Plett’s seismic drilling fight rages on
The clamouring for fossil fuels off the coast of South Africa is one of the biggest 'monsters' the Plett Environmental Forum is facing. according to Julie Carlisle, chairperson of the forum.
Speaking at a public meeting of the forum at the Piesang Valley Community Centre on Thursday 25 April, Carlisle said Plettenberg Bay’s waters have been targeted, “despite whale migrations, fishery spawning grounds, Marine Protected Areas”.
She showed a Petroleum Agency of SA map which indicated many blocks around the coastline where oil and gas abstraction are either planned or already taking place. Exploratory drilling and seismic testing are also indicated on the map.
Two applications are currently in play: Total Energies wants to pump gas from six wells to be drilled in a 12 000sq/ km block. Included in this project is the installation of a 120km long pipeline on the seabed to Mossel Bay. In addition, they want to conduct exploration for a further four wells.
Secondly, there is an application by CGG to conduct seismic surveys across an area of 12 750 sq/km offshore of Plett and St Francis Bay, blasting 24 hours a day, seven days a week for five months.
Carlisle said because of pressure and objections from Plett residents - supported by the groundswell of opposition from local to national organisations, including The Green Connection Oceans Not Oil, Greenpeace, Natural Justice - the start of the applications have been delayed. “Their window of opportunity has closed until, we believe, next year. We have time to rally,” said Carlisle.She attributed the delay to the number and nature of objections.
She said the Plett Environmental Forum is unique as it “brings together experts, champions, scientists, engineers, ecologists, environmental lawyers, conservationists, business people and committed citizens. It keeps the changing political forces in check no matter who they are."
Currently, there are over 7 350 new residential units “waiting in the wings for Plett”.
Carlise highlighted the issues and challenges the forum has (and still is) facing in its 25-year existence:
the golf course boom around 2005; proliferation of vineyards; the proposed establishment of a small boat harbour in 2012 and
the Southern Cape fires in 2017 (and Plett was not spared).
Next followed agricultural challenges: macadamias, almonds, avocados and lifestyle farms - all water dependentwhich started trending just before the onset of Covid 19.
Currently, there are over 7 350 new residential units “waiting in the wings for Plett”.
“Each residence needs water, waste management, electricity, land. People need schools, hospitals, roads. And so the erosion faces us. And that’s the reality. It’s frightening for Plett – and all it encompasses. Our communities, our nature, our well-being. The recent Plett Ratepayer AGM highlighted the issues around water supply for the future,” said Carlisle.
Fortunately, two exciting projects lie ahead for the forum, firstly in the form of a Plett Nature Park that aims to become a small botanical nature area and secondly, the Plett Estuarine Park that will establish a buffer along the estuary from Lookout Nature Reserve
and around the estuary to Gansevlei. Carlisle urged local residents to join the conversations and to participate in these projects.
“We need just 1 000 people to donate R42.50 per month (one-and-a-half cuppachino’s) to enable us to work towards guiding Plett’s development and sustaining at the least the health of the environment into the future."
Senior Chief Justin Barnardo of the Saul and Susannah Kamfer Royal House of the Inqua San and Khoikoen Tribal Territory in the Southern Cape also addressed the meeting.
He said he has always been passionate about nature and said future successful and sustainable outcomes rest on the involvement of indigenous and local communities.
“Climate change, habitat loss and biodiversity decline are but some of the pressing environmental challenges facing this planet of ours.
“We want to be part of the solution. It’s no more us and you – it is we. We are one like the roar of a lion… and we’re here tonight for the next generation,” said Barnardo.