Objective The primary objective of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company as a service industry operating in a protected natural area, is to provide and maintain a high quality visitor experience by means of a world-class facility without adversely affecting the natural environment.

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) has operated the aerial cableway to the summit of Table Mountain since 1929. In 1991 TMACC contracted consultants to conduct an EIA for the upgrade of the cableway, which led to the development of an EMS in 1997.

During 2000 Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company will aim to introduce training workshops and staff induction programmes for new staff; appoint consultants to drive its Integrated Environmental Management process and devise a strategy to remove all sewerage off the mountain; and to devise a special programme for schools, educating children on environmental issues, with special reference to Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula National Park.

• Facilities for recycling i.e. can crushers and glass recycling receptacle, are available for use by visitors to Table Mountain
• Refuse is compacted using a waste compactor in order to reduce the physical volume of litter
• Cooking oil is sold to an oil recycling concern
• Minimisation of soap and paper waste through the use of soap dispensers and automatic hand dryers

• Energy efficient fluorescent lighting is used in all offices
• Maximum efficiency of appliances ensured throughout
• Conference facilities run independent of other facilities and therefore not used unless required
• CFC free-air conditioning, and reflective blinds used to keep out direct sunlight and minimise use of air conditioning

• Rain/ mountain water caught in 400 kilolitre submerged reservoir, used in restaurant, ablution facilities and for drinking (huge cost saving measure)
• Water for drinking complies with standards set by the Department of Water Affairs
• Automatic / sensor operated taps used to reduce water consumption and prevent wastage of water
• Independent advice for Catering section regarding the minimisation of water usage for washing purposes

• Chemical boeing toilets used to reduce the volume of waste/sewerage and increase efficiency of septic tank
• 80% of actual sewerage is removed from waste water and the remainder flows into mountain soakways
• Independent chemical and microbiological tests on Sewerage effluent to ensure it complies with environmental standards set by Department of Water Affairs
• Grease traps treated with enzymes from a biological dosing unit to ensure they are odourless and free from build up and clogging

• Consultants appointed to devise strategy for waste and sewerage removal from mountain top to avoid negative impact on environment of sewerage effluent
• Cleaning products are all biodegradable and environmentally friendly

• Reduction of car, oil and fuel usage through staff transportation by public transport and company shuttle

• Only indigenous vegetation planted
• Re-vegetation programme put into action in order to rehabilitate all vegetation and areas which suffered damage due to construction of the new Cableway

• Environmental Management Plan and physical EMS document which conforms to ISO 14001 standards, is publicly available
• Environmental Officer to guide environmental aspects of the company
• All staff encouraged to comply with the company's environmental policy, and are kept up to date with all issues and initiatives via monthly newsletters
• Newsletters to tour operators contains environmental insert
• Messages regarding all environmentally friendly practices are broadcast to passengers during their trip

• Affiliate member of the World Wildlife Fund
• Awarded the 1999 National EPPIC Premium Award for integrated environmental management

• Offensive odours from waste water/ sewerage is constantly monitored and corrected immediately where possible

• No loud music, public entertainment, or any noise which is disturbing to any other visitor is allowed. Violation is punishable by law.

• Only biodegradable cleaning products are purchased
• Paper packaging instead of plastic is used in curio shops
• Recycled paper is used for the company's letterheads and compliment slips

Deborah Blows

Environmental Control Officer

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Co. Ltd