Heritage Cases

INTRODUCTION The small harbours programme aims to drive the rejuvenation and upgrading of the small (fishing) harbours forming part of Operation Phakisa, to promote economic growth within the communities they serve. Currently, there are 13 proclaimed fishing harbours in the Western Cape. Within this programme six main project packages have been identified and The Department of Public Works (DPW) has established a Small Harbours Development Unit to implement and facilitate these packages which is already underway. In order to ensure the efficient rehabilitation of existing infrastructure and reinstatement of the original operational capabilities at each of the proclaimed harbours in the Western Cape, the 13 harbours were split into four packages. Of these four packages, Aurecon was awarded the Proclaimed Fishing Harbours Western Cape Work Package 3, which focused solely on the three west coast harbours at St Helena Bay, Laaiplek and Lambert’s Bay. Each of these harbours play a significant role in the local economy of the west coast, whether that be in the fishing or resource (in particular diamonds) sectors. Lamberts Bay Harbour contains a primary and secondary breakwater, as well as a revetment to limit long wave resonance inside the basin. There are three quays in the basin, a finger jetty, a wooden landing berth and a slipway with 300t capacity. The slipway is said to have been refurbished recently. Lamberts Bay harbour breakwaters were first constructed between 1937 and 1940. Bird Island was joined to the mainland by a breakwater in 1959 to protect the fishing fleet in the harbour, and the breakwaters were further extended in 1985. – which means that the structures are older than 60 years. PROPOSED HARBOUR MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR The maintenance and repair activities required at the harbour will include the following seven aspects: - Repair concrete structures including sealing and grouting: Structural repair will be undertaken on the western and southern breakwaters, a navigational aid beacon, as well as the main quay and finger jetty, as required. This will include resealing and grouting of concrete on these structures. - Repacking of the revetment: The rubble revetment will be repaired through repacking of the rock armour units and by importing additional rock units, to be placed by mobile crane from the landside. - Repair and replacement of marine furniture: Bollards and fenders along the main quay and finger jetty will be repaired or replaced as required. - Replacement of shore crane: The existing derrick crane on the main quay will be replaced with a new knuckle crane. - Main slipway maintenance: Repairs and maintenance of the main slipway shall be undertaken. The mechanical components to be inspect and repaired (if necessary) on the main slipway include the winch, power pack, cable/rope and cradle. Due to the specialist nature of the mechanical components the planned approach is to provide the specialist contractors the opportunity to inspect the equipment, assess the condition and maintenance requirements of the equipment and then provide detailed method statements for the required works during Tender Stage. Concrete repairs to the slipway support beams and ramp will also be undertaken where necessary. This will include resealing and grouting of concrete on these structures. An inspection of the main slipway rails will be conducted to assess the current condition of the rails and the extent of the repairs required, if at all necessary. - Routine dredging of the harbour basin: Dredging of the harbour basin is a standard maintenance requirement for harbour operations, and should occur regularly to ensure the proper functioning of the harbour activities. This maintenance activity has been neglected in Lambert’s Bay Harbour in recent years. It has been determined that up to 51 000 m3 of sediment will need to be dredged within the harbour basin to previously chartered depths, and future routine dredging activities will be necessary as a standard maintenance practice for the harbour. Previously, a deposition site was identified and approved in the sea to the west of the western breakwater however, this deposition site has never been used and the approval has since expired. The most suitable location for the dredged sediment is therefore yet to be determined, but it is proposed that the dredged sediment be removed and deposited offshore in accordance with a specific Dredging and Dumping at Sea Maintenance Management Plan. - Removal of two sunken vessels: Two sunken vessels will be removed from the harbour. Due to the specialist nature of sunken vessel removal works, the planned approach is to request detailed Method Statements from the Specialist Service Providers during the tender process. These Method Statements will be evaluated with particular emphasis placed on Environmental Management Plans and Safety Management Plans. The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) was contacted to provide assistance in determining if the removal of sunken vessels will require permitting in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act (Act no. 25 of 1999) (NHRA). Ms Lesa le Grange of SAHRA confirmed that the sunken vessels are modern therefore would not require a permit in terms of the NHRA for the removal thereof. The Listing Notices as defined in GN No. R.983, R.984 and R.985 of 4 December 2014 in terms of NEMA Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014 was examined and it appears that no listed activities are triggered for the removal of sunken vessels. An Environmental Management Specification (EM Specification) for the removal of sunken vessels was prepared by Aurecon’s Environmental Team, for the Specialist Service Provider that will be removing them. The EM Specification covers the standard requirements for controlling the impact of sunken vessel removal activities on the environment including the coastal environment. Due to the specialist nature of sunken vessel removal works, the planned approach is to request detailed Method Statements from the Specialist Service Providers during the tender process. These Method Statements will be evaluated with particular emphasis placed on compliance to the EM Specification and Safety Management Plans, which will include a plan for reuse, scraping and/or disposal.