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Stakeholder comment |
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Research block |
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Information block |
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Education block |
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Limiting the impact on the environment |
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Waste
As a generator, transmitter and distributor of electricity, our significant waste streams are ash (a by-product of the coal burned) and nuclear power station radioactive waste material. As part of our commitment to phase-out polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and asbestos-containing materials these two significant waste materials are removed and disposed of.
Quantities of waste disposed of at registered waste sites
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Unit of
measure |
2009 |
2008 |
2007 |
| Materials containing asbestos |
tons |
3 590,8LA |
321,0 |
6 060,0 |
| Material containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) |
tons |
505,6LA |
17,0 |
10,0 |
| Volume of low-level radioactive waste (Koeberg)1 |
m3 |
189,0RA |
270,0 |
135,0 |
| Volume of intermediate-level radioactive waste (Koeberg)1 |
m3 |
473,6RA |
418,0 |
436,0 |
| Ash (approximate) |
Mt |
36,7LA |
36,0 |
34,2 |
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| RA Reasonable Assurance provided by the independent assurance provider (refer here). |
| LA Limited Assurance provided by the independent assurance provider (refer here). |
| 1. |
Sent to the Vaalputs National Radioactive Waste Repository. |
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Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
We continue to participate in the DEAT national implementation plan (NIP) in terms of the Stockholm Convention for Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) (Sectoral Focus Group 3: PCB Assessment). In line with this, we are committed to the phasing out of PCBs by 2025.
PCBs are not generated in Eskom but are found in dielectric fluid used in some electrical equipment, such as transformers and capacitors, for electrical insulation and thermal cooling.
Over the past 12 years, our management practices relating to PCBs have included:
- handling, storage, testing and labelling of PCB-contaminated equipment (based on SANS 0290: 2008: Mineral Insulating Oils – Management and Handling of Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB)). This standard covers the requirements, classification, labelling, handling, storage, transportation, decontamination and disposal of PCB-contaminated oil
- compilation of inventories of PCB-containing equipment
- development of phase-out plans that meet the requirements of the Stockholm Convention
We verify the inventories regularly to ensure that the management of PCBs is in line with our procedures and in line with the requirements of the SANS 0290: 2008 standard.
Phase-out plans exist within the operational line divisions that deal with PCBs. These plans have been factored into current and future refurbishment and expansion plans.
The table below gives an overview of our PCB inventory indicating the equipment that contains 50ppm or more of PCBs. Over the last seven years we have phased out over
950 tons of PCB-containing equipment through thermal destruction. Equipment is thermally treated and the solid residue tested for the presence of PCBs after treatment. The residue is reclassified as non-hazardous and landfilled.
Ash
Of the approximately 36,7 million tons (2008:
36,0 million tons) of coal ash produced at the coal-fired power stations over the 12-month period, 5,7% (2008: 7%) was recycled. The recycled ash from Lethabo, Matla, Kendal and Majuba power stations is used for 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.
Eskom equipment containing PCB |
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| Description |
Number |
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Status of equipment |
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Comment |
Number of pieces of Eskom equipment
containing ≥ 50ppm PCB |
17 086 |
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Currently in use |
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Comprises transformers,
capacitor cans, auxiliary
equipment |
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Nuclear
Volume of nuclear waste generated at Koeberg: |
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Unit of
measure |
2009 |
2008 |
2007 |
| Low-level radioactive waste |
m3 |
140,8 |
180,3 |
94,5 |
| Intermediate-level radioactive waste |
m3 |
23,8 |
26,8 |
36,0 |
| Spent nuclear fuel elements (cumulative) |
number |
56 (1 729) |
112 (1 673) |
56 (1 561) |
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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 inside the power station in fuel pools.
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| A truck unloads concrete drums with intermediate-level waste from Koeberg at Vaalputs |
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| The Koeberg reactor contains fuel pools for the spent fuel |
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