ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY WASTE MANAGEMENT

The safe collection, storage and recycling of waste is vital for the protection of natural resources. Materials such as oil and paint are commonly used at construction sites and several measures are in place to prevent environmental pollution.

Gautrain formed a partnership with a non-profit Section 21 company, the Recycling Oil Saves The Environment (ROSE) Foundation. The company represents the main lubricant marketers in the country. This partnership between the ROSE Foundation and Gautrain facilitates an environmentally friendly process of collection, storage and recycling of all waste hydro-carbon products.

Waste hydro-carbon products are created on-site during the maintenance of engines, gearboxes, hydraulic systems, turbines and air compressors. Besides effectively storing these waste materials in demarcated areas it is also important to prevent the spillage of oil as it causes soil and water pollution if it seeps into the ground. Oil decomposes very slowly and used lubricants contain metals such as iron, tin, copper and lead.

Considering the environmental threats of uncontrolled hazardous waste, Gautrain implements stringent preventative measures at the various construction sites. Most importantly, hazardous waste is collected separately in dedicated 240 litre wheelie type bins. Once the bins have been filled, they are picked up from the construction sites by light delivery vehicles. The vehichles transport the bins to a centralised hazardous waste skip container where they are emptied.

For the collection and storage of hazardous waste from the construction sites situated on the southern section of the route between Park Station and Marlboro Portal, a centralised container is situated at the Marlboro Portal construction site. A hazardous waste location for the northern section between Midrand and Hatfield is still being identified as construction only recently intensified in that area.

Besides the management of hazardous waste, Gautrain also pays attention the environmentally friendly storage and regular disposal of construction and domestic waste. It is disposed of at properly licensed, fit-for purpose facilities in line with the requirements of the National Environmental Waste Management Act and municipal by-laws.

All types of waste that is generated during construction activities is meticulously identified, classified and recorded in order to track the quantities of waste generated and where it was disposed.

All these measures are in line with the requirements of a Draft Final Environmental Management Plan that ensures that communities and natural resources are protected during the construction of Gautrain.

Adherence to Gautrain’s Draft Final Environment Management Plan is a requirement of the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment.