Proposed Construction Of Newton Reservoirs, Pumpstation And Pipelines, Paarl, Drakenstein Municipality: Phase 2
The Drakenstein Municipality proposes to increase their assured water supply through the construction of two reservoirs, a pumpstation and water supply pipelines. The proposed activities are in line with the Water Master Plan drafted for the Drakenstein Municipality to upgrade the municipality’s water reticulation system and will supplement the Newton, Wellington and Mbekweni areas. This particular upgrade was divided into two phases. Phase I included the construction of a 400 mm iron ductile pipeline along the eastern border of Jan van Riebeeck Road (R301), extending in a southerly direction for 3 600 m. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for this pipeline has been undertaken (Reference No. E12/2/3/1-B3/28-0756/08) and the Environmental Authorisation was issued on the 30 June 2009. Phase 2 includes the various components currently being proposed, viz: two reservoirs, a pumpstation and water supply pipelines.
Current Project Phase
The Draft Basic Assessment Report (BAR) for the proposed project was previously lodged in the public domain for comment however the Municipality has added additional components (Pipelines 3 and 4) to the proposed project. The Draft BAR has subsequently been revised with the inclusion of the additional components.
The proposed activity being applied for is Phase 2 of the system upgrade and involves the construction of:
o Two reservoirs approximately 12 Ml each in size, on the Roggeland Farm;
o A pumpstation located on the corner of Bo-Dal Road and a private access road; and
o Four water pipelines which include the following:
Ø Pipeline 1: One rising main from the pumpstation to the reservoirs;
Ø Pipeline 2: One gravity pipeline from the reservoirs to the Phase 1 connection point at the corner of Buitekant Street and the R301;
Ø Pipeline 3: A pipeline that will connect and extend from an existing pipeline in Champagne Street to the Van Blerk Reservoir; and
Ø Pipeline 4: A pipeline that will extend from the existing Van Blerk Reservoir to the Con Marine Reservoir.
The Revised Draft BAR has been made available to the public for a 40 day comment period. Copies of the report have been lodged at the Paarl Public Library from the 7 July 2010 to the 16 August 2010.
Should you have any comments, issues or concerns regarding the proposed project or findings of the revised DBAR, please provide your comments in writing to Rene Stewart/Michael Mangnall of Aurecon on Tel: (021) 481-2501, Fax: (021) 424-5588 or rene.stewart@af.aurecongroup.com , on or before 16 August 2010.
All comments received and issues raised will be included into the Comments and Response Report, and, where appropriate, will be used to update the Final BAR, which will be submitted to the decision-making authority, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (D: EA&DP), for their consideration and decision. Copies of I&AP comments, and responses to the comments received, will be sent to those who submitted comments. All registered I&APs will be notified when the Final BAR is submitted to D: EA&DP. I&APs will simultaneously be afforded a further 21 days to comment on the Final BAR. Any additional comments received will be collated and submitted to D: EA&DP.
Once DEA&DP has reviewed the Final BAR and are satisfied that it contains sufficient information to make an informed decision, they will issue an Environmental Authorisation. Registered I&APs will be notified of DEA&DPs decision.