PEARLY
BEACH CONSERVATION
SOCIETY
14 June 2007
Dear Sir
WRITTEN SUBMISSION ON NUCLEAR ENERGY IN SOUTH AFRICA
As Bantamsklip, which is situated 10 km
South-East of Pearly Beach, is one of the 5 identified sites for the potential
construction of a nuclear power station, we as the Pearly Beach Conservation
Society would like to comment as follows:
Bantamsklip is situated within a rather unspoilt piece of coastal fynbos veld and the possible construction of a nuclear power
station and associated infrastructure will definitely have a very negative
effect on the conservation of this piece of land. We as an organization are not
against the use of nuclear power as such. as we
understand that this is one of the best options to meet the growing demand for
electricity in
We also want to request should the nuclear power station be constructed near Bantamsklip. that the exterior of the
building should be painted (using special and very expensive paint) a blue
which blends in with the colour of the sky in order
to camouflage the station. We further request that there should be NO overhead
pylons. It is perfectly possible to bury the access in underground cables and
is an absolute must for the Bantamsklip site.
There will be considerable damage when the building is being build, normally
mud, building detritus, and silt, so we should ensure the damage to the local
environment is put right on completion of the building operations. This would
include in our area a need to replace
vegetation with the opportunity to use indigenous plants and trees. Our
experience has been that the use of the reactor does not cause the same
environmental problems.
We are aware
that the process takes cold water out of the sea and at the end of the process
warm water is put back into the sea. This is safe water so the effect is
dependent on whether it is acceptable to have sea water a bit warmer in tht3
vicinity. Our biggest concern however is whether the whale population would be
affected and we demand that a special report be submitted on the environmental
effect the warmer water will have on the whale population.
On a more general point the power station will create jobs in an area of high
unemployment and we would like to say at this stage that we expect work to be
made available for the local population.
Another point of extreme concern is where the construction people
and-eventually the operational staff will be housed, as' Pearly Beach is the
nearest town to Bantamsklip, but as this town was
developed as a holiday destination, we are very concerned that the internal
services of the town will not be adequate to cater for a huge influx of
permanent residents.
Another point of extreme concern is where the huge amounts of high levels of
radioactive waste will be disposed of.
It is trusted that these concerns will be thoroughly considered and discussed
before a final resolution is taken as to which site will be used for the
construction of a nuclear power station.
Yours faithfully
ELRINA VERSFELD: CHAIRPERSON
PEARLY BEACH CONSERVATION SOCIETY