MyPE has been running a survey – Manganese Ore – Just say “NO!” – since July 2016, asking residents affected by the Ore Dust menace to quantify their losses due to this unsightly dump on the Port Elizabeth beachfront. We ask for personally identifiable information in the survey as we want to be able to present Transnet with a clear audit trail should the comments or estimates ever be challenged.
The Herald Online newspaper’s Guy Rogers also recently entered the fray with an article – Ore dump pollution whips up new storm – published 10 January 2018.
In a statement released today titled; “City calls on Transnet to fast-track the relocation of the bulk fuel storage and ore export facilities at PE Habour” it was said:
Today’s visit by the Executive Mayor Cllr Athol Trollip, MMC for EDTA Andrew Whitfield, MMC for Public Health Lance Grootboom and MMC for SRAC Siyasanga Sijadu to the Transnet manganese ore export site was precipitated by the reported civic outrage at the contamination of air, private property and facilities of neighbouring communities and businesses.
Whilst the City recognises the economic importance of both these bulk storage facilities especially the exportation of manganese ore, we believe that the lifespan of the current facilities has expired.
We will be calling for a full public health and environmental compliance assessment of these facilities in order to protect the interests of the citizens of the city as well as our critical economic growth sectors such as tourism and sports tourism, which are directly linked to a healthy environment and a growing economy.
The City is committed to working with Transnet to accelerate the relocation of these facilities to the specially and specifically designed Port of Ngqura as soon as possible.
Other important advantages of an accelerated relocation are the reduction of heavy ore carrying vehicles congesting the inner City and placing unnecessary strain on our internal arterial roads. The relocation will also drastically enhance the aesthetic value of this prime beach and habour front land which has for too long been neglected.
The City has held a number of high level meetings with the Group Chief Executive Siyabonga Gama and other senior Transnet officials to discuss the urgency of this relocation and we have informed them that we cannot wait until 2023 for this happen.
Our visit did expose the fact that the handling of such high volumes of ore in a suburban environment cannot be done with creating harmful dust discharges.
We will hold Transnet to their undertakings to ensure that all possible dust mitigation practices are being implemented at this site as long as they are exporting ore from this port.
We will continue to oversight the operations at this port and the relocation process from the PE Habour to Port of Ngqura.
How is imported Manganese Ore handled in the East?
In South Korea, at Hyundai Steel in Incheon, imported manganese and iron ore goes straight from the ship into giant domes.
Apparently, this geodesic dome enclosure system is more efficient in terms of storage and transfer of these materials, and also cheaper because no expensive nets are needed for trapping dust. The other old dust trapping method using water sprinklers is also not needed, meaning a saving on water.
THIS is what Port Elizabeth Citizens are saying about the Manganese Ore Facility:
- Has a major role in restricting growth in lucrative recreational boating and waterfront development which can drastically enhance our city as a major tourist destination.
- Due to the pollution and it is an eye sore
- “A clean environment close to the city centre will attract more tourism, which will attract more dollars, which will enable a growing economy resulting in more working opportunities. One look at a dirty and polluted environment sends out the message that visitors would rather go elsewhere.”
- Disgusting polluting dust blowing over residential and recreational areas damaging assets and I can only imagine what affect it must have on the heath of residents (but if you moved into the area knowingly after the dump was there well …. ) and worse the unfortunate workers who need employment but are forced to work with no protection in the vicinity of those dust clouds.
- The effects on the health of the citizens of Port Elizabeth should take precedence over the greed of the owners of this unsightly, unhealthy, filth-producing facility.
- “Because it is an eyesore and is not managed in a way that reduces the impact to a minimum on the surrounding areas. As a country we should not be exporting our raw materials but beneficiating them locally to improve our local economy.”
- The dust is unbearable, especially in Summertrand and Humewood, and it is no longer compatible with the land use and image of the surrounding area.
- “Health of residents breathing the ore dust particles into our lungs. Dirt and dust created by these dumps beach and facades of buildings stained with ore dust. Cleaner and more beautiful King’s Beach – the best beach in South Africa !”
- The black dust carried by the wind makes everything black. Windows , walls tiles .Every where. Even vehicles. It gets stuck to vehicle paint and with dew and rain starts damaging the paint. If you clean today, tomorrow it is dirty again. If the buildings get dirty so fast , how Mitch do we breath in. It is a safety RISC .
- The manganese ore dust has long term negative effects on the health of this cities residents (including the marine life) as well as the properties within about a 5 km (own opinion estimate) radius of the tanks. Port Elizabeth (Nelson Mandela Bay) has the potential to become a tourism and economic hub within this radius and beyond and by removing this hazard it will allow for a green environment to be established that gives all the citizens as well as tourists a place to take part in a healthy lifestyle. I believe that this city (specifically the cbd area) has the potential to be world renowned for green innovations but having such a huge hazard in the way (which can be moved and better controlled at Coega IDZ) is not only damaging to the health of its citizens but also the economy of this city . The positives of moving the tank farm and manganese ore facility by far outweigh the negatives and has to be treated as a matter of urgency. The lives and livelihoods of all the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay depend on this.
- Because it affects everyone in the area terribly and everyone is sick and tired of always having to clean everything. This should be a place for tourists to visit to bring more revenue to the area. It is a wasted asset which is a manganese dump instead. Too long has everyone suffered.
- “Because of the oil pollution from the tank farm and the dust from the ore facility also because the space occupied by these facilities could be put to much better use from an economic and recreational point of view.” The move of these facilities to the Coega IDZ needs to keep to the agreed dates of 2017 and 2018 respectively, and not been pushed back again
- For the health and value of P.E.
- It is unsightly, unhealthy and blocking economic development
- The dust from the Iron Ore dump blows onto our property and am concerned about the possible health issues.
- “The continual pollution of our property with this black oily dust and the unknown damage to our health is of concern to us. We have noted that there seems to be a lack of effort by the company involved to keep the dust under control – over he past few years, we have noted that the dumps are not sprayed with water as often as they should which in turn allows the dust to be blown over Port Elizabeth.
- We demand the immediate removal of these dumps to a more acceptable sight at Koega.”
- I was working for a company that transports the manganese ore from Posmansburg to Markman and then to the harbour. After only one month working close to the dust from the ore serious health issues started to arise, breathing difficulty, coughing up of black mucus, ear infections, skin irretations etc. So I say inform the people who work there about the hazards. No one knows because no inductions are done when starting work there, no paperwork whatsoever.
- It is polluting the area around it and adversely affecting peoples lives and property.
- The ore facility and tank farm belong in an heavy industrial area, not closely surrounded by residences, businesses or in an area where they can and do, negatively impact on people and a sensitive environment.
- Unhealthy to public, Cancer, Tb, etc etc……….
- Primarily health issue. It is an unsightly and unhealthy operation and should be situated far from any urban establishment.
- It has severe side effects on a person’s health.
- LIKE ASBESTOSIS THIS IS A TOXIC INVASION OF THE AIR THAT I BREATH.
- “Port Elizabeth needs a clean, attractive harbour development incorporating the entire waterfront and Baakens Valley. We can no longer be a cheap dumping ground for Transnet’s monstrous mountain of muck. Let them make profits elsewhere, PE needs tourism and JOBS!!
- Flats and homes facing Kings Beach including many where elderly and medically unwell people live are subject to constant nose- and lung-irritating dust, as far away as Summer Dunes and most likely Walmer Township as well in a big blow. Enough already!
- #muckheapmustfall ??”
- Apart from the possible health risks associated with inhalation of ore dust, both these facilities are an eyesore and are hindering the ongoing process on rejuvenating our city.
- It is not healthy to breath the dust in and our house is covered inside and outside with the ore.
- There is already a new area for this facility created at the new harbour.
- air pollution causes sinus and allergies to the community
- “The tank farm has passed its sell-by date and is an accident waiting to happen.
- The manganese ore facility affects the health of residents up and down the coast. It also affects job creation as it is an eyesore that puts tourists off. As far as I am concerned it can go to Saldanha or Luderitz Bay – the two preferred ports of the miners – as the ore berth creates no significant jobs in the metro. Transnet would also then be forced to looking at upgrading the rail link to Gauteng for containerised and general cargo rather than spending its funding on an ore line that only serves to export our children’s inheritance.”
- Has a major role in restricting growth in lucrative recreational boating and waterfront development which can drastically enhance our city as a major tourist destination.
- Due to the pollution and it is an eye sore
- “A clean environment close to the city centre will attract more tourism, which will attract more dollars, which will enable a growing economy resulting in more working opportunities.
- One look at a dirty and polluted environment sends out the message that visitors would rather go elsewhere.”
- Disgusting polluting dust blowing over residential and recreational areas damaging assets and I can only imagine what affect it must have on the heath of residents (but if you moved into the area knowingly after the dump was there well …. ) and worse the unfortunate workers who need employment but are forced to work with no protection in the vicinity of those dust clouds.
- The effects on the health of the citizens of Port Elizabeth should take precedence over the greed of the owners of this unsightly, unhealthy, filth-producing facility.
- “Because it is an eyesore and is not managed in a way that reduces the impact to a minimum on the surrounding areas.
- As a country we should not be exporting our raw materials but beneficiating them locally to improve our local economy.”
- The dust is unbearable, especially in Summertrand and Humewood, and it is no longer compatible with the land use and image of the surrounding area.
- “Health of residents breathing the ore dust particles into our lungs
- Dirt and dust created by these dumps beach and facades of buildings stained with ore dust
- Cleaner and more beautiful King’s Beach – the best beach in South Africa !”
- The black dust carried by the wind makes everything black. Windows , walls tiles .Every where. Even vehicles. It gets stuck to vehicle paint and with dew and rain starts damaging the paint. If you clean today, tomorrow it is dirty again. If the buildings get dirty so fast , how Mitch do we breath in. It is a safety RISC .
- The manganese ore dust has long term negative effects on the health of this cities residents (including the marine life) as well as the properties within about a 5 km (own opinion estimate) radius of the tanks. Port Elizabeth (Nelson Mandela Bay) has the potential to become a tourism and economic hub within this radius and beyond and by removing this hazard it will allow for a green environment to be established that gives all the citizens as well as tourists a place to take part in a healthy lifestyle. I believe that this city (specifically the cbd area) has the potential to be world renowned for green innovations but having such a huge hazard in the way (which can be moved and better controlled at Coega IDZ) is not only damaging to the health of its citizens but also the economy of this city . The positives of moving the tank farm and manganese ore facility by far outweigh the negatives and has to be treated as a matter of urgency. The lives and livelihoods of all the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay depend on this.
- Because it affects everyone in the area terribly and everyone is sick and tired of always having to clean everything. This should be a place for tourists to visit to bring more revenue to the area. It is a wasted asset which is a manganese dump instead. Too long has everyone suffered.
- “Because of the oil pollution from the tank farm and the dust from the ore facility.
also because the space occupied by these facilities could be put to much better use from an economic and recreational point of view.” - The move of these facilities to the Coega IDZ needs to keep to the agreed dates of 2017 and 2018 respectively, and not been pushed back again
- For the health and value of P.E.
- It is unsightly, unhealthy and blocking economic development
Lest you (TRANSNET) think that the City of Port Elizabeth and it’s citizens are only thinking about bashing you – read this article: The Decision to get rid of the Manganese Ore Doesn’t Only Rest with TNPA.
The FULL Herald article by Guy Rogers:
Toxic cloud angers harbour tenants
Port Elizabeth Harbour tenants are fighting mad about a new wave of air pollution from Transnet’s two manganese ore facilities which is damaging property and business opportunities. It is also a health threat.
Port Elizabeth Deep Sea Angling Club (Pedsac) chairman Richard Donaldson said the situation was intolerable.
“Nowhere else in the world would a similar operation be allowed in the middle of a city, especially near major tourist attractions and residential areas.
“The health issues caused by manganese ore dust are enormous,” he said.
“It is a disgrace that this eyesore and health hazard has been allowed to continue to operate in its present location.”
Transnet was asked for comment on Monday morning, but had not responded by last night.
Donaldson said the oily grime left by the manganese dust had harbour businesses, and especially the angling club and yacht club restaurants, at their wits’ end.
“We fight a never-ending battle trying to keep the buildings, tables and benches clean for patrons,” he said.
The severe damage to sailing yachts and powerboats in the harbour had resulted in many of the owners relocating their vessels to other ports.
“The manganese dust stains very expensive sails and glass fibre gel coats, and results in a chemical reaction with stainless steel fittings,” Donaldson said.
“Negative publicity is posted on worldwide forums by crews and families sailing on visiting yachts, who declare our port the dirtiest they have ever seen.
“Many vow never to return, thereby causing financial losses in money that would have been spent on refuelling, restocking of provisions, repairs and visits to local attractions.”
Club members with homes in South End were left with filthy walls, curtains and carpets after easterly winds blew the manganese dust up from the harbour.
Donaldson said manganese handling regulations, including on the crucial damping down of the product, were clearly not being followed.
“We often see huge plumes of ore dust rising from the conveyors and ship loaders while they are busy loading ships.”
He said various factors from bureaucracy to costs appeared to be delaying the long-promised transfer of the manganese facilities to the Port of Ngqura.
“This should, however, no longer be tolerated, and Transnet, the National Port Authority and all the stakeholders should spearhead the fast-tracking of the long-overdue relocation of this menacing eyesore,” he said.
According to the US state Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, excessive inhalation of manganese dust could be toxic, resulting in illnesses from “inflammation of the respiratory system to impaired lung function and a neurological disorder called manganism that includes tremors, difficulty walking and facial muscle spasms”.
National Sea Rescue Institute Port Elizabeth station commander Ian Gray said the institute had an excellent relationship with Transnet, but the manganese pollution was a problem.
“There is a constant covering of fine oily residue over the station, which requires ongoing cleaning,” he said.
“The station deck is a continuous mess.”
The NSRI had built a boathouse to protect its vessels, but even with the boats moored inside, manganese dust was still blowing onto them through the grid door and a shield had to be erected to prevent this happening.
Algoa Bay Yacht Club commodore Alan Straton said the manganese pollution required constant attention, adding a lot to the cleaning bill.
He said the situation usually got worse over the festive season as the management of the stockpiles was left to skeleton staff and the regime of damping down the product faltered.
Algoa Bay Sailing Marina’s Les Donaldson said the grime that collected on the boats was thick enough to scrape off with a putty knife.
The manganese is transported to Port Elizabeth by train after being mined in the Northern Cape and is ferried to the main facility at the end of the harbour’s southeast pier.
From this stockpile it is scooped up by reclaimers, deposited on a conveyor belt, shuttled across to the ship moored alongside and guided by booms into the hull.
There were various points when dust could billow out unless the produce was properly damped down, Donaldson said.
Both the client and the ship’s captain, on the other hand, would be calling for dry produce to eliminate surplus weight and avoid the mess created by wet manganese – and the big clean-out necessary before their return trip with food produce.
To make matters worse, a secondary manganese facility had been established across the harbour basin on the old freshproduce pier to receive ore trucked in from a transit yard in Swartkops, he said.
“So, now, whatever kind of easterly wind is blowing, we’re hit by these manganese dust plumes.”
The marina’s John Tudehope said while Transnet had years ago installed monitoring stations, it had failed to take meaningful action on the data collected.
“We’re the tenants in this harbour,” he said. “We’re calling on Transnet as our landlord to please respond, urgently, to our legitimate grievances.”
Last month, a Transnet environmental officer was shown evidence of the damage being caused, “but once again nothing has happened”, Tudehope said.
MyPE’s recent survey on what Port Elizabeth residents thought of the manganese facility attracted a flood of comments.
A third of the replies were from affected residents in South End, Richmond Hill, Humewood and Summerstrand, and the rest came from powerboat and yacht owners, according to the survey.
One person wrote: “We can no longer be a cheap dumping ground for Transnet’s monstrous mountain of muck.
“Let them make profits elsewhere – PE needs tourism and jobs.”
Port manager Rajesh Dana said in September that the facility was due to be transferred to Ngqura in 2023-24.
While the dump at the Port Elizabeth Harbour comprised some 5.1 million tons of ore, the eventual capacity of the one at Ngqura would be 24 million tons, he said.
African penguin experts have warned that Transnet’s plan to build an open facility similar to the one at the PE Harbour could be bad news for the endangered species which nests on islands in the area.
Alan Straton
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