Namport takes the ‘green’ route

NAMIBIAN PORTS Authority (Namport) is currently implementing an environmental management system in accordance with the required international ISO 14001 standard. One of the core principles is to identify any existing environmental impacts within the organisation and address them as far as possible. The major focus in this exercise is the Walvis Bay Bulk Terminal which is operated by African Portland Industrial Holdings Limited (API). The main commodities handled are coal, copper, lead sulphide and manganese ore. Environmental protection during the handling of these commodities at this facility has been a major point of concern for many port users as well as the port authority in its capacity as the landlord. As a result of Namport’s Environmental Impact Assessment, undertaken by Namport’s ISO consultant Jo Leitz last year, certain issues were identified and added to Namport’s environmental targets. At the same time the Municipality of Walvis Bay, as part of its Local Agenda 21 Project, identified areas of concern at the Walvis Bay Bulk Terminal. The two entities therefore decided to combine their efforts in protecting the environment in order to help Namport attain ISO 14001 status. First of all, a steering committee comprising all interested parties was set up. Since September 2002, the Walvis Bay Bulk Terminal (WBBT) has installed several dust suppression measures, including new belt scrapers, mist sprayers on conveyor belts, enclosed conveyor belts, enclosed transfer stations and water sprayers for the stockpiles to improve on the protection of the environment. To define the expected final status, Namport set up limit values of dust for the handled commodities, based on the World Health Organisation and South African guidelines, which will be part of a supplementary lease agreement with the Walvis Bay Bulk Terminal. For the convenience of all port users and residents, an ongoing monitoring programme to measure dust levels was installed. At four sampling points around the Bulk Terminal, regular analysis of the dust contents in the air will be taken on a regular basis, starting in October this year. The results will be handed to the Municipality and are also open to all interested parties.