MOGALAKWENA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY BIODIVERSITY … · 2018-09-26 · MOGALAKWENA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT REPORT 13010 ... Douglas Diamond Mine, Tsikondeni (Exarro)

MOGALAKWENA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT REPORT

13010

BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT FOR DEPICHI MINI SCHEME PROJECT

20 August 2018

Title: Biodiversity Assessment Report

Number: 13010

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Date: 20 Aug 18

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COMPANY DETAILS Lidwala Consulting Engineers (SA) (Pty) Ltd

Postnet Suite 328

Private Bag X21

Bryanston

2021

Tel: 0861 543 9252

AUTHOR DETAILS Danie Brummer

072 6741084

Moseketsi Mochesane

[email protected]


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DOCUMENT CONTROL

Date Revision Name Role Signature

20170629 Draft 0 PD Brummer Author 1

20170710 Draft 0 Moseketsi Mochesane EAP

20180820 000 Moseketsi Mochesane EAP/ Author 2

By signing this document the signatory confirms the authenticity of the electronic signatures on the approval page of this document

DOCUMENT CHANGE HISTORY

Date From Version

To Version

Paragraph Reference

Change Description


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CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Background ...................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Details of the specialist whom contributed to this study................................................... 1

1.3 Terms of reference ........................................................................................................... 2

1.4 Assessment Objectives ..................................................................................................... 3

2 METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................................ 4

2.1 Floral ................................................................................................................................ 4

2.2 Faunal .............................................................................................................................. 4

2.3 Ecological Sensitivity ........................................................................................................ 4

2.4 Locality ............................................................................................................................ 5

2.5 Land Use .......................................................................................................................... 6

3 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ...................................................................................................... 8

4 DESCRIPTION OF THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ................................................................... 10

4.1 Climate .......................................................................................................................... 10

4.2 Topography .................................................................................................................... 11

4.3 Geology and Soils ........................................................................................................... 11

4.4 Vegetation ..................................................................................................................... 13

4.5 Red Listed Species .......................................................................................................... 21

5 IDENTIFICATION & ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL & LIKELY IMPACTS ....................................... 23

5.1 Impact Identification ...................................................................................................... 23

5.2 Impact Assessment ........................................................................................................ 25

6 CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS AND MITIGATION ..................................................... 28

7 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................ 29

APPENDICES APPENDIX D6- D9 : SIGNIFICANCE IMPACT RATING


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TABLES Table 1: Qualification of specialist. .................................................................................................... 1

Table 2. Surrounding Land uses ......................................................................................................... 6

Table 3: A summary of the legislation applicable to this study. ......................................................... 8

Table 4. Alien species & weeds with a high probability of occurrence within the area. .................... 16

Table 5: Critically Endangered Species. ........................................................................................... 21

Table 6: Endangered Species. ......................................................................................................... 21

Table 7: Vulnerable Species ............................................................................................................ 22

Table 8: Threatened Species. ........................................................................................................... 22

FIGURES Figure 1: Study Area Locality .............................................................................................................. 5

Figure 2: Protected Areas around the Study Area .............................................................................. 7

Figure 3: Average Precipitation throughout the year Mogalakwena, Limpopo Province. ................. 10

Figure 4. Average and Absolute Minimum and Maximum temperatures for Mogalakwena, Limpopo Province. ......................................................................................................................................... 10

Figure 5: Geological Map for the study area..................................................................................... 12

Figure 6: Vegetation Unit in the study area ...................................................................................... 14

Figure 7: Vegetation in the study area ............................................................................................. 15

Figure 8: Vachellia Erioloba observed in the study area ................................................................... 17

Figure 9: CBA within the study area ................................................................................................. 19

Figure 10: Proposed Development Area based at the pump station based on biodiversity ............... 28

Figure 11: Proposed development area at the booster pump house ................................................ 29


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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Lidwala SA was appointed as a qualified environmental specialist by the Mogalakwena municipality (hereafter referred to as “the client”) to undertake an Environmental Biodiversity and Ecology Assessment for the planned Diphitshi Cluster Mini Scheme upgrades, Locality Map shown in Figure 1. This Biodiversity assessment of the importance of potential impacts as a result of the proposed development. This assessment will inform the Basic Assessment investigations conducted as part of the Environmental processes.

1.2 Details of the specialist whom contributed to this study

Lidwala SA, Environmental and Planning Services (EPS), is an environmental service provider to South African government, business and industry, and is committed to enhancing profitability through pro-active risk management. Lidwala SA utilise a wide network of specialist services allowing us to offer a comprehensive solution to any Environmental problem.

Table 1: Qualification of specialist.

Biodiversity Specialist

Botanical Investigator: Danie Brummer (Pr.Sci.Nat.)

Qualification: M.Sc. (Ecology), NWU

Affiliation: South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions

Fields of Expertise: Botanical Scientist & Ecological Scientist

Danie Brummer conducted Biodiversity Assessments for various companies and industries. Hammanskraal mixed Development, Douglas Diamond Mine, Tsikondeni (Exarro) are just a few examples. He is a Registered Professional Natural Scientist (Pri.Sci.Nat.) in the Environmental field with Botany as a B.Sc. (Hons) level major.

Botanical Investigator: Ms Moseketsi Mochesane (Cert.Sci.Nat)

Qualification: BSc Hons Botany and BSc Hons Environmental

Affiliation: South African Council for Natural Scientific (SACNASP)

Fields of Expertise: Botanical Scientist & Ecological Scientist

Ms Moseketsi Mochesane holds an Honours Degree in Environmental Management; an Honours Degree in Botany and a Degree in Botany She is also a Certificated Environmental Scientist (Cert.Sci.Nat) with the South African Council for Natural Scientific professions (SACNASP). She has 5 years’ experience in the environmental field - she provides technical and strategic expertise on


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diverse projects in the environmental management field, including environmental scoping and impact assessment studies, environmental management plans, waste management, as well as the provision of environmental management solutions and mitigation measures. She has been involved in the management of a number of large EIAs within South Africa and has environmental auditing and training experience and expertise

1.3 Terms of reference

The following was undertaken as part of the project:

Ø A review of all the available documents and reports of other projects in the area.

Ø A desktop assessment of the Fauna and Flora occurring within the area including maps of vegetation and ecosystem classification.

Ø A site visit that served as verification of the assumptions that have been made as part of the desktop assessment.

The intention of the above with regard to Flora was to:

Ø Obtain all relevant Précis and Red Data flora information;

Ø Conduct a photo analysis of the proposed area;

Ø Identify preliminary floristic variations;

Ø Conduct a brief site investigation in order to obtain an understanding of the floristic environment;

Ø Assess the potential presence of Red List flora species according to information obtained from SANBI and IUCN;

Ø Incorporate existing biophysical information of the region into the assessment;

Ø Describe broad habitat variations present in the study area in terms of biophysical attributes and phytosociological characteristics;

Ø Compile a floristic sensitivity analysis;

Ø Incorporate results into the Basic Assessment;

Ø Recommend a suitable route that will not result in significant impacts on the floristic environment;

Ø Map all relevant aspects;

Ø Provide pertinent recommendations; and

Ø Present all results in a suitable format.

The intention with regard to Fauna was to:

Ø Obtain available faunal distribution records and Red Data faunal information

Ø Conduct a brief site investigation in order to obtain an overview of the faunal environment;

Ø Assess the potential presence of Red Data fauna species;

Ø Incorporate existing knowledge of the region;


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Ø Describe the status of available habitat in terms of faunal attributes, preferences and conservation potential;

Ø Compile a faunal sensitivity analysis;

Ø Incorporate results into the Biodiversity Scoping Evaluation;

Ø Recommend a suitable site that will not result in significant impacts on the faunal environment;

Ø Map all relevant aspects; and

Ø Present all results in a suitable format.

1.4 Assessment Objectives

Objectives of this Biodiversity Assessment are to assess available information in order to provide an overview of the ecology of the proposed site and surrounds. More specifically, the presence/ absence, variability and inherent ecological sensitivity of the proposed project area will be ascertained. Likely and expected impacts on the biological environment will be identified and pertinent recommendations for the BA phase of the project will be provided. Results of this assessment will ultimately be incorporated into the BA Assessment that will provide detailed, site-specific information and evaluate all expected and likely impacts on the biological environment.

This assessment attempts to establish a reference point for the biophysical and ecological attributes and sensitivities of the study area by means of the Ecosystem Approach Principles and the Landscape Ecology Approach. These approaches are advocated by the Convention on Biological Diversity (www.cbd.int), recognizing that people and biodiversity are part of the broader ecosystems on which they depend, and that it should thus be assessed in an integrated way. Effective conservation of landscape heterogeneity (sensitive habitat types/ ecosystems frequently associated with biodiversity elements of high sensitivity or conservation importance) will effectively result in the conservation/ protection of species that are highly sensitive to changes in the environment.

It is inevitable that this approach will not function effectively in all cases since extremely localised and small areas of sensitivity are likely to exist in the region (www.umass.edu/landeco/about/landeco.pdf). These areas are not always accurately captured on available databases or might have been missed during the initial site investigations. Therefore, the compilation of basic species lists from available infobases and the identification of localised habitat types by means of a brief site investigation will be implemented to augment initial results. It is important to identify areas of sensitivity on a local scale and, where possible, communities or species of conservation importance, that could potentially be affected by influences arising from the proposed development. The Precautionary Principal is applied throughout this assessment.


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2 METHODOLOGY

2.1 Floral

In preparation for the site survey, physiognomic homogenous units were identified and delineated on digital aerial photos, using standard aerial photo techniques. Images were downloaded from www.googleearth.com and geo-rectified in Arcview 3.2.

A brief site visit was conducted to examine the general floristic attributes and diversity of the study area and the development alternatives. Objectives of this particular investigation included the verification and ground truthing of preliminary habitat types and making preliminary assessments of the status and sensitivity of available habitat types.

It is not the intention of this report to provide a comprehensive list of species that occur on the site, but rather to identify sensitive habitat types.

2.2 Faunal

The extent to which a site is ecologically connected to surrounding areas is an important determinant of its sensitivity. Systems with a high degree of landscape connectivity or with extensive grassland and drainage systems amongst one another are perceived to be more sensitive and will be those contributing to important faunal sensitivity or overall preservation of faunal diversity. A brief site investigation was conducted to establish the current ecological status of available habitat types. A preliminary sensitivity assessment is presented in this report, and the preferred/ recommended option will be discussed. A major objective of this part of the project is to identify areas that are regarded important on a local or regional scale that are likely to have a bearing on the project.

2.3 Ecological Sensitivity

The aim of this exercise is to present an opinion on the inherent ecological sensitivity of macro habitat types in the area. These issues are assessed by documenting whether any important biodiversity features occur on site, including species, ecosystems or processes that maintain ecosystems and/or species. These can be organised as follows:

Threatened and/or Protected-:

Ø plant species;

Ø animal species;

Ø ecosystems;

Critical conservation areas, including:

Ø areas of high biodiversity;

Ø centres of endemism;

Important Ecological Processes, including:


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Ø Corridors;

Ø Mega-conservancy networks;

Ø Rivers and wetlands; and

Ø Important topographical features.

High Sensitivity Values indicate areas that are close to pristine, unaffected by human influences or generally managed in an ecological effective manner. These areas are comparable to nature reserves and even well managed farm areas. Low Sensitivity Index Values indicate areas of lower ecological status or importance in terms of vegetation attributes, or areas that have been negatively affected by human impacts or poor management. In estimating the importance or sensitivity of a specific site, the type of development that is planned for the area is also taken into consideration. The measure of invasion or habitat destruction that will result from the proposed activity is therefore likely to affect the level of sensitivity attributed to a site. In this instance the disturbance will most probably be that of a temporary nature during construction and natural succession will take place following this phase.

2.4 Locality

The project is located in the rural resettlement areas of Mogalakwena in the villages of Diretsaneng, , Kgopeng, Diphitshi and Buffelshoek, 72km northwest of Mokopane Town in Ward 2 of Mogalakwena Local Municipality. The villages fall within the northern settlements of the Waterberg District municipality.

Figure 1: Study Area Locality

STUDY AREA


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2.5 Land Use Table 2. Surrounding Land uses

Aspect Description Materiality

Proximity to water resources The proposed routing cross one drainage line as indicated in Fig 11. Indicated as (D).

Potential pollution of water resources as a result of construction activities.

One identified wetland occur as per Fig 11 and this should be avoided with a minim of a 32 meter buffer during design, indicated as (W).

Proximity to protected areas The river abstraction point is approximately 1 kilometre from the Masebe Nature reserve to the north-west.

None. Buffer zone is large enough.

Surrounding land use Nature Reserve Surrounding land use has been reviewed in order to identify sensitive receptors (such as air and water quality, noise, visual)

Rural settlements.

Agricultural Activities,


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Figure 2: Protected Areas around the Study Area


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3 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK This report has been prepared in terms of the National Environmental Management Act No. 107 of

1998 (NEMA) and is compliant with Incorrect according to Appendix 6 of Regulation 326 of 2017 EIA Regulations.

Compliance with provincial, national and international legislative aspects is strongly advised during the planning, assessment, authorisation and execution of this particular project. Legislative aspects of which cognisance were taken during the compilation of this report are summarised, but not necessarily limited to, in Table 3

Table 3: A summary of the legislation applicable to this study.

Legislative guidance for this project

Biodiversity Act (No. 10 of 2004)

To provide for the management and conservation of South Africa’s biodiversity within the framework of the National Environmental Management Act 1998; the protection of species and ecosystems that warrant national protection; the sustainable use of indigenous biological resources; the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from bioprospecting involving indigenous biological resources; the establishment and functions of a South African National Biodiversity Institute; and for matters connected therewith.

Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act 43 of 1983

The conservation of soil, water resources and vegetation is promoted. Management plans to eradicate weeds and invader plants must be established to benefit the integrity of indigenous life.

Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996)

The Bill of Rights, in the Constitution of South Africa (No. 108 of 1996), states that everyone has a right to a non-threatening environment and requires that reasonable measures be applied to protect the environment. This protection encompasses preventing pollution and promoting conservation and environmentally sustainable development. These principles are embraced in NEMA and given further expression.

Convention on Biological Diversity, 1995

International legally binding treaty with three main goals; conserve biological diversity (or biodiversity); ensure sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Life and Fauna

International agreement between governments, drafted because of a resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not


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threaten their survival and it accords varying degrees of protection to more than 33,000 species of animals and plants.

Environment Conservation Act (No. 73 of 1989)

To provide for the effective protection and controlled utilization of the environment and for matters incidental thereto.

Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (Act No.28 of 2002) (MPRDA)

Compilation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management Programme (Reports) (EMPR).

National Veld & Forest Act Fire Act (Act No. 101 of 1998)

To prevent and combat veld, forest and mountain fires throughout the Republic, to provide for a variety of institutions, methods and practices for achieving the purpose.

National Environmental Management Act (No. 107 of 1998)

Requires adherence to the principles of Integrated Environmental Management (IEA) in order to ensure sustainable development, which, in turn, aims to ensure that environmental consequences of development proposals be understood and adequately considered during all stages of the project cycle and that negative aspects be resolved or mitigated and positive aspects enhanced.

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

To provide for matters relating to threatened or protected species regulations

National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act (No. 57 of 2003)

To provide for the protection and conservation of ecologically viable areas representative of South Africa’s biological diversity and its natural landscapes and seascapes; for the establishment of a national register of all national, provincial and local protected areas; for the management of those areas in accordance with national norms and standards; for intergovernmental co-operation and public consultation in matters concerning protected areas; and for matters in connection therewith.

White Paper on Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa’s Biological Diversity (July 1997)

Identifies a number of strategies to be developed to give effect to the specific policies, including the enhancement of the protected area network, development of specific strategies such as conservation and sustainable use of reptiles and amphibians. Promotes a “Prosperous, environmentally conscious nation, whose people are in harmonious co-existence with the natural environment, and which derives lasting benefits from the conservation and sustainable use of its rich biological diversity”


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4 DESCRIPTION OF THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT

4.1 Climate

Summer rainfall with very dry winters. Mean Annual Precipitation (MAP) about 350-550 mm. Frost fairly infrequent. Mean monthly maximum and minimum temperatures 36.5 and -0.8 for November and June respectively.

The mean annual precipitation averages around 454mm. Figure 4 above indicate the rainfall profile for the region.

Figure 3: Average Precipitation throughout the year Mogalakwena, Limpopo Province.

Figure 4. Average and Absolute Minimum and Maximum temperatures for Mogalakwena, Limpopo Province.


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In Figure 4. The "mean daily maximum" (solid red line) shows the maximum temperature of an average day for every month for Mogalakwena. Likewise, "mean daily minimum" (solid blue line) shows the average minimum temperature. Hot days and cold nights (dashed red and blue lines) show the average of the hottest day and coldest night of each month of the last 30 years.

4.2 Topography

Varied topography is recognised as a powerful influence contributing to the high biodiversity of southern Africa. Landscapes composed of spatially heterogeneous abiotic conditions provide a greater diversity of potential niches for plants and animals than do homogeneous landscapes. The species richness and biodiversity has been found to be significantly higher in areas of geomorphological heterogeneity.

Most of the topographical heterogeneity occur on the eastern side of the study area and this is also where the biggest heterogeneity were observed.

4.3 Geology and Soils

According to the 1:250 000 geological map (2328) Pietersburg published by the Council of Geoscience, the site is underlain by medium-grained, yellowish, laminated sandstone, sand, alluvium and calcrete of the Makgabeng Formation, Waterberg Group.


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Figure 5: Geological Map for the study area.


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4.4 Vegetation

4.4.1 Terrestrial Biodiversity on a regional scale

The entire area falls within a single vegetation type as indicated in Figure 6 below the Makhado sweet bushveld (SVCB 20) unit.

Distribution: In South Africa the Makhado Sweet Bushveld is found in the Limpopo Province where it straddles the Tropic of Capricorn, occurs on the plains south of the Soutpansberg, east of the Waterberg and on the apron surrounding the Blouberg and Lerataupje Mountains, and north of the Polokwane Plateau and west of the escarpment, with extensions to Mokopane in the south to the north near Vivo. Altitude ranges from about 850-1200 m (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006).

Vegetation and landscape features: Range from slightly too moderately undulating plains sloping generally down to the north, with some hills in the southwest. Short and shrubby bushveld with a poorly developed grass layer (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006).


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Figure 6: Vegetation Unit in the study area


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4.4.1.1 Makhado sweet bushveld (SVCB 20)

The vegetation type occurs on slightly to moderately undulating plains sloping generally down to the North with some hills in the southwest. It is a short and shrubby bushveld with a poorly developed grass layer. Part of the area has densely populated rural communities. Erosion is low to high.

Figure 7: Vegetation in the study area

Important taxa includes: Small trees: Vachellia erubescense (d), A. gerrardii (d), A. mellifera subsp. detinens (d), A. rehmanniana (d), Boscia albitrunca (d), Combertum apiculatum (d), Acacia tortillis subsp. heteracantha, Terminalia sericea;


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Tall shrubs: Commiphora pyracanthoides, Dichrostachys cinerea, Grewia flava, Hibiscus calyphyllus, Lycium shawii, Rhigozum obovatum; Low shrubs: Baleria lancifolia, Hirpicium bechuanense, Indigofera poliotes, Melhania rehmannii, Pechuel-Loeschea leubnitziae; Graminoids: Anthephora pubescens (d), Aristida stipitata subsp. graciliflora (d), Cenchrus ciliaris (d), Enneapogon scoparius (d), Brachiaria nigropedata, Eragrostis trichophora, Panicum coloratum, P. maximum, Schmidtia pappophoroides, Urochloa mosambicensis; and Herbs: Chamaecrista absus, Corbichonia decumbens, Geigeria acaulis, Harpagophytum procumbens subsp. transcaalense, Heliotropium steudneri, Hemizygia elliotii, Hermbstaedtia odorata, Lecas sexdentata, Osteospermum muricatum, Tephrosia purpurea subsp. leptostachya. Endemic taxon; Herbs: Chamaecrista absus, Corbichonia decumbens, Geigeria acaulis, Harpagophytum procumbens subsp. transvaalense, Heliotropium steudneri, Hemizygia elliottii, Hermbstaedtia odorata, Leucas sexdentata, Osteospermum muricatum, Tephrosia purpurea subsp. leptostachya.

4.4.1.2 Invasive species

Invasive alien species that were noted within the study area include those in Table 4 and they should actively be removed.

Table 4. Alien species & weeds with a high probability of occurrence within the area.

BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAME CATEGORY

Acacia elata Peppertree wattle Cat 3 Weed

Cardiospermum grandiflorum Balloon vine Cat 1 Weed

Cereus jamacaru Queen of the night Cat 1 Weed

Cirsium vulgare 1 Spear Thistle Cat 1 Weed

Datura spp 2 Thorn apple/Olieboom Cat 1 Weed

Flaveria bidentis 3 Smelter's bush

Nicotiana glauca 4 Wild Tobacco Cat 1 Weed

Prosopis glandulosa 7 Honey Mesquite Cat 2 Invader

Lythrum salicaria Purple loosestrife Cat 1 Weed

Melia azedarach 8 Syringa Cat 3 Invader

Spartium junceum Spanish broom Cat 1 Weed

Tamarix ramosissima 9 Tamarisk Cat 3 Invader

Asparagus spp 10 Wild asparagus/Katbos Indicator of bush encroachment


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4.4.1.3 Control of Weeds

Melia azedarach was spotted on the pump house, and as part of the riparian vegetation. These trees needs to be removed before they spread further. During clearance before construction all indigenous shrubs that are to be removed from the area should be shredded and added to the soils as mulch. Exotic species should be completely removed from the area to prevent regeneration when clearance take place.

4.4.2 Terrestrial Biodiversity on a Local Scale

The area is within the Zone 2 of the Core areas of Waterberg biosphere reserve. The study area consists of relatively dense vegetation interspersed with some open veld spots. Vachellia Erioloba (Camel Thorn trees) occurs at some locations along the route. There is occurrence of the Combretum imberbe (leadwood) tree on both the pump station site and booster pump station site, these trees are to be declared as no-go areas from construction, operation and decommissioning of the proposed activities.

These trees must be avoided and the locations need to be recorded and incorporated into the design.

Figure 8: Vachellia Erioloba observed in the study area

Dichrostachys cinerea (Sicklebush) is conspicuous in most areas which are indicative of some bush encroachment. Other indigenous tree species that are found at the site include Acacia gerrardi, Combretum hereroense, Boscia foetida subsp. rehmanniana (Stink Shepherd’s Tree), Peltophorum africanum (African-wattle), Ozoroa paniculosa (Resintree), Grewia monticola (Grey Raisin) and Grewia flava (Velvet Raisin).


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The Grass layer is poorly developed in many areas and includes species such as Eragrostis lehmanniana, Eragrostis gummiflua, Chloris virgata, Panicum maximum, Urochloa mosambicensis and Melinis repens.

Figure 9 below show the critical biodiversity areas in the region. The study area falls within the CBA.

Riparian Zones

Vachellia karroo (Sweet Thorn) and Ziziphus mucronata (Buffalothorn) are most prominent along with Gymnosporia buxifolia (Spikethorn), Combretum hereroense (Russet Bushwillow), Boscia foetida subsp. rehmanniana (Stink Shepherd’s Tree), Grewia monticola (Grey Raisin) and Grewia flava (Velvet Raisin), Ozoroa paniculosa (Resintree), Peltophorum africanum (African-wattle) and Combretum imberbe (leadwood).

Vegetation associated with aquatic habitat types are regarded highly sensitive and all impacts should ideally be avoided within, and near to, these features. A 32 meter buffer from the edge of the water course needs to be maintained around the indicated area. A variety of these habitat types feature in the study area, including perennial and non-perennial streams, rivers, and small drainage lines.

The high sensitivity ascribed to these habitat types is mainly a result of high biodiversity associated with them, not only during periods when water is present within the system, but also during the austral winter period.

Inherent and constant interaction with nearby and downstream areas is characteristic of riparian wetland systems. Impacts therefore are not only reflected on the actual site, but are also ‘exported’ downstream, resulting in cumulative impacts with large footprints. These types of cumulative impacts are evident in most of South Africa’s larger rivers.


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Figure 9: CBA within the study area


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4.4.2.1 Species of Conservation Importance

South Africa’s Red List system is based on the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria Version 3.1 (finalized in 2001), amended to include additional categories to indicate species that are of local conservation concern. The IUCN Red List system is designed to detect risk of extinction. Species that are at risk of extinction, also known as threatened or endangered species are those that are classified in the categories Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN) and Vulnerable (VU).

Ø A species is Data Deficient when taxonomic problems hinder the distribution range and habitat from being well defined, so that an assessment of risk of extinction is not possible.

Ø A species is included in the Declining category when it does not meet or nearly meet any of the five IUCN criteria and does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened, but there are threatening processes causing a continuing decline of the species;

Ø A taxon is Near Threatened when it has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable now, but is close to qualifying for or is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future.

Ø A species is Rare when it meets at least one of four South African criteria for rarity, but is not exposed to any direct or plausible potential threat and does not qualify for a category of threat according to one of the five IUCN criteria.


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Ø A species is Vulnerable when the best available evidence indicates that it meets at least one of the five IUCN criteria for Vulnerable, indicating that the species is facing a high risk of extinction.

In terms of section 51(1) of Act No. 84 of 1998, no person may cut, disturb, damage or destroy any protected tree or possess, collect, remove, transport, export, purchase, sell, donate or in any other manner acquire or dispose of any protected tree, except under a license granted by the Minister.

4.5 Red Listed Species

The IUCN Red Data List categories for the Limpopo province are presented in the following tables according to their conservation priority.

Table 5: Critically Endangered Species.

GENUS SPECIES COMMON NAME OBSERVED AT SITE

Acilacris kristinae Kristin's False Shieldback No

Encephalartos cupidus Blyde River Cycad No

Encephalartos dolomiticus Wolkberg Cycad No

Encephalartos dyerianus Lillie Cycad, Lowveld Cycad No

Encephalartos hirsutus Venda Cycad No

Encephalartos inopinus Lydenburg Cycad No

Encephalartos laevifolius Kaapsehoop Cycad No

Table 6: Endangered Species.


Aldrovanda vesiculosa Waterwheel, Common Aldrovanda No

Aroegas fuscus Brown False Shieldback No

Asparagus sekukuniensis No

Encephalartos eugene- Waterberg Cycad No

Eulophia coddii No

Neamblysomus gunningi Gunning's Golden Mole No

Neamblysomus julianae Juliana's Golden Mole No

Peringueyella rentzi Rentz's Ambush Katydid No

Serranochromis meridianus Lowveld Largemouth No

Thoracistus jambila Jambila Seedpod Shieldback No

Warburgia salutaris Pepper Bark Tree, Muranga No


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Table 7: Vulnerable Species


Amyttacta marakelensis Marakele Delicate Katydid No

Doratogonus barbatus Bearded Black Millipede No

Doratogonus herberti Herbert's Black Millipede No

Ocotea kenyensis No

Protea laetans No

Prunus africana Red Stinkwood, African Almond, African No

Thoracistus viridicrus Green-kneed Seedpod Shieldback No

Table 8: Threatened Species.


Aloe hahnii No

Anguilla bengalensis Indian Mottled Eel, African Mottled No

Barbus sp. nov. Waterberg Shortfin Barb No

Brachylaena huillensis No

Breviceps sylvestris Northern Forest Rain Frog No

Combretum petrophilum No

Dalbergia melanoxylon African Blackwood, Mozambique No

Disa extinctoria No

Euphorbia sekukuniensis No

Euphorbia zoutpansbergensis No

Pearsonia bracteata No

Psydrax fragrantissima No

Pterocarpus angolensis Bleedwood Tree, Kiaat, Mukwa No


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5 IDENTIFICATION & ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL & LIKELY IMPACTS

5.1 Impact Identification

Impacts resulting from the proposed development on ecological attributes are largely restricted to the physical effects during construction. Direct impacts include any effect on populations of individual species of conservation importance and on overall species richness. This includes impacts on genetic variability, population dynamics, overall species existence or health and on habitats important for species of conservation consideration. In addition, impacts on sensitive or protected habitat are included in this category, but only on a local scale. These impacts are mostly measurable and easy to assess, as the effects thereof are immediately visible and can be determined to an acceptable level of certainty.

In contrast, indirect impacts are not immediately evident and can consequently not be measured at a specific moment in time; the extent of the effect is frequently at a scale that is larger than the actual site of impact. A measure of estimation, or extrapolation, is therefore necessary in order to evaluate the importance of these impacts. Lastly, impacts of a cumulative nature places direct and indirect impacts of this projects into a regional and national context, particularly in view of similar or resultant developments and activities.

A list of potential and likely impacts was compiled from a generic list of impacts derived from previous projects of this nature and from a literature review of the potential impacts of this type of development on the natural environment. The following impacts were identified:

Ø Direct impacts on threatened flora species; Ø Direct impacts on protected flora species; Ø Direct impacts on threatened faunal taxa; Ø Direct impacts on common fauna species/ faunal assemblages (including migration

patterns, corridors, etc.); Ø Human - Animal conflicts; Ø Impacts on SA’s conservation obligations & targets; Ø Increase in local and regional fragmentation/ isolation of habitat; and Ø Increase in environmental degradation, pollution (air, soils, surface water).

5.1.1 Direct impacts on threatened flora species

This direct impact results in physical damage or destruction of Red Data species/ communities, areas where these species are known to occur or areas that are considered particularly suitable for these species. Threatened plant species, in most cases, do not contribute significantly to the species richness of an area in terms of sheer numbers, as there are generally few of them, but a high ecological value is placed on the presence of such species in an area as they represent an indication of pristine habitat conditions. Conversely, the presence of pristine habitat conditions can frequently be accepted as an indication of the potential presence of species of conservation importance, particularly in moist habitat conditions.


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Protected flora was identified on site (Vachellia erioloba; Sclerocarya birrea subsp. Caffra as well as Combretum imberbe.

5.1.2 Direct impacts on protected flora species

Similar to Red Data plants, these species do not contribute significantly towards the local and regional species richness, but their presence indicates a relatively pristine status of the habitat. Preservation of these species is a social obligation in light of increasing pressure on these species that causes a continuous decline and an eventual inclusion in conservation categories. The protected species on site are the Vachellia erioloba; Sclerocarya birrea subsp. Caffra as well as Combretum imberbe a, care should be taken not to remove these plants without a permit from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

5.1.3 Direct impacts on threatened faunal taxa

Similar to Red Data plants, the presence of Red Data animal species is seen as a significant attribute to the biodiversity of an area. Any impact is therefore viewed as significant. Additional aspects that will be affected include migration patterns and suitable habitat for breeding and foraging purposes.

No Red Data animal species were observed within the study area during the investigation.

5.1.4 Direct impacts on common fauna species/ faunal assemblages

The presence of diverse faunal assemblages in most areas is accepted. Considering the moderate levels of habitat transformation and degradation on a local scale, animal species are likely to evacuate towards adjacent areas of natural habitat during periods of high impact. While the tolerance levels of most animal species is generally of such a nature that surrounding areas will suffice in their habitat requirements, some species are not able to relocate, such as ground living and small species. The proposed activity will take place in most instances with little ground disturbance and should therefore not severely affect these species.

In light of the moderate fragmentation and habitat isolation levels of the region, it is reasonable to assume that the animals utilising habitat within the proposed areas will also migrate extensively across the region for various reasons. Foraging, available water, food sources, breeding patterns and seasonal climate changes include some of the more obvious explanations for migration of animals.

5.1.5 Human - Animal conflicts

While animals generally avoid contact with human structures, they do grow accustomed to structures after a period. While the structures are visible, injuries and death of animals could potentially occur because of accidental contact.

While most of the significant impacts are associated with habitat clearance that precede the actual development and operational phases, this impact is also particularly relevant during the period when construction activity peaks and worker numbers are high.


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5.1.6 Impacts on SA’s conservation obligations & targets

This impact is regarded a cumulative impact since it affects the status of conservation strategies and targets on a local as well as national level and is viewed in conjunction with other types of local and regional impacts that affects conservation areas or threatened areas. The importance of vegetation types is based on the conservation status ascribed to regional vegetation types (VEGMAP, 2006) and therefore impacts that result in irreversible transformation of natural habitat is regarded significant.

5.1.7 Increase in local and regional fragmentation/ isolation of habitat

Uninterrupted habitat is a precious commodity for biological attributes in modern times, particularly in areas that are characterised by moderate and high levels of transformation. The loss of natural habitat, even small areas, implies that biological attributes have permanently lost that ability of occupying that space, effectively meaning that a higher premium is placed on available food, water and habitat resources in the immediate surrounds. This, in some instances might mean that the viable population of plants or animals in a region will decrease proportionally with the loss of habitat, eventually decreasing beyond a viable population size.

5.1.8 Cumulative Increase in Environmental Degradation, Pollution

Cumulative impacts associated with this type of development could lead to initial, incremental or augmentation of existing types of environmental degradation, including impacts on the air, soil and water present within available habitat. Pollution of these elements might not always be immediately visible or readily quantifiable, but incremental or fractional increases might rise to levels where biological attributes could be affected adversely on a local or regional scale. In most cases, these effects are not bound and is dispersed, or diluted over an area that is much larger than the actual footprint of the causal factor.

5.2 Impact Assessment

In accordance with Regulation 23 and Appendix 3 of Government Notice R.982, promulgated in terms of section 24 of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998), Lidwala were required to assess the significance of potential impacts in terms of the following criteria:

Ø Cumulative impacts;

Ø Nature of the impact, significance and consequences of impact and risk;

Ø Extent and duration of the impact;

Ø Probability of the impact occurring;

Ø The degree to which the impact can be reversed;

Ø The degree to which the impact may cause irreplaceable loss of resources; and

Ø The degree to which the impact can be mitigated.

Issues were assessed in terms of the following criteria: Ø The nature, a description of what causes the effect, what will be affected and how it will

be affected;

Ø The physical extent, wherein it is indicated whether:

* 1 - the impact will be limited to the site;


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* 2 - the impact will be limited to the local area; * 3 - the impact will be limited to the region; * 4 - the impact will be national; or * 5 - the impact will be international;

Ø The duration, wherein it is indicated whether the lifetime of the impact will be:

* 1 - of a very short duration (0–1 years); * 2 - of a short duration (2-5 years); * 3 - medium-term (5–15 years); * 4 - long term (> 15 years); or * 5 - permanent;

Ø The magnitude of impact on ecological processes, quantified on a scale from 0-10, where a score is assigned:

* 0 - small and will have no effect on the environment;

* 2 - minor and will not result in an impact on processes;

4 - low and will cause a slight impact on processes; * 6 - moderate and will result in processes continuing but in a modified way; * 8 - high (processes are altered to the extent that they temporarily cease); or * 10 - very high and results in complete destruction of patterns and permanent

cessation of processes; Ø The probability of occurrence, which describes the likelihood of the impact actually

occurring. Probability is estimated on a scale where:

* 1 - very improbable (probably will not happen; * 2 - improbable (some possibility, but low likelihood); * 3 - probable (distinct possibility); * 4 - highly probable (most likely); or * 5 - definite (impact will occur regardless of any prevention measures);

Ø The significance, which is determined through a synthesis of the characteristics described above (refer formula below) and can be assessed as low, medium or high;

Ø the status, which is described as either positive, negative or neutral;

Ø the degree to which the impact can be reversed;

Ø the degree to which the impact may cause irreplaceable loss of resources; and

Ø the degree to which the impact can be mitigated.

The significance is determined by combining the criteria in the following formula: S = (E+D+M)*P; where S = Significance weighting E = Extent D = Duration M = Magnitude

P = Probability


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The significance weightings for each potential impact are as follows:

Points Significant Weighting Discussion

< 30 points low where this impact would not have a direct influence on the decision to develop in the area

31-60 points Medium where the impact could influence the decision to

develop in the area unless it is effectively mitigated

> 60 points High where the impact must have an influence on the

decision process to develop in the area

The results of the above will be summarised in a tabular format. An example is provided below.

Potential Impact

Mitigation Extent Duration Magnitude Probability Significance Status

Confidence (E) (D) (M) (P) (S=(E+D+M)*P)

(+ve or -ve)

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

BIODIVERSITY

Impact 1: Loss or degradation of natural/ pristine habitat.

nature of impact:

Adverse Impact due to loss or degradation of natural habitat

with mitigation

1 4 2 3 21 Low - high

without mitigation

2 5 2 4 36 Medium - high

degree to which impact can be reversed:

None high

degree of impact on irreplaceable resources:

Low high

This assessment has been attached in Appendix D6- D9


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6 CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS AND MITIGATION Vegetation at the pump station and the booster pump station sites is moderately degraded such as reflected by tracks, bare places, rubble, pioneer species, trees with branches cut-off and various alien invasive plant species.

Ø Sensitivity to the site was found to be is medium to low. The savanna vegetation type, Makhado Sweet Bushveld, is not listed as threatened ecosystem according to the National List of Threatened Ecosystems (2011).

Ø If the development is approved, an opportunity exists, to expand the cultivation of indigenous tree and other indigenous plant species to enhance the conservation of indigenous biodiversity during the rehabilitation phase.

Ø No protected or endangered faunal species were observed on the site.

Ø All the identifed protected trees (Vachellia erioloba; Sclerocarya birrea subsp. Caffra as well as Combretum imberbe) should be avoided during construction.

Ø These are all protected species under the National Forests Act, (Act 84 of 1998) and may not be touched without an official permit. If any of these species are to be relocated during the construction phase it needs to happen with explicit approval from the Department of Fisheries and Forestry and the acceptance by the Environmental Control Officer (ECO) and after following the applicable legal process. Non-compliance to this condition can result in a non-conformance directive.

Figure 10: Proposed Development Area based at the pump station based on biodiversity


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Figure 11: Proposed development area at the booster pump house

Ø It is recommended that the new electrical pump house be constructed at least 32meter away from the water course edge. The new pump houses should also avoid the Combretum imberbe (Leadwood) protected trees present in the yard of the existing pump house. The figure 10 above provide an indication of the area deemed suitable to comply with all the above.

Ø Construction at the Booster pump house should also avoid all the Combretum imberbe trees observed at site. Figure 11 above indicated the area deemed suitable for construction and that will avoid the protected trees.

Ø The existing pump house has alien trees (Melia azedarach) surround ding the fence, it is the recommendation of the specialist that these trees be removed Exotic species should be completely removed from the area to prevent regeneration when clearance take place.

Ø Areas cleared during the construction phase will be prone to alien infestation. This should be monitored by the Engineer and ECO and apropriate corrective action taken as soon as possible.

7 REFERENCES AGIS, 2007. Agricultural Geo-Referenced Information System, accessed from www.agis.agric.za, 2017.

BARNES, K.N. 1998. The Important Bird Areas of southern Africa. BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg.

BEGON, M., HARPER, J.L. & TOWNSEND, C.R. 1990. Ecology. Individuals, Populations and Communities. Blackwell Scientific Publications, USA..

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM. 2001. Environmental Potential Atlas. DEAT, Pretoria.


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DWAF. 2002. The Working for Water Programme. Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. [Online Available: http://www.dwaf.gov.za/wfw/]. 15 January 2004.

ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST. 2002. The Biodiversity of South Africa 2002. Indicators, Trends and Human Impacts. Struik Publishers, Cape Town.

ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST. 2004. Red Listed Book of the Mammals of South Africa: A Conservation Assessment. CBSG Southern Africa, Parkview, South Africa.

GIBBON, G. 2003. Roberts’ Multimedia Birds of Southern Africa. Version 3. Southern African Birding cc, Westville.

GOVERNMENT GAZETTE [of the Republic of South Africa]. 2001. Amendments to the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983 (Act No.43 of 1983). Government Gazette, 429 (22166) of 30 March 2001. Department of Agriculture, Republic of South Africa.

HARRISON, J.A., ALLAN, D.G., UNDERHILL, L.G., HERREMANS, M., TREE, A.J., PARKER, V. & BROWN, C.J. (eds.). 1997. The Atlas of Southern African Birds. Vol. 1 & 2. BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg.

HENNING, S.F. & HENNING, G.A. 1989. South African Red Listed Book – Butterflies. South African National Scientific Programmes Report No 158.

IUCN. 2001. IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria: Version 3.1. IUCN Species Survival Commission. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK.

MUCINA, L. & RUTHERFORD, M.C. eds. 2006. The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitzia 19. Pretoria: South African National Biodiversity Institute. 807 p.

PICKER, M., GRIFFITHS, C. & WEAVING, A. 2004. Field guide to insects of South Africa. 2nd ed. Cape Town: Struik.

SOUTH AFRICA. 2004. National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act No. 10 of 2004. Pretoria: Government Printer.

VAN OUDTSHOORN, F. 1999. Guide to grasses of southern Africa. Pretoria: Briza.

VAN WYK, B. & VAN WYK, P. 1997. Field guide to trees of southern Africa. Cape Town: Struik


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APPENDIX D6- D9 : SIGNIFICANCE IMPACT RATING

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MOGALAKWENA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY BIODIVERSITY … · 2018-09-26 · MOGALAKWENA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT REPORT 13010 ... Douglas Diamond Mine, Tsikondeni (Exarro)