Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga
Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report
Project Number: MBU5710
Prepared for: Xivono Mining (Pty) Ltd
October 2019
______Digby Wells and Associates (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd Co. Reg. No. 2010/008577/07. Turnberry Office Park, 48 Grosvenor Road, Bryanston, 2191. Private Bag X10046, Randburg, 2125, South Africa Tel: +27 11 789 9495, Fax: +27 11 069 6801, [email protected], www.digbywells.com ______Directors: GE Trusler (C.E.O), LF Stevens, J Leaver (Chairman)*, NA Mehlomakulu*, DJ Otto *Non-Executive ______
This document has been prepared by Digby Wells Environmental.
Report Type: Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report
Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Project Name: Mpumalanga
Project Code: MBU5710
Name Responsibility Signature Date
Rudi Greffrath Report Writer October 2019 (Pr.Sci.Nat.)
Barbara Wessels Report Review October 2019
Danie Otto Report Review October 2019
This report is provided solely for the purposes set out in it and may not, in whole or in part, be used for any other purpose without Digby Wells Environmental prior written consent.
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Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Digby Wells Environmental (hereafter Digby Wells) has been commissioned by Xivono Coal Mining (Pty) Ltd (Xivono) to complete a baseline environmental survey of the terrestrial ecology (flora and fauna) associated with the proposed Weltevreden Coal Mining Project, in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. This report should be read in collaboration with the Environmental Impact Assessment and its appendices of specialist studies, specifically the wetlands, aquatic fauna and rehabilitation reports. The proposed Project area is located within the Nkangala District Municipality (NDM), specifically in Ward 1 of the Emakhazeni Local Municipality (ELM). The nearest large settlements to the site are the town of Belfast (8 km) and its township of Siyathuthuka (15 km). The Prospecting Right includes Portions 2, 3, 10, and a portion of Portions 4, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14 and the Remaining Extent of the farm Weltevreden 381 JT, and Portions 28, 29, 30 and 40 of the farm Paardeplaats 380 JT. The Prospecting Right will lapse on 22 August 2021 as authorised by the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR). Xivono intends to convert the approved Prospecting Right through completing a Mining Right Application (MRA) in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act No. 28 of 2002) (MPRDA). The Prospecting Right is divided into an east and west section by the R33 which runs in a north-south direction through the site. The proposed mining activities will only take place on the western half of the Prospecting Right Area (on portions 381, 9 and the Remaining Extent Portion 3 of the Farm Weltevreden 381 JT) which covers a surface area of approximately 800 hectares. The eastern portion will not be mined nor accommodate any mining-related infrastructure. Xivono proposes to mine two pits, OC1(162 ha footprint) and OC2 (200 ha footprint) through open pit mining. Xivono plans to utilise containers for the mine offices and workshop infrastructure which will occupy a footprint of approximately 0.03 ha (300m2). Other surface infrastructure proposed for the site includes a pollution control dam, crushing and screening plant (no washing to take place on site), Run of Mine (ROM) pad, overburden dump, stockpiles, pipelines, and lined trenches. The surface infrastructure is expected to have a footprint of approximately 1 ha. The aim of the baseline Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment report is to describe the current terrestrial ecology in terms of vegetation, flora, mammals, avifauna, herpetofauna and invertebrates. Thereafter, to identify the potential impacts that the construction, operational and decommissioning activities will have on the environment, and prescribe mitigation and management measures to negate negative impacts. After a scoping level assessment report was carried out to establish on a desktop level, the inherent ecological sensitivity of the receiving environment, it was revealed that several inherent ecological sensitivities are present. The most concerning of these was the fact that according to the National List of Threatened Terrestrial Ecosystems, the vulnerable Eastern Highveld Grassland covers the largest natural extent of the study area.
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Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
According to Mucina and Rutherford (2012), the proposed Weltevreden Coal Mine is located in an area classified as Eastern Highveld Grassland (Gm 12). According to the National List of Threatened Terrestrial Ecosystems, the vulnerable Eastern Highveld Grassland covers the largest extent of the study area. A total of eight (8) plant species of conservation concern listed under the national red list and protected under the Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act 10 of 1998, could potentially occur in the project area. These include Gladiolus malvinus (VU), Khadia carolinensis (VU), Prunus africana (VU), Miraglossum davyi (VU), Zantedeschia pentlandii (VU), Aloe reitzii var. reitzii (NT), Protea parvula (NT), Riocreuxia aberrans (NT), Boophone disticha (D), Callilepis leptophylla (D), Crinum bulbispermum (D), Eucomis montana (D), Gunnera perpensa (D), Helichrysum homilochrysum (R), Hypoxis hemerocallidea (D), Khadia alticola (R), Ilex mitis (D). Nineteen (19) plant species, listed by the National. Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) as Alien Invasive Plant Species may occur in the project areas and have the potential to spread due to site disturbance associated with project activities. These include Amaranthus hibridus, Gomprena celosiodes, Bidens pilosa, Cirsium vulgare, Conyza bonariensis, Tagetes minuta, Acacia mearnsii, Glycine max, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Argemone Mexicana, Pinus patula, Pennisetum clandestinum, Stenotaphrum secundatum Zea mays, Datura stramonium, Nicandra physalodes, Solanum mauritianum, Verbena bonariensis, Verbena officinalis. Based on the results of a search of historical records for the Quarter Degree Square Grid (QDS) 2530CC with a small portion within the 2530CA, on the Animal Demographics Unit ( ADU) database, the following mammal Species of Special Concern (SCC) may potentially be recorded in the project area: Serval (NT), Brown Hyena (NT), Southern African Hedgehog (NT), Serval (NT), African Striped Weasel (NT) and Oribi (EN), Robust Golden Mole (VU), Rough-haired Golden Mole (VU), Leopard (VU), Blasius's Horseshoe Bat (NT), Swinny's Horseshoe Bat (VU), Swamp Musk Shrew (NT). Recently acquired data (according to South African Bird Atlassing Project 2 (SABAP2) of the project area corresponding to the for the Quarter Degree Squares (QDS) 2530CC and 2530CA as well as old records from SABAP1 indicate that approximately 261 bird species are expected to occur in the study area. This includes a 24 Red Data species and species that are endemic or near endemic to southern Africa. The site has been classified into six primary land management units, namely: Agricultural Areas, Alien Bushclumps (including alien tree plantations), Secondary Grassland (impacted or overgrazed mesic grassland), Mesic Grassland, Rocky Outcrops, and Riparian Areas (including wetlands, rivers and pans). The Agricultural Areas are associated with the dominant land use (including alien tree plantations) (livestock and cultivation) in the area did not account for any natural vegetation. Vegetation cover consisted of a closed canopy within the alien tree plantation and includes alien plant species such as: Red River Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), English Oak (Quercus robur) and Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii).
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Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
Floral diversity in the Mesic Grassland was regarded as expected in comparison with the expected species. Alien invasive tree species were found within many landscapes, including riparian, wetlands and mesic and secondary grassland. A total of three flora SSC were recorded primarily within the mesic grasslands and the wetlands vegetation types. A total of three faunal SSC was recorded, namely: Near Threatened species, Leptailurus Serval (Serval), Redunca fulvorufula (Southern Mountain Reedbuck) and Balearica regulorum (Grey Crowned Crane). The avifaunal assessment yielded a total of 35 bird species within the Weltevreden project area. Herpetofauna findings included, three reptile species, and four amphibian species. Faunal diversity was lower than expected, given the undisturbed nature of large parts of the project area.
Construction Phase Operational Phase Decommissioning Issues and impacts Pre- Post- Pre- Post- Pre- Post- mitigation mitigation mitigation mitigation mitigation mitigation Impact 1.1: Loss of Natural Habitat and SSC 1: Loss of Mesic Grassland Moderate Minor N/A N/A N/A N/A 2: Loss of Wetlands Moderate Minor N/A N/A N/A N/A 3: Loss of Pan Moderate Minor N/A N/A N/A N/A Vegetation/habitat.
4: Loss of Floral SSC Major Moderate N/A N/A N/A N/A 5: Loss of Faunal SSC Major Moderate N/A N/A N/A N/A Impact 1.2: Loss of Loss of Ecological services 6: Loss of Wetlands and Moderate Minor N/A N/A N/A N/A Riparian Habitat services Impact 1.3: Indirect Impact to Natural Areas 7: Road deaths of animals, Moderate Minor N/A N/A N/A N/A dust creation. Impact 2.1: Habitat loss and continual pressure on the ecosystem and species 8: Impacts on remaining N/A N/A Moderate Minor N/A N/A species
9: Further reduction of N/A N/A Moderate Minor natural Habitat Impact 3.1: Habitat loss and continual pressure on the ecosystem and species 10: Clearing of N/A N/A N/A N/A Moderate Minor 11: Road deaths N/A N/A N/A N/A Moderate Minor Impact 3.2: Impacts due to correct rehabilitation practices Improvement of Natural N/A N/A N/A N/A Positive Positive An impact statement is required as per NEMA regulations with regards to the proposed development. The disturbance of high value biodiversity assets is foreseen for this project, this centers on the infrastructure placement in close proximity to CBA’s which coincides with
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Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
highly sensitive grassland areas, as well as highly sensitive species. After the mitigation hierarchy was followed it was decided that an offset strategy will have to be employed in order for the residual impact of the project on priority biodiversity to be offset. Only if this process is established and audited can this project be seen in a favorable light.
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Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Introduction ...... 1
1.1 Biodiversity of the Grassland Biome ...... 1 1.2 Terms of Reference ...... 2 2 Project Description ...... 2
2.1 Reserves ...... 2 2.2 Resources Production and Scheduling ...... 2 3 Regulatory and Institutional Framework ...... 3
4 Expertise of the Specialist ...... 7
5 Methodology...... 7
5.1 Literature Review and Desktop Study ...... 7 5.1.1 Mucina and Rutherford Vegetation Map of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho ...... 7 5.1.2 National Protected Area Expansion Strategy ...... 8 5.1.3 South African Biodiversity Information Facility ...... 8 5.1.4 Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan (2014) ...... 8 5.2 Field Investigations of Seasonal Influence ...... 9 5.2.1 Flora ...... 9 5.2.2 Alien Invasive Species ...... 11 5.2.3 Fauna ...... 11 5.3 Assumptions and Limitations ...... 15 5.3.1 Report Conditions ...... 15 6 Description of the Study Area ...... 15
6.1 Locality ...... 15 6.2 Regional and Local Climate ...... 17 6.2.1 Local climate ...... 17 6.3 Topography ...... 17 6.4 Land cover ...... 17 6.5 Regional Geology ...... 17 6.6 Regional Vegetation – Reference State ...... 18
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Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
6.6.1 Eastern Highveld Grassland (Mapping Unit Gm12) ...... 18 6.7 Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan (2014) ...... 21 7 Findings ...... 24
7.1 Flora ...... 24 7.2 Mesic Grassland Characteristics (from Grassland Ecosystem Guideline 2013) ..... 25 7.3 Main Issues, Vulnerabilities and Pressure on Mesic Highveld Grassland ...... 26 7.4 Goal State of Mesic Highveld Grassland ...... 27 7.5 The broad spatial guidelines for locating land-uses in Mesic Highveld Grassland.. 29 7.5.1 Vegetation Communities ...... 32 7.5.2 Alien Plant Invasion ...... 35 7.6 Fauna ...... 36 7.6.1 Mammals ...... 36 7.6.2 Avifauna ...... 37 7.6.3 Reptiles ...... 39 7.6.4 Amphibians...... 40 7.6.5 Invertebrates ...... 41 8 Site Specific Sensitivity ...... 42
9 Impact Assessment ...... 46
9.1 Construction Phase ...... 46 9.1.1 Impact Description ...... 46 9.1.2 Management Objectives ...... 47 9.1.3 Management Actions and Targets ...... 48 9.1.4 Impact Ratings ...... 49 9.2 Operational Phase ...... 53 9.2.1 Impact Description ...... 54 9.2.2 Management Objectives ...... 54 9.2.3 Management Actions and Targets ...... 54 9.2.4 Impact Ratings ...... 54 9.3 Decommissioning Phase ...... 57 9.3.1 Impact Description ...... 57
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Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
9.3.2 Management Objectives ...... 57 9.3.3 Management Actions and Targets ...... 57 9.3.4 Impact Ratings ...... 58 9.4 Cumulative Impacts ...... 60 9.5 Unplanned Events and Low Risks ...... 61 10 Environmental Management Plan ...... 62
10.1 Summary of Mitigation and Management ...... 62 10.2 Monitoring Plan ...... 1 11 Consultation Undertaken ...... 2
12 Comments and Responses ...... 2
12.1 MTPA Comments and responses ...... 3 13 Discussion and Conclusion ...... 4
14 References ...... 5
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 7-1: Alien Vegetation (including alien tree plantations) within the Weltevreden Project AreaA and D. Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii), B. Red River Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), C. English Oak (Quercus robur)...... 33 Figure 7-2: Riparian Areas ...... 34 Figure 7-3: Avifauna SSC recorded, Grey Crowned Cranes (Balearica regulorum), (photos courtesy of Trevor Hardaker)...... 38 Figure 7-4: Examples of Amphibians recorded on site (left: Hylarana signata (Striped Stream Frog) and right: Afrana angolensis (Common River Frog) (taken by Hardaker) ...... 41 Figure 7-5: Invertebrate species encountered (A: Paracinema tricolor, B: Rhodometra sacraria (Vestel) C: Spilostethus pandurus (Seed bugs) D: Ctenus spp (Wolf Spider) ...... 42 Figure 8-1: Ecological Sensitive areas ...... 43 Figure 8-2: Sensitive Species Locations...... 45
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Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
LIST OF TABLES
Table 3-1: Policy and Legislative context applicable to the application ...... 1 Table 5-1: Braun-Blanquet Analysis Cover Abundance ...... 9 Table 5-2: Red Data Categories (taken from SANBI 2018) ...... 11 Table 6-1: MBSP Map Categories and Land Management Objectives ...... 21 Table 7-1: Vegetation types encountered ...... 25 Table 7-2: Alien plant species recorded on site ...... 35 Table 7-3: Bat Species recorded during the field survey ...... 39 Table 7-4: Amphibian Species recorded...... 40 Table 7-5: Recorded list of butterfly species on the Weltevreden project area ...... 41 Table 9-1: Construction phase interaction with flora and fauna associated with the site ...... 46 Table 9-2: Vegetation habitat loss ...... 47 Table 9-3: Impacts of the Construction Phase – Interaction 1: loss of high sensitivity landscapes and habitats ...... 49 Table 9-4: Impacts of the Construction Phase – loss of habitat of moderate to low ecological sensitivity ...... 51 Table 9-5: Impacts of the Construction Phase – loss of species of high ecological sensitivity ...... 52 Table 9-6: Operational phase interaction with flora and fauna associated with the site ...... 53 Table 9-7: Potential Impacts of Operational Phase Interaction 1 and 2 on flora and fauna habitat on site: Mining of coal and transportation of material to relevant stockpiles ...... 55 Table 9-8: Potential Impacts of Operational Phase Interaction 3 on avifauna present on site: Powerlines ...... 56 Table 9-9: Decommissioning phase interaction associated with the site...... 57 Table 9-10: Potential Impacts of the Rehabilitation and Closure Phase – Establishment of Alien Plant Species ...... 58 Table 9-11: Potential Impacts of the Closure and Rehabilitation Phase: Rehabilitation of infrastructure footprint areas ...... 59 Table 9-12: Unplanned Events, Low Risks and their Management Measures ...... 61 Table 10-1: Mitigation and Management Plan ...... 63 Table 10-2: Monitoring Plan ...... 1 Table 14-1: Impact Assessment Parameter Ratings ...... 1
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Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
Table 14-2: Probability/Consequence Matrix ...... 5 Table 14-3: Significance Rating Description ...... 1
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A: Impact Assessment Methodology Appendix B: Plant Species List
LIST OF PLANS
Plan 1: Locality Map ...... 16 Plan 2: Regional Vegetation ...... 20 Plan 3: Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan (2014) ...... 23 Plan 4: Vegetation Delineations ...... 31
List of Acronyms and Abbreviations
ADU Animal Demography Unit CARA Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1993 (Act 43 of 1983) C-Plan Conservation Plan CR Critically Endangered DD Data Deficient DEA Department of Environmental Affairs DM District Municipality DMR Department of Mineral Rights DWAF Department of Water Affairs and Forestry DWS Department of Water and Sanitation EBA Endemic Bird Area EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EIS Ecological Importance and Sensitivity EMP Environmental Management Plan
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Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
EN Endangered EW Extinct in the Wild EX Extinct Ha Hectares HL Habitat linkage HR Habitat requirements HS Habitat status IBA Important Birding Area IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature IPP Independent Power Plant km Kilometers km2 Square kilometers LC Least Concern Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act, 1998 (Act No.10 of 1998), Limpopo MPNCA Environmental Management Act, 2003 (Act 7 of 2003) m Meters mm Millimeters MRA Mining Right Application NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategy and Acton Plan NE Not Evaluated NEMA National Environmental Management Act,1998 (Act 107 of 1998) NEMBA National Environmental Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act 10 of 2014) NFEPA National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas No. Number NPAES National Protected Areas Expansion Strategy NT Near Threatened PES Present Ecological Status PRECIS Pretoria Computerized Information System QDS Quarter Degree Square SABAP South African Bird Atlas Project SACNASP South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions SANBI South African National Biodiversity Institute SSC Species of Special Concern
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Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
VU Vulnerable
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Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
1 Introduction Xivono Mining (Pty) Ltd (hereinafter Xivono), has an existing Prospecting Right (PR #) for the proposed Weltevreden Mining Project approximately 8km south of Belfast in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. Xivono appointed Digby Wells Environmental as the independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) to manage the legislated environmental application processes which include the following applications required to commence with mining: ■ Mining Right Application in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act No. 28 of 2002) (MPRDA) ■ Integrated Environmental Authorisation Application in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA), and the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act No. 56 of 2008) (NEM: WA); and ■ An integrated Water Use Licence Application in terms of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 26 of 1998) (NWA). The proposed Project is a greenfields site and the proposed mining activities will take place on Portion 381, the Remaining Extent (RE) of Portion 3, Portion 9, Portion 10, RE of Portion 11, Portion 21, Portion 23 and Portion 24 of the Farm Weltevreden 381 JS.
1.1 Biodiversity of the Grassland Biome Biodiversity is defined, according the National Environmental Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) (NEMBA), as “the variability among living organisms from all sources including, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part and also includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems”. The NEMBA legislation upholds the country’s commitment to the protection of South Africa’s biological resources and it is imperative that development takes place in a sustainable way to achieve this. The Xivono study area falls within the Grassland Biome, one of nine biomes in South Africa (Mucina and Rutherford, 2012). This is the second largest of the South African biomes, covering approximately 30% of the country (SANBI, 2013). A common misconception is that grasslands are comprised primarily of grass species of the Poaceae family. On the contrary, grassland diversity is made up primarily of forbs such as gladioli, orchids and bulbs, although grasses are more abundant in area according to the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF), making it an exceptionally diverse ecosystem from a botanical perspective, supporting 3500 plant species (SANBI, 2013).
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Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
1.2 Terms of Reference Digby Wells was commissioned by Xivono to complete a fauna and flora impact assessment as part of the Scoping and Environmental Impact Reporting process for the proposed Weltevreden Coal mine. This study addresses and adheres to the regulations and regulatory procedures of the Department of Mineral Resources.
2 Project Description Xivono is the holder of an approved Prospecting Right for the proposed Weltevreden Mining Project. Xivono proposes to mine two pits, OC1 (162 ha footprint) and OC2 (200 ha footprint) through open pit mining. Xivono plans to utilise containers for the mine offices and workshop infrastructure which will occupy a footprint of approximately 0.03 ha (300 m2). Other surface infrastructure proposed for the site includes pollution control dams, a crushing and screening plant (no washing to take place on site), Run of Mine (ROM) pad, overburden dump, stockpiles, pipelines, weighbridge, diesel storage and lined trenches. The conceptual mine layout is currently being developed and the stormwater management infrastructure will be developed in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Phase of the Project. The infrastructure is expected to have a footprint of approximately 1 ha. The proposed Project is located within the Nkangala District Municipality (NDM), specifically in Ward 1 of the Emakhazeni Local Municipality (ELM). The nearest large settlements to the site are the town of Belfast (8 km) and its township of Siyathuthuka (15 km). Xivono has submitted a Mining Right Application to convert the approved Prospecting Right in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act No. 28 of 2002) (MPRDA). Concurrently, Xivono has initiated this Integrated Environmental Authorisation and Integrated Water Use Licence Application (IWULA) process for the MRA to comply with the following legislation.
2.1 Reserves Xivono proposes to mine two pits namely OC1 and OC2. OC1 has in excess of 5 million tonnes of in-situ minable tonnes of coal at a depth of approximately 20 m below surface. OC1 will target the 2 Seam which is an average of 2.7 m thick. OC2 will target the Upper 4 Seam, Lower 4 Seam and 2 Seam which reaches a maximum depth of 30 m. OC2 will yield approximately 10 million tonnes of coal. The coal product will be for supply directly to Eskom. Coal from seams 2A, Seam 2D and Seam 2E are used as a blend to improve the inferior qualities coal from Seam 2B, 2C and Seam 4L where the blending ratio is 3:1.
2.2 Resources Production and Scheduling This application pertains only to open-pit mining for two pits. The total proposed quantity of coal to be extracted is approximately 15 million tonnes over a 15-year Life of Mine. Currently, Pit OC2 will be mined first in a west-east direction and Pit OC2 will be mined thereafter in a south-north direction, with an assumed production rate of 150 000 tonnes of coal mined per
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Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
month for the total pit area. Coal crushing and screening will take place on site and trucked directly to Eskom.
3 Regulatory and Institutional Framework The intention to undertake mining activities requires an application for a Mining Right (MR) in terms of the MPRDA. As per section 22(4) (a) of the MPRDA, an applicant is required to complete the required environmental authorisation application process to obtain regulatory approval (provided it is approved) prior to the commencement of any mining activities. In terms of the NEMA and other applicable laws as listed in Table 3-1 below, it is required that the environmental and social impacts associated with mining activities be assessed to identify any potential negative and/or positive consequences as a result thereof. Following which, measures must be proposed to avoid or minimise these impacts. The following legislative requirements were considered during this assessment: ■ Section 24 of the Constitution – Environment, 1996 (Act No. 108 of 1996); ■ The Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, (Act No. 28 of 2002) (MPRDA) and it’s Regulations; ■ National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2014) (NEM: BA); ■ Section 5 of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 7 of 1998) (NEMA); ■ National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003) (NEM: PAA) as amended; ■ National Forest Act,1998, (Act No. 84 of 1998) (NFA); ■ Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act, 1998 (Act No.10 of 1998) (MPNCA); and ■ Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983 (Act No. 43 of 1983) (CARA).
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Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
Table 3-1: Policy and Legislative context applicable to the application
Applicable Legislation legislation Relevance to the Applicant requirements
Everyone has the right: . To an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being; and . To have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that – Section 24: . Prevent pollution and ecological degradation; Environmental . Promote conservation; and Rights for All . Secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development. Section 24 of the constitution enshrines environmental rights in South Africa as a whole and the Constitution of the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency should note the protection of the environment in the Bill of Republic of South Africa Rights, especially in relation to justifiable economic and social development. (Act No.108 of 1996) Everyone has the right of access to: . Any information held by the state (unless it is information that is explicitly excluded by the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (Act No. 2 of 2000); . Any information held by another person and that is required for the exercise or protection of any Section 32: Access rights. to information This is further extended by NEMA, Section 2(4)(k) of the NEMA specifically provides that “decisions must be taken in an open and transparent manner, and access to information must be provided in accordance with the law”. The Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency will make all information required to the public when required.
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Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
Applicable Legislation legislation Relevance to the Applicant requirements
Everyone has the right to administrative action that is lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair. Everyone whose rights have been adversely affected by administrative action has the right to be given written reasons. National legislation must be enacted to give effect to these rights, and must - (a) provide for the review of administrative action by a court or, where appropriate, an independent and impartial tribunal; (b) Section 33: impose a duty on the state to give effect to the rights in subsections (1) and (2); and (c) promote an Administrative efficient administration Justice This section of the Constitution guarantees that administrative action will be reasonable, lawful and procedurally fair, and it makes sure that people have the right to ask for written reasons if and when administrative action has a negative impact on them thus the Applicant. The provisions of NEMA and its Regulations dictate the manner in which environmental authorization processes are undertaken, decisions made, and the appeal process; all of which are applicable to the current application.
Section 38 of the Constitution promotes the possibility to enforce all constitutional rights, including the Section 38 section 24 environmental right Enforcement of In the context of this report the section 38 provisions on locus standi have been extended by section 32 Rights and of NEMA which states that :‘Any person or group of persons may seek appropriate relief in respect of Administrative any breach or threatened breach of any provision of this Act, including a principle contained in Chapter Review 1, or any other statutory provision concerned with the protection of the environment or the use of natural resources”
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Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
Applicable Legislation legislation Relevance to the Applicant requirements
(GNR527, 23 April 2004 as amended by GNR R1288 The purpose of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act No. 28 of 2002) is to Mineral and Petroleum dated 29 October provide for equitable access to and sustainable development of the mineral and petroleum resources of Resources Development 2004; GNR1203 South Africa. Act (MPRDA), 2002 (Act dated 30 November As per section 22(4)(a) of the MPRDA, an applicant is required to complete the required environmental No. 28 of 2002) 2006; and GNR349 authorization to obtain regulatory approval prior to the commencement of any mining. dated 18 April 2011).
The EIA Regulations, The EIA Regulations, GNR 327 of 4 December 2014, Regulation 21-26, and Regulation 39-44 set out the process required to undertake the Scoping and EIA Process including the public participation process to be undertaken as part of the EIA. Process including the public participation process to be undertaken as part of the EIA. This Act prohibits mining of minerals without NEMA Environmental a permit issued in terms of section 27(6) Impact Assessment (EIA) When submitting an application for a right or permit in terms of the MPRDA an applicant must obtain
Regulations of 2014: GNR regulatory approval or the required environmental authorization as part of the application for a mining 324 to 326 of 7 April 2017 right in terms of the MPDRA and required to submit an environmental management program (section 24(1a) of NEMA), also referred to as an EMP, within 180 days once an application has been accepted. As part of this project, a Scoping and EIA Study is being followed in terms of the EIA Regulations. This report forms part of the scoping phase of the EIA being undertaken. This document serves as the Scoping Phase Report for the EIA process
Chapter 1 contains a set of principles that guide development and state that environmental National Environmental Section 2: management must place people and their needs at the forefront of its concern and serve their physical, Management Act (NEMA) Chapter 1 psychological, developmental, cultural and social interests equitably
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Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
Applicable Legislation legislation Relevance to the Applicant requirements (Act No. 107 of 1998) Sustainable development must consider relevant factors such as the following: . That the disturbance of ecosystems and loss of biological diversity are avoided, or, where they cannot be altogether avoided, are minimised and remedied; . That the development, use, and exploitation of renewable resources and the ecosystems of which they are part do not exceed the level beyond which their integrity is jeopardized;
. That a risk-averse and cautious approach is applied, which takes into account the limits of
current knowledge about the consequences of decisions and actions; and
. That negative impacts on the environment and on people's environmental rights are anticipated and prevented, and where they cannot be altogether prevented, are minimised and remedied. Chapter 5 specifically deals with integrated Environmental Management and addresses the Chapter 5 authorisation of activities that are likely to be detrimental to the environment (activities listed in the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) Regulations, 2014). These authorisations are considered on the basis of EIA procedures. Biodiversity Impact Assessment is a sub-discipline of the EIA that is utilized to identify, quantify and evaluate the impacts of a project o biodiversity. The principles of NEMA have been considered. This Scoping Report aims to scope the potential environmental impacts that need to be investigated as part of the environmental impact assessment and is prepared in compliance with NEMA.
Although NEM: BA makes no express reference to the CBD, this Act’s objectives mirror those of the National Environmental Convention on Biological Diversity and its provisions seek to implement CBD objectives at a national Management Biodiversity level by providing for the following: Act (NEM: BA) (Act No. 10 . Management and conservation of South Africa’s biodiversity within NEMA’s framework of 2004) . Usage of indigenous biological resources in a sustainable manner
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Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
Applicable Legislation legislation Relevance to the Applicant requirements . Fair and equitable sharing among stakeholders of the benefits arising from bio-prospecting involving indigenous biodiversity . Protection of species and ecosystems that warrant national protection; and . Establishment and functions of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) NEM: BA restricts activities on protected species via its associated Threatened or Protected Species Regulations (TOPS) and also provides for any activity (which must be identified in terms of this Act) which may impact on these species. In addition to this the Alien and Invasive Species Regulations (GNR 506 of 2013), promulgated in terms of Section 97(1) of NEM: BA apply as well as Alien Invasive Regulations (2014) and the Invasive Species List (2018) are also listed. A Biodiversity Survey will be undertaken for the receiving environment; it will also survey for protected species and determine the impact of the project on ecology. If any protected species are identified within the proposed project area, a license to disturb protected flora will be obtained from the Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA). Protected flora outside of the prospecting areas will be marked and left intact as much as possible. Xivono is submitting an application for EA. The application is subject to a scoping and EIA process and this report has been compiled to meet the requirements of the Scoping Phase.
The National Forests Act (NFA) (Act No. 84 of 1998) provides for the protection of particular trees, a National Forests Act particular group of trees, particular woodland or trees belonging to a particular species by way of a (NFA) (Act No. 84 of declaration by Minister of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (“DAFF”) – which is the 1998) custodian of all natural forest resources within the borders of the Republic of South Africa. According to section 15 of the NFA, the effect of this declaration means that no individual or persons may cut,
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Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
Applicable Legislation legislation Relevance to the Applicant requirements disturb, damage or destroy any protected tree or possess, collect, remove, transport purchase, sell, donate any protected tree, unless under a license or in terms of an exemption. The project n activities would avoid removal of protected trees as far as possible. Instances where it cannot be avoided, a permit for removal will be obtained from DAFF.
National Environmental Section 50(5) of NEM: PAA states that no development may be permitted in a nature reserve or world Management Protected heritage site without the prior written consent and approval of the management authority. Section 50(5) Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. The project area traverses no protected areas, the Belfast Vlei is located 8 km north of the project area 57 of 2003) (NEM: PAA) and the Nooitgedacht Dam Nature Reserve is located 20km to the north east.
The Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act provides for the consolidation of laws relating for nature Mpumalanga Nature conservation and includes a section on protected plants including a schedule (schedule 11) in which a Conservation Act, 1998 list of protected species is provided. The Act also specifies that all species listed in the Convention on Section 69 (Act No. 10 of 1998) International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora are protected. All species (MPNCA) protected under the provincial legislation need to be specified on any clearing permit applications for the site.
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4 Expertise of the Specialist Rudi Greffrath is the manager of Digby Well’s Biodiversity Department and has a National Diploma and B-tech in Nature Conservation from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s George Campus and is registered as a Professional Natural Scientist in the field of practice Conservation Science, registration number 400018/17. He has ten years’ experience in the environmental consulting field specifically in terrestrial ecology within the Highveld grasslands and Savanna regions of Southern and central Africa and the forest regions of central and West Africa. He specialises in fauna and flora surveys, biodiversity surveys, environmental management plans, environmental monitoring and rehabilitation for projects in accordance with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and World Bank. Rudi has gained experience working throughout Africa specifically South Africa, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Mali, Botswana, Senegal, Namibia and Cote D’Ivoire.
5 Methodology
5.1 Literature Review and Desktop Study Baseline and background information was researched and used to understand the area prior to fieldwork and to complete the screening (desktop) assessment. A regional understanding of the project area is gained through this process which enables a more accurate ecological assessment to be done. During the undertaking of the desktop study relevant information was collected from the following sources: ■ Mucina and Rutherford (2012), expected vegetation type and community structure: ■ Grasslands Ecosystem Guidelines: landscape interpretation for planners and managers, (SANBI) 2013; ■ South African National Botanical Institute (SANBI), Pretoria Computerised Information System PRECIS List’s, potential species in the proposed development area/site area according to the; ■ South African Bird Atlasing Project (SABAP2); ■ Mpumalanga Provincial legislation, potential Red Data Listed species and their current status; and ■ Current biodiversity and ecosystem status.
5.1.1 Mucina and Rutherford Vegetation Map of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho The vegetation of South Africa was extensively mapped in the 2006 publication by Mucina and Rutherford. This publication provides relatively detailed descriptions of the various vegetation habitats that are found in South Africa detailing expected species, conservation importance and more. The expected species lists supplied by Mucina and Rutherford (2012) for each
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vegetation type found in the study area were used to add to the list of expected species for the study area.
5.1.2 National Protected Area Expansion Strategy The National Protected Area Expansion Strategy (NPAES) has designated areas for future incorporation into existing protected areas (both National and Informal protected areas). These areas are large, mostly intact areas required to meet biodiversity targets, and suitable for protection. They may not necessarily be proclaimed as protected areas in the future and are a broad scale planning tool allowing for better development and conservation planning.
5.1.3 South African Biodiversity Information Facility The SIBIS South African Biodiversity Information Facility (SABIF) online interactive species distribution lists were obtained from the SANBI which includes all the plants, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and terrestrial invertebrate species officially recorded by SANBI and associates for Quarter Degree Squares (QDS) which the study site is located in. This list is therefore not a comprehensive list representing only those species that may occur in these grids, but rather a guideline as to what is likely to occur here. The sites sampled are also only a very small portion of the whole grid and habitats suitable for certain species in these lists may not be present at the sites sampled. It is therefore not unusual for species in the list to be absent from the sampling sites.
5.1.4 Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan (2014) The Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) is the custodian for the sustainable use of resources and environmental protection in the Mpumalanga Province. This department is responsible for the implementation of the Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan (MBSP) which is a spatial tool with associated land-use guidelines to inform permissible land-uses that support biodiversity and ecological processes. The main purpose of a biodiversity sector plan is to ensure that the most recent and best quality spatial biodiversity information can be accessed and used to inform land-use and development planning, environmental assessments and authorisations, and natural resource management. The CBA maps show the following five broad map categories, some of which are further divided into sub-categories as follows: ■ Protected Areas; ■ Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs); ■ Ecological Support Areas (ESAs); ■ Other Natural Areas (ONAs); and ■ Moderately or Heavily Modified Areas (sometimes called ‘transformed’).
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The MBSP Terrestrial database (2014) indicates the presence of areas within three categories that are categorised as CBA Irreplaceable, CBA Optimal and Ecological Support Areas within the project area.
5.2 Field Investigations of Seasonal Influence The site visit and detailed infield flora and fauna assessments took place from the 12 to the 16 of August 2019.
5.2.1 Flora As the sampling of the entire study area is not possible, representative samples of the vegetation were assessed. Aerial imagery was utilized to identify and stratify homogenous vegetation units. Sampling points were then randomly selected within representative areas of this homogenous vegetation units and then verify by means of detailed infield assessment. The number of sample sites visited was determined by the time available for the study as well as the accessibility of each of the sample sites. This methodology allows for more efficient sampling than overall random sampling. At each sample site, a plot size of 50 m2 was sampled, and a wandering line transect was performed. In each plot; the species were identified in the field. The Braun-Blanquet method was used for the listing of species and their associated cover. The Braun-Blanquet method incorporates seven cover-abundance categories as listed in Table 5-1. A general species list was also compiled from random traversing through the site. Table 5-1: Braun-Blanquet Analysis Cover Abundance
Cover Abundance Category
One or few individuals. r
Occasional and less than 5% of total plot area. +
Abundant and with very low cover, or less abundant but higher 1 cover; in any case less than 5% cover of total plot area.
Very abundant and less than 5%, or 5-25% cover, of a total plot area: . 2m – Very abundant . 2a – 5-12.5 % cover, irrespective of number of 2 individuals . 2b – 12.5-25% cover, irrespective of number of individuals
25-50% cover of total plot area, irrespective of number of 3 individuals.
50-75% cover of total plot area, irrespective of number of 4 individuals
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Cover Abundance Category
75-100% cover of total plot area, irrespective of number of 5 individuals
Vegetation was classified and the broad plant communities identified during the classification was then mapped to show their distribution. Species lists were compiled for each broad habitat type. The Braun-Blanquet sampling method that was used during vegetation surveys, allows for the following to be compiled: ■ Vegetation classification regarding plant communities within the area and sub communities and variations of these; ■ Species list for each plant community, including diagnostic and dominant species; ■ Red Data and/or protected plant species; ■ Invasive species (if present) for each plant community; ■ Exotic species (if present) for each plant community; ■ Protected and/or endemic species for each plant community; and ■ Culturally significant plant species within each community.
5.2.1.1 Species of Special Concern (SSC) From the overall species list, a list of SSC was compiled. A comprehensive SSC species list was compiled taking the following Red Data Lists into consideration: ■ International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red Data List (2019); ■ The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) Red Data list version 2019.1; ■ The South African Red Data lists for mammals (2004), birds (2016), butterflies and Herpetafauna; ■ National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) Threatened or Protected Species Regulations, and ■ The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) list (2019).
The South African Red Data List uses the same criteria as that defined by the IUCN. According to the IUCN all species are classified in nine groups, set through criteria such as rate of decline, population size, area of geographic distribution, and degree of population and distribution fragmentation (IUCN, 2019). The categories are described in Table 5-2 below.
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Table 5-2: Red Data Categories (taken from SANBI 2018)
Category Description
Extinct (EX) No known individuals remaining.
Extinct in the Wild (EW) Known only to survive in captivity.
Critically Endangered (CR) Extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
Endangered (EN) High risk of extinction in the wild..
Vulnerable (VU) High risk of endangerment in the wild.
Near Threatened (NT) Likely to become endangered in the near future.
Lowest risk. Does not qualify for a more at-risk category. Least Concern (LC) Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.
Data Deficient (DD) Not enough data to make an assessment of its risk of extinction.
Not Evaluated (NE) Has not yet been evaluated against the criteria.
Extinct Threatened species are species that are facing a high risk of extinction. Any Threatened species classified in the IUCN categories CR, EN or VU is a threatened species. Species of conservation concern are species that have a high Other categories of conservation importance in terms of preserving South Africa’s high floristic conservation concern diversity and include not only threatened species, but also those classified Other categories in the categories, NT, LC and DD
The online IUCN, POSA and the SANBI species status data bases were referenced in order to identify Red Data Listed species and their various threat status categorisations.
5.2.2 Alien Invasive Species Alien plant species in South Africa are categorised according to the Alien and Invasive Species Lists, 2014 (GN R864 in GG 40166 of 29 July 2016) of the NEMBA. The national list of invasive plant species listed in NEMBA represents the following categories: ■ Category 1a: Species requiring compulsory control; ■ Category 1b: Invasive species controlled by an invasive species management programme; ■ Category 2: Invasive species controlled by area, and ■ Category 3: Invasive species controlled by activity.
The species recorded on site are categorised according to NEMBA, and management measures designed according to requirements of the act.
5.2.3 Fauna A desktop analysis combined with a dry-season survey was undertaken to determine the species that occur in the study area, compared against historical records and survey results.
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Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
Fauna occurring on site include assemblages within terrestrial and riparian ecosystems: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Each of these assemblages occurs within unique habitats, the ecological state of these habitats directly relates to the number of species found within them. The main habitats occurring in the project area are, highveld grassland and wetland and riparian areas. As the general area is used primarily for agricultural purposes such as cattle and maize farming, there are large numbers of cattle, utilising the natural grasslands for grazing.
5.2.3.1 Mammals The mammal survey was conducted concurrently with the flora and vegetation survey. The visual sightings and ecological indications were used to identify the mammal inhabitants of the study area, including animal camera trapping; this includes scats, tracks and nesting sites such as burrows and dens. Scats found were collected (if required), photographed on scale and along with any tracks found, were identified. For identification purposes a field guide, Smithers Mammals of Southern Africa (2012), was used. The following were recorded: ■ All mammals encountered, noted or captured during the survey (rare, endangered and other); ■ Mammal species listed by landowners; ■ A list of the most prominent mammal species; and ■ A list of rare and endangered species encountered during the survey. Small mammal trapping was applied by using non-fatal Sherman traps located within the various vegetation types, 20 Sherman traps were deployed for 4 nights. Sherman traps are collapsible traps (23 cm x 9 cm x 7.5 cm) which were baited and laid along transects in the representative vegetation of the study areas. Areas where clear small mammal activity could be seen such as the presence of burrows were also used as sites for trapping and baited. The traps were checked every morning due to the fact that the small mammals are predominantly active at night. Trapping was undertaken for four consecutive nights at the predetermined sites. Captured animals were photographed and identified. Species of conservation concern and provincially, nationally or internationally listed as protected and endemic within the study area, took priority and the Red Data status was identified and recorded. Bats were recorded by way of night time driven transects, these were completed using the Echometer touch 2 pro handheld bat detector. The driven surveys were completed from dusk for approximately 2 hours, the routes that were driven were chosen because of the representativeness they offer with regards to the variety of habitats present. The direction that was driven on a specific route was alternated where possible to avoid bias of recording the peak bat activity period only at one section of the route. In addition, roost surveys were also completed for roosts to be identified.
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These included: ■ Large trees; ■ Culverts; ■ Water Towers; ■ Banana tree leaves; (where encountered); and ■ Rock crevices, and homesteads.
Roost surveys are particularly important in identifying fruit eating bats, as these are not recorded using echo location, which is what the acoustic monitoring records.
5.2.3.2 Birds Concurrently with the mammal survey, the principal ornithological field survey technique was used to record bird species present. A total distance of 89km was traversed through the entire project area. Transect counts were taken in sites representative of different avifauna habitat, such as mesic grassland, highveld grassland, riparian areas and disturbed areas. A transect line was selected at each site to reflect its general habitat conditions. Transect count procedures involve slow attentive walks along transects during which any bird seen or heard is identified and recorded. All birds encountered or noted during the survey; and a list of rare and endangered species encountered were recorded. Because the primary purpose of this work was to establish the presence of species, no distance or time limit was set, and hence any species seen or heard anywhere within the general vicinity of the proposed project site was recorded. Visual identification was used to confirm calls of the less common species. Bird species were confirmed using the Roberts Guide (Chittenden et al., 2016). Assessment of the conservation status of species recorded focused on the various categories of Globally Threatened Species (IUCN, 2019) and birds listed by NEMBA.
5.2.3.3 Reptiles and Frogs Herpetofauna include reptile and amphibian species. Direct/opportunistic observations were completed along trails or paths within the project area. Any herpetofauna species seen or heard along such paths or trails within the project area were identified and recorded. Another method used will be to examine refuges using visual scanning of terrains to record smaller herpetofaunal species which often conceal themselves under rocks and in fallen logs, rotten tree stumps, in leaf litter, rodent burrows, ponds, old termite mounds, etc. Du Preez, et al. (2009) and Alexander, et al., (2007) were used to confirm identification where necessary. Assessment of the conservation status of species recorded focused on the various categories of Globally Threatened Species (IUCN, 2015) and listed by NEMBA.
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Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
5.2.3.4 Invertebrates (Spiders, Scorpions, Beetles and Butterflies) During the summer and winter seasons, butterflies were identified when observed and transects were walked both within the various vegetation types and into the surrounding vegetation where necessary (approximately 50m at selected points) to identify any scorpion or spider nests. The focus of this assessment was on protected species as this would narrow the field considerably. Assessment of the conservation status of species recorded focused on the various categories of Globally Threatened Species (IUCN, 2019) and inverts listed by the NEMBA.
5.2.3.5 Red Data Faunal Assessment The IUCN Red Data categories are defined as follow and it is used for the status identification of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians globally: ■ Critically Endangered (CR): A taxon is Critically Endangered when it is considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild (IUCN, 2019); ■ Endangered (EN): A taxon is Endangered when it is considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild (IUCN, 2019); ■ Vulnerable (VU): A taxon is Vulnerable when the best available evidence indicates it to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild (IUCN, 2019); and ■ Near Threatened (NT): A taxon is Near Threatened when it has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable now, but is close to qualifying for or is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future (IUCN, 2010).
Faunal sampling locations and sightings of SSC are represented in the Figure 7-3.
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Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
5.3 Assumptions and Limitations Whilst every effort is made to cover as much of the site as possible, representative sampling was completed as per the nature of this type of investigation. It is therefore possible that some plant and animal species that are present on site were not recorded during the field investigations. Every effort is made to identify all plant species on site in the late winter season, very few if any species will be seeding, fruiting and/or flowering at the times of sampling. Therefore, some species may not have been identified at all or only to species level due to the lack of identifying features. This report lists the findings of an on-site baseline evaluation within the area selected by Weltevreden for its mining activities. Potential impacts of the proposed mining operations were evaluated based on the layout provided at the time of writing, and where necessary, recommendations for the most appropriate mitigation measures have been noted. To obtain a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of the biota on a site, including SSC, studies should include investigations through the different seasons of the year, over a number of years, and extensive sampling of the area. Due to project time constraints, such long-term research was not feasible, and information contained within this report is based on a wet and dry season field survey completed within a 12-month period.
5.3.1 Report Conditions Findings, recommendations and conclusions provided in this report are based on the authors’ best scientific and professional knowledge as well as information available at the time of compilation. The author, however, accept no liability for any actions, claims, demands, losses, liabilities, costs, damages and expenses arising from or in connection with services rendered, and using the information contained in this document. No form of this report may be amended or extended without the prior written consent of the author. Any recommendations, statements or conclusions drawn from or based on this report must clearly cite or make reference to this report. Whenever such recommendations, statements or conclusions form part of a main report relating to the current investigation, this report must be included in its entirety.
6 Description of the Study Area
6.1 Locality The proposed project area is located within the Nkangala District Municipality (NDM), specifically in Ward 1 of the Emakhazeni Local Municipality (ELM). The nearest large settlements to the site are the town of Belfast (8 km) and its township of Siyathuthuka (15 km).
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Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
Plan 1: Locality Map
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Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
6.2 Regional and Local Climate According to the Köppen climate classification (Schulze, 2006), the project area is classified as Cwb (subtropical highland climate), with mild summers and chilly, dry winters. The average annual precipitation is 742 mm, with most rainfall occurring mainly during summer, whereas the winter months are generally dry. There is a gradual shift from early summer rain (December maximum) in the east to mid-summer rain (January maximum) in the west. A mid- summer dry spell of between 13 to 21 days occurs on the Highveld region in ca. 9 out of 10 years (Walker & Schulze, 2008). During the summer months, heavy falls of ca. 125 to 150 mm occur in a single day and an average of 75 thunderstorms occur over this area per annuum. These are often violent with severe lightning and strong (but short-lived) gusty south-westerly winds and are sometimes accompanied by hail. The Highveld region has the highest hail frequency in South Africa; in the order of four to seven occurrences (depending mainly on altitude) expected annually in one area/spot, whilst occasionally hailstones may grow to the size of hen’s eggs or tennis balls and can cause tremendous damage.
6.2.1 Local climate The project area is characterised by moderate summers, cold winters and summer rainfall. The average annual precipitation in the proposed project area is 768 mm per anum, with the highest concentration of rainfall occurring between November and February. The winter months are generally dry contributing very little to the annual rainfall. The project area experiences an average daily maximum temperature of 21 ˚C, with temperature variations being experienced with seasonality. The average maximum during summer is 25 ˚C, whilst the winter maximum is 15 ˚C. The predominant wind direction in the area is north easterly, with a small percentage of the average wind speeds experienced in the area exceeding 5.6 m/s. According to monthly averages, July is the windiest month in the project area.
6.3 Topography The topography of the project area is undulating in the west to hilly in the east and is relatively flat with some steep areas. The maximum and minimum elevations are between 1700 to 1900 mamsl (meters above mean sea level), with slopes being no greater than 4 to 8 % (percent).
6.4 Land cover Available satellite imagery indicates that the project area consists mostly of old cultivated land (Oldlands), cultivated lands, afforested land, and grasslands, as well as water bodies in the form of marshes, wetlands, and dams. Sparse dispersed settlements (Urban and Homesteads) also make up a small percentage of the project area.
6.5 Regional Geology The site is situated along the northern boundary of the Karoo basin where the major lithostratigraphic units of the Karoo Supergroup crop out. The major formation underlying the
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project area is the Vryheid Formation which in the project area pinches out towards the north. The uneven pre-Karoo topography along the northern margin of the basin, where the formation overlies the Dwyka Formation or pre-Karoo rocks, gives rise to marked variations in thickness (Johnson et. al, 2006). The Vryheid Formation consists of alterations of sandstone, siltstone, mudstone, shale including a number of coal seams which are the primary target for coal mining in the area. As the Vryheid formation regionally pinches out towards the north, pre-Karoo rocks outcrop at surface in the region. Generally, the higher topography is underlain by sedimentary rocks of the Vryheid Formation whereas the lower lying areas, where these sediments have been eroded away, exposes the pre-Karoo (predominantly metasedimentary) rocks or diamictites of the Dwyka formation.
6.6 Regional Vegetation – Reference State According to Mucina and Rutherford (2012), the proposed Weltevreden project is located in areas classified as Eastern Highveld Grassland (Gm 12), (Plan 2). The Grassland Biome covers roughly a third of the country. It occurs across six provinces and is the second largest of South Africa's nine biomes, covering an area of 339 237.68 km2 (SANBI, 2016). The term ‘grassland’ creates the impression that the biome consists only of grass species. In fact, it is a complex ecosystem, including rivers and wetlands, where only one in six plant species are grasses. Thirty percent of the biome has been irreversibly transformed and only 1,9% is formally conserved. As a result, the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan has identified the grasslands biome as one of the spatial priorities for conservation action (SANBI, 2016). The important biodiversity contained within the grasslands, which underpins life, is being eroded to such an extent that human wellbeing is threatened.
6.6.1 Eastern Highveld Grassland (Mapping Unit Gm12) The Eastern Highveld Grassland is recorded on the plains between Belfast in the east and the eastern side of Johannesburg in the west, extending southwards to Bethal, Ermelo and west of Piet Retief within the Mpumalanga and Gauteng Provinces of South Africa (Mucina & Rutherford; 2012). The altitude varies between 1 520 and 1 780m, but also as low as 1 300m. The Eastern Highveld Grassland is found on slightly to moderately undulating plains, including some low hills and pan depressions and consist of short, dense grassland, dominated by the usual Highveld grass composition (Aristida, Digitaria, Eragrostis, Themeda, Tristachya, etc.) with small, scattered rocky outcrops with wiry, sour grasses and some woody species (Mucina & Rutherford; 2012). Woody species include Senegalia caffra, Celtis africana, Diospyros lycioides subsp. lycioides, Parinari capensis, Protea caffra and Searsia magalismontana. The soils of this Eastern Highveld Grassland consist of yellow sandy soils of the Ba (30%) and Bb (65%) land types found on shale and sandstone of the Karroo Supergroup.
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The Eastern Highveld grassland is classified as an endangered vegetation type (Rouget et al., 2004; Mucina & Rutherford, 2012, Ferrar & Lötter, 2007) due to mining activities within the provinces, with a conservation target of 24% (NSBAR, 2004). Approximately 44% of the Eastern Highveld Grassland has been transformed, primarily by cultivation, plantations, mining, urbanization and building of dams (Mucina & Rutherford; 2012). Erosion is very low, and no serious alien infestation is reported, although species such as Acacia mearnsii can become dominant in disturbed places.
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Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
Plan 2: Regional Vegetation
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6.7 Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan (2014) DARDLEA is the custodian for the sustainable use of resources and environmental protection in the Mpumalanga Province. This department is responsible for the implementation of the Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan (MBSP) which is a spatial tool with associated Land- Use guidelines to inform permissible land-uses that support biodiversity and ecological processes. The main purpose of a biodiversity sector plan is to ensure that the most recent and best quality spatial biodiversity information can be accessed and used to inform Land- Use and development planning, environmental assessments and authorisations, and natural resource management. The CBA maps show the following five broad map categories, some of which are further divided into sub-categories as follows: ■ Protected Areas; ■ Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs); ■ Ecological Support Areas (ESAs); ■ Other Natural Areas (ONAs); and ■ Moderately or Heavily Modified Areas (sometimes called ‘transformed’). The MBSP Terrestrial database (2014) indicates the presence of areas within three categories that are categorised as CBA Irreplaceable, CBA Optimal and Ecological Support Areas within the project area. Descriptions and Land-Use objectives for the categories that the project relates to are CBA Irreplaceable, CBA Optimal, ESA Local Corridor and Other Natural Areas (Table 6-1). Table 6-1: MBSP Map Categories and Land Management Objectives
Map Sub- Description Description Category Category
This category includes: All areas required to meet biodiversity pattern and ■ Areas required to meet targets process targets; Critically and with irreplaceability values Endangered ecosystems, of more than 80%; CBA: CBA critical linkages (corridor Irreplaceable ■ Critical linkages or pinch-points pinch-points) to maintain in the landscape that must connectivity; CBAs are remain natural; areas of high biodiversity ■ Critically Endangered value that must be Ecosystems.
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Map Sub- Description Description Category Category
maintained in a natural The CBA Optimal Areas (previously state. called ‘important and necessary’, are the areas optimally located to meet both the various biodiversity targets and other CBA: criteria defined in the analysis. Although Optimal these areas are not ‘irreplaceable’ they are the most efficient land configuration to meet all biodiversity targets and design criteria.
The best option to support landscape- ESA: scale ecological processes, especially Landscape allowing for adaptation to the impacts of Corridor climate change.
Finer-scale alternative pathways that build resilience into the corridor network ESA: Local by ensuring connectivity between climate Corridor change focal areas, reducing reliance on single landscape-scale corridors.
Areas required for the persistence of Areas that are not essential particular species. Although these may for meeting targets, but that be production landscapes, a change in Ecological ESA: play an important role in land-use may result in loss of this Support Species supporting the functioning of species from the area. (Only one Areas Specific CBAs and that deliver species-specific ESA was included in the (ESA) important ecosystem analysis — an over-wintering site for blue services cranes). Areas surrounding protected areas that moderate the impacts of undesirable land-uses that may affect the ecological functioning or tourism potential of PAs. ESA: Buffer distance varies according to Protected reserve status: Area Buffers ■ National Parks — 10 km; ■ Nature Reserves — 5 km buffer; Protected Environments — 1 km buffer
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Plan 3: Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan (2014)
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7 Findings The following sections details the findings from the infield assessment of the fauna and flora species present and the general environmental observations completed during field work procedures.
7.1 Flora Vegetation reflects the complex interaction between the abiotic and biotic environmental drivers of ecosystems. The heterogeneity of ecosystem processes is therefore often expressed by variation in vegetation patterns. In order to understand and manage the processes of southern Africa’s rich and diverse ecosystems, it is important to describe and interpret vegetation patterns in an ecologically sensible manner. Plant communities derived from vegetation classification, are often considered to represent the basic ecological units useful for management purposes. These plant communities therefore provide the basic building blocks for the development and implementation of management units and systems. There is a growing interest in applying phytosociological knowledge in nature conservation and natural resource management (Schamineé & Stortelder 1996). Mapping of heterogeneous vegetation in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain is extremely challenging and the practical outcome or product is very much scale bound (Raal & Burns 1996; Kovar 2000; Cingolania et al. 2004). Due to the scale at which sampling was done and the topographic complexity of the study area, it was decided to restrict mapping resolution to the major vegetation types identified. The smaller patches and finer mosaic patterns formed by major vegetation types along the areas of more extreme morphological complexity was not mapped. Vegetation communities were therefore delineated based on similarity of species composition and dominant habitat features present. Portions of the study area had been altered from its natural state (Mesic Highveld Grassland) due to current and historical land use, and these variations were used as a basis of stratification. Owing to the effects of fragmentation, as well as the impacts of grazing livestock, primarily cattle, especially close to homesteads, much of the remaining natural vegetation on site had been altered and modified with alien plant species. The alien tree plantations (formally planted), which counts Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii), Red River Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and English Oak (Quercus robur) as the majority of the species planted is, regarded as a primary threat to the riparian and grassland areas and the native species dependant on these landscapes (Table 7-1. Further to this, heavy grazing results in a loss of palatable species and an increase in non- palatable ones. This decreases the carrying capacity of the veld and increases the likelihood of alien vegetation dominating the landscape. The study area was divided into six primary vegetation units or land management units, namely: Agricultural Areas, Alien Bushclumps, Secondary Grassland, Mesic Highveld
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Grassland, Rocky Outcrops and Transformed Areas. The vegetation units are represented in Plan 4. Eighty plant species were recorded on site, as listed in Appendix B. The delineated vegetation units are displayed below in Table 7-1, the transformed and agricultural areas are included. Table 7-1: Vegetation types encountered
Name Sensitivity Area (Ha) Area (%)
Agriculture Low 74.970 15.310
Alien Invasive Plant Low 169.907 34.698
Mesic Grassland High 6.300 1.287
Old Plantation Low 26.491 5.410
Pan High 1.593 0.325
Secondary Grassland / Pastures Medium 122.089 24.933
Wetland High 88.321 18.037
Total 489.67 100
The most important vegetation/habitat type that dominates the project area that would have been the most extensive as well, if it wasn’t for anthropogenic impacts are the Grasslands. The characteristics of Mesic Highveld Grassland are listed and briefly discussed below, in addition the main issues, vulnerabilities and pressures are listed. The goal state and management best practice are described in order to inform management during any planned disturbance, and the broad spatial guidelines are included in order for the infrastructure placement to be informed from a Grassland best practice perspective.
7.2 Mesic Grassland Characteristics (from Grassland Ecosystem Guideline 2013) The climate is characterized by warm, wet summers and cool, dry winters; this, combined with the effects of altitude, results in: ■ A long growing season (centered over summer) lasting about six to seven months, alternating with unproductive winter and early spring seasons; ■ High primary productivity leading to rapid build-up of biomass, resulting in a high fuel load and potentially intense fires. High natural incidence of fire: Summer weather is characterised by frequent storms, and lightning strikes, which cause natural fires. The natural occurrence of fire, combined with the effects of frost and hail storms, maintains the open, largely treeless character of these grasslands (except on rocky ridges, which support natural shrublands because the surface topography favours the growth of woody species over grasses).
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Grazing: Mesic Highveld Grassland is reasonably well adapted to grazing pressure under low to moderate stocking rates with adequate rest periods. Life-history strategies: The combined summer grazing/winter burning disturbance regime has resulted in vegetation dominated by plants that are perennial and long-lived, and that reproduce mostly by vegetative growth with only occasional replacement from seed. There are few annual species found in mesic grassland. This means that these ecosystems do not recover well when areas are cleared, as the newly disturbed ground is rapidly colonised by other annual weeds that out-compete slower-growing, perennial grasses. Hydrological characteristics: Mesic Highveld grasslands are located in high rainfall regions and are vitally important for water production. The characteristically dense vegetation cover traps surface water, slowing run- off and allowing more time for water to drain vertically through the porous soil profile; this water is then stored as sub-surface water by the impermeable rock layers that lie beneath the subsoil. This sub-surface water drains slowly as clean water into the many wetland systems that occur throughout this ecosystem (as a result of its flattish topography), replenishing streams and rivers almost year-round. The supply of good quality water from these ecosystems is important for domestic, agricultural, industrial and commercial water users both in South Africa and neighbouring countries. Underlying geology: The diverse geology underlying Mesic Highveld Grassland correlates closely with high levels of plant species richness and endemism. The soils derived from the diverse types of parent rock vary in texture from sandy to clayey and the sandier soils tend to support lower basal cover but higher plant species diversity than less sandy ones.
7.3 Main Issues, Vulnerabilities and Pressure on Mesic Highveld Grassland Any impact from the proposed mining activities must take cognizance that any activity that disruption in the hydrology in Mesic Highveld Grassland, such as reducing vegetation cover, disrupting the soil profile, and modifying water runoff or filtration through the soil, is likely to have far-reaching impacts for these ecosystems, the services they deliver and the people and economic activities that depend on them. The main concerns in these grasslands arise from the expansion of activities such as coal- mining, commercial agriculture and unplanned urban development. ■ Mining and associated activities: Coal mining, especially strip-mining (which is planned for this project), removes the primary vegetation and modifies the soil profile. In addition to local impacts, these activities are likely to affect hydrology and water production at a landscape level. Deep, underground coal mining penetrates the water table and can lead to widespread subsidence, although the implications and knock-on effects of this are not well-understood. Other mining-related impacts include: . Pollution of water bodies: deep acid saturation from coal mines is having negative impacts on the health of wetlands and river ecosystems, and affects the ability of these systems to produce clean water. This is made worse by increasing pollution
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from other point and non-point sources, examples being an influx of nutrients, dissolved salts and other undesirable substances from under-performing urban sewerage treatment plants or intensive agriculture. This holds serious implications for the health of people who rely on this water, both in South Africa and Mozambique where rivers are fed from catchments in Mesic Highveld Grassland. . Acid rain associated with industry and coal-fired power stations increases soil pH and nitrogenous inputs into primary grasslands, which has a negative effect on grass species important for grazing, such as Rooigras (Themeda triandra).
■ Commercial crop production: The footprint of cultivated lands in mesic grasslands is currently stable, but it is possible that increasing demand for biofuels may lead to expansion of the land under large-scale, commercial cultivation. Also, as more and more agricultural lands are mined, the demand for additional land for cultivation increases, and relatively under- developed communal areas may be targeted for expansion of commercial crop production. If so, planners and decision-makers should work together to ensure an integrated approach to land-use planning and development, to ensure that critical grassland ecosystems are not lost in favour of agriculture on marginal lands, where the viability of such activities would be questionable. ■ Urban sprawl: Mesic Highveld grasslands happen to be home to some of the major urban and economic centers of the country, such as Johannesburg in Gauteng. The trend of rapid urbanisation, and its associated growth in demand for infrastructure, can cause increasing habitat loss and fragmentation of landscapes if it is not carefully planned. In many instances, the growth is associated with extensive informal peri- urban sprawl and undesirable ribbon development along main roads.
7.4 Goal State of Mesic Highveld Grassland Signs of a healthy Mesic Grassland and the goal state of any monitored Mesic Grassland area on site will include the following: ■ The presence of numerous geophytes; ■ A high diversity of flowering plants other than grasses; ■ Low frequency or occurrence of Hyparrhenia and related grasses; ■ Intact, healthy wetlands and river ecosystems; and ■ Healthy populations of grassland animals, especially birds and butterflies.
The general management as per best practices and minimum ecological requirements as well as ecosystem-specific recommendations that apply to Mesic Highveld Grassland are listed below and should form the basis for any remedial action in areas where disturbance has taken place: ■ High basal cover, which binds the soil and so prevents erosion;
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■ A high diversity of growth forms (e.g. soft-leaved herbaceous plants – or forbs, bulbs, etc in addition to grasses); ■ A high diversity of grass species, rather than dominance by any single species. ■ Topsoil that is intact, rich in organic matter and uncompacted, with lots of evidence of soil-turning through the action of various animals; ■ An even grass sward, rather than tussocked veld – tussocked veld is an indicator that all the palatable species have been eaten, leaving big tufts of unpalatable species; and ■ An absence of invasive alien plants or areas with heavy bush encroachment; note, however that in some grasslands indigenous woody species may occur naturally (e.g. stands of protea trees on southern slopes in sub- escarpment grasslands), but these should be present in naturally- occurring low densities or isolated patches (or small forest patches or bush-clumps where fire is naturally excluded.
Management best practice are described as follows: ■ There should be no further loss of habitat in this ecosystem group: In particular, all large remnants of Mesic Highveld Grassland need to be maintained in a natural state and should be carefully managed for the persistence of biodiversity; large areas of natural habitat are needed for the many species of birds, plants and numerous wetlands that Mesic Highveld Grassland supports; ■ Burning: In general, the burning requirements and responses of all mesic grassland types (Mesic Highveld, Sub-Escarpment and High-Altitude ecosystems) are similar, but differ markedly from those of Dry Highveld and Coastal ecosystems. In addition to the general burning guidelines the following should be noted: . The diversity of fire-tolerant wild flowers in mesic grasslands will be promoted by including a range of fire frequencies that are more diverse than the agriculturally- advocated biennial spring burns;
. Patch mosaics of predominantly two to three year fire intervals (although longer burn intervals should also be included) appear to be the best- practice for promoting plant diversity in mesic grasslands;
. Fuel load is the main determinant of when to burn. Burning should take place between May and August (depending on biomass, rainfall, wind patterns and other safety factors.
Grazing management should be flexible in response to the condition of the veld and prevailing conditions. It should be noted that: ■ Mesic Highveld Grassland can sustain commercial grazing, but stocking rates must remain within agricultural norms.
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■ Both the grass and forb communities in these ecosystems are well- adapted to relatively frequent above-ground disturbance, for example through grazing and fire, but they are vulnerable to any disturbance that kills the plant, such as ploughing or intense grazing that damages the roots, as re-establishment from seed is rare. ■ Mesic Highveld Grassland should be managed as water-production landscapes: All wetlands and their catchments are important. Both land- based management and direct management of wetlands should focus on avoiding activities that may interfere with water flow, infiltration or groundwater recharge. All land-use applications should include an accurate, ground-truthed map of wetlands in the landscape as part of any EIA scoping procedure – the scoping assessment should include wetlands that fall within the site of the proposed land-use as well as any off-site wetlands that may be affected by the proposed activities.
7.5 The broad spatial guidelines for locating land-uses in Mesic Highveld Grassland The following recommendations are made for any project infrastructure that may be located within the Mesic Highveld Grassland: ■ Avoid any further fragmentation of primary grasslands: Wherever possible, infrastructure development, or other impacting activities, should be directed towards existing disturbed lands (unless these have been earmarked for rehabilitation) and should be directed away from grassland containing habitats or species of special concern; ■ Maintain connectivity between natural areas across the landscape: Establish corridors of natural grassland that can be connected throughout the landscape to maintain populations of birds and mammals, and to allow ecological processes that operate at large scale to function; ■ Establish and respect buffers around protected areas, wetlands and rivers: In areas such as the Chrissiesmeer Panveld, these buffers need to be at least 200 m wide and mining should not be allowed (Grassland Ecosystem Guideline 2013) – the area is unique because of its number of freshwater pans (many other pans are brackish); furthermore, the underlying geology shows high potential for acid mine drainage, which would result in acidification of the pans (as they have no free-flowing outlets; ■ Direct impacting activities away from grasslands on dolomitic substrates: Land-uses other than biodiversity conservation should be directed away from grasslands on dolomites, especially around Gauteng – these contain large karst cave systems and lowering of the water table by extractive land-uses may lead to increased subsidence of soils and the formation of sinkholes; ■ Mitigate the impact of urban sprawl: Best practices for mitigating the impact of urban sprawl include the establishment and maintenance of strong urban edges, well-
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planned open space systems that incorporate biodiversity priority areas, and a strong enabling environment for planning, managing and monitoring these areas.
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Plan 4: Vegetation Delineations
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7.5.1 Vegetation Communities In this section the vegetation communities identified during the field work component of the study is discussed and characteristic features of these are highlighted.
7.5.1.1 Grassland The mesic grassland unit was identified as the original or primary vegetation type in the area (Plan 4) and covered an area of approximately 490 ha. The grasslands have formed and are maintained as a result of natural factors such as fire periodic grazing and frost, all of which are important in excluding trees from dominating the landscape, thereby creating a savanna landscape. The grassland habitat type identified at the project site was the remaining grassland after the majority of the area was utilized for agricultural activities predominantly maize farming, and exotic tree plantations. The effects of the anthropogenic activities, in the form of declining habitat, are a major threat to these grassland areas present in the study area and the Province as a whole. The grassland was encountered in valley bottoms with the patches of agriculturally suitable areas used for maize farming. The ecological integrity and sensitivity were found to be high, and the grasslands are seen as very important with regards to its biodiversity maintenance and connectivity function. Integrity in this instance is a function of the level of disturbance and the percentage of native vegetation still present. The grass layer was largely dominated by Narrow Curly Leaf (Eragrostis chloromelas), Weeping Love Grass (E. curvula), Common Thatch Grass (Hyparrhenia hirta), Red Grass, (Themeda triandra), Bristle Grass (Setaria sphacelata var. sphacelata) the forbs and bulbs present were, False gerberea (Haplocarpha scaposa), Lion’s Spoor (Euphorbia clavarioides), Butterfly Lobelia (Monopsis decipiens), Pineapple Lilly (Eucomis autumnalis) (MPB Protected), and Poison Bulb (Boophane disticha) (MPB Protected). Few alien invasive plant species were encountered however Bankrupt Bush (Seriphium plumosum) and Scottish Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) was recorded.
7.5.1.1.1 Secondary Grassland The secondary grassland vegetation type is composed of original grassland vegetation, which has been largely impacted on/transformed previously by agricultural activities (specifically grazing). The grass layer is dominated by Weeping Love Grass (Eragrostis curvula), Gum Grass (Eragrostis gummiflua) and Tough Love Grass (Eragrostis plana). Forbs present include Pelargonium luridium and possibly Monopsis decipiens. Alien and invasive vegetation includes White Flower Mexican Poppy (Argemone ochroleuca), Yellow Nut Sedge (Cyperus esculentus), and Dense-Thorned Bitter Apple (Solanum sisymbriifolium). Much of the Secondary Grasslands have been impacted upon by grazing, however in consideration of the broader landscape matrix, this vegetation type provides valuable natural grassland habitat for both flora and fauna. The ecological integrity of this vegetation community varies according to the specific disturbance. Red Data/protected flora species were
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recorded in this vegetation type. The suitability of the Secondary Grassland vegetation community as habitat for other Red Data and/or protected species of both flora and fauna is not regarded as high and accordingly, the conservation importance of these areas is regarded to be moderate.
7.5.1.2 Exotic Tree Stands Plantations of exotic trees including Red River Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), English Oak (Quercus robur) and Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii) are extensively found within the study area (Figure 7-1). These invasive species were predominantly encountered as plantations, (Plan 4). In addition, the Eucalyptus tree stands are believed to have been historically planted to provide timber or screening for the farmhouses. This is regarded to be a highly disturbed vegetation community. Little if any indigenous vegetation is supported below the tree canopy. No Red Data, protected or medicinal species were recorded in this community and the probability of occurrence of such species is considered low. The conservation importance of these areas is therefore considered low. A full assessment of the alien invasive species encountered on the study area is provided in Section 7.1.2 below.
Figure 7-1: Alien Vegetation (including alien tree plantations) within the Weltevreden Project AreaA and D. Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii), B. Red River Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), C. English Oak (Quercus robur).
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7.5.1.3 Riparian areas The wetland/riparian vegetation type is composed of typical riparian plant species which are adapted to permanent or perennial saturation (Figure 7-2). This includes Schoenoplectus and Cyperus species as well as a number of wet grasses, such as Cotton Wool Grass (Imperata cylindrica), Rye Grass (Lolium perenne), Rescue Grass (Bromus catharticus), Wild Rice Grass (Leersia hexandra) and Couch Grass (Cynodon dactylon). Livestock were found to often visit riparian areas for drinking water and grazing; therefore the edges of the dams and the stream banks were extensively trampled. Additionally, Cotton Wool Grass (I. cylindrica) patches occur in the study area, indicating surface water seep points. These water seep points are seen as areas where diversity will differ from the surrounding vegetation.
Figure 7-2: Riparian Areas
7.5.1.4 Agricultural Felds The agricultural fields are comprised of Maize (Zea mays). These areas have been colonised by problem plants on the periphery such as Common Black Jack (Bidens pilosa) and Flax-leaf Fleabane (Conyza bonariensis).
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7.5.2 Alien Plant Invasion Alien plant species invasion is significant on site with alien tree plantations of woody species covering an area of 99 ha of the 489 ha study area. Invasion by destructive alien plant species erodes the natural capital of ecosystems, compromises their stability and is a growing problem in South Africa (Richardson and Van Wilgen, 2004). Species such as Acacia mearnsii (Black Wattle) and Eucalyptus spp. out-compete native species, forming dense mono-specific stands. This reduces the area available for potential plant SSC, as well as land for grazing by domestic and wild animals. Disturbed areas in general were largely colonised by Solanum sisymbriifolium (Dense-Thorned Bitter Apple) as well as Khaki Weed (Tagetes minuta) and Blackjack (Bidens pilosa). Certain species have different alien invasive categories for different provinces in South Africa. Table 7-2 lists the alien plant species that were recorded on the Weltevreden project area, including invasive categories for those species that have been recognised as invasive. Table 7-2: Alien plant species recorded on site
Species Name Common Name Status Growth form
Acacia mearnsii Black Wattle Alien Invasive 2 Tree
Bidens pilosa Common Blackjack Alien Invasive Herb
Cirsium vulgare Scotch thistle Alien Invasive 1b Herb
Cosmos bipinnata Cosmos Weed Shrub
Datura stramonium Common Thorn Apple Alien Invasive 1b Herb
Eucalyptus camaldulensis Red River Gum Alien Invasive 1b Tree
Lolium perenne Rye Grass Alien Invasive Grass
Paspalum dilatatum Dallis Grass Exotic Grass
Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu Grass Exotic Grass
Persicaria lapathifolia Spotted Knotweed Alien Invasive Herb
Phytolacca octandra. Inkberry/Pokeweed Alien Invasive 1b Herb
Pinus patula Patula pine Alien Invasive 2 Tree
Quercus robur English Oak Alien invasive Tree
Seriphium plumosum Bankrupt Bush Weed Shrub
Tagetes minuta Tall Khaki Weed Alien Invasive Herb
Taraxacum officinale Dandelion Weed Herb
Verbena bonariensis Tall Verbena Alien invasive Shrub
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7.6 Fauna Fauna occurring on site include assemblages within terrestrial and wetland ecosystems, these include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. As described in the floral section (section 7.1), mesic grasslands, wetlands and plantations are the main habitats available to fauna. Grassland is the dominant habitat and the grassland that remains intact on site showed a marked reduction in plant diversity from the former reference state, as described in the previous sections.
7.6.1 Mammals Actual sightings, spoor, calls, dung and burrow sites were used to establish the presence of animals on the proposed project site. The evidence of dung and spoor suggests that animals were present in the area although comparatively few were recorded during this survey. The observations of local landowners were used to supplement the findings of the mammal survey, where possible. Three rodents were caught in the Sherman traps, these species were Swamp Musk Shrew, (Crocidura mariquensis) Striped Mouse (Rhabdomys pumilio) and Pouched Mouse (Saccostomus campestris). All of these rodent species are listed as Least Concern in the Red Data classification system. The majority of the farms in the area are involved in agriculture and cattle grazing and the local farmers were able to give an indication on a number of larger mammal species that are found in the area, all of which were recorded during this survey. Mammal activity is most prominent in the Grassland habitat and this is where trapping, specifically camera trapping was completed, although it was found that small mammal activity is high in the other habitat types present as well. Species recorded from the study area include Cape Clawless Otter (Aonyx capensis), Common Duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia), African Civet (Civettictis civetta), Scrub Hare (Lepus saxatilis), Water Mongoose (Atilax paludinosus), Yellow Mongoose (Cynictis penicillata) and Porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis). Serval (Felis serval) was recorded however Large-spotted Genet (Genetta tigrina), are expected to occur in the project area, but was not recorded. Servals are wetland specialists, in sub-Saharan Africa, Servals are mostly found in and around marshland, well-watered savannah and long-grass environments, and are particularly associated with reedbeds and other riparian vegetation types (Thiel 2015). Servals can penetrate dense forest along waterways and through grassy patches and are able to tolerate agricultural areas to some extent provided cover is available (Hunter & Bowland 2013; Ramesh & Downs 2013). However, they have quite specific habitat requirements, so may be locally restricted to smaller areas within their broad distribution range (Sunquist & Sunquist 2002). Key vegetation types are thus wetlands, grasslands (with a preference for long, rank grass), and indigenous vegetation that can provide cover and allow dispersal, which is present on site.
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Southern Reedbuck, occupy floodplain and drainage-line grasslands in savannah woodlands (IUCN SSC Antelope Specialist Group 2016). The most significant habitats in South Africa include valleys in which the grass cover is tall (or there is suitable herbaceous cover) and permanent water is available, such as riverbeds, depressions and waterlogged areas (wetlands) covered in reed beds or tall grass (Jungius 1971; Howard 1986). They may prefer grassland on hillslopes, because it provides sufficient cover by way of boulder outcrops, gullies and ledges. They have certain essential habitat requirements: tall grass or reed beds (preferably with some woody elements) and a supply of water (Skinner & Chimimba 2005). They avoid areas where bush encroachment is severe. In some areas, they switch to agricultural land during winter because of high quality pastures. The Common Duiker (S. grimmia) was found in the Grassland vegetation type. These small antelope flourish in a range of different habitats in woodlands, grasslands and savanna (Kingdon, 1997). They benefit from reduced predation and patches of low secondary growth, even in urban areas. The Cape Clawless Otter (Aonyx capensis) was observed near the central farm dams, in the Natural Grassland, located on the central northern section of the study area. This species range extends across the African continent, from Senegal to Ethiopia and to South Africa. A variety of habitats are preferred, ranging from semi-arid, open plains to rainforests. Their front paws are completely clawless with minimal webbing, giving them an appearance very similar to human hands. They use their incredibly dexterous paws to grab prey such as molluscs and crustaceans.
7.6.2 Avifauna The habitat of the proposed mining and surrounding area generally includes mesic Highveld grassland dominated by agriculture (Maize production and grazing). A total of 36 of the 260 bird species expected on site were observed during the surveys, these species are listed in Appendix C. The central parts of the project are which were dominated by agricultural fields and farm roads included species such as the Redeyed Dove (Streptopelia semitorquata), Laughing Dove (Spilopelia senegalensis), Cape Turtle Dove (Streptopelia capicola), Common Fiscal (Lanius collaris), Cape Sparrow (Passer melanurus), Neddicky (Cisticola fulvicapilla), Swainsons Spurfowl (Pternistis swainsonii), Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris), Black Winged Kite (Elanus axillaris) and large numbers of Feral Pigeons (Columba livia domestica). In the more natural grassland vegetation type of the north eastern section of the study area a breeding pair of Grey Crowned Cranes (Balearica regulorum) (EN) were recorded. Expected but not encountered were the Secretary Bird (VU) (Sagittarius serpentarius) possibly occurring in the open grassland. Although not seen on the days of the site visits, a number of birds of prey should be present periodically throughout the year and would in all likelihood include Red Data summer migrant species such as Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus) and Montagu’s Harrier (Circus pygargus). These species do however prefer the less impacted grassland areas to sustain their preferred prey species.
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The grasslands and agricultural fields of the study area harbour a number of typical highveld endemics. These included several White Storks along with widow, weaver and bishop species (within the wetter areas). A number of African Quailfinch’s (Ortygospiza fuscocrissa) were observed within the grasslands – these species generally feed on the seeds of the wetter grass species and are renowned wetland indicators. African Pipit (Anthus cinnamomeus) and Cape Longclaw (Macronyx capensis) were observed throughout the project area – although there is enough nesting habitat for the more endangered lark and pipit species in the general area it must be noted that any explosives, increased traffic loads and earth movement will negatively impact on the breeding of all lark and pipit species, however this is usually not a permanent impact. The grassland area is also ideal habitat for quail and button-quail species although these species are highly nomadic and were not identified during the site investigation. A number of water birds were identified within the open water of the farm dam in the central section of the study area, these included Red-knobbed Coot (Fulica cristata), African Snipe (Gallinago nigripennis), Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca), Spurwinged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis) Yellowbilled Duck (Anas undulata), White- faced Duck (Dendrocygna viduata), Great white Egret (Ardea alba), Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis), Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) and Three-banded Plover (Charadrius tricollaris). Appendix C includes a complete bird list for the greater area of the properties (including the list in bold that was observed during the site investigation). Although the habitat on the site could not cater for a number of species on this list, it presents an indication of what is and can be found in the vicinity. It is very likely that any disturbance to the area will impact the birdlife within all habitats of the property. The wetlands and natural grassland (containing rocky outcrops) areas are the most sensitive and there is a concern that any mining will have a negative impact on the quality of the water and a possible de-watering effect that would impact on the wetland system permanently. It is proposed that should any disturbance occur within the property that the two most sensitive habitats are conserved and managed accordingly. It is also highly recommended that a detailed faunal monitoring system is implemented to assist in the mitigation of disturbance.
Figure 7-3: Avifauna SSC recorded, Grey Crowned Cranes (Balearica regulorum), (photos courtesy of Trevor Hardaker).
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7.6.2.1 Bats Bats are one of the most speciose group of mammals, second only to rodents. They belong to the order Chiroptera meaning hand-winged. Chiroptera play a major role in the control of insect pests, pollination, and seed dispersal. Bats tend to be sensitive to shifts in agriculture as natural areas generally house a greater abundance of insect prey than agricultural areas. Also, high-intensity agricultural activities use intensive pest management regimes which tend to cause a reduction in insect prey abundances (Meehan et al., 2011). For effective management and conservation of species in landscapes that are modified by human activities such as agriculture, it is of pivotal importance to maintain areas of natural vegetation to ensure the survival of sensitive species (Castro-Luna et al., 2007). A total of nine bat species were recorded in the project area. Three of these species are Near Threatened according to National legislation, and one species according to the IUCN (2019). The list of these species is provided in Table 7-3 below. Table 7-3: Bat Species recorded during the field survey
Species Common Name SA Status IUCN 2019
Chaerophon pumilus Little Free Tailed Bat LC LC
Miniopterus natalensis Natal Long Fingered Bat NT LC
Neoromicia capensis Cape Serotine LC LC
Rhinolophus denti Dent's Horseshoe Bat NT LC
Rhinolophus hildebrandtii Hildebrandt's Horse Shoe Bat NT LC
Rhinolophus smithersi Smither's Horseshoe Bat - NT
Sauromys petrophilus Roberts's Flat Headed Bat LC LC
Scotophilius nigrita Schreber's Yellow Bat NE LC
Tadarida aegyptiaca Egyptian Free Tailed Bat LC LC
7.6.3 Reptiles Similarly, to the amphibians, the reptiles within the project area will prefer certain habitats over others and they are important ecological indicators. Due to amphibians (frogs and toads) being a major food source for a number of reptile species, the investigation on the microhabitats can be beneficial in understanding the propensity for both animal groups to occur. The reptile population in the area is expected to be representative of the vegetation and habitat types present. Through interviews with landowners, it was determined that the Brown House Snake (Lamprophis capensis), Rinkhals (Hemachatus haemachatus), and the Water Monitor (Varanus niloticus) are present.
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7.6.4 Amphibians Of the 54 amphibian species endemic to South Africa, 16 (30%) are found in the Grassland Biome (Passmore and Carruthers, 1995). Of these, eight species (50%) are endemic to the biome. A list of 10 frog species expected to occur within the study area is presented in Appendix F. Amphibians are viewed to be good indicators of changes to the whole ecosystem because they are sensitive to changes in the aquatic and terrestrial environments (Waddle, 2006). Most species of amphibians are dependent on the aquatic environment for reproduction (Duellman and Trueb, 1986). Additionally, amphibians are sensitive to water quality and UV radiation because of their permeable skin (Gerlanc and Kaufman 2005, Taylor et al., 2005). Activities such as feeding and dispersal are spent in terrestrial environments (Waddle, 2006). According to Carruthers (2001), a number of factors influence the distribution of amphibians, but because amphibians have porous skin they generally prosper in warm and damp habitats. The presence of suitable habitat within the study area provides refuge to a number of different species of amphibians however 4 species were identified within the Weltevreden project area during the field survey. This is a limitation that is presented in the dry season, when most frogs hibernate in a variety of areas including under logs and rocks, streambanks and inside termitaria. Four amphibians were encountered during this field survey by, means of active searching as well as trapping (Table 7-4). Table 7-4: Amphibian Species recorded
NEMBA TOPS Scientific Name English Name IUCN (2019.2) List (2015)
Afrana angolensis Common River Frog - -
Bufo gutturalis Guttural Toad - -
Cacosternum boettgeri Common Caco - -
Strongylopus fasciatus Striped Stream Frog - -
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Photographic examples of two amphibian species encountered are depicted in Figure 7-4 below.
Figure 7-4: Examples of Amphibians recorded on site (left: Hylarana signata (Striped Stream Frog) and right: Afrana angolensis (Common River Frog) (taken by Hardaker)
7.6.5 Invertebrates Insects are the most abundant macroscopic organisms in terrestrial and aquatic habitats (Picker et al., 2004). Human activities pose significant threats to insect populations. Threats to butterflies in South Africa include: the establishment of alien invasive vegetation, changing fire regimes (either increased or reduced frequency), agricultural activities, urbanisation, plantation forestry, increased grazing and road construction (Ball, 2006). Seven butterfly species were observed within the proposed Weltevreden project area, these included the, Brown-veined White (Belenois aurota), Broad Bordered Grass Yellow (Eurema brigitta) (Table 7-5). All the species were located within grassland or the wetland areas. No butterfly species observed were considered to be Species of Special Concern. However according to SANBI, it is possible that the Near Threatened Marsh Sylph (Metisella meninx) can be located on the site. It is endemic to the wet vleis of highland grassland in northern KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, the northern part of the Orange Free State and the extreme east of the North West Province, they preferred Leersia hexandra dominated grassland. It has become extinct in many areas close to Johannesburg due to building developments. No invertebrate SSC were observed on the Weltevreden project area during the site visits in August 2019. Table 7-5: Recorded list of butterfly species on the Weltevreden project area
Species Name Common Name Status
Belenois aurota Brown Veined White LC
Catopsilia florella African Migrant LC
Colotis auxo Sulphar Orange Tip LC
Junonia hierta Yellow Pansy LC
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Species Name Common Name Status
Junonia octavia Gaudy Commodore LC
Junonia orithya madagascariensis Eyed Pansy LC
Pinacopteryx eriphia Zebra White LC
Paracinema tricolor, a locust species was encountered in the grasslands of the project site, Rhodometra sacraria (Vestal) was found in the wetland areas. Spilostethus pandurus or Seed Bug was found in the grassland areas and the Wolf Spider (Ctenus spp.) was encountered at the pans to the north east of the project area (Figure 7-5).
Figure 7-5: Invertebrate species encountered (A: Paracinema tricolor, B: Rhodometra sacraria (Vestel) C: Spilostethus pandurus (Seed bugs) D: Ctenus spp (Wolf Spider)
8 Site Specific Sensitivity The ecological sensitivity map for the site is represented in Figure 8-1. The remaining grassland, rocky areas, wetland/riparian vegetation units were allocated a high sensitivity since wetlands are regarded as important habitats that should be conserved due to the presence of plant mammal and avifauna SSC as well as habitat diversity that these areas represent.
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Figure 8-1: Ecological Sensitive areas
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The sensitive species locations recorded during the field work is represented below in Figure 8-2. The details of the specific species are discussed in detail in the relevant sections of this report.
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Figure 8-2: Sensitive Species Locations
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9 Impact Assessment In Plan 4 the vegetation habitats delineation map with the proposed mine plan and infrastructure layout is represented.
9.1 Construction Phase The construction phase activities that will have an impact on the fauna and flora are summarised below in Table 9-1. Table 9-1: Construction phase interaction with flora and fauna associated with the site
Interaction Impact
Loss of 32 ha of habitat representing high ecological sensitivity. 1 Site Clearance within vegetated areas Loss of 122 ha of medium ecological sensitivity. Loss of 90 ha of remaining habitat of low ecological sensitivity.
9.1.1 Impact Description Construction of infrastructure will lead to the direct loss of the vegetation on site due to vegetation clearing. Coal mining, especially open cast mining (the method proposed here), removes the primary vegetation and modifies the soil profile. In addition to local impacts, these activities are likely to affect hydrology and water production at a landscape level. Other expected mining-related impacts include: ■ Pollution of water bodies: deep acid saturation from coal mines will have negative impacts on the health of wetlands and river ecosystems and will affect the ability of these systems to produce clean water. This is made worse by increasing pollution from other point and non-point sources, examples being an influx of nutrients, dissolved salts and other undesirable substances from intensive agriculture. This holds serious implications for the health of people who rely on this water, both in South Africa and Mozambique where rivers are fed from catchments in Mesic Highveld Grassland. ■ Acid rain associated with industry and coal-fired power stations increases soil pH and nitrogenous inputs into primary grasslands, which has a negative effect on grass species important for grazing, such as Rooigras (Themeda triandra). There are four main vegetation units found on site (Table 9-2). The mesic grassland, wetlands and rocky outcrops have been rated as Highly Sensitive for the majority of the site including construction areas, owing to the un-impacted nature of the remaining natural areas. The Wetlands Vegetation has been rated as having a Very High Sensitivity owing to their ecological importance to plant and animal SSC. The proposed infrastructure plan for the preferred site coincides with Mesic Grassland, Agricultural areas, Alien tree plantations, Riparian areas (Wetlands and Pans) and Rocky Outcrops and Secondary grasslands (Plan 4).
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The proposed development will result in a loss of approximately 490 ha of habitat, 32 ha of which is of high ecological sensitivity (Figure 8-1). Table 9-2 shows the total areas of each habitat that will be lost to the development, including the ecological services they provide, visually represented in Plan 4. Table 9-2: Vegetation habitat loss
Name Sensitivity Area (Ha) Area (%)
Agriculture Low 74.970 15.310
Alien Invasive Plant Low 169.907 34.698
Mesic Grassland High 6.300 1.287
Old Plantation Low 26.491 5.410
Pan High 1.593 0.325
Secondary Grassland / Pastures Medium 122.089 24.933
Wetland High 88.321 18.037
Total 489.67 100
9.1.2 Management Objectives The objectives of management actions and mitigation measures are to avoid and reduce impacts to flora and fauna habitat on site and to mitigate any impacts that cannot be avoided. Management objectives will ensure that impacts from clearing and site establishment are limited and sensitive vegetation, plants, fauna and habitats are avoided during this process. To this end, no fauna or fauna SSC may be disturbed without the correct permitting procedure in place. No sensitive landscapes may be disturbed. Signs of a healthy Mesic Grassland and the goal state of any monitored Mesic Grassland area on site will include the following: ■ The presence of numerous geophytes; ■ A high diversity of flowering plants other than grasses; ■ Low frequency or occurrence of Hyparrhenia and related grasses; ■ Intact, healthy wetlands and river ecosystems; ■ Healthy populations of grassland animals, especially birds and butterflies. The general management as per best practices and minimum ecological requirements as well as ecosystem-specific recommendations that apply to Mesic Highveld Grassland are listed below and should form the basis for any remedial action objectives in areas where disturbance has taken place. ■ High basal cover, which binds the soil and so prevents erosion;
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■ A high diversity of growth forms (e.g. soft-leaved herbaceous plants – or forbs, bulbs, etc in addition to grasses); ■ A high diversity of grass species, rather than dominance by any single species; ■ Topsoil that is intact, rich in organic matter and uncompacted, with ample evidence of soil-turning through the action of various animals; ■ An even grass sward, rather than tussocked veld – tussocked veld is an indicator that all the palatable species have been eaten, leaving big tufts of unpalatable species. An absence of invasive alien plants or areas with heavy bush encroachment; note, however that in some grasslands indigenous woody species may occur naturally (e.g. stands of protea trees on southern slopes in sub- escarpment grasslands), but these should be present in naturally- occurring low densities or isolated patches (or small forest patches or bush-clumps where fire is naturally excluded.
9.1.3 Management Actions and Targets Management actions are based on avoiding any impacts to natural ecosystems, as per the mitigation hierarchy. Therefore infrastructure associated with the mine should be concentrated in a single area (rather than being spread out) occupying as little footprint area as possible. It is recommended that the current infrastructure layout, represented in Plan 4, be relocated outside of the highly sensitive habitat. Areas that are not directly affected by development should be conserved. This entails restricting access, and controlling any alien invasive species as well as keeping clearing to a minimum, and monitoring any changes. In minimising the impact of vegetation clearing and expediting the practice of rehabilitation, it is recommended that rehabilitation of small areas disturbed during construction and not needed for operation occur concurrent to mining activity. The planting of indigenous vegetation in rehabilitated areas will be accomplished through a nursery which will serve to propagate indigenous species so that they can restore disturbed areas, immediately after activity has ceased. A management plan detailing the specific management measures, as well as monitoring plans that must be completed for each faunal and floral SSC must be compiled and adhered to. Monitoring of the mesic grassland, wetland areas and rocky areas is recommended in order for negative impacts to be addressed as soon as possible. In the case where Very High Sensitive and High Sensitive Areas cannot be avoided, the last action in the mitigation hierarchy must be followed where, an offset strategy must be employed whereby natural areas are conserved. A ‘like-for-like’ approach should be undertaken and areas that show similar biodiversity value and functionality, within proximity to the site, should be conserved. According to the Grasslands Ecosystem Guideline (2013), the following management targets must be met:
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■ Avoid any further fragmentation of grasslands: Wherever possible, infrastructure development, or other impacting activities, should be directed towards existing disturbed lands (unless these have been earmarked for rehabilitation) and should be directed away from grassland containing habitats or species of special concern, in other words the Mesic grassland vegetation type as well as the Riparian and rocky outcrops should be excluded from the mine plan to prevent deterioration or destruction of it; ■ Maintain connectivity between natural areas across the landscape: Establish corridors of natural grassland that can be connected throughout the landscape to maintain populations of birds and mammals, and to allow ecological processes that operate at large scale to function; ■ Establish and respect buffers around sensitive environments, wetlands, ridges and rivers. The Ecological Management Plan detailed in Section 10 must be developed and used as a guide to inform management actions. However, specific important management actions pertinent to this phase and activity are briefly discussed below. A detailed sweep of the impacted areas or project area must be completed where: ■ All protected SSC are located and counted for the permitting process (Figure 8-2); ■ All floral SSC observed are located and documented (Figure 8-2); ■ Ensure that the Present Ecological State as determined at the inception of the project is monitored annually to determine if there is a decline or increase of species or vegetation types and appropriate management actions are determined and executed; ■ Ensure the establishment of an integrated Alien Invasive Management Plan; and ■ Investigate the potential to establish or contribute to an ecological offset area, if the residual impact after mitigation is significant.
9.1.4 Impact Ratings The impact of the loss of the mesic grassland, wetlands and rocky outcrops on site are rated in Table 9-3. The loss of the remaining habitat on site is rated in Table 9-4. Table 9-3: Impacts of the Construction Phase – Interaction 1: loss of high sensitivity landscapes and habitats
Dimension Rating Motivation Significance
Activity and Interaction: Site Clearance within vegetated areas and Ecological services
Impact Description: Loss of high sensitivity vegetation type and landscapes (mesic grassland, ridges, wetlands)
Prior to Mitigation/Management
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Dimension Rating Motivation Significance
Native vegetation will be removed (32 ha high sensitive and 122 medium sensitive) Duration Permanent (7) for the infrastructure placement and the impact will be permanent. Fauna species will move away.
The area to be cleared covers 32 ha of the study site. Various floral and faunal SSC were encountered in the area of Extent National (6) disturbance; therefore, direct impact to Nationally rated highly sensitive biota is - 84 Moderate expected.
These habitats are not confined to the Intensity x Moderate (-3) footprint of disturbance, and occurs in type of impact other localities within the project area.
Clearing of vegetation will definitely take Probability Certain (7) place for the construction of infrastructure.
Nature Negative The impact will be negative.
Mitigation/Management Actions
The mesic grassland, riparian areas and ridges should be excluded from the mine plan to prevent destruction or deterioration of these areas. Buffer zones around all sensitive biodiversity receptors must be applied as per regulations. All mesic grassland wetlands and ridges must be managed as sensitive landscapes and designated as no- go areas. Sensitive landscapes and species monitoring plans must be compiled and implemented. The footprint of disturbance area should be kept as small as possible and only existing access roads should be used to reach the site for clearing and vehicles should not be allowed to traverse natural areas or leave the demarcated road. An AIP management plan must be implemented, whereby existing AIP’s within the project area are eradicated as well as the disturbed site is monitored quarterly for at least two years to ensure that alien invasion does not take place.
Post-Mitigation
The affected areas can be reinstated to Duration Project Life (5) grazing land use.
Extent Very limited (1) The area to be cleared is minor in extent. -49 (minor)
Intensity x Loss of less sensitive habitat has a Minimal (1) type of impact negligible impact on flora and fauna.
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Dimension Rating Motivation Significance
Edge effects will still impact on the Probability Likely (7) grassland area if mining is to take place immediately adjacent to it.
Nature negative The impact will be negative.
Table 9-4: Impacts of the Construction Phase – loss of habitat of moderate to low ecological sensitivity
Dimension Rating Motivation Significance
Activity and interaction: Site Clearance within vegetated areas
Impact Description: Loss of habitat of moderate to low sensitivity (AIP vegetation types)
Prior to Mitigation/Management
AIP plantations and agricultural areas will Duration Permanent (7) be impacted on. Fauna species will move away.
Extent Limited (2) The area to be cleared covers 95 ha.
Intensity x Owing to the sensitivity rating, the impact Minimal (1) - 70 Moderate type of impact will be minimal.
Clearing of vegetation will definitely take Probability Certain (7) place for the establishment of mining infrastructure including open pits.
Nature Negative The impact will be negative.
Mitigation/Management Actions
The footprint area should be kept as small as possible and only existing access roads should be used to reach the site for clearing and vehicles should not be allowed to traverse natural areas or leave the demarcated road. An AIP management plan must be implemented, whereby existing AIP’s within the project area are eradicated as well as the disturbed site is monitored quarterly for at least two years to ensure that alien invasion does not take place.
Post-Mitigation
The area can be reinstated to grazing Duration Project Life (5) land use after decommissioning.
Extent Very limited (1) The area to be cleared is limited in extent. - 49 Minor
Intensity x The impact intensity can be reduced Minimal (1) type of impact through mitigation.
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Dimension Rating Motivation Significance
Edge effects will still impact on the Probability Likely (7) grassland area if mining is to take place immediately adjacent to it.
Nature negative The impact will be negative.
Table 9-5: Impacts of the Construction Phase – loss of species of high ecological sensitivity
Dimension Rating Motivation Significance
Activity and Interaction: Site Clearance within vegetated areas
Impact Description: Loss of high sensitivity species within the mesic grassland, ridges, and wetlands.
Prior to Mitigation/Management
Due to habitat destruction, highly sensitive fauna species will move away, Duration Permanent (7) and have a permanent impact on this nationally protected species.
Various floral and faunal SSC were encountered in the area of disturbance; Extent Local (5) therefore, direct impact to Provincially and Nationally rated highly sensitive biota is expected. - 133 Major Irreplaceable loss or damage to biological Intensity x Irreplaceable (- or physical resources ie. The fauna and type of impact 7) flora SSC recorded.
Clearing of vegetation will definitely take place for the construction of Probability Certain (7) infrastructure. Therefore the impact to sensitive species is confirmed
Nature Negative The impact will be negative.
Mitigation/Management Actions
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Dimension Rating Motivation Significance
The mesic grassland, riparian areas and ridges should be excluded from the mine plan to prevent deterioration of these areas, which will negatively impact SSC. Known locations of SSC must be protected by means of a buffer zone around them. A rescue and relocation plan must be implemented. All mesic grassland and ridges must be managed as sensitive landscapes and designated as no- go areas. The footprint of disturbance area should be kept as small as possible and only existing access roads should be used to reach the site for clearing and vehicles should not be allowed to traverse natural areas or leave the demarcated road. An AIP management plan must be implemented, whereby existing AIP’s within the project area are eradicated as well as the disturbed site is monitored quarterly for at least two years to ensure that alien invasion does not take place.
Post-Mitigation
With mitigation the impact to SSC will Duration After Life (6) abate after the project has concluded.
The extent of the impact to SSC will be Extent Limited (4) contained to the project site and surrounds.
Moderate loss and/or damage to -78 (Moderate) Intensity x Minimal (3) biological or physical resources of high type of impact sensitivity.
Very Likely: The impact may occur. <65% Probability Likely (6) probability.
Nature negative The impact will be negative.
9.2 Operational Phase The operational phase activities that will have an impact on the flora and fauna are summarised below. Table 9-6: Operational phase interaction with flora and fauna associated with the site
Interaction Impact
During the operational phase of the development, stockpiling (rock dumps, soils, ROM, discard dump) expansion and operation will occur. The planned loss of habitat and flora and fauna species is expected. The clearing of areas will occur in a phased approach, 1 Open Pit coal mining. however the rating within the construction phase has already accounted for this clearing as the incremental clearing cannot be accurately split between the two phases at this stage. Alien plant species may establish due to soil disturbance.
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Interaction Impact
Transportation of Increased vehicular movement and associated human activities on material to relevant 2 the site. There is potential for road kills due to increased traffic on stockpiles and site. Increased dust, noise light pollution will occur. stockpiling.
Operation of 3 Collisions and Electrocutions. Powerlines
9.2.1 Impact Description During the operational phase of the development, stockpiling (rock dumps, soils, ROM, discard dump) establishment and operation will occur. No further planned loss of habitat or flora and fauna species is expected. The activities considered at this time are increased vehicular movement and mining, which will increase dust noise and light pollution and associated human activities on the site. The presence of powerlines will mean that their impact on the avifauna SSC present through collisions and electrocutions are highly likely. The confirmed presence avifaunal SSC means that this impact will be of potentially high significance.
9.2.2 Management Objectives The objectives of the management measures are to ensure that operational areas do not expand into natural vegetation or habitat, that SSC are appropriately managed furthermore that road kills, electrocutions and collisions do not take place and faunal disturbance is kept to a minimum.
9.2.3 Management Actions and Targets Signage should be erected to indicate a minimum speed limit of 30 km/hr on access roads on site. Signage should also warn drivers of the risk of animal kills on the road. Further to this, driving of vehicles should be restricted to allowed areas. Additional surveys should be conducted to determine the presence of Grass Owl. If these species are present, this species must be included in the SSC management plan implemented during the construction phase. Bird diverters must be installed on powerlines that cross wetlands, riparian areas and grasslands, these are the areas where the large heavy bodied birds, that are prone to collision, forage and prefer to nest in. Furthermore, bird friendly designs and innovations must be used when deciding on the type of pylons. A bird collision monitoring plan must be completed in order for the successes of the mitigation measures to be investigated. Concurrent rehabilitation should take place to ensure that habitat is restored to a certain extent as soon as possible. An AIP management plan must be implemented.
9.2.4 Impact Ratings The impacts of both interaction 1 and 2 are rated in Table 9-7 below.
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Table 9-7: Potential Impacts of Operational Phase Interaction 1 and 2 on flora and fauna habitat on site: Mining of coal and transportation of material to relevant stockpiles
Dimension Rating Motivation Significance
Activity and Interaction 1: Open pit mining of coal and the operation of the rock dumps, soils, ROM, discard dump.
Impact Description: Potential for road kills, and faunal disturbance
Prior to Mitigation/Management
The impact will only persist as long as vehicles Duration Project Life (5) are on site during the operational phase.
The impact is restricted to the areas where Extent Province (5) vehicular activity and machinery are active, but will impact on Nationally and Provincially SSC.
Serious loss and/or damage to physical or -60 Minor Intensity Serious (5) biological resources or highly sensitive environments.
Road kills and faunal disturbance are commonly Probability Probable (4) observed in mining operations without appropriate mitigation.
Nature Negative
Mitigation/Management Actions
Erect signage with speed limits. Restrict vehicle movement to operational areas, with no driving in sensitive habitat areas or buffer zones. Additional surveys should be conducted to determine the presence of Grass Owl and Secretary Bird on site. If these species are present, a management plan should be implemented. Concurrent rehabilitation should take place.
Post-Mitigation
The impact will only persist as long as vehicles Duration Project Life (5) are on site during the operational phase.
The impact is restricted to the areas where Extent Limited (2) vehicular activity and machinery are active. -30 Intensity Moderate (3) The impact is moderate. Negligible
If the speed limits are adhered to and noise is Probability Unlikely (3) restricted, then the impact is reduced.
Nature Negative
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Table 9-8: Potential Impacts of Operational Phase Interaction 3 on avifauna present on site: Powerlines
Dimension Rating Motivation Significance
Activity and Interaction 3: Operation of powerlines that could cause bird fatalities through collisions and electrocutions.
Impact Description: Avifauna collisions and electrocutions Prior to Mitigation/Management
The impacts will occur in the operational Duration Project Life (5) phase, as far as specific habitat is crossed by pylons or powerlines.
The impact is restricted to the areas where Extent Limited (2) bird activity are expected. Serious loss and/or damage to physical or -60 Minor Intensity Moderate (5) biological resources or highly sensitive environments.
High probability due to presence if certain Probability Likely (5) bird species that are prone to collisions and electrocutions.
Nature Negative
Mitigation/Management Actions
Install Bird Diverters. Implement a management and monitoring plan for the bird SSC that were encountered, thereby recording all fatalities. Utilise best practice with regards to pylon construction, placement and type. Post-Mitigation
More visible wires and protected live points Duration Project Life (5) will decrease the potential for electrocution.
Extent Limited (2) The impact is very restricted.
The impact is of moderate intensity; since -30 Intensity Moderate (3) SSC birds were encountered. Negligible
Mitigation measures will decrease the Probability Unlikely (3) likelihood considerably. Nature Negative
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9.3 Decommissioning Phase The decommissioning activities have been rated together as one phase activities that will have an impact on the terrestrial ecological environment are summarised below (Table 9-9). Table 9-9: Decommissioning phase interaction associated with the site
Interaction Impact
Decommissioning of the project infrastructure including the demolition and removal of Indirect impacts due to decommissioning activity infrastructure, removal of rubble, removal of occurring within a largely natural landscape. roads and fences, rehabilitation of the all buildings, ingress of humans from the area.
Improvements from rehabilitation will be recognisable over time as area is returned to Rehabilitation of impacted areas to wilderness wilderness – this will however not be natural grassland.
9.3.1 Impact Description The demolition of infrastructure will have negative impacts similar to that of the construction activities due to the similarities of the actions. Affected areas will then need to be rehabilitated back to wilderness, or according to the updated regional strategic goal for the region. When the soil is disturbed, alien plants present in the seedbank will establish and spread. Rehabilitation must take place using local indigenous grass species that are sown in the correct depth and method, and type of topsoil, which is layered on the correct slope.
9.3.2 Management Objectives The primary objectives of mitigation measures for the decommissioning phase is to ensure that the project site is rehabilitated to a reasonable ecological state, representing species diversity and suitable habitat for indigenous fauna species. The disturbed areas should be rehabilitated to grazing land use at least taking into consideration legal requirements and making use of a consultative process including specialist studies that will determine the most appropriate land use. Further to this, it is important that alien plant species do not colonise and spread throughout the site.
9.3.3 Management Actions and Targets During the demolition of the project related infrastructure, general mitigation and management actions provided in the following studies done by Digby Wells as part of this project should be used to guide the effective management of the ecological resources affected by the proposed project: ■ Aquatic Ecology Report (Digby Wells, 2019); and ■ Surface Water Report (Digby Wells, 2019).
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Areas where demolition is to take place must be kept to a minimum and care must be taken not to disturb any sensitive landscapes or species. An AIP management plan should be implemented and all alien plant species should be removed as emergent or juveniles.
9.3.4 Impact Ratings The impacts of the rehabilitation and closure phase are represented in Table 9-10. Table 9-10: Potential Impacts of the Rehabilitation and Closure Phase – Establishment of Alien Plant Species
Dimension Rating Motivation Significance
Dismantling and removal of infrastructure
Impact Description: Demolition could induce habitat loss and continual pressure by the operations on the ecosystem can lead to pressure on the populations of threatened species or could lead to direct loss of individuals. Alien plant invasion may take place due to soil disturbance.
Prior to Mitigation/Management
This activity will only take place for a Duration Medium-term (3) limited time only. Alien plant invasion may occur for a short period of time.
Demolition activities will occur in isolated areas. Alien plants will establish around Extent Limited (2) disturbed areas associated with the decommissioning phase.
Demolition will be comparative to construction intensity. Alien plant invasion Intensity x is a serious problem with significant Serious (4) Minor (negative) 36 type of impact ecological consequences; hence its reference in the NEMBA and CARA legislation.
This activity will occur. Since alien plants have already been recorded on site, the spread of these species due to Probability Probable (4) disturbance will invariably take place. The seedbank in the soil will contain alien species.
Nature negative The impact will be negative
Mitigation/Management Actions
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Dimension Rating Motivation Significance
An alien plant species management plan should be implemented for two years after rehabilitation is completed. All emergent alien plant species should be removed before they reach a seed-bearing or flowering maturity. Ensure that the controls of noise, dust, waste generation, vehicle speed limits, food waste disposal, hazardous waste disposal, human interaction with the ecology are monitored regularity and controls to prevent adverse conditions arising from the activities which are likely to affect fauna and flora are updated and implemented. Ensure continuous environmental awareness training takes place.
Post-Mitigation
Demolition and removal will be of short duration. Duration Medium-term (3) As seedlings emerge, they will be removed quarterly as part of an alien management plan.
Demolition and removal will take place in isolated areas. Alien plants will establish Extent Limited (2) around disturbed areas associated with decommissioned infrastructure. Negligible (negative) Intensity x The impact is significantly reduced if 24 Minimal (1) type of impact controls are implemented.
Demolition and removal will occur. Since alien plants have already been recorded on site, the spread of these species due Probability Probable (4) to disturbance will invariably take place. The seedbank in the soil will contain alien species.
Nature Negative The impact will be negative
Table 9-11: Potential Impacts of the Closure and Rehabilitation Phase: Rehabilitation of infrastructure footprint areas
Activity and Interaction: Rehabilitation of infrastructure footprint areas
Dimension Rating Motivation Significance
Impact Description: Restoration of vegetation and habitat types.
Rehabilitation activities will be restricted 21 Small Duration Short term (2) to a short period of time. positive
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Activity and Interaction: Rehabilitation of infrastructure footprint areas
Dimension Rating Motivation Significance
Impact Description: Restoration of vegetation and habitat types.
Only certain parts of the site will have revegetated cover, this will include all Extent Limited (2) open areas left behind by infrastructure removal.
The effectiveness of the rehab will Intensity Moderate (3) determine the intensity.
It’s unlikely that the rehabilitation will be Probability Unlikely (3) for restoration of former habitat.
Nature Positive
Mitigation/Management Actions
An alien plant species management plan should be implemented for two years. All emergent alien plant species should be removed before they reach a seed-bearing or flowering maturity. At least five species should be used for rehabilitation and only species that are native to the area and stipulated in the Rehabilitation and Closure Plan (Digby Wells, 2019) should be utilised.
Impact Description: Rehabilitation of infrastructure footprint areas
If rehabilitation is completed successfully Duration Permanent (7) this impact will be permanent
The general area beyond the project site Extent Limited (2) will be positively impacted on. 78 Moderate Intensity Positive (4) Vegetation will be restored. positive With correct implementation this impact Probability Almost certain (6) has a high probability of occurring
Nature Positive
9.4 Cumulative Impacts The Eastern Highveld Grassland vegetation types are present within the project area, the latter has been listed as Vulnerable (VU). Impacts through project activities are expected to impact the aforementioned grasslands as well as Sandstone rocky outcrops and Alien tree stands. Further loss of the sensitive habitats should be prevented therefore all grassland and sandstone rocky areas within the site must be preserved by excluding them from development. Further to this, there will be a loss of wetland areas, due to the haul road that will have to cross a river system, this will have a negative cumulative impact (refer to Wetlands Impact Assessment (Digby Wells, 2019) specifically for amphibians and aquatic biota.
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The cumulative impacts of the disturbance or potential death of the SSC that were encountered will affect species numbers that are already under pressure, as discussed below. Threats to the Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum) include habitat loss, poisoning, power-line collisions and burning of wetlands, all of which are expected impacts from the construction phase activities that are planned. The Southern Reedbuck (Redunca fulvorufula) populations are threatened by habitat destruction, habitat transformation by agriculture with the remaining populations regarded as isolated, and in many instances unviable populations on privately owned land. The cumulative impact of the development on the species numbers will be negative. The Serval Cat (Leptailurus Serval) population is threatened by loss or degradation of wetlands and associated grasslands, which it requires for hunting and dispersal. According the EWT “the continued loss of core wetland habitat may ultimately threaten a viable serval population”. As have been shown, the project will have a detrimental effect on the preferred habitat of this species, and will therefore have a detrimental effect on the species’ population.
9.5 Unplanned Events and Low Risks The planned activities will have known impacts as discussed above; however, unplanned events may happen on any project that may have potential impacts which will need mitigation and management. Table 9-12 is a summary of the findings from a flora and fauna perspective. Table 9-12: Unplanned Events, Low Risks and their Management Measures
Unplanned event Potential impact Mitigation/ Management/ Monitoring
Vehicles must only be serviced within designated service bays. Contamination of Procedures should be put in place to clean-up spillages Hydrocarbon waterbodies in the event that they should occur. Spill kits need to be spillage in/near utilised by obtained and should be available on site to clean up wetlands terrestrial fauna. any leaks or spills. Spillages of magnitude should also be reported to the authorities within 24 hours and an internal incident reporting system implemented.
Small mammals Poaching of animal Ensure continuous environmental awareness training and reptiles may be species on site due takes place. This needs to be monitored and reported at risk due to to increase activity on and the appropriate actions should take place increased human on site. dependant on the results. activity on site.
Mesic and Ensure a fire management plan is in place and that Secondary Occurrences of appropriate and dedicated equipment is available for grasslands unplanned fires firefighting. vegetation and
wetlands habitat
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Unplanned event Potential impact Mitigation/ Management/ Monitoring types will be destroyed.
10 Environmental Management Plan The objective of an EMP is to present (a) mitigation measures to manage undue or reasonably avoidable adverse impacts associated with the development of a project and (b) to enhance potential positives.
10.1 Summary of Mitigation and Management Table 10-1 provides a summary of the proposed project activities, environmental aspects and impacts on the receiving environment. Information on the frequency of mitigation, relevant legal requirements, recommended management plans, timing of implementation, and roles/responsibilities of persons implementing the EMP. All of the mitigation measures have been previously listed in the impact assessment tables as well.
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Table 10-1: Mitigation and Management Plan
Compliance with Size and scale of Aspects Time period for Activities Potential Impact Phase Mitigation Type/Measures standards/Standard to be disturbance Affected Implementation achieved . The mesic grassland, wetland and rocky outcrops areas should be excluded from the mine plan. . The footprint area should be kept as small as possible and only existing access roads should be used. . Apply concurrent rehabilitation. National Environmental . Establish an indigenous plant nursery that will Management Act supply rehabilitation efforts. Loss of 32 ha of habitat (NEMA),1998 (Act 107 of Site clearance . Establish management and monitoring plans for all Design and construction of high sensitivity. Flora and 1998) including vegetation Limited Construction SSC recorded. phases. Loss of 122 ha of Fauna National Environmental removal . Known locations of SSC must be protected by remaining habitat. Biodiversity Act means of a buffer zone around them. (NEMBA),2004 (Act10 of . A rescue and relocation plan must be 2004) implemented. . Establish management and monitoring plans for all sensitive landscapes recorded. . An alien invader management plan should be implemented. . As a last resort implement an offset strategy. Environmental . Erect signage with speed limits. Management Act . Concurrent rehabilitation should take place. Increased vehicular (NEMA),1998 (Act 107 of . Additional surveys should be conducted to Opencast Coal movement and 1998) Construction and Limited determine the presence of Grass Owl and Mining associated human National Environmental operational phases Secretary Bird on site. If these species are activities on the site. Biodiversity Act present, a management plan should be (NEMBA),2004 (Act10 of implemented. 2004)
National Environmental Flora and Operational Management Act Fauna (NEMA),1998 (Act 107 of . Erect signage with speed limits. 1998) Transportation of . Concurrent rehabilitation should take place. National Environmental Signage should be erected Potential for road kills material to relevant Limited . Restrict vehicle movement to operational areas, Biodiversity Act before the operational and faunal disturbance stockpiles. with no driving in sensitive habitat areas or buffer (NEMBA),2004 (Act10 of phase. zones. 2004) Conservation of Agriculture Resources Act, 1983 (Act No. 43 of 1983)
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Compliance with Size and scale of Aspects Time period for Activities Potential Impact Phase Mitigation Type/Measures standards/Standard to be disturbance Affected Implementation achieved . Bird diverters must be installed on powerlines that cross wetlands, riparian areas and grasslands, Environmental these are the areas where the large heavy bodied Management Act Mitigation measures must birds, that are prone to collision, forage and prefer (NEMA),1998 (Act 107 of be implemented during Operation of Electrocutions and to nest in. 1998) Limited Operational construction of the Powerlines Collisions . A bird collision monitoring plan must be completed National Environmental powerlines, and stay for the in order for the successes of the mitigation Biodiversity Act duration. measures to be investigated. (NEMBA),2004 (Act10 of . Furthermore, bird friendly designs and innovations 2004) must be used when deciding on the type of pylons. National Environmental Management Act . The footprint area should be kept as small as (NEMA),1998 (Act 107 of Demolition of possible and only existing access roads should be Disturbance to largely Decommissioning 1998) Before Decommissioning Infrastructure, Limited used. natural landscape Phase National Environmental phase commences removal of rubble . An alien invader management plan should be Biodiversity Act implemented. (NEMBA),2004 (Act10 of 2004)
When the soil is National Environmental disturbed, alien plants in Management Act the seedbank will . An alien plant species management plan should be (NEMA),1998 (Act 107 of Alien management plan to establish and spread. implemented for two years. 1998) be implemented after Rehabilitation must take . All emergent alien plant species should be National Environmental Rehabilitation of Flora and Decommissioning construction quarterly for 2 by using local indigenous Limited removed before they reach a seed-bearing or Biodiversity Act mine footprint area Fauna Phase years and after grass species that are flowering maturity. (NEMBA),2004 (Act10 of decommissioning quarterly sown in the correct depth . Please refere to the rehabilitation specialist study 2004) for two years. and method, and type of for more detailed mitigation measures. Conservation of Agriculture topsoil, which is layered Resources Act, 1983 (Act on the correct slope. No. 43 of 1983)
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10.2 Monitoring Plan All the SSC will require extensive monitoring, based on the flora and fauna assessment, including the establishment of alien plant species. This should be completed by a qualified specialist in the field of what should be monitored (Table 10-2). Further to this, a survey should be conducted to determine the presence of Grass Owl and Secretary Birds on site and if they are present, a management plan should be implemented. Table 10-2: Monitoring Plan
Roles and Monitoring and Impacts responsibilities Functional reporting frequency requiring (For the Activities requirements for and time periods for monitoring execution of the monitoring implementing impact programmes monitoring management actions programmes)
Impacts on Ensuring vegetation sustainable Fauna and structure and populations of Terrestrial Every year, during the Flora health. both fauna and Ecologist wet season Monitoring Impacts on faunal flora persist until populations and closure numbers
The Serval and Establishing the Southern Mammal population trends Terrestrial Quarterly, for the Reedbuck Monitoring of the Serval on Ecologist duration of the project presence must site be monitored
Ensuring areas of The length of the confirmed bird powerline must mortality are Avifaunal be monitored to adequately Ornithologist Twice Yearly Monitoring identify areas of equipped with bird fatalities mitigation measures
The breeding pair Determining the Avifaunal of Grey Crowned Quarterly, for the health of the Ornithologist Monitoring Cranes must be duration of the project breeding pair monitored
The plant SSC Ensuring Plant SSC responses to sustainable Every year, during the Botanist monitoring mining must be populations wet season monitored remain
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Roles and Monitoring and Impacts responsibilities Functional reporting frequency requiring (For the Activities requirements for and time periods for monitoring execution of the monitoring implementing impact programmes monitoring management actions programmes)
Rehabilitati Success of Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Quarterly for 2 years on rehabilitation success Specialist after closure
Establishment of Soil Alien plant Quarterly monitoring for alien plant Qualified Botanist disturbance monitoring two years species
11 Consultation Undertaken No direct consultation by the Specialist related to flora and fauna has been completed.
12 Comments and Responses Comments received from stakeholders during the Scoping Phase of the project pertaining to fauna and flora are addressed below. Comment “Several threatened red data species were identified. Of interest is a red data Gladiolus sp. that is endemic to the area. These plants only flower for about three weeks during the year, and can only be identified when it is flowering. There are probably less than 100 plants left in the wild” Response: Several Red Data plant and animal species were identified in the project area and mitigation measures designed around them are discussed in this report. Comment: Light pollution from a mine will disrupt the life cycle of night active dung beetles. The result will be them dying out and dung not being processed with a resultant decline in soil fertility. Response: Light will be a factor to be addresses, in this report it is envisaged that the mitigation measures will restrict light pollution to small areas, and thereby reducing the impact. Comment: Add Weltevreden’s two open pits (footprint 800ha) as well as several other proposed mines - it is then clear that the scenic Eastern Highveld will be ravished forever. – Response: It must be note that 800ha is the total area of disturbance, not the combined size of the pits, mitigation measures suggested in this report aims to reduce the size of the impact as much as possible. Comment: It [the mine] will also ruin a biodiversity hotspot and highly fertile, productive farmland in the irreplaceable, threatened Mesic Grassland Biome. Response: This fauna and flora report identified various SSC and landscapes of concern, thereby enforcing the fact that this area is in a biodiversity hotspot, based on this data,
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mitigation measures suggested in this report aims to reduce the size of the impact as much as possible.
12.1 MTPA Comments and responses The letter from the MTPA, dated 01/10/2019, is discussed in this section the letter heading was: MTPA COMMENTS ON THE CONSULTATION SCOPING REPORT FOR THE PROPOSED WELTEVREDEN MINE PROPOSED BY XIVONO MINING (PTY) LTD PROJECT ON PORTIONS RE OF PORTION 3, POR 9, AND PORTION 381 OF THE FARM WELTEVREDEN 381 JT, NEAR BELFAST, MPUMALANGA PROVINCE. DMR REFERENCE NO MP30/5/1/2/2/ 1320 PR MTPA letter. Comment 1: The Remainder of portion 3 consists of large areas of Critical biodiversity irreplaceable grasslands that should be maintained in a natural state with no loss of ecosystem services or species, with no flexibility in land use options. Open cast and underground mining are land uses that will compromise the biodiversity objectives and are not permissible. With regards to the areas with a CSA optimal status there is some flexibility in land use options. Response 1: Thank you for the comment, the fauna and flora scoping and impact assessment report advises the client that no activities are permissible within CBA designated areas. Comment 2: the freshwater CBA River should be delineated with a 1km exclusion buffer for any form mining. The Ecological Support Area wetland clusters and ESA wetlands and pans should also be delineated by a qualified ecologist with a 100-meter buffer wherein no form of mining may take place. Response 2: The wetlands occurring within the project site was delineated by a qualified wetland ecologist, and appropriate mitigation measures discussed in the wetlands report. Comment 3: A thorough wetlands vegetation and fauna study is required to determine the impacts of mining surrounding them and to find the best practical mitigation methods. Response 3: The fauna and flora report aimed at describing the fauna and flora component present within all wetlands, and appropriate mitigation measures have been prescribed, based on the SSC recorded. Comment 5: Any studies of the receiving environment must adhere to the MTPA minimum requirements document attached to this one. Response 5: The MTPA minimum requirements were strictly adhered to during the fauna and flora study. Comment 6: Furthermore, it is recommended that the cost to replace the fertile soils after mining and the restoration of the ecological services of this very productive system is assessed and that a clear analysis is tabled to determine the costs of water purification and the mitigation of the possible dewatering of the CSA grasslands and ESA wetlands. The company will be liable for the water purification, (Active water purification plant), until perpetuity. Response 6: The rehabilitation objectives are discussed in detail in the relevant report.
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13 Discussion and Conclusion The Xivono Weltevreden project area is situated in the Eastern Highveld grassland which is classified as an endangered vegetation type (Rouget et al., 2004; Mucina & Rutherford, 2012, Ferrar & Lötter, 2007) due to mining activities within the provinces. The mesic grasslands identified on site correlated with a species composition that is representative of this vegetation type. Impacts to the natural vegetation currently counts livestock use and cultivation as the main disturbances. As aforementioned, the site is located in the second most diverse biome in the country, supporting a vast range of flora and fauna. Furthermore, two mammal, one bird, three plant and four bat species of special concern was recorded supporting the expected high biodiversity value of the remaining natural areas within the project site. Subsequent no-go areas and associated buffer zones are prescribed which aims to mitigate negative impacts. The implementation of strict mitigation measures if of considerable importance, and management and monitoring plans are prescribed for all SSC and sensitive landscapes. The site has been classified into six primary land management units, namely: Mesic Grassland, Agricultural areas, Alien tree plantations, Riparian areas (Wetlands and Pans), Rocky Outcrops and Secondary grasslands. The Agricultural Areas and Alien tree plantations are the dominant land use in the area did not harbour any natural vegetation. The disturbance of high value biodiversity assets is foreseen for this project, this centers on the infrastructure placement in close proximity to CBA’s which coincides with highly sensitive grassland areas, as well as highly sensitive species. After the mitigation hierarchy was followed it was decided that an offset strategy will have to be employed in order for the residual impact of the project on priority biodiversity to be offset. Only if this process is established and favorably audited can this project be seen be acceptable.
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14 References Bates, M.F, Branch, W.R Bauer, A, M Burger M, Marais, J, Alexander G, J, de Villiers, M S 2014. Atlas and Red List of the Reptiles of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Branch, B., & Branch, W. R. (2001). A photographic guide to snakes and other reptiles of Southern Africa. Struik. Braun-Blanquet, J. (1964). Pflanzensoziologie, Grundzüge der Vegetationskunde. Dritte Auflage. Bromilow, C. (2003). Problem Plants of South Africa. Briza Publications. Carruthers, V. (2001). Frogs and Frogging in Southern Africa. Struck Publishers (Pty) Ltd, Cape Town. Du Preez, L. H., Carruthers, V., & Burger, M. (2009). A Complete guide to the frogs of South Africa. Struik Nature, South Africa. Duellman, W.E and Trueb, L 1986. Biology of Amphibians. JHU Press. 1986. Driver, A., Maze, K., Rouget, M., Lombard, A. T., Nel, J., Turpie, J. K., ... & Jonas, Z. (2005). National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment 2004: priorities for biodiversity conservation in South Africa. Friedman, Y., & Daly, B. (2004). Red data book of the mammals of South Africa: a conservation assessment: CBSG southern Africa. Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (SSC/IUCN), Endangered Wildlife Trust, Saxonwold, South Africa. Hilton-Taylor, C. (1996). Red Data List of Southern African Plants. Strilitzia 4. Aurora Printers, Pretoria. King, C. M., Roberts, C. D., Bell, B. D., Fordyce, R. E., Nicoll, R. S., Worthy, T. H., ... & Stewart, A. L. (2009). Phylum Chordata: lancelets, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. New Zealand inventory of biodiversity, 1, 431-527. Kingdon, J. (1997. The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals. Academic Press, San Diego, CA. Lötter, M. C. (2013). Technical Report for the Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan–MBSP 2013. Mpumalanga Tourism & Parks Agency, Nelspruit. Low, A. B., & Rebelo, A. G. (1996). Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Pretoria: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. Voelcker Bird Book Fund. calvus in relation to rainfall and grass-burning. Ibis, 127, 159-173. Mucina, L., & Rutherford, M. C. (2012). The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitzia 19, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. Memoirs of the Botanical Survey of South Africa. Oudtshoorn, F. V. (1999). Guide to grasses of southern Africa. Briza Publications.
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Passmore, N. I., & Carruthers, V. C. (1995). South African frogs–A complete guide. Revised edition. Johannesburg (Southern Book). Picker, M., Griffiths, C & Weaving, A. 2002. Field Guide to Insects of South Africa. Struik Publishers, Cape Town Pooley, B. (1998). A field guide to wild flowers of KwaZulu-Natal and the eastern region. Durban: Natal Flora Publications Trust 630p.-col. illus.. ISBN 062021502X En Icones, Maps. Geog, 5. Gerlanc, N. M., and G. A. Kaufman 2005. Habitat origin and changes in water chemistry influence development of Western Chorus Frogs. Journal of Herpetology 39:254-265 Grobler, 2000. From MSc. investigation of plant communities associated with urban open spaces in Gauteng. University of Pretoria. Gibbon, G., & Fund, J. V. B. B. (2002). Roberts’ multimedia birds of southern Africa–version 3. Southern African Birding CC, Westville, South Africa. McNeely, J. A. (Ed.). (2001). The great reshuffling: human dimensions of invasive alien species. IUCN. Raal, PA., Burns, M.E.R., 1996: Mapping and conservation importance rating of the South African coastal vegetation as an aid to development planning. Landscape and Urban Planning. Raimondo, D., Staden, L. V., Foden, W., Victor, J. E., Helme, N. A., Turner, R. C., ... & Manyama, P. A. (2009). Red list of South African plants 2009. South African National Biodiversity Institute. Samways, M. & Hatton, M. (2000). Palmnut Post, Vol 3, No 2, 9-11. SANBI. 2013. Grasslands Ecosystem Guidelines: landscape interpretation for planners and managers. Compiled by Cadman, M. de Villiers, C., Lechmere-Oertel, R. and D. McCulloch. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. Schaminée. J. H. J. Stortelder. A. H. F, 1995: Recent development in phytosocialogy, Institute for forestry and nature management. Wageningen, Netherlands. Sekercioglu, C. H. (2006). Ecological significance of bird populations. Handbook of the Birds of the World, 11, 15-51. Skinner, J. D., & Smithers, H. N. (1983). The Mammals of the Southern African Subregion University of Pretoria Pretoria Google Scholar. Skinner, J. D., & Chimimba, C. T. (2005). The mammals of the southern African sub-region. Cambridge University Press. Smithers, R. H. (1986). South African red data book-terrestrial mammals. National Scientific Programmes Unit: CSIR.
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Taylor, B., D. Skelly, L. K. Demarchis, M. D. Slade, D. Galusha, and P. M. Rabinowitz. 2005. Proximity to pollution sources and risk of amphibian limb formation. Environmental Health Perspectives 113:1497-1501. Tainton, N. M. (1999). Veld management in South Africa. University of Natal Press. Tichý, L. (2002). JUICE, software for vegetation classification. Journal of vegetation science, 13(3), 451-453. Van Wyk, B. E., Oudtshoorn, B. V., & Gericke, N. (1997). Medicinal Plants of South Africa. Briza Victor, J. E., & Keith, M. (2004). The Orange List: a safety net for biodiversity in South Africa: commentary. South African Journal of Science, 100(3-4), 139-141. Von Staden, L., D. Raimondo, and W. Foden. "Assessing the conservation status of South Africa's medicinal plant taxa." Red List of South African Plants. Strelitzia 25 (2009): 18 Waddle, J.H. 2006. Use of amphibians as ecosystem indicator species. Dissertation, University of Florida
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Appendix A: Impact Assessment Methodology
Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
Details of the impact assessment methodology used to determine the significance of impacts to wetland ecosystems is provided below. The significance rating process follows the established impact/risk assessment formula:
Significance = Consequence x Probability x Nature
Where
Consequence = Intensity + Extent + Duration
And
Probability = Likelihood of an impact occurring
And
Nature = Positive (+1) or negative (-1) impact
Note: In the formula for calculating consequence, the type of impact is multiplied by +1 for positive impacts and -1 for negative impacts.
The matrix calculates the rating out of 147, whereby Intensity, Extent, Duration and Probability are each rated out of seven as indicated in Table 14-1. The weight assigned to the various parameters is then multiplied by +1 for positive and -1 for negative impacts. Impacts are rated prior to mitigation and again after consideration of the mitigation measure proposed in this Impact Assessment Report. The significance of an impact is then determined and categorised into one of eight categories, as indicated in Table 14-3, which is extracted from Table 14-2. The description of the significance ratings is discussed in Table 14-1. It is important to note that the pre-mitigation rating takes into consideration the activity as proposed, i.e. there may already be certain types of mitigation measures included in the design (for example due to legal requirements). If the potential impact is still considered too high, additional mitigation measures are proposed.
Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
Table 14-1: Impact Assessment Parameter Ratings
Intensity/ Replicability
Rating Negative Impacts Positive Impacts Extent Duration/Reversibility Probability (Nature = -1) (Nature = +1)
Irreplaceable loss or damage to biological or Noticeable, on-going physical resources or natural and / or social International Permanent: The impact is Definite: There are sound highly sensitive benefits which have The effect will occur irreversible, even with scientific reasons to expect that 7 environments. improved the overall across international management, and will remain the impact will definitely occur. Irreplaceable damage to conditions of the borders. after the life of the project. >80% probability. highly sensitive baseline. cultural/social resources.
Irreplaceable loss or damage to biological or Beyond project life: The physical resources or Great improvement to impact will remain for some moderate to highly National Almost certain / Highly probable: the overall conditions of time after the life of the 6 sensitive environments. Will affect the entire It is most likely that the impact a large percentage of project and is potentially Irreplaceable damage to country. will occur. <80% probability. the baseline. irreversible even with cultural/social resources management. of moderate to highly sensitivity.
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Intensity/ Replicability
Rating Negative Impacts Positive Impacts Extent Duration/Reversibility Probability (Nature = -1) (Nature = +1)
Serious loss and/or damage to physical or biological resources or On-going and Project Life (>15 years): The highly sensitive widespread benefits to Province/ Region impact will cease after the environments, limiting Likely: The impact may occur. 5 local communities and Will affect the entire operational life span of the ecosystem function. <65% probability. natural features of the province or region. project and can be reversed Very serious widespread landscape. with sufficient management. social impacts. Irreparable damage to highly valued items.
Serious loss and/or damage to physical or biological resources or moderately sensitive Average to intense environments, limiting natural and / or social Municipal Area Long term: 6-15 years and Probable: Has occurred here or 4 ecosystem function. benefits to some Will affect the whole impact can be reversed with elsewhere and could therefore On-going serious social elements of the municipal area. management. occur. <50% probability. issues. Significant baseline. damage to structures / items of cultural significance.
Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
Intensity/ Replicability
Rating Negative Impacts Positive Impacts Extent Duration/Reversibility Probability (Nature = -1) (Nature = +1)
Moderate loss and/or damage to biological or Unlikely: Has not happened yet physical resources of low Average, on-going Local but could happen once in the to moderately sensitive positive benefits, not Medium term: 1-5 years and Local extending only lifetime of the project, therefore 3 environments and, limiting widespread but felt by impact can be reversed with as far as the there is a possibility that the ecosystem function. some elements of the minimal management. development site area. impact will occur. <25% On-going social issues. baseline. probability. Damage to items of cultural significance.
Minor loss and/or effects to biological or physical resources or low sensitive Rare / improbable: Conceivable, environments, not but only in extreme affecting ecosystem Low positive impacts Limited circumstances. The possibility of functioning. experience by a small Limited to the site and Short term: Less than 1 year the impact materialising is very 2 Minor medium-term social percentage of the its immediate and is reversible. low as a result of design, historic impacts on local baseline. surroundings. experience or implementation of population. Mostly adequate mitigation measures. repairable. Cultural <10% probability. functions and processes not affected.
Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
Intensity/ Replicability
Rating Negative Impacts Positive Impacts Extent Duration/Reversibility Probability (Nature = -1) (Nature = +1)
Minimal to no loss and/or effect to biological or physical resources, not Some low-level natural Very limited/Isolated Immediate: Less than 1 affecting ecosystem and / or social benefits Highly unlikely / None: Expected Limited to specific month and is completely 1 functioning. felt by a very small never to happen. <1% isolated parts of the reversible without Minimal social impacts, percentage of the probability. site. management. low-level repairable baseline. damage to commonplace structures.
Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
Table 14-2: Probability/Consequence Matrix
Significance 7 -147 -140 -133 -126 -119 -112 -105 -98 -91 -84 -77 -70 -63 -56 -49 -42 -35 -28 -21 21 28 35 42 49 56 63 70 77 84 91 98 105 112 119 126 133 140 147
6 -126 -120 -114 -108 -102 -96 -90 -84 -78 -72 -66 -60 -54 -48 -42 -36 -30 -24 -18 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114 120 126
5 -105 -100 -95 -90 -85 -80 -75 -70 -65 -60 -55 -50 -45 -40 -35 -30 -25 -20 -15 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105
4 -84 -80 -76 -72 -68 -64 -60 -56 -52 -48 -44 -40 -36 -32 -28 -24 -20 -16 -12 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84
Probability Probability 3 -63 -60 -57 -54 -51 -48 -45 -42 -39 -36 -33 -30 -27 -24 -21 -18 -15 -12 -9 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 48 51 54 57 60 63
2 -42 -40 -38 -36 -34 -32 -30 -28 -26 -24 -22 -20 -18 -16 -14 -12 -10 -8 -6 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42
1 -21 -20 -19 -18 -17 -16 -15 -14 -13 -12 -11 -10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
-21 -20 -19 -18 -17 -16 -15 -14 -13 -12 -11 -10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Consequence
Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
Table 14-3: Significance Rating Description
Score Description Rating
A very beneficial impact that may be sufficient by itself 109 to 147 to justify implementation of the project. The impact may Major (positive) (+) result in permanent positive change
A beneficial impact which may help to justify the implementation of the project. These impacts would be 73 to 108 considered by society as constituting a major and Moderate (positive) (+) usually a long-term positive change to the (natural and / or social) environment
A positive impact. These impacts will usually result in 36 to 72 positive medium to long-term effect on the natural and / Minor (positive) (+) or social environment
A small positive impact. The impact will result in 3 to 35 medium to short term effects on the natural and / or Negligible (positive) (+) social environment
An acceptable negative impact for which mitigation is desirable. The impact by itself is insufficient even in combination with other low impacts to prevent the -3 to -35 Negligible (negative) (-) development being approved. These impacts will result in negative medium to short term effects on the natural and / or social environment
A minor negative impact requires mitigation. The impact is insufficient by itself to prevent the implementation of the project but which in conjunction with other impacts -36 to -72 Minor (negative) (-) may prevent its implementation. These impacts will usually result in negative medium to long-term effect on the natural and / or social environment
A moderate negative impact may prevent the implementation of the project. These impacts would be -73 to -108 considered as constituting a significant and usually a Moderate (negative) (-) long-term change to the (natural and / or social) environment and result in major changes.
A major negative impact may be sufficient by itself to prevent implementation of the project. The impact may result in permanent change. Very often these impacts -109 to -147 Major (negative) (-) are immitigable and usually result in very severe effects. The impacts are likely to be irreversible and/or irreplaceable.
Digby Wells Environmental 1
Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
Appendix B: Plant Species List
Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
Species Name Common Name Status Growth form
Acacia mearnsii Black Wattle Alien Invasive Cat 2b Tree
Adiantum capillus-veneris Maiden Hair Fern Fern
Agrostis lachnantha Bent grass Increaser 2 - Pioneer Grass
Increaser 2 - Andropogon eucomus Snowflake grass Grass Subclimax
Argyrolobium stipulaceum herb
Aristida congesta congesta Tassel Tree-awn Increaser 2 - Pioneer Grass
Increaser 3 - Aristida diffusa Iron Grass Grass Subclimax to climax
Aristida junciformis Ngongoni Three-awn Increaser 3 - Climax Grass
Aristida meridionalis Giant three awn Increaser 3 - Climax Grass
Berkheya speciosa Medicinal Herb
Bidens pilosa Common Blackjack Alien Invasive Herb
Boophane disticha Poison bulb MPB Protected Bulb
Bothriochloa radicans Stinking grass Subclimax Increaser 2 Grass
Cirsium vulgare Scotch thistle Alien Invasive 1b Herb
Cosmos bipinnata Cosmos Weed Shrub
Crabbea acaulis Herb
Narrow-leaved Cymbopogon pospischilli Increaser 3 - Climax Grass Turpentine Grass
Cynodon dactylon Couch Grass Increaser 2 - Pioneer Grass
Cyperus compressus Sedge
Common Thorn Datura stramonium Alien Invasive Cat 1b Herb Apple
Delosperma sutherlandii Bulb
Common Finger Digitaria eriantha Decreaser - Climax Grass Grass
Digitaria tricholaenoides Purple finger grass Decreaser - Climax Grass
Elionurus muticus Wire Grass Increaser 3 - Climax Grass
Increaser 2 - Eragrostis chloromelas (Narrow) Curly Leaf Grass Subclimax to climax
Increaser 2 - Eragrostis curvula Weeping Love Grass Grass Subclimax to climax
Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
Species Name Common Name Status Growth form
Increaser 2 - Eragrostis gummiflua Gum Grass Grass Subclimax
Increaser 2 - Eragrostis nindensis Whether love grass Grass Subclimax
Increaser 2 - Eragrostis plana Tough love grass Grass Subclimax
Narrow Heart Love Increaser 2 - Eragrostis racemosa Grass Grass Subclimax
Eucalyptus camaldulensis Red River Gum Alien Invasive Cat 2b Tree
Eucomis autumnalis Pineapple Lilly MPB Protected Bulb
Euphorbia clavarioides Lion's Spoor Medicinal Succulent
Filicia filifolia Fine Leaved Felicia Shrub
Gazania krebsiana Common Gazania Medicinal Herb
Thick-leaved Gladiolus crassifolius MPB Protected Shrub Gladiolus
Gomphocarpus physocarpus Milkweed Shrub
Haplocarpha scaposa False Gerbera Medicinal Herb
Harpochloa falx Caterpillar Grass Increaser 1 - Climax Grass
Helichrysum aureonitens Golden everlasting Medicinal Herb
Helichrysum inornatum Herb
Hibiscus trionum Bladder Hibiscus Medicinal Herb
Common Thatching Increaser 1 - Hyparrhenia hirta Grass Grass Subclimax to climax
Hyparrhenia tamba Blue Thatching grass Climax, Increaser 1 Grass
Imperata cylindrica Cotton Wool Grass Increaser 1 Grass
Indigofera velutina Grey leaved indigo Herb
Jamesbrittenia kraussiana Herb
Juncus effuses Sedge
Ledebouria ovatifolia Medicinal Bulb/Herb
Leersia hexandra Wild Rice Grass Grass
Lobelia flaccida Wild Lobelia Herb
Lolium perenne Rye Grass Pioneer Alien Invasive Grass
Macrolepiota zeyheri Parasol Mushroom Fungi
Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
Species Name Common Name Status Growth form
Mariscus congestus Cultural Herb
Melenis nerviglumis Bristle leaved red top Climax Increaser 1 Grass
Increaser 2 - Pioneer Melinis repens Natal Red Top Grass to subclimax
Monocymbium ceresiiforme Boat grass Decreaser - Climax Grass
Monopsis decipiens Butterfly Lobelia Medicinal Herb
Paspalum dilatatum Dallis Grass Exotic Grass
Pellaea calomelanos Rock Fern Medicinal Fern
Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu Grass Exotic Grass
Persicaria lapathifolia Spotted Knotweed Alien Invasive Herb
Phytolacca octandra. Inkberry/Pokeweed Alien Invasive 1b Herb
Pinus patula Patula pine Alien Invasive Cat 2 Tree
Psammotropha myriantha Medicinal Herb
Pteridium aquilinum Bracken Fern Fern
Pycreus polystachyos Sedge
Quercus robur English Oak Alien invasive Tree
Schizachyrium sanguineum Red Autumn Grass Increaser 1 - Climax Grass
Schoenoplectus corymbosus Cultural-weaving Reed
Searsia pyroides Firethorn current Shrub
Large-Flowered Sebaea grandis Sebaea/Primrose Charm Herb Gentian
Seriphium plumosum Bankrupt Bush Weed Shrub
Setaria sphacelata var. sphacelata Bristle Grass Decreaser - Climax Grass
Setaria sphacelata var.sericea Golden Bristle grass Decreaser - Climax Grass
Sporobolus africanus Ratstail dropseed Subclimax increaser 3 Grass
Sporobolus fimbriatus Dropseed grass Climax decreaser Grass
Syzigium cordatum Umdoni Waterberry Tree
Tagetes minuta Tall Khaki Weed Alien Invasive Herb
Taraxacum officinale Dandelion Weed Herb
Themeda triandra Red Grass Decreaser - Climax Grass
Thylepteris confluens Bog fern Fern
Fauna and Flora Impact Assessment Report Xivono Weltevreden Coal Mining Project near Belfast, Mpumalanga MBU5710
Species Name Common Name Status Growth form
Increaser 2 - Trichoneura grandiglumis Small Rolling Grass Grass Subclimax
Tristachya leucothrix Hairy Trident Grass Increaser 1 - Climax Grass
Verbena bonariensis Tall Verbena Alien invasive Shrub
Bicoloured-leaved Vernonia oligocephala Medicinal Herb Vernonia
Wahlenbergia grandiflora Giant Bell flower Herb