The Capes Fault: Cape Town: Earthquakes and the potential nuclear threat!

This essay will critically analyse a global, economic and environmental issue with regards to the theme Nuclear Energy. It will analyse three issues highlighted within the media, the current being the nuclear problems facing Japan following the aftermath of a catastrophic earthquake in March 2011, the second being the earthquake that occurred in February 2011 in Christchurch, New Zealand and the third which has arisen from the previous two being the fact that Koeberg Power Station in Cape Town is situated 8km offshore from the Milnerton Fault line. It will also analyse an ad campaign with regards to nuclear energy and a local case study involving the position of the Koeberg Power Station with regards to the Milnerton Fault line and the potential effects this could have socially and environmentally.

Def: Nuclear Energy, a powerful form of energy produced by converting matter into energy splitting the nuclei of atoms. It is used to produce electricity.

[http://www.oxfordadvancedlearnersdictionary.com/dictionary/nuclear-energy]

On the 11^th of March 2011 an earthquake measuring 8.9 magnitudes on the Richter scale hit Japan. Along with it came a ten-meter high tsunami causing mass devastation and destruction to the eastern coastline of Japan. It demolished small towns in seconds and a total of 14 416 deaths were confirmed with 5 314 injuries and 11 889 people reported missing. After the earthquake a number of Japans nuclear power stations had to be shut down including Fukushima 1, Fukushima 2, Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant and Tokai nuclear power stations. The main crisis occurred at the plants Fukushima 1 and Fukushima 2 power stations. They experienced direct impact from the waves generated from the tsunami and the diesel backup power systems were destroyed. The emergency generator cooling systems failed forcing the closure of both Fukushima 1 and 2. This resulted in a number of radioactive explosions and a radioactive leek resulting in mass evacuation of the surrounding areas, over 200 000 citizens had to be removed from the surrounding area. Officials who investigated the plant from the Japanese Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency said that radiation levels inside the plant were 1000 times above normal and levels outside the plant were 8 times normal levels. Japan declared a state of emergency following the crisis at Fukushima 1 and 2.

The nuclear leak was small and cannot be compared to that of Chernobyl, but had a significant impact; radioactive iodine was discovered at Fukushima, Toshigi, Gunma, Tokyo, Chiba, Saitama, Nigata. Radioactive censium was discovered at Fukushima, Toshigi and Gunma. High levels of radioactive censium, iodine and strontium were found in the soil and a number of food products were discovered to have high levels of radioactivity in Japan. A number of workers working at the plants were exposed to high levels of radiation and radiation screenings were implemented. A fishing ban was also initiated after detecting high levels of radioactive waste contaminated a specific fish species. This has had a very negative impact on the people in Japan, the short-term effects need to be determined and addressed correctly in order to attempt to curb long term effects.

On the 22^nd February 2011 an earthquake measuring at 6.3 magnitudes on the Richter scale hit Christchurch, New Zealand. The earthquake hit New Zealand’s south island in the Canterbury region, the epicentre lying just 10km away from Christchurch, which is the second most populated city in New Zealand. The death toll reached a total of 172. This earthquake occurred only 6 months after the Canterbury earthquake on September 4^th, which measured 7.1 on the Richter scale. There was a large amount of structural damage and had a negative result on infrastructure.

Due to the mass amount of coverage within the last year in the media of earthquakes and the devastating consequences, it has started to become an active global environmental issue. Countries across the world are addressing the possible geological threats with regards to fault lines, whether or not their infrastructure can withstand earthquakes and the possible social, economic and environmental consequences. In particular, where nuclear power plants are situated with regards to geological fault lines and whether or not their infrastructure can withstand a possible crisis and what the impact would be on the surrounding environment.

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As a result of the previous two events locally in Cape Town, South Africa the media began again publicising the fact that the Koeberg Power Station, the only power station in South Africa, is situated 30km northwest of Cape Town and 8km offshore from the Milnerton Fault line. The Koeberg Power Station is owned by Eskom. The Milnerton Fault line is 8km in length and runs in a south easterly direction across Table Bay coastline. It runs through Milnerton and the densely populated Cape Flats stretching in to Cape Town city centre.

There has been a public outcry of the potential threats this poses to Cape Town and the surrounding area. The Milnerton has been active over the last couple of hundred years. Its most significant recording was in 1809; an earthquake measuring an estimated 6.5 on the Richter scale hit Cape Town. There was minimal structural damage (infrastructure would have be very under developed) but deep cracks and fissures were found in the ground. In 1969 on September 29^th another earthquake struck the Tulbagh – Ceres area. Although the damages were minor and the loss of lives low both those areas are now densely populated and infrastructure has been built up significantly, the Milnerton Fault runs directly through the Cape Flats. The most recent activity was recorded in May 2004 but only a small movement was felt.

Comparisons have begun to be made to the earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand measuring at a similar magnitude on the Richter scale. New Zealand is a first world country and suffered a severe loss in lives and structural damages. This lead to the question that will Cape Town and the South African government be able to cope with the aftermath of a potential earthquake especially considering the threat it poses with regards to the position of the Koeberg Power Station. According to IOL News, John Rogers of UCT’s geology department said the sediments surrounding Koeberg were the same as those at Christchurch. When shaken, sand grains in both sediments moved, releasing water from between them, which rose to the surface, as seen at Christchurch. This liquidification was seen at Blouberg in 1809, Rogers said. [http://www.iol.co.za/scitech/science/environment/koeberg-sitting-alongside-fault-line-1.1042362]

This created an outcry form the citizens of Cape Town and the surrounding areas with concerns for the potential threats face Cape Town, safety, what the effects will be and what emergency efforts the government has in place. They were also concerned with as to why so little was known about the issue and want a response from Eskom. Bloggers came alive with activity looking for answers and information, there was also significant activity on Twitter due to concerns about the social and environmental impacts an earthquake would have on Cape Town.

A global outcry was also heard as citizens became concerned with the use of nuclear energy within their countries and wanted information of future developments and the potential future usages. A number of countries have put a hold on memorandums and development concerning nuclear energy until more progress and information is accumulated. According to the Time magazine the Italian government has stopped all nuclear plans indefinitely after the nuclear leak in Japan. Germany also responded by turning off a number of nuclear reactors following the disaster. Nations all across the world are currently re-advising their nuclear position and are changing their strategic positions in order to intensify precautions and analyse new potential threats. Senegal and Venezuela are currently ending their nuclear plans, and Taiwan is currently upgrading a number of their plants and reactors. Despite this a number or of countries have shown little concern after the disaster and are still continuing as usual, including Kazakhstan and Russia.

There have been mixed reactions with regards to nuclear energy and its use. There is an ongoing global debate on whether or nit to make use of nuclear energy. Many feel that the impact nuclear energy omissions have on the environment is effecting climate change and global warming, others argue that the impact it is having is not significant enough and that nuclear energy plays a vital role in the development of third world countries. There are a variety of advertising campaigns dedicated to combating the use of nuclear energy generated by a number of non-government organisations. One of the most widely acclaimed campaigns called the Smiling Sun campaign.

www.smilingsun.org

The Smiling Sun campaign is one of the most recognised in the anti – nuclear movement formed by a group of environmental justice activists. It was created by a group of Danish activists from the Organisation for Information on Nuclear Power (OOA). The “Smiling Sun” logo was created in 1975 and is a red smiling sun with the words: NUCLEAR ENEGY? NO THANKS written around it. It is red, yellow and black in colour. The message is clear and subtle and communicates with its audience. The logo became immensely popular and created a mass appeal from anti-nuclear activists around the world. They wanted “Smiling Sun” logos translated into there home languages. The organisation dissolved in 2000 after much success and in turn created the OOA Fund. The fund would sell the rights and merchandise of the “Smiling Sun” campaign allowing it to continue to exist and generate funding, it was established in 2002.

The logo has been translated into over 45 languages and used to create a variety of campaigning products. The most recent country to join the initiative was Slovenia in 2007. With the establishment of the fund they no longer produce “Smiling Sun” campaign material and now rather sell the copywriting rights to “Smiling Sun” to organisations involved in the anti-nuclear movement. There are a number or requirements needed to obtain the rights in order to ensure the correct use and application of the logo, and there is no payment or fee. It is only asked that annual donations be made towards to fund in order to sustain the longevity of the fund. These organisations can then make use of the “Smiling Sun” logo and produce there own campaigning material and products in order to sell and distribute. The logo cannot be altered and must remain in the language established in the original agreement, the fund also refuses to have any political affiliations.

Another local campaign against the use and development of nuclear energy is in Jeffery’s Bay, Cape Town. Eskom is planning to erect a new power station in Jeffery’s Bay, one of the most pristine surfing destinations in the world. Environmental assessments have been done assessing the impact it would have on the surrounding area and the impact on the people living in the surrounding area. Surfers from around the world are concerned of the effects pumping a sedimentary sand layer into the ocean will have on the surrounding coral reefs, thus effecting the wave and in turn the impact the tourism industry in Jeffery’s Bay.

A case study by Turtle SA, a company that specialising in arranging tours of Cape Town, the Garden Route, holiday destinations, golfing holidays and scenic sight seeing tours released a case study entitled Earthquake Warnings Cape Town. (http://www.turtlesa.com/ezine128.html)

Nuclear Energy has been a fairly stagnant topic in Cape Town until recent events, with little concern or input shown by the general population. The case study provides information on the Milnerton Fault line and gives a timeline of all recorded activity. It provides insights into the effects the earthquakes had environmentally and socially and the possible effects that an earthquake would have on present day society.

http://www.leadershiponline.co.za/articles/environment/391-disaster-awaits-south-africa

The case study gives detailed accounts of all activity recorded being: 1620, 1695, 1809, 1811, 1969 and the most recent in 2004. It provides detailed descriptions of the two biggest earthquakes in 1809 and 1969. The first in 1969 and earthquake hit the Tulbagh – Ceres area, the quake measured 6.3 on the Richter scale and had a series strong after shocks. The infrastructure was devastated, 70% of the buildings needed to be reconstructed or renovated. Half the population was left homeless and 11 people were killed. The second in 1809 in Cape Town, the damage was minimal as the area was not built up and population density was very low. The only thing destroyed was a local Milnerton Farm.

If an earthquake had to hit Cape Town the effects and consequences today would be a lot more significant. Cape Town is highly populated and continues to grow on a daily basis. The level of infrastructure is also considerably higher; there are a number of high-rise buildings, office blocks, and residential areas within in the perimeter of the fault line. The Cape Town municipality and South African government do not have the infrastructure, resources or man power to deal with the consequences of a devastating earthquake, the fact that Koeberg Power Stations also sits 8km offshore from the Milnerton Fault line creates mass concern the effects a potential earthquake could have on the power station and potential nuclear energy threats. A leak of nuclear waste into the atmosphere in Cape Town would have devastating effects on the surrounding environment, the ocean, and the people living within the area. The long terms effects will be devastating, it could result in making the surrounding land uninhabitable, have a major effect on the surrounding animal life, possibly resulting in mutations or extinctions. It would effect the social structure of the surrounding area, being exposed o radiation has devastating long term effects on the human body and the ability to reproduce as well as birth defects and deformities. Toxic contamination is apart of environmental justice frame, according to Capek (1993) people have “ the right to obtain information on one’s situation; the right to a serious hearing when contamination claims are raised; the right to compensation from those who have polluted a particular neighbourhood; and the right of democratic participation in deciding the future of the contaminated community.” The concept of ecology was used in order to try combat concerns with “toxic pollution and the ethical concerns for nature.”

Koeberg Power Station is also surrounded by a 3000ha private game reserve, which is owned by Eskom. The area is home to over 150 species of birds and wild life. The effect a nuclear leak would have on the surrounding wildlife would be overwhelming damage. The surrounding eco system could face a potential collapse and could also result in the mutation of species and change their genetic design. There are also 1200 people currently employed at Eskom, evacuation, screening and treatment plans need to be implemented and ready for an emergency.

eskom.co.za

Eskom claims that the Koeberg Power Station can withstand an earthquake on level 7 on the Richter scale and that the past seismic activity was taken into account when the design of the power station was developed. Eskom claims that due to the Milnerton Fault line they dug out sediments before reaching hard rock on which to build the foundations for the power station. They laid down a 6-meter deep foundation of cement and inserted pillars with neoprone rubbers, which will absorb a portion of movement and activity. The spokesperson from Eskom Tony Stott said, “It is designed as if the epicenter of the earthquake were right under Koeberg, although the Milnerton fault line is 8 to 9km away,”

Experts say that a potential earthquake is a rare but very real threat that could potentially face Cape Town and the surrounding area. Many environmental organisations and activists are demanding the use of natural electricity, including wind, water, solar etc. They want to substitute the use of nuclear energy for a more environmentally sustainable solution. As spoken about in The Great Global Warming Swindle, the problem with this is that the cost of creating and producing sustainable energy is considerably more expensive and time consuming. Even in 1^st world countries the use of more sustainable energy is a slow and costly process. As a 3^rd world country this is not a practical economic solution, people need instant access to basic supplies, water and electricity that is also inexpensive and affordable. As humans we are using nature as an economic resource and for such gain the environment needs to be respected and cultivated.

Despite the potential threats that face Koeberg Power Station and the city of Cape Town Eskom still wants to continue development on the land and build more nuclear reactors. They plan to significantly increase the use of nuclear energy within the country. The South African government needs to analyse and understand the close relation of the earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand and how we could be potentially facing the same impact if it should occur. They also need to examine past nuclear catastrophes such as Chernobyl to ensure that the best precautions and safety regulations are implemented. Currently South Africa will not be able to cope with a nuclear disaster of that magnitude or scale.

There is no complete solution to this problem; nature and humans conduct themselves in different ways. Nature is unpredictable and can at any time create a devastating or phenomenal experience. Humans needs to respect nature and the environment, we need to take responsibility for the negative impacts we have on the world and take control not only resource consumption but also over population. As humans it is our responsibility to protect the environment and to create some order of custodianship, this will in turn aid us to more successfully combat disasters or problems that occur, natural or human.

The effects of an earthquake in Cape Town, South Africa would be devastating, regardless of whether or not the Koeberg Power Station is affected. The city of Cape Town needs to be prepared for a mass scale disaster relief and they need to be able to create a full-scale evacuation of Koeberg’s surrounding area if a nuclear leak occurs. The city of Cape Town and the South African government need to re-evaluate there position on nuclear energy and consider viable possible alternatives. The fact that Koeberg Power Station is positioned 8km off the Milnerton Fault line needs to be made more apparent and the level of awareness needs to be increased amongst the population of Cape Town and South Africa. The old notion of man conquering and dominating nature has now changed and humans become dependent on the survival of nature for in turn the survival of themselves. In order to create unison between humans and nature they have to work in synergy, comparing all eco systems and they way in which they work in order to create a safer and more sustainable future on our plant creating symbiosis among humans, animals and nature.

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Tōhoku_earthquake_and_tsunami accessed Thursday the 26th April 2011.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Christchurch_earthquake accessed 26th April 2011.

http://www.smilingsun.org/page_2.html accessed 28th April 2011.

http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/atomkraft-nej-tak-the-smiling-sun-logo/ accessed 28th April 2011.

http://www.l2b.co.za/Global/News/Article/Article.asp?ID=6440 accessed 26th April 2011.

http://www.scenicsouth.co.za/2011/03/4016/ accessed 27th April 2011.

http://www.news24.com/World/News/More-nuclear-accidents-likely-UN-chief-20110421 accessed 28th April 2011.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koeberg_Nuclear_Power_Station accessed 26th April 2011.

http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/318553-Cape-Town-Milnerton-Fault-Line accessed 25th April 2011.

http://www.iol.co.za/scitech/science/environment/koeberg-sitting-alongside-fault-line-1.1042362 accessed 25th April 2011.

http://www.eskom.co.za/live/content.php?Item_ID=173 accessed 25th April 2011.