generic environmental management plan - Environamic

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Developed for National Asphalt (Pty) Ltd

Generic Requirements

November 2013

Environmental Management Plan

Page 2 of 19

GENERIC


NATIONAL ASPHALT (Pty) Ltd

PO Box 1657

Hillcrest

3650

Tel: +27(0) 12 562 9534

Fax: +27(0) 86 588 4526

E-mail: [email protected]

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT

ENVIRO-NAMIC cc

PO Box 2644

Montana Park

0159

Tel: +27(0)82 781 9454

Fax: +27(0)86 52 51 007

E-Mail: [email protected]


Generic Environmental Management Plan

Document Status

Title GENERIC ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Author Etienne van der Lith

Status 1 – First Draft Document

Date 30 November 2013

Reason for Circulation

• For information purposes – Draft document.

Circulation List

• National Asphalt (Pty) Ltd.

• Additional Parties as required By National Asphalt (Pty) Ltd.

Nature of Comments Required

• This is a living document. Any changes, alterations or additional information should be

included in the updated document.

Date of Receipt of Comments Continual process



GENERIC


CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 5

1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 5 1.2 Objective of the Environmental Management Plan ................................................................................ 5 1.3 Environmental Policy .............................................................................................................................. 6 1.4 Method Statement ................................................................................................................................... 7

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN .............................................. 7

2.1 Soil Management including Borrow Pits, Quarries and Spoil areas. ...................................................... 7 2.2 Waste Management and Control ............................................................................................................. 8 2.3 Noise Management................................................................................................................................ 10 2.4 Air Quality Management....................................................................................................................... 11 2.5 Water Management ............................................................................................................................... 13

2.5.1 Surface Water ................................................................................................................................ 13 2.5.2 Ground Water ................................................................................................................................ 14

2.6 Emergency Management ....................................................................................................................... 14 2.7 Social aspects – safety of the public ..................................................................................................... 15 2.8 Stockpiles .............................................................................................................................................. 16 2.9 Rehabilitation after Closure .................................................................................................................. 16 2.10 Environmental Monitoring and Auditing .............................................................................................. 17

***



INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

The South African National Roads Agency (Pty) Ltd (SANRAL) has been created by

the National Department of Transport and is responsible for the maintenance, repair

and upgrading of the National Roads in South Africa. Various provincial roads have

been in poor condition for many years and budgets in recent years did not allow for

the required funding to repair and rehabilitate this important road. These roads have

now been transferred to SANRAL to ensure that the required maintenance, upgrading

and repairs are undertaken as required. The poor condition has been a continuous risk

for the average motorist and the repair and rehabilitation of this road has become an

urgently required needs. Monies have now been allocated to repair and rehabilitate

these roads.

A tendering process was followed and National Asphalt (Pty) Ltd has been appointed

to manufacture and apply the Asphalt required to complete the repair and

rehabilitation process on some of these road. Asphalt has been chosen since it is the

most durable road construction material and produces an end product of the highest

quality.

A Temporary Mobile Asphalt Plant will be used for the manufacturing of the required

Asphalt. This plant is equipped with a modern wet scrubber to remove emissions and

dust from the stack, preventing pollution.

This document has been developed as a generic Environmental Management Plan for

this Asphalt Plants under National Asphalt’s control. This document should be

viewed as a generic document subject to continual improvement.

National Asphalt is committed to implement this Environmental Management Plan on

all sites where the Asphalt Plant is operated.

1.2 Objective of the Environmental Management Plan

The objective of this Generic Environmental Management Plan is to address

environmental issues on site and during normal operation and maintenance activities



for all of National Asphalt (Pty) Ltd’s activities and operating divisions. The plan will

therefore have as a main objective the reduction or mitigation of environmental

consequences resulting from the operations and actions of National Asphalt (Pty) Ltd.

Due to the different site locations where National Asphalt (Pty) Ltd operates and the

fact that the mobile Asphalt Plant often changes its location, the Environmental

Management Plan has been developed as a generic document to try and include all

environmental aspects that should be considered during any operation or project.

The generic nature of this Environmental Management Plan should be noted for site-

specific aspects, specifically sensitive environmental issues, which need to be

identified before work commence and should be addressed in the specific

Environmental Management Plan for that site to ensure adequate mitigation.

This Generic Environmental Management Plan forms part of the Environmental

Management System of National Asphalt (Pty) Ltd. This document will form the

basis of Environmental Management for National Asphalt (Pty) Ltd.

1.3 Environmental Policy

The Environmental Policy of National Asphalt (Pty) Ltd reads as follow:

“National Asphalt’s personnel are committed to environmental management

principles and to conduct all operations in such a way as to minimize the impact upon

the natural environment, to ensure the compliance with all applicable laws and to aim

for continuous improvements. This will be achieved through the understanding by all

personnel of National Asphalt’s Environmental Management System and their role in

it, coupled with effective monitoring and control systems.

The Environmental Management System will be audited on a regular basis to assess

compliance. The target will be reviewed and updated where necessary in order to

comply with the requirements of the International Standard SABS ISO 14001: 1996”



1.4 Method Statement

As a result of the investigation on expected environmental issues, the following

aspects need to be focused upon and actions be taken in the EMP.

� Soil Management including possible borrow pits, quarries and spoil areas.

� Waste Management and Control.

� Noise Management.

� Air Quality Management.

� Water Management.

� Emergency Management.

� Social aspects – safety of the public.

� Stockpiles.

� Rehabilitation after closure.

� Environmental Monitoring and Auditing.

The appointed person must ensure and monitor the implementation of these

management steps. On an overall framework, the effectiveness of all environmental

management measures will have to be monitored and audited on a regular basis.


The environmental management measures described in this Generic Environmental

Management Plan are applicable to each site of National Asphalt (Pty) Ltd.

The following actions need to be implemented in order to reduce or mitigate the

anticipated impact on environmental conditions resulting from activities undertaken

by the National Asphalt (Pty) Ltd.

2.1 Soil Management including Borrow Pits, Quarries and Spoil areas.

During the utilisation of an Asphalt Plant it might be required to open and operate a

borrow pit, quarry or spoil site.

In terms of the Mineral Act (Act 50 of 1991) all borrow pits and quarries must have a

valid mining permit and an approved rehabilitation plan. The local mining authorities

must issue the mining permit. Blasting at borrow pits and quarries are also governed



in terms of the Mineral Act. A blasting permits needs to be obtained from the Chief

Mining Inspector appointed by the Department of Mineral and Energy Affairs. .

After the utilisation of any borrow pits or quarries a closure certificate must be

obtained through the local mining authorities. Rehabilitation of the borrow pit must

be done in accordance with the approved rehabilitation plan.

It should be noted that a rehabilitation guarantee is required from the Department of

Mineral and Energy Affairs if a new borrow pit and or quarry is exploited for the first

time. This money should be deposited with the Department and will be refunded back

to the contractor after completion of the ecological rehabilitation of the disturbed

areas and a closure permit is issued.

If material is purchased form a private individual or commercial quarry, National

Asphalt (Pty) Ltd must ensure that the required mining permits are in the possession

of the owner of the material.

Areas where erosion occurs at any Asphalt Plant facility or storage area should

immediately be addressed. Erosion could lead to soil stability problems and

excessive siltation. Appropriate mitigation measures must be implemented to ensure

that minimal erosion takes place.

Spoil areas must be approved before any spoiling of material takes place. Written

approval must be obtained from the landowner before spoiling starts. After

completion of the spoiling activities the landowner must sign off the areas indicating

his approval of the final trimming and rehabilitation.

2.2 Waste Management and Control

The management and proper handling of solid and liquid waste is essential. This

aspect needs proper control and monitoring during the full duration of the existence

of the Asphalt site. Waste is not allowed to burn on site.

Asphalt Plants are associated with bitumen, fuel oil and diesel. It is important to

control any waste products that might be generated during normal operating activities.



The following steps should be implemented:

Solids

- Accessible waste disposal bins must be distributed over the site and it is

suggested that 10 large waste bins be put out on various places within each

site.

- A skip or similar should be placed centrally in every Asphalt site. All waste

disposal bins should be emptied in this skip and the skip should be emptied at

least on a weekly basis.

- A maintenance contract must be signed with an approved contractor and the

waste must be disposed of at an approved waste site. Site personnel could

consider moving the waste to the local municipal refuse site themselves if

they have the means to do this.

- General hygiene conditions should be kept at the waste bins and skips

throughout the period of occupation. It is recommended that the areas be

disinfected on a regular basis by using JIK or granular chlorine.

Liquid

Liquid waste, other than sewage waste, must be collected in closed

containers. Waste to be collected includes:

� Mechanical oil,

� Hydraulic fluid,

� Grease

� Used cooking oil,

� Paint and resins.

Used oil must be recycled through a recognized recycler.

Construction

Construction waste (wood, steel and concrete) should be collected and placed in

specially designated areas on the site for removal by the contractor to the disposal



site. If possible, construction waste should be made available to local people for

usage.

2.3 Noise Management

Standards and guidelines for the control of noise, vibration and shock which are of

relevance to National Asphalt (Pty) Ltd are primarily controlled under the following

legislation:

- the Occupational Health and Safety Act (No 85 of 1993) in terms of the

workplace in industry;

- the Minerals Act (No 50 of 1991) and the Mine Health and Safety Act (No 29

of 1996) in terms of the workplace at borrow pits; quarries and spoil areas and

- the Environment Conservation Act (No 73 of 1989) - outside the work

environment.

Work activities should be planned not to generate more noise than the 65dB level

stipulated. Noise levels above 65dB would require mitigation measures. This is

especially important if an Asphalt Plant is erected and operated within or close to a

residential area or other sensitive cultural or public places. If an Asphalt Plant is

erected and operated in rural areas a relaxation on the above could be applied for.

Having due regard for the proximity of the operational facility or site to local

communities and dwellings, National Asphalt (Pty) Ltd shall restrict all of its

operation and maintenance operations which result in undue noise disturbance to the

hours of 06:00 to 18:00.

Any work outside of these hours should be agreed in writing with the affected parties.

Personnel shall equip noisy machinery with standard silencers and take care not to

increase ambient noise levels unreasonably bearing in mind the construction action

and the machinery required.

Personnel working in conditions with high noise levels shall be equipped with the

required safety equipment to reduce the exposure of the individual to the noise.

Regular monitoring of workers conditions should be undertaken.



Specific attention should be given to the impact of generated noise on churches,

schools, institutions and noise sensitive businesses.

Records of all noise level measurements shall be kept for the duration of any contract

or operation.

2.4 Air Quality Management

In terms of the Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act (No 45 of 1965) the McAdams

Process (Manufacturing of Asphalt) should receive a permit before it is allowed to

proceed.

The following sources of air pollution should be managed:

- An Asphalt Plant is scheduled process and specific care should be taken to

prevent the formation of noxious gasses. The correct fuel oil should be used

at all times and the temperature of the burners should be adjusted to ensure

optimum combustibility. No waste oils should be used as fuel since this can

cause excessive air pollution and could cause blockages in the burners.

- When the Asphalt Plant is started up the burners should be set to burn at

higher temperatures to prevent the normal ‘startup smoke’ usually associated

with older Asphalt Plants.

- The correct grade of bitumen should also be used to ensure optimum product

utilization and to prevent the formation of unwanted odour and gasses.

- Dust is another major air pollution contributor with regard to Asphalt Plants.

The Asphalt Plant utilized should have a bag house capable of handling the

volume of dust generated during the manufacturing process. The bag filters

should be cleaned on a regular basis and during each cleaning it should be

thoroughly inspected. Holes or any other damage in the bag filters should

immediately be reported and repaired.

- Covered dust collection pits should be constructed to prevent dust from being

blown away after being removed from the bag house. The collected dust

should be regularly removed from site and the possibility of re-use of the dust

as a pigment could be investigated.



- The dust collected poses a health risk to workers working in the immediate

area of the storage area in terms of the small particle size. Workers working

with and in the immediate vicinity of the collected dust should be equipped

with the necessary protective clothing.

- Open fires for domestic purposes should be strictly controlled. Occasional

fire for domestic cooking or heating purposes should be in contained areas,

which are specially designed and built for this purpose. The provision of

electricity, gas or smokeless fuels must also be considered for

cooking/heating purposes.

- The correct maintenance of especially heavy vehicles to reduce emissions

from exhausts systems.

- Regular control of dust along the access road and on the entrance roads by

means of wetting when dust becomes liberated by pedestrian or vehicle

traffic.

Odours and offensive emissions should also be limited as not to result in nuisance.

A suitable watering management programme (using water tankers or irrigation

equipment and sprayers) to suppress fugitive dust emissions should be devised to

achieve a dust suppression efficiency of approximately 75%. Dust is mainly

generated from material stockpiles, unpaved access roads and loading operations.

This may need to be increased on windy days.

If required dust measurements can be conducted according to the following formula:

M

Fallout = A x d

where, M = mass of dust sample

A = area of opening of dust collector

d = number of days over which sample was collected.

Fallout shall not exceed 0.50 g/m2 per day. If alternative volumetric measurements

are undertaken, the DEAT guideline of 180 µg/m3 can be used.



Dust levels should preferable be taken at potential problem areas, for example nearby

residential areas, sensitive crop areas adjacent to the working site, access roads, etc.

The Environmental Authorities might require high volume iso-kinetic gas

measurements. These measurements would have to be conducted by a specialist

operating in this field of expertise.

Records of all dust level and gas measurements shall be kept for the duration of any

contract or life of an Asphalt Plant.

2.5 Water Management

2.5.1 Surface Water

Surface water should not be present at any of the fixed or the mobile Asphalt Plant.

The quality of surface run-off water is governed in term so of the Water Act and

minimum quality requirements are applicable. It is important to obtain permits for the

discharge of industrial water effluent from an Asphalt Plant.

Unpaved surface areas must be covered with a 100mm layer of gravel material where

necessary. This will ensure that water from the surroundings will not flow through the

Asphalt Plant sites, causing erosion and siltation. Proper surface drainage on the site

should prevent the formation of stagnant water pools long after rain events.

Holes and areas where water collect should be paved or filled with soil or gravel to

prevent stagnant water. Because of the possibility of disease, standing water must be

eliminated as far as possible.

The entrance of Asphalt Plant sites must be closely monitored since it would

encounter high traffic by loaded trucks. The monitoring should continue on the entire

road up to the surfaced road.

Waste asphalt could be spread over the hardwearing areas to prevent dust and mud

formation.



Surface water – Maintenance and wash-bays

If a workshop or washing bay is constructed at the Asphalt Plant the effluent must

pass though an oil trap before being released into the natural environment.

2.5.2 Ground Water

Sanitation is important at all Asphalt Plant sites. Sanitation systems should be linked

to the municipal sewer system if possible. If no municipal sewer system is available a

septic tank should be installed. The septic tank should be placed in an area where the

soils are permeable and allows for sufficient soak away of water. A soak away test

should be performed before construction starts.

If a septic tank is installed the volume of generated wastewater should be kept as low

as possible. To obtain this it is recommended that wastewater from offices and

kitchens are to be contained in a separate, isolated system. No contaminated water

shall be released on site. This water may be pumped from the containing system and

disposed off in an approved manner.

Chemical toilets seem to be the most cost effective way to provide sanitation facilities

at a mobile Asphalt Plant. Chemical toilets must be regularly maintained and a

service contract must be signed with an approved service agent.

Boreholes need to be identified before any activities are started and the method

statement on sealing of boreholes should be followed if the possibility of pollution

exists.

2.6 Emergency Management

National Asphalt (Pty) Ltd shall comply with the requirements of the Environmental

Conservation Act (Act 73 of 1989) with regard to environmental emergencies or

incidents.

All accidents that result in a chemical or hazardous substance spill, these are typical

incidents of 50 litres and higher, must be reported to the local Environmental

Authority within 24 hours after the incident.



In the case of a bitumen/fuel oil spillage or tank failure the following steps should be

followed:

• The heating source of the bitumen should immediately be terminated,

• The spill should immediately be contained to prevent excessive spreading of the

bitumen,

• The incident site should immediately be cordoned off to prevent access and

possible spread of the spilled material,

• Any recoverable material should immediately be removed and placed in separate

containers,

• The spilled bitumen should be picked up and removed from the road reserve,

• All smaller pieces of bitumen should be picked up by hand,

• If required the rehabilitated area should be seeded with an appropriate indigenous

seed mixture to facilitate the growth of vegetation cover in this area,

• The disposal of the spilled bitumen should be done according to the requirements

of the local authorities.

Any chemical or hazardous substance spill should be treated with the highest urgency

and importance. A qualified contractor should be contacted to assist if National

Asphalt (Pty) Ltd’s emergency and maintenance teams cannot cope with cleanup of

the area.

In all cases the following criteria should be followed:

• Containment of substance,

• Prevention of contamination by substance,

• Recovery of substance,

• Recycling of substance,

• Removal of substance,

• Rehabilitation of area.

2.7 Social aspects – safety of the public

During any project the public should be closely managed. Social issues have become

entrenched in everyday environmental management and should treated with the

respect it requires.

Public safety is of vital importance and every effort should be made to ensure public

safety.



2.8 Stockpiles

Should stockpiling become necessary during any operation the areas for the

stockpiling of material shall be indicated and demarcated on a site plan.

The areas chosen for stockpiling shall have no indigenous trees and shrubs present

that may be damaged during operations. In determining the location of these

temporary stockpile areas, cognisance must be taken of sensitive and no-go areas, and

should be located within the construction site, where feasible. Care shall be taken to

preserve all vegetation in the immediate area of these temporary stockpiles. During

the life of these temporary stockpiles, National Asphalt (Pty) Ltd shall at all times

ensure that they are:

� Positioned and sloped to create the least visual impact.

� Constructed and maintained so as to avoid erosion of the material and

contamination of the surrounding environment.

� Kept free from all alien/undesirable vegetation.

� Ensure that no excessive dust is generated from these stockpiles.

After the stockpiled material has been removed, the site shall be re-instated to its

original condition. No foreign material generated/deposited during construction shall

remain on-site. Areas affected by stockpiling shall be landscaped, top soiled, grassed

and maintained.

Stockpiling of potential hazardous material like milled bitumen material or industrial

waste is subject to obtaining the required permits from the relevant authorities.

2.9 Rehabilitation after Closure

After the completion of work for mobile asphalt plant the site must be relocated to the

following project or contract. All site facilities that were utilised during operation of

the mobile Asphalt Plant needs to be removed and the site needs to be rehabilitated.

Where rehabilitation is required, the following steps are essential:

- Hard and compacted surfaces including walk and driveways should be ripped

properly, preferably after some rain and re-vegetated with indigenous grass

species.



- Weed control should form part of the exercise.

- All structures and concrete slabs, which will not be used in future, should be

removed and disposed of at the local waste site. Whenever such concrete can

be crushed and re-used, it should be encouraged and practiced as far as

possible.

- Seeding of natural grass species according to an appropriately harvested seed

mixture for the area. Grass mixture suitable for these rather hot and dry

conditions should be harvested from the local grassland areas for

rehabilitation purposes.

The site must be thoroughly cleaned up from pollutants and debris prior to

decommissioning, and monitored for recovery for at least 12 months (1 rainy season)

thereafter.

If the landowner requests that facilities are not removed and the area not rehabilitated,

this must be done in writing on the standard ‘Land Return Form’, available to site.

2.10 Environmental Monitoring and Auditing

Proper monitoring on a firmly based program ensures the correct and successful

implementation of environmental management measures, to reduce negative impact

on environmental conditions.

Monitoring on site should be on a regular basis and be included as a responsibility of

the Site Manager or designated person.

Monitoring should be focused on on-site conditions during the day-to-day activities

and specifically when sub-contractors enter an area for scheduled work or emergency

repairs.

An annual environmental monitoring and auditing program will be followed

The following Environmental Monitoring Program should be implemented:



ISSUE FREQUENCIES OF

MONITORING

RESPONSIBLE.

BODY/PERSON

WATER

Storm water Management. Weekly in rainy season Site Manager

Prevention of stagnant water on site. Weekly in rainy season Site Manager

Proper functioning of sanitation systems. Weekly Site Manager

SOIL

Surface or gully erosion on site. Weekly in rainy season Site Manager

Soil contamination with oils.

If small, clean up. If large, appoint a suitable contractor for clean

up. Monthly Site Manager

Condition of paving in walk or drive areas. Monthly Site Manager

AIR

Emissions Control Daily inspection Site Manager

Control of domestic fires. Weekly Site Manager

Heavy vehicle emission control. Monthly Site Manager

Dust control– wetting when required. Daily inspection Site Manager

WASTE

Efficiency of domestic waste collection i.e. number of collection

bins and placement and removal by the municipality or contractor. Two weekly Site Manager

Prevention of burning of solid/liquid wastes on site. Weekly Site Manager

Proper collection, containment and removal of liquid wastes

(petroleum, oils, paints, resins & cooking oils) and hazardous

wastes

Monthly Site Manager

The recycling and/or disposal thereof. Two weekly Site Manager

The collection and disposal of construction waste (concrete, wood,

steel, industrial waste).

WILDLIFE

Weed control. Monthly Site Manager

Control of illegal hunting or snaring of game, birds or other wild

animals. Monthly Site Manager

Monitoring of vegetation establishment. Monthly Site Manager

SOCIAL

Inspect overall appearances of site.

(Paint work, cleanliness & housekeeping) Weekly Site Manager

SAFETY

Inspect road, safety and warning At least once a week Site Manager

AUDITING

Environmental Monitoring Program. Annually Site Manager

Environmental Management Program. Quarterly Head office



Note: The Site Manager should manage the implementation and findings of the

Environmental Monitoring Program. Quarterly all aspects will be audited by

the head office for compliance to the Environmental Management Plan for

the site.

Auditing will serve to assess the following:

� The implementation of the plan in full;

� The assessment of the effectiveness of mitigation measures;

� The implementation of recommended corrective actions;

� The effectiveness of communication and record keeping.

The records of audits must be kept for submission to and for review by National

Asphalt (Pty) Ltd’s management.

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generic environmental management plan - Environamic