Magalies Water said it has noted with concern circulating videos and photographs on social media platforms, of hyacinth which is being removed from the Hartbeespoort Dam near the sluice gates.
The waste materials, which have been offloaded from the harvesters at the dam wall, is being prepared for removal to the waste beneficiation site, where is it later used as fertiliser and compost for agricultural purposes, the entity said.
“Magalies Water wishes to advice the public to remain calm, as the removal of the invasive plant continues unabated to ensure that the dam remains clean and in pristine condition for use by the public.
“The floating plants and debris collected from the dam are not allowed to spill over the dam wall or flow into the Crocodile River. Through a water-tight risk management plan specifically developed for current operations, Magalies Water guarantees that no floating plant material or debris can escape and flow downstream.
“The floating plants and debris are securely stockpiled on the dam wall before being transported to the beneficiation site. This stringent approach underscores our commitment to maintaining the integrity of the dam and ensuring that our operations contribute positively to the health of the river ecosystem for the benefit of everyone in the dam and downstream.”
Magalies Water further said it has implemented a comprehensive turnaround strategy guided by ten critical, needs-based objectives designed to restore and maintain the health of the Hartbeespoort Dam.
Significant progress has also been made across these objectives, and detailed findings will be presented in the upcoming peer-reviewed technical report and the annual report, scheduled for publication in November 2024.
Hya Matla has been appointed by Magalies Water for the removal of floating plants and debris from the dam and its shoreline. “This appointment was crystallized by the waste management plan in light of the National Environmental Management Act and Section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which mandates the protection of the environment,” it said.
“Our approach integrates manual, mechanical, and biological control methods. The predominant technique employed is the lock and harvest method, which involves capturing the floating substances before they are harvested and transported to the beneficiation site. This ensures that our operations leave minimal ecological footprints, supporting our commitment to a circular economy, waste valorisation and sustainable development.”
Hartbeespoort Dam frequently experiences northerly winds that push floating substances towards the dam wall, resulting in periodic congestion.
In response, Hya Matla Organics has developed a robust operational philosophy for managing these floating plants. This includes a controlled and managed spillover process utilizing mechanical harvesters, nets, cables, and floating barriers (noodles) through selected sluice gates.
The collected material is then stockpiled at the foot of the dam wall, where water flow is absent, allowing the substances to dehydrate for easier transportation for processing and recycling.
“Our operations are meticulously designed to be environmentally sustainable, minimizing any negative impacts on the surrounding environment. The transportation and processing of harvested materials are carefully managed to ensure that no contaminants are re-introduced into the ecosystem.
“By prioritising waste valorization and the principles of a circular economy, we are transforming potential environmental liabilities into valuable resources. This approach not only mitigates the environmental footprint of activities but also contributes to the broader goal of sustainable development in the region.
“Social responsibility is another cornerstone of our approach. We recognize that the well-being of the communities surrounding Hartbeespoort Dam is closely tied to the health of the water body. By preventing the spread of invasive species and ensuring the purity of the water, we are safeguarding the livelihoods and recreational opportunities of local residents.
“Our operations are conducted with full transparency, and we actively engage with stakeholders to ensure that their concerns are addressed and that they are informed of our progress. This inclusive approach fosters a sense of shared responsibility and ensures that all stakeholders have a vested interest in the success of our initiatives.”
Magalies Water and Hya Matla Organics said they are committed to continuously improving the methods and adopting innovative solutions that enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of our operations. “Research and development are integral to our approach, enabling us to stay at the forefront of environmental management practices. Our unwavering commitment to ecological restoration, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility underpins every aspect of our operations. We will continue to innovate and implement effective solutions,” they said.