Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region

PROPOSED IRRIGATION SCHEME EXPANSION PROJECT, STAMPRIET, HARDAP REGION

SCOPING REPORT (INCLUDING IMPACT ASSESSMENT)

Prepared for: Tristone Business Trust

Client Ref: Stampriet Irrigation EIA

SSLR Project No: 733.20070.00001 Revision No: Final Month/Year: March 2019 Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

DOCUMENT INFORMATION

Title Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region Scoping Report (Including Impact Assessment) Project Manager Gerhard Jacobs Project Manager e-mail [email protected] Author Immanuel Katali Reviewer Alex Pheiffer Keywords Stampriet, Irrigation, Scheme, Water Abstraction, Increased, Expansion, Tristone Status Final SLR Project No 733.20070.00001

DOCUMENT REVISION RECORD

Rev No. Issue Date Description Issued By A November 2018 First draft issued for client comment IK and EG B March 2019 Final Report to Competent Authority EG

BASIS OF REPORT

This document has been prepared by an SLR Group company with reasonable skill, care and diligence, and taking account of the manpower, timescales and resources devoted to it by agreement with Tristone Business Trust (the Client) as part or all of the services it has been appointed by the Client to carry out. It is subject to the terms and conditions of that appointment.

SLR shall not be liable for the use of or reliance on any information, advice, recommendations and opinions in this document for any purpose by any person other than the Client. Reliance may be granted to a third party only in the event that SLR and the third party have executed a reliance agreement or collateral warranty.

Information reported herein may be based on the interpretation of public domain data collected by SLR, and/or information supplied by the Client and/or its other advisors and associates. These data have been accepted in good faith as being accurate and valid.

SLR disclaims any responsibility to the Client and others in respect of any matters outside the agreed scope of the work.

The copyright and intellectual property in all drawings, reports, specifications, bills of quantities, calculations and other information set out in this report remain vested in SLR unless the terms of appointment state otherwise.

This document may contain information of a specialised and/or highly technical nature and the Client is advised to seek clarification on any elements which may be unclear to it.

Information, advice, recommendations and opinions in this document should only be relied upon in the context of the whole document and any documents referenced explicitly herein and should then only be used within the context of the appointment.

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

TBT plans to expand its irrigation scheme (of 105 ha) to include a new portion, namely Portion A, on Steyn’s Halt of the farm De Duine (198) (Steyn’s Halt), covering a total area of 5100 ha. An irrigation scheme of 15 ha will be undertaken on this additional portion of land. With the expansion of the irrigation scheme, TBT plans to renew the existing abstraction permits, while also amending the abstraction limit from the current permitted 970 000 m³/year to 1 800 000 m³/year. This increase in abstraction makes provision for the proposed 210 000 m³/year to be supplied from a new borehole to be established on Steyn’s Halt.

Given that the land was previously cleared and used for rain fed corn plantations impacts on heritage/cultural aspects are not expected. Through the project the capability of the land is being realised. In the context of noise and visual related impacts, the increase in activities is relatively small. In the context of air quality related impacts, the additional portion of land was previously cleared and used for rain fed corn plantations. The continued use of the land by TBT for agricultural purposes would therefore not change any impacts previously experienced. The use of pesticides and farm practises on site could impact ecological systems through pollution of the environment and generation of dust.

Specialist input was provided on the likely impact of the proposed project on groundwater resources. This was seen as the main impact associated with the project and was the focus of issues raised during the public participation process. The findings of the specialist input and other relevant information have been integrated and synthesised into this Scoping (including impact assessment) Report.

A summary of the assessment of potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed project is provided in the table below. The mitigated assessment assumes that mitigation measures included in the environmental management programme (EMP) would be implemented by TBT.

SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROPOSED PROJECT Significance of the impact* Section Potential impact Unmitigated Mitigated Pollution of environment with pesticides (which Medium Low comprise insecticides, herbicides and fungicides) Ecology Dust impacts on vegetation Low Low Avifaunal deaths due to power lines Medium Low Negative impact of pesticides, fertilizers and High Low hydrocarbons on groundwater quality Groundwater Negative impact of increased abstraction rates on Medium Low groundwater quantity downstream Socio-economic Positive economic impacts High + High + * The ratings are negative unless otherwise specified.

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019 support of the local community and economy as well as the Namibian economy as a whole. The project would also contribute to food security in Namibia as a whole.

SLR Namibia concludes that should TBT follow the actions (i.e. management and mitigation measures) provided in the EIA and EMP report, the project would have an acceptable impact on the surrounding physical and social environment.

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... I 1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 PURPOSE OF THE REPORT ...... 1 1.2 INTRODUCTION TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT ...... 1 1.3 PROJECT MOTIVATION (NEED AND DESIRABILITY) ...... 3 1.4 EIA PROCESS ...... 3 1.5 EIA TEAM ...... 4 1.6 OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT ...... 5 2 LEGAL FRAMEWORK ...... 6 3 SCOPING METHODOLOGY ...... 8 3.1 INFORMATION COLLECTION ...... 8 3.2 SCOPING REPORT ...... 8 3.3 SPECIALIST ASSESSMENT...... 9 3.4 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS ...... 10 4 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS ...... 11 4.1 IAPS ...... 11 4.2 STEPS IN THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS ...... 11 4.3 SUMMARY OF ISSUES RAISED ...... 12 5 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...... 13 5.1 OVERVIEW...... 13 5.2 IRRIGATION SCHEME INFRASTRUCTURE ...... 13 5.2.1 PUMP STATIONS ...... 13 5.2.2 PIPELINES ...... 13 5.2.3 ON-FIELD IRRIGATION SYSTEM AND INFRASTRUCTURE ...... 13 5.2.4 LOGISTICS CENTRE AND SUPPORT FACILITIES ...... 13 5.3 WATER SUPPLY AND USE ...... 14 5.4 ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION...... 15 5.5 WASTE MANAGEMENT ...... 15 5.6 SEWAGE MANAGEMENT ...... 15 5.7 EMPLOYMENT AND HOUSING ...... 15 6 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES ...... 16 6.1 ALTERNATIVE SITE AND WATER ABSTRACTION OPTIONS ...... 16 6.2 ALTERNATIVE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY OPTIONS ...... 16 6.3 ALTERNATIVE POTABLE WATER SUPPLY OPTIONS ...... 16 6.4 ALTERNATIVE CROP OPTIONS ...... 16 6.5 THE “NO PROJECT” OPTION ...... 17 7 DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT ENVIRONMENT ...... 18 7.1 BIOPHYSICAL ...... 18 7.1.1 CLIMATE ...... 18 7.1.2 GEOLOGY AND SOILS ...... 18 7.1.3 TOPOGRAPHY AND HYDROLOGY ...... 20 7.1.4 REGIONAL GROUNDWATER ...... 21 7.1.5 LOCAL GROUNDWATER ...... 23

iii

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

7.2 SOCIO-ECONOMIC STRUCTURE/PROFILE ...... 25 7.2.1 SURFACE RIGHTS AND LAND TENURE ...... 25 7.2.2 HARDAP REGIONAL COUNCIL ...... 25 7.2.3 REGIONAL DEMOGRAPHICS ...... 25 7.2.4 MARIENTAL RURAL ...... 25 8 IDENTIFICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS AND POTENTIAL IMPACTS...... 26 9 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ...... 27 9.1 ECOLOGY ...... 28 9.1.1 ISSUE: POLLUTION OF ENVIRONMENT WITH PESTICIDES (WHICH COMPRISE INSECTICIDES, HERBICIDES AND FUNGICIDES) ...... 28 9.1.2 ISSUE: DUST IMPACTS ON VEGETATION ...... 30 9.1.3 ISSUE: AVIFAUNAL DEATHS DUE TO POWER LINES ...... 31 9.2 GROUNDWATER ...... 32 9.2.1 ISSUE: NEGATIVE IMPACT OF INCREASED PESTICIDES, FERTILIZERS AND HYDROCARBONS ON GROUNDWATER QUALITY ...... 32 9.2.2 ISSUE: NEGATIVE IMPACT OF INCREASED ABSTRACTION RATES ON GROUNDWATER QUANTITY DOWNSTREAM...... 34 9.3 SURFACE WATER ...... 36 9.4 NOISE AND VISUAL ...... 36 9.5 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ...... 36 9.5.1 ISSUE: POSITIVE SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS ...... 37 9.6 HERITAGE ...... 37 9.7 CUMULATIVE IMPACT ASSESSMENT ...... 38 10 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 39 11 CONSULTANT EXPERIENCE AND DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE ...... 41 12 REFERENCES ...... 42

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A: TEAM CVS ...... A APPENDIX B: INFORMATION SHARING RECORD (BID, NEWSPAPER ADVERTS, SITE NOTICE) ...... B APPENDIX C: DATABASE ...... C APPENDIX D: MINUTES AND ISSUES AND RESPONSE REPORT ...... D APPENDIX E: GROUNDWATER SPECIALIST STUDY ...... E APPENDIX F: EMP ...... F

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE 1: EIA PROCESS ...... 3 TABLE 2: PROPOSED ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT TEAM ...... 4 TABLE 3: RELEVANT LEGISLATION AND POLICIES ...... 6 TABLE 4: SCOPING REPORT REQUIREMENTS STIPULATED IN THE EIA REGULATIONS ...... 8 TABLE 5: TRISTONE’S IRRIGATION SCHEME STAKEHOLDERS ...... 11 TABLE 6: CONSULTATION PROCESS WITH IAPS AND AUTHORITIES ...... 11 TABLE 7: CURRENT WATER SUPPLY AND PROPOSED WATER ABSTRACTION AMENDMENTS ...... 14 TABLE 8: WATER QUALITY DATA OF TBT IRRIGATION BOREHOLES ...... 24 TABLE 9: CRITERIA FOR ASSESSING IMPACTS: CRITERIA FOR ASSESSING ...... 27 TABLE 10: SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROPOSED PROJECT ...... 39

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE 1: REGIONAL LOCATION OF THE TRISTONE IRRIGATION SCHEME...... 2 FIGURE 2: MEAN MONTHLY AND ANNUAL RAINFALL FROM 2000-2017 AT GOCHAS ...... 18 FIGURE 3: GEOLOGY OF THE IRRIGATION SCHEME ...... 19 FIGURE 4: GEOLOGICAL CROSS-SECTION (GGRETA, 2016) ...... 20 FIGURE 5: SITE RELIEF AND GROUNDWATER FLOW DIRECTION ...... 21 FIGURE 6: STAMPRIET TRANS BOUNDARY AQUIFER SYSTEM BOUNDARIES (GGRETA, 2016) ...... 22 FIGURE 7: HYDROCENSUS BOREHOLE LOCATIONS ...... 24

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

Acronyms / Definition Abbreviations CFU Commercial Farming Unit DEA Directorate of Environmental Affairs EAP Environmental Assessment Practitioner EAPAN Environmental Assessment Professionals of Namibia ECC Environmental Clearance Certificate EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMP Environmental Management Plan GAP Good Agricultural Practice ha Hectares IAPs Interested and Affected Party m³/h Cubic Metres per Hour MAP Mean Annual Precipitation MAR Mean Annual Runoff MAWF Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry MET Ministry of Environment and Tourism MSFU Medium Scale Farming Unit PPP Public Participation Process SLR SLR Environmental Consulting (Namibia) (Pty) Ltd SSFU Small Scale Farming Unit

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 PURPOSE OF THE REPORT

This Scoping Report which includes an impact assessment has been compiled and distributed for review and comment as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process for the proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project.

This Scoping Report (including impact assessment) includes a description of the proposed project and the affected environment, a summary of the EIA process followed to date, the findings of the specialist studies, an assessment of the environmental impacts that the proposed activities are likely to have and sets out SLR’s recommended management and mitigation measures.

Registered Interested and Affected Parties (IAPs) are being provided with the opportunity to comment on this Scoping (including impact assessment) Report. Once the comment period closes, the Report will be updated to a final report with due consideration of the comments received, and will be submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET): Department of Environmental Affairs (Competent Authority) for decision-making.

1.2 INTRODUCTION TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT

Tristone Business Trust (TBT) has been operating an irrigation scheme since 2005. The irrigation scheme is located ±40km south east of Stampriet, in the Hardap Region (Figure 1) and covers a total area of 38 855 hectares (ha). The crops produced from the scheme include maize, oats, lucerne, fruit and cow peas, which are sold on a commercial scale.

The scheme uses groundwater as specified under Permits 11 159; 11 116; 11 115; 10 472; 10 450; 10 475 and 10 423. There are currently nine boreholes drilled across the various portions of the scheme that are used for groundwater supply, with an abstraction amount of up to 970 000m³/a. This abstraction amount is permitted by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF).

The irrigation scheme currently covers the following farms:  Dikbos Portion 1 of Eerstbegin(197/1) (4890ha) for maize, Lucerne and oats  Witpan Portion B of De Duine (198B) (5085 ha) for maize and oats  Hartebeestloop (202) Remainder (6190ha) for fruits other than citrus  Hartebeestloop (202/1) (7235ha) for Lucerne, maize and oats  Ptn 1 (Oserikare) of Farm Breedestraat (204) (4420ha)  Okongona (203) (9140ha)  Ptn 3 (a Ptn of Ptn 2) of Farm Fricourt (199) (1895ha).

TBT plans to expand its irrigation scheme to include a new portion, namely Portion A, on Steyn’s Halt of the farm De Duine (198) (Steyn’s Halt), covering a total area of 5100 ha. This additional portion has three existing boreholes, which are too shallow and are not suitable for irrigation. The land is

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019 already cleared and was previously used for rain fed corn plantations. No additional land clearing would be required.

FIGURE 1: REGIONAL LOCATION OF THE TRISTONE IRRIGATION SCHEME

With the expansion of the irrigation scheme, TBT plans to renew the existing abstraction permits, while also amending the abstraction limit from the current permitted 970 000 m³/year to 1 800 000 m³/year. This increase in abstraction makes provision for the proposed 210 000 m³/year to be supplied from a new borehole to be drilled on the Steyn’s Halt portion.

Given that the land has already been cleared, this Scoping Report (including impact assessment) focuses on the operational phase of the project.

SLR Environmental Consulting (Namibia) (Pty) Ltd (SLR) has been appointed by TBT as the independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) to undertake the EIA process.

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

1.3 PROJECT MOTIVATION (NEED AND DESIRABILITY)

There has been a large demand for local produce in the market and as per Namibia Agriculture Policy of 2015 it is the objective of the government to actively promote the sustainable utilization of available resources for crop production to realize the country’s full crop production potential and ensure food security at national and household levels. The proposed expansion of the irrigation scheme and increase in water abstraction would support the scheme in reaching maximum output and yield production. The increase in water requirements would be supplied by existing permitted boreholes as well as from one new proposed borehole on Steyn’s Halt.

Furthermore, an increase in production would ensure that TBT remains competitive in the market. Provided TBT complies with the mitigation measures outlined in this report, the project has the potential to have the following positive socio-economic impacts:  An increase in the tax base of the economy  The continuation of jobs, and skills, in the labour sector, an increase in job creation  An increase in the production, and supply, of crops in the local market (a commodity which is currently in high demand).

1.4 EIA PROCESS

EIAs are regulated by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) in terms of the Environmental Management Act, 7 of 2007. This Act was gazetted on 27 December 2007 (Government Gazette No. 3966) and enacted on 6 February 2012. The Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations: Environmental Management Act, 2007 (Government Gazette No. 4878) were promulgated on 6 February 2012. Given that this project relates to irrigation and the use of abstracted groundwater, the DWAF will provide recommendations to MET as part of the decision-making process.

Steps in the EIA process are outlined in Table 1 below. Further detail on the public participation process is provided in Section 4.

TABLE 1: EIA PROCESS Objectives Corresponding activities Project initiation and Screening phase (June-July 2018) - Identify environmental aspects and - Notify the MAWF of the proposed project. potential impacts of the proposed - Submission of an application to MET. project - Identification of potential impacts that could occur as a result of - Notify the decision-making the proposed project and related specialist terms of reference. authority of the proposed project - Confirmation of EIA process to be followed. - Initiate the EIA Scoping process. - Identify key stakeholders (develop IAP database). Scoping (including impact assessment) phase (July 2018 – January 2019) - Involve Interested and Affected - Notify government authorities and IAPs of the proposed project Parties (IAPs) in the scoping and EIA process (through telephone calls, e-mails, newspaper process through information advertisements and site notices). sharing. - IAP registration and submission of initial comments. - Confirm potential environmental - Information sharing meeting. issues associated with the

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

Objectives Corresponding activities proposed project. - Conduct specialist studies. - Determine the terms of reference - Compilation of Scoping Report (including impact assessment) and for specialist input and undertake EMP. specialist studies. - Distribute Scoping Report and EMP to relevant authorities and - Consider alternatives. IAPs for review. - Identify any fatal flaws. - Forward finalised Scoping Report (including EMP) incorporating - Provide details associated with the IAP comments to MET for decision making. potentially affected environment. - Assessment of potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed project. - Develop management and mitigation measures.

Within this framework, the required components of the EIA report are discussed in more detail as part of the EIA methodology in Section 3.

1.5 EIA TEAM

As noted in Chapter 1, SLR is the independent firm of consultants that has been appointed by TBT to undertake the EIA. The environmental project team is outlined in Table 2.

Gerhard Jacobs, the Project Manager has three years of relevant experience in Hydrogeology and has previously managed projects in the mining and agriculture industries, amongst other. Ester Gustavo, the project assistant and co-author has seven years’ experience in groundwater and surface water assessment and has previously managed projects in the mining, power and energy industries, while, Immanuel Katali, the project assistant and co-author has three years of experience in the Environmental Management discipline dealing with EIAs and EMPs. Immanuel is certified under the Environmental Assessment Professionals of Namibia (EAPAN). Alex Pheiffer, the Reviewer, holds a Master’s Degree in Environmental Management (from the Rand Afrikaans University) and has over 16 years of experience in a range of environmental disciplines, including EIAs, EMPs, Licensing, Environmental Auditing and Monitoring, Review and Public Consultation. She has expertise in a wide range of projects. She is certified under the Environmental Assessment Professionals of Namibia (EAPAN). The relevant curriculum vitae documentation is attached in Appendix A.

TABLE 2: PROPOSED ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT TEAM Name Designation Tasks and roles Company Gerhard Project Manager and Management of the process, team members and other Jacobs Groundwater and Surface stakeholders water Specialist Groundwater and surface water assessment SLR Consulting Immanuel Project Assistant and Assisting Project Manager in the EIA Process Katali Environmental Compilation of report Assessment Practitioner

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

Name Designation Tasks and roles Company Ester Project Assistant and Compilation of report Gustavo Groundwater Specialist Groundwater assessment Alex Pheiffer Environmental Quality Control and review Assessment Practitioner 1.6 OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT

This Scoping Report including an impact assessment and management programme has been distributed for a 30 calendar day review period from 25 February 2019 to 27 March 2019 in order to provide registered IAPs with an opportunity to comment on any aspect of the proposed project and the findings of the EIA process. Copies of the full report have been made available on the SLR website (at https://slrconsulting.com/za/slr-documents/) and at the Windhoek National Library and Stampriet Village Council. Electronic copies of the report can be requested from SLR.

For comments to be included in the final report that is submitted to the MET, comments should reach SLR by no later than 27th March 2019.

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

2 LEGAL FRAMEWORK

EIAs are influenced by national legislation and a range of guidelines. The legislation applicable to this project and the EIA process is discussed further below.

The Republic of Namibia has five tiers of law and a number of policies relevant to environmental assessment and protection, which includes:  The Constitution  Statutory law  Common law  Customary law  International law.

Key policies currently in force include:  EIA Policy (1995)  Namibia’s Environmental Assessment Policy for Sustainable Development and Environmental Conservation (1994).

As the main source of legislation, the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia (1990) makes provision for the creation and enforcement of applicable legislation. In this context and in accordance with its constitution, Namibia has passed numerous laws intended to protect the natural environment and mitigate against adverse environmental impacts.

In the context of the proposed irrigation project, there are several laws and policies currently applicable. These are reflected in Table 3.

In addition MAWF would be responsible for authorising the renewal of the abstraction permits including the increased abstraction volumes.

TABLE 3: RELEVANT LEGISLATION AND POLICIES Year Name Current Namibian legislation & Bills 1990 The Constitution of the Republic of Namibia of 1990 1997 Namibian Water Corporation Act, No. 12 of 1997 2003 Pollution control and waste management bill, 2004 2003 Agricultural (Commercial) Land Reform Amendment Act of 2003 2013 Water Resources Management Act, 2013 2007 Environmental Management Act No. 7 of 2007 2013 Water Resources Management Act, (Act No. 11 of 2013) Former South African and SWA legislation still applicable in Namibia 1919 Public Health Act No. 36 of 1919 1956 Water Act No. 54 of 1956

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

Year Name 1969 Soil Conservation Act No. 76 of 1969 1974 Hazardous Substances Ordinance No. 14 of 1974 Namibian policy 1995 Namibia's Environmental Assessment Policy for Sustainable Development and Environmental Conservation 1995 National Agricultural Policy 2000 National Water Policy White Paper 2008 Green Scheme Policy International law to which Namibia is a signatory 1989 The Rotterdam convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

3 SCOPING METHODOLOGY

3.1 INFORMATION COLLECTION

SLR used various sources to identify environmental issues associated with the proposed project and the Terms of Reference for the required investigations.

Information used in the process was sourced from:  Project information provided by TBT which includes: o Site layouts o Technical and process information  Site visit by the SLR Project Team  SLR groundwater Specialist Study  Consultation with the Technical Project Team  Consultation with IAPs  Consultation with relevant authorities  Atlas of Namibia  National Groundwater Database (GROWAS)  Meteorological offices.

In case of people related impacts, the assessment focused on third parties and did not assess health and safety impacts on workers. The assumption was made that these aspects are separately regulated by health and safety legislation, policies and standards.

3.2 SCOPING REPORT

The main purpose of this Scoping Report is to indicate which environmental aspects relating to the proposed activities will be assessed and to provide mitigation measures, where required.

Table 4 outlines the Scoping Report requirements as set out in Section 8 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations that were promulgated in February 2012 in terms of the Environmental Management Act, 7 of 2007.

TABLE 4: SCOPING REPORT REQUIREMENTS STIPULATED IN THE EIA REGULATIONS Requirements for a Scoping Report in terms of the February 2012 regulations Reference in report (a) the curriculum vitae of the EAPs who prepared the report; Section 2 and Appendix A (b) a description of the proposed activity; Section 5 (c) a description of the site on which the activity is to be undertaken and the Section 1 location of the activity on the site; (d) a description of the environment that may be affected by the proposed activity and the manner in which the geographical, physical, biological, social, Section 7 economic and cultural aspects of the environment may be affected by the proposed listed activity; (e) an identification of laws and guidelines that have been considered in the Section 2 preparation of the Scoping Report;

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

Requirements for a Scoping Report in terms of the February 2012 regulations Reference in report (f) details of the public consultation process conducted in terms of regulation 7(1) in connection with the application, including - (i) the steps that were taken to notify potentially interested and affected parties of the proposed application; (ii) proof that notice boards, advertisements and notices notifying potentially interested and affected parties of the proposed application have been displayed, Section 4 placed or given; (iii) a list of all persons, organisations and organs of state that were registered in terms of regulation 22 as interested and affected parties in relation to the application; and (iv) a summary of the issues raised by interested and affected parties, the date of receipt of and the response of the EAP to those issues; (g) a description of the need and desirability of the proposed listed activity and any identified alternatives to the proposed activity that are feasible and reasonable, including the advantages and disadvantages that the proposed Section 1.3 and 6 activity or alternatives have on the environment and on the community that may be affected by the activity; (h) a description and assessment of the significance of any significant effects, including cumulative effects, that may occur as a result of the undertaking of the Sections 9 activity or identified alternatives or as a result of any construction, erection or decommissioning associated with the undertaking of the proposed listed activity; (i) terms of reference for the detailed assessment; and Section 3 (j) a management plan, which includes - (i) information on any proposed management, mitigation, protection or remedial measures to be undertaken to address the effects on the environment that have been identified including objectives in respect of the rehabilitation of the environment and closure; (ii) as far as is reasonably practicable, measures to rehabilitate the environment affected by the undertaking of the activity or specified activity to its natural or Appendix F predetermined state or to a land use which conforms to the generally accepted principle of sustainable development; and (iii) a description of the manner in which the applicant intends to modify, remedy, control or stop any action, activity or process which causes pollution or environmental degradation remedy the cause of pollution or degradation and migration of pollutants.

3.3 SPECIALIST ASSESSMENT

A key issue identified during the process was the potential for impacts on groundwater resources. SLR’s geohydrology team undertook a specialist study to assess this. The specialist study involved the gathering of data (desktop and hydrocensus) relevant to identifying and assessing environmental impacts that may occur as a result of the proposed project. These impacts have been assessed according to pre-defined rating scales (see Section 9 below). The specialist study included recommended mitigation measures to minimise potential impacts or optimisation measures to enhance potential benefits as well as monitoring requirements, where required. These have been incorporated into the EMP. The methodology applied to the specialist study is included in the specialist report attached as an appendix to this report.

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

3.4 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS

The key assumptions and limitations are detailed below.  Details of the site operations and design information used to describe the project and identify impacts were provided by TBT. It is assumed that this information is accurate and that the project will be implemented and operated as described.  Monitoring data and the results of a hydrogeological study formed the basis for the assessment of impact significance.  The identification of environmental impacts, the rating of impact significance and the recommendation of mitigation measures assumed that the design parameters and standard operating conditions at the Irrigation Project are implemented with an acceptable level of management and maintenance efficiency. Occasional non-compliances or limited failures are an accepted part of operations and were thus included in the impact assessment.  This study does not, and cannot, assess the environmental risks associated with fires, accidents, very poor site management or maintenance and acts of nature. A full risk assessment would be required to deal with these issues.  The assumptions and limitations of the specialist study or opinion are detailed in the specialist report.  Pump test evaluation indicates that the groundwater potential for the TBT can meet the higher demand although certain long term predictions cannot be made at the moment. According to DWAF a regional groundwater model is in development for the STAS aquifer (pers. comment Bertram Swartz). The objective of this model will be to determine and predict the long term effects of abstraction for irrigation and other industrial uses on the STAS aquifer. Once this model is completed it should be used to make realistic predictions of the impacts of current and future water use in the area. The model will be used to determine the sustainable use of the aquifer as a whole and to actively manage the aquifer and all water users.

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

4 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS

A public participation process is being undertaken to inform the EIA process. The purpose of the public participation process was to ensure that all persons and/or organisations that may be affected by, or interested in, the proposed project, were informed of the project and could register their views and concerns. By consulting with relevant authorities and IAPs, the range of environmental issues to be considered in the Scoping Report (including the assessment of impacts) has been given specific context and focus. Included below is a summary of the IAPs consulted, the process that was followed, and the issues that were identified.

4.1 IAPS

A broad list of persons, group of persons or organisations that were informed about the project and who were requested to register as IAPs, if affected by or interested in the project, is included in Table 5 below.

TABLE 5: TRISTONE’S IRRIGATION SCHEME STAKEHOLDERS IAP Grouping Organisation Local and regional government – Stampriet Village Council, Hardap Regional Council councillors and key officers Government Ministries Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET): Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF): Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) Government Parastatals NamWater Residents and farmers Home owners/tenants in Stampriet and Farmers. Media Newspaper adverts: Namibian Sun and Die Republikein Other interested and affected Any other people with an interest in the proposed project or who may be parties affected by the proposed project.

The IAP database for the EIA process is included in Appendix C of the report.

4.2 STEPS IN THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS

Table 6 sets out the steps that were followed as part of the public participation process.

TABLE 6: CONSULTATION PROCESS WITH IAPS AND AUTHORITIES Task Description Date Notification - regulatory authorities and IAPs Notification to MET SLR submitted the Application for ECC to MET. July 2018 The IAP database was updated to include additional IAPs. A copy of the IAP database is attached in Appendix C. June 2018 IAP identification All parties who registered or showed an interest in the EIA throughout the process, together with relevant Local, Regional and process Governmental Ministries are included in Appendix C.

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

Task Description Date BIDs were distributed via email to all authorities and IAPs on the IAP database and were available at the information-sharing meeting. Copies of the BID were made available on request to SLR. Distribution of The purpose of the BID was to inform IAPs and authorities about background July and the proposed project, EIA process, possible environmental information September 2018 impacts and means of providing input into the EIA process. document (BID) Attached to the BID was a registration and response form, which provided IAPs with an opportunity to submit their names, contact details and comments on the project. A copy of the BID is attached in Appendix B. A site notice was placed at the TBT’s Irrigation Scheme entrance. Site notices July 2018 A copy of the site notice is included in Appendix B. Block advertisements were placed as follows: Newspaper - The Republikein (21 and 28 July 2017) September 2018 Advertisements - The Namibian Sun (21 and 28 July 2017). Refer to Appendix B. Public meeting and Focus Group meetings and submission of comments A public information-sharing meeting was held at the Stampriet Information- Boerevereniging Hall. A copy of the presentation and attached September 2018 sharing Meeting register is attached as Appendix B. Comments and Minutes of the meeting and comments received during the - Responses process are attached in Appendix D. Review of draft Scoping Report IAPs and authorities Authorities and IAPs have 30 calendar days to review the Scoping (excluding MET) February 2019 Report and submit comments in writing to SLR. review of Scoping Report and EMP MET review of The final Scoping Report, including authority and IAP review Scoping Report and comments, will be delivered to MET on completion of the public March 2019 EMP review process.

4.3 SUMMARY OF ISSUES RAISED

All issues that have been raised to date by authorities and IAPs are included in Appendix D. The key issues raised relate to:  Impacts on groundwater levels and availability to third party users  Impacts on the groundwater quality.

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

5 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

5.1 OVERVIEW

The proposed project includes the following activities:  Proposed expansion of the irrigation scheme to include an 8th farm portion namely Portion A, Steyn’s Halt of the farm De Duine (198) (Steyn’s Halt), covering a total area of 5100 ha and with three existing boreholes that are shallow.  Proposed renewal of groundwater abstraction Permits 10 450; 10 472; 10 423; 10 475; 11 151; 11 116; and 11 159  Proposed amendment of the permitted groundwater abstraction quotas from 970 000 m³/annum to 1 800 000m³/annum inclusive of 210 000 m³/annum from a new borehole to be drilled on Steyn’s Halt.

The main operational components of the proposed project are described below.

5.2 IRRIGATION SCHEME INFRASTRUCTURE

The existing irrigation scheme is on commercial land with existing associated infrastructure. Existing infrastructure comprises boreholes, pipelines, tanks, on-field irrigation systems, plantations, a logistics centre and accommodation. No infrastructure exists on the new Steyn’s Halt farm portion.

Additional irrigation infrastructure required for the proposed project is described below.

5.2.1 Pump stations Boreholes at the existing farm portions have been installed with electrical submersible pumps. The new borehole to be established on Steyn’s Halt would be equipped with an irrigation pump station.

5.2.2 Pipelines A low-pressure underground pipeline of ±40 mm in diameter is installed on the existing farm portions. This pipeline runs from the boreholes located on the various farms to the irrigation scheme. For the Steyn’s Halt farm portion, a standalone system will be established.

5.2.3 On-field irrigation system and infrastructure The existing irrigation systems consist of Centre Pivot Irrigation covering approximately 105 ha in total. Similarly, the Steyn’s Halt farm portion will use a Centre Pivot Irrigation system covering approximately 15 ha in total.

5.2.4 Logistics centre and Support facilities To support the administrative activities of the irrigation scheme, the irrigation scheme includes a Logistics Center which includes:  an office

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

 chemical store and mixing facility used to store all pesticides (which comprise insecticides, herbicides and fungicides) and fertilizer – this is a controlled facility with fire suppression, emergency showers, and containment measures  above ground diesel facility for storage, handling and refuelling vehicles and machinery – the storage tanks have a maximum capacity of 2500 litres each.

The above facilities would also support the activities on the new Steyn’s Halt.

Accommodation is provided in 17 houses as follows:  Hartebeesloop: 2 houses for managers and 4 houses for 12 labourers  Dikbos (Eerstebegin): 1 house for managers and 2 houses for 6 labourers  Okongona: 1 house for managers and 4 houses for 6 labourers  Witpan (De duine): 1 empty house  Grunfeld (Fricourt): 1 house for labourer

An existing empty house is located on the Steyn’s Halt portion, which is planned for the supervisor of the farm and a team of 2 workers.

5.3 WATER SUPPLY AND USE

The water supply to the irrigation scheme is abstracted from nine boreholes (not all pumped concurrently) that are drilled across the seven farm portions (Table 7). Greater volumes of water are required for the irrigation scheme to meet increased crop production. The table below includes the proposed increased abstraction volumes as well as the new additional portion (Portion A, Steyn’s Halt of the farm De Duine (198)) that will require a total volume of water of up to 210 000m³/annum. The project irrigation will require approximately 223 m3 per hour over a pumping period of 12 hours a day for crop irrigation and for general use, e.g. drinking water, washing and cleaning and general domestic use. With reference to the table, the abstraction volumes would increase from the permitted 970 000m³/annum to 1 800 000m³/annum.

TABLE 7: CURRENT WATER SUPPLY AND PROPOSED WATER ABSTRACTION AMENDMENTS

Farms Permit No & Borehole Existing Quota Proposed (m³/a) amendment (m³/a) Dikbos (Eerstbegin) (197/1) PN: 10 423, WW 32118 and WW 40316 190 000 250 000 Witpan (De Duine) (198B) PN: 10 475, WW 727 and WW 41056 220 000 250 000 Hartebeestloop (202) PN: 10 450, WW 37690 80 000 120 000 Hartebeestloop (202/1) PN: 10 472, WW 37688 140 000 220 000 Oserikare (Breedestraat) (204) PN: 11 115, WW 204028 150 000 250 000 Okongona (203) PN: 11 116, WW 203986 100 000 250 000 Grunfeld (Fricourt) (199) PN: 11 159, WW 203984 100 000 250 000 Steyn’s Halt of farm De Duine New - 210 000 Total 970 000 1 800 000

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

With reference to Table 7, TBT intends to apply for the renewal of its existing groundwater abstraction permits and concurrently apply to amend its yearly abstraction. An application for renewing and increasing the abstraction quotas of the existing permits will be submitted to DWAF.

5.4 ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION

Power for the irrigation scheme is sourced from NamPower and a private distribution network. Although a battery and solar combined system exists at Steyn’s Halt, this can only support the most basic household appliances. Therefore the existing distribution network will be extended to include Steyn’s Halt as follows:  Phase 1: The private electricity network established at Hartebeestloop, which currently serves Witpan Portion B of De Duine (198B) will be extended from the Witpan transformer via an additional 3 km of 22kV powerline to supply between 50 -100 kVA electricity to the Steyn’s Halt portion.  Phase 2: A 22kV power line from the Auob line that goes from Stampriet to Gochas will be extended to supply power to the second planned field on the Steyn’s Halt portion. This is the main NamPower line servicing Gochas and the surrounding areas. The transformer will be between 50 -100 kVA.

5.5 WASTE MANAGEMENT

Domestic non-hazardous waste is stored in an open pit. The exact quantities cannot be determined and the type of waste varies according to seasons. Hazardous waste resulting from the use of pesticides is stored at the chemical store and mixing facility and taken off site for disposal.

5.6 SEWAGE MANAGEMENT

The logistics centre and the small and medium scale farm housing have pit sewage systems. The same system will be implemented on Steyn’s Halt.

5.7 EMPLOYMENT AND HOUSING

Permanent staff on site includes:  1 x Stud Manager  1 x Game /hunting manager  3x Agronomist / Managers  25 x General Labourers.  1 x supervisor and 2 General labourers

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

6 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES

Limited alternatives exist for the project. This is discussed further below.

6.1 ALTERNATIVE SITE AND WATER ABSTRACTION OPTIONS

The proposed project caters for the expansion of an existing irrigation scheme by incorporating an additional neighbouring portion of land. Therefore no site or layout alternatives are available.

A component of the project caters for the increase in water abstraction volumes to meet an increase in crop production and yield. This is being driven by market conditions and demand. Irrigation water would be sourced from groundwater as this is the only sustainable resource available. No other water supply options exist.

6.2 ALTERNATIVE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY OPTIONS

6.3 ALTERNATIVE POTABLE WATER SUPPLY OPTIONS

Potable water is sourced from an existing potable water supply source. The option of installing a small purification plant for purifying water from the saline boreholes was considered. However, the option was not financially or logistically feasible. No other feasible options exist.

6.4 ALTERNATIVE CROP OPTIONS

The crop options planned for Steyn’s Halt is white maize for the summer season and oats for the winter season. Steyn’s Halt can only be reached by a two-spoor sand road crossing the dunes, with a 4-wheel tracked vehicle. There are existing 4-wheel tracked tractors and trailers that can reach Steyn’s Halt. Initially crops planted at Steyn’s Halt will be limited to those that can withstand the transport over the difficult terrain. Once the irrigation is fully established, a road will be built to allow for better and easier access. This will allow for crops with higher returns.

An alternative is to grow crops such as asparagus, sweet potatoes, date palms, oranges, lemons and micro greens. However, growing such crops requires knowledge and expertise that is often too costly. Therefore, TBT proposes to only grow these crops during the second operational season.

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

6.5 THE “NO PROJECT” OPTION

The No-Go alternative represents the option not to proceed with the proposed expansion of the irrigation scheme. The assessment of this option requires a comparison between the options of proceeding with the project with that of not proceeding with the project.

The food security situation in Namibia is characterised by extreme variability in levels of food production, large volumes of coarse grain imports and disparity in household income levels. The 2013 Global Hunger Index, published by The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), ranks Namibia at 53 out of 120 countries assessed indicating a “serious food problem”. (Source: www.wfp.org). Proceeding with the project attracts potential socio-economic benefits and potential negative environmental impacts. The main direct benefit of the project is the local production of food, thereby increasing Namibian food security and self-reliance. Potential negative impacts on groundwater resources can be mitigated through compliance with sector specific standards including the Good Agriculture Practise (GAP) standard. The sustainable use of groundwater as a resource is controlled by DWAF through the issuing of abstraction permits that are supported by pump testing data. Not implementing the project would result in the region and Namibia in general not benefiting from the increase in food security associated with the project.

For the purpose of this assessment, the status quo was considered in the unmitigated scenario in comparison to establishing the proposed development in the mitigated scenario.

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

7 DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT ENVIRONMENT

This chapter provides a general overview of the current baseline conditions associated with Irrigation Scheme and associated linear infrastructure. This section was compiled utilising the available databases and aerial imagery.

7.1 BIOPHYSICAL 7.1.1 Climate The Stampriet area experiences minimum temperatures as low as below 2˚C, where more than 30 days of the year experience frost. Maximum temperatures can escalate to 36˚C. Humidity is highly variable throughout the year; the least humid month is October at 10-20% and most humid month is around April at 60 – 70% humidity (Mendelssohn, et al., 2002).

While evaporation rates are high throughout the country, the southern area where the project is located loses much more water through evaporation compared to the north-eastern and coastal areas. This rate is higher during summer months due to high solar radiation. An annual average evaporation rate of up to 2300 mm/annum is expected in the area.

Mean annual rainfall across the basin varies between 120 mm (Stampriet) and 240 mm (Leonardsville). It is highly variable and therefore cannot be reflected accurately in a figure for average precipitation. Rarely, extreme rainfall can reach 500 mm. Recording of rainfall at Stampriet was discontinued by the Meteorological offices. Average monthly and average annual rainfall data from Gochas, a settlement south of the TBT Irrigation scheme indicates that most rainfall events occur during October to April, very little rain is experienced in winter and the highest rainfall was experienced in 2011, 2012 and 2017 (Figure 2).

FIGURE 2: MEAN MONTHLY AND ANNUAL RAINFALL FROM 2000-2017 AT GOCHAS

7.1.2 Geology and soils The geology of the area is primarily sandstones and mudstone of the Karoo Supergroup, with isolated occurrences of dolerite intrusions (Figure 3).

Most of the area is covered by Kalahari sands that stretch across the eastern, north eastern and north central parts of the country. The dominant soils at the irrigation scheme are Ferralic Arenosols

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

(Mendelsohn 2002). Ferralic Arenosols (ferralic refers to a high content of combined oxides of iron and aluminium) are formed mainly by wind-blown sand. They are characterised by a high proportion of sand (generally greater than 70 %), with the remainder being clay and silt. The sandy texture allows good drainage and the loose structure results in little runoff.

FIGURE 3: GEOLOGY OF THE IRRIGATION SCHEME

Groundwater occurs in three main aquifers namely the Kalahari Beds, the Auob Sandstone and the Nossob Sandstone. The average thickness of the Kalahari Aquifer is 100 m, the Auob 80 m, and the Nossob 25 m (JICA 2002). In the south-eastern part of the Namibian STAS, the Kalahari sediments are considerably thicker, reaching about 250 m in the ‘Pre-Kalahari Valley’ (Figure 4). The Auob Sandstone Aquifer and the Nossob Sandstone Aquifer lie in the Ecca Group of the lower Karoo Sequence and are separated by shale layers of the Mukorob Member, which is overlaid by Shale and Silt stone (SLR, 2018).

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

FIGURE 4: GEOLOGICAL CROSS-SECTION (GGRETA, 2016)

7.1.3 Topography and hydrology The altitude of the surrounding area is on average 1000 masl. It is a relatively flat area, with minor dunes striking in a north-south direction.

The Aoub, Olifants and Nossob Rivers are the major ephemeral rivers in the area that are part of the larger Orange River Basin in Southern Africa. The Auob River lies closest to the irrigation scheme. These rivers flow from northwest to south east only when above-average rainfall occurs, but they are endoreic within the Orange River Basin. These rivers are reported to seldom carry water for a long distance and their runoff never reaches the Orange River but rather dissipates into the Kalahari Desert about 130 km to the north of the Orange River.

Their courses cut through very flat areas that are dominated by Kalahari sands and therefore result in poorly defined catchments (Mendelsohn, 2002) (Figure 3). Numerous salt pans occur in the area, resulting from the evaporation of water from ponds.

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

FIGURE 5: SITE RELIEF AND GROUNDWATER FLOW DIRECTION

7.1.4 Regional groundwater Occurrence The irrigation scheme is situated in the Stampriet Transboundary Aquifer System (STAS) (Figure 6) and makes use of water from the (sub-) artesian aquifer for irrigation purposes. The boundaries of the STAS are well defined in Namibia (Figure 6). In Namibia, the STAS covers an area of about 71 000 km², or about 8.6 % of the country's total surface area (Alker, 2007).

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

FIGURE 6: STAMPRIET TRANS BOUNDARY AQUIFER SYSTEM BOUNDARIES (GGRETA, 2016)

The three main aquifers in the STAS in Namibia are in the Kalahari Beds, the Auob Sandstone and the Nossob Sandstone. The Auob and Nossob Aquifers are confined and free flowing in the Auob Valley from Stampriet and further downstream, as well as in the Nossob Valley around Leonardville. Several springs are located in the eastern outcrop of the Kalkrand Basalt in the northwest (SLR, 2018).

The Auob aquifer contains the most water, however all groundwater within the estimated volume will not be available for groundwater abstraction; a volume of water will remain within the aquifer due to the storativity. The storativity in the Auob and Nossob aquifers is similar; these aquifers would experience similar drawdowns if abstracted at the same rate. On the other hand, much larger amounts of groundwater would need to be abstracted from the Kalahari aquifer to lower the water level by the same amount, due to a lower storativity (SLR, 2018).

Recharge Most aquifer recharge is thought to occur on Namibian territory (Puri 2001, 52). Estimates based on studies conducted in the region are that recharge to the artesian aquifers in normal rainfall years is relatively low to non-existent (0.5% of rainfall), but considerable recharge may occur during wet years (as much as 3% of rainfall) (JICA 2002 and GGRETA, 2016). According to GGRETA (2016), recharge via sinkholes and faults are the dominant mechanism of recharge in the north-western and western boundaries of the STAS, and specifically to the Auob aquifer. It has been confirmed that

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019 water tables begin to rise in artesian aquifers some 50 km from these recharge areas a few weeks after heavy rainfall has occurred (SLR, 2018).

Abstraction and use A large number of boreholes abstract water from the STAS area in Namibia with the largest consumer (47%) being irrigation. Other uses include stock watering at 37.5%, domestic use at 15% and a small proportion of less than 1% for tourism (GGRETA, 2016). Of the total annual groundwater abstraction from the STAS, 66% is from the Kalahari aquifers, 33% from the Auob aquifer and only 1% from the Nossob aquifer (GGRETA, 2016).

Water quality Regional groundwater quality deteriorates in a south-south-easterly direction because the Kalahari in the central parts of the basin consists mainly of fine sand, silt and clayey deposits which have accumulated mineral salts due to low rainfall and runoff as well as high evaporation. The confining layer of the Auob Aquifer has also been largely carried away in the south-eastern parts of the pre- Kalahari River, resulting in saline groundwater. The south-eastern area of the STAS is referred to as the “Salt Block” because of the brackish to saline water in the Kalahari, Auob and Nossob Aquifers (SLR, 2018).

7.1.5 Local groundwater A hydrocensus was conducted on the seven farms belonging to TBT as well as on neighbouring farms that were accessible during survey period. In total 44 privately owned boreholes were located (Figure 7).

Flows, levels and use Groundwater flow mimics topography at a moderate gradient from northwest to south east (Figure 5). The depth to groundwater level in the hydrocensus boreholes ranges between 7 and 50 mbgl. Two different aquifers are present and in use, namely the shallower Kalahari aquifer and the deeper Auob aquifer. The shallower Kalahari aquifer is lower yielding and used for livestock and game watering as well as domestic use while the deeper Auob aquifer is mostly used for irrigation. TBT monitoring data indicates small water level changes during the last three years in all monitored boreholes. These changes can be linked to increased abstraction during warm summer months (December - March) and reduced groundwater abstraction in winter months as temperatures cool down and crops use less water. No permanent trend of water level decline can be observed and therefore the current water use is considered sustainable (SLR, 2018).

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

FIGURE 7: HYDROCENSUS BOREHOLE LOCATIONS

Water quality Groundwater water quality monitoring data has been compared to the DWA National Drinking Standards for human consumption of 1991 (Table 8). For boreholes where repeat sampling has been done (Grunfelde and Dikbos), it is possible to see that no deterioration in water quality took place over the last three years. Water quality for the five boreholes sampled and analysed indicates mostly a low risk (Group C) due to the elevated concentrations of nitrate except for Witpan which has good quality water (Group B). Osirekare and Grunfelde have elevated sodium concentrations which can cause salinization and crust formation when used for irrigation.

TABLE 8: WATER QUALITY DATA OF TBT IRRIGATION BOREHOLES

Total Dissolved Chloride Fluoride Sulphate Nitrate as Sodium as Potassium Magnesiu Calcium Bicarbonate - - 2- Date Borehole no p H Solids (TDS) as Cl as F as SO4 N Na as K m as Mg as Ca as HCO3 Jul-15 WW204028 (Osirekare) 8.6 1291 138 2.1 86 36 447 7.8 2.2 3.7 699 Sep-15 WW203984 (Grunfelde) 8.4 1122 102 2 88 28 358 7.0 1.4 1.7 476 Sep-18 WW203984 (Grunfelde) 7.9 937 56 0.9 52 38 273 8.4 14 23 567 Sep-15 WW203986 (Okongona) 8.5 1407 190 2.5 101 27 449 11 2.3 2.4 532 Mar-16 WW32118 (Dikbos) 7.4 594 36 0.6 36 22 108 8.8 29 39 342 Sep-18 WW32118 (Dikbos) 7.6 595 37 0.5 35 24 106 9.0 29 42 348 Mar-16 WW41056 (Witpan) 8.2 559 40 0.6 27 12 115 9.2 26 29 348

Group A Group B Group C Group D

Potential All abstraction boreholes that are used for irrigation on the TBT irrigation scheme tap the sub- artesian Auob aquifer. The Auob aquifer contains the biggest volume of water in the STAS. Of the

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019 installed boreholes, pump testing was conducted on three boreholes drilled in 2015 on farms Okongona (Borehole WW 203986), Osirekare (Borehole WW204028) and Grunfelde (borehole WW 203984). No results are available for the remaining irrigation boreholes due to the age of the boreholes. Pump testing data indicates that the proposed abstraction rates should be sustainable. Long term piezometric levels should be monitored.

7.2 SOCIO-ECONOMIC STRUCTURE/PROFILE 7.2.1 Surface Rights and Land Tenure Governed by the Stampriet Village council, the majority of land is privately owned freehold land. The majority of the land is used for agriculture and tourism activities by private individuals and companies, with very little government agriculture taking place. The sizes of the freehold private farms range between 5 000 and 10 000ha (Mendelsohn, 2002). The Tristone Irrigation Project is on commercial land that is administered by the Tristone Business Trust. Land administered by the Trust is used for crop production as well as naturally occurring game but primarily the land is used for cattle ranching. The surrounding areas are currently used for livestock grazing, and other irrigation projects are visible along the Auob River.

7.2.2 Hardap Regional Council The region comprises of six constituencies including Gibeon, Mariental Rural, Mariental Urban, Rehoboth Rural, Rehoboth Urban East and Rehoboth Urban West. The region stretches the entire width of Namibia from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to Namibia’s eastern international border. In the northeast, it borders the Kgalagadi District of Botswana, and in the southeast, it borders South Africa’s Northern Cape Province. The region is largely dependent on agricultural and cattle farming. The region is also bordered by Angola, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia (Namibia Statistics Agency, 2011).

7.2.3 Regional demographics Of the employed population in the Hardap Region’s, 64% earn wages and salaries as the main source of income with 7% coming from farming (Namibia Statistics Agency, 2011). This shows that the majority of the region is economically active. Of the employable population, only 65% of the population is currently employed. This is slightly lower than the national average of 66.9%. There is therefore a need for additional employment opportunities in the Region.

7.2.4 Mariental Rural The project area falls within the Mariental Rural Constituency in the Hardap Region. The Mariental Rural Constituency has a population of approximately 15 308 of which 65% are employed. The majority of the people in Mariental Rural earn wages and salaries (61%) and are employed in the agricultural industry (Namibia Statistics Agency, 2011).

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

8 IDENTIFICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS AND POTENTIAL IMPACTS

Environmental aspects and potential impacts were identified through review of the technical project details provided by TBT, field observations by the SLR EIA team, stakeholder inputs during the public participation process and specialist input.

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

9 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

An assessment of the potential positive and negative impacts associated with the expansion of the irrigation scheme and increase in groundwater abstraction for irrigation purposes is provided in the sections below. Given that the land was previously used for rain fed corn plantations, no additional land clearing would be required. Therefore, the impact assessment focuses on the operational phase of the project only.

The impacts are discussed under issue headings in this section. Impacts are considered in a cumulative manner where possible such that the impacts of the proposed project are seen in the context of the operational Irrigation Scheme and the baseline conditions, described in Sections 5 and 7, respectively. Information that has been included in Section 7 will not be repeated below.

Mitigation measures identified to reduce and remedy the assessed impacts are provided under the relevant impact discussions sections. An EMP for the project is included in Appendix F. It is important to note that the assessments below include the potential direct, indirect and cumulative impacts associated with the proposed project.

Both the criteria used to assess the impacts and the method of determining the significance of the impacts is outlined in Table 9. This method complies with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations: Environmental Management Act, 2007 (Government Gazette No. 4878) EIA regulations. Part A provides the approach for determining impact consequence (combining severity, spatial scale and duration) and impact significance (the overall rating of the impact). Impact consequence and significance are determined from Part B and C. The interpretation of the impact significance is given in Part D. Both mitigated and unmitigated scenarios are considered for each impact.

TABLE 9: CRITERIA FOR ASSESSING IMPACTS: CRITERIA FOR ASSESSING PART A: DEFINITION AND CRITERIA Definition of SIGNIFICANCE Significance = consequence x probability Definition of CONSEQUENCE Consequence is a function of severity, spatial extent and duration Substantial deterioration (death, illness or injury). Recommended level will often be H violated. Vigorous community action. Irreplaceable loss of resources. Moderate/ measurable deterioration (discomfort). Recommended level will occasionally M be violated. Widespread complaints. Noticeable loss of resources. Minor deterioration (nuisance or minor deterioration). Change not measurable/ will Criteria for ranking of the L remain in the current range. Recommended level will never be violated. Sporadic SEVERITY/NATURE of complaints. Limited loss of resources. Minor improvement. Change not measurable/ will remain in the current range. environmental impacts L+ Recommended level will never be violated. Sporadic complaints. Moderate improvement. Will be within or better than the recommended level. No M+ observed reaction. Substantial improvement. Will be within or better than the recommended level. H+ Favourable publicity. L Quickly reversible. Less than the project life. Short term Criteria for ranking the M Reversible over time. Life of the project. Medium term DURATION of impacts H Permanent. Beyond closure. Long term. L Localised - Within the site boundary. Criteria for ranking the M Fairly widespread – Beyond the site boundary. Local SPATIAL SCALE of impacts H Widespread – Far beyond site boundary. Regional/ national

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

PART B: DETERMINING CONSEQUENCE SEVERITY = L DURATION Long term H Medium Medium Medium Medium term M Low Low Medium Short term L Low Low Medium SEVERITY = M DURATION Long term H Medium High High Medium term M Medium Medium High Short term L Low Medium Medium SEVERITY = H DURATION Long term H High High High Medium term M Medium Medium High Short term L Medium Medium High L M H Localised Fairly widespread Widespread Within site boundary Beyond site Far beyond site Site boundary boundary Local Regional/ national SPATIAL SCALE PART C: DETERMINING SIGNIFICANCE PROBABILITY Definite/ Continuous H Medium Medium High (of exposure to Possible/ frequent M Medium Medium High impacts) Unlikely/ seldom L Low Low Medium L M H CONSEQUENCE

PART D: INTERPRETATION OF SIGNIFICANCE Significance Decision guideline High It would influence the decision regardless of any possible mitigation. Medium It should have an influence on the decision unless it is mitigated. Low It will not have an influence on the decision. *H = high, M= medium and L= low and + denotes a positive impact.

9.1 ECOLOGY 9.1.1 Issue: Pollution of environment with pesticides (which comprise insecticides, herbicides and fungicides) Introduction Given that the land was previously cleared and used for rain fed corn plantations no additional land clearing would be required. This assessment considers the potential impacts associated with the use of pesticides (which comprise insecticides, herbicides and fungicides). The application of pesticides as a routine measure to decrease herbivory, seed predation and interspecific competition can cause pollution to the environment. The leaching into groundwater would have further impacts on the regional biodiversity (discussed separately under Section 9.2).

Impact assessment Pesticides form one of the three pillars of the so-called 'green revolution'; the other two being new and rapidly replaced seed varieties, and high fertilizer inputs. Because invertebrate organisms are a food source for a large number of vertebrates, pesticides, even the ones that are designed to affect only one or two target groups, have spill over effects on the ecosystem and may cause morbidity and mortality in secondary consumers of all kinds (AWR, 2015). Effects of compounds that are not completely biodegradable are cumulative, building up in the ecosystem.

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

Although direct contact may cause death of organisms, the potential exists for chemicals to spread beyond the site boundaries. Herbicides, especially those that disrupt reproductive processes in plants, may have similar effects on native plants and result in a localised alteration of population sizes.

Given the above, the cumulative unmitigated severity is high, but may be reduced to low with the successful implementation of the mitigation measures.

Although the direct impacts may occur within the site boundary, the project could contribute to cumulative impacts at a broader scale. Potential impacts would extend for the life of the project and may be reversible over time.

Without any mitigation the probability associated with the impacts is high. With mitigation, the probability of impacts will be reduced to low.

The significance of this potential impact is medium in the unmitigated scenario and low with mitigation.

Mitigation Severity Duration Spatial Scale Consequence Probability of Significance occurrence Unmitigated H M M M H M Mitigated L M L L L L

Mitigation measures Objectives  Responsible use of pesticides.  Prevent degradation of ecological systems.

Measures to be implemented Chemicals should not be used as the main form of pesticide control; use should form part of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. IPM is an approach to pest management that blends all available management techniques - nonchemical and chemical - into one strategy. Use pesticides only when pest damage exceeds an economic or aesthetic threshold

Bio-degradable and / or environmentally acceptable chemicals and pesticides will be used as far as possible.

TBT will follow international standards of best practice in the use of pesticides in agriculture. This will include:  Select and use chemicals with low toxicity outside target groups (i.e. highly specific), short half-lives and high levels of adsorption to reduce leaching issues.  The eco-toxicity of each chemical will be confirmed using an independent database such as the Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Pesticide Database.

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

 Use optimal, not maximal doses  Apply herbicides and fungicides with boom sprayers or during planting  Apply for as short periods as possible and select days that are not windy  Ensure that there is no overspray that drifts into the adjacent indigenous habitats or into areas of human habitation  Given that most of the chemicals will be applied through the irrigation system, using an optimal water management approach based on measured soil moisture levels will also mean that leaching and runoff will be limited.

Strictly control and allow for direct application of herbicides to minimise effects on native ecosystems.

Implement a monitoring programme that caters for both the presence and abundance of different pests (fungi as well as invertebrates) and the effects of different management options.

9.1.2 Issue: Dust impacts on vegetation Introduction In the context of air quality related impacts, the additional portion of land, Steyn’s Halt portion, was previously cleared and used for rain fed corn plantations. The continued use of the land by TBT for agricultural purposes would therefore not change any impacts previously experienced. However, wind-blown dust from exposed or worked soils resulting in fall out dust could impact the surrounding biophysical environment.

Impact assessment Fugitive dust emissions could result in the smothering of vegetation in the region. This in turn can have an impact on invertebrates and grazers who rely on the vegetation as a food source. The severity of this impact would be medium in the unmitigated scenario and could be reduced to low through mitigation.

Dust fallout impacts are of medium duration and would extend beyond the site boundaries. It is expected that once plants, fields will generally be kept relatively moist in order to ensure optimal plant growth and thereby prevent fugitive dust emissions. The preservation of the soils for agriculture is a major priority for the ongoing sustainability of the project. The probability is considered to be low in the unmitigated and mitigated scenarios.

The significance of impacts on air quality during is low in both the unmitigated and mitigated scenarios.

Mitigation Severity Duration Spatial Scale Consequence Probability of Significance occurrence Unmitigated M M M M L L Mitigated L M M L L L

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

Mitigation measures Objectives  To minimise the generation of dust.  Prevent degradation of ecological systems.

Measures to be implemented Although some of the below measures are already in place it is worth re-iterating the importance to continue with these mitigation measures.

Avoid as far as possible ploughing if the soil is dry and/or if there are high winds (exceeding 24 km/h). Planting should occur shortly after ploughing.

Do not till on fallow and bare ground when average wind speeds exceed 40 km/h.

Cover piles of fertilizer, compost, or soil. Use surface coverings like wood chips, mulch, or plastic sheeting to help stabilize soil.

Use cover crops like grasses and legumes to help reduce wind erosion.

Use physical barriers such as fences, straw bales, and large trees to minimize the flow of dust.

Carry out visual dust monitoring and use water or dust suppressants when substantial dust is blowing offsite.

9.1.3 Issue: Avifaunal deaths due to power lines Introduction Overhead electrical distribution lines could result in death or injury to birds as a result of striking electrical installations and lines, or as a result of becoming electrocuted when shorting high-voltage currents. The existing electrical distribution for the irrigation scheme will be extended to service Steyn’s Halt. The additional lines are relatively minor when compared to the existing network. However, collisions with electrical lines can impact the surrounding biophysical environment.

Impact assessment All live electrical structures can result in electrocution of individual birds, which occurs when birds make contact with conducting structures. The impacts of a single, relatively short power line are seldom significant beyond its local environment. When considered cumulatively with existing distribution networks both on site and off, the cumulative unmitigated severity is medium but can be reduced to low through mitigation.

The impacts on birds would occur for the life of the operations and would impact bird populations outside of the project boundaries. In the unmitigated scenario it’s possible that impacts would occur but with mitigation these can be avoided as far as possible.

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

The significance of the potential impact is medium in the unmitigated scenario and low in the mitigated scenario. Mitigation Severity Duration Spatial Scale Consequence Probability of Significance occurrence Unmitigated M M M M M M Mitigated L M L L L L

Mitigation measures Objectives  Prevent degradation of ecological systems.

Measures to be implemented Make the top-most lines on all types of electrical lines visible to birds.

Monitor the lines regularly and install markers if there is any mortality.

9.2 GROUNDWATER 9.2.1 Issue: Negative impact of increased pesticides, fertilizers and hydrocarbons on groundwater quality Introduction Agricultural activities on the project are mainly supported by irrigation, whereby a danger to recycle pesticides and fertilizers via groundwater occurs through groundwater abstraction and usage. As a result, percolating irrigation water on farms that have been treated with herbicides and insecticides and where fertilizers are used, allow these chemicals to accumulate and potentially reach the shallow groundwater table. Biodegradable materials are used where possible.

In addition the use of machinery and equipment requires the use of hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons have the potential to pollute groundwater resources through leaks and spills.

Impact assessment Once pesticides and hydrocarbons have entered the hydrological cycle, their elimination is difficult, and in most instances impossible, especially with groundwater. In unmitigated cases the recommended concentrations would often be violated. Current groundwater quality analysis data however shows no evidence of deteriorating water quality caused by TBT. Through the implementation of the Good Agriculture Practise (GAP) standards and hydrocarbon management, the severity can be reduced.

The impact would extend beyond the site boundary as contamination transport is expected to be widespread, though local, following the groundwater flow patterns. Given that the deeper Auob aquifer is protected by a confined layer, pollution dispersion would only occur in the shallow Kalahari aquifer.

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

Although contamination sources would be limited to the operational phase of the irrigation scheme, any resultant contamination would extend beyond the life of the operations in the unmitigated case. In the absence of mitigation recycling of potentially polluted groundwater could deteriorate groundwater further through ongoing abstraction and usage. In the unmitigated case, the duration of potential impacts would be long term. Where the GPA standards and hydrocarbon management practises are applied, potential impacts could be reversed over time.

The potential for negative groundwater quality impacts exists. Where this groundwater is then used for human or livestock consumption, the potential exists for health related impacts. The extent of these impacts would depend on the concentration of these elements and the length of exposure of potential receptors.

The significance of groundwater contamination due to the use of pesticides, fertilizers and hydrocarbon is high in the unmitigated case reducing to low in the mitigated case.

Mitigation Severity Duration Spatial Scale Consequence Probability of Significance occurrence Unmitigated H H M H H H Mitigated L M M L L L

Mitigation measures Objectives  Reduce concentration of contaminants in irrigation water to prevent pollution of underlying aquifer.

Measures to be implemented The irrigation scheme will comply with the GAP codes and standards.

Implement the measures outlined in Section Error! Reference source not found.. In addition, with regards to the storage and handling of pesticides and fertilisers, TBT will:  Provide appropriate storage on-site (well-marked, closed and covered storage area(s), on impermeable substrate and with containment measures that can contain 110% of the total volume stored).  Regular monitoring and maintenance of storage facilities for early detection of any potential leakages.  Mixing or handling of materials within designated areas to minimise unnecessary spills to the environment.  Immediate clean-up of any accidental spills.  Disposal of used containers and waste packaging in a suitable and approved manner.

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

With regards to the storage, handling and use of hydrocarbons, TBT will:  Provide appropriate storage on-site (well-marked, closed and covered storage area(s), on an impermeable substrate and with containment measures that can contain 110% of the total volume stored).  Regular monitoring and maintenance of storage facilities for early detection of any potential leakages.  Handling of hydrocarbons and maintenance of equipment and machinery within designated areas with containment measures to minimise unnecessary spills to the environment.  Immediate clean-up of any accidental spills.  Disposal of used containers and waste packaging in a suitable and approved manner.

Crops that are adapted to the climate and soil conditions and that do not require excessive volumes of pesticides and fertilizers will be planted.

An optimal water management plan that records and controls the volumes of water used, measures soil moisture levels to limit leaching, and includes efficient irrigation methods will be implemented.

High sodium levels at Osirekare, Okongona and Grunfelde can cause salinization and crust formation on the irrigated lands. Gypsum should be considered to mitigate these effects.

Special management for salinity control may be required. A 90% relative yield of moderately salt tolerant crops can be maintained by using a low frequency irrigation system.

Monitoring boreholes (not used for pumping), intersecting both, the Kalahari and Auob aquifers, will be established downstream of the irrigation scheme, near the southern border of the site.

Water samples from all production and monitoring boreholes will be taken annually and analysed for pesticides, fertilisers and hydrocarbons. The data will be analysed for trends and where required additional mitigation will be implemented in consultation with a specialist.

9.2.2 Issue: Negative impact of increased abstraction rates on groundwater quantity downstream Introduction When groundwater is exploited, water levels decline and continue to do so until they either stabilize at a lower level or, if abstraction is persistently greater than recharge, the aquifer is dewatered. This could result in a decrease or loss of water supply to other groundwater users. The irrigation scheme is located in a Water Controlled Area (WCA), where the aquifer is artesian and of high groundwater potential. In addition abstraction permits that are supported by pump testing data, to ensure abstraction rates are sustainable, are required from the DWAF.

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

Impact assessment A relatively high volume of groundwater abstraction is planned (currently at 970 000 m³/annum with a proposed increase to 1 800 000 m3/annum) from the Aoub aquifer. This may pose a threat to the downstream users of the same aquifer. Pumping test evaluation is necessary to determine at what rate the boreholes can be pumped sustainably. Without more recent test pumping evaluation, it is difficult to conclude the severity of the potential impact that the additional abstraction rates will cause. Historical pump test evaluation indicates that the groundwater potential in the Aoub aquifer can meet the higher demand although certain long term predictions cannot be made at the moment. Current available data from time series water level recordings show no evidence of over abstraction caused by TBT for the current abstraction rates. In the unmitigated case the severity of potential impacts is considered to be medium reducing to low with mitigation where water is abstracted at a sustainable yield in line with abstraction permits from DWAF.

The over abstraction of groundwater could lead to a drawdown in water levels and a related cone of depression. In the absence of mitigation this could extend beyond the boundaries of the scheme to neighboring farms. With mitigation over-abstraction would not occur reducing the spatial scale of any potential impacts.

Abstraction impacts would occur for the life of the operations if unmitigated. Once active pumping stops and where abstraction took place at a sustainable yield, groundwater levels would return to natural conditions.

In the unmitigated case it is possible that groundwater levels would decrease and potentially affect downstream users of the Aoub aquifer. It is however unlikely that abstraction impacts would be experienced in the shallower Kalahari aquifer. With mitigation the likelihood of potential impacts affecting third party users can be reduced.

The significance of groundwater abstraction impacts is medium in the unmitigated case reducing to low in the mitigated case.

Mitigation Severity Duration Spatial Scale Consequence Probability of Significance occurrence Unmitigated M M M M M M Mitigated L L L L L L

Mitigation measures Objectives  To reduce the threat of lowering groundwater levels in the local aquifer which consequently infringes on the volume available for surrounding water users.  To prevent the dewatering of the aquifer.

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

Measures to be implemented Abstraction permits must be obtained from DWAF and conditions of the permit which include installation of water meters, maintenance of equipment to prevent leakages and monthly water level readings must be adhered to and documented.

Permits must be renewed every two years or as required by DWAF, supported by an updated impact assessment by a hydrogeologist.

Monitoring boreholes (not used for pumping), intersecting both, the Kalahari and Auob aquifers, will be established downstream of the irrigation scheme, near the southern border of the site.

Water levels will be measured at monitoring boreholes on a monthly basis. The data will be used to determine changes in groundwater levels due to pumping from the irrigation scheme. The data will be analysed for trends and where required additional mitigation will be implemented in consultation with a specialist. The monitoring data must be submitted as part of the monthly reporting to DWAF.

Regular pump testing of active boreholes should be undertaken to confirm the aquifer capacity and sustainable long term abstraction rates.

9.3 SURFACE WATER

Given the sandy nature of the site, the related good drainage and the loose structure of the soils, little runoff occurs. Rainfall water seeps into the Kalahari sands. Given the distance to the nearest river and the ephemeral and endoreic nature of rivers in the vicinity of the irrigation scheme, very limited to no potential exists for surface water runoff from the site to impact on the river or for the irrigation scheme to affect any flow in the river. Therefore surface water impacts have not been identified and an assessment has not been done.

9.4 NOISE AND VISUAL

The proposed project includes the expansion of the existing irrigation scheme of 105 ha to include an additional irrigation scheme of 15 ha. In the context of noise and visual related impacts, this increase is relatively small. Therefore impacts on noise and visual aspects have not been identified and an assessment of these aspects has not been done.

9.5 SOCIO-ECONOMIC

Projects in general can bring with them an expectation of new employment. Given the small scale of the proposed project within an existing irrigation scheme and in a relatively remote part of the country, negative socio-economic impacts associated with an influx of job seekers are not expected and therefore related impacts have not been identified or assessed.

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

9.5.1 Issue: Positive socio-economic impacts Introduction In the broadest sense, activities associated with a project contribute towards positive socio- economic impacts. The project has the potential to create socio-economic benefits through continued employment, increased economic contributions and increased food security.

Impact assessment The proposed project will result in positive socio-economic benefits through wages, taxes and procurement of services. The proposed expansion of the irrigation scheme and increase in water abstraction would support the scheme in reaching maximum output and yield production. This would provide an invaluable contribution to food security and self-reliance in Namibia as a whole. Furthermore, an increase in production would ensure that TBT remains competitive in the market. The increased provision of products and services to the project as well as purchases by the upstream supply chain would provide indirect economic benefits.

Economic impacts would be felt at a local community level as well as positively impact the Namibian economy as a whole.

The direct positive economic impacts would occur for the life of the project.

In the unmitigated and mitigated scenarios, the significance of this potential impact is high positive.

Mitigation Severity Duration Spatial Scale Consequence Probability of Significance occurrence Unmitigated M+ M H H+ M H+ Mitigated M+ M H H+ M H+

Mitigation measures Objectives  To enhance the positive socio-economic impacts

Measures to be implemented TBT will ensure that the irrigation scheme is operated in a manner that ensures the sustainable use of resources while maximising the production potential and economic value of the scheme.

Local labour will be used and on-going skills training will be undertaken.

9.6 HERITAGE

Given that the land was previously cleared and used for rain fed corn plantations no additional land clearing would be required. Therefore impacts on heritage/cultural aspects have not been identified and an assessment of these aspects has not been done.

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

9.7 CUMULATIVE IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Cumulative groundwater quantity impacts could be experienced in the region because the Aoub Aquifer that is underlying the irrigation area is the most targeted and utilised local aquifer for irrigation purposes. Cumulative groundwater quality impacts on the already brackish and saline Kalahari aquifer could occur. Where GAP standards are complied with and abstraction is done is a manner that meets the sustainable yield of the borehole and related aquifer, cumulative impacts on the aquifer will be minimised.

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

10 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter summarises the key findings of the study.

A summary of the assessment of potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed project is provided in Table 10. The mitigated assessment assumes that mitigation measures included in the environmental management programme (EMP) would be implemented by TBT.

TABLE 10: SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROPOSED PROJECT Significance of the impact* Section Potential impact Unmitigated Mitigated Pollution of environment with pesticides (which Medium Low comprise insecticides, herbicides and fungicides) Ecology Dust impacts on vegetation Low Low Avifaunal deaths due to power lines Medium Low Negative impact of pesticides, fertilizers and High Low hydrocarbons on groundwater quality Groundwater Negative impact of increased abstraction rates on Medium Low groundwater quantity downstream Socio-economic Positive economic impacts High + High + * The ratings are negative unless otherwise specified.

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

In summary, the expansion of the TBT Irrigation Scheme has the potential to result in negative groundwater quality and quantity impacts and ecological impacts in the unmitigated scenario and positive socio-economic impacts through increased job security, investment in the region and support of the local community and economy as well as the Namibian economy as a whole. The project would also contribute to food security in Namibia as a whole.

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

11 CONSULTANT EXPERIENCE AND DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

SLR Environmental Consulting (Namibia) (Pty) Ltd (SLR) is the independent firm of consultants that has been appointed by TBT to undertake the EIA and related process.

The undersigned herewith declare that this report represents an independent, objective assessment of the environmental impacts associated with TBT’s Irrigation Expansion project in the Hardap Region of Namibia.

SLR has no vested interest in the proposed project other than fair payment for consulting services rendered as part of the EIA process.

Immanuel Katali Gerhard Jacobs Alex Pheiffer (Report Author) (Project Manager) (Project Reviewer)

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

12 REFERENCES

Environmental Management Act, 2007 (Government Gazette No. 4878) EIA regulations

Japan International Cooperation Agency - JICA (2002): The Study on the Groundwater Potential Evaluation and Management Plan in the Southeast Kalahari (Stampriet) Artesian Basin in the Republic of Namibia – Final Report

Mendelsohn, J., Jarvis, A., Roberts, C. and Roberts, T., (2002): Atlas of Namibia: A portrait of the land and its people.- David Philip Publishers, Cape Town, RSA

Namibia Agriculture Policy, December 2015, Ministry of Agriculture Water and Forestry. Republic of Namibia.

SLR (2018) Groundwater Study for Tristone Business Trust Irrigation Scheme.

The Constitution of the Republic of Namibia (1990).

The Environmental Impact Assessment Policy (1995).

The Environmental Assessment Policy for Sustainable Development and Environmental Conservation (1994).

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

APPENDIX A: TEAM CVS

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

APPENDIX B: INFORMATION SHARING RECORD (BID, NEWSPAPER ADVERTS, SITE NOTICE)

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

APPENDIX C: DATABASE Organisation Name Position Email Tel no.

Stampriet Village Mr. Eddy CEO [email protected] 063-260038 Council Kohima

Hardap Regional Ms T. Basson CRO (Acting) [email protected] Council Amandla (Pvt Secretary) [email protected] 063-240944 or Isaacks '0816805637

Governor [email protected]

Ministry of Mr Betram Hydrogeologist [email protected] 061-2087089, Agriculture, Water Swartz 0812020710 and Forestry

Ministry of Mr Damian [email protected] 0612842717 Environment and Nchindo Tourism

Mr. Nicolaas Environmental [email protected] 061- 712093, NamWater du Plessis Manager 0811279040

Ms Jolanda [email protected] Murangi

Farmer Jaco Kotze auobdrif@iwayna 0814422122

Farmer Jaco Van [email protected] 0816926164 Wyk Industry Gondwana anibpark@gondwana-

Anib Park collection.com Industry Gondwana enviro@gondwana-

Enviromental collection.com Officer Individual Hannes Hannes Meyer [email protected] Meyer Trust Individual Cronje [email protected] +264-811243652 Loftie-Eaton

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

APPENDIX D: MINUTES AND ISSUES AND RESPONSE REPORT

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

APPENDIX E: GROUNDWATER SPECIALIST STUDY

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

APPENDIX F: EMP

Tristone Business Trust 733.20070.00001 Proposed Irrigation Scheme Expansion Project, Stampriet, Hardap Region March 2019

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