Question NW3878 to the Minister of Public Enterprises

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24 November 2022 - NW3878

Profile picture: Boshoff, Dr WJ

Boshoff, Dr WJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

Whether, with reference to Medupi’s ash dump outside Lephalale, he will furnish Dr W J Boshoff with reasons for the dumping of ash at the current location, when the preparations for an ash dump was made right next to the new power station; if not, why not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) Whether the dump site next to the new power station is also in operation; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the reasons that the location at the old dump site is also in use and (b) apart from the two dump sites, are there any alternative sites for dumping the ash; (3) Whether he relies on any provisions of waste management legislation for the location of the current ash dump that is creating the pollution; if not, (a) which legislative provisions does he rely on and (b) was an environmental impact study done on this site; if so, what are the reasons that no preparations were made at the specified site to stop the pollution from spreading into the surrounding area and town; (4) Whether the World Bank set any prerequisites and/or conditions for the loan to build the new power station; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details of the specified prerequisites and/or conditions being (a) met and (b) contravened?

Reply:

According to Information Received from Eskom:

1. The current location of Medupi Power Station’s North Ash Disposal Facility (ADF) is located at Farm Eenzaamheid 687 LQ which is adjacent to the power station (on the western side). The location was assessed as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies undertaken in 2005 (DFFE Ref. No. 12/12/20/695) as well as

during additional EIA studies. Medupi Power Station (PS) only has one operational ash disposal facility.

(2)(a) Medupi’s ADF, on the western side of the power station, is in operation. It should be noted that construction and operation of the Medupi PS ADF is done in phases. Currently, Medupi is operating part of the zero for four-year ADF while they are busy with the construction of the remaining phases.

At Medupi PS there is only one ADF and ash arising from the power station is not disposed of at the old dump site as referred. It is assumed that the old dump site referred to is the Matimba PS ADF which is not linked to the operation of Medupi PS, but instead services Matimba PS.

(b) For future ashing requirements, alternative sites will be assessed following an EIA study. Various options are being considered for the future disposal of waste such as ash off-takers, but these are still being developed.

(3)(a) The current ash disposal for Medupi PS triggers waste management activities listed under Government Notice No. 921 dated 2013 as amended. In addition, other applicable legislation includes section 21 of the National Water Act, 1998 as amended. It should be noted that one needs to undertake the EIA studies set out in the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations under section 24 of the National Environmental Act, 1998 as amended, when applying for a waste management license and/or water use license.

The EIA studies were undertaken, and dust management controls were considered as part of the preparations.

Below please find an update reflecting the current status of Medupi Power Station:

(b) Waste Management Licence No. (12/9/11/L21/0323092918/5/R) and National Dust Control Regulations No. 36974 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 1 November 2013 are the main legislations that govern fugitive dust management at the Ash Disposal Facility (ADF). Environmental impact studies were conducted during the EIA phase of the project and a waste management licence is available for the ADF.

Medupi PS has installed and commissioned an Ash Dump Irrigation (ADI) system with sprinklers to suppress the fugitive dust at the ADF. Effluent water from the station’s pollution control dams is used for dust suppression. Water tankers are also used to suppress dust at active areas, including access roads to the ADF.

Medupi PS has established a monitoring network for fugitive dust management to measure the dust fallout in line with the National Dust Control Regulation. Medupi PS fugitive dust fallout is measured against the non-residential limit of 600 < D > 1,200 Dust fall rate (D) (mg/m2/day), 30-day average based on the station’s location.

Long-term plans are under development in terms of rehabilitation of the ADF as the ashing disposal is completed per phase. These will also need to follow environmental approval processes before execution. Currently, the rehabilitation designs for the first phase are completed.

(4) On 16 April 2010, Eskom and the World Bank (WB) concluded a loan facility, with a total WB financing of US$3.75 billion. In the loan agreement, Eskom made a commitment to develop, adopt and thereafter implement a programme to install Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) technology in each of the six power generation units at the Medupi power plant.

Due to delays at Medupi, the World Bank approved Eskom’s request to amend the deadline for the Medupi FGD to 30 June 2027. Eskom is thus currently not in breach of the loan agreements; however, it is unlikely that Eskom will be able to install FGD at all Medupi units by the 2027 deadline. Eskom submits bi-annual progress reports on the Medupi FGD to the World Bank.

 

Remarks: Approved / Not Approved

Jacky Molisane Pravin Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date:

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