We are starting our conservation debate with a discussion on all kinds of pollution and how to manage our resources. This edition will deal with the effect of the noise pollution on our area, caused by aircraft.

Over a period of time, the Management Committee have received a number of complaints from landowners about low-flying aircraft, resulting in much irritation for people, livestock, game and birdlife.

Existing legislation that should be adhered to, differs from area to area:

• No legislation exists that forces an aircraft owner to land safely on his/her property and to store his/her aircraft on the property. He/she also does not need special permission to register a landing strip for exclusive private use.
• If such a landing strip is, however, used for commercial purposes, an environmental impact study must be done by the owner and, in our area, the landing strip must be approved by the Gauteng Department of Agricultue and Rural Development. An environmental impact study implies, among others, that all parties living in the vicinity of such a landing strip must be afforded the opportunity to lodge a complaint or comment about it.
• Air traffic above the Hartebeeshoek Satellite Station and the farm Hartebeestfontein (where the Conservancy is located) is restricted to 1 500 feet. This implies that aircraft are not allowed to fly any lower than 1 500 feet (about the height of the Magaliesberg), without special permission from aviation authorities. It also implies that if an aircraft takes off within the area, it must fly out of the area immediately.

From time to time, some of our members and friends kindly offer to explore the area from the sky, in order to spot pollution sites, especially close to the river or streams, where rubbish is often disposed of. Veld fire damage and danger areas for veld fires are also identified in this way. Great care is taken to co-ordinate such flights properly. We will continue with these flights, and if necessary, increase flights, as this is an essential service that benefits all.

Aircraft that do not adhere to restrictions within the area will be monitored in future, and monthly reports will be submitted to aviation authorities.

We kindly request members to identify such aircraft, by making a note of their registration numbers and the time of the transgression, and to report this information to Deon Greyling (082 856 3183).