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SCOPING REPORT
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT SCOPING ASSESSMENT FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT & OPERATIONS OF A
FUEL STORAGE FACILITY IN WALVIS BAY
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Project Title: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
SCOPING ASSESSMENT FOR
THE ESTABLISHMENT AND
OPERATION OF A FUEL
STORAGE FACILITY IN WALVIS
BAY
Report: Scoping Report
Version/Date: First Version - August 2019
Prepared for: CCC Petroleum cc
P. O. Box 1418
Walvis Bay
Namibia
Lead
Consultant:
Environam Consultants Trading
P.O. Box 24056
Windhoek
Namibia
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Main Project
Member:
Rauna N.N Nghifikwa
(Bsc. Fisheries and Aquatic
Sciences)
Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................7
1. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................9
1.1 Background ................................................................................................................ 9
1.2 Terms of Reference ................................................................................................... 9
2. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................................... 10
3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................... 12
3.1. Land Use ...................................................................................................................12
3.2. Existing Infrastructure ..............................................................................................13
3.3. Proposed Operational Activities ..............................................................................14
3.4 Alternatives to the Proposed Project ......................................................................16
4. BIOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT ........................................................................................... 17
4.1. Climate .......................................................................................................................17
4.2. Geology and hydrogeology ......................................................................................17
4.3. Flora and Fauna ........................................................................................................18
4.4. Corrosion ..................................................................................................................18
4.5. Demographic Characteristics ..................................................................................18
5. PUBLIC CONSULTATION .................................................................................................... 19
6. IDENTIFIED OF IMPACTS .................................................................................................... 20
6.1. Dust ...........................................................................................................................20
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6.2. Noise Impacts ...........................................................................................................20
6.3. Traffic Impacts ..........................................................................................................20
6.4. Health and Safety Impacts .......................................................................................20
6.5. Soil and Underground Water Contamination ..........................................................20
6.6. Socio-economic Impacts ..........................................................................................21
7. IMPACT ASSESSMENT ........................................................................................................ 22
8. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ......................................................................... 25
9. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................................................... 27
10. REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................... 28
APPENDIX A: PROOF OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION ............................................................... 29
APPENDIX B: CONSULTANTS CURRICULUM VITAE ............................................................. 42
APPENDIX C: NAMCOR’S CONFIRMATION AS FUEL SUPPLIER ......................................... 45
APPENDIX D: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ........................................................ 47
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Namibian legislation applicable to the development of the project ......................... 10
Table 2: Environmental, Social and Economic evaluation of impacts using the MIA
method ...................................................................................................................................................... 22
Table 3: Environmental Impact Assessment Rating..................................................................... 23
Table 4: Socio- economic Impact Assessment rating .................................................................. 23
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Locality Map (Google Earth, 2019)................................................................................... 12
Figure 2: The surrounding land use .................................................................................................. 13
Figure 3: Photographs displaying administration and ablution facilities ............................... 14
Figure 4: Self-bunded tank .................................................................................................................. 14
Figure 5: Site Layout ............................................................................................................................. 15
Figure 6: Project site (marked in red) ............................................................................................... 16
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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
ECC Environmental Clearance Certificate
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EMA Environmental Management Act
EMP Environmental Management Plan
EISA Environmental Impact Scoping Assessment
EMS Environmental Management System
I&APs Interested & Affected Parties
MET Ministry of Environment and Tourism
MME Ministry of Mines and Energy
NAMCOR National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia
OHS Occupational Health and Safety
PPE Personal Protective Equipment
SANS South African National Standard
WHO World Health Organization
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
CCC Petroleum cc appointed Environam Consultants Trading to undertake an Environmental
Impact Scoping Assessment (EISA) for the establishment and operation of a fuel storage facility
aimed at dispensing fuel to trucks. The proposed site for the facility is on Erf 3447, Gobabeb
Avenue in the light industrial area of Walvis Bay. The fuel storage facility will only occupy 1 250
m2 of the total 30 786 m2 area size of the said erf. The proponent has already obtained
confirmation from NAMCOR to supply fuel to the facility. This improved technology installation will
result in minor negative construction impacts and insignificant footprint to the environment.
The following are the proposed activities:
Installation of two (2) self-bunded fuel tanks;
Installation of associated water and electricity utilities;
Receiving fuel from the National Petroleum Corporation (NAMCOR), and
Dispensing fuel to trucks on site.
This study is conducted to determine all environmental, safety, health and socio-economic
impacts associated with the establishment and operation of the facility. Relevant environmental
data has been compiled by making use of secondary data and from observations through site
visits. Potential environmental impacts and associated socio-economic impacts identified during
the scoping process are addressed in this report.
These development will create impacts such as dust, noise pollution, air pollution (hydrocarbon
emissions), and traffic disturbances. However, limited noise and dust pollution impacts can be
expected on the surrounding environment due to the limited construction scope and the existing
tarred roads as a result of movement of heavy vehicles to and from the facility during operations.
Traffic signage and management must be conducted such as to minimize traffic conjunctions. In
addition, noise pollution should meet the minimum requirements set by the municipality or World
Health Organization regulations.
The main concern related to this establishment and operation is oil spillages that may lead to the
contamination of soil and underground water. Hydrocarbon pollution will be prevented by adhering
to SANS 10089 standards regulating the petroleum industry in Namibia. In case of contaminated
soil or groundwater during the establishment and operation of the facility, this must be reported
to the Hazardous Waste Inspector of the Municipality of Walvis Bay and the contaminated soil
and or groundwater must be remediated in the prescript manner. Nonetheless, it is recommended
that the environmental performances are monitored regularly to ensure compliance and that
corrective measures are taken when necessary.
Apart from creating few job opportunities the establishment and operation of the fuel storage
facility will ensure an increased and reliable supply of fuel for trucks transporting cargo from
Walvis Bay. The rendering of this service will also results in improved time efficiency. Training
should be done with appointed local contractors and employees on how to operate and handle
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the products in the facility and thus the positive socio-economic impacts can be maximized while
mitigating any negative impacts that may arise.
If all mitigation measures are implemented according the recommendations given in the
Environmental Management Plan (referred to as Appendix E), it is anticipated that the
consequence and/or probability of the predicted negative impacts will be mitigated. The EMP
should be used as an on-site reference document for the operations of the facility. Parties
responsible for transgressing of the EMP should be held responsible for any rehabilitation that
may need to be undertaken.
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
CCC Petroleum cc is a close corporation that is dealing with transport and logistics of fuel and
goods in Namibia. The corporation intends to establish and operate a fuel storage facility in Walvis
Bay and thus an Environmental Impact Assessment is required. Environam Consultants Trading
was appointed by CCC Petroleum cc to undertake an environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
for the establishment and operation of a fuel storage facility that will supply fuel to all the trucks
within Walvis Bay. The proposed project will be operating on Erf 3447 in Gobabeb Avenue. The
storage facility comprises of two self-bunded tanks with a volume of 31 000 liters each on an area
of 1250 m2, a portion of 30 786 m2 total area size of Erf 3447.
The following are the proposed activities:
Installation of two (2) self-bunded fuel tanks;
Containers on site for administration & security office and ablution facilities;
Installation of associated water and electricity utilities;
Fuel supply from The National Petroleum Corporation (NAMCOR); and
Dispensing of fuel to trucks with Walvis Bay.
A risk assessment will be undertaken to determine the potential environmental impacts that could
result from the establishment and operation of the fuel storage facility. The environmental impact
assessment was conducted to apply for an Environmental Clearance Certificate in compliance
with the EMA, No. 7 of 2007.
Walvis Bay provides the shortest route for landlocked countries in southern Africa with regards to
imports and exports. Hence, trucks contribute to a high percentage of the traffic flow in and out of
the town. CCC Petroleum cc intends to operate a fuel storage facility that will operate with two
self-bunded fuel tanks capable of dispensing fuel to four trucks simultaneously. The project will
contribute to development and will improve time efficiency.
Potential benefits of the project include:
Technology improvement – these self bunded fuel tanks can be placed on a compacted gravel base or concrete pad, thus minimizing installation costs, significant environmental impacts and set up time;
Employment creation; and
Enhanced and quick dispensing of fuel to trucks.
1.2 Terms of Reference The Terms of Reference for the proposed project are based on the requirements set out by the Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2007) and it’s EIA Regulations (GN No 30 of 2012). The process covered the following steps, which are reported in this scoping report as follows:
Provide a detailed description of the proposed activity;
Identify all policies, legislation and guidelines that are relevant to the proposed activity;
Notify and consult relevant stakeholders and I&AP’s regarding the proposed activity and provide them with reasonable opportunity to participate during the assessment process;
Identify potential environmental impacts the proposed activity will have on the natural & urban environment and assess their significance; and
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Outline management and mitigation measures in an EMP to minimize and/or mitigate potentially negative impacts, which cannot be avoided.
2. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
This section provides a review of applicable and relevant Namibian legislation, policies, guidelines
and standards regarding the environment which were considered while conducting the EIA for the
proposed project.
Table 1: Namibian legislation applicable to the development of the project
LEGISLATION/GUIDELINE PROVISION The Constitution of Namibia 1990 The articles 91(c) and 95(i) commits the state to actively promote and sustain
environmental welfare of the nation by formulating and institutionalizing policies to accomplish the sustainable objectives which include: - Guarding against overutilization of biological natural resources, - Limiting over-exploitation of non-renewable resources, - Ensuring ecosystem functionality, - Maintain biological diversity.
Environmental Management Act No.7 of 2007 and the Environmental Management Act Regulations of 2012
The purpose of this Act is to promote the sustainable management of the environment and the use of natural resources by establishing principles for decision-making on matters affecting the environment; to provide for a process of assessment and control of projects which may have significant effects on the environment; and to provide for incidental matters. Requires that projects with significant environmental impacts are subjected to an environmental assessment process (Section 27). The proposed development is listed as an activity requiring an ECC as per the following points from Section 9 of Government Notice No. 29 of 2012:
“The storage and handling of a dangerous goods, including petrol, diesel, liquid petroleum gas or paraffin, in containers with a combined capacity of more than 30 cubic meters at any one location.”
“The manufacturing, storage, handling or processing of a hazardous substance defined in the Hazardous Substances Ordinance, 1974.”
“Construction of filling stations or any other facility for the underground and aboveground storage of dangerous goods, including petrol, diesel, liquid, petroleum, gas or paraffin.
Petroleum Products and Energy Act No. 13 of 1990 and the Petroleum Products Regulations of 2000
The Act regulates the petroleum industry in Namibia to ensure compliance and makes provision for impact assessment. It also aims to provide measures for the saving of petroleum products and an economy in the cost of the distribution thereof, and for the maintenance of a price therefor; for control of the furnishing of certain information regarding petroleum products; and for the rendering of services of a particular kind, or services of a particular standard, in connection with motor vehicles; for the establishment of the National Energy Fund and for the utilization thereof; for the establishment of the National Energy Council and the functions thereof; for the imposition of levies on fuel; and to provide for matters incidental thereto.
The Water Act No. 54 of 1956 Prohibits the pollution of water and implements the principle that a person disposing of effluent or waste has a duly of care to prevent pollution (S3 (k)). Provides for control and protection of groundwater (S66 (1), (d (ii)). Liability of clean-up costs after closure/abandonment of an activity (S3 (l)).
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Water Resources Management Act No. 11 of 2013
The Act aims to provide for the management, protection, development, use and conservation of water resources; to provide for the regulation and monitoring of water services and to provide for incidental matters.
Hazardous Substances Ordinance 14 of 1974
Applies to the manufacture, sale, use, disposal and dumping of hazardous substances as well as their import and export. Aims to prevent hazardous substances from causing injury, ill-health or the death of human beings.
Soil Conservation Act 76 of 1969 Section 3 (n) of the Act guards against erosion, denudation and any forms of pollution to the soil. Accordingly, the operations of the commercial site should not result in the pollution or erosion or degradation of the soil around.
Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Ordinance No. 11 of 1976
Governs the control of harmful or offensive gases and prohibits processes without registration certificate Requires best practical means for preventing or reducing the escape into the atmosphere of harmful or offensive gases produced by any process.
Public Health Act No. 36 of 1919 Provides for the protection of the health of all people
Public and Environmental Health Act No. 1 of 2015
Provides a framework for a structured more uniform public and for incidental matters. The objects of this Act are to:
Promote public health and wellbeing. Prevent injuries, diseases and disabilities. Protect individuals and communities from public health risks.
Labour Act No. 11 of 2007 Provides for Labour Law and the protection and safety of the employees. Labour Act, 1992: Regulations relating to the health and safety of employees at work.
Local Authorities Act No. 23 of 1992 Define the powers, duties and functions of local authority councils. Regulations related to discharges into sewer network, business registration, etc.
Integrated Urban and Spatial Development Framework for Walvis Bay
Overall vision is to transform Walvis Bay to being the primary industrial city in Namibia Aims to ensure that appropriate levels of environmental management is enforced for all developments in Walvis Bay
Walvis Bay Integrated Environmental Policy
Indicates the directions that the Municipality of Walvis Bay will move towards in the forthcoming years to fulfil its responsibilities to manage the environment of Walvis Bay together with the town’s residents and institutions. Strong focus on the conservation and protection of the environment.
Drainage and Plumbing By-Law of 1958 (updated in 1982)
Regulation regarding discharges into sewers specific to Walvis Bay.
South African National Standards (SANS)
The Petroleum Products and Energy Act prescribes SANS standards for the construction, operations and demolition of petroleum facilities.
SANS 10089-1:2008 is specifically aimed at storage and distribution of petroleum products in above-ground bulk installations
Provide requirements for spill control infrastructure
WHO Guidelines for Community Noise The guideline values consider all identified adverse health effects for the specific environment. An adverse effect of noise refers to any temporary or long-term impairment of physical, psychological or social functioning that is associated with noise exposure. Specific noise limits have been set for each health effect, using the lowest noise level that produces an adverse health effect.
NAMCOR’s SHEQ Strategy Increase the awareness of all employees and involve them about their responsibility for the health and safety of themselves and others, and for the protection of the environment. Complies with Legal Requirement (Labour Act), Training of Employees, Consultation and Engagement of Employees and Safe and Secure Working Environment.
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3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
3.1. Land Use
The surrounding landform of the facility is the 30 786 m2 of Erf 3447, as shown in white in Figure 1, which is utilized as a container storage area by CCC Petroleum cc. The Erf is mainly used as a container storage and truck parking area. There are also some ablution facilities and offices within the storage area. Erf 3447 is located in the light industrial area and the surrounding neighbor are light industrial land users and retail shops.
Figure 1: Locality Map (Google Earth, 2019)
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Figure 2: The surrounding land use
3.2. Existing Infrastructure
The proposed project will be located on 1250 m2, a portion of 30 786 m2 of Erf 3447. There
will be no construction needed for the establishment and operation of the facility because the
storage tanks are self-bunded tanks and they can operate above the ground as shown in
Figure 4. There are containers onsite that will serve as ablution facilities and an administration
office for the employees. Waste will be disposed of timeously and at the Municipal Landfill site
or recycled where possible.
Administration office
Ablution facilities
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Administration and ablution facilities
Security office
Figure 3: Photographs displaying administration and ablution facilities
Figure 4: Self-bunded tank
3.3. Proposed Operational Activities
The main operational activities will include dispensing of fuel to trucks. The fuel will be
delivered to the storage tanks by means of fuel tanker trucks from NAMCOR. The dispensing
of fuel to the trucks will be done by the employees that will be employed once operations
commence. Emergency stops will be available to cut off fuel transfer in case of a leakage or
spillage. Firefighting equipment will also be readily available for emergencies.
Figure 5: Site Layout
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3.4 Alternatives to the Proposed Project The Proponent owns Erf 3757, which is opposite to Erf 3447. Erf 3757 has also been assessed
as a potential site but it was regarded as not ideal due to limited space to accommodate the 2
self-bunded tanks, parking space (movement of trucks) and related facilities. Hence Erf 3447
being the preferred site.
Figure 6: Project site (marked in red)
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4. BIOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
4.1. Climate
Walvis Bay is a town located along the coastline of Namibia. The town is considered to have a
desert climate characterized by mild temperatures rarely exceeding 30℃ in summer and rarely
drop below 5℃ in winter. This conditions are a result of dry descending air and the upwelling
system of the Benguela Current.
Thick fog or low stratus clouds are a regular occurrence in Walvis Bay. This is due to the influence
of the Benguela Current and forms the major source of water for the succulent and lichen flora in
the Namib Desert. Variation in annual rainfall is very high and most communities within this
environment are dependent on regular fog occurrences. Months with the highest likelihood of
rainfall is January to April. Wind is predominantly south-westerly to south south-westerly except
in winter months when regular, strong east to northeast winds occur.
Wind is an important environmental factor in the Walvis Bay area, particularly in the migration of
sand dunes. There are predominantly two wind trends namely: (1) high velocity and high
frequency south to southeasterly winds during the year but with extremes in September to
December, and (2) high velocity and low frequency east to northeasterly winds predominantly
during winter. Dust storms/sandstorms are common and not viewed as inclement weather. The
high-speed winds present a particular problem for waste filling, resulting in extensive windblown
litter and exposure of covered waste.
The climatic conditions at the proposed site should not pose any significant problems related to
the establishment and operations of the facility. Flooding is not a concern in the area.
4.2. Geology and hydrogeology
Deep unconsolidated sediments of Tertiary to Recent age underlie the Walvis Bay area. The
deposits have been formed by a combination of fluvial, estuarine, coastal and Aeolian processes.
Bedrock is estimated to occur at depths of between 40 to 60 m below surface. Quaternary
deposits are found, made up of alluvium, gravel and calcrete as well as windblown deposits of
the Namib Desert Sand Sea.
The surroundings of Walvis Bay is dominated by shifting dunes with the elevation below 100 m
above sea level. Further inland is the gravel plains of the central areas of the Namib Naukluft
Park. Mobilization of sand in the Walvis Bay area is dominated by the southwest wind, while
seasonally the northeast wind also contributes to the movement of sand. Transport process of
sand causes the migration of sand areas where dunes are formed, with a maximum angle of
repose of 32⁰, to heights of up to 100 m.
Northwards migration of sand covered parts of the exposed marine deposits, with Kuiseb floods
also depositing material over the marine sediments. Depth to bedrock in Walvis Bay is expected
to be deeper than 40m. In the area, the soil/sediments around it consist of medium to fine grain
sand coming from the dunes. The hydraulic conductivity is expected to be moderate to high.
Groundwater is not abstracted for human consumption in Walvis Bay (due to high salinity)
nevertheless it must still be protected from pollutants since it can act as a outlet for the transfer
of pollutants to secondary receptors such as the ocean. The facility must adhere to SANS 10089
standards and as such the environment should be safe from any spills or leaks.
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Public water supply to Walvis Bay and the surrounding development is provided by NamWater
from the NamWater Kuiseb Water Supply Scheme. Groundwater is not a source of potable water
and as such public water supply should not be at risk as a result of activities at the facility.
4.3. Flora and Fauna
The property is located within a light industrial area that is dominated by industrial works and
wholesale shops. In this surrounding, the habitat of flora and fauna is known to have fragmented
and expected to degrade almost immediately. There is no flora and fauna on site. The proposed
site lies within an already disturbed urban area. Thus no immediate threat to biodiversity in the
area can be expected, however, uncontrolled pollution may and can cause damage to any
biodiversity surrounding the site.
4.4. Corrosion
Walvis Bay is a coastal town and rust is experienced more in coastal areas than on inland. This
is because air near the ocean contains many small salt particles. Air near the ocean is salty
because spray from ocean waves is constantly becoming airborne, and when those droplets of
spray evaporate, they leave their dissolved salt behind, floating in the air. This causes an
accelerated rusting of metals and automobile exposed to air.
The site is located in a corrosive environment. However, frequent salt-laden fog, periodic winds
and abundance of aggressive salts in the soil can trigger corrosion of any metallic property in the
area.
4.5. Demographic Characteristics
At local level Walvis Bay has an urban population size of 62 096 (Namibia Statistics Agency,
2014) and the current estimate is around 90 000 to 100 000. Attracted by perceived and real
employment opportunities at the coast, a number of individuals have moved to the area and only
30% of Walvis Bay residents were born in the town.
The demand of the fishing industry for workers is heavily dependent on the fishing quotas, which
then adds to the fluctuations in population size. The proposed facility will provide employment to
people from the area. Skills development and training would also be a benefit to employees. The
development may have an influence on further stimulating economic growth of the town and
region which may result in more job opportunities.
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5. PUBLIC CONSULTATION
Public consultations and participation were integral parts of this entire exercise with the key
objective to allow stakeholders and Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) to raise issues of
concern and suggestions for enhanced benefits as well as to comment on the findings and
consultants’ recommendations.
Public consultation was conducted as follows:
A site notice was placed onsite on Erf 3447 in Gobabeb Avenue;
Direct neighbours were given the Background Information Document (BID) with a comment sheet attached to raise any comments, issues or concerns related to the proposed project. A list of I&APs was generated from this exercise.
Public consultation notices were also advertised in the one national newspaper (The Namibian) and one local newspaper (Namib Times) for two consecutive weeks.
The Namibian 24 June 2019 and 01 July 2019 Namib Times 21 June 2019 and 28 June 2019
A site visit was also conducted with the Municipality of Walvis Bay Environmental Section on the 11 June 2019. The minutes produced in this meeting are attached.
Proof of all public consultation notices, comments received regarding the proposed facility and
minutes can be found in Appendix B.
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6. IDENTIFIED OF IMPACTS
During the scoping phase various environmental impacts have been identified. The following section provides a brief description of the most important of these impacts.
6.1. Dust Impacts
Walvis Bay is characterized with windy conditions weekly. During the operational activities such
as installation of water and electricity utilities as well as the movement of trucks in and out of the
facility may trigger dust emissions leading to more dust accumulation in the surrounding area.
Dust may become a nuisance and health risk to the operators and neighbours. Mitigation
measures must be employed as stipulated in the EIA and EMP. Special care must be taken during
periods of strong wind in the area.
6.2. Noise Impacts
The proposed project is targeting heavy vehicles as customers. The supply of fuel from NAMCOR
will be transported via heavy vehicles to the storage tanks. Noise pollution will therefore exist due
to the movement of trucks/heavy vehicles to and from the facility. Trucks passing or moving into
a specific place at intervals may exert little influence on average noise levels over a time period,
but the effects on community health produced by the peaks that they create in the noise level are
significant. The facility must adhere to World Health Standards as specified in the EMP.
6.3. Traffic Impacts
The proposed site is located within a light industrial area of Walvis Bay that is identified to be busy
with trucks transporting freight and from different companies in the surrounding area. Additional
movement of trucks refueling/delivering at the facility will impact the movement of traffic in the
area and thus it should be considered and mitigation measures should be put in place in order to
keep the traffic flow in an excepted manner.
6.4. Health and Safety Impacts
The storage of fuel may pose several risks: Fire/explosion, environmental damage, health effects
when handled by individuals. Health risks may include toxicity occurs following ingestion,
inhalation & skin absorption, possible carcinogen, irritating to eyes and skin, aspiration may cause
serious lung injury.
All dispensing or transferring of fuel will be done by the employees for the duration of the
operation. The attendant must be aware of proper fuel handling procedures to minimize the risk
of a spill and shall continuously scan the area adjacent to the fueling operation for possible leaks
or spills. The attendant must know all the procedures to be followed when dispensing fuel in order
to avoid risks that may affect their health.
6.5. Soil and Underground Water Contamination
Leaking tanks can be a source of soil and underground water contamination. Petroleum-based
fuels contain toxic compounds including benzene, toluene, and xylene and ethylene dibromide.
These compounds are believed to cause cancer, and pose a number of other health risks
including nervous system damage, reproductive problems and immune system depression. Thus
pollution of soil and underground water are prohibited in Namibia.
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Spills and overfills can contaminate nearby surface waters. Less visible, but equally a threat to
surface waters, is petroleum that seeps down to the water table and then travels horizontally
underground into a nearby stream.
6.6. Socio-economic Impacts
The establishment and operation of the fuel storage facility will create a few employment
opportunities for the local community. This contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals of
alleviating poverty, zero hunger as well as decent work and economic growth.
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7. IMPACT ASSESSMENT
The purpose of this section to assess and identify possible and most significant environmental
impacts and provide mitigation measures for the identified impacts.
The possible identified environmental impacts are:
Dust and noise pollution form heavy vehicle traffic;
Health, safety and security impacts due to handling of fuel products;
Soil and underground water contamination;
Fire hazards; and
Traffic impacts.
The identified impacts will be assessed and evaluated in the phases (establishment & operations)
of the project. Mitigation measures are also proposed for the identified impacts. The Matrix Impact
Assessment (MIA) method will be used during the assessment.
Table 2: Environmental, Social and Economic evaluation of impacts using the MIA method
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA DESCRIPTION OR DEFINITION RATING
LIKELIHOOD The likelihood of the impact occurring, taking into account existing management measures
Definite It is certain that the impact will materialize regardless of any preventative measure 10
Probable The likelihood that the impact will materialize exceeds 10% 7
Possible The likelihood of the impact materializing <10% 3
Unlikely Possibility of impact materializing is very low either because of design or historic experience (likelihood <1%)
1
SEVERITY Severity of the Environmental impact (actual or potential)
Very high There is a total disruption of natural, social and cultural functions or processes to the extent that these functions would permanently cease.
80
High There is a total disruption of natural, social and cultural functions or processes to the extent that these cease functioning for the duration of the activity but resume functioning after the operation has been terminated.
40
Moderate The natural, social and cultural functions or processes are notably altered but continue (albeit in a modified way). The effect is reversible within the
20
Low The natural, social and cultural functions or processes are minimally affected (often only just measurable). Such effects are felt only during the life of the operation.
4
No effect No measurable or observable effect. 1
EXTENT The area over which the impact will be expressed
International Impact on a scale beyond Namibian boundaries 6
National Impact on a scale within Namibian boundaries 5
Regional Impact on a regional scale (Erongo Region) 2
Local & Immediate area Impact extends to the immediate vicinity of the site and its surroundings 1
COMPLIANCE WITH LEGAL AND/OR OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Extent of compliance of activity/ aspect under normal and abnormal operating conditions
Not compliant Operation is currently not compliant under normal operating conditions 40
Occasionally not compliant Operation is generally compliant but there is occasional non-compliance under normal operating conditions
20
Potentially not compliant Operation is generally compliant but there is potential non-compliance under abnormal operating conditions
2
23
Compliant Operation is compliant under normal AND abnormal operating conditions OR Compliance is NOT APPLICABLE to this impact
1
IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITY Opportunity for reducing severity/ extent/ likelihood of impact by appropriate management
High Strong opportunity to improve management to reduce or eliminate impact. 40
Medium Management measures are in place to manage impact. Improved management could further reduce or eliminate impact.
20
Low The activity/ aspect is currently well managed. There is little or no scope for improving current management to further reduce impact.
2
Not required No management is required 1
SIGNIFICANCE
High negative (H N) Requires immediate management and/ or may require further investigation and substantial mitigatory actions. Requires periodic review to test status.
93 - 176
Medium negative (M N) Requires routine monitoring or action. Requires periodic review to test status. 30 - 92
Low negative (L N) No further investigations required. With appropriate management there will be little or no impact.
8 - 29
Table 3: Environmental Impact Assessment Rating
LIKELIHOOD SEVERITY EXTENT COMPLIANCE IMPROVEMENT SIGNIFICANCE
Will the proposal negatively impact groundwater?
1 4 1 1 20 27
Will the proposal negatively impact surface water?
1 4 1 1 20 27
Will the proposal negatively impact seawater (Oceanographic changes)?
1 1 1 1 20 24
Will the proposal negatively impact the fauna?
3 4 1 1 20 29
Will the proposal negatively impact the flora?
3 4 1 1 20 29
Will the proposal have negative aesthetical impacts?
1 4 1 1 2 9
Will the proposal have any negative meteorological impacts?
3 4 1 1 2 11
Will the project have any negative archaeological impacts?
1 1 1 1 1 5
Any other ... NONE NONE NONE NONE NONE NONE
Table 4: Socio- economic Impact Assessment rating
LIKELIHOOD SEVERITY EXTENT COMPLIANCE IMPROVEMENT SIGNIFICANCE
Will the proposal have any negative impacts on people’s health?
7 20 1 1 20 49
Will the proposal have any negative impacts on people’s safety?
7 20 1 1 20 49
Will the proposal have any negative impacts on people’s financial statuses?
1 4 1 1 2 9
Will the proposal have any negative impacts on people any other social activities?
7 20 1 1 20 48
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Will the proposal have any negative impacts on people cultural values?
1 1 1 1 1 5
Will the proposal have any negative political implications?
3 4 1 1 2 11
Any other... NONE NONE NONE NONE NONE NONE
Table 2 illustrates the evaluation of positive and negative impacts that are expected during the
operations of the storage facility. The evaluation is done according to the likelihood, the severity
and the extent of the impacts. The compliance of the proposed project with legal requirements is
also evaluated as well as how the project can be improved in order to minimize or eliminate the
impacts. The significance is determined by the evaluation of the likelihood, severity, extent,
compliance and improvement, which will then determine whether the proposed project requires
immediate management and/ or may require further investigation and substantial mitigatory
actions or it has no issues and thus no further investigations required, with appropriate
management there will be little or no impact. Table 3 depicts the environmental factors that will
be affected by the project proposal, such as the ground water, surface water, flora, fauna and the
archeological aspects. The proposal will have a low negative significance to the environmental
factors as shown in the table.
Impacts on the socio-economic aspects are evaluated in Table 4. The proposed project will have
medium negative significant impacts on the local people’s health and safety and very low negative
significant impacts on their financial statuses, cultural values and on political implications. The
project therefore requires routine monitoring on people’s health and safety and periodic reviews
to test the status of the impacts.
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8. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
The environmental Management Plan (EMP) is an environmental tool that is used to ensure that
undue or reasonably avoidable adverse caused by the proposed project are minimized or
prevented and the positive benefits of the project are enhanced. An EMP is therefore important
in for ensuring that the management actions arising from Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
processes are clearly defined and implemented through all phases of the project life-cycle. All
personnel taking part in the establishment and operations of the fuel storage facility should be
made aware of the contents of the EMP, so as to plan the relevant activities that the project will
include accordingly and in an environmentally sound manner.
The objectives of an EMP are:
Ensuring compliance with regulatory stipulations and guidelines which may be local, provincial, national/international;
Define details of who, what, where and when environmental management and mitigation measures are to be implemented;
Formulate measures which will mitigate adverse impacts on various environmental components, protect environmental resources where possible, and enhance the value of environmental components where possible; and
Providing feedback for continual improvement in environmental performance.
An Environmental Management System (EMS) is an internationally recognized and certified
management system the organization’s environmental programs in a comprehensive, systematic,
planned and documented manner. CCC Petroleum cc should implement an EMS for the
operations of the fuel storage facility. An EMS ensures ongoing incorporation of environmental
constraints. With the aim to improve the environmental performance with resulting increases in
operational efficiency, financial savings and reduction in environmental, health and safety risks.
The key elements of an effective EMS are:
The development of an Environmental Policy, which is a statement of a company’s commitment to the environment and can be used as a framework for planning and action;
An assessment of corporate activities, products, processes and services that might affect the environment;
Details of environmental regulations and legislation that apply to the business and how to comply with these;
Written procedures to control and document activities that could have a significant environmental impact;
An environmental improvement programme, including policies and procedures to manage waste and resources;
Defined environmental roles and responsibilities for staff;
A formal and recorded staff training and environmental awareness programme;
Systems for internal and external communications on environmental management issues;
A record of environmental performance against set targets;
Systems to identify and correct problems and prevent their recurrence;
Emergency procedures to follow in the event of an environmental incident;
Periodic audit to verify that the EMS is operating as intended; and
26
Formal review by senior management with a view to adapting and improving the EMS as necessary.
It is thus recommended for CCC Petroleum cc to consider implementing an EMS fit for their
operations considering the above key elements for an effective monitoring and evaluation
purposes.
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9. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The establishment and operations of the fuel storage facility will contribute to employment
opportunities for both locals and contractors. The installation of the storage tanks will use
improved technology and through this, skill transfer and training would develop the local workforce
during the installation and operations.
According to the WHO requirements, noise is second only to air pollution in the impact it has on
health. It is a major cause, not only of hearing loss, but also of heart disease, learning problems
in children and sleep disturbance. Yet traffic noise could easily be halved, with existing
technology, if more stringent limits were adopted. Due to the movement of trucks to and from the
facility, the noise pollution should at all times adhere to the minimum WHO requirements to
prevent hearing loss and cause a nuisance.
Traffic congestion, in the nearby streets, related to the refueling of tanks and delivery of fuel at
the Facility must be managed and mitigated. Fire prevention should be adequate, and health and
safety regulations should be adhered to in accordance with the regulations pertaining to relevant
laws and internationally accepted standards of operation. Any waste produced must be removed
from site and disposed of in an appropriate way or re-used or recycled where possible. Hazardous
waste must be disposed of at the Municipality of Walvis Bay hazardous waste disposal site.
If all mitigation measures are implemented according the recommendations given in the
Environmental Management Plan (referred to as Appendix E), it is anticipated that the
consequence and/or probability of the predicted negative impacts will be managed/reduced. The
EMP should be used as an on-site reference document for the operations of the facility. Parties
responsible for transgressing of the EMP should be held responsible for any rehabilitation that
may need to be undertaken.
It is thus recommended that an ECC be granted for the proposed establishment and operations
of the fuel storage facility in Walvis Bay.
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10. REFERENCES
Central Bureau of Statistics, 2010. An atlas of Namibia’s population: monitoring and understanding its characteristics Central Bureau of Statistics, Windhoek.
Draft Environmental Assessment Guidance Series https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/ Guidelines/guideline-3-draft-scoping-an-NSW Government, ISBN 978-0-6480102-0-3. Namibia Statistics Agency. Namibia 2011 population and Housing Census Annual Report.
Namibia Statistics Agency. Data Collection, Processing and Dissemination Policy and Practice. General Notice No. 20, 2015. Strobach, B. (2012). Providing Relevant, Useful Information on Namibian Vegetation Types. (Vol. 3). Windhoek: National Botanical Research Institute.
29
APPENDIX A: PROOF OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION
30
List of Registered I&APs
31
Site Notice
32
Newspaper advertisements
Namib Times
33
34
The Namibian
35
36
Comments received from the I&APs
37
Background Information Document
Background Information Document (BID)
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) FOR THE PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION
OF A FUEL STORAGE FACILITY IN WALVIS BAY, ERONGO REGION.
1. INTRODUCTION CCC Petroleum cc intends to establish and operate a
fuel storage facility on Erf 3447, Gobabeb Avenue,
Walvis Bay. According to Section 27 of the
Environmental Management Act No. 7 of 2007 (EMA),
the storage and handling of fuel is a listed activity,
which may not be carried out without undertaking an
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and
obtaining an Environmental Clearance Certificate
(ECC).
Environam Consultants Trading has been appointed
by CCC Petroleum cc to undertake a relevant EIA
process and to apply for an ECC, in terms of Section
32 of the EMA and Regulation 6 of the Environmental
Impact Assessment Regulations of 2012.
2. PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT
This Background Information Document (BID)
provides information pertaining to the establishment
and operation of the fuel storage facility. It gives
information on the EIA processes that need to be
followed as well as avenues for all key stakeholders
and Interested & Affected Parties (I&APs) to
participate in the process.
3. PROJECT BACKGROUND AND
INFORMATION
The proposed project will be located on Erf 3447 (See
Fig 1.) which is utilized as a new container terminal in
Gobabeb Avenue, Walvis Bay. The fuel storage facility
will only occupy 1250 m2 of the total 30 786 m2 area
size (See attached site layout.). The proposed project
involves the establishment and operation of two self-
bunded fuel tanks with the capacity of 31 000 liters
each. These self bunded fuel tanks are built tough
with double steel walls. These walls prevent leakages
and spillage of the contained fuel. (See Fig 2 and 3
38
Figure 7: Locality map of the fuel storage facility Source: Google Earth 2019
Figure 8: Outside appearance of the tank Figure 9: Inside appearance of the tank
Source: Internet 2019
The proposed project has significant future potential
of dispensing fuel to trucks transporting cargo from
Walvis Bay to other destinations. The fuel storage
facility will operate with two tanks and each tank is
capable of dispensing fuel to two trucks
simultaneously. The fuel storage facility will thus
dispense fuel to four trucks at the same time,
resulting in improved time efficiency. This improved
installation technology will result in minor construction impacts and insignificant footprint to
the environment.
The following are the proposed activities:
39
Installation of associated water and
electricity utilities;
Fuel supply from the National Petroleum
Corporation (NAMCOR), and
Dispensing of fuel to trucks.
4. WHAT IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ASSESSMENT (EIA)?
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) has,
through the EMA 2007 and Regulations 2012,
identified the activity of handling fuel as a listed
activity, from which potentially significant impacts
may be expected to result.
An EIA is a planning and decision-making tool that is
used to identify and evaluate likely environmental
impacts of a proposed project before the
development takes place. The purpose of the EIA is to
demonstrate to the authorities and the proponent
what the potential consequences of the project will
be in environmental, economic and social terms.
Public issues and concerns must therefore be
identified timeously so that these can be evaluated
and incorporated into the final EIA report.
The following are the initial potential impacts
expected from the proposed project, namely:
Dust and noise pollution from heavy
vehicle traffic;
Health, safety and security impacts due to
the handling of fuel products, and
Soil and underground water contamination.
STAKEHOLDERS/ INTERESTED & AFFECTED PARTIES
This include all people that will be directly or
indirectly involved and/or affected by the proposed
project. This includes among others adjacent
landowners and tenants around the proposed
project’s location, and all the relevant authorities.
Stakeholders and I&APs are invited to participate in
the Public Participation process that enables them to
raise any issues, comments and or concerns regarding
the proposed project.
All people who will be directly or indirectly involved
and/or affected by the proposed project can register
as an I&AP, by:
Completing the attached comment form and
emailing it to the email address below;
Directly consult or contact the consultant on
the number below, and/or
Request an individual meeting or
consultation.
Once registered, you can provide the consultant with
your insight on the process via the email address or
contact number below as well as through requested
meetings and your comments will be included in the
final EIA report.
If you have issues or concerns that you need to raise,
please send them to the consultant by no later than
10 July 2019.
Consultant name: Rauna Nghifikwa
Consultant email: [email protected]
Consultant mobile: +264 81 770 6422
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REGISTRATION AND COMMENT SHEET
NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS FOR THE PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT
AND OPERATION OF A FUEL STORAGE FACILITY COMPRISING OF TWO SELF-BUNDED TANKS OF 31 000
LITERS EACH ON ERF 3447, GOBABEB AVENUE, WALVIS BAY.
I wish to register as an Interested & Affected Party (I&AP) or bring to the attention of Environam
Consultants Trading about the following comments (please use additional sheets of paper if required)
Attention: Rauna Nghifikwa Email: [email protected]
Name of I&AP: Title:
Organization/Company/Nature of Interest:
Address:
Telephone:
Fax:
Mobile:
Email:
Comments:
Signed: …………………………………………. Date:…………………………………………………….
41
Site Visit – Minutes with Municipality of Walvis Bay
Site Meeting Minutes
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT SCOPING ASSESSMENT FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT &
OPERATIONS OF A
FUEL STORAGE FACILITY IN WALVIS BAY
Date: 11 June 2019
Time: 15h00
1. Present
Name Organization Contact Details
C. Willemse CCC Petroleum cc [email protected]
R. Nghifikwa Environam Trading Consultants
L. Hailaula Municipality of Walvis Bay [email protected]
D. Uushona Municipality of Walvis Bay [email protected]
2. Opening
Mr. C. Willemse opened the meeting followed by an introduction of everyone present.
3. Issues discussed
1. The consultant provided the Municipality of Walvis Bay with the project description and
the proposed site layout.
2. The Municipality of Walvis Bay proposed issues of air, soil and water pollution to be
assessed and mitigated.
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APPENDIX B: CONSULTANTS CURRICULUM VITAE
43
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT
Rauna Nghifikwa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, a recent graduate from the
University of Namibia. She entered the environmental assessment line of work after graduation in 2018
when she helped in Environmental Impact Assessment research as a research assistant. After that she
went to volunteer as an Environmental Officer at the Municipality of Walvis Bay.
CURRICULUM VITAE RAUNA NGHIFIKWA
Name of Firm : Environam Consultants Trading
Name of Staff : Rauna Nghifikwa
Years of experience : 1
Nationality : Namibian
Position : Environmental Consultant
Languages : Oshiwambo – speaking, reading, writing – excellent
English – speaking, reading, writing – excellent
EDUCATION
B.Sc. Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences : University of Namibia, 2018
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Environmental Impact Assessments
PUBLICATIONS
EIA Reports : 0
EMPLOYMENT
February 2019 – July 2019 : Municipality of Walvis Bay – Volunteer
October 2018 – December 2018 : EIA Research – Research Assistant
44
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PRACTITIONER
Colin Pendapala Namene is the Managing Director of Environam Consultants Trading, Namibia. Mr Namene holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Management from the University of Reading. He has an excellent experience in Environmental Impact Assessments, environmental managements, energy efficiency and project sustainability. He conducted various EIAs including the construction of photovoltaic and fertilizer bagging plants, township establishments, mining licences, oil and gas, etc.
CURRICULUM VITAE COLIN PENDAPALA NAMENE
Name of Firm : Environam Consultants Trading
Name of Staff : Colin Pendapala Namene
Years of experience : 7
Nationality : Namibian
Position : Managing Director
Languages : Oshiwambo – speaking, reading, writing – excellent English – speaking, reading, writing – excellent
EDUCATION
MSc in Environmental Management : University of Reading, 2014
BA in Environmental Management : University of South Africa, 2012
National Diploma: Business Computing : Polytechnic of Namibia, 2003
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Experience in environmental assessments & management
Experience in sustainability projects
Experience in energy efficiency projects
PUBLICATIONS
EIA Reports : 37
EMPLOYMENT
2016 – Date : Environam Consultants Trading, Managing Director
2015 – 2016 : Africa Planning Forum, Environmentalist
2004 – 2013 : Arandis Town Council, Manager: Technical
Services
2001 – 2004 : First National Bank, Clerk
1994 – 1999 : Namdeb Diamond Corporation,
Apprentice/Boilermaker
1991- 1994 : Namdeb Diamond Corporation – Dispensary Clerk
45
APPENDIX C: NAMCOR’S CONFIRMATION AS FUEL SUPPLIER
46
47
APPENDIX D: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN