230516001481 - APPLICATION FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE FOR PURPOSE OF A PERMIT FOR INCREASED GROUNDWATER ABSTRACTION FROM THE STAMPRIET ARTESIAN AQUIFER (HARDAP REGION).

THE ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE IS FOR: o Activity 8.1 – Water Resource Developments The abstraction of ground or surface water for industrial or commercial purposes; o Activity 8.2 – Water Resource Developments The abstraction of groundwater at a volume exceeding the threshold authorized in terms of a law relating to water resources; and o Activity 8.7 – Water Resources Developments Irrigation schemes for agriculture excluding domestic irrigation. TITLE OF ACTIVITY Increased groundwater abstraction at Remainder of Farm Sponholz No. 140. LOCATION OF ACTIVITY The Remainder of Farm Sponholz No. 140 is situated along the M33 approximately 30km south of Stampriet village, located within the central eastern parts of Hardap Region. NATURE OF ACTIVITY The owner of the Remainder of Farm Sponholz No. 140 is of the intention to increase groundwater abstraction from the current Permit for purpose of cultivating olive and almonds orchards on the Farm. The produce is destined for the local market, as well as export to neighbouring South Africa and the EU. The existing irrigation scheme provides employment to permanent and seasonal workers, who are all sourced from the local area of Stampriet and surroundings. SCALE AND SCOPE OF THE ACTIVITY The Proponent is in possession of abstraction Permit No. 10405 to abstract groundwater for irrigation purposes from two boreholes (WW364 and WW31758). The permit quota is for 42,000 m3/a, while the increased capacity applied for is 430,000 m3/a. A total of 50ha of olive trees and 50ha of almond trees will be planted and water by means of drip irrigation. Employment will be created to 10 permanent workers and 15 temporary workers, while an additional 50 people will be used during harvesting time. To this effect the Proponent would like to apply with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform for increase water abstraction from the two mentioned boreholes on the Farm.