Cape Town: Marine outfall compliance was tabled at the first Permit Advisory Forum Meeting, officially established by the city federation. The inaugural meeting was facilitated by the Councillor Alex Lansdowne who is the Chairperson of the Section-80 Advisory Committee.
The forum aims to engage stakeholders in the review of the discharge permit conditions for the Camps Bay, Hout Bay and Green Point marine outfalls.
Reportedly, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs (DFFE) has agreed to amend the terms of reference of the city’s existing Section-80 Advisory Committee. As it is empowering it to operate as a PAF which is completely dedicated to monitor the ongoing compliance of marine outfalls.
Notably, the amended Terms of Reference was submitted to DFFE and approved by Council on April 25, 2024.
Gradually, the Sectio-80 Advisory Committee for Water Quality in Wetlands and Waterways PAF will meet four times a year to review and monitor compliance with specific details of marine permit conditions the at includes flow of discharged effluent quantity.
Then the effluent quality consisting of pH, COD, TSS, TKN, ammonia and metal limits that may not be exceeded further.
It will also include the environmental monitoring programme which will be presented by the appointed consultants and to infinity.
Sample analysis and monitoring of date, time, method and analysis of sampling will be considered. Pipeline condition and integrity will also be checked. Malfunctioning or abnormality will be detected and a record will be kept, of the same.
As per the officials, 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.
Recalling the historic establishment of marine outfalls, it is a global practice, engineered to release wastewater or stormwater into water bodies such as oceans, rivers or lakes in accordance with legal permits as stipulated by national regulatory bodies.
Testing, maintenance and conditional assessments of outfalls is critical and are a part which ensures that they operate optimally to safeguard both the environment and public health.
The Water and Sanitation Directorate of Cape Town presents the latest data that demonstrates the compliance at all three marine outfalls against the previous DWS license and DFFE permit, which is currently in review by the DFFE.
