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| Information sheets |
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| Impact on our environment |
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| Message from the Eskom Chairman – Valli Moosa |
Our overall mix of energy solutions is intended to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels while emphasising the growing contribution of renewable energy sources and nuclear power. This brave strategic decision was one of the key achievements of the past year.
I say brave because the alternative was to hide behind South Africa ’s status as a developing nation seeking high growth to combat poverty and use this as an excuse to evade our global responsibility to contain greenhouse gas emissions. Instead, we have positioned ourselves as a key emerging market contributor to international efforts to address climate change. |
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| Message from the Eskom Chief Executive – Jacob Maroga |
Managing and mitigating environmental impacts is an Eskom imperative. We hope to reach a situation where all stations have visibly clear stacks. When we build new coal-fired stations, a key requirement is that emission reductions are integrated into the design. In the review period, particulate emissions were improved both against the target as well as the previous year’s performance.
The bigger issues relate to climate change and what we are doing about it. The greatest immediate action we have taken is that of increasing efficiency in the use of electricity and in our internal operations. We plan to accelerate these efforts in the future. |
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| ENVIRONMENT |
Our commitment is based on maximising the use of resources while managing our impact on the broader environment. Environmental management is an issue that cuts across all of Eskom’s operations, and is integrated into our decision-making processes. The impact on the biophysical and social environment is managed through the application of policies, best practices and constant innovation with the objective of continual improvement. We measure our impact on a continual basis and have exceeded our targets in key areas such as particulate emissions.
The challenges we face include climate change and diversification of our energy mix, air quality, water usage, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) phase-out and land management. |
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| Environmental performance |
Environmental performance is assessed and measured through our four equally-weighted key performance indicators, reflected in the table below. These are used together with other environmental performance indicators within Eskom and relate to specific operational activities. Our specific water consumption performance did not meet the target we set and was worse than in the previous year. This was mainly as a result of the outage at Koeberg nuclear power station (sea water used for cooling), resulting in increased demands on the coal-fired stations, together with poorer than expected performance efficiency at some power stations. Overall performance against the other environmental indicators was satisfactory. |
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| Environmental performance indicators |
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Unit of
measure |
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Target
2007 |
Actual
2007 |
Actual
2006 |
Comment |
| Relative particulate emissions1,2 |
kg/MWh sent out |
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< 0,22 |
0,20 |
0,21 |
Exceeded |
| Specific water consumption3 |
L/kWh sent out |
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< 1,31 |
1,35 |
1,32 |
Not achieved |
| Enhanced PreCare/MaxiCare – environmental component |
score |
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> 80,00 |
100,80 |
101,06 |
Exceeded |
| Reported legal contraventions per the operational sustainability index4 |
number |
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0 |
0 |
1 |
Achieved |
| Other performance indicators: |
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| Radiation exposure, per annum |
millisieverts |
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< 0,255 |
0,0034 |
0,0049 |
Exceeded |
| Net raw water consumption |
ML |
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n/a |
313 064 |
291 516 |
Increased |
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| 1. |
Figures are calculated as a 12-month moving index. |
| 2. |
Amount of ash emitted per unit of power sent out (excluding Camden power station). |
| 3. |
Volume of water consumed per unit of power sent out by all generating stations. |
| 4. |
Under certain conditions, contraventions of environmental legislation are classified in terms of the operational sustainability index. These include instances of censure by authorities, legal contraventions not reported to government, or where the contravention was not quickly rectified. Managing directors can escalate any significant contravention to Exco if deemed appropriate. |
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National Nuclear Regulator limit. |
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| Air quality |
Eskom ensures that air quality issues are managed so that operational sustainability and growth are not compromised. The organisation must serve its mandate as a bulk electricity supplier within the ambit of air quality legislation and South Africa ’s commitment to multi-lateral environmental agreements. Changes in South African law may lead to new gaseous emission limits being imposed on power stations. Eskom is reviewing its long-term air quality strategy to meet these challenges and taking measures to achieve ongoing improvements. |
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| Particulate emissions |
Over the years, we have been criticised as a significant contributor to air quality degradation in South Africa . Some of this criticism is based on the sight of smoke coming out of Eskom’s power stations. The electrostatic precipitator designs that were deemed appropriate at the time of construction in the 1960s and 1970s are no longer considered to be sufficiently effective. After major improvement programmes, most stations now achieve clear1 stack emissions.
The particulates emitted from coal-fired power plants, measured per unit of electricity sent out, show an improved performance of 0,20kg/MWh sent out (2006: 0,21kg/MWh sent out). Arnot and Kriel power stations contributed most to the reduction. The Arnot bag-filter plant is performing well, though leaking bags occasionally lead to an increase in emissions. At Kriel, the rewiring of precipitators on three units has reduced emissions. Eskom continually investigates new particulate control technologies and maintenance regimes to ensure the most practicable and cost-effective methods of emission control.
The reduction of particulate emissions from Eskom coal-fired power stations has been the most significant environmental challenge that the organisation has faced.
Particulate reduction began in the 1980s. Initial reductions followed the mothballing and closure of many of the older plants. From the early 1990s, reductions were achieved by installing bag-filters and better management of electrostatic precipitators.
In the late 1990s, a stringent 5-year target was developed to cut particulate emissions from an average of 0,37kg/MWh to 0,28kg/MWh sent out. Between 1990 and 2003 the total annual particulate emissions were reduced from 271 000 tonnes to 57 000 tonnes while the energy sent out increased by 64 000GWh. This was achieved while still ensuring that the optimisation of life-cycle costing was factored into all decisions made at every power station. |
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| Particulate emissions performance |
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| Relative particulate emissions per Eskom coal-fired power station: |
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The technologies employed by Eskom to manage and reduce particulate emissions include electrostatic precipitators, bag filters and flue gas conditioning.
The overall improvement in particulate emissions performance was the result of an extensive programme that took into consideration the electricity demand and the plant installed at individual power stations as well as the combined emissions performance of all coal-fired power stations. Five main interventions can be identified on Eskom’s road to emission reduction: |
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Decommissioning of old plant |
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Commissioning of new plant |
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Commissioning SO3 plant (flue gas conditioning) |
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Electrostatic precipitators |
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Installation of bag filters |
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Duvha, Matimba and Lethabo power stations have been receiving coal with high ash content, which caused an increase in particulate emissions. Matla has been receiving high ash coal for a number of years, contributing to the station’s deteriorating performance over the last few years.
The increasing ash content of coal has implications for the volumes of ash that the dust handling plants have to deal with, putting these plants under strain. The continued high load factors at the stations (required to meet the electricity demand) have put severe stress on all parts of the plant, including the pollution abatement equipment, as they are frequently required to operate outside of initial design parameters. Kendal and Duvha in particular, have been impacted by underperforming fields in the different units. |
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| Gaseous emissions |
Eskom calculates the annual amounts of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted from power stations based on the coal characteristics and power station design parameters Atmospheric pollution by industry, including the power-generating sector, is a major concern. Only by covering all possible air pollution sources can regional planning be carried out to promote better air quality. Data from continued monitoring are vital for future strategic planning. Eskom runs an ambient air quality monitoring and modelling programme at sites around the country to define general air quality and emissions associated with Eskom. Ambient air quality data gathered over 20 years have enabled extensive modelling of the dispersion of air emissions. Impact studies have also been undertaken, including a wet and dry deposition monitoring programme, both within South Africa and in neighbouring countries.
The installation of emission control technologies such as flue-gas desulphurisation is now being considered for new power plants. Such decisions will be based on legislative requirements and scientific studies and recommendations.
Factors influencing gaseous emissions include the amount of coal burnt, the coal’s sulphur and nitrogen content, burner set-up, milling plant maintenance and operation and the plants thermal efficiency.
Eskom has operated an ambient air quality monitoring network since the 1980s to provide national and regional information on long-term trends in air quality. The network includes monitoring sites in the immediate vicinity of certain power stations and research sites. Additional monitoring stations have been installed in the vicinity of proposed new power stations and relocated to more appropriate positions.
The network measures not only Eskom emissions but all emissions from surrounding sources. Monitoring equipment is calibrated against National Meteorological Laboratory standards in a lab accredited by the South African National Accreditation System. All sites, except two, are equipped to monitor SO2, NOx, ozone (O3), fine particulate matter (FPM), wind speed, wind direction and ambient temperature. The other two sites monitor SO2, FPM and meteorological parameters.
Results indicate that annual concentrations of SO2, NOx and FPM at all sites except Leandra meet the standards set out in schedule 2 of the National Environmental Management Air Quality Act. The FPM annual concentration was above the limit at the Leandra site, which is not directly influenced by any Eskom sources as it monitors adjacent residential emissions. |
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| Map of air quality monitoring sites |
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Annual Mean of Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) |
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The National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 39 of 2004, Schedule 2 -
Ambient Air Quality Standards set an annual average of 200 parts per billion (ppb). |
| The Palmer site was closed in 2004 after ten years of monitoring. |
| The Makalu Site was closed in April 2005 after 21 years of continuous monitoring. |
| The Camden site was commissioned on 26 June 2003 |
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| Annual Mean Fine Particulate Emissions (PM-10) |
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The National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 39 of 2004, Schedule 2 -
Ambient Air Quality Standards set an annual average of 60 micrograms per cubic meter (ug /m3). |
| The figures for 2004/05 are not representative due to reduced data capturing at the Kendal site. |
| The Palmer site was closed in 2004 after ten years of monitoring. |
| The Makalu site was closed after 21 years of continuous monitoring. |
| The Grootstryd site was closed in August 2006 after 3 years monitoring |
| The Camden site was commissioned on 26 June 2003 |
| The Camden site was commissioned on 26 June 2003 |
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| Annual Mean Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) |
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The National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 39 of 2004, Schedule 2 -
Ambient Air Quality Standards set an annual average of 19 parts per billion (ppb). |
| The Palmer site was closed in 2004 after ten years of monitoring. |
| The Makalu site was closed after 21 years of continuous monitoring. |
| The Grootstryd site was closed in August 2006 after 3 years monitoring |
| The Camden site was commissioned on 26 June 2003 |
| The following new air quality stations were commissioned during 2006: |
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Marapong (Matimba) |
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Kendal B (Old Wilge power station) |
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Komati |
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Grootdraai (Grootdraai dam) |
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Grootvlei |
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| Waste |
| Eskom supports the government’s plan to reform existing waste management legislation and we commented on the draft National Environment Management: Waste Management Bill in 2006. We report on various waste streams, ranging from domestic waste, garden refuse, building rubble, metals, fluorescent tubes, and healthcare waste. Metals, paper and printer cartridges are recycled where feasible. For example, at Eskom head office, 198 tons (2006: 182 tons) of paper were recycled. |
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| Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) |
| In line with the Stockholm Convention, Eskom is committed to the phasing out of PCBs by 2025. Over the past 12 years, Eskom has implemented stringent management practices relating to PCBs. These cover the handling, storage, testing and labelling of PCB contaminated equipment, the compilation of inventories and the development of phase-out plans that meet the requirements of the Stockholm Convention. PCB research on an alternative non-thermal destruction method aims to establish the most cost-effective and technically viable PCB de-chlorination technology. |
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| Ash |
| Of the approximately 34 million tons of coal ash produced at Eskom’s coal-fired power stations over the 12-month period, 6,3% (2006: 5,4%) was recycled. Ash from Lethabo, Matla, Kendal and Majuba power stations is used in the production of cement. It is anticipated that the demand for ash may continue to increase as Eskom continues to receive requests to supply ash to industry as a raw material for manufacturing purposes. All remaining ash is disposed of in ash dams and dumps at power stations and rehabilitated using soil and local vegetation to minimise the impact on the environment. |
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| Nuclear |
| The year-on-year change in the quantities of radioactive waste (Koeberg) is dependent on the number of outages and refuelling during the period. Low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste from Koeberg power station is sealed in steel drums and concrete containers, respectively. Low-level and intermediate-level radioactive waste is disposed of at the Vaalputs National Radioactive Waste Repository – a near-surface disposal site for radioactive waste, licensed by the National Nuclear Regulator and operated by the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa). All spent fuel (high-level waste) is stored within the power station. |
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| Land and biodiversity |
| Eskom is committed to the sustainable use and maintenance of land and to the management of tracts of land to off-set land impacted by our activities. In the case of the Ingula pumped storage scheme, this is achieved through a partnership |
| Every effort is made to reduce the impact of power lines and other infrastructure on biodiversity, especially on birds. This is partially achieved through the strategic partnership between Eskom and the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT). Wildlife interactions are a key performance indicator in the distribution area. |
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Endangered Wildlife Trust
| Working with partners |
| For more than a decade Eskom has entered into partnerships with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to develop and implement programmes that promote sustainable development, especially in the field of environmental management and conservation. |
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| Eskom and Endangered Wildlife Trust strategic partnership |
The strategic partnership between Eskom and the EWT, a nongovernmental organisation committed to the conservation of endangered species was established in 1996 to manage wildlife interactions.
The strategic partnership between the Eskom and the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) was initiated on 1 April 1996 . Before the establishment of this joint initiative, the management of wildlife interactions with Eskom infrastructure was often hampered by inadequate understanding of the causes and effects of certain interactions, little integration and co-ordination of initiatives, duplication of efforts and the application of ineffective solutions. The Eskom-Endangered Wildlife Trust Strategic Partnership was launched to address these shortcomings. The concept was, certainly at the time, a novel one - the EWT, a non-governmental organisation committed to the conservation of endangered species partnering with the biggest utility in Africa .
The partnership is still very strong, and aims to educate stakeholders and integrate efforts to develop, test and implement devices aimed at reducing bird fatalities due to electrocutions and collisions with electrical infrastructure.
Through the partnership, Eskom can ensure that power is supplied without significantly impacting on wildlife, while the EWT fulfils its goal of promoting the conservation of Southern Africa ’s biodiversity. |
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Endangered Wildlife Trust
The Endangered Wildlife Trust believes in the power of partnerships as the basis on which problems can be turned into challenges and obstacles into opportunities.
Our partnership with Eskom epitomises this thinking and, throughout the years, our collaborative efforts have achieved significant environmental, economic and social returns for both parties. The unique partnership developed by Eskom and the EWT is particularly suited to an African environment, where economic resources are scarce, social pressures are significant and the potential for negative interactions between wildlife and powerline infrastructures are vast, with severe economic and environmental consequences. The EWT is therefore proud to be working with Eskom to reduce these impacts and to be continually working towards developing innovative methodologies which support reduced impact, harmonious co-existence and sustainable living for all.
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| Yolan Friedmann |
| CEO: Endangered Wildlife Trust |
| Programme Manager: Conservation |
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| The Braamhoek partnership |
A partnership was established between Eskom, BirdLife South Africa and the Middelpunt Wetland Trust to rehabilitate and conserve a sensitive wetland and associated biodiversity adjacent to the site where the new Ingula pumped storage scheme is being built in the Drakensberg.
The partnership was formed to focus on environmental conservation before, during, and after construction of the Ingula pumped storage scheme, with specific attention on the rehabilitation of the wetlands and the conservation of the White-winged Flufftail, a critically endangered bird species that resides there.
The partnership agreement is valid for an initial period of five years, with the option of extending it based on the parties’ evaluation of its effectiveness. |
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Middelpunt Wetland Trust
Middelpunt Wetland Trust (MWT) exists to conserve one of Africa’s least understood and most threatened birds, the White-winged flufftail. As a partner of the Braamhoek Partnership from inception, MWT feels privileged to have been able to participate in what has proved to be a wonderful example of what can be achieved through co-operation between a massive organisation such as Eskom, a leading conservation NGO, BirdLife South Africa and a tiny, voluntary trust such as MWT. We have seen that resources, skills, experience and commitment from all three organisations can be leveraged effectively to the benefit of the environment in the immediate locality of Braamhoek, nationally in South Africa and even as far afield as Ethiopia. We would hope that this partnership will serve as a role model for other projects where such dissimilar groups can work together for the benefit of the environment.
Malcolm Drummond
Director Middelpunt Wetland Trust |
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| Ekangala Grassland Project |
The Ekangala Grassland Project, a partnership between Eskom and the World Wildlife Fund, aims to conserve a million hectares of high-altitude grassland that transcends Mpumalanga , KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State provinces. It is an important water catchment area for Eskom, and is home to more than 100 plant, 12 bird, six mammal and two butterfly species unique to the area. The project also receives operational support from other organisations.
The grass mantle covering these high altitude areas serves a crucial water catchment function. The basal cover and numerous wetlands associated with the grasslands capture rainfall, filter it and release it gradually, thus ensuring a sustained supply of high quality water into the rivers. |
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| Eskom/WESSA Partnership |
For the past 11 years, Eskom and Wildlife and Environment Society of SA (WESSA) have been conducting environmental education programmes under the auspices of their partnership called the Energy and Sustainability Programme. In its early years, the programme was run as a national environmental education competition. Since 2002, however, the partnership has managed a support programme for environmental active learning, which encourages school children to learn about and work on environmental sustainability issues within their local context.
Most of the projects focused on energy-related matters, with an even distribution of electrical efficiency projects and renewable energy projects. In addition, some sustainability projects were completed, dealing with ecological footprints, water and community social issues. Other projects looked at recycling, community service provision and energy policy development at schools. |
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| The energy and sustainability programme |
The energy and sustainability programme is proud of the standard of the projects under its support. Projects are entered for the eta young designers award, an independent national competition sponsored by Eskom and endorsed by the Department of Minerals and Energy.
The Programme also supported a project called Electrical efficiency for our town, which was chosen to represent South Africa at an international competition, the Volvo Adventure, together with 15 other countries. The project was awarded first place, with Korea second and the USA third. |
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| Environmental legislation |
Eskom is subject to environmental laws and regulations. Compliance with environmental legislation is monitored, audited and reported as an Eskom performance indicator. A key control is the need for authorisations, permits and licences for construction of facilities, particulate-emission releases and water usage.
Compliance with legislation is built into Eskom policies, procedures and standards. Legal compliance audits are conducted by operational divisions. Environmental performance, including contraventions of environmental legislation, is reported monthly to the Eskom environmental liaison committee. In 2007, 52 (2006: 55) legal contraventions were reported. These are investigated to determine the environmental impact and the need for mitigation. Thereafter corrective and preventative action is taken and lessons learnt communicated to other relevant parts of the business. |
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| The graph below represents the areas in which contraventions took place |
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| In many cases, these related to deviations from permit conditions, for example: |
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where water was released from a power station due to overflow of water from a station dam as a result of high rainfall or failure of equipment to maintain dams at certain levels |
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the environmental impact assessment contraventions related to failures to fulfil an administrative requirement of an environmental authorisation |
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trees being cut during maintenance under Eskom powerlines without having the required permit; and |
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on two occasions our particulate emissions exceeded permit levels |
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| Environmental expenditure |
During the period, R616 million (2006: R339 million) was spent on capital projects and R362 million (2006: R354 million) on operational environmental activities. The significant increase in capital expenditure is related to our capital expansion programme.
Most expenditure in the Generation division was on air quality management at coal-fired power stations, water management, rehabilitation at coal mines and expenditure on the Eskom capacity expansion programme. Expenditure by the Distribution and Transmission divisions focused on environmental impact assessments for power line and substation construction projects, sewage management, rehabilitation of land and control of vegetation. |
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| Environmental management systems |
Eskom’s safety, health and environmental policy commits the organisation to excellence in all these areas and assures employees, contractors, visitors, stakeholders and the public that we will conduct our business in a caring and responsible manner.
An environmental management system is in place to ensure legal compliance, reduce risk, demonstrate due diligence and monitor environmental performance. The objective is continual improvement.
During the reporting period, internal audits were undertaken in several areas related to environmental management. These included: management of hazardous materials, vegetation management, environmental management system ISO 14001:2004 standard, environmental legal compliance, and environmental impact assessments. Good practices were noted in vegetation management. A number of findings were made related to compliance with environmental conditions at project sites, the management of hazardous materials and the implementation of environmental management systems that conform to the ISO 14001: 2004 standard.
Certification to the ISO 14001 standard continues to be implemented in Eskom, with the following divisions and subsidiaries certified: |
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Corporate divisions – corporate sustainability |
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Transmission division |
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Eskom Enterprises (Pty) Limited |
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Rotek Industries (Pty) Limited |
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Roshcon (Pty) Limited |
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PTM division |
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Corporate technical audit was restructured, resulting in a change in scope of their management system. This now requires re-certification. Internal and external management system audits indicate that most power stations and distribution regions were found to be conforming to the ISO 14001:2004 standard. |
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| Eskom’s occupational hygiene, safety and environmental policy |
| Guiding principles by which we operate |
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we are committed to safety, health, and environmental excellence and will conduct business with respect and care for people and the environment and, in so doing, will ensure that adequate resources are available for safety, health and environment (SHE) management |
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we believe that all injuries and occupational illnesses, as well as safety and environmental incidents, are preventable, and our goal for all is zero. We will also promote off-the-job safety for all our employees |
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we will engage key stakeholders, including employees and organised labour, on all elements of SHE issues |
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we will continuously appraise our SHE performance with the objective of continuous sustainable improvement |
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we will ensure that SHE is an integral part of our operations and that no operating condition, or urgency of service, can justify endangering the life of anyone or cause injury or damage to the environment |
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management in each business will be responsible for educating, training, and motivating employees and contractors in relation to SHE issues |
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we will work with suppliers and customers to integrate SHE issues into their operations, and contractors working under our supervision, or on Eskom premises, will comply with this policy |
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this policy will apply wherever Eskom operations exist or Eskom operates, including subsidiaries |
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this policy will apply during the evaluation of all contracts, projects, and proposals |
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| Policy |
| Eskom, as a provider of energy and associated services, will: |
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establish appropriate management systems to address safety, occupational health and environmental issues with a view to minimising risk and ensuring continual improvement |
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comply with all legislative and policy requirements, and in the absence of appropriate principles, set standards to meet the objectives of this policy |
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promote open communication on safety, occupational health and environmental issues with employees and other stakeholders |
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educate, train and motivate and develop its employees in terms of occupational health, safety and environmental issues |
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provide and maintain a safe and healthy work environment and protect individuals against risk associated with occupational health and safety arising out of Eskom’s business |
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contribute toward sustainable development through efficient resource use, and efficient production, distribution and use of energy |
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| Contact information |
| Eskom Holdings Limited |
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| Telephone |
| Eskom head office: |
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+27 11 800 8111 |
| Eskom group communication: |
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+27 11 800 2323 |
| Eskom Development Foundation: |
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+27 11 800 2758 |
| Eskom environmental helpline: |
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+27 11 800 4727 |
| Ethics office advisory service: |
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+27 11 800 2791/3187 or ethics@eskom.co.za |
| Confidential fax line: |
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+27 11 507 6358 |
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| Physical address |
Eskom
Megawatt Park
Maxwell Drive
Sunninghill
Sandton |
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| Postal address |
PO Box 1091
Johannesburg
2000 |
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| Websites and email |
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