MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

FOR THE

THE PROPOSED RESEAL OF BEYERS STREET, THE

CONSTRUCTION OF A PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY AND

THE INSTALLATION OF GRASS BLOCKS

KLEIN BRAK RIVER

PREPARED FOR:

Mossel Bay Municipality

PO Box 25

Mossel Bay

6500

DATE: 25 March 2019

DEADP REF NO: 16/3/3/6/D6/25/0209/17

SES PROJECT REF NO: 45/MMP/BS/LBR/3/19

Contents PROJECT INFORMATION ......................................................................................................................................... i

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ...........................................................................................................................................ii

1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................... 3

2. BACKGROUND .................................................................................................................................................... 3

3. LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES ................................................................................................... 4

3.1 THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH AFRICA ................................................................................................... 4 3.2 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT, NO. 107 OF 1998, AS AMENDED AND THE

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS, 2014 (AS AMENDED)...................................... 4 3.3 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT ACT (ACT

NO 24 OF 2008), AS AMENDED (ICMA) ....................................................................................................... 5 3.4 NATIONAL COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME OF SOUTH AFRICA: 2014 .............................. 5 3.5 WESTERN CAPE COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME: 2016 ....................................................... 5 3.6 KLEIN BRAK RIVER ESTUARINE MANAGEMENT PLAN (2017) ................................................................ 6

4. PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE MMP ................................................................................................................ 7

5. TERMS OF REFERENCE ........................................................................................................................................ 7

6. LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT................................................................... 7

6.1 LOCATION OF THE SITE .............................................................................................................................. 7 7. DESCRIPTION OF THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ......................................................................................... 9

7.1 AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT ......................................................................................................................... 9 7.2 TERRESTRIAL ENVIRONMENT ..................................................................................................................... 9 7.3 WESTERN CAPE BIODIVERSITY SPATIAL PLAN (2017) .......................................................................... 11 7.4 COASTAL MANAGEMENT LINES ............................................................................................................ 12 7.5 CURRENT CONDITION OF THE SITE ........................................................................................................ 16

8. DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY ....................................................................................................................... 18

8.1 DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................................................ 18 8.2 IMPACTS ON THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ..................................................................................... 19 8.3 FUTURE MAINTENANCE / OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES .......................................................................... 22 8.4 SOCIAL IMPACTS ..................................................................................................................................... 23

9. RESPONSIBLE PARTIES / ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................................ 26

9.1 NAMES AND DETAILS OF RELEVANT PARTIES ....................................................................................... 26 9.2 DURATION OF THE MMP ......................................................................................................................... 27

10. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND REPORTING / AUDITING .............................................................. 28

11. IMPLEMENTATION MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................................... 28

11.1 SITE CAMP ............................................................................................................................................... 28 11.2 SITE ACCESS ............................................................................................................................................ 30 11.3 HAULAGE ROUTES ................................................................................................................................. 30 11.4 WASTE MANAGEMENT .......................................................................................................................... 30 11.5 METHOD STATEMENTS ........................................................................................................................... 31 11.6 GENERAL DUTY OF CARE ..................................................................................................................... 31

12. MONITORING PROGRAMME ........................................................................................................................ 32

13. PUBLIC CONSULTATION ................................................................................................................................. 33

14. CONCLUSION .................................................................................................................................................. 33

15. REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................................................... 34

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Aerial photograph depicting the location of Little Brak River .............................................................. 8 Figure 2: Location of Beyers Street in Little Brak River .............................................................................................. 8 Figure 3: Aerial photograph with NFEPA (2011) data overlay ............................................................................... 9 Figure 4: South African National Vegetation map overlay (2012) ..................................................................... 11 Figure 5: Biodiversity Overlay Map ............................................................................................................................ 12 Figure 6: Delineation of the Coastal Protection Zone ........................................................................................... 13 Figure 7: Coastal Management Line delineation along Klein Brak River Estuary ............................................ 14 Figure 8: Aerial photograph depicting coastal access along Beyer Street, Klein Brak River ........................ 15 Figure 9: Areas along Beyers Street where vegetation clearance will be required ....................................... 20 Figure 10: Areas to be excavated along Beyers Street ........................................................................................ 21 Figure 11: Parking lot area within which the site camp can be set up ............................................................. 29

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LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A: Locality maps

Appendix B: Biodiversity Overlay Maps

Appendix B.1: National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas Map

Appendix B.2: South African Vegetation Map

Appendix B.3: Critical Biodiversity Areas Map

Appendix B.4: Coastal Protection Zone Delineation

Appendix B.5: Coastal Management Line Delineation

Appendix B.6: Coastal Access Points along Beyers Street

Appendix C: Layout Plans

Appendix C.1: Walkway Option 1

Appendix C.2: Walkway Option 2

Appendix C.3: Retaining wall design detail

Appendix C.4: Soak-away pits design detail

Appendix C.5: New proposed layout

Appendix D: Illustrations of proposal

Appendix E: Hydrodynamic modelling report

Appendix F: Stakeholder Engagement Report

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PROJECT INFORMATION

Project Ref. No: 45/MMP/BS/LBR/10/18

Conditions of Use:

This report is the property of the sponsor, Sharples Environmental Services cc

(SES), who may make allowance to publish it, in whole provided that:

a. Approval for copy is obtained from SES.

b. SES is acknowledged in the publication.

c. SES is indemnified against and claim for damages that may result

from publication of specifications, recommendations or statements

that is not administered or controlled by SES.

d. That approval is obtained from SES if this report is to be used for the

purposes of sale, publicity or advertisement.

SES accepts no responsibility for failure to follow the recommended program.

COMPILATION

Role: Name: E-Mail Address:

Owner: Sharples Environmental Services cc info@sescc.net

Author: Steve Kleinhans steve@sescc.net

Contributor: John Sharples john@sescc.net

Expertise

Sharples Environmental Services cc Since 1998, SES has been actively engaged in the fields of

environmental planning, assessment and management. We advise private, corporate and public

enterprises on a variety of differing land use applications ranging from large-scale residential estates

and resorts to golf courses, municipal service infrastructure installations and the planning of major

arterials. Our consultants have over 40+ years of combined experience and we operate in the

Southern, Eastern and Western Cape regions.

STEVE KLEINHANS (Environmental Assessment Practitioner) - Steve studied at the Potchefstroom

campus of the North West University completing a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Biological

and Environmental Sciences. Steve then completed his Honours in Environmental Management and

joined SES in 2010. He has over eight years’ experience in the field of environmental management

and has management a number of Environmental Impact Assessments which include river

rehabilitation, residential development and service infrastructure projects. Other project experience

includes management of Section 24G Applications, the facilitation of Water Use Authorisation

Applications, the compilation of Environmental Management Programmes and environmental

monitoring.

JOHN SHARPLES (Managing Director) - John started Sharples Environmental Services in 1998 and has

overseen the company’s growth and development since then. John also started the Cape Town

office in 2010. John holds a Masters in Environmental Management from the University of the Free

State as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Conservation. He has consulted for 20 years running a team

of highly trained and qualified consultants and prior to this gained 12 years of experience working for

environmental organizations. John is registered with EAPASA as a certified Environmental Practitioner.

ii

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

CBA Critical Biodiversity Area

DEA&DP Western Cape Government: Department of Environmental Affairs and

Development Planning

ECO Environmental Control Officer

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

km Kilometre

Lyners Neil Lyners and Associates (RF) (Pty) Ltd

m Metre

m2 Square metre

MBM Mossel Bay Municipality

MMP Maintenance Management Plan

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

NFEPA National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (2011)

PES Present Ecological State (1999)

The Regulations Amended Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (2014

SES Sharples Environmental Services cc

TOR Terms of Reference

3

1. INTRODUCTION

Sharples Environmental Services cc (SES) was appointed by Neil Lyners and Associates (RF) (Pty) Ltd

(Lyners), on behalf of the Mossel Bay Municipality (MBM), to compile the Maintenance Management

Plan (MMP) for the proposed construction of parking bays, a pedestrian walkway and the reseal of

Beyers Street in Little Brak River.

This MMP covers the clearance of vegetation and the removal / moving of sand along Beyers Street in

order to construct and maintain the pedestrian walkway. These activities will trigger listed activities in

terms of the amended Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (2014).

The MMP is intended to ensure that construction activities comply with the principles of sound

Environmental Management and the general “Duty of Care” specified in the National Environmental

Management Act, so as to avoid or minimise potential negative impacts on the receiving environment

during the construction and maintenance activities on the proposed walkway.

2. BACKGROUND

Little Brak River is a small coastal community within the Mossel Bay municipal area. During the summer

holidays there is an influx of people to the community who come to spend time on the beach. The

existing parking area does not have adequate parking bays to accommodate this influx of people and

vehicles. The vehicles are then parked along Beyers Street on the grassed areas and the dune. The

parked vehicles along Beyers Street obstruct pedestrian access to the beach and people therefore

have to walk in the road until an area is found where they can gain access to the beach. This is a safety

concern due to the narrow road. Images 1 and 2 below are photos taken on 2 January 2018. It shows

vehicles parked all along Beyers Street, leaving no sidewalk where pedestrians can safely walk to the

beach.

The MBM is planning to reseal Beyers Street and have also decided to address the above issue by

providing parking bays along the road where vehicles can be safely parked and where they do not

obstruct pedestrians or other vehicles. In addition to this it is also proposed to construct a pedestrian

walkway along the sea side of Beyers Street to provide safe access to the beach. The pedestrian

walkway will also aim to control where people gain access to the beach thereby enabling the

Images 1 & 2: Cars parked alongside Beyers Street during the recent holiday period. Photos taken on 2 January 2018

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revegetation of some areas which have been previously disturbed as a result of the uncontrolled

access. It is proposed to commence with construction during the 2018/19 financial year starting July

2018.

3. LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES

3.1 THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH AFRICA

According to the Bill of Rights “everyone has the right –

• to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being; and

• to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations, through

reasonable legislative and other measures that –

❖ prevent pollution and ecological degradation;

❖ promote conservation; and

❖ secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while

promoting justifiable

3.2 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT, NO. 107 OF 1998, AS AMENDED AND THE

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS, 2014 (AS AMENDED)

The proposed pedestrian walkway will be constructed on municipal property along Beyers Street in Little

Brak River. This will require work in close proximity to the Klein Brak River estuary and includes the clearance

of vegetation and the removing and moving of sand as well as the depositing of material in order to

construct the pedestrian walkway. It is also proposed to replant vegetation along the disturbed areas

along the coastline in order to stabilise the dune.

These activities are identified in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, No. 107 of 1998,

as amended (NEMA) Section 24(2) and 24D as having a potential significant environmental impact and

as such require Environmental Authorisation in terms of Activity 19A of Government Notice No. R. 327

(Listing Notice 1) and Activity 12 of Government Notice No. R. 324 (Listing Notice 3). The activities read:

Activity 19A of Listing Notice 1:

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) the seashore;

(ii) the littoral active zone, an estuary or a distance of 100 metres inland of the highwater

(iii) mark of the sea or an estuary, whichever distance is the greater; or

(iv) the sea; -

but excluding where such infilling, depositing, dredging, excavation, removal or moving—

f) will occur behind a development setback;

g) is for maintenance purposes undertaken in accordance with a maintenance management plan;

h) falls within the ambit of activity 21 in this Notice, in which case that activity applies;

i) occurs within existing ports or harbours that will not increase the development footprint of the port

or harbour; or

where such development is related to the development of a port or harbour, in which case activity 26 in

Listing Notice 2 of 2014 applies.

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Activity 12 of Listing Notice 3:

The clearance of an area of 300 square metres or more of indigenous vegetation except where such

clearance of indigenous vegetation is required for maintenance purposes undertaken in accordance

with a maintenance management plan. i. Western Cape

i. Within any critically endangered or endangered ecosystem listed in terms of section 52 of the

NEMBA or prior to the publication of such a list, within an area that has been identified as critically

endangered in the National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment 2004;

iii. Within the littoral active zone or 100 metres inland from high water mark of the sea or an estuarine

functional zone, whichever distance is the greater, excluding where such removal will occur

behind the development setback line on erven in urban areas;

3.3 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT ACT (ACT NO 24

OF 2008), AS AMENDED (ICMA)

This Act includes norms, standards and policies in order to promote the conservation of the coastal

environment and to ensure that development and the use of natural resources within the coastal zone

is socially and economically justifiable and ecologically sustainable. The ICM Act is meant to guide and

control our behaviour and actions in the coastal zone and to ensure that its benefits can be sustainably

and equitably distributed.

The proposed pedestrian walkway will be constructed on municipal property (road reserve) which

currently serves as access to the beach. Section 25 of ICMA states that the Minister must prohibit or

restrict the building, erection, alternation or extension of structures that are wholly or partly seaward of

the coastal setback line. But the Minister may authorise development of structures within the coastal

zone (such as pedestrian walkways) if the proposed activity or development will provide important

services to the public when using coastal public property, the coastal protection zone, coastal access

land or a coastal protected area. The pedestrian walkway is proposed to provide safe access to the

beach for pedestrians.

3.4 NATIONAL COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME OF SOUTH AFRICA: 2014

This document presents South Africa’s National Coastal Management Programme (NCMP) under the

ICMA for the period 2013 – 2017. The proposed pedestrian walkway is in line with the vision, priorities and

principles listed in this National Programme, specifically the following Priority:

1. Priority No 2: Public Access:

✓ Provide National commitment for the facilitation of safe and equitable access along

coastal public property.

3.5 WESTERN CAPE COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME: 2016

The Western Cape Government revised its 2004 Coastal Management Programme to be in line with the

requirements of the ICMA and in support of the implementation of the NCMP. The proposed walkway is

in line with priority areas, goals and coastal management objectives of the Western Cape CMP (2016)

and specifically the following priority area:

1. Priority Area No. 3: Facilitation of coastal access

• The goal of the priority area is to “promote coastal access and accessibility that is both

equitable and sustainable.

• The coastal management objective is to “enable physical public access to the sea, and

along the seashore, on a managed basis.

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The purpose of the proposed pedestrian walkway is to provide safe access to the beach for the public.

This is especially true during the peak holiday periods when the number of cars making use of Beyers

Street, increase significantly which creates unsafe conditions for the pedestrians along the road.

3.6 KLEIN BRAK RIVER ESTUARINE MANAGEMENT PLAN (2017)

The Klein Brak River Estuarine Management Plan (2017) (KBREMP) aims to conserve the functioning and

biodiversity of the Klein Brak River Estuary, which ultimately supplies goods and services. According to the

KBREMP, the estuarine functional zone / boundary of the estuary is the 5m contour line. The KBREMP notes

that the 5m contour is critically important as a development measure and should be afforded a level of

status which prohibits any development seaward of the line. This is in line with the delineation of the

Coastal Management Line (CML), discussed in Section 7.4 of this report. The objectives of the KBREMP

relevant to this proposal are:

Water quantity and quality

• Improve flow patterns to improve ecosystem functioning of the Klein Brak River estuarine system

• Minimise water pollution

• Reduce bank de-stabilization and erosion, and habitat degradation

• Control the spread and densification of both aquatic & terrestrial invasive alien plant species

❖ The proposed boardwalk is unlikely to compromise this objective.

Conservation of Biodiversity

• Ensure the conservation of the full suite of existing, especially vital, estuarine habitats &

associated species

• Regulate recreational use in and around the estuary, including water-based activities

to reduce habitat degradation and disturbance to fauna and flora

❖ Apart from the first 130m (approx.) minimal disturbance will be required for the

construction of the boardwalk. However, mitigation measures have been

proposed in this report to minimise the impact. Rehabilitation measures have

also been proposed once construction has been completed. It is therefore

unlikely that the construction of the boardwalk will result in the of biodiversity.

❖ The resurfacing of Beyers Street and the establishment of parking bays will be

undertaken on transformed area i.e. existing road surface and landscaped

gardens. However, these are all within the existing road reserve of Beyers Street.

Land-use and Infrastructure

• Implement an estuary zonation plan that directs infrastructural development and other

land use practices within the various floodlines, coastal management lines, buffer zones

and overlay zones.

• Ensure that all proposed developments within the development buffer zones, adhere

to the EIA process in terms of the full suite of relevant environmental legislation.

❖ This MMP is subject to approval in terms of Listed Activities 19A of Listing 1 and

Activity 12 of Listing Notice 3 (as described in Section 3.2 above). The

competent authority will consider the appropriateness of the proposal and

make an informed decision based on the submissions and the information

supplied.

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4. PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE MMP

The purpose of this MMP is to define the parameters for the maintenance activities required on Beyers

Street and the associated infrastructure. This maintenance plan also provides guidelines, which set out

steps and actions and when taken, will ensure that the environment degradation is kept to an absolute

minimum. This will ensure the sustainable management of the environment, whilst avoiding and/or

mitigating any environmental damage during the operational phase.

This document only applies to the maintenance of the Beyers Street and the associated infrastructure

and does not apply to any other infrastructure which requires repair and / or maintenance. Any repair

and maintenance activities on any other infrastructure must be applied for and authorised prior to

commencement of any repair and / or maintenance activities if any of those activities trigger a listed

activity in terms of the amended EIA Regulations (2014).

5. TERMS OF REFERENCE

The following Terms of Reference (TOR) has been set for the compilation of the MMP:

• Ensure compliance with relevant NEMA legislation, policies and guidelines;

• Provide a methodology for compliance with the environmental constraints for the maintenance;

• Detail all potential impacts to ensure that the MMP covers future maintenance activities;

• Address potential impacts associated with future maintenance activities through appropriate

management measures;

• Identify areas within the project envelope that may require future maintenance and detail the

type of remedial work that may be required;

• Detail the responsibilities of the various parties who will do the monitoring; and

• Detail any reporting and monitoring that needs to be done.

6. LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT

6.1 LOCATION OF THE SITE

The small town of Little Brak River is located approximately 13km north of the town of Mossel Bay on the

bank of the Klein Brak River. The area where the proposed works will be undertaken is situated along

Beyers Street. The Klein Brak River estuary borders the site to the south while the residential dwellings are

located to the immediate north of Beyers Street. An existing larger parking area is situated to the east of

the road. Please refer to Figures 1 and 2 below.

8

Figure 1: Aerial photograph depicting the location of Little Brak River

Figure 2: Location of Beyers Street in Little Brak River

Mossel Bay

Dana Bay

Great Brak River

Little Brak River

Beyers Street

9

7. DESCRIPTION OF THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT

7.1 AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT

The proposed works are situated along the Klein Brak River estuary. According to the National Freshwater

Ecosystem Priority Areas (NFEPA, 2011) the Klein Brak River is a perennial, 3rd order river which has a

Present Ecological State (PES, 1999) of Class C: Moderately Modified. At this point the river has been

classified as a Lower Foothills river (Rowntree and Wadeson, 1999; NFEPA, 2011).

According to the NFEPA Wetland data (2011) the watercourse at this point has also been classified as

an estuarine wetland (unchannelled valley-bottom wetland) but the condition of the wetland has been

classified as Heavily to Critically Modified: Z2 which means that the majority of the wetland unit is

classified as “artificial” in the wetland delineation GIS layer. Please refer to Figure 3 below and Appendix

B.1.

The proposed works will be undertaken within the existing road reserve / servitude. It is not expected

that the construction phase of the proposal will have an impact on the aquatic features as described

above. The management of the infrastructure during the operational phase will also not have an impact

on the aquatic features as maintenance activities will be restricted to the road reserve / servitude.

Figure 3: Aerial photograph with NFEPA (2011) data overlay

7.2 TERRESTRIAL ENVIRONMENT

Two historic vegetation types have been mapped for the area under consideration. These are Groot

Brak Dune Strandveld (FS 9) and Cape Seashore Vegetation (AZd 3). See Figure 4 below and Appendix

B.2.

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Groot Brak Dune Strandveld (FS 9)

This vegetation type can be found between the Gouritz River mouth and as far east as Victoria Bay. The

largest area of the unit covers the flats north of Mossel Bay extending up to 17km from the coast. The

vegetation within this unit consists of dense and tall (up to 3m), spiny, sclerophyllous schrubs with gaps

supporting shrublands with ericoids or succulent-leaved shrubs. The graminoid layer is sparse and short

(Mucina and Rutherford, 2006). According to the National list of ecosystems that are threatened and in

need of protection (promulgated under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, Act

No. 10 of 2004) dated 9 December 2011, Groot Brak Dune Strandveld has a conservation status of

ENDANGERED. Please refer to Figure 4 for the vegetation map.

The presence of the following species can be used to identify Groot Brak Dune Strandveld:

Geophytic herbs: Freesia alba, Brunsvigia orientalis, Chasmanthe aethiopica & Hesperantha falcate

Graminoids: Ficinia indica, Cynodon dactylon, Ehrharta erecta, Panicum deustum & Stipa dregeana

Herb: Indigofera tomentosa & Commelina africana

Herbaceous climbers: Astephanus triflorus, Cynanchum obtusifolium & Kedrostis nana

Herbaceous succulent climbers: Pelargonium peltatum

Low shrubs: Carissa bispinosa, Asparagus suaveolens, Eriocephalus africanus var. africanus, Helichrysum

teretifolium, Lauridia tetragona, Clutia daphnoides, Chironia baccifera, Ballota Africana, Polygala

myrtifolia & Phylica axillaris

Semi parasitic shrubs: Osyris compressa & Thesidium fragile

Small trees: Chionanthus foveolatus & Clausena anisate

Soft Shrub: Hypoestes aristata

Succulent herbs: Senecio radicans, Crassula expansa subsp. Expansa & Carpobrotus edulis

Succulent shrubs: Tetragonia fruticosa, Aloe arborescens, Cotyledon orbiculata var. dactylopsis,

Crassula perforate, Crassula pubescens subsp. Pubescens, Euphorbia burmannii, Euphorbia mauritanica

& Zygophyllum morgsana

Tall shrubs: Searsia crenata, S. glauca, S. longispina, S. lucida, Cussonia thyrsiflora, Metalasia muricata,

Tarchonanthus littoralis, Gymnosporia buxifolia, Maytenus procumbens, Mystroxylon aethiopicum,

Pterocelastrus tricuspidatus, Putterlickia pyracantha, Diospyros dichrophylla, Euclea racemosa subsp.

racemosa, Schotia afra var. afra, Grewia occidentalis, Morella cordifolia, Myrsine Africana, Olea

exasperate, Azima tetracantha, & Sideroxylon inerme

Woody climbers: Asparagus aethiopicus, Cissampelos capensis & Rhoicissus digitate

Woody succulent climber: Sarcostemma viminale

Cape Seashore Vegetation (AZd 3)

This vegetation type is found in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape Provinces along the temperate

coasts of the Atlantic Ocean. The vegetation mainly consists of open grassy, herbaceous and to some

extent also dwarf-shrubby (sometime succulent) vegetation, often dominated by a single pioneer

species. These are mostly located on beaches, coastal dunes, dune slacks and coastal cliffs. Cape

Seashore Vegetation does not appear on the list of threatened ecosystems but according to Mucina

and Rutherford (2006) the ecosystem threat status is listed as LEAST THREATENED. Refer to Figure 4 for the

vegetation map.

The presence of the following species can be used to identify Cape Seashore Vegetation:

Geophytic herb: Trachyandra divaricate

Graminoids: Eragrostis sabulosa, Thinopyrum distichum, Cladoraphis cyperoides, Ehrharta villosa var.

maxima, Sporobolus virginicus & Stipagrostis zeyheri subsp. barbata

Herb: Vellereophyton vellereum & Gazania rigens

Herbaceous climbers: Cynanchum ellipticum & C. obtusifolium

11

Herbs: Amellus capensis, Gazania maritima, Gazania rigens var. leucolaena, Silene crassifolia, Limonium

sp. nov., Lobelia boivinii, Dasispermum suffruticosum, Amellus asteroids, Gazania rigens, Senecio elegans,

S. littoreus, Polygonum maritimum & Manulea tomentosa

Low shrubs: Psoralea repens, Syncarpha sordescens, Oncosiphon sabulosum, Frankenia repens &

Hebenstretia cordata

Semi parasitic shrub: Thesidium fragile

Succulent herbs: Senecio litorosus, S. maritimus, Arctotheca populifolia, Carpobrotus acinaciformis & C.

edulis

Succulent shrubs: Amphibolia laevis, Drosanthemum marinum, D. stokoei, Erepsia steytlerae, Prenia

vanrensburgii, Tetragonia decumbens, Didelta carnosa var. tomentosa, Exomis microphylla var.

axyrioides, Pelargonium capitatum, Scaevola plumieri, Drosanthemum candens, Lycium tetrandrum,

Sarcocornia littorea & Disphyma crassifolium

Figure 4: South African National Vegetation map overlay (2012)

7.3 WESTERN CAPE BIODIVERSITY SPATIAL PLAN (2017)

According to the Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan (2017) the site is located along the boundary of

a Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) i.e. aquatic CBA1 - estuary. Please refer to Figure 5 below and Appendix

B.3. The management objective of this CBA area is to maintain it in a natural or near-natural state, with

no further loss of natural habitat. The degraded areas should be rehabilitated. It further states that only

low-impact, biodiversity sensitive land uses are appropriate.

The reasons for this site’s classification as a CBA are listed as the following:

• The presence of a coastal habitat type i.e. Groot Brak Dune Strandveld and Cape Seashore

Vegetation described above;

• It is required for ecological processes;

• It is part of an Estuary i.e. Klein Brak River estuary;

• The presence of a threatened forest type i.e. Western Cape Milkwood forest

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• It is required for water resource protection i.e. Southern Coastal Belt

The proposed works will be restricted to the existing road and road reserve / servitude. Vegetation

clearance will be required but this amount of vegetation to be cleared will not cause any loss of sensitive

species. A list of the species present on site is provided in Section 7.4 below. The aim of the proposal is to

improve the safety of pedestrians along Beyers Street and to try and control the access to the beach.

The completed walkway will also prevent from vehicle from being parked on the beach side of the road.

This will minimise the disturbance to vegetation on the beach. This proposal therefore falls within the low-

impact, biodiversity sensitive category as required by the conservation requirements of the site in terms

of the WCBSP (2017).

Figure 5: Biodiversity Overlay Map

7.4 COASTAL MANAGEMENT LINES

The project to delineate Coastal Management Lines (CML) along the Eden District coastline was finalised

in July 2018 after similar delineations for the West Coast and Overberg Districts. The project was

undertaken by Royal Haskoning DHV in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Environmental

Affairs and Development Planning.

The CML demarcates zones along the shore seawards of which intensification of development should

not be allowed. However, certain development may be allowed depending on the nature of the risks

or the sensitivities of the sites. The ultimate intension of the CML is to:

• protect coastal public property, private property and public safety

• determine features that should be protected under the coastal protection zone

• preserve the aesthetic values of the coastal zone

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The following zones / lines need to be considered in terms of the above:

Coastal Protection Zone:

The Coastal Protection Zone (CPZ) is the zone adjacent to coastal public property which “plays a

significant role in a coastal ecosystem” in order to:

• protect the ecological integrity, natural character and the economic, social and aesthetic value

of coastal public property

• avoid increasing the effect or severity of natural hazards in the coastal zone

• protect people, property and economic activities from risks arising from dynamic coastal

processes, including the risk of sea-level rise

• maintain the natural functioning of the littoral active zone

• maintain the productive capacity of the coastal zone by protecting the ecological integrity of

the coastal environment

• make land near the seashore available to organs of state and other authorised persons for

o performing rescue operations

o temporarily depositing objects and materials washed up by the sea or tidal waters

The National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act (ICM Act) defines a

default CPZ which consists of a continuous strip of land, inland from the High-Water Mark (HWM) and

extending 100m inland in developed areas (areas zoned as residential, commercial or public open

space) or 1000m inland in rural areas.

As part of the Eden project the CPZ was delineated for the entire Eden District from Witsand in the west

to the Storms River mouth in the east. Since the immediate area landward Beyers Street is developed

residential area, the CPZ extends 100m inland of the HWM of the sea and estuary. As a result, the majority

of the residential dwellings along Beyers Street are located inside the CPZ. Please refer to Figure 6 below

and Appendix B.4.

Figure 6: Delineation of the Coastal Protection Zone

14

The Coastal Management Line

The Coastal Management Line (CML) is a continuous line, seawards of which lies:

• Areas of biophysical or social sensitivities e.g. sensitive coastal vegetation;

• Areas that should not be developed or granted restricted development rights due to high risk of

coastal processes;

• Coastal public property

Along estuaries the CML runs along the 1:100 year risk horizon (rural areas), 1:50 year risk horizon (built-up

areas) or 5m amsl contour, whichever distance is the greater, or landward of estuarine sensitivities. Along

the Klein Brak River estuary, the CML was delineated using the 5m amsl contour, the 50-year risk zone

and sensitive biodiversity in terms of the WCBS (2017). Please refer to Figure 7 below and Appendix B.5

for the CML delineation around the Klein Brak River Estuary. From the figure it can be noted that Beyers

Street as well as the residential dwellings along Beyers Street are located seaward of the CML.

Figure 7: Coastal Management Line delineation along Klein Brak River Estuary

Consideration of Section 63 of the National Environment Management: Integrated Coastal Management

Act, Act No. 24 of 2008, as amended

The proposed walkway will be situated within the CPZ and seaward of the CML. However, it will be

located within the existing road reserve of Beyers Street. Apart from the first 130m (approx.) there will be

minimal disturbance along the road, at the majority of the 420m has been transformed (refer to Section

7.5 below).

The aim of the proposed walkway is to provide safer access for the public to the beach. An audit was

done on all the formal and informal coastal accesses in the Garden Route District, formerly the Eden

District. According to the data, there a number of informal coastal accesses along Beyers Street. The

reference numbers for these accesses are:

15

Table 1: Coastal access along Beyers Street, Klein Brak River

ACCESS REFERENCE NUMBER TYPE OF ACCESS RECOMMENDATION

174b Direct public informal access Maintain

175b Public informal path Consider consolidation into

single access

176b Public informal path Consider consolidation into

single access

177b Public informal path Consider consolidation into

single access

178b Public informal path Consider consolidation into

single access

179b Public informal path Consider consolidation into

single access

180b Public informal path Consider consolidation into

single access

181b Public informal path Consider consolidation into

single access

182b Public informal path Consider consolidation into

single access

183b Public informal path Consider consolidation into

single access

An aerial photograph of the access points has been attached as Appendix B.6 of this report. Also refer

to Figure 8 below.

Figure 8: Aerial photograph depicting coastal access along Beyers Street, Klein Brak River

The Coastal Access Audit Report indicates that where there are an excessive number of accesses

consideration should be given to consolidate such accesses. The proposal aims to achieve this by

providing four decking ramps for stormwater drainage and pedestrian access to the beach. This will

decrease the number of coastal accesses from ten to four.

174b

175b

177b

176b

178b

179b

180b

181b

182b

183b

16

The proposed walkway will provide access for the public to the beach and it is not expected that there

will be any significant irreversible or long-lasting adverse impact on the coastal environment or coastal

processes if the mitigation measures, as discussed in this report, are implemented.

7.5 CURRENT CONDITION OF THE SITE

The site was visited on 29 September 2017. During the site visit it was noted that some sections along

Beyers Street have been transformed as a result of anthropogenic activities. This may have been due to

clearing activities and / or the trampling of the vegetation by parked vehicle and pedestrians to a lesser

extent.

The first 130m (approx.) from the large parking area consists of a small dune along the eastern side of

Beyers Street. According to the MBM sand blows from the dune onto the parking area and therefore

needs to be removed periodically. This is mainly done by means of manual labour by using a small team

of municipal workers.

The vegetation along Beyers Street consists mainly of the following species:

• Searsia crenata - dune crow-berry

• Osteospermum moniliferum - Bietou

• Tetragonia decumbens - dune spinach

• Carpobrotus sp. - sour fig

• Gazania rigens var. leucolaena - trailing gazania

• Aloe ferox

• Aloe aborences

• Myoporum tenuifolium subsp. Montanum - manatoka*

• Cynodon dactylon - kweek grass

• Stenotaphrum secundatum - buffalo grass

• Stoebe sp. - slangbos

Image 3: Ground cover consisting of dune spinach, sour fig

and gazania near large parking area

Image 4: Bietou bush along Beyers Street

17

Further down the road the vegetation consists mainly of grass i.e. Cynodon dactylon (kweek) and

ground covers which include the sour fig and dune spinach. However very small patches of shrub species

such as the dune crow-berry and bietou, and Aloe sp. are also present. These patches however are

isolated i.e. approximately 100m apart from one another.

Image 6: Dense dune crow-berry along Beyers Street

Image 7: Sparse ground cover consisting mainly of kweek

grass

Image 8: Ground cover consisting mainly of dune spinach

and kweek grass

Image 5: Dense dune crow-berry along Beyers Street

18

8. DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY

8.1 DESCRIPTION

The work along Beyers Street consists of the following:

Reseal of Beyers Street:

It is proposed to reseal approximately 420m of Beyers Street. The existing 150mm G4 Base layer will be

ripped and compacted. Road edging (kerbs) will be installed along the length of the section of road to

be upgraded. Once this has been done surfacing will be done by means of Cape Seal (aggregate and

slurry). The road width is 6.5m.

Installation of grass blocks:

It is proposed to install grass blocks along the northern side of Beyers Street, as well as the large areas

along Lind Street. The grass blocks allow water to filter into the soil and therefore minimise the amount of

runoff from the surface.

Pedestrian walkway:

A new pedestrian is proposed to be constructed along the southern side (sea side) of Beyers Street.

Various options are available for the pedestrian walkway. A public consultation process was undertaken

which included Options 1 and 2 below. Option 3 resulted from the public consultation due to the

comments / concerns received from Interested and Affected Parties.

Option 1: Garapa-wood, wood plastic composite or fibreglass gratings

One of the options is to construct a pedestrian walkway consisting of garapa-wood, wood plastic

composite or fibreglass gratings. If this is option is implemented the walkway will be approximately

1.2m/1.8m wide and 400m long (i.e. max footprint 720m2), approximately 600mm from the edge of the

road kerb. The walkway will be suspended 200mm aboveground by means of 150mm wide wooden

posts. Please refer to Appendix C.1 for the site layout plan.

Image 9: Patch of shrubs consisting of bietou and dune

crow-berry with ground covers i.e. sour fig and gazania

Image 10: Disturbed area consisting of grass and ground

covers with bietou patch (Image 6) in background

19

Option 2: Paved walkway

The other option is to construct a walkway consisting of paving. In this case pedestrian walkway will be

1.5m wide, 400m long and will consist of imported 150mm G5 subbase, 60mm paving and edging (kerbs).

The footprint of the pedestrian walkway will be 600m2. Please refer Appendix C.2 for the site layout plan.

Option 3 Boardwalk and grass blocks:

Option 3 consists of the boardwalk as described in Option 1. However, instead of formalised parking on

the northern side of the road, it is proposed to install grass blocks to create a road shoulder. The grass

blocks shall not extend beyond the 15ft line. This option was developed after the public consultation.

Please refer to Appendix C.5 for the layout plan for this option. This is the proponent’s preferred option.

Retaining wall:

It is also planned to construct a retaining wall of approximately 130m long and 1m high along the first

130m on the eastern section of Beyers Street. The retaining wall will be constructed with loffelstein

concrete block, filled with compacted sand. The foundation of the retaining wall will require excavation

of approximately 550mm deep and approximately 600mm wide. The excavated area will then be filled

with 20mPa/19 concrete to provide a solid platform to place the loffelstein blocks on. Please refer to

Appendix C.3 for the site layout plan.

Soak-away pits

Soak-away pits are proposed to be installed in low-lying areas of the road reserve on the northern side

of Beyers Street. These pits will assist in draining stormwater that collects in these low-lying areas. Please

refer to Appendix C.4 for the site layout plan and the typical detail of the proposed pit.

8.2 IMPACTS ON THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT

The following impacts are expected to occur during the construction phase of the pedestrian walkway

and grass blocks:

8.2.1 Erosion as a result of vegetation clearance (negative)

Impact Management Objective: To minimise loss of sand from the dune area.

Description of activities to be undertaken: In order to construct the pedestrian walkway vegetation

clearance and / or trimming will be required. As described in Section 7.4 above some sections along the

road has been previously disturbed and currently only have ground cover in the form of grass while the

first 130m (approx.) has a variety of species in the form of ground covers and shrubs. An area of

approximately 2m wide will have to be cleared and / or trimmed along Beyers Street. The loss of

vegetation on the affected area may lead to erosion through wind and storm water.

20

Figure 9: Areas along Beyers Street where vegetation clearance will be required. Yellow line depicts areas mainly

consisting of ground covers such as Gazania, dune spinach and sour fig; Red lines indicate area mainly consisting

of shrubs such as dune crow-berry, bietou, slangbos, etc.; and Green lines depict areas mainly covered in grass

Mitigation

The clearing of the vegetation can be mitigated by implementing the following measures:

• Where practical the area must be properly demarcated. The area outside this demarcated area

must be regarded as a No-Go area;

• Search and rescue of indigenous plants that transplant easily, such as succulents and bulbs, must

be undertaken. The rescued plants can be used for rehabilitation purposes once construction

has been finished;

• Only the minimum amount of vegetation must be cleared;

• All vegetation clearance along the sea side of Beyers Street must be done by means of manual

labour;

Impact Management Outcome: Erosion in close proximity to the pedestrian walkway is kept to a

minimum.

8.2.2 Physical disturbance due to the removal, moving / excavation of sand (negative)

Impact Management Objective: The minimise the area of disturbance during the construction phase.

Description of activities to be undertaken: The moving, removal and / or excavation of sand will be

required, especially over the first 130m (approx.). The reason for this is the small dune present over this

section. The removal and moving of sand is required to create open an area for the construction of the

retaining wall and pedestrian walkway. The excavations of 550mm deep and 600mm wide of sand are

required for the construction of the foundations for the retaining wall. Minor excavations may also be

required to the level areas for the footings of the pedestrian walkway. The excavated sand must be

taken to the nearest registered landfill site for disposal.

21

Figure 10: Areas to be excavated along Beyers Street. Yellow line depicts areas where minor excavations may be

required; and Red line depicts the area where more extensive excavations are required

Mitigation

• The area must be properly demarcated i.e. tight around the work area (1.5m where practical

and feasible). The area outside this demarcated area must be regarded as a No-Go area;

• Only the minimum amount of excavations must be undertaken;

• Where practical and feasible all excavations should be done by means of manual labour;

• Use can be made of a Tractor-Loader-Backhoe (TLB) and tipper truck where excavation of large

amounts of sand needs to be excavated and removed. The ECO however needs to be

approached to advise prior to such work commencing. The TLB must be under constant

supervision.

Impact Management Outcome: No disturbance outside the demarcated construction area.

8.2.3 Rehabilitation (positive)

Impact Management Objective: To minimise the residual impact on the environment after construction

has been completed.

Description of activities to be undertaken: Once construction of the pedestrian walkway and retaining

wall has been completed the areas disturbed by the construction activities must be rehabilitated. It is

recommended that the plants rescued from the cleared areas be used for this purpose. Plants may also

be obtained from a nursery, but it must be ensured that they are locally occurring indigenous plants as

listed in Section 7.2 above. In order to make the public aware of the rehabilitation it is recommended

that the rehabilitated areas are demarcated using appropriate signage and fencing. Once the plants

have re-established on the demarcation can be removed. However, it is recommended that the

demarcation must be kept in place for at least three months.

The following herb and shrub species can be planted if required:

• Tetragonia decumbens (dune spinach)

22

• T. fruticosa (kinkelbos)

• Gazania rigens var. leucolaena (trailing gazania)

• Carpobrotus sp. (sour fig)

• Senecio radicans (bokbos)

• Arctotheca populifolia (beach pumpkin)

It may be required to irrigate the plants at twice once per week until the plants have established. This

can be done by means of a water truck.

Impact Management Outcome: The areas disturbed by the construction activities have a good

vegetative cover that minimises erosion.

8.2.4 General construction nuisances

The construction activities will cause possible noise, dust, visual and traffic disturbances to the nearby

residents. This impact cannot be avoided, and the following mitigation measures must be implemented

to minimise the effect of the impact:

• Put measures in place to allow for the maximum available flow of traffic;

• Noise generating activities will be limited to normal working hours;

• Equipment must be in good working condition in order to minimise noise generation.

• Labourers and site agents will be educated on how to control activities that have the potential

to become disturbances.

• Keep the construction site clean and tidy

• Where possible, do not store unused equipment and materials that may or may not be needed

in the future.

8.3 FUTURE MAINTENANCE / OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES

The following activities will be required during the operational phase of the pedestrian walkway:

8.3.1 Removal / trimming of vegetation along walkway

Objective: To keep the pedestrian walkway clear of overhanging branches

Description of the activity: Trimming of shrubs may be required in the future as the shrubs regrow. Any

trimming to be undertaken must be done using manual labour i.e. with grass shears / hedge trimmers

where only the required amount of the bush may be trimmed. No removal of shrubs is recommended

unless it is absolutely required i.e. where it undermines the integrity of the walkway.

Outcome: No overhanging branches along the entire length of the pedestrian walkway.

8.3.2 Removing and moving of sand

Objective: To prevent the build-up of sand on the grass blocks, walkway and Beyers Street

Description of the activity: Over time sand will be blown onto the grass blocks and the walkway as well

as into Beyers Street. This sand will need to be removed from the road and the grass block. Small amounts

i.e. less than 5m3 per event, can be placed on the dune. This can be done using a small team of

municipal labourers with wheelbarrows and spades. Care must be taken not to significantly disturb the

vegetation on the dune. Where possible, use must be made of existing pathways to avoid further

disturbance to vegetation. In the event where a large amount of sand needs to be moved i.e. more

23

than 5m3, the sand must be removed by means of a TLB and tipper truck. The sand must then be disposed

of at a registered landfill site.

Outcome: Little to no sand on grass blocks, the walkway and Beyers Street.

8.3.3 Maintenance of pedestrian walkway

Objective: To ensure that the walkway remains in a usable condition.

Description of the activity: The walkway will require maintenance over time in the event. These

maintenance activities must be limited to the existing footprint of the pedestrian walkway and road

reserve / servitude. Any expansion of the walkway towards the sea side and outside the road reserve

must be in line with the applicable environmental laws of the time.

Outcome: No disturbance of vegetation outside the road reserve / servitude as a result of maintenance

activities.

8.4 SOCIAL IMPACTS

8.4.1 Job creation during the construction phase

Objective: To create employment opportunities with potential for skills transfer, for members of the local

community.

Description of activity: Temporary job opportunities will be created during the construction phase of the

proposal. The duration of the work is expected to be approximately four to six months.

Mitigation:

• No mitigation required for this positive benefit. However, where possible, preference must be

given to previously disadvantaged individuals from the local community when appointing

contractors/ workers.

• Skills transfer between members of the workforce must be encouraged.

Outcome: Most of the construction team is from the local community, with preference given to

historically disadvantaged individuals. Skills transfer from experienced to less experienced workers is

actively encouraged on site.

8.4.2 Pedestrian safety and controlling access to the beach

Objective: To improve the safety of pedestrians and access to the beach along Beyers Street.

Description: The safety of pedestrians, making use of the proposed walkway, will improve since they will

not be walkway in the road where there is a possibility of being hit by vehicle. Depressed areas along

the walkway will also aim to control where individuals gain access to the beach. Controlling the access

points for pedestrians will increase the possibility of natural recovery of vegetation where disturbance

has occurred due to the current uncontrolled access to the beach.

Mitigation / Enhancement:

• Where possible, provide additional depressed areas along the walkway, especially the western

half of the walkway.

24

Outcome: No pedestrian-vehicle related incidents / accidents occur where people make use of the

walkway. Vegetation, on areas previously disturbed by uncontrolled access, recovers naturally due to

the decreased pedestrian traffic over these areas.

Table 2 (page 25) gives a summary of the biophysical impacts and their mitigation measures. The table

also shows who the responsible parties are for the implementation of the mitigation measures.

25

Table 2: Summary of the biophysical impacts and their mitigation measures.

ACTIVITY MITIGATION MEASURES TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE PARTY C

ON

STR

UC

TIO

N P

HA

SE

The clearance of

vegetation for the

construction of the

pedestrian walkway.

• Where practical the area must be properly demarcated. The area outside

this demarcated area must be regarded as a No-Go area;

• Search and rescue of indigenous plants that transplant easily, such as

succulents and bulbs, must be undertaken;

• Only the minimum amount of vegetation must be cleared;

• All vegetation clearance along the sea side of Beyers Street must be done by

means of manual labour

Ongoing / when

required Construction contractor

Removal, Moving /

Excavation of sand

• The area must be properly demarcated. The area outside this demarcated

area must be regarded as a No-Go area;

• Only the minimum amount of excavations must be undertaken;

• Where practical and feasible all excavations should be done by means of

manual labour;

• Use can be made of a Tractor-Loader-Backhoe (TLB) and tipper truck where

excavation of large amounts of sand needs to be excavated and removed.

The ECO needs to be approached for advice prior to such work

commencing. The TLB must be under constant supervision.

Ongoing / when

required Construction contractor

Rehabilitation after

construction

• Make use of locally occurring indigenous;

• Demarcate rehabilitated areas;

• Water rehabilitated areas twice weekly.

Ongoing Mossel Bay Municipality /

Construction contractor

Construction phase

nuisances

• Put measures in place to allow for the maximum available flow of traffic;

• Noise generating activities will be limited to normal working hours;

• Equipment must be in good working condition in order to minimise noise

generation.

• Labourers and site agents will be educated on how to control activities that

have the potential to become disturbances.

• Keep the construction site clean and tidy

• Where possible, do not store unused equipment and materials that may or

may not be needed in the future

Ongoing Construction contractor

OP

ER

ATI

ON

AL

PH

ASE

Removal / trimming of

vegetation along walkway

• Removal / trimming of vegetation must be done by means of manual labour

i.e. with grass shears or hedge trimmers. When required Mossel Bay Municipality

Removing and moving of

sand from the grass blocks

and walkway

• Small amounts i.e. less than 5m3 per event, can be placed on the dune. This

can be done using a small team of municipal labourers with wheelbarrows

and spades.

• In the event where a large amount of sand needs to be moved i.e. more than

5m3, the sand must be removed by means of a TLB and tipper truck. The sand

must then be disposed of at a registered landfill site.

When required Mossel Bay Municipality

26

9. RESPONSIBLE PARTIES / ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Mossel Bay Municipality will be the implementing agent and will ultimately be responsible for

compliance with this MMP. The Mossel Bay Municipality must ensure that each party acting on its behalf

(contractors and sub-contractors) adheres to the requirements of this MMP. It will be the responsibility of

the Mossel Bay Municipality to inform the DEA&DP of the commencement of the maintenance / repair

rehabilitation activities.

9.1 NAMES AND DETAILS OF RELEVANT PARTIES

Mossel Bay Municipality - Proponent

Mossel Bay Municipality

Contact person Mr. Altus Eitner / Mr. Warren Manuel

Postal Address PO Box 25, Mossel Bay, 6500

Tel: 044 606 5261 / 5163

Fax: 044 606 5062

E-mail aeitner@mosselbay.gov.za / wmanuel@mosselbay.gov.za

Neil Lyners and Associates (RF) (Pty) Ltd - Consulting Engineers

Neil Lyners and Associates (RF) (Pty) Ltd

Contact person Mr. Francois van Eck

Physical Address Blue Mountain Office Park, 149 Park Road, George, 6529

Postal Address PO Box 757, George, 6530

Tel: 044 887 0223

Fax: 044 887 0741

E-mail francois@lyners.co.za

Environmental Control Officer

An Environmental Control Officer (ECO) must be appointed to monitor the maintenance activities on

Beyers Street and the construction activities on the grass blocks and the pedestrian walkway. Once the

ECO has been appointed the names and contact details must be submitted to the DEA&DP. The duties

of the ECO will be to:

• Ensure compliance with all of the mitigatory measures proposed in the MMP;

• Assist in finding environmentally acceptable solutions to maintenance problems;

• Establishing an environmental awareness program to educate contractors & labourers;

• Inspecting all aspects of the maintenance / repair process;

• Keeping detailed records of all site activities that may pertain to the environment;

• Must ensure that all labours have attended environmental training sessions, which cover the

basic requirements of sound environmental practices on construction sites;

• Liaise with site contractors, engineers and other members of the development team with regard

to the requirements of the MMP;

• Recommend that the engineer furnish errant contractors with pre-determined fines, when verbal

and / or written warnings are ignored;

• Examining method statements, and;

• Recommend additional environmental protection measures, should this be necessary.

The ECO must visit the site on a weekly basis to monitor compliance with the recommendations of this

MMP. However during the initial clearing of vegetation it is recommended that more frequent visits by

the ECO is undertaken. The ECO would have the discretion to undertake additional visits if he / she feels

this is justified due to the actions of the contractors and to make ad hoc visits in order to ensure

compliance. The ECO should ensure that the correct earthwork practices are adhered to.

27

The ECO must undertake Environmental Awareness Training before commencement of any work on site.

During the training, the ECO will explain the MMP and the recommendations contained therein. The

following actions must be taken to ensure that all relevant parties are aware of their environmental role

and duties:

1. This MMP must be kept on site at all times.

2. The provisions of this MMP must be explained in detail to all staff during Awareness Training.

3. Training booklets will be handed out to all labourers and must be explained to them.

4. Weekly checks to be done by the Applicant’s environmental representative (where available)

who must be on site at all times.

5. The ECO to do weekly site visits. More frequent visits are required during the initial clearing

activities.

The Construction Contractor must make allowance for all construction site staff, including all

subcontractors that will be working at the site, to attend environmental awareness training sessions

(undertaken by the ECO) before commencing any work on site. During this training, the ECO will explain

the MMP and the conditions contained therein. Attention will be given to the construction process and

how the MMP fits into this process. Other items relating to sound environmental management which must

be discussed and explained during the environmental awareness training sessions include:

• The demarcated “No-Go” areas;

• General do’s and don’ts of the site;

• Making of fires;

• Waste management, use of waste receptacles and littering;

• Use of the toilets provided;

• Use and control of construction materials and equipment etc.;

• Control, maintenance and refuelling of vehicles;

• Methods for cleaning up any spillage;

• Access and road safety;

• Emergency procedures (e.g. in case of fire, spillage etc.)

• General “best practice” principles, with regards to the protection of environmental resources.

Environmental awareness training and education must be ongoing throughout the construction phase

and must be undertaken regularly if deemed necessary (especially if it becomes apparent that there

are repeat contraventions of the conditions of the MMP), or as new workers come to site. Translators

must be utilised where needed.

9.2 DURATION OF THE MMP

The construction phase is expected to last for approximately four to six months from the date of

commencement of the construction activities. Once the construction (especially on the pedestrian

walkway) has been completed the focus will shift to the rehabilitation of the areas that were disturbed

by the construction activities. It will be necessary to monitor the effectiveness of the rehabilitation

measures over a three-month period to ensure that the vegetation has established on the site. The

duration of the MMP for the construction related activities must there be a period of eight months from

the date of commencement of the construction activities. The additional two months is in order for the

ECO to monitor the effectiveness of the rehabilitation measures which were implemented. Should it be

found that additional rehabilitation is required that ECO must indicate this in the audit report and advise

on the type and level of rehabilitation is required.

28

During the operational phase small amounts of sand i.e. less than 5m3, will be deposited on the beach

area as and when required. Amounts in excess of 5m3 of sand will be removed from the street, grass

blocks and walkway and disposed of at the nearest registered landfill site. This will be undertaken as long

as there are parking areas and residential dwellings in the area.

10. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND REPORTING / AUDITING

A written notice must be submitted to the DEA&DP prior to the commencement of construction /

maintenance activities. The notice must include:

• The date of commencement of the construction activities;

• Site location details; and

• Proof of the appointment of a suitably qualified and independent ECO.

The ECO must keep a detailed record of the maintenance / repair activities and compile monthly

monitoring reports to the DEA&DP. The report should include a detailed photographic record of the

maintenance / repair activities as well as any environmental issues noted during the course of the

maintenance / repair process.

The MBM must submit an audit report to the DEA&DP within 30 days of the completion of the

maintenance activities. The report must -

• Indicate the date on which the maintenance work was completed;

• Detail compliance with the MMP;

• Detail if additional rehabilitation needs to be implemented; and

• Include a photographic record of the completed works;

11. IMPLEMENTATION MANAGEMENT

The following recommendation must be implemented to ensure that maintenance / repair activities do

not have a detrimental impact on the environment.

11.1 SITE CAMP

The site camp, if required, must be located on a previously transformed area such as the parking lot (see

Figure 10). It must be located in such a way that it will cause the least disturbance to the general public.

The ECO must be consulted if any other area is identified for the site camp.

29

Figure 11: Parking lot area within which the site camp can be set up

Equipment, machinery, raw materials (wire / fencing / wood, nails), and plants will be temporarily stored

in a dedicated area. The following general management measures pertaining to the set-up, operation

and closure of a site camp should be applied wherever reasonable and practicable:

Fencing & Security: The site camp area must be secured preferably with 2m high fence and shade

netting or similar, to prevent any un-authorised individuals from entering the site camp and possibly

getting injured or posing a safety and/or security risk. Adequate signage must be displayed, designating

the site office / camp as a restricted area to non-personnel.

Fire Fighting Equipment: A fire extinguisher must be present at the site camp. The extinguishers must be

in a working condition and recently serviced. It is recommended that all construction workers receive

basic training in fire prevention and basic fire-fighting techniques and are informed of the emergency

procedure to follow in the event of accidental fires. No open fires may be made on the construction site

during any phase of the project.

Waste Storage Area: Sufficient bins for the temporary storage of construction related waste must be

provided inside the site camp and / or at the working area. Construction-related waste must be

managed as specified in Section 11.4.

Potable Water: An adequate supply of potable water must be provided to construction workers at the

site camp.

Ablution Facilities: Chemical toilet facilities or other approved toilet facilities (at least 1 toilet for each sex

and for every 30 workers) must be provided and located on the site in such a way that the toilets will not

cause any form of pollution of the site. Toilets must be placed within the site camp and at the

construction site. The toilets must be placed on a level surface and secured to prevent them from

blowing over. The toilets must be serviced regularly (by the appointed service provider) and kept in an

Parking lot

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orderly state. The contractor must ensure that no spillage occurs when the toilets are cleaned, serviced

or moved. Performing ablutions outside of the provided toilet facilities is strictly prohibited.

Eating Area & Rest Area: A dedicated area within which construction workers can rest and eat during

breaks must be provided within the site camp. Seating and shade should be provided.

Vehicle & Equipment Maintenance Yard: Where possible, construction vehicles and equipment that

require repair must be removed from site and taken to a workshop for servicing. If emergency repairs

and/or basic maintenance of construction vehicles or equipment are necessary on site, such repair work

must be undertaken within the designated maintenance yard area away from the riparian. Repairs must

be conducted on an impermeable surface, and/or a tarpaulin and/or drip trays must be laid down prior

to emergency repairs taking place, to prevent any fuel, oil, lubricant or other spillages from

contaminating the environment.

House-keeping: The site camp and related site camp facilities must be kept neat and orderly at all times,

to prevent potential safety risks and to reduce the visual impact of the site during construction.

Spill kit: A spill kit to neutralise/treat spills of fuel/ oil/ lubricants must be available on site. Soil

contaminated by spilled oil/ fuel/ lubricant must be excavated and disposed of in the hazardous waste

bin.

Rehabilitation: Once the construction has been completed the site camp must be removed. Any

contaminated soil must be removed and disposed at an appropriately registered disposal site. Any areas

that have been compacted are required to be ripped to allow for the establishment of vegetation. This

ripping must not result in the mixing of sub- and topsoil. No imported soil material may be utilised for

rehabilitation.

11.2 SITE ACCESS

The existing road network must be used for access to the site (see Figure 8 above). Should vehicular

access to the beach be required the necessary permit in terms of Regulation 4(d) of the Regulations for

the Control of Use of Vehicles in the Coastal Zone must be applied for and obtained for from the

Department of Environmental Affairs prior to driving on the beach.

11.3 HAULAGE ROUTES

The existing road network must be used for the delivery of construction materials to the site. Please refer

to Figure 8 above for the aerial photograph of the existing road network.

11.4 WASTE MANAGEMENT

An integrated waste management approach must be adopted on site. This approach must include

reduction, re-use and recycling. Recycling bins for the various categories (paper, glass, plastic, etc.)

should be provided. These bins must be emptied on a weekly basis and dropped off at a collection point

for recycling by recycling companies. Bins must also be provided for builder’s waste. These bins should

be emptied on a regular basis and solid waste must be disposed of at a landfill licensed in terms of

section 20 of the Environment Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No. 73 of 1989) or the National Environmental

Management: Waste Act (Act No. 59 of 2008). Any builder’s waste which can be reused can be

stockpiled in an area identified by the ECO. Biodegradable refuse generated from the office / site camp,

construction areas, vehicle yard, storage area or any other area shall be handled as indicated above.

Adequate waste receptacles, bins and skips should be available for the collection and removal of

waste.

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11.5 METHOD STATEMENTS

The contractor must compile and submit method statements to the Resident Engineer (RE) and ECO for

approval prior to the commencement of work on that specific activity. The method statement must

describe the scope of the work in a step-by-step manner. This will enable the RE and ECO to assist with

the identification of any mitigation measures which will minimise the impact of these activities on the

environment. Approved method statements must be kept on file at the site camp for the duration of the

maintenance / repair period. Any amendments to a method statement must be approved by the RE

and ECO prior to be implemented.

Method statements for the following activities must be submitted:

• Establishment of the site camp;

• Removal of vegetation;

• The removal / excavation of sand for the construction of the retaining wall and pedestrian

walkway; and

• Rehabilitation of disturbed areas.

11.6 GENERAL DUTY OF CARE

The Mossel Bay Municipality and all other persons who may be directly involved with the proposal are

also bound by their general Duty of Care, as stated in Section 28 of the National Environmental

Management Act, 1998:

Duty of Care:

“Every person who causes, has caused, or may cause significant pollution or degradation of

the environment must take reasonable measures to prevent such pollution or degradation

from occurring, continuing or recurring, or, in so far as such harm to the environment is

authorised by law or cannot reasonably be avoided or stopped, to minimize and rectify such

pollution or degradation of the environment”

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12. MONITORING PROGRAMME

WHAT SHOULD BE MONITORED FREQUENCY OF MONITORING MONITORING PROCEDURE HOW RESULTS ARE ANALYSED AND

PRESENTED

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

The clearance of vegetation for the

construction of the pedestrian

walkway

Inspections by the ECO prior to the

commencement of clearing

activities and during the clearing

activities to provide advice to the

constructor. May require site visits of

twice per week.

Inspect the site and take

photographic evidence.

ECO must compile a checklist for

completion during each site visit.

Data must be used to compile an

audit report upon completion of

construction activities. This report

must be submitted to the

competent authority within 30 days

of completion of the construction

work.

The excavation, removal and

moving of sand during the

construction of the retaining wall

and pedestrian walkway.

Inspections by the ECO prior to the

commencement of activities. ECO

to advise on where sand must be

dumped. Will require site visit

frequency of once per week

Inspect the site and take

photographic evidence.

ECO must compile a checklist for

completion during each site visit.

Data must be used to compile an

audit report upon completion of

construction activities. This report

must be submitted to the

competent authority within 30 days

of completion of the construction

work.

OPERATIONAL PHASE

Trimming / clearing of vegetation

along the walkway during the

operational phase.

Municipal environmental officer to

monitor and / or supervise trimming /

and clearing activities when

required.

When required. Inspect the site and

take photographic evidence.

Mossel Bay Municipality to submit

short report to the competent

authority if significant clearance

beyond the footprint of the walkway

was undertaken.

Removal and moving of sand from

pedestrian walkway, Beyers Street

and the grass blocks (where

necessary).

Monitoring to be undertaken if

required.

When required, take photographic

evidence.

Mossel Bay Municipality to submit

short report to the competent

authority if significant moving of

sand has taken place.

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13. PUBLIC CONSULTATION

The public consultation was conducted by Cape Environmental Assessment Practitioners (Cape

EAPrac). A copy of the stakeholder engagement report has been included as Appendix F of the MMP.

Cape EAPrac will distribute the revised MMP to the registered Interested and Affected Parties. The revised

MMP now includes the new proposal i.e. boardwalk and grass block option (Option 3) as described in

Section 8.1 of this report.

14. CONCLUSION

This MMP is binding to the Mossel Bay Municipality and the conditions contained herein must be adhered

to. Should any amendments to the MMP be required to undertake future maintenance activities, those

amendments must be approved by the DEA&DP before commencement of the maintenance activities.

The pedestrian walkway is required to improve the safety of pedestrian along Beyers Street, especially

during the summer holiday period when the there is an increase in vehicular traffic along. The walkway

will also aim to improve and control access to the beach by providing a comfortable walking platform

and depressed areas for easy access off the walkway. The natural re-establishment of vegetation on

areas previously disturbed by uncontrolled pedestrian access will also occur where such areas are no

longer used by the public to gain access to the beach.

The negative impacts associated with the construction of the walkway i.e. clearing of vegetation,

excavation / removal of sand, etc. will be limited in extent (limited to the road reserve) and with the

effective implementation of rehabilitation measures will not cause any detrimental long-term impacts

on the receiving environment. If the recommendations of this MMP are implemented, the negative

impact on the environment will be minimal.

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15. REFERENCES

DEADP. Guideline for compiling a Maintenance Management Plan

MUCINA, L. & RUTHERFORD, M.C. (eds) 2010. (CD set). The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and

Swaziland. Strelitzia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas [vector

geospatial dataset] 2001. Available from Biodiversity GIS website

(http://bgis.sanbi.org/nfepa/NFEPAmap.asp), downloaded on 21 November 2017.

South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho and

Swaziland [vector geospatial dataset] 2012. Available from Biodiversity GIS website

(http://bgis.sanbi.org/vegmap/map2009.asp), downloaded on 21 November 2017.

South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). 2017 Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan.

Available from Biodiversity GIS.

(http://bgisviewer.sanbi.org/Html5Viewer/Index.html?configBase=http://bgisviewer.sanbi.org/Geocort

ex/Essentials/REST/sites/2017_WCBSP/viewers/2017WCBSP/virtualdirectory/Resources/Config/Default&u

ser=&extent=Western%20Cape&layerTheme=), downloaded on 28 November 2017.