_Astral EA for Composting Activities_2Nov2020_LB.pdf; Site



Good morning Adam, Thank you for your call this morning. The proposed site falls within Quaternary Catchment B20C. Please see attached maps of where the site is located together with more background information regarding the proposed development. The Draft Scoping Report is also currently available for public comment until 18 January 2021 and is available on our website (www.iqsholdings.com) (under Public Documents). Should you require any additional information please do not hesitate to contact us. Kind Regards / Vriendelike Groete, Zelda van Wyk E N V I R O N M E N T A L C O N S U L T A N T RELENTLESSLY PURSUING REAL SOLUTIONS 2020 the year of understanding the needs of our cl ients

Cell: 082 253 0669 Email: [email protected] Web: www. iqsholdings.com Postal: P.O. Box 72216, Lynnwood Ridge, Pretor ia, 0040 Address: 64 Halepensis Street , Lynnwood Ridge, Pretor ia, 0081 From: Ramalisa Adam (MBA) <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, 09 December 2020 9:14 AM To: Zelda van Wyk <[email protected]> Cc: Macevele Stanford (BHT) <[email protected]>; Lousern Malatji <[email protected]> Subject: Astral operations- organic compositing Morning, Zelda please kindly confirm the exact area where this application, Include the catchment and exactly the area where this operation is

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Zelda van Wyk

From: Zelda van WykSent: Friday, 27 November 2020 3:57 PMTo: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected];

[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Peter Nkosi; [email protected]

Cc: Leon Bredenhann; [email protected]: Astral Operations - Draft Scoping Report - Applications for an Organic Waste


TrackingTracking: Recipient Delivery

[email protected]

[email protected]

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[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

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[email protected]

[email protected]

Peter Nkosi

[email protected]

Leon Bredenhann Delivered: 2020/11/27 3:57 PM

[email protected]

Dear Sir/Madam Notice is hereby given in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations GN R. 982 of 4 December 2014, promulgated in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998) as amended,

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and the requirements for Water Use Licence Applications in terms of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998), that Astral Operations Ltd intends to develop and operate an organic waste composting and pelletising facility on Portion 13 of the Farm Boschkop 543 JR. The Draft Scoping Report (DSR) is available for public comment from 27 November 2020 until 18 January 2021 and is available on our website (www.iqsholdings.com) (under Public Documents) and at the Astral Offices on Portion 13 of the Farm Boschkop 543 JR. Should you wish to register as an Interested and Affected Party for the proposed development or provide comments, kindly complete and return the attached Comment and Registration form. Further detail regarding the proposed development is available in the attached Background Information Letter.

Kind Regards / Vriendelike Groete,

Zelda van Wyk E N V I R O N M E N T A L C O N S U L T A N T RELENTLESSLY PURSUING REAL SOLUTIONS 2020 the year of understanding the needs of our cl ients


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Zelda van Wyk

From: Zelda van WykSent: Friday, 04 December 2020 8:37 AMTo: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected];

[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Peter Nkosi; [email protected]; BELOT, BONISWA (GDARD; [email protected]

Cc: Leon BredenhannSubject: Astral Operations - Organic Waste Composting and Pelleting/Pelletizing Facility -

002/20-21/W0003

Dear Sir/Madam Subsequent to the submission of the waste management licence application for the Organic Waste Composting and Pelleting/Pelletizing Facility to the Gauteng Department of Agricultural and Rural Development (GDARD) a response has now been received and simultaneously changing the current reference number of the project. The new reference is 002/20-21/W0003 and replaces the previous number. The reason for this amendment according to the GDARD apparently is that a waste management licence application registration should have applied instead of an EIA process number. Kind Regards / Vriendelike Groete, Zelda van Wyk E N V I R O N M E N T A L C O N S U L T A N T RELENTLESSLY PURSUING REAL SOLUTIONS 2020 the year of understanding the needs of our cl ients


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Zelda van Wyk

From: Peter Nkosi <[email protected]>Sent: Thursday, 26 November 2020 9:01 AMTo: Zelda van WykSubject: Re: NOTICE OF WASTE AND WATER USE LICENSE , REFERENCE GAUT

002/20-21/E2707Attachments: image001.png

Many thanks. Peter Nkosi 079 123 6899 For: Maliclox PTY LTD On Thu, 26 Nov 2020, 08:43 Zelda van Wyk, <[email protected]> wrote:

Thank you Peter,

The draft scoping report will be available from Friday electronically (I will send you a link to access it) and we will leave a hard copy at the Astral office on Boschkop for comments.

Have a great day.

Kind Regards / Vriendelike Groete, Zelda van Wyk E N V I R O N M E N T A L C O N S U L T A N T RELENTLESSLY PURSUING REAL SOLUTIONS


Cell: 082 253 0669 Email: [email protected]

Web: www. iqsholdings.com Postal: P.O. Box 72216, Lynnwood Ridge, Pretor ia, 0040 Address: 64 Halepensis Street , Lynnwood Ridge, Pretor ia, 0081

The linked image cannot be displayed. The file may have been moved, renamed, or deleted. Verify that the link points to the correct file and location.

From: Peter Nkosi <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, 26 November 2020 8:30 AM

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To: Zelda van Wyk <[email protected]> Subject: Re: NOTICE OF WASTE AND WATER USE LICENSE , REFERENCE GAUT 002/20-21/E2707

Thank you, will do.

MALICLOX PTY LTD

Peter Nkosi

On Thu, 26 Nov 2020, 08:03 Zelda van Wyk, <[email protected]> wrote:

Good morning Peter,

Herewith acknowledgement that you are registered as an I&AP. Can you kindly provide me with your entity/company name so I can add you to our I&AP list in the correct capacity.





From: Peter Nkosi <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, 25 November 2020 5:05 PM To: Zelda van Wyk <[email protected]> Subject: NOTICE OF WASTE AND WATER USE LICENSE , REFERENCE GAUT 002/20-21/E2707

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Dear Sir/Madame

Kindly receive my interest register as the Interested and Affected Party on the above mentioned matter.

I will also like to receive a copy of BAR as and when it is available.

I am reachable at Pkankosi@gmail

Regards

Peter Nkosi

079 123 6899

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Bronkhorstspruit Catchment Forum

Registration Number: 2018/307445/08

OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION OF REQUEST

17 January 2021

Ms Zelda van Wyk &Mr Leon Bredenhann,

RE: ASTRAL DRAFT SCOPING REPORT – PROPOSED ORGANIC WASTE COMPOSTING & PELLETISING FACILITY - GAUT 002/20-21/E2707

The Bronkhorstspruit Catchment Forum as a critical stakeholder for the Oss River leading into the Bronkhorstspruit Dam and Olifants Catchment Area would like to present the following questions and comments on the Draft scoping report ref number GAUT 002/20-21/E2707, November 2020.

Questions

1. What is ‘bedding’ made up of? 2. Will 100 tons be the max you intend to receive? 3. Will the 100 tons ONLY be stored in the intended storage area on Figure 1: Location

of the Waste Composting Facility or will that area expand in future? 4. Will the 400 tons per month generated by Astral be considered phase 1? 5. What does the customer who purchases the 400 tons per month currently

generated, do with this by - product? 6. How will the final product be stored? 7. Will you determine the Carbon footprint of both activities, current (sold) and

proposed? 8. How many vehicles will be needed to transport 100 ton per day to the facility? 9. Has the chicken litter (feathers and bedding) been classified in terms of SANS10234 and

the leachate capabilities been determined in the past? 10. What is the effect of composting on ground water and rivers?

Concerns/Requests

1. The proximity of the storage and operation of the facility to a farm dam leading into the Oss River and pollution of this River in general.

2. The cumulative impact that both Beefcor and Astral will now have on the Oss River Catchment and proximity to the tributaries.

3. Alternative no3 is unfeasible as it is in a wetland and tributary of the Oss River. Figure 7: Facility site alternatives.

4. Odour, Noise and dust are a concern. 5. Flash flooding and high rainfall in the area. 6. Astral representatives going forward to please attend the BCF meeting which are

held every second month currently. Please forward relevant contacts to be added to the database.

7. Pollution must be avoided or minimised and remedied at all costs for this proposed project and focus on this is expected to be provided in the EIA and specialist studies.

8. In order to classify the chicken litter as either hazardous or general waste it would need to be classified in terms of the waste classification regulations. Currently this report classifies it as general waste; this would need to be scientifically proven.

9. If the litter classifies as hazardous, there will be a number of other activities to include in the application. See list below.

GN 912, LIST OF WASTE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES THAT HAVE, OR ARE LIKELY TO HAVE, A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON THE ENVIRONMENT, Category B

Storage of hazardous waste

(1) The storage of hazardous waste in lagoons excluding storage of effluent, wastewater or sewage.

Reuse, recycling or recovery of waste

(2) The reuse or recycling of hazardous waste in excess of 1 ton per day, excluding reuse or recycling that takes place as an integral part of an internal manufacturing process within the same premises.

(3) The recovery of waste including the refining, utilisation, or co- processing of the waste at a facility that processes in excess of 100 tons of general waste per day or in excess of 1 ton of hazardous waste per day, excluding recovery that takes place as an integral part of an internal manufacturing process within the same premises.

Treatment of waste

(4) The treatment of hazardous waste in excess of 1 ton per day calculated as a monthly average; using any form of treatment excluding the treatment of effluent, wastewater or sewage.

(5) The treatment of hazardous waste in lagoons, excluding the treatment of effluent, wastewater or sewage.

Look forward to hearing from you on behalf of the Bronkhorstspruit Catchment Forum Stakeholders.

Cara Stokes,

Chairperson,

[email protected],

083 651 8297

17 January 2021

Boschkop Community Association

Established 29th July 2004

Objectives: To oversee and manage impacts that affect the community and business in our area.

RE: ASTRAL DRAFT SCOPING REPORT-PROPOSED ORGANIC WASTE COMPOSTING & PELLETISING PLANT GUAT002/20-21/E2707

It was resolved at a meeting held on the 14th January 2021 to raise the following objections and concerns as part of the public participation process:

Preamble:

Over the last few years, the association has had requests from businesses wanting to do projects in the area. The area has a high economic value with varied activities taking place in a very concentrated space.

While we accept that turning chicken litter into fertiliser is a noble idea our community has been a victim of similar failed projects.

As a result, managing the environment has become increasingly difficult with the pressures that come from economic activity.

When the project is discussed with the community many promises are made about the processes and the value that the project will bring to the community. Unfortunately, these very often do not materialise and leave stakeholders upset and aggrieved when their businesses are adversely affected.

Because there are such varying enterprises it is difficult to balance everyone’s requirements.

Many of the members have small children that get exposed to huge amounts of manure dust and litter dust and have had ground water polluted. As an Association we have made many compromises in trying to accommodate everybody’s needs.

Once again as a community we are called upon to give our blessing to a project we know will impact our lives and wellbeing of the community and businesses. We say this because we know from experience when the systems fail the residents pay the price.

We are also in the unenviable position that it always affects the economic wellbeing of a member of the association. This causes hurt and upset creating mistrust amongst the community. Very often economic benefit is derived from undesirable practices and this creates animosity among our members when the individual is asked to cease the practice. The unenviable task of ending the practice then lands on the Association. While we know we can report these practices to the authorities we have always sought to find sustainable solutions to our problems.

The area being discussed falls between the Osspruit and the Kleinspruit, which has had to cope with massive loadings of cattle and chicken manure as well as digestate from the Biogas plant. When conditions are dry there are no problems with the holding dams, but when we receive massive

amounts of rain the dams cannot cope and the anaerobic waste lands up in the Bronkhorstspruit dam, with neighbouring farms flooded with waste. Nutrient levels have climbed causing massive algae blooms in neighbouring dams. Measures have now been taken to try and alleviate this problem.

In the dry months we have dust from the feedlot which with the prevailing winds cover our homes, causing allergies and chest conditions. With mitigation this year it is much improved.

The oversupply of fruit and vegetable waste to sites in the area have created sweet and sickly odours never experienced before. Once again with mitigation it has improved.

In a radius of 2km around the Bayview plant there are 16 residences which are affected by any activity that takes place.

All people living in the area live here because they enjoy the outdoors and don’t want to live in the cities. Everybody is concerned about the well-being of our community.

We have the following concerns:

Your document 1.4.6 states chicken litter to be sourced from other farms. 1. While we understand circular economy, we are not happy with additional waste being

brought into the area. It brings additional heavy traffic into the area; we already battle to maintain the current road infrastructure with residents and guests finding the roads totally impassable in wet weather. The roads department has budgetary constraints and cannot repair the roads adequately

2. It creates additional dust.

Your document 1.6 Environmental Impact; Human health and safety to be protected. 1. From past experience we know that dry chicken litter is incredibly dusty and contains

antibiotics, this will float over the residences and be harmful to the community. 2. There are 3 residences within a 1km radius of the proposed site and 13 others within a

2.5km radius. 3. In the winter there is a thermocline which forces the dust into the lower lying areas covering

residents for hours between 17.00 and 21.00 in thick dust.

Your document 3.2.1 Site consideration 1. The site you have identified is unsuitable, the prevailing wind is directly inline with 16

residences and 2 lodges and wedding venues. From past experience we know the impact this has on businesses in the area. Attached find social media complaints received from guests at the respective lodges.

2. Your document 4.2 states that odour control is problematic, please select an alternative site away from where people reside. The 2 Wedding venues in the area have been badly affected in the past by excessive odours resulting in negative publicity and loss of business.

3. A previous attempt at a pellet plant at the airfield in Boschkop was closed down due to abnormally high odour levels. Wet chicken litter is renowned for its disgusting odour and high methane loadings.

4. Water/ moisture content. The Osspruit currently can no longer cope with the extraction taking place and numerous times during the year it is brought to a standstill. It is mentioned under Requirements:1.6 that the proposed Composting Facility will not be utilising any renewable or non-renewable natural resources.

It is mentioned in 2.3 National Water Act - You will need to apply/register for a licence to impede or divert the watercourse, alter the banks and characteristics of the water course. This seems to be a contradiction.

Your document Requirements:1.9.1 Negative impacts with regards to water, nuisance (noise, odour health impacts) - Your response states no impact on environmental rights have been identified.

1. Water: The site that has been identified is too close to the Osspruit. When flooding occurs, the current dam is permanently full, therefore any additional water runs directly into the Osspruit. The site is at the bottom of the catchment area.

2. Odour: While it states that the pellets have no odour, uncomposted chicken litter has a vile smell.

3. Health impacts: Residents in the area have been on antihistamine medication for years to mitigate ongoing ailments with regard to dust. Chicken litter dust carries with it the added problems of antibiotics.

4. Nuisance and noise: Massive influx of heavy-duty vehicles delivering chicken litter from other farms.

In closing we understand the need for circular economy and the usefulness of the fertiliser but as a community, without sounding emotional and having been through a very difficult time with current facilities operating in the area, we urge you to consider moving this plant to one of your other sites perhaps Groenfontein in Delmas where there is a low concentration of residents.

In short, our concerns:

Site selection Dust pollution Odour pollution Water pollution during high rainfall Water usage Increased traffic Combined environmental effects on an already overloaded ecosystem. If 400 tonnes a month on 5ha is the size of the pilot project by our reckoning, you envisage

3000 tonnes a month on 24.2ha once the project is completed. Will Astral buy chicken litter from other farms?

If choosing an alternative site like Groenfontein is not achievable the current site is absolutely unworkable, another site that is more suitable should be considered.

We thank you in advance and trust that this meets with a favourable response.

Regards the Members

Boschkop Community Association

1

Zelda van Wyk

From: Zelda van WykSent: Tuesday, 08 December 2020 11:35 AMTo: Frank LovellCc: [email protected]; Andre Ferrera ([email protected]); Arno Van Der


Subject: RE: Astral ProposalAttachments: IQS-PP BID_Astral EA for Composting Activities_2Nov2020_LB.pdf

Good morning Frank, Thank you for your and the Boschkop Community Association’s interest in the project, herewith acknowledgment of your email and confirmation that everyone has been registered. Kindly see attached the Background Information Letter that will provide you with more information regarding the proposed project. The Draft Scoping Report (DSR) is also currently available for public comment until 18 January 2021 and is available on our website (www.iqsholdings.com) (under Public Documents) and a hard copy of the report at the Astral Offices on Portion 13 of the Farm Boschkop 543 JR. Should you require any additional information please do not hesitate to contact me. Kind Regards / Vriendelike Groete, Zelda van Wyk E N V I R O N M E N T A L C O N S U L T A N T RELENTLESSLY PURSUING REAL SOLUTIONS 2020 the year of understanding the needs of our cl ients

Cell: 082 253 0669 Email: [email protected] Web: www. iqsholdings.com Postal: P.O. Box 72216, Lynnwood Ridge, Pretor ia, 0040 Address: 64 Halepensis Street , Lynnwood Ridge, Pretor ia, 0081 From: Frank Lovell <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, 08 December 2020 11:21 AM To: Zelda van Wyk <[email protected]> Cc: [email protected]; Andre Ferrera ([email protected]) <[email protected]>; Arno Van Der Merwe <[email protected]>; [email protected]; Frikkie Smit <[email protected]>; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Lee Muller <[email protected]>; [email protected]; Kyle Lovell <[email protected]>; [email protected]; [email protected]; Robin Watson ([email protected])

ents

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<[email protected]>; Rudy Mes <[email protected]>; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Astral Proposal Dear Zelda The Boschkop Community Association was established in July 2004 to look after the interests of the residents and businesses of our area. We would therefore like to be added to the list of interested parties. Members of the Association have all asked to included on the list. We do have a list of concerns with regards to the proposals but will wait for the full proposal so that we can meet to discuss. Kind Regards Frank Lovell Boschkop Community Association Cell: 082 446 1098

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Zelda van Wyk

From: Frank Lovell <[email protected]>Sent: Monday, 18 January 2021 12:30To: Zelda van WykCc: [email protected]; Andre Ferrera ([email protected]); Arno Van Der


Subject: RE: Astral ProposalAttachments: Boschkop Community Association Astral Draft Report.docx; Astral - Interested

parties Map.pdf; Reviews for Oxbow.docx; BCF_Communication_Astral_ 17 Jan 2020.docx


Hi Zelda Please find attached the Boschkop Community Association concerns. Also find attached map of the area showing prevailing wind and Residents map as well as some of the negative reviews received because of odours and smell. Kind Regards Frank Lovell Boschkop Community Association Cell: 082 446 1098

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Zelda van Wyk

From: Wilma Oberholster <[email protected]>Sent: Wednesday, 13 January 2021 14:28To: Zelda van WykCc: Leon BredenhannSubject: RE: Astral Operations - Draft Scoping Report - Applications for an Organic Waste

Composting and Pelletising Facility - GAUT 002/20-21/E2707

Baie dankie Zelda, het ontvang. Groete Wilma From: Zelda van Wyk [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, 13 January 2021 14:25 To: Wilma Oberholster <[email protected]> Cc: Leon Bredenhann <[email protected]> Subject: RE: Astral Operations - Draft Scoping Report - Applications for an Organic Waste Composting and Pelletising Facility - GAUT 002/20-21/E2707 Goeie middag Wilma, Baie dankie vir jou oproep. Soos versoek sien asseblief aangeheg die fasiliteit alternatiewe figuur. Laat weet gerus indien jy verdere inligting benodig. Kind Regards / Vriendelike Groete, Zelda van Wyk E N V I R O N M E N T A L C O N S U L T A N T RELENTLESSLY PURSUING REAL SOLUTIONS

Cell: 082 253 0669 Email: [email protected] Web: www. iqsholdings.com Postal: P.O. Box 72216, Lynnwood Ridge, Pretor ia, 0040 Address: 64 Halepensis Street , Lynnwood Ridge, Pretor ia, 0081 From: Wilma Oberholster <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, 13 January 2021 14:21 To: Zelda van Wyk <[email protected]> Subject: FW: Astral Operations - Draft Scoping Report - Applications for an Organic Waste Composting and Pelletising Facility - GAUT 002/20-21/E2707 Importance: High Beste Zelda Soos telefonies bespreek, hiermee julle verslag wat op 27 November 2020 vir ons klient, Beefcor, gestuur is.

2

Sal jy asseblief vir ons ‘n A4, kleurfoto van die area soos per bladsy 3 van die verslag deurstuur? Groete Wilma vir

David Manley DIRECTOR

m: +27 83 306 9148 p: +27 12 346 3388 e: [email protected]

179 Mackenzie Street, Brooklyn Pretoria, 0181

www.manleylaw.co.za

SCAM WARNING: Cyber Criminals are now intercepting e-mails, changing the banking details on invoices sent to you for payment. Please note our trust account details remain the same. Should you receive an e-mail from “us” advising that our bank details have changed and an alternative bank account is to be used, please immediately report this to the secretary or attorney dealing with your matter. Never effect payment of an invoice without contacting the relevant service provider and confirming their banking details, no matter how authentic the invoice and/or e-mail may appear. MANLEY INCORPORATED Trademark Name: ManleyManley Director: David Manley Business Manager: Enza Manley Registration Number: 2015/422727/21 VAT Number 4050272071 BBBEE Compliant Level 4 Contributor S 25°45’ 53.626” E 28° 14’ 17.772” "This email is confidential. If you have received it in error, you are on notice of its status. Please notify us immediately by reply email and then delete this message from your system. Please do not copy it or use it for any purpose, or disclose its contents to any other person as to do so could be a breach of confidentiality. Thank you for your co-operation.

Please consider the environment before printing this email

From: Robin Watson [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, 08 December 2020 16:10 To: David Manley <[email protected]> Subject: Fwd: Astral Operations - Draft Scoping Report - Applications for an Organic Waste Composting and Pelletising Facility - GAUT 002/20-21/E2707 Hallo David Ons moet hieraan begin aandag gee. Wie dink jy is die beste om ons te help, Jan Saunders of Johann v Niekerk? Verder waar staan ons mbt tot die gedeeltes wat hulle wil gebruik. Tans gebruik ons die areas soos gemerk onder die servituut bepalings. Groete

3

Robin Watson Managing Director Cell: 083 287 3606 Tel: 013 932 7000 Fax: 013 932 7100 Address: Farm Boschkop, PO Box 187, Bronkhorstspruit, 1020 www.beefcor.com


---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Zelda van Wyk <[email protected]> Date: Fri, 27 Nov 2020 at 15:57 Subject: Astral Operations - Draft Scoping Report - Applications for an Organic Waste Composting and Pelletising Facility - GAUT 002/20-21/E2707 To: [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, Peter Nkosi <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]> Cc: Leon Bredenhann <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>

Dear Sir/Madam

Notice is hereby given in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations GN R. 982 of 4 December 2014, promulgated in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998) as amended, and the requirements for Water Use Licence Applications in terms of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998), that Astral Operations Ltd intends to develop and operate an organic waste composting and pelletising facility on Portion 13 of the Farm Boschkop 543 JR.

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The Draft Scoping Report (DSR) is available for public comment from 27 November 2020 until 18 January 2021 and is available on our website (www.iqsholdings.com) (under Public Documents) and at the Astral Offices on Portion 13 of the Farm Boschkop 543 JR.

Should you wish to register as an Interested and Affected Party for the proposed development or provide comments, kindly complete and return the attached Comment and Registration form. Further detail regarding the proposed development is available in the attached Background Information Letter.





1

Zelda van Wyk

From: Wilma Oberholster <[email protected]>Sent: Wednesday, 13 January 2021 14:28To: Zelda van WykCc: Leon BredenhannSubject: RE: Astral Operations - Draft Scoping Report - Applications for an Organic Waste

Composting and Pelletising Facility - GAUT 002/20-21/E2707

Baie dankie Zelda, het ontvang. Groete Wilma From: Zelda van Wyk [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, 13 January 2021 14:25 To: Wilma Oberholster <[email protected]> Cc: Leon Bredenhann <[email protected]> Subject: RE: Astral Operations - Draft Scoping Report - Applications for an Organic Waste Composting and Pelletising Facility - GAUT 002/20-21/E2707 Goeie middag Wilma, Baie dankie vir jou oproep. Soos versoek sien asseblief aangeheg die fasiliteit alternatiewe figuur. Laat weet gerus indien jy verdere inligting benodig. Kind Regards / Vriendelike Groete, Zelda van Wyk E N V I R O N M E N T A L C O N S U L T A N T RELENTLESSLY PURSUING REAL SOLUTIONS

Cell: 082 253 0669 Email: [email protected] Web: www. iqsholdings.com Postal: P.O. Box 72216, Lynnwood Ridge, Pretor ia, 0040 Address: 64 Halepensis Street , Lynnwood Ridge, Pretor ia, 0081 From: Wilma Oberholster <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, 13 January 2021 14:21 To: Zelda van Wyk <[email protected]> Subject: FW: Astral Operations - Draft Scoping Report - Applications for an Organic Waste Composting and Pelletising Facility - GAUT 002/20-21/E2707 Importance: High Beste Zelda Soos telefonies bespreek, hiermee julle verslag wat op 27 November 2020 vir ons klient, Beefcor, gestuur is.

2

Sal jy asseblief vir ons ‘n A4, kleurfoto van die area soos per bladsy 3 van die verslag deurstuur? Groete Wilma vir




www.manleylaw.co.za



From: Robin Watson [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, 08 December 2020 16:10 To: David Manley <[email protected]> Subject: Fwd: Astral Operations - Draft Scoping Report - Applications for an Organic Waste Composting and Pelletising Facility - GAUT 002/20-21/E2707 Hallo David Ons moet hieraan begin aandag gee. Wie dink jy is die beste om ons te help, Jan Saunders of Johann v Niekerk? Verder waar staan ons mbt tot die gedeeltes wat hulle wil gebruik. Tans gebruik ons die areas soos gemerk onder die servituut bepalings. Groete

3

Robin Watson Managing Director Cell: 083 287 3606 Tel: 013 932 7000 Fax: 013 932 7100 Address: Farm Boschkop, PO Box 187, Bronkhorstspruit, 1020 www.beefcor.com


---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Zelda van Wyk <[email protected]> Date: Fri, 27 Nov 2020 at 15:57 Subject: Astral Operations - Draft Scoping Report - Applications for an Organic Waste Composting and Pelletising Facility - GAUT 002/20-21/E2707 To: [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, Peter Nkosi <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]> Cc: Leon Bredenhann <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>

Dear Sir/Madam

Notice is hereby given in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations GN R. 982 of 4 December 2014, promulgated in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998) as amended, and the requirements for Water Use Licence Applications in terms of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998), that Astral Operations Ltd intends to develop and operate an organic waste composting and pelletising facility on Portion 13 of the Farm Boschkop 543 JR.

4







1

Zelda van Wyk

From: Wilma Oberholster <[email protected]>Sent: Monday, 18 January 2021 13:57To: Zelda van Wyk; Leon BredenhannCc: 'Robin Watson'; 'Izak Kok'; 'David Manley'; 'Pierre Langenhoven';

'Pierrelangenhoven'Subject: OBJECTION TO DRAFT SCOPING REPORT: ASTRAL OPERATIONS PTY LTD / OUR

CLIENT - BEEFCOR: B1522 [GAUT 0020/20-21/E2707Attachments: DOC180121-18012021134901.pdf


Dear Sir / Madam Kindly acknowledge receipt of our client, Beefcor Pty Ltd's Objection to the Draft Scoping Report. Regards Wilma for




www.manleylaw.co.za






Appendix C: Public Participation Correspondence

Cell: 082 808 0502 | Email: [email protected]

IQS Holdings (Pty) Ltd Registration Number: 2016/185594/07

Director: Leon Bredenhann

REL E NT L E SSL Y PUR SU ING R EAL SO L UT IO N S

BACKGROUND INFORMATION LETTER ON THE ENVISAGED ORGANIC COMPOSTING AND PELLETISING FACILITY FOR ASTRAL OPERATIONS LTD LOCATED ON PORTION 13

OF THE FARM BOSCHKOP 543 JR WITHIN THE CITY OF TSHWANE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY, GAUTENG PROVINCE

REFERENCE NUMBER GAUT 002/20-21/E2707

Dear Sir or Madam 27 November 2020

Purpose of this Background Information Letter

This document gives you as an Interested and Affected Party (I&AP) background information about the proposed organic composting and pelletising facility envisaged by Astral operations.

Public participation has the intent to obtain valuable input from you as an I&AP to consider all potential impacts that may result from the organic composting and pelletising facility.

This document therefore explains the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Water Use Licence Applications (WULA) processes that will be followed. It also gives information on how you as an I&AP can obtain information, identify matters of concern or interest to you and hence contribute to the project.

What is the composting project about?

Composting can be used to recycle biodegradable organic material such as chicken litter into stable useful material such as organic fertilizer in bulk or as pellets. The compost contains plant nutrients such as carbon, phosphate, and nitrogen.

Page 2 of 6

The process requires the presence of air. For this reason, the chicken litter from Astral will be composted using windrows that are monitored and periodically turned around until fully decomposed. The decomposed material will be biologically stable and odorless.

Composting has “upstream” benefits by avoiding the generation of greenhouse gases, particularly methane, and conserve resources. Downstream the application of compost can feed and replenishes soils by adding nutrients and organic material to the soil, increase soil moisture holding capacity and even assist with reducing soil erosion.

Potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed project

Environmental impacts are determined by typical effects composting can have on the environment but also the sensitivity of the environment. The sensitivity of the environment has been assessed using the environmental screening tool in terms of section 24(5)(h) of the NEMA, 1998 (Act No 107 of 1998) and regulation 16(1)(b)(v) of the EIA regulations, 2014, as amended. The Screening Tool has been developed by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) which is web application with spatial datasets.

The Boschkop farm is currently used for activities (chicken faming and feedlots) that can beneficially co-exist with the envisaged compositing facility and the adjoining organic compost facility on the west and the Bio2Watt biogas plant on the north.

These potential impacts will be assessed as part of the EIA study through the following specialist studies:

Ecological and Risk Assessment;

Heritage Sensitivity Evaluation;

Paleontological Study;

Wetland Impact Assessment; and

Geohydrological assessment.

A stormwater management plan, a borehole hydrocensus and environmental management plan will also be performed as part of the following EIA study.

Alternatives

Alternative sites will be considered within the EIA process. The study will identify 6 alternative sites on the Boschkop farm for the composting facility. Identifying alternative sites is good environmental practice to prevent unacceptable environmental impacts, but is also a legal requirement.

Page 3 of 6

Figure 1: Proposed Facility Site Alternatives

What does the EIA and WULA processes entail?

The waste management activities application will be done at the Gauteng Department of Agricultural and Rural Development (GDARD) and is subject to a Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessment process as contemplated in Chapters 3 and 6 of GN R. 982 in of 4 December 2014 (amended in Government Notice 599 dated 29 May 2020).

The Water Use Licence Application will be submitted to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and will be performed in terms of the most recent Water Use Authorisation Application Process Guidelines of the DWS.

The waste management activities include recycling or recovery and/or treatment of waste as related to composting and pelletising. The water uses in the accompanying application are 21 (c), (i) and (g) as associated with potential impacts on a water resource.

The environmental impact assessment normally takes 300 days and consist of various phases namely Screening, Scoping, Specialist Studies, Environmental Impact Assessment Report (integration and assessment) and Public Participation (which happens throughout the EIA process).

The Scoping Report will be electronically available to the public for a 30-day comment period from 27 November 2020 to 18 January 2021 on the IQS Holdings website and a hard copy at the Astral Offices on Portion 13 of the Farm Boschkop 543 JR.

The WULA process takes place on the Department of Water and Sanitation’s Electronic Water Use Licence Application and Authorisation System (e-WULAAS). The process involves the online application, subsequent pre-application meeting, DWS site visit and a technical WULA report that is being submitted within a 146-day period. The process takes 300 days.

Page 4 of 6

Next steps

IQS Holdings (Pty) Ltd (hereinafter IQS) was appointed by Astral Operations Ltd as an independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) to undertake the project.

The Scoping Report will be electronically available to the public for a 30-day comment period from 27 November 2020 to 18 January 2021 on the IQS Holdings website and as a hard copy at the Astral Offices on Portion 13 of the Farm Boschkop 543 JR.

Interested and/or affected parties (I&APs) who wish to participate by commenting on the proposed development, or who would like to obtain more information, should please contact Ms Zelda van Wyk or Mr Leon Bredenhann. By completing and submitting the accompanying registration form, we will ensure that you are registered as an I&AP for the project, and that your concerns or queries regarding the project will be recorded.



Web: www.iqsholdings.com Postal: P.O. Box 72216, Lynnwood Ridge, Pretoria, 0040

Page 5 of 6

Figure 2: Location of the proposed development

Page 6 of 6

INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE:

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Water Use Licence Applications (WULA) processes for the

Organic Composting and Pelletising Facility for Astral Operations

Reference Number GAUT 002/20-21/E2707

Registration Sheet Accompanying Background Information Letter

27 November 2020

IQS Holdings (Pty) Ltd

Cell: 082 253 0669

Email: [email protected]


Web: www.iqsholdings.com

Postal: P.O. Box 72216, Lynnwood Ridge, Pretoria, 0040

Please complete and return to the contact details as provided, by 18 January 2021 to register

Please formally register me as an interested and affected party (I&AP) so that I may receive further information and notifications during the Environemntal Impact Assessment process

YES NO

I would like my notifications and documents for comment as follows:

Letter (mail) E-mail Telephone On CD

In terms of this Public Participation process I disclose below any direct business, financial, personal or other interest that I may have in the approval or refusal of the application:

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………….. COMMENTS (please use separate sheets if you wish)

I suggest that the following issues of concern be investigated:………………………………………………………………….

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

I suggest the following for the public participation process: ……………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Any other comments…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

:……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...................

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Please register the following people as I&APs for this process:

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

TITLE FIRST NAME INITIALS SURNAME ORGANISATION POSTAL ADDRESS POSTAL CODE

LAND LINE TEL NO CELL NO EMAIL

Signature Date

SPORT 1127 November 2020 | Streeknuus/news

NOTICE OF WASTE MANAGEMENT AND WATER USE LICENCE APPLI-

CATIONS FOR AN ORGANIC WASTE COMPOSTING AND PELLETISING

FACILITY FOR ASTRAL OPERATIONS LTD LOCATED ON PORTION 13 OF

THE FARM BOSCHKOP 543 JR WITHIN THE CITY OF TSHWANE METRO-

POLITAN MUNICIPALITY – REFERENCE NUMBER GAUT 002/20-21/E2707

Notice is hereby given in terms of Chapter 6 of the Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA) Regulations GN R. 982 of 4 December 2014, promulgated in terms

of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998) as amended

(NEMA), and the requirements for Water Use Licence Applications (WULA) in terms

of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998)(NWA), that Astral Operations

Ltd intends to develop and operate an organic waste composting and pelletising

facility on Portion 13 of the Farm Boschkop 543 JR. The facility will take up part

of an area of approximately 24.2 ha in extent and falls within the City of Tshwane

Metropolitan Municipality.

The proposed development includes activities listed in regulations GN R. 921 of 17 November 2013 ((promulgated in terms of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008) (Act 59 of 2008) (as amended) (NEM:WA)) and water uses in Section 21 of the NWA. IQS Holdings (Pty) Ltd has been appointed as the independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) to undertake the Waste Management Licence, EIA and WULA processes. The waste management activities application will be done at the Gauteng Department of Agricultural and Rural Development (GDARD) and subject to a Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessment process as contemplated in Chapters 3 and 6 of GN R. 982 in of 4 December 2014 (amended in Government Notice 599 dated 29 May 2020). The Water Use Licence Application will be submitted to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and will be performed in terms of the most recent Water Use Authorisation Application Process Guidelines of the DWS. The waste management activities include recycling or recovery and/or treatment of waste as related to composting and pelletising. The water uses and accompanying application are 21 (c), (i) and (g) as associated with potential impacts on a water resource. The Draft Scoping Report will be electronically available to the public for a 30-day comment period from 27 November 2020 to 18 January 2021 on the IQS Holdings website and as a hard copy at the Astral Offices on Portion 13 of the Farm Boschkop 543 JR. Interested and/or affected parties (I&APs) who wish to participate by commenting on the proposed development, or who would like to obtain more information, should please contact Ms. Zelda van Wyk or Mr. Leon Bredenhann. Cell: 082 253 0669 Cell: 082 808 0502 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Postal: P.O. Box 72216,Lynnwood Ridge, Pretoria, 0040

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION IN TERMS OF SECTION 24G OF NEMA FOR THE UNLAWFUL

COMMENCEMENT OR CONTINUATION OF ACTIVITIES IDENTIFIED IN TERMS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS

Notice is given, in terms of Section 24(G) read together with sections 24(F) of the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 that Mr and Mrs Reginald Winkler, Fly Away Trust, 415 Poole Avenue, Eersterust is considering submitting an application for authorisation in terms of Sections 24(G) and 24(F) of the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 for the unlawful commencement of a Lodge on Portion 34 of the Farm Klipkop 396-JR, Pretoria. The details of the activities commenced with are as follows:

terms of the EIA Regulations): Government Notice No. R985, as amended, Activity No(s): 5 and 12

Parties wishing to comment or to be registered as interested and

comments (with reasons), no later than twenty (20) days after the publication of this advertisement of 27 November 2020, to Chameleon

Lakes, 0054

Met die jaar wat einde toe staan rol die balle rol steeds by Delmas Rolbalklub.

Op Saterdag, 14 November het die senior mans pare van Ekurhuleni Bowls (EKB) in Delmas gespeel.

Spelers van Kemptonpark asook drie spanne vanuit drie klubs, naamlik Benoni, Boksburg en Brakpan, het deelgeneem. Ook Delmas Rolbalklub het spanne ingeskryf wat by verskillende klubs deelgeneem het.

Karin Peres word ook gekeur vir EKB se vierhoekige wedstryd. Die wedstryd vind in die SABELS Distrik plaas en die balle gaan rol op 16 en 17 Januarie 2021.

Dit is egter nie waar dit eindig nie. Karin en Stephanie neem deel aan die EKB se midweek pare. ‘n Besonderse prestasie vir Stephanie, aangesien sy ‘n novusspeler is. Die paar het verskeie rondtes gewen voordat hulle in die kwart-eind rondte uitgeval het.

“Ons het uitstekend gespeel en ek is baie trots op dit wat ons bereik het, sê Karin, president van die klub.

“Ek wil net weer elke lid van die Delmas Rolbalklub asook almal vanuit

die gemeenskap bedank vir hul mildelike bydrae en hulp ten opsigte van die rolbalklub, ek waardeer dit opreg.”

Karin moedig ook weer alle voornemende of belangstellende spelers aan om haar te kontak by 082 496 3782.

Die klub belowe aan oud en jonk baie pret en goeie gesinsvermaak.

Delmas Rolbalklub rol voort Thia Botha

Taekwondo challenge saw seven students graded despite pandemic

The year was a challenging year for any

the ATC Cullinan and Rayton had to do

virus. Classes were made digital in order for

students to do their training at home for most of the year.

“Unfortunately we are in an area where

so sharing became common amongst students,” said instructor Justin. “All went better with the ease of the lockdown and the virus so students joined classes for grading purposes and the enjoyment of the art.”

Seven students attended the South Africa Taekwon-Do Institute (SATI) ITF grading

last grading of the year and the results had students pass with yellow and green belts.

Katie Oosthuizen passed to a yellow stripe, Jan Rossouw passed to a yellow belt alongside Theuns Rossouw who also went on to a yellow belt. Ryan Bosch passed to a green stripe alongside Noah Alexander who also passed to a green stripe. Hadassah and Levi Alexander both passed to a green belt.

“Well done to all my students, all your

them to their next level in the art,” Justin added.

Justin thanks organisers at the Cullinan Sport Centre for giving them a place to grade and train.

fourth Dan Sbm Maine. Front: Theuns Rossouw and Noah and Levi Alexander .

Site Notice Photos

1

Zelda van Wyk

From: Zelda van WykSent: Friday, 27 November 2020 3:57 PMTo: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected];

[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Peter Nkosi; [email protected]

Cc: Leon Bredenhann; [email protected]: Astral Operations - Draft Scoping Report - Applications for an Organic Waste


TrackingTracking: Recipient Delivery

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

Peter Nkosi

[email protected]

Leon Bredenhann Delivered: 2020/11/27 3:57 PM

[email protected]

Dear Sir/Madam Notice is hereby given in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations GN R. 982 of 4 December 2014, promulgated in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998) as amended,

2

and the requirements for Water Use Licence Applications in terms of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998), that Astral Operations Ltd intends to develop and operate an organic waste composting and pelletising facility on Portion 13 of the Farm Boschkop 543 JR.



Kind Regards / Vriendelike Groete,

Zelda van WykE N V I R O N M E N T A L C O N S U L T A N T

RELENTLESSLY PURSUING REAL SOLUTIONS


Cell: 082 253 0669 Email: [email protected] Web: www. iqsholdings.com

Postal: P.O. Box 72216, Lynnwood Ridge, Pretor ia, 0040

Address: 64 Halepensis Street , Lynnwood Ridge, Pretor ia, 0081

1

Zelda van Wyk

From: Zelda van WykSent: Friday, 04 December 2020 8:37 AMTo: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected];

[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Peter Nkosi; [email protected]; BELOT, BONISWA (GDARD; [email protected]

Cc: Leon BredenhannSubject: Astral Operations - Organic Waste Composting and Pelleting/Pelletizing Facility -

002/20-21/W0003

Dear Sir/Madam Subsequent to the submission of the waste management licence application for the Organic Waste Composting and Pelleting/Pelletizing Facility to the Gauteng Department of Agricultural and Rural Development (GDARD) a response has now been received and simultaneously changing the current reference number of the project. The new reference is 002/20-21/W0003 and replaces the previous number. The reason for this amendment according to the GDARD apparently is that a waste management licence application registration should have applied instead of an EIA process number. Kind Regards / Vriendelike Groete, Zelda van Wyk E N V I R O N M E N T A L C O N S U L T A N T RELENTLESSLY PURSUING REAL SOLUTIONS 2020 the year of understanding the needs of our cl ients





Appendix D: Comment and Response Report

Ast

ral O

pera

tions

LTD

Publ

ic P

artic

ipat

ion

Rep

ort f

or th

e As

tral O

rgan

ic W

aste

Com

post

ing

and

Pel

letis

ing/

Pel

letin

g Fa

cilit

y

5 IQ

S |

In

tegr

ity ●

Qua

lity

● S

ervi

ce

STA

KEH

OLD

ER C

OM

MEN

TS

A su

mm

ary

of th

e co

mm

ents

rais

ed b

y I&

APs

are

outli

ned

in T

able

3, T

able

4, T

able

5 a

nd T

able

6 re

spec

tivel

y. A

full

repr

esen

tatio

n of

the

com

men

ts is

incl

uded

in th

e C

RR

(see

App

endi

x B)

.

Tabl

e 3:

Inte

rest

ed a

nd A

ffect

ed P

artie

s Co

mm

ents

Sum

mar

y –

Bron

khor

stsp

ruit

Catc

hmen

t For

um

Inte

rest

ed a

nd A

ffect

ed

Parti

es

Date

of

com

men

ts

rece

ived

Co

mm

ents

EA

Ps re

spon

se to

com

men

ts a

s m

anda

ted

by th

e ap

plic

ant

Nam

e of

Indi

vidu

al

Br

onkh

orst

spru

it C

atch

men

t For

um

Ms

Car

a St

okes

18

Jan

uary

202

1 W

hat i

s ‘b

eddi

ng’ m

ade

up o

f?

The

bedd

ing

in th

e ch

icke

n ho

uses

con

sist

s of

woo

den

shav

ings

.

Bron

khor

stsp

ruit

Cat

chm

ent F

orum

M

s C

ara

Stok

es

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

Will

100

tons

be

the

max

you

inte

nd to

rece

ive?

Yo

ur s

tate

men

t ref

ers

to th

e se

nten

ce, “

Up

to 1

00 t

/d c

hick

en li

tter m

ay b

e co

mpo

sted

at t

he

prop

osed

site

at a

ny o

ne ti

me”

on

page

iv o

f the

Dra

ft Sc

opin

g R

epor

t. Th

e tru

th is

that

on

26

Nov

embe

r a c

orre

ctio

n w

as s

ugge

sted

on

this

Rep

ort “

Up

to 1

00 t

/d a

nd m

ore

chic

ken

litte

r m

ay b

e co

mpo

sted

at t

he p

ropo

sed

site

at a

ny o

ne ti

me”

The

ver

sion

with

this

cor

rect

ion

was

un

fortu

nate

ly n

ot u

ploa

ded

on 2

7 N

ovem

ber.

The

Fina

l Sco

ping

Rep

ort w

ill in

corp

orat

e th

e co

rrect

det

ails

on

the

mas

s of

chi

cken

litte

r to

be h

andl

ed.

Bron

khor

stsp

ruit

Cat

chm

ent F

orum

M

s C

ara

Stok

es

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

Will

the

100

tons

ON

LY b

e st

ored

in th

e in

tend

ed s

tora

ge a

rea

on F

igur

e 1:

Loc

atio

n of

th

e W

aste

Com

post

ing

Faci

lity

or w

ill th

at a

rea

expa

nd in

futu

re?

The

site

foot

prin

t has

bee

n re

duce

d w

ith a

ppro

xim

atel

y 60

% fr

om 2

4.2

ha to

9.8

2 ha

and

Fi

gure

1 h

as th

eref

ore

been

upd

ated

acc

ordi

ngly

. The

app

licat

ion

for t

he C

ompo

stin

g Fa

cilit

y is

for i

n ex

cess

of 1

00 to

ns p

er d

ay.

The

stor

age

of c

ompo

st w

ill be

kep

t to

a m

inim

um a

nd

will

not b

e al

low

ed to

cre

ate

envi

ronm

enta

l odo

urs

to a

n un

acce

ptab

le d

egre

e.

Bron

khor

stsp

ruit

Cat

chm

ent F

orum

M

s C

ara

Stok

es

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

Will

the

400

tons

per

mon

th g

ener

ated

by

Astra

l be

cons

ider

ed p

hase

1?

The

com

post

ing

faci

lity

will

in th

e fir

st p

lace

dec

ompo

se th

e 40

0 to

ns p

er m

onth

of c

hick

en

litte

r as

gen

erat

ed b

y th

e As

tral B

ayvi

ew f

acilit

y.

Any

addi

tiona

l vol

umes

bro

ught

in f

rom

ou

tsid

e w

ill on

ly b

e al

low

ed fo

r co

mpo

stin

g pr

ovid

ed th

at it

is e

nviro

nmen

tally

feas

ible

and

th

ere

afte

r mak

es e

cono

mic

sen

se.

Bein

g an

env

ironm

enta

l spe

cial

ist y

ours

elf,

I acc

ept t

hat

you

unde

rsta

nd th

at th

ese

addi

tiona

l vol

umes

of c

hick

en lit

ter w

ill on

ly b

e pr

oces

sed

prov

ided

th

at th

e en

viro

nmen

tal i

mpa

cts

do n

ot e

xcee

d ac

cept

able

lim

its a

nd is

mon

itore

d in

term

s of

an

d En

viro

nmen

tal M

anag

emen

t Pla

n (to

be

intro

duce

d in

the

draf

t EIA

pha

se)

Bron

khor

stsp

ruit

Cat

chm

ent F

orum

M

s C

ara

Stok

es

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

Wha

t doe

s th

e cu

stom

er w

ho p

urch

ases

the

400

tons

per

mon

th c

urre

ntly

gen

erat

ed, d

o w

ith th

is b

y - p

rodu

ct?

The

com

post

will

be u

sed

for a

gric

ultu

ral p

urpo

ses

but w

ill be

sub

ject

to G

ener

al D

uty

of C

are

prov

isio

ns o

n th

e si

de o

f Ast

ral.

Bron

khor

stsp

ruit

Cat

chm

ent F

orum

M

s C

ara

Stok

es

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

How

will

the

final

pro

duct

be

stor

ed?

The

com

post

may

be

stor

ed in

pile

s an

d m

ay b

e ba

gged

and

sto

red

in th

e ol

d ch

icke

n ho

uses

th

at w

ill be

con

verte

d in

to s

tora

ge a

reas

. Th

e ai

m is

to u

ltim

atel

y pr

ovid

e th

e fin

al p

rodu

ct in

pe

lletis

ed fo

rm

Bron

khor

stsp

ruit

Cat

chm

ent F

orum

M

s C

ara

Stok

es

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

Will

you

dete

rmin

e th

e C

arbo

n fo

otpr

int o

f bot

h ac

tiviti

es, c

urre

nt (s

old)

and

pro

pose

d?

Not

at t

his

stag

e, b

ut n

ot im

poss

ible

goi

ng fo

rwar

d.

Bron

khor

stsp

ruit

Cat

chm

ent F

orum

M

s C

ara

Stok

es

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

How

man

y ve

hicl

es w

ill be

nee

ded

to tr

ansp

ort 1

00 to

n pe

r day

to th

e fa

cilit

y?

Thre

e tru

cks

if w

alki

ng fl

oor t

raile

rs a

re u

sed.

Bron

khor

stsp

ruit

Cat

chm

ent F

orum

M

s C

ara

Stok

es

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

Has

the

chic

ken

litte

r (fe

athe

rs a

nd b

eddi

ng) b

een

clas

sifie

d in

term

s of

SAN

S102

34 a

nd

the

leac

hate

cap

abilit

ies

been

det

erm

ined

in th

e pa

st?

The

DEF

F w

as a

ppro

ache

d to

est

ablis

h w

heth

er t

he D

epar

tmen

t re

gard

s ch

icke

n lit

ter

as

haza

rdou

s in

whi

ch in

stan

ce a

SAN

S 10

234

clas

sific

atio

n w

ould

hav

e be

en p

erfo

rmed

. Th

e of

ficia

l res

pons

e fro

m th

e D

epar

tmen

t sta

ted

that

as

long

as

bloo

d an

d de

ad c

hick

ens

are

not

mix

ed w

ith th

e ch

icke

n lit

ter,

the

clas

sific

atio

n is

Gen

eral

was

te.

Bron

khor

stsp

ruit

Cat

chm

ent F

orum

M

s C

ara

Stok

es

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

Wha

t is

the

effe

ct o

f com

post

ing

on g

roun

d w

ater

and

rive

rs?

A gr

ound

wat

er a

sses

smen

t rep

ort h

as b

een

com

plet

ed a

nd w

ill be

incl

uded

in th

e dr

aft E

IA

Rep

ort.

Com

post

may

intro

duce

nitr

ogen

and

pho

spho

rus

the

grou

ndw

ater

. Fo

r thi

s re

ason

3

mon

itorin

g bo

reho

les

will

be e

stab

lishe

d on

the

com

post

site

and

freq

uent

ly m

onito

red

of

whi

ch o

ne w

ill be

ups

tream

. Br

onkh

orst

spru

it C

atch

men

t For

um

Ms

Car

a St

okes

18

Jan

uary

202

1 Th

e pr

oxim

ity o

f the

sto

rage

and

ope

ratio

n of

the

faci

lity

to a

farm

dam

lead

ing

into

the

Oss

Riv

er a

nd p

ollu

tion

of th

is R

iver

in g

ener

al.

The

proj

ect s

ite is

with

in 5

00m

of t

he O

ss R

iver

.

Bron

khor

stsp

ruit

Cat

chm

ent F

orum

M

s C

ara

Stok

es

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

The

cum

ulat

ive

impa

ct t

hat

both

Bee

fcor

and

Ast

ral w

ill no

w h

ave

on t

he O

ss R

iver

C

atch

men

t and

pro

xim

ity to

the

tribu

tarie

s.

This

impa

ct w

ill be

con

side

red

in th

e EI

A ph

ase.

Bo

th th

e G

roun

dwat

er A

sses

smen

t and

W

etla

nds

Asse

ssm

ent r

epor

ts h

ave

now

bee

n co

mpl

eted

and

will

be o

pen

for c

omm

ents

in

the

EIA

phas

e.

Ast

ral O

pera

tions

LTD

Publ

ic P

artic

ipat

ion

Rep

ort f

or th

e As

tral O

rgan

ic W

aste

Com

post

ing

and

Pel

letis

ing/

Pel

letin

g Fa

cilit

y

6 IQ

S |

In

tegr

ity ●

Qua

lity

● S

ervi

ce

Inte

rest

ed a

nd A

ffect

ed

Parti

es

Date

of

com

men

ts

rece

ived

Co

mm

ents

EA

Ps re

spon

se to

com

men

ts a

s m

anda

ted

by th

e ap

plic

ant

Nam

e of

Indi

vidu

al

Br

onkh

orst

spru

it C

atch

men

t For

um

Ms

Car

a St

okes

18

Jan

uary

202

1 Al

tern

ativ

e no

3 is

unf

easi

ble

as it

is in

a w

etla

nd a

nd tr

ibut

ary

of th

e O

ss R

iver

. Fi

gure

7: F

acilit

y si

te a

ltern

ativ

es.

Not

ed a

nd fu

lly a

gree

d w

ith

Bron

khor

stsp

ruit

Cat

chm

ent F

orum

M

s C

ara

Stok

es

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

Odo

ur, N

oise

and

dus

t are

a c

once

rn.

Spec

ialis

t stu

dies

and

pro

pose

d m

itiga

tion

mea

sure

s w

ill ad

dres

s th

ese

conc

erns

.

Bron

khor

stsp

ruit

Cat

chm

ent F

orum

M

s C

ara

Stok

es

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

Flas

h flo

odin

g an

d hi

gh ra

infa

ll in

the

area

. A

Stor

mw

ater

Man

agem

ent P

lan

has

been

dev

elop

ed to

add

ress

the

conc

ern

as p

er y

our

com

men

t and

will

be p

rese

nted

dur

ing

the

EIA

Phas

e

Bron

khor

stsp

ruit

Cat

chm

ent F

orum

M

s C

ara

Stok

es

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

Astra

l rep

rese

ntat

ives

goi

ng fo

rwar

d to

ple

ase

atte

nd th

e BC

F m

eetin

g w

hich

are

hel

d ev

ery

seco

nd m

onth

cur

rent

ly.

Plea

se f

orw

ard

rele

vant

con

tact

s to

be

adde

d to

the

da

taba

se.

Not

ed a

nd th

e re

ques

t will

be fo

rwar

ded

to A

stra

l.

Bron

khor

stsp

ruit

Cat

chm

ent F

orum

M

s C

ara

Stok

es

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

Pollu

tion

mus

t be

avo

ided

or

min

imis

ed a

nd r

emed

ied

at a

ll co

sts

for

this

pro

pose

d pr

ojec

t and

focu

s on

this

is e

xpec

ted

to b

e pr

ovid

ed in

the

EIA

and

spec

ialis

t stu

dies

. N

oted

and

agr

eed

Bron

khor

stsp

ruit

Cat

chm

ent F

orum

M

s C

ara

Stok

es

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

In o

rder

to c

lass

ify th

e ch

icke

n lit

ter a

s ei

ther

haz

ardo

us o

r gen

eral

was

te it

wou

ld n

eed

to b

e cl

assi

fied

in t

erm

s of

the

was

te c

lass

ifica

tion

regu

latio

ns.

Cur

rent

ly t

his

repo

rt cl

assi

fies

it as

gen

eral

was

te; t

his

wou

ld n

eed

to b

e sc

ient

ifica

lly p

rove

n.

Plea

se s

ee o

ur re

spon

se o

n yo

ur c

omm

ent n

umbe

r 9.

Bron

khor

stsp

ruit

Cat

chm

ent F

orum

M

s C

ara

Stok

es

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

If th

e lit

ter c

lass

ifies

as

haza

rdou

s, th

ere

will

be a

num

ber o

f oth

er a

ctiv

ities

to in

clud

e in

th

e ap

plic

atio

n. S

ee li

st b

elow

. Pl

ease

see

our

resp

onse

on

your

com

men

t num

ber 9

.

Bron

khor

stsp

ruit

Cat

chm

ent F

orum

M

s C

ara

Stok

es

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

GN

912,

LIS

T O

F W

ASTE

MA

NAG

EMEN

T A

CTI

VITI

ES T

HA

T H

AVE

, OR

AR

E LI

KEL

Y TO

HAV

E, A

DET

RIM

ENTA

L EF

FECT

ON

THE

ENVI

RONM

ENT,

Cat

egor

y B

Stor

age

of h

azar

dous

was

te

(1) T

he s

tora

ge o

f haz

ardo

us w

aste

in la

goon

s ex

clud

ing

stor

age

of e

fflue

nt, w

aste

wat

er

or

sew

age.

Ditt

o

Bron

khor

stsp

ruit

Cat

chm

ent F

orum

M

s C

ara

Stok

es

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

Reus

e, re

cycl

ing

or re

cove

ry o

f was

te

(2) T

he re

use

or re

cycl

ing

of h

azar

dous

was

te in

exc

ess

of 1

ton

per d

ay, e

xclu

ding

reus

e or

re

cycl

ing

that

take

s pl

ace

as a

n in

tegr

al p

art o

f an

inte

rnal

man

ufac

turin

g pr

oces

s w

ithin

th

e sa

me

prem

ises

.

Ditt

o

Bron

khor

stsp

ruit

Cat

chm

ent F

orum

M

s C

ara

Stok

es

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

(3) T

he re

cove

ry o

f was

te in

clud

ing

the

refin

ing,

util

isat

ion,

or c

o- p

roce

ssin

g of

the

was

te

at a

faci

lity

that

pro

cess

es in

exc

ess

of 1

00 to

ns o

f gen

eral

was

te p

er d

ay o

r in

exce

ss

of 1

ton

of h

azar

dous

was

te p

er d

ay, e

xclu

ding

reco

very

that

take

s pl

ace

as a

n in

tegr

al

part

of a

n in

tern

al m

anuf

actu

ring

proc

ess

with

in th

e sa

me

prem

ises

.

Ditt

o

Bron

khor

stsp

ruit

Cat

chm

ent F

orum

M

s C

ara

Stok

es

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

Trea

tmen

t of w

aste

(4

) The

trea

tmen

t of h

azar

dous

was

te in

exc

ess

of 1

ton

per d

ay c

alcu

late

d as

a m

onth

ly

aver

age;

usi

ng a

ny fo

rm o

f tre

atm

ent e

xclu

ding

the

treat

men

t of e

fflue

nt, w

aste

wat

er o

r se

wag

e.

Ditt

o

Bron

khor

stsp

ruit

Cat

chm

ent F

orum

M

s C

ara

Stok

es

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

(5)

The

treat

men

t of h

azar

dous

was

te in

lago

ons,

exc

ludi

ng th

e tre

atm

ent o

f effl

uent

, w

aste

wat

er o

r sew

age.

D

itto

Ast

ral O

pera

tions

LTD

Publ

ic P

artic

ipat

ion

Rep

ort f

or th

e As

tral O

rgan

ic W

aste

Com

post

ing

and

Pel

letis

ing/

Pel

letin

g Fa

cilit

y

7 IQ

S |

In

tegr

ity ●

Qua

lity

● S

ervi

ce

Tabl

e 4:

Inte

rest

ed a

nd A

ffect

ed P

artie

s Co

mm

ents

Sum

mar

y –

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

Inte

rest

ed

and

Affe

cted

Pa

rties

Da

te

of

com

men

ts

rece

ived

Co

mm

ents

EA

Ps re

spon

se to

com

men

ts a

s m

anda

ted

by th

e ap

plic

ant

Nam

e of

Indi

vidu

al

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1 W

e ad

dres

s th

is le

tter

to y

ou o

n be

half

of B

eefc

or (P

ty)

Ltd,

her

eina

fter r

efer

red

to a

s Be

efco

r. N

oted

.

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1 Be

efco

r hol

ds a

ser

vitu

de o

ver P

ortio

ns 4

and

13

of th

e fa

rms

Bosc

hkop

543

JR

, whi

ch

was

reg

iste

red

in B

eefc

or’s

fav

our

by N

otar

ial

Dee

d of

Ser

vitu

de a

nd R

ight

of

Firs

t R

efus

al K

5064

/08S

.

Not

ed.

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1

In te

rms

of th

is s

ervi

tude

, Bee

fcor

is e

ntitl

ed to

use

por

tions

of t

he B

oshk

op p

rope

rties

fo

r the

pur

pose

d of

car

ryin

g on

its

lives

tock

farm

ing

oper

atio

ns fo

r a p

erio

d of

25

year

s fro

m 2

6 Se

ptem

ber 1

993.

The

land

por

tion

for w

hich

Ast

ral w

ill no

w a

pply

for a

was

te m

anag

emen

t lic

ence

for c

hick

en

litte

r com

post

ing

and

pelle

ting/

pelle

tisin

g ha

s be

en re

duce

d w

ith c

irca

60%

to 9

.851

8 ha

(see

Fi

gure

1 in

the

Fin

al S

copi

ng R

epor

t ). T

his

redu

ctio

n in

land

por

tion

follo

wed

afte

r As

tral

revi

site

d th

e se

rvitu

de

arra

ngem

ents

be

twee

n Be

efco

r an

d th

emse

lves

an

d as

a

cons

eque

nce

conc

lude

d th

at p

art o

f the

initi

al la

rger

com

post

ing

area

of a

ppro

xim

atel

y 23

.2

ha w

as re

gist

ered

und

er s

ervi

tude

hel

d by

Bee

fcor

. Th

is a

rea

falls

out

side

the

area

s fo

r whi

ch

Beef

cor h

olds

a s

ervi

tude

on

the

farm

s Bo

schk

op 5

43 J

R, w

hich

was

regi

ster

ed in

Bee

fcor

’s

favo

ur b

y N

otar

ial D

eed

of S

ervi

tude

and

Rig

ht o

f Firs

t Ref

usal

K50

64/0

8S.

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1

Beef

cor i

s, fu

rther

mor

e en

title

d to

ext

end

the

said

ser

vitu

de a

fter t

he la

pse

of th

e 25

-yea

r pe

riod,

for

a f

urth

er 2

5-ye

ar p

erio

d.

Afte

r th

e la

pse

of t

he f

irst

25-y

ear

perio

d on

25

Sept

embe

r 201

8, th

e se

rvitu

de w

as e

xten

ded

for a

furth

er 2

5-ye

ars

beca

use,

in te

rms

of

clau

se 1

6.3

the

Not

aria

l Ser

vitu

de p

rovi

des

that

the

serv

itude

is d

eem

ed to

hav

e be

en

auto

mat

ical

ly e

xten

ded

for

the

rene

wal

per

iod

unle

ss B

eefc

or g

ave

writ

ten

notic

e to

As

tral t

o th

e co

ntra

ry.

Not

ed.

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1 Be

efco

r is

also

ent

itled

to s

ever

al e

xist

ing

law

ful w

ater

use

d on

the

prop

ertie

s co

ncer

ned.

N

oted

.

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1

In te

rms

of p

arag

raph

2 th

e ab

ove-

men

tione

d se

rvitu

de B

eefc

or s

hall

be e

ntitl

ed to

use

th

e se

rvitu

de a

rea

for

the

purp

ose

of c

onst

ruct

ing

and

oper

atin

g ca

ttle

feed

lots

, th

e gr

azin

g of

cat

tle, a

nd th

e fa

rmin

g an

d pr

oduc

tion

of li

vest

ock

othe

r tha

n po

ultry

, tog

ethe

r w

ith a

ll an

cilla

ry ri

ghts

nec

essa

ry to

enj

oy th

e se

rvitu

de a

rea

for s

uch

purp

osed

as

mor

e fu

lly d

escr

ibed

in th

e de

ed o

f ser

vitu

de fo

r the

initi

al p

erio

d an

d an

y re

new

al th

ereo

f in

term

s of

cla

use

16 a

nd 1

7 an

d su

ch o

ther

use

d as

Ast

ral a

nd B

eefc

or m

ay a

gree

to in

w

ritin

g fro

m ti

me

to ti

me.

Not

ed.

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1

In te

rms

of a

par

agra

ph 3

of t

he a

bove

-men

tione

d se

rvitu

de, A

stra

l sha

ll be

ent

itled

to

cont

inue

to u

tiliz

e al

l the

are

as o

f the

pro

perti

es n

or fo

rmin

g pa

rt of

the

serv

itude

are

a (“t

he r

emai

nder

”) fo

r th

e pu

rpos

es o

f ch

icke

n-an

d po

ultry

far

min

g an

d an

cilla

ry u

ses,

in

clud

ing

for t

he p

urpo

ses

of o

pera

ting

chic

ken

hous

es (“

the

chic

ken

hous

es”),

and

suc

h ot

her u

sed

as A

stra

l and

Bee

fcor

may

agr

ee in

writ

ing

from

tim

e to

tim

e.

Astra

l will

henc

efor

th a

pply

for r

educ

ed i.

e., a

9.8

518

ha la

nd a

rea

for

the

WM

L an

d W

UL.

Th

is re

duce

d ar

ea is

with

in “t

he re

mai

nder

” and

out

side

the

serv

itude

are

a.

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1 Al

l of t

he a

reas

that

are

iden

tifie

d on

the

Goo

gle

Earth

Imag

e, fa

ll w

ithin

the

serv

itude

ar

ea o

f Bee

fcor

. Th

e re

duce

d ar

ea o

f 9.8

518

hect

ares

falls

out

side

the

serv

itude

are

a.

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1

Para

grap

h 1.

3 of

the

abov

e-m

entio

ned

serv

itude

pro

vide

s th

at A

stra

l obt

aine

d th

e ba

re

dom

inio

n of

the

pro

perti

es a

nd t

he r

ight

to

use

the

chic

ken

hous

es s

ituat

ed o

n th

e pr

oper

ties

toge

ther

with

a d

esig

nate

d po

rtion

of t

he s

urro

undi

ng a

reas

adj

acen

t to

the

chic

ken

hous

es.

Plea

se a

lso

see

our r

espo

nses

to y

our c

omm

ents

Nr 8

.

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1

The

natu

re o

f th

e se

rvitu

de g

rant

ed t

o Be

efco

r st

eriliz

es t

he a

rea

cove

red

by t

he

serv

itude

for A

stra

l in te

rms

of th

e se

rvitu

de, a

nd A

stra

l is th

eref

ore

not e

ntitl

ed to

con

duct

an

y ac

tiviti

es (s

ave

for t

hose

men

tione

d in

the

serv

itude

on

the

prop

ertie

s th

at a

re s

ubje

ct

to B

eefc

or’s

ser

vitu

de.

Plea

se a

lso

see

our r

espo

nse

to y

our c

omm

ents

Nr 3

, 7 a

nd 8

abo

ve.

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1

Astra

l has

not

obt

aine

d Be

efco

r’s w

ritte

n co

nsen

t in

term

s of

par

agra

ph 3

of t

he N

otar

ial

Dee

d of

Ser

vitu

de.

Ast

ral

may

the

refo

re n

ot c

ontin

ue w

ith t

he e

nvis

aged

org

anic

co

mpo

stin

g an

d pe

lletis

ing

faci

lity

or a

ny s

teps

in t

his

rega

rd,

befo

re it

has

obt

aine

d Be

efco

r’s w

ritte

n co

nsen

t. B

eefc

or th

eref

ore

obje

cts

to a

ny s

teps

take

n by

or o

n be

half

of A

stra

l, as

Ast

ral d

oes

not h

ave

the

right

to th

e us

e of

the

serv

itude

are

a, w

ithou

t the

w

ritte

n co

nsen

t of B

eefc

or.

It is

rec

onfir

med

tha

t As

tral

will

not

use

the

Beef

cor

serv

itude

are

a fo

r co

mpo

stin

g an

d pe

lletiz

ing/

pelle

ting.

Ast

ral O

pera

tions

LTD

Publ

ic P

artic

ipat

ion

Rep

ort f

or th

e As

tral O

rgan

ic W

aste

Com

post

ing

and

Pel

letis

ing/

Pel

letin

g Fa

cilit

y

8 IQ

S |

In

tegr

ity ●

Qua

lity

● S

ervi

ce

Inte

rest

ed

and

Affe

cted

Pa

rties

Da

te

of

com

men

ts

rece

ived

Co

mm

ents

EA

Ps re

spon

se to

com

men

ts a

s m

anda

ted

by th

e ap

plic

ant

Nam

e of

Indi

vidu

al

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1

The

envi

sage

d or

gani

c co

mpo

stin

g an

d pe

lletis

ing

faci

lity

furth

er is

not

anc

illary

to th

e rig

hts

gran

ted

too

Astra

l in

term

s of

the

serv

itude

agr

eem

ent.

Chi

cken

litt

er i

s lin

ked

to a

nd h

ence

anc

illary

to

chic

ken

farm

ing

(as

dom

estic

was

te i

s an

cilla

ry to

ant

hrop

ogen

ic a

ctiv

ities

). A

stra

l the

refo

re is

acc

ount

able

for

the

envi

ronm

enta

l im

pact

s th

at p

oten

tially

may

ens

ue fr

om th

is c

hick

en lit

ter a

nd is

com

mitt

ed to

miti

gate

aga

inst

po

tent

ial

impa

cts

at s

ourc

e (p

leas

e co

nsul

t Pr

oxim

ity P

rinci

ple

in c

onte

xt o

f IW

MH

). C

ompo

stin

g as

intro

duce

d by

Ast

ral,

at m

inim

um, e

quat

es to

goo

d pr

actic

e m

itiga

ting

agai

nst

pote

ntia

l env

ironm

enta

l im

pact

s. In

vie

w o

f the

fore

goin

g, it

is s

ubm

itted

that

chi

cken

litte

r is

anci

llary

to th

e rig

hts

gran

ted

to A

stra

l in

term

s of

the

serv

itude

agr

eem

ent a

nd c

ompo

stin

g an

anc

illary

act

ivity

with

in th

eir

serv

itude

rig

hts

also

to e

nabl

e in

stea

d of

than

con

stra

inin

g th

em fr

om c

onfo

rmin

g to

env

ironm

enta

l law

.

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1 Be

efco

r the

refo

re o

bjec

ts to

any

Sco

ping

repo

rt, a

s As

tral d

oes

not h

ave

the

right

to u

se

the

envi

sage

d ar

ea. B

eefc

or th

eref

ore

rese

rves

its

right

s.

Not

ed.

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1

Beef

cor

furth

er o

bjec

ts t

o th

e D

raft

Scop

ing

Rep

ort,

base

d on

the

lim

ited

info

rmat

ion

supp

lied

ther

ein,

and

will

prov

isio

nally

add

ress

the

inte

rrela

ted

salie

nt p

oint

s of

con

cern

he

rein

bel

ow u

nder

diff

eren

t he

adin

gs.

Bee

fcor

res

erve

s its

rig

hts

to s

uppl

emen

t its

ob

ject

ions

at a

ny ti

me

in th

e fu

ture

(?) s

houl

d th

e ne

ed a

rise

Plea

se s

ee E

APs

resp

onse

s on

14.

1 th

roug

h to

14.

19.

As a

gen

eric

resp

onse

it is

reite

rate

d th

at th

e D

raft

Scop

ing

Rep

ort h

as b

een

base

d on

the

prov

isio

ns o

f Sc

opin

g an

d En

viro

nmen

tal I

mpa

ct A

sses

smen

t pr

oces

s as

con

tem

plat

ed in

C

hapt

ers

3 an

d 6

of G

N R

. 982

in o

f 4 D

ecem

ber 2

014

(am

ende

d in

Gov

ernm

ent N

otic

e 59

9 da

ted

29 M

ay 2

020)

. Th

is is

cle

arly

sta

ted

in th

e Ex

ecut

ive

Sum

mar

y of

the

Dra

ft Sc

opin

g R

epor

t.

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1 It

is m

entio

ned

in th

e D

raft

Scop

ing

Rep

ort t

hat t

here

will

also

be

a pe

lletis

ing

oper

atio

n bu

t th

ere

is n

ot m

entio

n of

any

det

ails

per

tain

ing

to th

e pe

lletis

ing

oper

atio

n su

ch a

s no

ise,

dus

t, vi

sual

impa

ct, w

aste

stre

am, w

ater

use

and

mac

hine

ry.

Than

k yo

u fo

r thi

s co

mm

ent.

A s

peci

fic p

elle

ting

plan

t has

not

yet

bee

n se

lect

ed, b

ut A

stra

l w

ill ad

equa

tely

con

side

r per

form

ance

spe

cific

atio

ns th

at w

ill be

bas

ed o

n co

nfor

man

ce to

the

rele

vant

legi

slat

ion.

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1

The

prop

osed

pre

ferre

d si

te i

s su

rroun

ded

by n

atur

al a

nd a

rtific

ial

wet

land

s w

ith

hund

reds

of d

iffer

ent s

peci

es o

f wat

erfo

wl t

hat f

ly in

to a

nd o

ut o

f the

site

, esp

ecia

lly s

ome

inw

ard

mig

ratin

g bi

rd s

peci

es s

uch

as C

omb

Duc

k an

d ge

ese

from

Moz

ambi

que

durin

g ea

rly s

umm

er.

Your

com

men

t ab

out “

inw

ard

mig

ratin

g bi

rd s

peci

es s

uch

as C

omb

Duc

k an

d ge

ese

from

M

ozam

biqu

e du

ring

early

sum

mer

” is

unde

rsto

od to

be

a co

ncer

n th

at’s

spe

cific

ally

rela

tes

to

avia

n in

fluen

za (a

nd n

ot to

com

post

ing

unle

ss th

e fe

ed to

the

com

post

is c

onta

min

ated

). A

s ex

plai

ned

in th

e re

spon

se in

14.

3, A

stra

l chi

cken

litte

r will

not b

e a

sour

ce o

f suc

h Pa

thog

ens.

In

the

unf

ores

een

even

t of

avi

an i

nflu

enza

, al

l in

fect

ed m

ater

ial

will

be d

estro

yed

(not

co

mpo

sted

). Yo

ur re

fere

nce

to “i

nwar

d m

igra

ting

bird

spe

cies

suc

h as

Com

b D

uck

and

gees

e fro

m M

ozam

biqu

e du

ring

early

sum

mer

” can

be

inte

rpre

ted

as a

con

cern

in g

ener

al a

nd fu

lly

appl

icab

le to

the

Stat

us Q

uo (

with

out c

ompo

stin

g).

As a

not

e of

inte

rest

: com

post

ing

kills

av

ian

influ

enza

viru

ses.

If y

ou w

ish

a lis

t of f

urth

er R

efer

ence

s ca

n be

pro

vide

d se

para

tely

to

this

doc

umen

t.

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1

The

Scop

ing

repo

rt do

es n

ot r

efer

to th

e ef

fect

of p

atho

gens

that

are

ass

ocia

ted

with

ch

icke

n lit

ter s

uch

as A

vian

Influ

enza

, Avi

an P

ox a

nd N

ewca

stle

dis

ease

s w

ill ha

ve o

n th

e va

rious

spe

cies

of w

ater

fow

l and

oth

er a

vian

spe

cies

.

Your

con

cern

is n

oted

. Fo

r Avi

an In

fluen

za, A

vian

Pox

and

New

cast

le d

isea

ses

to b

e pr

esen

t in

the

chic

ken

litte

r the

chi

cken

s m

ust f

irst b

e in

fect

ed. I

t is

subm

itted

that

the

Astra

l ope

ratio

ns

are

dise

ase

prev

enta

tive.

The

ir op

erat

ions

are

con

tinuo

usly

mon

itore

d by

hig

hly

spec

ializ

ed

labo

rato

ries

(whi

ch th

e EA

P ha

s pe

rson

ally

vis

ited)

to p

roac

tivel

y de

tect

any

ear

ly in

dica

tion

of a

ny d

isea

ses.

The

com

pany

has

ext

rem

ely

stric

t con

trol m

easu

res

in p

lace

rang

ing

from

sc

ient

ifica

lly fo

rmul

ated

feed

mat

eria

l (in

clud

ing

antib

iotic

s), f

arm

ing

oper

atio

ns (

fum

igat

ing

afte

r rem

oval

of l

itter

and

aga

in a

fter p

lace

men

t of w

ood

shav

ings

) and

stri

ct a

cces

s co

ntro

l to

thei

r chi

cken

she

ds a

ll in

line

with

thei

r ris

k pr

even

tativ

e m

anag

emen

t cul

ture

. N

o ch

icke

n tis

sue

infe

cted

will

ever

form

par

t of t

he c

ompo

stin

g pr

oces

s. A

s st

ated

in 1

4.2

plea

se n

ote

that

thes

e pa

thog

ens

are

kille

d in

the

com

posi

ting

proc

ess.

Ast

ral O

pera

tions

LTD

Publ

ic P

artic

ipat

ion

Rep

ort f

or th

e As

tral O

rgan

ic W

aste

Com

post

ing

and

Pel

letis

ing/

Pel

letin

g Fa

cilit

y

9 IQ

S |

In

tegr

ity ●

Qua

lity

● S

ervi

ce

Inte

rest

ed

and

Affe

cted

Pa

rties

Da

te

of

com

men

ts

rece

ived

Co

mm

ents

EA

Ps re

spon

se to

com

men

ts a

s m

anda

ted

by th

e ap

plic

ant

Nam

e of

Indi

vidu

al

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1

The

heat

gen

erat

ed in

com

post

doe

s no

t des

troy

viru

ses.

It o

nly

dest

roys

bac

teria

. An

y vi

rus

that

is th

eref

ore

cont

aine

d in

the

chic

ken

litte

r will

not b

e de

stro

yed.

The

spr

ead

of

avia

n po

x is

ass

ocia

ted

with

litte

r con

cent

ratio

ns.

Free

rang

ing

terre

stria

l wild

bird

s su

ch

as fr

anco

lins,

spu

rt-fo

wl a

nd o

ther

spe

cies

that

com

es in

to c

onta

ct w

ith c

onta

min

ated

lit

ter m

ay c

ontra

ct v

iral d

isea

ses

that

may

be

spre

ad w

idel

y to

oth

er c

hick

en o

pera

tions

an

d na

tura

l bird

life

in th

e ar

ea a

s w

as fo

und

in re

sear

ch b

y on

e of

Bee

fcor

’s e

xper

ts (V

an

Nie

kerk

and

Ver

woe

rd 2

002,

and

Van

Nie

kerk

202

0).

Ast

ral s

houl

d re

-eva

luat

e ho

w

sens

ible

thi

s pr

opos

ed o

pera

tion

is c

lose

to

Astra

l’s c

hick

en s

heds

, es

peci

ally

sin

ce

Astra

l has

to p

rodu

ce w

hole

som

e po

ultry

pro

duct

s th

at c

ompl

ies

with

HAC

CP

stan

dard

s.

Viru

ses

are

mor

e he

at s

ensi

tive

than

bac

teria

. Vi

ruse

s ar

e ki

lled

at te

mpe

ratu

res

of 5

0°C

and

ab

ove.

Com

post

ing

invo

lves

initi

al m

esop

hilic

(20

-45

°C)

and

subs

eque

nt th

erm

ophi

lic (

50-

70 °

C)

stag

es.

Rap

id i

nact

ivat

ion

of h

ighl

y pa

thog

enic

avi

an i

nflu

enza

viru

s H

7N1

was

ac

hiev

ed

at

both

m

esop

hilic

(3

5°C

) an

d th

erm

ophi

lic

(45

and

55°C

) te

mpe

ratu

res

(Com

post

ing

for A

vian

Influ

enza

Viru

s El

imin

atio

n, M

arch

201

2; A

pplie

d an

d En

viro

nmen

tal

Mic

robi

olog

y 78

(9):3

280-

5 D

OI:

10.1

128/

AEM

.079

47-1

1).

Plea

se p

rovi

de m

ore

com

plet

e re

fere

nce

deta

ils fo

r us

to lo

cate

the

docu

men

ts o

f Bee

fcor

’s

expe

rts (V

an N

ieke

rk a

nd V

erw

oerd

200

2, a

nd V

an N

ieke

rk 2

020)

that

focu

sses

on

cont

act

with

con

tam

inat

ed lit

ter.

Plea

se n

ote

that

Ast

ral w

ill no

t pro

cess

con

tam

inat

ed lit

ter (

see

14.3

).

Furth

erm

ore,

and

in a

dditi

on h

eret

o, p

leas

e be

info

rmed

tha

t As

tral d

oes

not

and

will

not

oper

ate

any

of th

eir c

hick

en s

heds

nea

r the

com

post

ing

faci

lity.

Als

o, o

f not

e is

that

chi

cken

sh

eds

are

larg

ely

encl

osed

and

are

bet

wee

n 1.

2 an

d 2.

15 k

m fr

om th

e pr

opos

ed c

ompo

stin

g op

erat

ion

(whi

ch w

ill ne

ver b

e co

mpo

stin

g co

ntam

inat

ed li

tter)

and

henc

e ne

ver t

heor

etic

ally

sp

eaki

ng b

e a

sour

ce o

f inf

luen

za. S

houl

d av

ian

influ

enza

for

wha

teve

r un

fore

seen

cau

se

end

up in

the

litte

r res

earc

h lit

erat

ure

clea

rly d

emon

stra

tes

that

the

viru

s w

ill be

inac

tivat

ed in

th

e co

mpo

stin

g pr

oces

s.

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1

The

avia

n in

fluen

za v

irus

arriv

es o

n a

seas

onal

bas

is a

nd c

an a

lso

arriv

e w

ith th

e in

flux

of w

ater

fow

l fro

m o

ther

cou

ntrie

s w

ith p

oor

vete

rinar

ian

cont

rol.

Cur

rent

ly t

he v

irus

prob

ably

occ

urs

from

tim

e to

tim

e in

sub

leth

al d

osag

es b

ut w

indr

ows

with

litte

r fro

m

vario

us o

pera

tions

, and

chi

cken

she

ds c

lose

-by

with

live

chi

cken

s ca

n ac

t as

a m

ixin

g ve

ssel

tha

t ca

n in

crea

se t

he s

prea

d of

the

avi

an i

nflu

enza

viru

s.

It ca

n al

so a

ffect

pi

gger

ies

and

spre

ad fr

om p

igs

to h

uman

s.

Your

com

men

t is

alre

ady

addr

esse

d in

res

pons

es to

“14.

2” th

roug

h to

“14

.4”

Your

“m

ixin

g ve

ssel

” con

cept

app

ears

to re

fer t

o “w

indr

ows

with

litte

r fro

m v

ario

us o

pera

tions

, and

chi

cken

sh

eds

clos

e-by

with

live

chi

cken

s” …

. “th

at c

an in

crea

se th

e sp

read

of t

he a

vian

influ

enza

” As

alre

ady

stat

ed, t

he w

indr

ows

will

not b

e us

ed to

com

post

chi

cken

litte

r tha

t are

infe

cted

w

ith a

vian

influ

enza

. P

erha

ps y

ou w

ish

to r

eass

ess

(in t

he c

onte

xt o

f le

gal r

elev

ance

or

prob

ativ

e if

that

is w

hat y

ou w

ish

to s

igni

fy)

your

“m

ixin

g ve

ssel

“co

ncep

t in

resp

ect o

f the

fo

llow

ing:

Pr

obab

ility

of e

xpos

ure

to a

viru

s in

con

text

of s

ize

of m

ixin

g ve

ssel

: Ast

ral’s

chi

cken

she

ds

are

larg

ely

encl

osed

and

in a

dditi

on h

eret

o is

bet

wee

n 1.

2 an

d 2.

15 k

m fr

om th

e pr

opos

ed

com

post

ing

oper

atio

n;

Prob

abilit

y of

tran

smitt

al (a

lso

in c

onte

xt o

f pat

hway

s be

twee

n so

urce

and

rece

ptor

): “In

fect

ed

bird

s sh

ed a

vian

influ

enza

viru

s in

thei

r sal

iva,

muc

ous

and

fece

s. H

uman

infe

ctio

ns w

ith b

ird

flu v

iruse

s ca

n ha

ppen

whe

n en

ough

viru

s ge

ts in

to a

per

son’

s ey

es, n

ose

or m

outh

, or

is

inha

led”

(http

s://w

ww

.cdc

.gov

/flu/

avia

nflu

/avi

an-in

-hum

ans.

htm

);

Ris

k of

illn

ess

in c

onte

xt o

f su

blet

hal d

osag

e. T

he u

se o

f th

e w

ord

dosa

ge p

re-a

ssum

es

expo

sure

thro

ugh

inta

ke (i

nhal

e, o

ral e

tc)).

The

sce

nario

“Cur

rent

ly th

e vi

rus

prob

ably

occ

urs

from

tim

e to

tim

e in

sub

leth

al d

osag

es”

appl

ies

to w

hat

happ

ens

to v

acci

natio

n in

whi

ch

inst

ance

imm

unity

resu

lts;

As a

mea

sure

of t

oxic

ity, l

etha

l dos

e (a

nd fo

r tha

t mat

ter s

ub le

thal

dos

age:

our

em

phas

ize)

is

som

ewha

t unr

elia

ble

and

resu

lts m

ay v

ary

grea

tly b

etw

een

test

ing

faci

litie

s du

e to

fact

ors

such

as

the

gene

tic c

hara

cter

istic

s of

the

sam

ple

popu

latio

n, a

nim

al s

peci

es t

este

d,

envi

ronm

enta

l fac

tors

and

mod

e of

adm

inis

tratio

n.

Ast

ral O

pera

tions

LTD

Publ

ic P

artic

ipat

ion

Rep

ort f

or th

e As

tral O

rgan

ic W

aste

Com

post

ing

and

Pel

letis

ing/

Pel

letin

g Fa

cilit

y

10

IQS

|

Inte

grity

● Q

ualit

y ●

Ser

vice

Inte

rest

ed

and

Affe

cted

Pa

rties

Da

te

of

com

men

ts

rece

ived

Co

mm

ents

EA

Ps re

spon

se to

com

men

ts a

s m

anda

ted

by th

e ap

plic

ant

Nam

e of

Indi

vidu

al

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1

The

high

dus

t lev

els

in th

e ar

ea n

ear t

he ro

ad, w

hich

is a

ctiv

ely

stirr

ed u

p by

traf

fic, w

ill pu

sh o

ver t

o th

e fe

edlo

t dai

ly w

ith p

atho

gens

mix

ed w

ith th

e du

st. T

he im

pact

of t

hese

pa

thog

ens

shou

ld b

e sc

rutin

ized

thor

ough

ly b

y a

vete

rinar

ian.

Fin

ally

, the

nat

ure

of th

is

oper

atio

n al

so c

reat

es a

mix

ing

vess

el w

here

New

cast

le d

isea

se c

an p

rolif

erat

e w

hich

w

ill af

fect

nei

ghbo

urin

g po

ultry

ope

ratio

ns a

s w

ell a

s As

tral’s

ow

n op

erat

ions

.

Your

com

men

t on

the

im

pact

of

feed

lots

is

inte

rpre

ted

in i

ts f

ull

cont

ext

(to i

ncor

pora

te

cum

ulat

ive

impa

cts

of

activ

ities

bo

rder

ing

th

e en

visa

ged

com

post

ing

faci

lity)

: “A

feed

lot o

r fee

d ya

rd is

a ty

pe o

f ani

mal

feed

ing

oper

atio

n (A

FO) w

hich

is u

sed

in in

tens

ive

anim

al f

arm

ing,

not

ably

bee

f cat

tle,

but

also

sw

ine,

hor

ses,

she

ep,

turk

eys,

chi

cken

s or

du

cks,

prio

r to

slau

ghte

r.”

The

Astra

l Chi

cken

feed

lots

are

in e

nclo

sed

build

ings

and

ent

rap

any

dust

. Th

e Be

efco

r cat

tle fe

edlo

ts a

re h

owev

er in

ope

n-ai

r. A

ir qu

ality

stu

dies

hav

e ge

nera

lly s

how

n th

at fa

ecal

mat

ter g

ut fl

ora

antib

iotic

s an

d pa

thog

ens

appe

ar in

par

ticul

ate

mat

ter d

owns

tream

of

cat

tle f

eedl

ots

(http

s://w

ww

.mot

herjo

nes.

com

/food

/201

5/01

/dus

t -fac

tory

-farm

s-an

tibio

tic-

resi

stan

t-gen

es).

Thi

s st

atem

ent i

s no

t pre

sent

ed a

s if

nece

ssar

ily a

pplic

able

to th

e Be

efco

r op

erat

ions

. W

ith re

gard

to th

e w

aste

man

agem

ent l

icen

ce a

pplic

atio

n fo

r the

com

post

ing

oper

atio

ns (n

ot

in re

spec

t of f

eedl

ots

as p

er y

our c

omm

ent)

dust

con

trol w

ill fo

rm p

art o

f the

Env

ironm

enta

l M

anag

emen

t Pro

gram

me

whi

ch w

ill be

in th

e EI

A R

epor

t and

ava

ilabl

e fo

r com

men

t.

The

pelle

tisin

g fa

cilit

y w

ill be

enc

lose

d an

d pa

rticu

late

mat

ter w

ill be

ent

rapp

ed. C

ompo

stin

g w

ill be

per

form

ed a

t opt

imum

moi

stur

e co

nten

t whi

ch w

ill al

so fu

rther

sup

pres

s th

e sp

read

of

parti

cula

te m

atte

r fro

m th

e C

ompo

stin

g Fa

cilit

y.

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1

An o

pen

air

win

drow

site

bas

ed o

n an

are

a of

5 h

a w

ill re

quire

a li

tter

efflu

ent

dam

do

wns

tream

of t

he o

pera

tion

of a

bout

20

000

cubi

c m

eter

s ba

sed

on th

e ra

infa

ll, ru

n-of

f ca

lcul

atio

ns fo

r m

anur

e su

rface

s, g

radi

ent a

nd w

ind

fact

or fo

r th

e ar

ea th

at s

houl

d be

co

nfirm

ed b

y a

hydr

olog

ical

eng

inee

r. T

his

estim

ated

vol

ume

shou

ld a

lso

be b

ased

on

cont

inge

ncie

s du

ring

long

last

ing

rain

stor

ms

prev

alen

t in

Gau

teng

at t

his

stag

e.

The

dam

cap

acity

sho

uld

cont

ain

appr

oxim

atel

y 20

to 3

0% o

f the

dam

cap

acity

, dep

endi

ng

on m

anag

emen

t pra

ctic

es, p

rovi

sion

for w

et s

ludg

e th

at m

ust b

e cl

eane

d an

d di

spos

ed

annu

ally

dur

ing

win

ter.

No

men

tion

is m

ade

of a

ny e

fflue

nt d

am in

the

Dra

ft Sc

opin

g R

epor

t.

A C

ivil

Engi

neer

ing

Com

pany

has

alre

ady

been

app

oint

ed p

rior t

o yo

u co

mm

ent t

o de

sign

a

stor

m w

ater

div

ersi

on a

nd c

onta

min

ated

wat

er m

anag

emen

t pla

n. T

his

repo

rt w

ill be

ava

ilabl

e in

the

EIA

pha

se f

or y

our

furth

er c

omm

ent.

The

dra

ft Sc

opin

g R

epor

t re

fers

to

the

Dev

elop

men

t of t

he S

torm

Wat

er M

anag

emen

t Pla

n on

pag

es, v

i (ex

ecut

ive

sum

mar

y), 1

8 an

d 53

. N

o ef

fluen

t w

ill be

dis

char

ged

henc

e th

e pr

ovis

ion

of a

con

tam

inat

ed s

torm

wat

er

cont

ainm

ent d

am d

owns

tream

of t

he C

ompo

stin

g op

erat

ions

but

loca

ted

on A

stra

l pre

mis

es.

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1

The

supe

rnat

ant a

nd s

ludg

e w

ill al

mos

t cer

tain

ly c

onta

in h

igh

load

s of

ant

ibio

tic re

sidu

e.

Irrig

atin

g w

ith t

his

wat

er i

s no

t an

opt

ion

and

slud

ge m

ay n

ot b

e in

corp

orat

ed i

nto

culti

vatio

n la

nd a

s th

is p

ract

ice

is h

ighl

y ris

ky.

The

treat

men

t of

the

sup

erna

tant

and

sl

udge

may

eve

n re

quire

a s

epar

ate

perm

it to

ope

rate

a h

azar

dous

was

te m

anag

emen

t si

te in

stea

d of

a “

gene

ral w

aste

” per

mit

like

wha

t is

cont

empl

ated

in th

e D

raft

Scop

ing

Rep

ort.

No

irrig

atio

n w

ill be

don

e.

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1

It is

onl

y po

ssib

le to

man

age

and

miti

gate

suc

h an

ope

ratio

n by

bui

ldin

g a

roof

ove

r the

en

tire

5 ha

whi

ch is

sim

ply

unm

anag

eabl

e an

d cr

eate

s its

ow

n pr

oble

ms.

Fur

ther

mor

e it

is fi

nanc

ially

not

via

ble

to p

ut u

p so

phis

ticat

ed w

ater

trea

tmen

t pla

nts

as th

e ru

nnin

g co

st w

ill ab

sorb

mos

t of t

he d

ivid

ends

to b

e m

ade

from

com

post

ing.

Sho

uld

the

site

be

expa

nded

to

24 h

a, it

will

sim

ply

not

be e

nviro

nmen

tally

sus

tain

able

giv

en p

ersi

sten

t im

pact

s (e

.g. b

ioac

cum

ulat

ion

of a

ntib

iotic

s).

As e

xpla

ined

in “1

4.8”

, “th

e tre

atm

ent o

f the

sup

erna

tant

and

slu

dge”

will

not b

e re

quire

d.

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1

In th

e D

raft

Scop

ing

Rep

ort i

t is

men

tione

d th

at th

e w

indr

ow g

roun

d su

rface

will

be h

ard.

Th

e D

raft

Scop

ing

Rep

ort d

oes

not e

xpla

in w

hat t

his

enta

ils.

Ther

e ar

e va

rious

way

s to

at

tain

a h

ard

surfa

ce.

The

Dra

ft Sc

opin

g R

epor

t doe

s no

t spe

cify

if th

e su

rface

will

be

com

pact

ed w

ith d

iffer

ent l

ayer

s or

if g

rave

l will

be a

pplie

d? I

f gav

el w

ill be

app

lied,

the

draf

t Sco

ping

Rep

ort d

oes

not i

dent

ify th

e so

urce

of t

he g

rave

l in

orde

r to

cov

er 5

ha,

w

ith s

ay a

300

mm

thic

k la

yer.

Har

d su

rface

s ac

cele

rate

run-

off w

hich

is o

ne o

f the

maj

or

pote

ntia

l im

pact

s (in

stea

d of

abs

orbi

ng w

ater

). A

24

ha s

urfa

ce w

ith a

har

d su

rface

will

caus

e un

stop

pabl

e so

il er

osio

n an

d na

tura

l res

ourc

e ex

ploi

tatio

n (e

.g. g

rave

l hol

e).

No

men

tion

is m

ade

in t

he D

raft

Scop

ing

Rep

ort

of h

ow t

hese

impa

cts

are

goin

g to

be

miti

gate

d.

The

desi

gn o

f the

com

post

ing

faci

lity

will

be b

ased

on

the

rele

vant

eng

inee

ring

prin

cipl

es.

Har

d su

rface

des

ign

deta

ils a

s in

you

r co

mm

ent

is p

art

of s

ubse

quen

t ph

ases

as

per

the

regu

lato

ry p

roce

dure

as

cont

empl

ated

in C

hapt

ers

3 an

d 6

of G

N R

. 982

in o

f 4 D

ecem

ber

2014

(am

ende

d in

Gov

ernm

ent N

otic

e 59

9 da

ted

29 M

ay 2

020)

. W

ithou

t go

ing

into

any

det

ails

on

the

unde

rpin

ning

des

ign

prin

cipl

es a

t th

is s

tage

it

is

subm

itted

that

: H

ard

surfa

ces

have

the

spec

ific

purp

ose

to m

inim

ise

any

leac

hate

ingr

ess

into

sub

surfa

ce

stra

ta to

pro

tect

the

grou

ndw

ater

qua

lity.

H

ard

surfa

ce m

ust b

e sl

oped

to c

hann

el a

ny le

acha

te to

the

low

est p

oint

.

Ast

ral O

pera

tions

LTD

Publ

ic P

artic

ipat

ion

Rep

ort f

or th

e As

tral O

rgan

ic W

aste

Com

post

ing

and

Pel

letis

ing/

Pel

letin

g Fa

cilit

y

11

IQS

|

Inte

grity

● Q

ualit

y ●

Ser

vice

Inte

rest

ed

and

Affe

cted

Pa

rties

Da

te

of

com

men

ts

rece

ived

Co

mm

ents

EA

Ps re

spon

se to

com

men

ts a

s m

anda

ted

by th

e ap

plic

ant

Nam

e of

Indi

vidu

al

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1

It is

fur

ther

men

tione

d in

the

Dra

ft Sc

opin

g re

port

that

litte

r w

ill be

mix

ed w

ith w

ood

shav

ings

but

als

o w

ith o

ther

bed

ding

mat

eria

l. N

o m

entio

n is

mad

e in

the

Dra

ft Sc

opin

g R

epor

t of t

he c

onst

ituen

ts o

f the

oth

er b

eddi

ng m

ater

ial,

and

if it

coul

d co

ntai

n ha

zard

ous

mat

eria

l, or

cau

se c

hem

ical

inte

ract

ion.

Not

men

tion

is fu

rther

mad

e in

the

Dra

ft Sc

opin

g R

epor

t if t

he o

ther

bed

ding

mat

eria

l or l

itter

cou

ld c

onta

in c

arca

sses

of d

ead

chic

kens

You

are

refe

rring

to p

19 o

f the

Dra

ft Sc

opin

g R

epor

t: “C

hick

en li

tter

(con

sist

ing

of c

hick

en

man

ure

and

woo

d sh

avin

gs /

oth

er b

eddi

ng m

ater

ial)

will

be s

tore

d un

der

cont

rolle

d co

nditi

ons

taki

ng c

ogni

zanc

e of

the

norm

s an

d st

anda

rd in

GN

R. 9

26 o

f 29

Nov

embe

r 201

3).

The

othe

r bed

ding

mat

eria

l can

(sin

ce it

may

com

prom

ise

the

heal

th o

f the

chi

cken

s) a

nd w

ill no

t (si

nce

it is

our

inte

rpre

tatio

n th

at h

azar

dous

was

te u

nles

s in

con

tain

ers)

can

not b

e st

ored

in

term

s of

GN

R 9

26 o

f 29

Nov

embe

r 201

3).

The

othe

r bed

ding

mat

eria

l the

refo

re w

ill no

t con

tain

haz

ardo

us m

ater

ials

or c

ause

che

mic

al

inte

ract

ion.

As

pre

viou

sly

stat

ed,

no d

ead

chic

kens

will

be p

erm

itted

into

the

fee

d of

the

co

mpo

stin

g fa

cilit

y.

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1

The

Dra

ft Sc

opin

g R

epor

t m

akes

men

tion

of a

nea

rby

land

owne

r th

at o

pera

tes

a co

mpo

stin

g si

te.

The

Dra

ft Sc

opin

g R

epor

t do

es n

ot i

dent

ify w

hat

the

exis

ting

com

post

ing

site

ent

ails

and

doe

s no

t pro

vide

wha

t the

cum

ulat

ive

impa

cts

wou

ld b

e. T

he

cum

ulat

ive

impa

cts

of th

e ex

istin

g co

mpo

stin

g si

te a

nd t

he p

ropo

sed

com

post

ing

site

sh

ould

be

inve

stig

ated

.

As s

tate

d in

you

r com

men

t the

Dra

ft Sc

opin

g R

epor

t ide

ntifi

es c

umul

ativ

e im

pact

(pag

e 48

; Im

pact

tab

le:

Odo

ur i

mpa

cts:

com

post

ing

faci

lity,

Bio

2Wat

t Bi

ogas

Fac

ility

and

anim

al

feed

lots

on

adja

cent

farm

por

tions

. The

se c

umul

ativ

e im

pact

s as

dis

cuss

ed in

Tab

le 3

: Nee

d an

d D

esira

bilit

y of

the

env

isag

ed O

rgan

ic W

aste

Com

post

ing

and

Pelle

tisin

g /

Pelle

ting

Faci

lity

(spe

cific

ally

pag

es 2

8 an

d 33

) and

Tab

le 4

: Iss

ues

and

impa

cts

iden

tifie

d in

the

desi

gn

and

cons

truct

ion

phas

e of

the

pro

pose

d de

velo

pmen

t pa

ges

48 a

nd 4

9) w

ill be

fur

ther

ad

dres

sed

in th

e EI

A ph

ase.

Cum

ulat

ive

impa

cts

in th

e EI

A w

ill fu

rther

con

side

r:

Con

radi

e C

ompo

stin

g Fa

cilit

y (li

cens

ed);

Bi

o2W

att B

ioga

s Fa

cilit

y (li

cens

ed);

and

Beef

cor c

attle

feed

lot.

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1

From

the

Dra

ft Sc

opin

g R

epor

t it

is n

ot p

ossi

ble

to a

scer

tain

how

the

env

ironm

enta

l im

pact

s of

the

prop

osed

com

post

ing

site

will

be m

anag

ed.

The

risk

of c

onta

min

atio

n is

ve

ry h

igh

and

unpr

edic

tabl

e ov

eral

l. A

stra

l sho

uld

rath

er lo

ok fo

r a s

ite w

ith a

siz

eabl

e bu

ffer

zone

aro

und

it aw

ay f

rom

wet

land

s to

mak

e th

e op

erat

ion

econ

omic

ally

and

en

viro

nmen

tally

via

ble.

The

inte

grat

ion

of a

com

post

site

with

pou

ltry

shed

s as

a “o

ne

stop

sho

p” is

a fa

tal d

ecis

ion

and

coul

d m

ost c

erta

inly

com

prom

ise

the

bios

ecur

ity o

f As

tral’s

she

d op

erat

ions

. M

ixin

g sh

eds,

com

post

ing,

arti

ficia

l and

nat

ural

wet

land

s, a

nd

free

rang

ing

wild

bird

s w

ill cr

eate

a m

ixin

g ve

ssel

for m

any

stra

ins

of p

atho

gens

.

Com

post

ing

of c

hick

en li

tter i

s a

wel

l-res

earc

hed

and

prov

en b

iote

chno

logy

that

redu

ces

the

impa

ct o

f org

anic

mat

eria

l on

the

envi

ronm

ent.

A lis

t of r

ecen

t arti

cles

has

bee

n re

fere

nced

at

the

end

of

this

doc

umen

t. Va

rious

spe

cial

ists

hav

e al

read

y be

en a

ppoi

nted

to

asse

ss

pote

ntia

l im

pact

s on

wet

land

s, e

colo

gy a

nd o

ther

sen

sitiv

ities

ide

ntifi

ed i

n th

e G

DAR

D

Envi

ronm

enta

l Scr

eeni

ng T

ool.

As s

tate

d be

fore

, com

post

ing

is n

ot p

atho

gen

gene

ratin

g, b

ut

path

ogen

miti

gatin

g.

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1

The

info

rmat

ion

cont

aine

d in

the

Dra

ft Sc

opin

g R

epor

t is

con

fusi

ng a

nd e

ssen

tially

m

isle

adin

g. T

he D

raft

Scop

ing

Rep

ort c

onta

ins

a co

ntra

dict

ion.

On

page

10

of th

e D

raft

Scop

ing

Rep

ort

it is

st

ate

that

th

ere

will

be

no

mor

e th

an

100

t/d

of

litte

r ac

com

mod

ated

/trea

t at o

ne ti

me

on th

e pr

opos

ed s

ite.

Your

sta

tem

ent r

efer

s to

the

sent

ence

, “U

p to

100

t /d

chi

cken

litte

r may

be

com

post

ed a

t the

pr

opos

ed s

ite a

t an

y on

e tim

e” o

n pa

ge iv

of

the

Dra

ft Sc

opin

g R

epor

t. Th

e sa

me

Dra

ft Sc

opin

g R

epor

t on

pag

es 1

3, 1

4 an

d 15

ref

ers

to,

“in e

xces

s of

100

t/d

”. Th

e di

ffere

nce

betw

een

up to

100

t/d

and

in e

xces

s of

100

t/d

coul

d be

the

quan

tum

diff

eren

ce b

etw

een

100

t/d (w

hich

con

form

s to

the

stat

emen

t of u

p to

a 1

00 t/

d)) a

nd 1

00,0

001

t/d (w

hich

hol

ds tr

ue

for t

he s

tate

men

t “in

exc

ess

of 1

00 t/

d)”.

The

qua

ntum

diff

eren

ce b

etw

een

the

stat

emen

t on

page

iv a

nd p

ages

13,

14

and

15 c

ould

be

1 kg

(in

the

exam

ple

post

ulat

ed w

hich

is in

line

w

ith th

e st

atem

ent t

he e

mph

asiz

e of

the

stat

emen

t up

to 1

00 t/

d th

eref

ore

incl

udin

g 10

0t/d

). It

is t

here

fore

diff

icul

t to

und

erst

and

the

reas

on f

or t

he s

trong

com

men

t on

“es

sent

ially

m

isle

adin

g” in

vie

w o

f its

lega

l mea

ning

/impl

icat

ions

and

the

prep

onde

ranc

e of

evi

denc

e in

th

e Sc

opin

g R

epor

t tow

ards

an

exce

ss o

f 100

t/d (

1 st

atem

ent o

n “u

p to

100

t/d”

ver

sus

5 st

atem

ents

on

“in e

xces

s of

100

t/d.

Th

e tru

th is

tha

t on

26

Nov

embe

r a

corre

ctio

n w

as

sugg

este

d: “U

p to

100

t /d

and

mor

e ch

icke

n lit

ter m

ay b

e co

mpo

sted

at t

he p

ropo

sed

site

at

any

one

time”

The

ver

sion

with

thi

s co

rrect

ion

was

unf

ortu

nate

ly n

ot u

ploa

ded

on 2

7 N

ovem

ber.

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1

On

page

20

of th

e D

raft

Scop

ing

Rep

ort t

he w

indr

ows

are

desc

ribed

as

100

m lo

ng, 6

m

wid

e an

d pe

rhap

s 2.

5 m

eter

s hi

gh.

Shou

ld th

e ca

lcul

ate

be d

one

one

find

that

a s

ingl

e w

indr

ow w

ill co

ntai

n be

twee

n up

to b

etw

een

1000

and

120

0 to

ns o

f chi

cken

litte

r in

a

sing

le r

ow,

depe

ndin

g on

spe

cific

den

sity

). I

f on

e lo

oks

at t

he s

ize

of t

he s

ite,

it is

es

timat

e th

at th

e st

artin

g ca

paci

ty w

ill be

600

0 to

ns in

row

s. S

houl

d th

e ar

ea b

e in

crea

sed

to

24

ha

(as

stat

ed)

durin

g a

seco

nd

phas

e th

e to

tal

litte

r th

at

will

be

acco

mm

odat

ed/tr

eate

d at

one

tim

e on

site

will

go u

p to

abo

ut 2

4 00

0 to

ns.

The

win

drow

s w

ill be

app

roxi

mat

ely

100

met

ers

long

, 4 to

6 m

eter

s w

ide

and

2 to

2.5

met

ers

high

. Win

drow

con

stru

ctio

n is

pla

nned

to b

e do

ne w

ith th

e us

e of

a fr

ont-e

nd lo

ader

and

dum

p tru

ck a

t min

imum

. The

vol

ume

of w

aste

in a

100

m lo

ng, 6

m w

ide

and

perh

aps

2.5

met

ers

high

sin

gle

row

is a

ppro

xim

atel

y 1

034

m3 o

r 465

t to

be

mor

e ex

act.

Your

sta

tem

ent:

“If o

ne

look

s at

the

siz

e of

the

site

, …

“as

a b

asis

for

you

r su

bseq

uent

cal

cula

tions

om

its t

wo

elem

ents

: N

owhe

re in

the

Dra

ft Sc

opin

g R

epor

t m

entio

n is

mad

e th

at t

he f

ull s

ite w

ill be

use

d fo

r w

indr

ows

and

your

sta

tem

ent

ther

efor

e m

ay b

e qu

asi-a

ssum

ptiv

e at

thi

s po

int

in t

ime

espe

cial

ly in

vie

w o

f the

fact

; tha

t the

com

post

ing

faci

lity

enco

mpa

sses

con

side

rabl

y m

ore

than

just

win

drow

s an

d si

mpl

istic

ally

spe

akin

g in

corp

orat

es in

frast

ruct

ural

dev

elop

men

t (th

e de

tails

and

foot

prin

t are

as w

ell k

now

n to

the

spec

ialis

ts).

Ast

ral O

pera

tions

LTD

Publ

ic P

artic

ipat

ion

Rep

ort f

or th

e As

tral O

rgan

ic W

aste

Com

post

ing

and

Pel

letis

ing/

Pel

letin

g Fa

cilit

y

12

IQS

|

Inte

grity

● Q

ualit

y ●

Ser

vice

Inte

rest

ed

and

Affe

cted

Pa

rties

Da

te

of

com

men

ts

rece

ived

Co

mm

ents

EA

Ps re

spon

se to

com

men

ts a

s m

anda

ted

by th

e ap

plic

ant

Nam

e of

Indi

vidu

al

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1

We

are

of th

e vi

ew th

at th

e En

viro

nmen

tal A

sses

smen

t Pra

ctiti

oner

is u

nder

estim

atin

g th

e po

tent

ial i

mpa

cts,

long

term

pro

blem

s an

d su

dden

spi

kes

in p

atho

gens

that

cou

ld

high

ly li

kely

be

asso

ciat

ed w

ith th

is p

ropo

sed

deve

lopm

ent.

Your

vie

ws

as l

egal

spe

cial

ist

rega

rdin

g th

e EA

P su

ppor

ted

by e

nviro

nmen

tally

rel

ated

pr

actio

ners

(6

with

wel

l ove

r a

100

year

s of

col

lect

ive

expe

rienc

e) a

nd b

y im

plic

atio

n by

G

DAR

D a

nd D

WS

(Com

pete

nt A

utho

ritie

s) a

re n

oted

. Yo

ur c

omm

ents

on

path

ogen

s ha

ve b

een

addr

esse

d in

var

ious

sec

tions

of t

his

subm

issi

on.

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1

The

Dra

ft Sc

opin

g R

epor

t fur

ther

con

tain

s co

nflic

ting

stat

emen

ts s

uch

as “

it ha

s be

en

show

n th

at c

ompo

stin

g is

eco

nom

ical

ly p

refe

rabl

e to

ana

erob

ic d

iges

tion

at s

mal

ler s

cale

be

low

50

000

tons

per

ann

um”

(pag

e 21

). If

reg

ard

is to

be

had

to th

e D

raft

Scop

ing

Rep

ort,

the

outp

ut is

goi

ng to

be

mor

e th

at 5

0 00

0 to

ns.

No

indi

catio

n is

giv

en in

the

Dra

ft Sc

opin

g R

epor

t on

whi

ch e

vide

nce

this

ass

umpt

ion

is b

ased

that

com

post

ing

is

econ

omic

ally

pre

fera

ble

to a

naer

obic

dig

estio

n at

sm

alle

r sc

ale

belo

w 5

0 00

0 to

ns p

er

annu

m.

The

stat

emen

t is

not a

n as

sum

ptio

n bu

t has

bee

n so

urce

d fro

m a

rese

arch

pap

er: F

ebru

ary

2006

, Jou

rnal

of E

nviro

nmen

tal S

cien

ce a

nd H

ealth

Par

t A 4

1(5)

:865

-79,

DO

I)

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1 Fu

rther

mor

e, if

onl

y 10

0 to

ns p

er d

ay (

capa

city

on

site

) w

ill be

trea

ted,

why

doe

s th

e D

raft

Scop

ing

Rep

ort i

ndic

ate

that

app

licat

ion

will

be m

ade

for

a w

aste

lice

nce

abov

e 10

0 to

ns?

Not

ed a

nd a

ddre

ssed

in “1

4.4”

.

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1

The

Dra

ft Sc

opin

g R

epor

t for

esee

s a

proc

ess

that

will

allo

w fo

r lat

er e

xten

sion

s. T

o al

low

a

piec

emea

l pro

cess

will

be to

the

detri

men

t of m

embe

rs o

f the

pub

lic a

s m

embe

rs o

f th

e pu

blic

nee

ds a

com

plet

e pi

ctur

e of

all a

ctiv

ities

that

is g

oing

to b

e un

derta

ken

in o

rder

to

form

a re

alis

tic p

ictu

re o

f wha

t the

impa

ct o

f the

com

post

ing

oper

atio

n w

ill be

.

The

foot

prin

t was

initi

ally

for 2

1.2

ha fo

r whi

ch a

full

plan

was

dev

elop

ed in

thre

e ph

ases

but

no

w re

duce

d to

9.8

518

ha.

The

new

foot

prin

t of 9

.851

8 ha

will

how

ever

now

app

ear

in th

e EI

A R

epor

t. Th

eref

ore,

no

piec

emea

l ap

proa

ch i

s ta

ken

as i

n th

e co

ntex

t of

our

und

erst

andi

ng o

f yo

ur c

omm

ent.

Furth

erm

ore,

and

as

you

as le

gal s

peci

alis

t are

wel

l aw

are

the

law

in R

. 982

in o

f 4 D

ecem

ber

2014

(am

ende

d in

Gov

ernm

ent N

otic

e 59

9 da

ted

29 M

ay 2

020)

pro

vide

s fo

r the

pro

tect

ion

of

the

envi

ronm

ent s

houl

d fu

ture

unf

ores

een

impa

cts

impl

y ris

k to

resi

dent

s. T

hese

regu

latio

ns

are

of r

elev

ance

and

add

ress

es y

our

conc

erns

in r

espe

ct o

f an

y de

viat

ions

in t

he in

itial

ap

plic

atio

n by

way

of:

CH

APTE

R 5

AM

END

MEN

T, S

USP

ENSI

ON

, WIT

HD

RAW

AL A

ND

AU

DIT

ING

OF

CO

MPL

IAN

CE

WIT

H

ENVI

RO

NM

ENTA

L AU

THO

RIS

ATIO

N

AND

EN

VIR

ON

MEN

TAL

MAN

AGEM

ENT

PRO

GR

AMM

E, P

art 2

: Am

endm

ents

whe

re a

cha

nge

in s

cope

occ

urs

Sec

tion

31,3

2 an

d 33

.

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1

The

obje

ctiv

es o

f th

e D

raft

Scop

ing

Rep

ort

is t

o id

entif

y th

e re

leva

nt p

olic

ies

and

legi

slat

ion

rele

vant

to

the

activ

ity,

to i

dent

ify t

he k

ey i

ssue

s to

be

addr

esse

d in

the

as

sess

men

t pha

se a

nd to

agr

ee o

n th

e le

vel o

f ass

essm

ent t

o be

und

erta

ken.

If

the

Dra

ft Sc

opin

g R

epor

t is

inco

mpl

ete,

it w

ill le

ad to

ass

essm

ent d

one

for t

he p

urpo

ses

of

the

Envi

ronm

enta

l Im

pact

Ass

essm

ent

(her

eina

fter

“EIA

”) pr

oces

s to

be

defic

ient

, pr

esum

ptio

ns.

Rem

edie

s an

d m

itiga

tions

that

are

pro

pose

d th

erei

n, w

ill be

inad

equa

te

and

the

EIA

– pr

oces

s w

ill be

flaw

ed.

The

obje

ctiv

es a

s pe

r you

r com

men

t com

e fro

m th

e D

raft

Scop

ing

Rep

ort u

nder

the

head

ing

“TH

E O

BJEC

TIVE

OF

THE

REP

OR

T”. T

he s

ectio

ns in

the

Dra

ft Sc

opin

g R

epor

t whe

re e

ach

obje

ctiv

e ha

ve b

een

met

is p

rovi

ded

here

unde

r: ..“

to i

dent

ify t

he r

elev

ant

polic

ies

and

legi

slat

ion

rele

vant

to

the

activ

ity,

..”:

Plea

se r

ead

Se

ctio

n 2

“LE

GAL

AN

D P

OLI

CY

REQ

UIR

EMEN

TS”

from

pag

e 11

up

to p

age

17 t

hat

prov

ides

a c

ompl

ete

over

view

of t

he le

gisl

atio

n an

d po

licie

s re

leva

nt to

the

com

post

ing

faci

lity.

Al

so r

ead

the

Dep

artm

ent o

f Env

ironm

enta

l Affa

irs p

ublis

hed

an In

tegr

ated

Env

ironm

enta

l M

anag

emen

t Gui

delin

e: T

he G

uide

line

on N

eed

and

Des

irabi

lity;

“to

iden

tify

the

key

issu

es to

be

addr

esse

d in

the

asse

ssm

ent p

hase

”. Pl

ease

read

Sec

tion

6 “D

ESC

RIP

TIO

N O

F TH

E EN

VIR

ON

MEN

T” fr

om p

age

34 u

p to

pag

e 47

. Thi

s Se

ctio

n us

es

the

Gau

teng

Pro

vinc

ial

Envi

ronm

enta

l M

anag

emen

t Fr

amew

ork

that

ser

ves

as a

leg

al

inst

rum

ent

tow

ards

su

stai

nabl

e en

viro

nmen

tal

impa

ct

man

agem

ent

in

term

s of

th

e En

viro

nmen

tal M

anag

emen

t Fra

mew

ork

Reg

ulat

ions

, 201

0. T

he p

urpo

se o

f the

regu

latio

ns

is to

ass

ist e

nviro

nmen

tal i

mpa

ct m

anag

emen

t inc

ludi

ng E

IA p

roce

sses

, spa

tial p

lann

ing

and

sust

aina

ble

deve

lopm

ent.

The

Five

En

viro

nmen

tal

Man

agem

ent

Zone

s (E

MZ)

w

ere

iden

tifie

d; a

nd

“to a

gree

on

the

leve

l of a

sses

smen

t to

be u

nder

take

n”. P

leas

e re

ad S

ectio

n 7

“PO

TEN

TIAL

IM

PAC

TS O

N T

HE

ENVI

RO

NM

ENT”

from

pag

es 4

7 to

48

as w

ell a

s Se

ctio

n 9

“PLA

N O

F ST

UD

Y FO

R T

HE

EIA

PHAS

E” fr

om p

age

54 to

57.

Yo

u m

ay w

ish

to re

cons

ider

the

rele

vanc

e of

you

r sta

tem

ent “

If th

e D

raft

Scop

ing

Rep

ort i

s in

com

plet

e…” i

n vi

ew o

f our

res

pons

es a

bove

, on

the

prep

onde

ranc

e of

evi

denc

e (p

rovi

ded

abov

e) th

at a

nd p

erha

ps in

app

roac

hing

the

cont

ext o

f “s

empe

r nec

essi

tas

prob

andi

incu

mbi

t ei

qui

agi

t” (n

eedl

ess

to s

ay th

ere

is a

rem

arka

ble

diffe

renc

e be

twee

n “If

the

Dra

ft Sc

opin

g R

epor

t is

inc

ompl

ete…

” an

d “S

ince

(m

y em

phas

ize)

t

he D

raft

Scop

ing

Rep

ort

is

inco

mpl

ete…

” )

Ast

ral O

pera

tions

LTD

Publ

ic P

artic

ipat

ion

Rep

ort f

or th

e As

tral O

rgan

ic W

aste

Com

post

ing

and

Pel

letis

ing/

Pel

letin

g Fa

cilit

y

13

IQS

|

Inte

grity

● Q

ualit

y ●

Ser

vice

Inte

rest

ed

and

Affe

cted

Pa

rties

Da

te

of

com

men

ts

rece

ived

Co

mm

ents

EA

Ps re

spon

se to

com

men

ts a

s m

anda

ted

by th

e ap

plic

ant

Nam

e of

Indi

vidu

al

Man

ley

Man

ley

Inc.

18

Jan

uary

202

1

Seei

ng th

at th

e sc

opin

g re

port

will

form

the

basi

s up

on w

hich

the

EIA

will

be d

one,

it

follo

ws

that

if th

e sc

opin

g re

port

is fl

awed

, the

EIA

will

be o

f no

use

at a

ll. T

he p

urpo

se

of th

e sc

opin

g re

port

it to

det

erm

ine

whi

ch e

xper

t rep

orts

mus

t be

obta

ined

in th

e EI

A to

be

con

duct

ed.

Your

com

men

t is

note

d an

d ha

s be

en a

ddre

ssed

in th

e re

spon

se in

“16”

abo

ve.

Tabl

e 5:

Inte

rest

ed a

nd A

ffect

ed P

artie

s Co

mm

ents

Sum

mar

y –

Bosc

hkop

Com

mun

ity A

ssoc

iatio

n

Inte

rest

ed a

nd A

ffect

ed

Parti

es

Date

of

com

men

ts

rece

ived

Co

mm

ents

EA

Ps re

spon

se to

com

men

ts a

s m

anda

ted

by th

e ap

plic

ant

Nam

e of

Indi

vidu

al

Bosc

hkop

Com

mun

ity

Asso

ciat

ion

Mr F

rank

Lov

ell

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

Whi

le w

e un

ders

tand

circ

ular

eco

nom

y, w

e ar

e no

t hap

py w

ith a

dditi

onal

was

te b

eing

br

ough

t int

o th

e ar

ea. I

t brin

gs a

dditi

onal

hea

vy tr

affic

into

the

area

; we

alre

ady

battl

e to

m

aint

ain

the

curre

nt ro

ad in

frast

ruct

ure

with

resi

dent

s an

d gu

ests

find

ing

the

road

s to

tally

im

pass

able

in w

et w

eath

er. T

he ro

ads

depa

rtmen

t has

bud

geta

ry c

onst

rain

ts a

nd c

anno

t re

pair

the

road

s ad

equa

tely

Your

con

cern

is u

nder

stoo

d.

Shou

ld a

dditi

onal

was

te b

e br

ough

t in

to t

he a

rea,

it w

ill be

su

bjec

t to

econ

omic

(due

to th

e co

sts

of tr

ansp

orta

tion)

and

env

ironm

enta

l fea

sibi

li ty.

Bosc

hkop

Com

mun

ity

Asso

ciat

ion

Mr F

rank

Lov

ell

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

It cr

eate

s ad

ditio

nal d

ust.

Dus

t con

trol w

ill be

inco

rpor

ated

in th

e En

viro

nmen

tal M

anag

emen

t Pro

gram

me

and

suffi

cien

t m

itiga

tion

mea

sure

s w

ill be

in p

lace

on

the

new

site

.

Bosc

hkop

Com

mun

ity

Asso

ciat

ion

Mr F

rank

Lov

ell

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

From

pas

t exp

erie

nce

we

know

that

dry

chi

cken

litte

r is

incr

edib

ly d

usty

and

con

tain

s an

tibio

tics,

this

will

float

ove

r the

resi

denc

es a

nd b

e ha

rmfu

l to

the

com

mun

ity.

A D

ust

Man

agem

ent

Plan

(as

a s

ubse

t of

an

Envi

ronm

enta

l Man

agem

ent

Plan

) is

in t

he

proc

ess

of b

eing

dev

elop

ed a

s pa

rt of

the

Dra

ft EI

A R

epor

t an

d w

ill al

so f

ocus

on

your

co

ncer

n. Y

ou w

ill be

abl

e to

aga

in c

omm

ent o

n th

is P

lan.

Th

e si

te fo

otpr

int h

as b

een

redu

ced

with

app

roxi

mat

ely

60%

from

24.

2 ha

to 9

.851

8 ha

. Th

e di

stan

ces

to th

ese

resi

denc

es a

s pe

r you

r com

men

t may

be

redu

ced

beca

use

of th

e re

duce

d co

mpo

stin

g fo

otpr

int.

Thi

s as

ide

the

Dus

t Man

agem

ent P

lan

will

inco

rpor

ate

your

con

cern

re

gard

ing

thes

e ho

uses

. Bo

schk

op C

omm

unity

As

soci

atio

n M

r Fra

nk L

ovel

l 18

Jan

uary

202

1 Th

ere

are

3 re

side

nces

with

in a

1km

radi

us o

f the

pro

pose

d si

te a

nd 1

3 ot

hers

with

in a

2.

5km

radi

us.

See

com

men

t abo

ve.

Bosc

hkop

Com

mun

ity

Asso

ciat

ion

Mr F

rank

Lov

ell

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

In t

he w

inte

r th

ere

is a

the

rmoc

line

whi

ch f

orce

s th

e du

st in

to t

he lo

wer

lyin

g ar

eas

cove

ring

resi

dent

s fo

r hou

rs b

etw

een

17.0

0 an

d 21

.00

in th

ick

dust

. M

ay w

e as

sum

e th

at th

e th

erm

oclin

e as

per

you

r com

men

t elu

des

to th

e St

atus

Quo

The

dus

t co

ntro

l Man

agem

ent

Plan

will

take

due

cog

niza

nce

of t

he m

atte

r w

hich

see

ms

to a

ppea

r du

ring

the

dry

and

dust

y se

ason

and

hen

ce re

quire

aug

men

ted

dust

con

trol d

urin

g th

is p

erio

d.

Bosc

hkop

Com

mun

ity

Asso

ciat

ion

Mr F

rank

Lov

ell

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

Wat

er:

The

site

tha

t ha

s be

en id

entif

ied

is t

oo c

lose

to

the

Oss

prui

t. W

hen

flood

ing

occu

rs, t

he c

urre

nt d

am is

per

man

ently

full,

ther

efor

e an

y ad

ditio

nal w

ater

runs

dire

ctly

in

to th

e O

sspr

uit.

The

site

is a

t the

bot

tom

of t

he c

atch

men

t are

a.

A St

orm

wat

er M

anag

emen

t R

epor

t ha

s be

en d

evel

oped

by

spec

ialis

t ci

vil

engi

neer

s in

ac

cord

ance

with

the

rel

evan

t W

ater

Law

. T

he a

im o

f th

is R

epor

t is

to

prot

ect

the

wat

er

reso

urce

with

due

con

side

ratio

n of

the

1:

50-y

ear

flood

s an

d fre

eboa

rd s

peci

ficat

ions

for

co

ntam

inat

ed w

ater

hol

ding

faci

litie

s.

Bosc

hkop

Com

mun

ity

Asso

ciat

ion

Mr F

rank

Lov

ell

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

Odo

ur: W

hile

it s

tate

s th

at th

e pe

llets

hav

e no

odo

ur, u

ncom

post

ed c

hick

en li

tter h

as a

vi

le s

mel

l. O

dour

con

trol w

ill fo

rm p

art o

f the

Env

ironm

enta

l Man

agem

ent P

lan

and

com

men

ts o

n th

is

plan

will

be re

ques

ted

prog

ress

ing

thro

ugh

to th

e EI

A Pr

oces

s

Bosc

hkop

Com

mun

ity

Asso

ciat

ion

Mr F

rank

Lov

ell

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

Hea

lth im

pact

s: R

esid

ents

in th

e ar

ea h

ave

been

on

antih

ista

min

e m

edic

atio

n fo

r yea

rs

to m

itiga

te o

ngoi

ng a

ilmen

ts w

ith r

egar

d to

dus

t. C

hick

en li

tter

dust

car

ries

with

it th

e ad

ded

prob

lem

s of

ant

ibio

tics.

Your

con

cern

is n

oted

and

acc

epte

d as

the

Stat

us Q

uo. O

f im

porta

nce

is th

at th

e St

atus

Quo

im

pact

s sh

ould

not

be

aggr

avat

ed b

y th

e C

ompo

stin

g Fa

cilit

y. T

he d

raft

EIA

will

addr

ess

your

co

ncer

n in

this

con

text

.

Bosc

hkop

Com

mun

ity

Asso

ciat

ion

Mr F

rank

Lov

ell

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

Nui

sanc

e an

d no

ise:

Mas

sive

influ

x of

hea

vy-d

uty

vehi

cles

del

iver

ing

chic

ken

litte

r fro

m

othe

r far

ms.

An

y in

flux

of l

itter

will

be c

onsi

dere

d on

an

ad h

oc b

asis

and

will

be s

ubje

ct t

o fir

stly

en

viro

nmen

tal a

nd s

econ

dly

econ

omic

feas

ibilit

y an

d ac

cept

abilit

y. P

rovi

sion

al c

alcu

latio

ns

have

sho

wn

that

the

pote

ntia

l inc

reas

e in

traf

fic (p

endi

ng th

e ty

pe o

f tru

cks

used

and

from

w

here

the

com

post

will

be tr

ucke

d) m

ay v

ary

from

5 to

17

truck

load

s /m

onth

(unl

ess

smal

ler

truck

s w

ill be

use

d). T

he E

nviro

nmen

tal M

anag

emen

t Pla

n th

at w

ill fo

rm p

art o

f the

EIA

pha

se

will

how

ever

add

ress

this

mat

ter i

n ap

prop

riate

and

cor

rect

det

ail.

Ast

ral O

pera

tions

LTD

Publ

ic P

artic

ipat

ion

Rep

ort f

or th

e As

tral O

rgan

ic W

aste

Com

post

ing

and

Pel

letis

ing/

Pel

letin

g Fa

cilit

y

14

IQS

|

Inte

grity

● Q

ualit

y ●

Ser

vice

Inte

rest

ed a

nd A

ffect

ed

Parti

es

Date

of

com

men

ts

rece

ived

Co

mm

ents

EA

Ps re

spon

se to

com

men

ts a

s m

anda

ted

by th

e ap

plic

ant

Nam

e of

Indi

vidu

al

Bosc

hkop

Com

mun

ity

Asso

ciat

ion

Mr F

rank

Lov

ell

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

In c

losi

ng w

e un

ders

tand

the

nee

d fo

r ci

rcul

ar e

cono

my

and

the

usef

ulne

ss o

f th

e fe

rtilis

er b

ut a

s a

com

mun

ity, w

ithou

t sou

ndin

g em

otio

nal a

nd h

avin

g be

en t

hrou

gh a

ve

ry d

iffic

ult t

ime

with

cur

rent

faci

litie

s op

erat

ing

in th

e ar

ea, w

e ur

ge y

ou to

con

side

r m

ovin

g th

is p

lant

to o

ne o

f you

r oth

er s

ites

perh

aps

Gro

enfo

ntei

n in

Del

mas

whe

re th

ere

is a

low

con

cent

ratio

n of

resi

dent

s.

Your

com

men

t abo

ut th

e co

mm

unity

goi

ng th

roug

h a

very

diff

icul

t tim

e w

ith c

urre

nt fa

cilit

ies

oper

atin

g in

the

area

is n

oted

and

will

be fu

rther

con

side

red

in th

e EI

A ph

ase.

Bosc

hkop

Com

mun

ity

Asso

ciat

ion

Mr F

rank

Lov

ell

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

In s

hort,

our

con

cern

s:

Si

te s

elec

tion

D

ust p

ollu

tion

O

dour

pol

lutio

n

Wat

er p

ollu

tion

durin

g hi

gh ra

infa

ll

Wat

er u

sage

Incr

ease

d tra

ffic

C

ombi

ned

envi

ronm

enta

l effe

cts

on a

n al

read

y ov

erlo

aded

eco

syst

em.

If

400

tonn

es a

mon

th o

n 5h

a is

the

size

of t

he p

ilot p

roje

ct b

y ou

r rec

koni

ng,

you

envi

sage

300

0 to

nnes

a m

onth

on

24.2

ha o

nce

the

proj

ect i

s co

mpl

eted

.

Will

Astra

l buy

chi

cken

litte

r fro

m o

ther

farm

s?

Res

pons

es in

ital

ics

belo

w:

Si

te s

elec

tion:

The

Bay

view

site

has

bee

n se

lect

ed d

ue to

its

loca

tion

(app

roac

hing

lo

gist

ical

cen

tre in

spa

tial c

onte

xt) a

nd a

vaila

bilit

y of

spa

ce in

clud

ing

that

of t

he

redu

ndan

t (al

thou

gh s

till u

seab

le) c

hick

en s

heds

. The

dra

ft Sc

opin

g R

epor

t did

look

at

var

ious

site

on

the

Bos

chko

p fa

rm b

ut d

ue to

exi

stin

g se

rvitu

des

thes

e si

tes

are

no lo

nger

ava

ilabl

e fo

r Ast

ral’s

use

;

D

ust p

ollu

tion:

Add

ress

ed in

“1” a

bove

.

O

dour

pol

lutio

n: A

ddre

ssed

as

per r

espo

nse

on y

our c

omm

ent N

r 2.

W

ater

pol

lutio

n du

ring

high

rain

fall:

Add

ress

ed in

Gro

undw

ater

Ass

essm

ent R

epor

t (w

ill be

par

t of E

IA R

epor

t).

W

ater

usa

ge: N

ot s

ure

abou

t you

r spe

cific

con

cern

but

if it

rela

tes

to d

owns

tream

gr

ound

wat

er u

sers

the

prot

ectio

n of

the

grou

ndw

ater

is a

ddre

ssed

in th

e G

roun

dwat

er A

sses

smen

t Rep

ort o

n w

hich

you

can

com

men

t in

the

EIA

phas

e.

In

crea

sed

traffi

c A

ddre

ssed

in N

r “4”

abo

ve.

C

ombi

ned

envi

ronm

enta

l effe

cts

on a

n al

read

y ov

erlo

aded

eco

syst

em: Y

our

conc

ern

will

be a

ddre

ssed

in C

umul

ativ

e Im

pact

s in

the

Dra

ft EI

A R

epor

t.

If

400

tonn

es a

mon

th o

n 5h

a is

the

size

of t

he p

ilot p

roje

ct b

y ou

r rec

koni

ng, y

ou

envi

sage

300

0 to

nnes

a m

onth

on

24.2

ha o

nce

the

proj

ect i

s co

mpl

eted

: The

en

visa

ged

site

are

a w

ill be

redu

ced

with

circ

a 60

% to

9.8

518

ha

Will

Astra

l buy

chi

cken

litte

r fro

m o

ther

farm

s? A

t thi

s st

age

Ast

ral d

oes

not e

nvis

age

buyi

ng

chic

ken

litte

r fro

m o

ther

farm

s.

Bosc

hkop

Com

mun

ity

Asso

ciat

ion

Mr F

rank

Lov

ell

18 J

anua

ry 2

021

If ch

oosi

ng a

n al

tern

ativ

e si

te li

ke G

roen

font

ein

is n

ot a

chie

vabl

e th

e cu

rrent

site

is

abso

lute

ly u

nwor

kabl

e, a

noth

er s

ite th

at is

mor

e su

itabl

e sh

ould

be

cons

ider

ed.

The

Envi

ronm

enta

l Im

pact

and

hen

ce fe

asib

ility

(wor

kabi

lity)

of t

he s

ite w

ill be

pre

sent

ed in

th

e EI

A ph

ase.

Tabl

e 6:

Inte

rest

ed a

nd A

ffect

ed P

artie

s Co

mm

ents

Sum

mar

y –

Gau

teng

Dep

artm

ent o

f Agr

icul

ture

and

Rur

al D

evel

opm

ent

Inte

rest

ed a

nd A

ffect

ed

Parti

es

Date

of

com

men

ts

rece

ived

Co

mm

ents

EA

Ps re

spon

se to

com

men

ts a

s m

anda

ted

by th

e ap

plic

ant

Nam

e of

Indi

vidu

al

G

aute

ng D

epar

tmen

t of

Agric

ultu

re a

nd R

ural

D

evel

opm

ent

Ms

P M

athi

beli

9 M

arch

202

1 Th

e ap

plic

atio

n fo

rms

date

d 30

Nov

embe

r 202

0and

09

Febr

uary

202

1 ha

s tw

o Se

ctio

n 5

(Act

iviti

es a

pplie

d fo

r) w

hich

are

diff

eren

t. S

ectio

n 5

on a

n ap

plic

atio

n fo

rm w

hich

is

date

d 30

Nov

embe

r 202

0 co

nsis

ts o

f haz

ardo

us w

aste

act

iviti

es a

nd a

noth

er S

ectio

n 5

of th

e ap

plic

atio

n fo

rm d

ated

09

Febr

uary

202

1 co

nsis

ts o

f gen

eral

was

te a

ctiv

ities

.

Not

ed,

the

activ

ities

wer

e am

ende

d in

the

rev

ised

app

licat

ion

form

s as

wel

l as

the

fin

al

Scop

ing

Rep

ort.

Gau

teng

Dep

artm

ent o

f Ag

ricul

ture

and

Rur

al

Dev

elop

men

t M

s P

Mat

hibe

li

9 M

arch

202

1

The

liste

d ac

tiviti

es re

ceiv

ed o

n 09

Feb

ruar

y 20

21 in

clud

es a

ctiv

ity 2

, 3. 6

, 10

of C

ateg

ory

B. H

owev

er, b

ased

on

the

info

rmat

ion

prov

ided

dur

ing

the

site

vis

it w

hich

was

con

duct

ed

on

22

Febr

uary

20

21

by G

DAR

D t

oget

her

with

the

En

viro

nmen

tal

Asse

ssm

ent

Prac

titio

ner (

EAP)

and

App

lican

t, on

ly A

ctiv

ity 6

and

10

are

appl

icab

le to

the

prop

osed

pr

ojec

t.

Not

ed,

the

activ

ities

wer

e am

ende

d in

the

rev

ised

app

licat

ion

form

s as

wel

l as

the

fin

al

Scop

ing

Rep

ort.

Ast

ral O

pera

tions

LTD

Publ

ic P

artic

ipat

ion

Rep

ort f

or th

e As

tral O

rgan

ic W

aste

Com

post

ing

and

Pel

letis

ing/

Pel

letin

g Fa

cilit

y

15

IQS

|

Inte

grity

● Q

ualit

y ●

Ser

vice

Inte

rest

ed a

nd A

ffect

ed

Parti

es

Date

of

com

men

ts

rece

ived

Co

mm

ents

EA

Ps re

spon

se to

com

men

ts a

s m

anda

ted

by th

e ap

plic

ant

Nam

e of

Indi

vidu

al

G

aute

ng D

epar

tmen

t of

Agric

ultu

re a

nd R

ural

D

evel

opm

ent

Ms

P M

athi

beli

9 M

arch

202

1

Cat

egor

y C

, Act

ivity

1 is

als

o in

dica

ted

unde

r the

act

iviti

es a

pplie

d fo

r whi

ch is

a s

tora

ge

of g

ener

al w

aste

. H

owev

er, a

ccor

ding

to th

e in

form

atio

n pr

ovid

ed d

urin

g th

e si

te v

isit

the

appl

icat

ion

is fo

r the

dev

elop

men

t of c

ompo

stin

g fa

cilit

y an

d on

ly th

e co

mpo

st w

ill be

st

ored

into

the

war

ehou

se to

dry

bef

ore

it is

pel

letiz

ed a

nd p

acka

ged.

Chi

cken

litte

r rec

eive

d at

the

site

will

be s

tore

d pr

ior t

o its

com

post

ing

in w

indr

ows.

It is

for

this

reas

on th

at C

ateg

ory

C, A

ctiv

ity 1

has

bee

n in

clud

ed in

the

appl

icat

ion

form

s an

d Fi

nal

Scop

ing

Rep

ort.

Gau

teng

Dep

artm

ent o

f Ag

ricul

ture

and

Rur

al

Dev

elop

men

t M

s P

Mat

hibe

li

9 M

arch

202

1

It w

as n

oted

und

er P

art 2

, Sec

tion

2 th

at th

e w

aste

is c

lass

ified

as

gene

ral w

aste

and

th

e su

ppor

ting

emai

l w

as r

ecei

ved

from

Dep

artm

ent

of E

nviro

nmen

t, Fi

sher

ies

and

Fore

stry

(D

EFF)

, ho

wev

er t

here

is n

o em

ail a

ttach

ed in

the

abo

ve-m

entio

ned

repo

rt su

ppor

ting

the

was

te c

lass

ifica

tion.

The

Dep

artm

ent r

ecom

men

ds th

at c

orre

spon

denc

e fro

m D

EFF

be a

ttach

ed in

the

final

Sco

ping

Rep

ort.

Not

ed, t

he c

orre

spon

denc

e is

incl

uded

in A

nnex

ure

C a

nd a

ttach

ed to

the

Appl

icat

ion

Form

.

Gau

teng

Dep

artm

ent o

f Ag

ricul

ture

and

Rur

al

Dev

elop

men

t M

s P

Mat

hibe

li

9 M

arch

202

1 It

is a

lso

note

d w

ith c

once

rn th

at c

hick

en m

anur

e is

iden

tifie

d as

a h

azar

dous

was

te ty

pe

in th

is a

pplic

atio

n un

der S

ectio

n 4.

Whi

le o

n Se

ctio

n 2,

the

repo

rt st

ates

that

the

was

te

is c

lass

ified

as

gene

ral w

aste

.

Not

ed, t

his

stat

emen

t was

am

ende

d.

Gau

teng

Dep

artm

ent o

f Ag

ricul

ture

and

Rur

al

Dev

elop

men

t M

s P

Mat

hibe

li

9 M

arch

202

1

It w

as fu

rther

not

ed th

at re

fere

nce

is n

ot c

orre

ct th

roug

h th

e re

port,

the

atta

chm

ents

are

re

ferre

d to

App

endi

x B1

whi

le a

ll th

e at

tach

men

ts a

re la

belle

d as

Ann

exur

e B1

. It

is

reco

mm

ende

d th

at th

e at

tach

men

ts b

e co

rrect

ly la

belle

d in

the

final

Sco

ping

Rep

ort.

Not

ed, t

he a

ppen

dice

s ha

ve b

een

amen

ded.

Gau

teng

Dep

artm

ent o

f Ag

ricul

ture

and

Rur

al

Dev

elop

men

t M

s P

Mat

hibe

li

9 M

arch

202

1

Last

ly, i

t was

not

ed th

at th

e ap

plic

ant c

onta

ct d

etai

ls a

re n

ot c

ompl

eted

in fu

ll.

Kind

ly

incl

ude

emai

l add

ress

and

fax

num

ber.

Not

ed,

the

cont

act

deta

ils w

ere

incl

uded

int

o th

e re

vise

d ap

plic

atio

n fo

rms

that

will

be

subm

itted

toge

ther

with

the

final

Sco

ping

Rep

ort.

Gau

teng

Dep

artm

ent o

f Ag

ricul

ture

and

Rur

al

Dev

elop

men

t M

s P

Mat

hibe

li 9

Mar

ch 2

021

It w

as n

oted

that

the

prop

osed

pro

ject

will

initi

ally

occ

upy

an a

rea

of a

ppro

xim

atel

y fiv

e (5

) hec

tare

s w

ithin

24.

2 he

ctar

es s

ite.

It is

reco

mm

ende

d th

at th

e st

atem

ent b

e m

ade

clea

r bec

ause

it is

not

indi

cate

d in

this

repo

rt if

the

proj

ect w

ill be

don

e in

pha

ses

and

the

actu

al fo

otpr

int f

or th

e pr

ojec

t mus

t be

spec

ified

.

Not

ed, t

he s

tate

men

t was

am

ende

d.

Gau

teng

Dep

artm

ent o

f Ag

ricul

ture

and

Rur

al

Dev

elop

men

t M

s P

Mat

hibe

li

9 M

arch

202

1

The

activ

ities

list

ed o

n th

e dr

aft S

copi

ng R

epor

t are

the

sam

e as

in th

e ap

plic

atio

n fo

rm

incl

udin

g ha

zard

ous

was

te a

ctiv

ities

whi

ch is

the

man

date

of t

he D

EFF.

The

act

iviti

es

that

may

be

trigg

ered

by

the

prop

osed

pro

ject

mus

t be

revi

sed

acco

rdin

gly

in th

e fin

al

Scop

ing

Rep

ort a

s pe

r the

reco

mm

enda

tion

mad

e ab

ove.

Not

ed, t

he a

ctiv

ities

wer

e am

ende

d.

Gau

teng

Dep

artm

ent o

f Ag

ricul

ture

and

Rur

al

Dev

elop

men

t M

s P

Mat

hibe

li

9 M

arch

202

1

It w

as n

oted

that

the

Publ

ic P

artic

ipat

ion

Proc

ess

(PPP

) has

com

men

ced

but t

here

is n

o su

ppor

ting

docu

men

ts a

ttach

ed to

the

draf

t rep

ort s

how

ing

that

inde

ed th

e pu

blic

was

in

form

ed a

bout

the

prop

osed

pro

ject

. It

is r

ecom

men

ded

that

all

reco

rds

for

PPP

be

atta

ched

to th

e fin

al S

copi

ng R

epor

t inc

ludi

ng th

e co

mm

ents

and

resp

onse

s.

The

Publ

ic P

artic

ipat

ion

repo

rt is

atta

ched

to th

e Fi

nal S

copi

ng R

epor

t – re

fer t

o An

nexu

re B

.

Gau

teng

Dep

artm

ent o

f Ag

ricul

ture

and

Rur

al

Dev

elop

men

t M

s P

Mat

hibe

li

9 M

arch

202

1

The

appl

icat

ion

form

mus

t be

am

ende

d, b

y m

eans

of

indi

catin

g th

e co

rrect

lis

ted

activ

ities

trig

gere

d by

the

prop

osed

pro

ject

an

all r

efer

ence

to h

azar

dous

was

te m

ust b

e re

mov

ed.

The

amen

ded

appl

icat

ion

form

will

be s

ubm

itted

with

the

Fina

l Sco

ping

Rep

ort t

o th

e G

DAR

D.

Gau

teng

Dep

artm

ent o

f Ag

ricul

ture

and

Rur

al

Dev

elop

men

t M

s P

Mat

hibe

li 9

Mar

ch 2

021

Qua

lity

chec

k m

ust

be d

one

on t

he r

epor

t an

d ap

plic

atio

n fo

rm b

efor

e su

bmis

sion

is

mad

e to

the

Dep

artm

ent.

N

oted

Date post:	15-Apr-2022
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