proposed establishment of thabo township, cofimvaba · 2020-06-15 · sinovuyo mahlangeni intsika...

Proposed Establishment of Thabo

Township, Cofimvaba

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT

August 2009

PREPARED ON BEHALF OF:

Intsika Yethu Local Municipality

and

Nzelenzele, Preston and Medcalf Inc.

Eastern Cape Province 23 Ray Craib Cresent, Beacon Bay

EAST LONDON, 5241 EAST LONDON

Tel.: +27 - (0)43 – 748 5545 Fax: +27 - (0)43 – 748 1114 E-mail: [email protected]

www.uskconsulting.com

NPM

DOCUMENT CONTROL SHEET

REPORT TITLE: PROPOSED ESTABLISHMNET OF THABO TOWNSHIP SUBTITLE: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY/BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT

REPORT STATUS: FINAL REPORT CLIENT: NZELENZELE PRESTON AND MEDCALF INC.

PROJECT No: P0042/1/09

DOCUMENT DISTRIBUTION

Copy

No. Type Recipient Name Organization

1 PDF/Email Mr. Sakuzmi Mgugdo Nzelenzele Preston and Medcalf Inc.

2 Hard Copy Regional Manager Dept of Economic Development & Environmental Affairs

3 PDF/Email Sinovuyo Mahlangeni

Intsika Yethu Local Municipality

4 Hard Copy Public Comment Interested and Affected Parties/Public

Note: Electronic copies of this report are issued in portable document format and distributed via one of the

following media; CD-ROM, Email or Internet Secure Server. Copies held by USK Consulting are stored on mass

storage media archive. Further copies will be distributed on CD-ROM.

___________________________________

Mr. Steve Kitumba Kalule

Project Manager

___________________________________

Ms. Unathi Manyamalala

Director

USK CONSULTING cc

ENVIRONMENTAL & WASTE SERVICES

23 Ray Craib Crescent, Beacon Bay, East London 5241

Eastern Cape

Republic of South Africa

Cell: 072 256 3230

Tel: 043 748 5545

Fax: 043 748 1114

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.uskconsulting.com

Disclaimer

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without full acknowledgement

of the source

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.uskconsulting.com/

BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT – THABO TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS, ENVIRONMENT AND TOURISM, PROVINCE OF THE EASTERN CAPE

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DETAILS AND EXPERTISE OF THE EAP Names: Arsema Andargatchew Tesfaye Gender: Female Race: African Date of Birth: 21.04.1975 Profession: Environmental Scientist Organisation: USK Consulting Position: Project Scientist Marital Status: Single Contact Details: +27 73 9409977 / 043 7485545 Email: [email protected]

Background

An environmental scientist with 8 years of experience, Arsema has a science training background, specialising in environmental ecology and natural resources management. Her educational background and work experiences enables her to appreciate the scientific and biological requirements for range of environmental projects.

Education

Masters in Business Administration (MBA), Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2007

M.Sc. Environmental Studies, emphasis on Environmental Law/Policy and Environmental Ecology, MN, USA, 2003

B.S. Biology, Faculty of Science, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Professional Affiliations and Membership

International Association of Impact Assessment (IAIA)

Eastern Africa Association of Impact Assessment (EAAIA)

Ethiopian Association of Impact Assessment (EAIA)

Forum for Environment, member of steering committee (FfE)

ENDA-Ethiopia, Member of the Advisory board

Ethiopian Wildlife and Natural History Society (EWNHS) This Basic Assessment Report was overseen by:

Steve Kitumba Kalule Msc Environmental Toxicology/Pollution Monitoring Senior Consultant Vice Chairperson IWMSA - Eastern Cape Branch

USK CONSULTING Environmental & Waste Engineering 23 Ray Craib Cr. Beacon Bay East London 5241 Mobile: +27 72 256 3230

Tel : (043) 748 5545 Fax: (043) 748 1114 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.uskconsulting.com/

Please see overleaf for company profile.

mailto:[email protected]



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Background USK Consulting is a South African based company, with 100% Black ownership and 50% female

ownership. Our core fields of specialization include consulting services Environmental Management

and Waste Engineering, among others. Our team and specialists comes highly recognized by other

professionals and regulating authorities as leaders in the field. USK Consulting has got the experience,

expertise and resources to undertake and manage any scale and nature of Environmental and Waste

project. For further details please visit our company website www.uskconsulting.com and projects

profile on www.uskconsulting.com/Projects

Professional Affiliations of Members

Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC)

Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA)

National Association for Clean Air (NACA)

South African Chemical Institute (SACI)

Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA)

International Association of Impact Assessment Southern Africa (IAIA) Expertise and Fields of Experience

Air Quality Management

Air Pollution Measurements, Risk Assessment, and Control Technologies;

Ambient Air Monitoring Systems (Design and Implementation)

Air Quality Monitoring Surveys (Using passive and active Samplers)

Air Pollution emissions source testing and industrial emissions inventories, point and area sources.

Air Quality Management Plans and Programme

Data Management Systems Integrated Environmental Management

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Environmental Management Plans (EMP), and Programmes.

Environmental Management Systems (EMS) ISO 14001/ Natural Step (TNS)

Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA)

Environmental Auditing: EMS ISO14001 Audits, Compliance Audits Environmental Due Diligence investigations and Environmental Monitoring Systems

Water Quality Monitoring and Management

Soil Sampling, Analysis and Investigation

Contaminated Site Investigations and Remediation

Design and implementation of Integrated Environmental Monitoring Systems for Industrial and Municipal Activities ( Water Quality Monitoring System Design and Implementation

Integrated Waste Management

Waste Audits & Waste Stream Surveys

Integrated Waste Management Planning (IWMP)

Waste Minimisation Plans

Permitting Processes for waste storage /handling, recycling, treatment and disposal facilities.

Compliance Monitoring for waste storage /handling, recycling, treatment and disposal facilities.

Design and Implementation of Recycling programmes.

Environmental & Waste Engineering Building

23 Ray Craib Cresent, Beacon Bay

East London, 5241

East London

Tel.: +27 - (0)43 – 748 5545

Fax: +27 - (0)43 – 748 1114

Cell: +27 72 256 3230

E-mail: [email protected]

www.uskconsulting.com

Providing Scientific Solutions


http://www.uskconsulting.com/Projects


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Advice on waste management planning for industrial and municipal sectors.

Hazardous Waste Stream Surveys, classification and delisting procedures. Training and Facilitation

USK Consulting Team members are SETA registered trainers and assessors and can provide accredited Training in Waste Management, Environmental Management, and Water and Wastewater Treatment and Management.

Track Record and Project Experience

YEAR PROJECTS

May– 2009 Integrated Waste Management Plan (IWMP) – OR Tambo District Municipality

May 2009 Phase II Environmental Due Diligence Investigation (Soil, Water and Contamination Pathways Investigation) for a potentially contaminated industrial Site, for East London Industrial Development Zone.

April 2009 Phase I Environmental Due Diligence Investigation (Soil, Water and Contamination Pathways Investigation) for a potentially contaminated industrial Site, for East London Industrial Development Zone.

March 2009 Phase I & II Environmental Due Diligence Investigation (Soil, Water and Contamination Pathways Investigation) for a potentially contaminated industrial Site, in Lichtenburg, North West Province, Client undisclosed Cement Industry.

March 2009 Environmental Impact Assessment for the River Bend Country Estate, Siebert Developments.

March 2009 Environmental Impact Assessment for the Upgrading of the Molteno Sewage Treatment Works, 2ML works, for BIGEN Africa.

March 2009 Integrated Waste Management Plan (IWMP) Training for Department of Environmental Affairs& Tourism. Training of Officials from All Eastern Cape Local Municipalities, DEAT/IWMSA

February 2009 Strategic Environmental Assessment for the Hamburg Development, ASPIRE/ DBSA

Jan 2009 Integrated Waste Management Plan (IWMP) for West Rand District Municipality, USK Consulting/SEF, Current

Jan 2009 Air Quality Management Plan (IWMP) for West Rand District Municipality, USK Consulting/SEF, Current

Dec 2008 Buffalo City Regional Solid Waste Site – Operational Manual

Nov 2008 Hazardous Waste Classification, Characterisation and Delisting for Halberg Aluminium Foundry, Port Elizabeth,

Sept-Oct 2008 Specialist Technical Advisor for the Establishment of General Solid Waste Site and Hazardous Storage Facility for Medupi Power Station, ESKOM, on behalf of Envirolution (Pty)Ltd.

July-Oct 2008 Environmental Impact Assessments – Four Housing Developments for NPM Planning

June 2008 Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for Mnquma Municipality, Client Mnquma Municipality and Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)

May 2008 TCLP Test and Classification of Hazardous Paint Sludge – Mercedes Benz South Africa/Khangela Hygiene

April 2008 Characterisation and Classification of Wastewater Treatment Sludge for 5 treatment Plants, City of Mhlathuze (Richards Bay Municipality)

Ongoing Environmental and Social Management Plan, Kalukundi Copper & Cobalt Mines, Africa Mining Resources Group, Democratic Republic of Congo / Africo Resources and International Finance Corporation (IFC)

Ongoing Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for Mnquma Local Municipality, Development Bank of Southern Africa. March 2008 – current.

Ongoing Air Quality Monitoring (Dust Deposition /PM10 Emissions) at Grain Elevator Port of East London, Transnet Port Terminals. Nov 2007 – 2 Year contract.

February 2008 Environmental Impact Assessment, Thornville Access Road, Xonya Access Road and Mjanyane Access Road. Intsika Yethu Municipality/ Izizwe Engineering & Project Managers,

Nov 2007 Environmental Auditor, Clean Industry Awards, Department of Economic Development and


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Environmental Affairs – Eastern Cape and Institute of Waste Management Southern Africa – EC Branch, Oct 2007 – Nov 2007.

Nov 2007 Environmental Impact Assessment, Sigidini Bulk Waste Supply Scheme Alfred Nzo DM/ Izizwe Engineering & Project Managers,

Oct 2007 Environmental Impact Assessment Xora Mouth Eco Estate, AGES Group

August 2007 Internal Environmental Auditor, Buffalo City Regional Waste Disposal Site Roundhill, BCM – (Recurring Annual contract)

August 2007 Air and Water Quality Monitoring Specialist for Buffalo City Regional Waste Disposal Site Roundhill, BCM, – (Recurring Annual contract)

Aug 2007 Environmental Monitoring Co-ordinator for Buffalo City Regional Waste Disposal Site Roundhill – (Recurring Annual contract).

Sept 2007 Strategic Environmental Assessment & Environmental Decision Support Tool for the Mkambati Land Restitution Project, AGES (PTY) Ltd.

May 2007 Operation Permit (Environmental Conservation Act Section 20), for the Cofimvaba Landfill Site,

March 2007 Environmental Awareness Training course for Greening of the Nation Projects, Mthatha, Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT)/IKAMVA Development Agency.

Feb 2007 Hazardous Waste Stream Survey for Buffalo City Municipality,

Environmental Impact Assessment Molteno Storm Water Management Systems

July 2006 Dust Deposition Monitoring at the Blue Rock Quarry Wilsonia, Larfage South Africa/Ecoserv Pty Ltd,– (1 year contract).

June 2006 Environmental Impact Assessment, Mhlntlo Access Roads, MBSA Consulting.

June 2006 Environmental Impact Assessment, Mhlntlo Access Roads, MBSA Consulting Engineers.

May 2006 Waste Stream Survey /Addendum to Integrated Waste Management Plan for Intsika Yethu Municipality.

May 2006 Environmental Impact Assessment of an Eco Village Kei Mouth, AGES (PTY) LTD.

April 2006 Environmental Impact Studies and Permitting processes for the Establishment of Landfill Sites for Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, Intsika Yethu Municipality/ITWM.

April 2000 Environmental Impact Assessment Molteno Storm Water Management Systems.

April 2006 Environmental Impact Assessment of an Eco Village Kei Mouth.

April 2006 Environmental Impact Assessment, Cofimvaba EU Sanitation, MBSA Consulting Engineers.

March 2006 Environmental Impact Assessment, Cofimvaba EU Sanitation, MBSA Consulting.

Jan 2006 Environmental Impact Assessment, Xora River Crossings, MBSA Consulting Engineers.

Jan 2006 Environmental Impact Assessment, Ntsela Water Supply Scheme, Chris Hani District Municipality.

Dec 2005. Environmental Impact Assessment, Slovo Access Road, KSD Municipality.

Nov 2005 Environmental Impact Assessment, Mandela Access Road, KSD Municipality.

Oct 2005 Environmental Impact Assessment, Cala Area wide Access Roads, MBSA Consulting Engineers.

Oct 2005 Environmental Impact Assessment, Coffee Bay to Hole in the Wall Access Road, MBSA Consulting.

April 2005 Amathole District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan (CSIR-Environmentek) - Air Quality Inventory/Management Plan.

YEAR Environmental Co-ordinator / Senior Environmental Scientist - ARCUS GIBB (2001 - 2005)

2005 Design of the National Compliance Monitoring System, Waste Management, DEAT.

August 2005 Draft Environmental Management Plan, Gonubie Valley Eco Golf Estate,

2005 Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan, Amathole District Municipality.

2002 - 2005 East London Regional Waste Disposal Site Roundhill, BCM, 2001 -2004

Design and Operation of Air Quality Monitoring Programme

Design and Operation of Water Quality Monitoring Programme

Construction and Operations Environmental Control Officer, Regional Waste Disposal Site, Buffalo City Municipality,


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Environmental Monitoring Co-ordinator

Environmental monitoring committee co-ordinator

Review of Specialist Report for Air, Water and Waste

Waste Site Operation Audits

Compliance Monitoring for waste site permit (Internal audit

Hazardous waste delisting procedures

Project Management

May 2005. Environmental Impact Assessment, BCM - Beacon Bay Garden Refuse Transfer Station.

April 2005 Environmental Screening Assessment, BIGEN AFRICA - Quenera Community Integrated Development Project.

2004 Integrated Waste Management Plan and Landfill site permitting for the Quakeni Landfill Site, Plamer Development Group,

2003 - 2004 Integrated Waste Management Plan and transfer station site permitting for the East London Industrial Development Zone ,

2004 Integrated Waste Management Plan and Landfill site permitting for the O.R Tambo District , Ikamva Development Agency/Arcus

2003 Environmental Impact Assessment, Rural Access Roads, Elundini Local Municipality, 2004.

2004 Environmental Impact Assessment, Buffalo City Municipality - Telecommunications Tower, Roundhill

2003 Environmental Impact Assessment, Rezoning of Portion 32/33, Farm 807, Gonubie,

2003. Environmental Impact Assessment for UGIE/Qumbu 132kV and Substation ESKOM Distribution.

2003 Environmental Impact Assessment, Mzonyane 22 kV Overhead Powerline, June 2003.

June 2002. Screening Study and Rezoning Application for Farm 800, East London,

2002 Environmental Scoping Studies for EU Sanitation and Water supply schemes.

Client References DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTHERN AFRICA, Mrs Julie Clark/Havemann Environmental Analyst 082 909 4637 011 313 3099 MERCEDES BENZ SOUTH AFRICA/KHANGELA HYGIENE, Ms Deidre Freeman 083 2529102 TRANSNET, PORT OF EAST LONDON, Mr X Myoyo, Safety Health Environmental and Quality Manager, 082 4051029 BUFFALO CITY MUNICIPALITY, Solid Waste Department – Mr Vuyani Dayimani, or Mrs Shirley Fergus General Manager, 043 7211969, MHLATHUZE WATER Scientific Services Department – General Manager Mr. Swaswa Nthloro, 035 902 1055


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PREFACE

This Basic Assessment Report has been compiled on Behalf of Intsika Yethu Municipality as part of their application for environmental authorization for Thabo Village Township Establishment.

USK Consulting (Environmental & Waste) cc. was appointed by Nzelenzele, Preston and Medcalf Inc. on behalf of the applicant to act as the Environmental Assessment Practitioners for the proposed project. The role of the EAP for the project is to undertake the Basic Environmental Assessment for the project as required under Section 24 of the National Environmental Management Act, Act No 107 of 1998.

This report presents the findings of the Basic Environmental Assessment which has been completed in accordance with Regulations 22 and 23 of the EIA Regulations (Government Notice No. R. 385, 21st April 2006).

Environmental Impact Statement The proposed development is in line with the Intsikia Local Municipality Spatial Development Framework for the area. This SDF has earmarked the proposed development site as a site for housing development. However, during this Basic assessment we have determined that clear boundaries must be marked to avoid encroaching on the sensitive area around the Cofimvaba River, which is already under stress and polluted. An Environmental Sensitivity Map based on the Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan has been prepared and must be considered in making the decision. Most of the biophysical and social impacts associated with the proposed development are common to development and construction projects and may be effectively managed through the implementation of a comprehensive Environmental Management Plan (EMP). The conclusion is the potentially positive impacts of the proposed development out-weigh the negative impacts. Further to this, the overall significance of the negative impacts with mitigation measures in place is likely to score very low - low.

Potential Impact Significance without Mitigation Significance with Mitigation

Loss of Biodiversity Low (L) Very Low (VL)

sensitive environments Medium (M) Low (L)

Pollution of watercourses Medium (M) Low (L)

Visual Impact Low (L) Low (L)

Employment Very Low (VL) Very Low (VL)

Any other residual impacts are not of sufficient importance to thwart the development.


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Environmental Sensitivity Map

Figure 1 Environmental Sensitivity Map for Thabo Village, Cofimvaba (ECBCOP,2007)

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF THABO TOWNSHIP, CONFIMVABA

BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT

Table of Contents

DETAILS AND EXPERTISE OF THE EAP 3

PREFACE 8

SECTION A: APPLICATION FOR EXEMPTION 15

1. Application for exemption from assessing alternatives: 15

2. Application for exemption from completing or complying with part(s) of this Basic Assessment Report: 16

SECTION B: ACTIVITY INFORMATION 17

1. Activity Description 17

2. Alternatives 17

4. Activity Position 18

5. Physical size of the activity 18

6. Site Access 18

7. Waste, effluent, emission and noise management 18

8. Water Use 20

9. Energy Efficiency 21

10. Site or Route Plan 21

11. Site photgraphs 21

12. Facility Illustration 21

13. Activity Motivation 21

14. Applicable legislation, policies and/or guidelines 22

SECTION C: SITE/AREA DESCRIPTION 23

1. Gradient of the Site 23

2. Location in landscape 23

3. Groundwater, Soil and Geological stability of the site 23

4. Groundcover 23


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6. Cultural/Historical Features 25

SECTION D: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 26

1. Advertisement 26

2. Content of advertisements and notices 26

3. Placement of advertisements and notices 26

4. Determination of appropriate measures 26

5. Comments and response report 26

6. Local Authority Participation 27

7. Consultation with Other Stakeholders 27

SECTION E: IMPACT ASSESSMENT 28

1. Issues raised by interested and affected parties 28

2. Impacts that may result from the planning and design phase 28

3. Impacts that may result from the construction phase 29

4. Impacts that may result from the operational phase 32

5. Impacts that may result from the decomissioning and closure phase 33

6. Proposed management of impacts and mitigation 33

7. Environmental impact statement 34

8. Recommendation of practitioner 35

SECTION F: APPENDIXES 36

Environmental Management Plan (EMP) 36

APPENDIX A: LOCALITY PLAN 37

APPENDIX B: PHOTOGRAPHS 39

SITE INSPECTION – PROPOSED SITE 40

SITE INSPECTION – RIVER CROSSING AND DEGRADATION 41

APPENDIX C: ENGINEERING REPORT 42

APPENDIX D: EIA NOTICE AND NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENT 43

APPENDIX E: MINUTES AND ISSUES AND RESPONSE REPORT 44


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APPENDIX F: ATTENDANCE REGISTER 47

APPENDIX G: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 48

The Environmental Management Plan 48

Objective of the Environmental Management Plan 48

Structure of the Environmental Management Plan 48

Roles and Responsibilities 49 Landowner 49

Developer 49 The Project Engineer 49

The Environmental Consultant 50

The Contractor 50 The Environmental Control Officer 50

Project Environmental Specifications (PES) 50

2.2 Site Establishment 2.2.1 Demarcation of Site 51 2.2.2 Protection of Vegetation 52 2.2.3 Protection of Fauna 52

2.2.4 Protection of Historical/Cultural Features 53 2.2.5 Conservation of Topsoil 53

Site Infrastructure 54 Site Camps / Contractors Camp 54 Concrete Batching Plant 54

Crusher Plant 54 Access to Site 54

Site Management 55 Rubble and Waste Rock 55 Solid Waste 55

Effluent and Waste Water 55 Hazardous Substances 55

Pollution control 56

Blasting 56

Air Quality 56 Noise Control 57 Fire Control 57

Health and Safety 57

Excavation and Trenching 58

Soil Erosion Control 59

Stockpiling Storage and Handling 59 Topsoil 59 Fuel Storage and Handling 60

Construction of Internal Roads and existing access 60


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Environmental Performance Monitoring/Audits 63 The Environmental Control Officer 63

REFERENCES 64

PROVINCE OF THE

EASTERN CAPE

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, 2006 (Version 1)

Kindly note that: 1. This basic assessment report is a standard report required by Eastern Cape Department of Economic Affairs,

Environment and Tourism (ECDEAET) in terms of the EIA Regulations, 2006 and must be submitted together with the application form.

2. This form is current as of 3 July 2006. It is the responsibility of the EAP to ascertain whether subsequent

versions of the form have published or produced by the competent authority. 3. The report must be typed within the spaces provided in the form. The size of the spaces provided are 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.

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

highlighted 5. An incomplete report may be returned to the applicant for revision. 6. 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 rejection of the application as provided for in the regulations.

7. This report must be handed in at offices of the relevant competent authority as detailed below. 8. No faxed or e-mailed reports will be accepted. Only hand delivered or posted reports will be accepted. 9. The report must be compiled by an independent environmental assessment practitioner. 10. Unless protected by law, all information in the report will become public information on receipt by the competent

authority. Any interested and affected party should be provided with the information contained in this report on request, during any stage of the application process.

DEPARTMENTAL CONTACT DETAILS Head Office –Bhisho (General Enquiries) Alfred Nzo Region Amathole Region

Director: Environmental Impact Management Department of Economic Affairs, Environment & Tourism Private Bag X0054 Bhisho 5605 Bhisho Business Village Block C No. 5 Siwane Street Bhisho Tel: [040] 609 4712/4704 Fax: [040] 609 4700

Regional Manager: Environmental Affairs Dept of Economic Affairs, Environment & Tourism P/b x3513 Kokstad, 4700 170 Hope Street Kokstad Tel: [039] 727 3257 Fax: [039] 727 3282

Regional Manager: Environmental Affairs Dept of Economic Affairs, Environment & Tourism Private Bag X9060 East London, 5200 Medical Centre, cnr Oxford & St James Streets, East London Tel: [043] 742 0360 Fax: [043] 742 0323

Cacadu/Nelson Mandela Metro Region Chris Hani/Ukhahlamba Region OR Tambo Region

Regional Manager: Environmental Affairs Dept of Economic Affairs, Environment & Tourism Private Bag X5001 Greenacres, 6057 Collegiate House, cnr Belmont Terrace & Castle Hill Central

Regional Manager: Environmental Affairs Dept of Economic Affairs, Environment & Tourism PO Box 9636, Queenstown, 5320 Old Royal Hotel, 104 Cathcart Road Queenstown

Regional Manager: Environmental Affairs Dept of Economic Affairs, Environment & Tourism Private Bag X5029 Mthatha, 5100 Old Radio Transkei Building, Cnr Victoria & York Roads Mthatha


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Port Elizabeth Tel: [041] 508 5800 Fax: [041] 585 1958

Tel: [045] 808 4000 Fax: [045] 838 3981

Tel: [047] 531 1191 Fax: [047] 531 2887


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(For official use only) File Reference Number:

Responsible Officer:

Date Received:

Section A: Application FOR EXEMPTION

The relevant parts of this section must be completed if the environmental assessment practitioner (EAP) on behalf of the applicant whishes to apply for exemption from completing or complying with certain parts of this basic assessment report.

1. Application for exemption from assessing alternatives: At least two alternatives (site or activity) should be assessed. If that is not possible, the applicant should apply for exemption from having to assess alternatives. Such exemption will, however, not apply to the no-go alternative that must be assessed in all cases.

Provide a detailed motivation for not considering alternatives including an explanation of the reason for the application for exemption (supporting documents, if any, should be attached to this report):

Application for exemption from assessing alternatives is hereby made given the following project background and local conditions:

The proposed activity and development site has been subject to a selection process via the Intsika Yethu Municipality Spatial Development Framework, and Town and Regional Planning Scheme for the Municipality. As a result of the SDF and the Town Planning Scheme of the Municipality, the proposed development site has been designated as a potential site for township development.

Given the above situation, the applicant (Intsika Yethu Local Municipality) did not provide any other alternatives to be assessed for the development.

Assessing any other alternative will pose the following constraints on the development:

Land Acquisition: Any other alternative will involve acquiring of land from local landowners;

Change in the zoning schemes: Any other site alternatives might be in conflict with the SDF and Town Planning Scheme.

Vegetation Disturbance: Any other alternative will result in more significant disturbance of virgin land and vegetation due to clearance.

Cost Implications: Other alternatives are likely to be more expensive for development.

Delay: Assessing other alternatives at this stage will imply further delay of the development.

I declare that the above motivation is accurate and, hereby apply for exemption in terms of regulation 51 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2006, from having to assess alternatives in this application as required in section 24(4)(b) in the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998)

Signature of the EAP: Date:


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2. Application for exemption from completing or complying with part(s) of this Basic Assessment Report:

Application for exemption form completing or complying with certain parts of this basic assessment report may be made by completing the relevant sections below. Applications for exemptions from completing or complying with any other part of the basic assessment report must be made in the normal manner.

Indicate the numbers of the sections of this report for which exemption is applied for (see below)

Section B:

Section C:

Section D:

Provide a detailed motivation including an explanation of the reason for the application for exemption (supporting documents, if any, should be attached to this report):

Section E (5) Decommissioning - In realist terms the decommissioning of the proposed development is not likely to occur and hence this section is deemed as not applicable.

I declare that the above motivation is accurate and, hereby apply for exemption in terms of regulation 51 of the EIA Regulations, 2006, from having to complete the indicated sections of the Basic Assessment Report.

Signature of the EAP: Date:


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Section B: Activity information

1. Activity Description

Describe the activity, which is being applied for in detail (A1):

The proposed activity involves the establishment of Thabo Township in Cofimvaba. The development will involve the construction of 340 housing with full waterborne sanitation, electricity and other services on a development site of approximately 15 ha. Legal description The proposed activity is identified under Section 24(2)(a) and (d) of the National Environmental Management Act ( Act No. 73 of 1998), and appearing in Government Notice R386,

2. Alternatives Describe 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 in the specific instance taking account of the interest of the applicant in the activity. The no-go alternative must in all cases be included in the assessment phase as the baseline against which the impacts of the other alternatives are assessed. The determination of whether 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. 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. 2(a) Site alternatives: Describe site alternative 1 (S1), for the activity described above, or for any other activity alternative:

Locality The western end of the proposed development is adjacent to the main Cofimvaba tarred road.

Vegetation on Site Natural vegetation consists mainly of grassland in the Tsomo River catchment with a mix of savannah and grassland in the Thomas catchment. Geology and Soils Cofimvaba is underlain by red and grey mudstones and sandstones of the burgersdorp formation and the Kartberg formation. Both formations are part of the Tarkastad subgroup and the Beaufort group of rocks forming the middle section of the Karoo Super group. The area is characterized by dolerite intrusions often in the form of ring structures. Soils are generally moderate to deep clay loams with very shallow and rocky soils in the Tsomo River catchment. Alluvial soils are found in the river valley. A number of test pits dug on site during the geotechnical investigation revealed good depth to bed rock up to 1.6m deep. Only a small area on the western side of Thabo village has rocky outcrops. Hydrology (Drainage) on Site Of critical importance is that there is natural drainage system (Cofimvaba River) located running along the eastern border of the site. This river is regarded as a No-Go Area and sensitive area for the development as it is prone to pollution. (See Site Sensitivity Map attached in Appendix A and Photos in Appendix B).

This is the only alternative considered and considering other alternatives will result in higher environmental disturbance and excessive expenses.


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4. 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 degrees and decimal minutes. The minutes should have at least three 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):

Alternative S11 (preferred or only site alternative) S32 00.333 E27 35.244

5. Physical size of the activity Indicate the physical size of the preferred activity/technology as well as alternative activities/technologies (footprints): Alternative: Size of the activity:

Alternative A12 (preferred activity alternative) 15 Hectares

6. Site Access 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:

The western end of the proposed development is accessible through the main Cofimvaba tarred road, while the northern and southern boundaries of Thabo village are served by a gravel road. (See development Layout Plan in Appendix C) Include the position of the access road on the site plan.

7. Waste, effluent, emission and noise management 7(a) 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?

Undetermined

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

The Site is located within Municipality Solid Waste Collection area, therefore it will be the responsibility of the project contractor to collect and dispose all waste into a proper and legal waste stream. Where will the construction solid waste be disposed of (describe)?

All waste generated during construction including domestic waste, green waste and builders rubble can be disposed off at regulated facilities within the Municipality. Any hazardous waste may be disposed off through recognized hazardous waste contractors; however this is anticipated to be of very minimal volumes. Will the activity produce solid waste during its operational phase?

YES NO


Undetermined

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

The Intsika Yethu Local Municipality will be responsible for the following: 1) Provision of Refuse bags; 2) Collection Points; 3) Collection of Refuse; and 4) Refuse Disposal. Where will the solid waste be disposed if it does not feed into a municipal waste stream (describe)?

See above

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 application 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

1 “Alternative S..” refer to site alternatives.

2 “Alternative A..” refer to activity, process, technology or other alternatives.


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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 an application for scoping and EIA. N/A

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

Has a specialist been consulted to assist with the completion of this section?

YES NO

If YES, please complete:

Name of the specialist: N/A

Qualification(s) of the specialist:

Postal address:

Postal code:

Telephone: Cell:

E-mail: Fax:

Are any further specialist studies recommended by the specialist?

YES NO

If YES, specify:

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

Signature of specialist:

Date:

7(b) Liquid effluent

Will the activity produce effluent, other than normal sewage, that will be disposed of in a municipal sewage system?

YES NO


Will the activity produce any effluent that will be treated and/or disposed of on site? 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.

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: N/A

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:

NONE SPECIFIED

Has a specialist been consulted to assist with the completion of this section? YES NO




Postal address:

Postal code:

Telephone: Cell:

E-mail: Fax:

Are any further specialist studies recommended by the specialist? YES NO

If YES, specify:


Signature of specialist: Date:

7(c) 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



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

During construction, dust generation is typically expected; however, the extent of the construction is of such limited extent that the amount of dust deposition will be negligible against the background concentration.


YES NO




Postal address:

Postal code:

Telephone: Cell:

E-mail: Fax:


If YES, specify:



Date:

7(d) Generation of noise

Will the activity generate noise? YES NO

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


If no, describe the noise in terms of type and level:

During the construction, noise generation is typically expected. The noise will arise from increased number of workers on site, vehicles, and machinery; however, the extent of the construction is of such limited extent that the amount of noise will be negligible. Has a specialist been consulted to assist with the completion of this section?

YES NO




Postal address:

Postal code:

Telephone: Cell:

E-mail: Fax:


If YES, specify:



Date:

8. Water Use

Please indicate the source(s) of water that will be used for the activity by ticking the appropriate box(es)

Municipal

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: N/A

Does the activity require a water use permit from the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry?

YES NO

If yes, please submit the necessary application to the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry and attach proof thereof to this application if it has been submitted.


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

The project developer i.e. Intsika Yethu Municipality does not have a policy for renewable energy policy. But there is currently a national drive for energy conservation and as part of this drive there is potential that development could implement some of the energy efficiency measures being advocated for such as installation of energy efficient bulbs, solar heating panels etc. Describe how alternative energy sources have been taken into account or been built into the design of the activity, if any:

See above

10. Site or Route Plan

A detailed site or route plan(s) must be prepared for each alternative site or alternative activity. It must be attached as Appendix A to this document. The site or route plans must indicate the following: 10(a) The scale of the plan which must be at least a scale of 1:500; 10(b) the property boundaries and numbers of all the properties within 50m of the site; 10(c) the current land use as well as the land use zoning of each of the properties adjoining the site or sites; 10(d) the exact position of each element of the application as well as any other structures on the site; 10(e) the position of services, including electricity supply cables (indicate above or underground), water supply

pipelines, boreholes, street lights, sewage pipelines, storm water infrastructure and telecommunication infrastructure;

10(f) all trees and shrubs taller than 1.8m; 10(g) walls and fencing including details of the height and construction material; 10(h) servitudes indicating the purpose of the servitude; 10(i) sensitive environmental elements within 100m of the site or sites including (but not limited thereto):

rivers; the 1:100 year flood line (where available or where it is required by DWAF); ridges; cultural and historical features; areas with indigenous vegetation (even if it is degraded or invested with alien species);

10(j) for gentle slopes the 1m contour intervals must be indicated on the plan and whenever the slope of the site exceeds 1:10, the 500mm contours must be indicated on the plan; and

10(k) the positions from where photographs of the site were taken.

11. Site photgraphs Colour photographs from the center of the site must be taken in at least the eight major compass directions with a description of each photograph. Photographs must be attached under Appendix B to this form. It should be supplemented with additional photographs of relevant features on the site, if applicable.

12. Facility Illustration

A detailed illustration of the activity must be provided at a scale of 1:200 as Appendix C for activities that include structures. The illustrations must be to scale and must represent a realistic image of the planned activity. The illustration must give a representative view of the activity.

13. Activity Motivation 13(a) Socio-economic value of the activity

What is the expected capital value of the activity on completion? Un determined What is the expected yearly income that will be generated by or as a result of the activity? Un determined Will the activity contribute to service infrastructure or is it a public amenity? YES NO How many new employment opportunities will be created in the development phase of the activity? Un determined What is the expected value of the employment opportunities during the development phase? Un determined What percentage of this will accrue to previously disadvantaged individuals? 100% How many permanent new employment opportunities will be created during the operational phase of the activity?

Un determined

What is the expected current value of the employment opportunities during the first 10 years? Un determined What percentage of this will accrue to previously disadvantaged individuals? Un determined


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13(b) Need and desirability of the activity Motivate and explain the need and desirability of the activity (including demand for the activity):

Intsika Yethu Municipality has identified that while Cofimvaba is expanding rapidly a need has aroused to develop middle and high income housing in Cofimvaba to cater for the nurses, teachers and other professionals that require housing. Indicate any benefits that the activity will have for society in general:

It will address the lack of up-to standard housing facilities for the professionals within the community.

Satisfied group of people generally contribute positively towards the society Indicate any benefits that the activity will have for the local communities where the activity will be located:

See above

14. Applicable legislation, policies and/or guidelines List all legislation, policies and/or guidelines of any sphere of government that are applicable to the application as contemplated in the EIA regulations, if applicable: Title of legislation, policy or guideline: Administering authority: Date:

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

Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT)

1998

Regulation 22 to 26 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2006.

Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT)

April 2006

Township Ordinance 33 of 1934 Department of Housing and Local Government

1934


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SECTION C: SITE/AREA DESCRIPTION Important note: For linear activities (pipelines etc) as well as activities that cover very large sites, it may be necessary to complete Section C for each part of the site that has a significantly different environment. In such cases please complete copies of Section C and indicate the area, which is covered by each copy No. on the Site Plan.

Section C Copy No. (e.g. A): (complete only when appropriate)

1. Gradient of the Site Indicate the general gradient of the sites. Alternative S1:

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

2. Location in landscape Indicate the landform(s) that best describes the site. Alternative S1:

Ridgeline Plateau Side slope of hill/mountain

Closed valley

Open valley

Plain Undulating plain/low hills

Dune Sea-front

3. Groundwater, Soil and Geological stability of the site Is the site(s) located on any of the following (tick the appropriate boxes)? Alternative S1:

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


YES NO




Postal address:

Postal code:

Telephone: Cell:

E-mail: Fax:


If YES, specify:



Date:

4. Groundcover Tick the types of groundcover present on the site. Alternative S1:

Natural veld - good condition

E

Natural veld with scattered aliens

E

Natural veld with heavy alien infestation

E

Veld dominated by alien species

E

Gardens

Sport field Cultivated land Paved surface Building or other

structure Bare soil

If any of the boxes marked with an “

E “is ticked, please consult an appropriate specialist to assist in the completion of

this section if the environmental assessment practitioner doesn’t have the necessary expertise.

Has a specialist been consulted? YES NO


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If YES, please complete the following:

Name of the specialist: The EAP was capable and qualified to assess the vegetation on site.


Postal address:

Postal code:

Telephone: Cell:

E-mail: Fax:

Are there any rare or endangered flora or fauna species (including red data species) present on any of the alternative sites?

YES NO

If YES, specify and explain:

Are their any special or sensitive habitats or other natural features present on any of the alternative sites?

YES NO



If YES, specify:



The location of all identified rare or endangered species or other elements should be accurately indicated on the site plan(s).

5. Land Use Character Of Surrounding Area Black out land uses and/or prominent features that does not currently occur within a 500m radius of the site Alternative S1:

Natural area Low density residential

Medium density residential

High density residential

Informal residential

A

Retail Commercial & warehousing

Light industrial Medium industrialAN

Heavy

industrialAN

Power stationA

Office/consulting room

Military or police base/station/compound

Casino/entertainment complex

Hospitality facility

Open cast mine Underground mine Spoil heap or slimes

damA

Quarry, sand or borrow pit

Dam or reservoir

Hospital/medical center

School Tertiary education

facility Church Old age home

Sewage treatment plant

A

Train station or shunting yard

N

Railway lineN

Major road (4 lanes or more)

N

AirportN

Harbour

Sport facilities Golf course Polo fields Filling stationH

Landfill or waste treatment site

A

Plantation Agriculture River, stream or

wetland

Nature conservation

area

Mountain, koppie or ridge

Museum Historical building Graveyard Archeological site

Other land uses (describe):


N “are ticked, please consult an appropriate noise specialist to assist in the

completion of this section. Not applicable





Postal address:

Postal code:

Telephone: Cell:

E-mail: Fax:

Will the ambient noise level have a negative impact on the proposed activity? YES NO


Are any further specialist or studies recommended by the specialist? YES NO


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If YES, specify:




A“ are ticked, please consult an appropriate air quality specialist to assist in the

completion of this section. Not applicable





Postal address:

Postal code:

Telephone: Cell:

E-mail: Fax:

Will the ambient air pollution level have a negative impact on the proposed activity?

YES NO



If YES, specify:




H“ are ticked, please consult an appropriate health assessment specialist to assist

in the completion of this section. Not applicable



Name of the specialist:


Postal address:

Postal code:

Telephone: Cell:

E-mail: Fax:

Will the surrounding land use pose any unacceptable health risk on the proposed activity?

YES NO



If YES, specify:

If YES, is such a report(s) attached?


6. Cultural/Historical Features Alternative S1

Are there any signs of culturally or historically significant elements, as defined in section 2 of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999, (Act No. 25 of 1999), including

YES NO

archaeological or palaeontological sites, on or close (within 20m) to the site? Uncertain

If YES, explain: N/A

If uncertain, conduct a specialist investigation by a recognised specialist in the field to establish whether there is such a feature(s) present on or close to the site.

Briefly explain the findings of the specialist:

N/A

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 submit or, make sure that the applicant or a specialist submits the necessary application to SAHRA or the relevant provincial heritage agency and attach proof thereof to this application if such application has been made.


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Section D: public participation

1. Advertisement The environmental assessment practitioner must follow any relevant guidelines adopted by the competent authority in respect of public participation and must at least – 1(a) Fix a notice in a conspicuous place, on the property where it is intended to undertake the activity which states

that an application will be submitted to the competent authority in terms of these regulations and which provides information on the proposed nature and location of the activity, where further information on the proposed activity can be obtained and the manner in which representations on the application may be made.

1(b) inform landowners and occupiers of adjacent land of the applicant’s intention to submit an application to t he competent authority

1(c) inform landowners and occupiers of land within 100 metres of the boundary of the property where it is proposed to undertake the activity and whom may be directly affected by the proposed activity of the applicant’s intention to submit an application to the competent authority;

1(d) inform the ward councillor and any organisation that represents the community in the area of the applicant’s intention to submit an application to the competent authority;

1(e) inform the municipality which has jurisdiction over the area in which the proposed activity will be undertaken of the applicant’s intention to submit an application to the competent authority; and

1(f) inform any organ of state that may have jurisdiction over any aspect of the activity of the applicant’s intention to submit an application to the competent authority; and

1(g) place a notice in one local newspaper and any Gazette that is published specifically for the purpose of providing notice to the public of applications made in terms of these regulations.

2. Content of advertisements and notices Advertisements and notices must indicate that an application will be submitted to the competent authority in terms of the EIA regulations, the nature and location of the activity, where further information on the proposed activity can be obtained and the manner in which representations in respect of the application can be made;

3. Placement of advertisements and notices Where the proposed activity may have impacts that extend beyond the municipal area where it is located, a notice must be placed in at least one provincial newspaper or national newspaper, indicating that an application will be submitted to the competent authority in terms of these regulations, the nature and location of the activity, where further information on the proposed activity can be obtained and the manner in which representations in respect of the application can be made, unless a notice has been placed in any Gazette that is published specifically for the purpose of providing notice to the public of applications made in terms of the EIA regulations. Advertisements and notices must make provision for site alternatives where appropriate.

An Advertisement/ Notice for comments was Placed in the Daily Dispatch on May 18th, 2009

(See Appendix D for a copy of the advertisement)

Public meeting was organised through the ward councillors.

4. Determination of appropriate measures The practitioner must ensure that the public participation is adequate and must determine whether a public meeting or any other additional measure is appropriate or not based on the particular nature of each case. Special attention should be given to the involvement of local community structures such as Ward Committees, ratepayers associations and traditional authorities where appropriate. Please note that public concerns that emerge at a later stage that should have been addressed may cause the competent authority to withdraw any authorisation it may have issued if it becomes apparent that the public participation process was inadequate.

A Public meeting/ Information Sharing meeting was conducted at the Cofimvaba Town Hall on 26

th May 2009. (See Appendix F: Attendance Registers from the Public Meeting)

Attendance Registers and Comments and Responses from the Public Meeting were recorded. (See Appendix E for a copy of these documents)

5. Comments and response report The practitioner must record all comments and respond to each comment of the public before the application is submitted. The comments and responses must be captured in a comments and response report as prescribed in the EIA regulations and be attached to this application. The comments and response report must be attached under Appendix E.

Comments and Responses from the Public Meeting were recorded. (See Appendix E: Comments and Response Report)


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6. Local Authority Participation

Local authorities are key interested and affected parties in each application and no decision on any application will be made before the relevant local authority is provided with the opportunity to give input. The planning and the environmental sections of the local authority must be informed of the application at least 30 (thirty) calendar days before the submission of the application.

Has any comment been received from the local authority? YES NO

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

The Local Municipality are the applicant for the proposed development

7. Consultation with Other Stakeholders Any stakeholder that has a direct interest in the site or property, such as servitude holders and service providers, should be informed of the application at least 30 (thirty) 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):


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Section E: Impact Assessment

The assessment of impacts must adhere to the minimum requirements in the EIA Regulations, 2006, 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.

1. Issues raised by interested and affected parties List the issues raised by interested and affected parties.

Major concerns raised during the meeting

Concern about moving of formal and informal houses from the development site

Request for explanation on earlier promises that assigned the land in questions for livestock owners

Response from the practitioner to the issues raised by the interested and affected parties (A full response must be given in the Comments and Response Report that must be attached to this report):

The municipality was not able to respond back immediately and responses were given by the municipality to participants at a later date (see comment and response report, Appendix E)

2. Impacts that may result from the planning and design phase List the potential site alternative related impacts (as appropriate) that are likely to occur as a result of the planning and design phase, including impacts relating to the choice of site alternatives. Alternative S1 (preferred alternative)

Direct impacts:

The planning of the proposed development must be done to avoid the following potential impacts:

The design and layout should be in line with local and regional planning frameworks e.g. the Spatial Framework Plan etc.

Potential for interference with other planning for provision of services e.g. use of routes allocated for other services servitudes for sewer lines, electricity lines, telecommunication, water pipelines etc.

Conflicting plans and development options. During the site assessment these issues were taken into consideration and no potential fatal flaws arising from such issues were realised. Indirect impacts: Not considered Cumulative impacts: Not considered

No-go alternative (compulsory)

The Impacts Anticipated with maintaining the status quo i.e. not plan and consequently not develop will include:

The targeted beneficiaries, professionals in Cofimvaba, will continue to suffer from unavailability of up to standard housing.

Land degradation will increase through poor land use practices. Indirect impacts:

The property will continue to devalue through informal settlement encroachment and poor land use practices.

Land degradation will increase though poor land use practices. Cumulative impacts:

Will affects the development of the area in general if appropriate infrastructures are not put in place


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Indicate mitigation measures that may eliminate or reduce the potential impacts listed above: Alternative S1

The proposed development must be designed according to acceptable South African Engineering standards at the minimum.

The design of infrastructure must take into consideration of safety and traffic control measures.

The route Alignments must be designed as much as possible to follow the existing track, in order to avoid displacement of property. Where not possible, negotiations with property owners must be undertaken and to ensure that property owners consent and are compensated for property loss.

If during the planning, it is envisaged that property might be displaced; provisions and funds must be set aside to facilitate this process and to compensate the property owners.

The property must be surveyed properly to ensure that there is no potential for interference with existing services, and other planned infrastructure and services, such as pipelines, and servitudes for powerlines.

List the potential activity/technology alternative related impacts (as appropriate) that are likely to occur as a result of the planning and design phase: Alternative A1 (preferred alternative)

Direct impacts:

See Site Alternative Impacts above. Indirect impacts: Cumulative impacts:


SEE ABOVE – NO-GO IMPACTS

Indicate mitigation measures that may eliminate or reduce the potential impacts listed above: Alternative A1:

See Site Alternative Impacts above.

3. Impacts that may result from the construction phase

List the potential site alternative related impacts (as appropriate) that are likely to occur as a result of the construction phase: Alternative S1 (preferred alternative)

Direct impacts:

Key Impacts Soil Impacts - Soils will be exposed during excavation and activities could potentially result in the following impacts:

Loss of top soil;

Soil erosion; and

Compaction. Loss of Biodiversity – Vegetation will be destroyed during excavation and construction of the houses and this could potentially result the following impacts:

Loss of habitats for faunal species.

Loss of floristic biodiversity.

Loss property: Although the only properties on the site at the moment are informal squatter type houses, these still need to be properly addressed as they belong to individuals.


30

Pollution of Surface Water: Note must be taken that any surface runoff from the site especially on the eastern side of the property will naturally run into the lower laying catchment area especially the natural drainage systems – stream running along the boundary of the site. (See Photos for Illustration Appendix B) Housing: Availability of highly needed housing for the Cofimvaba professional community is the positive key impact of this project.

Other Impacts Visual Impacts - Exposed soils, bush clearing and other activities could increase negative aesthetic Impacts. Noise – excavation activities, machineries on site and workers will potentially increase the noise level. Air Pollution – Air pollution is like to result from increase in number of vehicles and dust generated from exposed surfaces. Indirect impacts:

Loss of agricultural land

Severe soil erosion that might arise from the diversion of stormwater flow from natural course.

the procedure for employment and labour for projects funded by the Municipal projects makes it incumbent upon the contractors to source labour from local people especially youth and women. This is likely to be a positive indirect impact of the project.

Cumulative impacts:

There will be an overall increase in the development of the area (positive impact) If proper planning is not followed development will affect the biodiversity / ecosystem

of the area


SEE ABOVE


Site Camps and work areas must be established on a designated area and the site and construction areas must be marked out.

Areas outside the designated areas must be communicated to the employees; such areas must include neighboring private sites, and the river at the site. These areas must be designated as a No – Go areas during the construction.

The natural drainage lines on the site should be maintained in their natural condition.

Stormwater should be managed and controlled, by pitching away from the natural watercourses.

Ensure minimum disturbance of vegetation.

Should any areas suffer significant vegetation disturbance, such areas must be rehabilitated by seeding grass species.

Topsoil removed during the stripping should be stock piled and used for rehabilitation.

Soil erosion control measures such as stormwater management illustrated above should put in place.

Dust control measures must be employed and these may include dumping of exposed surfaces especially during windy dry days and keeping stockpiles to acceptable heights.

Noise level must be kept to the background level as much as possible throughout the construction phase, by restricting work to normal working hours - only 08h00 – 04h00 Monday to Fridays and no work on public holidays,

Workers and laborers must be sought from the local people as much as possible during the construction phase.


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Health and Safety measures must be communicated to all employees on the construction sites.

No unauthorized personnel must be allowed on site.

All employees and laborers must be afforded protective equipment where necessary.

Burning must not be employed as a means of vegetation clearing.

Traffic control and safety measures must be in place and implemented at all times during the construction phase. Such measures must include, all drivers of equipment must have valid driver’s licenses, all vehicles and machinery must be fully serviced and in good condition, speed limits for construction sites and hauling routes must be kept.

No servicing of vehicles and machinery on site.

No construction or other waste must be disposed off on the site or in the bushes around the site. Adequate disposal bags or drum must be made available on site.

All waste must be collected at central points and routinely taken by the contractor to a permitted disposal site.

Spoiled vegetation must be used for mulching and other useful ways such as compositing by the communities.

Chemical toilets must be made available on site.

A detailed site specific Environmental Management Plan (EMP) must be prepared and the contractor must be monitored to ensure that these conditions and the entire EMP is complied with during the construction of the development.

List the potential activity/technology alternative related impacts (as appropriate) that are likely to occur as a result of the construction phase: Alternative A1 (preferred alternative)

Direct impacts:

Key Impacts Destruction of vegetation.

Destruction and loss of habitats for fauna and flora species especially during excavation and bush clearing activities.

Potential contamination of stormwater from leaks of oils and other construction leaks.

Siltation of watercourses.

Stockpile, exposed soils, bush clearing and other activities during the construction of access road could increase negative aesthetic Impacts.

Excavation activities and movement of machinery and workers are likely to increase the noise level against the background levels.

Air pollution is likely to result from increase in number of vehicles and dust generated from exposed surfaces.

Littering and illegal dumping of construction refuse and wastes.

Health and Safety risks and hazards during the construction phase. Such risks may include Fire hazards, unmarked open trenches, risk of accidents and injury from machinery etc.

Indirect impacts: See above Cumulative impacts:


Direct impacts:

See above Indirect impacts: Cumulative impacts:

Indicate mitigation measures that may eliminate or reduce the potential impacts listed above: Alternative A1:

See Mitigation measures for Site Alternative S1 above


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4. Impacts that may result from the operational phase

List the potential site alternative related impacts (as appropriate) that are likely to occur as a result of the operational phase: Alternative S1 (preferred alternative)

Direct impacts:

The proposed development is likely to increase population densities in the small area. Formalization of townships attract more squatters close to the site with the hope of getting houses;

Increased water demand;

Increased electricity demand;

Increased generation of refuse and hence increase demand on the cleansing services as this will be an added area to collect and service.

Improvement in provision of social facilities (Positive impact). Indirect impacts:

General upgrade in the standard of living for the town (positive).

There is potential for growth in economic opportunities for the area (positive).

Increase in the value of property especially the neighboring or surrounding farms (positive).

Loss of agricultural land. Cumulative impacts:


Direct impacts: See above Indirect impacts: See above Cumulative impacts:


Generally most negative impacts of the operation of the proposed development can only be mitigated through the municipality maintaining and improving the level of service to the area through adequate planning by Intsika Yethu Municipality. . The Environmental Management Plan should include further mitigation of any negative impacts that might result from construction activities. Some of these mitigation measures might be employed to negate the negative impacts during operation or use of the development.

List the potential activity/technology alternative related impacts (as appropriate) that are likely to occur as a result of the operational phase: Alternative A1 (preferred alternative)

Direct impacts:

See above Indirect impacts:

See above Cumulative impacts:


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See above


Direct impacts: See above Indirect impacts: Cumulative impacts:

Indicate mitigation measures that may eliminate or reduce the potential impacts listed above: Alternative A1

5. Impacts that may result from the decomissioning and closure phase

List the potential site alternative related impacts (as appropriate) that are likely to occur as a result of the decommissioning or closure phase: Alternative S1 (preferred alternative)

Direct impacts:

In realist terms the decommissioning of the proposed development is not likely to occur and hence this section is deemed as not applicable. Indirect impacts: Cumulative impacts:


Direct impacts: Indirect impacts: Cumulative impacts:

Indicate mitigation measures that may eliminate or reduce the potential impacts listed above: Alternative S1 Alternative S2 Alternative S3

Not Applicable

List the potential activity/technology alternative related impacts (as appropriate) that are likely to occur as a result of the decommissioning and closure phase: Not Applicable

6. Proposed management of impacts and mitigation Indicate how identified impacts and mitigation will be monitored and/or audited. Alternative S1

Our experience is that contractors and project managers rarely implement and monitor conditions of the environmental authorizations and Records of Decisions (RoD) and for projects in sensitive areas (See site layout and sensitive areas map), it is likely that the environment will suffer if these conditions are not monitored. Given the above we recommend the following:

A brief site specific environmental management plan to be developed as a condition of the RoD.

An independent Environmental Control Officers (ECO) to monitor the implementation of the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) during construction.

The Environmental Management Plan must be included in the tender documents and made binding to the bidding contractors for the construction of the proposed development. In this case, it promotes self-compliance monitoring by the contractor especially since the contractor could lose money if he does not comply with the EMP.

The proponent must be made aware of the implications of EMP and compliance


34

monitoring.

The proponent or the project Engineer must ensure that the contractor and subcontractors complies with the environmental specifications in the EMP and in the event of non-compliance, the proponent must be made liable

Alternative A1

See S1 above

7. Environmental impact statement Taking the assessment of potential impacts into account, please provide an environmental impact statement that sums up the impact that the proposed activity 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. Alternative S1 (preferred alternative)

INTRODUCTION The key environmental aspects considered during this basic assessment included the following:

Fatal Flaws and conformance to local and regional planning frameworks

Habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity.

Topography.

Sensitive Environments.

Surface and Groundwater resources.

Intrusion and damage to existing services and property.

Issues and concerns raised by the Interested and affected parties: Impact Rating These issues have been rated using a simple system for ranking of impacts as follows:

Potential Impact Significance without Mitigation Significance with Mitigation

Loss of Biodiversity Low (L) Very Low (VL)

sensitive environments Medium (M) Low (L)

Pollution of watercourses Medium (M) Low (L)

Visual Impact Low (L) Low (L)

Employment Very Low (VL) Very Low (VL)

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT Most of the biophysical and social impacts associated with the proposed development are common to development and construction projects and may be effectively managed through the implementation of a comprehensive Environmental Management Plan (EMP). The conclusion is the potentially positive impacts of the proposed development out-weigh the negative impacts. Further to this, the overall significance of the negative impacts with mitigation measures in place is likely to score very low - low. Any other residual impacts are not of sufficient importance to thwart the development.


The Impacts Anticipated with maintaining the status quo i.e. not plan and consequently not develop will include:

The targeted beneficiary will continue to suffer from lack of an up-to standard housing facility;

Land degradation will increase though poor land use practices. Indirect impacts:


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The property will continue to devalue through informal settlement encroachment and poor land use practices.

Land degradation will increase though poor land use practices. Cumulative impacts:

There will be growing pressure on the Municipality for service delivery and improvement of the level and standard of living in the town.

8. Recommendation of practitioner Is the information contained in this report and the documentation attached hereto sufficient to YES NO make a decision in respect of the activity applied for (in the view of the environmental assessment practitioner). If “NO”, indicate the aspects that should be assessed further as part of a Scoping and EIA process before a decision can be made (list the aspects that require further assessment): 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:

If the preferred alternative site and activities is approved, the following conditions are recommended:

The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) must be developed and included in the tender documents for the contractor, and ensure that the Environmental Management Plan is complied with at all times during the construction of the proposed development.

An Environmental Control Officer (ECO) must be appointed to oversee the implementation of the EMP otherwise the contractor is likely to infringe of the natural drainage systems on the eastern side of the site.

We also recommend that a protective fencing be erected on the eastern side of the development to prevent people from encroaching on to the Cofimvaba River area, otherwise it will just be used as dumping area and that river and natural drainage will be polluted and destroyed within a short time.


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Section F: Appendixes The following appendixes must be attached as appropriate:

Appendix A: Locality Map and Sensitivity Map

Appendix B: Photographs

Appendix C: Engineering Report

Appendix D: EIA Notice and Newspaper Advertisement

Appendix E: Public Participation report (Comments and responses)

Appendix F: Attendance Registry

Appendix G: Other information

Environmental Management Plan (EMP)


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Appendix A: Locality Plan


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Environmental Sensitivity Map


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Appendix B: Photographs

SITE INSPECTION – Start Point

Figure 1- 4 from top (left – Right),

Top Row – View from the main road facing town

Second Row – View from the main road looking opposite town and entrance point to

proposed site


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SITE INSPECTION – Proposed site


Top Row - View of proposed site, the South East Direction

Second Row – Informal settlements within the proposed site

Third Row – tracks leading to informal houses and degradation on site


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SITE INSPECTION – River crossing and degradation


Top Row – Tsomo River and an old broken bridge

Second Row – Land degradation and erosion in the area, also evidenced by the color of the River

Third Row - Additional evidence of land degradation and soil erosion on the site.


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Appendix C: Engineering Report


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Appendix D: EIA Notice and Newspaper Advertisement

NOTICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT INTSIKA YETHU MUNICIPALITY

Notice is given in terms of Regulation 56(2) published under Government Notice GN R.385 under chapter 5 of the National Environmental Management Act, (Act 107 of 1998), of the Intent of the proponent Intsika Yethu Municipality to submit an application for Environmental Authorization for the following activity: The establishment of Thabo Township in Cofimvaba. The development will involve the construction of housing with full waterborne sanitation, electricity and other services on a development site of approximately 15ha.

INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE

A Public Meeting will be held at the Town Hall on: 26 May 2009 at 10:00am.

All Interested and Affected Parties are invited to attend this meeting. Environmental Consultants:

Att: Ms. Rochelle Hawkes

Cell: 083 946 1841 Tel: 043 748 5545 Fax 043 748 1114

Email: [email protected]


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Appendix E: Minutes and Issues and Response Report

THABO TOWNSHIP ESTABLISHMENT EIA

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION MEETING MINUTES COFIMVABA TOWN HALL

26 MAY 2009 10H00 PRESENT Mr. S Strydom: Njabulo Yethu Consulting Ms. B Strydom: Njabulo Yethu Consulting Ms. S Mahlangeni: Intsika Yethu Municipality Ms. Mrwetyana: Intsika Yethu Municipality Please see attached attendance register

Welcome Ms. Snovuyo of Intsika Yethu Municipality welcomed all present at the meeting and introduced Ms. Mrwetyana of Intsika Yethu Municipality Housing, Ms. Strydom and Mr. Strydom of Njabulo Yethu consulting as the facilitators of the meeting. The meeting was then handed over to Mr. Strydom and Ms. B Strydom to continue. Attendance Register Mr Strydom opened the meeting by introducing himself and confirming the agenda of the meeting. Further to this he gave a brief background on the purpose of the meeting in terms of the EIA process and reiterated that all present must sign the attendance register. Project Background Mr. Strydom handed the meeting over to Ms. Mrwetyana to provide the background of the project and the need for the housing development. Ms Mrwetyana explained that there was a need for middle and high income housing in Cofimvaba to cater for the nurses, teachers and other professionals that require housing as Cofimvaba is expanding rapidly and there is a great need for this form of housing in the area. EIA Process Mr Strydom then informed the meeting of the EIA legislation and the EIA process. He stated that this meeting provided an opportunity for people to air the views regarding the development whether they are positive or negative. He reiterated that this is the start of the process and in terms of environmental legislation people have the opportunity to interact with the process until it has been finalised. He further stated that the EIA consultants will draw up an issue and response report that will be made available to the public together with the minutes of this meeting and if a further meeting is necessary the participants will be informed.


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Issues and Concerns Mr. Strydom informed the meeting that this was now the time for them to air their views and raise issues and concerns and ask questions on clarity. He emphasised that not all questions will be able to be answered directly at the meeting and reminded the meeting that those concerns will be noted and answered to in the issues and response report. Closure Mr Strydom thanked all present for the spirit of the meeting and for their respect for his interventions. He then handed over to Ms. Mrwetyana. Ms. Mrwetyana informed the people that these processes must be separated and in doing so requested a meeting with the community of the area regarding their housing issues. Ms. Mahlangeni closed the meeting at 12h00 and thank all present for their contributions.

Issues and Response Report

ISSUE ORGANISATION RESPONSE

What will happen to the existing informal housing dwellers in the area, if they are to be moved where will they be moved to?

Community Member. The majority of informal dweller are beneficiaries of the Joe Slovo and Nyanisweni Housing Delivery project. A new beneficiary list will be drawn and the remainder of the informal dwellers will be included in the waiting list

Some time back the Municipality decided that they did not want cows living in the town and it was agreed that the people that have livestock will be moved to the land that is now being earmarked for this development.

Livestock Owner That arrangement was for temporary purposes. Alternative land will be allocated for cattle, preferably outside the urban area.

A dip being built in the area to accommodate the people’s cattle.

Livestock Owner Yes, it is in place already.

The people of the area that do not have livestock were registered by the municipality as beneficiaries for RDP housing and they are still waiting for the municipality to act in this regard.

Community Member The housing delivery project in Nyanisweni and Joe Slovo is underway. Status: design stage (infrastructure)

There is a demand that people receive houses prior to the municipality

Community Member It is legislated that one cannot relocate people without providing


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requesting them to relocate. The community feels that the houses they are moving to must be built and people receive a key for their allocated house before they demolish their current structures.

alternative land/ accommodation. Yes this will be arranged.

The community during the new dispensation that assures freedoms and rights they would like to know where they will be moved to.

Ward committee Representative

The municipality will not be able to respond at this stage; however the existing dwellers will be accommodated in close proximity to the CBD.

We will not move until we have houses already built that we can move into.

Community Member Refer to previous answers

We have had promises on four different occasions on where we were going to be moved to without confirmation.

Community Member It is not the role of the municipality to deliver housing, it merely plays a facilitation role. Confirmation is delayed by the Provincial Department of Housing

What happens to our formal homes that we have built (Brick or Block structures) when we have to move.

Community Member All the existing dwellings are informal, and therefore will be demolished.

Some informal structures have been removed by the municipality.

Community Member There is a court order restricting any further land invasions. The dwellings were demolished because of non adherence to the court order.

We understood that the municipality had given us numbers and explained to the people that no further buildings were allowed to be constructed in the area.

Community Member The existing informal dwellers were counted, and only this number will be acknowledged or recognised. No further informal growth is permitted.

As a means of closure we need to understand the way forward. The people must be met with by the municipality and have these issues resolved.

Community Member Every 3 months community meetings are held particularly related to issues related to housing delivery.


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Appendix F: Attendance Register


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Appendix G: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

INTRODUCTION The Environmental Management Plan It is understood that any development can pose various risks to the environment as well as the residents or businesses in the surrounding area. These possible risks should be taken into account during the planning phase of the development. The purpose of this document is to provide management responses that will ensure that the impacts of the development are minimized. This document i.e. the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is, therefore, a stand-alone document, which must be used on site during each phase of the development (planning, construction and operational phases and closure). This document should be flexible so as to allow the contractor and developer to conform to the management commitments without being prescriptive. The management commitments prove that the anticipated risks on the environment will be minimized if they are adhered to consistently. The onus set out in the EMP rests with the developer, which promotes responsibility and commitment, however it should be binding to those he delegates responsibility to e.g. engineers, and subcontractors and operators. Any parties responsible for transgression of the underlying management measures outlined in this document will be held responsible of non-compliances and will be dealt with accordingly. The process which was followed in compiling the EMP is in compliance with the National Environmental Management Act and applies the principle of Integrated Environmental Management (IEM). Objective of the Environmental Management Plan The purpose of this EMP is to formulate mitigation measures that are made binding on all contractors during the construction phase as well as during the operational phase. The point of departure for this EMP is to take a pro-active route by addressing potential problems before they occur. This should limit corrective measures needed during the construction, operational and closure phases of the development. Additional mitigation will be included throughout the project’s various phases, as required and if necessary. Structure of the Environmental Management Plan The EMP deals with the following phases as detailed below: The Planning Phase The EMP offers an ideal opportunity to incorporate pro-active environmental management measures with the goal of attaining sustainable development. Pro-active environmental measures minimize the chance of impacts taking place during the construction, operational and closure phases. There is still the chance of accidental impacts taking place; however, through the incorporation of contingency plans (e.g. this EMP) during the planning phase, the necessary corrective action can be taken to further limit potential impacts.


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The Construction Phase

The bulk of the impacts during this phase will have immediate effect (e.g. noise, dust and water pollution). If the site is monitored on a continual basis during the construction phase, it is possible to identify these impacts as they occur. These impacts will then be mitigated through the contingency plans identified in the planning phase, together with a commitment to sound environmental management from the developer.

The Operation Phase

By taking pro-active measures during the planning and construction phases, potential environmental impacts emanating during the operational phase will be minimized. This, in turn, will minimize the risk and reduce the monitoring effort, but it does not make monitoring obsolete.

The Closure Phase

During closure, pro-active measures must be implemented to minimize, potential environmental impacts that persist post operational phase. 4. Roles and Responsibilities Efficient and effective implementation, monitoring and auditing of the EMP, as well as clear responsibility and accountability allocation requires that various role-players be defined for the construction or implementation project. Depending on the nature and scale of a project, implementing teams could be composed of any number of role-players, each with their own specified responsibilities. Therefore, for the purpose of this document, the following role-players are defined, based purely on Responsibility and Accountability allocation. The actual designation of role-players will be verified during of prior to implementation or as per the Environmental Authorisation, but the responsibilities will largely remain as stated. Landowner The Land Owner or Custodian of the Land is the person or organization with decision making capacity for the land in question, and thus ultimately accountable for what takes place on that land. The owner must give consent prior to development taking place on the property in question. In this case the Department of Roads and Transport. Developer The person or organisation who will fund the implementation of the project. Ultimately the liability associated with environmental non-compliance rests with the developer. Hence, the developer ensure that the requirement for Environmental Compliance is clearly defined in the Terms of Reference for the Contractor. The Project Engineer The Project Engineer represents the developer and co-ordinates all aspects of the project, streamlining planning and implementation. All members of the Implementing Team as described hereunder report to the Project Engineer, who in turn provides feedback to the developer. The Contractor may only take instruction from the Project Engineer, and all decisions regarding environmental procedure and protocol are to be approved by the Project Engineer, who has the power to stop any construction activity in contravention of this specification.


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The Environmental Consultant The consultant is the independent person or organisation who undertakes the initial preparation and submission of Impact Reports, Management Plans and Environmental Management Programme Reports. Often this person undertakes a degree of environmental planning as well. In this case USK CONSULTING. The Contractor The Contractor is the successful tenderer, appointed by the Implementing Agent to undertake the Works as specified in the Contract. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to do whatever is necessary from their side to ensure that they or an appointed advisor is well versed in environmental studies so that they may accurately and efficiently carry out the requirements of the Environmental Specification. The Contractor is liable for any and all remedial Work required in terms of the Environmental Specification, resulting from his environmental negligence, mismanagement and / or non-compliance. The Resident Engineer Also referred to in some instances as a Site Engineer, the Resident Engineer is responsible for construction site supervision and quality control during Construction. In some instances the Resident Engineer may also assume the responsibilities of the Project Manager. On very large schemes, the Resident Engineer may have one or more dedicated Site Agents, each responsible for a section of the works (e.g. reservoirs, pipelines, water treatment works etc.). The Environmental Control Officer An Environmental Control Officer (ECO) will undertake environmental audits for the duration of the construction project as required. The primary role of the Environmental Control Officer is to act as quality controller regarding all environmental concerns. In this respect, the ECO is to conduct periodic site inspections, attend regular site meetings, pre-empt problems and suggest mitigation and be available to advise on incidental issues that arise. The ECO is also required to conduct compliance audits, verifying the monitoring reports submitted by the Environmental Officer. The role of ECO may be fulfilled by any independent person or organisation, well versed in environmental studies and construction processes, who is able to make meaningful and workable recommendations as required. The Environmental Control Officer provides feedback to the Project Manager and Resident Engineer, who in turn reports back to the Implementing Agent and I&AP’s, as required. Issues of non-compliance raised by the ECO must be taken up by the Project Manager, and resolved with the Contractor as per the conditions of his contract. Decisions regarding environmental procedures, specifications and requirements which have a cost implication (i.e. those that are deemed to be a variation, not allowed for in the Performance Specification) must be endorsed by the Project Manager. Project Environmental Specifications (PES) These specifications shall form the basis of the environmental management plan during the construction, operation and closure of the proposed development, and


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shall be included into the construction tender (and subsequent contract) documentation. These environmental specifications would serve to ensure that, as far as reasonably practical, the execution of the works would not result in undue or reasonably avoidable impacts on the environment. The PES specifications have been adopted from the following principles, documents and guidelines:

The DWAF Environmental Site Management and Rehabilitation Specifications for DWAF construction sites;

The DWAF Guidelines for Standardised Environmental Management Plans, and Environmental Management Specifications used on major water projects in Southern Africa.

Development of quantifiable standards relating to the achievement of specific environmental controls and the integration of these standards into the environmental specifications.

Ensuring that the various development Phase mitigation measures outlined in the scoping report are adequately addressed in the environmental specifications.

Ensuring that the environmental specifications address the environmental implications associated with the development in its entirety, including all the various associated infrastructure, stormwater drainage, ponds, the contractor’s camps, access roads, and construction phase service infrastructure, etc.

2.2 Site Establishment 2.2.1 Demarcation of Site

Identify and demarcate the extent of all work areas and routes as indicated on the approved project plans using color coded pegs and danger tape. The tape must be at least 1m high and must be maintained throughout the construction phase.

No – Go areas must be identified by the ECO and demarcated clearly and communicated to the project Engineer and the contractor. The No – Go areas may include sensitive environments (wetlands, steep slopes steeper than 1:5 etc.), a buffer zone of at least 100m must be maintained around these areas. The Railway line must be designated as a No Go area and a Buffer Zone of at least 20 - 50m must be maintained around the railway line.

For pipelines, a servitude width of 15m is permitted for machine excavation, and 6m for manual excavation, unless otherwise specified by the ECO. This working servitude must accommodate all construction related activities, including materials storage, access routes etc.

Do not use the site for any other purpose other than for the proper carrying out of the Works under the Contract.

Do not establish any site Works besides those specified and allowed for in the successful tender, unless specifically agreed upon with the ECO.

Do not establish any activities or operations that, in the opinion of the ECO are likely to adversely affect the aesthetic quality of the environment. In the event that such activities and operations are deemed to be necessary, then ameliorative actions to reduce the adverse effects must be taken. Actions will be specified by the ECO.

Do not paint or mark any natural feature. Marking for surveying and other purposes must be done using pegs, beacons or rope and droppers.


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2.2.2 Protection of Vegetation

Identify, locate and map all plants and natural features to be protected during construction3. These plants and features include, but are not limited to, Red Data Species, Protected Plants, Sensitive Communities, Riparian Vegetation, Wetlands, Drainage Lines and Aesthetically Significant Areas4.

Protect identified plants (at the distance of the outermost dripline) and natural features using danger tape and steel droppers. Where damage to protected plants and natural features is a problem, then these should be fenced for protection.

Maintain plant demarcations in position until the cessation of construction works.

Locate construction camps on the outside fringe of the riparian vegetation zone.

The ECO may add to this list, as long as motivation for doing so is in line with the criteria used to initially identify the plant or feature (i.e. either during the Environmental Impact Assessment or Project Screening Exercise, whichever is relevant).

Do not disturb, deface, destroy or remove plants or natural features, whether fenced or not, for the duration of the Contractor’s presence on site, unless otherwise specified by the ECO.

The Contractor will be held liable for the replacement of any plant or feature under the protection of these specifications that is removed or damaged by the Contractor’s negligence or mismanagement.

Do not remove any large tree without the permission of the ECO. In all areas mark trees earmarked for removal prior to felling for approval by the ECO.

No open fires are permitted under trees.

No material storage or lay down is permitted under trees.

No heavy equipment, machinery and vehicles may be parked under any tree, unless authorized by the ECO.

No vegetative matter may be removed for firewood.

Bush clearance must be limited to only those areas designated as footprint for construction and must be approved by the ECO.

Safety measures must be used during bush clearance.

No trees may be felled without approval by the ECO. 2.2.3 Protection of Fauna

No wild animal may under any circumstance be handled, removed or be interfered with.

No wild animal may be fed on site.

No wild animal may under any circumstance be hunted, snared, captured, injured or killed.

Regularly undertake checks of the surrounding natural vegetation, in fences and along game paths to ensure no traps have been set. Remove and dispose of any snares or traps found on or adjacent to the site.

Ensure that the Work Site is kept clean, tidy and free of rubbish that would attract animal pests.

Have problem animals and vermin removed by an appropriate organization or authority (i.e. such as the Parks Board, the SPCA or a registered exterminator).

3 The ECO will be available to aid the Contractor with the identification of these features

4 To be indicated by the ECO as referenced in the Environmental Impact Assessment or Project

Screening Exercise, whichever is relevant


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Ensure that domesticated animals belonging to the local community are kept away and are safe from any unprotected Works.

Do not make use of any pesticides, unless approved by the ECO. 2.2.4 Protection of Historical/Cultural Features

Identify, locate and map all features and sites of social and / or cultural historical significance to be protected during construction5. These features include, but are not limited to, inhabited houses, graves, historical structures, culturally significant sites (such as initiation schools) and archaeological finds6. Protect identified features using danger tape and steel droppers.

Where damage to protected features is a problem, then these should be fenced for protection.

Maintain demarcations in position until the cessation of construction works.

Do not disturb deface, destroy or remove protected features and sites, whether fenced or not, for the duration of the Contractor’s presence on site, unless otherwise specified by the ECO.

If any chance archaeological finds, graves or skeletal material are unearthed, halt Works in that area immediately and inform the ECO7.

Do not resume Works in the area in question without permission from the ECO8.

2.2.5 Conservation of Topsoil

Ahead of all construction, borrowing and quarrying strip the entire available topsoil layer9. Stockpile separately from overburden (subsoil and rocky material).

In the absence of a recognizable topsoil layer, strip the upper most 300mm of soil.

Co-ordinate Works to limit unnecessarily prolonged exposure of stripped areas and stockpiles. Retain vegetation and soil in position for as long as possible, removing it immediately ahead of construction / earthworks in that area.

Strip and stockpile herbaceous vegetation, overlying grass and other fine organic matter along with the topsoil.

Do not strip topsoil when it is wet.

Store stripped topsoil in an approved location and in an approved manner for later reuse in the rehabilitation process.

5 To be indicated by the ECO as referenced in the Environmental Impact Assessment or Project

Screening Exercise, whichever is relevant 6 To be indicated by the ECO as referenced in the Environmental Impact Assessment or Project

Screening Exercise, whichever is relevant 7 The ECO must contact the closest museum or the Cultural Historical Museum for record keeping and

conservation / preservation actions and / or follow-up 8 A Phase 2 archaeological investigation must be undertaken and a permit must be obtained from

SAHRA regional office before any archaeological site can be destroyed. In addition, exhumation and

reburial of graves must conform to the standards set out in the Ordinance on Excavations (Ordinance

no. 12 of 1980). Permission must be obtained from the descendants (where known), the National

Department of Health, Provincial Department of Health, Premier of the Province and the local police.

In addition, permission must be obtained from the landowners (where the graves are located and where

the graves are going to be relocated) before exhumation can take place. Human remains can only be

handled by a registered undertaker or an institution declared under the Human Tissue Act (Act 65 of

1983 as amended). The ECO will co-ordinate 9 To be indicated by the ECO as referenced in the Environmental Impact Assessment or Project

Screening Exercise, whichever is relevant


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Stockpile topsoil stripped from different sites separately, as reapplication during rehabilitation must preferably be site specific. If necessary keep a stockpile register.

Do not mix topsoil obtained from different sites.

Site Infrastructure Site Camps / Contractors Camp

An area must be designated and demarcated as the footprint for the site Camps. Temporary structures e.g. containers for offices and workshops and storage facilities must only be erected at this site.

The site for the Site Camp or Contractors camp must be approved by the ECO.

Only security and emergency personnel are to be housed on the construction site.

Locate all storage areas and material laydown sites within predetermined zones as per the approved Plan.

Additional areas required by the contractor for laydown and storage must be approved by the ECO, in the form of an amended EMP indicating the extent and anticipated utilisation of the storage and laydown area.

Keep the camp and all its storage and laydown areas secure and neat at all times and employ appropriate access control measures during construction.

Clearly indicate which activities are to take place within which areas of the site.

Position security lighting so that it does not pose a nuisance to residential properties or tourist facilities or a danger to road users.

Concrete Batching Plant

No concrete batching plant is allowed on site.

Premix concrete must be used. Cement powder has a high alkalinity pH rating, which can contaminate and affect both soil and water pH dramatically. A shift in pH can have serious consequences on the functioning of soil and water organisms and plants. In the event that a small quantity of cement mixing is required, the following recommendations must be implemented to minimise impact.

Cement contaminated water may not enter a natural or man-made (e.g. trench / sloot or dam) water system. Preventative measures include establishing sumps from where contaminated water can be either treated in situ or removed to an appropriate waste site.

Mixing areas to be carefully placed in consultation with the Engineer / ECO.

If possible/appropriate ready mix concrete should be used.

Cement bags are to be stored securely out of harms way from the elements (wind and rain).

Excess or spilled concrete should be confined within the works area and then removed to a waste site.

Crusher Plant

No crusher plant is allowed on site.

Access to Site

No unauthorised persons are allowed on site and in the contractor’s camp.


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Site Notices must be erected communicating site permission and access controls.

The site camps must be fenced off and guarded by security personnel 24 hours.

Site Management Rubble and Waste Rock

Inert building rubble and waste rock must be used as backfill material where possible, and/or disposed off at a registered waste disposal site.

Subject to approval by the ECO, certain borrow pits and / or quarries may be utilised for the disposal of waste rock and inert building rubble.

Solid Waste

Collect all domestic waste in adequate numbers of litter bins located as required on the Work Site and within the Contractors camp.

Where feasible, collect waste paper, glass and metal waste separately and arrange for collection by recycling contractors.

For the pipelines, provide litter bins at regular positions, with spacing not exceeding 100m throughout the Work Site.

Litter bins must be equipped with a closing mechanism to prevent their contents from blowing out.

Ensure that personnel make use of the litter bins provided. Keep all Work Sites and at the Contractors camp tidy and litter free at all times.

Empty litter bins weekly (or as required before they reach capacity).

Where necessary, dedicate a storage area on site for the collection of construction waste.

Unless otherwise specified by the ECO, remove stored domestic waste to the nearest registered solid waste disposal facility.

Ensure that solid waste is transported properly, avoiding waste spills en-route.

No waste is to be disposed off on site or buried on site

No solid waste may be burned on site.

Effluent and Waste Water

Provide portable chemical toilets at all Work Sites.

Ensure that adequate numbers of conveniently located site toilets are available on all Work Sites at all times in quantities related to the number of users (1 toilet per 30 users is the norm).

Do not locate any site toilet, sanitary convenience, septic tank or French drain within the 1:100 year floodline, or within a horizontal distance of 100m (whichever is greater) of a watercourse, drainage line or identified wetland.

Maintain and clean site toilets regularly as is required to keep them in good, functional working order and in an acceptable state of hygiene.

Combine drinking water facilities with hand washing facilities near site toilets.

Hazardous Substances

Ensure compliance with all national, regional and local legislation with regard to the disposal of hydrocarbons, chemicals, solvents and any other harmful and hazardous substances and materials.

Collect any hazardous waste in receptacles located on a drip tray on site pending disposal.

Retain waste oils and batteries for recycling by the supplier wherever possible.


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Regularly dispose of all hazardous waste not earmarked for reuse, recycling or resale (such as oil contaminated with chlorinated hydrocarbons, electrical cleaning solvent, certain chemicals and fluorescent tubes) at a registered hazardous waste disposal site. (The nearest registered hazardous waste site is in Port Elizabeth)

Contain chemical spills, and arrange for cleanup / control by the supplier, or by professional pollution control personnel.

Spills must be immediately reported to the ECO.

Pollution control

Do not dump waste of any nature, or any foreign material into any drainage line or wetland.

Do not allow the use of any drainage line or wetland for swimming, bathing, or the cleaning of clothing, tools or equipment.

Prevent the discharge of water containing polluting matter or visible suspended materials directly into drainage lines or wetlands.

Deflect any unpolluted water / runoff away from any dirty area (including plants, maintenance areas, workshops and contractors yards).

Otherwise clean, but silt laden water may be discharged overland, provided no erosion is resultant from this discharge.

Ensure that no stormwater is allowed to enter any drainage installation for the reception, conveyance, storage and / or treatment of sewage.

Ensure that water passing through vehicle wash bays and workshops pass through oil baffles / oil traps / oils separators before passing into conservancy tanks.

Take special care during rainy periods to prevent the contents of sumps and drip trays from overflowing.

Blasting

No blasting is anticipated for this project.

However, should the need for blasting arise, the Contractor must complying with all the Regulations as included in the Explosives Act (Act No. 15 of 2003). The contractor is further referred to this Act and all its regulations.

Plan the type, duration and timing of blasting procedures with due cognisance of other land uses and structures in the vicinity.

Inform local landowners and communities ahead of any blasting event.

When blasting is to be carried out within 500m of any building, railway, public thoroughfare, powerline, telephone line, pipeline, sports field or any place where people congregate, then these must be inspected and their condition photographically recorded prior to blasting. The provisions and requirements of the relevant authorities must be complied with. These include:

o Spoornet concerning railways; o The South African Roads Agency concerning national roads; o Eskom concerning powerlines; o Telkom concerning telecommunications lines; o Water boards and local authorities, concerning the protection of water

mains, gas mains, sewers and sewerage mains and electric cables; o Any other authorities who have jurisdiction in the area.

Air Quality

Manage dust resultant from the Works and fugitive dust in an efficient and environmentally sensitive manner.

Limit the production of dust and damage caused by dust through regular watering of the work areas.


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Ensure that a dust control system (i.e. sprinkler or vacuum) is installed and maintained in an operating condition at the crusher plant.

Dust from the construction site must not disturb economic or social activities (including schooling and sporting activities) in the vicinity of the construction site.

Noise Control

Unless otherwise specified by the ECO, normal work hours will apply (i.e. from 06h30 to 16h15, Mondays to Fridays).

Ensure that employees and staff conduct themselves in an acceptable manner while on site, both during Work hours and after hours.

No loud music is permitted on site or in the Camp.

If noise levels at the boundaries of the site exceed 7dB above ambient levels, then the local health authorities are to be informed.

Fire Control

Take adequate precautions to ensure that fires are not started as a result of Works on site: the Contractor will be held liable for any damage to property adjoining the Site as a result of any fire caused by one of his employees.

A minimum requirement for construction in a high fire risk area is a water truck or cart, with a minimum capacity of 5000 litres, equipped with pump and hose (minimum length 30m) which must be permanently on site.

Ensure that the Work Site, the contractor’s camp and all living quarters are equipped with adequate fire fighting equipment10. This includes at least rubber beaters when working in veld areas, and at least one fire extinguisher of the appropriate type irrespective of the site.

Take immediate steps to extinguish any fire which may break out on the construction site.

No open fires are permitted anywhere on site.

Do not store any fuel or chemicals under trees.

Do not store gas and liquid fuel in the same storage area.

Do not permit any smoking within 3m of any fuel or chemical storage area, or refuelling area.

Health and Safety

The specifications included under this section do no exempt the Contractor from complying with all the Regulations as included in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 Of 1993). The contractor is further referred to this Act and all its regulations.

The safety of all construction and operational personnel, as well as any member of the public on the site is the responsibility of the Contractor.

Control access onto and off the site by means of a register system.

Ensure that first aid / emergency facilities / procedures are in place.

Ensure that all personnel are trained in basic site safety procedures.

Keep a register with contact numbers of all people employed and one relative for each.

Keep a list of all relevant emergency numbers in an easily accessible location on site.

Keep a record of all incidents, accidents and illnesses on site and make the information available at meetings.

Ensure that proper footwear is worn by employees at all times.

10

In terms of SABS 1200


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Ensure that employees are issued with and make use of the necessary safety equipment when working in dusty, noisy and / or dangerous situations. Such equipment may include, but is not necessarily limited to hardhats, goggles, masks, earplugs, gloves, safety footwear and safety ropes as required.

Ensure that adequate drinking water, wash water and sanitary facilities are available at all times and on all work sites.

Where necessary, provide a designated place for food storage, preparation and consumption on site. This should be a shaded area.

Ensure that personnel are transported legally, and in a safe and responsible manner.

Ensure that all vehicle and machine operators are qualified and licensed to operate their vehicles / machines.

Protect dangerous excavations or Works that may pose a hazard to humans and animals. Demarcate these areas with hazard tape or fencing as required and post the appropriate danger signs.

Respect workers’ right to refuse work in unsafe conditions.

Excavation and Trenching

Excavation must be kept to a minimum and where possible areas must backfilled.

Programme excavation to take place once the required materials are on site. This facilitates the immediate laying of services and / or construction of subsurface infrastructure and minimises open trench time.

Undertake excavations carefully, incorporating appropriate drainage.

Excavate and backfill trenches on a progressive basis.

Ensure that no trench longer than 1000m is exposed at any one time.

Do not allow excavations to stand open for longer than 2 days where at all possible. Excavations should preferably be opened and closed on the same day.


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Figure 2: Illustration of Excavation, Trenching and Backfill procedures for pipelines Soil Erosion Control

Protect all areas susceptible to erosion and ensure that there is no undue soil erosion resultant from activities within and adjacent to the construction camp and Work Areas.

Retain natural trees, shrubbery and grass species wherever possible.

Do not permit vehicular or pedestrian access into natural areas beyond the demarcated boundary of the Work Area.

Address erosion donga crossings as river crossings, applying soil erosion control and bank stabilisation procedures as specified by the ECO.

Do not allow erosion to develop on a large scale before effecting repairs. When in doubt, seek advice from the ECO.

Repair all erosion damage as soon as possible.

Measures for soil erosion control can include cut off trenches, straw stabilising, brush packing etc.

Stockpiling Storage and Handling Topsoil

Topsoil is to be handled twice only – once to strip and stockpile, and once to replace and level.

Position topsoil stockpiles must be designated and demarcated.

Any additional topsoil stockpile areas required by the contractor must be approved by the ECO.

Position topsoil stockpiles on the higher side of a disturbed area, and above a 1:50 year flood line wherever possible.

Ensure that all topsoil is stored in such a way and in such a place that it will not cause the damming up of water, erosion gullies, or wash away itself.

In the case of linear works like the pipelines, stockpile topsoil in windrows parallel to the excavation.

Do not stockpile topsoil in drainage lines.

Do not stockpile topsoil in heaps exceeding 2m in height.

Protect topsoil stockpiles from erosion.

Remove exotic / invasive plants and broad leaf weeds that emerge on topsoil stockpiles.

Ensure that topsoil is at no time buried, mixed with spoil (excavated subsoil), rubble or building material, or subjected to compaction or contamination by vehicles or machinery. This will render the topsoil unsuitable for use during rehabilitation.

The Contractor will be held liable for the replacement of any topsoil rendered unsuitable for use during rehabilitation, for reasons due to his negligence or mismanagement on site.


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Fuel Storage and Handling

Position long term fuel stores as indicated on the approved Site Plan and / or relevant Sketch Plan and must be within the Site Camps.

Store fuel at temporary depots within a bunded area, or alternatively in an area underlain by heavy duty PVC sheeting and covered with 100mm of sand. This is to include an area adjacent to the tanks upon which vehicles must park during refuelling.

Provide impervious paving adjacent to fuel tanks, upon which vehicles must park during refuelling. This will help to accommodate fuel spills during refuelling.

The only permitted method of fuel transfer, is by means of a pump / controlled valve / tap / hose / funnel.

Treat spills within the bund and the contents of the sump as hazardous waste.

The ECO must be immediately notified of any spills on site.

Construction of Internal Roads and existing access

Make use of existing roads and tracks where feasible, rather than creating new routes. Use the existing roads for site access and where planned these roads must be upgraded to proper internal access roads, rather than new excavations for alternative routes.

Develop all permanent and temporary roads and access routes as indicated on the approved project Plans.

Slight deviations of alignment are permitted, so as to avoid significant vegetation specimens and communities, natural features and sites of cultural and historical significance. These deviations must be approved by the ECO.

Ensure that adequate vehicle turning areas are allowed for.

Where construction will obstruct existing access, be sure to allow for alternative temporary access routes.

Internal roads must be constructed to acceptable RDP standard, and as per specifications in the technical report prepared by the project engineers.

Routes should not traverse slopes with gradients in excess of 8%. Where this is unavoidable, stabilise the road surface.

Avoid planning routes through wetlands: seek an alternative route.

Avoid routes through drainage lines and riparian zones wherever possible. Where access through drainage lines and riparian zones is unavoidable, only one road is permitted, constructed perpendicular to the drainage line. Avoid roads that follow drainage lines within the floodplain.

Adequate culverts are required as to have a minimal impact on water flow patterns through the drainage line.

Ensure that causeways result in minimal disruption to flow patterns, both upstream and downstream of the crossing, and do not cause damming of the water at the crossing.

Enforce speed limits at all times, both on public roads and on site roads. Unless otherwise specified by the ECO, the speed limit on construction roads is 50km/h.

Allow for safe pedestrian and cycling access and crossing where necessary.

Ensure that only authorised roads and access routes are used.

Vehicles may not leave the designated roads and tracks and turnaround points will be limited to specific sites.

Maintain all access routes and roads adequately in order to minimise erosion and undue surface damage. Repair rutting and potholing and maintain stormwater control mechanisms.


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The Project Manager will indicate whether or not it is necessary to keep a photographic record of temporary or permanent rights of way over private property as permitted during construction11.

Figure 3:Illustration of Cut and Fill

11

In terms of SABS 1200 AD 5.3.1, the acquisition of such permission is the responsibility of the

Project Manager


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Figure 4: Pipeline construction activities.


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Environmental Performance Monitoring/Audits The Environmental Control Officer An Independent Environmental Control Officer ECO must be appointed for the project. The role of ECO will be to monitor, review and verify the implementation of the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and liaise with the Resident Engineer and/or the Department of Economic Affairs, Environment and Tourism (DEAET). Responsibilities of the ECO Responsibilities will include but not limited to the following:

Advise the Resident Engineer on the interpretation and enforcement of the Project Environmental Specification;

Review method statements;

Demarcation of sensitive areas and No Go areas;

Monitoring any physical changes to the Environment as a consequence of the construction works;

Undertaking regular site inspections and submitting regular reports on the level of compliance to the EMP demonstrated by the contractor (At least 1 Audit per month for the period of the project construction;

Undertaking damage assessment with the Project Resident Engineer where incidents, accidents, and/or serious infringements may have occurred on/off site and advising on the remedial actions required; and

Updating the EMP as and when appropriate and communicating these changes to the resident Engineer and Contractor.


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References

1. Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, February 2005. Environmental Best

Practice Specifications: Construction - For Construction Sites, Infrastructure

Upgrades and Maintenance Works.


Practice Guidelines: Planning. Integrated Environmental Management Sub-Series

No. IEMS 1.6. Third Edition. Pretoria.


Practice Specifications: Operation. Integrated Environmental Management Sub-

Series No. IEMS 1.6. Third Edition. Pretoria.


Practice Guidelines: Decommissioning Planning. Integrated Environmental

Management Sub-Series No. IEMS 1.6. Third Edition. Pretoria.

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