AUSSENKEHR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENTS AUSSENKEHR NAMIBIA
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SCOPING REPORT
Assessed by: Assessed for:
Orange River Vineyard Investments (Pty) Ltd Capespan Namibia (Pty) Ltd Frontier Grapes (Pty) Ltd Solar Grapes (Pty) Ltd Aussenkehr Farms (Pty) Ltd
November 2018
Project: AUSSENKEHR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENTS - AUSSENKEHR NAMIBIA, ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SCOPING REPORT Report Final Version/Date November 2018 Prepared for: Orange River Vineyard Investments (Pty) Ltd P O Box 314 Windhoek Capespan Namibia (Pty) Ltd P O Box 795 Aussenkehr Frontier Grapes (Pty) Ltd P O Box 24512 Windhoek Solar Grapes (Pty) Ltd & Aussenkehr Farms (Pty) Ltd P O Box 724 Aussenkehr Lead Consultant Geo Pollution Technologies (Pty) Ltd TEL.: (+264-61) 257411 PO Box 11073 FAX.: (+264) 88626368 Windhoek Namibia Main Project Quzette Bosman Team (BA. Geography/Sociology); (BA Environmental Management) Christian Brunette (B.Sc. Geology/Geography); (B.Sc. (Hons) Geology) Pierre Botha (B.Sc. Geology/Geography); (B.Sc. (Hons) Hydrology/Hydrogeology) Cite this Bosman Q, Botha P, Brunette C; 2018 June; Aussenkehr Agricultural document as: Developments - Aussenkehr Namibia, Environmental Assessment Scoping Report Copyright Copyright on this document is reserved. No part of this document may be utilised without the written permission of Geo Pollution Technologies (Pty) Ltd. Report Approval Pierre Botha Quzette Bosman Managing Director Environmental Assessment Practitioner
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Orange River Vineyard Investment (Pty) Ltd; Capespan Namibia (Pty) Ltd; Frontier Grapes (Pty) Ltd; Solar Grapes (Pty) Ltd and Aussenkehr Farms (Pty) Ltd operate irrigation systems for various table grape agricultural developments along the Orange River at Aussenkehr in the Karas Region. The various companies are proposing additional vineyard development around the existing vineyards. Although primary operations were established 30 years ago, all operations which draw water from an international river require an environmental clearance certificate as per the Environmental Management Act, Act No. 7 of 2007. As per consultation with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, a combined environmental assessment, in relation to the biophysical and social features of the site, was conducted. Subsequently, individual environmental management plans were drafted for each company and related operational area. These documents accompany individual applications for environmental clearance certificates submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism Geo Pollution Technologies (Pty) Ltd was appointed to conduct this assessment and to compile the individual environmental management plans for each property and related company. This scoping report presents the findings of the environmental assessment and was used as the primary reference for the compilation of the various environmental management plans. During the environmental assessment, sensitive features of the biophysical and social environment were identified and mapped. These include habitat areas along the Orange River and palaeontological resources. Consideration was awarded to the complex social structure of Aussenkehr, as well the ecosystem services provided to the community and farming operators. Such considerations have been framed by the various National Development Plans as well as the regional development goals which have all identified Aussenkehr, and the table grape industry, as an important development driver. Comments and concerns from Interested and Affected Parties have served to augment the environmental assessment by not only providing comments during the public consultation process, but also by providing data regarding some of the ecological features in the area. A meeting was further held with officials of the competent authority, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, who will provide their comments to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. The project was announced to the public as per press and site notices, while adjacent land owners were provided with documentation informing them about the application for environmental clearance certificates. The proof of the public participation process to date is attached as an appendix to this report. Various governmental agencies as well as international organisations have been included in the stakeholder distribution list. Several oral comments and concerns have been recorded most of which are in support of the project. The main concerns are the following: Electricity constraints in Aussenkehr; Land tenure; Workers housing; and Employment requirements (Namibian). As per the findings of the environmental assessment, the Aussenkehr area is faced with various environmental challenges which include extreme climatic conditions and fundamental community challenges such as potable water and sanitation. In addition, the project area borders the international Orange River, from which the project sources its water. Definite concerns have been raised regarding the water use of the river as well as the quality of the water in relation to cumulative water uses upstream. The majority of the significant impacts relate to the biophysical spheres of the environment, specifically related to the soil and water and in a cumulative sense. However, In terms of economic contribution, the table grape sector in Namibia, especially in Aussenkehr, is underpinned by various development plans and goals, while contributing significantly to the export market of Namibia. Operations are therefore in line with the regional and national development goals. It is the opinion of Geo Pollution Technologies that the project will contribute to sustainable development of the region, if the various companies are compliant with the mitigation measures which have been proposed in this report and related environmental management plans. It is noted that all of the companies are already conducting their operations as per international best practise requirements, linked to the international markets of developed countries. Therefore it is proposed that the various environmental clearance certificates be issued on condition of compliance to the various environmental management plans.
Table of Contents 1 BACKGROUND & INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 PROJECT MOTIVATION / NEED & DESIRABILITY ...... 2 1.2 SOCIAL SPIN -OFFS ...... 4 2 SCOPE ...... 5 3 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATION ...... 6 4 METHODOLOGY ...... 6 4.1 DESK -TOP REVIEW ...... 6 4.2 SITE VISIT ...... 7 4.3 PUBLIC CONSULTATION ...... 7 5 PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED ACTIVITIES ...... 7 5.1 LIFE CYCLE / UNDERSTANDING THE TABLE GRAPE INDUSTRY ...... 7 5.2 PLANNING PHASE ...... 10 5.3 DEVELOPMENT PHASE ...... 11 5.4 OPERATIONAL PHASE ...... 12 5.4.1 Primary Operations ...... 12 5.4.2 Ancillary Activities...... 14 5.5 DECOMMISSIONING PHASE ...... 16 6 ALTERNATIVES ...... 16 6.1 LOCATION ALTERNATIVES ...... 16 6.2 PROJECT PLANNING AND DESIGN ALTERNATIVES ...... 16 6.2.1 Agricultural Produce ...... 16 6.2.2 Dust Suppression ...... 17 6.2.3 Irrigation Methods ...... 18 6.2.4 Transportation Alternatives ...... 20 6.3 NO GO ALTERNATIVE ...... 20 7 ADMINISTRATIVE, LEGAL AND POLICY REQUIREMENTS ...... 20 8 ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS ...... 23 8.1 LOCALITY AND SURROUNDING LAND USE ...... 23 8.2 CLIMATE ...... 24 8.3 TOPOGRAPHY AND DRAINAGE ...... 26 8.4 GEOLOGY AND SOILS ...... 29 8.5 AUSSENKEHR WATER SUPPLY ...... 33 8.5.1 Irrigation Water Supply...... 34 8.6 FAUNA AND FLORA ...... 35 8.7 LOCAL ECONOMY ...... 39 8.8 SOCIAL AND CULTURAL CHARACTERISTICS ...... 40 8.9 ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS ...... 43 8.10 ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY ...... 44 9 PUBLIC CONSULTATION ...... 46 9.1 PRESS NOTICE ...... 46 9.2 SITE NOTICE ...... 46 9.3 NOTIFICATION LETTERS ...... 46 9.4 MEETINGS ...... 46 9.5 BUILDING AN IAP DATABASE ...... 46 9.6 COMMENTS RECEIVED ...... 46 10 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS ...... 47 10.1 PLANNING PHASE ...... 49 10.1.1 Revenue and Information Generation ...... 49 10.1.2 National Development Goals: Water, Agriculture and Land Use Planning ...... 49 10.1.3 Scientific knowledge ...... 50 10.1.4 Ideals and Aspirations for the Future ...... 50 10.2 DEVELOPMENT PHASE (C ONSTRUCTION PHASE ) ...... 51 10.2.1 Reduction in Local and Regional Unemployment ...... 51 10.2.2 Revenue Generation ...... 51 10.2.3 Training and skills Development ...... 52 10.2.4 Cultural Integration and Nation Building...... 52 10.2.5 Demographic Profile and Community Health ...... 53 10.2.6 Health and Safety of the Workforce...... 53 10.2.7 Loss of Paleontological and Archaeological Resources ...... 54 10.2.8 Dust and Noise Generation ...... 54 10.2.9 Visual ...... 55 10.2.10 Soil Contamination and Soil Structure Disturbance (Degradation and Erosion) ...... 55 10.2.11 Groundwater Contamination ...... 56 10.2.12 Loss of Biodiversity and Ecosystems Integrity...... 57 10.2.13 Greenhouse Gas Emissions ...... 57 10.2.14 Traffic (Increase Incident / Collision Risk and Road Degradation) ...... 57 10.3 OPERATIONAL PHASE ...... 58 10.3.1 Contribution to the National Economy (Revenue & Investment Confidence) ...... 59 10.3.2 Economic Resilience and Employment...... 59 10.3.3 Skills Development and Training...... 59 10.3.4 Contribution Towards National and Community Development Goals ...... 60 10.3.5 Employee Health & Safety ...... 60 10.3.6 Increased pressure on Governmental Services (Essential Services) ...... 61 10.3.7 Traffic ...... 61 10.3.8 Water Abstraction ...... 62 10.3.9 Change in Soils Characteristics ...... 62 10.3.10 Orange River Water Quality ...... 63 10.3.11 Change in Ecosystems and Biodiversity (riverine)...... 64 10.3.12 Poaching an Illegal Harvesting ...... 64 10.3.13 Groundwater Contamination ...... 64 10.3.14 Greenhouse Gas Emissions ...... 65 10.4 DECOMMISSIONING PHASE ...... 66 11 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 66 12 CONCLUSION...... 67 13 REFERENCES ...... 68 List of Appendices APPENDIX A. ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTITIONER CV...... 70 APPENDIX B. WATER PERMITS ...... 75 APPENDIX C. PROOF OF PUBLIC AND AUTHORITY CONSULTATION ...... 80
List of Figures FIGURE 1. LOCATION OF THE AUSSENKEHR AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENTS ...... 1 FIGURE 2. INDIVIDUAL PROPERTY OWNERSHIP OF COMPANIES ...... 2 FIGURE 3. NAMIBIAN VISION 2030 (N AMIBIA NATIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION , JULY 2012) ...... 4 FIGURE 4. BASIC TRELLIS STRUCTURE OF A VINEYARD (HTTP :// WWW .GRAPEGROWINGGUIDE .COM ) ...... 8 FIGURE 5. SIMPLIFIED PRESENTATION OF VINES BEFORE AND AFTER PRUNING (HTTP :// WWW .CLEMSON .EDU , 2017) ...... 9 FIGURE 6. KEY PROJECT INFRASTRUCTURE COMPONENTS...... 15 FIGURE 7. DRAFT KARAS LAND USE PLAN (K OCH , ET AL , 2011) ...... 21 FIGURE 8. PROTECTED AND CONSERVATIONS AREAS SURROUNDING THE SITE ...... 23 FIGURE 9. AVERAGE MONTHLY RAINFALL : EXPECTED (A TLAS OF NAMIBIA ) VS RECORDED 2008- 2015 ...... 25 FIGURE 10. WIND ROSE FOR AUSSENKEHR (M ETEOBLUE , 2016) ...... 25 FIGURE 11. TERRAIN ASPECT AND SLOPE WITH DRAINAGE LINES ...... 27 FIGURE 12. DRAINAGE OF THE AREA IN RELATION TO KEY POINTS OF INTEREST ...... 28 FIGURE 13. BERM DIVERSION STRUCTURES ACROSS CAPESPAN NAMIBIA AND AUSSENKEHR FARMS ...... 29 FIGURE 14. GEOLOGY OF THE PROJECT AREA ...... 31 FIGURE 15. CLAY MINERAL PROVINCES OF NAMIBIA AND SELECTED SAMPLE SITES (H EINE K, VÖLKEL J, 2010) ...... 32 FIGURE 16. AGRO -ECOLOGICAL ZONE ...... 36 FIGURE 17. HABITAT INTEGRITY (ARTP JMB, 2008) ...... 37 FIGURE 18. COMBINED ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE FEATURES ...... 45
List of Tables TABLE 1. PROPERTY OWNERSHIP DETAILS ...... 2 TABLE 2. CURRENT AND PLANNED CULTIVATED HECTARES ...... 3 TABLE 3. EXISTING WATER ALLOCATION ...... 11 TABLE 4. GENERAL ADDITIONAL PROJECT COMPONENTS AND AMENITIES ...... 14 TABLE 5. ECONOMIC ALTERNATIVE COMPARISON FOR IRRIGATED CROP PRODUCTION (WRP CONSULTING ENGINEERS ET AL ., SEPTEMBER 2014)...... 17 TABLE 6. IRRIGATION SYSTEM EFFICIENCY (IWRM PLAN JOINT VENTURE NAMIBIA , 2010) ...... 18 TABLE 7. ALTERNATIVE COMPARISON TABLE : IRRIGATION METHOD (B ASED ON THE WATER DEMAND STRATEGY DEVELOPED FOR NAMIBIA ) (IWRM PLAN JOINT VENTURE NAMIBIA , 2010) ...... 19 TABLE 8. EMA LISTED ACTIVITIES APPLICABLE TO EXISTING AND PLANNED OPERATIONS ...... 20 TABLE 9. SUMMARY OF CLIMATE DATA (A TLAS OF NAMIBIA ) ...... 24 TABLE 10. WATER USE IN THE LOWER ORANGE RIVER , DOWNSTREAM OF VANDERKLOOF DAM (T ANNER ET AL , UNDATED )...... 35 TABLE 11. VEGETATION COVER IN THE CPL 11 AGRO -ECOLOGICAL ZONE ...... 36 TABLE 12. GENERAL FLORA DATA (M ENDELSOHN , 2002)...... 38 TABLE 13. GENERAL FAUNA DATA (M ENDELSOHN , 2002) ...... 38 TABLE 14. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA ...... 47 TABLE 15. ENVIRONMENTAL CLASSIFICATION OF IMPACTS ACCORDING TO THE RAPID IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHOD OF PASTAKIA 1998 ...... 48 TABLE 16. CRITERIA FOR IMPACT EVALUATION (D IRECTORATE OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS , 2008) 48 TABLE 17. PLANNING IMPACT - REVENUE GENERATION IN THE PROFESSIONAL SECTOR ...... 49 TABLE 18. PLANNING IMPACT - CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT GOALS ...... 49 TABLE 19. PLANNING IMPACT - CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE ...... 50 TABLE 20. PLANNING IMPACT –IDEALS AND ASPIRATIONS OF THE FUTURE ...... 50 TABLE 21. SUMMARY OF PLANNING PHASE IMPACTS ...... 51 TABLE 22. DEVELOPMENT IMPACT - REDUCTION IN UNEMPLOYMENT ...... 51 TABLE 23. DEVELOPMENT IMPACT – ADDITIONAL REVENUE GENERATION ...... 52 TABLE 24. DEVELOPMENT IMPACT - EMPLOYEE TRAINING AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT ...... 52 TABLE 25. DEVELOPMENT IMPACT – CULTURAL INTEGRATION AND NATION BUILDING ...... 53 TABLE 26. DEVELOPMENT IMPACT - EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND SAFETY ...... 54 TABLE 27. DEVELOPMENT IMPACT - LOSS OF PALEONTOLOGICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES ...... 54 TABLE 28. DEVELOPMENT IMPACT - DUST AND NOISE GENERATION ...... 55 TABLE 29. DEVELOPMENT IMPACT – CONTRIBUTION TO LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ...... 55 TABLE 30. DEVELOPMENT IMPACT - SOIL CONTAMINATION ...... 56 TABLE 31. DEVELOPMENT IMPACT - SOIL STRUCTURE DISTURBANCE ...... 56 TABLE 32. DEVELOPMENT IMPACT - GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION ...... 56 TABLE 33. DEVELOPMENT IMPACT - LOSS OF BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEMS INTEGRITY ...... 57 TABLE 34. DEVELOPMENT IMPACT – CONTRIBUTION TO GREENHOUSE GASES ...... 57 TABLE 35. DEVELOPMENT IMPACT - INCREASE TRAFFIC INCIDENT RISK AND ROAD DEGRADATION ...... 58 TABLE 36. SUMMARY OF DEVELOPMENT IMPACTS . PRIOR TO MITIGATION ...... 58 TABLE 37. OPERATIONAL IMPACT - CONTRIBUTION TO THE ECONOMY ...... 59 TABLE 38. OPERATIONAL IMPACT – INCREASED ECONOMIC RESILIENCE OF EMPLOYEES ...... 59 TABLE 39. OPERATIONAL IMPACT - SKILLS DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING ...... 60 TABLE 40. OPERATIONAL IMPACT – CONTRIBUTION TO NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GOALS ...... 60 TABLE 41. OPERATIONAL IMPACT – EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND SAFETY ...... 61 TABLE 42. OPERATIONAL IMPACT – PRESSURE OF GOVERNMENTAL SERVICES ...... 61 TABLE 43. OPERATIONAL IMPACT – TRAFFIC : INCREASE COLLISON RISK AND ROAD DEGRADATION ...... 61 TABLE 44. OPERATIONAL IMPACT – REDUCED DOWNSTREAM FLOW ...... 62 TABLE 45. OPERATIONAL IMPACT – CHANGE IN SOIL CHARACTERISTIC ...... 63 TABLE 46. OPERATIONAL IMPACT – CHANGE (D EGRADATION ) IN ORANGE RIVER WATER QUALITY ...... 63 TABLE 47. OPERATIONAL IMPACT – ECOSYSTEM AND BIODIVERSITY IMPACT (R IVERINE ) ...... 64 TABLE 48. OPERATIONAL IMPACT – POACHING AND ILLEGAL HARVESTING ...... 64 TABLE 49. OPERATIONAL IMPACT – GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION ...... 65 TABLE 50. SUMMARY OF OPERATIONAL IMPACTS PRIOR TO MITIGATION ...... 66
List of Photos PHOTO 1. TRELLIS STRUCTURE WITH NEWLY PLANTED VINES (P HOTO : SOLAR GRAPES ) ...... 8 PHOTO 2. TRELLIS STRUCTURE WITH GROWING VINES (P HOTO : CAPESPAN NAMIBIA ) ...... 8 PHOTO 3. TRELLIS STRUCTURE WITH ESTABLISHED VINES (P HOTO : FRONTIER GRAPES ) ...... 9 PHOTO 4. TRELLIS STRUCTURE WITH ESTABLISHED VINES NEXT TO ROAD (P HOTO : FRONTIER GRAPES ) ...... 9 PHOTO 5. IN-FIELD PACKING (P HOTO : ORVI) ...... 10 PHOTO 6. PACKAGING IN COOL STORAGE AREA (P HOTO : ORVI)...... 10 PHOTO 7. NEWLY CONSTRUCTED PV SOLAR PANELS (P HOTO : FRONTIER GRAPES ) ...... 11 PHOTO 8. ESTABLISHED PV SOLAR PANELS (P HOTO : SOLAR GRAPES )...... 11 PHOTO 9. ABSTRACTION PUMPS IN THE ORANGE RIVER (P HOTO : CAPESPAN NAMIBIA ) ...... 13 PHOTO 10. WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM (P HOTO SOLAR GRAPES ) ...... 13 PHOTO 11. FLOW METER (P HOTO : SOLAR GRAPES ) ...... 13 PHOTO 12. STORAGE DAM (P HOTO CAPESPAN NAMIBIA ) ...... 13 PHOTO 13. SECONDARY TAP WITHIN THE MANUAL IRRIGATION SYSTEM (P HOTO : SOLAR GRAPES ) 13 PHOTO 14. DRAINAGE SYSTEM MONITORING POINT (P HOTO : CAPESPAN NAMIBIA ) ...... 13 PHOTO 15. TYPICAL VIP TOILET AMONGST VINEYARDS (P HOTO : ORVI) ...... 15 PHOTO 16. TYPICAL FUEL STORAGE (P HOTO FRONTIER GRAPES ) ...... 15 PHOTO 17. NETTING ALONG MAJOR ROUTE (P HOTO : CAPESPAN NAMIBIA )...... 17 PHOTO 18. NETTING ALONG INTERNAL ROUTE (P HOTO : FRONTIER GRAPES ) ...... 17 PHOTO 19. CONVENTIONAL TOP -SPRAYING IRRIGATION NETWORK (P HOTO : SOLAR GRAPES ) ...... 19 PHOTO 20. CUSTOMISED TOP -SPRAYING IRRIGATION NETWORK (P HOTO : ORVI)...... 19 PHOTO 21. BOTTOM -SPRAYING IRRIGATION NETWORK (P HOTO : FRONTIER GRAPES ) ...... 20 PHOTO 22. BOTTOM -SPRAYING IRRIGATION NETWORK (P HOTO : CAPESPAN NAMIBIA ) ...... 20 PHOTO 23. CAPESPAN NAMIBIA WEATHER STATION ...... 24 PHOTO 24. INAUB RIVER WITH CONTROL BERM (P HOTO CAPESPAN NAMIBIA ) ...... 28 PHOTO 25. INAUB RIVER WITH CONTROL BERM NEXT TO INTERNAL ROAD (P HOTO CAPESPAN NAMIBIA ) ...... 28 PHOTO 26. WATER SUPPLY TANKS USED FOR THE COMMUNITY TAPS ...... 34 PHOTO 27. SEVEN COMMUNITY TAPS ...... 34 PHOTO 28. NON -OPERATIONAL WATER TREATMENT WORKS ...... 34 PHOTO 29. COMMUNITY PIPE CONNECTIONS TO IRRIGATION SYSTEMS ...... 34 PHOTO 30. HARTMANN MOUNTAIN ZEBRA (EQUUS ZEBRA ) ...... 38 PHOTO 31. GREATER KUDU (TRAGELAPHUS STREPSICEROS ) ...... 38 PHOTO 32. COMPLETED NAM POWER SOLAR PLANT – VIEW OF THE PV SOLAR PANELS ...... 40 PHOTO 33. WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM THROUGH WHICH WATER IS PUMPED PRIOR TO IRRIGATION ...... 40 PHOTO 34. ENTRANCE TO THE AUSSENKEHR PRIMARY SCHOOL ...... 42 PHOTO 35. ORPHANAGE AND CHILD CARE CENTRE ...... 42 PHOTO 36. INFORMAL SETTLEMENT AREA ...... 43 PHOTO 37. OLD FOOTBALL FIELD EARMARKED FOR NEW HOUSING SETTLEMENT ...... 43
List of Abbreviations AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome DEA Department of Environmental Affairs ºC Degrees Celsius EA Environmental Assessment ECC Environmental Clearance Certificate EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMA Environmental Management Act, 2007 (Act no. 7 of 2007) EMP Environmental Management Plan EMS Environmental Management System GPT Geo Pollution Technologies (Pty) Ltd HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus Ha Hectares HMV Heavy Motor Vehicle IAP Interested and Affected Party IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature IWRM Integrated Water Resource Management kV Kilovolt Km Kilometre MAWF Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry M Meter m3 Cubic meter m/s Meter per second mbs Meters below surface MET Ministry of Environment and Tourism mm/a Millimetres per annum MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet NDP National Development Plan NGO Non-Government Organisation ORASECOM Orange-Senqu River Commission PPE Personal Protective Equipment PV Photovoltaic R/ha South African Rand/hectare SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment WHO World Health Organization VIP Ventilated Improved Pit Latrine Glossary of Terms Alternatives - A possible course of action, in place of another, that would meet the same purpose and need but which would avoid or minimize negative impacts or enhance project benefits. These can include alternative locations/sites, routes, layouts, processes, designs, schedules and/or inputs. The “no- go” alternative constitutes the ‘without project’ option and provides a benchmark against which to evaluate changes; development should result in net benefit to society and should avoid undesirable negative impacts. Assessment - The process of collecting, organising, analysing, interpreting and communicating information relevant to decision making. Biodiversity - The variability among living organisms from all sources including, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are a part. Competent Authority - means a body or person empowered under the Local Authorities Act or Environmental Management Act to enforce the rule of law. Cumulative Impacts - 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. Environment - As defined in the Environmental Assessment Policy and Environmental Management Act - “land, water and air; all organic and inorganic matter and living organisms as well as biological diversity; the interacting natural systems that include components referred to in sub-paragraphs, the human environment insofar as it represents archaeological, aesthetic, cultural, historic, economic, palaeontological or social values”. Environmental Assessment (EA) – Namibian terminology for a process of assessing the effects on the environment through either a scoping assessment or a combination of a scoping- and detailed assessment. Environmental Management Plan (EMP) - A working document on environmental and socio- economic mitigation measures, which must be implemented by several responsible parties during all the phases of the proposed project. Environmental Management System (EMS) - An Environment Management System, or EMS, is a comprehensive approach to managing environmental issues, integrating environment-oriented thinking into every aspect of business management. An EMS ensures environmental considerations are a priority, along with other concerns such as costs, product quality, investments, and strategic planning. An EMS generally makes a positive impact on a company’s bottom line. It increases efficiency and focuses on customer needs and marketplace conditions, improving both the company’s financial and environmental performance. By using an EMS to convert environmental problems into commercial opportunities, companies usually become more competitive. Evaluation – means the process of ascertaining the relative importance or significance of information, the light of people’s values, preference and judgements in order to make a decision. Hazard - Anything that has the potential to cause damage to life, property and/or the environment. The hazard of a particular material or installation is constant; that is, it would present the same hazard wherever it was present. Interested and Affected Party (IAP) - any person, group of persons or organisation interested in, or affected by an activity; and any organ of state that may have jurisdiction over any aspect of the activity. Mitigate - The implementation of practical measures to reduce adverse impacts. Proponent (Applicant) - Any person who has submitted or intends to submit an application for an authorisation, as legislated by the Environmental Management Act no. 7 of 2007, to undertake an activity or activities identified as a listed activity or listed activities; or in any other notice published by the Minister or Ministry of Environment & Tourism. Public - Citizens who have diverse cultural, educational, political and socio-economic characteristics. The public is not a homogeneous and unified group of people with a set of agreed common interests and aims. There is no single public. There are a number of publics, some of whom may emerge at any time during the process depending on their particular concerns and the issues involved. River Morphology – Description of the shapes of river channels and how they change in shape and direction over time. The morphology of a river channel is a function of a number of processes and environmental conditions, including the composition and erodibility of the bed and banks (e.g., sand, clay, bedrock); erosion comes from the power and consistency of the current, and can affect the formation of the river's path. Scoping Process - process of identifying: issues that will be relevant for consideration of the application; the potential environmental impacts of the proposed activity; and alternatives to the proposed activity that are feasible and reasonable. Significant Effect/Impact - means an impact that by its magnitude, duration, intensity or probability of occurrence may have a notable effect on one or more aspects of the environment Stakeholder Engagement - The process of engagement between stakeholders (the proponent, authorities and IAPs) during the planning, assessment, implementation and/or management of proposals or activities. The level of stakeholder engagement varies depending on the nature of the proposal or activity as well as the level of commitment by stakeholders to the process. Stakeholder engagement can therefore be described by a spectrum or continuum of increasing levels of engagement in the decision- making process. The term is considered to be more appropriate than the term “public participation”. Stakeholders - A sub-group of the public whose interests may be positively or negatively affected by a proposal or activity and/or who are concerned with a proposal or activity and its consequences. The term therefore includes the proponent, authorities (both the lead authority and other authorities) and all interested and affected parties (IAPs). The principle that environmental consultants and stakeholder engagement practitioners should be independent and unbiased excludes these groups from being considered stakeholders.
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1 BACKGROUND & INTRODUCTION Orange River Vineyard Investment (Pty) Ltd (ORVI); Capespan Namibia (Pty) Ltd (Capespan Namibia); Frontier Grapes (Pty) Ltd (Frontier Grapes); Solar Grapes (Pty) Ltd (Solar Grapes) and Aussenkehr Farms (Pty) Ltd (Aussenkehr Farms), together known as the proponents, operate irrigation systems for the cultivation of table grapes along the Orange River in Aussenkehr, Namibia. All of these companies, as linked to specific properties, are required to apply for Environmental Clearance Certificates (ECC) for existing and proposed agricultural operations. As per discussion with officials of the Directorate of Environmental Affairs (DEA) of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET), it was proposed that a combined environmental assessment be conducted which would consider all of the neighbouring properties in the same geographical area. Thereafter, each company may apply for an ECC with a site specific Environmental Management Plan (EMP). Each EMP will be developed based on the findings of this combined environmental assessment. The various properties and related companies which are considered in this environmental assessment are included in Table 1. The properties as listed, are all located in Aussenkehr within the Karas Region in the south of Namibia, Figure 1. The related surveyed diagrams are attached in Appendix A. Figure 2 demarcate individual property ownership.
Figure 1. Location of the Aussenkehr Agriculture Developments
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Table 1. Property Ownership Details Property Owner Portion Number of the Farm Au ssenkjer FMV/00147 ORVI 84, 85, 86 and 87. Capespan Namibia 7. Frontier Grapes 527,528 and 94. Unnamed portion for area known as Block 17 (currently conducting zoning application) as well as unnamed portion for area known as Block 18 and 19 consolidated (currently conducting zoning application). Solar Grapes 95, 197 and 150. Aussenkehr Farms 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158,159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 207, 208 of the Remainder of Farm Aussenkjer 147 as well as Farm 498, 504 and 577.
Figure 2. Individual Property Ownership of Companies
1.1 PROJECT MOTIVATION / NEED & DESIRABILITY Aussenkehr has seen agricultural development since the turn of the previous century with an accelerated growth over the past 30 years, particularly the table grape sector. The production of grapes started after the initial focus on vegetable production which dates back as early as the 19 th century. The unique climate, being very hot with little to no rain, proved to be an exceptional environment for table grape production. The first vineyards were planted by the owner of the
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greater farm Aussenkjer 147, Mr Dusan Vasiljevic. Thereafter, various portions of the valley was sold to a variety of developers which included state and private ventures. As the vineyard development expanded locally in Aussenkehr, so did the market for Namibian table grapes. Numerous European and international retail franchises have secured supplies from Aussenkehr. The environmental features in Aussenkehr provide a unique opportunity for table grape producers to cultivate, harvest and sell their table grapes a month before a surge in global supply. Thereby, the table grape producers are securing a more profitable supply of product. The proponents plan to expand local operations with a combined area of 4,804 ha. A break-down of individual proposed expansion is detailed in Table 2. Table 2. Current and Planned Cultivated Hectares Farming Operator Current Production (ha) Proposed Expansion ORVI 174 160 Capespan Namibia 475 45 Frontier Grapes 100 0 Solar Grapes 201 201 Aussenkehr Farms 0 4,599 Total 950 4,804
Vineyard development requires investment costs of approximately N$500,000 per hectare. The proposed expansion areas will therefore see a substantial investment into Aussenkehr, the Karas Region and Namibia. By developing additional vineyards, the proponents could potentially more than quadruple their overall combined exports. Economic spin-off could therefore see an increase in: Employment (skilled and unskilled labour), Revenue generation, International investors’ confidence, Growth in the export markets, Growth in the agricultural sector. All of the proponents are involved with the provision of services to their workers who reside in Aussenkehr. The table grape producers of Aussenkehr have also lobbied for the establishment of basic services, for those who reside in Aussenkehr. Apart from developing their own town- keeping initiatives, the table grape producers also provide clean drinking water to employees at their homes. The owner of Aussenkehr Farms has donated 600 ha for the establishment of a town with residential units and basic services. Government provision of such services have not been fulfilled. Yet the industry continues to lobby for the development of infrastructure and services in Aussenkehr. Vision 2030, a document which outlines Namibia’s development programs, was adopted in 2004. It is to be operationalised in successive national development plans. Since then, the country has developed several development plans to meet the programs which were proposed. The current active plan, the Fifth National Development Plan (NDP5), was considered during the compilation of this scoping report. In this document it is mentioned that the “agricultural development targets” had not been met during the period of the Third and Fourth National Development Plans, and therefore, greater initiatives and consideration should be developed for the agricultural sector. Not only will the proposed development of the table grape sector contribute to achieving development goals for the NDP5, in terms of agriculture, but as a secondary development, Aussenkehr (inclusive of public infrastructure) is in the process of being established and formalised. When considering Figure 3, it is clear that the proposed project will not only contribute (indirectly) to the basic enablers such as public infrastructure, but will also fall within the economic priorities (agriculture) which were identified as part of Vision 2030.
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Figure 3. Namibian Vision 2030 (Namibia National Planning Commission, July 2012) The table grape growing industry is in line with the NDP5 when considering the economic and social benefits. NDP5’s Economic Progression Implementation Plan aims to realise structural transformation through value added industrialisation. A sub-sector of the implementation plan is the Agriculture and Food Security Program. This program promotes the advancement of crop and horticulture production which includes green scheme projects. For example, Green Scheme Project Two states: “This project will increase land tenure under irrigation through infrastructure development of the existing irrigation projects as well as new projects envisaged by government. The objective of this project is to encourage the development of irrigation based agronomic production in Namibia with the aim to increase the contribution of agriculture to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and increase crop and horticulture production. The expected output of this project is an increased local production of cereals and horticulture under irrigation .” Private developments such as in Aussenkehr contribute to skills development in the Agriculture / irrigation industry. Such skills and experiences may be employed, or may be gleaned from by the state. The table grape growing sector is further contributing to the targets of increased GDP through the agricultural sector.
1.2 SOCIAL SPIN -OFFS The collective initiative in Aussenkehr, that is, the production of table grapes for export purposes, generate a variety of social spin-offs. Prior to discussing these, one has to understand how Aussenkehr has been structured and how it is functioning. The greater farm Aussenkjer FMV/00147 is privately owned. The owner of the property explored the possibility of cultivating table grapes during the 1980’s along the bank of the Orange River. The initiative proved successful. Thereafter the owner subdivided various portions along the river bank and sold it to agricultural business who could expand and grow the initiative. The sale negotiations included
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various restrictions to the property. To facilitate the housing requirements for labourers, the owner further donated 600 ha of land to the Government of Namibia. The land was and still is earmarked to be developed into a fully serviced residential area. However, 12 years after the donation of the land, it is still not serviced and un-occupied. Workers, families and potential job seekers have established dwellings next to the Orange River on the privately owned land. To assist these people, many of which are not employed by any of the farming operators in Aussenkehr, a private “town-keeping” initiative was established to provide rudimentary services such as removal of waste and provision of water. These are funded by private companies, but are however not sufficient to serve all the people residing in Aussenkehr. The government has established a police station, school, clinic, and tuberculosis centre. Some of these are also supported by the private companies. For example, contributions are made to the school which includes provision of basic services such as water and electricity. Although planning has been conducted by Nampower, to increase the amount of electricity supplied to Aussenkehr, the project has seen years of delay and therefore the services required cannot be met. Farming operators are further limited in growing their businesses and in assisting their workers due to the lack in supply of electricity. It is against this back-drop that farming operators are lobbying for the establishment of the township and private home ownership for their employees. In addition to the contribution made to alleviate workers living conditions, employees are also provided with training opportunities. Such training includes; health and safety, mixing of chemicals, and tractor and forklift operation. Such training is typically provided by Solar Grapes and Frontier Grapes. Capespan Namibia has for example trained more than 200 people (99% Namibian) over the last two years. There are also examples of Namibian employees who are sent for advanced training in terms of supply chains (transport, storage facilities and exports at port in Cape Town) at cost of N$ 100,000 as done by ORVI. The training examples provided are fully detailed and reported on annually by all operators. The social spin-offs in terms of training are extensive. It should also be noted that all of the major populated regions in Namibian are represented though a varied work-force in Aussenkehr. People from the Zambezi Region, right through to the Karas Region, live in the Aussenkehr.
2 SCOPE The purpose of this environmental assessment is to consider the impacts that the combined developments (hereafter referred to as the project) have on the environment. Once determined, possible enhancement measures will be listed for those positive impacts while preventative and mitigation measures will be provided for negative impacts. As per the findings of this scoping report an EMP for each agricultural operator was compiled and will be submitted with the scoping report to the DEA of the MET. These documents have been compiled in accordance with the requirements of the EMA and its regulations as to afford the DEA an objective view of expected impacts on the environment. Below follows a summarised list of the requirements of a scoping report and draft EMP List of project benefits, need and desirability (Section 1.1), Project scoping (Section 2) List of assumptions and limitations to the project (Section 3) Description of the methodology (Section 4) Description of project and components (Section 5), Description of project alternatives (Section 6), List and link of pertinent legislation (Section 7), Description of environment and highlight of sensitive features (Section 8), Public consultation process (Section 9), o Proof of press and site notices, o Notification record, consultation, o Interested and Affected Party (IAP) / stakeholder list, o List of issues and concerns as per IAPs, o Provide IAPs with an opportunity to comment on SR, o Incorporate comments into final SR and draft EMP.
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Impact identification (Section 10) Conduct risk assessment / impact assessment (Section 10), Propose mitigation and enhancement measures (Section 10 and 11). Should the DEA find that the impacts and related mitigation measures which have been proposed in this report are acceptable, an ECC may be granted. The ECC may refer to each related EMP, and the conditions therein, thus rendering each EMP a legally binding document to which the proponents must adhere to. To be noted is that the scoping process’s aim is not to stop existing activities, or any of its components, but to rather determine its impact and guide sustainable and responsible development and growth as per the spirit of the EMA. Project components which present unacceptable or very high impact ratings will be highlighted and alternatives provided.
3 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATION Assumptions and limitations which are pertinent to this environmental assessment include the following: No expansion beyond the indicated areas are proposed for future development. Existing operations largely determines current operational and managerial actions. All water rights per property has been included and transferred to related property owners. Data regarding the water use of Aussenkehr was provided by the Ministry of Agriculture Water and Forestry and is considered the most recent and true version of records available. Data regarding electricity demand and delivery was provided by NamPower and is considered to be the most recent and true records available. Input from non-governmental associations and international water forums regarding water use of the lower reaches of the Orange River has not been forthcoming and is therefore considered as a data limitation (with regards to cumulative considerations). Table grape production is foreseen as a long term investment by the proponents. A limiting factor to the environmental assessment is the inability of any party to exactly determine the amount of drainage water which flows back into the Orange River. Cumulative impact assessment, specifically associated with the Orange River will require an overall assessment, including considerations of all operations which may impact the Orange River along the Namibian and South African borders upstream of Aussenkehr. Such a larger assessment fall outside of the scope of this assessment and cumulative impacts are considered within the region of Aussenkehr. Data presented by the proponents is true and correct for the time-period of this assessment. No correspondence from the Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM) member as per the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF) was received.
4 METHODOLOGY The environmental assessment process considers information from various sources which was used to compile a description of the environment and the project. Initially project activities and components were obtained from the proponents. These have changed to a certain degree as the project continued to develop. Information regarding the environment was mainly derived though desk top review of relevant related documentation, site visits and consultation with neighbours and governmental organisation. Below follows an outline of the work conducted during this environmental assessment.
4.1 DESK -TOP REVIEW Information regarding the biophysical environment was sourced from the Atlas of Namibia and augmented by various planning documents. These include, but are not limited to the following: ORASECOM: Orange-Senqu Basin Integrated Water Resources Management Plan – 2014 and related specialist reports, Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the coastal areas of the Karas and Hardap Regions, and
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Previous environmental assessments conducted for Aussenkehr within the last three years. These include assessments conducted for energy providers and surrounding table grape producers. The assessments were conducted for Silverlands Vineyards, Achill Island and Grape Alliance Namibia. The environmental assessment conducted for Silverlands Vineyards and Achill Island included a range of specialist studies as per World Bank requirements. The specialist studies included an archaeological assessment, ecosystems goods and services report, ecology study as well as a social assessment.
4.2 SITE VISIT GPT had been conducting environmental assessments within Aussenkehr since 2015. Various site visits to the area were conducted while numerous meetings with various table grape companies were held. In addition to this, specialist work within the community was conducted which renders the GPT project team with integral knowledge of the area as well as the environmental features. For the purposes of this environmental assessment a three day site visit and consultation period was conducted in the last week of January 2018. Existing activities on and around the site were noted, all of which are described in Section 5 of this report.
4.3 PUBLIC CONSULTATION The project team endeavoured to consult with surrounding land owners, table grape producers in the Aussenkehr area, as well as regional and local governing institutions. Notification of the project and information sharing with an array of parties through the consultation process, as described in Section 9 of this report, augmented information about the community and its economic activities. The consultation provided insightful perspectives regarding potential impacts and benefits for this project. Relevant data regarding water use and electricity was obtained from government and parastatal agencies. Once all the information was gathered, a risk assessment was conducted as per the weighted impact assessment methodology described in Section 10 of this report.
5 PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED ACTIVITIES To understand the project description, it is important to understand the table grape sector. The production and retail of table grapes is an integral process which is not only reliant on extensive planning, but also on the concise execution of daily activities associated with cultivation. Administration of pesticides and herbicides, pruning, irrigation and drainage require hands-on management as one mistake may jeopardize an entire harvest. In addition, pests and plagues vary annually as well as seasonally, requiring mangers to consider the various industry norms and standards in the latest and most effective pest management regime. Soil management, continual maintenance of irrigation systems, support structures and an extensive labour force, renders the project complex. Over and above the hands-on management, all companies are subject to various annual, international audits and investigations requiring documented proof of all activities. Such audits hold the proponents to the highest environmental, technical, health and safety standards for the industry. Should any operator fail an audit, they will not be allowed to send their produce to the related international markets. Thereby incurring substantial losses in revenue generation. All such audit results are available on request from any of the proponents.
5.1 LIFE CYCLE / UNDERSTANDING THE TABLE GRAPE INDUSTRY The proponents have been cultivating a variety of table grapes in Aussenkehr. The type of vine considered for cultivation is largely based on consumer demand and cultivar performance. Young vines of the preferred cultivars are sourced from various suppliers, mostly beyond Namibian borders. The planting of new vines is not restricted to the proposed areas for expansion, but also apply to agricultural areas from which older vines will be removed. Removal of established vineyards may be required for a variety of reasons, yet mostly relate to the performance of the cultivar in the harsh climatic conditions of Aussenkehr. Once the vines arrive from the suppliers, they are directly planted into prepared fields. Preparation of fields comprise the construction of a support structure, known as trellising for each
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vine. The trellis structure is a large grid set-up which accommodates an irrigation network. Irrigation networks vary from either being over-hanging or bottom-spraying for each vine. Traditionally bottom spraying irrigation networks were installed. These are systematically replaced by top spraying irrigation systems. The trellis set-up comprise overhanging wires, anchored at each end, onto which each vine will be able to grow. The anchors consist of cement blocks onto which stay wires are connected to stabilise and anchor the trellis structure. Some alternative anchors include the use of old tyres filled with soil or cement. The end posts are much larger wooden poles. The vines coil around the tensioned wire which is strong enough to support the individual plant when bearing fruit. Figure 4 presents a simplified diagram of the trellis structure.
Photo 1. Trellis Structure with Newly Photo 2. Trellis Structure with Growing Planted Vines (Photo: Solar Vines (Photo: Capespan Grapes) Namibia)
Figure 4. Basic Trellis Structure of a Vineyard (http:// www.grapegrowingguide.com) After the vines had established, they are cultivated to maturity over a period of about four years. During this time grapes are produced, however a full harvest may typically only be expected during the fourth year. During cultivation, irrigation water amounts for developing vines, are less than that of mature vineyards. Traditionally, during harvesting, grapes are cut from the vine by labourers and transported into cool storage areas where it is packed for transportation and retail purposes. However, recently the industry has seen a change to in-field packing which reduces handling of the grapes. The vines, now void of any fruit, are pruned at some point after the harvesting season. During pruning
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the cane part of the vine is stripped of all branches as depicted in Figure 5. After pruning the resting period of the vine is entered into, usually during the winter months of June and July.
Photo 3. Trellis Structure with Photo 4. Trellis Structure with Established Vines (Photo: Established Vines next to Road Frontier Grapes) (Photo: Frontier Grapes)
Figure 5. Simplified Presentation of Vines Before and After Pruning (http://www.clemson.edu, 2017) Although table grape production is the primary produce from all proponents, additional crops such as dates and onions are produced. These crops are also irrigated and require less integral management during cultivation. However, they are not as profitable, per litre water used, as that of table grapes. Therefore the cultivation of such crops is limited. All activities associated with the project have been divided into four phases namely planning-, development-, operational- and decommissioning phases. An outline of expected activities for each phase is detailed below. The project is divided into two overlapping and integrated operations: Existing Operations and Planned Operations .
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Photo 5. In-Field Packing (Photo: Photo 6. Packaging in Cool Storage ORVI) Area (Photo: ORVI)
5.2 PLANNING PHASE The planning phase entails not only overall operational planning, but also amenities and permit acquisition. It also includes the setting up of various agreements between contractors, suppliers, state departments and adjacent land owners. Some of the agreements which may be considered as examples are provided below: Land ownership, Subdivision and rezoning of properties, NamPower negotiations, Water rights and permits, Setting labour contracts (including tender documentation for contractors), and Obtaining an ECC (as per this process) as well as any other permits as required. Within the wider planning framework, many of the negotiations as listed above are cumulative in nature and essential for all the operators in Aussenkehr. Power supply to Aussenkehr is being addressed by NamPower. The power supply is measured in a holistic approach, considering the electricity demands of all the proposed and current operations in Aussenkehr. The proponents have made their energy requirements officially known to NamPower. Some of the demand is met by a new Photovoltaic (PV) solar plant while the rest is planned to be met through the construction of a new powerline from the Khurub substation. The construction of this line was planned for 2018. The lack of electricity in Aussenkehr has hampered growth and development. To accommodate growth and meet their electricity demand, most of the proponents have erected small solar panels. The proponents are planning to expand existing solar systems within the following five years. Generally, planned expansion of vineyards will tie in with existing operations and therefore the planning phase incorporates existing operations. However, Aussenkehr Farms are also planning completely new operations. Once the identified portions have been zoned accordingly, the planned additional 4,804 ha will be made available for incorporation into existing operations. A summary of existing and planned operational areas are presented in Table 1.
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Photo 7. Newly Constructed PV Solar Photo 8. Established PV Solar Panels Panels (Photo: Frontier (Photo: Solar Grapes) Grapes)
Ensuring water permits for all table grape growers is an ongoing planning initiative. Water permits dictate the amount of water which may be abstracted from the Orange River for irrigation use. Each property has allocated water permits. Table 2 presented the total land portion size in relation to water allocations or applications. Copies of the existing water permits are attached in Appendix B. Renewal and or application of any new water permits are subject to obtaining an environmental clearance certificate. Table 3. Existing Water Allocation Farming Operator Total planned irrigation < 5 years Existing water allo cation as per (Ha) existing permit m3 ORVI 324 6,553,750 Capespan Namibia 520 8,550,000 Frontier 100 1,440,000 Solar 200/201? 2,750,000 Aussenkehr Farms 3,000 11,296,000 Combined Total 4,144 28,936,000
5.3 DEVELOPMENT PHASE The development phase (also traditionally known as the construction phase for infrastructure related projects) focusses on the establishment and development of the vineyard blocks. This phase broadly range from land preparation and trellis construction right through to planting of the vines. Management of the vineyards is the onset of the operational phase. Typical development phase activities will entail land preparation and earth works as well as fencing the expansion area. The development phase will entail the following: A temporary construction camp during establishment of new infrastructure, buildings, etc., Upgrading and development of access- and vineyard roads, Site office and storage facilities (pack houses), Ablution facilities and associated septic tanks, Land preparation for cultivation (clearing, soil analysis and modification, subsoiling, tillage, drainage infrastructure establishment, cover crops and wind breaks), and Infrastructure establishment (water pipelines, irrigation systems, drainage, electrical power supply, etc.) Ground breaking is typically conducted with an excavator while irrigation, trellis and drainage establishment is performed by manual labour. Some of the seasonal workforce, typically employed during the harvesting season, is to be used during such activities. Proposed expansion
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areas as well as longstanding areas (which are being replanted) will fall into the development phase of activities.
5.4 OPERATIONAL PHASE The operational phase refers to the actual cultivation and harvesting of the grapes. It includes all activities required in terms of vineyard management, maintenance of support infrastructure, operational equipment and labour management. To support vineyard cultivation, various ancillary activities are undertaken.
5.4.1 Primary Operations Primary cultivation and harvesting will broadly entail the following: Planting of chosen crop, Fertilisation, Weed and pest control, Nutrient and soil management, Irrigation, Drainage water management, Vine maintenance (e.g. pruning, green berry preparation), and Harvesting, storage and packing of produce. Irrigation with water from the international Orange River is one of the main listed activities as per the focus of the environmental assessment. Therefore more detail regarding existing and planned irrigation and water management is provided. The proponents pump water directly from the Orange River by means of centrifugal pumps. All water pumped from the Orange River passes through filtration systems. All quantities abstracted are measured with flow meters or volumes calculated through pump operating hours. Water either enters the irrigation system directly, or is pumped into storage dams. Two systems of irrigation is them employed by proponents. Conventional irrigation systems are manually operated. The amount of irrigation water released, is based on data gathered from soil moisture profiles. The second irrigation system used is fully automated. It links to electronic weather data and an evaporation index. The automated system sends signals providing information on when and how much water should be released through the irrigation system. Determining soil moisture is conducted through probes fitted within the soil. To manually determine soil moisture levels, weekly soil inspections are conducted and water levels documented. Both irrigation systems allow for the addition of nutrients to the water prior to it being irrigated onto the vines. Nutrients which may block or cause disturbances in the irrigation systems is administered manually. However, herbicide and pesticides are administered to all vineyards by means of external spraying techniques which is mostly administered using manual labour (hand-held pumping). Herbicides, pesticides and nutrients may be carted with a combination of tractor-trailer systems. Such transportation provides easy and mobile access for distributors. Both manual and automated irrigation systems may be bottom spraying or hanging systems. A comparison between drip irrigation and spraying irrigation systems is detailed in the alternatives Section 6. A substantial quantity of the irrigated water is required to be drained from the soil around the veins. Drainage is required to ensure integrity of the soil structure and to prevent rotting of the vine root system. Clay particles may swell, or soil silted up, may cause the fluid infiltration and drainage rate to reduce. Vineyard root systems penetrate soil up to a level of between 0.8 m and 1 m, while drainage water is known to settle between 1.2 m and 4 m.
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Photo 9. Abstraction Pumps in the Photo 10. Water Filtration System (Photo Orange River (Photo: Solar Grapes) Capespan Namibia)
Photo 11. Flow Meter (Photo: Solar Photo 12. Storage Dam (Photo Capespan Grapes) Namibia)
To facilitate drainage, an underground network of collection channels/ pipes was constructed underneath existing operations (where drainage was problematic). The water in the drainage system is monitored and analysed annually.
Photo 13. Secondary Tap within the Photo 14. Drainage System Monitoring Manual Irrigation System Point (Photo: Capespan (Photo: Solar Grapes) Namibia)
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5.4.2 Ancillary Activities Ancillary activities required to support the main activity include the following: Management and cultivation of ancillary crops (crops used for mulch material), Maintenance of infrastructure (roads, buildings, dams, power lines, sewerage systems, pack-houses, residential units, workshops, etc.) and equipment (irrigation systems, pumps, earth moving equipment and machines, etc.), and Management of environmental risks (fire, contamination, degradation). A variety of amenities linked to the project are listed in Table 4. These include components such as general infrastructure, power- and water supply as well as sanitation, workshops, etc. Table 4. General Additional Project Components and Amenities Project Component Current Provision Future Provision Electricity Provision Estimated 7,500 kVA mainly Estimated additional sourced from NamPower. requirement of approximately 6,000 kVA mainly sourced from NamPower. Water Provision Surface water abstraction: as per Additional abstraction for existing water rights. proposed expansion area as per renewal of water permits. Water Storage Two storage dams with a Two additional storage dams combined capacity of 30,000 m 3 (volume to be determined) (Capespan Namibia). (Aussenkehr Farms and Solar Grapes). Irrigation System All vineyards have irrigation Irrigation systems will be systems. extended for any new operations. Pack Houses / Cool Stores & Six existing pack houses / cool Additional pack houses / cool General Storage storage complexes (one each for storage complexes planned for Solar Grapes, Frontier Grapes Aussenkehr Farms and and Orvi; three for Capespan Capespan Namibia. Namibia). Sanitation Current ventilated improved pit VIP systems planned for latrine (VIP) systems catering additional operational areas. for existing staff compliment in vineyards. Fuel Storage Area Five diesel tanks of more than Two 23,000 m 3 diesel tanks. 20,000m 3 (Aussenkehr Farms have no diesel tanks on site). Workshops & Maintenance All farming operators have a Additional workshop and Yards workshop and maintenance yard maintenance yard for apart from Aussenkehr Farms. Aussenkehr Farms. Chemical Storage Area All farming operators have Additional chemical storage area chemical storage areas. planned for Aussenkehr Farms. Office Complex All farming operators have an No additional office complexes office complex. Solar Grapes required. shares with Aussenkehr Farms.
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Figure 6. Key Project Infrastructure Components
Photo 15. Typical VIP Toilet Amongst Photo 16. Typical Fuel Storage (Photo Vineyards (Photo: ORVI) Frontier Grapes)
Crops planted for the use as a mulch material (ancillary crops) typically include crops such a sorghum. In some instances the “cover-crop” is planted among the vineyards. These include crops such as korog. Additional mulch material is produced from the reeds growing along the Orange River, pruning of pine trees and wood cuttings from the vineyard pruning season.
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5.5 DECOMMISSIONING PHASE Should the proponents decide to terminate their involvement in the area, or abandon a vineyard, a decommissioning phase may be initiated. All supporting infrastructure – such as water and irrigation pipelines, electricity supply lines, access and vineyards roads, PV Solar systems etc., will have to be removed and or rehabilitated to a state, either useable for an alternative agricultural project, or as close as possible to its original state. Rehabilitation should further be conducted for any component of the project, which may, during the life of the project, become redundant or be decommissioned. An example would be any residential units or workshop area no longer of any use. In addition, sufficient preparation should be allowed for provisioning for social aspects and labour law requirements. Alternatively, should the proponents sell any part of their agricultural project, all pollution, closure and rehabilitation liabilities should be stipulated and made part of the take-over agreement.
6 ALTERNATIVES Various alternatives related to the project are considered and each of these alternatives is discussed. The alternatives can roughly be grouped into three main groups namely: Location alternatives; Project planning and design alternatives; No go alternative.
6.1 LOCATION ALTERNATIVES Various developments along the Orange River have been established in those areas where the topographical features allow. Limited areas along the Orange River in Namibia exist. The majority of these are already being utilised. The agricultural projects in Aussenkehr are partially reliant on the proximity of the water source (the Orange River). Restricted electricity supply inhibits additional pumping of water to higher elevations and further locations form the Orange River. Expansion areas are largely located adjacent to existing operations.
6.2 PROJECT PLANNING AND DESIGN ALTERNATIVES Although operations are ongoing, various alternatives are continually considered to optimise these operations and produce production. Alternatives, related to the main activity of water abstraction from the Orange River, are however not feasible. There are no viable groundwater resources to consider no additional surface water is available. Therefore, there are no alternative water sources for the existing irrigation operations. However, there are a number of alternatives with regards to the application of the water used. These relate to crop irrigation methods and dust suppression. In addition to these alternatives, the proponents have also considered alternative crops and worker transportation.
6.2.1 Agricultural Produce The table grape industry proved to be one of the most viable options with regards to water use for high value crops in Namibia. An assessment conducted in 2004: “Development of Reconciliation Strategies for Large Bulk Water Systems: Orange River – Irrigation Demands and Water conservation / Water Demand Management” considered the contribution of a variety of crops to the economic sector (inclusive of labour contributions). The study specifically considered irrigation practices along the Orange River. As per Table 5, it is clear that growing table grapes along the Orange River provides the leading economic contribution (inclusive of secondary spinoffs such as labour) (measured in South African Rand / hectare).
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Table 5. Economic Alternative Comparison for Irrigated Crop Production (WRP Consulting Engineers et al., September 2014) Crop Goss Income Interest on Variable Fixed Cost Net Farm (R/ha) Working Cost (R/ha) (R/ha) Income Capital (R/ha) (R/ha) Maize 26,000 797 20,784 3,613 4,206 Apples 247,500 4,069 130,413 7,424 42,931 Wheat 17,640 319 13,060 2,622 4,578 Dry beans 17,400 318 12,983 2,613 3,261 Lucerne 24,000 1,569 20,588 4,636 4,641 Potatoes 129,690 2,315 91,696 3,432 32,517 Cabbage 58,725 2,133 1,128 3,594 11,870 Table Grapes 294,373 4,875 170,701 8,861 86,405 White Grapes 50,018 2,757 26,945 8,507 11,808 Raisin s (Dr ied 86,215 3,475 42,736 7,956 32,048 Grapes) In addition to the economic viability, additional considerations pertaining to crop performance include the soil, climate and water requirements of the crop. In the past, a number of trials were conducted during which vegetables were planted. A combination of the harsh climatic conditions and soil characteristics have proven such crops less viable than table grapes. Dates and onions are planted as alternative produce.
6.2.2 Dust Suppression A combination of dust suppression methods are engaged by the proponents to ensure the most effective dust suppression in relation to water use. Apart from the physical activities, the proponents have endeavoured to reduce overall distances travelled within the vineyards as an indirect preventative measure in reducing dust generation. The direct methods employed by the proponents include a combination of the following: Netting of vineyard next to dirt roads, Automatic sprayer systems next to roads, Gravelling of roads, and Road wetting by water tanker.
Photo 17. Netting Along Major Route Photo 18. Netting Along Internal Route (Photo: Capespan Namibia) (Photo: Frontier Grapes)
Netting (using shade netting) along the sides of the vineyards, acts as a dust trap and prevents dust particles from settling on the vines. Netting is conducted along all the most travelled
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routes among the vineyards. Old nets are not removed when perished, rather new netting is placed on top of the old, thereby creating a denser barrier. The most travelled routes within operational areas have further been gravelled. Neither of these two methods require any water during maintenance.
6.2.3 Irrigation Methods When considering alternative irrigations systems, the most viable irrigation option is not only based on the irrigation system’s design efficiency, but should include environmental constrains and operating costs. Some systems are simply not viable due to climatic and topographical features as well as cost implications. For example, flood basin irrigation is not viable on steeper gradients. Similarly, crops cultivated further away and on higher elevations from the water source are more expensive to produce due to water pumping costs. The considered irrigation system should therefore take into account the local topographical and climatic conditions. The type of produce to be cultivated will also play a determining factor. It will not be feasible to install highly efficient yet expensive irrigation systems (such as drip irrigation) for crops with lower economic yields. The high value of table grape crops can however accommodate such systems. In turn, table grapes will not produce such high yields when cultivated under less efficient systems. Table 6 depicts different types of irrigation systems as per the South African Irrigation Institute’s suggested efficiencies (IWRM Plan Joint Venture Namibia, 2010). The estimated average costs are based on 35 ha units. Although flood and sprinkler systems are not viable irrigation methods, these have been included for comparison with regards to capital cost and design efficiency. Table 6. Irrigation System Efficiency (IWRM Plan Joint Venture Namibia, 2010) Irrigation System Design Efficiency Capital Costs (R / ha) Flood: Furrow 65% 13,000 Flood: Border 60% 17,600 Flood: Basin 75% 18,800 Sprinkler: Dragline 75% 24,800 Sprinkler: Quick -coupling 75% 22,500 Sprinkler: Permanent 85% 34,500 Sprinkler: Travelling boom 80% 23,200 Sprinkler: Centre pivot 85% 43,300 Sprinkler: Linear 85% 69,400 Sprinkler: Micro sprinkler 85% 36,300 Micro: Spray 90% 53,200 Micro: Drip 95% 46,300 In Aussenkehr, climatic, topographical and soil conditions necessitate an irrigation system which will pump water from the lower lying Orange River to higher elevations while irrigation itself is required to be of a high efficiency (due to evaporation and soil salinization ). A highly effective irrigation system will minimise wastage of water through evaporation and/or runoff. Normal drip irrigation systems will not be able to provide enough water within the pumping time available in Aussenkehr. When temperatures soar in summer months, additional water is required to be irrigated onto crops. Drip irrigation systems are not designed to accommodate such requirements and acquiring additional systems will be too costly. Micro spray irrigation is therefore preferred to micro drip irrigation. Traditionally bottom spraying micro-spray irrigation systems were used. Recently, the proponents have endeavoured to systematically replace these systems with over hanging micro-spray irrigation systems. The change is aimed at reducing systems damage due to worker incidents (stepping and tramping bottom-spraying irrigation systems). It further allows for the easy cultivation of cover-crop production between
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vineyards. Table 7 is a comparison table detailing the advantages and disadvantages of micro spray systems vs micro drip systems. Table 7. Alternative Comparison Table: Irrigation Method (Based on the Water Demand Strategy Developed for Namibia) (IWRM Plan Joint Venture Namibia, 2010) Description Advantages Disadvantages Preferred alternative Micro: Spray Provide enough water Design efficiency 90% A combination of top (Top & Bottom) during soaring Water system losses and bottom micro temperatures (evaporation, weeds and spraying is currently Reduced risk to worker runoff) used. There is a damage (top spraying Most expensive capital systematic conversion systems) cost of the bottom spraying system to the top Supply of enough water Higher consumption rate within the operating spraying system. All as water outside of future operations are to constraints of pumping targeted zone time (reduced irrigation employ top micro hours) spraying systems. Micro: Drip Design efficiency 95% Labour intensive Less capital costs clogging clearing Higher-targeted zone Dripper clogging watering replacement cost Watered zone is shadowed Salinization of soils by the plant itself, Longer irrigation hours evaporation is minimal and required the consumption is lowered Unwanted plant growth is prevented. Foliage remains dry, thus reducing the risk of disease
Photo 19. Conventional Top-Spraying Photo 20. Customised Top-Spraying Irrigation Network (Photo: Irrigation Network (Photo: Solar Grapes) ORVI)
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Photo 21. Bottom-Spraying Irrigation Photo 22. Bottom-Spraying Irrigation Network (Photo: Frontier Network (Photo: Capespan Grapes) Namibia)
6.2.4 Transportation Alternatives Traditionally, workers in Aussenkehr were transported either via truck or tractor pulled trailer. For those workers that reside further than walking distance some of the farming operators have employed buses for worker transportation.
6.3 NO GO ALTERNATIVE Table grape production was initiated in the 1980’s and have been in operation for more than 30 years. The project has progressively developed into the current operations. Should the project not receive the environmental clearance certificates, there would be a significant loss in capital investment. There will further be a loss in investor’s confidence in Namibia as existing operations was identified by the Namibian Government to fall within an area for growth, investment and development, specifically in the table grape sector. Of significant importance is that thousands of workers will lose their stable income and jobs. Finally, revenue generated for Namibia will be reduced. The biophysical attributes of the area allows for limited alternative uses. Not continuing with the project may see the land utilised for significantly less profitable operations.
7 ADMINISTRATIVE, LEGAL AND POLICY REQUIREMENTS To protect the environment and achieve sustainable development, all projects, plans and programmes deemed to have adverse impacts on the environment require an ECC. Namibian legislation lists specific activities which are required to apply for an ECC. The current and proposed agricultural operations fall within the ambit of these activities, as per Section 3 of Government Gazette No 4878. Listed activities which require an ECC application related to this project are included in Table 8 (Government Regulation No 29 of 2012). Table 8. EMA Listed Activities Applicable to Existing and Planned Operations Activity Activity Applicability No 2.1 The construction of facilities for waste sites, Various sanitation systems are located treatment of waste and disposal of waste. among the vineyards for labourers. These are mainly VIP systems. 8.1 The abstraction of ground or surface water for Water is abstracted from the Orange industrial or commercial use. River for current commercial operations. 8.3 Any abstraction from a river that forms an Water is abstracted from the Orange international boundary. River, which forms an international boundary with South Africa.
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Activity Activity Applicability No 8.7 Irrigation schemes for agriculture excluding Current operations have established domestic irrigation. commercial irrigation schemes while proposed operations will expand such schemes. 9.1 The manufacturing, storage, handling or Herbicides and pesticides are stored processing of a hazardous substance defined in the within numerous locations within the Hazardous Substances Ordinance, 1974. area. Some of these chemicals and or components thereof may be considered to be hazardous. 9.4 The storage and handling of a dangerous goods, Various fuel storage tanks are located including petrol, diesel, liquid petroleum gas or at different sites within the project paraffin, in containers with a combined capacity of area. more than 30 cubic meters at any one location. 9.5 Construction of filling stations or any other facility Various fuel storage tanks are located for the underground and aboveground storage of at different sites within the project dangerous goods, including petrol, diesel, liquid, area. petroleum, gas or paraffin. Considering local and regional planning initiatives are paramount in achieving optimal and integrated sustainable development in Namibia. As such, the Strategic Environmental Assessment for the Karas Integrated Regional Development Planning (Koch et al , 2011) were considered as part of the desk top study. Therein, the proposed land use for the Karas Region’s development is indicated. As depicted in Figure 7, the proposed land use for Aussenkehr is irrigated fields. This confirms that the agricultural project is in line with the proposed regional development goals.
Figure 7. Draft Karas Land Use Plan (Koch, et al , 2011) In addition to the Regional Land Use Planning, the environmental assessment had considered the goals set out as per Namibia’s Vision 2030 and the various related National Development Plans (NDP’s). In particular, two aspects are highlighted as being paramount to the project. These include the water of the
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Orange River and the town establishment for the labourers. Therefore then, during the environmental impacts assessment, the goals of Vision 2030, which have specifically been adopted for the water sector, was kept in mind. These goals are summarised as follows: Vision 2030 -Freshwater and Associated Resources: Water allocated and used efficiently Irrigation of only high value and strategic crops on suitable soils, Clean, unpolluted water, Productive and healthy natural wetlands with rich biodiversity, and Optimal and strategic economic development options. The development targets stated in the NDP3 (and which is being built on during the NDP4 & 5), in the Key Result Area: Productive utilization of natural resources and environmental sustainability, Sub sector 4 (water) include: Increasing the contribution of water to GDP, Increasing the average value added per cubic meter (m3) of water used, Increasing the irrigation water supply, and Increasing availability of water, national water supply and potable water supply for people and livestock. The goals above underline the strategic development of this agricultural project. Additional pertinent national legislation which ties into the Environmental Management Act includes the following: The Namibian Constitution, The Water Act No. 54 of 1956, Water Resources Management Act No. 11 of 2013, Soil Conservation Act No. 76 of 1969, Petroleum Products and Energy Act No. 13 of 1990, Government Notice No. 45 of 1990, National Heritage Act No. 27 of 2004, Government Notice No. 287 of 2004, Local Authorities Act No. 23 of 1992, Government Notice No. 116 of 1992, Public Health Act No. 36 of 1919, Labour Act No 11 of 2007, Government Notice No. 236 of 2007, Townships and Division of Land Ordinance 11 of 1963, Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Ordinance No. 11 of 1976, Protected Areas and Wildlife Management Bill (guideline only), and Pollution Control and Waste Management Bill (draft document). International Policies and Conventions considered include: Stockholm Declaration on the Human Environment, Stockholm 1972, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Convention on Biological Diversity, Rio de Janeiro, 1992, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), Revised African Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, International Plant Protection Convention, Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES).
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8 ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS This section lists the most pertinent environmental characteristics of the study area and provides a statement on the potential environmental impacts on each.
8.1 LOCALITY AND SURROUNDING LAND USE Aussenkehr is located in the Karasburg-West constituency of the Karas Region in Namibia. It is located on the banks of the Orange River which forms an international border with South Africa. The area is accessed by the C13 Route (District Road D2012) from Noordoewer (a tar road). The entire settlement and all related agricultural activities are located on privately owned land on the Farm Aussenkjer FMV/00147. This farm has also been declared, in part, as a private nature reserve (private conservation area) by the owner of Aussenkehr Farms who is also proposing that a portion of this area be developed into an agricultural productive unit. The Ai-Ais National Park is located approximately 18 km to the northeast of the greater Aussenkehr while the Richtersveld National Park of South Africa, is located adjacent (west) to Aussenkehr. These areas have together been classified as the Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. Protected areas in close proximity to the site are indicated in Figure 8.
Figure 8. Protected and Conservations Areas Surrounding the Site
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Implications and Impacts The remote location of the project highlights the specific environmental and climatological suitability and amplifies the regional sensitivity of the site. The project will be developed, in part, towards the eastern and northern border of the valley as well as on top of the ridge. Disturbance to current undeveloped land close to protected areas may cause impacts on the surrounding protected areas. The agricultural development has contributed to development initiatives such as infrastructure development into this remote area of the Karas Region. All development planning should be provided to the Karas Regional Council for inclusion in the updated reporting of land use in the region. Information sharing will impact planning and development initiatives of the region in relation to protected areas.
8.2 CLIMATE Aussenkehr, located in the Orange River valley is renowned for its extremely hot and dry summers and up to 12 hours daylight in the summer. On average, the area receives approximately 10 hours of daily sunlight per annum. Although the average maximum temperature is approximately 30 ºC, extreme heat conditions occur in the summer months with some days peaking above 45 ºC. Temperatures of over 50 ºC have been recorded. The average rainfall varies from approximately 100 mm/a (at 20º east longitude) to less than 50 mm/a west of Aussenkehr (which receives an average of less than 50 mm/a). The evaporation decreases from 3,400 mm/a in the east (20º east longitude) to approximately 2,500 mm/a along the coast of the Karas Region. At Aussenkehr the evaporation loss is approximately 3,000 mm/a. The common border (with South Africa) area falls in a region where evaporation losses are more than 30 times the average annual rainfall (IWRM Plan Joint Venture Namibia, 2010). Localised wind patterns are mostly influence by uneven heating of the surrounding earth surface and topography resulting in slight westerly winds during the year. A few windy days are experienced throughout the year. Localised whirl winds, also known as dust devils, occur frequently in the area.
Photo 23. Capespan Namibia Weather Station Table 9. Summary of Climate Data (Atlas of Namibia) Average annual rainfall (mm/a) 0 - 50 Average annual evaporation (mm/a) 3,000 - 3,200 Water deficit (mm/a) 2,100 - 2,300 Average annual temperatures (°C) 17 - 18 Solar radiation kWh Per m2 5.6 – 5.8 Sunshine per day (hours/ day) 9 - 10 Wind speed Light to moderate breeze throughout the year Localised wind direction South-Westerly
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Figure 9. Average Monthly Rainfall: Expected (Atlas of Namibia) vs Recorded 2008-2015
Figure 10. Wind Rose for Aussenkehr (Meteoblue, 2016)
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Several models were run in an attempt to predict the effects possible climate change will have on Namibia. As such it has been predicted that soil moisture levels will decline further as temperatures rise. According to studies compiled during the development of the Karas Regional Structure Plan, it was determined that a drop of 10% in rainfall may be expected for the southern parts of the Karas Region (including Aussenkehr) over the next 35 years and a further decrease in rainfall of up to 20% in another 30 years (by 2080). This translates to an average rainfall less than 35 mm/a. In addition, the higher evaporation losses may have detrimental effects on the Orange River. Climate change effects in the upper reaches of the Orange River may cause reduced runoff in lower lying areas which may, even though the system is regulated, cause reductions in available water for all users including the proponents. The situation may be remediated by the proposed construction of a dam in the lower reaches of the Orange River at Noordoewer, located upstream of Aussenkehr. The proponents have installed automated irrigation systems in some of the vineyards to reduce water wastage. All vineyards are planned to be irrigated by such systems within the following five years. A study for the South African table grape industry was conducted regarding the greenhouse gas emissions typically produced by the industry. The findings of this report stipulate that electricity used (during water abstraction, storage and irrigation) is the greatest greenhouse gas contributor for the sector, followed by cold storage energy use (Blignaut, 2014). Electricity generated through renewable energy sources such as solar systems are already employed by the proponents. Reliance on these systems are expected to be expanded as opposed to conventional electricity provision through NamPower. Implications and Impacts High radiation and UV exposure levels coupled with very high summer temperatures may result in heatstroke of workers and influence grape development. Hot, dry winds increases the risk to crop damage while dust devils are known to contaminate and litter vineyards with dirt from the settlement area. The high solar radiation and evaporation rates may necessitate covering of storage dams to minimise water losses as well as vehicle / equipment storage areas to reduce sun damage. Solar radiation may be beneficial in generating additional electricity through PV Solar systems. Housing units may install solar geyser systems to reduce reliance and pressure on the localised electricity grid. Climate change contributors are largely related to the mechanised systems used as part of operations. However, ground breaking activities such as tillage will contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and should be taken into account during any carbon crediting initiatives. Effects of climate change to consider during the proposed operations over the next 30 years include: 10% increase in water use for irrigation (consideration towards the Orange River allocation be awarded over and above expected growth), Leaching of nutrients, pesticide and fertilisers from irrigated land may increase the cumulative water pollution set within the framework of less water being made available in the Orange River system for dilution. Improved efficiencies of grid electricity usage. Consider conducting, an energy/water usage audit of the pumping system to also highlight areas of concern relating to high electricity use.
8.3 TOPOGRAPHY AND DRAINAGE Located in an open valley system, Aussenkehr is surrounded by ridges. Figure 11 depicts the terrain aspect and slope which are clearly representative of the area’s topography. Aussenkehr itself is generally flat, slightly sloping from east to west. The most eastern portions of the development area is located at the foothills of a ridge and has a slightly steeper slope. Localised drainage is well developed. All runoff flows towards the Orange River and mainly through the Inaub River and other drainage lines as indicated Figure 12. The Inaub River traverses the southern portions of the project area. The original flow of this river was altered through
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previous agricultural activities. A cut-off trench and berms were established and is maintained on the property to effectively divert any run-off away from operations, Figure 13. Flash floods are known to occur in the area and according to local knowledge has a frequency of every four to five years. These floods cause considerable damage to especially homesteads and livelihoods of the workers, many of which have constructed their dwellings in the drainage lines. Essential services and key infrastructure points are indicated in Figure 12, in relation to the topographical and drainage features.
Figure 11. Terrain Aspect and Slope with Drainage Lines
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Photo 24. Inaub River with Control Photo 25. Inaub River with Control Berm (Photo Capespan Berm Next to Internal Road Namibia) (Photo Capespan Namibia)
Figure 12. Drainage of the Area in Relation to Key Points of Interest
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Figure 13. Berm Diversion Structures Across Capespan Namibia and Aussenkehr Farms Implications and Impacts Surface elevation limits development towards the east. The sloped angles are mainly rocky and not suitable for irrigation schemes. Any increase in elevation further ads to costs of pumping water to the vineyards and therefore may result in less profitable developments. The proposed most northern developments are located on relatively flat terrain. All personnel should be educated in terms of flash floods and related safety measures. Flash floods present risks to the community and operations. The proponents have encouraged their workforce not to construct their houses in any of the various drainage lines in the area. The cut-off berms have effectively prohibited vineyard damage through high velocity run-off during flash-flood events.
8.4 GEOLOGY AND SOILS The project area is mostly underlain by formations of the Dwyka and Ecca Group rocks of the Karoo Supergourp, see Figure 14. The Ecca Group in the project area consist out of shale and siltstone of the Prince Albert Formation (PPa) and shale, sandstone and siltstone of the Aussenkehr Formation (PAs & PAssi). Other Ecca group rocks in the area consist out of carbonaceous shale of the Whitehill Formation (PWh). It is known that fossils occur in the Ecca Group rocks. Field observations showed that considerable concentrations of silicified wood occurs as a geological layer within the Aussenkehr Formation (PAssi), see Figure 14. The Aussenkehr Formation (PAssi) was stratigraphically inferred using a multispectral ASTER colour composite imagery. Figure 14 shows the inferred layer as red, indicating the extent and emplacement of the Aussenkehr Formation (PAssi). The inferred layer extends underneath the Aussenkehr Farms project area. The Ecca Group rocks is underlain by rocks of the Dwyka Group
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(CDW). The Dwyka Group rocks consist out of mudstone, sandstone erratics, lime concretions and siltstone. The sandstone are frequently ripple-marked and intensively traversed by invertebrate tracks composed of drop stone-bearing shale and intercalated layers of boulder- mudstone. The Dwyka Group rocks occur underneath the Solar Grapes farm and a southern portion of the Capespan farm. calcareous concretionary masses. Dolerite (Jdo) occur as sills and dykes in the study area. Other geology that occur in the study area consist out of Nama Group rocks, namely from the Kuibis Subgroup (NKU), consisting of sandstone, limestone, conglomerate and shale. Rocks from the Richtersveld Igneous Complex (NgRi) also occur in the study area. These rocks consist out of granite, porphyry and quartz-syenite. Rocks from the Kheisian Age also occur in the area. These are among the oldest rocks in Namibia. They consist of the De Hoop Subgroup of the Orange River Group (MDH & MKn), consisting of mostly metavolcanics and mafic aphanites respectively. Other Kheisian Age rocks (MgVD & MgVDg) also consist out of granite, granodiorite, leucogranite, norite, gabbro and diorite (Mgv). The study area has witnessed numerous events of tectonic events which lead to the occurance of thrusts, faults and lineamens. Numerous faulting and lineament structures occur in the study area and stike in a SW – NE, NW – SE and WNW – ESE orientation. Due to the high clay-mineral content of shale, the soil of the Aussenkehr plains are typically rich in clay-minerals and the top soils of the plains are typically silty and clayey loam (Belcher, 2012). The clay common minerals that occur in the soil are illite, smecktite and montmorillonitic- bentonite (Werner, 2006) which form as part of the weathering product of dolerite and tuff. Due to high evaporation rate of moisture from the top soil it may be enriched with salts and may cause evaporitic minerals to form, e.g. gypsum (Belcher, 2012). The Karoo-aged dolerite sills (Jd) that occur on the higher valley ridges have also contributed to the clay-mineral content of the soil. Heine and Völkel (Heine K and Völkel J, 2010) identified seven clay mineral provinces in Namibia, see Figure 15. The project area falls in Province 4, not far south of Province 5. Clay mineral province 4 covers the southern Namib Desert, mainly south of the Orange River. Illite (± 40%), smectite (± 40%) and kaolinite (± 20%) are characteristic of its clay mineral spectrum. The Orange River sediments is however considered to yield 75% smectite with relatively low percentages of illite (10%) and kaolinite (10%) as well as mixed-layer clay minerals (0 to 5%). The Orange River clay sediments represent the clay mineral provinces of the river’s upper reaches, where smectite is abundant in soils and sediments as a product of the weathering of the Drakensberg basalts and the Karoo sedimentary rocks. Outwash fans with dry braided drainage patterns, dating from the Quaternary, caused recurring erosion and deposition episodes to take place on the valley slopes along the Orange River valleys, especially in the Aussenkehr valley, partly covering the underlying rock formations. Tertiary aged river terraces along the Orange River may contain diamonds. The surface cover present in the valley makes the identification of geological structures difficult. A number of faults can however be seen in the outcrops south of the project area and it is expected that these faults will continue through the project area, see Figure 14. This can form preferential flow paths in underlying hard rock. Groundwater information in the area is very limited as groundwater resources were not developed due to the Orange River supplying an easier resource. Flow in the subsurface soil will mainly be through primary porosity in the unconsolidated top layers and through secondary porosity in the consolidated formations. It is conceptualised that the majority of flow will be towards the river in the unconsolidated layers.
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Figure 14. Geology of the Project Area
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Project Area
ABF = Angola-Benguela-Front AC = Angola Current; BCC = Benguela Coastal Current; BOC = Benguela Oceanic Current; R = Rössing Cave; T = Tinkas Cave
Figure 15. Clay Mineral Provinces of Namibia and Selected Sample Sites (Heine K, Völkel J, 2010) Implications and Impacts An average of 1,800 mm of water per year is irrigated across vineyard areas. This may result in salt being leached from the soils. Additional water infiltration may result in a perched water table and cause saturated conditions to downstream areas. Continual irrigation over long periods of time may result in the accumulation of gypsum and calcification which will prohibit water infiltration and degrade the soil through increased pH values.
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Although groundwater is not utilised in the area, it must still be protected against pollution. Polluted groundwater may transport pollutants to the nearby Orange River. The presence of gypsum in the soil may impact on concrete structures and can caused increased corrosion. High clay content in certain soils may result in the soil densifying with the administration of water. Clay will swell and drainage will become hampered. Therefore adequate drainage systems should be implemented, especially in the area closer to the Orange River which has a greater amount of water flowing through it. Effective management of the drainage channels (preventing of silting up) should be conducted. The possibility of diamond deposits along sections of the Orange River exist. Should diamond mining be considered by any party, the conflicting land use should be resolved between the Ministry of Mines and Energy,the Ministry of Agriculture Water and Forestry as well as the parties involved.
8.5 AUSSENKEHR WATER SUPPLY All water supply to Aussenkehr is pumped from the Orange River. Domestic purpose water (for office and general consumption), is fed from either storage dams supplying the irrigation schemes or directly from the Orange River. Water used at the offices are purified. There is currently no NamWater points which supply water to any part of Aussenkehr including the informal residential area. NamWater has been contracted for bulk water supply for the area with the intention that local government levels will be responsible for the distribution networks. A NamWater water treatment works and related pipelines were constructed, however these have not yet been commissioned due to electricity shortages. No other local or regional government initiatives have been established to provide water to any part of Aussenkehr. It is estimated that residents in the informal area use less than the 9.9 litres/capita/day (which is the average for the rural areas national per capita daily consumption). This is well below the acceptable minimum water consumption required for good health (which has been stated to be 25 litres/capita/day (World Health Organisation)). Apart from sourcing water directly from the river, residents of the settlement area have connected to the irrigation lines of the vineyards adjacent to the informal residential areas. Such uncontrolled connections reach far into the residential area, supplying people with water when water is pumped for irrigation purposes (mostly twice a day). Apart from these connections, local and private initiatives by the farm owner established a water point for the community by connecting 7 taps (located next to the post office) to supply tanks which are fed from a commercial pump station. Initially the tanks used chlorination as a form of purification, however, during the site visit is was apparent that there is no operational purification. These tanks are not sufficient for the community which reaches numbers of up to 20,000 during harvesting season. The proponents provide water to their workers at the residential area by delivering water via mobile water tanks.
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Photo 26. Water Supply Tanks Used for Photo 27. Seven Community Taps the Community Taps
Photo 28. Non-operational Water Photo 29. Community Pipe Connections Treatment Works to Irrigation Systems
8.5.1 Irrigation Water Supply All water used for irrigation purposes in Aussenkehr is sourced from the Orange River. Data for the combined extraction volume for all operators in Aussenkehr was obtained from the MAWF and amounts to approximately 65 million m3/a. Each property and table grape grower has their own allocated water permits. All of the properties have individual allocated water rights which make provision for their existing and proposed operations. Some of the properties, have subsequent to the water permits being provided, been subdivided. This mainly refer to Aussenkehr Farms which was subdivided into several portions. It was calculated that the proponents use approximately 45% of the total water allocated in Aussenkehr. According to information provided by the Namibian Department of Water Affairs (Dower, 2016), the projected increase, at that time, in water user demands for the Orange River system could result in the availability of water decreasing in the medium to long term. The construction of a dam upstream of Noordoewer is however expected to contribute positively to ensure water sustainability to the lower Orange. Water allocations along the Orange River remain not only of political, but also ecological concern. Namibian has (through its goal in Vision 2030) planned for a 20% increase in the irrigation sector for the whole of Namibia. However, such growth along the Orange River may not be realised due to several constrains in the Orange River system. Various studies conducted in terms of water demand from the Orange River were considered during the compilation of this report. Interesting to note is that South Africa has placed a cap on the growth of demand from 2015 onward based on the resource limit within Orange River System.
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Table 10. Water Use in the Lower Orange River, Downstream of Vanderkloof Dam (Tanner et al, Undated). Category Expected water demand (Mm 3/a) 2002 2005 2010 2015 2020 RSA Irrigation: Lower Orange 62 82 102 122 122 Urban, Industrial & Mining: Lower Orange 15 17 23 24 22 Total RSA 77 99 125 146 144 Namibia Irrigation- Lower Orange 41 60 103 150 197 Urban- Lower Orange 9 16 31 47 47 Total - Namibia 50 76 134 197 244 Drainage water from all of the vineyards in Aussenkehr flows back into the Orange River It is important to note that although the proponents take a certain amount of water from the Orange River, there is an undetermined amount which flows back into the Orange River as drainage water. Water is therefore not only sourced from the Orange River, but also impacted by back flow from the agricultural activities. The nature of the impacts is strongly cumulative with several industries and irrigation projects located upstream. The Orange River provides various essential ecosystems without which the project will not be able to continue. Water quality for the Orange River system, between Noordoewer and Aussenkehr, is classified as moderately modified. Such classification is based on numerous river health assessments conducted for these areas along the Orange River. Water abstracted from the Orange River for the project have less than ideal levels of Total Dissolved Solids and has elevated levels of phosphate. This might be ascribed to the irrigation initiatives upstream of Aussenkehr (Bosman, Botha & Brews. 2017). Implications and Impacts The constructed bulk water supply to the informal settlement area was established, however will only be functional once a distribution network and power supply have been established. It is estimated that this will be completed within the medium to long term. Industry related water permits allocated to Aussenkehr as per the MAWF amount to approximately 65 million m3/a. Presently, not all of the allocation is used, although it has been awarded. Once the electrical grid is upgraded, it is expected that this amount will be utilised to a greater capacity as users will be able to abstract more water. Consideration should further be given towards climatic conditions (such as climate change) which may result in a 10% increase in water requirements over the next 30-50 years. The project will contribute to the cumulative use of water from the Orange River. Should all water be abstracted per allocated water rights, abstraction may be more than what was traditionally released into the Orange River system during the harvest season. New thresholds for the upstream release of water in to the Orange River may be required. Unsanitary conditions in the township area, coupled with drainage water from all vineyards in Aussenkehr, contribute to the degradation of the water course.
8.6 FAUNA AND FLORA The site falls within the Nama Karoo Biome of Namibia which is recorded to have a grass cover of between 2 and 10% (Mendelsohn J, 2002).The area however borders the Succulent Karoo Biome which has less and 0.1% grass cover and is a more accurate description of the site and surroundings which does not have any grass cover. This corresponds with the Average Green Vegetation Biomass Production Atlas for Namibia which classifies the area as a category 2: Bare ground. The entire site falls within the CPL 11 Agro-Ecological Zone. A summary of the vegetation cover of this is zone is presented in Table 11 and indicated in Figure 16.
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Table 11. Vegetation Cover in the CPL 11 Agro-Ecological Zone Vegetation Type Percentage Cover Shrubs 0.31% (± 0.3%) Dwarf Shrubs 1.52% (±0.9%) Grass 0.60% (±0.5%) Herbs 2.25% (±0.8%) Total 4.71% (±1.6%) Although the habitat is further classified as being suitable for quiver trees most of the valley has been transformed by agricultural activities and no such trees have been observed in the area or close to the site. Contrastingly different, the riparian zone associated with the Orange River is a dense cover of a mixture of alien and indigenous species.
Figure 16. Agro-Ecological Zone The Orange River became highly regulated by the more than 20 major dams, such as the Gariep and Vanderkloof Dams (located in South Africa), and numerous weirs within its catchment (Belcher, July 2012). In Addition, the Orange River has seen a rise in the number of pollutant contributors. The majority of which are located around the middle stretches of the river, upstream of Aussenkehr. Some of the developments, on both the South African and Namibian side are irrigation-related developments with drainage water (similar to that at Aussenkehr) flowing into
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the river. Compounded by poor water quality inflows from mainly the South African tributaries, the river ecology has been impacted and changed from its original state. This change has seen an increase in alien species (especially along the riparian zone) and a proliferation of indigenous plant species in areas downstream of drainage water release points. The riparian habitat is considered to be moderately to totally transformed due to irrigation practises and subsequent alien species along the Aussenkehr River Section (ARTP JMB, 2008) (Figure 17). The riparian integrity becomes less degraded downstream of Aussenkehr. This may in part be attributed to the inflow from the Gamkab- and Fish River downstream.
Figure 17. Habitat Integrity (ARTP JMB, 2008) Habitats occur along the Orange River which are considered to be “most important”, due to the variety of species and ecological functioning. Clearly visible on site is the much denser vegetation cover on the northern banks of the Orange River (which receives drainage water) as opposed to much more sparsely covered southern bank. More than half of the species of vegetation which could be identified during the environmental assessment, are considered to be “alien invasive” or “natural alien species”. As per the higher flora diversity along the river, the species diversity of birds along the river is much higher than the surrounding areas. A Ramsar site approximately 230 km downstream of operations, at the Orange River Mouth, host a particularly sensitive birdlife habitat. The Farm Aussenkjer FMV/00147 is known for its population of wild horses. Water is provided to the horses and other wildlife by the management of Aussenkehr Farms. A borehole pumps water into a trough on top of the dolerite ridge about 4 km east of Aussenkehr. Confirmed during the site visit, large mammals such as the Hartmann Mountain Zebra (considered as threatened as
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per its IUCN Vulnerability rating)(Novellie, 2008), baboons, springbok and kudu where observed in close proximity to the water point.
Photo 30. Hartmann Mountain Zebra Photo 31. Greater Kudu ( Tragelaphus (Equus zebra ) strepsiceros )
The Orange River, and in particular the lower parts around Aussenkehr, does not have a high aquatic species diversity with only two protected fish species of the 16 known to occur in the lower parts of the river. According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the Barbus kimberleyensis and Oreochromis mossambicus, may occur in the vicinity of Aussenkehr (IUCN 17-3). Both being considered as near-threatened while the rest of the 16 species are classified as least-concern . None of the other aquatic faunal species were determined to be endemic to Namibia or a red listed species. A summary of the fauna and flora data is presented in Table 11 and Table 12. No ecosystem health surveys were conducted by the Namibian Government on the Orange River and hence no data could be obtained from governmental agencies. However, consideration was given to an existing study regarding the river system and aquatic fauna of the Orange River. This study conducted by Belcher in July 2012, classified the state of the river based on South African Scoring System: rapid bio-assessment for rivers guidelines as used in South Africa (Belcher, July 2012). This assessment, which collected macroinvertebrate samples, found an abundance of atyidae (freshwater shrimps ), caenidae and baetidae (mayflies); corixidae (water boatmen); naucoridae (creeping water bugs), dytiscidae (predacious diving beetles); simulidae (blackflies); and chironomidae (midges). Table 12. General Flora Data (Mendelsohn, 2002) Vegetation type Karas dwarf shrubland Vegetation structure type Sparse shrubland Number of plant species 100 -150 Percentage tree cover 0.1-1 Percentage dwarf s hrub cover 3,6 Dwarf shrub height (m) 0.5 Grass height (m) 0.5 Table 13. General Fauna Data (Mendelsohn, 2002) Mammal Diversity 61 - 75 Species Rodent Diversity 20 - 23 Species Bird Diversity 81 - 110 Species Reptile Diversity 61 - 70 Species Snake Diversity 20 - 24 Species
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Lizard Diversity > 35 Species Scorpion Diversity 16 - 17 Species
Implications and Impacts Development of vineyards have and will result in habitat degradation. Within Aussenkehr this is a cumulative impact. A possible irreversible activity which will have a long term effect on the soil. Herbicides, pesticides and nutrients in the soil and water will further impact not only the localised aquatic ecosystems of the Orange River, but also cumulatively affect the downstream water quality and related ecosystems and habitats. Possible pollution and change of habitats (cumulative impacts) may ensure the occurrence of species not traditionally know in the area – these include fauna and flora species. Higher species diversity areas should be avoided. Wildlife present risks to current operations. While certain insects are considered pests (such ants, locusts, mealybugs and nematodes), the use of pesticides may not be as effective and have detrimental effects on other insects as well. In addition, mammals such as baboons consume harvest fruits while being destructive to trellis structures and irrigation systems.
8.7 LOCAL ECONOMY The Karas Region economy is a diverse representation of various sectors and industries within the region. These include (but are not limited to) fishing, mining, tourism and agriculture; all of which have shown potential to be developed. The Karasburg West constituency have much less economic diversity and the agricultural sector, specifically the irrigation schemes at Aussenkehr, is a large contributor, if not the largest. Not only does it create jobs, but it has also been the main driving force of infrastructure development and related capital expenditure which are on-going. The lack of a formal town infrastructure and status has exempted Aussenkehr from having to develop economic development plans and policies, which are required for the rest of the towns in the Karas Region. The table grape sector and irrigation scheme have however been incorporated in the Regional Land Use Plans. The most significant of these plans relate to water and sanitation infrastructure and housing. The housing sub-sector goal states: “Provide support to Regional Councils and Local Authorities to ensure effective and efficient physical planning and service delivery for affordable land, services and shelter in order to improve social and living conditions in general and of low-income groups in particular within the context of sustainable human settlements development”(NACOMA, 2012). One of the economic enablers in Aussenkehr, is the affordable price of water which is vital to operations. In evaluating water use in primary economic activities such as agriculture, it is useful to consider the entire value-chain, i.e. the upstream and downstream activities, which are linked as suppliers of inputs to, or users/processors of output from the primary activity. (Van der Merwe, 2004). Intensive irrigated production schemes are strong economic drivers, as witnessed by the influx of seasonal workers at Aussenkehr. This can potentially make a significant contribution to the development of Karas Region and Namibia as a whole. Water quality will have an effect on the productivity of the vines, therefore the economic benefits of ensuring that the water quality of the Orange River remains at its best is an essential component of the agricultural process. If water treatment is required then the cost of production will increase, resulting in a decrease in revenue and feasibility. The same can be said for the quality of the soil as lower quality soil will be less economically productive. During the site visit it was mentioned by the proponents that challenges with soil quality relates to soil calcification and low organic content. Soils are known to have a high salt content. It was also noted that the areas further away from the Orange River has a higher phosphate content. Water and soil are paramount for the continued functioning of the agricultural project and therefore provide a vital ecosystem service to the proponents. However the river also supports additional ecosystem services. These services which may have an economic spinoff include the following:
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Fresh water for domestic use (by community and downstream users), Reeds growing within the river used as building material (Aussenkehr community), Recreational, tourism and cultural uses (Karas West constituency), and Erosion control (international shared resource). The proponents contacted NamPower to indicate their need for additional electrical power. NamPower has subsequently planned to provide additional electrical power through mainly two projects. The first being the upgrading of existing substation and related commissioning of a 5 MW PV solar plant. This project was completed. The second initiative entails an additional 132 kV line which is to be brought in from the Khurub substation. This project is still in the planning phase. Coupled with the new township development, it was confirmed by NamPower that the two NamPower initiatives will be able to meet the requirements of Aussenkehr.
Photo 32. Completed NamPower Solar Photo 33. Water Filtration System Plant – View of the PV Solar Through Which Water is Panels Pumped Prior to Irrigation
Implications and Impacts Continuation of operations will contribute to existing economy as well as contributing to sustaining existing livelihoods. Proposed expansion will provide employment opportunities (permanent and seasonal) in the region and to possible workers all over Namibia who flock to the area for possible employment. The project and proposed expansion will contribute to the local and national agricultural sector and specifically in terms of the planned growth in the irrigation sector as envisioned by the local government. The growing table grape sector in Aussenkehr, further promotes tourism for the region. Namibia is promoted as more grapes carrying the Namibian name are sent to Europe and international countries. Increased numbers of quality controllers from such countries visit the production units as well as the region. All of afore mentioned activities contribute to the local, regional and national economy. Possible costs to consider by the proponents, should the ecosystem be degraded, include the following: Cost of additional water purification before and after use, Soil remediation, and Replacement of natural nutrients of soil. Currently not all allocated water rights are used. Once sufficient electrical power is made available to Aussenkehr, full use of water permits may be realised. The agricultural project will contribute to the cumulative demand of electricity.
8.8 SOCIAL AND CULTURAL CHARACTERISTICS Statistics for the demographic profile of Aussenkehr have proven to be lacking in reliable and recent data. Various stakeholders to the project as well as inhabitants of the area have estimated the number of people residing in the valley to be up to 30,000 during the harvesting season (October to January). This number is widely accepted to drop to a quarter during the rest of the
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year. Seasonal and migrant workers are the greatest component of the workforce. During the harvesting and packing season, thousands of these workers flock to the area from all over Namibia, seeking employment opportunities. Statistics used by NamWater to determine the amount of water that should be provided in future, estimate that for every employed worker in the area, there are six persons who are not economically active. They reside in the informal residential area alongside permanent employees. It is estimated that every employee has an average of two adults and two children dependants residing with them outside of the harvesting season. During this environmental assessment two key issues related to Aussenkehr’ s development and planning surfaced. Although no official documentation has been included, it was established that a certain portion of the greater Farm Aussenkjer FMV/00147 (which is still privately owned) has been donated to the government for the establishment of adequate housing / town complex. As mentioned earlier, a NamWater water treatment plant was constructed to service this proposed development. It is assumed that once more electrical power is made available, this plant will be commissioned and water will be drawn from the Orange River for domestic consumption. NamWater has confirmed that once a distribution network has been established by the local governing agencies, the bulk water supply may be distributed to the existing township as well as the proposed township area. There are ongoing initiatives regarding public health and services to be provided in the area by the National Planning Commission. Discussions with the local and regional councils confirmed that any infrastructure development funding will have to be sourced from governing ministries rather than local or regional government. Development of the formalised settlement area (for labourers) is hinged on governmental input and participation. This residential area, as indicated in the photos below, remains un-serviced with no running water, effective waste removal or any sanitation facilities. Dwellings are of a temporary nature mostly constructed from reeds and or corrugated iron. Local services established in the informal area include the following: Primary School, Two child care centres, Orphanage, Police Station, Post office, Clinic, Tuberculosis care unit, and Public water point (7 taps).
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Photo 34. Entrance to the Aussenkehr Photo 35. Orphanage and Child Care Primary School Centre
Photo 26. Aussenkehr Police Station Photo 26. Water Point Behind the Clinic
Photo 26. Aussenkehr Post Office Photo 26. Aussenkehr Clinic and Tuberculosis Centre
There has however been considerable effort made by the local land owners and table grape producers in the area to improve the situation. Various local table grape producers deliver water to the workers over weekends while all contribute financially to a general “town keeping initiative”. The proponents are also known to support the clinic, police station, orphanage and football teams on various fronts. In spite of all the efforts, there is a serious lack of service delivery and the area is in dire need to be formalised. To facilitate the formalisation process, plots have been developed on the donated land and the regional government are in the process of establishing the required infrastructure. This has been an ongoing process since 2006. In the interim, local and regional government has further established some essential services within the informal residential area, mostly in joint ventures with some of the local table grape producers.
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A local clinic and police station have been established as well as a primary school and various pre-primary schools (all buildings have been donated by the local table grape producers). All of these amenities are provided with water and electricity. An additional area, previously the football field, has been fenced off by Frontier Grapes. They plan to develop this area into housing units for their own employees.
Photo 36. Informal Settlement Area Photo 37. Old Football Field Earmarked for New Housing Settlement
All workers are provided with housing allowances. The proponents have been lobbying for the provision of houses for their permanent staff in the new proposed township development. The proponents are further helping employees by the following means: Provision of wood cuttings to employees during harvesting season; Old trellis structure provided to employees, Contributions to worker education in terms of funding towards private and public school, Support in growing of vegetable gardens, Transportation of children during long weekends and holidays from and to school outside Aussenkehr, Transportation for shopping in Keetmanshoop provided for monthly, and Some companies provide travel allowances and provide grocery subsidies. Implications and Impacts Expansion of the current operations will increase employment in the area. Skills development and training would also be a benefit to employees. The development may have an influence on further stimulating economic growth of the area, which may result in more job opportunities. Additional people would however also put additional pressure on existing limited infrastructure and natural resources in the area. If full expansion is reached, community related impacts will increase. Indirect and cumulative impacts will contribute to the poor state of the community health, unless state intervention in terms of service provision is realised. The proponents should consider creating performance based incentives to retain expertise and to assist employees.
8.9 ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS An Archaeological Specialist Report (Kinahan, 2016) was conducted for a similar project to identify possible archaeological artefacts and or areas which may harbour such sites around Aussenkehr. Various such sites have been identified. These sites are mainly closest to the following table grape produces: Orange River Vineyard Investments, Capespan Namibian, and Aussenkehr Farms.
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In addition to these, the site visit revealed palaeontological resources. During the environmental assessment, a renowned and registered archaeological consulting company was contracted to document all above mentioned resources and manage all and any actions which may have been required. No additional consideration is therefore required. Implications and Impacts The area harbours archaeological and palaeontological resources. The proponents involved with the development phase of expansion areas have followed related procedures during the environmental assessment to ensure documentation and preservation of the resources. Archaeological and Paleontological finds have contributed positively to the National Heritage of Namibia through the preservation and documentation of the resources.
8.10 ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY Environmental sensitivities which have been highlighted, relate to features which may limit the development of the agricultural project or which may be detrimentally affected thereby. The most pertinent limiting conditions for development relate to the possible electricity shortages which may be faced in the future. Failure to formalise the town and residential units presents a social challenge, which negatively impact the current and proposed operations. Some archaeological and palaeontological resources were found on site. These resources are indicated in Figure 18 and will be documented and dealt with by a registered archaeologist. Full preventative and mitigation measures will be conducted for remaining archaeological and paleontological resources. The proponents have already initiated this process during the environmental assessment. Biophysical features being impacted upon, relate mostly to the Orange River and related ecology and water availability. The project will contribute cumulatively to the degradation of Orange River water quality. The quality, being impacted by either nutrients, herbicides, pesticides or associated agricultural products, has a direct impact on the Orange River’s ecology. More nutrient-rich water will increase vegetation growth which may again impact the habitat of other species reliant on the Orange River. Similarly any chemical pollution may affect and has the potential to alter existing habitats and ecosystems. According to the SEA Karas Integrated Land Use Plan, the entire length along the Orange River is considered to be environmentally sensitive. Its vulnerability is mainly concerned with effluent inflow (from mines, rivers and tourism facilities upstream) as well as proliferation of alien invasive species. Riparian vegetation which have been degraded by historical, cumulative pollutants and / or nutrients are indicated in Figure 18. These areas have seen a dense establishment of invasive species. Also mapped in Figure 18 are the areas which have a higher species diversity than the rest of Aussenkehr. Biophysical features which present risks to the project (apart from water and soil availability) include climatic conditions, especially wind and heat, as well as insects, pests and fauna. These include typically, baboons, locusts, and the mealybug.
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Figure 18. Combined Environmentally Sensitive Features Implications and Impacts Operations are impacting the Orange River health. Large volumes of water is cumulatively abstracted from the River at Aussenkehr while drainage water flows back in the same area. A portion of the clean water abstracted is replaced by water which may contain additional nutrients, herbicides and pesticides. The impact contribute to the cumulative degradation of the system by a myriad of upstream agricultural activities. The proponents have paid for the preservation and documentation of archaeological and paleontological resources located within the area. Thereby ensuring that these resources are protected and become part of the national heritage database.
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9 PUBLIC CONSULTATION Consultation with the public forms an integral component of an environmental assessment. It enables Interested and Affected Parties (IAPs) e.g. neighbouring landowners, local authorities, civic associations and communities, to comment on the potential environmental impacts associated with the operations. IAPs are provided with the opportunity to also identify additional issues which they feel should be addressed in the scoping assessment. Public consultation was initiated and facilitated through notification letters, site and press notices and stakeholder meetings.
9.1 PRESS NOTICE Press notices were placed in two national newspapers for two consecutive weeks. Notices appeared in The New Era and The Namibian on 17 January and 24 January 2018.
9.2 SITE NOTICE Site notices for this particular application were erected on site on 21 January 2018 and were still present at the time of the compilation of this report. Additional photographs of the site notices are attached in Appendix C.
9.3 NOTIFICATION LETTERS Neighbours and key IAPs, (including NGO’s and governmental agencies such as the regional and local government, NamWater, NamPower, etc.), received notifications informing them about the proposed development and inviting them to provide their comments and concerns. The related basin management committee was informed about the agricultural project. As the project is on the border with South Africa, ORASECOM was also informed. A list of the parties to which the notification letter were sent is attached in
9.4 MEETINGS Although public meetings are not a requirements of the EMA, various informal stakeholder meetings were held. During these meetings the project components were discussed and attendees provided with an opportunity to ask clarification questions and provide concerns for assessment. Meetings were mostly held with neighbours including the regional counsel representative, the local police and clinic representatives. All meetings were conducted during the week of the 22 nd of January 2018.
9.5 BUILDING AN IAP DATABASE During the initiation phase of the public consultation process, IAPs were made aware of their rights to provide input into the assessment process through registering on the project and providing comments and concerns. This invitation appeared on all the notices as mentioned above. Combining the registered parties with those already identified for similar projects in the area cumulated in the stakeholder list for the project. All parties on this list receives and will continually receive information about the ECC applications as well as an opportunity to comment on this report. The main issues of concerns have been detailed below.
9.6 COMMENTS RECEIVED Various oral comments and concerns were recorded, most of which are in support of the project. The main comments are the following: Concerns regarding the water quality and quantity for all operators in Aussenkehr; Possible electricity constraints in Aussenkehr; Drainage water concerns; Employment requirements (Namibian); and Development supported. Various members of the community expressed their enthusiasms regarding the possibility of growth and improvement of livelihoods in the area which will be stimulated by the proposed expansion.
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10 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS The purpose of this section is to assess the most pertinent environmental impacts and to provide possible mitigation measures that are expected from the planning- development- and operational activities associated with the agricultural project. These identified impacts will be assessed and evaluated in different phases of the project. Preventative and mitigation measures are also proposed for different impacts. The Rapid Impact Assessment Method (Pastakia, 1998) was used during the assessment. Ranking formulas are calculated as follow: A = A1 x A2 B = B1 + B2 + B3 Environmental Classification (ES) = A x B The Environmental Classification of impacts are provided in Table 14. Assessment Criteria Criteria Score Importance of condition (A1) – assessed against the spatial boundaries of human interest i t will affect Importance to national/international interest 4 Important to regional/national interest 3 Important to areas immediately outside the local condition 2 Important only to the local condition 1 No importance 0 Magnitude of change/effect (A 2) – measure of scale in terms of benefit / detriment of an impact or condition Major positive benefit 3 Significant improvement in status quo 2 Improvement in status quo 1 No change in status quo 0 Negative change in status quo -1 Significant negative detriment or change -2 Major detriment or change -3 Permanence (B1) – defines whether the condition is permanent or temporary No change/Not applicable 1 Temporary 2 Permanent 3 Reversibility (B2) – defines whether the condition can be changed and is a measure of the control over the condition No change/Not applicable 1 Reversible 2 Irreversible 3 Cumulative (B3) – reflects whether the effect will be a single direct impact or will include cumulative impacts over time, or synergistic effect with other conditions. It is a means of judging the sustainability of the condition – not to be confused with the permanence criterion. Light or No Cumulative Character/Not applicable 1 Moderate Cumulative Character 2 Strong Cumulative Character 3
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Table 15. Environmental Classification of Impacts according to the Rapid Impact Assessment Method of Pastakia 1998 Environmental Classification Class Value Description of Class (ES) 72 to 108 5 Extremely positive impact 36 to 71 4 Significantly positive impact 19 to 35 3 Moderately positive impact 10 to 18 2 Limited positive impact 1 to 9 1 Minor positive impact 0 -0 No alteration -1 to -9 -1 Minor negative impact -10 to -18 -2 Limited negative impact -19 to -35 -3 Moderately negative impact -36 to -71 -4 Significantly negative impact -72 to -108 -5 Extremely Negative Impact Table 16. Criteria for Impact Evaluation (Directorate of Environmental Affairs, 2008) Risk Event Description of the risk that may lead to an impact. Probability Refers to the probability that a specific impact will happen following a risk event. Improbable (low likelihood) Probable (distinct possibility) Highly probable (most likely) Definite (impact will occur regardless of prevention measures) Confidence Level The degree of confidence in the predictions, based on the availability of information and specialist knowledge. Low (based on the availability of specialist knowledge and other information) Medium (based on the availability of specialist knowledge and other information) High (based on the availability of specialist knowledge and other information) Significance of None (A concern or potential impact that, upon evaluation, is found to have no Impact (no significant impact at all.) Mitigation) Low (Any magnitude, impacts will be localised and temporary. Accordingly the impact is not expected to require amendment to the project design.) Medium (Impacts of moderate magnitude locally to regionally in the short term. Accordingly the impact is expected to require modification of the project design or alternative mitigation.) High (Impacts of high magnitude locally and in the long term and/or regionally and beyond. Accordingly the impact could have a ‘no go’ implication for the project unless mitigation or re-design is practically achievable.) Mitigation Description of possible mitigation measures Significance of None (A concern or potential impact that, upon evaluation, is found to have no Impact (with significant impact at all.) Mitigation) Low (Any magnitude, impacts will be localised and temporary. Accordingly the impact is not expected to require amendment to the project design.) Medium (Impacts of moderate magnitude locally to regionally in the short term. Accordingly the impact is expected to require modification of the project design or alternative mitigation.) High (Impacts of high magnitude locally and in the long term and/or regionally and beyond. Accordingly the impact could have a ‘no go’ implication for the project unless mitigation or re-design is practically achievable.) The following tables evaluate the identified impacts, both positive and negative on the environment. This includes the social, economic and biophysical environment affected by the agricultural activities.
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Any one of the activities associated with the project may result in various impacts on a variety of environmental features. In addition some activities may not have a significant impact on a particular feature but the cumulative nature of the impact may deem it to have a greater significance.
10.1 PLANNING PHASE The planning phase encompasses proposed expansion areas as well as existing operations. Renewal and obtaining various permits is an ongoing requirement. By developing and expanding the project, a large amount of investment capital is spent on hiring and remuneration of the professionals (consulting and service sectors). Project planning is in line with national initiatives regarding agriculture development. During the environmental assessment consultation with surrounding land owners and possible affected parties is conducted. Information about the possible expansion of operations and proposed new operations are provided to consulted parties. This has impacted the future aspiration of various residents, surrounding land owners and employees.
10.1.1 Revenue and Information Generation Consulting and professional services are engaged with for assistance in applications for new permits and renewal for existing permits. During the application processes, information is generated which informs and facilitates planning of the proponents as well as affected parties and governmental agencies. Enhancement Measure To maximise the benefits associated with the activity, continued consulting and professional services should be contracted from Namibia. Thereby revenue spent on such services remain within Namibia. Table 17. Planning Impact - Revenue Generation in the Professional Sector Nature of Impact Capital spent in the professional and service sector of Namibia. Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 3 2 3 1 1 6 5 30 Probability Definite Degree of Confidence in Predictions High Significance (without enhancement) Moderately Positive Impact Significance (with enhancement) Significantly Positive Impact
10.1.2 National Development Goals: Water, Agriculture and Land Use Planning The proposed project pins down key development goals and challenges which were identified as part of the Namibian development goals. It may be considered as an agricultural / irrigation project which aims at generating income from foreign sectors by providing the most value per resource (water, soil & labour). In addition, the project is located in line with the regional planning initiatives which identified the location as an area for irrigation development. The project is unique in being one of only a handful table grape growing areas in Namibia. The project is considered a long term project. Enhancement Measure Liaison with regional and national governmental agencies through appropriate financial and social responsibility reporting. Table 18. Planning Impact - Contribution towards National Development Goals Nature of Impact Project planning and development in line with the NDP4 & 5 and regional land use planning. Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 4 1 2 1 1 4 4 16 Probability Definite
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Degree of Confidence in Predictions High Significance (without enhancement) Minor Positive Impact Significance (with enhancement) Moderately Positive Impact
10.1.3 Scientific knowledge During the environmental assessment, information about the social, economic and biophysical information of the area was either updated or augmented by new information. During the assessment new biophysical attributes were discovered. Additional specialist work was conducted to document the findings and add it to the scientific knowledgebase of the area. The scientific contribution is of national and international importance. Enhancement Measure No additional measures are proposed by either specialists on site or the contracted professional team. Table 19. Planning Impact - Contribution towards Scientific Knowledge Nature of Impact Updating existing scientific knowledge and contributing new scientific knowledge of the area. Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 4 2 3 3 3 8 9 72 Probability Definite Degree of Confidence in Predictions High Significance (without enhancement) Extremely Positive Impact Significance (with enhancement) Extremely Positive Impact
10.1.4 Ideals and Aspirations for the Future During the environmental assessment, pubic consultation was conducted with neighbours and interested and or affected parties. Information shared with the parties have impacted business aspirations for the future. Concerns about the continued growth and operations within Aussenkehr were raised. Information about the project and surrounding environmental features was also shared with financial institutions which have vested interests in the area. Aspirations for business development and growth is impacted by updated information related to possible environmental constraints and challenges. Different to the concerns from neighbouring business, local community members and job seekers are hopeful that the proposed expansion will provide additional employment opportunities. Perceived growth in the sector is associated with additional pressure which may be exerted onto governmental agencies for service delivery. The project is considered to have a positive impact on ideals and aspirations for the future. Enhancement Measure Information sharing about the proposed expansion should be made available to governmental agencies, interested and affected parties. The proponents and affected parties should use the information generated during the environmental assessment to realistically plan for future growth and optimisation of irrigation systems with related operations. Open communication regarding future development and employment opportunities to employees, through employees’ management structures. Table 20. Planning Impact –Ideals and Aspirations of the Future Nature of Impact Information sharing about proposed expansion and related possible environmental constraints. Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 2 1 2 2 1 2 5 10 Probability Definite Degree of Confidence in Predictions High
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Significance (without enhancement) Minor Positive Impact Significance (with enhancement) Moderately Positive Impact No significantly negative impacts have been identified during the planning phase of the proposed agricultural project. Concerns were raised by surrounding operators and mostly pertain to possible biophysical constraints. The majority of the impacts are highly positive and in support of the further development of the agricultural project. Table 21. Summary of Planning Phase Impacts Impact Category Impact Type Class Value Positive Rating Scale: Maximum Value 5 Negative Rating Scale: Maximum Value -5 EO Revenue Generation in the Professional Sector 3 EO Contribution Towards National Development Goals 2 SC Updating existing scientific knowledge and contributing new scientific knowledge of the area. 5 SC Ideals and Aspirations of the Future 2 BE = Biological/Ecological EO = Economical/Operational PC = Physical/Chemical SC = Sociological/Cultural
10.2 DEVELOPMENT PHASE (C ONSTRUCTION PHASE ) Development phase activities are mainly concerned with site establishment on expansion areas, continued operations and upgrading of existing operations.
10.2.1 Reduction in Local and Regional Unemployment Establishment of additional agricultural areas will require additional skilled and unskilled labour. It is foreseen that additional employment opportunities will be created while some additional contractors will be required. People considered for employment will be sourced from the local population while skilled labour may be sourced from other regions. Enhancement Measure Predominately Namibian workforce to be employed, ideally from the region and within Aussenkehr itself. Table 22. Development Impact - Reduction in Unemployment Nature of Impact Permanent and seasonal workforce requirements will increase during the development / construction phase of additional irrigated agricultural areas. Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effe ct (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 2 2 2 2 2 4 6 24 Probability Definite Degree of Confidence in Predictions High Significance (without enhancement) Moderately Positive Impact Significance (with enhancement) Moderately to Significant Positive Impact
10.2.2 Revenue Generation Changes will be initiated in the way revenue is generated and contributed to the local, regional and national economy. The change in the use of the land will change the revenue produced and paid to the national treasury. Additional revenue will be generated though employment, purchasing of goods and use of services. Enhancement Measure Namibian contractors, consultants and service providers to be employed as far as possible. Financial reporting and adherence to all Namibian financial legislation. Development initiatives should consider the most advanced technology in terms of soil and water conservation.
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Table 23. Development Impact – Additional Revenue Generation Nature of Impact Cultivation of previously unused land. Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 3 1 2 2 2 3 6 18 Probability Definite Degree of Confidence in Predictions High Significance (without enhancement) Minor Positive Impact Significance (with enhancement) Moderately Positive Impact
10.2.3 Training and skills Development During the development phase training will be provided to a portion of the workforce to be able to install and maintain the extensive irrigation system. Skills will further be transferred to those unskilled workforce in the construction of the trellis structures and general vineyard maintenance. Enhancement Measure Skills development and improvement programs to be made available as identified during performance assessments. Ensure that all training is certified or managerial references provided (proof provided to the employees) inclusive of training attendance, completion and implementation. Employees to be informed about parameters and requirements for references upon employment. Table 24. Development Impact - Employee Training and Skills Development Nature of Impact Training to be provided for the irrigation and some additional operational systems and skills development through exposure to new technologies and industry foreign to Namibia. Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 1 2 3 3 2 2 8 16 Probability Definite Degree of Confidence in Predictions High Significance (without enhancement) Minor Positive Impact Significance (with enhancement) Moderately Positive Impact
10.2.4 Cultural Integration and Nation Building The proponents employs a culturally diverse workforce which is predominately Namibian. 80% of the workforce comprise of non-white employees with union representation. Monthly meeting are held with some of the unions. Some farming operators send their employees on social strengthening camps. Other operators allow religious leadership within the workforce to contribute to social interactions. Integration is encouraged through teamwork, goal setting and company vision. Workers are encouraged to take pride in the product which is sent to international markets. There is continued interaction with foreign inspectors, auditors and marketers. Enhancement Measure The proponents should encourage social integration and respect among diverse cultures through training programs or information sharing possibilities. An informal reward systems should be considered for those individuals who are considered to excel in nation building and workforce cohesion.
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Table 25. Development Impact – Cultural Integration and Nation Building Nature of Impact Employment of a significantly cultural diverse workforce. Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 3 1 2 2 1 3 5 15 Probability Probable Degree of Confidence in Predictions Moderate Significance (without enhancement) Minor Positive Impact Significance (with enhancement) Moderately Positive Impact
10.2.5 Demographic Profile and Community Health The proposed expansion will require additional labour during both the harvesting and growing season. Change in the demographic profile of the local community will result with an influx of job seekers over time and densification of Aussenkehr. Community structures may change with an increase of population while the economic profile will be adjusted as the employment structure of the area is changed. Community health may be exposed to factors such as communicable disease like HIV/AIDS and alcoholism/drug abuse. An increase in people in the area may potentially increase the risk of criminal and socially deviant behaviour such as poaching of game and the illegal harvesting of fish. More people in the area will exert additional pressure on governmental services, particularly essential services. Medical assistance, emergency services and the policing of the community are strained especially during harvesting season. Apart from these services, electrical supply to Aussenkehr is lacking and additional development will contribute to the cumulative demand on electricity. The same is true for government sanitation services and water supply to Aussenkehr. Mitigation Measures Proponents to continue reporting increases in demand to regional council and NamPower and continue lobbying for change. Continue with provision of goods such as clean water for all new employees until such services are provided by the government. Prevent surface water and groundwater pollution. Conduct river water quality monitoring and place notice signs when water quality becomes a problem. Development Impact – Community Health and Safety Nature of Impact Increased number of people compounding existing service delivery challenges. Degradation of environmental features (dust & water quality) Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 2 -2 2 2 1 -4 5 -20 Probability Definite Degree of Confidence in Predictions Moderate Significance (without mitigation) Moderately Negative Impact Significance (with mitigation) Moderately Negative Impact
10.2.6 Health and Safety of the Workforce Every activity associated with the development phase is reliant on human labour and therefore exposes them to health and safety risks. Some activities, especially associated with the operation of machines and heavy motor vehicles and or hazardous chemicals, poses the main risks to employees. In addition to these expected risks, severe climatic condition in Aussenkehr may contribute to conditions such as sunstroke, fatigue and related symptoms. Risks to human health and safety have been identified as a priority concern by the proponents who have endeavoured to reduce the risk of incidents by implementing improved operating systems (such as worker transportation) and warnings (for dangerous substances). It is therefore foreseen that the improved operating procedures (in terms of health and safety) will
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be carried forward to the proposed new expansion areas and implemented during the development phase of these areas. Prevention and Mitigation Measures Provide all employees with required and adequate PPE. Ensure that all personnel receive adequate training on operation of equipment / handling of hazardous substances. Confirm training and / or skills required for the use of heavy machinery. Implementation of incident register. Implementation of maintenance register for all equipment and fuel / hazardous substance storage areas. Table 26. Development Impact - Employee Health and Safety Nature of Impact Development phase activities which poses risks to human health and safety. Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 1 -2 3 3 1 -2 7 -14 Probability Probable Degree of Confidence in Predictions Moderate Significance (without mitigation) Minor Negative Impact Significance (with mitigation) Minor Negative Impact
10.2.7 Loss of Paleontological and Archaeological Resources Site clearance and excavation activities could result in the destruction of paleontological and archaeological resources. Such resources have been identified in areas surrounding the proposed expansion and new areas. Therefore such resources may occur in these areas. Although the significance may be high, the probability of occurrence is unlikely. Prevention Measures Conduct a paleontological and archaeological survey prior to any activities conducted on site. Any resources should be well documented and/or removed by a specialist as well as notification provided to the Heritage Council of Namibia. Table 27. Development Impact - Loss of Paleontological and Archaeological Resources Nature of Impact Destruction of possible undiscovered paleontological or archaeological resources. Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 3 -2 3 3 2 -6 8 -48 Probability Unlikely Degree of Confidence in Predictions Moderate Significance (without prevention) Significant Negative Impact Significance (with prevention) Minor Negative Impact
10.2.8 Dust and Noise Generation Dust and noise as one of the results of the development phase may be generated by a range of activities such as site clearance, transportation of goods and labour, general construction activities and especially tillage or ground breaking. Dust may lead to reduced visibility, respiratory difficulty, and providing a habitat for some pests associated with dusty environments (by settling on surrounding vegetation). Dust may also be considered to be a nuisance factor to residents in Aussenkehr. The proponents are continually employing diverse dust abatement measures to reduce the impact and are actively engaged in mitigation of the dust effect. Even with considered mitigation measures the residual impact of dust generation will remain cumulative in nature. Effects are considered to be periodic and of very short term. The majority of the residential areas in Aussenkehr, considered receptors for noise, are far removed from the proposed expansion- and workshop areas.
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Prevention and Mitigation Measures Provide silencers on all engines to reduce noise generation. Maintain all machines and vehicles to be in an optimal running condition. Provide all labourers within close proximity to noise with appropriate and adequate hearing protection (PPE). Road coverage with either cement, discarded grapes, gravel or water. Employing shade netting along busy routes. Main tillage activities to be conducted during non-windy conditions. Warning signs to be provided on roads which may have reduced visibility. Monitoring of dust accumulation on surrounding vineyards Table 28. Development Impact - Dust and Noise Generation Nature of Impact Dust and noise generation through development phase related activities and transportation. Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 2 -1 2 2 2 -4 6 -24 Probability Definite Degree of Confidence in Predictions High Significance (without prevention) Moderately Negative Impact Significance (with prevention) Minor Negative Impact
10.2.9 Visual Project expansion will be conducted in parts which have already been transformed into an agricultural area through the cultivation of table grapes for over 30 years. Expansion areas will therefore add to the existing landscape character which has become one of the main attributes of Aussenkehr. The operations are uniquely located next to various protected areas and serves as a point of interest to many tourist and patrons to the area. Enhancement Measures All pollution prevention measures should be strictly employed and additional measures incorporated to promote community cleanliness. All workshop areas should be kept neat and tidy. Table 29. Development Impact – Contribution to Landscape Character Nature of Impact Increased areas of cultivated land surrounding existing vineyards. Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 Probability Probable Degree of Confidence in Predictions High Significance (without prevention) Limited Positive Impact Significance (with prevention) Limited Positive Impact
10.2.10 Soil Contamination and Soil Structure Disturbance (Degradation and Erosion) During site excavation (of the planned expansion area), clearance and especially ground breaking (tillage), the structure of the topsoil will be disturbed and altered mechanically. Possible fuel and oil spills pose a risk of chemical contamination which may contribute to the soil degradation. Additional activities contributing to a change in the soil structure or composition may result from the additional toilet / sewerage facilities which will be established to accommodate the new vineyards. Preventative and Mitigation Measures All spill prevention measures as stipulated the EMP and related plans should be employed. Should any chemical and / or hydrocarbon spills occur, immediate remediation action should be taken and the spill logged within an incidents register. Polluted soil (through hydrocarbons / chemicals) must be transported away from the site to an approved and appropriately classified waste disposal site. Appoint reputable contractor if and when applicable. All operational areas should be clearly demarcated and adhered to. Flow
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attenuation structures to be employed at drainage water discharge points. Vehicle movement restricted to planned operational areas and no off road driving by members of the company to be allowed. Deviations to be motivated. Storm water measures to be designed as not to cause concentrated flow onto adjacent properties. Table 30. Development Impact - Soil Contamination Nature of Impact Risks of hydrocarbon and /or biological contamination. Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 1 -1 2 2 3 -1 7 -7 Probability Probable Degree of Confidence in Predictions High Significance (without prevention) Limited Negative Impact Significance (with prevention) Limited Negative Impact
Table 31. Development Impact - Soil Structure Disturbance Nature of Impact Erosion and change in soil structure as per development phases activities. Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 2 -2 2 2 3 -4 7 -28 Probability Probable Degree of Confidence in Predictions High Significance (without prevention) Moderately Negative Impact Significance (with prevention) Moderately Negative Impact
10.2.11 Groundwater Contamination Operation of heavy motor vehicles, machines, establishment of trellis structure (fabricating materials such as cement blocks) and handling of hazardous chemicals and fuels have the potential to pollute soil and groundwater through spills and leaks. No excessive use of herbicides and pesticides are proposed during the development phase and therefore it is not foreseen that groundwater will be impacted by such chemicals. Preventative and Mitigation Measures All vehicles must be serviced and maintained regularly. Vehicles may not be serviced at the site. Spill control by making use of drip trays if there is a need to repair machinery on site. All hydrocarbon based waste must be removed from site and disposed of at a recognised hazardous waste disposal facility. Any polluted soil or water to be treated as a hazardous waste. All chemicals to be handled and stored according to its MSDS label. Table 32. Development Impact - Groundwater Contamination Nature of Impact Hydrocarbon and chemical substance spills (such as cement, diesel, oils etc.). Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 2 -1 3 3 2 -2 8 -16 Probability Probable Degree of Confidence in Predictions High Significance (without prevention) Minor Negative Impact Significance (with prevention) Minor Negative Impact
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10.2.12 Loss of Biodiversity and Ecosystems Integrity Site clearing of large areas will result in the loss of terrestrial habitat in the area. Although large portions of land identified for expansion are very sparsely vegetated and in many instances considered as bare ground, the topsoil structures of these areas present a unique habitat which will be disturbed and lost once ground breaking activities are initiated. The impact significance is weighted by the cumulative nature of the impact considering the existing and planned surrounding land use. Mitigation Measures Avoid river courses, hilly areas and riverine vegetation. Limit clearing of land for areas that will be irrigated. Plan roads to minimize impact beyond irrigable land. Prevent off-road driving or movement of earthmoving equipment outside of areas designated for clearing. No dumping of rocks and removed soil in environmentally sensitive areas. Where possible it can be used to fill erosion ditches, if any are present. Table 33. Development Impact - Loss of Biodiversity and Ecosystems Integrity Nature of Impact Clearing of land to increase irrigable land. Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 3 -1 3 2 2 -3 7 -21 Probability Probable Degree of Confidence in Predictions High Significance (without prevention) Moderately Negative Impact Significance (with prevention) Moderately Negative Impact
10.2.13 Greenhouse Gas Emissions The majority of activities related to the development phase are labour intensive with carbon fuel burning machines mostly associated with ground breaking and transport vehicles. No additional electricity will be required for the irrigation systems (as these will still be established) however, existing operations are reliant on NamPower electricity provision which is largely based on fossil fuel combustion. During the development phase no significant amounts of fertilisers will be administered. It is therefore foreseen that development related activities will not contribute significant additional greenhouse gasses. It is proposed that the development phase be of relatively short duration and the establishment of all vineyards and vegetation fields proposed to be completed within three years from obtaining all the required permits. Mitigation Measures Catalytic converters to be within all machines. All engines should be maintained in good working condition. No unnecessary idling of vehicles or tillage of soil to be conducted. Table 34. Development Impact – Contribution to Greenhouse Gases Nature of Impact Clear ing of land using fossil fuel driven machines. Ground breaking and tillage. Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 3 -1 1 1 2 -3 4 -12 Probability Probable Degree of Confidence in Predictions Moderate Significance (without prevention) Minor Negative Impact Significance (with prevention) Minor Negative Impact
10.2.14 Traffic (Increase Incident / Collision Risk and Road Degradation) The majority of traffic in Aussenkehr relates to the transportation of goods and labourers related to the table grape producing industry. Public taxis are restricted in the area while the
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area see some tourists travelling through. During the development phase, dust generating activities associated with ground clearance and breaking may impede visibility on the tar and dirt roads located adjacent to operational areas. Goods such as sand and stone (used in the general construction activities) may further present road hazards when falling from transport vehicles. Additional hazards are associated with vehicle breakdowns, roadworthiness and fatigued drivers. The additional number of vehicles may increase the collision risk, and may have a cumulative effect if development activities are carried out during the harvesting season. Preventative Measures Erect warning signs where HMV may frequently operate. Erect adequate warning signs associated with any traffic risks. Cover all open loads. Regular maintenance and servicing of all vehicles. All vehicles are to be roadworthy. All drivers are to adhere to all the Namibian requirement in terms of operating the vehicle driven. Table 35. Development Impact - Increase Traffic Incident Risk and Road Degradation Nature of Impact Additional constr uction, general and labour transport vehicles in Aussenkehr. Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 1 -1 2 2 2 -1 6 -6 Probability Probable Degree of Confidence in Predictions Moderate Significance (without prevention) Limited Negative Impact Significance (with prevention) Limited Negative Impact Development phase impacts are not expected to have significant detrimental impacts on biophysical features of the environment. The most significant impacts relates to the disturbance of the soil structure and the related loss of biodiversity. Activities associated with this phase will not extract large volumes of water from the Orange River as irrigation is mainly conducted in the operational phase. The development phase will however contribute to sustained and additional employment of various employees. Table 36. Summary of Development Impacts. Prior to Mitigation Impact Category Impact Type Class Value Positive Rating Scale: Maximum Value 5 5 Negative Rating Scale: Maximum Value -5 -5 EO Reduction in Unemployment & Contribution to Economy 3 3 EO Additional Revenue Generation 2 2 EO Employee Training and Skills Development 2 2 SC Cultural Integration and Nation Building 2 2 SC Community Health and Safety -3 -3 SC Employee Health and Safety -2 -2 SC Loss of Paleontological and Archaeological Resources -4 -4 BE Dust and Noise Generation -3 -3 SC Contribution to Landscape Character 1 1 BE Soil Structure Disturbance -3 -3 BE Groundwater Contamination -2 -2 BE Loss of Biodiversity and Ecosystems Integrity -3 -3 BE Contribution to Greenhouse Gases -2 -2 SC Increase traffic Incident Risk and Road Degradation -1 -1 BE = Biological/Ecological EO = Economical/Operational PC = Physical/Chemical SC = Sociological/Cultural
10.3 OPERATIONAL PHASE The impacts of the operational phase are summarised in Table 37 to Table 49. Operational phase activities relate mostly to the management of vineyards and related infrastructure. Additional impacts (including secondary and cumulative) relate largely to the economic sphere on the local, regional and national level.
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10.3.1 Contribution to the National Economy (Revenue & Investment Confidence) During the operational phase, table grapes will be exported to world markets generating revenue for Namibia. The successful implementation of the project and related return on investment for shareholders will boost investors’ confidence in Namibia. The successful implementation of the project will contribute to Namibia’s sustainable development of Vision 2030 and the related development goals of the Karas Land Use Plan (Koch, M.; Pallett, J.; Tarr, P.; Wetzel, G., February 2011). The project will contribute to stimulate growth in the region and stimulate localised expenditure. Enhancement Measure Maximise contribution to the Namibian economy by contribution to industry development and using Namibian suppliers. Adhere to all Namibian Labour Act requirements. Table 37. Operational Impact - Contribution to the Economy Nature of Impact Contribution to national, regional and local economies. Contribution to sustainable development and investor’s confidence. Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 3 3 2 2 3 9 6 54 Probability Probable Degree of Confidence in Predictions High Significance (without prevention) Significant Positive Impact Significance (with prevention) Significant Positive Impact
10.3.2 Economic Resilience and Employment Successful implementation of the project is hinged on continued employment of labourers. Continued employment of individuals increases their economic stability which in turn increases their economic resilience. Enhancement Measure Where skills exist local Namibians must be employed. Deviations from this must be justified. Table 38. Operational Impact – Increased Economic Resilience of Employees Nature of Impact Continued permanent employment ( direct & indirect) & increased employment of temporary employees (during harvesting season). Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 2 2 2 2 2 4 6 24 Probability Probable Degree of Confidence in Predictions High Significance (without prevention) Moderately Positive Impact Significance (with prevention) Significant Positive Impact
10.3.3 Skills Development and Training During normal operations employees will enhance their working expertise while some individuals may be identified for promotion and additional skills development and training. Enhancement Measure Ensure that all training is certified or managerial reference and proof provided to the employees.
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Table 39. Operational Impact - Skills Development & Training Nature of Impact Employee’s skills and expertise to be increased during continued employment and training provided. Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 1 1 3 3 2 1 8 8 Probability Probable Degree of Confidence in Predictions High Significance (without prevention) Moderately Positive Impact Significance (with prevention) Significant Positive Impact
10.3.4 Contribution Towards National and Community Development Goals Developing of the agricultural sector was identified as one of the core plans within the 3 rd and 4th National Development Plans for Namibia. The focus on agricultural development has further been carried forward in the 5 th plan which was released during the final quarter of 2017. The Agricultural projects therefore is considered to be a positive contributor to achieving national development goals. In addition the cumulative growth in Aussenkehr has necessitated the development of various capital projects related to energy and water provision. Although not completed yet, the establishment of a formal township area will further contribute to the community development goals. Enhancement Measure Infrastructure developments such as electricity generation, water- and sanitation system developments and node development to be maintained by implementing agencies. Where possible, public and private partnership regarding projects should be considered. Table 40. Operational Impact – Contribution to National and Community Development Goals Nature of Impact Expansion of the table grape sector in Aussenkehr and development of related and required infrastructure (such as a capital projects of electricity and water supply). Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 3 2 2 2 2 6 6 36 Probability Definite Degree of Confidence in Predictions High Significance (without prevention) Significant Positive Impact Significance (with prevention) Significant Positive Impact
10.3.5 Employee Health & Safety Intoxication with chemicals used (herbicides, pesticides and nutrients) also spills and incorrect administration of chemicals. However, general operational activities also carry risks of injury to employees. Preventative Measure All Health and Safety standards specified in the Labour Act should be complied with. Ensure that all staff members are briefed about the potential risks (such as and including flash floods) of injuries on site. Qualified operators to work with heavy machinery / trucks. Adhere to Health and Safety Regulations pertaining to PPE, first aid kits being available on site, warning signs, etc. Selected personnel should be trained in first aid. The contact details of all emergency services must be readily available. Access to the locked away equipment should always be strictly controlled. If training is to be provided (for example in the use of PPE), it should be certified or a managerial reference be provided to the employee upon completion of the training. No alcohol or recreational drugs are allowed on site. No labourers under the influence of either alcohol or drugs should be allowed to conduct any work.
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Table 41. Operational Impact – Employee Health and Safety Nature of Impact The risk of accidents or injuries during use of heavy machinery, use (handling) of hazardous (chemical) materials as well as the non-use of PPE and risk to environmental incidents. Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 1 -2 2 2 1 -2 5 -10 Probability Definite Degree of Confidence in Predictions High Significance (without prevention) Minor Negative Impact Significance (with prevention) Limited Negative Impact
10.3.6 Increased pressure on Governmental Services (Essential Services) The effects of in-migration will result in greater pressure on governmental essential services such as police, legal-, medical- and emergency services. Government departments will be required to reconsider the existing services in light of Aussenkehr cumulative growth and lack of timeous infrastructure development. The provision of sanitation, water and electricity are all insufficient and additional pressure will be placed on these during the operational phase. Preventative and Mitigation Measures . The proponents to continue reporting of increased possible demand to regional council and continue lobbying for change. Continued support of local initiatives which try and alleviate some of the pressure. Table 42. Operational Impact – Pressure of Governmental Services Nature of Impact Increased pressure on services required for crime prevention, legal and medical assistance and emergency services. Additional demand will be placed on sanitation, water and electricity provision. Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 2 -2 2 2 2 -2 6 -24 Probability Probable Degree of Confidence in Predictions Moderate Significance (without prevention) Moderately Negative Impact Significance (with prevention) Moderately Negative Impact
10.3.7 Traffic Additional traffic will be generated during the operational phase which will contribute to the cumulative collision- and road degradation risks of Aussenkehr, especially during the harvesting season. It is however not considered to be a significant impact. Traffic management and road degradation should be considered cumulatively for all operations within Aussenkehr and a combined initiative (from all operators together with the Roads Authority) should be considered to address possible issues such as road degradation (tar and collective dirt roads). Preventative Measure Road traffic signs, warning oncoming traffic of HMV turning, to be erected along dangerous or busy access points (Permission to be acquired from the Road Authority). Collective road maintenance initiatives to be embarked upon. All vehicles to be fitted and maintained with adequate signalling devices adequate to increase awareness over and above standard features. All operators / drivers to adhere to all the requirements of relevant traffic regulations. Table 43. Operational Impact – Traffic: Increase Collison Risk and Road Degradation Nature of Impact Increased collision risk at access road entrances to various vineyards. Road degradation.
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Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 1 -1 2 2 3 -1 7 -7 Probability Probable Degree of Confidence in Predictions High Significance (without prevention) Limited Negative Impact Significance (with prevention) Limited Negative Impact
10.3.8 Water Abstraction Although water abstraction volumes will remain within the allocated water rights, the continued abstraction will contribute to the overall water demand from the Orange River. Strongly cumulative in nature, the impact on its own is not considered to be significant, however in light of possible climate change considerations and demand increase of the combined water users, considerations should be given to future use and water security. Mitigation Measure Continued monitoring (flow metres) of water use and water quality as per water monitoring regime. Reporting of poor water quality to ORASECOM and the MAWF. Table 44. Operational Impact – Reduced Downstream Flow Nature of Impact Continued abstraction of water from the Or ange River and possible increased abstraction to compensate for climate change (higher evaporation rates and decreased rainfall). Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 3 -2 2 2 3 -6 7 -42 Probability Probable Degree of Confidence in Predictions High Significance (without prevention) Significant Negative Impact Significance (with prevention) Significant Negative Impact
10.3.9 Change in Soils Characteristics The long term operational phase will see a high volume of water being irrigated on to the vineyards, a portion thereof penetrating the soil (not evaporating or being absorbed by the plants). Poor drainage may result in soil saturation and chemical alternation of the soil. Evaporation of salt and nutrient rich irrigation water may cause salt accumulation on and near the surface of the soil profile. Capillary action during saturated conditions may cause the upward migration of water in the soil profile. Salts present in the soil will then be dissolved and will migrate to the soil surface. Soil water evaporation can then cause further build-up of salts. Such increased levels of salt in the soil can be harmful to planted crops and soil flushing through the application of high water volumes are then often conducted to leach the salts from the soil. Installation of proper soil drainage mechanisms with the aim of preventing saturated conditions can prevent such situations. A further method that can be applied is improved irrigation methods (e.g. drip irrigation or micro irrigation) that supply only sufficient water to the plants to cater for their needs and for evaporation losses. Care must be taken that irrigation fields irrigated at higher elevations would not cause drainage problems for lower laying farmers, this is especially pertinent for the new expansion areas. Soil flushing should be avoided as it can impact on lower laying areas and can cause groundwater pollution and also pollute the Orange River water. Preventative and Mitigation Measure Install drainage systems where needed. Apply improved irrigation methods (e.g. top spraying micro irrigation). Formulation of best salinity management practices and the application thereof on field, farm and scheme level.
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Table 45. Operational Impact – Change in Soil Characteristic Nature of Impact Change in chemical composition of soil as a result of irrigation. Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 1 -3 3 3 3 -3 9 -27 Probability Probable Degree of Confidence in Predictions High Significance (without prevention) Moderately Negative Impact Significance (with prevention) Moderately Negative Impact
10.3.10 Orange River Water Quality Impacts on the water quality of the Orange River may stem from a variety of sources related to the project. Some of which may be direct and some of which can be considered to be in- direct. The latter may for example relate to the amount of human waste being washed into the Orange River (as the project will increase the amount of people in the area). Such waste include sanitation, physical and chemical forms). Direct impacts related to the water quality in the Orange River, as a result from possible pollution by chemicals and hydrocarbons and the administration of pesticides, herbicides and nutrients in irrigation water which drains to the Orange River. The leaching of soils may further directly contribute to change in the water quality. The effects of the possible water quality change are strongly cumulative in nature as the proposed operations are part of several other irrigation, industrial and mining activities that can impact on the Orange River. Similar agricultural activities are conducted upstream of Aussenkehr at mainly Noordoewer and around Upington in South Africa. Prevention and Mitigation Measure Monitoring of intake water quality and drainage water quality (at various locations along the Orange River). Soil flushing should be avoided to prevent Orange River water pollution. Registers to be kept by the proponents showing the type, quantities and frequency of application of fertiliser, pesticides and any other chemicals utilised in crop production. Over application of such substances should be avoided. All waste produced on site must be removed and disposed of at a recognised disposal facility. No waste to be buried in unlined facilities. All ablution facilities to be operated and maintained according to specification and industry best practise. Education regarding the use of such facilities to be provided. Awareness to be raised regarding environmental degradation due to misuse of implemented systems. Staff to receive training on waste handling and the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle. Chemical and fuel handling and storage according to relevant MSDS. Chemicals to be stored in a way that runoff water would not wash such chemicals into the river. No chemical / fuel storage within the 1:100 year flood line of the Orange River. Table 46. Operational Impact – Change (Degradation) in Orange River Water Quality Nature of Impact Possible contamination by chemical and hydrocarbon spill. Leachate of landfill and septic tank systems. Inflow of irrigated runoff and drainage water. Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 2 -2 1 2 3 -4 6 -24 Probability Probable Degree of Confidence in Predictions Moderate Significance (without prevention) Moderately Negative Impact Significance (with prevention) Moderately Negative Impact
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10.3.11 Change in Ecosystems and Biodiversity (riverine) The change in the water quality and quantity may result in a change of the related ecosystems. Contribution of toxins and nutrients may alter and promote growth of various organisms. Primary and invader species are prone to proliferate in degraded ecosystems. The nature of the impact is strongly cumulative not only due to the upstream users but also the other local table grape growers and vineyards in Aussenkehr. Changes in the vegetation growth (as part of the ecosystem) is clearly visible in the Orange River at Aussenkehr which have a significant larger amount of reeds and rivers grasses established along the northern bank and drainage water diffuse area as opposed to the natural and more sparsely populated growth of the southern bank. Preventative and Mitigation Measure Prevent toxins and nutrient from entering the Orange River and groundwater. Monitoring to be conducted on the water quality, upstream and downstream of the drainage water release points. Monitoring also to be conducted on the quality of the drainage water (at the outflow of the drainage pipes prior dilution in the river). Photographic documentation of the riverbank and vegetation growth of various points as identified for the integrated monitoring plan. Documentation of all chemicals, herbicide, pesticides and nutrients administrated to the vines and or used as part of any other operational activity. Incidents record kept of all chemical and hydrocarbon spills inclusive of remediation measures taken. Table 47. Operational Impact – Ecosystem and Biodiversity Impact (Riverine) Nature of Impact Change in biodiversity associated with the river due to contr ibution of toxins and nutrients. Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 2 -1 2 2 3 -2 7 -14 Probability Probable Degree of Confidence in Predictions Moderate Significance (without prevention) Moderately Negative Impact Significance (with prevention) Moderately Negative Impact
10.3.12 Poaching an Illegal Harvesting Although wildlife is limited in the area (as per the harsh conditions) clear evidence of poaching of the limited wildlife is visible. An increase in the number of people in the area is expected to increase the poaching activities. Preventative and Mitigation Measure Education of workers on the value of biodiversity and the need for its protection. Education should include informing workers on permit requirements for fishing and the prohibition of harvesting wild animals or plants. Table 48. Operational Impact – Poaching and Illegal Harvesting Nature of Impact Poaching and illegal harvesting of vegetation. Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 3 -1 3 2 2 -3 7 -21 Probability Probable Degree of Confidence in Predictions Moderate Significance (without prevention) Moderately Negative Impact Significance (with prevention) Minor Negative Impact
10.3.13 Groundwater Contamination As drainage water (potentially laden with herbicides, pesticides and nutrients) moves through the soil, it may dissolve additional nutrients and salts which may lead to a build-up of those
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nutrients and salts in the groundwater. In addition to the drainage water, chemical and hydrocarbon spills from fuels, herbicides and pesticides may penetrate the soil and contaminate the groundwater. The relative high number of VIP toilets can contribute further to groundwater pollution. Groundwater can form a pathway of pollutants to the Orange River. Prevention and Mitigation Measure Prevent toxins and nutrient from entering the groundwater. Groundwater sampling and monitoring to determine quality changes. All vehicles and machines must be serviced and maintained regularly. Spill control by making use of drip trays if there is a need to repair machinery on site. All hydrocarbon based waste must be removed from site and disposed of at a recognised hazardous waste disposal facility. Any polluted soil or water to be treated as a hazardous waste. Use of drip and / or micro- irrigation systems to replace older irrigation systems. Re-use of drainage water where possible (for example dust suppression). Table 49. Operational Impact – Groundwater Contamination Nature of Impact Accidental fuel, oil or hydraulic fluid, chemical spills. Salinization of soil and groundwater as a result of drainage water. Administration of herb- and pesticides as well as fertiliser. Sewage contamination of groundwater. Importance of Magnitude of Permanence Reversibility Cumulative A B ES Condition Change/Effect (A1) (A2) (B1) (B2) (B3) 1 -2 3 2 2 -2 7 -14 Probability Probable Degree of Confidence in Predictions Moderate Significance (without prevention) Minor Negative Impact Significance (with prevention) Limited Negative Impact
10.3.14 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Although numerous fuel combusting machines are used during the operational phase; the agricultural project inheritably also absorbs greenhouse gasses. The majority of activities related to the operational phase are labour intensive with carbon fuel burning machines mostly associated with operational vehicles such as tractors and transport vehicles. Additional electricity will be required for the irrigation systems for operational activities. This demand will increase during the harvesting season. Existing operations are reliant on NamPower electricity provision which is largely based on fossil fuel combustion. During the operational phase fertilisers will be administered to vineyards. Such fertilizers are known to be converted to greenhouse gasses by microorganisms. Mitigation measures which were identified to reduce greenhouse emissions include the following: Employ improved efficiencies of grid electricity usage and increase complementary utilization of renewable energy sources for irrigation pumping requirements. and Consider reducing nitrogen fertiliser usage through more precise application. Operational phase activities are all cumulative in nature as the agricultural project is located amongst similar projects in Aussenkehr. Operational activities are reliant on water abstracted from the Orange River while at the same time drainage water will flow back into the river. The most significant biophysical impacts therefore relate to the Orange River and soils. The project will however generate revenue and provide employment for a large number of employees thereby contributing significantly to the economy and related development set for the industry and Karas Region.
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Table 50. Summary of Operational Impacts Prior to Mitigation Impact Category Impact Type Class Value Positive Rating Scale: Maximum Value 5 5 Negative Rating Scale: Maximum Value -5 -5 EO Contribution to the Economy 4 4 EO Increased Economic Resilience of Employees 3 3 SC Skills Development & Training 1 1 EO Contribution to National and Community Development Goals 4 4 SC Employee Health & Safety -2 -2 SC Pressure of Governmental Services -3 -3 SC Traffic: Increase Collison Risk & Road Degradation -1 -1 BE Reduced Downstream Flow -4 -4 BE Change in Soil Characteristic -3 -3 PC Change (degradation) in Orange River Water Quality -3 -3 BE Change in Ecosystems and Biodiversity (Riverine) -2 -2 BE Poaching and Illegal Harvesting -3 -3 BE Groundwater Contamination -2 -2 BE = Biological/Ecological EO = Economical/Operational PC = Physical/Chemical SC = Sociological/Cultural
10.4 DECOMMISSIONING PHASE Grape growing operations have been ongoing in Aussenkehr for more than 30 years. The existing operations, as managed by the proponents and the proposed expansion areas, are not foreseen to be decommissioned within five years from the date of the compilation of this report. It is also not foreseen that any of the operations then will be decommissioned during the validity of the Environmental Clearance Certificate. However, should in any event, any of the proponents be required to sell or cease operations, rehabilitation of the area may be required. Decommissioning will entail the complete removal of all infrastructure including buildings, offices and vineyard trellis structures and irrigation systems. All dams and the drainage structure should also be removed, unless thy will be of use for post closure activities. It is therefore proposed that the proponents consider obtaining of insurance to cover possible rehabilitation costs which may be associated with the agricultural project. As per recommended guidelines a closure cost assessment may be conducted and provided as part of the Environmental Management Parameters. Impacts will then be similar to that of the development / construction phase, with a larger waste component.
11 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN The EMP provides management options to ensure impacts of the agricultural operations are minimised. An EMP is a tool used to take pro-active action by addressing potential problems before they occur. This should limit the corrective measures needed, although additional mitigation measures might be included if necessary. The EMP acts as a stand-alone document, which can be used during the various phases of the agricultural processes. All personnel taking part in the operations of the agricultural project should be made aware of the contents of the EMP, so as to plan the operations accordingly and in an environmentally sound manner. An EMP for all the phases of the project was drafted and is available as a separate document. The objectives of the EMP are: to include all components of the development and operations of the project; to prescribe the best practicable control methods to lessen the environmental impacts associated with the project; to monitor and audit the performance of operational personnel in applying such controls; and to ensure that appropriate environmental training is provided to responsible operational personnel. The proponents may implement an Environmental Management System (EMS) for their operations. An EMS is an internationally recognized and certified management system that will ensure ongoing incorporation of environmental constraints. At the heart of an EMS is the concept of continual improvement of environmental performance with resulting increases in operational efficiency, financial
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savings and reduction in environmental, health and safety risks. An effective EMS would need to include the following elements: A stated environmental policy which sets the desired level of environmental performance; An environmental legal register; An institutional structure which sets out the responsibility, authority, lines of communication and resources needed to implement the EMS; Identification of environmental, safety and health training needs; An environmental program(s) stipulating environmental objectives and targets to be met, and work instructions and controls to be applied in order to achieve compliance with the environmental policy; and Periodic (internal and external) audits and reviews of environmental performance and the effectiveness of the EMS. The Environmental Management Plan.
12 CONCLUSION The agricultural operations of the proponents play a positive role in the Karas Region due to provision of commodities as well as the contribution to sustaining livelihood of related employees. The use of the land for the table grape sector has a beneficial role in generating income in the region and providing employment. Project related impacts must be prevented or mitigated by implementing strict monitoring and control. All permits and approvals must be obtained from relevant ministries or authorities for the agricultural operations. Pollution prevention measures should be adequate to prevent incidents that may potentially damage soil, groundwater and surface water. Health, safety and security regulations should be adhered to in accordance with the regulations pertaining to relevant laws and standards. The areas being used are on private land and no need for additional fencing is required. Of main importance is to maintain the Orange River water quality. It is therefore recommended that the proponents, together with the rest of the local table grape growers in Aussenkehr, embark on an Orange River monitoring initiative. The parameters of such monitoring programme (which should focus on the river quality and related ecosystems) should be determined by a specialist and in conjunction with ORASECOM. The aim thereof would be to monitor any change the combined actions will have on the Orange River system. The EMP should be used as an on-site reference document during all phases of the agricultural operations. Parties responsible for transgression of the EMP should be held responsible for any rehabilitation that may need to be undertaken. It is finally suggested that should an ECC be granted, it be applicable to the agricultural operations on the areas as indicated in Figure 1. Any additional areas which may be considered for operations should be demarcated and presented as a separate environmental assessment.
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13 REFERENCES
Amwele, E.E. et al. (2004). Water Balance, Use and Management in the Omaruru Basin. Windhoek: DRFN. ARTP JMB. (2008). Lower Orange River Management Plan. Unlocking the Ecotourism Potential of the River. Windhoek. Belcher, T. (July 2012). Freshwater Assessment for Aussenkehr Bulk Water Supply System. Windhoek: Aurecon Namibia (Pty) Ltd. Bittner, W. (2004). Demarcation of Water Basins on A National Level. Windhoek: Department of Water Affairs. Blignaut, A. (2014). Table Grape Industry Report. Year 2: 2013 Carbon Footprint Benchmark Report. Confronting Climate Change: A South African Fruit and Wine Initiative. Coleman, T.; Van Niekerk, A. (2007). Water Quality in the Orange River. ORASECOM. Digital Atlas of Namibia: Unpublished Report. (n.d.). Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Directorate of Environmental Affairs. (2008). Procedures and Guidelines of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management Plans (EMP). Windhoek: Ministry of Environmental Affairs. Government of Namibia. (2012). Activities that may not be undertaken without an Environmental Clearance Certificate. Government Notice No. 29 of 2012. Windhoek. Government of Namibia. (2012). Commencement of Environmental Management Act, No. 7 of 1997. Government Notice No. 28 of 2012. Windhoek. Hall, D.; Jennings, G. (2007). Demographic and Economic Activity in the four Orange Basin States. ORSECOM. Heath, R.; Brown, C. (2007). Environmental Considerations Pertaining to the Orange River. ORASECOM. Hiddeman, U.; Erasmus, G. (2007). Legislation and Legal Issues Surrounding the Orange River Catchment. ORASECOM. http://www.clemson.edu. (2017, June 02). Retrieved from Clemson Cooperative Extension: http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/vegetables/small_fruits/hgic1403.html IWRM Plan Joint Venture Namibia. (2010). Integrated Water Resources Management Plan. Windhoek: Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry. Koch, M.; Pallett, J.; Tarr, P.; Wetzel, G. (February 2011). Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the Karas Integrated Regional Land Use Plan. Windhoek: Ministry of Lands and Resettlement. Mare, H. (2007). Review of Surface Hydrology in the Orange River Catchment. ORASECOM. Mendelsohn et al. (2002). Atlas of Namibia: A portrait of the land and its people. Cape Town, South Africa: David Philips Publishers. Meteoblue. (2017, August). Meteoblue/Archive/Climate. Retrieved from https://www.meteoblue.com: https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/forecast/modelclimate/- 21.977N16.735E1415_Africa%2FWindhoek Ministry of Environment & Tourism. (2014). Third National Action Programme for Namibia to Implement the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification 2014-2024. Windhoek: Ministry of Environment & Tourism. Ministry of Health and Social Services. (2016). Ministry of Health and Social Services. Retrieved 2016, from http://www.mhss.gov.na/
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NACOMA. (2012). Updated Strategic Environmental Assessment for the Coastal Areas of the Erongo and Kunene Regions. Windhoek: Ministry of Environment and Tourism. NACOMA. (Unknown). Draft Environmental Management Plan: Swakopmund. Windhoek: Ministry of Environment and Tourism. National Planning Commission. (2012). Namibia 2011 Population and Housing Census - Preliminary Results. Windhoek, Namibia: Namibian Government. Pastakia, C. M. (1998). The Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix (RIAM) - A new tool for Environmental Impact Assessment. Denmark: VKI Institute for the Water Environment. Ruppel & Ruppel-Schlichting. (2016). Environmental Law and Policy in Namibia, Third Edition 2016. Windhoek: Hans Seidel Foundation Namibia. Tanner, A.; Van Niekerk, P.; Heyns, P. (Undated). Lower Orange River Management Study. Van Rensburg, L., De Clercq, W., Barnard, J., & Du Preez, C. (2011). Salinity Guidelines for Irrigation: Case studies from Water Research Commission Projects Along the Lower Vaal, Riet, Berg and Breede Rivers. Water SA Vol. 37 No. 5, 739 -750. Van Veelen, M. et al. (July 2009). Feasibility Study of the Potential for Sustainable Water Resources Development in the Molopo-Nossob Watercourse. Johannesburg. Vanclay, F. (2015). Guidance for Assessing the Social Impacts of Projects. University of Groningen: International Association for Impact Assessment. Werner, M. (2006). The stratigraphy, sedimentology, and age of the Late Palaeozoic Mesasaurus Inland Sea, SW-Gondwana: New implications from studies on sediments and altered pyroclastic layers of the Dwyka and Ecca Group (Lower Karoo Supergroup) in southern Namibia. . Windhoek Meteorological Services. (2010-2011). Climate Data. WRP Consulting Engineers, Aurecon, Golder Associates Africa, Zitholele Consulting. (September 2014). Irrigation Demands and Water Conservation / Water Demand Management. Windhoek: Department of Water Affairs.
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Appendix A. Environmental Practitioner CV
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Name of Consultant: Pierre Botha Profession: Hydrogeologist / Hydrologist Date of Birth: 12 May 1969 Nationality: Namibian Membership in Professional Bodies: Environmental Assessment Professionals of Namibia (EAPAN)
Key Qualifications: Pierre Botha is the managing director of Geo Pollution Technologies (Pty) Ltd. A firm that was registered in Namibia in 1998, with 100% Namibian shareholding. Mr. Botha is a qualified Hydrogeologist / Hydrologist that initially specialised in hydrocarbon pollution of the subsurface. This speciality changed over time to include other forms of pollution as well. His experience with environmental pollution, lead to his involvement with other environmental fields. Mr. Botha started conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) in 2000, although the Environmental Management Act only came into force in 2012. Initially the EIAs were conducted mainly for the oil industry who had to comply with international best practice. Similar requests for Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) lead to the completion of SEAs in Namibia despite it not being a legal requirement. The early involvement and experience in conducting EIAs and SEAs in Namibia, with little legal guidance put Mr. Botha into close consultation with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism as to what is required from such studies. With more than 26 years’ experience in hydrogeology and environmental science related fields, Mr. Botha has excellent experience and knowledge in Environmental Impact Assessments, groundwater pollution assessment, groundwater exploration, resource evaluation, urban and rural water supply, groundwater management, monitoring and hydrochemistry. He gained most of his experience in Namibia and has been involved in the Namibian groundwater industry since 1992. His keen knowledge of hydrogeology and pollution, coupled with his experience in the environmental impact field, makes him an excellent choice to conduct a Strategic Environmental Assessment on a project where the protection of groundwater is paramount. 2018 Farm Kupferberg No. 33: Kupferberg Estate Development Hydrology Hydrogeology Specialist Study /Hydrogeology Specialist 2018 Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report for Iron Ore Lead Consultant Mining Operations on EPL’s 4013 & 4194 (an area of 59,224.7 ha) on the eastern portion of the new Windhoek Townland. 2017 Environmental Scoping Assessment for the Proposed New Hydrology Deepwater Port at Angra Point, Lüderitz. /Hydrogeology Specialist 2016 Strategic Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Port Of Lead Consultant Walvis Bay SADC Gateway 2016 Environmental Impact Scoping Assessment for the Construction Hydrology and Operations of Vehicle Repair and Maintenance Workshops at /Hydrogeology the Leopardsvalley Military Base Specialist 2016 Environmental Impact Scoping Assessment for the establishment Hydrology of a Township and Construction of a Hotel in the Klein Windhoek /Hydrogeology Town and Townlands East of Windhoek. Specialist 2016 Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report for Services Hydrology Provision to the Leopard Valley Smallholdings on the Remainder /Hydrogeology of GocheGanas No. 26 and Remainder of Leopard No. 218, Specialist Windhoek.
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2013 Jimmey Northern Industrial/Business Park Windhoek Hydrology Hydrogeological Assessment /Hydrogeology Specialist 2012 Nubuamis Industrial Township Windhoek Hydrogeological Hydrology Assessment /Hydrogeology Specialist 2012 Van Eck Coal Combustion Waste Dump Windhoek Hydrology Hydrogeological Assessment /Hydrogeology Specialist 2010 Finkenstein Retirement Village Phases 1 and 2 Hydrogeological Hydrology Desk Study /Hydrogeology Specialist Education: University of Free State 1989-1992 B.Sc. Geology Geography University of Free State 1994 B.Sc. (Hons.) Geohydrology/Hydrology (cum laude)
Employment Record: Managing Director – Geo Pollution Technologies 1998 - Present Principal Hydrogeologist Conduct environmental assessments (EIA and SEA) for a variety of projects and plans all over Namibia. Conduct various soil and groundwater pollution investigations and remediation. Environmental pollution monitoring in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Conduct groundwater exploration throughout Namibia. Hydrogeologist Parkman Namibia (Groundwater Consulting 1995 Services) Conduct groundwater exploration throughout Namibia. Hydrogeologist University of Free State 1994 Conducted hydrocarbon pollution investigation at Sishen mine South Africa While studying. Conduct groundwater exploration Geologist Groundwater Consulting Services 1992 – 1993 Conduct groundwater exploration Languages: Speak Read Write Afrikaans Excellent Excellent Excellent English Excellent Excellent Excellent
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Name of Consultant: Quzette Bosman Profession: Social and Environmental Practitioner Date of Birth: 27 May 1982 Nationality: South African Membership in Professional Bodies: Namibian Environment and Wildlife Society (2016 – Present) International Association of Public Participation – Affiliate Country 2017 International Association of Impact Assessors South Africa (IAIA SA): • Member 2007 – 2012 • Mpumalanga Branch Treasurer 2008/2009 Mkhondo Catchment Management Forum (DWAF): • Chairperson 2008-2010 Mkhondo Water Management Task Team (DWAF): • Member 2009 Key Qualifications: Quzette’s responsibilities as a social and environmental assessment practitioner over 11 years included the drafting and reviewing of reports and co-ordination of the project team, internship and coordinating and managing of specialists. She specialises in Social Impact Assessments and public participation processes which includes traditional authority consultation. She has managed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes in Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland as per the legislative requirements of each country and she is proficient in the requirements of the International Finance Corporation and World Bank. Related projects include environmental exemptions, application for rectification, environmental auditing, water use licenses, scoping reports, extended scoping and environmental impact assessment on projects in the agricultural, industrial, mining, tourism and governmental sectors. Previous completed assignments/projects include: 2017 Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessment for the Achill Lead Consultant Island Agricultural Project in Aussenkehr, Namibia 2016 Social Impact Assessment for the Silverlands Agricultural Project Specialist Consultant in Aussenkehr, Namibia 2016 Public participation for the Nampower Ohama Development, Specialist Consultant Omusati Region, Namibia 2011 Section 24G Application for Rectification for Ermelo Fuel Storage, Lead Consultant South Africa 2007 Initial Environmental Evaluation Report for the Ubombo Sugar Contributing Consultant Limited Co-Generation Plant, Swaziland Education: Rand Afrikaans University 2001 -2003 BA Geography & Sociology University of Johannesburg 2004 14 BA (Hons.) Environmental Management University of Johannesburg 2004 Course in the Sociology of Work University of Johannesburg 2004-2005 Courses in Energy Technology and World Policy North-West University 2005 Course in Environmental Impact Assessment, Centre for Environmental Management
Employment Record: Geo Pollution Technologies 2015 - Present
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Social and Project management (specialists’ co-ordination, public and authority consultation). Environmental Client liaison. Assessment Compilation of environmental reports as per Namibian legislation. Practitioner Co-ordination of the public participation process. Environmental Enviro Dynamics 2014 – 2015 Practitioner Project management (specialists’ co-ordination, public and authority consultation). Client liaison. Compilation of environmental reports as per Namibian legislation. Co-ordination of the public participation process. Managing and reviewing intern development Environmental GCS South Africa 2010 - 2012 Practitioner (Mpumalanga Office Office and overall project management; Manager) Project coordination, including specialist’s integration authority and public consultation. Client and industry liaison. Compilation of environmental reports as per South African legislation.
Languages: Speak Read Write Afrikaans Excellent Excellent Excellent English Excellent Excellent Excellent
I
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Appendix B. Water Permits
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Appendix C. Proof of Public and Authority Consultation
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Authority Consultation
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Neighbour Notification Confidentiality Block Confidentiality
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Site Notices
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Press Notices
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List of Interested and Affected Parties
Name Organisation
Client and contact details
Norbert Liebich ORVI / Transworld Cargo Pty Ltd
Jan G Du Plessis ORVI
Colin Lindeque ORVI
Bodiv Vasiljevivc Aussenkehr SPAR
E. Naude Nature Parks Aussenkehr
E. Van Zyl Manager SPAR
Kobus Bothma Namib ia Grape Company
Elize van Zyl Solargrapes
Jan Mostert Frontier Grapes
Milo Vasiljevic Aussenkehr Farms
Lize de Jager Namibia Grape Company
Kobus Bothma NGC Namibia / Capespan
Henner Dickmann Owner Frontier
N Mostert Manager Frontier
Neighbour ing area / business people / private individuals
Kevin Liddle Silver Street Capital (farming in the Valley) Jadre Fourie Silverlands
Oscar Mwayanale Mwayanale Trading Enterprise cc
Albert Calitz AW Greenworks
R. Brand Aussenkehr Norothshama Owner
Juan Claasen Norotshama River Resort
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Boet Burger Kaap Agri
Andre Brand Navico - Farmers' Representative
Johnny de Jager Nivex Enterprises
Braam Espach Grape Alliance
GH De Kock Grape Alliance
Arjan de Kock Grape Alliance
Albert Holtzhausen Orange R iver Vineyard Investments
Nick de Goede |Ai -|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park - SAN Parks - Park Manager
Hendrik Prins |Ai -|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park - SAN Parks - Duty Manager
Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service
Alfred I lukena Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Urban & Rural Development (MURD)
Mr A Muhongo Karas Regional Council - Noordoewer Settlement Office Paulus Ephraim Karasburg Constituency - Councillor
Hon Lucia Basson Karas Regional Council - Governor
Mr Ucham Acting Chief Regional Councillors
J Mashala Karasburg West Constituency
Berendt Both Karasburg West Constituency - CAO
Lahya Shitenga Noordoewer Settlement Office
MAWF
Abraham Nehemia Acting Permanent Secretary
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Aune Amwaama IWRM - Basin Management Committee
Pauline Mufeti Head:Hydrology
Maria Amakali MAWF - Director: Water Resource Management
Cynthia Orthman MAWF - Acting Deputy Director: Water Environment
Tobias Angula
MET
Wayne Handley Ministry of Environment & Tourism - Acting Chief Warden for Karas Parks
Niclaas Shetukana Park warden Lenka Thamae ORASECOM Secretariat
Other
Linus Tobias Orange -Fish Basin Management Committee (OFBMC) - Basin Support Officer Theo Shiyambi Aussenkehr Community Committee - Secretary Mr Torne Alcon Solar Plant
Simon Akwenye Agribusdev -DRIP Agribus Dev - NDC Manager Mr Motete NamWater Engineer
Registered I&APs
Kondjeni Nghitevelekwa Nampower - Power Systems Development (PSD) BU - Transmission Projects Calvin Sisamu Nam power - Power Systems Development
NP du Plessis Namwater - Water Quality and Environmental Services - Senior Environmentalist Jolanda Murangi Namwater - Environmental Scientist
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Andries Kok Namwater
John Akawa Namwater
Petrus Uhanga Head - Agricultur al Business Development (Greenscheme) Wilbard Nashandi Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and SME Development - Namibia Investment Centre - Deputy Director: Projects Sandra Müller private
Paul Kotze Kaap Agri Namibia (Pty) Ltd - buyer
Lerralie Plaatj ies Standard Bank
Gabriel Tresia Beaver Canoe
Furnmart
George Disho Style
Kakishi Mufuka ORIP
Justin Julius NEC/Alcon
Michelle Holtzhausen SVL
Jana Joubert GA Management
Ben du Toit
Ljubimir Vasiljevic Manager
Salomé Beukes FNB - Supervisor
Mandy van Staden Norotshama
Name Organisation Neighbouring area / business people / private individuals Kevin Liddle Silver Street Capital (farming in the Valley) Jadre Fourie Silverlands Oscar Mwayanale Mwayanale Trading Enterprise cc Albert Calitz AW Greenworks R. Brand Aussenkehr Norothshama Owner Juan Claasen Norotshama River Resort Boet Burger Kaap Agri Andre Brand Navico - Farmers' Representative Johnny de Jager Nivex Enterprises Braam Espach Grape Alliance GH De Kock Grape Alliance Arjan de Kock Grape Alliance Albert Holtzhausen Orange River Vineyard Investments
Aussenkehr Farms - Environmental Management Plan - November 2018 Geo Pollution Technologies (Pty) Ltd Page 92 of 93.
Name Organisation Nick de Goede |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park - SAN Parks - Park Manager Hendrik Prins |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park - SAN Parks - Duty Manager Minis try of Sport, Youth and National Service Alfred Ilukena Permanent Secretary Ministry of Urban & Rural Development (MURD) Mr A Muhongo Karas Regional Council - Noordoewer Settlement Office Paulus Ephraim Karasburg Constituency - Councillor Hon Lucia Basson Karas Regional Council - Governor Mr Ucham Acting Chief Regional Councillors J Mashala Karasburg West Constituency Berendt Both Karasburg West Constituency - CAO Lahya Shitenga Noordoewer Settlement Office Ministry of Agriculture, Water and For estry Abraham Nehemia Acting Permanent Secretary Aune Amwaama IWRM - Basin Management Committee Pauline Mufeti Head:Hydrology Maria Amakali MAWF - Director: Water Resource Management Cynthia Orthman MAWF - Acting Deputy Director: Water Environment Tobias Angula Basin Management Ministry of Environment and Tourism Wayne Handley Ministry of Environment & Tourism - Acting Chief Warden for Karas Parks Niclaas Shetukana Park Warden -Karas Parks Lenka Thamae ORASECOM Secretariat Other Linus Tobias Orange-Fish Basin Management Committee (OFBMC) - Basin Support Officer Theo Shiyambi Aussenkehr Community Committee - Secretary Mr Torne Alcon Solar Plant Simon Akwenye Agribusdev-DRIP Agribus Dev - NDC Manager Mr Motete NamWater Engineer Registered I& APs Kondjeni Nghitevelekwa Nampower - Power Systems Development (PSD) BU - Transmission Projects Calvin Sisamu Nampower - Power Systems Development NP du Plessis Namwater - Water Quality and Environmental Services - Senior Environmentalist Jolanda Murangi Namwater - Environmental Scientist Andries Kok Namwater John Akawa Namwater Petrus Uhanga Head - Agricultural Business Development (Greenscheme) Wilbard Nashandi Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and SME Development - Namibia Investment Centre - Deputy Director: Projects Sandra Müller private Paul Kotze Kaap Agri Namibia (Pty) Ltd - buyer Lerralie Plaatjies Standard Bank Gabriel Tresia Beaver Canoe Furnmart Commercial Entity George Disho Style Kakishi Mufuka ORIP Justin Julius NEC/Alcon
Aussenkehr Farms - Environmental Management Plan - November 2018 Geo Pollution Technologies (Pty) Ltd Page 93 of 93.
Name Organisation Michelle Holtzhausen SVL Jana Joubert GA Management Ljubimir Vasiljevic Manager Salomé Beukes FNB - Supervisor Mandy van Staden Norotshama
Aussenkehr Farms - Environmental Management Plan - November 2018 Geo Pollution Technologies (Pty) Ltd