Authorities will shut down the construction site of Coral Cove Senior Living Estate in Sheffield today if compliance with environmental regulations is not met.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) issued a notice of intent (NOI) in terms of S31L of the National Environmental Act (NEMA) to developer Auria Senior Living on Friday. This is a victory for neighbouring Elaleni residents, who have fought a 10-month battle against dust pollution, property damage, health concerns and harm to the estate’s endangered swamp forest allegedly caused by the construction of Coral Cove.

EDTEA inspections uncovered multiple breaches of the Environmental Authorisation and Management Plan, including inadequate dust control and severe erosion impacting the swamp forest. Auria was ordered to cease construction and rectify violations in terms of the National Environmental Air Qualities Act 39 0f 2004, and the National Dust Control Regulations. They have until today to comply with EDTEA’s demands.

If they fail to do so and are found guilty of these breaches, the EDTEA noted that the transgressors may be liable to a fine not exceeding R5-million, or five-years imprisonment.

Auria CEO Barry Kaganson denies any environmental non-compliance, and said Auria had the help of experts to minimise the dust issues affecting Elaleni: “We have engaged one of South Africa’s leading environmental consultants to reassess our strategies and implement additional improvements where necessary,” said Kaganson.

He said strong seasonal winds had exacerbated dust displacement at the Coral Cove site despite “our robust mitigation measures”. “We remain committed to adapting our strategies to address these challenges effectively.”

He said Auria has taken the following steps as part of its Environmental Management Plan (EMP):

• Daily water spraying: Between three and five 18 000-litre water tankers are deployed daily to suppress dust on-site.
• Dust fencing: A 380m-long, 3m-high dust fence has been erected along the site perimeter to separate the construction site from neighbouring properties.
• Hydroseeding and vegetation: Drones apply hydroseeding to stabilise exposed soil in completed areas and accelerate vegetation growth.
• Specialised soil stabilisers: Emulsions to bind exposed soil are applied to prevent dust movement.
• Adjustments during high winds: On particularly windy days, work schedules are modified or halted to minimise dust displacement.
• Grass planting: Planting grass is important in dust mitigation efforts. It is carried out where work has been completed. For safety and environmental reasons, planting grass in active construction areas is not feasible.

Kaganson added that Auria has provided cleaning services to assist residents impacted by dust.

“We remain transparent in our operations and are confident our efforts reflect our commitment to compliance and environmental responsibility. While we are confident in our adherence to the EMP and the National Environmental Management Act, we take all regulatory oversight seriously and remain fully committed to cooperating with authorities,” he said.

The current phase of the Coral Cove Senior Living Estate construction is expected to be completed by August next year.

“As the development progresses, more areas will be stabilised, landscaped, and completed, significantly reducing dust and noise levels. We remain dedicated to minimising the impact of construction on our neighbours and ensuring the long-term benefits of this development are realised,” he said.

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