Chartwell Conservancy Infrastructure & Bylaws

Electricity

There are no electricity generation or distribution substations within the boundaries of the Conservancy. There is a 132kV powerline which runs along the length of Runnymead road through the Conservancy.

Some individual properties and businesses have generators which are used during loadshedding and power outages. Some residents have also installed solar power back-up and a few are completely, or almost completely off the Eskom grid.
‍
Electricity outages occur fairly frequently, particularly during the rainy season and when high winds and stormy weather result in trees touching overhead power cables. Residents are urged to trim back the branches of any trees which happen to grow under the powerlines as this could potentially avoid some of the power outages.
‍
Electicity to Chartwell is suppplied directly from ESKOM in Lanseria. Electricity outages should be reported via the ESKOM Alfred Bot, or via the My Eskom Customer app which can be downloaded on IOS or from the Google Playstore. Faults can also be logged on the CSonline website. These channels can also be used to upload meter readings.

Fibre Network

An overhead fibreoptic network was installed in Chartwell by Metrofibre in 2017, and many property owners subscribed to this network at the time of initial installation.
‍
New installations or reconnections can be arranged by contacting the Metrofibre offices. Phone or whatsapp 087 151 4000 or by email info@metrofibre.co.za.
‍
Existing installations can be serviced by other service providers, but Metrofibre is still the provider responsible for maintenance to the infrastructure. Metrofibre clients in Chartwell have access to a dedicated Metrofibre Whatsapp group for network support.

Sewage, Septic Tanks & French Drains

There is no waterborne sewage infrastructure in Chartwell.

Wastewater and sewage is managed through French drains and septic tank systems. It is vital that these wastewater and septic tank systems are managed effectively to avoid any contamination of the environment with sewage or septic waste products.

Refuse Removal & Recycling

...

Air Quality

...

Fires

Fire-fighting Services:
‍
Lonehill Fire Station
011 465 5792 25
Lonehill Boulevard

Cosmo City Fire Station
011 875 21759
Taiwan Crescent, Cosmo City.

Randburg Fire Station
011 789 1351
Barkston Drive, Randburg.

Fire-Ops SA
083 622 6026

Bylaws pertaining to open fires

The burning of open fires other than for heating and recreational purposes (braai fires), is prohibited under the air pollution control bylaws.

Burning of domestic waste is prohibited.

The burning of dry garden waste, by way of a bonfire is not prohibited, provided that this burning does not cause nuisance to neighbours. Contamination of this waste with any other materials such as plastic, would render it an offence. Ideally, dry garden waste should be repurposed by composting it or using it as a mulch.

City of Johannesburg Bylaws pertaining to Fireworks

Fireworks are strictly prohibited on agricultural holdings at any time of the year.

City of Johannesburg Bylaws pertaining to the need to create and to maintain firebreaks

Every owner or occupier of an agricultural holding or farm must clear and maintain a safety fire-break along every boundary of the agricultural holding or farm that is at least 5 metres wide (when measured parallel from the boundary concerned) and that contains no vegetation or combustible residue.

If an obstruction occurs within the boundaries of a safety fire-break, the owner or occupier concerned must clear and maintain a 5 metre-wide safety fire-break around that obstruction.

Burning of firebreaks
‍
No person may clear or maintain a safety fire-break by burning without the prior written permission of the Chief Fire Officer.
‍
Furthermore, any person who intends to clear or maintain a safety fire-break by burning must apply in writing to the Chief Fire Officer for permission, stipulating the property concerned and the proposed date and time of the burning, and unless the burning is to be performed by a person or body accredited for this purpose by the Council, request the Service to provide assistance at the burning against payment of the prescribed fee.

Firebreaks should be in place before the end of April/May before the dry winter season.

In the interests of preserving the habitats of wildlife in the Chartwell Conservancy, the clearing of grasslands is strongly discouraged.

Fire-fighting

Every property owner or resident should have grass-beating firefighting equipment on hand, and ready for fighting of veld fires.

Noise Pollution

The Impact on Wildlife and Ecosystems

Noise pollution is the presence of unwanted or harmful sound in an environment. It occurs when there is an excessive amount of noise, which can have detrimental effects on wildlife and ecosystems. The sources of noise pollution vary but can include industrial activities, construction sites, transportation, and recreational activities.Noise pollution often goes unnoticed by humans, but it has a significant impact on the natural world. It can disrupt or alter animal behaviour, communication, and migration patterns, leading to long-term ecological damage.

The following are some of the ways in which noise pollution affects wildlife and ecosystems.

1. Changes in animal behaviour
Noise pollution can cause animals to alter their behaviour, such as fleeing from the noise, changing their mating or feeding behaviours, or reducing their vocalizations. For example, it has been found that birds living near airports and highways have to sing louder to attract mates or to defend their territories. This change in behaviour can be detrimental to their survival because it can disrupt their breeding patterns or make them more vulnerable to predation.

2. Disruption of feeding patterns
Noise pollution can also significantly impact the feeding patterns of animals. This disruption can result in a reduced ability to detect prey, leading to declining populations.

3. Habitat loss
Noise pollution can also result in habitat loss for certain species. Animals commonly avoid areas where excessive noise is present, which can lead to reductions in the usable habitat area. In some cases, noise pollution can force animals to migrate or find new habitat.Finally, noise pollution can also result in negative health impacts on wildlife. For example, it has been found that high levels of persistent noise can cause chronic stress in some species, leading to suppressed immune systems and reduced reproductive success.
‍
Protecting Wildlife and Ecosystems from Noise Pollution

As a society, we need to take steps to reduce noise pollution and protect wildlife and ecosystems from its harmful effects.

Some ways in which we can achieve this include:
‍

• Reducing noise levels in sensitive areas such as conservancies, nature reserves, parks, etc.

• Implementing policies and regulations that control noise pollution in both urban and rural areas.

• Educating everyone about the impact of noise pollution and how they can help reduce it.
‍

Noise pollution is a significant threat to wildlife and to ecosystems. By taking steps to reduce it, we can help protect these vital natural resources and ensure a sustainable future for all.

Agricultural Activity, Farming & Livestock

...