NOISE, VIBRATION AND EROSION PROTECTION

The minimisation of noise, vibration and erosion are some of the issues that received attention in Gautrain’s Monthly Environmental Performance Report for July.

Noise monitoring

Several measures are taken to ensure that noise created by construction activities cause the minimum disruption to surrounding communities.

Where the construction sites are in close proximity of sensitive receivers, the construction sites are hoarded with purposely made noise barriers. In certain areas where tunnelling takes place on a 24 hours basis, sites such as Dunkeld and Mushroom Farm Park, the entire shaft work area is enclosed in a structure to ensure proper mitigation for sensitive receivers in close proximity to these sites.

High-tech noise monitoring metres are also used on a daily basis. According to Gautrain’s Environmental Management Plan, noise should not exceed 65 decibels during the day and 55 decibels during the night period – 10pm to 6am.

Vibration monitoring

In most of the tunnel sections the tunnelling technique is based on drilling and blasting.

It involves the drilling of holes in the rock and charging up with special dynamite for blasting the rock. The blasting event results in the generation of a vibration that could potentially have a negative impact if not properly managed and controlled.

Once again, high-tech vibration monitors are used at strategic points to ensure that vibration levels do not exceed the required thresholds. Both noise and vibration monitoring are done by experts who are highly trained in these fields.

Erosion prevention

Where construction activities had taken place, Gautrain will reinstate the environment to its original state. Where clearing and grubbing has taken place, the topsoil is stockpiled and will be reinstated once construction activities had been completed.

In anticipation of the forthcoming rainy season, hydro seeding will be undertaken in order to ensure the bulk ecological rehabilitation of the environment.

Vegetation on embankments and slopes will combat soil erosion. A mix of indigenous and commercially available grass species will be planted. The grass cover is designed to contain a ‘mother crop’ that germinates very quickly and ensures quick erosion protection and stabilisation of the embankments. The ‘mother crop’ is then slowly replaced by more sustainable perennial species that ensures long term stabilisation on all areas that requires protection.  Natural colonisation forms part of this process and ensure a low maintenance and hardened vegetation cover.

Draft Final EMP revision 5

The Revision 4 Draft Final EMP was approved on 18 December 2006. The Revision 4 Draft Final EMP had to be updated with all the conditions contained in the latest RODs issued for the Northern Variants. These conditions were included, as well as redefined objectives and targets, in the new Revision 5 Draft Final EMP. A copy is available on the Gautrain website.

Adherence to Gautrain’s Draft Final Environment Management Plan (EMP) is a requirement of the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment (GDACE) and ensures that communities and natural resources are protected during construction activities. GDACE receives monthly reports on Gautrain’s adherence to its EMP.