Dust and noise pollution, the visual impact on a beautiful rural area, and increased heavy vehicle traffic on the Middelrietvlei road, which serves the area, are among concerns objectors have raised. EarthCom is applying for gravel mining rights on a portion of Farm 233 Moerasrivier, situated 2km northwest of the George Airport.
According to a draft scoping report compiled by Amathemba Environmental Management Consulting, a total area of 20 hectares has been earmarked for mining, but only one hectare at a time will be mined to minimise the impact. Rehabilitation of each 1ha block will be done immediately once it has been exhausted. It is estimated that gravel loads will be transported at a frequency of four trucks per hour.
This heavy vehicle traffic is one of the concerns aired by Lindy Gordon-Brown, a partner in the Red Barn free range poultry farm situated near the proposed mine. "Even with the current traffic load, the District Municipality cannot always keep up the road maintenance. The increased heavy vehicle traffic will also increase the risk to riders attending the nearby riding school and cattle shifted among camps along this road.
"Many of the nearby farms are lifestyle properties whose owners live there for the serene environment."
Bernard Lamprecht, a partner in Outeniqua Eiers, a direct neighbour of the proposed mine, said they are subject to extremely strict health regulations and their operations will be affected negatively by the dust and noise. They also object to their view being marred.
Another neighbour, dairy farmer Phillip Muller, said a precedent might be set if the mine is approved. "I am concerned that we might see applications all over the farming district, which the authorities will not be able to turn down. Allowing mining here goes against food security. Farming creates sustainable jobs, opportunities that will be lost if the land is mined."
A free range pig farm and seedling nursery are also in the vicinity of the mine.
* Boere en grondeienaars naby aan 'n plaas wes van George maak beswaar teen 'n aansoek vir die bedryf van gruisgroef op die plaas vir die volgende 20 jaar.
Lindy Gordon-Brown of the Red Barn says the rural serenity of their area will be disturbed by the proposed mine.The buildings of Outeniqua Eiers can be seen in the background. Sections of the land in the foreground are to be mined.
ARTICLE AND PHOTO: ALIDA DE BEER, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
