FEIR for Boitshepi Landfill Site .pdf - Zitholele.co.za

86August 2010 8848pollution prevention layer present underneath the site. There is however a leachatecollection system adjacent to the site which collects the drainage water by means of a cut-offtrench to a central point before discharging into the local sewer network.The waste present on site includes domestic waste, building rubble, garden waste and slag.These materials, especially the slag, have the potential to significantly pollute the underlyingsoils by generating leachate with high metal content.The initial impact to soils and land capability is therefore rated as a VERY HIGH negativeimpact occurring in the study area and acting in the long-term. This impact is occurring andas such is rated as a High impact.Additional ImpactThe additional impacts to soils and land capability during construction for the extension ofthe waste disposal site include the clearing of vegetation in the area of the extension of thesite, compaction and levelling of the soil. The clearing of the vegetation could potentiallyresult in erosion as the vegetation is removed, exposing the soil to the elements.Furthermore the construction vehicles have the potential to compact the soil by theirmovements or pollute the soil by spilling hydrocarbons. Both of these impacts reduce theagricultural potential / land capability of the soils. The placing of the waste disposal site onthe soil creates a long term impact that renders the underlying soil sterile and useless interms of agriculture.In addition, the area surrounding the site has been transformed into an informal settlementand a heavy industrial area. These land uses have also contributed to the impacts to thesoils.The additional impact to soils and land capability during the construction phase is a HIGHnegative impact occurring in the study area and acting in the short term. This impact willoccur and as such is rated as a Moderate. This impact rating will be the same for all threealternatives but due to the smaller footprint from Alternative 3, this is the preferredalternative.Cumulative ImpactThe cumulative impact during the construction phase remains as assessed above since theadditional impact and the initial impact occur in the same area. Therefore the impact remainsa High impact. The same is applicable for the operational and rehabilitation phases.Mitigation Measures• Ensure that the extension is designed according to the Minimum Requirements forWaste Disposal 2 nd Edition and ensure that the site is lined accordingly;• Ensure that the waste body has a storm water drainage system that prevents dirty waterfrom contaminating the adjacent soil;ZITHOLELE CONSULTING