This is an existing project that started operations in 2000, thus predating the promulgation of the Environmental Management Act (EMA), No. 7 of 2007. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries ,Water and Land Reform (MAFWLR), formerly the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), holds an environmental clearance certificate (ECC) for marine aquaculture (mariculture) developments in Swakopmund, Erongo Region (ECC-2401234). Richwater currently falls under this ECC; however, with this application, a Project-specific environmental management plan (EMP) has been prepared to apply for a separate ECC for Richwater. This project specific EMP was developed by using the pro-forma contract drafted by MEFT as well as the MAFWLR EMP for mariculture projects. The operation of a marine aquaculture (mariculture) development at Mile 6, on mining licence (ML) 66 J, approximately 8 kilometres (km) north of Swakopmund, Erongo Region, Namibia. Listed activities triggered by the Project include: LISTED ACTIVITY ESIA SCREENING FINDING WASTE MANAGEMENT, TREATMENT, HANDLING AND DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES (2.1) The construction of facilities for waste sites, treatment of waste and disposal of waste. Two septic tanks are installed on-site for the bathroom facilities at the aquaculture facility. Domestic solid waste is temporarily stored on-site and removed and disposed of by the Salt Company. AGRICULTURE AND AQUACULTURE ACTIVITIES (7.1) Construction of facilities for aquaculture production, including mariculture and algae farms where the structures are not situated within an aquaculture development zone declared in terms of the Aquaculture Act, 2002. (7.2) The declaration of an area as an aquaculture development zone in terms of the Aquaculture Act, 2002. The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources holds an environmental clearance certificate (ECC) for marine aquaculture (mariculture) developments in Swakopmund, Erongo Region (ECC-2401234). Richwater currently falls under this ECC; however, a Project-specific environmental management plan (EMP) will be prepared to secure a dedicated, site-specific ECC for Richwater. The Salt Company (Pty) Ltd currently holds the mining licence rights (ML 66 J), while the aquaculture farm licence is managed by Richwater Oyster Company (licence number: Swakop 0013-04). Beira Aquaculture leases the aquaculture facilities from Richwater and commenced operations in 2000, introducing algae species in 2002. The Project was already established before 2000, predating the promulgation of the Environmental Management Act (EMA), No. 7 of 2007. WATER RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (8.1) The abstraction of ground or surface water for industrial or commercial purposes. (8.5) Construction of dams, reservoirs, levees and weirs. Water (seawater) is abstracted from the Salt Companies canal and the water is used in the hatchery and the 4 lined ponds. The water is used for algae cultivation and circulated through the hatchling area. The aquaculture facility has four (4) lined ponds approximately 1000 m3 each. Tanks on-site are filled with fresh water by the Salt Company for drinking water and toilets. HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE TREATMENT, HANDLING AND STORAGE (9.1) The manufacturing, storage, handling or processing of a hazardous substance defined in the Hazardous Substances Ordinance, 1974. (9.2) Any process or activity which requires a permit, licence or other form of authorisation, or the modification of or changes to existing facilities for any process or activity which requires an amendment of an existing permit, licence or authorisation or which requires a new permit, licence or authorisation in terms of a law governing the generation or release of emissions, pollution, effluent or waste. The aquaculture facility utilises acids, bases, chemicals, and fertilisers in its hatchery processes. Sodium hypochlorite and sodium thiosulphate are specifically used for algae cultivation within the hatchery. Small amounts of hydrochloric acid are also used for the cleaning of glassware. Diesel is brought to the site in small containers to power the boiler and occasionally a generator when the power is down. After passing through the hatchery and ponds (circulates for approximately 5 days), the seawater is discharged back into the Salt Company’s canal, which naturally flows into evaporation ponds for salt production. The Salt Company holds an environmental clearance certificate (ECC-2200041) for its operational activities. 2. Details of the activity(s) covered by the environmental clearance certificate: Title of activity: The operation of a marine aquaculture (mariculture) development at Mile 6, on mining licence (ML) 66 J, approximately 8 kilometres (km) north of Swakopmund, Erongo Region, Namibia. Nature of activity: The Salt Company (Pty) Ltd (Salt Company) currently holds the mining licence rights (ML 66 J), while the aquaculture farm licence is managed by Richwater Oyster Company (licence number: Swakop 0013-04). Beira Aquaculture leases the aquaculture facilities from Richwater and commenced operations in 2000, introducing algae species in 2002. The aquaculture Project involves the following: 1. Two production areas, consisting of a hatchling area of approximately 1 ha and 2 km south is the main oyster pond (30 ha). 2. The hatchlings area is made up of 4 lined ponds (1000 m3 each) and a hatchery building. 3. Hatchlings size = 3 mm. 4. Oysters adults market mainly between 4 - 6 mm (main 4 mm). 5. One small boiler on site. 6. Effluent released to Salt Company evaporation ponds. 7. Approximately 4000 L seawater is used daily for operations on average. Species farmed: 1. Oyster Crassostrea gigas – 60 to 100 million per year 2. Scallop Argopecten purpuratus - 5 million per year 3. Clam ruditapes decussata – 30 tons per year 4. Hatchery (oysters) Produce own algae (four imported species - all licences in place). Grown in an enclosed space and not released. 1. Tisochrysis lutea 2. Tetraselmis chuii 3. Chaetoceros pumilus/Calcitrans pumilus 4. Dicronema lutheri Scale and scope of activity: The total area used for aquaculture activities is approximately 32 ha.