DOCSLIB.ORG

Survey of Blackfly (Diptera: Simuliidae) Annoyance Levels and Abundance Along the Vaal and Orange Rivers, South Africa

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Survey of Blackfly (Diptera: Simuliidae) Annoyance Levels and Abundance Along the Vaal and Orange Rivers, South Africa Page 1 of 6 Original Research Survey of blackfly (Diptera: Simuliidae) annoyance levels and abundance along the Vaal and Orange Rivers, South Africa Authors: Blackflies (Diptera: Simuliidae) are pests in the livestock and labour-intensive farming systems 1 Chantel J. de Beer along the major rivers in South Africa. Since 1995, blackflies have been controlled in the Karin Kappmeier Green1,2 Orange River with the larvicide Bacillus thuringienses var. israelensis (Bti). During 2006–2007, Affiliations: the views of livestock farmers concerning blackfly annoyance were determined by means of 1Parasites, Vectors and questionnaires. The results of the questionnaires were substantiated by seasonal abundance Vector-borne Diseases, surveys of the sub-adult stages of blackflies, conducted in 2007 at 13 sites in the Orange River Agricultural Research Council, Onderstepoort and 11 sites in the Vaal River. More than half (52%) of the 39 participating farmers along Veterinary Institute, the Orange River and 79% of the 52 participating farmers along the Vaal River stated that South Africa they experienced severe blackfly problems. The majority of farmers were unaware of the availability of products that could be used to protect their animals against blackfly attacks 2Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University and were willing to be involved in blackfly research. High numbers of blackfly sub-adult of Pretoria, South Africa stages found in both rivers supported the high annoyance levels reported by the respondents. Simulium chutteri, Simulium damnosum s.l., Simulium hargreavesi, Simulium adersi and Simulium Correspondence to: alcocki were identified at Christiana and Delportshoop on the Vaal River, whilst S. chutteri, Chantel de Beer S. damnosum s.l., S. adersi, S. alcocki and Simulium gariepense were identified at Marksdrift Email: and Ses Bridge on the Orange River. Despite the extensive control of blackflies, farmers still [email protected] experience problems and this contention is supported by surveys conducted along the rivers. Postal address: Private Bag X05, Onderstepoort 0110, Introduction South Africa Owing to their blood feeding habits and huge numbers, blackflies (Diptera: Simuliidae) are Dates: considered to be major pests in the livestock and labour-intensive farming systems in South Received: May 2011 Africa.1,2 The construction of dams, canals, irrigation schemes or hydro-electrical plants along Accepted: Jan. 2012 rivers in South Africa increases the areas suitable for the breeding of blackflies and has escalated Published: 16 July 2012 the problem along the rivers to pest status.3 The Orange, Vaal, Great Fish, Sundays, Olifants, Berg, How to cite this article: Eerste and Gamtoos Rivers and their surroundings in South Africa are known for problems with De Beer CJ, Kappmeier Green blackflies.1,4 K. Survey of blackfly (Diptera: Simuliidae) annoyance levels and abundance Industries and organisations affected by blackflies in South Africa are livestock farming, labour- along the Vaal and Orange intensive farming (e.g. orchards and vineyards), irrigation farming, the Department of Water Rivers, South Africa. J S Afr Affairs, wildlife, tourism and recreation, as well as diamond mining.1 Along the Orange River, Vet Assoc. 2012;83(1), Art. 1 #5, 6 pages. http://dx.doi. Simulium chutteri Lewis is one of the most important pest species. Irritation by blackflies also org/10.4102/jsava.v83i1.5 causes sheep to huddle together and stop grazing, with consequent economic losses. Several surveys have been conducted by various workers along the Orange River to determine the extent of the blackfly problem: in 19795 , 1982 6, 1983 7, 1997 1 and 1997–2002 8, the latter survey having been extended to include the Vaal River. Serious blackfly outbreaks in 2000 and 2001 were attributed to higher than normal river levels and an alleged larval resistance to temephos (Abate®; BASF, Johannesburg, South Africa).9 Despite the present Orange River Blackfly Control Programme, administrated by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (formerly the National Department of Agriculture), whereby Bacillus thuringienses var. israelensis (Bti) is used to control the problem, blackfly annoyance levels still seem to be high. This may indicate shortcomings in the present control programme and has led to this assessment of blackfly abundance along the Vaal and Orange Rivers by means of © 2012. The Authors. questionnaires and surveys conducted during 2006–2007. Licensee: AOSIS OpenJournals. This work Similar to a previous survey,7 the aim of the present questionnaire survey was to establish the is licensed under the Creative Commons farmers’ views regarding the problem and to reveal possible pronounced general trends. To Attribution License. substantiate the results obtained from the questionnaire survey, subsequent seasonal surveys http://www.jsava.co.za doi:10.4102/jsava.v83i1.5 Page 2 of 6 Original Research of blackfly abundance were conducted at some of the focal 11 sites along the Vaal River (Figure 1; Table 1). The populations blackfly breeding sites along the rivers. Tributaries of the of immature stages were monitored using the 10-point visual Vaal River, namely the Riet and Harts Rivers, were also ranking system for flat and cylindrical surfaces developed monitored to establish their contribution to the blackfly by Palmer1. Larvae and pupae were collected and counted population in the Vaal River. Blackfly species were identified from six randomly selected attachment sites; that is, three flat at four sites to confirm important pest species along the Vaal (stones) and three cylindrical (vegetation) surfaces at each and Orange Rivers. collection site. Materials and methods Pupae were identified to species level at six of these Farmers’ questionnaires collection sites, two sites on the Vaal River (Christiana and Delportshoop), two on the Orange River (Marksdrift and Ses Contact details of farmers disposed to participate in such a Bridge) and one in each of the Riet and Harts tributaries. survey were obtained from Farmers’ Unions (North West, Northern Cape and Free State Provinces). Subsequently, 51 livestock farmers were contacted along the Orange River Statistical analyses from the Van der Kloof Dam to Vioolsdrift, a distance of Blackfly abundance data were analysed using Gen Stat for approximately 920 km, and 62 along the Vaal River from the Windows v. 7.0 statistical software (VSN International, Bloemhof Dam to Barkly West, a distance of approximately Hemel Hempstead, UK) to determine whether blackfly 218 km (Figure 1). numbers differed between sites and seasons. Repeated Farmers were asked if they experience blackfly problems, measures ANOVA (p < 0.05 was considered as statistically to rate the extent of the problem on a 10-point scale,7 viz.: significant) were applied to all the data. Where the data 1–3 = light, 4–6 = average, 7–8 = above average and 9–10 = passed the normality test, standard (parametric) methods severe, and to indicate seasonal trends in abundance. Using were used and the Tukey test was applied. Where data did data provided by the farmers, the farms were classified into not pass the normality test, non-parametric methods were four categories according to distance from the river, namely used and the Friedman test was applied. The Vaal River 0 km – 20 km, 21 km – 40 km, 41 km – 60 km and 61 km and its tributaries, the Riet, Modder and Harts Rivers were – 80 km. Participants were asked to indicate what livestock analysed as a single unit, as was the Orange River. they farmed and if livestock were kept in pens, in feedlots or on pasture. Furthermore, farmers were asked if they were Results aware of any products that could be used to protect animals against blackfly attack, if they had any experience with Farmers’ responses these products and whether they were satisfied with these Of the 51 livestock farmers contacted along the Orange River, products or not. Lastly, the farmers were asked if they would 39 (76%) responded to the questionnaire, whilst 52 (80%) of be willing to become involved in blackfly research aimed at the 62 farmers contacted along the Vaal River participated. controlling the problem. Distance from river Survey of blackfly abundance Along the Orange River, 72% of the participating farmers Seasonal surveys of blackfly abundance were conducted were closer than 20 km to the river, 19% were in the 21 km during 2006–2007 at 13 sites along the Orange River and – 40 km zone, whilst only 6% and 3% were in the 41 km – Study sites 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Orange farmers Vaal farmers Elevation 0–250 -27 -27 250–500 500–750 750–1000 1000–1250 1250–1500 -28 -28 1500–1750 1750–2000 2000–2250 No date -29 -29 -30 -30 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 100 0 100 200 Kilometres Source: Map produced by Guy Hendrickx, Avia GIS, 2007 FIGURE 1: Study sites on the Orange, Vaal, Riet, Modder and Harts Rivers, as well as the locations of the livestock farmers that were contacted through questionnaires. http://www.jsava.co.za doi:10.4102/jsava.v83i1.5 Page 3 of 6 Original Research 60 km and 61 km – 80 km zones, respectively. Along the TABLE 1: Sites along the Orange and Vaal Rivers at which seasonal surveys of blackfly abundance were conducted during 2006–2007. Vaal River, 84% of the participating farmers were within Rivers Sites Coordinates 20 km of the river, 9% were within 21 km – 40 km, 7% within South East 41 km – 60 km and none were further than 61 km from the Orange River Van der Kloof 29°59′33′′ 24°43′26′′ river. The results from the questionnaires therefore mostly Fluitjieskraal Bridge 29°47′25′′ 24°24′131′′ represent the situation closer than 20 km from the river, but Hope Town 29°36′01′′ 24°05′17′′ farmers up to 80 km from the river were also represented.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Ganspan Draft Archaeological Impact Assessment Report
    CES: PROPOSED GANSPAN-PAN WETLAND RESERVE DEVELOPMENT ON ERF 357 OF VAALHARTS SETTLEMENT B IN THE PHOKWANE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, FRANCES BAARD DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY, NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE Archaeological Impact Assessment Prepared for: CES Prepared by: Exigo Sustainability ARCHAEOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (AIA) ON ERF 357 OF VAALHARTS SETTLEMENT B FOR THE PROPOSED GANSPAN-PAN WETLAND RESERVE DEVELOPMENT, FRANCES BAARD DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY, NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE Conducted for: CES Compiled by: Nelius Kruger (BA, BA Hons. Archaeology Pret.) Reviewed by: Roberto Almanza (CES) DOCUMENT DISTRIBUTION LIST Name Institution Roberto Almanza CES DOCUMENT HISTORY Date Version Status 12 August 2019 1.0 Draft 26 August 2019 2.0 Final 3 CES: Ganspan-pan Wetland Reserve Development Archaeological Impact Assessment Report DECLARATION I, Nelius Le Roux Kruger, declare that – • I act as the independent specialist; • I am conducting any work and activity relating to the proposed Ganspan-Pan Wetland Reserve Development in an objective manner, even if this results in views and findings that are not favourable to the client; • I declare that there are no circumstances that may compromise my objectivity in performing such work; • I have the required expertise in conducting the specialist report and I will comply with legislation, including the relevant Heritage Legislation (National Heritage Resources Act no. 25 of 1999, Human Tissue Act 65 of 1983 as amended, Removal of Graves and Dead Bodies Ordinance no. 7 of 1925, Excavations Ordinance no. 12 of 1980), the
    [Show full text]
  • SIBU and the Crisis of Water Service Delivery in Sannieshof, North West Province
    SIBU and the crisis of water service delivery in Sannieshof, North West Province C GOUWS, I MOEKETSI, S MOTLOUNG, J TEMPELHOFF, G VAN GREUNING AND L VAN ZYL* Abstract In 2007 the residents of the town of Sannieshof in North West Province declared a dispute with the Tswaing Local Municipality on the grounds that the state of local service delivery left much to be desired. The ratepayers then formed the Sannieshof Inwoners Belastingbetalers Unie (SIBU) which literally took over the functions of local government of the town, functioning as a local government within a local government. This article provides a historical narrative of the conflict between SIBU and Tswaing Local Municipality, a dispute which was taken as far as the provincial High Court. Then follows an outline of conditions in Sannieshof and the townships of Agisanang and Phelindaba. Attention is given to the perceptions of local residents on the prevalent conditions, specifically in respect of water supply and sanitation service delivery. In the third section there are some theoretical perspectives on political culture, socialisation and happiness. A debate is provided on how these phenomena manifest under existing conditions in Sannieshof, and more particularly, in its adjacent townships of Agisanang and Phelindaba. Keywords: Sannieshof Inwoners Belastingbetalers Unie (SIBU), North West Province, service delivery, water supply, sanitation, Tswaing Local Municipality. Disciplines: History, Political Science, Tourism Studies and Public Management and Administration, Industrial Psychology and Wellness Studies. Introduction In November 2007, irate ratepayers of the towns Sannieshof, Ottosdal and Delareyville in South Africa’s North West Province, declared a dispute with Tswaing Local Municipality, the local authority responsible for their municipal services.1 Using the Municipal Finance (Management) Act, 56 of 2003,2 the Municipal Structures Act, 117 of 1998,3 and the Municipal Systems Act, 32 * Research Niche Area for the Cultural Dynamics of Water (CuDyWat).
    [Show full text]
  • Palaeontological Impact Assessment May Be Significantly Enhanced Through Field Assessment by a Professional Palaeontologist
    PALAEONTOLOGICAL HERITAGE ASSESSMENT: COMBINED DESKTOP & FIELD- BASED STUDY Proposed Meerkat Solar Power Plant on Portion 3 (Portion of Portion 2) of the Farm Vyflings Pan 598 near Vryburg, Naledi Local Municipality, North-West Province John E. Almond PhD (Cantab.) Natura Viva cc, PO Box 12410 Mill Street, Cape Town 8010, RSA [email protected] February 2016 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The company Meerkat Solar Power Plant (RF) (Pty) Ltd is proposing to develop up to 115 MW photovoltaic solar facility, known as the Meerkat Solar Power Plant, on Portion 3 (Portion of Portion 2) of the Farm Vyflings Pan 598, IN Registration Division, Province of the North-West. The Meerkat Solar Power Plant study area is entirely underlain by late Archaean (c. 2.6 billion year-old) sedimentary rocks of the Schmidtsdrif Subgroup (Ghaap Group, Transvaal Supergroup). These mainly comprise shallow marine siliciclastic sediments and possible lavas of the Vryburg Formation plus carbonate sediments of the Boomplaas Formation. Field assessment suggests that stromatolite-bearing carbonate rocks are not present at surface within the Vryburg and Bomplaas Formation outcrop areas in the study area. The overlying superficial sediments (e.g. sandy soils, calcretised pan deposits) are of low palaeontological sensitivity. It is concluded that, with or without mitigation, the overall impact of the proposed Meerkat Solar Power Plant on Farm Vyflings Pan 598 is of NEGATIVE LOW SIGNIFICANCE in palaeontological heritage terms. Should significant fossil remains - such as well-preserved stromatolites - be exposed during construction, the responsible Environmental Control Officer should safeguard these, preferably in situ. The South African Heritage Resources Authority (SAHRA) should be alerted as soon as possible (Contact details: Mrs Colette Scheermeyer, P.O.
    [Show full text]
  • Review of Existing Infrastructure in the Orange River Catchment
    Study Name: Orange River Integrated Water Resources Management Plan Report Title: Review of Existing Infrastructure in the Orange River Catchment Submitted By: WRP Consulting Engineers, Jeffares and Green, Sechaba Consulting, WCE Pty Ltd, Water Surveys Botswana (Pty) Ltd Authors: A Jeleni, H Mare Date of Issue: November 2007 Distribution: Botswana: DWA: 2 copies (Katai, Setloboko) Lesotho: Commissioner of Water: 2 copies (Ramosoeu, Nthathakane) Namibia: MAWRD: 2 copies (Amakali) South Africa: DWAF: 2 copies (Pyke, van Niekerk) GTZ: 2 copies (Vogel, Mpho) Reports: Review of Existing Infrastructure in the Orange River Catchment Review of Surface Hydrology in the Orange River Catchment Flood Management Evaluation of the Orange River Review of Groundwater Resources in the Orange River Catchment Environmental Considerations Pertaining to the Orange River Summary of Water Requirements from the Orange River Water Quality in the Orange River Demographic and Economic Activity in the four Orange Basin States Current Analytical Methods and Technical Capacity of the four Orange Basin States Institutional Structures in the four Orange Basin States Legislation and Legal Issues Surrounding the Orange River Catchment Summary Report TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 6 1.1 General ......................................................................................................................... 6 1.2 Objective of the study ................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Frances Baard District Municipality: Proposed Upgrading of an Anglo Boer War Blockhouse on a Portion of Warrenton Erf 1, Warrenton, Northern Cape Province
    FRANCES BAARD DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY: PROPOSED UPGRADING OF AN ANGLO BOER WAR BLOCKHOUSE ON A PORTION OF WARRENTON ERF 1, WARRENTON, NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE Archaeological Impact Assessment Prepared for: Frances Baard District Municipality Prepared by: Exigo Sustainability -i- Firefly Investments 224: Platinum Solar Park Project Archaeological Impact Assessment Report HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT ON A PORTION OF WARRENTON ERF 1 FOR THE PROPOSED UPGRADING OF AN ANGLO BOER WAR BLOCKHOUSE, WARRENTON, NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE Conducted on behalf of: Frances Baard District Municipality Exigo Sustainability Compiled by: Nelius Kruger (BA, BA Hons. Archaeology Pret.) Reviewed by: Joh-ne Jansen (Frances Baard District Municipality) Document History Document Version 1 (Draft) – 25 March 2016 -i- Firefly Investments 224: Platinum Solar Park Project Archaeological Impact Assessment Report Although Exigo Sustainability exercises due care and diligence in rendering services and preparing documents, Exigo Sustainability accepts no liability, and the client, by receiving this document, indemnifies Exigo Sustainability and its directors, managers, agents and employees against all actions, claims, demands, losses, liabilities, costs, damages and expenses arising from or in connection with services rendered, directly or indirectly by Exigo Sustainability and by the use of the information contained in this document. This document contains confidential and proprietary information equally shared between Exigo Sustainability. and Frances Baard District Municipality, and is protected by copyright in favour of these companies and may not be reproduced, or used without the written consent of these companies, which has been obtained beforehand. This document is prepared exclusively for Frances Baard District Municipality and is subject to all confidentiality, copyright and trade secrets, rules, intellectual property law and practices of South Africa.
    [Show full text]
  • Presentation Update Harts River 2017.Pdf
    2017 NOTE Present Project: Prospecting Rights still held or applied for. Historic Project: This refers to the areas and work completed on the entire Project from day one. Introduction The historic target area covered a large area held under six (6) different Prospecting Rights which were applied for sequentially as more information on the deposit became available (Historic Project). The obtaining of such a large area was necessary as there are often large variations in the nature and potential of these alluvial deposits. Some drilling was done on most of these Prospecting Right areas (areas consist of one to several farms with different land owners) and the areas of higher potential were kept (Documented under the heading Present Project). It is necessary to include the results of the work done on the Historic Project, which includes the three (3) Rights held at present, as the work done outside the Present Project speaks to the potential of the Present Project and because the major portion of the test mining was done on the farm Zamenkomst (outside Present Project). On Zamenkomst only a small portion of the good gravel was preserved and mined out (Prospecting Right terminated). At the time, when this test mining was carried out, no other Prospecting Rights were available and the contractors moved else ware. It is important to note that all Test Mining was carried out with no cost to the “Company” (Contractors sold the Diamonds for their account and only the data and results of the Test Mining was retained by the “Company”). The only costs carried by the “Company” was Drilling and Salaries.
    [Show full text]
  • Potential Toxic Algal Incident in the Orange River Northern Cape 2000
    Potentially Toxic Algal Incident in the Orange River, Northern Cape, 2000 by C.E. van Ginkel & B. Conradie IWQS & NC Region • I bEPARTMENT OF WATER AFFAIRS AND FORESTRY I 0 -,_. TITLE: POTENTIALLY TOXIC ALGAL INCIDENT IN THE ORANGE RIVER, NORTHERN CAPE, 2000. REPORT NUMBER: N/D801/12/DEQ/0800 PROJECT: Eutrophication Project STATUS OF REPORT: Final DATE: July 2001 This report should be cited as: Van Ginkel, C.E. and B. Conradie (2001). Potential toxic algal incident in the Orange River, Northern Cape, 2000. Draft Report No. N/D801/12/DEQ/0800. Institute for Water Quality Studies, Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. Pretoria. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 1. All the external stakeholders who assisted in collecting, storing and transporting samples. These include (not in any order of priority): • Mr Jaco Goussard (JCG Water Treatment) • Mr Gert Meiring (Upington Municipality) • Mr Gawie Moon (Council for Geo Science) • Personnel at the Pelladrift and Namakwa Water Boards • Personnel of the Trans Hex Limited mining company at Reuning and Baken • Personnel of the Alexkor Limited mining company (at the mine and on the farms) • Personnel of Global Diamond Resources at Grasdrift • Personnel of the Richtersveld National Park • Mrs Bettie Nieuwouldt, Richtersveld Farmers' Union • Springbok Lodge and Restaurant perspnnel • Northern Cape Nature Conservation Services • Wilna Barkhuizen at the Vioolsdrift Irrigation Board 2. Personnel of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) who contributed beyond their normal duties to make the task possible, including: • Personnel from the Institute for Water Quality Studies (IWQS): DWAF who visited Upington promptly to supply preservatives and sampling equipment to the office and assisted the Upington office in numerous logistical arrangements as well as providing expertise as member of the National Toxic Algal Forum (Mrs Carin van Ginkel), laboratory personnel (Eisabe Truter, Chris Carelson, Doris le Roux) and the technical team {Annelise Gerber) who assisted with data collection, analysis and reporting.
    [Show full text]
  • 27 the Alluvial Diamond Deposits of The
    TR ClI- 27 THE ALLUVIAL DIAMOND DEPOSITS OF THE LOWER VAAL RIVER BETWEEN BARKLY WEST AND THE VAAL-HARTS CONFLUENCE IN THE NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA By FABRICE GILBERT MATHEYS B.Sc. (Hons) Thesis snbmitted in partial fnlfllment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE Department of Geology . Rhodes University Grahamstown DECEMBER 1990 ABSTRACT The alluvial diamond deposits along the Vaal River, between Barkly West and the Vaal-Harts confluence, have been worked for more than one century by thousands of private diggers. The diamonds are recovered from two sedimentary units of Cenozoic age, the Older Gravels and the Younger Gravels. These rest on a basement of Ventersdorp Supergroup andesites and Karoo Sequence sediments, which have been intruded by Cretaceous kimberlites. The gravels are, in turn, overlain by the Riverton Formation and the Hutton Sand. On a large scale, tectonic setting, geomorphology and palaeoclimate have played a major role in the formation of diamondiferous placers in the araa under investigation. A study of the sedimentology of the Younger Gravels was carried out with the aim of acquiring an understanding of tha processes responsible for the economic concentration of high quality diamonds. An investigation of facies assemblages, clast composition, clast size, external geometry, particle morphology and palaeocurrent directions led to the conclusion that the Younger Gravels were deposited in a proximal braided stream environment during high discharge. A small-scale experiment was carried out to test the efficiency of different sedimentological trap sites in concentrating kimberlite indicator minerals. The results show that the concentration of indicator minerals is dependent o~the size fraction choosen, bed roughness and gravel calibre.
    [Show full text]
  • THE IMPACTS of SMALL SCALE ARTISANAL DIAMOND MINING on the ENVIRONMENT By
    THE IMPACTS OF SMALL SCALE ARTISANAL DIAMOND MINING ON THE ENVIRONMENT by MELANIE NAIDOO-VERMAAK MINI DISSERTATION Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree MAGISTER SCIENTIAE ENGINEERING in ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT in the FACULTY OF SCIENCE at the UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG Supervisor: Dr JM Meeuwis October 2006 i ABSTRACT This mini-dissertation establishes the extent to which small scale artisanal diamond mining impacts on the environment. There has, in the past, been research undertaken specifically on the water related impacts of small scale artisanal diamond mining. This study however, looks at the environment holistically, and gauges the total degradation to the receiving environment. Small scale artisanal diamond mining is considered to be a major contributor to the local economy and improved quality of life for the communities participating in this mining and is being actively supported through the National minerals and mining policies. It is for this reason that it was deemed imperative to understand the nature of the mining and the associated environmental impacts so that the outcome of this report could be used to inform decision makers when considering the licencing and management of artisanal diamond mining operations. In order to achieve the aim of the study, a literature review needed to be conducted focusing on the nature of small scale diamond mining operations, its influence on the social and economic spheres and the known environmental damage induced by such mining activities. However, in order to internalize the impacts, the literature review also drew a comparison with large scale artisanal diamond mining. The problems identified at the four sample sites were evaluated through the OWL Risk Assessment method to gauge the high risks and major impacts.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Jbs21 (Ewr 17: Lloyds Weir (Harts River) – Osaeh 29.1)
    1 JBS21 (EWR 17: LLOYDS WEIR (HARTS RIVER) – OSAEH 29.1) The information is summarised from DWA (2009c,d; 2010c). The Harts River system is in the C3 drainage region of South Africa and its source is near the town of Lichtenburg in the North West Province, although the larger part of the catchment is situated in the Northern Cape Province. The Harts River flows in a south- westerly direction via Barberspan, the Taung and Spitskop dams, after which it flows into the Vaal River near Delportshoop. 1.1 SITE DESCRIPTION EWR 17 falls within MRU Harts C which includes Wentzel Dam which is delineated as a unit. The dam supports the domestic water use in Wentzel and the yield of the dam is fully utilised. The EWR site is in close proximity to OSAEH 29.1. This site was not assessed during the October 2010 field trip and the results of the EWR assessment are summarised below. EWR 17 is situated downstream of Spitskop Dam in the Harts River. The banks are composed of bedrock, and the channel is incised. Paired low benches occur but terraces are absent. Some paths in the upper and lower riparian zones has caused erosion. Fish habitat is well represented at site but flow modification by Spitskop Dam a short distance upstream of site is expected to result in unnatural habitat fluctuation. The weir directly upstream of site may result in unnaturally high abundance of species during migrations. Macroinvertebrate habitat is good with limited aquatic vegetation and mud habitats. Location EWR 17 Lloyds weir Altitude 1114 m Longitude 24.30305 Latitude -28.37694 Southern/Central Kalahari/Ghaap plateau EcoRegion Quaternary catchment C33C 29.02; 30.01 Water Management Area Lower Vaal Geomorphological zone Lower Foothills EWR 17, Lloyds weir.
    [Show full text]
  • Diversity and Characteristics of Yeasts in Water Sources of the North West Province
    Diversity and characteristics of yeasts in water sources of the North West Province By Deidré Alima Bregené Van Wyk (B.Sc Honours) Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Science in Environmental Science, in the School of Biological Science, Faculty of Natural Science, North-West University: Potchefstroom Campus Supervisor: Prof. C.C. Bezuidenhout Co-supervisor: Mr. O.H.J. Rhode Date Submitted: November 2012 ABSTRACT Yeasts form an important part of many ecosystems and significantly contribute to biodiversity. However, yeast biodiversity in the North West Province remains largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to determine the diversity and characteristics of yeasts from water sources in the North West Province, South Africa. Samples were collected over a two year period and included three rivers, a spruit and an inland lake. Temperature, pH, and electrical conductivity (EC) were measured on site using a multi- 2- probe. Nitrate (NO3-N), nitrite (NO2-N) and phosphate (PO4 ) levels were determined in the laboratory using Hatch kits and equipment. The pH ranged from 7.2 to 9.2. Elevated EC levels (36-70 mS) were detected especially at the Harts River and Barberspan (38-165 mS) sites. Physico-chemical parameter levels were higher during the cold dry sampling period compared to the warm rainy sampling period. Levels and diversity of yeasts were determined using the membrane filtration method. The highest level of yeasts was detected in the Mooi River and Schoonspruit during 2010 and 2011 sampling periods. Pigmented and non-pigmented yeasts were enumerated from all samples. Over the two year period the highest number of pigmented yeasts was detected in the Schoonspruit samples.
    [Show full text]
  • Frances Baard District Municipality: Proposed Nkandla Extension 2 Township Establishment, Erf 258 Nkandla, Hartswater, Northern Cape Province
    FRANCES BAARD DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY: PROPOSED NKANDLA EXTENSION 2 TOWNSHIP ESTABLISHMENT, ERF 258 NKANDLA, HARTSWATER, NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE Archaeological Impact Assessment Prepared for: Frances Baard District Municipality Prepared by: Exigo Sustainability -i- Firefly Investments 224: Platinum Solar Park Project Archaeological Impact Assessment Report ARCHAEOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (AIA) OF AREAS DEMARACTED FOR THE PROPOSED NKANDLA EXTENSION 2 TOWNSHIP ESTABLISHMENT ON A PORTION OF ERF 258 NKANDLA, FRANCES BAARD DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY, NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE Conducted on behalf of: Frances Baard District Municipality Exigo Sustainability Compiled by: Nelius Kruger (BA, BA Hons. Archaeology Pret.) Reviewed by: Freddy Netshivhodza (Frances Baard District Municipality) Document History Document Version 1 (Draft) – 25 March 2016 Document Version 2 (Final) – 31 March 2016 -i- Firefly Investments 224: Platinum Solar Park Project Archaeological Impact Assessment Report Although Exigo Sustainability exercises due care and diligence in rendering services and preparing documents, Exigo Sustainability accepts no liability, and the client, by receiving this document, indemnifies Exigo Sustainability and its directors, managers, agents and employees against all actions, claims, demands, losses, liabilities, costs, damages and expenses arising from or in connection with services rendered, directly or indirectly by Exigo Sustainability and by the use of the information contained in this document. This document contains confidential and proprietary information equally shared between Exigo Sustainability. and Frances Baard District Municipality, and is protected by copyright in favour of these companies and may not be reproduced, or used without the written consent of these companies, which has been obtained beforehand. This document is prepared exclusively for Frances Baard District Municipality and is subject to all confidentiality, copyright and trade secrets, rules, intellectual property law and practices of South Africa.
    [Show full text]