Marine outfall compliance tabled at first Permit Advisory Forum meeting

26 April 2024

The City’s inaugural meeting which officially establishes the Permit Advisory Forum (PAF) on marine outfalls was held today, facilitated by Councillor Alex Lansdowne, chairperson of the Section 80 Advisory Committee. The objective of the forum is to engage stakeholders in the review of the discharge permit conditions for the Camps Bay, Hout Bay and Green Point marine outfalls.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs (DFFE) agreed to amending the terms of reference of the City's existing Section 80 Advisory Committee, empowering it to operate as a PAF, dedicated to monitoring ongoing compliance of marine outfalls. The amended Terms of Reference was submitted to DFFE and approved by Council on 25 April 2024.

The Section 80 Advisory Committee for Water Quality in Wetlands and Waterways PAF will meet quarterly going forward, to review and monitor compliance with specific details of marine permit conditions including:

Discharged effluent quantity (flows);
Effluent quality: consisting of pH, COD, TSS, TKN, ammonia and metal limits that may not be exceeded;
Environmental monitoring programme (presented by appointed consultants, Infinity);
Sample analysis and monitoring of date, time, method and analysis of sampling;
Pipeline integrity and condition;
Malfunctions/abnormality detection and record keeping.

The PAF will also play a primary role in harnessing the expertise of all stakeholders to shape the future of Cape Town's current marine outfalls.

The historic establishment of marine outfalls are a global practice, engineered to release wastewater or stormwater into bodies of water like oceans, rivers, or lakes in accordance with legal permits as stipulated by national regulatory bodies. Testing, maintenance and conditional assessments of outfalls is critical, ensuring that they operate optimally to safeguard both the environment and public health.

The City's Water and Sanitation directorate presented the latest data, demonstrating the compliance at all three marine outfalls against the previous DWS licence and DFFE permit (which is currently in review by the DFFE).

Key highlights of presentations
Average daily flow results from November 2023 – March 2024 at all three marine outfalls were within the previous licenses issued by National Department of Water and Sanitation.

All results out of specification were reported to the DFFE in the last two quarterly reports submitted.

The City has a dedicated Water Pollution Control Unit, which could be assigned to investigate incidents when there is marginal non-compliance.

All City effluent test results for effluent flow, metal, chemical and bacteria sample analysis were assessed by an external independent auditor who issued their findings in a report on 17 April 2024, confirming an average compliance of more than 97% across the three marine outfalls (Green Point WWTW 100%, Camps Bay WWTW 91,7% and Hout Bay WWTW 100%).

'It's encouraging to see that the call for public engagement resulted in our first quarterly meeting of the PAF being well attended. By seeking solutions together, stakeholders are able to raise their concerns and hold the City accountable for improved management and sustainable operation of its marine outfalls, with uncompromised resolve to safeguard both environmental and community health for generations to come.

'These meetings are an open invitation to the public to join the conversation and we look forward to sharing the data and monitoring progress at the next engagement,' said Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation.

The City has also undertaken a study which identified several potential alternatives to marine outfalls. Implementing these options is subject to budget availability and the results of feasibility and environmental impact assessments.

Summary of alternatives to the existing marine outfalls:

Short-term option:

Refurbishment: Upgrading the current marine outfall infrastructure (including pump stations), with an estimated cost of R140 million.

Medium-term options:

Expansion: Considerably extending the marine outfall zones (excluding environmentally protected areas). For example, the Camps Bay outfall, currently positioned 1,3km offshore, could potentially extend 11,6km further into the ocean.
New Wastewater Treatment Facilities: Exploring the development and construction of the first phase of new wastewater treatment facilities near existing marine outfalls.

Long-term options:

Pump Stations and Pipelines: Building pump stations and pipelines to transport wastewater to existing treatment facilities, along with expanding conventional facilities at existing works.
Phase Two Wastewater Treatment Plants: Developing phase two of new wastewater treatment plants near existing outfalls.
Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant: Implementing a phased construction of an advanced wastewater treatment plant near existing outfalls, incorporating primary, secondary and tertiary treatment processes.

End

Published by:
Media Office, City of Cape Town

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