Scoping Report: Waterval Township Development: Gaut · 1 draft scoping report waterval residential township development portion 43 (a portion of portion 44) of the farm waterval 150-ir

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DRAFT SCOPING REPORT

WATERVAL RESIDENTIAL TOWNSHIP DEVELOPMENT

PORTION 43 (A PORTION OF PORTION 44) OF THE FARM WATERVAL 150-IR EKURHULENI METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY, GAUTENG

REFERENCE: GAUT GAUT 002/20-21/E2061

Prepared for:

JULY 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 5

1.1. Context and background ......................................................................................................... 5

1.2. The application site ................................................................................................................. 5

1.2.1. Property description ....................................................................................................... 5

1.2.2. Site location .................................................................................................................... 5

1.2.3. Land uses and zoning of the site and surrounding properties........................................ 6

1.2.4. 1.1.1.2. Surrounding properties ...................................................................................... 6

1.3. Details of the applicant ........................................................................................................... 8

1.4. Details of the EAP .................................................................................................................... 9

1.5. Overview of the application process ...................................................................................... 9

1.6. Objectives of the Scoping Process .......................................................................................... 9

1.7. Environmental Impact Assessment Report Phase ................................................................ 10

2. ACTIVITY DETAILS AND MOTIVATION ........................................................................... 11

2.1. Details of the proposed activity ............................................................................................ 11

2.2. Proposed Layout Plan ........................................................................................................... 11

2.2.1. Existing residents .......................................................................................................... 12

2.3. Infrastructure services .......................................................................................................... 12

2.3.1. Stormwater infrastructure ............................................................................................ 12

2.3.2. Bulk water services ....................................................................................................... 13

2.3.3. Bulk sewer services ....................................................................................................... 13

2.3.4. Roads Infrastructure ..................................................................................................... 13

2.3.5. Bulk electricity services ................................................................................................. 14

2.4. Details of Listed Activities triggered ..................................................................................... 14

2.5. Motivation for the proposed activity .................................................................................... 17

2.5.1. Housing Need ................................................................................................................ 17

2.5.2. Economic Empowerment .............................................................................................. 17

2.5.3. Upgrading of Infrastructure .......................................................................................... 17

2.5.4. Variety of Housing Typologies....................................................................................... 18

2.6. Description of Alternatives ................................................................................................... 18

2.6.1. Input alternatives .......................................................................................................... 19

2.6.2. Activity alternatives ...................................................................................................... 19

2.6.3. Site/Location alternatives ............................................................................................. 19

2.6.4. Demand alternatives ..................................................................................................... 19

2.6.5. Site layout alternatives ................................................................................................. 20

2.6.6. Assessment of alternatives considered ........................................................................ 20

2.6.7. Status quo / No-go alternatives .................................................................................... 21

Watervalspruit Residential Development: GAUT 002/20-21/E2061

3. LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY CONTEXT ............................................................................. 22

3.1. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act No. 108 of 1996 ............................... 22

3.2. The National Environmental Management Act No.107 of 1998 .......................................... 22

3.3. National Environmental Management: Waste Act, Act No 59 of 2008 ................................ 23

3.4. The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, Act 10 of 2004 ...................... 23

3.5. Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) ................................................ 24

3.6. The National Water Act, 1998 (Act No.36 of 1998) .............................................................. 24

3.7. Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (Act No. 43 of 1983) ........................................ 25

3.8. The National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act 25 of 1999) ............................................... 25

3.9. The Gauteng Provincial Environmental Management Framework, 2015 ............................ 26

3.10. Metropolitan Municipality Spatial Development Framework 2015 ................................. 26

3.11. Other policies, plans and guideline documents ................................................................ 27

4. DESCRIPTION OF THE BIOPHYSICAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENTS .................. 28

4.1. Physical Environment ............................................................................................................ 28

4.1.1. Climate .......................................................................................................................... 28

4.1.2. Topography ................................................................................................................... 30

4.1.3. Geology and soils .......................................................................................................... 30

4.1.4. Wetlands and riverine environment ............................................................................. 31

4.1.5. Flood lines ..................................................................................................................... 33

4.2. Biological Environment ......................................................................................................... 33

4.2.1. Approach to ecological assessment .............................................................................. 33

4.2.2. Status of floral and habitats .......................................................................................... 34

4.2.3. Status of fauna and habitats ......................................................................................... 39

4.3. Socio-Economic Environment ............................................................................................... 44

4.3.1. Socio-economic issues .................................................................................................. 44

4.3.2. Population ..................................................................................................................... 44

4.3.3. Employment .................................................................................................................. 45

4.3.4. Economic Base .............................................................................................................. 46

4.3.5. Agriculture potential ..................................................................................................... 46

4.3.6. Archaeology and cultural heritage/sites of importance ............................................... 48

4.3.7. Noise ............................................................................................................................. 49

4.3.8. Air quality ...................................................................................................................... 49

4.3.9. Visual aspects ................................................................................................................ 49

5. IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY AND ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS .......................... 50

5.1. Description of nature and scale of impacts .......................................................................... 50

5.2. Criteria for rating of impacts ................................................................................................. 51

5.3. Preliminary issues and environmental sensitivities .............................................................. 52


5.4. High level comparative assessment of alternatives.............................................................. 53

5.5. Preliminary assessment of anticipated Impacts ................................................................... 54

6. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS ................................................................................. 67

6.1. Objectives of public participation ......................................................................................... 67

6.2. Identification of I&APs .......................................................................................................... 67

6.3. Notification process .............................................................................................................. 68

6.4. Register of I&APs................................................................................................................... 68

6.5. Access to and review of the Scoping Report......................................................................... 69

6.6. Competent authority’s decision on the scoping report ........................................................ 69

7. PLAN OF STUDY FOR EIA ............................................................................................. 70

7.1. Objectives of the EIA process ................................................................................................ 70

7.2. Key tasks during the EIR phase ............................................................................................. 70

7.3. Specialist studies for the EIR ................................................................................................. 71

7.3.1. Terrestrial Ecological Assessment ................................................................................. 71

7.3.2. Wetland Delineation and Assessment .......................................................................... 72

7.3.3. Soil, Land Use and Land Capability Assessment ........................................................... 73

7.3.4. Cultural and Heritage Resources ................................................................................... 74

7.3.5. Noise impact assessment .............................................................................................. 74

7.3.6. Visual Impact Assessment ............................................................................................. 74

7.3.7. Other specialists’ inputs ................................................................................................ 74

7.4. Impact Assessment Methodology......................................................................................... 74

7.5. Public participation during the EIR phase ............................................................................. 74

7.5.1. Notification of Interested and Affected Parties ............................................................ 75

7.5.2. Written Correspondence from IAPs .............................................................................. 75

7.5.3. Issues and Concerns ...................................................................................................... 75

7.6. GDARD decision on the application ...................................................................................... 75

8. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION ..................................................................................... 76

9. EAP DECLARATION AND UNDERTAKING ....................................................................... 77

10. REFERENCES ............................................................................................................... 78

LIST OF TABLES Table 1: SG 21 Digit Code ........................................................................................................................ 5

Table 2: Details of the Applicant ............................................................................................................. 9

Table 3:Details of the EAP ....................................................................................................................... 9

Table 4:Proposed land uses .................................................................................................................. 11

Table 5: List of activities triggered ........................................................................................................ 15

Table 6: Characterisation of the watercourses associated with the site .............................................. 32

Table 7: Medical plant species found on site ........................................................................................ 38

Table 8: Population figures for Region F ............................................................................................... 44


Table 9: Employment levels for Region F .............................................................................................. 45

Table 10: Economic figures for Region F ............................................................................................... 46

Table 11: Soil forms within the study area and their respective Land Capability ................................ 47

Table 12: Nature, extent, duration, probability and significance of impact ......................................... 50

Table 12: Criteria for rating of impacts ................................................................................................. 51

Table 13: Comparative assessment of layout alternatives ................................................................... 53

Table 14: Preliminary quantification of impacts during the construction phase ................................. 55

Table 15: Preliminary quantification of impacts during the operation phase ...................................... 63

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Locality Map ............................................................................................................................. 6

Figure 2: Portion 43 in relation to the bigger Waterval Farm ................................................................ 7

Figure 3: Location of the site in relation to urban development zone ................................................... 7

Figure 4: Context of the site in relation to other developments in the area .......................................... 8

Figure 5: Proposed layout Plan ............................................................................................................. 12

Figure 6: Existing water and sewer mains............................................................................................. 13

Figure 7: Existing Eskom Power Lines ................................................................................................... 14

Figure 8: Layout Alternative .................................................................................................................. 20

Figure 9: Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Spatial Development Framework excerpt ..................................... 26

Figure 10: Alberton monthly climate chart ........................................................................................... 28

Figure 11:: Alberton monthly average temperature ............................................................................ 29

Figure 12: Average rainfall in 10 years .................................................................................................. 29

Figure 13: Topographic map of the study site ...................................................................................... 30

Figure 14: Dolomite and Dolomite Hazard Zones ................................................................................. 30

Figure 15: Wetland and riverine areas .................................................................................................. 32

Figure 16: Historical satellite imagery of the site indicating agriculture use........................................ 34

Figure 17: Conceptual illustration of the habitat units within the study area...................................... 35

Figure 18: Floral Sensitivity map of the study area .............................................................................. 39

Figure 20: Agricultural potential characteristics of the site .................................................................. 47

Figure 21: Dominant soils forms within the study area ........................................................................ 48

Figure 22: Dominant soils forms within the study area ........................................................................ 49

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Locality Map ...................................................................................................................... 80

Appendix 2: Layout Plan ....................................................................................................................... 81

Appendix 3: Public Participation Information ....................................................................................... 82


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1. INTRODUCTION The purpose of a scoping process is to identify the important aspects to be considered in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. It sets out the appropriate time and space boundaries of the EIA, provides information necessary for decision-making by identifying the significant effects and factors to be studied in detail during the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIR) phase of the process. This section describes the project and provides background information on the applicant, the proposed activity, details of the Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) and maps out the application process as provided for in the EIA Regulations, 2014.

1.1. Context and background

The applicant, Cosmopolitan Projects Johannesburg (Pty) Ltd, proposes to establish a residential township for affordable housing. The proposed development forms a continuum of similar developments by the same applicant and will provide residential uses, community facilities, public infrastructure, Public Open Space and other associated services. The site is in the South-western portion of the City of Ekurhuleni, at its border with Midvaal Local Municipality. Sky City, a world-class mega-development that offers a quality lifestyle through highly

regarded lifestyle elements and amenities is located to the east of the proposed township. In order to manage the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) application process, the applicant appointed Nali Sustainability Solutions (NSS) an independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner as required in by the EIA Regulations, 2014.

1.2. The application site

1.2.1. Property description

The application site is on Portions 43 (A Portion of Portion 44) of the farm Waterval 150 IR in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. It measures approximately 102,30hectares. Table 1 provides the SG 21 Digit Code of the property.

Table 1: SG 21 Digit Code

T 0 I R 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 0 0 0 0 4 3

1.2.2. Site location

The site is located directly west of the Watervalspruit Extension 22 Township and east of the R59. The border of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) runs to the south of the site, along the R550 and the Midvaal Local Municipality is situated immediately south of the R550. The site is in ward 53 of the EMM’s Region F (Figure 1). The site is within the south western reaches of the EMM, approximately 14 kilometres south of Alberton. It is also approximately 22 Kilometres north of Meyerton. It is accessed from R550. In addition to the R550 Road, that is aligned in an east-west direction, there are two (2) other roads located to the west of the property viz. R59 and M6. These are parallel to each other and aligned in a north-south direction. Alberton and Meyerton are connected by R59.

The proposed township site is located close to recently established residential developments to the east, mainly the Watervalspruit Townships. Also, fairly well-established residential townships of Palm Ridge, (2.6 Km from the site), and Katlehong, (3.2 Km from the site), are in a north-easterly direction from the site.


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To the South of the site are industrial developments that form part of the Meyerton Local Municipality’s R59 economic corridor. Industrial activities within this corridor, especially located within approximately 1- 2 Kilometres from the site, range from light to heavy industries. They include the Heineken Bottling Plant, Everite and Samancor. Also about 1 Km to the west of the application site, there are other industrial properties that include Lefika Conrete Product and Twinsaver Group Kliprevier Plant. Located to the north are undeveloped farm portions. The site is located within the urban development zone.

Figure 1: Locality Map

1.2.3. Land uses and zoning of the site and surrounding properties

1.2.3.1. Land uses and zoning

The current zoning of the property is “Agriculture” in terms of the Ekurhuleni Town Planning Scheme, 2014. The majority of the site is currently under active pivot agriculture and produces variety of cultivated vegetables (i.e. cabbages, lettuce, carrots, etc.) and herbs on a commercial scale. A small portion along the eastern border is used for farm worker’s residential quarters and agriculture produce processing facilities.

1.2.4. 1.1.1.2. Surrounding properties

Land uses in the neighbouring properties include undeveloped and residential plots consisting of single dwelling structures. Located in some of the neighbouring properties are structures used for industrial processes. The location of the application site, viz. Portion 43 Waterval 250 IR, in relation to the entire Waterval 150 IR farm is presented in figure 2 below.


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Figure 2: Portion 43 in relation to the bigger Waterval Farm

Figure 3: Location of the site in relation to urban development zone


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Figure 4: Context of the site in relation to other developments in the area

A railway line and associated servitude runs along the western boundary of the site. Further west between the railway line and R550 Road is the Remainder of Portion 19, that is also zoned “Agriculture”. To the south, south-east and east of the site is the Remainder of Portion 44 which is zoned “Agriculture” and used for residential purposes. The same site is however, earmarked for high density residential development that is similar in nature to the one proposed. Located on the south-west is Portion 80 Waterval 150 IR and is zoned “Industrial”. Twinsaver Group Kliprevier Plant is positioned at this farm portion. North of the site is farm Zwartkopjes 143 IR that is also zoned “Agriculture” and is currently vacant. The general development trends in the area are generally in favour of mixed used including residential, industrial and agriculture uses aligned to the Regional Spatial Development Framework prescriptions. However, it is evident that there is an emerging dominance of high density residential developments including the subject application. Agricultural uses are being replaced mainly by residential uses. This is noted to be typical of urban development trends that have also been observed in areas north of the subject site and south of Alberton. Sky City located to the east of the site is the latest high-density residential township development that has been established in the area.

1.3. Details of the applicant

The applicant, Cosmopolitan Projects, is one of the biggest affordable housing property developers in South Africa. The proponent has more than 25 years in the business and has delivered more than 30 000 new affordable houses in Gauteng.

Site


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Table 2: Details of the Applicant

Aspect Details

Applicant Cosmopolitan Projects Johannesburg (Pty) Ltd

Representative Ian van Rensburg

Designation Head of Land Development

Telephone 011 541 3800

Physical address: Building F, Hertford Office Park, 90 Bekker Road, Midrand, 1685

Postal address: P.O Box 754, Auckland Park, 2006

Email address [email protected]

1.4. Details of the EAP

Nali Sustainability Solutions (Pty) Ltd, were appointed to manage the application process to obtain the Environmental Authorisation for the proposed project. Table 3:Details of the EAP

Aspect Details

Name Nali Sustainability Solutions (Pty) Ltd

EAP Mr Pirate Ncube

Physical Address 65 Country Club Drive, Irene Farm Villages, Centurion

Postal Address P Bag X1, Stand 1829, Irene Farm Villages, Centurion, 0045

Contact details Tel: 0824517120; Fax: 086 694 1178, Email: [email protected]

Expertise/ experience

More than 27 years’ experience in land use & spatial planning as well as environmental planning & management. The latter encompassed management of Strategic Environmental Assessments, development of Environmental Management Frameworks, undertaking Environmental Impact Assessments and reviews, development of Environmental Management Plans as well as conducting Environmental Compliance Monitoring and Reporting. Served/s in various decision-making bodies including the DFA Tribunal, Environmental Advisory Committee, MEC Appeals Advisory Panel. Qualified Town Planner with master’s in real estate and MBA.

1.5. Overview of the application process

The environmental assessment process will be undertaken in two phases namely:

Environmental Scoping Process which includes assessing the receiving environment, identification and commissioning of specialists’ studies and notification of the process; and

The Environmental Impact Assessment phase resulting in the EIAR as well as an Environmental Management Programme (EMPr), the latter providing mitigation and management measures management measures for the planning and construction phase of the project

1.6. Objectives of the Scoping Process

The scoping process will, through a consultative process: a) Identify the relevant policies and legislation relevant to the activity; b) Motivate the need and desirability of the proposed activity; c) Identify and confirm the preferred activity and technology alternative through an impact and risk

assessment and ranking process;

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


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d) Identify and confirm the preferred site through a site selection process, which includes an impact and risk assessment process inclusive of cumulative impacts and a ranking process of all the identified alternatives focusing on the geographical, physical, biological, social, economic, and cultural aspects of the environmentIdentify the key issues to be addressed in the assessment phase;

e) Agree on the level of assessment to be undertaken, including the methodology to be applied, the expertise required as well as the extent of further consultation to be undertaken to determine the impacts and risks the activity will impose on the site, including the nature, significance, consequences, extent, duration, and probability of the impacts; and

f) Identify suitable measures to avoid, manage or mitigate impacts and to determine the extent of the residual risks that need to be managed and monitored.

1.7. Environmental Impact Assessment Report Phase

The EIAR will present findings of the EIA, describe the proposed activity and affected environment, forecast the significant impacts likely to result from the implementation of the activity; evaluate alternatives; and identify and evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation measures. An Environmental Management Programme will also be developed. The draft EIAR will be made available to registered I&APs, including the competent authority to review and comment for a period of 30 days. Once the comments have been collated, responded to and integrated into the final EIAR the report will be submitted to GDARD for consideration and decision making.

PRELIMINARY PHASE

Submit Application Forms to GDARD -

Response by GDARD providing Ref No.

Prepare Background Information Document (BID)

Undertake Specialist studies

Announcement of the application/project

SCOPING PHASE

Registration of I&AP

Prepare Scoping Report

Advertise and make available for comments

Compile Final Scoping Report and circulate to authorities

and Registered I&AP

Submit to GDARD for decision on Scoping Report.

GDARD DECISION ON SCOPING REPORT

IMPACT ASSESSMENT PHASE Further Specialist Studies

Compile Draft EIAR

Compile Draft Environmental Management Programme

Release Draft EIAR for public and authorities comment

Prepare Issues and Responses Report

Prepare Final EIR and make available for RI&AP

Submit Final EIAR to GDARD for decision.

DECISION ON APPLICATION

APPEAL PROCESS


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2. ACTIVITY DETAILS AND MOTIVATION

This section provides details of the proposed activity and associated infrastructure as well as motivation for the proposed development.

2.1. Details of the proposed activity

This application seeks to obtain environmental authorisation for the establishment of a residential township, consisting of the uses listed in the table below: Table 4:Proposed land uses

Zoning Use Number of erven Area

Residential 1 Residential 1,477 431,343

Community Facility School 5 111,830

Public Service Public Service 2 0,0532

Public Open Space Park 4 10,6767

Conservation /Wetland 1 16,9230

Street Streets 19,2964

TOTAL 1489 101,2666

2.2. Proposed Layout Plan

The draft layout has been guided by the development constraints and opportunities presented by the site. Included among these is the shape of the land, the need for efficiency in land allocation in relation to residential mix, infrastructure services, specialist and engineering recommendations, the wetland areas, as well as future roads. However, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and associated specialists’ studies will inform the final layout. Considering the above, significant features that were identified, include the wetland, flood line areas and riverine environment, linkages with adjacent development and dolomitic conditions. These issues will be investigated and the related outcomes to form part of the EIA phase of the project. Urban dynamics Town Planners was appointed to initiate the township establishment application process in terms of the Section 38 of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Spatial Planning and Land Use Management (SPLUM) By-Law, 2019. The development of the layout plan as part of the township establishment process has gone through various iterations to arrive at the options that have been evaluated. While several layout alternatives were considered, below is the final layout that was concluded to be configured and aligned most effectively. This is terms of the onsite sensitive environmental features. The proposed layout of the site is represented below. The layout plan respects the sensitive environmental features from the negative impact of the proposed development. Hard surfaces and development structures observe the wetlands, the 1:100-year flood line, dolomitic areas and the gravesite. To this end, the proposed zoning of “Public Open Space” that prescribes restricted disturbance of the environment is allocated to these areas. This is further emphasised by the riparian and wetland portions being classified as conservation areas. Portions of the site outside of the wetland and 1: 100 year floodline and noted to be dolomitic are mainly zoned “Public Open Space” and reserved for parks. Other dolomitic areas that were denoted as less risky are earmarked for education purposes. The final layout that will be presented in the EIA phase will additionally be informed by the outcomes of the township establishment process in in terms of Section 38 of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Spatial Planning and Land Use Management (SPLUM) By-Law, 2019.


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Figure 5: Proposed layout Plan

2.2.1. Existing residents

There are existing farm workers that are currently residing on the property. It is proposed in the township establishment application memorandum that; a small portion of land will be excluded from the township establishment. This property will be donated to the current farm employees.

2.3. Infrastructure services

As part of the Scoping process, Pro North Consultants were appointed in order to determine the availability of civil engineering services for the proposed residential township. The location of existing engineering services is shown below.

2.3.1. Stormwater infrastructure

In terms of stormwater it was noted that the increase in stormwater run-off from the proposed development will be attenuated in accordance with the guidelines from the Ekurhuleni MM. This will be by means of attenuation dams which will only discharge the pre-developed 5-year run-off. These dams will be situated above the 100-year flood line and wetland buffer as well as outside of the sensitive dolomite areas. A detailed stormwater management plan shall be compiled for the EIA Phase of the project.


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2.3.2. Bulk water services

The upgraded Palm Ridge reservoir complex which is supplied directly by Rand Water has capacity to accommodate the proposed development. A bulk connection has been provided on the boundary of the site.

2.3.3. Bulk sewer services

The Waterval Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) outfall sewer traverses the site into which a portion of the proposed township can gravitate. The erven below this main sewer will gravitate to the lowest point of the proposed township where the sewer will cross the tributary of the Klipspruit via a pipe bridge to the planned (and approved) sewage pump station situated in Watervalspruit. The capacity of the Waterval WWTW is presently being attended to and should be resolved in the next few years before the development of this proposed township.

Figure 6: Existing water and sewer mains

2.3.4. Roads Infrastructure

There are no national or provincial roads traversing or bordering the proposed township. The closest major roads are R59 and R550. Access to the site will be from Waterval township. Dhubecon Consultants have been appointed to undertake a traffic impact assessment for the development. This will form part of the specialist studies for the EIA.


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2.3.5. Bulk electricity services

Eksteen and Le Roux Electrical Engineers were appointed to investigate bulk electrical services. The investigation revealed that the estimated electrical capacity required for the township is 4520 KVA. Also that the proposed development is located within the primary 88 KV/11KV Sefokabolea Substation supply zone and can be supplied from the existing substation located in Watervalspruit Extension 10.

According to the engineers, Eskom have 11/22kV overhead lines routed over the proposed township

supplying irrigation and/or existing dwelling. Some of these Eskom O/H lines will have to be protected

by means of servitudes, while section can be demolished as and when Ekurhuleni takes over the new

electrical networks to supply even within the proposed townships.

Consequently, certain sections of the existing O/H Eskom lines will have to be protected by

servitudes. This will be from Pole No KG 6/16 to KG 6/16/5 and from Pole No KG 6/16 to KG 6/29.

However, sections from Pole No KG 6/16/5 to KG6/16/8 and from Pole No KG 6/16/8 to KG 6/16/1 will have

to be dismantled.

Figure 7: Existing Eskom Power Lines

2.4. Details of Listed Activities triggered

In terms of the NEMA EIA Regulations of 2014, the table below presents the list of activities triggered by the proposed development.


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Table 5: List of activities triggered Government Notice:

Activity No (s)

Description of listed activities as per the wording in the listing notices:

GN. R 983, 8 December 2014

LN 1, Activity 12

The development of – (i) …; or (ii) infrastructure or structures with a physical footprint of 100 square

metres or more; where such development occurs— (a) within a watercourse; (b) in front of a development setback (c) if no development setback exists, within 32 metres of a watercourse,

measured from the edge of the watercourse; -- excluding— …


LN1, Activity 19

The infilling or depositing of any material of more than 10 cubic metres into, or the dredging, excavation, removal or moving soil, sand, shells, shell grit, pebbles or rocks of more than 10 cubic metres from a watercourse; But excluding where such infilling, depositing, dredging, excavation, removal or moving--

(a) Will occur behind a development setback;

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

maintenance management plan;

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

activity applies;

(d) …

(e) …

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


LN1, Activity 27

The clearance of an area of 1 hectares or more, but less than 20 hectares of indigenous vegetation, except where such clearance of indigenous vegetation is required for—

i. the undertaking of a linear activity; or

ii. maintenance purposes undertaken in accordance with a

maintenance management plan.


LN1, Activity 28

Residential, mixed, retail, commercial, industrial or institutional developments where such land was used for agriculture, game farming, equestrian purposes or afforestation on or after 01 April 1998 and where such development: (i) will occur inside an urban area, where the total land to be developed

is bigger than 5 hectares; or

(ii) will occur outside an urban area, where the total land to be

developed is bigger than 1 hectare;

excluding where such land has already been developed for residential, mixed, retail, commercial, industrial or institutional purposes.


LN2, Activity 15

The clearance of an area of 20 hectares or more of indigenous vegetation except where such clearance is required for-- (i). The undertaking of a linear activity; or


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(ii). maintenance purposes undertaken in accordance with a maintenance plan.


LN3, Activity12

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. c. Gauteng 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;

ii. Within Critical Biodiversity Areas or Ecological Support Areas identified

in the Gauteng Conservation Plan or bioregional plans; or

iii. …


LN3, Activity 12

The development of— (i)…; or (ii) infrastructure or structures with a physical footprint of 10 square metres or more; where such development occurs— (a) within a watercourse; (b) in front of a development setback; or (c) if no development setback has been adopted, within 32 metres of a watercourse, measured from the edge of a watercourse; excluding the development of infrastructure or structures within existing ports or harbours that will not increase the development footprint of the port or harbour. c. Gauteng i. …; ii. …; iii. …; iv. Sites identified as Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) or Ecological Support Areas (ESAs) in the Gauteng Conservation Plan or in bioregional plans; v. Sites identified within threatened ecosystems listed in terms of the National Environmental Management Act: Biodiversity Act (Act No. 10 of 2004); vi. Sensitive areas identified in an environmental management framework adopted by the relevant environmental authority; vii. …; viii….; ix….; or x…


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2.5. Motivation for the proposed activity

The EMM Region’s F RSDF notes that the residential developments in Region F occur throughout the region with the high-income areas closer to the Alberton CBD to the west of the region between the R59 and N3,and the more densely developed housing. There are also 28 informal areas located to the east and south of the region. There are informal settlements in the region located within a 6 Kilometer radius of the site. These include Phola Park and Thinasonke. Thus, while there are residential developments throughout the region there is also clear backlog of housing provisioning. The signal of housing shortage in Region F is not only in the form of informal settlements but also through the existence of backyard dwelling structures. This is especially evident in the nearby settlements of Eden Park, Thinasonke and Green Fields. The older townships of Palm Ridge and Thokoza are also experiencing high levels of backyard dwellings. These conditions are prevalent in all the government low cost residential townships in the Region. The reality is however that the housing shortage in Region F, EMM at large and the province in general, is continuously growing and at a macro level is as a result of:

Unavailability of suitable land;

Stringent government policies,

escalating population growth; and

Poor economic viability.

In light of the above, it is evident that the proposed development will contribute in addressing the eminent housing challenges. Thus, the project will satisfy existing needs that include housing, economic empowerment, upgrade of infrastructure, and provision of a variety of housing typologies in the area.

2.5.1. Housing Need

There is a qualified need to address regional housing issues in the sub-region. The site on which the proposed township will be positioned is located south of the Alberton CBD and north of Meyerton. Although there are recently established residential developments, in the vicinity of the application site, these areas are still in dire need of affordable housing.

2.5.2. Economic Empowerment

The proposed development will contribute to establishment of employment opportunities to all income levels during the construction phase. These opportunities have the potential to be sustained beyond the construction phase of the project as a result of the location of the site in close proximity to Alberton CBD, R59 industrial corridor north of Meyerton. The proximity of employment opportunities to this development can benefit the residents of this proposed development. This will be in terms of reducing travel distances between workplace and residences. Economically, this development will also bring new business opportunities in the area. The linkages created between the proposed development and the already existing Watervalspruit residential development and industrial developments will contribute to overall increased value of the properties in the area. This will lead to stimulation of other economic activities in the area.

2.5.3. Upgrading of Infrastructure

The preliminary report on engineering services infrastructure indicates that there will be new and upgraded infrastructure associated with the proposed township development. Thus, through this development there


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will be efficient use of the existing infrastructure. This will lead to this part of the region further being developable in terms of infrastructure availability.

2.5.4. Variety of Housing Typologies

The proposed development will consist of a mixture of bonded stands with various housing options and typologies. In addition to the various housing typologies presented the development also has a number of community facilities and amenities that will make it a sustainable and integrated development. Through the EIA phase of the project additional investigations will be undertaken. Outcomes of these investigations will enhance information on need and desirability of the proposed development. Specific issues that will further be investigated and inform the EIA phase of the project are the following:

Availability of enough social facilities;

Rates and taxes payable to the authorities;

Job creation;

Economic viability of the proposed land use;

Impacts on surrounding property values;

Compatibility of the proposed land use with the surrounding land uses;

Possible objections from neighbours who prefer rural area/ lower residential densities;

Additional burden on services,

Traffic and damage to external roads; and

Security problems. The proposed development is a low-income residential initiative, at a basic level, meant to alleviate the housing pressures in Ekurhuleni and Midvaal municipalities. Furthermore, it will result in overall improvement of the economic conditions of the region. The extent of benefits and positive impacts of this proposed development shall be elucidated once investigations as part of the township establishment application process submitted to the EMM are completed. Also the additional investigations, specialist studies and public participation forming part of the EIA phase will result in more information being available in terms of needs and desirability of the development.

2.6. Description of Alternatives

The IEM procedure stipulates that the environmental investigation needs to consider feasible alternatives for any proposed development. Therefore, a number of possible proposals or alternatives for accomplishing the same objectives should be identified and investigated. The various alternatives are assessed in terms of both environmental acceptability as well as economic feasibility. The following alternatives are examples of the different kinds of alternatives that may be considered and investigated for a particular development:

Input alternatives;

Activity alternatives;

Location alternatives;

Status quo / no-go alternatives;

Demand alternatives / Supply alternatives;

Scheduling alternatives; and

Process alternatives.


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2.6.1. Input alternatives

Various types of material can be used for the construction of the proposed residential Township. These include different brick types (face brick, cement brick, etc.), roof types (pitched or flat), finishes (paint colour, external lighting, landscape features, etc.) and road surfacing (asphalt, brick paving). The proposed development should enhance the status of the area, be aesthetically pleasing and present a high order node in the area. Energy effective construction and orientation methods need to be considered. The following aspects regarding building structures and designs are recommended:

Use of building material that requires excessive amounts of energy to manufacture should be minimised;

Use of building material originating from sensitive or scarce environmental resources should be minimised, e.g. no tropical hardwood may be used;

Building material should be legally obtained by the supplier, e.g. wood must have been legally harvested, and sand should be obtained only from legal borrow pits and from commercial sources;

Building material that can be recycled / reused should be used rather than building material that cannot;

Use highly durable building material for parts of the building that is unlikely to be changed during the life of the building (unlikely to change due to e.g. renovation, fashion, changes in family life cycle) is highly recommended;

Make use of recycled concrete (green concrete); and

Make use of clay blocks for construction of buildings.

2.6.2. Activity alternatives

These are sometimes referred to as project alternatives, although the term activity can be used in a broad sense to embrace policies, plans and programmes as well as projects. Consideration of such alternatives requires a change in the nature of the proposed activity. Instead of residential development, consideration was given to develop the site for industrial purposes. However, due to the existence of the R59 Industrial Corridor immediately west of the site, it was concluded that potential industrial developments are extensively catered for in this area. An option of residential development in lieu of industrial developments viz. this option, was considered ideal. This is because this proposal addresses the housing backlog while complementing the existing industrial activities in terms of reduced commuter distance between work and residence. Furthermore, it will still contribute to job creation and overall economic development in the region.

2.6.3. Site/Location alternatives

No alternative sites have been considered by the proponent, as this site is owned by the proponent and is contiguous to areas/sites that have been developed by the applicant. Preliminary investigations concluded that the proposed site is the most suitable due to its ideal location in terms of the requirements for residential development. Moreover, this township forms part of the precinct that has already been authorised for development.

2.6.4. Demand alternatives

The residential sector in Gauteng, South Africa, has performed very well over the last few years. This increased performance results from the abnormally long and severe slump in “construction fixed investments” during the 1980’s and 1990’s. A typical “construction fixed investment” cycle should be in the region of 15-20 years. In the 80’s/90’s period of stagnation in South Africa, this cycle was almost two decades. Subsequently, the country’s economic growth has been on a broad, accelerating path, since the early 1990’s. Hence, the demand for economic and residential infrastructure has been established.


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2.6.5. Site layout alternatives

Site layout alternatives permit consideration of different spatial configurations of an activity on a particular site. This may include specific components of a proposed development or the entire activity. For example, siting of a particular structure either prominently to attract attention or screened from view to minimize aesthetic impacts. Furthermore, the site is surrounded by vacant land and is bordered by a river and wetland. Also, parts of the site are underlain by dolomite. As a result, the design of the layout had to incorporate environmentally sensitive portions of the site into an open pace system while ensuring that efficiency in circulation and linkages within the township are not adversely compromised. In addition, the layout had to be configured in such a manner that residential structures, forming part of the development, had to be excluded from the areas where dolomitic portions are located. Taking into account the elements mentioned above, additional layouts alternatives forming part of the EIA phase will be investigated and presented in the draft EIR.

Figure 8: Layout Alternative

2.6.6. Assessment of alternatives considered

Land uses choices as reflected in the layout, route alignment for the sewer line, Maxwell Drive extension and the no-go alternatives were evaluated for the site. Please refer to section 5 below where the different alternatives are assessed.


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2.6.7. Status quo / No-go alternatives

The no-go option was also considered. This entails leaving the site in its present state as property where agricultural activities, in the form of vegetable production, is practiced. While maintaining agricultural productivity on land with high agricultural potential, this would however result in lost opportunity to contribute to the growth of the region in terms of overall urban development projections. Specific opportunities that would not be realised are in terms of contributing to addressing the housing backlog, job creation, and overall economic development in Region F and Meyerton. While, the Spatial Development Framework acknowledges the agricultural productivity of the site, provides that a separate study was conducted as part of the MSDF review to identify the real potential of agriculture within the EMM with specific reference to the vast land resource of the present EMM. Based on the natural resources such as water availability, geology, soil potential, climate and proximity to towns, five development zones were identified. The zones also take into consideration the demand for land by the previously disadvantaged and the benefit gained by the specific location of ORTIA. The said zones do not include this site but SDF earmarks this area where the application site located for mixed development Further, the MSDF Review document of 2011 provides that all land identified and classified as high potential agricultural land but incorporated completely within the boundaries of the urban edge will not be regarded as viable land for future agricultural development. In addition, the Gauteng EMF identifies the area as falling within the Urban Development Zone where agriculture is not a preferred use. Therefore, retaining the site for agricultural purposes will not be in accordance with the key provincial and municipal spatial plans and will lead to missed opportunities as identified above Given that preliminary assessment does not point to any environmental fatal flaws but that the site is strategically located and lends itself well for the intended use. Also, its development is likely to contribute substantially to addressing the housing backlog, economic development, employment creation and that the wetland, riverine and dolomitic areas will not be adversely affected. It is therefore considered proper that development of the site might be a better option from economic, social and environmental perspectives. This shall be confirmed through the detailed assessment to be conducted through the EIR process.


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3. LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY CONTEXT This section serves to highlight key legislation and policy framework that has implications on the proposed activity. It must be noted that this list is not exhaustive but notes, at high level, the critical laws and policies that have been considered.

3.1. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act No. 108 of 1996

All environmental aspects should be interpreted within the context of the Constitution. The Constitution has enhanced the status of the environment by virtue of the fact that environmental rights have been established (Section 24) and because other rights created in the Bill of Rights may impact on environmental management. An objective of local government is to provide a safe and healthy environment (Section 152) and public administration must be accountable, transparent and encourage participation (Section 195(1)(e) to (g)). Implications for the proposed development:

Obligation to ensure that proposed activity will not result in pollution and/or ecological degradation;

Obligation to ensure that where possible conservation is promoted; and

Obligation to ensure that the proposed activity is ecologically sustainable, while demonstrating economic and social benefits.

3.2. The National Environmental Management Act No.107 of 1998

The National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA) is South Africa’s overarching legislative framework for environmental management. Act establishes the principles for decision-making on matters affecting the environment, institutions that will promote co-operative governance, and procedures for co-ordinating environmental functions exercised by organs of state. It sets out a number of principles that aim to give effect to the environmental policy of South Africa. These principles are designed to, amongst others, serve as a general framework for environmental planning, as guidelines by reference to which organs of state must exercise their functions and guide other laws concerned with the protection or management of the environment. Chapter 5 of NEMA serves to promote integrated environmental management which must place people and their needs at the forefront of its concerns, and serve their physical, psychological, developmental, cultural and social interests equitably. Development must be socially, environmentally and economically sustainable. Sustainable development therefore requires the consideration of all relevant factors. In terms of the NEMA and the EIA Regulations, 2014, an application for environmental authorisation for certain listed activities must be submitted to either the provincial environmental authority, or the national authority, depending on the types of activities being applied for. The current EIA regulations, GN R.982, GN R.983, GN R.984 and GN R.985, promulgated in terms of Sections 24(5), 24M and 44 of the NEMA commenced on 08 December 2014. GN R.983 lists those activities for which a Basic Assessment is required, GN R.984 lists the activities requiring a full EIA (Scoping and Impact Assessment phases) and GN R.985 lists certain activities and competent authorities in specific identified geographical areas. GN R.982 defines the EIA processes that must be undertaken to apply for Environmental Authorisation. The listed activities that are applicable to this project are identified in Section 2 above. Implications for the proposed development

The principles espoused in NEMA serve as guidelines for relevant decision makers in ensuring the protection of the environment. Therefore, the proposed development must be consistent with these principles.

Where this is not possible, deviation from these principles would have to be very strongly motivated;


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The activity may not take place without the required authorization; and

Both the Scoping and EIAR processes will have to be informed by these principles and include public participation, the outcomes of these are to be incorporated into the final reports.

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

One of the main objectives of the NEMWA is to provide for the regulation of waste management in order to protect health and the environment by providing reasonable measures for the prevention of pollution and ecological degradation and for securing ecologically sustainable development. The Act provides:

National norms and standards for regulating the management of waste by all spheres of government;

Specific waste management measures including: o The licensing and control of waste management activities; o The remediation of contaminated land; o to provide for the national waste information system; and o Compliance and enforcement mechanisms.

In terms of the NEMWA, certain waste management activities must be licensed and in terms of Section 44 of the Act, the licensing procedure must be integrated with an environmental impact assessment process in accordance with the EIA Regulations promulgated in terms of the NEMA. Government Notice 921, which was published in Government Gazette No.37083, on 29 November 2013 and implemented with immediate effect, lists the waste management activities that require licensing. A distinction is made between Category A waste management activities, which require a Basic Assessment, and Category B activities, which require a full EIA (Scoping followed by Impact Assessment) Implications for the development:

Any activities listed in GN 718 of the Waste Act require an EIA.

Waste generated by the activity must be managed in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

3.4. The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, Act 10 of 2004

The Act provides for the management and conservation of South Africa’s biodiversity within the framework of the NEMA. This Act allows for 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 bio-prospecting involving indigenous biological resources and the establishment and functions of the South African National Biodiversity Institute. Key elements of the Act are:

The identification, protection and management of species of high conservation value;

The identification, protection and management of ecosystems and areas of high biodiversity value;

Biodiversity Initiatives such as the STEP (Subtropical Thicket Ecosystem Plan) and CAPE (Cape Action Plan for People and Environment) may become accepted as bioregional plans and are thus implemented as legislation;

Alien invasive species control of which the management responsibility is directed to the landowner; and

Section 53 of the Act identifies that any process or activity that is regarded as a threatening process in terms of a threatened ecosystem, requires environmental authorization via a full Environmental Impact Assessment (Government Notice No. 387).

Implications for the current development: There were no ecologically endangered species encountered on the site; the majority of the site was identified as degraded grassland. The freshwater habitat unit of the site does however provide suitable habitat for the red listed species S. umbelluliferum, however the likelihood for any individuals to utilise the freshwater habitat unit is low due to severe habitat degradation.


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3.5. Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA)

The Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act “SPLUMA”, 2013 (Act 16 of 2013) intends to provide a uniform framework for spatial planning and land use management in the republic. It seeks to promote consistency and uniformity in procedures and decision-making in spatial planning. The objective of the Act are as follows: • Provide for a uniform, effective and comprehensive system of spatial planning and land use

management for the Republic; • Ensure that the system of spatial planning and land use management promotes social and economic

inclusion; • Provide for development principles and norms and standards; • Provide for sustainable and efficient use of land; • Provide for cooperative government and intergovernmental relations amongst the national, provincial

and local spheres of government; and • Redress the imbalances of the past and to ensure that there is equity in the application of spatial

development planning and land use management systems. Implications for the proposed development:

The principles espoused in SPLUMA apply to all organs of state and other authorities responsible for the implementation of legislation regulating the use and development of land. Therefore, decisions on the proposed development must be consistent with these principles.

Where this is not possible, deviation from these principles would have to be very strongly motivated.

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

The National Water Act (The Act) provides for the management of South Africa’s water resources. The purpose of the Act is to ensure that the Republic’s water resources are protected, used, developed, conserved and controlled. It is concerned with the allocation of equitable access and the conservation of water resources within South Africa. The National Water Act of 1998 repealed many of the powers and functions of the Water Act of 1956. Key provisions include the following: • Catchment Areas - Any disturbance to a watercourse such as the construction of a dam or weir type

facility requires authorization from the Department of Water and Sanitation. • Water Supply - Under the Act, a developer is required to obtain the necessary permits for water usage

and the disposal of wastewater from the authority responsible for the administration of the Act. • Any private well or borehole sunk for the abstraction of groundwater has to be reported and registered

with the regulatory authority. • Wastewater - The National Water Act is the principal piece of South African legislation governing

wastewater management.

Implications for the proposed development: • Any proposed water uses must be specified and registered and/or licensed; • Any modifications to drainage lines on site must be investigated in terms of water use requirements; • The developers are responsible for taking reasonable measures to prevent pollution of water resources

that it owns, controls, occupy or uses on the land in question; • The developers are required to remedy a situation where pollution of a water resource occurs following

an emergency incident and where it is responsible for the incident or owns or is in control of the substance involved;

• The applicant must take all reasonable measures to minimise the impacts of the incident, undertake clean-up procedures, remedy the effects of the incident and implement measures as directed; and

• Waste created during construction needs to be controlled adequately to negate the impacts on ground and surface water.


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3.7. Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (Act No. 43 of 1983)

This act provides for control over the utilization of natural agricultural resources of South Africa in order to promote the conservation of soil, water sources and the vegetation. It also aims to combat weeds and invader plants; and for matters connecting therewith. Implications for the proposed development: According to the Gauteng Agricultural Potential Atlas (GAPA 3) the proposed development is located in a area with high agricultural potential. That it is noted that proposed development will have significant impact on agricultural resources. In this regard Zimpande Research Collaborative (ZRC) was appointed to conduct a soil, land use and land capability assessment. Further detailed investigations are also planned for EIA phase in order to address the possible loss of high agricultural potential land.

3.8. The National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act 25 of 1999)

The Act aims to promote the good management of the national estate of South Africa which can include: • Places, buildings, structures and equipment of cultural significance; • Places to which oral traditions are attached or that are associated with living heritage; • Historical settlements and townscapes; • Geological sites of scientific or cultural importance; • Archaeological and palaeontological sites; • Graves and burial grounds, including:

o Ancestral graves o Royal graves and graves of traditional leaders o Graves of victims of conflict o Graves of individuals designated by the Minister by notice in the Gazette o Historical graves and cemeteries

• Other human remains covered by the Human Tissue Act, 1983 (Act No 65 of 1983). • Sites of significance relating to the history of slavery in South Africa.

In terms of Section 38 of the Act, the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) must be notified during the early planning phases of a project for any development that includes the following activities: • The construction of a road, wall, powerline, pipeline, canal or other similar form of linear development

or barrier exceeding 300m in length any development or other activity which will change the character of a site exceeding 5 000 m² in extent o involving three or more existing erven or subdivisions thereof o involving three or more erven or divisions thereof which have been consolidated within the past

five years o the costs of which will exceed a sum set in terms of regulations by SAHRA or a provincial heritage

resources authority • The re-zoning of a site exceeding 10 000 m² in extent, or • Any other category of development provided for in regulations by SAHRA or a provincial heritage

resources authority.

Implications for the proposed development: • Any artefacts uncovered during the construction phase must be reported to SAHRA; • Development may not alter or demolish any structure or part of a structure, which is older than 60 years

or disturb any archaeological or palaeontological site or grave older than 60 years without a permit issued by the relevant provincial heritage resources authority; and

• SAHRA must be informed of the proposed development and provided an opportunity to comment. This may result in the need for a basic heritage assessment.


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3.9. The Gauteng Provincial Environmental Management Framework, 2015

The objective of the GPEMF is to guide sustainable land use management within the Gauteng Province. The GPEMF, inter alia, serve the following purposes: • To provide a strategic and overall framework for environmental management in Gauteng; • Align sustainable development initiatives with the environmental resources, developmental pressures,

as well as the growth imperatives of Gauteng; • Determine geographical areas where certain activities can be excluded from an EIA process; and • Identify appropriate, inappropriate and conditionally compatible activities in various Environmental

Management Zones in a manner that promotes proactive decision-making.

Implications for the proposed development: According to the Gauteng EMF, the site is located within the Urban Development Zone (Zone 1) with the exception of the wetland and the river on the southern and southwestern boundary of the site. In terms of the intentions of the EMF, this zone is is expected to accommodate urban development in line with the provisions of the Gauteng Spatial Development Framework. The proposed residential development will be subjected to the prescripts of various government policy in general and the provisions of the spatial tools including the EMF in particular.

3.10. Metropolitan Municipality Spatial Development Framework 2015

The Municipal Spatial Development Framework (read with the Regional Spatial Development Framework) constitute the core component of a municipality’s economic, sectoral, spatial, social, institutional, environmental vision; a tool to achieve the desired spatial form of a municipality. The Region F Spatial Development Framework present the strategic vision for the future spatial growth of the region. According to the RSDF, the site is located within a mixed use development node. It is close to the border of the EMM with the Midvaal Municipality.

Figure 9: Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Spatial Development Framework excerpt

According to the MSDF, Nixed Land Uses include a diverse land use combination, including residential uses and other uses compatible with residential uses, such as retail, offices, parks and open spaces, general business and entertainment. Further, the MSDF defines Mixed Use Development as an approach that is used


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to promote a more diverse combination of land uses, and to improve the economic and social viability areas of development. The proposed residential township has this portions retained as undeveloped open space zoned as “Public Open Space” as indicated 6 above. This is also in line with the requirements of the Ekurhuleni Biodiversity and Open Space Strategy. The SDF also recognises the proximity of the Midvaals R59 Corridor to this part of the region where the application site is located. In this regard it is indicated that the area within the Midvaal Local Municipality that is most related to Region F of the EMM remains the most northern part of the R59 development corridor that is already extensively developed. It further states that the that the R59 Development Corridor still has substantial development opportunity and growth potential. In light of the above, the implications for the proposed development, in terms of the SFD prescripts, is that of being a complementary and supportive land use. The proposed residential development serves to complement and support the mixed use envisioned for this area of Region F. The proposed development also complements and serve to support the R59 Development Corridor extending into the Midvaal Local Municipality.

3.11. Other policies, plans and guideline documents

Other policies, municipal plans and guideline documents that are relevant to the project are listed below: • Electricity Act (Act 41 of 1987); • White Paper on Renewable Energy (2003); • Integrated Resource Plan for South Africa (2010); • National Road Traffic Act (Act No. 93 of 1996); • Gauteng Employment Growth and Development Strategy; and • Gauteng 2055 (2014).


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4. DESCRIPTION OF THE BIOPHYSICAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENTS This section describes the biophysical and socio-economic environment that may influence or be affected by the development while establishing the baseline conditions of the site. This includes information obtained from literature sources and is described at a level deemed appropriate for a Scoping study. A summary of the affected environment is provided, and more detailed studies focused on significant environmental aspects of the development will be provided during the impact assessment phase. The three components to the environment are recognised as: • Physical Environment; • Biological Environment; • Socio-Economic Environment.

4.1. Physical Environment

4.1.1. Climate

Alberton is used as a reference point for the climatic information of the of study area. Alberton lies on 1623m above sea level. The study site however lies 1482m above sea level as indicated in the topographic map presented in figure 14. The climate is warm and temperate. The summers have a good deal of rainfall, while the winters have very little. The climate is classified as Cwb by the Köppen-Geiger system. The average annual temperature is 16.2 °C in Alberton. Precipitation is about 723 mm per year.

Figure 10: Alberton monthly climate chart

The driest month is July, with 6 mm of rainfall. Most of the precipitation falls in January, averaging 126 mm. The warmest month of the year is January, with an average temperature of 20.5 °C. July is the coldest month, with temperatures averaging 9.9 °C.


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Figure 11:: Alberton monthly average temperature

The difference in precipitation between the driest month and the wettest month is 120 mm. Throughout the year, temperatures vary by 10.6 °C.

Figure 12: Average rainfall in 10 years


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4.1.2. Topography

The topography of the area is relatively flat and open, with no rocky ridges or outcrops present. The gradient is fairly flat with a gradual slope in a south-easterly direction towards the Klip River. The area has been extensively used for agricultural practices with crop growing and ploughing impacting heavily on the area. The largest portion of the development area is currently under agricultural fields.

Figure 13: Topographic map of the study site

4.1.3. Geology and soils

The RSDF of Region F of the EMM stipulates that, the development potential of Region F is affected by the presence of dolomite, with specifically the eastern half of the region dominated by dolomite. In this regard, the majority of Region F (69%) is affected by dolomite and most of the existing urban development is on dolomitic land. Furthermore, a pilot study was in the past commissioned by the EMM to promote development of housing on certain classes of dolomitic land. This was with the aim of enabling the development of land currently isolated due to the dolomitic conditions. Therefore, the proposed development is aligned with EMM’s efforts of maximising dolomitic developable land for housing purposes. Figure 4 below, sourced from the RSDF of Region F, provides an indication of the location of dolomite.

Figure 14: Dolomite and Dolomite Hazard Zones


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The preliminary geotechnical investigations have confirmed that the site is underlain by dolomite (Figure 14). In terms of the assessment, the site can be divided into 4 (four) Dolomite Hazard Zones, Zones 1-4. The major part of the site is under Zone 2. Zones 3-4 form small pockets within the site. Detailed geotechnical investigations will form part of the EIA phase of the project. The geotechnical investigations will include stability investigations for the proposed residential structures and foundations characteristics requirements. The same will also inform the installation of engineering infrastructure on site. In terms of soils, the site is dominated by good agricultural soils (Vaalbos/Nkonkoni, Lichtenburg and Besthesda). In total, seven (7) soil forms were identified within the study area and these include Vaalbos/Nkonkoni, Lichtenburg, Besthesda, Katspruit (wetland soil), Dundee (wetland soil), Glenrosa/Mispah (lithic soils) and Witbank (Anthropogenically disturbed soils). The dominant soils are considered ideal for cultivation due to:

Good drainage characteristics;

Sufficient depth for root growth;

Adequate moisture; and

Nutrient retention capacity to support the optimum growth and production.

The shallow soils of Glenrosa/Mispah formation are soils associated with poor physical properties for plant root system penetration and water infiltration, due to the limiting impeding layer of the underlying parent material. These soil forms (Glenrosa and/or Mispah) are also highly susceptible to erosion due to their poor hydraulic conductivity, thus not suitable for commercial agricultural cultivation. The Katspruit and Dundee soil forms (wetland soils) are generally limited to supporting plants that are tolerant to prolonged wet conditions (i.e. hydrophytes). These soils, as they are associated with wetlands are of low agricultural potential due to various limiting factors such as high clay content and waterlogging conditions, thus creating anaerobic conditions not suitable for most cultivated crops. The Witbank (Anthrosols) soil forms are soils which have been subjected to physical disturbance as a result of human interventions. Such interventions include transportation and deposition of the earth material containing soil.

4.1.4. Wetlands and riverine environment

There are wetlands, a river and floodline areas located on the south and southwestern portion of the site. According to the wetland delineation and assessment, three (3) hydrogeomorphic (HGM) units were identified within the study area, including a Channelled Valley Bottom (CVB) wetland, a seep wetland and the Kliprivier which could mostly be defined as forming part of a channelled valley bottom wetland with the upper portions best described as riverine with an associated riparian zone. An unnamed tributary of the Kliprivier was identified to the south of the study area, within the investigation area wherein various artificial impoundments (e.g. dams) were identified. Review of the digital imagery and confirmed during the site visit a section of the unnamed tributary of the Kliprivier has been severely modified as a result of agricultural activities, and the lower reach has been formalised by means of an excavated channel from the spillway of the artificial impoundment to the Kliprivier, located to the south west of the study area. The artificial impoundments (dams) and excavated channel were likely constructed as part of the irrigation requirements for the agricultural activities occurring within the study area and to increase the area which could be cultivated using dryland techniques in the past. Vegetation comprised mainly grass and forb species with few facultative wetland species noted. A CVB wetland was identified to be associated with the portion of the Kiprivier on the western boundary of the study area. The CVB wetland was dominated by Pennisetum clandestinum and Mirabilis japas as well as Salix babylonica, all of which are Alien and Invasive Plant (AIP) species.


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The identified HGM units were characterised according to the classification system (Ollis et al., 2013) as an inland system (i.e. a system having no existing connection to the ocean, but which is inundated or saturated with water, either permanently or periodically), located within the Highveld Aquatic Ecoregion. The applicable wetland vegetation (WetVeg) group is the Dry Highveld Grassland Group 5 Wetland Vegetation Type, which is considered to be least threatened (Mbona et al. 2015). The characterisation of the identified watercourses is summarised in the Table below. Table 6: Characterisation of the watercourses associated with the site

Give the need to protect these important features Scientific Aquatic Services has been appointed to conduct a wetland assessment and delineation. The outcomes of the wetland assessment and delineation investigations will form part of the EIA phase of the project.

Figure 15: Wetland and riverine areas


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4.1.5. Flood lines

The site is affected by the 1:100-year flood line of the Klip River and its tributary. These are located along the the south, south-west and south eastern portions of the site. The township layout and proposed land uses for the site, at this stage, have earmarked affected areas to be zoned “Public Open Space” and used for conservation purposes. The final determination and certification of the floodlines is currently underway. The outcomes of the floodline investigations will form part of the EIA phase of the project.

4.2. Biological Environment

Scientific Terrestrial Services (STS) was appointed to conduct a faunal and floral ecological assessment as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process for the proposed industrial development. The specific outcomes for the said study included the requirement to: • Determine and describe habitat types, communities and the ecological state of the study area and to

rank each habitat type based on conservation importance and ecological sensitivity; • Provide inventories of floral and faunal species as encountered within the study area; • Identify and consider all sensitive landscapes including rocky ridges, wetlands and other special

features; • Conduct a Red Data Listed (RDL) floral and faunal species assessment as well as an assessment of other

Species of Conservation Concern (SCC), including the potential for such species to occur within the site; • Provide detailed information to guide the activities associated with the proposed development activities

within the study area; and • Ensure the ongoing functioning of the ecosystem in such a way as to support local and regional

conservation requirements and the provision of ecological services in the local area. The sections below present a summary of the findings of the study.

4.2.1. Approach to ecological assessment

A faunal and floral ecological assessment was undertaken. All the ecological features of the study area were considered, and sensitive areas were assessed and mapped by means of a Global Positioning System (GPS). A Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to project these features onto satellite imagery. The sensitivity map should guide the final design and layout of the proposed development activities. Background information on the terrestrial ecology of the site indicates that the study area is situated within the Vulnerable (VU) Carletonville Dolomite Grassland (Gh15) vegetation type. Although this is the case, the study areas is also generally disturbed as it has been utilised for crop cultivation since at least 1941. The entire study area was cultivated at some point or another. Further, the site is currently utilised for crop cultivation, with the major part of the site either cultivated or left to fallow as indicated below.


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Figure 16: Historical satellite imagery of the site indicating agriculture use

4.2.2. Status of floral and habitats

The faunal and floral ecological assessment outcomes are herein presented in terms of: • Status of habitats of the site; • Status of flora; • Status of medicinal plants; and • Status of fauna.

4.2.2.1. Status of habitats on site Habitat degradation in the study area has been severe due to continuous agricultural activities. The southern portion of the study area has been allowed to recover with no crop cultivation in this portion since 2006. The vegetation associated with the study area can therefore be defined as secondary grassland. From the study three habitat units were identified, namely Freshwater Habitat, Secondary Grassland and Transformed Habitat. These are depicted below.


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Figure 17: Conceptual illustration of the habitat units within the study area

4.2.2.2. Secondary Grassland This habitat unit includes all portions to the south no longer utilised in an agricultural capacity, as well as the north-eastern corner, which is also no longer associated with crop cultivation, but which has been allowed to return to a grassland state. The conclusions made in terms of conservation status on this habitat were that: • The secondary grassland habitat is classified within the Gauteng Conservation Plan V3.3 (2011) as an

ESA; • Despite the severely degraded nature of this habitat unit, this habitat unit can be considered an ESA as

the Klip River is situated to the west (classified as a CBA), as it serves as a buffer zone between the Klip River, and surrounding agricultural activities; and

• This habitat unit is therefore of intermediate conservation significance. The conclusions made in terms of implications of the proposed development on this habitat were that: • There are no development constraints associated with this habitat unit, with the proposed development

not expected to have a significant impact on the floral ecology of the local area; • While the study area is situated within the Vulnerable (VU) Carletonville Dolomite Grassland (Gh15)

vegetation type., the current species composition and structure is not representative of the Carletonville Dolomite Grassland ecosystem;

• The immediate surroundings have been largely transformed into agricultural fields and provides little opportunity for the re-establishment of floral communities typically associated with this Grassland ecosystem;

• This habitat unit border the freshwater habitat, particularly that is associated with the Klip River, and Seep Wetland, which is of increased conservation significance;

• Preservation of these features is important, and edge effects arising from ground clearing and operational activities within the secondary grassland habitat should be strictly managed and monitored throughout all phases of the development;


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• Of utmost importance is management and monitoring of Alien and Invasive Plant (AIP) species surrounding the fence perimeter, particularly to the south where freshwater habitat is located in order to minimise impacts from edge effects;

• AIP abundance within this habitat unit is considered extensive, and as such all vegetation removed during ground clearing activities should be immediately placed within a waste disposal bin, and be removed to a registered waste facility as soon as possible, and not be allowed to be dumped within the study area, in order to limit the spread of AIPs to surrounding sensitive habitat; and

• Implementing AIP monitoring and control prior to ground clearing activities, as well as continuous monitoring and maintenance throughout the construction phase will lower rehabilitation costs and efforts during the operational phase of the development.

4.2.2.3. Freshwater Habitat This habitat unit includes the Klip River, forming the south-western boundary, as well as a seep wetland within the southern portion of the study area feeding into the Klip River. The freshwater habitat also includes an artificial impoundment and canal instream of the seep wetland.

The conclusions made in terms of conservation status on this habitat were that: • The freshwater habitat unit is classified as a CBA within the Gauteng Conservation Plan V3.3 (2011); • The dataset indicates the CBA to be important for orange listed plants and plant habitat as well as for

primary vegetation; • The freshwater habitat unit does however provide suitable habitat for the red listed species S.

umbelluliferum, however the likelihood for any individuals to utilise the freshwater habitat unit is low due to severe habitat degradation as described above; and

• The freshwater habitat unit also support orange listed species as recorded during the field assessment. Watercourses further serves as landscape corridors and are of increased conservation importance.

The conclusions made in terms of implications of the proposed development on this habitat were that: • The freshwater habitat is of intermediate importance and sensitivity from a floral biodiversity resource

management perspective; • The presence of increased moisture has resulted in differentiated habitat within the area, supporting

floral populations that are not present within adjacent grassland habitat; and • The freshwater habitat within the study area, however, consists of largely degraded vegetation, with no

unique wetland species recorded. Instead, the species are commonly occurring, widespread species and many are associated with disturbed areas; The freshwater habitat unit does however support orange listed floral SCC.

• Although suitable habitat has been recorded for S. umbelluliferum (NT), the likelihood for individuals occurring within this particular portion of the freshwater habitat has been significantly reduced due to the high levels of habitat degradation of the freshwater habitat;

• The wetland-specific species are also not representative of the reference vegetation type and thus do not significantly contribute towards floral diversity within the area.

• From a floral perspective, the proposed development is unlikely to result in significant impacts on the conservation of floral communities associated with the freshwater habitat at a local or regional scale:

• Despite the existing edge effect impacts arising from agriculture on the freshwater habitat, some ecological functionality remains intact.

• To limit impacts to floral ecology within the area, the development footprint must as far as possible be contained to the transformed and secondary grassland habitat units, and edge effects on surrounding natural areas should be minimised:

• It is recommended that this habitat unit be excluded from the proposed development. • It will be important to ensure that current alien species do not spread, and that new alien species are

not introduced. • An AIP Management and Control Plan is thus highly recommended.


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4.2.2.4. Transformed Habitat This habitat unit includes all areas currently cultivated or which has been left to fallow. Also included in this habitat unit is a portion on the eastern boundary utilised as workers housing, and storerooms associated with the agricultural activities. The conclusions that made in terms of conservation status on this habitat were that, due to the highly degraded nature of this habitat unit and the inability of the habitat to support a large diversity of floral species, this habitat unit is of low conservation importance The conclusions made in terms of implications of the proposed development on this habitat were that: • This habitat unit is of low ecological importance and sensitivity due to the level of habitat degradation; • There are no development constraints associated with this habitat unit, and the impact on biodiversity

as a result of the proposed development is considered low; and • Due to the area already being exposed to disturbances and showing signs of being susceptible to AIP

proliferation, care must be taken to limit edge effects on the surrounding natural areas.

4.2.2.5. Conclusion and recommendations on status site of habitats The conclusion and recommendations on the biodiversity assessment were that the study area has been severely degraded. Also, that the vegetation of the study area can no longer be classified as Primary Carletonville Dolomite Grassland. Based on the impact assessment, the impact of the proposed development on floral habitat, diversity and Species of Conservation Concern (SCC) is considered to be medium low to low significance impacts, without mitigation implemented, provided that the freshwater habitat unit and associated regulatory zones (SAS 220024, 2020) are excluded from the development. These impacts are likely to be higher should the freshwater habitat unit not be excluded. With mitigation fully implemented all impacts can be reduced to low and very low significance from a floral biodiversity impact point of view.

4.2.2.6. Floral Species of Conservation Concern No SANBI Red Data Listed species were observed on site. Suitable habitat for the Near Threatened Stenostelma umbelluliferum are available within the freshwater habitat unit. This species often thrives in disturbed areas, where a lack of competition allows for the establishment of seedlings. Although large portions of the freshwater habitat unit (seep wetland) has historically been cultivated, and subsequently increased disturbance associated with the habitat unit, the current vegetation comprises dense vegetation with no open soil patches observed. As this species dies back to an underground tuber during winter, it is unlikely that it would be able to re-emerge through the dense vegetation, and it is unlikely that this species will be associated with the freshwater habitat unit within the study area. Notwithstanding the above, watercourses are legally protected and should be excluded together with its regulatory zones (SAS 220024, 2020) from development. A few individuals of the provincially protected species Crinum macowanii were observed within the freshwater habitat unit. This habitat unit further provides suitable habitat for Eucomis autumnalis. Both of these species are of least concern nationally.

4.2.2.7. Medicinal plant species Medicinal plant species are not necessarily indigenous species, with many of them regarded as alien invasive weeds. The site is noted to have a few medical plants with the highest diversity of medicinal species recorded amongst the forb layer. The table below presents a list of dominant plant species with traditional medicinal value and the plant parts traditionally used, which were identified on site.


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Table 7: Medical plant species found on site

The species listed in the table above are common, widespread species and not confined to the study area, with approximately 50% of medicinal species recorded also considered as AIPs. A few individuals of the provincially protected species Crinum macowanii were recorded within the study area. All individuals were observed within the freshwater habitat. The freshwater habitat unit should be excluded from the proposed development. This will limit the impact on medicinal species. There are subsequently no other risks to medicinal species populations within the larger region, or locally, and the impact on medicinal plant species arising from the proposed development is considered limited.


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Figure 18: Floral Sensitivity map of the study area

4.2.3. Status of fauna and habitats

Similar to the floral habitat, the faunal habitat comprised of three broad faunal habitat units Secondary Grassland Habitat, Freshwater Habitat and Transformed Habitat. Refer to figure 12 above for the different habitat units. 4.2.3.1. Secondary grassland habitat This habitat unit comprises of stands of moderately dense short grassland which are largely situated adjacent to watercourses on historically cultivated potions of the Grassland. The unit is absent of any unique landscape features limiting habitat heterogeneity. Nevertheless, good grazing is provided within the grassland habitat and this broad unit will likely support a moderately low diversity and abundance of faunal species. These locations do not undergo cyclic destruction, which occurs in the agricultural fields allowing faunal assemblages to be sustained. High competition for resources is likely within the remaining areas of Grassland Habitat in the study area.

4.2.3.2. Freshwater habitat The watercourse vegetation unit includes artificial dams and an unchanneled valley bottom wetland. These locations are associated with saturated soils so limited habitat is suitable for fossorial fauna. This habitat unit largely mimics the adjacent Secondary grassland in structure (besides dense reeds in the artificial impoundment) with moderately dense low stands of grass, herbs and forbs occurring. It was further noted that this habitat unit is largely absent of trees, even adjacent to the river. The unit is largely homogenous in vegetation structure and supports the highest diversity and abundance of waterfowl, mammals and invertebrates within the study area. This habitat also provides good grazing for herbivores and serves as an important corridor for movement of fauna within the largely transformed study area.


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4.2.3.3. Transformed habitat The Transformed Habitat refers to areas in which the agricultural fields occur. The homogenous nature of these monoculture locations offer almost no sustainable habitat for fauna and are considered of very little conservation value. Alien plants have invaded many of the fallow fields and are a source for the further spread of Alien Invasive Plants (AIP). The constant transformation and anthropogenic activity within this habitat unit will be a constant disturbance for any fauna. Notably, two SCC, Falco amurensis (Amur Falcon, VU) and Falco vespertinus (Red-footed Falcon, NT) will likely utilize this habitat for foraging only.

4.2.3.4. Mammal species of conservation concern From the floral ecological assessment, no mammal Species of Conservation Concern (SCC) were recorded. The potential presence of other SCC is also highly unlikely due to the transformed nature of the study area and the constant human agricultural activities. The conclusions made in terms of implications of the proposed development on mammal species of conservation concern in the study area were that: • The observed mammal assemblage and activity in the study area was low; • The transformation of much of the study area and surrounding localities has severely reduced the

habitat availability for mammals and reduced any suitable corridors for movement of mammals onto and out of the study area from source populations;

• The reduced landscape heterogeneity (general grassland habit of the area offers very little alternative habitats for specialist species or species with specific niche requirement (e.g. rocky areas or ridges)) further reduces the sensitivity of the area;

• The reduced abundance and activity of mammals is likely a direct result of human movement through the site and direct persecution of mammals by humans and their domestic animals (cats and dogs) infringing on the study area;

• Higher human competition for space and resources coupled with constant disturbance and direct persecution has resulted in a less sensitive mammal assemblage; and

• Mammal diversity is largely restricted to a few common species (Common duiker and Scrub Hares) with unsuitable habitat available for rare and specialist species.

Considering the above, the study area is of low ecological sensitivity in terms of mammal conservation. Furthermore, impacts to mammal species as a result of the proposed development will be low in terms of the loss of habitat and abundance.

4.2.3.5. Avifauna species of conservation concern From the floral ecological assessment, no avifuanal SCC were encountered. The 2015 Eskom Red Data Book of Birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland indicates that suitable foraging habitat and species distributions of two SCC, namely: Falco amurensis (Amur Falcon, VU) and Falco vespertinus (Red-footed Falcon, NT) occurs within the study area. Both these species are migrants and do not breed in the region. Notwithstanding the above, the Grassland habitat unit supports a relatively low diversity of birds largely due to its small extent and limited resources availability for birds adapted to this unit. The Freshwater Habitat which included both wetlands and a perennial river offers suitable habitat for waterfowl. The freshwater habitat exhibited a high in avifaunal abundance offering unique habitat for birds, especially the artificial impoundment, yet diversity was restricted to mostly common species. The agricultural fields within the Transformed Habitat will offer habitat in the short term for birds. Following harvesting little habitat will be provided by the barren landscape remaining. Notably, these transformed areas are known to be suitable for Falco amurensis (Amur Falcon, VU) and Falco vespertinus (Red-footed Falcon, NT) to forage. Taller indigenous and exotic trees and power lines will provide habitat for mostly commonly


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occurring bird species and will provide suitable roosting areas for many birds from the adjacent habitats while also providing location for perch hunting raptor species. The conclusions made in terms of implications of the proposed development on avifauna species of conservation concern in the study area were that: • Overall, the avifaunal sensitivity associated with the study area is intermediate with an intermediate

diversity of avifaunal species observed. • Species abundance levels vary within the study area in accordance with available food resources, rainfall

and seasonal changes, with some avifaunal species migrating north during the winter months. • Freshwater habitats offer valuable habitat for waterfowl. • Clearing of vegetation for the proposed township development, facilities for on-site personnel and the

linear developments associated with the access roads will have a direct impact on habitat availability in these areas, leading to localised migration of many avifaunal species to adjacent habitats and result in the loss of diversity within the study area.

• Species that relocate into the surrounding areas will be subject to higher levels of competition for food resources and space. Impacts to avifaunal species within the study area will result in the localised loss of habitat and avian abundance, whilst edge effects such as noise, dust and footprint creep will impact on avifaunal species in the immediate vicinity of the any proposed development.

• Changes in abundance are foreseen if the proposed township development is to occur on the study area however diversity is unlikely to be affected.

• Additionally, the increased movement of vehicles traveling to and from the study area increases the risk of vehicles striking and killing avifaunal species.

4.2.3.6. Amphibians species of conservation concern From the floral ecological assessment, no amphibian SCC were observed. Nonetheless, the Freshwater Habitat offers the best habitat for amphibians within the study area with suitable year-round habitat for foraging and breeding. Although much of this unit was previously cultivated it has been allowed to recover and is largely intact. This unit will offer a suitable corridor for the movement of amphibians, maintaining the flow of genetic material, from the Kliprivier and its adjoining tributary in the south and south eastern border of the study area. The Transformed habitat unit, which covers the majority of the site, does not provide the best location for amphibians as they would risk desiccation or may be killed due to agricultural activities. As such, the overall habitat integrity is considered to be Intermediate. Habitat for amphibians is most suitable within the Freshwater habitat unit where a river flows and the soils are saturated for much of the year which is favourable for amphibians who often require moist epidermis’s for respiration. This habitat unit will provide habitat throughout the year and not just temporarily during the summer months of high rainfall. The adjacent Secondary Grassland Habitat consists of relatively moist grassland with short to medium length grasses and will provide suitable habitat for amphibians, however, breeding opportunities therein area considered limited. The Transformed Habitat unit, which makes up the majority of the study area, offers little suitable habitat for amphibians as it is cultivated and the constant agricultural activities will be detrimental to amphibians. Overall, the study area is considered to have a moderately low habitat availability as large areas within the study area have been transformed. The conclusions made in terms of implications of the proposed development on amphibians species of conservation concern in the study area were that: • Overall, the amphibian sensitivity associated with the study area is considered moderately low, mostly

restricted to the Freshwater Habitats and the Secondary Grassland Habitat.


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• Loss of suitable Freshwater habitat is unlikely to occur, however, loss of suitable Secondary Grassland will occur, yet this unit only constitutes a small proportion of the mostly transformed site.

• Impacts to amphibian species within the study area will result in the localised loss of habitat, yet species diversity and abundance are unlikely to be affected.

• Edge effects and footprint creep into the Freshwater Habitat will impact on amphibian species in the immediate vicinity of the proposed activities.

• As amphibians are sensitive to changes in water quality, any changes in water chemistry, temperature and flow regimes resulting from the proposed development will affect downstream areas aside from the direct destruction of habitat within the study area.

• Additionally, the increased movement of vehicles traveling to and from the study area will increases the risk of vehicles driving over and killing amphibian species.

4.2.3.7. Reptiles species of conservation concern From the faunal ecological assessment, no reptile SCC were observed. However, there is likelihood that the Chamaesaura aenea (Coppery Grass Lizard, NT) occurs on the site, however, the Probability of Occurrence Score (POC) is below 60% due to previous cultivation of much of the remaining Freshwater and Secondary Grassland habitat. It is likely that the study area will present a higher reptile diversity than that which was noted above as reptiles are inherently secretive and shy, making their detection and identification in the field challenging. As such, based on the available food resources and habitat, it is deemed likely that the study area will be able to support several common reptile species. The conclusions made in terms of implications of the proposed development on reptiles species of conservation concern in the study area were that: • The sensitivity of the site for reptiles is considered moderately low; • A single SCC (Chamaesaura aenea (Coppery Grass Lizard, NT)), which was not observed, has a

distribution which overlaps the locality yet has a POC of less than 60% (Bates et al. 2014); • The Secondary Grassland and Freshwater Habitat units will provide the most suitable habitat for

reptiles, however, these habitat units only cover a tenth of the study area; • It is unlikely that a diverse assemblage of species occurs within the study area due to the homogenous

nature of the area and the transformation that has occurred; and • No unique landscapes offered habitat for more specialist species. The proposed development will lead to the loss of habitat and food resources, however, this is unlikely to lead to a reduction in the diversity of reptiles within the study area. Clearing of vegetation will have a limited yet direct impact on habitat availability in these areas leading to localised migration of reptile species into the surrounding areas. Also, impacts to reptile species within the study area will result in the localised loss of habitat. Impacts on species diversity will be limited whilst reptile abundance will likely be reduced as edge effects may impact on reptile species and their food resources in the immediate vicinity of the proposed township development. Additionally, the increased movement of vehicles traveling to and from the proposed study area increases the risk of vehicles driving over and killing reptile species.

4.2.3.8. Insects species of conservation concern From the faunal ecological assessment, no arachnid SCC were observed. Due to the historic transformation of the recovering Freshwater and Secondary Grassland habitats food plants for the potential SCC in Gauteng were absent. The study area has a moderately low insect diversity largely restricted to Orthopterans and Odonatans. The majority of the study area has been transformed to agriculture limiting the available habitat and the potential for a diverse assemblage of insects. Semi - natural portions of Secondary Grassland and Freshwater habitat which is recovering from historic cultivation showed an intermediate diversity of insects while the


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Transformed habitat has a low diversity of insects. Insects are generally the most abundant macro-organisms within landscapes and often perform services vitally important for ecosystem functioning. Orthopterans and Lepidopterans occupied the grassland vegetation and freshwater areas in high abundances. Habitat structure, besides the agricultural fields, constituted largely dense grasslands and did not offer sandy and rocky areas for species that burrow and nest. Subterranean environments, dense moribund material, rocky areas, stands of trees, fallen and dead trees (which numerous insects can inhabit and seek refuge) were limited. Surface water and wetland environments were encountered on the study area providing suitable habitat and year round access to water and potential breeding locations water dependant insects The implications of the development on insect species of conservation concern: • Overall the insect sensitivity associated with the study area is considered moderately low; • During the field investigation a moderately low diversity of insects was observed yet an intermediate

abundance was observed; • Species diversity appeared highest in the Freshwater whilst abundance was highest in the Secondary

Grassland Habitat unit. • Abundance of insects mirrored diversity trends with insects appearing to avoid the Transformed Habitat

unit (Notably a large infestation of Astylus atromaculatus (Spotted Maize Beetle) was noted on the Spinach crop in the Transformed Habitat). These poisonous insects are unpalatable to most fauna and increase competition for resources from other insects;

The proposed development will lead to the loss of habitat (Secondary Grassland units) and food resources, leading to a decreased abundance of insect species in the study area. However, as many of the proposed activities exist within the boundaries of historic disturbances it is unlikely to cause a large loss in diversity of insects. Furthermore, impacts on insect species within the study area will result in the localised loss of habitat and abundance, whilst edge effects such as additional lighting, dust and footprint creep will impact on insect species in the immediate vicinity of the proposed township development.

4.2.3.9. Arachnids species of conservation concern From the faunal ecological assessment, no arachnid SCC were observed. Baboon spider and scorpion burrows where actively searched for, unfortunately at the time of the survey a dense graminoid and herbaceous layer overlayed the study area making it difficult to find these structures visually. As a result of the historic transformation of the existing freshwater and Secondary Grassland habitat and the lack of rocky areas it is unlikely that any arachnid SCC occur within the study area. Habitat integrity of the study area with regards to arachnid species is intermediate due to the large scale of the agricultural activities which have transformed much of the area and the lack of rocky areas with unique habitat suitable for Scorpions. The study area is largely degraded, offering small fragments of habitat within the Secondary Grassland and Freshwater Habitat Units. Mostly ubiquitous species are likely to occur, and the habitat will provide sufficient food resources for the study area’s arachnid assemblage. The conclusions made in terms of implications of the proposed development on arachnids species of conservation concern in the study area were that: • Overall the arachnid sensitivity associated with the study area is considered to be moderately low; • Low abundance and diversity of spiders and no scorpions were observed, however, an intermediate

abundance and diversity is expected considering information provided by online databases.; and • The proposed development will lead to the loss of habitat and food resources, leading to a decreased

abundance of arachnid species.

Impacts on arachnid species within the study area will potentially result in the loss of habitat and arachnid abundance yet species diversity will probably be unaffected. Moreover, edge effects have already likely impacted on arachnid species and their food resources within the study area.


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4.2.3.10. Conclusion and recommendations on status of onsite fauna The proposed development will likely impact on two SCC (Falco amurensis (Amur Falcon, VU) and Falco vespertinus (Red-footed Falcon, NT) as the transformed habitat which they utilize for foraging will be altered. The perceived impact significance of the development prior to mitigation affecting faunal habitat, diversity and SCC is medium high to medium low significance. With mitigation measures, many of the impacts may be reduced to a medium low and low significance rating. Furthermore, the development footprint must be managed to ensure minimal damage to the environment and to ensure that the biodiversity loss remains minimal, and ecosystems functions and services are maintained. The transformed and altered state of most of the habitat units and the absence of development within the Freshwater Habitat will likely lead to medium low to low impacts on the receiving environment. Edge effects from the proposed development must be monitored as they pose a risk to sensitive mammals, invertebrates, reptiles and avifaunal species and the floral assemblages on which many of them rely. Mitigation measures as outlined in this report should therefore be strictly implemented to limit potential impacts.

4.3. Socio-Economic Environment

4.3.1. Socio-economic issues

Region F is situated within the south western section of the EMM and is bordered to the west by the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality and the Midvaal Local Municipality to the south. Region F is bordered to the north by Region A which includes the Germiston CBD and the Rand Airport node to the north of the N17. Region E forms the eastern boundary, with extensive agricultural component to the south, and the Carnival City Node to the north. The region is well located for access to the R59, N17 and N3, all traversing the site en route to either Johannesburg, Germiston, Vereeniging, Heidelberg, Springs or Secunda. Alberton CBD located to the west hosts high to middle-income suburbs of Alberante, Raceview, Meyersdal, Brackenhurst, Brackendowns, Verwoerdpark, Newmarket and Randhart. Further to the east are the historic middle to low-income areas of Thokoza, Katlehong and Vosloorus, where the majority of the residents within the region live.

4.3.2. Population

According the RSDF, the region has a total population of 975 000 people. The following table summarises the key indicators regarding the population. Table 8: Population figures for Region F

Source: EMM 2015


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A comparative appraisal of the population contribution for each of the EMM regions is presented in the figure below. From this analysis it is noted that region F is the largest region in the EMM. It is further noted that the predominant age is that of youth below the age of 35.

Figure 19: Population distribution per Region (Source: EMM 2015)

4.3.3. Employment

In 2012, total number of individuals employed in the region were approximately 664 000. The largest composition of this employment is formal employment which was 175 000 in 2012. On the other hand, the number of people employed in the informal sector in 2012 is 24 500. The employment levels of the region can be summarised as in the table below.

Table 9: Employment levels for Region F

REGION F EMPLOYMENT LEVELS NUMBER/ PERCENTAGE NUMBER/ PERCENTAG

Working age population (15-64 years of age) (2012) Working age population (15-64 years of age) (2012)

Economically active population (2012) Definition: The economically active population (EAP) is defined as the number of people (between the age of 15 and 65) who are able, willing, and working, or who are actively looking for work. Both employed as well as unemployed people are included. This clearly implies that people, who recently have not taken any active steps to find employment, are not included in the measure. These people may (or may not) consider themselves unemployed. Nevertheless, they are being counted as discouraged work seekers, and thus form part of the non-economically active population.

664 000 people

Labour force participation rate Definition: The labour force participation rate (LFPR) is the EAP expressed as a percentage of the total working age population

400 000 people

Total employment Definition: Total employment consists of two parts: employment in the official economy, or the formal sector, and then employment in the unofficial economy or the informal sector

60.15%

Formal employment 175 000 people

Informal employment 24 500 people Unemployment (2012) Definition: The unemployed includes all persons between 15 and 65 who do not have a job, who are available for jobs, or who are actively seeking a job.

167 000 people

Source: EMM 2015


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4.3.4. Economic Base

The following table summarises significant economic factors relevant to the growth and development of the region. The manufacturing sector is the largest contributor to the economy in Region F with the finance sector in second place. However, the finance sector has the fastest growth rate, followed by the manufacturing sector. The economic sector that recorded the largest number in term of employment, in 2012, was the trade sector with a total of 32 400 or 21.5% of the total employment.

Table 10: Economic figures for Region F

REGION F ECONOMIC INDICATORS NUMBER/ PERCENTAG

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (2012) Definition: Gross Domestic Product by Region (GDP-R) represents the value of all goods and services produced within a region, over a period of one year, plus taxes and minus subsidies.

R 475.1 Billion

Contribution to the GDP of EMM (2012) 23.7 %

Annual GDP growth rate 3.8%

Contributors to the economy (2012) Agriculture – 0% Mining – 1% Manufacturing – 24% Electricity – 5% Construction – 6% Trade – 15% Transport – 10% Finance – 21% Community Services – 18%

Average annual growth rate per sector (2012) Agriculture – 0.4% Mining – 1.76% Manufacturing – 2.79% Electricity – 2.67% Construction – 9.3% Trade – 4.87% Transport – 4.3% Finance – 5.77% Community Services – 3.64%

Source: EMM 2015

4.3.5. Agriculture potential

Agricultural potential has been identified as one of the significant features of the application site. This is mainly due to the site currently being used for crop production. The agricultural potential conditions of the site are presented in figure 5 below. Zimpande Research Collaborative (ZRC) was appointed to conduct a soil, land use and land capability assessment as part of the environmental assessment and authorisation process for the proposed development on Portion 43 of Portion 44 of Farm Waterval 150 IR. Based on the outcomes of this soil land capability study, the study area can be broadly defined as ideal for cultivated agricultural practices due to the dominance of arable soils, favourable climatic conditions as well as the good terrain characteristics, which agrees with the GAPA, 2013 database. An indication of the dominant forms found on site that render the site suitable for agriculture practices is presented in the figure below.


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Figure 20: Agricultural potential characteristics of the site

The soils within the study area can be broadly classified as capable of supporting agricultural cultivation practices (except for areas where shallow and disturbed soils occur), grazing activities as well as wildlife/wilderness. The Table below represents the soil forms identified within the study area as well as their respective Land Capability.

Table 11: Soil forms within the study area and their respective Land Capability

The majority of the study area is currently under active pivot agriculture and produces variety of cultivated vegetables (i.e. cabbages, lettuce, carrots, etc.) and herbs (i.e. parsley etc.) on a commercial scale.


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Figure 21: Dominant soils forms within the study area

The soil, land and land capability assessment was meant for the scoping phase of the project. A detailed assessment will be undertaken and form part of the EIA phase of the project. In this regard the scope of work and specific outcomes in terms of the EIA Phase will cover:

Analysis of field results considering the various soil types;

Data analysis will include a description of physical soil properties, including the following parameters: o Terrain morphological unit (landscape position) description; o Diagnostic soil horizons and their respective sequence; o Texture, estimated as % clay according to the in-situ hand feel method; o Depth of identified soil horizons; Soil form classification name(s); o Observed land capability limitations of the identified soil forms; and o Depth to saturation (water table), if encountered.

Group uniform soil patterns into map units, according to observed limitations;

Analyze and interpret soil analysis data to assess the contamination risk / impacts; and

Provide recommended mitigation measures and management practices to implement in order to comply with applicable articles of legislation. This assessment will also be reviewed in the context of competing land uses within a developing urban setting.

4.3.6. Archaeology and cultural heritage/sites of importance APelser Archaeological Consulting (APAC) were appointed to undertake a Phase 1 HIA for the proposed township development. During the assessment, an informal cemetery site was identified and recorded outside of the study area footprint. As a result, the site will not be impacted directly by the proposed development. Additionally, new graves were identified within the study area after the Phase 1 HIA study was completed. The graves will be retained on site earmarked as Public Open Space and will therefore not be affected by the development.


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4.3.7. Noise

Noise is an important attribute to consider in the development proposal is as a result of the site being in the vicinity of major roads viz. R59, R550 and industrial developments. Although this is the location of the site in relation to these features it is anticipated that no noise levels will exceed the ambient levels provided for in the Regulations and municipal By-laws. Furthermore, the development is not anticipated to generate noise beyond the levels accepted in terms of the Regulations and municipal by-laws.

4.3.8. Air quality

The Ekurhuleni falls within the Highveld Priority Area, one of three national air quality priority areas identified by the department of environmental affairs. This is attributable to the fact that there are many sources of pollution, such as domestic coal burning, industry and mining, in the area. It is reported that the National Air Quality officer at the department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries once commented that the air quality within the boundaries of the Ekurhuleni Metro Municipality is the worst in South Africa. From the municipal GIS, the site and its surrounding is not affected by any pollution hot spots. Also, the development will not significant affect ambient air quality in the area. As a result, no studies will be commissioned in this respect.

Figure 22: Dominant soils forms within the study area

4.3.9. Visual aspects

Given the receiving environment and the location of the township (adjacent to approved similar development and abutting a railway line and an area earmarked as a development corridor), It is not anticipated that the proposed development will be affected by or cause any significant visual impacts. Therefore, and unless directed otherwise, a specialist visual assessment will not be conducted for the development.


50

5. IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY AND ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS

This section provides the methodology for assessing the significance of impacts associated with the activity. The criterion for determining impact significance has been defined in accordance with the criteria drawn from Appendix 3 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014. The levels of detail described in the EIA regulations were fine-tuned by assigning specific values to each impact identified.

In order to establish a coherent framework within which all impacts could be objectively assessed, it is necessary to establish a rating system, to be applied consistently to all the criteria. For such purposes each aspect is assigned a value ranging from one (1) to four (4) depending on its definition. The tables below provide a summary of the criteria and the rating scales, which will be used in assessing the impacts.

5.1. Description of nature and scale of impacts

The table below provides a brief description of the terms used to assess the impact of the proposed activity. Table 12: Nature, extent, duration, probability and significance of impact

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

Extent: spatial scale of impact and classified as:

Site: the impacted area is the whole or significant portion of the site.

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

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

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

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

Short term: The impact will either disappear with mitigation or will be mitigated through natural process in a span shorter than the construction phase.

Medium term: impact will last for the period of construction, where after it will be entirely negated.

Long term: The impact will continue or last for the entire operational life of the development but will be mitigated by direct human action or by natural processes thereafter. The only class of impact which will be non-transitory.

Permanent: Mitigation either by man or natural process will not occur in such a way or in such a time span that the impact can be considered transient.

Intensity: Describes whether an impact is destructive or benign;

Low: Impact affects the environment in such a way that natural, cultural and social functions and processes are not affected.

Moderate: Affected environment is altered, but natural, cultural and social functions and processes continue albeit in a modified way.

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

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

Probability: Describes the likelihood of an impact actually occurring:

Improbable: Likelihood of the impact materialising is very low

Possible: The impact may occur

Highly Probable: Most likely that the impact will occur

Definite: Impact will certainly occur.

Significance: Based on the above criteria the significance of issues was determined. The total number of points scored for each impact indicates the level of significance of the impact, and is rated as:

Low: the impacts are less important.

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

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

Cumulative: In relation to an activity, means the impact of an activity that in itself may not be significant but may become significant when added to the existing and potential impacts eventuating from similar or diverse activities or undertakings in the area.

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


51

5.2. Criteria for rating of impacts

This describes the criteria to be used and the significance rating of the impacts. Table 12: Criteria for rating of impacts

Criteria for the rating of impacts

Criteria Description

Extent National The whole of South Africa

Regional Provincial and parts of neighbouring provinces

Local Within a radius of 2 km of the construction site

Site Within the construction site

Duration Permanent

Mitigation either by man or natural process will not occur in such a way or in such a time span that the impact can be considered transient

Long-term

The impact will continue or last for the entire operational life of the development, but will be mitigated by direct human action or by natural processes thereafter. The only class of impact which will be non-transitory

Medium-term

The impact will last for the period of the construction phase, where after it will be entirely negated

Short-term

The impact will either disappear with mitigation or will be mitigated through

natural process in a span shorter than the construction phase

Intensity Very High

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

High

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

Moderate

Affected environment is altered, but natural, cultural and social functions and processes continue albeit in a modified way

Low

Impact affects the environment in such a way that natural, cultural and social functions and processes are not affected

Probability Definite

Impact will certainly occur

Highly Probable

Most likely that the impact will occur

Possible

The impact may occur

Improbable Likelihood of the impact materialising is very low

Points allocation 4 3 2 1

Significance Rating of identified impacts = (Extent + Duration +Intensity) X Probability

Impact Points Description

Low 3-18 A low impact has no permanent impact of significance. Mitigation measures are feasible and are readily instituted as part of a standing design, construction or operating procedure.

Medium 20-28 Mitigation is possible with additional design and construction inputs.

High 30-40 The design of the site may be affected. Mitigation and possible remediation are needed during the construction and/or operational phases. The effects of the impact may affect the broader environment.

Very high 44-48 The design of the project will be affected. Critically consider the viability of proposed projects. Mitigation and possible remediation are needed during the construction and/or operational phases. The effects of the impact may affect the broader environment.

Status Perceived effect of the impact

Positive (+) Beneficial impact

Negative (-) Adverse impact


52

5.3. Preliminary issues and environmental sensitivities

The preliminary environmental issues and sensitivities relating to the physical, biological, economic social and institutional/legal framework have been identified in the body of the report. The following potential impacts were identified and will be investigated further during the EIR phase:

Ground and surface water pollution;

Impact on geology and soils;

Impact on fauna and flora;

Socio-economic issues, such as employment creation and economic viability;

Waste generation and management;

Dust and noise impacts;

Loss of agriculture resources;

Loss of heritage resources;

Increase in traffic volumes; and

Safety and security


5.4. High level comparative assessment of alternatives

This section provides a comparative, but high-level qualitative assessment of identified alternatives. The outcome of this process provides the relevant alternatives that will be considered during the EIR phase. Table 13: Comparative assessment of layout alternatives

Environmental Aspects Physical Biological Socio-Economic Spatial plans Total

Qualitative rating criteria L– Lower positive (+1) M– Medium positive (+3) H– Higher positive (+5) L– Lower negative (-1) M –Medium negative (-3) H– Higher negative (-5) N – Neutral (0)

Geo

logy

an

d S

oils

Hyd

rolo

gy/w

etla

nd

s

Top

ogr

aph

y

Clim

ate

Fau

na

Flo

ra

Qu

alit

ativ

e En

viro

nm

ent

Vis

ual

, No

ise,

Po

lluti

on

,

Co

mp

atib

ility

wit

h a

dja

cen

t La

nd

-Use

s

(exi

stin

g an

d p

rop

ose

d)

Ava

ilab

ility

an

d p

rovi

sio

n o

f m

un

icip

al

serv

ices

Loca

l Eco

no

mic

Dev

elo

pm

ent

Imp

act

on

I&A

P’

Co

sts

and

ret

urn

s as

soci

ated

wit

h

dev

elo

pm

ent

Cu

ltu

ral a

nd

His

tori

cal

Imp

act

on

agr

icu

ltu

ral p

ote

nti

al la

nd

Alig

nm

ent

wit

h R

SDF/

MSD

F

Alig

nm

ent

wit

h G

EMF

Alig

nm

ent

wit

h o

ther

dev

elo

pm

ent

stra

tegi

es (

GD

S)

L+M

+H

+N+L

+M+H

=To

tal

ALTERNATIVE LAYOUTS

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Alter. 1 (preferred): Before Mitigation L M L N L M M L L M M L L H L M M 8

After Mitigation L L L N L L L L L M M L N H L M M 5

Alternative 2: Before Mitigation L M L N L M M L L M L L M H L M M 12

After Mitigation L L L N L L L L L M L L L H L M M 4

OPERATIONAL PHASE

Alternative 1: Before Mitigation L M L L L L L M M H H M N L M H M 20

After Mitigation L L L L L L M M M H H M N L M H M 39

Alternative 2: Before Mitigation L M L L L L L M M H M L N L M H M 16

After Mitigation L L L L L L M M M H M L N L M H M 35

Conclusion: Based on the comparative impact assessment Alternative 1 (preferred layout) appears to be more beneficial.


Environmental Aspects Physical Biological Socio-Economic Spatial plans Total

Qualitative rating criteria L– Lower positive (+1) M– Medium positive (+3) H– Higher positive (+5) L– Lower negative (-1) M –Medium negative (-3) H– Higher negative (-5) N – Neutral (0)

Geo

logy

an

d S

oils

Hyd

rolo

gy/w

etla

nd

s

Top

ogr

aph

y

Clim

ate

Fau

na

Flo

ra

Qu

alit

ativ

e En

viro

nm

ent

Vis

ual

, No

ise,

Po

lluti

on

,

Co

mp

atib

ility

wit

h a

dja

cen

t La

nd

-Use

s

(exi

stin

g an

d p

rop

ose

d)

Ava

ilab

ility

an

d p

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n o

f m

un

icip

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serv

ices

Loca

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mic

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Imp

act

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I&A

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Cu

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Imp

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ent

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GD

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L+M

+H

+N+L

+M+H

=To

tal

ALTERNATIVE LAND-USE CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Alternative 1 Res: Before Mitigation L M L N L M M L L M M L L H L M M 8

After Mitigation L L L N L L L L L M M L N H L M M 5

Alternative 2 Indust.: Before Mitigation L M L N L M M L L M L L M H L M M 12

After Mitigation L L L N L L L L L M L L L H L M M 4

OPERATIONAL PHASE

Alternative 1: Before Mitigation L M L L L L L M M H H M N L M H M 20

After Mitigation L L L L L L M M M H H M N L M H M 39

Alternative 2: Before Mitigation L M L L L L L L M H M L N L H H M 15

After Mitigation L M L L L L L L M H M L N L H H M 285

Conclusion: Based on the comparative impact assessment Alternative 1 in terms of Land use (Residential development) appears to be more beneficial.

5.5. Preliminary assessment of anticipated Impacts

The impacts/aspects (beneficial and adverse) of the proposed activity are identified in the body of the report. The specific preliminary impacts associated with the development on the study area (are identified under each environment of this report), and general construction and operational phase related impacts associated with development are listed in the table below.


Table 14: Preliminary quantification of impacts during the construction phase

Environmental Component

Potential Impact

Environmental Significance Score

Mitigation Measures

E D I P Total Ratingg Physical Impacts

Geology and soils

Destabilisation of surface geology as a result of excavations.

Potential erosion, degradation and loss of topsoil due to construction activities as well as stormwater runoff

1 3 3 4 28 Building platforms, access roads and parking areas slightly be elevated in

relation to the immediate surroundings in order to assist channeling of

surface water run-off and to contribute towards the internal stability of

structures and road pavements.

Proper surface run-off and subsurface drainage to be provided as per the

storm water management plan.

Foundation excavations should be checked by an engineer or engineering

geologist before casting to ensure that they are founded according to the

recommendations of the geology report.

Excavations deeper than 1.5 m be cut back to not more than 750 of horizontal

and that the ingress of water in and around any excavations be prevented.

Topography Alteration of topography due to excavations stockpiling of soil, building material, debris and waste material on site.

Stability of slopes

1 1 2 2 8 Limit excavations to areas required for construction purposes.

Avoid placing of stockpiles and other services on areas likely to pose obtrusive

visual impact. All stockpiles must be restricted to designated areas.

Construction vehicles and access must be limited to clearly defined access

routes to ensure that sensitive and undisturbed areas are not compromised.

Protection of slopes through re-vegetation of re-profiled slopes and temporary stabilisation using geotextiles and Installation of gabions and reno mattresses.

Wetland and water pollution

Contamination of surface and groundwater due to spillages, leakage, incorrect storage and handling of chemicals, oils, lubricants, cement, fuels and other

3

2 3

4

32

The use of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to manage stormwater is considered important for the proposed development as there will be an increase in hardened surfaces within close proximity to the wetland, to prevent significant impacts on the hydrological functioning of the wetland, reduce the risk of flooding during high flow periods and reduce the risk of increased erosion.

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



Potential Impact


Mitigation Measures

E D I P Total Ratingg hazardous material.

Deposition of excess sediments in wetland system as a result of erosion in the catchment caused by improper stormwater management during earthworks,

Pollution from ablution facilities, facilities (cement batching) and spillages.

Decrease in water quality as a result of contamination of run-off from construction site

All hazardous substances must be stored on an impervious surface in a designated bunded area able to contain 110% of the total volume of materials stored.

All earth moving vehicles and equipment must be regularly maintained to ensure their integrity and reliability. No repairs may be undertaken beyond the contractor lay-down areas or without precautionary measures implemented.

No excavations within the wetland buffer of 1:100 year floodline without a WUL;

Establishment of stormwater diversion berms around the contractor laydown area and other potential contaminated areas (e.g. diesel storage tanks or refueling station).

Care must to be taken to ensure that no contaminated water enters the natural watercourse. Preventative measures including sumps from where contaminated water can be either treated in situ or removed to an appropriate waste site.

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

Stream banks stabilization and prevention of further erosion Protect sloping areas and wetland banks that are susceptible to erosion and ensure that there is no soil erosion from activities within and adjacent to the construction camp and Work Areas.

Chemical toilets placed at least 50m from the wetland buffer to be provided at a rate of 1:10 employees and be cleaned regularly.



Potential Impact


Mitigation Measures

E D I P Total Rating

Biophysical Impacts

Flora Site clearing for construction activities leading to Loss of floral habitat, species and floral SCC

1 2 2 4 20 The no-go area (Freshwater Habitat and associated regulatory zones as per SAS 220024,2020) should be demarcated, and it should be ensured that no development related activities take place outside of the development footprint.

Vehicles should be restricted to travelling only on designated roadways to limit the, ecological footprint of the development activities. Additional road construction should be limited to what is absolutely necessary, and the footprint thereof kept to a minimum.)

No dumping of litter, rubble or cleared vegetation on site should be allowed. As such it is advised vegetation cuttings to be carefully collected and disposed of at a separate waste facility.

Cut vegetation from site clearing to be removed immediately and not allowed to accumulate within surrounding habitat. Should it not be deemed viable to immediately remove such material, all cut material should be placed in a separate waste container and be removed once full. Containers should not be filled above the brim, to limit spread of AIP seeds; and

If any spills occur, they should be immediately cleaned up to avoid soil contamination that can hinder floral rehabilitation later down the line. In the event of a breakdown, maintenance of vehicles must take place with care, and the recollection of spillage should be practiced preventing the ingress of hydrocarbons into the topsoil.

Edge effects of all development activities, such as erosion and alien plant species proliferation, which may affect adjacent natural areas, need to be strictly managed adjacent to the development footprint. Specific mention in this regard is made of Category 1b and 2 AIP species, in line with the NEMBA Alien and Invasive Species Regulations (2016), as identified within the study area.



Potential Impact


Mitigation Measures


Ongoing alien and invasive plant monitoring and clearing/control should take place throughout all phases of the development, and the project perimeters should be regularly checked for AIP establishment and to prevent spread into surrounding natural areas; and

Alien vegetation that is removed must not be allowed to lay on unprotected ground as seeds might disperse upon it. All cleared plant material to be placed in waste disposal containers and be disposed of at a licensed waste facility, which comply with legal standards. No collection of floral SCC or medicinal floral species within the study area or surrounding area must be allowed by construction personnel; and

Edge effect control needs to be implemented to prevent further degradation and potential loss of floral SCC outside of the proposed development footprint.


Fauna Site clearing for construction activities leading to loss of species diversity and habitat characteristics.

2 3 3 4 32 The development footprint should be demarcated, and it should be ensured that no development related activities take place outside of the demarcated footprint;

Faunal habitat beyond the demarcated area should not be altered;

Vehicles should be restricted to travelling only on designated roadways and Transformed Habitat to limit the ecological footprint of the development activities. Additional road construction should be limited to what is absolutely necessary, and the footprint thereof kept to a minimal;

No dumping of litter, rubble or cleared vegetation on site should be allowed. As such it is advised vegetation cuttings to be carefully collected and disposed of at a separate waste facility;

If any spills occur, they should be immediately cleaned up to avoid soil contamination that can hinder floral rehabilitation later down the line and faunal recolonization. In the event of a breakdown, maintenance of vehicles must take place with care, and the collection of spillages should be practiced preventing the ingress of hydrocarbons into the topsoil;

No hunting/trapping or collecting of faunal species is allowed; and

No informal fires by construction personnel are allowed Edge effects of all development activities, such as erosion and alien plant species proliferation, which may affect adjacent natural areas, need to be strictly managed. Specific mention in this regard is made of Category 1b and 2 AIP species, in line with the NEMBA Alien and Invasive Species Regulations (2016), as identified within the study area as this has the potential to alter faunal habitat;

Ongoing alien and invasive plant monitoring and clearing/control should take place throughout all phases of the development, and the project perimeters should be regularly checked for AIP establishment and to prevent spread into surrounding natural areas; and

Alien vegetation that is removed must not be allowed to lay on unprotected ground as seeds might disperse upon it. All cleared plant material to be disposed of at a licensed waste facility, which comply with legal standards.

No collection of faunal SCC within the study area may be allowed by construction personnel;


Edge effect control needs to be implemented to prevent further degradation and potential loss of faunal SCC habitat outside of the development footprint;

During the site-pegging phase of surface infrastructure, any faunal SCC that will be affected by surface infrastructure must be noted and, where possible, relocated to suitable habitat surrounding the disturbance footprint. The relevant permits must be applied for from the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) prior to construction;

Should any other faunal species protected under National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) or the Gauteng Nature Conservation Bill be encountered, authorisation to relocate such species must be obtained from the GDARD or the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA);

Prior to vegetation clearing activities in the Natural vegetation units (Freshwater Habitat and Secondary Grassland Habitat), the site should be inspected for the presence of burrowing scorpion burrows, reptiles and baboon spiders. If located, these species should be carefully excavated ensuring no harm to the specimens, and relocated to similar surrounding habitat outside of the footprint area;

A suitable rescue and relocation plan should be developed and overseen by a suitably qualified specialist in order to ensure that species loss during construction activities is kept to a minimum; and

Smaller species such as scorpions and reptiles are likely to be less mobile during the colder period, as such should any be observed in the study site during clearing and operational activities, they are to be carefully and safely moved to an area of similar habitat outside of the disturbance footprint. Operational personnel are to be educated about these species and the need for their conservation. Smaller scorpion species and harmless reptiles should be carefully relocated by a suitably nominated construction person or staff member. For larger venomous snakes, a suitably trained official or specialist should be contacted to affect the relocation of the species, should it not move off on its own.



Potential Impact


Mitigation Measures


Socio-economic Impacts Noise pollution

Increase in noise pollution due to, excavations, site clearing, construction vehicles and personnel, operation of cement mixer machine, blasting and or drilling.

2 2 3 4 28 Locate noisy machines and equipment maintenance areas as far away from sensitive receptors as possible.

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

No construction activities may be undertaken on Sunday.

Provide all equipment with standard silencers. Maintain silencer units in vehicles and equipment in good working order.

All earth moving vehicles and equipment must be regularly maintained to ensure their integrity and reliability.

Construction staff working in area where the 8-hour ambient noise levels exceed 60 dBA must have the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.

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

Air quality Dust pollution which would affect adjacent developments as a result of debris handling and debris piles, truck transport, bulldozing, general construction and fumes from vehicle emissions

2 2 2 4 24 Dust must be suppressed on the construction site and during the transportation of material in dry periods by regular application of water. Water used for this purpose must be in quantities that will not result in the generation of run-off.

• Loads could be covered to avoid loss of material in transport, especially if material is transported off site.

• Dust and mud should be controlled at vehicle exit and entry points to prevent the dispersion of dust and mud beyond the site boundary.

Facilities for the washing of vehicles should be provided at the entry and exit points.

• A speed limit of 40 km/hr should be set for all vehicles on site.

The height of all stockpiles on site should be a maximum of 2m.

Use of dust retardant road surfacing if made necessary due to the exceedance of Air Quality Guidelines.

All earth moving vehicles and equipment must be regularly maintained to ensure their integrity and reliability in order to prevent smoke emissions.



Potential Impact


Mitigation Measures


Visual integrity

Visibility of dust, waste pollution and construction activities from surrounding roads and properties

2 2 2 3 18 Apply dust control measures diligently, especially on provincial roads

Indigenous plants or trees must be retained where appropriate to provide screens to make the construction site less visually intrusive.

Lighting on site is to be sufficient for safety and security purposes, but shall not be intrusive to neighboring residents or disturb wildlife

No litter or unsightly waste storage on site

Sites of cultural significance

Destruction of areas or features of cultural significance

1 1 2 2 8 Should any other potentially culturally significant artefacts or graves, etc be found during construction activities all activities should be stopped until an assessment by a Cultural Heritage practitioner has been completed.

Safety and security

Compromised safety of public due to construction works,

Increase in crime resulting from influx of construction personnel.

1 2 2 3 15 Proper management and planning

Only security guards will be allowed to sleep on site, however within a cordoned-off secure area.

All staff will carry identification, access control will be enforced, and the site will be swept and a search will be done each night

The development will have 24-hour access control and security.

A Community Liaison Officer (CLO) can be appointed. The CLO to be consulted regarding employment of members of the surrounding communities.

Traffic Impeded flow of traffic due to presence of construction vehicles.

Increase in traffic on roads due to presence of construction vehicles

2 3 3 3 24 The access of large trucks will be investigated to provide a suitable access route that does not become a nuisance to existing residents

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

Establish an all-weather site access and wheel wash or shake down to prevent soil and materials from being trekked onto the road.

Effective barriers and signage implemented.

Employment opportunities

Employment opportunities created.

2 3 3 4 32 Local labour to be used as far as possible during the construction activities;

Contract requirements to involve BEE companies Local products, goods and services to be utilised as far as possible during the

construction phase.


Table 15: Preliminary quantification of impacts during the operation phase Environmental Component

Activity Potential Impact


Mitigation Measures


Physical Impacts

Geology and soils

Possible settlement and instability of structures due to geological characteristics.

• Potential soil erosion towards the riverine system

1 2 2 2 10 A Dolomitic Risk Management Plan must be developed and approved before implementation by the Council of Geoscience.

Foundation options as recommended in the geological report to be used, Ongoing maintenance of open areas to prevent soil erosion

Wetland Loss of wetland habitat and ecological structure;

Changes to the sociocultural and service provision;

Impacts on the hydrology and sediment balance of the wetland; and

Impacts on water quality.

Spread of alien invasive species in wetland systems

2 2 1 2 10 The wetland/river buffer around the seep and CVB wetland must be maintained and remain fenced off in order to mitigate edge effects and must remain off-limits. Suitable barrier or material to be used to control sedimentation.

Stormwater management plan to be implemented. The need to design appropriate stormwater management systems for new developments should be seen as an opportunity to preserve or, if possible, improve natural freshwater ecosystems that have suffered degradation as a result of past activities, and in some cases, to create additional freshwater habitats that will contribute to the availability of appropriate, high quality river and wetland habitat that mimics the natural condition.

The velocity of storm water must be attenuated and spread. As far as possible the link between the wetland and the local environment must be maintained.

Any spills to be immediately cleaned up and treated accordingly. Ensuring that suitable wetland vegetation remains post construction to assist in filtering toxicants from stormwater runoff.

Alien vegetation management plan to be developed and implemented. Incorporate indigenous terrestrial and wetland vegetation into landscape plan

Stormwater discharge to flow slowly into the bufferzone without any erosion.





Mitigation Measures


Biophysical Impacts

Flora General human interference and impact leading to loss of species diversity and habitat characteristics

1 2 1 2 8 Walkways throughout the open spaces and buffer zones will be strategically placed.

Landscaping guidelines which include an allowable indigenous vegetation list that attracts fauna is to be formulated and implemented.

Minimal to no exotic vegetation will be allowed

Fauna General human interference and impact leading to loss of species diversity and habitat characteristics

1 2 1 2 8 Walkways throughout the open spaces and buffer zones will be strategically placed.

Landscaping guidelines which include an allowable indigenous vegetation list that attracts fauna is to be formulated and implemented.

Socio-economic Impacts

Visual integrity

Higher density development and change in land use

Change in sense of place of the specific site,

Glare from street and outdoor lighting

1 4 2 3 21 Architectural guidelines (including aspects of roof and wall finishes, colours, heights of buildings, and lighting), as well as Landscape Architectural guidelines (screening, buffering, functioning, aesthetics etc) to be developed to promote and enhance the residential area.

Outdoor lighting must be strictly controlled; Low-level lighting or limiting mounting heights of lighting fixtures or utilising foot-light or bollard level lights is recommended. The use of high light masts and high pole top security lighting should be avoided along the periphery of the development. Any high lighting masts should be covered to reduce glow and light spillage;

Care should be taken when selecting luminaries to ensure that appropriate units are chosen and that their location will reduce spill light and glare to a minimum. Only “full cut-off” light fixtures that direct light only below the horizontal must be used on buildings





Mitigation Measures


Traffic increase

Increase of residents and users of the area

Additional vehicles on road servicing industrial and commercial uses

2 3 2 3 21 Recommendations of the Traffic Impact Study to be implemented.

Access points to the site must be kept clear to allow for efficient flow in and out of the development.

Enforce speed limits at all times on all external access roads.

Road upgrades should be phased to limit disruption and prevent blockages in the flow of traffic;

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

Availability of services in the area.

2 3 3 3 24 The engineers to ensure that adequate measures are in place for adequate service delivery that does not impact negatively on surrounding areas.

All requirements of the municipality to be adhered to regarding service reticulation and delivery.

Employment and improved tax base for municipality

Employment of local workers during operations.

Decrease in unemployment and crimes related to unemployment.

Employment opportunities for local companies

2 3 3 4 32 Local labour and employees to be made use of as far as possible for all aspects of the operational phase

BEE companies to be trained and involved in during the operational phase of the development – e.g. Management of retail facilities, maintenance, landscaping, etc.

Increase in demand for local goods and services

Decrease in unemployment and empowerment of local trade and industry

Increase in taxes raised on property

2 2 2 3 18 Local products, goods and services to be utilised as far as possible during the operational phase.

2 2 2 3 18 None required.





Mitigation Measures


Housing stock Provision of housing stock which is in high demand

2 4 4 4 40 None required

Agricultural potential

Permanent loss of agricultural land due to change of land use from agriculture production to residential development

1 4 4 4 36 Proposals for securing appropriate sites for agricultural production as provided for in the Spatial Development Framework as well as the GDARD GAPA must be implemented by the municipality.

Pockets of land currently under cultivation which remains after the implementation of the proposed development may be used by residents for agricultural proposes provided it is safe to do so.


6. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS

This section provides an overview of the public participation process undertaken to date and that to be undertaken during EIR phase.

6.1. Objectives of public participation

The public consultation process is designed to provide information to and receive feedback from

interested and affected parties (I&AP). That feedback is in turn fed into the EIA process. This provides

I&AP with the opportunity to raise concerns and make comments and suggestions regarding the

proposed activity. By being part of the assessment process, stakeholders have the opportunity to

influence the project layout, design and the Plan of Study for the EIA.

Public participation is an essential and regulated requirement for an environmental authorisation

process and must be undertaken in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations

GNR. 982 (December 2014). The process is intended to lead to a joint effort by stakeholders, technical

specialists, the authorities and the proponent/developer who work together to produce better

decisions than if they had acted independently.

The approach to communication with the community is aligned with the principles of the NEMA as

elaborated upon in General Notice 657, titled “Guideline 4: Public Participation” (Department of

Environmental Affairs and Tourism, 19 May, 2006), which states that: “Public participation...(is) …a

process in which potential interested and affected parties are given an opportunity to comment on, or

raise issues relevant to specific matters.”

During the Scoping Phase, the public participation process enables Interested and Affected Parties to:

Understand the context of the EIA;

Become informed and educated about the proposed project and its potential impacts;

Raise issues of concern and suggestions for enhanced benefits;

Verify that their comments, issues of concern and suggestions have been recorded;

Assist in identifying reasonable alternatives; and

Contribute relevant local information and traditional knowledge to the environmental impact

assessment process.

During the EIR phase, the public participation process assists I&AP to:

Contribute relevant information and local and traditional knowledge to the environmental

impact assessment process;

Verify that their issues and suggestions have been evaluated and considered in the

environmental investigations and feedback has been provided;

Comment on the findings of the EIA; and

Identify further issues of concern from the findings of the EIA.

After a decision has been taken on the application, the process requires I&AP to be advised of the

outcome, i.e. the authority decision and how the decision can be appealed.

6.2. Identification of I&APs

According to the guidelines on public participation issued by the then Department of Environmental Affairs, over and above the placement of general notices on site or in the media inviting I&APs to participate in the application process, certain stakeholders should be specifically approached (organs


of state, the owner or person in control of the land etc. are automatically regarded as I&AP’s). Further, the guideline indicates that the following means can be used, to identify stakeholders: • social profiles or probes provide a comprehensive summary of the key characteristics of the

people of a community or area and can serve as a starting point to identify stakeholders; • brainstorming profiles or probes that provide a comprehensive summary of the key characteristics

of the people of a community or area; • established lists and databases, held by consultancies, authorities or research institutions, may

hold additional contact details of residents, non-government organisations, community based organisations or constituents; and

• network or chain referral systems according to which key stakeholders are asked to assist in identifying other stakeholders.

In terms of this application, existing databases, land ownership details, affected institutions, government departments and authorities shall form the initial basis of the I&AP to be engaged. It is anticipated that through newspaper advertisements and placement of site notices will result in a comprehensive list of I&AP for the project.

6.3. Notification process

To facilitate awareness of the project by interested and affected parties as well as government departments that administer laws that might impact on the activity, the following will be undertaken: • Advertising in a local newspaper to invite potential interested and affected parties to register and

to submit comments on the proposed activity within 30days; • Distribution of notices via email to land owners and occupiers adjacent to the site notifying them

of the proposed activity; • Distributing email notifications to government departments; • Notifying the councillor and HOAs via email about the proposed project; • Affixing site notices within and at the boundaries of the site to notify potential interested and

affected parties of the proposed activity; and. • Inviting potential I&AP as well as government departments to access the website for additional

information and the scoping report

6.4. Register of I&APs

The Regulations (GNR.982) provides that I&APs, include: “(a) any person, group of persons or organisation interested in or affected by an activity; and (b) any organ of state that may have jurisdiction over any aspect of the activity”. In terms of the Regulations an EAP managing an application must open and maintain a register which contains the names, contact details and addresses of:

All persons who submitted written comments or attended meetings with the applicant or EAP;

All persons who have in writing requested the applicant or EAP managing the application, for their names to be placed on the register; and

All organs of state which have jurisdiction in respect of the proposed activity. Following the notification process, a Register for I&APs will be opened. All stakeholders will be invited to review the Scoping Report. As per the EIA Regulations, future consultation during the Impact Assessment phase will only take place with registered I&APs. All stakeholders who were involved in the consultation process will be added to the register as the I&AP register will be updated throughout the EIA process.


6.5. Access to and review of the Scoping Report

As stated above, the availability of the Draft Scoping Report (DSR) for public review for 30 days will be announced via an advert in a Newspaper circulating nationally and email communication to interested and affected parties as well as government departments. The process will be undertaken as follows: • Placing the draft scoping report on the EAP website;

Inviting organs of state to access the Scoping Report from the EAP website; • Notifying adjacent occupiers/landowners of the availability of the report; • All comments received will be collated into a report, responded to and incorporated into the final

Scoping Report. • The final report will then be made available to the Registered Interested & Affected parties

including organs of state and submitted to GDARD at the same time.

6.6. Competent authority’s decision on the scoping report

According to the Regulations, GDARD is expected to decide on the scoping report within 43 days of receipt of the report. Should the report be accepted with or without conditions, the plan of study for environmental impact assessment will be implemented. If the scoping report is considered inadequate, then an opportunity will be provided for the report to be amended to comply with the Regulations.


7. PLAN OF STUDY FOR EIA The Impact Assessment (IA) Phase will follow completion of the Scoping Phase (this phase). During the IA phase, specialist studies will be conducted that will inform the impact assessment. Issues raised by I&APs and the potential physical, biological and socio-economic impacts of the establishment on the fabric of the area will be examined in detail. In this way stakeholder issues will assist to drive the EIA process.

When completed, the findings of the specialist studies will be integrated into a single report, the Draft EIA report, for comment by I&APs. The Draft EIA Report will be finalised by incorporating any additional comments received from I&APs and an Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) will be developed from the findings and recommendations of the impact assessment studies. The Final EIA Report and EMP will be presented to the authorities for decision-making.

7.1. Objectives of the EIA process

The objectives of the EIA process, as per the NEMA EIA Regulations 2014 are to, through a consultative process: a) determine the policy and legislative context within which the activity is located and document

how the proposed activity complies with and responds to the policy and legislative context; b) describe the need and desirability of the proposed activity, including the need and desirability

of the activity in the context of the preferred location; c) identify the location of the development footprint within the preferred site based on an impact

and risk assessment process inclusive of cumulative impacts and a ranking process of all the identified development footprint alternatives focusing on the geographical, physical, biological, social, economic, heritage and cultural aspects of the environment;

d) determine the: nature, significance, consequence, extent, duration and probability of the impacts

occurring to inform identified preferred alternatives; and degree to which these impacts can be reversed, may cause irreplaceable loss of resources,

and can be avoided, managed or mitigated; e) identify the most ideal location for the activity within the preferred site based on the lowest

level of environmental sensitivity identified during the assessment; f) identify, assess, and rank the impacts the activity will impose on the preferred location through

the life of the activity; g) identify suitable measures to avoid, manage or mitigate identified impacts; and h) Identify residual risks that need to be managed and monitored.

7.2. Key tasks during the EIR phase

The findings of the environmental and socioeconomic baseline information inform the scope of work to be undertaken during the EIAR phase. The plan of study for the EIA will meet the objectives of an EIA report as described above. The key tasks associated with the EIA Phase include:

Reviewing the Scoping Report and Plan of Study for EIA comment and subsequent approval by GDARD;

Conducting specialist investigations as required, on the significant issues identified in the Scoping Process;

Undertaking a detailed impact assessment process, assessing alternatives, options and potential mitigation measures;

Documenting the findings of the Impact Assessment into an Environmental Impact Report (EIR);

Compiling a draft environmental management programme (EMPr).


The plan of study therefore includes the following: Aspects to be assessed to inform the Environmental Impact Report; A description of the proposed method of assessing the environmental aspects, including

aspects to be assessed by specialists; A description of the proposed method of assessing the duration and significance of impacts; An indication of the stages at which the competent authority will be consulted; Particulars of the public participation process that will be conducted during the environmental

impact assessment process; and A description of the tasks that will be undertaken as part of the environmental impact

assessment process; Identify suitable measures to avoid, reverse, mitigate or manage identified impacts and to

determine the extent of the residual risks that need to be managed and monitored.

The impact assessment component of the EIA will entail several environmental aspects to be studied as detailed below. Specialists to undertake the studies have been appointed and will be required to deliver their assessment as per the terms of reference for the specialist investigations provided in the NEMA EIA Regulations 2014, Appendix 6 Specialist Reports and as set out below. The description is presented in fairly general terms, but all the issues that need to be addressed by the studies are captured.

7.3. Specialist studies for the EIR

A number of specialist studies have already been undertaken and referred to in the scoping report The findings of the said studies shall be used in the impact assessment process. This section details the nature of studies required, the terms of reference for such studies as well as an indication as to which studies are still required.

7.3.1. Terrestrial Ecological Assessment Detailed terrestrial ecological assessment that fulfils the requirements of the EIA in terms of the NEMA (1998) and the associated regulations has been undertaken. The provisions of all relevant databases such as the NFEPA, SANBI and GDARD C-Plan V3 were consulted. Below is a brief presentation of the approaches and methodologies employed in the various assessments.

7.3.1.1. Floral assessment A detailed assessment of the development site as well as the surrounding zone of influence was undertaken. The field assessment aimed to identify or confirm:

The various habitat types and the conservation importance and present ecological state;

Floral species associated with each habitat component

Habitat types and associated vulnerability

Areas of severe alien and invader encroachment;

Veld conditions which will be compared to the typical vegetation for the vegetation type of the area according to Mucina & Rutherford (2006);

Sensitive areas and detailed description of the ecological integrity of each sensitivity zone;

The general impacts as well as cumulative impacts on floral assemblages.

The presence of RDL and protected plants as listed within the National Forest Act, (Act 84 as amended) and any relevant provincial legislation and guidelines.

7.3.1.2. Faunal assessments Faunal assemblage was determined using the following methods:

The ecological importance and sensitivity (EISC) of the study area according to the relevant


conservation databases.

Visual observations of actually occurring species;

Identification of evidence of occurrence, e.g. call spoor, droppings etc;

The reports produced include sensitive habitat types and impacts from habitat disturbance, faunal assemblages at risk (especially avifauna) and an assessment of impacts on migratory routes;

An assessment of cumulative impacts on faunal assemblages in the region was made, with specific emphasis on avifauna;

Consideration of the RDSIS index to quantify the importance of the study area in terms of RDL faunal conservation;

Recommendations on management and mitigation measures with regards to the construction and operation of the proposed activities in order to manage and mitigate impacts on the faunal assemblage of the area.

The following field assessment methodologies were followed:

Avifauna: o The Southern African Bird Atlas Project 2 species list for the quarter degree square will be

compared with the database of birds identified on the study area during the field surveys. Field surveys will be undertaken utilising a pair of binoculars and birdcall identification techniques will also be utilised during the assessment in order to accurately identify avifaunal species;

o Potential biodiversity list; o Habitat evaluation for RDL species and areas of avifaunal importance. o Extensive consideration will be given to impacts on avifaunal ecology with specific

mention of impacts on migratory species and migratory corridors.

Mammals: o A potential biodiversity list was compiled from available literature sources; o Short habitat descriptions of all habitat types pertaining to RDL species has been given; o The habitat types were evaluated for potentially supporting RDL species; o The field assessment identified the presence of various mammalian species through direct

(visual observations) and indirect (spoor, burrow and scat identifications); o A species list, detailing their specific conservation status was compiled from the field

observations; o If considered necessary, the survey will be extended to a nocturnal survey to potentially

enable augmentation of the data. The use of surveillance techniques such as automated camera traps will then be considered;

Herpetofauna: o A complete potential biodiversity list was provided; o The conservation status of each species listed will be determined.

The potential species list in accordance to the habitat availability will also be compiled;

The species recorded during the field survey will be listed;

Habitat evaluations will be undertaken for suitability for supporting various RDL species recorded from the region;

Identification through call identification and direct observation;

Site searches within the various habitat type units will be employed for determining the species community structures within the site with special mention of searching of target areas including rocky outcrops and wetland areas;

7.3.2. Wetland Delineation and Assessment

A site assessment has been undertaken. Specific outcomes of the study included:


• A background study of relevant national, provincial and municipal datasets (such as the National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas [NFEPA] 2011 database; the Department of Water and Sanitation Research Quality Information Services [DWS RQIS PES/EIS], 2014 database and the Gauteng Conservation Plan V3.3 (2011) was undertaken to aid in defining the PES and EIS of the watercourse;

• The watercourse within the study area was delineated according to “DWAF1, 2008: A practical Guideline Procedure for the Identification and Delineation of Wetlands and Riparian Zones”. Aspects such as soil morphological characteristics, vegetation types and wetness were used to delineate the watercourse;

• The watercourse classification assessment was undertaken according to the Classification System for Wetlands and other Aquatic Ecosystems in South Africa. User Manual: Inland systems (Ollis et al., 2013);

• The EIS of the watercourse was determined according to the method described by Rountree and Kotze, (2013);

• The PES of the watercourse was assessed according to the resource directed measures guideline as advocated by Macfarlane et al., (2008);

• The watercourse was mapped according to the ecological sensitivity of the hydrogeomorphic unit in relation to the study area. In addition to the watercourse boundary, the appropriate provincial recommended buffers and legislated zones of regulation were depicted where applicable;

• Allocation of a suitable REC and RMO to the watercourse based on the results obtained from the PES and EIS assessments;

• The DWS Risk Assessment Matrix was applied to identify potential impacts that may affect the watercourse as a result of the proposed industrial development, and to aim to quantify the significance thereof; and

• to present management and mitigation measures which should be implemented during the various development phases to assist in minimising the impact on the receiving freshwater environment.

7.3.3. Soil, Land Use and Land Capability Assessment

Given that the intention is to transform an agricultural productive land, Zipande Research Collaborative were appointed to assess the soil, land use and land capability of the site. The terms of reference entailed the following aspects: • A desktop study involving: Soil and Terrain dataset (SORTER), land type and capability maps and

soil 2001, to establish broad baseline conditions and sensitivity of study area both on environmental and agricultural perspective;

• Compilation of maps depicting the on-site conditions based on desktop review of existing data; • Classification of the climatic conditions occurring within the study area; • Conduct a soil classification survey within the study area; • Assess the spatial distribution of various soil types within the study area and classify the dominant

soil types according to the South African Soil Classification System: A Natural and Anthropogenic System for South Africa (Soil Classification Working Group, 2018);

• Identify restrictive soil properties on land capability under prevailing conditions; • Compile a report based on the desktop study; • Identify and assess the potential impacts in relation to the proposed development using pre-

defined impact assessment methodology; and • Present the plan of study for the EIA phase of the project including the methods of assessment to

be used.


7.3.4. Cultural and Heritage Resources

APelser Archaeological Consulting (APAC) were appointed to undertake a Phase 1 HIA for the proposed township development. The Terms of Reference for the study was to: • Identify all objects, sites, occurrences and structures of an archaeological or historical nature

(cultural heritage sites) located on the portion of land that will be impacted upon by the proposed development;

• Assess the significance of the cultural resources in terms of their archaeological, historical, scientific, social, religious, aesthetic and tourism value;

• Describe the possible impact of the proposed development on these cultural remains, according to a standard set of conventions;

• Propose suitable mitigation measures to minimize possible negative impacts on the cultural resources;

• Review applicable legislative requirements

Site investigations has already been carried out. The outcomes of the study have been discussed in this report. The recommendations contained therein will be used to inform the EIR phase of the assessment process.

7.3.5. Noise impact assessment

Given the nature of the proposed development, no noise impact assessment will be undertaken. Although the potential noise-sensitive receptor as well as noise generators will be identified as part of the general impact assessment, no specific study or noise propagation modelling will be undertaken for the activity.

7.3.6. Visual Impact Assessment

As alluded to before, the site is adjacent to approved similar development and abuts a railway line and an area earmarked as a development corridor. As a result of alignment between the proposed development and surrounding land uses, a visual impact assessment was not considered necessary.

7.3.7. Other specialists’ inputs

Other specialist assessments or inputs to be undertaken and findings incorporated into the EIR include the following:

Geotechnical assessment;

Engineering services report;

Town planning motivation;

Traffic impact assessment including roads infrastructure;

Electricity infrastructure, etc.

7.4. Impact Assessment Methodology

The impact assessment methodology and aspects to be assessed has been discussed in Section 5 above. Further, section 5 provides the preliminary list of environmental aspects considered significant in terms of the proposed development. In addition, a preliminary list of measures to avoid, mitigate or manage the identified impacts have also been suggested under the same section.

7.5. Public participation during the EIR phase

The Public Participation Process is being conducted as an essential component of the Environmental


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

7.5.1. Notification of Interested and Affected Parties

Newspaper Advert-A Newspaper Advertisement will be published in the Citizen or the Star

newspaper as required by the Regulations.

Written notices-written notices will be given to any organ of state having jurisdiction in respect of any aspect of the activity as well as the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality.

Background Information Document- A Background Information Document (BID) will be posted, faxed, emailed or hand delivered to I&APs. Written acknowledgement will be gathered from each of these landowners. The BID document provides information concerning the proposed development. Interested and affected parties will be invited to submit written comments concerning the proposed development and become part of the process.

Site Notices - Detailed site notices prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Regulations and will be placed at strategic and visible places alongside the property on which the proposed development will be located.

Public Meeting /focus groups meetings- If required, meetings will be arranged with stakeholders that would have been identified to ensure that available information can be provided to Interested and Affected Parties.

Ward Councillor - The Ward Councillor is one of the key community representatives within the area of development. Therefore, he/she should be informed, and be given an opportunity to provide comments and input into the process.

7.5.2. Written Correspondence from IAPs

Comments received from I&AP’s will be incorporated in the comments and response register that will be incorporated in the Final Scoping Report. Written comments are welcome throughout the process and will be included as part of the report as the process continues.

7.5.3. Issues and Concerns

A list of issues and concerns submitted will be drawn up and consolidated into a report. This will be submitted as part of the documentation submitted to the competent authority.

7.6. GDARD decision on the application

Once the GDARD has taken a decision on the proposed project, registered I&APs will be notified of this decision and of the opportunity to appeal. This notification will be provided through a letter or email to all registered I&APs, summarising the authority’s decision and explaining how to lodge an appeal should they wish to.


8. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION The purpose of this report is to provide authorities with sufficient information on the potential impacts of the proposed development, so that consideration is given and informed decisions taken with regards to the processes and subsequent authorisation of the proposed development. Potential impacts were identified through preliminary specialist assessment of the site as well as through the technical expertise and experience of the EAP. The construction and operation of a residential township comprising residential, educational facilities, and associated infrastructure uses can pose various risks to the environment as well as affect stakeholders in various ways. The issues related to the development will be identified, discussed and assessed in terms of various criteria such as extent, duration, intensity and significance. It is believed that the methodology and plan of study that will be used to assess the current state of the environment will be sufficient to identify potential impacts. The data will assist in the compilation of the Environmental Impact Assessment as an instrument in the decision making process. Mitigation measures for the impacts identified in this Scoping Report will be described in detail in the EIR.


9. EAP DECLARATION AND UNDERTAKING I, Pirate Ncube, hereby confirm that the information provided in this report is correct at the time of compilation and the report was compiled with inputs provided by the applicant and some of the specialists appointed for the project. I hereby also confirm that:

all relevant information pertaining to the project has been submitted to potential interested and affected parties;

all comments received from I&APs will be attended to and/or included in the final Scoping Report that will be submitted to the GDARD;

a record will be kept of any subsequent comments received and submitted with the final EIA. This will be in the form of a Comments and Responses Report (CRR);

the Plan of Study for the EIA will be implemented, and the findings of specialist studies will be presented in the EIA report.

………………………………………. Signature 5 April 2020 ………………………………….. Date


10. REFERENCES Department of Environmental Affairs (2017), Public Participation guideline in terms of NEMA EIA Regulations, Department of Environmental Affairs, Pretoria, South Africa.

Pro North Consultants, 2020. Proposed township Watervalspruit Ext situated on Portion 43 of the Farm Waterval 150 IR Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Availability OF Civil Engineering Township Services Pelser, A.J., 2020. Report on a Phase 1 Heritage Assessment for Proposed township development On portions 43 & 44 of the farm Waterval 150IR Midvaal, Gauteng Scientific Aquatic Services (SAS) 2020. Biodiversity Assessment as Part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Authorisation Process for The Proposed Development on Portion 43 of Portion 44 Of Farm Waterval 150 IR, Kliprivier, Gauteng Province Zipande Research Collaborative, 2020. Soil, Land Use and Land Capability Assessment Scoping Report as part of The Environmental Assessment and Authorisation Process for the Proposed Development on Portion 43 of Portion 44 of Farm Waterval 150 IR, Kliprivier, Gauteng Province


APPENDICES


Appendix 1: Locality Map


Appendix 2: Layout Plan


Appendix 3: Public Participation Information 1. Proof of Newspaper Advert 2. Proof of distribution of notices 3. Proof of notification of government departments


4. Proof of notification of the councillor of the area


5. Proof of site notices.


6. List of Interested & Affected Parties


7. Comments and Response Report

Documents

Scoping Report: Waterval Township Development: Gaut · 1 draft scoping report waterval residential township development portion 43 (a portion of portion 44) of the farm waterval 150-ir