basic assessment report proposed road k109 · proposed road k109 - gaut 002/19-20/e0210 3 basic...

BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT

PROPOSED ROAD K109

CITY OF JOHANNESBURG AND EKURHULENI

METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITIES

PROPOSED ROAD K109 - GAUT 002/19-20/E0210

For:

VALUMAX

FEBRUARY 2020

Proposed Road K109 - Gaut 002/19-20/E0210

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION A: ACTIVITY INFORMATION 5

1. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION 5

2. APPLICABLE LEGISLATION, POLICIES AND/OR GUIDELINES 5

3. ALTERNATIVES 8

4. PHYSICAL SIZE OF THE ACTIVITY 9

5. SITE ACCESS 9

6. SITE OR ROUTE PLAN 10

7. SITE PHOTOGRAPHS 11

8. FACILITY ILLUSTRATION 11

SECTION B: DESCRIPTION OF RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT 12

1. PROPERTY DESCRIPTION 12

2. ACTIVITY POSITION 12

3. GRADIENT OF THE SITE 13

4. LOCATION IN LANDSCAPE 13

5. GROUNDWATER, SOIL AND GEOLOGICAL STABILITY OF THE SITE 13

6. AGRICULTURE 13

7. GROUNDCOVER 14

8. LAND USE CHARACTER OF SURROUNDING AREA 15

9. SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONTEXT 15

10. CULTURAL/HISTORICAL FEATURES 16

SECTION C: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 17

1. LOCAL AUTHORITY PARTICIPATION 17

3. CONSULTATION WITH OTHER STAKEHOLDERS 17

4. GENERAL PUBLIC PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS 17

5. APPENDICES FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 17

SECTION D: RESOURCE USE AND PROCESS DETAILS 18

1. WASTE, EFFLUENT, AND EMISSION MANAGEMENT 18

2. WATER USE 19

3. POWER SUPPLY 19

4. ENERGY EFFICIENCY 19

SECTION E: IMPACT ASSESSMENT 20

1. ISSUES RAISED BY INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES 20

2. IMPACTS RESULTING FROM THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONAL PHASE 20

3. IMPACTS RESULTING FROM THE DECOMISSIONING AND CLOSURE PHASE 32

4. CUMULATIVE IMPACTS 34

5. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT 34

6. IMPACT SUMMARY OF PREFERRED PROPOSAL 35

7. SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT TOOLS 36

8. RECOMMENDATION OF THE PRACTITIONER 36

9. THE NEEDS AND DESIRABILITY OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 37

10. THE PERIOD FOR WHICH THE ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION IS REQUIRED 37

11. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME (EMPr) 37


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SECTION F: APPENDICES 38

Appendix A: Site and Layout Plans Appendix A¹: Locality Plan Appendix A²: Affected Landowners Appendix A3: Affected Properties Appendix B: Site Photographs Appendix C: Facility illustration(s) Appendix D: Route position information Appendix E: Public Participation information Appendix E¹: Proof of Notices Appendix E²: Written Notices Issued Appendix Eᵌ: Newspaper Advert Appendix E⁵: Minutes of Meetings Appendix E⁶: Comments of Issues Report Appendix E⁷: Comments and I&Aps on BAR Appendix E⁸: Copy of Register of I&Aps Appendix F: Water use license(s) authorization, SAHRA information, service letters from municipalities,

water supply information Appendix F1: SAHRA Authorisation Appendix F²: Comments from GDARD Appendix Fᵌ: Comments from COJ Appendix G: Specialist reports Appendix G¹: Wetland Assessment Report Appendix G2: Floral Assessment Report Appendix G3: Mammals Report Appendix G4: Amphibians Report Appendix G5: Rehabilitation and Management Plan Appendix G6: TIA Report Appendix G7: Geotech Report Appendix G⁸: Proposed Culverts in Wetland Buffer Zones Appendix H: EMPr Appendix I: EAP information


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Basic Assessment Report in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), as amended, and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014 (Version 1)

Kindly note that: 1. This Basic Assessment Report is the standard report required by GDARD in terms of the EIA Regulations, 2014.

2. This application form is current as of 8 December 2014. It is the responsibility of the EAP to ascertain whether subsequent versions of

the form have been published or produced by the competent authority.

3. A draft Basic Assessment Report must be submitted, for purposes of comments within a period of thirty (30) days, to all State Departments administering a law relating to a matter likely to be affected by the activity to be undertaken.

4. A draft Basic Assessment Report (1 hard copy and two CD’s) must be submitted, for purposes of comments within a period of thirty (30) days, to a Competent Authority empowered in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), as amended to consider and decide on the application.

5. Five (5) copies (3 hard copies and 2 CDs-PDF) of the final report and attachments must be handed in at offices of the relevant competent authority, as detailed below.

6. The report must be typed within the spaces provided in the form. The size of the spaces provided is not necessarily indicative of the amount of information to be provided. The report is in the form of a table that can extend itself as each space is filled with typing.

7. Selected boxes must be indicated by a cross and, when the form is completed electronically, must also be highlighted.

8. An incomplete report may lead to an application for environmental authorisation being refused.

9. Any report that does not contain a titled and dated full colour large scale layout plan of the proposed activities including a coherent legend, overlain with the sensitivities found on site may lead to an application for environmental authorisation being refused.

10. The use of “not applicable” in the report must be done with circumspection because if it is used in respect of material information that is required by the competent authority for assessing the application, it may result in the application for environmental authorisation being refused.

11. No faxed or e-mailed reports will be accepted. Only hand delivered or posted applications will be accepted.

12. Unless protected by law, and clearly indicated as such, all information filled in on this application will become public information on receipt by the competent authority. The applicant/EAP must provide any interested and affected party with the information contained in this application on request, during any stage of the application process.

13. Although pre-application meeting with the Competent Authority is optional, applicants are advised to have these meetings prior to

submission of application to seek guidance from the Competent Authority. DEPARTMENTAL DETAILS Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Attention: Administrative Unit of the of the Environmental Affairs Branch P.O. Box 8769 Johannesburg 2000 Administrative Unit of the of the Environmental Affairs Branch Ground floor Diamond Building 11 Diagonal Street, Johannesburg Administrative Unit telephone number: (011) 240 3377 Department central telephone number: (011) 240 2500


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If this BAR has not been submitted within 90 days of receipt of the application by the competent authority and permission was not requested to submit within 140 days, please indicate the reasons for not submitting within time frame.

N/A

Is a closure plan applicable for this application and has it been included in this report? if not, state reasons for not including the closure plan.

No closure of the provincial road is anticipated

Has a draft report for this application been submitted to a competent authority and all State Departments administering a law relating to a matter likely to be affected as a result of this activity? Is a list of the State Departments referred to above attached to this report including their full contact details and contact person? If no, state reasons for not attaching the list.

Have State Departments including the competent authority commented?

If no, why?

(For official use only)

NEAS Reference Number:

File Reference Number:

Application Number:

Date Received:

No

Yes

Yes

Yes


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SECTION A: ACTIVITY INFORMATION

1. PROPOSAL OR DEVELOPMENT DESCRIPTION

Project title (must be the same name as per application form):

Proposed construction of a section of the Road K109 and associated infrastructure

Select the appropriate box

The application is for an upgrade of an existing development

X The application is for a new development

X Other, specify

Does the activity also require any authorisation other than NEMA EIA authorisation?

YES NO

If yes, describe the legislation and the Competent Authority administering such legislation

A Water Use License is required in terms of the National Water Act and the competent authority is Department of Water and Sanitation.

If yes, have you applied for the authorisation(s)? YES NO

If yes, have you received approval(s)? (attach in appropriate appendix) YES NO

2. APPLICABLE LEGISLATION, POLICIES AND/OR GUIDELINES

List of legislation, policies and/or guidelines that are applicable to the application

Title of legislation, policy or guideline: Administering authority: Promulgation Date:

National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998 as amended).

National & Provincial 27 November 1998

EIA Regulations GN 983 & GN 985 (Listing Notice 1&3) National and Provincial 8 December 2014

The National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) National Department of Water and Sanitation

26 August 1998

The National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act No. 59 of 2008

National & Provincial 2008

National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004 (Act 39 of 2004) (NEM: AQA)

National & Local 24 February 2005

Occupational Health and Safety Act (No 85 of 1993) National Department of Labour

23 June 1993

Gauteng Transport Infrastructure Act (Act No. 8 of 2001)

Provincial

Gauteng Provincial Environmental Management Framework

Provincial May 2015

Red List Plant Species Guidelines Provincial 26 June 2006

Gauteng Noise Control Regulations, 1999 Provincial 1999

Gauteng Urban Edge Provincial 2009

City of Johannesburg Spatial Development Framework 2040

City of Johannesburg 2012

Johannesburg Open Space Management Framework City of Johannesburg 2002


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Description of compliance with the relevant legislation, policy or guideline:

Legislation, policy of guideline Description of compliance

National Environmental Management Act No. 107 of 1998 (NEMA)

The National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998)

(NEMA) is the overarching framework for environmental legislation as

well as the Regulations for Environmental Impact Assessment. It sets out

the principles that serve as a general framework for environmental

planning, as guidelines by reference to which organs of state must

exercise their functions and guide other laws concerned with the

protection or management of the environment. The application takes into

account the environmental and socio-economic conditions in compliance

with the NEMA principles.

The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004)

The Act provides for the management and conservation of South Africa’s biodiversity within the framework of the NEMA. Areas of high biodiversity need to be protected. Should any protected plants be found on site, these will be managed in consultation with GDARD

The National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act No. 59 of 2008

No waste management license would be required for the construction of the proposed activity. Only a limited amount of solid construction waste will be stored and handled on the site, before being hauled away and dumped at the nearest registered landfill site.

The National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998)

The Act provides for the management of South Africa’s water resources. It aims to ensure that the Republic’s water resources are protected, used, developed, conserved and controlled. According to the Act, any proposed water uses must be specified and registered and/or licensed. Similarly, any modifications to drainage lines on site must be investigated in terms of water use requirements. The proposed development will require a water use licences, of which an application thereof has been sent to the relevant authority.

National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004 (Act 39 of 2004) (NEM: AQA)

During the construction phase, dust and the generation of noise can become a significant factor, especially to the surrounding landowners. However, if the development is well planned and the mitigating measures proposed in the EMPr are successfully implemented the proposed development’s contribution to air pollution and the generation of air pollution can become less significant

Occupational Health and Safety Act (No 85 of 1993)

The Act provides for the health and safety of persons at work and for the health and safety of persons in connection with the use of machinery; the protection of persons other than persons at work, against hazards to health and safety arising out of or in connection with the activities of persons at work. The EMPr provides for measures to ensure that objectives of the Act are met on this site

EIA Regulations GN 983 & 985 (Listing Notice 1 & 3)

The proposed development constitutes an activity listed under GN R. 983 and GN R. 985, therefore a Basic Assessment Report process is being followed to obtain authorization from the GDARD.

Gauteng Transport Infrastructure Act (Act No. 8 of 2001)

The purpose of the Act is to consolidate the laws relating to roads and other types of transport


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infrastructure in Gauteng; and to provide for the planning, design, development, construction, financing, management, control, maintenance, protection and rehabilitation of provincial roads, railway lines and other transport infrastructure in Gauteng and to provide for matters connected therewith.

Gauteng Provincial Environmental Management Framework

The aim of the EMF is to guide the protection and enhancement of environmental assets and natural resources along with development patterns to ensure sustainable environmental management and development patterns within and around the Gauteng Province. The development site is located in Zone 1 of the EMF which aims to promote development infill, densification and concentration of urban development within the urban development zones as defined in the Gauteng Spatial Development Framework (GSDF). In order to establish a more effective and efficient city region that will minimise urban sprawl into rural areas; the proposed road expansion along with the upgrade of the culverts is necessary. Therefore, the proposed activity will support urban development which is fully supportive of the objectives of the EMF.

Red List Plant Species Guidelines The purpose of the guidelines is to promote the conservation of Red List

Plant Species in Gauteng, which are species that face risk of extinction in

the wild. By protecting Red List Plant Species, conservation of diverse

landscapes is promoted which forms part of the overall environmental

preservation of diverse ecosystems, habitats, communities, populations,

species and genes in Gauteng.

The development will not impact on any Red listed plant species.

Gauteng Noise Control Regulations, 1999

During the construction phase the impact of noise could be problematic, but such impacts are generally short term. One should note that practical mitigation measures for noise pollution are low, but certain measures can be implemented to mitigate the severity. These measures have been provided for in the EMPr

Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Spatial Development Framework (SDF)

The vision of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality is to be The Smart, Creative and Developmental City. Based on the vision the mission statement of the municipality is as follows: Ekurhuleni provides sustainable and people centred development services that are affordable, appropriate and of a high quality. We are focussed on social, environmental and economic regeneration of our city and communities, as guided by the principles of Batho Pele and through the commitment of a motivated and dedicated team. Proposed road supports the vision of the city and forms part of its strategic road network.

City of Johannesburg Spatial Development Framework 2040

The SDF 2040 sets the guiding vision and then builds a concrete strategy for its realisation. The site falls within the Consolidation Zone, where new developments that promote the goals and meet the requirements of the SDF, but do not require extensive bulk infrastructure upgrades other than in meeting current infrastructure backlogs will be promoted. The land uses and intensities of uses within this zone must be scaled down where


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this zone interfaces with the ecological resource zone or low intensity/ecologically sensitive areas.

Johannesburg Open Space Management Framework

The JMOSS seeks to ensure inter-connected and managed network of open spaces supporting interactions between social, economic and ecological activities, sustaining and enhancing both ecological processes and human settlements within the city. The open space linked to the watercourse traversing the site will be maintained.

3. ALTERNATIVES Describe the proposal and alternatives that are considered in this application. Alternatives should include a consideration of all possible means by which the purpose and need of the proposed activity could be accomplished. The determination of whether the site or activity (including different processes etc.) or both is appropriate needs to be informed by the specific circumstances of the activity and its environment.

The no-go option must in all cases be included in the assessment phase as the baseline against which the impacts of the other alternatives are assessed. Do not include the no go option into the alternative table below. Note: After receipt of this report the competent authority may also request the applicant to assess additional alternatives that could possibly accomplish the purpose and need of the proposed activity if it is clear that realistic alternatives have not been considered to a reasonable extent.

Please describe the process followed to reach (decide on) the list of alternatives below

Alternatives’ in relation to a proposed activity, means different means of meeting the general purpose and requirement of the activity, which may include alternatives to – a) the property on which or location where it is proposed to undertake the activity; b) the type of activity to be undertaken; c) the design or layout of the activity; d) the technology to be used in the activity; In terms of this project, the process involved elimination of alternatives that would not result in a road system that meet the provincial roads standards and those that would have adverse impacts on the environment, especially the crossing of the wetlands.

Provide a description of the alternatives considered

No. Alternative type,

Description

1 Proposal Construction of a portion of the K109 Provincial Road which forms part of the City of Ekurhuleni Roads Master Plan as well as the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport planning. The road is classified as an Urban Dual Carriageway Type T (ii) with a road reserve of 48.4m and the proposed section will be about 4.9km in length. The classification is in accordance with the Gauteng Department of Roads & Transport Plan GTP7/3. The road is planned along the existing Dale Road to link the R101 with the future PWV5 and Olifantsfontein Road. Therefore, the activity will involve the upgrading of a portion of Dale Road to K route standards and construction of the rest of the road that traverses open ground until it joins Road K127. The latter section has portions that either traverse wetlands or are within 32m of wetlands/streams and within the 50m buffer of the Glen Austin pan. The wetland crossings will be through culverts that have been designed taking into account the flow for the culverts at a 1:50 year event. The sizing of the culverts normally requires the 1:25 recurrence but for this location an allowance for 1:50 to allow additional freeboard and to not hinder any flow during major storms.


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In the event that no alternative(s) has/have been provided, a motivation must be included in the table below.

This application pertains to the development a Provincial road whose alignment has been fixed since the 1970s. The area surrounding the road alignment has been authorized for development leaving little room for the re-alignment of the road. While consideration was given to re-route the road outside of the 50m of the Glen Austin Pan, this was deemed to be impractical from a design, economic and legal perspectives. An Amphibian Habitat and Wetland Study in 2017 concluded that the economic and legal consequences of trying to establish a new alignment of the road make the implementation of this option impractical in spite of positive environmental benefits. Therefore, the realignment option was not considered as an alternative

In terms of design of the road crossing, the appropriate span of the culverts was considered. Instead of sizing of the culverts on the basis of the normally requirements based on the 1:25 recurrence of storms, for this location an allowance of 1:50 to allow for additional freeboard and to not hinder any flow during major storms will be implemented.

During the final designs, consideration will be given to the possibilities of inclusion of underpasses within the vicinity of the pan and where the road traverses an area separating pans.

Further, the road is located within areas already approved for development. The alignment was therefore ‘fixed’ by the fact that areas either side of the road are already authorised for development, see approved layouts below.

Figure 1: Approved townships traversed by the K109 4. PHYSICAL SIZE OF THE ACTIVITY

Indicate the total physical size (footprint) of the proposal as well as alternatives. Footprints are to include all new infrastructure (roads, services etc), impermeable surfaces and landscaped areas:

Size of the activity:

Proposed activity (Total environmental (landscaping, parking, etc.) and the building footprint)

Indicate the size of the site(s) or servitudes (within which the above footprints will occur): Size of the site/servitude:

Proposed activity 23.8ha

5. SITE ACCESS Proposal

Does ready access to the site exist, or is access directly from an existing road? YES NO

If NO, what is the distance over which a new access road will be built m


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Describe the type of access road planned:

Access to the route area to be off Dale and/or Olifantsfontein Road

Include the position of the access road on the site plan (if the access road is to traverse a sensitive feature the impact thereof must be included in the assessment).

Alternative 1

Does ready access to the site exist, or is access directly from an existing road? YES NO

If NO, what is the distance over which a new access road will be built m

Describe the type of access road planned:

Include the position of the access road on the site plan. (if the access road is to traverse a sensitive feature the impact thereof must be included in the assessment).

6. LAYOUT OR ROUTE PLAN A detailed site or route (for linear activities) plan(s) must be prepared for each alternative site or alternative activity. It must be attached to this document. The site or route plans must indicate the following: ➢ the layout plan is printed in colour and is overlaid with a sensitivity map (if applicable);

➢ layout plan is of acceptable paper size and scale; ➢ A2 size for activities with development footprint of ˃20 hectares to 50 hectares);

➢ The following should serve as a guide for scale issues on the layout plan: o A2 = 1: 2000 o A3 = 1: 4000 o A4 = 1: 8000 (±10 000)

➢ shapefiles of the activity must be included in the electronic submission on the CD’s; ➢ the property boundaries and Surveyor General numbers of all the properties within 50m of the site; ➢ the exact position of each element of the activity as well as any other structures on the site; ➢ the position of services, including electricity supply cables (indicate above or underground), water supply pipelines, boreholes, sewage

pipelines, septic tanks, storm water infrastructure; ➢ servitudes indicating the purpose of the servitude; ➢ sensitive environmental elements on and within 100m of the site or sites (including the relevant buffers as prescribed by the competent

authority) including (but not limited thereto): o Rivers and wetlands; o the 1:100 and 1:50 year flood line; o ridges; o cultural and historical features; o areas with indigenous vegetation (even if it is degraded or infested with alien species);

➢ Where a watercourse is located on the site at least one cross section of the water course must be included (to allow the position of the relevant buffer from the bank to be clearly indicated)

FOR LOCALITY MAP (NOTE THIS IS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE APPLICATION FORM REQUIREMENTS) ➢ the scale of locality map must be at least 1:50 000. ; ➢ the locality map and all other maps must be in colour; ➢ locality map must show property boundaries and numbers within 100m of the site, and for poultry and/or piggery, locality map must show

properties within 500m and prevailing or predominant wind direction; ➢ for gentle slopes the 1m contour intervals must be indicated on the map and whenever the slope of the site exceeds 1:10, the 500mm

contours must be indicated on the map; ➢ areas with indigenous vegetation (even if it is degraded or infested with alien species); ➢ locality map must show exact position of development site or sites; ➢ locality map showing and identifying (if possible) public and access roads; and

➢ the current land use as well as the land use zoning of each of the properties adjoining the site or sites.

Section A 6-8 has been duplicated 0 Number of times


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Figure 2: Locality Maps

7. SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Site photographs are included as Appendix B

8. FACILITY ILLUSTRATION Appendix C


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SECTION B: DESCRIPTION OF RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT

Note: Complete Section B for the proposal and alternative(s) (if necessary) Instructions for completion of Section B for linear activities

1) For linear activities (pipelines etc) it may be necessary to complete Section B for each section of the site that has a significantly different environment.

2) Indicate on a plan(s) the different environments identified 3) Complete Section B for each of the above areas identified 4) Attach to this form in a chronological order 5) Each copy of Section B must clearly indicate the corresponding sections of the route at the top of the next page.

Instructions for completion of Section B for location/route alternatives 1) For each location/route alternative identified the entire Section B needs to be completed 2) Each alterative location/route needs to be clearly indicated at the top of the next page 3) Attach the above documents in a chronological order

(complete only when appropriate)

Instructions for completion of Section B when both location and linear activities are applicable for the application Section B is to be completed and attachments order in the following way

All significantly different environments identified for Alternative 1 is to be completed and attached in a chronological order; then All significantly different environments identified for Alternative 2 is to be completed and attached chronological order, etc.

Section B - Section of Route 0 (complete only when appropriate for above)

Section B – Location/route Alternative No. 0 (complete only when appropriate for above)

1. PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

Property description: (Including Physical Address and Farm name, portion etc.)

Various Portions of the Farm Olifantsfontein 410-JR and certain Portions of Holdings 413 and 589 Glen Austin Agricultural Holdings Ext 1

2. ACTIVITY POSITION Indicate the position of the activity using the latitude and longitude of the centre point of the site for each alternative site. The co-ordinates should be in decimal degrees. The degrees should have at least six decimals to ensure adequate accuracy. The projection that must be used in all cases is the WGS84 spheroid in a national or local projection.

Alternative: Latitude (S): Longitude (E):

Start -25.981718° 28.162973°

Midle -25.965948° 28.174550° End -25948946° 28.178596°

In the case of linear activities: Alternative: Latitude (S): Longitude (E):

Starting point of the activity o o

Middle point of the activity o o

End point of the activity o o

For route alternatives that are longer than 500m, please provide co-ordinates taken every 250 meters along the route and attached in the appropriate Appendix

Addendum of route alternatives attached 0 The 21 digit Surveyor General code of each cadastral land parcel

PROPOSAL SEE ATTACHED LIST

Section B has been duplicated for sections of the route 0 times

Section B has been duplicated for location/route alternatives 0 times


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3. GRADIENT OF THE SITE General gradient of the site.

Flat 1:50 – 1:20 1:20 – 1:15 1:15 – 1:10 1:10 – 1:7,5 1:7,5 – 1:5 Steeper than 1:5

4. LOCATION IN LANDSCAPE Indicate the landform(s) that best describes the site.

Ridgeline Plateau Side slope of

hill/ridge Valley Plain Undulating plain/low hills River front

5. GROUNDWATER, SOIL AND GEOLOGICAL STABILITY OF THE SITE

a) Is the site located on any of the following?

Shallow water table (less than 1.5m deep) YES NO

Dolomite, sinkhole or doline areas YES NO

Seasonally wet soils (often close to water bodies) YES NO Unstable rocky slopes or steep slopes with loose soil YES NO Dispersive soils (soils that dissolve in water) YES NO Soils with high clay content (clay fraction more than 40%) YES NO Any other unstable soil or geological feature YES NO An area sensitive to erosion YES NO

(Information in respect of the above will often be available at the planning sections of local authorities. Where it exists, the 1:50 000 scale Regional Geotechnical Maps prepared by Geological Survey may also be used).

Detailed geotechnical investigation was done for the K109 road design and the following results have an impact on the culvert crossings. • The project area is underlain by weathered granites, granodiorites and remnants of mafic and ultramafic

intrusive materials and some of the weathered granites have produced clay-rich, loamy soils with high plasticity.

• The geotechnical results consider the site generally favourable for structural elements. • The report recommends appropriate surface and sub-surface drainage measures to prevent the

development of perched water tables under the roads and culverts. • Overall the area is quite flat with relatively thick soil cover ranging from surface to average 1.75m below

surface. • The pedogenic material encountered as pebble markers may indicate that a perched water table may be

encountered after heavy rain and recommends appropriate surface and sub-surface drainage. • Suitable rock fill and blanket drainage will be included in all culvert drains that pass under the road to

prevent the ponding of run-off water.

b) are any caves located on the site(s) YES NO

If yes to above provide location details in terms of latitude and longitude and indicate location on site or route map(s) Latitude (S): Longitude (E):

o o

c) are any caves located within a 300m radius of the site(s) YES NO


o o

d) are any sinkholes located within a 300m radius of the site(s) YES NO


o o

If any of the answers to the above are “YES” or “unsure”, specialist input may be requested by the Department

6. AGRICULTURE

Does the site have high potential agriculture as contemplated in the Gauteng Agricultural Potential Atlas (GAPA 4)? YES NO

Please note: The Department may request specialist input/studies in respect of the above.


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7. GROUNDCOVER All identified rare or endangered species or other elements have been indicated on the sensitivity map. Indicate the types of groundcover present on the site and include the estimated percentage found on site

Natural veld - good condition

% =

Natural veld with scattered aliens

% = 5

Natural veld with heavy alien infestation

% = 77

Veld dominated by alien species

% =17

Landscaped (vegetation) % =

Sport field % =

Cultivated land % =

Paved surface (hard landscaping) % =1

Building or other structure % =

Bare soil % =

Are there any rare or endangered flora or fauna species (including red list species) present on the site YES NO

If YES, specify and explain:

Are there any rare or endangered flora or fauna species (including red list species) present within a 200m (if within urban area as defined in the Regulations) or within 600m (if outside the urban area as defined in the Regulations) radius of the site.

YES NO


The road traverses the 50m bufferzone of a priority pan which, according to GDARD must be designated as sensitive and must be protected from any additional urban or industrial transformation. Development footprints should be modified to prevent encroachment on the pan catchments and its buffer

Are there any special or sensitive habitats or other natural features present on the site? YES NO


Sections of the proposed road traverses riparian zones/wetlands.

Was a specialist consulted to assist with completing this section YES NO

If yes complete specialist details

Name of the specialist: Rudi Bezuidenhoudt and Antoinette Bootsma of Limosella Consulting Qualification(s) of the specialist: Ecologist/ Botanist

Wetland specialist / Ecologist Postal address: P.O. Box 32733, Waverley; Pretoria, Postal code: 0135 Telephone: 27 83 4545 454 Cell: 27 83 4545 454 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 086 724 3132 Are any further specialist studies recommended by the specialist? YES NO

If YES, specify:

If YES, is such a report(s) attached? YES NO

If YES list the specialist reports attached below

Signature of specialist: See attached report Date:

Please note; If more than one specialist was consulted to assist with the filling in of this section then this table must be appropriately duplicated

Figure 3: Vegetation cover according to a study by Galago in February 2016


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8. LAND USE CHARACTER OF SURROUNDING AREA Using the associated number of the relevant current land use or prominent feature from the table below, fill in the position of these land-uses in the vacant blocks below which represent a 500m radius around the site

1. Vacant land 2. River, stream,

wetland 3. Nature conservation area 4. Public open space 5. Koppie or ridge

6. Dam or reservoir 7. Agriculture 8. Low density residential 9. Medium to high density

residential 10. Informal residential

11. Old age home 12. Retail 13. Offices 14. Commercial & warehousing 15. Light industrial

16. Heavy industrialAN 17. Hospitality facility 18. Church 19. Education facilities 20. Sport facilities

21. Golf course/polo fields 22. AirportN 23. Train station or shunting

yardN 24. Railway lineN 25. Major road (4 lanes or more)N

26. Sewage treatment plantA

27. Landfill or waste treatment siteA

28. Historical building 29. Graveyard 30. Archeological site

31. Open cast mine 32. Underground mine 33.Spoil heap or slimes damA 34. Small Holdings

Other land uses (describe):

NORTH

WEST

34, 8 34, 1 1,2 34 1, 34, 1 1, 34 EAST

34, 8 34, 1 1, 2, 6 34, 27, 1 1, 34

34, 8 34,3 SITE 34,27, 1 1, 34

34, 8 34,1 1,8, 34 34, 1 1, 34

34, 8 1, 34 1, 8, 34 34, 1 1, 34

SOUTH Note: More than one (1) Land-use may be indicated in a block Please note: The Department may request specialist input/studies depending on the nature of the land use character of the area and potential impact(s) of the proposed activity/ies. Specialist reports that look at health & air quality and noise impacts may be required for any feature above and in particular those features marked with an “A“ and with an “N” respectively.

Have specialist reports been attached YES NO

If yes indicate the type of reports below

Fauna and Flora Habitat Assessment YES NO

Wetland Assessment/Delineation Report YES NO

Geotechnical Investigation Report YES NO

Culverts designs YES

Amphibians study YES

Traffic Impact Study YES NO

Heritage Impact Assessment Report YES NO

9. SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONTEXT Describe the existing social and economic characteristics of the area and the community condition as baseline information to assess the potential social, economic and community impacts.

According to the Ekurhuleni Spatial Development Framework the affected area falls mostly within Region B of the Regional Spatial Development Framework, (LEAP 2016). According to the latter, Region B is favourably located in the Economic Activity and Employment Area of the Gauteng Province. Furthermore, Region B is in close proximity to the ORTIA and is located within the core of the Metropolis. This locality further enhances the development potential of the region.

Region B can be described as a multi-centred region as it has multiple locations of economic activity (business and industrial) and human settlements. Urban development in Region B is predominantly west of the R21 Freeway, whilst development east of the R21 Freeway is generally agricultural in nature. The existing residential developments in Region B occur primarily on the western boundary, between the R21 and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality /Johannesburg municipal boundary.

The regions locality, predominant land use and the development pressures are the principal elements which influence the role and function of the Region within the broader metropolitan context. In order to create a development concept for Region B a future vision of the role that it will play in relation to the broader Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality area was outlined: The role of Region B is to:

• Accommodate the future urban growth related to the Aerotropolis and the eastward expansion of economic activity within the Gauteng Province;


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10. CULTURAL/HISTORICAL FEATURES Please be advised that if section 38 of the National Heritage Resources Act 25 of 1999 is applicable to your proposal or alternatives, then you are requested to furnish this Department with written comment from the South African Heritage Resource Agency (SAHRA) – Attach comment in appropriate annexure 38. (1) Subject to the provisions of subsections (7), (8) and (9), any person who intends to undertake a development categorised as- (a) the construction of a road, wall, powerline, pipeline, canal or other similar form of linear development or barrier exceeding 300m in length; (b) the construction of a bridge or similar structure exceeding 50m in length; (c) any development or other activity which will change the character of a site- (i) exceeding 5 000 m2 in extent; or (ii) involving three or more existing erven or subdivisions thereof; or (iii) involving three or more erven or divisions thereof which have been consolidated within the past five years; or (iv) the costs of which will exceed a sum set in terms of regulations by SAHRA or a provincial heritage resources

authority; (d) the re-zoning of a site exceeding 10 000 m2 in extent; or (e) any other category of development provided for in regulations by SAHRA or a provincial heritage resources authority, must at the very earliest stages

of initiating such a development, notify the responsible heritage resources authority and furnish it with details regarding the location, nature and extent of the proposed development.

Are there any signs of culturally (aesthetic, social, spiritual, environmental) or historically significant elements, as defined in section 2 of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999, (Act No. 25 of 1999), including archaeological or palaeontological sites, on or close (within 20m) to the site?

YES NO

If YES, explain:

A study conducted for Clayville Ext. 50 found remnants of the Ndebele settlement in the area. These were considered insignificant for the development of the site. According to the study, except for the ruins of an old farm house of which little has survived, no other important structures or graves were found on the area. There is also no Stone Age material on the surface at the eroded areas and no graves.

Tthe Department may request that specialist input be provided to establish whether there is such a feature(s) present on or close to the site.

Briefly explain the findings of the specialist if one was already appointed:

Will any building or structure older than 60 years be affected in any way? YES NO

Is it necessary to apply for a permit in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act 25 of 1999)? YES NO

If yes, please attached the comments from SAHRA in the appropriate Appendix

• Maximise the agricultural potential as the growing economy of the region provides an opportunity for the expansion/intensification of the agricultural sector; and

• Ensure linkages to Johannesburg and Tshwane.

The function of Region B is to:

• Enhance and protect the existing urban fabric;

• Ensure the seamless integration between new and existing development;

• Integration between urban and agricultural areas;

• Provide for properly planned urban expansion towards the east.

For Region B to develop in a sustainable manner, to absorb the growth and to alleviate the development pressure it was important to prepare for growth and development in advance at a sufficient scale. Therefore, the focus in Region B should be on enhancing the accessibility of the region and to diversify and strengthen the economic base. The following guidelines are applicable to urban development areas:

• Develop an urban structure of walkable neigbourhoods;

• Foster a sense of place in neigbourhoods through design and clustering of non-residential land uses;

• Provide access by way of an interconnected network of streets which facilitate safe walking, cycling and driving;

• Provide a variety of erf sizes and housing types to cater for the diverse housing needs of the community;

• Incorporate key environmental areas into the design of neighbourhoods for the benefit of all;

• Integrate the design of open space and stormwater management.


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SECTION C: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (SECTION 41) The public participation process is being conducted in accordance with the requirement of the EIA Regulations, 2014. 1. LOCAL AUTHORITY PARTICIPATION

Local authorities are key interested and affected parties in each application and no decision on any application can be made before the relevant local authority is provided with the opportunity to give input. The planning and the environmental sections of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality as well as the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality were provide the opportunit to comment on the Draft BAR.

Was the draft report submitted to the local authority for comment? YES NO

If yes, has any comments been received from the local authority? YES NO

If “YES”, briefly describe the comment below (also attach any correspondence to and from the local authority to this application):

If “NO” briefly explain why no comments have been received or why the report was not submitted if that is the case.

Although the municipalities were invited to participate, no comments were received. This is despite that acknowledgement of invite was received from COJ municipal manager’s office.

2. CONSULTATION WITH OTHER STAKEHOLDERS Any stakeholder that has a direct interest in the activity, site or property, such as servitude holders and service providers, should be informed of the application at least thirty (30) calendar days before the submission of the application and be provided with the opportunity to comment.

Has any comment been received from stakeholders? YES NO

If “YES”, briefly describe the feedback below (also attach copies of any correspondence to and from the stakeholders to this application):

If “NO” briefly explain why no comments have been received

The public participation process is currently underway. Comments received will be included in the final BAR.

3. GENERAL PUBLIC PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS The public participation process has been undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the Regulations. The need for a public meeting or any other additional measure will be determined by the responses received from the public. All comments and responses to each comment of the public / interested and affected party are being recorded in the Comments and Responses Report as prescribed in the regulations and will be attached to the Final BAR. 4. APPENDICES FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION All public participation information is to be attached in the appropriate Appendix. The information in this Appendix is to be ordered as detailed below Appendix 1 – Proof of site notice Appendix 2 – Written notices issued as required in terms of the regulations Appendix 3 – Proof of newspaper advertisements Appendix 4 –Communications to and from interested and affected parties Appendix 5 – Minutes of any public and/or stakeholder meetings Appendix 6 - Comments and Responses Report Appendix 7 –Comments from I&APs on Basic Assessment (BA) Report Appendix 8 –Comments from I&APs on amendments to the BA Report Appendix 9 – Copy of the register of I&Ap


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SECTION D: RESOURCE USE AND PROCESS DETAILS Note: Section D is to be completed for the proposal and alternative(s) (if necessary)

Instructions for completion of Section D for alternatives 1) For each alternative under investigation, where such alternatives will have different resource and process details (e.g. technology

alternative), the entire Section D needs to be completed 4) Each alterative needs to be clearly indicated in the box below 5) Attach the above documents in a chronological order

(complete only when appropriate)

Section D Alternative No. Proposal (complete only when appropriate for above)

1. WASTE, EFFLUENT, AND EMISSION MANAGEMENT Solid waste management

Will the activity produce solid construction waste during the construction/initiation phase? YES NO

If yes, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? 50 m3

How will the construction solid waste be disposed of (describe)?

• Construction waste in the form of excess spoil material from ground excavation activities, vegetation, clearance, general waste, paints and solvents and waste water and sewage to be disposed of.

• Spoil material will be reused where possible (as backfill or erosion mitigation works) while excess spoil will need to be disposed of off-site. Spoil material will be hauled with tipper trucks to a pre-determined spoil site, the area will be covered with a layer of topsoil and re-vegetated.

• General waste will be kept in bins within the construction site and will be collected and disposed of into a skip and transported to the nearest landfill site.

• Spent canisters for paints and solvents will be the responsibility of the respective contractor and shall be disposed of at a suitably licensed landfill site or recycled as required.

Where will the construction solid waste be disposed of (describe)?

• Spoil material will be re-used as backfill material and excess will be disposed of at the nearest registered Municipal Dumping site.

• General waste that is not recyclable will be disposed of at the nearest municipal landfill site;

• Should there be hazardous waste, it will be disposed of at hazardous waste site

Will the activity produce solid waste during its operational phase? YES NO

If yes, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? Not available

How will the solid waste be disposed of (describe)?

Solid waste will be collected and disposed of by the municipality.

Has the municipality or relevant service provider confirmed that sufficient air space exists for treating/disposing of the solid waste to be generated by this activity?

YES NO

Where will the solid waste be disposed if it does not feed into a municipal waste stream (describe)?

To be disposed of at licensed landfill site. Note: If the solid waste (construction or operational phases) will not be disposed of in a registered landfill site or be taken up in a municipal waste stream, the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA.

Can any part of the solid waste be classified as hazardous in terms of the relevant legislation? YES NO

If yes, inform the competent authority and request a change to an application for scoping and EIA.

Is the activity that is being applied for a solid waste handling or treatment facility? YES NO

If yes, the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to a scoping and EIA.

Describe the measures, if any, that will be taken to ensure the optimal reuse or recycling of materials:

Reuse and recycling of materials where possible. Furthermore, it is proposed that all waste construction materials be sorted into recyclable and non-recyclable materials. The recyclable materials should be re-used where possible or disposed of by a recycling company.

Liquid effluent (other than domestic sewage)

Will the activity produce effluent, other than normal sewage, that will be disposed of in a municipal sewage system? YES NO

If yes, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? N/A

If yes, has the municipality confirmed that sufficient capacity exist for treating / disposing of the liquid effluent to be generated by this activity(ies)?

YES NO

Section D has been duplicated for alternatives Times


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Will the activity produce any effluent that will be treated and/or disposed of on site? Yes NO

If yes, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? N/A

If yes describe the nature of the effluent and how it will be disposed.

N/A

Note that if effluent is to be treated or disposed on site the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA

Will the activity produce effluent that will be treated and/or disposed of at another facility? YES NO

If yes, provide the particulars of the facility: Facility name:

Contact person:

Postal address:

Postal code:

Telephone: Cell:

E-mail: Fax:

Describe the measures that will be taken to ensure the optimal reuse or recycling of waste water, if any:

Liquid effluent (domestic sewage)

Will the activity produce domestic effluent that will be disposed of in a municipal sewage system? YES NO

If yes, what estimated quantity will be produced per month?

If yes, has the municipality confirmed that sufficient capacity exist for treating / disposing of the domestic effluent to be generated by this activity(ies)?

YES NO

Will the activity produce any effluent that will be treated and/or disposed of on site? YES NO

If yes describe how it will be treated and disposed off.

Emissions into the atmosphere

Will the activity release emissions into the atmosphere? YES NO

If yes, is it controlled by any legislation of any sphere of government? YES NO

If yes, the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA.

If no, describe the emissions in terms of type and concentration:

The activity will not generate any emissions except for vehicle exhaust fumes during construction and operational phase.

2. WATER USE

Indicate the source(s) of water that will be used for the activity

municipal Directly from water board groundwater river, stream, dam or lake Other the activity will not use water

If water is to be extracted from groundwater, river, stream, dam, lake or any other natural feature, please indicate

the volume that will be extracted per month: ≥50m3

If Yes, please attach proof of assurance of water supply, e.g. yield of borehole, in the appropriate Appendix

Does the activity require a water use permit from the Department of Water Affairs? YES NO

If yes, list the permits required Section 21i and c of the Water Act

If yes, have you applied for the water use permit(s)? YES NO

If yes, have you received approval(s)? (attached in appropriate appendix) YES NO

3. POWER SUPPLY Please indicate the source of power supply eg. Municipality / Eskom / Renewable energy source

N/A

If power supply is not available, where will power be sourced from?

N/A

4. ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Describe the design measures, if any, that have been taken to ensure that the activity is energy efficient:

N/A

Describe how alternative energy sources have been taken into account or been built into the design of the activity, if any:

Possible energy efficient lighting and/or use of solar can be considered during the operational phase of the project


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SECTION E: IMPACT ASSESSMENT The assessment of impacts must adhere to the minimum requirements in the EIA Regulations, 2014, and should take applicable official guidelines into account. The issues raised by interested and affected parties should also be addressed in the assessment of impacts as well as the impacts of not implementing the activity (Section 24(4)(b)(i).

1. ISSUES RAISED BY INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES Summarise the issues raised by interested and affected parties.

- Impact of the road on the very sensitive eco system that is in the AH of Belvedere and Dale, - the damages that will be incurred on water, solid vegetation, - impact on endangered bullfrogs, and the disruption of this with noise and traffic and the safety of all - concern with the alignment as there is a bit of confusion amongst the surveyors, the Gauteng

Department of Roads and Transport as per an article produced in the Midrand Reporter.

- Loss of income since one house will have to be demolished since the road will be way to close to it.

- The road will cut off entrance to the R562 and the only access will be from the old Olifantsfontein road

which is always impassable on the on/off-ramp since it hardly ever gets scraped or maintained.

- Potential construction and operational impacts. Summary of response from the practitioner to the issues raised by the interested and affected parties (including the manner in which the public comments are incorporated or why they were not included) (A full response must be provided in the Comments and Response Report that must be attached to this report):

- The studies conducted indicate that the route of the alignment, save for the steams to be crossed is not ecologically sensitive.

- While there will be socio-economic and environmental impacts, the adverse impacts can be mitigated to acceptable levels.

- The road is aligned so as to have little effect on the bullfrog pan. Measures will be put in place to allow for the passage of the frogs under the road.

- The alignment being applied for is as shown in the current applications. The other discussions referred to could have been other considerations in terms of the most appropriate alignment but have little relevance as far as this application is concerned.

- The finalization of the road alignment and servitude will include discussions and determination of the associated impacts, how they will be managed and compensation for affected properties.

- Construction and operational impacts will be managed as per the EMPr provisions. 2. IMPACTS THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONAL PHASE

Briefly describe the methodology utilised in the rating of significance of impacts

In order to establish a coherent framework within which all impacts could be objectively assessed, it was deemed appropriate to establish a rating system, to be applied consistently to all the criteria. For such purposes each aspect was assigned a value ranging from one (1) to four (4) depending on its definition. The tables below provide a summary of the criteria and the rating scales used in the assessment of potential impacts. The beneficial and adverse impacts of the proposed development have been discussed below.

Nature: classification of whether the impact is positive or negative, direct or indirect.

Extent: spatial scale of impact and classified as:

o Site: the impacted area is the whole or significant portion of the site (1).

o Local: Within a radius of 2 km of the construction site (2).

o Regional: the impacted area extends to the immediate, surrounding and neighbouring

properties. o National: the impact can be considered to be of national significance.


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Duration: Indicates what the lifetime of the impact will be and is classified as:

o Short term: The impact will either disappear with mitigation or will be mitigated through

natural process in a span shorter than the construction phase. o Medium term: The impact will last for the period of the construction phase, where after it will be

entirely negated.

o Long term: The impact will continue or last for the entire operational life of the development,

o but will be mitigated by direct human action or by natural processes thereafter. The only class of

impact which will be non-transitory.

o Permanent: Mitigation either by man or natural process will not occur in such a way or in such a time

span that the impact can be considered transient.

Intensity: Describes whether an impact is destructive or benign;

o Low: Impact affects the environment in such a way that natural, cultural and social functions and

processes are not affected.

o Moderate: Affected environment is altered, but natural, cultural and social functions and

processes continue albeit in a modified way. o High: Natural, cultural and social functions and processes are altered to the extent that they

temporarily cease.

o Very High: Natural, cultural and social functions and processes are altered to extent that they

permanently cease.

o Probability: Describes the likelihood of an impact actually occurring:

o Improbable: Likelihood of the impact materialising is very low

o Possible: The impact may occur

o Highly Probable: Most likely that the impact will occur

o Definite: Impact will certainly occur.

Significance: Based on the above criteria the significance of issues the total number of points scored for

each impact indicates the level of significance of the impact, and is rated as:

o Low: the impacts are less important.

o Medium: the impacts are important and require attention; mitigation is required to reduce the

negative impacts.

o High: the impacts are of great importance. Mitigation is therefore crucial.

Cumulative: In relation to an activity, means the impact of an activity that in itself may not be significant

but may become significant when added to the existing and potential impacts eventuating from similar or

diverse activities or undertakings in the area.

Mitigation: Where negative impacts are identified, mitigation measures (ways of reducing impacts) have been identified. An indication of the degree of success of the potential mitigation measures is given per impact.

Criteria for the rating of impacts

Criteria Description

Extent National The whole of South Africa

Regional Provincial and parts of neighbouring provinces

Local Within a radius of 2km of the construction site

Site Confined to the construction site

Duration Permanent Mitigation either by man or natural process will not occur in

Long-term- The impact will continue or last for the entire operational life of the development, but will

Medium-term The impact will last for the period of the construction phase,

Short-term The impact will either disappear with mitigation or will be


22

such a way or in such a time span that the impact can be considered transient

be mitigated by direct human action or by natural processes thereafter. The only class of impact which will be non-transitory

where after it will be entirely negated

mitigated through natural process in a span shorter than the construction phase

Intensity Very High Natural, cultural and social functions and processes are altered to extent that they permanently cease

High Natural, cultural and social functions and processes are altered to extent that they temporarily cease

Moderate Affected environment is altered, but natural, cultural and social functions and processes continue.

Low Impact affects the environment in such a way that natural, cultural and social functions

Probability Definite Impact will certainly occur

Highly Probable Most likely that the impact will occur

Possible The impact may occur

Improbable Likelihood of the impact materialising is very low

Rating 4 3 2 1

Significance Rating of classified impacts

Impact Points Description

Low 4-6 An acceptable impact for which mitigation is desirable but not essential. The impact by itself is insufficient even in combination with other low impacts to prevent the development being approved. These impacts will result in either positive or negative medium to short term effects on the social and/or natural environment.

Medium 7-9 An important impact which requires mitigation. The impact is insufficient by itself to prevent the implementation of the project but which in conjunction with other impacts may prevent its implementation. These impacts will usually result in either a positive or negative medium to long-term effect on the social and/or natural environment.

High

10 12 A serious impact, if not mitigated, may prevent the implementation of the project (if it is a negative impact). These impacts would be considered by society as constituting a major and usually a long-term change to the (natural &/or social) environment and result in severe effects or beneficial effects.

Very high 13-16 A very serious impact which, if negative, may be sufficient by itself to prevent implementation of the project. The impact may result in permanent change. Very often these impacts are unmitigatable and usually result in very severe effects, or very beneficial effects

Status Denotes the perceived effect of the impact on the affected area

Positive (+) Beneficial impact

Negative (-) Adverse impact

Negative impacts are shown with a (-) while positive ones are indicated as (+) Briefly describe and compare the potential impacts (as appropriate), significance rating of impacts, proposed mitigation and significance rating of impacts after mitigation that are likely to occur as a result of the construction phase for the various alternatives of the proposed development. This must include an assessment of the significance of all impacts.

DESIGN AND PLANNING PHASE Potential impacts:

Significance rating of impacts (+ve or -ve)

Proposed mitigation:

Significance rating after mitigation:

Risk of the impact and mitigation not being implemented

Authorisations, Permits, Licenses and appointment of personnel

-ve - All necessary authorisations, permits and licenses must be obtained prior to construction;

- It must be ensured that the Surface Water and Rehabilitation Plan informs the EMPr for the proposed upgrade of a portion of Allandale road

-ve Low


23

Potential impacts:





and associated culverts; and that the EMPr then forms part of the contractual agreement with the contractors and sub- contractors for the duration of the proposed project;

- Before any work commences, the proponent must appoint an independent Environmental Control Officer (ECO) to monitor and report on compliance to the authorisation during the construction phase.

Access Roads- Access to the construction site could impact on wetlands

-ve Utilise the designated access road to the sites and adhere to the construction guidelines developed along with the mitigation measures stipulated in the EMPr.

-ve Low

Construction camp-Placement of camp could impact on wetlands, faunal corridors and be visually intrusive

-ve The construction camp must be erected on an area which is already disturbed and outside of the wetland buffer

-ve Low

Culverts designs and the road Placement of culverts will have negative impacts on the streams and wetlands. This can be exacerbated by ineffective design

-ve The Design and Method Statement to be prepared and provide for the following: - setting out positions of the various structural

elements so as to limit impact on the environment and wetland system.

- Efficient and functional design for effective stormwater management;

- Culverts to accommodate the 1:50 year storms;

- Construction method that is least disruptive to traffic movement, environmental resources and limited movement into the wetland areas.

- Consideration to be given to deflect the alignment of the road within the existing road reserve so that it by-passed the Glen Austin Pan buffer disturbing the wetland functioning

-ve Low

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Geology and soils – - Destabilisation of

surface geology as a result of excavations

- Potential erosion, degradation and loss of topsoil due to construction activities as well as storm water runoff.

-ve - All site disturbances must be limited to the areas where structures, access roads and the K109 will be constructed.

- Erosion berms should be installed to prevent gully formation and further siltation of the freshwater resources, and all soil stockpiles should be placed outside of the resource itself and its associated buffer zone, and protected with a suitable geotextile.

- All excavated soil must be stripped and stockpiled within a designated area, in the vicinity of the construction site, outside of the buffer zones, for subsequent use at a later stage. Further care

-ve Mid-low


24

Potential impacts:





must be taken to minimise the amount of material used for backfill which have abrasive surfaces.

- Stockpiles must be protected from the wind and rain with the use of tarpaulins, where necessary;

- It must be ensured that weeds are eradicated from topsoil;

- Litter and general waste must be removed from the soil prior to stockpiling;

- All/any erosion and silt control mechanisms need to be regularly maintained for the duration of the construction phase;

- All areas disturbed by construction activities should be monitored for erosion and incision;

- Any areas compacted as a result of construction activities, where applicable, shall be ripped to a depth of approximately 150mm, using hand-held equipment, prior to being infilled with topsoil.

- Where possible, plants should be cut down to ground level instead of being removed completely to stabilise the soil during land- clearing operations;

- When excavated areas are backfilled the surface must be level with the surrounding land surface, unless stated otherwise, to minimise soil erosion from the areas when the excavation is complete.

Topography - Alteration of

topography due to excavations/cutting, scouring, stockpiling of soil, construction material and debris and waste material on site.

- Stability of slopes

-ve - Avoid placing of stockpiles and other services on areas likely to pose obtrusive visual impact

- Precautionary measures and design from the engineer along with the proposed mitigation measures from the wetland specialist must be implemented.

- Re-vegetation of re-profiled slopes; - Temporary stabilisation of slopes using

geotextiles; and installation of gabions and reno mattresses to be implemented.

-ve Low

Fauna and flora - Destruction and/or

alteration of habitat within the footprint of the construction area

- Resident fauna could be harmed through construction activities. Impact on natural movement of species (dispersal corridors.)

- Loss or displacement of conservation important species

-ve - Vegetation clearing should be kept to what is absolutely essential, to reduce the extent of bare soils, thus limiting erosion potential of the area;

- Should any faunal or floral Species of Conservation Concern (SCC) be encountered within the zone of influence of the proposed linear development, effective relocation of individuals to suitable offset areas must occur;

- Workers must be limited to areas under construction within the site and access to the undeveloped areas must be strictly regulated (“no-go” areas during construction as well as operational activities).

- All temporary stockpile areas including litter and dumped material and rubble must be removed on completion of construction.

-ve Low


25

Potential impacts:





- Construction of barriers to animal movement or migration routes

- Relative to the Giant Bullfrog o the breeding sites

will be disturbed, if not irreparably damaged.

o Foraging grounds and burrowing habitats will be reduced to a point that threatens the survival of the giant bullfrogs.

o Dispersal corridors will be closed and the breeding population will be confined to a genetically isolated “island” surrounded by impenetrable development.

- The Contractor must ensure that no faunal species are disturbed, trapped, hunted or killed during the construction phase. Fines must be imposed and immediate dismissal of any employee who is found attempting to snare or otherwise harms faunal species. All animals captured must be released in appropriate habitat away from the development.

- Building of temporary access roads should be kept to a minimum to prevent unnecessary impact on the surrounding vegetation.

- Construction camp and soil stockpiles must be located outside of the 50m bufferzone of the pans.

- Measures to be implemented to ensure limited disturbance in close proximity of the pan.

- Attempts to be made so that all construction activity for 1km either side of Glen Austin Pan during Giant Bullfrog breeding Season from 1 November to 15 January each year is avoided.

Wetland and water resources - Changing the

quantity and fluctuation properties of the watercourse by for example obstructing water flow or intercepting lateral interflow.

- Changes in sediment entering and exiting the system

- Loss of wetland habitat and ecological structure.

- Changes to wetland ecological and socio-cultural service provision

-ve - Use of SANRAL road standards in terms of drainage and stormwater where practical and possible within project agreements

- Demarcate areas prior to commencement of the construction in order to minimize construction footprints and control the edge effects from construction activities; and ensure that vegetation clearing is kept at a minimum.

- The duration of impacts on the wetlands should be minimised as far as possible by ensuring that the duration of time in which flow alteration and sedimentation will take place is minimised – therefore the construction period should be kept as short as possible, and if at all feasible, construction activities should be scheduled for the drier months/low flow season to decrease the risk of erosion during heavy thunderstorms;

- The following mitigation measures are applicable to the creation of any temporary stream diversions: o Prior to creating any required diversions,

erosion and sediment controls such as sandbags and protection of exposed soils

-ve Medium-low


26

Potential impacts:





- Impacts on wetland/riparian hydrological function

- Site clearing and the removal of vegetation leading to increased runoff and erosion and altered wetland habitat

- Earthworks leading to increased runoff and erosion and altered runoff patterns

- Changes to wetland community due to alien invasion resulting in altered wetland conditions

- Contamination of surface and groundwater due to spillage, leakage, incorrect storage and handling of chemicals, oils, lubricants, cement, fuels and other hazardous materials.

- Loss of ability to assimilate phosphate and toxicants due to vegetation clearing

- Inability to support biodiversity due contamination

- Incision of and erosion of wetland areas due to disturbance of wetland soils during construction related activities

- Concentration of flow due to increased runoff from areas cleared for construction

- Disturbance of soils resulting in sediment deposition into the

with suitable geotextiles, must be implemented around the site, in order to minimise the risk of sedimentation of the downstream areas;

o The inlet and outlet of temporary stream diversions must be stabilized using appropriate erosion control techniques, and the outlet of the diversion must be monitored for erosion; and

o Following completion of the extension of the culverts, the stream diversion must be removed and the affected area rehabilitated.

o Ensure that the functionality of the permanent, seasonal and temporary zones of the freshwater resources is maintained through provision of measures to ensure that soil wetting conditions are maintained and the freshwater resource functions are reinstated;

- Erosion control measures around the culvert construction sites are considered crucial. Such measures may include sandbags to stabilize banks and side slopes, and protection of exposed soils with suitable geotextiles such as hessian sheeting;

- Adequate stormwater management must be incorporated into the rehabilitation plan in order to prevent erosion and the associated sedimentation of the freshwater resources. In this regard special mention is made of:

- Monitor the wetland/riparian areas for erosion and incision. Any area where active erosion is observed must be immediately rehabilitated in such a way as to ensure that the hydrology of the area is reinstated to conditions which are as natural as possible.

- Drift fences constructed from hessian sheets should be installed at erodible areas to minimise erosion. Silt traps should also be provided to remove sand/silt particles from runoff;

- Where sedimentation has been observed, effective rehabilitation with a focus on the long term control of alien invasive plants should be done.

- Any construction-related waste must not be placed in the vicinity of any wetland/riparian areas;

- Adequate stormwater drainage should be constructed. Stormwater culverts and drains are to be located and covered with metal grids to prevent blockages;


27

Potential impacts:





wetland areas during runoff.

- Implement an alien vegetation control program. - Following completion of construction, reprofiling

of the banks of disturbed riparian areas must take place, and must be revegetated with indigenous gramminoid species such as Arundinella nepalensis, Imperata cylindrica, Setaria sphacelata and Eragrostis gummiflua;

Air Quality:

- Dust from access roads and areas cleared for construction

-ve - Dust suppression measures through regular application of water must be implemented on temporary dirt roads and during the transportation of material during dry periods. Water used for this purpose must be used in quantities that will not result in the generation of run-off.

-ve Very low

Noise There is likely to be an increase in noise pollution due to, among others, the excavations and site clearing, construction vehicles and construction staff

-ve - All equipment and activities to comply with noise regulations.

- All construction activities should be undertaken according to daylight working hours between the hours of 07:00 – 17:00 on weekdays and 7:30 – 13:00 on Saturdays.

- All operations should meet the noise standard requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act No. 85 of 1993).

-ve Low

Visual Intrusion & Light pollution - Unkempt site due to

littering and illegal dumping on site and surrounding areas.

- Removal of vegetation may cause visual intrusion.

- Unsightly construction waste pile may be visually intrusive

-ve - All rubbish and excess rubble including excess soil and bedrock to be removed to a registered waste disposal facility. A certificate of disposal must be obtained for any waste that is disposed of.

- Refuse bins must be provided on site and these must be emptied regularly.

- The location of the construction camp must be carefully selected so that the camp is not visually intrusive.

- Light pollutions should be minimised. Lighting is to be sufficient for safety and security purposes, but shall not be intrusive to neighbouring residents, disturb wildlife.

- Construction activities must be limited to the daylight hours.

-ve Low

Waste management Waste generation during the construction phase will have a negative impact on the environment, if not controlled adequately. Waste streams likely to include domestic waste, spent grinding material, mixed concrete, paint cans and brushes, construction rubble and

-ve - Waste should be temporarily stored on site before being disposed of appropriately. . General waste should be placed in water tight containers and disposed of on a regular basis.

- Where possible construction waste should be recycled or reused. Building rubble must be re-used, where possible, where this is not possible, the rubble will be disposed of at an appropriate site.

- Records of all waste taken off site and disposed of must be kept as evidence.

- Burning of waste material will not be permitted. - In case of spillages of hazardous substances; they

must be cleaned up using absorbent material

-ve Low


28

Potential impacts:





other construction waste

provided in spill kits on site, and must be disposed of together with other hazardous material at a hazardous waste landfill. Absorbent materials used to clean up spillages should be disposed of in a separate hazardous waste bin.

Traffic - Construction is likely to

lead to restricted traffic flow and generation of additional traffic in terms of construction vehicles and heavy vehicles delivering materials to the site.

- Restricted traffic flow in the vicinity of construction site

-ve - Traffic accommodation during construction will to be planned so as not to interfere with the wetland areas and passing traffic.

- Clear construction signage must be displayed along the major roads and entrance to the site indicating a construction site and turning of construction vehicles.

- The access road to be properly positioned and road signage provided to limit conflict with passing traffic.

- No construction vehicles are to be parked along the R562 in such a way as to block movement of the traffic on this or any other roads leading to the neighbouring properties.

- Construction vehicles and activities must aim to avoid peak hour traffic times (weekdays 7-8am and 5-6pm).

-ve Low

Safety and Security A construction site can be a dangerous place and could result in harm to people and property and by their nature act as a magnet to the unemployed, resulting in large numbers of people gathering around the site.

-ve - The site camp to be fenced off to prohibit unauthorized entry.

- Health and Safety Officer to be appointed to continuously monitor the safety conditions during construction.

- All construction staff must have the appropriate PPE.

- Staff handling chemicals or hazardous materials must be trained in the use of the substances and the environmental, health and safety consequences of incidents.

- Access to fuel and other equipment stores is to be strictly controlled

- Record and report any environmental, health and safety incidents to the responsible person.

- Signs should be erected to warn of construction activities.

- The site and crew are to be managed in strict accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act No. 85 of 1993) and the National Building Regulations

- All structures that are vulnerable to high winds must be secured.

- All manhole openings are to be covered and clearly demarcated with danger tape.

- Potentially hazardous areas such as trenches are to be cordoned off and clearly marked at all times.

- The basic spill control kit must be available at each construction camp within the site.

-ve Low


29

Potential impacts:





- The Contractor is to ensure traffic safety at all times, and shall implement road safety precautions for this purpose.

- All vehicles and equipment used on site must be operated by appropriately trained and / or licensed individuals in compliance with all safety measures as laid out in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act No. 85 of 1993) (OHSA).

- An environmental awareness training programme for all workers shall be put in place by the Contractor. Before commencing with any work, all workers shall be appropriately briefed about the EMPr and relevant occupational health and safety issues.

- Adequate emergency facilities must be provided for the treatment of any emergency on the site. Emergency procedures must be available on site and communicated to all.

- The nearest emergency service provider must be identified and Emergency contact numbers are to be displayed conspicuously at prominent position.

- No loitering around the site for people seeking temporary employment is to be allowed

Disruption to Road Users & Road Infrastructure

-ve - Access to the construction area must be predetermined and used during constructions.

- Excavated earth material should not be dumped/ Warning signage must be erected as appropriate to warn road-users of the presence of construction workers and construction vehicles.

-ve Low

Impacts to Cultural/ Historical Resources

-ve Any artifacts or cultural resources encountered during construction must be preserved and removed with the assistance of a qualified specialist

-ve Low

Employment /job opportunities created

+ve Construction activities will result in the creation of some job opportunities No mitigation required

+ve

Alignment with spatial and related plans

+ve The activity supports intensive land use within an urban area.

+ve

OPERATIONAL PHASE Fauna and flora - Reduced/ limited

connectivity in the ecological system

- Invasion of alien species

- Lighting and its negative impact on fauna;

- Pollution of water resources

-ve - If vegetation adjacent to the abutments of the culverts is to be removed it must be mowed or cut short to between approximately 6 – 9 inches as a maintenance procedure (at this height basal erosion of the grasses will be minimised and the grass must not be ploughed, as ploughing disturbs the soils creating conditions for alien plant species to invade the area, as well as increasing the possibility of soil erosion by water runoff.

- The grass cuttings must be carefully collected and disposed of at a separate waste facility and not be allowed to enter the river, as high grass

-ve Low


30

Potential impacts:





loads can impair the water quality during the low flow season;

- All maintenance vehicles must remain on designated roads with no indiscriminate driving through the riparian zone;

- Appropriate lighting that does not shine into the surrounding areas must be used;

- Monitoring and removal of alien vegetation must be undertaken continuously for three months after the construction of the bridge has been completed and during the first growing season.

- Prevent contamination of natural wetland from any source of pollution, effluent, etc.

- Ongoing monitoring of the resource and any stormwater facilities which discharges into the resource is required, to ensure that any litter or solid wastes which do reach the resource are removed in a timely manner.

Wetlands and the Glen Austin Pan and habitat of the Giant Bullfrogs

-ve - Sediment barriers must be properly maintained throughout construction and reinstalled as necessary until replaced by permanent erosion controls or restoration of adjacent upland areas is complete

- Where maintenance work or emergency action must be undertaken and water needs to be pumped around the works area and discharged back into the wetland, care must be taken to ensure that the water is discharged in a manner that does not cause siltation or erosion downstream. As such it is recommended that any water to be discharged from pumping around the maintenance activity or from dewatering operations be first discharged into a structure that allows the settlement of all suspended material, and which allows the diffuse discharge of water into the wetland. The water must be dissipated on re-entry into the wetland,uce the changes of erosion

- Glen Austin Pan (B) and the smaller pan are separated by an elevated watershed and there is no hydrological connection on the surface. However, amphibians (Giant Bullfrogs in particular) will move between the two pans, particularly at in the breeding season when they emerge from their burrows and assemble at the breeding site for just one or two days. The K109 presents a barrier to that movement. Giant Bullfrogs are highly phylopatric and on certain days of the year the frogs will cross the road en mass to reach the pan. This not only

-ve Low


31

Potential impacts:





results in high frog mortality, it is also a road hazard.

- Specialised fencing should be installed to prevent seasonal mass migration of Giant Bullfrogs across the road. A welded mesh fence with apertures no larger than 30mm and a minimum height of 1m should be erected on both sides of the K109 road along its length adjacent to the pan. The fence should funnel into the culvert so that all animals larger than 30mm are directed through the culverts. The fence could be raised to serve as a security barrier to prevent pedestrians from crossing the road

- A culvert of approximately 500mm, i.e. as low as possible while allowing for periodic clearing and maintenance should be constructed. Because the road is on elevated ground, the culvert will carry no drainage. Aprons should therefore be excavated back from the entrances to provide level access through the culvert. Aprons must not be lower than the high water mark of Glen Austin Pan. The aprons should be top-soiled and seeded with an indigenous grass mix.

- At the intersections with the two crossroads the mesh fence should be taken along the curb of the minor road for a distance of at least 50m from the intersection.

Noise Disturbing noise from traffic using the road and bridge structure

-ve Noise attenuation measures to be implemented. These to include low noise road surface, noise retention walls and embankments as well as retention or planting of vegetation along the road to absorb noise from the road.

-ve Low

Socio-economic impacts - Ease of vehicular

movement in the area and support to residential and economic activities.

- Job opportunities created through

+ve No mitigation required +ve


32

NO-GO OPTION

Potential impacts:

Significance rating of impacts

Issues and Proposed mitigation:

Significance rating after mitigation

Risk of mitigation not implemented

Geology and soils

+ve No disturbance of soils on the site. However, erosion control will be required.

+ve

Fauna and flora

+ve No disturbance to fauna and flora due to construction and operation of the road. However, clearance of alien vegetation required

+ve

Topography No impact

Air Quality No impact

Wetland and water Resources

+ve No impact on wetlands and or pollution as a result of the implementation of the activity

+ve

Disturbance and fragmentation of the Giant Bullfrog habitat

+ve No fragmentation as a result of the activity. Illegal dumping to be prevented and the pan protected.

+ve High

Noise

+ve No noise disturbance to neighboring residential estates due to construction works on site

+ve

Visual Intrusion & Light pollution

+ve No impact +ve

Waste management -ve Area fenced-off to prevent dumping -ve High

Traffic -ve Although no traffic resulting from construction activities, traffic congestion to continue to increase in the area. Therefore, alternative routes to be used or constructed.

-ve High

Disruption to Road Users No impact


No impact

Employment /job opportunities created

-ve No job opportunities will be created. Alternative sources of employment to be investigated and implemented

-ve High

Alignment with spatial plans

-ve Plans to be amended to align with open space provision

-ve

List any specialist reports that were used to fill in the above tables. Such reports are to be attached in the appropriate Appendix.

- Wetland and Ecological Assessment - Surface Water Rehabilitation and Management Plan

- Geotechnical Assessment - Heritage Impact Assessment - Traffic Impact Assessment

Describe any gaps in knowledge or assumptions made in the assessment of the environment and the impacts associated with the proposed development.

It is assumed that all information provided by the Applicant and the appointed specialists is correct and valid and all data from an unpublished research is valid and accurate. The EAP will not accept any responsibility in the event that additional information not reasonably foreseen at the time of this report comes to light at a later stage of the process.

3. IMPACTS THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE DECOMISSIONING AND CLOSURE PHASE Briefly describe and compare the potential impacts (as appropriate), significance rating of impacts, proposed mitigation and significance rating of impacts after mitigation that are likely to occur as a result of the decommissioning and closure phase

Although no decommission is envisaged in the long-term, the table below presents potential impacts and mitigation measures should this take place in future.


33

Potential impacts: Significance rating of impacts:

Proposed mitigation: Significance rating of impacts after mitigation:

Risk of the mitigation not being implemented

Geology and soils - Soil erosion and loss

of soils. - Stability of slopes

and stream banks

- Protection of exposed soils. - Soil erosion prevention measures

implemented especially during rainy season.

- Immediate rehabilitation of exposed areas.

- Provide effective short-term measures for slope stabilisation, sediment control and subsidence control

- Provide adequate drainage systems to minimise and control infiltration

Medium

Hydrology and Water pollution Sediment mobilisation and transport in short to medium term. Debris in the wetland system. Soil er

- Prevention of sediment transportation by use of sediments ponds.

- Use of trappings to reduce amount of debris in the water.

- Avoid works during high-flow periods. Limit movement into and across the stream to the essential.

- Diverting stream-flow to avoid mixing of water with high solid content.

Medium

Fauna and Flora- - Re-establishment of

natural vegetation (long-term)

- Connectivity and ecosystem establishment (long- term)

Rehabilitation measures including planting of vegetation implemented

Low

Waste Generation and disposal of solid waste could have negative consequences on the environment

- Part of demolition material to be re-used on other construction sites;

- Limit disposal at landfills to non- recyclable material;

- Waste must be disposed of in the appropriate manner at a licensed disposal site.

Low

Air quality Dust pollution Noise pollution

- Dust control measures (water suppression, covers etc)

- Avoid demolition during windy months Restricted working hours

- Noise abatement measures implemented

Low

Negative Socio-economic impacts Loss of accessibility. Traffic congestion on alternative routes Scaring of the affected land in the short- medium term

- Alternative routes/diversions used. - Upgrades on other adjacent roads to

accommodate traffic - Decommissioning and rehabilitation plan

created and implemented

Medium

Employment opportunities Temporary job opportunities created

+ve Use of labour from surrounding communities +ve

Where applicable indicate the detailed financial provisions for rehabilitation, closure and ongoing post decommissioning management for the negative environmental impacts.

N/A


34

4. CUMULATIVE IMPACTS

Describe potential impacts that, on their own may not be significant, but is significant when added to the impact of other activities or existing impacts in the environment. Substantiate response:

Cumulative impacts refer to the incremental impacts resulting from the implementation of an activity on a common resource which are added to the impacts of other past, present or reasonably foreseeable future activities. The potential cumulative impacts of the township both during construction and occupation by considering the effects of the development have been considered relative to the;

- The biophysical environment; and - Socio-economic conditions

Specific impacts will include:

- Increase in noise pollution during construction- construction only during daytime, to reduce noise pollution and not upset residents of the area.

- Increased fragmentation of the bullfrog habitat. - Increase in water pollution as a result of construction of the culverts and general construction activities

in the area: - measures to be put in place to limit water pollution, siltation and soil compression. Excavated materials to be stockpiled in designated areas to prevent interference with the natural drainage or cause siltation or water pollution.

- Alteration of surface water flows during construction and operational phases and general disturbances to the water resources as a result of alien vegetation and siltation. Storm water management plan to be implemented and alien vegetation cleared.

- Dusty conditions may increase: -access roads to be checked and dust prevention measures implemented.

- During the construction phase some safety and security problems (especially for the surrounding residents) are likely to occur.

- Improvement in vehicular flow and traffic movement in the area due to additional high order road being opened up.

The impacts can be mitigated if activities are correctly planned and measures implemented to manage activities which could cause any negative cumulative impacts.

5. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT Taking the assessment of potential impacts into account, please provide an environmental impact statement that sums up the impact that the proposal and its alternatives may have on the environment after the management and mitigation of impacts have been taken into account with specific reference to types of impact, duration of impacts, likelihood of potential impacts actually occurring and the significance of impacts.

Proposal The application is for the implementation of a Provincial road whose alignment has been known for over 30years. This will involve the upgrade of a portion of Dale road as well as the construction of a new section forming part of the Road K109 up to Road R562. As part of the process, culverts will be constructed to cross wetland/streams along the route. The development is necessary to improve traffic circulation in the area, reduce congestion in parallel routes in the area and support economic activities in the vicinity. Since the proposed development will traverse some wetlands/streams, and affect the habitat of the Giant Bullfrog, the probability that some short term negative impacts will occur is considered ‘definite’. However due to the design of the culverts, impact significance prior to the implementation of mitigation measures during construction is deemed to be of medium-high levels, reducing to medium-low without mitigation. The impact significance during the operational phase will be of low levels. However, efficient and effective implementation of well-designed mitigation measures can reduce impact significance during both phases to low and very low levels.


35

The proposed route is littered by dumped builders’ rubble and garden waste and large areas of the grassland and rehabilitated cultivated fields are invaded by Seriphium plumosum. The proposed route passes very near the eastern banks of the Glen Austin pan that has been declared a protected ecosystem (Glen Austin Pan ‒ GP 4) and that forms part of the Glen Austin Pan Conservancy. The edge effects from the road construction will impact upon the vegetation of the pan. In terms of mammalian species, only a remnant of a historical species assemblage remains after large, medium and discerning species have been displaced. This assessment shows that the anticipated impacts can be mitigated to acceptable levels, there’s no strong justifiable reason to not authorise the development.

No-go (compulsory)

The ‘no-go’ alternative is the option of not implementing the road. This alternative would potentially result in in the following opportunities being lost:

• opportunities for eradication and control of illegal dumping.

• Re-introduction of indigenous grassland on embankments and road reserves.

• Control of pedestrian traffic and security.

• Management of storm water runoff and ground water recharge.

• Fencing and protection of wetland systems.

• Realization of the planned road to ease traffic movement.

• Potential for job creation in the construction and maintenance of the rpad..

6. IMPACT SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSAL OR PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE

Impact Significance after mitigation

Proposal No-Go

DESIGN AND PLANNING PHASE

Authorisations, Permits, Licenses and appointment of personnel

Access Roads

Construction camp

Culverts design and the road

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Geology and soils +ve

Topography

Fauna and flora +ve

Wetland and surface water +ve

Air quality

Noise +ve Visual Intrusion & Light pollution +ve Waste management -ve

Traffic -ve

Safety and Security

Disruption to Road Users & Road Infrastructure


Employment /job opportunities created +ve -ve

Alignment with spatial plans +ve -ve

OPERATIONAL PHASE

Fauna and flora

Compliance with municipal spatial plans +ve -ve

Glen Austin Pan -ve

Noise

Socio-economic impacts +ve -ve


36

For proposal:

After mitigation, the significance of all impacts in the short-term, are rated as low. Positive impacts of medium significance would be realised in employment opportunities as well as compliance with the spatial plans.

No-go alternative:

The no-go option will have low negative impacts on the environment; it will also have pronounced negative impacts on the social and economic environment and therefore is not preferred.

Having assessed the significance of impacts of the proposal and alternative(s), please provide an overall summary and reasons for selecting the proposal or preferred alternative.

The summary opinion of the proposed development is provided below as follows: Bio-Physical Environment - The vegetation and the site in general is already degraded with limited sensitivities except for the

wetlands, the pans and the bullfrog habitat. Although the activity will affect the latter aspects, adherence to cogent, well-conceived and ecologically sensitive site development plans, and the mitigation measures provided as well as general good practice mitigation will greatly reduce the significance of perceived impacts.

- No red listed species or sensitive fauna and flora are present on site or adjoining areas. - The significance of most of the negative construction related impacts can be mitigated to between low

and very low significance. The information contained in this DBAR and specialist studies, provides a detailed and comprehensive description of the proposed project, baseline environment and potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed activity. With the necessary mitigation and management measures being implemented, the identified impacts can be mitigated to acceptable levels. Social-economic Environment - The road and related infrastructure form an essential infrastructure for the development of this part of

the municipalities. - The road will ease congestion on adjacent roads including the N1 while improving the north-south linkages

and traffic flow in the area. - Some employment opportunities will be created during the construction phase.

Alignment with spatial plans The development proposal is compatible with the RSDF and the Provincial EMF and will support integrated development.

7. SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT TOOLS Indicate the application of any spatial development tool protocols on the proposed development and the outcome thereof.

The activity is compatible with: - City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Regional Spatial Development Framework; - City of Ekurhuleni Spatial Development Framework - Gauteng Environmental Management Framework.

8. RECOMMENDATION OF THE PRACTITIONER

Is the information contained in this report and the documentation attached hereto sufficient to make a decision in respect of the activity applied for (in the view of the Environmental Assessment Practitioner as bound by professional ethical standards and the code of conduct of EAPASA).

YES NO

If “NO”, indicate the aspects that require further assessment before a decision can be made (list the aspects that require further assessment):

Nil If “YES”, please list any recommended conditions, including mitigation measures that should be considered for inclusion in any authorisation that may be granted by the competent authority in respect of the application:


37

The assessment has indicated that the negative impacts associated with the activity can be mitigated to acceptable levels, while the positive impacts will be enhanced. From the socio-economic and biophysical aspects the application should be approved, provided that the essential mitigation, rehabilitation and monitoring measures are implemented and that: - The recommendations of the Surface Water Rehabilitation and Management Plan must be strictly

implemented to manage impacts. - Underpasses must be provided in the vicinity of the Glen Austin Pan to allow for the unrestricted

movement of the Giant Bull Frogs. Fences may be introduced to prevent movement of the Bullfrogs onto the road.

- Monitoring and removal of alien vegetation must be undertaken continuously for three months after the construction of the bridge has been completed and during the first growing season.

- Effective erosion control throughout the construction phase is imperative. Erosion berms should be installed to prevent gully formation and further siltation of the channeled valley bottom wetland. Erosion controls must be regularly maintained, at minimum on a fortnightly basis, particularly if rain is forecast or immediately following a rainfall event. Soil stockpiles should be placed outside of the 32m buffer zone, and protected with a suitable geotextile.;

- All areas where soils are exposed or destabilised need to be stabilised taking into account the following: o soft engineering techniques and earthworks should be used, with special mention of re-sloping of

banks, revegetation of banks and stabilisation using products such as hessian sheets and socks; o Hard engineering techniques should only be implemented in areas where engineering and hydraulic

constraints require such interventions. In particular mention is made of gabions, reno mattresses and reinforced walls.

o Following completion of construction, reprofiling of the banks of disturbed riparian areas must take place, and must be revegetated with indigenous gramminoid species such as Arundinella nepalensis, Imperata cylindrica, Setaria sphacelata and Eragrostis gummiflua;

- Adequate stormwater management must be incorporated into the design in order to prevent erosion, bank incision and streambed scouring and the associated sedimentation of the watercourse. Use of ‘green’ or ‘soft’ engineering techniques (such as Sustainable Drainage Systems [SuDS]) is recommended;

9. THE NEEDS AND DESIREBILITY OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

The K109 forms part of the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport’s future road network planning aimed to enhance connectivity within the province and to other provinces. The K109 is planned to run in a south-north direction commencing from R101 (Old Pretoria Main Road) in Halfway House and terminating at M39 in Brakfontein. This route will provide an alternative to the congested M1 and Old Pretoria Road (R101) as well as Allan Road in connecting Midrand and Centurion. Due to the location of Midrand between Tshwane in the north and Johannesburg in the south, and the location of the central business districts (and thus the primary work opportunities) of both Midrand and Centurion east of the N1 freeway, regional Routes K109 and K111 are needed to strengthen the north-south development axis. These arterial routes parallel to the N1 are also required to reduce traffic demand pressure on the freeway and its access interchanges. Route K109 will provide a direct link between the area currently being considered as CBD in Halfway House and Centurion. Furthermore, route K109 will open up the entire area along its length for development.

10. THE PERIOD FOR WHICH THE ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION IS REQUIRED (CONSIDER WHEN THE

11. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME (EMPr) If the EAP answers “Yes” to Point 7 above then an EMP is to be attached to this report as an Appendix

EMPr attached Yes

10 years


38

SECTION F: APPENDICES

Appendix A: Site and Layout Plans Appendix A¹: Locality Plan Appendix A²: Affected Landowners Appendix A3: Affected Properties Appendix B: Site Photographs Appendix C: Facility illustration(s) Appendix D: Route position information Appendix E: Public Participation information Appendix E¹: Proof of Notices Appendix E²: Written Notices Issued Appendix Eᵌ: Newspaper Advert Appendix E⁵: Minutes of Meetings Appendix E⁶: Comments of Issues Report Appendix E⁷: Comments and I&Aps on BAR Appendix E⁸: Copy of Register of I&Aps Appendix F: Water use license(s) authorization, SAHRA information, service letters from municipalities,

water supply information Appendix F1: SAHRA Authorisation Appendix F²: Comments from GDARD Appendix Fᵌ: Comments from COJ Appendix G: Specialist reports Appendix G¹: Wetland Assessment Report Appendix G2: Floral Assessment Report Appendix G3: Mammals Report Appendix G4: Amphibians Report Appendix G5: Rehabilitation and Management Plan Appendix G6: TIA Report Appendix G⁷: Geotech Report Appendix G⁸: Proposed Culverts in Wetland Buffer Zones Appendix H: EMPr Appendix I: EAP information

APPENDIX A: SITE AND LAYOUT PLANS


40

APPENDIX A¹: LOCALITY PLAN


41

APPENDIX A²: AFFECTED PROPERTIES

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION OWNER CONTACT

PERSON

TEL E-MAIL ADDRESS

Portion 6 of the Farm

Kaalfontein 13-R

City of

Johannesburg

Metropolitan

Municipality

011 407 7300 [email protected] P.O. Box 1049 Johannesburg

2000

Holding 418, Glen Austin

Agricultural Holdings,

Extension


Oliphantsfontein 410-JR

Summer Symphony

Prop 264 CC

WM Strydom 083 659

4400

[email protected] P.O. Box 15, Olifantsfontein

1665





RE PORTION 15 OF THE

FARM OLIFANTSFONTEIN

410-JR



ML Strydom WM

Strydom

083 659

4400

[email protected] P.O. Box 15 Olifantsfontein

1665





Sibusisiwe Family

Trust

Sibusisiwe

Family

Trust

Poste Restante

Halfway House, 1685



SP Polack SP Polack 011 314 1161

012 327

3266 (work)

P.O. Box 10512 Centurion, 0046

K109


42



Quickbus 65 CC GS Nelson 083 227

7546

[email protected] Postnet Suite 76 Private Bag X153

Bryanston 2021



DS Pretorius DS

Pretorius

082 334

4185

[email protected] P.O. Box 293, Halfway House, 1685



DR Jansen van

Vuuren

DR Jansen

van Vuuren

082 558

5082

[email protected] P.O. Box 181, Halfway, House 1685

Remainder of Portion 23 of the

Farm Oliphantsfontein

410-JR

R Griessel R Griessel 082 378

1103




410-JR

Acquest No 9 CC

R Griessel

D Griessel

B Kew

082 378

1103 011

535 8117

011 535

8214

[email protected]

[email protected] m

[email protected]

P.O. Box 3936, Halfway House, 1685







JD Craemer JD Craemer 084 900 5262

086 653 0395

(fax)

[email protected] P.O. Box 3762 Secunda, Midrand

2302



410-JR

JJ Van der Walt JJ Van der

Walt

011 206

1000

[email protected]

For Attention: JJ vd Walt

P.O. Box 78 Olifantsfontein

1665



S Jordaan

S Jordaan

J Jordaan

082 598 3993

0827826443

[email protected]

om [email protected]

P.O. Box 50064 Randjesfontein

1683



A Silver A Silver 011 347 8000

071 684 0552

mb.switchboard@supergr

p.com


1683



Friedcorp 114 CC Z Saloojee 082 708

0839

zsaloojeeattorneys@gmai

l.com

P.O. Box 120 Bergville ,3350

Portion 108 of the Farm WP Coetzee WP Coetzee 082 325 [email protected] P.O. Box 5, Derdepoortpark, 0035


43

Oliphantsfontein 410-JR 6461



N Fok N Fok P.O. Box 3500, Halfway House, 1685

Portion 8 of Holding 589

Glen Austin Agricultural

Holding Ext 1

HL Van Rooyen HL Van

Rooyen

082 570

2284

[email protected] P.O. Box 100, Crown Mines, 2025



Holding Ext 1

E Nigrini E Nigrini 041 373

7865 (work)

P.O. Box 100, Crown Mines, 2025



Holding Ext

JKM Van Doninck JKM Van

Doninck

082 855

9632

[email protected]

For Attention: Jozef




Holding Ext 1

Property Descriptions SG 21 Digit Code(s) of the properties

Portion 6 of the Farm Kaalfontein 13-IR TOIR00000000001300006

Holding 418 Glen Austin Agricultural Holdings Ext 1 TOJR00950000041800000

Portion 183 of the Farm Olifantsfontein 410-JR TOJR00000000041000183

Portion 173 of the Farm Olifantsfontein 410-JR TOJR00000000041000173

Portion 174 of the Farm Olifantsfontein 410-Jr TOJR00000000041000174 Re Portion 15 of the Farm Olifantsfontein 410-Jr TOJR00000000041000015

Portion 30 of the Farm Olifantsfontein 410-Jr TOJR00000000041000030







Re Portion 23 of the Farm Olifantsfontein 410-Jr TOJR00000000041000023




44









Portion 8 of Holding 589 Glen Austin Agricultural Holdings Ext 1 TOJR00950000058900008





45

APPENDIX A3: AFFECTED LAND OWNERS


PERSON

TEL E-MAIL ADDRESS

Portion 6 of the Farm Kaalfontein 13-R

City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality

Trevor Fowler

011 407 7300 [email protected]. za

P.O. Box 1049 Johannesburg 2000

Holding 418, Glen Austin Agricultural Holdings, Extension

Portion 183 of the Farm Oliphantsfontein 410-JR

Summer Symphony Prop 264 CC

WM Strydom

083 659 4400

[email protected] P.O. Box 15, Olifantsfontein 1665



RE PORTION 15 OF THE FARM OLIFANTSFONTEIN 410-JR


ML Strydom WM Strydom

083 659 4400

[email protected] P.O. Box 15 Olifantsfontein 1665



Sibusisiwe Family Trust

Sibusisiwe Family Trust

Poste Restante Halfway House, 1685


SP Polack SP Polack 011 314 1161 012 327 3266



46


Quickbus 65 CC GS Nelson 083 227 7546

[email protected] Postnet Suite 76 Private Bag X153 Bryanston 2021


DS Pretorius DS Pretorius

082 334 4185



DR Jansen van Vuuren

DR Jansen van Vuuren

082 558 5082


Remainder of Portion 23 of the Farm Oliphantsfontein 410-JR

R Griessel R Griessel 082 378 1103



Acquest No 9 CC R Griessel

D Griessel B Kew

082 378 1103 011 535 8117 011 535 8214

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]





JD Craemer JD Craemer

084 900 5262 086 653 0395 (fax)

[email protected] P.O. Box 3762 Secunda, Midrand 2302


JJ Van der Walt JJ Van der Walt

011 206 1000

[email protected] For Attention: JJ vd Walt

P.O. Box 78 Olifantsfontein 1665


S Jordaan

S Jordaan J Jordaan

082 598 3993 0827826443

[email protected] om [email protected]

P.O. Box 50064 Randjesfontein 1683


A Silver A Silver 011 347 8000 071 684 0552

[email protected] P.O. Box 50240 Randjesfontein 1683


47


Friedcorp 114 CC

Z Saloojee 082 708 0839

[email protected] P.O. Box 120 Bergville ,3350


WP Coetzee WP Coetzee

082 325 6461

[email protected] P.O. Box 5, Derdepoortpark, 0035



Portion 8 of Holding 589 Glen Austin Agricultural Holding Ext 1

HL Van Rooyen HLVan Rooyen

082 570 2284



E Nigrini E Nigrini 041 373 7865 (work)


Portion 10 of Holding 589 Glen Austin Agricultural Holding Ext

JKM Van Doninck

JK Van Doninck

082 855 9632

[email protected] For Attention: Jozef



APPENDIX B: SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Photos taken during the submission of the scoping report


1


2

APPENDIX C: FACILITY ILLUSTRATION


1

APPENDIX D: ROUTE POSITION


1

APPENDIX E: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION INFORMATION


2

APPENDIX E¹: PROOF OF NOTICES


3

APPENDIX E²: WRITTEN NOTICES ISSUED


4

APPENDIX Eᵌ: PROOF OF NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENT


5

APPENDIX E⁴: COMMUNICATIONS TO AND FROM INTERESTED PARTIES


6

APPENDIX E⁵: MINUTES OF ANY PUBLIC AND/OR STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS

Nil


7

APPENDIX E⁶: COMMENTS AND RESPONSES REPORT


8

APPENDIX E⁷: COMMENTS FROM I&APs ON BASIC ASSESSMENT (BA) REPORT


9

APPENDIX E⁸: REGISTER OF I&APS


10

APPENDIX F: WATER USE LICENSE(S) AUTHORIZATION, SAHRA INFORMATION, SERVICE LETTERS FROM MUNICIPALITIES,

WATER SUPPLY INFORMATION


11

APPENDIX F¹: APPROVAL FROM SAHRA


12

APPENDIX F²: COMMENTS FROM GDARD


13

APPENDIX Fᵌ: COMMENTS FROM THE CITY OF JOHANNESBURG


14

APPENDIX G: SPECIALIST REPORTS


15

APPENDIX G¹: WETLAND ASSESSMENT


16

APPENDIX G²: FLORAL ASSESSMENT


17

APPENDIX G3: MAMMAL HABITAT ASSESSMENT


18

APPENDIX G4: AMPHIBIANS REPORT


19

APPENDIX G5: REHABILITATION PLAN


20

APPENDIX G6: TIA REPORT


21

APPENDIX G7: GEOTECH REPORT


22

APPENDIX G8: PROPOSED CULVERTS IN WETLAND BUFFER ZONES


23

APPENDIX H: EMPR


24

APPENDIX I: EAP INFORMATION

Affected land parcels and landowners


PERSON

TEL E-MAIL ADDRESS


Kaalfontein 13-R

City of

Johannesburg

Metropolitan

Municipality

Trevor

Fowler

011 407

7300

[email protected].

za

P.O. Box 1049 Johannesburg

2000

Holding 418, Glen Austin

Agricultural Holdings,

Extension



Summer Symphony

Prop 264 CC

WM

Strydom

083 659

4400

[email protected] P.O. Box 15, Olifantsfontein

1665





RE PORTION 15 OF THE

FARM OLIFANTSFONTEIN

410-JR



ML Strydom WM

Strydom

083 659

4400

[email protected] P.O. Box 15 Olifantsfontein

1665





Sibusisiwe Family

Trust

Sibusisiwe

Family

Trust

Poste Restante

Halfway House, 1685



SP Polack SP Polack 011 314 1161

012 327



1

3266 (work)



Quickbus 65 CC GS Nelson 083 227

7546

[email protected] Postnet Suite 76 Private Bag X153

Bryanston 2021



DS Pretorius DS

Pretorius

082 334

4185




DR Jansen van

Vuuren

DR Jansen

van Vuuren

082 558

5082




410-JR

R Griessel R Griessel 082 378

1103




410-JR

Acquest No 9 CC

R Griessel

D Griessel

B Kew

082 378

1103 011

535 8117

011 535

8214

[email protected]

[email protected] m

[email protected]








JD Craemer JD Craemer 084 900 5262

086 653 0395

(fax)

[email protected] P.O. Box 3762 Secunda, Midrand

2302



410-JR

JJ Van der Walt JJ Van der

Walt

011 206

1000

[email protected]

For Attention: JJ vd Walt

P.O. Box 78 Olifantsfontein

1665



S Jordaan

S Jordaan

J Jordaan

082 598 3993

0827826443

[email protected]

om [email protected]


1683

Portion 106 of the Farm A Silver A Silver 011 347 8000

mb.switchboard@supergr

p.com



2

Oliphantsfontein 410-JR 071 684 0552 1683



Friedcorp 114 CC Z Saloojee 082 708

0839

zsaloojeeattorneys@gmai

l.com

P.O. Box 120 Bergville ,3350



WP Coetzee WP

Coetzee

082 325

6461

[email protected] P.O. Box 5, Derdepoortpark, 0035






Holding Ext 1

HL Van Rooyen HL Van

Rooyen

082 570

2284




Holding Ext 1

E Nigrini E Nigrini 041 373

7865 (work)




Holding Ext

JKM Van Doninck JKM Van

Doninck

082 855

9632

[email protected]

For Attention: Jozef




Holding Ext 1

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