Basic Assessment Process to Undertake Maintenance Associated with the Sasol Matla Gas Pipeline in the Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

Sasol Gas proposes to undertake maintenance activities associated with an existing gas pipeline located within the Mpumalanga Province on a state approved servitude, of which Sasol Gas holds ownership. The access road to the affected area is a well-maintained gravel road which runs parallel to the overhead powerlines (OHPLs) until the road crosses a culvert over the canalized drainage line. Thereafter, the powerlines veer off from the road and take a northeast direction. The section of pipeline exposed by soil erosion from stormwater occurs at the bend of the gravel road on the immediate south of the culvert crossing over the canalized drainage line. This is a significantly deep erosion gully or donga.
Several other erosion gullies or dongas are in the process of being formed which will inevitably erode down with time until the pipeline is exposed at these locations as well. In order to prevent any further damage to the pipeline, and prevent access to the public, Sasol Gas will be required to undertaken maintenance around the pipeline which will include the excavation of soils within the wetlands, placement of gabions or reno mattresses, and maintenance of disturbed areas.
The section of the pipeline (referred to as Matla), where maintenance is to be undertaken is located within a disturbed area and is approximately 5 km from the Exxaro Matla Coal mine, within the eMalahleni Local Municipality in the Mpumalanga Province. The study area is bordered by Blesboklaagte to the north, Reedstream Park to the east, Kriel to the south, and Kortlaagte to the West. Farm portions that might be impacted by the proposed activity include Portion 14 of the farm Rietvlei 62 IS and Portion 1 of the farm Nasmanus 132 IS.
Province(s): Mpumalanga