23 August 2007
"Having seriously considered the scientific studies and reports on the
environmental impact of the proposed development and the attendant input and
concerns from the general public and concerned stakeholders, we are satisfied
that the impact to the environment is at acceptable levels, of course , with
strict adherence to the conditions attached."
This was the firm declaration of the Director General of the Department of
Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Ms Pam Yako, when she signed the Record of
Decision in Cape Town, today, Thursday, 23 August 2007, authorising the
Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) to develop a trade port at La Mercy,
North of Durban.
"Given that the proposed activities will not have a detrimental impact on
the environment and that this project will lead to socio economic development
not only in KwaZulu-Natal but in the whole country, the department has decided
to grant permission for the construction of this Trade Port," she said.
In 2005 Dube Trade Port Company (DTP) on behalf of the Provincial Government
of KwaZulu-Natal and Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) lodged an application
with the department in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Regulations as promulgated under the Environment Conservation Act, No 73 of
1989 to develop a Trade Port at La Mercy, north of Durban.
The Dube Trade Port falls within the Ethekwini Municipality on Farm La Mercy
No. 15124 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, North Coast. The extent of the development
is approximately 2 060 hectares and the development will comprise of the
construction of the following four core elements: King Shaka International
Airport, Trade Zone, Support Zone and an Agricultural Zone.
Talking about the process of determining the record of decision, the
Director General explained it as a thorough going and intricate exercise that
required both acumen and strict attention to detail. "There's a number of
scientific studies and a myriad of divergent inputs from stakeholders and
members of the public which need serious consideration to ensure inclusiveness
and transparency," she said.
"This is a public good and we must ensure that we satisfy both the
scientific world and the need for sustainable economic development," she added.
She then outlined the various conditions attached to the granting of the
permission to proceed with the development. "We have prescribed certain
conditions and in this regard we insist on the appointment of an environmental
control officer whose duty it is to ensure that periodic environmental
performance audits are undertaken on the project implementation," she said.
Conditions attached include but are not limited to issues of access to the
construction from the N2, a water management regime that complies with the
prescripts of the water affairs department, strict precautions on the
management of hazardous waste, management plans that will take care of fuel
spillages and issues relating to noise and compliance with other legislation in
this regard.
The Director General was also careful to consider the impact of the
development on the fauna and flora prevalent in the area. "The specialist study
concluded that the barn swallows will not migrate to another area either during
construction or operation of the proposed development," she said. "As long as
the wetland habitat is not impacted upon, the birds will keep on utilising the
wetland as a habitat," said the Director General.
"The Record of Decision outlines in detail all conditions that must be met
and as a rule allows concerned parties to appeal to the Minister should they
not be satisfied with the decision of the department," she added. The record of
decision can be obtained from our website on
http://www.environment.gov.za/HotIssues/2007/RoD/DG_SIGNED_ROD_DUBE_TRADE_PORT.pdf
and all appeals on the decision can be directed to the specified address on the
record of decision.
For further information, please contact:
Mava Scott
Cell: 082 411 9821
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
23 August 2007
