Heritage Cases

Proposed decommissioning of the Transnet Durban to Johannesburg Pipeline (DJP) and associated infrastructure. Decommissioning means take out of active service permanently or dismantle partly or wholly, or closure of a facility to the extent that it cannot be readily re-commissioned. Sections of the pipeline and certain depots will be decommissioned. Decommissioning will take place after deactivation which would involve the displacement of product (removal of product) and cleaning (purging of pipeline with preferably an inert substance such as nitrogen). At the decommissioning phase, the pipeline is therefore classified as empty and clean. History: Durban to Johannesburg Pipeline was established in 1965 to supply refined petroleum product (petrol, diesel, jet fuel) to Gauteng. It is a 12 inch (328mm) pipe and stretches from Durban to Waltloo. During the operational period, it was found that the pipeline had an inherent welding defect, which increased the risk of pipeline failure and the impact to the environment due to spillages. In 2004, after several studies, it was decided to retire this pipeline by 2012 to manage the inherent defect and the risk to the environment. On 28 March 2018, the DJP was stopped from operation as the replacement pipeline system was completed. The following depots will be fully decommissioned (demolition and dismantling): • Van Reenen • Bethlehem • Magdala • Elardus Park • Pretoria West • Potchefstroom For these depots all above ground infrastructure will be demolished and removed and the sites will be rehabilitated. Above ground infrastructure include: • Buildings • Pumps, motors, above ground pipework, valves and associated equipment • Spill basins and bunded areas • Valve chambers • Electrical and communication infrastructure • Power and water will be tied off • Fencing and security infrastructure The following depots will be partly decommissioned: • Durban • Hillcrest • Howick • Ladysmith • Kroonstad • Langlaagte • Alrode • Waltloo • Sasolburg • Coalbrook The following sections of the pipeline will remain: • Kroonstad – Sasolburg • Alrode – Airport The following sections of the pipeline will be decommissioned: • Durban – Hillcrest • Hillcrest - Howick • Howick – Ladysmith • Ladysmith – Van Reenen • Van Reenen – Bethlehem • Bethlehem – Kroonstad • Sasolburg – Alrode • Airport – Waltloo • Elardus Park – Pretoria West • Alrode – Langlaagte The following mothballed sections will also be decommissioned: • Ashburton • Pietermaritzburg old main Pipeline • Ladysmith Dam • Koppies • Airport to Benoni • Airport to Isando • Atlas Road • Bethlehem TOP Feeder lines in Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Ladysmith, Bethlehem, Airport, Pretoria west and Potchefstroom will also be decommissioned. The pipe will be left in the ground (in-situ) as this is deemed international accepted practice due to the extensive environmental impact that would occur in uplifting the pipe. The pipe will be segmented at regular intervals to limit its ability to act as a conduit. Certain sections of the pipe will also be filled with grout (i.e. at road and railway crossings) to avoid any risk of subsidence. Limited sections may be uplifted, where it inhibits development or where stakeholders require such (i.e in road reserves). These sections will be identified in the next phase of planning.