Sappi has stopped ash supply to blockmakers
The matter was brought to Sappi's attention by Toti activist, Les Spence.
AfriForum met with Sappi Saiccor on Monday, 29 September in Umkomaas to discuss concerns over Sappi’s waste products, coal ash, and gypsum and fly ash mixture, the disposal thereof and the road ahead.
The organisation expressed its concern about the coal ash, the heavy metals it contains and the effect it has on the environment, people and livestock in the area.
The matter was brought to Sappi’s attention by Toti activist, Les Spence.
The ash is used in the manufacture of building blocks, which Sappi offers the community for free.
Toti Conservancy is awaiting proof of various tests that have been conducted on the substances, as well as other documentation Sappi claim to have in its possession.
“Craig Daniel, SHEQ manager of Sappi Saiccor, assured the meeting that their coal ash and gypsum are not toxic and that the heavy metal levels contained in these waste products are within the permissible re-use limits,” said Chris Fourie, provincial co-ordinator for AfriForum in KZN.
“Daniel, however confirmed that the pH levels in their coal ash are higher than 12 and that it is therefore not suitable for disposal at a landfill site.”
It was agreed that chairman of Toti Conservancy, Laura Taylor will accompany Daniel to take new samples of the coal ash, and gypsum and fly ash mixture. These samples will be sent to a SANAS-accredited laboratory to determine the heavy metal levels and also if it is safe to reuse.
“Once the test results are available, the relevant parties will meet again to plan the way forward,” said Chris.
Sappi had previously had similar tests conducted by an independent third party, who found the ash to be suitable for re-use in the block-making process, but agreed to this mutual re-testing to reassure the environmental organisations that had expressed their concerns in this regard, and to allay any fears that may persist.
Sappi has confirmed that all their coal ash is delivered to NPC Cement in Port Shepstone and that they no longer provide coal ash to local block-makers.
“Despite our best intentions to continue disposing of our ash to local blockmakers to support these small businesses, this well-intentioned strategy has failed, as there has been non-compliance by these recipients,” said general manager of Sappi Saiccor, Peter Morris.
“We understand that the socio-economic cost of this new arrangement will have a negative effect, but we have a commitment to act as responsible corporate citizens, sensitive to local needs and in compliance with environmental regulations.”
