Contaminated Surface Water Pollution Control Systems
The Department of Water Affairs, through the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No 36 of 1998) has legislated (GN704) control over contaminated stormwater emanating from mining activities.
This responsibility rests squarely on the shoulders of the mining concern.
Glencore Xstrata appointed VIP Consulting Engineers to survey, design for and ensure compliance for the Waterval East and Waterval West Mines (district Rustenburg) concerns. The process of conceptual stormwater flow and containment designs based on/and including hydrological assessment of the areas was followed.
Based on this settlers, stilling basins, pollution containment ponds, effluent ponds and storage facilities were designed and constructed.
The formal approval from Department Water Affairs and Forestry was obtained.
In all a cost effective solution was provided and further similar projects are in the pipeline.
