The Group’s manufacturing operations measure and monitor air emissions in accordance with permit requirements. For example, Oconbrick undertakes a monthly monitoring and measurement of air quality and Much Asphalt monitors particulate matter and gaseous emissions at all of its sites. Much Asphalt Polokwane, Nomad and Witbank plants were regrettably not compliant with dust emissions, with 6,6 tonnes of particulate matter being released at the Polokwane plant, the only plant without a filtration system. Capital expenditure has been allocated to remedy the situation in Polokwane and the Nomad and Witbank plants have been repaired and the situation remedied. Gaseous emissions (CO, CO₂, SO₂, NO₂) are a bi-product of Much Asphalt’s fuel combustion from burners and all tests conducted in this regard have been within legal limits.

No testing is undertaken by our mining operations as it is carried out by clients. Asphalt plants at the sites of Concor Roads & Earthworks are tested extensively and all tests have passed. Murray & Roberts Construction and Gautrain only monitor dust on sites.

Surface and ground water releases

The Group recorded several minor hydrocarbon spillages of less than 25 litres, with the Gautrain project reporting approximately 80 oil spill incidents. In addition, there were two significant hydrocarbon spillages on the Gautrain project of 300 and 500 litres of hydraulic oils and fuel, which have been remedied.

Murray & Roberts engages its operations which contribute most to the overall group carbon footprint to determine emission reduction actions

The formal directive issued to Bombela by the South African Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) on 12 December 2008 remains in place over the Gautrain project. However, some aspects have been closed. Bombela has been allowed to pump water to storm at one of four permanent discharge points, namely Sandspruit and rehabilitation of Mushroom Farm Park is complete. A number of items are still outstanding and Bombela expects to be granted approval after construction is complete for the other three permanent discharge points. Final water crossing works are in process and Bombela expects to gain clearance on this issue by end September 2010. The remedial actions have to date been implemented to the Group’s satisfaction and we will continue to monitor the situation.

Murray & Roberts Cementation reported two contraventions during the year, where the construction of a “French drain” system at Pandora 3 Shaft was not compliant with the client’s environmental management plans and at PK 2 Shaft where disposal of hazardous waste was done without having the required safe disposal certificates. Both incidents have been remedied.

Waste generation and disposal

Waste generated by Murray & Roberts includes scrap steel, paper and plastic, waste bricks, concrete and hydrocarbons (oil and fuel). Waste generated is measured and monitored at an operational level, however the data is currently inconsistent and incomplete so no aggregation of data is possible at this time. Non-hazardous waste (concrete, brick, paper, steel) is either recycled or reused. Hazardous hydrocarbons and plastic waste is removed and recycled where possible.