The Port of Durban is a resource utilised by a wide range of stakeholders. The water
quality of this resource is a prerequisite for sustaining the preferred uses of the bay for
future generations. Given the extent of development in the port the abundance of fauna
and flora is remarkable.
Based on the current literature available the management of the port uses a combination
of international and local standards to manage the water resource. An associated
problem however is that the local legislation does not address the heart of the pollution
problem - the polluter. This is highlighted in all chapters of this thesis, as the South
African water quality guidelines are not legally enforceable, and do not take into account
the combined use of resources.
The uncontrolled nutrient loads and pollution present in the port system could ultimately
affect the ecosystem health. This is amplified by apparent inability of officials to protect
the receiving environment of the Port of Durban. The subsequent condition of water
quality in the port compared with the Department of Water Affairs guidelines indicates
that there is less than 5% compliance with the target water quality variables.
in comparing the same water quality to international water quality Legislation the
compliance percentage increased marginally, however the bacterial contamination and
nutrient contamination of the resource is apparent even with more relaxed international
comparisons. The noticeable cause was clearly evident when comparing results,
indicating extensive unacceptable bacterial and nutrient contamination emanating from
stormwater systems from the city of Durban, and highly urbanised river catchments.
Based on the water quality results it is highly recommended that sustainable
environmental management practices be implemented to protect and address the water
resource. The metropolitan authorities need to investigate the origins of the stormwater
pollution and dialogue must ensue between Portnet and the City to reach consensus on
receiving water quality objectives with the aim of compiling a water management policy. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2001.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:ukzn/oai:http://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za:10413/5269 |
| Date | January 2001 |
| Creators | Van Rooyen, Raymond. |
| Contributors | Garland, Gerry G. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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