Robben Island WWTW

This is a repeat application for an Environmental Authorisation that has expired (Ref:
14/12/16/3/3/3/83).
There is currently no formal Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) on Robben Island. All sewage is pumped
by six pump stations to a collection sump near Robert Sobukwe’s former residence, where it is macerated and
pumped along the outfall sewer pipeline to discharge through a diffuser 465 m offshore.
The proponent, Robben Island Museum (RIM), therefore proposes to construct a WWTW with a daily throughput
capacity of 300m3 per day on the eastern side of Robben Island in Table Bay. Treated effluent will gravitate to
the existing sewage collector sump at the proposed WWTW site from where it will be pumped along the existing
outfall sewer pipeline to discharge through a diffuser 465 m offshore. The project site is bounded to the northeast
by Murray’s Bay beach (80 m), to the north by the Dog Unit (Robert Sobukwe Complex) (30 m), to the west by
Murray’s Road (50 m) and to the south by the Robben Island village (400 m) (Figure 1-1).
A Basic Assessment (BA) was previously undertaken by WSP in 2014/15. An Environmental Authorisation (EA)
was secured for the proposed WWTW on 27 March 2015 and an extension was granted on 27 March 2018 (Ref:
14/12/16/3/3/3/83). The WWTW authorised in the EA was for a treatment capacity of 108,000 m3 per annum with
all the effluent generated on the Island discharged via a marine outfall into the coastal environment after treatment.
The design allowed for a maximum discharge volume of 300m3 per day. The EA states “this activity must
commence within a period of five (5) years from the date of EA issued on 27 March 2015 (i.e. the EA lapses on
27 March 2020). If the commencement of the activities does not occur within that period, the authorisation lapses
and a new application for environmental authorisation must be made in order for the activity to be undertaken.”
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the project did not commence by the expiry date of 27 March 2020 and the EA
subsequently lapsed. RIM is therefore required to apply for a new EA.