NOTICE OF THE INTENTION TO COMMENCE WITH A BASIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROCESS FOR THE COMMISSIONING OF THE JOHNS RUST QUARRY NEAR WARDEN IN THE FREE STATE PROVINCE
The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has identified the need to improve operational conditions on the existing N3 Toll Road between Harrismith (N3/7X km 35.5) and Warden (N3-8X km 21.5). The construction project will require the utilization of various borrow pits and quarries to supply the necessary materials. The proposed Johns Rust Quarry is the first quarry that has been identified.
The intention is to lodge an application in order to fulfil the requirements associated with the Basic Assessment Process, as set out in the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations (2017) of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998). The activities which will be applied for are as follows:
| DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF LISTED ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROJECT | |
| Listed activity | Description of project activity that triggers listed activity |
| GN R. 327 – Listing Notice 1 – Activity 12 (ii) (c):The development of (ii) infrastructure or structures with a physical footprint of 100 square metres or more; where such development occurs – (c) if no development setback exists, within 32 metres of a watercourse, measured from the edge of a watercourse. | The proposed site is larger than 100 square metres and is located within 32 metres of a watercourse. |
| GN R. 327 – Listing Notice 1 – Activity 19:The infilling or deposition of any material of more than 10 cubic meters into, or the dredging, excavation, removal or moving of soil, sand, shells, shell grit, pebbles or rock of more than 10 cubic meters from a watercourse. | The construction of a bridge structure to cross the water course on the entrance road to the proposed quarry. |
| GN R. 327 – Listing Notice 1 – Activity 21Activity 21(a) and (b): Any activity including the operation of that activity which requires a mining permit in terms of Section 27 of the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act No. 28 of 2002), including – (a) associated infrastructure, structures and earthworks, directly related to the extraction of a mineral resource; or (b) the primary processing of a mineral resource including winning, extraction, classifying, concentrating, crushing, screening and washing. | The activity will require a mining permit. |
| GN R. 327 – Listing Notice 1 – Activity 27Activity 27: The clearance of an area of 1 hectare or more, but less than 20 hectares of indigenous vegetation. | In order to mine a large area of indigenous vegetation would have to be cleared. |
| GN R. 324 – Listing Notice 3 – Activity 12Activity 12(b)(iv): “The clearance of an area of 300 square metres or more of indigenous vegetation (b) in the Free State (iv) within 100 metres from the edge of a watercourse or wetland.” The proposed mining area is located within 100 metres from the edge of a watercourse. | The proposed mining is within 100m from the edge of a watercourse. |
| GN R. 324 – Listing Notice 3 – Activity 14The development of (iii) bridges exceeding 10 square meters in size. | The construction work associated with the construction of new and widening of existing bridges will exceed 10 square meters within the ambient of potentially sensitive areas. |
The intention is to further lodge an application In terms of Section 21 of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 2016), for the relevant water uses.
The N3 Toll Road forms part of the Concession Contract between SANRAL and the N3 Toll Concession (RF) Proprietary Limited. The intention is for the proposed upgrading project to improve operational conditions to be implemented under the Concession Contract.
The purpose of this notice is to inform interested and affected parties of the intention to commence with the basic assessment process, which will identify and evaluate issues of concern and potential environmental and social impacts and propose feasible mitigation measures against such impacts. You are duly invited to register as an Interested and Affected Party, and you are requested to raise any initial concerns that you may have with regard to the proposed activities and to receive a copy of the Background Information Document. Please submit your name, contact information and interest in the matter in writing to the contact person given below by 15 December 2023.
Etienne van der Lith
Environamic Environmental Consultants
Tel: 082 781 9454
Fax: 086 525 1007
E-mail: participation@environamic.co.za
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