Reservoir construction effects on environment minimal
Consultants on the proposed Southcrest Reservoir construction gave feedback to the community on the environmental effect of the project.
CONCERNED members of the community met with consultants on the proposed South Crest reservoir project for a public participation meeting on the environmental assessment impact of the project. The meeting took place on February 6.
The proposed reservoir is set to be built on the North side of Paul Kruger Street. Pipelines to and from the reservoir will run along Voortrekker Road, Paul Kruger Street, Pieterse Street, Irving Steyn Street, Hendrik Potgieter Street, 7th Avenue and across the N12. The reservoir will increase emergency supply availability in keeping with the Ekurhuleni standards.
The purpose of the meeting was for the consultants to provide feedback to members of the public on the potential effect the project would have on the environment. The principal concerns attached to the project was the proximity of the pipeline to two cemeteries and the old buildings within Alberton North.
The assessment by the consultants on the potential effect of the project on the water environment was low. The crossing of Natalspruit River is facilitated by an existing bridge that the pipeline would use.
Concerning the proximity of the pipeline to the cemeteries, it was determined that the pipeline does not directly go through the cemeteries. The pipeline does not go through any buildings. The Alberton Heritage Society has been contacted regarding the proposed construction.
Additional concerns raised by the public at the meeting include the effect of potential blasting, traffic problems and dust and noise pollution. The consultants said that the project would limit blasting as far as possible, rather using chemical processes breaking to break the rock. A traffic assessment has been done and the recommendations have been made to limit the effect of the project on traffic. Concerns of noise and dust pollution will be handled during the project with complaints taken by the public liaison of the project.
Unrelated to the project itself, a concern was raised by the members of the public present about the low turnout at the meeting and other public participation meetings.
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