the upgrading of rural access road d281 … ppp2docx_ab.pdf · ncc environmental services (pty) ltd...

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THE UPGRADING OF RURAL ACCESS ROAD D281 BETWEEN VOLKSRUST AND DAGGAKRAAL (12,42KM)

PREPARED FOR:

Arjan Beeckman

DATED:

28 April 2016

PREPARED BY:

Christian F Gerhardt

M · 072 261 0301

E · [email protected]

NCC Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd Daggakraal Road Upgrade – May 2016 of 118 Reg No: 2007/023691/07

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents DEPARTMENTAL REFERENCE NUMBER(S) ............................................................................................................6

PROJECT TITLE ......................................................................................................................................................6

DETAILS OF THE APPLICANT .................................................................................................................................6

1 DETAILS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTITIONER (EAP) ............................................................................7

2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE CONTENT OF THE BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT: ........................................8

3 SECTION A: ACTIVITY INFORMATION ........................................................................................................ 10

3.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................................................... 10

General Description ................................................................................................................................... 10

The activities assessed during the Basic Assessment process: ................................................................. 11

Waste management activities in terms of the National Environmental Management: Waste Aact (No 59

of 2008) (Government Gazette No. 32368): .............................................................................................. 13

Atmospheric emission activities in terms of the National Environmental Management: AQA

(Government Gazette No. 33064): ............................................................................................................ 14

Details of all components of the proposed project and attach diagrams (e.g. architectural drawings or

perspectives, engineering drawings, process flow charts etc.). ................................................................ 14

4 PHYSICAL SIZE OF THE ACTIVITY ................................................................................................................ 16

5 SITE ACCESS ............................................................................................................................................... 16

6 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY ON WHICH THE ACTIVITY IS TO BE UNDERTAKEN AND THE LOCATION

OF THE ACTIVITY ON THE PROPERTY ................................................................................................................. 17

GPS positions for the D281 and borrow pits ................................................................................................. 18

SECTION B: DESCRIPTION OF RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...................................................................................1

1 SITE/AREA DESCRIPTION ..............................................................................................................................1

1.1 GRADIENT OF THE SITE .........................................................................................................................1


1.2 LOCATION IN LANDSCAPE ....................................................................................................................1

1.3 GROUNDWATER, SOIL AND GEOLOGICAL STABILITY OF THE SITE .......................................................2

1.4 SURFACE WATER ..................................................................................................................................3

1.5 BIODIVERSITY ........................................................................................................................................6

Biodiversity planning category .........................................................................................................................6

Site condition ....................................................................................................................................................7

Botanical indicators ......................................................................................................................................7

Wetland indicators .................................................................................................................................... 12

Water resources ........................................................................................................................................ 14

1.6 LAND USE OF THE SITE ....................................................................................................................... 16

1.7 LAND USE CHARACTER OF SURROUNDING AREA .............................................................................. 17

1.8 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASPECTS .............................................................................................................. 18

1.9 HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL ASPECTS ............................................................................................... 20

1.10 APPLICABLE LEGISLATION, POLICIES AND/OR GUIDELINES ..................................................................1

2 SECTION C: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION .............................................................................................................4

3 SECTION D: NEED AND DESIRABILITY ...........................................................................................................1

SECTION E: ALTERNATIVES ...................................................................................................................................5

Description .......................................................................................................................................................5

Impact Table for the No-Go Options. ...............................................................................................................7

The road and road verges .............................................................................................................................7

Impacts on Borrow Pits.............................................................................................................................. 11

SECTION F: IMPACT ASSESSMENT, MANAGEMENT, MITIGATION AND MONITORING MEASURES ................. 15

1 IMPACTS ON CERTAIN ASPECTS: ............................................................................................................... 15

Geographical and physical aspects: ............................................................................................................... 15

Biological aspects: ......................................................................................................................................... 17

Socio-Economic aspects: ............................................................................................................................... 19

2 WASTE AND EMISSIONS ............................................................................................................................ 20


Waste (including effluent) management ...................................................................................................... 20

Emissions into the atmosphere ..................................................................................................................... 21

3 WATER USE ................................................................................................................................................ 21

4 POWER SUPPLY .......................................................................................................................................... 22

5 DESCRIPTION AND ASSESSMENT OF THE SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACTS PRIOR TO AND AFTER MITIGATION

22

5.1 Significant impacts: Construction phase ........................................................................................... 22

Impacts and mitigations during the Construction phase: D281 road and road verges............................. 22

Impacts and mitigations during the Construction phase: Borrowpits ...................................................... 30

5.2 Operational Impacts .......................................................................................................................... 36

5.3 decommissioning and closure phase ................................................................................................. 40

6 SPECIALIST INPUTS/STUDIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS ......................................................................... 41

The Heritage Impact Assessment .................................................................................................................. 42

Botanical Impact Assessment: ....................................................................................................................... 42

Freshwater Habitat Impact Assessment ........................................................................................................ 45

7 IMPACT SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................... 50

Heritage ......................................................................................................................................................... 50

Ecological ....................................................................................................................................................... 50

Freshwater ..................................................................................................................................................... 51

Socio Economic Impacts ................................................................................................................................ 52

8 OTHER MANAGEMENT, MITIGATION AND MONITORING MEASURES ..................................................... 52

SECTION G: ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGIES AND CRITERIA, GAPS IN KNOWLEDGE, UNDERLYING

ASSUMPTIONS AND UNCERTAINTIES ................................................................................................................ 53

Assessment Methodoly used......................................................................................................................... 53

Heritage Assessment Methodology .......................................................................................................... 54

Botanical assessment Methodology: ......................................................................................................... 54

Freshwater Assessment Methodology: ..................................................................................................... 55


Limitations and Assumptions ........................................................................................................................ 56

Assessment Criteria ....................................................................................................................................... 57

Knowledge Gaps ............................................................................................................................................ 58

SECTION H: RECOMMENDATION OF THE EAP ................................................................................................... 59

SECTION I: APPENDICES ..................................................................................................................................... 61

DECLARATIONS .................................................................................................................................................. 62

THE APPLICANT .............................................................................................................................................. 62

THE INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PRACTITIONER (EAP) .................................................. 62

THE INDEPENDENT PERSON WHO COMPILED A SPECIALIST REPORT OR UNDERTOOK A SPECIALIST PROCESS

....................................................................................................................................................................... 63

APPENDIX A: LOCALITY MAP ................................................................................................................................1

APPENDIX B: SITE PLANS ......................................................................................................................................3

APPENDIX C: PHOTOGRAPHS ...............................................................................................................................4

APPENDIX D: BIODIVERSITY OVERLAY MAPS........................................................................................................5

APPENDIX E: SPECIALIST REPORTS ......................................................................................................................6

APPENDIX H: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME ..........................................................................7


DEPARTMENTAL REFERENCE NUMBER(S)

File reference number (EIA):

File reference number (Waste):

File reference number (Other):

PROJECT TITLE

THE UPGRADING OF RURAL ACCESS ROAD D281 BETWEEN VOLKSRUST AND DAGGAKRAAL (17 KM) IN THE GERT SIBANDE REGION OF MPUMALANGA PROVINCE

DETAILS OF THE APPLICANT

Applicant Name: Mpumalanga Department of Public Works Roads and Transport

Contact Person Mr NMD Malatji

RSA Identity Number/ Passport Number:

5210165126087

Trading name (if any): N/A

Company Registration Number:

N/A

Postal address: Private Bag x 11310, Mbombela

Mbombela Postal code:

1200

Telephone: (013) 766 8525 Cell: 082 921 0490

E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (013) 766 8648


1 DETAILS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTITIONER (EAP)

Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP):

Christian Friedrich Gerhardt

Contact person: Christian Gerhardt

Postal address: 26 Bell Close, Westlake Business Park, Westlake

Postal code:

Telephone: (021 )7022884 Cell: 072 261 0301

E-mail: [email protected]

Fax: ( )

EAP Qualifications National Dip in Nature Conservation (Cape Technikon, attained 1999 ) and Bachelor’s Degree Development and Environmental Studies (Stellenbosch University, attained 2002)

EAP Registrations/Associations Currently no affiliations

Details of the EAP’s expertise to carry out Basic Assessment procedures

Christian has been involved with environmental management and implementation from 2000 until current and have experience with regards to the functioning of various construction and mining projects.

He has also been involved with BA processes since 2010 which included assistance, participation and currently project management of the assessment process.

Lastly he has been involved with the application of water use licenses or registration of water use authorisations.


2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE CONTENT OF THE BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT:

The Mpumalanga Department of Public Works Roads and Transport are planning the upgrade of an exisitng

gravel road (the D281) which is situated between Volksrust and Daggakraal. The road is planned because it

forms part of the goals of the Mpumalanga Spatial Development Plan and it also aligns with the Gert Sibande

Municipality Intergrated Development Plan of 2014/15.

The gravel road turns of from the N11 to the right if moving from Volksrust ato Amersfoort. The upgrade of

the D281 is the surfacing of the current gravel road over a distance of 12.42km.

The planned project will trigger relevant Basic Assessment activities in writing as per Listing Notice 1 (GN No.

R. 983). These activities are 12, 19, 21 and 24. Due to the activities triggered a Basic Assessment process was

conducted in order to provide the Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and

Environmental Affairs with an assessment report to make an informed decision with regards to the

authorisation or rejection of the application with regards to the planned project.

Specialist studies were conducted with regards to the aspects that may be impacted by the activities of the

construction and operational phases of the proposed road upgrade. These studies included:

1) A Heritage Impact Assessment which assessed the current site conditions and possible cultural

heritage and palaeontological impacts.

2) A Botanical Assessment which assessed the current site conditions and possible impacts on the

project area and surrounding floral biome(s).

3) A Freshwater Habitat Impact Assessment which assessed the current site conditions and possible

impacts on the project and surrounding area’s water resources.

Mitigations with regards to the findings have been provided in order to inform which management stragtegy

is needed to prevent, mtigate or rehabilitate impacts caused by the project. The management measures

that have been provided in the specialsit report forms part of the Environmental Management Program that

is used on site to inform management actions.

Alternatives to the proposed project have been considered during the assessment and in this case a No-Go

alternative was chosen as the alternative. The No-Go option will mean that the gravel road will not be re

surfaced and will contine to be used in it’s current state.


The following findings were made in terms of the assessment:

1) Option 1: (D281 road resurfacing)

Construction related impacts on the surrounding/receiving environments was calculated to be of

mostly low to low–medium risk. Special areas of attention when managing these risks should be

given to:

the protection of grave sites at one of the related borrow pits

the protection of the Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Monument

managing water crossing construction in order to minimise erosion, siltation and

geomorphological change to the wetlands directly affected by water flow from the

site

the management of alien vegetation

Option 1 does have positive socio-economic impacts due to the project’s provision of employement

for between 18 months and 2 years, depending on the project timeframe.

Operational impacts will be similar to the current No-Go option because the operations will be the

same as the current operations.

2) Option 2: (No Go)

Currently the gravel road impacts were calculated to be of similar risk as Option 1 how ever

construction based impacts will not take place due to no planned construction activities. No socio-

economic impacts are forecasted due to Option 2’s lack of job creation ability.

Due to the road being operational no new impacts are foreseen. One of the positive impacts that

were highlighted by the specialist was the improvement of the watercourse crossing to enhance

hydrological funtioning.

This assessment is currently in the draft phase prior to any potential input during the public

participation process. The assessement report will be provided to the relevant government

departments and public to provide comments with regards to the planned development.


3 SECTION A: ACTIVITY INFORMATION

3.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

General Description

This document is an application for an environmental authorisation with regards to the upgrade and

expansion of a road, the D281, between Volksrust and Daggakraal. The project will consist of:

1. The upgrading and expansion of the existing dirt road to a surfaced (tarred) road. The current

existing road has the following dimensions:

a. Width between 8 -10m wide

b. Length 17 km

The upgrade will change the road as follows:

c. The road will be tarred

d. The width will change to 13.5m

2. The upgrade will also consider a new re-alignment of the current route on the southern portion of

the planned road.

3. Borrow pits have been identified to be used for sourcing of gravel.

4. A campsite of 1ha will also be constructed on site close to Daggakraal and will consist of the

following:

a. Temporary prefabricated offices

b. Toilets which will either be connected:

i. to the sewerage lines from the local municipality

ii. or to an underground septic tank

5. Extra laydown or storage areas for construction material.

6. Further temporary gravel access roads will be constructed in order to provide access along portions

of the road whilst it is under construction.


The activities assessed during the Basic Assessment process:

GN No. R. 983 Activity No(s):

The relevant Basic Assessment Activity(ies) in writing as per Listing Notice 1 (GN No. R. 983)

Description of the activity

12 The development of-

(i) canals exceeding 100 square metres in size;

(ii) channels exceeding 100 square metres in size;

(iii) bridges exceeding 100 square metres in size;

(iv) dams, where the dam, including infrastructure and water surface

area, exceeds 100 square metres in size;

(v) weirs, where the weir, including infrastructure and water surface

area, exceeds 100 square metres in size;

(vi) bulk storm water outlet structures exceeding 100 square metres in

size;

(vii) marinas exceeding 100 square metres in size;

(viii) jetties exceeding 100 square metres in size;

(ix) slipways exceeding 100 square metres in size;

(x) buildings exceeding 100 square metres in size;

(xi) boardwalks exceeding 100 square metres in size; or

(xii) infrastructure or structures with a physical footprint of 100 square

metres or more;

where such development occurs-

(a) within a watercourse;

(b) in front of a development setback; or

(c) if no development setback exists, within 32 metres of a

The upgrading and

expansion of the road over

various identified water

resources.


watercourse, measured from the edge of a watercourse; -

excluding-

(aa) the development of infrastructure or structures within existing

ports or harbours that will not increase the development footprint of

the port or harbour;

(bb) where such development activities are related to the development

of a port or harbour, in which case activity 26 in Listing Notice 2 of

2014 applies;

(cc) activities listed in activity 14 in Listing Notice 2 of 2014 or activity

14 in Listing Notice 3 of 2014, in which case that activity applies;

(dd) where such development occurs within an urban area; or

(ee) where such development occurs within existing roads or road

reserves.

19 The infilling or depositing of any material of more than 5 cubic metres

into, or the dredging, excavation, removal or moving of soil, sand,

shells, shell grit, pebbles or rock of more than 5 cubic metres from-

(i) a watercourse;

(ii) the seashore; or

(iii) the littoral active zone, an estuary or a distance of 100 metres

inland of the high-water mark of the sea or an estuary, whichever

distance is the greater-

but excluding where such infilling, depositing , dredging, excavation,

removal or moving-

(a) will occur behind a development setback;

(b) is for maintenance purposes undertaken in accordance with a

maintenance management plan; or

(c) falls within the ambit of activity 21 in this Notice, in which case that

activity applies.

The infilling of material

into water resources for:

1. The construction of

culverts (if so

designed)

2. The diverting of

water during the

project


21.

Any activity including the operation of that activity which requires a

mining permit in terms of section 27 of the Mineral and Petroleum

Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act No. 28 of 2002), including

associated infrastructure, structures and earthworks directly related to

the extraction of a mineral resource, including activities for which an

exemption has been issued in terms of section 106 of the Mineral and

Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act No. 28 of 2002).

The use of borrow pits

24 The development of-

(i) a road for which an environmental authorisation was obtained for

the route determination in terms of activity 5 in Government Notice

387 of 2006 or activity 18 in Government Notice 545 of 2010; or

(ii) a road with a reserve wider than 13,5 meters, or where no reserve

exists where the road is wider than 8 metres;

but excluding-

(a) roads which are identified and included in activity 27 in Listing

Notice 2 of 2014; or

(b) roads where the entire road falls within an urban area.

The expansion and

upgrading of the road

identified.

Waste management activities in terms of the National Environmental Management: Waste Aact (No 59 of

2008) (Government Gazette No. 32368):

Waste generated on site will vary between general household waste and hazardous materials. These waste

materials will not be stored on site for a period longer than a month per load. The following waste will

typically be generated on site:

1. Household or general waste

2. Hazardous waste which will consist of:


Petro-chemical waste

The petro-chemicals described will mainly be used engine and hydraulic oil which will be stored on site for

no more than 2-3 days. All oil will be removed from site and taken to the contractors or equipment/plant

hire workshops for safe disposal. The petro-chemicals will be managed as prescribed by the EMP.

Unused asphalt and bitumen

Leftover bitumen will be placed into 210l containers and managed as per the EMP.

Sewerage from the chemical/portable toilets

The sewerage from porta loos will be pumped out a by registered service providers.

Sewerage from the site camp toilets which will be gathered in an underground tank and the underground

tanks will be pumped out either once every month, or more regularly if required, by a registered service

provider.

The management of waste material on site will be done in accordance to the Environmental Management

Program (EMPr).

Atmospheric emission activities in terms of the National Environmental Management: AQA (Government

Gazette No. 33064):

No listed atmospheric pollution or emission activities are foreseen. Dust from the construction area will be dealt with in terms of the EMPr (Please refer to pgs).

Details of all components of the proposed project and attach diagrams (e.g. architectural drawings or

perspectives, engineering drawings, process flow charts etc.).

Buildings Provide brief description: No permanent buildings will be constructed. The buildings that will be on site will be temporary prefabricated offices in a temporary site camp used for onsite management and administrative tasks Infrastructure (e.g. roads, power and water supply/ storage)

1. Provide brief description- The project entails the construction, expansion and upgrading an existing dirt road to a surfaced (tarred) road. The current existing road has the following dimensions:

a. Width between 8 -10m wide b. Length 17 km

The upgrade will change the road as follows:


a. The road will be tarred b. The width will change to 13.5m

Storage facilities for raw materials and products (e.g. volume and substances to be stored)

Material Storage Method Volumes

Diesel Will be stored in a 10,000 litre above ground tank in a bunded area. The bund will be 110% of the diesel tanks capacity

10,000 litres

Motor oil Will be stored in the site camp workshop within a bunded area which will be 110% of the oil volume.

2000 litres of used and unused oil.

Grease Stored at the site camp in the hazardous materials store.

Maximum 15 litres

Hydraulic oil Stored at the site camp in the hazardous materials store.

Maximum 100 litres

Base material (gravel from the borrow pits)

Stored on site next to the road in stockpiles 20 cubes per stockpile. The amount of stockpiles needed is not known

Asphalt Stored on site next to the road in stockpiles 20 cubes per stockpile. The amount of stockpiles needed is not known.

Storage and treatment facilities for solid waste and effluent generated by the project Please refer to the attached EMPr for an in-depth waste management description. Solid Waste:

1. The campsite will be provided with a skip in which all the household waste generated on site will be stored. The skips will be cleaned once every week by a preferred service provider.

2. Bins will be placed strategically on site as per the EMPr 3. Office paper waste will be recycled

Effluent: 1. Porta loos will be provided at strategic areas on site. These loos will be serviced (cleaned) once

every week by the service providing company. 2. The effluent produced at the campsite will be stored in an underground septic tank which will then

be pumped out by a sewerage removal company.

For further information please refer to the Environmental Management Programme Other activities (e.g. water abstraction activities, crop planting activities) Other activities that will take place in conjunction with the construction of the road are the following:

1. The mining of gravel material for the roads from new borrow pits. 2. Possible abstraction of water to be used for dust suppression.


4 PHYSICAL SIZE OF THE ACTIVITY

Size of the property:

The size of the property on which the activity is to be undertaken (cadastral unit).

25 249 374m2 (2524.9374 Ha)

Size of the facility:

The size of the facility (development area) on which the activity is to be undertaken.

Road and Reserve – 227 800m2 (22.78 Ha)

Size of the activity:

The physical size (footprint) of the activity together with its associated infrastructure:

362856m2

The physical size (footprint) of the activity: 227 800m2 (22.78 Ha)

The physical size (footprint) of the associated infrastructure: 135 056m2 (13.50 Ha)

Length of the activity:

The length (distance) of the activity: 17km (17 000m)

5 SITE ACCESS

A description of the access roads that will be used during the construction phase

The temporary access roads that will be planned for the project are roads that will run parallel to the existing

road to ensure that the public can still travel between Volksrust and DaggaskraalDaggakraal.

In terms of the traffic in the area the current planned length of an access road can may vary from 2 – 5 km .

This can may change in terms of the local conditions and traffic dynamics found experienced during the

construction phase.

The access roads will also be fashioned to at best keep the flow of traffic on the road with minimal stop go

systems. The traffic will mainly be directed or funnelled from one lane into the oncoming lane using the

correct lane markers. The oncoming traffic will be directed onto the new shoulder of the road. The road

area on which the construction will take place will be barricaded from traffic using either road markers or

barricades.


Construction of the road surface will always take place on one lane too accommodate for the road access

and road diversion.

If an access road is covering a crossing which leads into a private property or into a commercial area,. The

traffic at the crossing or entrance will be regulated using flagmen or a stop go system.

Temporary access roads will shift as the project progresses. As soon as the construction of a portion of the

road will beis completed, the access roads needed to keep traffic moving between Volksrust and Daggakraal

will be shifted towards the new construction area.

Temporary access roads to the construction camp and borrow pits are also planned, these roads will be

rehabilitated after construction as part of post- construction site rehabilitation.

6 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY ON WHICH THE ACTIVITY IS TO BE

UNDERTAKEN AND THE LOCATION OF THE ACTIVITY ON THE PROPERTY

The current property is situated in the Mpumalanga Province between Volksrust and Daggakraal. The

proposed 17km road section to be upgraded starts at the T-junction with the National Route 11 (N11) north

of Volksrust and extends through Daggakraal town where it terminates prior crossing the Wielspruit River.

The construction is a linear construction (a distance of 12.42) km and has three areas that have been set

aside for borrow pit activities.

The road runs through the grassland Biome and the southern portion of the road passes through the

Wakkerstroom Montane Grassland.


GPS positions for the D281 and borrow pits

Linear Activity reference points Latitude (S): Longitude (E):

● Starting point of the activity 27o 12‘ 58,45“ 29o 53‘ 2.61“

● Middle point of the activity 27o 9‘ 33.05“ 29o 56‘ 28.83“

● End point of the activity 27o 6‘ 22.75“ 29o 59‘ 19.89“

Borrow pits Latitude (S): Longitude (E):

● Borrow pit 1 27o 12’ 55.09” 29o 53’ 16.17”

● Borrow pit 3 27o 8’ 59.79” 29o 57’ 39.79”

● Borrow pit 4 27o 9’ 35.19” 29o 55’ 53.65”



Figure 1: Shows the Proposed road expansion for the D281



SECTION B: DESCRIPTION OF RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT

1 SITE/AREA DESCRIPTION

1.1 GRADIENT OF THE SITE

The geographical area in which the current road is situated has a south eastern aspect. The first portion of the road differs from the main portion of the southern portion as it is situated on a north western aspect. The gradient of the site varies due to the rolling nature of the landscape. The gradient table below (Table 1) highlights the differences between the peaks and valleys of the landscape. Table 1: Gradient calculations of the landacape through which the road traverses.

Distance Distance variable Height Height Variable Gradient

1 – 1.5km 1.5km 1706 - 1772 67m 1:44

1.5 – 1.78km 0.23km 1772 -1760 12m 1:52

1.78 – 2.65km 0.87km 1760 – 1782 22m 1:25

2.65 – 6.43km 3.78km 1782 – 1716 66m 1:17

6.43 – 8.95km 2.52km 1716 – 1741 25m 1:10

8.95 – 12.42km 3.47km 1741 - 1713 28m 1:18

1.2 LOCATION IN LANDSCAPE

The upgrade of the road will take place in an area which is a mix between hilly or mountainous terrain and

undulating plains with low hills. The southern portion of the project is situated on the slope of a

hill/mountain and the northern portion of the road runs down an undulating plain or low hill (please refer to

Figure 2).

NCC Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd Daggakraal Road Upgrade – May 2016 Page 2 of 118 Reg No: 2007/023691/07

Figure 2: The gradient profile of the project area.

The construction area is an already existing gravel road that has been constructed from Volksrust to

Daggakraal. From Volksrust the road runs along a south western slope which then crosses over a ridge. The

road then runs down the north eastern slope towards Daggakraal. The road that will be upgraded starts

17km north of Volksrust, turns off from the N11 and then runs north-east towards Daggakraal.

The road crosses various water resources in the southern portion of which there are 8 wetland units and 1

river crossing.

The road runs through the grassland Biome with the southern portion passing through the Wakkerstroom

Montane Grassland. Most of the area through which the road traverses hasfarming as the predominant land

use. In addition, almost 60% - 70% of all surrounding land has prospecting or mining rights.

1.3 GROUNDWATER, SOIL AND GEOLOGICAL STABILITY OF THE SITE

Table 2 a provides a description of the groundwater, soil and geological stability of the southern project section. More detailed information can be found within the baseline study references as per the heritage, botanical and freshwater deliniation assessments which were conducted. Table 2 a: An overview of the groundwater, soil and geological stability for the southern portion of the project (The first 6.42km of D281)

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

Seasonally wet soils (often close to water bodies) YES NO UNSURE

Unstable rocky slopes or steep slopes with loose soil YES NO UNSURE


Dispersive soils (soils that dissolve in water) YES NO UNSURE

Soils with high clay content YES NO UNSURE

Any other unstable soil or geological feature YES NO UNSURE

An area sensitive to erosion YES NO UNSURE

An area adjacent to or above an aquifer YES NO UNSURE

An area within 100m of the source of surface water YES NO UNSURE

Table 2 b: An overview of the groundwater, soil and geological stability for the northern portion of the project (The last 6 km of D281).

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

Seasonally wet soils (often close to water bodies) YES NO UNSURE

Unstable rocky slopes or steep slopes with loose soil YES NO UNSURE

Dispersive soils (soils that dissolve in water) YES NO UNSURE

Soils with high clay content YES NO UNSURE

Any other unstable soil or geological feature YES NO UNSURE

An area sensitive to erosion YES NO UNSURE

An area adjacent to or above an aquifer. YES NO UNSURE

An area within 100m of the source of surface water YES NO UNSURE

The majority of the study area is underlain by Karoo Supergroup sedimentary rocks of the Vryheid and Volksrust Formations of the Ecca Group. These are largely comprised of sandstone, mudstone, shale, siltstone and coal seams.

1.4 SURFACE WATER

In terms of the fresh water study that was conducted, the following specific water resources were identified to occur on the project site. For the purposes of this report, the site hase been split into a southern and northern portion. Tables 3a and 3b produced below describe these two separate areas. Table 3a: Type of water resources found in the southern portion of the proposed site (the first 6.42 km of the D281)

Perennial River YES NO UNSURE

Non-Perennial River YES NO UNSURE

Permanent Wetland YES NO UNSURE

Seasonal Wetland YES NO UNSURE

Artificial Wetland YES NO UNSURE

Estuarine / Lagoonal wetland YES NO UNSURE

Table 3b: Type of water resources found in the southern portion of the proposed site (the first 6.42 km of the D281)

Perennial River YES NO UNSURE

Non-Perennial River YES NO UNSURE

Permanent Wetland YES NO UNSURE


Seasonal Wetland YES NO UNSURE

Artificial Wetland YES NO UNSURE

Estuarine / Lagoonal wetland YES NO UNSURE

Southern Portion During the freshwater studies of the southern portion of the proposed construction area it was observed that the proposed road upgrade and associated borrow pits are located in the upper reaches of legislated quaternary catchments C13A and C11E. Watercourses associated with quaternary catchment C13A drain in a southern direction into the Sandspruit River approximately 3 km downstream of the proposed development. The Sandspruit is a right-bank tributary of the Klip River which drains into the Vaal River some distance further downstream. Few watercourses are directly impacted by the proposed development in the quartenary due to its position along a ridgeline. During the assessment process it was found that water inputs for the river unit indicated as R01 are driven by surface water from adjacent hill slopes and to a lesser extent by seepage from tributary wetlands. Overall water resources for the study area were to be found of Low to Moderately Low Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS). It was also observed during the basic assessment that eight (8) wetland units and one (1) river unit were identified. These water resources were rated to be at moderate or high risk. Table 4 a: Current state of impacts on freshwater units in the Southern Portion of the study area.

Unit Classification Description

W1 Unchannelled valley-bottom

Impacts to this wetland unit include direct habitat loss associated with the establishment of the road and secondary erosion and sedimentation impacts from road run-off. Other impacts include overgrazing and deposition of sediment in the upper portion above the N11 road as a result of upstream channel erosion.

R01 Seasonal stream Impacts to this unit include channel erosion (widening and deepening), overgrazing and encroachment by the invasive alien tree species Acacia mearnsii (Black wattle).

W2 Seep Impacts on this wetland unit include limited excavation and infilling, increased surface flows and limited erosion linked with overgrazing and increased sedimentation linked with road runoff impacts.

W3 Seep Direct impacts include direct wetland loss linked with the road infrastructure, loss of natural vegetation resulting from overgrazing and increased overland flows linked with road runoff through culverts. Indirect impacts include substantial sediment deposition.

W4 Seep Impacts on the wetland are limited to overgrazing and sedimentation impacts linked with road runoff.

W5 Seep Impacts to this wetland unit include direct habitat loss associated with the road and secondary flow related erosion and sedimentation impacts from road run-off. The most noteworthy impacts include


recent cultivation across majority of the wetland which has resulted in the replacement of natural vegetation by a low diversity mix of pioneer grass species.

W6 Seep Impacts to this unit include excavation and infilling associated with the artificial dam and road infrastructure, historic cultivation, overgrazing and alien plant encroachment.

W7 Channelled valley-bottom

Impacts to this unit include excavation and infilling associated with the road infrastructure, channel erosion linked with road drainage, cultivation and overgrazing.


Impacts to this unit include excavation/infilling from road infrastructure, damming, erosion linked with road drainage, cultivation and overgrazing.

Northern Portion Overall, the assessment found water resources to have Low to Moderately Low Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS),with the exception of wetland W15 which was rated at Moderate EIS. W15 was assessed to be sensitive to change in low flow, sediment and floodpeak modification due to its reliance on surface water inputs and overbank flooding. The proposed road upgrade and associated borrow pits are located in the upper reaches of quaternary catchments C11E. Watercourses associated with quartenary C11E generally drain in a northern direction into the Wielspruit and Skulpspruit Rivers, which are tributaries of the Rietspruit River and the Vaal River some distance downstream. The gentle topography dictates a poorly drained landscape characterised by gently sloping hillsides and broad valley bottom settings. The road intersects a number of watercourses including seep valley and valley bottom wetlands types along its route. Table 4 b: The current state of freshwater units in the Northern Portion of the study area.

W9 Channelled valley-

bottom

Impacts on this wetland unit include channel incision linked with flow

concentration by the culvert and road runoff. Catchment impacts

include increased runoff resulting from overgrazing and cultivation.

W10 Unchannelled

valley-bottom

Direct impacts include direct wetland loss linked with the road

infrastructure, loss of natural vegetation resulting from overgrazing,

limited cultivation and soil disturbance linked with cultivation.

Indirect impacts include water impoundment linked with an upstream

dam and gully erosion affecting system hydrology.


bottom

Direct impacts on this wetland unit include increased channel

incision, cultivation within the wetland and limited excavation and

infilling. Indirect impacts include reduced surface roughness resulting

from overgrazing and cultivation within the catchment.

W12 Seep Impacts are limited to direct wetland loss linked with the road


infrastructure, overgrazing, excavation, and infilling to improve

drainage of the site.

W13 Seep Impacts include direct infilling and vegetation clearing from roads and

cultivation, and modifications to floodpeaks from hardened surfaces

and stormwater drainage which has led to the formation of erosion

features (i.e. Scouring and gully development).

W14 Seep Impacts include direct infilling and vegetation clearing from roads and

cultivation. Flows are impeded and diverted due to road

infrastructure and infilling and soil disturbances are widespread.


bottom

Direct impacts on this wetland unit include increased channel incision

resulting from road runoff impacts and flow concentration by

culverts; loss of natural vegetation as a result of cultivation and

overgrazing; and soil disturbance around the river crossing. Indirect

impacts include increased runoff resulting from overgrazing,

cultivation, limited catchment hardening and poor stormwater

management.

W16 Seep Impacts to this system are limited to extensive overgrazing by

community owned cattle.

1.5 BIODIVERSITY

Biodiversity planning category

In terms of the biodiversity assessment category, the following was observed with regards to the proposed project area. The SANBI biodiversity network (BioNet) was used in order to indicate the biodiversity category in the study area. The BioNet can be found on the following internet resource http://bgis.sanbi.org or [email protected]. Table 5: Biodiversity category of the study area.

Systematic Biodiversity Planning Category If CBA or ESA, indicate the reason(s) for its selection in biodiversity plan

Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA)

Ecological Support

Area (ESA)

Other Natural

Area (ONA)

No Natural

Area Remaining (NNR)

http://bgis.sanbi.org/

mailto:[email protected]


Site condition

Botanical indicators

Table 6: A summary of the status of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in the study area.

Terrestrial Ecosystems Aquatic Ecosystems

Ecosystem threat status as per the National Environmental

Management: Biodiversity Act (Act No. 10 of 2004)

Critical Wetland (including rivers, depressions,

channelled and unchanneled

wetlands, flats, seeps pans, and artificial

wetlands)

Estuary Coastline

Endangered

Vulnerable

Least Threatened

YES x

NO UNSURE YES NO YES NO

To ascertain the current site conditions, the assessment has focused on the specific areas where possible impacts of environmental degradation has been identified by the specialist assessments. These areas were the following:

1) The relevant stream crossings 2) The road verge of the D281 3) The identified/proposed borrow pits

In terms of the specialist assessment reports, the baseline or current environmental status quo has been provided for the project area. The study area in general can be described as follows: The main vegetation types in the study area fall under the grassland biome which has been under pressure from both agriculture and mining. Much of this landscape has already been converted to crops, timber plantations or intensive animal production, all of which have collectively and significantly reduced the original size of this once natural grassland. Two vegetation types are present, namely the Amersfoort Highveld Clay Grassland and Wakkerstroom Montane Grassland dominated by Themeda triandra, which is heavily grazed. Three streams are present on the site with visible signs of cattle trampling, communal grazing, waste dumping and presence of alien weeds. Stream crossing 1 (SC1) Open grassland vegetation with the following prominent species:

1) On the outer fringes; Eragrostis inamoena, Sporobolus africana, Paspalum dilatatum, Datura ferox, D. stramonium with grasses such a Cynodon dactylon and Hyparrhenia tamba on the fringes.


2) Permanent wet zone: Schoenoplectus sp, Cyperus spp and Metha aquatica (not dominant but present).

South of SC1 the following geophytes occurs in dense stands: Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Hypoxis iridifolia , Hypoxis rigidula, Eucomis autumnalis. Hypoxis hemerocallidea is a listed plant species which is indicated as declining under SANBI’s 2009 Red List Data, although it is currently not protected by the provincial statutory body. Eucomis autumnalis is listed as a declining species under SANBI 2009 Red List Data and is provincially protected.

Stream crossing 2 (SC2) Open grassland vegetation with the following prominent species on:

1) Outer fringes: Sporobolus africanus, Paspalum dilatatum and Eragrostis inamoena.

2) Permanent wet zone: Schoenoplectus sp and Cyperus sp. Stream crossing 3 (SC3) Open grassland vegetation but notably disturbed by anthropogenic activities with the following prominent species

1) Outer fringes: Eragrostis plana, Sporobolus africanus, Cynodon dactylon and lawn forming Themeda triandra.

The ecological area along the road reserve is degraded, heavily degraded and in some areas moderate degradation occurs . All the stream crossings are moderately to heavily overgrazed and the borow pits were found to be heavily or distinctly disturbed. Please refer to Table 7a and 7b for a summary of the habitat conditions. Table 7a: Summary of the habitat conditions on the southern portion of the study area.

Habitat Condition Description and additional Comments and Observations

(including additional insight into condition, e.g. poor land management practises, presence of quarries, grazing/harvesting regimes etc).

Natural

The vegetation communities observed by the aquatic ecosystems were relatively homogenous across the study area, characterised by secondary-temporary to seasonal Eragrostis sp and Paspalum dilatatum dominated hygrophilous grasslands. Wetland ecosystems dominant drainage features in the landscape include the low lying unchannelled and channelled valley-bottoms as well as seep hydrogeomorphic units. Valley-bottom wetlands occur within moderately confined, relatively gently sloping valley floor settings whereas seeps generally occur on the midslope to footslope topographies or at the head of valleys and lack distinct valley confinement.


Borrow Pit and construction camp (BPCC1): On the road fringes where grazing has been absent as a result of the area being fences the grass layer is dominated by Hyparrhenia tamba and H. hirta; and an abundance of geophytes were observed in the area. Stream crossing 1 (SC1): The southern side of the area has dense stands of geophytes Hypoxis rigidula, H. hemerocallidea, H. iridifolia and Eucomis autumnalis. D281 road reserve and deviation A vast number of geophytes were observed in the area. The majority of the road reserve is fairly intact and the risk of erosion is low.

Near Natural (includes areas with

low to moderate level of alien invasive

plants)

Stream crossing 1 (SC1): Alien and invasive weeds encroaching on indigenous vegetation forming dense stands consisting mostly of Datura ferox and Datura stramonium. Waste disposal activities in the form of illegal dumping noted in the stream (domestic and medical waste). Animal carcasses and by-products also noted in the stream.

Degraded (includes areas heavily

invaded by alien plants)

Borrow pit and construction camp (BPCC1) : severe overgrazing which has caused the grass cover to form a lawn type structure dominated by Cynodon dactylon Sheet and gully erosion are prominent.

Transformed (includes cultivation,

dams, urban, plantation, roads, etc)

Borrow pit and construction camp (BPCC1): Signs of gravel mining were observed in the area. Borrow pit and construction camp (BPCC2): Old fields of planted pastures which are severely overgrazed, open excavations and an old borrow pit from previous gravel mining were observed. The open excavations have filled with rainwater and hydrophytes have established consisting mostly of Cyperus species and Schoenoplectus species. Dumping of construction and domestic waste was observed. Stream crossing 1 (SC1): Signs of grazing present.

Table 7d: Summary of the habitat conditions on the northern portion of the study area.

Habitat Condition Description and additional Comments and Observations

(including additional insight into condition, e.g. poor land management practises, presence of quarries, grazing/harvesting regimes etc).

Natural

The vegetation communities observed by the aquatic ecosystems were relatively homogenous across the study area, characterised by secondary-temporary to seasonal Eragrostis sp and Paspalum dilatatum dominated hygrophilous grasslands. Wetland ecosystems dominant drainage features in the landscape include the low lying unchannelled and channelled valley-bottoms as well as seep hydrogeomorphic units. Valley-bottom wetlands occur within moderately confined, relatively gently sloping valley floor settings whereas seeps generally occur on the midslope to footslope topographies or at the head of valleys and lack distinct valley confinement.


Stream crossing 2 (SC2): The stream is situated on communal grazing land and is similar to SC1 with the vegetation dominated by Sporobolus africanus, Paspalum dilatatum and Eragrostis inamoena. D281 Road Reserve and deviation Vegetation in the area has established to form dense stands of Hyparrhenia tamba and a vast amount of geophytes.

Near Natural (includes areas with

low to moderate level of alien invasive

plants)

Stream crossing 3 (SC3) The vegetation surrounding the stream crossing is open grassland that is used for communal grazing. The landscape in the surrounding area slopes more than SC1 and SC2 making the area more prone to erosion. Dominant plant species include Eragrostis plana, Sporobolus africanus, Cynodon dactylon and Themeda trandra. The stream is waterlogged and aquatic vegetation is limited to Schoenoplectus spp and Cyperus spp. Stream crossing 2 (SC2): The stream bed is wide, waterlogged and cattle trampling is evident but plant cover is fairly intact.

Degraded (includes areas heavily

invaded by alien plants)

Borrow pit and construction camp (BPCC2): Sheet erosion is prominent and signs of gully erosion are visible. Stream crossing 2 (SC2) The stream is situated on communal grazing land. The stream bed is wide and waterlogged, with cattle trampling being evident. Few plants occur in the stream bed. However plant cover is fairly intact. Stream crossing 3 (SC3): Visible signs of waste dumping, namely construction waste and domestic waste.

Transformed (includes cultivation,

dams, urban, plantation, roads, etc)

Borrow pit and construction camp 2 (BPCC2): The area is made up of natural grassland (2.23ha), old fields of planted pasture (5.3ha) and old borrow pits from previous gravel mining (0.78ha) The old planted pasture is severly overgrazed and dominated by forbs and pioneer species and is in a secondary successional phase. Sparse stands of Eragrostis curvula does occur but seem to be succeeded by the less palatable Eragrostis gummiflua. Historical gravel mining on the south western corner of BPCC2 adjacent to the stream and existing D281. Visible signs of dumping of construction and domestic waste. Old fields of planted pastures which are severely overgrazed, open excavations and an old borrow pit from previous gravel mining were observed. The open excavations have filled with rainwater and hydrophytes have established consisting mostly of Cyperus species and Schoenoplectus species. Dumping of construction and domestic waste was observed. Stream crossing 3 (SC3): Vegetation is used mainly as communal grazing for cattle, homesteads are built close to the stream. The stream is waterlogged and aquatic vegetation is limited


to Schoenoplectus spp and Cyperus spp.

As the planned project is an upgrade of a current road, which already has some low to medium impacts on the surrounding environment, it is not just the road that contributes to the degraded status of the surrounding environment. The environment is also heavily impacted upon by agricultural activity which contributes to the degradation of the project area. In terms of exotic plant species, three plant species of concern were identified during the survey that could trigger authority permission for removal or clearing.

1) Eucomis autumnalis: a medicinal plant that is identified as declining under SANBI 2009 Red list Data and is protected under the Mpumalange Nature Conservation Act, No. 10 OF 1998.

2) Gladiolus ecklonii: an aesthetic and ornamental plant that is identified as of least concern under SANBI 2009 Red List Data and is protected under the provincial Act.

3) Hypoxis hemerocallidea: a medicinal plant that is identified as declining under SANBI 2009 Red List Data and is not protected under the Act but is an important plant.

Alien vegetation identified on the site, for which control and eradication is regulated by the National Environment Management: Biodiversity Act No, 10 of 2004 (NEMBA), Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act No, 43 of 1983 (CARA) and Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act No, 10 of 1998 (MNCA). The table below illustrates the alien and invasive vegetation species identified during the botanical survey.

Table 8: Alien and invasive species identified during the survey of D281 (refer to the botanical specialist report table 3 pg 45).


Wetland indicators

In terms of wetland identification, vegetation was not a particularly useful indicator of wetland extent due to

the broad temporary wetland and terrestrial habitat interface and the lack of distinct variability in the

vegetation communities along the edge of the wetland. This zone typically comprised of secondary grassland

communities dominated by species such as Eragrostis plana, Eragrostis chloromelas, Paspalum dilatatum

and Sprorobolus africanus. An increase in the abundance of species such as Eragrostis plana and Paspalum

dilatatum and the emergence of species such as Seteria sphacelata, Carex glorerabilis, Cyperus sp and

Kyllinga melanosperma in low abundance did however coincide with a definitive shift to wetland habitat

which was supported by the presence of hydromorphic soils.

Table 9: Basic biophysical details of freshwater units (refer to the freshwater assessment report table 8 pg 39 - 43).

Unit No

Classification Description

W1 Unchanelled valley-bottom

The unit comprises of secondary hygrophilous grassland communities dominated by Eragrostis chloromelas, Eragrostis plana, Paspalum dilatatum and Sporobolus pyramidalis with typical wetland species such as Kyllinga melanosperma and Carex glomerabilis interspersed or in lower abundances or occurring within wetter central portions of the system

R01 Seasonal stream Macro-channel banks comprise secondary grassland communities dominated by Eragrostis chloromelas, Eragrostis plana, Paspalum dilatatum and Sporobolus pyramidalis. The active channel is largely void of vegetation due to active channel erosion although Paspalum dilatatum and Cyperus congestus do occur in low abundances. A large portion of the unit has been colonised by Acacia mearnsii. The channel itself has eroded to bedrock.

W2 Seep The wetland vegetation community is an overgrazed secondary grassland of low species diversity. Eragrostis plana is the dominant grass species. Other co-dominant species include ruderal plants typical of overgrazed grasslands such as Cynodon dactylon and Berkheya rigida.

W3 Seep Two vegetation communities were identified within this wetland unit including (i) Short sedge and pioneer grass dominated hygrophilous grassland above the D281 Road and (ii) Moderately tall secondary hygrophilous grassland below the road. The former is dominated by a mix of Pennisetum and Clandestinum Cyperus spp. with Kyllinga melanosperma prominent within seasonally wet patches. The latter is dominated by Paspalum dilatatum and Eragrostis plana in seasonally wet areas and E. chloromelas and Sporobolus africanus in temporary wetland areas.


W4 Seep The wetland vegetation community is short overgrazed secondary grassland with a sparse population of sedges and forbs. The grassland was generally dominated by Eragrostis chloromelas, Sporobolus africanus and Heteropogon contortus. Other common species include Setaria sphacelata var. sphacelata and Urelytrum agropyroides.

W5 Seep Wetland characterised by a sparse secondary hygrophilous grassland community dominated by Eragrostis plana and Paspalum dilatatum.

W6 Seep Vegetation is secondary, characterised by seasonal hygrophilous grassland communities dominated by Paspalum dilatatum. Other characteristic species interspersed in lower abundances include Sporobolus africanus, Hyparrhenia hirta, Felicia mossamedensis and Bidens formosa.

W7 Channelled valley - bottom

Vegetation is characterised by secondary hygrophilous grassland communities dominated by Eragrostis plana, Paspalum dilatatum and Setaria sphacelata.


Vegetation is characterised by secondary hygrophilous grassland communities dominated by Eragrostis plana, Eragrostis chloromelas, Paspalum dilatatum and Setaria sphacelata.

W9 Channelled valley - bottom

The wetland habitat is characterised by a secondary, moderately tall, overgrazed hygrophilous grassland dominated by Eragrostis plana. Other common grasses which occur in moderate abundance include Sporobolus africanus, Paspalum dilatatum and Cynodon dactylon. Vegetation within stream channels includes obligate wetland species such as Cyperus fastigiatus and Cyperus congestus.


Wetland vegetation is largely secondary owing to overgrazing and cultivation within the wetland unit. The grassland is dominated by Eragrostis plana and Paspalum dilatatum with interspersed sedges such as Carex glomerabilis and Cyperus congestus. Vegetation around stagnant pools is characterised by obligate wetland species such as Leersia hexandra, Schoenoplectus sp. and Crinum macowanii.

W11 Channelled valley-bottom

Wetland vegetation is largely secondary as a result of cultivation and poor land management practices. The vegetation community is dominated by Eragrostis plana and to a lesser extent Sporobolus africanus and Paspalum dilatatum.

W12 Seep

The wetland habitat comprises overgrazed seasonal and temporary hygrophilous grass communities, dominated by Eragrostis plana along with a few grass and sedge species such as Eragrostis chloromelas, Cynodon dactylon and Cyperus congestus.

W13 Seep The wetland habitat comprises seasonal hygrophilous grass communities, dominated by Eragrostis plana and Paspalum dilatatum with Kyllinga sp. and Cyperus congestus in lower abundances.

W14 Seep The wetland habitat comprises secondary hygrophilous grass communities, dominated by Eragrostis plana and Paspalum dilatatum with Kyllinga sp. and Cyperus congestus occurring in lower abundances.

W15 Chanelled valley-bottom

Due to historic cultivation practises within the valley bottom area, the vegetation community comprises secondary grassland. Eragrostis plana is the dominant species along with a few grass and sedges species including Paspalum dilatatum, Setaria sphacelata var. sphacelata and Cyperus


congestus. Instream vegetation is characterised by Cyperus fastigiatus, Carex glomerabilis, Cyperus congestus and Salix babylonica.

W16 Seep Vegetation communities are typically characterised by short, sparse Eragrostis plana grasslands.

Water resources

Two assessments were conducted as part of the freshwater delineation to explain the current biophysical state of the water resources. These assessment were:

1) Present Ecological State (PES) Assessment: which asesses the current ecological condition/health and integrity against a modular health, integrity and ecological funtion. A large percentage of the resources that were assessed were classed as moderatly modified. The PES Assessment can be seen in the extrapolated table (Table 10) below.(Also see Freshwater Specialist Assessment table 9 pgs 44 – 45).

2) Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS) Assessment: which is an expression of (i) the importance of an aquatic resource in terms of the maintenance of biological diversity and ecological functioning on local and wider scales and (ii) the ecological sensitivity (or fragility), which refers to an ecosystem’s ability to resist disturbance and its capability to recover from disturbance once it has occurred. Overall water resources are of Low to Moderately Low EIS with the exception of W15, which was rated as having a Moderate EIS. Lowering the sensitivity of the system is due to the current level of habitat degradation through extensive cultivation and overgrazing. The EIS Assessment can be refered to in the freshwater report in table 11 on pg. 46. The original table has however been included in the BAR as table 9.

Table 10: A summary of the PES for the study area’s water resources.

Unit Wet-Health component

Score/10

PES Comments

W01 Hydro 2.0 C This wetland was assessed as being Moderately Modified (C PES Class). The scores are largely driven by the altered floodpeaks from road run-off and onsite impacts such as deposition and modifications to vegetation communities from poor land management.

Geomorph 1.3 B

Veg 5.3 D

Overall 3 C

W02 Hydro 1.9 B This seep wetland was assessed as being Moderately Modified (C PES Class). The scores are largely driven by the presence of Eucalyptus sp. within the catchment and onsite impacts such as limited soil disturbance, sediment deposition and poor land management (i.e. overgrazing) resulting in the dominance of pioneer grass communities.

Geomorph 0.8 A

Veg 6.0 E

Overall 2.7 C

W03 Hydro 5.5 D This seep was assessed as being Largely Modified (D PES Class) largely due reduced water inputs caused by Eucalyptus sp. in the catchment, road runoff resulting in increased flood peaks, and wetland erosion and deposition linked with road runoff and poor land management (i.e. overgrazing) resulting in the dominance of pioneer grass communities.

Geomorph 2.0 B

Veg 5.7 D

Overall 4.5 D

W04 Hydro 0.5 A This seep can be classified as Largely Natural (B PES Class). The few modifications include historic wetland cultivation resulting in shallow furrows and poor land management (i.e. overgrazing) resulting in the dominance of pioneer grass communities.

Geomorph 0.1 A

Veg 5.0 D

Overall 1.7 B

W05 Hydro 1.0 B This seep was assessed as being Moderately Modified (C PES Class). While impacts to hydrology and geomorphology are limited vegetation has recently been subject to intensive cropping and as a result is now exclusively comprised of secondary

Geomorph 0.3 A

Veg 8.1 F


Overall 2.8 C pioneer grass communities. The powerline and associated servitude also has a notable impact on vegetation.

W06 Hydro 4.0 D This seep was assessed as being Moderately Modified (C PES Class). Impacts to hydrology from the dam and road along with vegetation impacts from damming, cultivation and overgrazing have resulted in the current wetland condition.

Geomorph 1.0 B

Veg 7 E

Overall 4.0 D

W07 Hydro 2.0 C This channelled valley-bottom was assessed as being Moderately Modified (C PES Class) driven by erosion impacts form road drainage and vegetation impacts from extensive overgrazing and poor land management.

Geomorph 0.7 A

Veg 5.1 D

Overall 2.5 C

W08 Hydro 2.0 C This channelled valley-bottom wetland was assessed as being Largely Modified (D PES Class). This is attributed to concentration of flows caused by the culvert resulting in channel incision, increased floodpeaks resulting from hardened surfaces and road runoff within the catchment. Poor land management (i.e. overgrazing) has resulted in the dominance of pioneer grass communities.

Geomorph 0.3 A

Veg 5.1 D

Overall 2.4 C

W09 Hydro 5.2 D This unchannelled valley-bottom was assessed as being Largely Modified (D PES Class) due to catchment hardening and road runoff resulting in increased flood peaks, high erosion rates, and poor land management (i.e. overgrazing) which has resulted in the dominance of pioneer grass communities.

Geomorph 1.8 B

Veg 5.0 D

Overall 4.2 D

W10 Hydro 3.8 C This channelled valley-bottom was assessed as being Largely Modified (D PES Class). This is attributed to cultivation within the wetland area, channel incision, excavation and infilling as well as poor land management (i.e. overgrazing) which has resulted in the dominance of pioneer grass communities.

Geomorph 3.0 C

Veg 5.4 D

Overall 4.0 D

W11 Hydro 4.5 C This seep was assessed as being Largely Modified (D PES Class). This is largely attributed to establishment of housing and road infrastructure within the wetland, cultivation, excavation and infilling as well as overgrazing of untransformed areas resulting in increased abundance of secondary pioneer grass species.

Geomorph 1.3 B

Veg 6.6 E

Overall 4.1 D

W12 Hydro 4.8 D This seep was assessed as being Moderately Modified (C PES Class) as a result of catchment run-off impacts and the resultant erosion and deposition effecting system hydrology and geomorphology. Furthermore, vegetation communities have been degraded as a result of overgrazing and cultivation and now comprise secondary pioneer grass communities.

Geomorph 4.2 D

Veg 7.8 E

Overall 5.5 D

W13 Hydro 3.5 C This seep was assessed as being Moderately Modified (C PES Class). This is largely attributed to transformation of wetland vegetation to urban infrastructure and a high abundance of secondary grass species. Impacts to hydrology include infilling from roads impeding and diverting flows.

Geomorph 2.6 C

Veg 6.1 E

Overall 4.0 D

W14 Hydro 3.5 C This channelled valley-bottom wetland was assessed as being Moderately Modified (C PES Class). The rating is driven largely by increased flood peaks linked with hardened surfaces and road runoff within the catchment, channel incision, cultivation within the wetland and poor land management (i.e. overgrazing).

Geomorph 1.3 B

Veg 6.1 E

Overall 3.61 C

W15 Hydro 2 C This seep was assessed as being Largely Natural/Moderately Modified (B/C PES Class). Impacts to hydrology and geomorphology are very limited while vegetation has been degraded as a result of extensive overgrazing and trampling by livestock.

Geomorph 15 B

Veg 6.8 E

Overall 3.2 C

W16 Hydro 1.0 B This seep was assessed as being Largely Natural/Moderately Modified (B/C PES Class). Impacts to hydrology and geomorphology are very limited while vegetation has been degraded as a result of extensive overgrazing and trampling by livestock.

Geomorph 0.0 A

Veg 5.5 D

Overall 1.4 B/C

R01 Instream 3.6 B This river unit was assessed as being Moderately Modified (C PES Class). The condition of the system is driven largely by channel modifications as a result of channel incision and bank erosion.

Riparian 7.3 C

Overall 5.1 C


Table 11: Summary of the EIS of the study area’s water resources.

1.6 LAND USE OF THE SITE

Table 12: Possible land use types. The highlighted land uses have been observed around the study areas.

Untransformed area Low density residential

Medium density residential

High density residential

Informal residential

Retail Commercial & warehousing

Light industrial Medium industrial Heavy industrial

Power station Office/consulting

room

Military or police base/station/

compound

Casino/ entertainment

complex

Tourism & Hospitality

facility

Open cast mine Underground

mine Spoil heap or slimes

dam Quarry, sand or

borrow pit Dam or

reservoir

Hospital/medical center

School Tertiary education

facility Church Old age home


Sewage treatment plant

Train station or shunting yard

Railway line Major road (4 lanes or more)

Airport

Harbour Sport facilities Golf course Polo fields Filling station

Landfill or waste treatment site

Plantation Agriculture River, stream or

wetland

Nature conservation

area

Mountain, koppie or ridge

Museum Historical building Graveyard Archeological

site

Other land uses (describe):

The land use of the site is a public road

The current land use in terms of the D281 is not listed in the abovementioned table and therefor falls under the other land use descriptions. The current land use is the D281 being used as a public gravel road. The borrow pits are however situated in areas of which the land uses are in the abovementioned table. These land uses are plantations, grazing and crops (i.e. agricultural) land uses and borrow pit (i.e. mining) uses. The can be listed as follows:

1) Borrow Pit 1: Borrow pit 1 was identified during the field study as an existing gravel borrow pit. A portion of the borrow pit has been overgrown and visible grazing was observed.

2) Borrow Pit 3: Three distinct disturbances were noted in the area namely: Natural grassland (2.23ha); Old fields mainly in the form of planted pasture (5.3ha and Old borrow pits from previous gravel mining (0.78ha).

3) Borrow Pit 4: The total area consists of old fields previously used for crops and fodder production and makes up the entire BPCC3.

1.7 LAND USE CHARACTER OF SURROUNDING AREA

Table 13: Several land uses for the general surrounding area. The highlighted land uses have been observed

specifically around the study area.

Untransformed area Low density residential

Medium density residential

High density residential

Informal residential

Retail Commercial & warehousing

Light industrial Medium industrial Heavy industrial

Power station Office/consulti

ng room

Military or police base/station/compou

nd

Casino/entertainment complex

Tourism & Hospitality

facility

Open cast mine Underground

mine Spoil heap or slimes

dam Quarry, sand or

borrow pit Dam or

reservoir

Hospital/medical center School Tertiary education

facility Church Old age home

Sewage treatment plant Train station or shunting

yard Railway line

Major road (4 lanes or more)

Airport

Harbour Sport facilities Golf course Polo fields Filling station


Landfill or waste treatment site

Plantation Agriculture X River, stream or

wetland

Nature conservation

area

Mountain, koppie or ridge Museum Historical building Graveyard Archeological

site

Other land uses (describe):

None

The area surrounding the D281 and the borrow pits mainly constitutes agricultural land with the following activities being carried out:

1) Cultivation of crops 2) Timber growing 3) Livestock grazing

Furthermore, it was observed that mining also occurs in the area inlcuding:

1) Borrow pit and gravel mining. 2) Underground mining.

Lastly, the southern portion of the project area is situated on a mountain type hill or ridge.

1.8 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASPECTS

Information for the socioeconomic aspects for the Volksrust to Daggakraal area was not readily available, however the EAP used the information provided in the Gert Sibande District Municipality Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for 2014/2015.

The Human Development Index The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite, relative index that attempts to quantify the extent of human development of a community. It is based on measures of life expectancy, literacy and income. The HDI can assume a maximum level of 1, indicating a high level of human development, and a minimum value of 0. According to the United Nations, HDI is considered high when it is 0.8 and higher and medium when it ranges between 0.5 and 0.8. An index value of 0.5 and lower will be considered as a low rating.

Gert Sibande showed a slight increase of HDI score from 0.51 in 2001 to 0.61 in 2011. The district’s HDI score is greater than that of Mpumalanga at 0.53. It is less than Nkangala’s HDI score (0.65) which is the highest among the three districts in the province. This implies that there is still a lot of work to be done in order to improve the lives of people in the district, improving literacy levels, income will assist. life expectancy can be increased by improving the level of health systems.

(Reference the Gert Sibande IDP 2014/2015)


Poverty rate Poverty rate is described as the percentage of people living in households with an income less than the poverty income. Poverty income is defined as the minimum monthly income needed to sustain a household and it varies according to the household size, i.e. the larger the household the larger the income would be required to keep its members out of poverty. The poverty rate has been on the decline since 2001 but remains higher than the provincial average. Though the poverty rate is on the decline, the actual number of people in poverty is on the rise together with the inequality rate. GSDM Socio -Economic Analysis (State Of Development) Socio - economic analysis refers to an analysis of how the community/society of a particular area progresses, stagnates or declines by looking at their local and regional economy. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Growth GDP per capita is often considered an indicator of a region's standard of living on the rationale that all citizens would benefit from the region's increased economic production (Gert Sibande socio-economic profile, 2013). Looking at the GDP growth rate of Gert Sibande District Municipality it shows that the municipality is experiencing an increasing figure from 1996 -2012. Table 16 below illustrates more. The district was expected to record the highest GDP growth of (3.7%) among the 3 districts over the period 2010-2015, with a historic growth of 2.5% in the period 1996-2010. But recently it made a contribution of 2.6 which lower than the target of 3.7%. As forecast in the 2014/2015 IDP, the district was expected to record the highest GDP growth (4.1% per annum) among the 3 districts over the period 2011-2016 with a historic growth 2.6% per annum in the period 1996-2011. Manufacturing, finance & community services should contribute the most to Gert Sibande’s economic growth in the period 2011-2016. Challenges and solutions for socio-economic development (Resource: The Gert Sibande IDP 2014/2015) 1) High proportion of population aged 0-34(youth), this can be addressed by investing in youth through

skills development. 2) Second largest unemployment rate amongst the provincial districts, the district has allocated funds for

job creation in all the local municipalities. (See projects multiyear comparison on chapter 7). 3) Education challenge - Matric pass rate and university/degree admission rate, the district encourages

pupils to study further/hard by issuing bursaries with the hope that the pupils will have courage since there is funding.

4) Basic service delivery challenge, the district is working on addressing the service delivery through projects. See chapter 7.

5) Second highest poverty rate among the districts. 6) Relatively low economic growth. 7) Independence/ or relaying too much in manufacturing, reduce unemployment, poverty rate and

inequality. As stated in the IDP, inequality exists between men and women with regards to unemployment so the district has embarked on a project on women empowerment.

Generally if the budget is in line with the socio economic challenges identified in the IDP development can

be achieved.


1.9 HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL ASPECTS

A Heritage Resource Assessement was done during the Basic Assessment Process and there were several

heritage features which were found. Several of the heritage features were unidentified cultural graves and

one of the features was identified as the Dr. Pixley Ka Isaka Seme monument, a tribute to one of the

founding members of the African National Congress.

Table 14: Heritage features identified during the heritage assessment.

Heritage Reference Number

Description Area found GPS co ordinates

DGK001 Cemetery South of borrow pit 1 S27° 12' 53.7" E29° 53' 14.2"




DGK005 Cemetery North of borrow pit 1 S27° 12' 51.4" E29° 53' 18.1"

DGK006 Cemetery 70 meters East of the D281

S27° 09' 06.8" E29° 57' 15.8"

DGK007 Pixley Ka Seme Monument

90 meters West of the D281

S27° 06' 36.4" E29° 59' 11.5"

Table 15: Cultural significance of the graves that were found.

Is section 38 of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999, applicable to the development?

YES NO

UNCERTAIN

If YES, explain:

The archival research and aerial photography evaluation conducted have shown the proposed road upgrade may impact on heritage resources present in the area.

During the fieldwork excursion conducted on the site, seven heritage features were identified.

Will the development impact on any national estate referred to in section 3(2) of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999?

YES NO

UNCERTAIN

If YES, explain:

Will any building or structure older than 60 years be affected in any way?

YES NO UNCERTAIN

If YES, explain:


Sedimentary bedrock strata in the region are largely represented by Ecca Group mudrocks, siltstones and

sandstones of the Middle Permian, Volksrust Formation (Pvo) and Adelaide Subgroup sandstones (Pne)

(Muntingh 1989). The argillaceous Volksrust Formation consists of blue-grey to dark grey silty shale with thin

siltstone sand sandstone lenses and beds that represent a major transgressive sequence related to open

shelf and possibly also near shore conditions (Johnson et al. 2006). Sedimentary bedrock is intruded by

numerous dolerite dykes and sills (Jd) and are capped in places by scree and geologically recent superficial

sediments (residual soils derived from the in situ weathering of the parent rocks, alluvium and aeolian sand).

Table 16: Potential fossil heritage of relevant geological units.

Geological Unit Rock types and Age Fossils Recorded / Biostratigraphy

Superficial deposits Alluvium.

Quaternary to Recent.

Vertebrate remains; coprolites,

freshwater molluscs, micro plant fossils

(pollen, phytoliths).

Karoo Dolerite (Jd) Intrusive igneous bedrock.

Jurassic.

No fossils.

Karoo Supergroup

Ecca Group

Volksrust Formation (Pvo)

Blue-grey to dark grey silty

shale with thin siltstone sand

sandstone lenses and beds -

transgressive sequence

related to open shelf and

possibly also near shore

conditions.

Permian.

Temnospondyl amphibian remains,

invertebrates, plant remains, petrified

wood, marine and non-marine trace

fossils.



1.10 APPLICABLE LEGISLATION, POLICIES AND/OR GUIDELINES

Table 17: Llist of all applicable environmental legislation which must still be considered for the purposes of further authorisations needed.

LEGISLATION ADMINISTERING AUTHORITY

TYPE Permit/ license/ authorisation/comment /

relevant consideration (e.g. rezoning or consent use, building plan approval)

DATE (if already obtained):

National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) Act 107 of 1998

Department of Environmental Affairs

National Heritage Resources Act (NHRA) Act 25 of 1999

South African Heritage Resources Agency Altering and demolishing of structures older than 60 years – provincial statutory.

Minerals and Petroleum Resource s Development Act (MPRDA) Act 28 of 2002

Department of Mineral Resources

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

Department of Environmental Affairs and Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environment Affairs

National Environmental Management: Waste Act (NEMWA) Act 59 of 2008

National Water Act (NWA) Act 36 of 1998

Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act (MNCA) Act 10 of 1998

The Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environment Affairs

Permit for removal of protected plant species.

Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (CARA) Act 43 of 1983

National Water Act (NWA) Act 36 of 1998 Department of Water and Sanitation Water Use License or General Authorisation for Section 21 (c) and (i).



Table 18: Legal guidelines which were used for this assessment.

POLICY/ GUIDELINES ADMINISTERING AUTHORITY

Mpumalanga Biodiversity Conservation Plan (MBCP) The Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environment Affairs (Provincial)

National Biodiversity Assessment (NBA) & National Vegetation Map

Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA - National)

National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area (NEFPA) Assessment

Department of Water and Sanitation and Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA and DWS - National)

Table 19: Legislation, policies and/or guidelines which were taken into account in the preparation of this Basic Assessment Report.

LEGISLATION / POLICY / GUIDELINE

DESCRIBE HOW THE LEGISLATION / POLICY / GUIDELINE WERE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT

(e.g. describe the extent to which it was adhered to, or deviated from, etc).

National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) Act 107 of 1998

The following sections under the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) Act 107 of 1998 refer directly to the identification, evaluation and assessment of cultural heritage resources. GNR 982 (Government Gazette 38282, 14 December 2014) under the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) Act 107 of 1998:

a) Basic Assessment Report (BAR) – Regulations 19 and 23

b) Environmental Scoping Report (ESR) – Regulation 21

c) Environmental Impacts Assessment (EIA) – Regulation 23

d) Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) – Regulations 19 and 23

National Heritage Resources Act (NHRA) Act 25 of 1999

The following sections under the National Heritage Resources Act (NHRA) Act 25 of 1999 refer directly to the identification, evaluation and assessment of cultural heritage resources:

a) Protection of Heritage Resources – Sections 34 to 36; and b) Heritage Resources Management – Section 38

Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) Act 28 of 2002

The following sections under the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) Act 28 of 2002 refer directly to the identification, evaluation and assessment of cultural heritage resources:

a) Section 39 (3)

Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act (MNCA) Act

Section 69 (1) (a) lists all the protected plants within the province under Schedule 11. No person may pick, remove, damage, destroy or be in


10 of 1998 possession of a plant listed under schedule 11 without a permit. Section 70 – 80 of the section of the act deals with possession and handling of protected plants and conditions of this section must be adhered to for the removal or destruction of the plants under the list identified during the survey. The act was also used for the control and eradication of alien and invasive plants as regulated under the act. The act was used for the provincial control and eradication of alien invasive plants. The act stipulates that plant species listed under Schedule 13 may not be transplanted or transported or sold by any person and that the owner or occupier of the property must eradicate the plants.

National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) Act 10 0f 2004

The act was used for determining plants protected under the act listed as critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable and nationally protected species. The act was used to identify and compile the list of alien and invasive plant species; their control method and eradication at national level.

Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (CARA) Act 43 of 1983

The act was used to identify and compile the list of alien and invasive plant species; their control method and eradication at national level

National Water Act (NWA) Act 36 of 1998

To determine the quartenary in which the project is situated in and if a Water Use License or General Authorisation for Section 21 (c) and (i) will be required.

South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) 2009 Red List Data

The policy and guidelines were used to determine if the plants identified during the field excursion were listed under the list and to determine their conservation status.

National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area (NFEPA) - SANBI

The policy and maps were used to determine and identify the relevant conservation features and conservation planning status for the freshwater resources in the study area. According to the National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area (NFEPA) Assessment (CSIR 2011):

● Sub-catchments associated with the proposed development are classified as Upstream Management Areas’ and should be managed to prevent degradation of downstream ‘River FEPAs’ and ‘Fish Support Areas’. Upstream Management Areas do not include management areas for wetland FEPAs, which need to be determined at a finer scale.

● No ‘Wetland FEPAs’ have been identified within the broader project area.

● Mesic Highveld Grassland Group 8 wetland vegetation group is Least Threatened (LT). Indicating that this broad vegetation group is well represented nationally.

National Biodiversity Assessment (NBA) & National Vegetation Map - SANBI

The policy and maps were used to determine and identify the relevant conservation features and conservation planning status for the vegetation types and their conservation status in the study area. According to the


National Biodiversity Assessment (NBA) & National Vegetation Map (SANBI 2011):

● The terrestrial Amersfoort Highveld Clay Grassland vegetation type is Vulnerable (VU) and the Wakkerstroom Montane Grassland vegetation type is Least Threatened (LT). The landscape has however been highly modified with very little remaining vegetation communities that represent intact examples these vegetation types.

● Eastern Temperate Freshwater Wetlands that occur within the study area and broader landscape are Least Threatened (LT).

Mpumalanga Biodiversity Conservation Plan (MBCP)

The plan was used to determine the classification of the study area according to the provincial biodiversity conservation plan and to determine the unit, priority and conservation planning status of the study area. Accordingly to the Mpumalanga Biodiversity Conservation Plan (MBCP):

● Aquatic sub-catchment planning units associated with the proposed development are classified as ‘Ecosystem Maintenance’.

● Terrestrial conservation planning units vary in classification although the vast majority of the study has either been classified as ‘No Natural Habitat’ or as of ‘Least Concern’. Only a very small portion of the study area has been classified as ‘Important and Necessary

The Mpumalanga Biodiversity Conservation Plan (MBCP) notes the following:

● The minimal flows required for ecosystem maintenance which is known as the ‘ecological reserve’.

● Biodiversity in this category is relatively intact. It represents the areas which most efficiently contribute to meeting biodiversity targets and minimise land use conflict. If biodiversity is lost from these areas, larger areas will be required elsewhere for targets to be met. This category allows some flexibility and there are options for development. However, approved developments or changes in land use must still be compatible with conservation objectives. Decisions on land-use changes will require a biodiversity specialist study as part of the EIA. Developments most antagonistic to biodiversity should be discouraged.

● These areas have biodiversity value in the form of natural vegetation cover. Although they are not currently required in order to meet biodiversity targets, they do contribute significantly to functioning ecosystems, including ecological connectivity. A greater variety of development choices exists in these areas. However they are still subject to National EIA legislation, where at least a scoping report is required for all listed activities.

● This category covers the rest of the Province in which natural vegetation has been lost. It includes all land transformed by urban / industrial development and cultivation. Biodiversity is irreversibly changed, reduced to levels that are virtually dysfunctional. These landscapes have only residual or negative effects on the functioning of natural ecosystems.


2 SECTION C: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Table 20: Summary of whether the specific requirements of public participation were undertaken, or

whether there were any deviations that were agreed to by the Department.

Were all potential interested and affected parties notified of the application by –

(a) fixing a notice board at a place conspicuous to the public at the boundary or on the fence of -

(i) the site where the activity to which the application relates is to be undertaken; and

YES DEVIATED

(ii) any alternative site mentioned in the application; YES DEVIATED

(b) giving written notice to –

(i) the owner or person in control of that land if the applicant is not the owner or person in control of the land;

YES N/A

(ii) the occupiers of the site where the activity is to be undertaken and to any alternative site where the activity is to be undertaken;

YES DEVIATED

(iii) owners and occupiers of land adjacent to the site where the activity is to be undertaken and to any alternative site where the activity is to be undertaken;

YES DEVIATED

(iv) the municipal councillor of the ward in which the site and alternative site is situated and any organisation of ratepayers that represent the community in the area;

YES DEVIATED

(v) the municipality which has jurisdiction in the area; YES DEVIATED

(vi) any organ of state having jurisdiction in respect of any aspect of the activity; and

YES DEVIATED

(vii) any other party as required by the competent authority; YES DEVIATED

I placing an advertisement in -

(i) one* local newspaper; and/or YES DEVIATED

(ii) any official Gazette that is published specifically for the purpose of providing public notice of applications or other submissions made in terms of these Regulations;

YE S DEVIATED N/A

(d) placing an advertisement in at least one* provincial newspaper or national newspaper, if the activity has or may have an impact that extends beyond the boundaries of the metropolitan or local municipality in which it is or will be undertaken.

YE S DEVIATED N/A

A list of all the state departments that were consulted:

Currently the Basic Assessment is in draft phase and is on the NCC website for viewing.



Currently the BAR is on the NCC website for public viewing. The following Government Departments will be notified with regards to the BAR and where it can be viewed:

Table 21: List of all the identified state departments that will be contacted during the Public Participation Process.

Daggakraal contact list for I&AP

Name Department Position

Contact Details

Phone Number

Email Postal Adress

Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize

Office of the Premier Mpumalanga Director

Tel: +27 13 766 2121 [email protected]

Mpumalanga Provincial Government Office of the Premier Number 7 Government Boulevard Riverside Park Ext 2 Nelspruit 1200 Private Bag X11285, Mbombela, 1200

Ms Nomsa Mtsweni Social Development MEC


Mr Ronnie Masilela Social Development

Communications


Mr Sikhumbuzo Kholwane

Finance, Economic Development and Tourism MEC


Mr Letshela Jonas Finance Communications


Mr Mohau Ramodibe

Economic Development and Tourism

Communications


Mr Vusi Shongwe

Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC










Mr Joseph Mabuza

Community Safety, Security and Liaison

Communications


Mr Andries Gamede

Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs MEC


Ms Zanele Shabangu

Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs

Communications


Ms Refilwe Mtsweni

Co-Operative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC


Mr George Mthethwa

Co-Operative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Communications


Ms Violet Siwela Human Settlements MEC


Mr Freddy Ngobe Human Settlements

Communications


Ms Dumisile Hlengethwa

Public Works, Roads and Transport MEC


Mr David Nkambule

Public Works, Roads and Transport

Communications













3 SECTION D: NEED AND DESIRABILITY

Table 22: A needs and desirability checklist for the activity.

1. Is the activity permitted in terms of the property’s existing land use rights?

YES NO Please explain

Yes the upgrade of the road will take place on the existing gravel road already constructed within an existing approved road reserve.

2. Will the activity be in line with the following?

Provincial Spatial Development Framework (PSDF) YES NO Please explain

In terms of the Gert Sibande Spatial Development Plan (last version 2009) the challenges which are faced by the district municipality:

1. Essentially, accessibility means the ability to reach, visit or use. Hence, a lack of access generally deprives people of the opportunity to improve their lives. With the exception of two problem areas, the accessibility to local markets within Gert Sibande is generally good, however due to a number of factors, which includes inter alia poor road conditions, natural and political boundaries, the lack of effective public transport services, and being spatially distant accessibility is influenced. One of the problem areas mentioned in the SDF of 2009 (pg 58) concerns the settlements situated to the northeast of Wakkerstroom. Due to similar reasons, these settlements are isolated from the local markets of Amersfoort, Volksrust, Wakkerstroom and Piet Retief.

2. According to the SDF of 2009 (pg 59) the stretches of the road within the District are either in a poor or very poor state. Generally, the maintenance of roads remains a huge challenge due to the damage caused by heavy vehicles.

In terms of these issues flagged by the SDF and the drive for the upgrade of existing road networks specifically for connectivity and accessibility towards Volksrust the upgrade of the D281 fall in line with the spatial development needs and planning of the Gert Sibande Municipality. This also falls in line with the development principles: Development principle 2, To optimally capitalise on the strategic location of the District and its five key economic strips / corridors, and to functionally link all towns and settlements to one another through establishing and maintaining a strategic road and rail network comprising internal and external linkages. Development principle: 8 To establish a functional hierarchy of towns and settlements in the District, and to ensure equitable access to social infrastructure and the promotion of local economic development by way of Thusong Centres (Multi-Purpose Community Centres (MPCCs).


Urban edge / Edge of Built environment for the area YES NO Please explain

As the SDF 2009 indicates there is a need for most of the informal settlements to have accessibility to some of the small economic centres which in this case is the need of the Daggakraal informal settlement to have accessibility with Volksrust. As previously indicated the need for upgrade in terms of current transportation networks have also been flagged in the Gert Sibande SDF. The upgrade of the road will however not have any possible effect on further urban and peri -urban sprawling with regards to urban edge growth. The urban edge growth of both areas ie Volksrust and Daggakraal are driven by economic need.

Integrated Development Plan and Spatial Development Framework of the Local Municipality (e.g. would the approval of this application compromise the integrity of the existing approved and credible municipal IDP and SDF?).


Due to the need of the Municipality to provide proper and well maintained transportation networks in order to overcome previous geographic division of the old dispensation as well as providing community accessibility and connectivity, the integrity of the municipality will not be compromised.

Approved Structure Plan of the Municipality YES NO Please explain

The gravel road is part of the existing infrastructure and the upgrade of this structure will fall in line with the current development needs and plans. It also needs to be considered that the existing road is part of the provincial road network and planned upgrading has been part of the provincial SDF.

An Environmental Management Framework (EMF) adopted by the Department (e.g. Would the approval of this application compromise the integrity of the existing environmental management priorities for the area and if so, can it be justified in terms of sustainability considerations?)


The road is currently an existing road which has been zoned for traffic use. The upgrade of the facility will have no greater environmental effect on the current Environmental Management Framework. If the project is approved the current environmental management priorities for the area will not be compromised due to the project improving the existing infrastructure. After the consideration of alternatives, it seems to be the best option in terms of environmental integrity of the surrounding area.

(f) Any other Plans (e.g. Guide Plan) YES NO Please explain

3. Is the land use (associated with the activity being applied for) considered within the timeframe intended by the existing approved Spatial Development Framework (SDF) agreed to by the relevant environmental authority (i.e. is the proposed development in line with the projects and programmes identified as priorities within the credible IDP)?


4. Should development, or if applicable, expansion of the town/area YES NO Please explain


concerned in terms of this land use (associated with the activity being applied for) occur here at this point in time?

The current gravel road should be upgraded due to the high amount of traffic which it currently carries. The land use for this development (public road) does however not have direct impacts on the development and expansion of the affected towns. The expansion of these towns is driven by economic factors.

5. Does the community/area need the activity and the associated land use concerned (is it a societal priority)? (This refers to the strategic as well as local level (e.g. development is a national priority, but within a specific local context it could be inappropriate.)


In terms of the accessibility to the economic centre which is Volksrust the upgrading of the road should be considered as a positive and safe transport development if weighed against the current status quo. The SDF of 2009 also indicates that the need for proper connectivity and accessibility must be considered. Meetings with the ward counsillors in the last 6 months have also provided insight into the community needs for the road to be upgraded. The general view of community is that such an upgrade would be welcomed and it was requested that the road upgrade for the D281 must extend further north of Daggakraal, which is currently beyond the project scope. Currently there is a large number of properties in the area applying for mining and prospecting rights. If these rights are granted then the road will definitely play a role with regards to transport and the carrying capacity of large scale vehicles and vehicle use.

6. Are the necessary services with adequate capacity currently available (at the time of application), or must additional capacity be created to cater for the development? (Confirmation by the relevant Municipality in this regard must be attached to the final Basic Assessment Report as Appendix E.)


7. Is this development provided for in the infrastructure planning of the municipality, and if not what will the implication be on the infrastructure planning of the municipality (priority and placement of services and opportunity costs)? (Comment by the relevant Municipality in this regard must be attached to the final Basic Assessment Report as Appendix E.)


In terms of the IDP of Gert Sibande for 2014/2015 gravel roads should be surfaced. Please refer to the latest IDP report of 2014/2015 pgs 104 -105.

8. Is this project part of a national programme to address an issue of national concern or importance?


The planned upgrade speaks to the identified goals of the the National Devlopement Plan 2030 specifically to the economic infrastructutre and an integrated and inclusive rural economy.


9. Do location factors favour this land use (associated with the activity applied for) at this place? (This relates to the contextualisation of the proposed land use on this site within its broader context.)


Due to the road allready existing the upgrade and surfacing of it will defenitly favour the type of land use which it has been set out for.

10. How will the activity or the land use associated with the activity applied for, impact on sensitive natural and cultural areas (built and rural/natural environment)?


The road and road verges allready exist and therefor no impact is foreseen.

In terms of the borrow pits the activity for gravel mining will not affect any cultural aspects at borrow pits 3 and 4, however borrow pit 1 has cultural historical cemetries around it. These cemetries will not be impacted on if the activites around the area is managed correctly.

11. Will the proposed activity or the land use associated with the activity applied for, result in unacceptable opportunity costs?


Due to the existing nature of the road as well as the borrow pits further opportunity cost impacts are not foreseen.

13. What will the cumulative impacts (positive and negative) of the proposed land use associated with the activity applied for, be?


Applications for various environmental authorisations are focussed on in terms of cumultive impacts. The impacts can best be refered to in the Section F dealing with impacts.

14. Is the development the best practicable environmental option for this land/site?


The upgrade of the current road will have the same impact as the current status quo. A new road or alernative will create larger scale and more diverse impacts.

15. What will the benefits be to society in general and to the local communities? Please explain

The following benefits will be gained by the community: 1) The project will provide employement for the duration of the project. 2) The road will improve access for the Daggakraal community. 3) Travelling will be safer.

Description of how the general objectives of Integrated Environmental Management as set out in section 23 of NEMA have been taken into account:

The assessment has taken into account the effect of the proposed upgrade by assessing environmental impacts by means of :

1) Botanical and ecological assessment 2) Freashwater deliniation and impact assessment

It also accounted for heritage and cultural impacts by assessing the impacts on heritage and paleontological aspects. The social impacts and socio economic impacts have been assessed by :


1) Using existing statistics of the current sources such as the Gert Sibande IDP, the Mpumalanga SDP and Stats SA data.

2) Using the forecasted socio economic contribution of the project. The activities have been gauged against the current status quo in terms of the environmental, economic and developmental needs of the area in order to envisage the risk and impacts of the proposed project. These risks have than been provided with a rating scale (impacts can be low, moderatly low, medium, medium high and high). Once rated, the specialists and EAP have prescribed a number of mitigation and management steps that can be taken to lower impacts. The BA report will then be provided to the relevant governmental departments and public in order to provide comment. All of the BA report aspects will also be taken into account to compile an EMPr which will be used to guide environmental management on the proposed project if authorised.

SECTION E: ALTERNATIVES

Description

The alternative considered against the planned resurfacing of the D281 is a No-go alternative, which means

that the alternative to the envisioned project will be to leave the road in it’s current status with current

management status protocols.

The road and road verges (Current status)

The heritage asssement identified two (2) heritage features in the area surrounding the current gravel road.

The features are DGK 006 which is situated some 70 meters to the east of the D281 and is a formal cemetery

containing more than 100 graves. The gravel road operations has no impact on the cemetery.

The botanical assessment indicated that the current condition of the vegetation along the road reserve, as

surveyed, ranges from degraded, heavily grazed and trampled to moderate condition. The effects of the road

and the adjacent land uses has impacted negatively on the condition of the vegetation, however the

vegetation cover is high with a moderate species richness.


The current status in terms of the freshwater assessment can be found in Table 9: Basic biophysical details of

freshwater units (also refer to the freshwater assessment report, table 8 pgs 39 - 43). The impact status can

be described as low to moderate.

Borrow Pits

Borrow Pit 1:

The sites are situated just inside or on the northern boundary of the proposed borrow pit and Construction

Camp One. All of the sites contain graves and vary between two graves (DGK002 and DGK003), four to six

each (DGK001 and DGK004) and twelve graves at DGK005.

Severe overgrazing has caused the grass cover to form a lawn type structure that is dominated by Cynodon

dactylon. The proposed site is located on both sides of the proposed road upgrade and includes the area that

the deviation will run through. The forb Berkheya zeyheri is dominant.

Borrow Pit 3:

Three distinct disturbances were noted in the area namely: Natural grassland (2.23 ha); Old fields mainly in

the form of planted pasture (5.3 ha) and Old borrow pits from previous gravel mining (0.78 ha).

Sheet erosion is prominent and signs of gully erosion are starting to show where there once used to be

access roads towards the planted pasture.

Dumping of construction- and domestic wastes were observed in the survey area.

Borrow Pit 4:

This area totally consists out of old fields previously used for crop and fodder production and makes up the

entire BPCC 4.

Erosion is evident on old contours where the Ortic-A layer has been lost due to sheet erosion from trampling

and low plant canopy cover. Bare patches and exposed contours create favourable environments for alien

and invasive plant species such as Solanum sisymbrifolium and Datura stramonium.


Impact Table for the No-Go Options.

The road and road verges

Table 23: Freshwater impacts of the current road: Hydrological Impacts.

Potential impacts on the geographical and physical aspects for the road D281:

Hydrological Impacts on W01 to W15 (Please refer to the water specialist report pgs40 – 43 Table 8)

Nature of impact:

Direct hydrological impacts can occur downstream from the road. Due to increased water flow from the road. These impacts are:

● Focused flows which can result in erosion ● Increase flood peaks which can increase erosion ● Sedimentation of water resources

Extent and duration of impact: Medium - high – Long term

Probability of occurrence: Medium

Degree to which the impact can be reversed:

Low

Degree to which the impact may cause irreplaceable loss of resources:

Low - Medium

Cumulative impact prior to mitigation: Medium

Significance rating of impact prior to mitigation (Low, Medium, Medium-High, High, or Very-High)

Medium

Degree to which the impact can be mitigated:

High

Proposed mitigation:

The mitigation for the impacts foreseen can be referred to in the water specialist report Section 6.2.1 pgs 62 -63. These mitigations hinge around the proper design of:

● A storm water system ● Culverts or channelled crossings at river crossings

Cumulative impact post mitigation: Low

Significance rating of impact after mitigation (Low, Medium, Medium-High, High, or Very-High)

Low

Table 24: Freshwater Impacts of the current road: Geomorphological impacts.


Geomorphological impacts W02 to W 15 (Please refer to the water specialist report pgs 40 – 43 Table 8)

Nature of impact:

The Geomorphology of the affected water resources specifically the stream crossings can change. These changes are:

● The change of the longitudinal profile ● Headward erosion ● Channel incision ● Sediment deposition upstream


● Erosional deposits ● Sediment loss due to erosion

Extent and duration of impact: Localised and Medium – long term

Probability of occurrence: Medium-High


Low


Medium



Medium


Medium - high


Currently it is not known if any mitigation measures have been proposed, however the mitigation with regards to design should be the same as the suggested mitigations for the planned road. These mitigations can be referred to in the water specialist report Section 6.2.1 pgs 62 -63. These mitigations hinge around the proper design of:

● A storm water system Of culverts or channelled crossings at river crossings The lack of effectiveness to stop silt wash off from the road, however should be kept in mind.

Cumulative impact post mitigation: Medium


Medium

Table 25: Freshwater Impacts of the current road: Water Quality Impacts.


Water Quality Impacts W02 to W15 (Please refer to the water specialist report pgs 40 – 43, Table 8)

Nature of impact:

Water Quality can be affected due to pollutants which accumulate on the road surface. These pollutants are:

● Heavy metals ● Hydrocarbons ● Other pollutants

Different to a surfaced road, however the pollutants does have the potential to infiltrate into the soil under the road and then spread underground.

Extent and duration of impact: Localised – long term

Probability of occurrence: High


Medium

Degree to which the impact may cause Low


irreplaceable loss of resources:

Cumulative impact prior to mitigation: Mdium - high


Medium -High


Low


Due to the normative standards with regards to pollutant management on roads within the South African context, no proposed mitigations are suggested in this case. This is problematic due to the infiltration of pollutants into the gravel road and soil below.

Cumulative impact post mitigation: Medium - High


Medium High

Table 26: Impacts on vegetation of the current road D281

Potential impact biological aspects: Vegetation impacts, Please refer to the water specialist report section 6.1.1 pg 55

Nature of impact:

Existing road disturbances and limited alien seed sources in the study area will limit the extent and intensity of alien encroachment impacts resulting from the proposed upgrade activities, however limited to secondary impacts which will involve the unwanted growth of invasive plant species.

Extent and duration of impact: Localised and Low - Medium

Probability of occurrence: Low


Medium


Low



Medium


Medium

Proposed mitigation: Alien vegetation management should be conducted



Low -Medium


Table 27: Impacts on Fauna of the current road D281

Potential impact biological aspects: Fauna (Please refer to the water specialist report section 6.1.1 pg 56 – 57).

Nature of impact: The current impact on the road is mostly faunal mortality due to vehicular impact.

Extent and duration of impact: Localised and short term if impacts do occur



Medium


Low

Cumulative impact prior to mitigation: Low


Low


Low

Proposed mitigation: No proposed mitigations



Low

Table 28: Impacts on job creation of the current D281 gravel road.

Potential impacts on the socio-economic aspects:

Job Creation

Nature of impact: There will be no Job creation due to the road not being constructed.

Extent and duration of impact: Local - Medium



Low


Medium



Medium


Low

Proposed mitigation: Other job creation initiatives must be created.


Significance rating of impact after mitigation

Medium


(Low, Medium, Medium-High, High, or Very-High)

Table 29: Impacts on cultural historical features along the D281 gravel road route.

Impacts on Borrow Pits

Table 30: Current hydrological impact due to borrow pits.


Hydrological Impacts W01, W16 and R01 (Please refer to the water specialist report pg 39 - 42)

Nature of impact:

Direct Hydrological impact can occur downstream from the borrow pit. These impacts are, however are lower due to current primary and secondary species that has grown after grazing. The impacts on borrow pit 1 and 3 will be greater due to area which have no cover and visible erosion. The impacts observed:

● Focused flows which can result in sheet erosion ● Increase flood peaks which can increase sheet erosion ● Sedimentation of water resources

Extent and duration of impact: Medium - High – Long term


Degree to which the impact can be Low

Potential impacts on cultural-historical aspects:

None

Nature of impact: Due to the current status quo there is no impact on the surrounding heritage aspect DGK006 and the Pixley Ka Isaka Seme monument

Extent and duration of impact: None-Low



Low


Low



Low


Low

Proposed mitigation: None



Low


reversed:


Low - Medium



Medium


High


The rehabilitation of the area by establishing:

Vegetation

Mechanical or man made erosion control



Low

Table 31: Current Geomorphological impact due to borrow pits


Geomorphological impacts W 01, W16 and R01 (Please refer to the water specialist report, pgs 39 – 42).

Nature of impact:


● The change of the longitudinal profile ● Headward erosion ● Channel incision ● Sediment deposition upstream ● Erosional deposits ● Sediment loss due to erosion




Low


Medium



Medium


Medium - high

Proposed mitigation: The rehabilitation of the area by establishing:

Vegetation Mechanical or man made erosion control




Low

Table 32: Current Water quality impacts due to borrow pits.


Water Quality Impacts W01, W16 and R01 (Please refer to the water specialist report pgs 39 - 42)

Nature of impact:

Water Quality can be affected due to pollutants which accumulate on the borrow pit surface if mining is allowed(please note that these area are old and identified borrow pits, therefor the borrow pit may be used again. These pollutants are:


Extent and duration of impact: Localised low – long term



Low


Low



Low


Low

Proposed mitigation: Leaks and spill will be minor due to the types of operations. Spill treatment can be employeed.



Low

Table 33: Current impacts on vegetation due to borrow pits.

Potential impact biological aspects: Vegetation impacts (Please refer to the botanical specialist report section pgs 11, 27 and 37).

Nature of impact: Vegetation will be impacted on by overgrazing , crops and mining.

Extent and duration of impact: Localised and Medium-High



High

Degree to which the impact may cause Medium



Cumulative impact prior to mitigation: Medium - High


Medium - High


Low


Make the area a priority rehabilitation area by :

Cordoning it off for a period

Not allowing any farm practices in the area



Medium

Table 34: Current impacts on cultural historical aspects due to borrow pits.


None

Nature of impact: There are no current impacts on the cemetries DGK 001 –DGK 004 and DGK 005

Extent and duration of impact: None-Low



Low


Low



Low


Low

Proposed mitigation: None



Low


SECTION F: IMPACT ASSESSMENT, MANAGEMENT, MITIGATION AND MONITORING

MEASURES

1 IMPACTS ON CERTAIN ASPECTS:

If the planned resurfacing of the D281 is approved, there are activities which will have impacts on various

aspects that should be taken into account during the construction phase. These impacts on various of the

identified aspects are summarised in the tables below.

Geographical and physical aspects:

Table 35: Impacts on geographical and physical aspects.

Aspect of the geographical and physical environment

Impact of road infrastructure construction activities

Impact of Borrow Pit construction activities

Hydrology

Direct hydrological impacts may include: temporary flow impoundment and/or diversion during the construction of road bed and the installation of culverts and other necessary road drainage/ stormwater infrastructure. Depending on whether flows are maintained during the construction phase, temporary impoundment with no outlet essentially starve downstream habitats of water inputs which sustain water resources. If flow is impounded and diverted around the construction site, then there is a risk of wetland or steam / river bank and bed scour at the diversion outlet which could drain, and/or reduce channel flow overtopping into, wetland areas and/or lead to changes in channel hydraulics (bed and bank erosion) which ultimately affects peak flow. However, hydrological impacts are most likely to be localised to watercourse crossings and/or habitat directly downstream or where water resource are located directly downslope of construction works.

Secondary hydrological impacts may occur as a result of land clearing and earthworks upslope of the water resources which will reduce groundcover and infiltration rates and increase the volume and velocity of surface runoff reaching the water resources. Such changes in surface roughness and runoff rates will likely lead to some rill and gully erosion and the possible sedimentation of wetland edges, which could reduce the soil saturation regime. Sedimentation is also expected as result of sediment-laden runoff from the borrow pit areas.


Geomorphology Linked with direct hydrological impacts, temporary flow modification (impoundment and diversion) effects the rate and distribution sediment and may lead to accelerated erosion and/or sediment deposition within water resources. Flow impoundment results in the accumulation of sediment that would natural have been distributed downstream whereas diversions can lead to point source erosion where diverted water renters a watercourses, and downstream deposition of this eroded material. These impacts ultimately effect natural sediment dynamics including natural rates of erosion and deposition which maintain the geomorphic structure of wetland and riverine ecosystems. These impacts are likely to be localised to watercourse crossings and/or habitat directly downstream or downslope of construction works. Should scouring and gully erosion impacts occur these may persist for some time after the construction phase, especially if rehabilitation is not implemented. Erosion impacts caused by construction may become medium to long-term if not properly addresses.

Linked with secondary hydrological impacts, disturbance and compaction of the soil profiles associated with earthworks upslope of water resources may lead to increased rates of erosion and sedimentation downslope of borrow pits. Sedimentation of the watercourse edges is probably the most likely impact. These impacts will be more pronounced during large rainfall events and/or windy conditions, and especially where steep slopes/gradients are encountered. These impacts ultimately effect natural sediment dynamics including natural rates of erosion and deposition which maintain the geomorphic structure of wetland and riverine ecosystems. These impacts are likely to be localised to a few water resources occurring directly downslope of borrow pits. Should scouring, gully erosion and downstream sedimentation of freshwater habitats occur, these may persist for some time after the construction phase, especially if rehabilitation is not implemented.

Water Quality This refers to the alteration or deterioration in the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of water resources. The term ‘water quality’ must be viewed in terms of the fitness or suitability of water for a specific use (DWAF, 2001). In the context of this impact assessment, water quality refers to its fitness for maintaining the health aquatic ecosystems. The following impacts are envisaged on water quality:

● Hydrocarbons – leakages from

petrol/diesel stores and

machinery/vehicles, spillages from

poor dispensing practices.

● Oils and grease - leakages from

oil/grease stores and

Potential construction phase contaminants and their relevant sources include:

● Hydrocarbons – leakages from

petrol/diesel stores and

machinery/vehicles, spillages

from poor dispensing practices.

● Oils and grease - leakages from

oil/grease stores and

machinery/vehicles, spillages

from poor handling and

disposal practices.

● Cement - spillages from poor

mixing and disposal practices.


machinery/vehicles, spillages from

poor handling and disposal

practices.

● Cement - spillages from poor

mixing and disposal practices.

● Bitumen - spillages from poor

application, handling and disposal

practices.

● Sewage – leakages from and/or

poor servicing of chemical toilets

and/or informal use of surrounding

bush by workers.

● Suspended solids – suspension of

fine soil particles as a result of soil

disturbance and altered flow

patterns (covered above).

These contaminants have the potential to negatively effect the integrity of freshwater habitats through the alteration of soil and water physico-chemistry and the subsequent impacts of flora and fauna comprising freshwater habitats. While turbidity impacts (suspended solids) are expected during the construction phase of road crossing through watercourse other key pollutants mentioned are less of a threat. Furthermore, if water pollution occurs impacts are likely to be short-lived and localised to the construction servitude and habitats directly downstream.

● Bitumen - spillages from poor

application, handling and

disposal practices.

Sewage – leakages from and/or poor servicing of chemical toilets and/or informal use of surrounding bush by workers. Suspended solids – suspension of fine soil particles as a result of soil disturbance and altered flow patterns (covered above). While water quality impacts do pose a potential threat to water resources downslope of borrow pits, the likelihood and intensity of pollution impacts to wetland and river water quality will be low due to the placement of borrow pits outside of watercourses. If water pollution occurs impacts are likely to be shot-lived and localised to areas directly downslope of active work areas.

Biological aspects:

Table 36: Deals with impacts on biological aspects

Will the development have an impact on critical biodiversity areas (CBAs) or ecological support areas (ESAs)?

YES NO

Will the development have an impact on terrestrial vegetation, or aquatic ecosystems(wetlands, estuaries or the coastline)?

YES NO

Description:


Table 37: Impacts of road infrastructure and borrow pits on biological aspects of freshwater units in the study area - during construction phase.

Aspect of biological environment

Impact of road infrastructure construction activities

Impact of Borrow Pit construction activities

Vegetation

Direct destruction and/or accidental physical modification of wetland or riverine vegetation within the construction servitude may result from road construction. This includes vegetation removal for areas where infrastructure is planned to encroach into the watercourses as well as the areas area immediately surrounding working areas used to ingress and egress. Associated with this is the likelihood of accidental encroachment and modification of habitat in the vicinity of the working area. This impact should be limited as the project entails a road upgrade not new road development. Water quality impacts from construction activities have the capacity to negatively affect freshwater vegetation communities based on specific species tolerances to water pollution. Where significant changes in water quality occur, a shift in vegetation composition and/or relative species abundances will follow, favouring more tolerant / weedy species and potentially resulting in the localised reduction of sensitive species and/or plant diversity. Such impacts have a direct effect on habitat integrity especially where indigenous vegetation is lost or severely modified.

Direct destruction and/or accidental modification of wetland or riverine vegetation may result from secondary activities such as access roads linked with borrow pit construction. Expected direct impacts to wetland and riverine vegetation will be low as the borrow pits are planned to be located outside watercourses. Given that borrow pits are located directly upslope of wetland and riverine habitats, water quality impacts are possible but not definite. If contaminated water reach water resources, it has the capacity to negatively affect freshwater vegetation communities based on specific species tolerances to water pollution. Where significant changes in water quality occur, a shift in vegetation composition will follow, favouring more tolerant species and potentially resulting in the localised reduction of sensitive species and/or plant diversity. Such impacts have a direct effect on habitat integrity especially where indigenous vegetation becomes severely modified.

Fauna Linked with water quality impacts, contaminants may enter water resources during construction activities and have the capacity to negatively affect biota using freshwater habitats, especially fish, invertebrate and amphibian species that rely on instream aquatic habitats. If significant pollution occurs, a localised reduction of intolerant aquatic fauna is likely to occur. Sudden drastic changes in water quality such as those associated with large spills (e.g. petroleum or oil) can also have chronic effects on fauna leading to localised extinctions. While construction activities have the potential to

Linked with potential construction water quality impacts, contaminants may enter water resources during construction activities and have the capacity to negatively affect fauna using freshwater habitats, especially fish, invertebrate and amphibian species that rely instream aquatic habitats. If significant pollution occurs, a localised reduction of intolerant aquatic fauna is likely to


contaminate watercourses, the likelihood of these impacts is limited and the presence of any sensitive or important biota is unlikely.

While turbidity impacts (suspended solids) are expected during construction across watercourses, it is unlikely to result in any permanent impact to faunal communities. Slow moving or sedentary species may be killed during construction activities although this unlikely due to the disturbed nature of the current road servitude. Furthermore, no threatened, unique, endemic or sensitive fauna were identified onsite or flagged by available conservation planning datasets. Overall impacts to fauna are likely to be limited, confined to a construction period with no long-term impact to the viability of local fauna populations.

occur. Sudden drastic changes in water quality such as those associated with large spills (e.g. petroleum or oil) can also have chronic effects on fauna leading to localised extinctions. While construction activities have the potential to contaminate watercourses, the likelihood of these impacts is limited due to the placement of borrow pits outside of watercourse and the apparent lack of sensitive or important fauna. While turbidity impacts (suspended solids) are expected during construction directly upslope of watercourses, it is unlikely to result in any permanent impact to faunal communities using freshwater habitats. Overall impacts to fauna are likely to be limited, confined to a construction period with no long-term impact to the viability of local fauna populations.

Will the development have an impact on any populations of threatened plant or animal species, and/or on any habitat that may contain a unique signature of plant or animal species?

YES NO

Socio-Economic aspects:

In terms of socio–economic aspects the project will have a target of 5% of the value of the works for labour involvement. This would amount to approximately 20,000 person-days over 18 months. This effectively means that a 50 persons employement rate over 18 months is forecasted. These figures are however optimistic and it is assumed that there will be a lag time which will increase the persons employed to 75.

Table 38: Summary of socioeeconomic aspects fo the project.

What is the expected capital value of the activity on completion? R 140 million

What is the expected yearly income or contribution to the economy that will be generated by or as a result of the activity?

N/A

Will the activity contribute to service infrastructure? YES NO

How many new employment opportunities will be created in the construction phase of the activity?

70 persons

What is the expected value of the employment opportunities during the construction phase?

R7.5 million

What percentage of this will accrue to previously disadvantaged individuals? 100%

How will this be ensured and monitored (please explain):

Labour intensive activities will be specified in the contract documentation to enhance labour involvement. The Contract will be subject to a Contract Participation Goal (CPG), which stipulates the % of the contract


sum needs to be spent on labour. This will be monitored during construction and is subject to a bonus or penalties.

How many permanent new employment opportunities will be created during the operational phase of the activity?

None

What is the expected current value of the employment opportunities during the first 10 years?

N/A

What percentage of this will accrue to previously disadvantaged individuals? 0%

2 WASTE AND EMISSIONS

Waste (including effluent) management

Table 39a: provides the forecasted waste streams and quantities: Operational phase

Will the activity produce waste (including rubble) during the construction phase? YES NO

If yes, indicate the types of waste (actual type of waste, e.g. oil, and whether hazardous or not) and estimated quantity per type?

M3

Building rubble (concrete and brickwork) to be disposed in the works and/or spoil sites. 450

General waste (household/office/paper plastic) to be disposed at municipal waste site. 25

Hazardous waste (oil containers, etc.) to be disposed at registered waste site. 5

Table 39b: Provides the forecasted waste streams and quantities: Operational phase

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

If yes, indicate the types of waste (actual type of waste, e.g. oil, and whether hazardous or not) and estimated quantity per type?

Unknown M3

No estimate of the amount of waste can be provided. Waste management measures has been provided in the EMPr and will be used to manage waste by employing reduction, re use and reducing measures.

Table 39c: Provides details with regards to municipal capacity and waste management practices.

Where and how will the waste be treated / disposed of (describe)?

The waste that will be generated will be removed in terms of the local municpal requirements. Currently the Dr. Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Local Municipality has been approached to assist with the question of waste management capacity. The municipality however could not provide any indication with regards to capacity.

Has the municipality or relevant authority confirmed that sufficient capacity exist for treating / disposing of the waste to be generated by this activity(ies)? If yes, provide written confirmation from Municipality or relevant authority.

YES NO

Will the activity produce waste that will be treated and/or disposed of at another facility other than into a municipal waste stream?

YES NO

If yes, has this facility confirmed that sufficient capacity exist for treating / disposing of the waste to be generated by this activity(ies)? Provide written confirmation from the facility and

YES NO


provide the following particulars of the facility:

Does the facility have an operating license? (If yes, please attach a copy of the license.) YES NO

Facility name:

Contact person:

Postal address:

Postal code:

Telephone: Cell:

E-mail: Fax:

Measures that will be taken to reduce, reuse or recycle waste: Waste on site will be managed in such a way as to conform with the National Environmental Management Waste Act (Act 59 of 2008). The following waste streams will provisionally be reduced, reused or recycled if there is local capacity in terms of service provision to do so:

1) Building rubble to be used as fill material where possible 2) Glass and office waste paper will be recycled 3) Steel used will be taken of site for recycling 4) Old oil will be sold if possible to hydro carbon recycling service providers. If not, it will be disposed

of in a licensed/certified waste management facility 5) Wood will be distributed for reuse if an opportunity is available to do so

Emissions into the atmosphere

Table 40: Provides details with regards to possible emissions resulting from on site activities.

Will the activity produce emissions that will be disposed of into the atmosphere? YES NO

If yes, does it require approval in terms of relevant legislation? YES NO

Emssions are envisioned for both the construction and the operational phase. These emmisions are not of an industrial nature, but will be part of the normal exhaust emissions which are experienced in traffic conditions on a day to day level.

3 WATER USE

Table 41: Provides detail with regards to proposed water use on site.

Municipal

Water board

Groundwater

River, Stream, Dam or Lake

Other The activity will not use

water

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

the volume that will be extracted per month: 2000 m3


Please provide proof of assurance of water supply (eg. Letter of confirmation from municipality / water user associations, yield of borehole)

Does the activity require a water use permit / license from DWAF? YES NO

If yes, please submit the necessary application to Department of Water Affairs and attach proof thereof to this application.

Describe the measures that will be taken to reduce water demand, and measures to reuse or recycle water:

The existing gravel road will be closed during construction for the public, reducing the need for watering of by-passes for dust control.

4 POWER SUPPLY

The power supply which will be used for the construction phase will be from municipal sources. The project will keep record of the electricity used for billing purposes. No electricity use is currently planned for the road once it is operational.

5 DESCRIPTION AND ASSESSMENT OF THE SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACTS PRIOR

TO AND AFTER MITIGATION

5.1 Significant impacts: Construction phase

Impacts and mitigations during the Construction phase: D281 road and road verges

Table 42: Hydrological impacts during construction.

Potential impacts on geographical and physical aspects:

Hydrological Impacts W02 to W15 (Please refer to the water specialist report pg. 52)

Nature of impact:

If impacts on the watercourse crossing and/or habitat directly downstream of construction works are not managed:

● Groundcover reduction ● Slower water infiltration ● Increased surface runoff ● Erosion

Sedimentation of wetland edges


Probability of occurrence: Medium - High


Low


Medium


Cumulative impact prior to mitigation:

Medium


Low – Moderately Low


Low


Please refer to the water specialist report (section 6.2.2 pgs 64 -69) Method statements should be provided prior to work in the water courses. The construction in watercourses should take place in a phased approach Site Establishment should be done in such a manner that it includes:

● the setting out of a working area, ● the demarcation of No-Go areas, ● sediment control measures for channelled water courses

Staff inductions should take place to create awareness. Construction area clearing should only be permitted inside the project area Soil and stockpiles must be managed in accordance to the EMP and the Specialist reports. Flow, erosion and sedimentation Pollution must be prevented and managed Solid waste must be controlled in accordance to the EMP Alien plants must be controlled in accordance to the EMP

Cumulative impact post mitigation:

Low


Low

Table 43: Geomorphological impacts during construction


Geomorphological impacts W02 to W15 (Please refer to the water specialist report pg. 53 -54 )

Nature of impact:

Impacts to the watercourse crossings and/or habitat directly downstream or downslope of construction works can be:

● Sedimentation of wetland and riverine ecosystem ● Accelerated erosion ● Soil compaction

Extent and duration of impact: Localised low – Long term impacts



Low

Degree to which the impact may cause irreplaceable loss of

Medium


resources:


Medium




Low


Please refer to the water specialist report (section 6.2.2 pgs 64 - 69) Method statements should be provided prior to work in the watercourses. The construction in watercourses should take place in a phased approach. Site Establishment should be done in such a manner that it includes:

● the setting out of a working area, ● the demarcation of No-Go areas, ● sediment control measures for channelled watercourses

Staff inductions should take place to create awareness. Construction area clearing should only be permitted inside the project area Soil and stockpiles must be managed in accordance to the EMPr and the Specialist reports. Flow, erosion and sedimentation Pollution must be prevented and managed Solid waste must be controlled in accordance to the EMPr Alien plants must be controlled in accordance to the EMPr


Low


Low

Table 44: Water quality impacts during construction


Water Quality Impacts W02 to W15(Please refer to the water specialist report pg. 55 – 56)

Nature of impact: Water pollution and contamination which will have and impact on water quality.

Extent and duration of impact: Localised extent – Short term impact



Low


Medium

Cumulative impact prior to Medium


mitigation:


Low – Medium


Low




Staff inductions should take place to create awareness. Construction area clearing should only be permitted inside the project area Soil and stockpiles must be managed in accordance to the EMP and the Specialist reports. Flow, erosion and sedimentation Pollution must be prevented and managed Solid waste must be controlled in accordance to the EMP

● Alien plants must be controlled in accordance to the EMP


Low


Low

Table 45: Impacts on vegetation during construction

Potential impact on biological aspects:

Impacts on vegetation as described in the water specialist report (section 6.1.1, pg. 55 -56) and the botanical specialist report (Chapter 4, pgs 16-26 and 32-36)

Nature of impact:

● Wetland or riverine vegetation modification which can change the hydrology of the identified streams as well as the road verges surrounding the D281.

● Removal of vegetation which can cause erosion ● Alien vegetation colonisation if the alien vegetation is not

managed correctly during construction. ● The possible removal of three listed species as identified in

the botanical specialist report pg. 43.

Extent and duration of impact: Low and localised

Probability of occurrence: Medium – High


Low



Medium


Low


Low


Low


Mitigation measures are provided in detail in the water specialist report (section 6.2. pgs 64 – 69) and the botanical specialist report (Chapter 6 pgs 47 – 48). These measures will allow for:

● Proper deviation and water flow to allow for the preservation of watercourse structures.

● The rehabilitation of areas affected as per the EMP and various specialist measures.


Low


Low

Table 46: Impacts on fauna during construction


Fauna Impact as described in the water specialist report (section 6.1.1, pg. 56) (Freshwater Units)

Nature of impact: Aquatic fauna mortality




Low


Medium


Low


Low


Low

Proposed mitigation: Mitigation measures are provided in detail in the water specialist report (section 6.2.2 pgs 64 – 69). These mitigation measures focus on minimizing the destruction of water resource habitats.

Cumulative impact post Low


mitigation:


Low

Table 47: Socio Economic Impacts during construction

Potential impacts on socio-economic aspects:

Job creation due to the construction phase

Nature of impact:

The Construction project will have an positive impact by creating 75 employment oppurtunities for a period of 18 months up to 2 years. The project will also create the oppurtunity for the local economy to be impacted on positively due to the increase in buying power through:

1) The employees who can afford to buy 2) The management team and external service providers who

will buy from the local or surrounding market. This will thus have an economic impacts because the project will:

1) Create jobs 2) Creat growth in the local economy.

Extent and duration of impact: Local - Medium

Probability of occurrence: This depends if the project is authorised. If authorised the probability is high and if rejected the probability is low to none.


If the last section is taken into account the degree can be high or low depending on authorisation.


None


Medium


Medium


N/A

Proposed mitigation: No mitigation is proposed due to the impact being positive.


Medium


Medium

Table 48a: Impacts on cultural historical aspects next to the D281 during the construction phase


DGK006 formal fenced cemetery situated 70 meters East of the D281. (Please refer to the specialist report with regards to the co-


ordinates provided by the specialist)

Nature of impact: Possible impact on cemeteries and graves

Extent and duration of impact: Medium extent Low duration



Low


Low


Medium


Medium


Low

Proposed mitigation: The implementation of a grave management process that will include a buffer of at least 20 meters from the closest structure will reduce the impact significance to low.


Low


Low

Table 48b: Impacts on cultural historical aspects next to the D281 during the construction phase


DGK007 which is the Pixley ka Seme monument which is situated approximately 90 meters west from the D281 (Please refer to the specialist report with regards to the co-ordinates provided by the specialist).

Nature of impact: Possible impact on monument

Extent and duration of impact: Medium extent Low duration



Low


Low


Medium


Medium

Degree to which the impact can Low


be mitigated:

Proposed mitigation: The site should be demarcated as a no-go area with a 70 metre buffer during construction


Low


Low

Table 49: Possible noise impacts during the construction phase

Potential noise impacts: Machinery and workforce noise

Nature of impact:

Noise will take place in the areas where construction will take place and will not occur over the full stretch of the D281. The impact will take place for the full duration of the project; however it should be taken into cognisance that the noise will be concentrated in the areas where construction will take place.

Extent and duration of impact: Localised and short to medium term (till the end of the project)

Probability of occurrence: High, however due to it in construction spots the occurrence is low to medium for the overall site.


Medium


Low to zero due to the temporary nature of the project


Low


Medium


Low


Proposed mitigations are of an operational nature and can be refered to within the EMPr pgs 43 – 44. Some of the immediate mitigations (not limited to) are:

● Warning all landowners when high noise impact will occur ● Working within the stipulated hours close to residential

areas ● Muffling machinery ● Regular record keeping to be used for management

interventions


Low


Low


Table 50: Possible visual impacts during the construction phase

Potential visual impacts: Machinery, site offices, workforce and traffic signal increase.

Nature of impact:

During the construction phase visual impacts will occur due to the machinery working on portion of the road as well as construction infrastructure which will be needed for the project to function. These infrastructures will be portable toilets, mobile offices and various temporary road marking and signage.

Extent and duration of impact: Localised and short to medium term (till the end of the project).



Low


Low to zero due to the temporary nature of the project.


Low


Low


Low


Proposed mitigation for visual impacts during the construction phase will be:

● To have mobile offices that blend with the surrounding environment.

● Office building colours will be natural, uniform colours. ● Portable toilets will be covered by a shade netting “wall” to

hide it away from the public.


low


low

Impacts and mitigations during the Construction phase: Borrowpits

Table 51: Hydrological Impacts due to borrow pits


Impacts of borrow pits will have on wetlands W01 and W16 and rivers R01

Nature of impact:

Hydrological Impacts (Please refer to the water specialist report pg. 57). Impacts will be due to land clearing activities that will decrease water infiltration and increase runoff. Impacts caused by clearing activities will be:


● Possible rill and gully erosion. ● Possible siltation of the mentioned water resources.

Extent and duration of impact: The Impact will be small in extent with low impact duration.



Low


Low


Low




High


Please refer to the water specialist report (section 6.2.2 pgs 64 -69) Method statements should be provided prior to work in watercourses. The construction in watercourses should take place in a phased approach. Site Establishment should be done in such a manner that it includes:


Staff inductions should take place to create awareness. Construction area clearing should only be permitted inside the project area Soil and stockpiles must be managed in accordance to the EMPr and the Specialist reports. Flow, erosion and sedimentation. Pollution must be prevented and managed. Solid waste must be controlled in accordance to the EMPr. Alien plants must be controlled in accordance to the EMPr.


Low


Low

Table 52: Geomorphological Impacts due to borrow pits


Impacts borrow pits will have on wetlands W01 and W16 and rivers R01

Nature of impact: Geomorphological impacts (Please refer to the water specialist report pg 58).


The structures of the water resources may change due to possible silt build up if erosion is not managed.

Extent and duration of impact: The extent of the impact is low and localised. The duration of the impact will be medium if not managed.



Low


Medium


Moderately low




Low




Staff inductions should take place to create awareness. Construction area clearing should only be permitted inside the project area Soil and stockpiles must be managed in accordance to the EMP and the Specialist reports. Flow, erosion and sedimentation Pollution must be prevented and managed Solid waste must be controlled in accordance to the EMP Alien plants must be controlled in accordance to the EMP


Low


Low

Table 53: Water quality impacts due to borrow pits.


Impacts borrow pits will have on wetlands W01 and W16 and rivers R01


Nature of impact:

Water Quality Impacts (Please refer to the water specialist report pgs 58 -59). The quality of water will possibly be impacted by contaminants as listed in the referred report. The list includes:

● hydrocarbons ● cement ● bitumen ● sewerage ● suspended solids

Extent and duration of impact: The extent of the impact will be localised and the duration will possibly be short-lived.



Low


Low


Low




Low


Please refer to the water specialist report (section 6.2.2 pgs 64 -69). Method statements should be provided prior to work in the water courses. The construction in watercourses should take place in a phased approach. Site Establishment should be done in such a manner that it includes:


Staff inductions should take place to create awareness. Construction area clearing should only be permitted inside the project area. Soil and stockpiles must be managed in accordance to the EMPr and the Specialist reports. Flow, erosion and sedimentation. Pollution must be prevented and managed. Solid waste must be controlled in accordance to the EMPr.

● Alien plants must be controlled in accordance to the EMPr.


Low

Significance rating of impact after mitigation

Low


(Low, Medium, Medium-High, High, or Very-High)

Table 54: Impacts on vegetation due to borrow pits.


Impacts on vegetation as described in the specialist freshwater report (section 6.1.1, pg. 59) and the specialist botanical report (Chapter 4, pgs 11, 27 and 37)

Nature of impact: The possible sedimentation of the wetlands can influence the growth and communities of wetland plants in the area.

Extent and duration of impact:

Low and localised ● Due to the degraded nature of vegetation communities and

the lack of important sensitive plan species overall impacts are low and localised.



Low


Moderately low


Low


Low


Low


Mitigation measures are provided in detail in the water specialist report (section 6.2.2 pgs 64 – 69) and the botanical specialist report (Chapter 6 pgs 47 – 48). These measures will allow for:

● Proper deviation and water flow to allow for the preservation of watercourse structures.

● The rehabilitation of areas affected as per the EMP and various specialist measures.


Low


Low

Table 55: Impacts on fauna due to borrow pits


Fauna Impact as described in the water specialist report (section 6.1.1, pg. 56) (Freshwater Units)


Nature of impact: Potential contamination can have an effect on water quality which can result in the die off of water borne faunal species.


● Aquatic fauna mortality



Low


Low


Moderately Low


Low


High

Proposed mitigation: Mitigation measures are provided in detail in the water specialist report (section 6.2.2 pgs 64 – 69). These mitigation measures focus on minimizing the destruction of water resource habitats.


Low


Low

Table 58: Impacts on cultural heritage features due to borrow pits


DGK001 – 004 which is a cluster of cemeteries straddling the boundary borrow pit 1 and DGK005 which is a cemetery situated on the north of the borrow pit 1. (Please refer to the specialist report with regards to the co-ordinates provided by the specialist)

Nature of impact: Possible impact on cemeteries and graves

Extent and duration of impact: High extent and medium to long term duration



Low


High


High


High


Low



Implementation of a grave management process that will include a buffer of at least 20 metres from the closest structure will reduce the impact to significance to low. In the event that the sitting of the borrow pit cannot be adjusted and the graves and cemeteries impacted, a comprehensive grave relocation process with a social consultation component will result in the mitigation of the possible impact on graves and cemeteries and result in a low impact rating.


Low


Low

5.2 Operational Impacts

It is accepted that the operational phase will be the actual use of the road. Therefor the focus of the assessment for the operational phase will only entail the impact on the water resources. Impacts on heritage are only designated for the construction phase as impacts have only been envisaged for the construction phase. Impacts on the borrow pits will also take place during the construction phase only and it is planned that the borrow pits will be rehabilitated during the early stages of the operational phase. When the road will be operational it should also be taken into account that the current status quo with regards to noise, visual and social impacts will be the same or similar to the current impacts experienced in terms of the existing dirt road. Social impact with regards to improvement of transport however has been planned for in the Gert Sibande Spatial Development Plan (last version 2009). Table 59: Hydrological impacts during the roads operational phase


Hydrological Impacts (Please refer to the water specialist report pg. 52)

Nature of impact:

Direct Hydrological impact can occur downstream from the road. Due to increased water flow from the road. These impacts are:

● Focused flows which can result in erosion ● Increase flood peaks which can increase erosion ● Sedimentation of water resources

Extent and duration of impact: Medium - high – Long term



Low


Low - Medium


Significance rating of impact prior to Medium


mitigation (Low, Medium, Medium-High, High, or Very-High)


High



● A storm water system ● Of culverts or channelled crossings at river crossings



Low

Table 60: Geomorphological impacts during the roads operational phase


Geomorphological impacts (Please refer to the water specialist report pg. section 6.1.1 pg 54 )

Nature of impact:


● The change of the longitudinal profile ● headward erosion ● Channel incision ● Sediment deposition upstream ● Erosional deposits ● Sediment loss due to erosion




Low


Medium



Medium


Medium - high



● A storm water system ● Of culverts or channelled crossings at river crossings


Significance rating of impact after Low


mitigation (Low, Medium, Medium-High, High, or Very-High)

Table 61: Water quality impacts during the roads operational phase


Water Quality Impacts (Please refer to the water specialist report pg. 55 – 56)

Nature of impact:

Water Quality can be affected due to pollutants which accumulate on the road surface. These pollutants are:





Low


Low



Low


Low

Proposed mitigation: The amount of pollution will be as per the current status quo and subsequent vehicle related pollution is unlikely to increase (Please refer to the freshwater specialist report section 6.1.1 pg. 55)



Low

Table 62: Impacts on vegetation during the roads operational phase

Potential impact biological aspects: Vegetation impacts, Please refer to the water specialist report section 6.1.1 pg 55

Nature of impact: Limited to secondary impacts which will involve the unwanted growth of invasive plant species.

Extent and duration of impact: Localised and Low



High

Degree to which the impact may cause Low





Low


Low

Proposed mitigation: Alien vegetation management should be conducted as prescribed in the water specialist report section 6.2.3 pgs 69 – 71 and Chapter 6 pg 48.



Low

Table 63: Impacts on fauna during the roads operational phase

Potential impact biological aspects: Fauna (Please refer to the water specialist report section 6.1.1 pg. 56 – 57).

Nature of impact:

During the operational phase of the proposed road the possibility of faunal mortalities due to vehicle impacts are envisioned, however this impact if weighed against the current status quo will be Low or similar. Due to the higher water speeds and possible erosion in the areas surrounding the road the habitats of faunal species could be impacted on if not managed through proper runoff and storm water run-off design.

Extent and duration of impact: Localised and short term if impacts do occur



Medium


Low



Low


Low


Mitigation measures which are mentioned in the water specialist report section 6.2.1 pgs 62 – 64. These mitigation mainly deal with the correct design of water and water runoff management from the road.


Significance rating of impact after mitigation (Low, Medium, Medium-High, High, or

Low


Very-High)

Table 64: Impacts on socio economi aspect during the roads operational phase

Potential impacts on the socio-economic aspects:

Job loss and Job creation during the transition from construction to operations

Nature of impact: Jobs losses resulting due to the end of the construction phase.

Extent and duration of impact: Local – Medium high



Medium


N/A

Cumulative impact prior to mitigation: High


High


Medium


After the completion of the project, the proponent should look to employ worker on a different project or if approved the further extension of the D281. Ex-employees should aslo be considered first for road maintenance.



Medium

5.3 decommissioning and closure phase

In terms of decommissioning and closure it is not foreseen that the road will be destroyed or decommissioned. The decommissioning and rehabilitation will only be for the three identified borrow pits which is borrow pits BP 1, BP 2 and BP 4. The assessment for closure and decommission has then been done for the closure of these borrow pits. Table 65: Impacts on geographical and physical aspects during rehabilitation.

Potential impacts on the geographical and physical aspects:

Impacts on borrow pits due to decommissioning and rehabilitation

Nature of impact:

The impact can be prescribed to rehabilitation not done after the project or not done in terms of the prescriptions of the specialist mitigation measures.

● The impacts will be long term erosion. ● Loss of material. ● Siltation of surrounding water resources.

Extent and duration of impact: Localised –long term effects

Probability of occurrence: Low - Medium


Degree to which the impact can be reversed: Low


Medium



Medium

Degree to which the impact can be mitigated: High


The correct mitigation measures for decommissioning and rehabilitation should be implemented. (Please refer to the botanical report Chapter 6 pg 48 and the water specialist report section 6.2.3 pg 69 – 71).



Low

6 SPECIALIST INPUTS/STUDIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Specialist inputs/studies and recommendations: Three specialist studies were conducted for the proposed project.Theses specialist studies were identified as the most relevant studies for the areas where impacts can occur. The specialists were requested to do a study of the primary impacts and secondary impacts which would occur due to:

a) A road upgrade of the existing D281 gravel road and; b) The associated borrow pits identified for material sourcing. These borrow pits were:

a. BP1 b. BP2 c. BP3 d. BP4

Borrow pit 2 was however discarded due to the quality of the materials which were tested and found to be inferior for the structural integrity of the planned road. The studies that were identified as relevant for the impacts envisioned were:

a) Fresh water and wetland delineation studies b) Heritage impact assessment c) Botanical assessment

During the application the Government Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs was requested to provide input on the type of specialist studies needed for the basic assessment. No further specialist studies required were indicated in the reply of the government department and it is assumed that the studies that were done were sufficient.


Below is a summary of the studies that were done and the sudy area that was covered.

The Heritage Impact Assessment

The Heritage study was conducted on the road and its related servitude as well as the areas surrounding the road. The borrow pits were also studied and the following areas of concern were found:

a) DGK 001 -5: Cemeteries which were found on the southern borrow pit. b) DGK006: Fenced cemetery 70m from the proposed upgrade. c) DGK007: Pixley ka Seme monument 90m from proposed upgrade.

For more detailed description please refer to the heritage impact report pgs 25 -45 for field work findings and pgs 45 - 48 for the assessment findings. The heritage assessment also focusses on recommendations and management interventions to mitigate impacts of the construction phase. Heritage Specialist (Refer to the Heritage Specialist Report pgs 33 – 46):

a) DGK001 – 004 and DGK005 The implementation of a grave management process that will include a buffer of at least 20 meters from the closest structure will reduce the impact significance to low. In the event that the siting of the borrow pit cannot be adjusted and the graves and cemeteries impacted, a comprehensive grave relocation process with a social consultation component will result in the mitigation of the possible impact on graves and cemeteries and result in a low impact rating.

b) DGK006 The implementation of a grave management process that will include a buffer of at least 20 meters from the closest structure will reduce the impact significance to low.

c) DGK007 The site should be demarcated as a no-go area with a 70 meter buffer for construction.

Botanical Impact Assessment:

The findings in the Botanical Assessment stated that the vegetation along the road reserve as surveyed ranges from degraded, heavily grazed and trampled to moderate condition. The effects of the road and the adjacent land uses have impacted negatively on the condition of the vegetation, however the vegetation cover is high with a moderate species richness. Based on what is contained in this report and the present state of the areas surveyed for the D281 road upgrade it is not expected that the construction will have a significant negative impact on the surrounding environment or the existing road reserve. There were no plants found that were protected under the NEMBA published list of critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable, and protected species. Only two species will require permission from statutory bodies and two are listed as declining under the SANBI red data lists for plants.


Furthermore the Botanical Assessment provided the following mitigation and rehabilitation measures which can be found in the Botanical Assessment (Refer to pgs 41 – 44). Pre - construction

a) A procedure for proper storm water management must be drafted and approved to prevent

siltation of impacted stream crossings and surrounding vegetation. During construction the risk of

erosion and siltation of the streams is likely to occur if processes to prevent the occurrences are not

implemented in the case of high intensity rainfall events. The plan should be implemented before

construction starts and during site establishment.

b) A search and rescue programme must be conducted prior to construction to locate and remove the

following geophytes: Eucomis autumnalis, Gladiolus ecklonii and Hypoxis hemerocallidea. This must

be done by a suitably qualified person in order to ensure that the plants are relocated to an area

suitable for them to grow. It is important that the timing of removal and planting is planned with the

onset of the growing season. Permission for the removal and translocation of these plants should be

applied for with the Provincial authority (Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency). Details for such

permit applications and requirements can be obtained at www.mtpa.co.za.

c) Top soil conservation is crucial as the import of top soil in the case of shortages during rehabilitation

has the risk to introduce alien and invasive vegetation form other areas. Imported materials must

preferably be from the same area or vegetation community as the one construction is taking place in

(Specific attention must be drawn to the plant Campuloclinium macrocephalum, although not noted

during the field assessment, this species is aggressively invasive in Grasslands, and the import of

material from an invested area could pose a threat to the local environment)

d) Top soil stripped from the road reserve must be stock piled and protected and re-used for

rehabilitation purposes along the road servitude, this will ensure that no foreign or alien plants are

imported.

During construction

a) A fire mitigation and prevention plan should be drafted before construction to ensure preparedness

toward preventing fires, starting either from construction or elsewhere to limit or prevent damage

to neighbouring grazing land which the community depends on. The fire management plan must

specify how fires will be prevented from frequently breaking out and causing damage to the

surrounding vegetation during construction. Excessive fires could have a negative effect on

vegetation in the area.


b) An Alien Invasive Species Management Procedure to control, eradicate and prevent alien and

invasive plants to establish must be drafted to ensure that the plants do not establish in impacted

areas.

c) A registered Pest Control Officer (PCO) must be appointed for the application of herbicides during

alien plant eradication processes. This person must ensure that herbicides are applied correctly and

responsibly in terms of excessive and responsible use. Herbicides applied close to the stream

crossings must be done selectively and minimised to prevent contaminating water bodies that can

cause possible non–selective damage to indigenous vegetation downstream.

d) BPCC 1- The Southern slope of the area must protected against erosion and runoff water that can

further erode the area or silt up the lower lying stream.

e) Timber from invasive species that need to be removed to make way for the road can be offered to

the local community.

After construction

a) Rehabilitation must commence in the construction area as soon as construction has been completed. The use of a geotextile to stabilise the exposed top soil surface is advised, especially on areas with mild to steep slopes. The ultimate objective for rehabilitation should focus on the stabilisation of soil to prevent unnecessary erosion. This will enable successful rehabilitation of the vegetation to retain and improve the vegetation cover, grazing value and species richness to resemble the natural vegetation occurring in the area.

b) The timeframes for rehabilitation should be planned to commence from August-February, to allow the vegetation to establish during the growing season. Only indigenous plants must be used for rehabilitation purposes, a suitable a grass mixture can be obtained from the local agricultural organizations. No exotic species such as Pennisetum clandestinum (kikuyu) may be used for rehabilitation.

c) The rehabilitation of borrow pits will need some amount of filling materials in order to decommission these pits. Unless otherwise specified by the authority, no construction rubble should be used to infill the borrow pits. It must be noted that most of the borrow pits are currently used for communal grazing and that it should be reinstated back to communal grazing.

d) Borrow pit rehabilitation must take the current erosion and gravel mining operations into account to eradicate or repair these areas to a stable state if not a better state.

e) Photos of BPCC1 and BPCC2 must be taken before construction to compare to the rehabilitation done in order to see that the areas have been reinstated to a similar condition than they were originally in.

f) Based on the grasses identified in this study the following grass mixture is recommended (ratios

between brackets): Themeda triandra (4); Eragrostis curvula (5), Digitaria eriantha (4), Cynodon

dactylon (6), Chloris gayana (4), Dactyloctenium aegyptium (5). It is recommended that the grass

seeds are sown at a density of between 20-30kg/ha to ensure effective germination of species.


Freshwater Habitat Impact Assessment

The Freshwater Assessment was done on sixteen (16) wetland units and one (1) river unit. The focus was on

the affected water resources and the effect that the construction phase as well as the operational phase will

have on the identified water resources.

The study also identified that the project will be the upgrade of existing infrastructure and that the

operational impact will, for most of the identified aspects, be the same or similar.

The impacts which were identified for both phases mostly resided around:

1) Hydrological

2) Geomorphological

3) Water quality

On average the impacts that will be found were identified as:

1) Erosion

2) Siltation of downstream water resources

3) Change in the water resource structural integrity and;

4) Pollution

In planning the construction of culverts over watercourses, attention must be paid to the following (please

refer to pgs 62 - 64 for Planning and Design Phase Mitigation, pgs 64 - 69 for Construction Impact Mitigation

pgs 69 - 71 for Construction Rehabilitation Guidelines and pgs 72 for Operational Phase Impact Mitigation.

Planning and Design Phase Mitigation (for the detailed recommendation, please refer to the water

specialist report pgs 69 - 64).

The Planning and Design Phase Mitigation provides mitigation measures for the the construction phase, but

most importantly for the operational phase where long terms effects and impacts can be addressed from the

onset. The specific impacts reside mostly from the areas where the road crosses over existing water

courses. The following design recommendations were provided.

1) An adequate number of box culverts must be established to ensure the width of flow across the

relevant watercourses is maintained.


a) For channelled crossings, culverts should be designed to ensure that the culvert openings

extend across the full width of the channel.

b) For channelled valley-bottom wetlands, include secondary culverts to promote flows

through the approach embankments during high flow events. This will also aid in the natural

dissipation of stream energy which if focused through a single culvert could result in erosion

of road infrastructure and wetland habitat.

c) For unchannelled valley bottom and seep wetlands, a series of culverts must be installed

across the width of the wetland at regular intervals to maintain diffuse surface flows to

downstream wetland areas. A series of portal culverts should be utilised rather than pipes to

prevent the concentration of flows.

2) Pipe culverts are not recommended and box / portal culverts should be preferred.

3) For smaller culverts, pre-cast concrete structures are cost effective options.

4) Culverts should be installed during the dry season to reduce the risk of erosion and sedimentation

during construction.

5) Selection of culvert shape should be based on water depth, roadway embankment height, hydraulic

performance, and species movement concerns.

6) Coarse bedding material/geotextile wrapped dump rock must be used wherever the road crosses

wetlands to encourage sub-surface flows.

7) Culverts should be installed such that their invert levels match the natural wetland/stream bed

levels that existed prior to construction.

8) Culverts should not lower the base level of a watercourse and therefore not result in an increase in

longitudinal gradient which could lead to headward erosion and vertical incision.

9) Crossings that are installed below the natural ground level are to be constructed with an appropriate

drop inlet structure (with overflow walls raised slightly above the natural ground level) located on

the upstream side to ensure that headcut erosion does not develop as a result of the gradient

change from the natural ground level to the invert level of the culvert. This will also encourage the

development of an area that will remove sediment from the water as well as lead to the

establishment of wetland habitat that will enhance water quality. Note: Inadequate design and

installation of culverts may result in culvert failure

Design of Stormwater Management and Erosion Control

Key design considerations for the management of stormwater and erosion in order to minimise the

impact on water resources include:


1) When designing stormwater outlets, many small outlet discharges must be favoured over a few

large outlets to reduce outlet flow volumes and velocities.

2) More frequent drains should be installed on the approach to all watercourses to ensure that the

least amount of water is discharged directly into the watercourse as possible.

3) Wherever possible, all outlets must be located outside of the delineated watercourses and a buffer

zone maintained.

4) All outlets must have adequately designed erosion protection and energy dissipation measures

suitable to reduce anticipated discharge velocities to levels that do not poses an erosion risk e.g.

Reno-mattresses, stone-pitching.

5) Wherever possible, vegetated swales/side drains should be specified rather than concrete lined

drainage channels (e.g. concrete V-drains). These features should be well-vegetated with

appropriate species and stabilised by means of gabions or concrete cut-off walls to prevent erosion

and vertical incision. Similarly outlets should not be piped outlets but open vegetated channels or

vegetated mitre drains.

3. Construction Impact Mitigation (Refer to the water specialist report pgs 64 -69)

1) Compilation of method statements for working within a watercourse to be compiled by a freshwater

ecologist in conjunction with the project

2) Phasing

3) Site establishment and access control

4) Environmental awareness training and site induction

5) Controlled vegetation clearing

6) Stormwater, erosion and sedimentation control

7) Waste management and pollution control

8) Alien vegetation control

9) Establishment of ‘No-Go’ Areas

10) Environmental Monitoring

Site Rehabilitation

The rehabilitation of the site is prescribed from pgs 70 – 71. Specific focus has been given to a 5 step process

which should be used during the construction management of the project. The process is highlighted in a

table (table 15 on pg70 and 71) which has been provided below.


Table 66: The proposed steps that should be employed in the rehabilitation process

STEP 1: Stabilise unstable profiles/erosion features

1) Any erosion features need to be stabilised. This may include the need to deactivate any erosion headcuts/rills/gullies that may have developed.

2) Compacted soil infill, rock plugs, gabions or any other suitable measures can be used for this purpose.

3) All foreign sediment washed into the buffer zone and wetland from upslope areas must be removed taking care not to remove or disturb the natural soil profile.

STEP 2: Remove any waste products

1) All foreign materials and waste products (spoil, construction materials, hazardous substances and general litter) need to be removed from wetland/riparian areas and disposed of in proper local waste facilities.

2) Minimise additional disturbance by limiting the use of heavy vehicles and personnel during clean-up operations.

STEP 3: Remove alien plants from water resources

1) All exotic/alien plants and ruderal weeds to be removed and properly disposed of prior to the

implementation of rehabilitation measures.

STEP 4: Restore natural topography and prepare soils

1) The natural topography is to be re-instated as close as practically possible to pre-construction

dimensions to ensure natural drainage patterns. 2) The natural watercourse bed level and type is to be reinstated. 3) For unstable or steep banks it is acceptable to reshape to a stable angle of repose to avoid stumping. 4) Where significant soil compaction has occurred, the soil may need to be ripped in order to reduce

the bulk density of the soil such that vegetation can become established at the site. 5) Where good topsoil exists, no specific preparation is required. 6) Where re-vegetation on its own is not sufficient to stabilize the banks, ‘soft’ stabilization

(bioengineering applications) (e.g. fascine work, brush mattresses etc.) interventions should be installed where necessary and applicable.

7) The following soft interventions (in addition to re-vegetation) should be investigated (Russell, 2009): a) Fibre mats / blankets/ mattresses / nets. b) Fibre rolls. c) Fibre bags. d) Brush or vegetation mattresses (mats). e) Terracing. f) Live or inert fascines. g) Live staking.

8) The soils should be prepared in line with the proposed planting method - either reseeding via

broadcasting or re-vegetation using plugs sourced locally from grasslands or nurseries. For re-re-seeding, the soil needs to be prepared to optimise germination. Such preparation is undertaken by hand hoeing. The soil in the seedbed should be loosened but firmed to facilitate good contact between the seeds and the soil.

STEP 5: Reinstate wetland or riverine vegetation

1) A trained rehabilitation expert should be contracted to oversee the rehabilitation of disturbed areas. 2) Once alien vegetation and waste products have been removed and soils are prepared for planting,

vegetation is to be reinstated as soon as weather conditions allow for plant growth. 3) The disturbed and bare areas must be re-vegetated using a mix of re-seeding via broadcasting of

locally sourced seeds and the re-planting of indigenous whole plants rescued during initial clearing., 4) Locally occurring, indigenous runner grasses are typically most useful for rehabilitation of disturbed

areas. These should ideally be sourced locally (areas within a 50 km radius). 5) Do not use fertilizer, lime, or mulch unless required. 6) Mono-specific planting should be avoided as diversity is the key to robustness, which will assist in

retaining sediment and preventing erosion. 7) It is important to note that bioengineering interventions are vulnerable to failure immediately

following construction should a drought or large flood take place. Thus, the timing of construction to avoid peak flow conditions is very important to the rehabilitation success. This will, however, result in the need to irrigate the re-vegetated area to aid establishment.

8) If using fibre mats, avoid 3D ‘tangle’ type mats and fibre mats with a scrim section for ecological reasons.

9) Alien plant species are not to be used for re-vegetation, particularly those with invasive potential (Category 3 and above – National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act or NEMBA).


10) When sourcing plants from nurseries, it is important to consider the genetic origin of the plants. It is considered best to use small regional nurseries that breed plants from the region, instead of large commercial nurseries that are likely to obtain stock from large regional suppliers.

11) Temporary erosion protection measures must only be removed once good vegetation cover has established.

12) Should the replanting area be invaded by weeds prior to planting, these must be hand pulled, hoed or killed with an appropriate environmentally friendly herbicide. Care must be taken, however, of not clearing all weeds indiscriminately as the weeds may be performing a useful soil covering and binding function.

STEP 6: Monitor re-vegetation progress and administer alien plant control

1) A basic framework for rehabilitation monitoring is provided in Table 16 below. 2) Recovery of disturbed areas should be assessed for the first 3 months to assess the success of

rehabilitation actions. Any areas that are not progressing satisfactorily must be identified and action must be taken to actively re-vegetate these areas. If natural recovery is progressing well, no further intervention may be required.

3) The ECO should assess the need / desirability for further monitoring and control after the first 12 months and include any recommendations for further action to the relevant environmental authority (EDTEA). The use of herbicides in IAP control will require an investigation into the necessity, type to be used, effectiveness and impacts of the agent on aquatic biota.

4) Any soil erosion in rehabilitated areas must also be addressed through appropriate actions.

Operational Phase Impact Management

Operational mitigation hinges around the design of the structural uograde of the road. These

reccomendations can be refered to under section 6.2.1 in the fresh water assessment report pgs 62 – 63.

Further mitigations should be focussed on alien plant monitoring and control as stated in the freshwater

assessment section 6.2.4, pg 72.

It is the responsibility of the developer/applicant to eradicate and control alien invasive plants that invade all

areas disturbed by the construction and operation of the proposed road. In terms of section 75 of NEMBA,

the following applies to the control & eradication of invasive species:

1) The control and eradication of a listed invasive species must be carried out by means of methods

that are appropriate for the species concerned and the environment in which it occurs;

2) Any action taken to control and eradicate a listed invasive species must be executed with caution

and in a manner that may cause the least possible harm to biodiversity and damage to the

environment; and

3) The methods employed to control and eradicate a listed invasive species must also be directed at

the offspring, propagating material and re-growth of such invasive species in order to prevent such

species from producing offspring, forming seed, regenerating or re-establishing itself in any manner.

It is recommended that bi-annual annual alien plant clearing be undertaken by the applicant for the first year

post-rehabilitation. Thereafter, alien plant clearing should be undertaken annually as part of road servitude

maintenance contract until such a time that further risks of alien invasion resulting from disturbance factors

are negligible.


7 IMPACT SUMMARY

The D281 will have a number of impacts which will have an effect on the natural environment, people and

economy of the Volksrust-+Daggakraal area.

Heritage

Heritage resources are unique and non-renewable and as such any impact on such resources must be seen

as significant.

The archival work (Section 3 of the heritage assessment report) has shown that the proposed road upgrade

may impact on heritage resources present in the area. This has been confirmed through archival research

and evaluation of aerial photography of the sites.

During the fieldwork (Section 4 of the heritage assessment report), seven heritage features were identified

of which DGK001-004 can be assessed as a single cluster and DGK005-DGK007 as separate entities. DGK001-

005 contain graves and vary between two graves (DGK002 and DGK003), four to six each (DGK001 and

DGK004) and twelve graves at DGK005. The area around DGK004 also contains numerous ruins of

homestead foundations and stone built stock pens. DGK006 is a formal fenced cemetery some 50 meters

form the D281, while DGK007 is the statue and monument dedicated to Dr. Pixley Ka-Isaka Seme one of the

founding members of the African National Congress. The monument is some 90 meters to the west of the

D281.

Evaluation of the possible impacts on the heritage resources (Section 5 of theheritage assessment report)

has shown that the impact on sites DGK001-005 will most probably be High without the implementation of

mitigation measures. The possible impacts envisaged on DGK006 and 007 were evaluated as being of

Medium significance without mitigation measures.

By implementing the proposed mitigation measures (Section 6 of the heritage assessment report), the

overall impact on the heritage resources can be reduced to a Low impact.

Ecological

The vegetation along the road reserve as surveyed ranges from:


• degraded,

• heavily grazed and

• trampled to moderate condition.

The effects of the current road and the adjacent land uses has impacted negatively on the condition of the

vegetation, however the vegetation cover is high with a moderate species richness.

The impacts foreseen in the identified project area and associated infrastructure (borrow pits) seems to be

limmited to erosion as well as the establishement of alien vegetation due to the removal of natural

vegetation.

Freshwater

The freshwater impacts were assessed on the ‘impact causing activities’ resulting from the planned road

crossings and its associated infrastructure and borrow pits. The impacts that were identified can be

summarised as follows:

Hydrological impacts- which includes the disruption of the flow of water in or towards a water resource.

The hydrological impacts are:

1) Changes to the water resource hydraulics

2) Decreased infiltration rates and increased surface runoff volume and velocity which can cause

a. erosion and;

b. sedimentation

The impacts have the potential to become long-term, medium or severe impacts if not managed as

per the water specialist report.

Geomormophological impacts result from the siltation of water resources due to the increased velocity and

volume of water due to vegetation loss. The silt build up and changes to the structure of the affected water

resources will also have an effect on the flow dynamics.

Potential water quality impacts will be due to:

Potential construction and operational phase contaminants and their relevant sources include:

1) Hydrocarbons – leakages from petrol/diesel stores and machinery/vehicles, spillages from poor

dispensing practices.

2) Oils and grease - leakages from oil/grease stores and machinery/vehicles, spillages from poor

handling and disposal practices.

3) Cement - spillages from poor mixing and disposal practices.


4) Bitumen - spillages from poor application, handling and disposal practices.

5) Sewage – leakages from and/or poor servicing of chemical toilets and/or informal use of surrounding

bush by workers.

6) Suspended solids – suspension of fine soil particles as a result of soil disturbance and altered flow

patterns (covered above).

7) Heavy metals - Engine wear and fluid leakage.

8) Other pollutants - Organic matter, solid waste, and nutrients bound to sediment and nitrogenous

waste.

These contaminants would impact on the fitness of the water to maintain the health of the aquatic system if

mitigation measures are not followed. The overall impact however is deemed to be low.

Socio Economic Impacts

The project will have the capacity to provide employment for between 18 months and 2 years for

approximately 75 people, excluding the site management. The impact that the project will have is of a low

to medium impact during the construction phase providing jobs and the capacity for local people to actively

take part in the local economy. Money spent locally with regards to procurement will also have a positive

impact enhancing economic growth of the region.

When the road is operational it will have a positive spinoff with regards to the local community and

economy in the following way:

1) It will improve transport connectivity between Daggakraal and Volksrust.

2) It will fall in line with the IDP of the Gert Sibande Municipality and SDF of the Mpumalanga Province

which include:

a. Transportation goals

b. The goals around the centrality of the economic hub creation

c. The linkage of informal settlements and formal business hubs.

8 OTHER MANAGEMENT, MITIGATION AND MONITORING MEASURES

Additional measurment and monitoring is adressed in the freshwater impact assessment in section 6.2.5 and wihtin the full scope of the Environmental Management Programme. The recommendations in the freshwater assessment further require the monitoring of mitigation measures, from sections 6.2.1 to 6.2.4 (pgs 64 – 72).


Monitoring should have objectives stated in order to:

Ensure that management and mitigation measure (included in Method Statements and EMPr) are adequately implemented to limit the potential impact on wetland and riverine / aquatic resources; and

Ensure that disturbed areas have been adequately stabilised and rehabilitated to minimise residual impacts to affected resources.

The impacts and risks that have been indicated within this report should be factored into the EMPr and it should be monitored by an Environmental Control Officer (ECO). A full time ECO should be appointed to monitor whether the environmental perfomance goals with regards to the impacts mitigation measures are reached. The ECO should:

1) Keep a site diary. 2) Do weekly site monitoring which should be recorded. 3) A monthly audit in terms of environmental performance on site. 4) Provide input with regards to the awerness of impact management and mitigation. 5) Report back to the relevant authority.

SECTION G: ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGIES AND CRITERIA, GAPS IN

KNOWLEDGE, UNDERLYING ASSUMPTIONS AND UNCERTAINTIES

Assessment Methodoly used

Due to the nature of the activities which are proposed to take place, various specialistswere needed in order

to provide feedback with regard to the current environmental situation and any potential impacts associated

with the aspects of the project. These assessments were:

1) A Heritage Assessemnt

2) Botanical Assessment

3) Freshwater assessment and wetland deliniation

The abovementioned specialist studies also proved valuable in providing feedback with regards to the

current situation. This was important given that the status quo was chosen as the No-Go alternative to the

planned project going ahead. Feedback was useful with regards to the NoGo alternative if the road was to

be left as it currently exists.


The specialists were assigned the task of doing their assessment in two phases namely:

1) A desktop study

2) A field assessment

It was felt that both of the types of studies would provide:

1) Background and reference for the fieldwork

2) The fieldwork will provide accurate verification of the current site conditions

3) A combination of both phases would provide insight into impacts within the actual and legal

framework.

4) Both phases can provide enough information to guide mitigation and management intervention

recomendations.

Heritage Assessment Methodology

Heritage assessment methodology used:

1) Background and historical research was conducted to provide background for the field study.

2) The fieldwork was tracklogged and sites documented with site photos and GPS coordinates captured

with “GPS Tracks” software.

Botanical assessment Methodology:

A desktop study of the study area was done prior to the actual site visit. We gathered data of the study area

from text books, research papers and previous assessments of other planned construction projects in the

area. The D281 upgrade consists of different activities in different areas where sensitive vegetation may be

impacted upon. The entire proposed route was therefore divided into 7 different study units and surveyed

accordingly. The D281 study units were as follows:

1) Borrow pit and Construction camp 1 (BPCC1) (Figure 4)


3) Stream Crossing 1 (SC1)




6) Road reserve and Deviation (RD) (Figure 4)


Stratification of the area into physiographic-physiognomic vegetation units was done using 1:50 000 stereo

aerial photographs (Brown et al., 1996) and Google Earth geo-referenced images. The area was physically

walked by the specialists on foot and all plants were identified on 18 January 2016. BPCC 1 & 2 was walked

with a Garmin E-Trex® handheld GPS with pre-loaded data of the boundaries of the areas. A list of all plant

species present, including trees, shrubs, grasses, forbs, geophytes and succulents were compiled. All

identifiable plant species were listed. Notes were additionally made of any other features that might have an

ecological influence.

Freshwater Assessment Methodology:

The following approach to the freshwater habitat assessment was taken:

1) Desktop Assessment, including:

a. Review of biophysical and conservation context in a Geographical Information System (GIS)

using available municipal, provincial and national datasets; and

b. Desktop mapping and risk screening of water resources within a 500m radius of the

proposed development (DWS WUL regulated area). This will be used to inform the

assessment requirements based on the likelihood of development activities triggering a

water use.

2) Baseline Assessment, including:

a. Field delineation of water resources (wetland and riparian zone delineation);

b. Description of dominant vegetation communities present including type, structure and

composition;

c. Assessment of Present Ecological State (PES) or condition of freshwater habitats;

d. Assessment of Ecological importance & Sensitivity (EIS) of freshwater habitats;

e. Assessment of the supply, demand and importance of the ecosystem services provided by

the freshwater habitats;

3) Setting the Recommended Ecological Category (REC) and Management Objectives.

4) Impact Assessment and Mitigation Measures, including:

a. Impact identification and description;

b. Provision of planning and design phase recommendations;

c. Provision of practical onsite construction and operation phase mitigation measures; and


d. Assessment of potential impact significance under standard and comprehensive mitigation

scenarios.

Due to the background information gathered and the site visits conducted, the methodology that was used is

considered adequate within only certain limitations.

Limitations and Assumptions

During the assessment process there have been some assumptions which were made due to the information available and the current situation. Heritage Assessment

Not detracting in any way from the fieldwork undertaken, it is necessary to realise that the heritage sites located during the fieldwork do not necessarily represent all the heritage sites present within the area.

Botanical Assessment

It is assumed that vegetation on the fringes of the roads and in the construction camp sites and within areas designated for borrow pits will be impacted on or destroyed during construction and associated activities during the upgrade of the road. Conclusions reached and recommendations made are based not only on occurrence of individual species, but more appropriately on habitats and ecosystem processes. The survey was undertaken during a once off visit to the site on 18 January 2016 in the wet season. Geophytic, annual, rare and cryptic plant species could therefore have been missed due to their inconspicuous growth forms and specific flowering times. While all care was taken to ensure the correct identification of plant species and associated habitats it cannot be guaranteed that every species has been surveyed. Freshwater Assessment

The following limitations and assumptions apply to the studies undertaken for this report:

1) In-field soil and vegetation sampling was only undertaken at strategic sampling points within the

habitats likely to be negatively affected. The broader wetland and riverine systems (HGM units) were

delineated at a desktop level with limited field verification and therefore a relatively low

confidence/accuracy level.


2) Water resource boundaries are based largely on the GPS locations of soil sampling points and key

morphological features (e.g. break in slope or top of an active/macro channel bank). GPS accuracy

will therefore influence the accuracy of the delineation and therefore watercourse boundaries, and

an error of 3-5m can be expected. All soil/vegetation/terrain sampling points were recorded using a

Garmin MontanaTM Global Positioning System (GPS) and captured using Geographical Information

Systems (GIS) for further processing.

3) No faunal sampling and/or faunal searches were conducted and the assessment was purely wetland

and riverine habitat based.

4) With ecology being dynamic and complex, there is the likelihood that some aspects (some of which

may be important) may have been overlooked.

5) While disturbance and transformation of freshwater habitats can lead to shifts in the type and

extent of freshwater ecosystems, it is important to note that the current extent and classification is

reported on here.

6) The assessment of impacts and recommendation of mitigation measures was informed by the site-

specific ecological concerns arising from the field survey and based on the assessor and specialists

working knowledge and experience with similar development projects.

7) The impact descriptions and assessment are based on the author’s understanding of the proposed

development based on the site visit and information provided.

Evaluation of the significance of impacts with mitigation takes into account mitigation measures provided in

this report and standard mitigation measures included in the Environmental Management Programme

(EMPr).

Assessment Criteria

The assessements were done with certain criteria in order to provide the specialists with certain guidelines in terms of the aspects and impacts to be assessed. The criteria can be divided into the following catagories:

1) Legal criteria. 2) Historical criteria. 3) Guidance criteria from existing geographic datasets relating to the aspects assessed. 4) Indicators, scales and existing classifications.

The first three criteria can be referred to in the three specialist reports in the legislation table and the reference lists. The following criteria were used in terms of the specialist studies:


Heritage Assessment (Appendix D pg 2 and 3) • Significance; • Spatial scale; • Temporal scale; • Probability; and • Degree of certainty Botanical Assessment No indicators and scales were used. Exisitng classifications as per the SANBI endangered and red data species list were used as well as current Biome data found on the South African BioNet. Freshwater Assessment (Annexure A Pgs 80 – 96)

Wetland deliniation o Terrain unit indicator o Wetland vegetation indicator o Soil Wetness indicator

Delineation of riperian areas

Classification of Wetland criteria

Classification of Rivers criteria

Wetland and Riperian PES

Wetland and Riperian EIS Both the heritage and the fresh water assessment used consequence and probability to measure consequence. The consequence was then measured against a ratings key card criteria which provided the following ratings:

1) Low 2) Low to Medium 3) Medium 4) Medium to High 5) High

Knowledge Gaps

Taking into account the low rainfall during the spring of 2015, it must be noted that this report may not indicate the presence of certain seasonal plant species. However this does not mean that they do not occur and all precaution must therefore be taken to ensure that all damage to indigenous vegetation is kept to an absolute minimum. Due to the exceptionally low rainfall experienced during the study, a comprehensive water dynamics analysis was not possible to carry out.


SECTION H: RECOMMENDATION OF THE EAP

Table 65: EAP reccomendation questionnaire

In my view (EAP), the information contained in this application form and the documentation attached hereto is sufficient to make a decision in respect of the activity applied for.

YES NO

If “YES”, please indicate below whether in your opinion the activity should or should not be authorised:

Activity should be authorised: YES NO

Please provide reasons for your opinion

Based on the the following reasons it is recommended that this project is auhtorised: 1) According to the Heitage Report - The overall impact of the development on heritage resources is

seen as acceptably low and impacts can be mitigated to acceptable levels. It follows that if the management measures outlined in the Heritage assessment report and Environmental Management Plan are implemented there is no reason why the construction activity for the upgrade of the D281 should not be approved.

2) In terms of the findings of the botanical report - it is not expected that the construction will have a significant negative impact on the surrounding environment or the existing road reserve. There were no plants found that were protected under the NEMBA published list of critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable, and protected species. Only two species will require permission from statutory bodies and two are listed as declining under the SANBI red data lists for plants.

3) The Wetland report indicated - In this case the watercourse units assessed ranged from low to moderate importance and ranged from good to poor states as a result of the existing road crossing impacts. While localised and intense disturbances to freshwater habitat are expected during construction, this is likely to result in small modifications to current ecosystem integrity and/or the level of important ecosystem services being provided. Given that no new road development is planned through previously undisturbed wetland or riverine habitat, residual freshwater habitat loss or modification is expected to be negligible. The highest concern impacts concerning watercourse change, erosion and sedimentation will in all unlikelihood to have lasting negative impacts on freshwater habitat integrity, ecosystem service delivery or water resource management objectives. All the of crossings are already existing, the potential impacts identified are already present in varying degrees and the anticipated impacts of the upgrade are likely to not significantly increase the extent and intensity of the impacts above current levels.

4) The Socio Economic benefits can not be overlooked. The project will provide 75 employement oppertunities over a span of 18 months to 2 years which would be overlooked if the No Go option is to be chosen.

5) General impacts such as noise and dust disturbance will be short term and low in impact.

If you are of the opinion that the activity should be authorised, then please provide any conditions, including mitigation measures that should in your view be considered for inclusion in an authorisation.

Proper planning in terms of the culverts and water resource crossings msut be planned in conjunction with a water specialist. If any heritage features will be impacted upon, a heritage specialist must be contacted to apply for an authorisation to move the impacted features.

Duration and Validity: Environmental authorisations are usually granted for a period of three years from the date of issue. Should a longer period be required, the applicant/EAP is requested to provide a detailed motivation on what the period of validity should be.


3 years will be accepted.


SECTION I: APPENDICES

The following appendices must be attached to this report:

Appendix Tick the box if

Appendix is

attached

Appendix A: Locality map

Appendix B: Site plan(s)

Appendix C: Photographs

Appendix D: Biodiversity overlay map

Appendix E: Permit(s) / license(s) from any other organ of state including service letters from the

municipality

Appendix F: Public participation information: including a copy of the register of interested and

affected parties, the comments and responses report, proof of notices, advertisements

and any other public participation information as required in Section C above.

Appendix G: Specialist Reports

Appendix H : Environmental Management Progamme

Appendix I: Additional information related to listed waste management activities (if applicable)

Appendix J: Any Other (if applicable) (describe)


DECLARATIONS

THE APPLICANT

I …………………………………., in my personal capacity or duly authorised (please circle the applicable

option) by ……………..................................………………… thereto hereby declare that I:

● regard the information contained in this report to be true and correct, and ● am fully aware of my responsibilities in terms of the National Environmental Management Act of 1998 (“NEMA”)

(Act No. 107 of 1998), the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (“EIA Regulations”) in terms of NEMA

(Government Notice No. R. 543 refers), and the relevant specific environmental management Act, and that failure to

comply with these requirements may constitute an offence in terms of the environmental legislation; ● appointed the environmental assessment practitioner as indicated above, which meet all the requirements in terms of

regulation 17 of GN No. R. 543, to act as the independent environmental assessment practitioner for this application; ● have provided the environmental assessment practitioner and the competent authority with access to all information

at my disposal that is relevant to the application; ● will be responsible for the costs incurred in complying with the environmental legislation including but not limited

to – o costs incurred in connection with the appointment of the environmental assessment practitioner or any person

contracted by the environmental assessment practitioner; o costs incurred in respect of the undertaking of any process required in terms of the regulations; o costs in respect of any fee prescribed by the Minister or MEC in respect of the regulations; o costs in respect of specialist reviews, if the competent authority decides to recover costs; and o the provision of security to ensure compliance with the applicable management and mitigation measures;

● am responsible for complying with the conditions that might be attached to any decision(s) issued by the competent

authority; ● have the ability to implement the applicable management, mitigation and monitoring measures; ● hereby indemnify, the government of the Republic, the competent authority and all its officers, agents and

employees, from any liability arising out of, inter alia, the content of any report, any procedure or any action for

which the applicant or environmental assessment practitioner is responsible; and ● am aware that a false declaration is an offence in terms of regulation 71 of GN No. R. 543.

Please Note: If acting in a representative capacity, a certified copy of the resolution or power of attorney must

be attached. Signature of the applicant: Name of company: Date:

THE INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PRACTITIONER (EAP)


I ……………………………………, as the appointed independent environmental practitioner (“EAP”) hereby declare

that I:

● act/ed as the independent EAP in this application; ● regard the information contained in this report to be true and correct, and ● do not have and will not have any financial interest in the undertaking of the activity, other than remuneration for

work performed in terms of the NEMA, the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010 and any specific

environmental management Act; ● have and will not have no vested interest in the proposed activity proceeding; ● have disclosed, to the applicant and competent authority, any material information that have or may have the

potential to influence the decision of the competent authority or the objectivity of any report, plan or document

required in terms of the NEMA, the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010 and any specific

environmental management Act; ● am fully aware of and meet the responsibilities in terms of NEMA, the Environmental Impact Assessment

Regulations, 2010 (specifically in terms of regulation 17 of GN No. R. 543) and any specific environmental

management Act, and that failure to comply with these requirements may constitute and result in disqualification; ● have ensured that information containing all relevant facts in respect of the application was distributed or made

available to interested and affected parties and the public and that participation by interested and affected parties was

facilitated in such a manner that all interested and affected parties were provided with a reasonable opportunity to

participate and to provide comments; ● have ensured that the comments of all interested and affected parties were considered, recorded and submitted to the

competent authority in respect of the application; ● have kept a register of all interested and affected parties that participated in the public participation process; ● have provided the competent authority with access to all information at my disposal regarding the application,

whether such information is favourable to the applicant or not; and ● am aware that a false declaration is an offence in terms of regulation 71 of GN No. R. 543.

Note: The terms of reference must be attached. Signature of the environmental assessment practitioner: Name of company: Date:

THE INDEPENDENT PERSON WHO COMPILED A SPECIALIST REPORT OR UNDERTOOK A SPECIALIST PROCESS

I ……………………………………, as the appointed independent specialist hereby declare that I:

● act/ed as the independent specialist in this application; ● regard the information contained in this report as it relates to my specialist input/study to be true and correct, and


● do not have and will not have any financial interest in the undertaking of the activity, other than remuneration for

work performed in terms of the NEMA, the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010 and any specific

environmental management Act; ● have and will not have no vested interest in the proposed activity proceeding; ● have disclosed, to the applicant, EAP and competent authority, any material information that have or may have the

potential to influence the decision of the competent authority or the objectivity of any report, plan or document

required in terms of the NEMA, the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010 and any specific

environmental management Act; ● am fully aware of and meet the responsibilities in terms of NEMA, the Environmental Impact Assessment

Regulations, 2010 (specifically in terms of regulation 17 of GN No. R. 543) and any specific environmental

management Act, and that failure to comply with these requirements may constitute and result in disqualification; ● have ensured that information containing all relevant facts in respect of the specialist input/study was distributed or

made available to interested and affected parties and the public and that participation by interested and affected

parties was facilitated in such a manner that all interested and affected parties were provided with a reasonable

opportunity to participate and to provide comments on the specialist input/study; ● have ensured that the comments of all interested and affected parties on the specialist input/study were considered,

recorded and submitted to the competent authority in respect of the application; ● have ensured that the names of all interested and affected parties that participated in terms of the specialist

input/study were recorded in the register of interested and affected parties who participated in the public

participation process; ● have provided the competent authority with access to all information at my disposal regarding the application,

whether such information is favourable to the applicant or not; and ● am aware that a false declaration is an offence in terms of regulation 71 of GN No. R. 543.

Note: The terms of reference must be attached. Signature of the specialist: Name of company: Date:



APPENDIX A: LOCALITY MAP


APPENDIX B: SITE PLANS


APPENDIX C: PHOTOGRAPHS


APPENDIX D: BIODIVERSITY OVERLAY MAPS


APPENDIX E: SPECIALIST REPORTS


APPENDIX H: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

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