Waste
As a generator, transmitter and distributor of electricity, our
significant waste streams are ash (a by-product of the coal
burned), oils and asbestos-containing materials. Management
practices are in place to report on various waste streams, ranging
from domestic waste, garden refuse, building rubble, metals and
fluorescent tubes to health care waste. Metals, paper and printer
cartridges are recycled where feasible.
Quantities of waste disposed of at registered waste sites
| |
|
|
|
| |
Unit of
measure |
2008 |
2007 |
| Materials containing asbestos |
tons |
321,0 |
6 060,0 |
| Polychlorinated biphenyls |
tons |
17,0 |
10,0 |
| Volume of low-level radioactive waste (Koeberg),(stored in steel drums) |
m3 |
181,8 |
86,2 |
| Volume of intermediate-level radioactive waste (Koeberg),(stored in concrete drums) |
m3 |
26,8 |
36,0 |
| Ash (approximate) |
Mt |
36,0 |
34,2 |
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
In line with the Stockholm Convention, Eskom is committed to
the phasing out of PCBs by 2025. We have implemented stringent
management practices relating to PCBs. These cover the handling,
disposal, storage, testing and labelling of PCB-contaminated
equipment, the compiling of inventories and the development
of phase-out plans that meet the requirements of the Stockholm
Convention.
Ash
Of the approximately 36 million tons (2007: 34 million tons)
of coal ash produced at the coal-fired power stations over the
12-month period, 7,0% (2007: 6,3%) was recycled. This recycled
ash from Lethabo, Matla, Kendal and Majuba power stations is
used in the production of cement.
The remaining ash is disposed of in ash dams and dumps next
to our power stations. These are then rehabilitated to control
fugitive dust.
Nuclear
The low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste from Koeberg
power station is sealed in steel drums and concrete containers
respectively. This waste is disposed of at the Vaalputs national
radioactive waste repository. This is a near-surface disposal site
for radioactive waste, licensed by the National Nuclear Regulator
and operated by Necsa. All the spent fuel (high-level waste) from
the power station is stored in the power station in fuel pools.
The increase in the disposal of intermediate-level radioactive
waste was due to two shutdowns at the Koeberg nuclear power
station for maintenance and refuelling of the reactor, whereas
there is normally only one shutdown at Koeberg during the
reporting year.
Looking forward
Eskom volunteered to participate in the Mpumalanga
provincial waste reporting initiative. The outcome of this was
the development of a hazardous waste management plan for
Mpumalanga. Following this initiative, Eskom has committed itself
to participating in DEAT’s national rollout of the South African
waste information system (SAWIS). Eskom has set a target of
phasing out all asbestos-containing material by 2033.
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Click here for further information about international agreements regarding PCBs and asbestos. |
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