Uniondale Water Network Upgrade – Phase 2
HilLand Environmental have been appointed as the Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAP) by the applicant, George Municipality, represented by Zutari, to ensure compliance with regulations contained in the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA Act No. 107 of 1998) and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (2014), as amended, for the Uniondale Water Network Upgrade.
Background on activity: The project involves the construction of a second Reservoir next to the approved 500Kl reservoir, and the installation and replacement of the phase 2 bulk water pipeline infrastructure, Uniondale (Erf 354 – The Fort Local Nature Reserve and RE/524). Environmental Authorisation was issued for the first phase, consisting of the 500Kl reservoir within a 900m2 platform area and associated pipelines.
The second phase (this application process 2024/2025) involves the upgrading of the existing water supply pipeline from the Kerk reservoir to the Lyonville pumpstation to the Varkie Dam reservoir and construction of a second 500Kl reservoir next to the existing 500Kl reservoir, below the Fort Monument. In this application, the entire pipeline route between Kerk reservoir and Varkie Dam reservoir is mentioned, however only the section of pipeline that crosses the non-perennial stream is subject to environmental authorisation.
Environmental Authorisation (EA) was issued on 9 June 2025, that covers all activities in relation to the reservoirs and pipelines for critical water supply in Uniondale (both Phase 1 and 2 now has a single EA).
The Holder is herein authorised to undertake the following alternative that includes the listed activities as it relates to the development:
Proposed reservoirs
The proposal entails the development of two new 500m3 reservoirs within the Fort Local Nature Reserve on Erven 300 and 354 in Uniondale. The proposed reservoirs will be located approximate to the 840m above mean sea level (AMSL) contour. The reservoirs will be located within a historically disturbed and relatively flat area on the western slope of the hill / koppie (west of the Fort Monument). The reservoirs will each have a diameter of 14m, a height of approximately 3.5m and will be constructed as low as possible on an excavated platform (cut and fill). The reservoirs will be cladded with in situ rock and in situ rocky material will be placed on top of the reservoirs to reduce the visual impact. The reservoirs will be fenced with a 900m2 ClearVu type fence.
Proposed rising main from Water Treatment Works to proposed new reservoirs
Water to the proposed new reservoirs will be pumped from the Water Treatment Works via a proposed new rising main consisting if 200mm and 250mm diameter uPVC pipes. The pipeline will be approximately 700m in length and laid at a depth of 0.7m below natural ground level. The pipeline will as far as possible be developed within previously disturbed tracks.
Proposed gravity main from the proposed new reservoirs to Kerk Reservoir
Water from the proposed two new 500m3 reservoirs will gravitate via a proposed new 200mm uPVC to the Kerk Reservoir (3 x 10 000ℓ structures), located approximately 435m northwest of the proposed new reservoirs. The pipeline will be approximately 550m in length. The pipeline will be laid within existing jeep tracks at a depth of 0.7m below natural ground level in order to limit to disturbance to the vegetation.
Proposed pipeline between the Kerk and Varkie Dam reservoirs
It is proposed to install a new 160mm diameter gravity uPVC pipeline between the Kerk reservoir and the Varkie Dam reservoir. The pipeline will replace the existing pipeline and is approximately 2.1km in extent next to the existing pipeline. The proposed watercourse crossing will be approximately 1.2m deep and approximately 1.7m wide (including gabion protection).
Please note that your comments on the above matter will form part of the public record in terms of POPIA.
Please note: Only registered I&AP’s will receive further notifications of the EIA application process.
If you require any further information or assistance, please contact us on (044) 889 0229 (Tel) 086 542 5248 (fax) or Email: environmental@hilland.co.za / admin@hilland.co.za.