Botanical Scoping Assessment for Assegai LPG-Powered Power Generation with Associated Infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province

Botanical Scoping Assessment for Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province

Report by Dr David J. McDonald Bergwind Botanical Surveys & Tours CC. 14A Thomson Road, Claremont, 7708 Tel: 021-671-4056 Fax: 086-517-3806

Report prepared for Chand Environmental Consultants

October 2020 Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

National Legislation and Regulations governing this report

This is a ‘specialist report’ and is compiled in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), as amended, and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014, as amended.

Appointment of Specialist

David J. McDonald of Bergwind Botanical Surveys & Tours CC was appointed by Chand Environmental Consultants to undertake a scoping assessment for the proposed Assegai gas-to- power facility at Saldanha Bay, Saldanha Bay Municipality, Western Cape Province.

Details of Specialist

Dr David J. McDonald Pr. Sci. Nat. Bergwind Botanical Surveys & Tours CC 14A Thomson Road Claremont 7708 Telephone: 021-671-4056 Mobile: 082-876-4051 Fax: 086-517-3806 e-mail: [email protected] Professional registration: South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions No. 400094/06

Expertise Dr David J. McDonald: • Qualifications: BSc. Hons. (Botany), MSc (Botany) and PhD (Botany) • Botanical ecologist with over 40 years’ experience in the field of Vegetation Science. • Founded Bergwind Botanical Surveys & Tours CC in 2006 • Has conducted over 400 specialist botanical / ecological studies. • Has published numerous scientific papers and attended numerous conferences both nationally and internationally (details available on request)

Curriculum Vitae – Appendix 3

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

Independence

The views expressed in the document are the objective, independent views of Dr McDonald and the study was carried out under the aegis of, Bergwind Botanical Surveys and Tours CC. Neither Dr McDonald nor Bergwind Botanical Surveys and Tours CC have any business, personal, commercial or other interest in the proposed development apart from fair remuneration for the work performed.

Conditions relating to this report

The content of this report is based on the author’s best scientific and professional knowledge as well as available information. Bergwind Botanical Surveys & Tours CC, its staff and appointed associates, reserve the right to modify the report in any way deemed fit should new, relevant or previously unavailable or undisclosed information become known to the author from on-going research or further work in this field, or pertaining to this investigation.

This report must not be altered or added to without the prior written consent of the author. This also refers to electronic copies of the report which are supplied for the purposes of inclusion as part of other reports, including main reports. Similarly, any recommendations, statements or conclusions drawn from or based on this report must refer to this report. If these form part of a main report relating to this investigation or report, this report must be included in its entirety as an appendix or separate section to the main report.

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

Declaration of independence:

I David Jury McDonald, as the appointed Specialist hereby declare/affirm the correctness of the information provided or to be provided as part of the application, and that I:

• in terms of the general requirement to be independent: o other than fair remuneration for work performed in terms of this application, have no business, financial, personal or other interest in the development proposal or application and that there are no circumstances that may compromise my objectivity; or • in terms of the remainder of the general requirements for a specialist, have throughout this EIA process met all of the requirements; • have disclosed to the applicant, the EAP, the Review EAP (if applicable), the Department and I&APs all material information that has or may have the potential to influence the decision of the Department or the objectivity of any report, plan or document prepared or to be prepared as part of the application; and • am aware that a false declaration is an offence in terms of Regulation 48 of the EIA Regulations, 2014 (as amended).

Signature of the specialist:

Bergwind Botanical Surveys & Tours CC Name of company:

Date: 5 October 2020

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

CONTENTS

1. Introduction ...... 7 2. Terms of Reference ...... 9 3. Study Area ...... 9 3.1 Location ...... 9 3.2 Topography, Geology and Soils ...... 12 3.2.1 Topography...... 12 3.2.2 Geology and Soils ...... 12 3.2.3 Climate...... 13 4. Limitations and Assumptions ...... 15 5. Methods ...... 15 6. The Vegetation...... 17 6.1 Saldanha Flats Strandveld ...... 17 6.2 Saldanha Limestone Strandveld ...... 20 6.3 Langebaan Dune Strandveld ...... 21 6.4 Cape Seashore Vegetation ...... 21 7. Site Development ...... 23 7.1 Further development at the Avedia LPG Terminal site ...... 23 7.2 Vegetation along the proposed pipeline routes ...... 24 7.2.1 The ‘new’ pipeline route ...... 24 7.2.2 The outbound pipeline route to link with the AMSA pipeline ...... 32 7.3 Vegetation along the Transmission Line routes ...... 33 7.3.1 Transmission Lines 1, 2 and 3 ...... 33 7.3.2 Transmission Line 4 ...... 37 7.3.3 Transmission Line 5 ...... 38 8. Conservation Status ...... 39 9. Impact Assessment ...... 40 9.1 The ‘No Go’ scenario ...... 40 9.2 Direct Impacts...... 40 9.2.1 Impact of the inbound gas pipeline ...... 40 9.2.2 Impact of the gas pipeline to join with that of AMSA ...... 41 9.2.3 Impact of Transmission Line Routes 1 & 2 ...... 42 9.2.4 Impact of Transmission Line Route 3 ...... 43 9.2.6 Impact of Transmission Line Route 4 ...... 44 9.2.7 Impact of Transmission Line Route 5 ...... 45 9.3 Indirect Impacts ...... 46 9.4 Mitigation ...... 46 9.5 Cumulative Impacts ...... 46 10. Conclusions and Recommendations ...... 46 11. References ...... 47 Appendix 1: Impact Assessment Methodology ...... 50

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

Appendix 2: Minimum Content Requirements for Terrestrial Biodiversity Specialist Reports as per Protocol for the Specialist Assessment of Environmental Impacts on Terrestrial Biodiversity (GN 320 of 20 March 2020) ...... 54 Appendix 3: Curriculum Vitae ...... 55

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

1. Introduction

Bergwind Botanical Surveys & Tours CC (Dr D.J. McDonald) was appointed to conduct a scoping assessment to determine the vegetation type and ecological sensitivity of various properties (see Figure 2) at Saldanha Bay.

The proponents of the project propose to construct an LPG-powered power plant adjacent to and on the same property as the existing Avedia Energy LPG Terminal where the existing service infrastructure would be used. The intention is for the facility to link directly to the ESKOM national power grid. The proposal forms part of a bid submission to be included under the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer (IPP) Procurement Programme for new generation capacity as advertised by the Department of Minerals and Energy.

1.1 LPG Supply via Pipelines

LPG would be supplied from a Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC) at the Port of Saldanha via a pipeline to the existing Avedia LPG Terminal onshore. The vessel would serve as the primary storage and the onshore terminal as the secondary storage. The pipeline route for the inbound LPG would extend south along the Avedia Energy site until tuning east to connect to the SFF pipeline route that runs in the SFF servitude to the SFF berth. The latter infrastructure does not form part of this application. The new pipeline would be ± 2 km in length and have a throughput capacity of 500 tons per day. A second pipeline is proposed for construction to supply LPG from the Avedia Energy site to the Arcelor-Mittal pipeline intersection, for the supply of LPG to potential projects in the area. This pipeline would be ± 2.8 km long parallel to Camp Street and also have a maximum throughput capacity of 500 tons per day.

The power plant would consist of 12 gas-fired turbines fueled by the piped LPG supplied to the power plant from the existing LPG tanks via an on-site pipeline. The space required for the power plant is approximately 0.5 ha that is available in the northern corner of the Avedia Energy site. Some minor clearing of the area and stabilization of the substrate would be required for the construction of the power plant that could be anchored to concrete slabs.

A new substation would be constructed on the site from where power would be transmitted via a new 132 kV line, either to an existing power line near the site or to the Blouwater Substation. Five power line route alternatives are considered in the Scoping Phase. Groundwater may be abstracted from a high-yielding borehole on the site to improve the quality of emissions, however, this does not fall within the scope of the botanical assessment.

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

A second pipeline ± 2.8 km long is proposed for construction that will supply 500 tons of LPG per day from the Avedia Energy LPG Terminal to the Arcelor-Mittal intersection for potential future projects in the area.

1.2 Transmission Lines

The five route alternatives for the transmission line are described below:

• Option 1: The line would exit the onsite substation (depending on the orientation of the substation), cross the existing site access gravel road, turn south towards Camp Street, follow Camp Street until the intersection, then change direction to the north-east along an unnamed road marked as OP538, until it loops in and out to an existing 132 kV line. The servitude of the line would start 20m from the curb of the road. The servitude width for the 132 kV line would be 31m.

• Option 2: Similar to Option1, the line would exit the onsite substation (depending on the orientation of the substation), cross the gavel road, change direction towards Camp Street, follow Camp Street until the intersection, cross the intersection and then change direction to the north-east along OP538 until terminating at the Blouwater substation. The servitude of the line would start 20m from the curb of the road. The servitude width for the 132 kV line would be 31m.

• Option 3: The line would follow the same route as Option 2 but instead loop in and out to the existing 132kv line. The servitude of the line would start 20m from the curb of the road. The servitude width for the 132 kV line shall be 31m.

• Option 4: The line would exit the onsite substation, cross the Sishen-Saldanha Railway and Saldanha Bay Road, follow the route of an existing 66kv line in a north-easterly direction, then turn east and cross Saldanha Bay Road again to follow the existing 66kv route, cross the road and rail again, and then turn southwards towards the entrance road to Arcelor-Mittal, to finally terminate at the existing 132 kV line. The servitude of the line would start 20m from the curb of the road. The servitude width for the 132 kV line would be 31m. The distance between the 132 kV line and 66 kV line would be 32m between the centre lines.

• Option 5: The line would exit the substation on site, follow the railway on the eastern side to the northern periphery of the Arcelor-Mittal factory until it changes direction southwards to loop in and out to the existing 132 kV line. The servitude of the line should start 20m from the curb of the road. The servitude width for the 132kV line would be 31m. The separation distance between the existing buildings and the 132 kV line would be 15.5m between centre lines.

For the purpose of the project as describe above, a botanical scoping assessment is required to determine the potential impact on the vegetation and flora of the power-generating facility and associated infrastructure, namely the gas pipeline feeding the plant (inbound), the routes of the gas

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

pipelines running to Arcelor-Mittal South Africa (AMSA) and the Strategic Fuel Fund (SFF), as well as the transmission lines for evacuation of the power.

The vegetation types found in the area affected by the project are described. This report places the vegetation in a regional context from a conservation perspective and the scoping investigation follows published guidelines for evaluating potential impacts on the natural vegetation as they pertain to the study area (Brownlie 2005; Cadman, 2016). The requirements and recommendations of CapeNature and the Botanical Society of South Africa for assessment of biodiversity of proposed development sites have also been considered. In addition, the protocols and draft guidelines for terrestrial biodiversity specialists (Government Gazette, 2020; Enviro Insight, 2020) has been taken into account.

Reference is made to numerous other botanical studies conducted for environmental impact assessment purposes for the original Avedia Energy application as well as numerous other projects in and around the Saldanha IDZ. These projects are liberally referred to since they provide a sound platform upon which to base this scoping assessment.

2. Terms of Reference

• Provide a broad, baseline description of the vegetation of the study area, placing it in a regional context. Reference should also be made to any bioregional maps of the area.

• Describe the vegetation communities and associated conservation value/sensitivity of the study area and identify any areas of specific concern (e.g. high sensitivity and/or conservation status).

• Provide specific information relating to the vegetation in the study area, with reference to any species of special concern and their conservation status, which can be used as baseline information for the assessment of potential impacts of the proposed project.

• Evaluate the five alternative transmission line routes and the single gas-pipeline route to Arcelor- Mittal South Africa (AMSA).

• Recommend appropriate, practicable mitigation measures that would reduce all major (significant) impacts or enhance potential benefits, if any.

3. Study Area

3.1 Location

The project is located on the Cape West Coast in the Saldanha Bay Municipality to the east and adjacent to the Saldanha Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) (Figures 1a & 1b). A number of different 9

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

land parcels would be affected by the project infrastructure depending on alternatives chosen. The land parcels are annotated in Figure 2.

Figure 1a. Saldanha Bay Municipality (red shading) on the Cape West Coast.

Figure 1b. Saldanha Bay Municipality (red and white boundary outline) with the area of interest for the LPG gas -to power- project enclosed within the yellow oval, north of the Port of Saldanha and east of the centre of the Saldanha Industrial Development Zone. 10

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

Figure 2. The land parcels north of Camp Street that would be affected by the infrastructure associated with the proposed LPG gas-to-power project.

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

3.2 Topography, Geology and Soils

3.2.1 Topography

The study area is located on the coastal platform immediately north of Saldanha Bay at an altitude of less than 10 m above mean sea level. The study area has almost no relief, rising gently towards the north with occasional high points where limestone is exposed.

Figure 3. Topographic map superimposed on an aerial image of the study area. The relief is generally very low.

3.2.2 Geology and Soils

The underlying geology of the study area consists of limestone and calcrete of the Langebaan Formation, Sandveld Group which is overlain with a mantle of sand of the Witzand Formation (Rebelo et al. 2006; Roberts et al. 2006). The sandy calcareous soil is shallow, and the land type is classified as Hb14 (Figure 4); the Hb denotes bleached topsoils over apedal subsoils (Carstens, 2016). To the north and east of the Avedia Energy site the land type changes to the Fc108 land type where Fc indicates land where lime occurs regularly (Bezuidenhout, 2009; Land Type Survey Staff, 1986) (Figure 4).

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

Figure 4. Land type map showing that the study area (blue dot) falls within the Hb14 land type and part of the study area extends onto the Fc108 land type. (Source: http://www.agis.agric.za/agisweb/viewer.htm?pn=2015)

3.2.3 Climate

Saldanha falls within the Fynbos Biome and is strongly affected by coastal climatic influences of the Cape West Coast. It lies in a Mediterranean-type climate zone which experiences warm dry summers and cool, wet winters. Most of the rainfall occurs from April to September with a peak in June and July (Figure 5) when 39 mm occurs on average in each of those months. January and February experience the lowest average rainfall of 3 mm. Mean annual precipitation (MAP) is 320 mm.

Figure 5. Graph of average monthly rainfall for Saldanha

Source: http://www.worldweatheronline.com/Saldanha-weather-averages/Western-Cape/ZA.aspx

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

Average maximum and minimum temperatures do not vary greatly at Saldanha due to the proximity to the sea and the phenomenon of coastal fog which depresses summer temperatures. Average summer daytime temperatures seldom exceed 25 °C and winter minimum temperatures do not go much below 10 °C (Figure 6).

Figure 6. Graph of average monthly temperature for Saldanha.

Source: http://www.worldweatheronline.com/Saldanha-weather-averages/Western-Cape/ZA.aspx

A climate diagram for Saldanha Flats Strandveld is presented by Rebelo et al. (2006) (in Mucina & Rutherford, 2006) which shows that mean annual precipitation (MAP) for this vegetation type in general is less than the MAP experienced at Saldanha. The clear distinction between the dry summer (November to March) and the wet winter (April to October) periods is evident in the rainfall pattern (Figure 7).

Figure 7. Climate diagram for Saldanha Flats Strandveld (from Rebelo et al. 2006 in Mucina & Rutherford, 2006) showing MAP – Mean Annual Precipitation; ACPV = Annual Precipitation Coefficient of Variance; MAT = Mean Annual Temperature; MFD = Mean Frost Days; MAPE = Mean Annual Potential Evaporation; MASMA = Mean Annual Soil Moisture Stress. 14

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

4. Limitations and Assumptions

Owing to time constraints it was not possible for the author to visit the study area prior to writing the scoping report. However, numerous studies have been carried out in this area in the past and so for the purposes of the scoping exercise, a desktop assessment has been carried out. A site visit and survey of the current status of the vegetation will be carried out at a later date, prior to the impact assessment phase. It will be necessary to access all parts of the study area and this will also be arranged in due course.

No other limitations are noted, and no assumptions are made.

5. Methods

The studies consulted to inform the desktop assessment are as follows:

Emms, P.I. 2011. Botanical Assessment for the proposed Isivunguvungu Wind Energy Facility, Farm 1132, Saldanha Bay Municipality, Western Cape. Unpublished report for Aurecon South Africa.

Helme, N. 2010. Botanical assessment of proposed Ilitha LPG site at Saldanha (Farms 129/2 and 127/13). Unpublished report for ERM Southern Africa, Cape Town.

Helme, N. 2010. Scoping assessment of site for proposed Uyekraal Wind Energy Facility near Saldanha, Cape West Coast: Ecology. Unpublished report for Savannah Environmental.

McDonald, D.J. 2012 / 2013. Baseline Botanical Assessment for the proposed Avedia LP Gas Storage Facility, Saldanha and associated pipeline. Unpublished report for Chand Environmental Consultants.

McDonald, D.J. 2012. Baseline Botanical Assessment for the proposed Saldanha Anaerobic Biogas Facility, Western Cape. Unpublished report for Chand Environmental Consultants.

McDonald, D.J. 2013. Baseline Botanical Assessment for the proposed Mossgas Quay Access Road, Saldanha. Unpublished report for Holland & Associates, Environmental Consultants.

McDonald, D.J. 2014. Botanical Assessment for the proposed Oil and Gas Offshore Service Complex at the Saldanha Bay Industrial Development Zone. Unpublished report for CCA Environmental.

McDonald, D.J. 2015. Summary of findings for Wartsila LNG proposed sites: Wartsila Gas-to-Power Station. Unpublished report for CCA Environmental.

McDonald, D.J. 2015. Botanical Assessment for the proposed upgrade of Trunk Road 85/1, Saldanha Municipality, Western Cape Province. Unpublished report for CCA Environmental.

McDonald, D.J. 2016. Botanical Assessment for a new access road at Saldanha Bay Industrial Development Zone, Saldanha Bay Municipality. Unpublished report for SLR Consulting.

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

Figure 8. Portion of the Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland (now eSwatini) (Mucina et al. 2005; SANBI, 2018) covering the study area north of the Port of Saldanha.

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

6. The Vegetation

A number of vegetation types are found in the Saldanha area and since the climate is much the same over the area immediately east and north of Saldanha, the type of vegetation is mainly determined by substrate e.g. granite-derived soil, calcareous dunes, limestone or calcrete etc. (McDonald, 2012). Two of these closely related and rather similar vegetation types are Saldanha Limestone Strandveld and Saldanha Flats Strandveld distributed in the Saldanha area as shown in Figure 8. The other important vegetation type is Langebaan Dune Strandveld. According to the National Vegetation Map (Mucina et al. 2005; SANBI, 2018) the Assegai Gas-to-Power Project would impact these three vegetation types in some way. A fourth vegetation type, Cape Seashore Vegetation is, as the name indicates, right on the seashore would only be affected if a further supply pipeline is brought onshore.

6.1 Saldanha Flats Strandveld

Saldanha Flats Strandveld is a sclerophyllous shrubland with a low open shrub layer and emergent mid-high shrub stratum. It is species-rich and well-known for colourful displays of annuals in spring. Geophytes are common but are also usually only seen during the winter and spring season when they are growing and flowering. The upper shrub stratum is characterized by species such as Euclea racemosa, Muraltia spinosa and Searsia glauca. Species of lower stature include Euphorbia mauritanica, Ruschia macowanii, Tetragonia decumbens, Tetragonia fruticosa, Zygophyllum cordifolium and Zygophyllum morgsana. A wide array of low succulent ‘vygies’, annual Asteraceae and geophytic herbs make up the greater proportion of the species complement (Rebelo et al. 2006; Helme, 2006). Aloe perfoliata occurs in occasional patches in Saldanha Flats Strandveld. Aloe plants encountered by Helme (2006) and McDonald (2007) were identified as Aloe distans and recorded as rare. Aloe distans is now considered to be part of Aloe perfoliata which is regarded as of Least Concern (Raimondo et al. 2009). Other endemic and rare species such as Afrolimon capense (Near Threatened) also occur in this vegetation type.

Saldanha Flats Strandveld has been impacted by agriculture and around Saldanha by industrial development. Helme (2006) estimated that about 59% of Saldanha Flats Strandveld still remains but by now that estimate out of date with considerably more Saldanha Flats Strandveld having been lost. It continues to decline in extent and is listed as Vulnerable (A1)1 in the List of Threatened Ecosystems of South Africa (Government Gazette No. 34809. 2011) as opposed to the status given by Rebelo et al. (2006) as Endangered. More recent evaluation by Pence (2014) supports the classification of this vegetation type as Endangered.

1 The A1 criterion refers to irreversible loss of natural habitat. 17

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

Figure 9. Saldahna Limestone Strandveld in the foreground looking over Saldanha Flats Strandveld on the low flats. This vegetation, near the town of Saldanha has been historically overgrazed.

Figure 10. Saldanha Flats Strandveld in the spring with numerous seasonal annual species that respond to the winter rains.

Figure 11. Summer aspect of Saldanha Flats Strandveld when it is very dry. In this case the vegetation has a red hue due to iron dust from the Saldanha Iron Ore Terminal.

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

Figure 12. Autumn-flowering Brunsvigia bosmaniae on Farm 1139 Remainder.

Figure 13. Brunsvigia orientalis flowering en masse in autumn after early rains at Farm 1139 Remainder.

Figure 14. Aloe perfoliata (formerly Aloe distans).

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

6.2 Saldanha Limestone Strandveld

Saldanha Limestone Strandveld is a low shrubland consisting of succulent-stemmed and deciduous fleshy-leaved shrubs in shallow sand soil over calcrete of limestone (hardpan) (the typical Fc land type) with annuals and geophytes found in cracks and shallow depressions in exposed limestone. It occurs in the western part and along the coast in scattered, exposed outcrops. It is threatened by mining and by housing development along the coast.

Figure 15. Saldanha Limestone Strandveld near St Helena Bay.

Figure 16. Saldanha Limestone Strandveld in the winter at Jacobs Bay on the Saldanha Peninsula.

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

6.3 Langebaan Dune Strandveld

This vegetation type is strongly associated with calcareous dunes from Grotto Bay, approximately 60 km north of Cape Town for approximately 100 km northwards to Elands Bay. It is best expressed around Langebaan but not restricted to the Langebaan / Saldanha area. This vegetation is similar to Cape Flats Dune Strandveld being an evergreen sclerophyllous shrubland up to 2 m tall, with a prominent annual spring flora. It is found on calcareous sand and calcretes mixed with sand (Rebelo et al. 2006; Helme, 2007).

Figure 17. Typical Langebaan Dune Strandveld in the vicinity of Grotto Bay, Cape West Coast.

6.4 Cape Seashore Vegetation

Cape Seashore Vegetation is a grassy to herbaceous vegetation and sometimes dwarf shrubby type found on beaches and coastal dunes of the Western and Eastern Cape Provinces. According to Mucina et al. (in Mucina & Rutherford, 2006), ‘Various plant communities reflect the age of the substrate and natural disturbance regime (moving dunes), distance from the upper tidal mark and the exposure of dune slopes (leeward versus seaward)’.

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

Figure 18. Cape Seashore Vegetation at Langebaan, Cape West Coast.

Figure 19. Cape Seashore Vegetation grading into Langebaan Dune Strandveld near the landing point of the gas pipeline near the Saldanha Iron Ore Terminal, on the east side.

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

7. Site Development

7.1 Further development at the Avedia LPG Terminal site

In 2012 when the survey was conducted of the site where the Avedia LPG Terminal has now been built, the terrain was highly disturbed (Figure 20). It had been used as a stockpiling site for materials that were used for the building of the Saldanha Iron Ore Terminal. The disturbance encouraged the invasion by woody alien invasive Acacia cyclops (rooikrans) (Figure 20) as well as other exotic herbaceous weeds. In short, the site was extremely damaged and the natural vegetation that would have been Saldanha Flats Strandveld was virtually non-existent any longer.

Obviously, the site was then cleared for the construction of the Avedia LPG Terminal and the natural vegetation has not restored. Therefore, since the ± 4.5 ha site has been converted to an industrial site it no longer harbours any natural vegetation and the further development of constructing a gas-to- power plant on the site would have a negligible impact on any natural veld.

Figure 20. The highly disturbed Avedia Energy site in 2012.

Figure 21. The Avedia Energy site in 2012 was heavily invaded by invasive Acacia cyclops.

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

7.2 Vegetation along the proposed pipeline routes

7.2.1 The ‘new’ pipeline route

In 2013 a route for the inbound pipeline for the Avedia LPG Terminal was investigated by Mr Paul Emms under the aegis of Bergwind Botanical Surveys & Tours CC. The information he collected was appended to the report by McDonald (2012 / 2013). The pipeline was not constructed and now the option of constructing a pipeline along that route has been revisited. The route for the ‘new’ pipeline is as shown in Figure 22. The pipeline was targeted at a two-spoor track that runs along a boundary fence. There has been some historical excavation for the proposed pipeline, but it was not constructed (Figure 23a & 23b).

Figure 22. Aerial image of the pipeline routes in light blue (new inbound pipeline) and light green the outbound pipeline to link to Arcelor-Mittal.

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

Figure 23a. The excavated inbound pipeline Figure 23b. The excavated inbound pipeline route that was not completed (view west). route that was not completed (view east). The Photo: Claudette Muller disturbed track is seen along which the pipeline would be aligned. Photo: Claudette Muller

The pipeline route investigated as Option 2 in 2013 is the route that would be followed by the ‘new’ pipeline. The section of the report pertaining to this route is extracted from the report by McDonald 2012 / 2013 (assisted by Mr Paul Emms who surveyed the route). The extracted section is in blue type.

6.3 The vegetation of the Avedia Energy LPG Pipeline Option 1

Reference should be made to Figure 20. Section 1 of Pipeline Option 1 is devoid of any vegetation and is highly disturbed by the activities at the railhead. It has very low botanical / ecological sensitivity and is completely transformed to an industrial site.

Section 2 of Pipeline Option 1 runs through an area where there is also a high level of disturbance. It is heavily infested by woody alien invasive but remnants of Saldanha Flats Strandveld are found in the area of Section 2. However, judging from the condition of the vegetation recorded at the nearby waypoints AVE6 and AVE7 (Figure 20), where the veld condition is very poor, it may be safely concluded that the condition of Section 2 of Pipeline Option 1 is also poor, with low botanical sensitivity.

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

Section 3 of Pipeline Option 1 lies north of Camp Road and immediately west of the proposed site for the Avedia LPG Facility. This area has also been significantly disturbed and invaded by alien invasive trees and grasses. Remnant patches of Saldanha Flats Strandveld is found here but is fragmented by the servitude road and railway. The area is considered to have low botanical sensitivity.

The Option 1 pipeline route is outside any Critical Biodiversity Area (Figure 20).

It is unlikely that the Option 1 pipeline route would be feasible or allowed due to objections from Transnet. Therefore, a second alternative pipeline route (Avedia Pipeline Option 2) is proposed which would link to the Sunrise Energy gas pipeline near the proposed Sunrise Energy LPG storage facility which is to be built in the disused quarry (Figure 21). It should be noted that an Environmental Authorisation has been granted to Sunrise Energy for the construction of the feeder gas pipeline and a storage facility at the old quarry. (It should be noted that this feeder pipeline crosses a CBA along an existing servitude which is already disturbed. This area did not form part of the study reported here).

The following investigation was conducted subsequent to investigating the Option 1 pipeline route to fulfill the requirements for a botanical assessment of the Avedia LPG Pipeline Option 2.

6.4 The vegetation of the Avedia Energy LPG Pipeline Option 2

The proposed Option 2 route passes through a 230 m long section of high quality Saldanha Flats Strandveld, from the east, at waypoint 001 (32°59'53.60"S; 18° 0'33.39"E) to waypoint 007 (32°59'50.05"S; 18° 0'25.83"E). This is referred to as Section1 (Figure 20). This large portion of ecologically intact vegetation occurs along the edge of the southern side of the road and extends for several hundred metres to the south and west. The area is almost completely devoid of alien vegetation, apart from one or two individuals of rooikrans (Acacia cyclops). Section 1 falls within a Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) (Maree & Vromans, 2010). The area is thus of high conservation importance in terms of preventing any further loss of the ecosystem and is verified as a valid CBA following the site visit.

The vegetation along Section 1 supports high numbers of the NEAR THREATENED Limonium capense, which is one of the dominant species. The other dominant species are mostly shrubs (Figure 15) and include Roepera morgsana, Euphorbia burmanii, Pteronia 26

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

divaricata, Osteospermum incanum and Othonna cylindrica. Additional species include Aloe perfoliata, Crassula expansa, Putterlickia pyracantha, Asparagus sp., Oncosiphon suffruticosum, Hermannia sp., Ruschia sp., Searsia glauca, Babiana sp., Clutia cf. ericoides, Crassula muscosa, Lycium ferocissimum, Lycium tetrandrum, Cynanchum africanum, Thesium spinosum, Salvia lanceolata, Tylecodon paniculatus, Mesembryanthemum guerichianum, Diosma oppositifolia, Pelargonium sp. and Pteronia ovalifolia.

The vegetation is partially disturbed at waypoint 003 (32°59'52.78"S; 18° 0'31.38"E) and is dominated by stands of Pteronia ovalifolia. This disturbed area would inevitably recover over time and be occupied by the same species complement described above. From waypoint 004 (32°59'52.13"S; 18° 0'29.64"E) the vegetation quality reverts to good quality vegetation again, reaching the top of the hill at waypoint 005 (32°59'51.07"S; 18° 0'27.91"E). A population of approximately 200 individual clumps of the VULNERABLE succulent Cheiridopsis rostrata occurs at waypoint 006 (32°59'50.64"S; 18° 0'26.66"E) (Figure 17A).

The route then changes in vegetation quality as the stands of Limonium capense end at waypoint 007 (Figure 16). The section of route from waypoint 007 to 017 (32°59'40.84"S; 18° 0'6.86"E) consists of low quality, disturbed vegetation, which is referred to as Section 2. The disturbance along Section 2 has resulted in a high incidence of pioneer species, of which most are succulent annuals and grasses. The pioneer species also occur along most of the road and against the fence (Figure 17B). Dominant species in the disturbed areas include Mesembryanthemum guerichianum, Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, Prenia pallens, Drosanthemum sp., Felicia cf. bergiana and Drosanthemum cf. asperulum. Invasive weeds include Exomis microphylla, Atriplex semibaccata, Acacia cyclops and Raphanus raphanistrum. Grasses include Ehrharta calycina and the exotics Bromus diandrus and Lolium multiflorum.

At waypoint 009 (32°59'48.72"S; 18° 0'22.95"E) several individuals of Afrolimon peregrinum occur, followed by a variety of shrubs occurring from waypoint 010 (32°59'48.14"S; 18° 0'21.61"E) in the disturbed habitat. The disturbed area continues, along with additional species such as Crassula expansa, Osteospermum incanum, Lycium ferocissimum, Ruschia cf. asperulum and Searsia glauca. At waypoint 013 (32°59'44.37"S; 18° 0'13.86"E) there are high numbers of Acacia cyclops and two individuals of Euclea racemosa (Figure 19). At waypoint 014 (32°59'43.95"S; 18° 0'13.13"E) and waypoint 016 (32°59'42.86"S; 18° 0'10.22"E) there are several individual of Limonium capense. The route then becomes

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

completely transformed leading up to waypoint 017 (32°59'40.84"S; 18° 0'6.86"E) and ending at the railway line.

Figure 15. Good quality Saldanha Flats Strandveld occurring along Section 1 of the proposed pipeline Option 2. Located at waypoint 003 (32°59'52.78"S; 18° 0'31.38"E).

Disturbed habitat

Intact habitat

Figure 16. Continuation of good quality Saldanha Flats Strandveld, which ends after the population of the NEAR THREATENED pink-flowered shrub Limonium capense (yellow line divides good quality and disturbed habitat). Located at waypoint 007 (32°59'50.05"S; 18° 0'25.83"E). 28

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

17A 17B

Figures 17A. Population of the VULNERABLE succulent Cheiridopsis rostrata located at waypoint 006 (32°59'50.64"S; 18° 0'26.66"E). Figure 17B. Disturbed area (Section 2) showing the fence line and road, located near waypoint 007 (32°59'50.05"S; 18° 0'25.83"E).

Figure 18. Area dominated by Acacia saligna and grasses, located at waypoint 013 (32°59'44.37"S; 18° 0'13.86"E).

Figure 19. Transformed area towards the end of the proposed pipeline route Option 2, located at waypoint 017 (32°59'40.84"S; 18° 0'6.86"E).

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

Figure 20. Aerial view (Google Earth ™) of the Saldanha Bay area, showing the proposed Avedia Energy LPG alternative pipeline Option 2 (yellow line) and sample waypoints (numbered green diamonds). The red areas are Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA’s). A portion of the sample track (blue) and waypoints (red diamonds; AVE#) recorded during the previous site visit of the LPG storage facility are shown.

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

Figure 21. Aerial view (Google Earth ™) of the Saldanha Bay area, showing the proposed feeder gas pipeline to the Sunrise Energy storage facility (yellow line). The proposed Avedia Option 2 pipeline (purple line) would link with the Sunrise Energy feeder gas pipeline as shown. Only the CBA affected by the Sunrise Energy feeder gas pipeline and the Avedia Option 2 pipeline is indicated here.

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

7.2.2 The outbound pipeline route to link with the AMSA pipeline

A pipeline is proposed to be constructed to leave the Avedia Energy LPG Terminal on the eastern side and run parallel to Camp Street (see Figure 22). It would traverse four land parcels namely, Ystervarkensrug 127 Portion 2 Remainder; Ystervarkensrug 127 Remainder; Hopefield 195 Portion 2 Remainder and Hopefield 195 Portion 1 Remainder.

The above land parcels lie south of the southern part of Farm 1132 where the proposal for the Isivunguvungu Wind Energy Facility was mooted but never built. The greater part of the pipeline would traverse Saldanha Dune Strandveld according to the VEGMAP (Figure 8). However, this is clearly not the case since the botanical survey by Emms (2011) gives numerous references to outcropping limestone and the vegetation is more likely to be Saldanha Flats Strandveld with some occasional limestone outcrops or Saldanha Limestone Strandveld sensu stricto. This requires further investigation in the field. The extract below from Emms (2011) notes a number of plant species of conservation concern (SCC) and these are likely to be found along the pipeline route. Thus, a survey of the pipeline route is advocated prior to the EIA phase.

Extract from Emms (2011):

The study area comprises a mosaic of low- to medium-quality vegetation patches and matches the description of Rebelo et al. (in Mucina and Rutherford, 2006), which essentially comprises a low stratum with succulents (perennials and annuals); non-succulent annuals and perennials, geophytes and a medium height shrub layer. The taller shrub layer is only prominent in the medium quality vegetation. There are transitional areas of varying quality vegetation, as well as areas which probably have high numbers of geophytic species, in particular communities of Haemanthus pubescens and Brunsvigia orientalis. These species went undetected at the time of the survey (October) as they had already entered the dormant phase of the growth cycle. There are also several species of conservation concern on the site including: • Lampranthus vernalis (NEAR THREATENED): locally very common throughout areas having medium quality vegetation. • Limonium capense (NEAR THREATENED): locally confined to one large population of over 500 individuals with scattered outliers. • Cheiridopsis rostrata (VULNERABLE): a specialist succulent confined to numerous rocky limestone habitats which are more or less evenly distributed throughout the general area.

At the time of sampling the vegetation was very dry and had already lost the green winter flush. Moreover, the spring dominant, non-succulent annuals such as Arctotis hirsuta; Arctotheca calendula; Dimorphotheca pluvialis; Foveolina tenella and Senecio littoreus were not detectable. The most dominant species present was the low perennial shrub Galenia sarcophylla. Dominant succulents

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

included Drosanthemum floribundum Tetragonia fruticosa and the shrub layer includes the following dominants: Exomis microphylla; Thamnochortus spicigerus; Searsia glauca; Roepera flexuosa (Zygophyllum flexuosum) and Lycium ferocissimum. There are a number of additional plant groups, which include the following: • Herbs: Arctopus echinatus and Ballota africana. • Shrubs: Euryops multifidus and Osteospermum incanum. • Succulents: Cheiridopsis rostrata; Jordaaniella dubia and Lampranthus vernalis. • Geophytes: Babiana ambigua; Trachyandra ciliata; Ammocharis longifolia Boophone disticha; Oxalis pes-caprae; O. obtusa; Cyanella sp. and Ferraria sp. Annuals: *Raphanus raphanistrum (exotic weed) and Mesembryanthemum guerichianum;

7.3 Vegetation along the Transmission Line routes

7.3.1 Transmission Lines 1, 2 and 3

Transmission lines 1, 2 and 3 follow the same route from west to east, parallel to Camp Street. This is the same route as the gas pipeline from the Avedia Energy LPG Terminal that would run eastwards to link with the Arcelor-Mittal pipeline. Consequently, as far as the botanical sensitivity of the terrain is concerned, the same would apply as described in Section 7.2.2 above. The vegetation type requires verification, and then only can a definitive impact assessment be made. The type of terrain likely to be crossed is depicted in Figure 24 extracted from Emms (2011) with his caption.

Figure 24. The typical low shrubland vegetation with Lampranthus vernalis (pink shrub: NEAR THREATENED); Galenia sarcophylla; Prenia pallens (ground covers); Exomis microphylla (grey shrubs); Thamnochortus spicigerus and Searsia glauca (Photo: Paul Emms). 33

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

From the intersection of Camp Street with the R27, Transmission Line 3 runs almost directly north, initially crossing much the same terrain as described by Emms (2011) and then crossing and area that is Saldanha Flats Strandveld and terminating in an area of Saldanha Limestone Strandveld. McDonald (2012) investigated an area west of the Transmission Line 3 route that was ploughed but the area that would be traversed was not historically ploughed although it was heavily grazed.

Transmission Line 3 runs mostly through an Ecological Support Area 1 (ESA1) (CapeNature, 2017) along its southern arm but along its eastern extension (south to north) it runs through areas classified as Critical Biodiversity Areas 1 and 2 (CBA 1 & 2) (Figure 28).

Transmission line 1 and 2 follow a more-or-less similar route from the Camp Street / R27 intersection. They both cross the R27 in a northeasterly direction with Transmission Line 1 stopping short of the substation lying east of the R27 and the Arcelor-Mittal factory, whereas Transmission Line 2 ends at the substation.

The terrain traversed by Transmission Lines 1 and 2 was investigated by McDonald (2015). The area has been ploughed in the past and limestone boulders removed from the soil in an effort to make it arable (Figures 25 & 26). However, this appears to have been abandoned and now the vegetation has reverted to degraded Saldanha Flats Strandveld. It is now grazed by cattle (Figure 27).

Figure 25. The view southwards along the fence-line of Hopefield 195 Portion 2 Remainder with degraded Saldanha Flats Strandveld.

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

Figure 26. Saldanha Flats Strandveld in poor condition despite being a CBA1 area on Hopefield 195 Portion 2 Remainder. Note the pile of limestone rocks that have been excavated from the soil.

Figure 27. View southwards over part of Hopefield 195 portion 2 Remainder with cattle grazing Saldanha Flats Strandveld. 35

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

Figure 28. The Critical Biodiversity Areas map of the eastern part of the study area. The red shading is CBA1, the yellow shading CBA2 and the light blue shading ESA1. The light green line is the outbound gas pipeline route; the grey line is the Transmission Line Route 1; the dark blue line the Transmission Line Route 2 and the black line the Transmission Line Route 3.

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

7.3.2 Transmission Line 4

The Transmission Line 4 (purple line in Figure 31) would cross the Sishen-Saldanha Railway and Saldanha Bay Road from the Avedia Energy Terminal onto Farm 1139 Remainder. This property is owned by Afrisam and there is an intention to build on this property in the future. In addition, a road has been proposed from Saldanha Bay Road to the Saldanha IDZ (McDonald, 2016). Both Saldanha Flats Strandveld and Saldanha Limestone Strandveld occur on the property but Transmission Line 4 would only affect the Saldanha Flats Strandveld.

Farm 1139 Remainder has been heavily overgrazed in the past and the result is that the Saldanha Flats Strandveld is highly degraded. However, it is restoring, and an important aspect of this site is that it supports significant populations of Amaryllidaceae geophytes. Three species are of particular note; Boophone haemanthoides subsp. haemanthoides (Figures 29 & 30), Brunsvigia orientalis (Figure 13) and Brunsvigia bosmaniae (Figure 12). Although these species are not threatened it is recommended that if this transmission line is constructed that if necessary ‘Search & Rescue’ of the bulbs should be carried out.

Figure 29. Boophone haemanthoides subsp. haemanthoides flowering in November

Figure 30. The leaves of Boophone haemanthoides subsp. haemanthoides that appear in the autumn.

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

Transmission Line 4 would cross mainly ESA1 areas and a few small patches of CBA1 (Figure 31).

Figure 31. The Critical Biodiversity Area map of the western part of the study area with the Transmission Line 4 route traversing mainly ESA1 areas (light blue) and the Transmission Line 5 route traversing some ESA1 and some CBA1 areas but north of the Arcelor-Mittal complex not affecting any vegetation.

7.3.3 Transmission Line 5

Transmission Line 5 would (green line in Figure 31) would run northwards and eastwards on the eastern side of the Sishen-Saldanha Railway and curve around the northern side of the Arcelor-Mittal complex. It would traverse Saldanha Flats Strandveld in much the same condition as that found northeast of the Avedia Energy Terminal and south of the Arcelor-Mittal Factory (Figure 32).

The transmission line would traverse two areas classified as CBA1 and here areas classified as ESA, whereas north of the Arcelor-Mittal factory it would be aligned over highly degraded terrain with no vegetation (Figure 31 – green line).

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

Figure 32. Saldanha Flats Strandveld with the Arcelor-Mittal factory in the background. The Transmission Line 4 route would pass through this vegetation. (Photo: Claudette Muller).

8. Conservation Status

The fine-scale mapping of the Saldanha Peninsula by Helme and Koopman (Helme, 2007) resulted in the original Critical Biodiversity Map of the Saldanha Bay Municipality (Maree & Vromans, 2010). However, since then there have been a number of updates of the maps piloted by Pence (2014 and 2017). The Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan (CapeNature 2017; Pool-Stanvliet et al. 2017) is now the standard mapping of biodiversity in the Western Cape Province except for the BIONET of the City of Cape Town.

The most recently published protocols for terrestrial biodiversity specialists (Enviro Insight, 2020; Government Gazette, 2020) have not been applied in this scoping exercise because up-to-date and more detailed information was available to the author. However, these protocols will be applied in a more detailed EIA once the desired alternatives for the pipelines and transmission lines have been chosen.

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

9. Impact Assessment

9.1 The ‘No Go’ scenario

In the case of the ‘No Go’ scenario, the proposed gas-to-power plant would not be constructed, and all the associated infrastructure would also not be constructed.

9.2 Direct Impacts

Direct impacts are those impacts that would be caused specifically by the envisaged pipelines and ultimately one transmission line. However, for the sake of scoping, the direct impact of five transmission line routes are assessed. Construction phase impacts would be the most negative on the vegetation whereas the operational phase would result in low negative impacts on the vegetation. Linear infrastructure, such as pipelines and powerlines, is much less damaging than other development that have a greater areal extent.

9.2.1 Impact of the inbound gas pipeline

Table 1. Impact and Significance of the inbound gas pipeline i.e. the ‘new’ pipeline.

‘NO GO’ CRITERIA Construction of new inbound Operation of new inbound gas ALTERNATIVE gas pipeline pipeline Nature of direct Loss of Saldanha Flats Strandveld impact (local scale)

WITHOUT WITH WITHOUT WITH

MITIGATION MITIGATION MITIGATION MITIGATION Extent Local Local Local Local Local Duration Long-term Long-term Long-term Long-term Long-term Intensity Low Low Very Low Very low Very low Probability of High High High High High occurrence Confidence High High High High High Significance Low Very Low Negative Very Low Very low Very low Negative Negative Negative Negative

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

irreplaceable loss of resources Degree to which impact can be High mitigated Active restoration of the vegetation along the pipeline route with intermittent monitoring Proposed mitigation over three years to remove weeds and invasive species such as Australian Acacia spp. Cumulative impact Low Negative post mitigation Significance of cumulative impact Very Low Negative (broad scale) after mitigation

9.2.2 Impact of the gas pipeline to join with that of AMSA

Table 2. Impact and Significance of the outbound gas pipeline i.e. to join with the of AMSA.

‘NO GO’ CRITERIA Construction of new inbound Operation of new outbound gas ALTERNATIVE gas pipeline pipeline Nature of direct Loss of Saldanha Flats Strandveld impact (local scale)

WITHOUT WITH WITHOUT WITH

MITIGATION MITIGATION MITIGATION MITIGATION

Extent Local Local Local Local Local Duration Long-term Long-term Long-term Long-term Long-term Intensity Low Low Very Low Very low Very low Probability of High High High High High occurrence Confidence High High High High High Significance Low Negative Low Negative Very Low Very Low Very Low Negative Negative Negative

Nature of Cumulative Loss of Saldanha Flats Strandveld impact Cumulative impact prior to mitigation Low Negative Degree to which impact can be Limited to restoration of the vegetation along the buried pipeline. reversed Degree to which impact may cause Low irreplaceable loss of resources Degree to which impact can be High mitigated Active restoration of the vegetation along the pipeline route with intermittent monitoring Proposed mitigation over three years to remove weeds and invasive species such as Australian Acacia spp. Cumulative impact Low Negative post mitigation Significance of cumulative impact Very Low Negative (broad scale) after mitigation

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

9.2.3 Impact of Transmission Line Routes 1 & 2

Table 3. Impact and Significance of

‘NO GO’ CRITERIA Construction of Transmission Operation of Transmission ALTERNATIVE Line 1 Line 1 Nature of direct Loss of Saldanha Flats Strandveld impact (local scale)

WITHOUT WITH WITHOUT WITH

MITIGATION MITIGATION MITIGATION MITIGATION

Extent Local Local Local Local Local Duration Long-term Long-term Long-term Long-term Long-term Intensity Low Low Very Low Very Low Very Low Probability of High High High Medium Medium occurrence Confidence High High High High High Significance Low Negative Low Negative Very Low Very Low Very Low Negative Negative Negative

Nature of Cumulative Loss of Saldanha Flats Strandveld impact Cumulative impact prior to mitigation Low Negative Degree to which impact can be High reversed Degree to which impact may cause Very Low irreplaceable loss of resources Degree to which High – the only impact would be during the construction phase and around the base of impact can be the pylons. The access across the veld would restore naturally. mitigated Proposed mitigation None – the vegetation around the pylons would restore naturally Cumulative impact None post mitigation Significance of cumulative impact None (broad scale) after mitigation

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

9.2.4 Impact of Transmission Line Route 3

Table 5. Impact and Significance of the

‘NO GO’ CRITERIA Construction of Transmission Operation of Transmission ALTERNATIVE Line 3 Line 3 Nature of direct Loss of Saldanha Flats Strandveld impact (local scale)

WITHOUT WITH WITHOUT WITH

MITIGATION MITIGATION MITIGATION MITIGATION

Extent Local Local Local Local Local Duration Long-term Long-term Long-term Long-term Long-term Intensity Low Low Very Low Very Low Very Low Probability of High High High High High occurrence Confidence High High High High High Significance Low Negative Low Negative Very Low Very Low Very Low Negative Negative Negative

Nature of Cumulative Loss of Saldanha Flats Strandveld impact Cumulative impact prior to mitigation Low negative Degree to which impact can be High reversed Degree to which impact may cause Very Low irreplaceable loss of resources Degree to which High – the only impact would be during the construction phase and around the base of impact can be the pylons. The access across the veld would restore naturally. mitigated Proposed mitigation None – natural restoration would occur Cumulative impact None post mitigation Significance of cumulative impact None (broad scale) after mitigation

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

9.2.6 Impact of Transmission Line Route 4

Table 6. Impact and Significance of the

‘NO GO’ CRITERIA Construction of Transmission Operation of Transmission Line ALTERNATIVE Line 4 4 Nature of direct Loss of Saldanha Flats Strandveld impact (local scale)

WITHOUT WITH WITHOUT WITH

MITIGATION MITIGATION MITIGATION MITIGATION

Nature of Cumulative Loss of Saldanha Flats Strandveld impact Cumulative impact prior to mitigation Low Negative Degree to which impact can be High reversed Degree to which impact may cause Low irreplaceable loss of resources Degree to which High – the only impact would be during the construction phase and around the base of the impact can be pylons. The access across the veld would restore naturally. mitigated Any geophytes that would be affected should be salvaged from the areas of the pylon Proposed mitigation bases and relocated to safe sites. Cumulative impact Low negative post mitigation Significance of cumulative impact Very Low Negative (broad scale) after mitigation

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

9.2.7 Impact of Transmission Line Route 5

Table 7. Impact and Significance of the

‘NO GO’ CRITERIA Construction of Transmission Operation of Transmission ALTERNATIVE Line 5 Line 5 Nature of direct Loss of Saldanha Flats Strandveld impact (local scale)

WITHOUT WITH WITHOUT WITH

MITIGATION MITIGATION MITIGATION MITIGATION

Nature of Cumulative Loss of Saldanha Flats Strandveld impact Cumulative impact prior to mitigation Low Negative Degree to which impact can be High reversed Degree to which impact may cause Very Low irreplaceable loss of resources Degree to which High - the only impact would be during the construction phase and around the base of impact can be the pylons. The access across the veld would restore naturally. mitigated Proposed mitigation None Cumulative impact None post mitigation Significance of cumulative impact None (broad scale) after mitigation

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

9.3 Indirect Impacts

No indirect negative impacts of the proposed development

9.4 Mitigation

The receiving environment of the proposed development is similar for both the pipelines as well as all the transmission line alternatives. They would all impact degraded Saldanha Flats Strandveld but where there are bulbs they could be relocated and other sensitive plants such as succulents could also be rescued and either replanted once construction is completed or relocated to other safe sites.

9.5 Cumulative Impacts

The habitat and environment into which the infrastructure would be imposed, although mapped over significant areas as CBA1 & 2 and ESA1would not be highly negatively impacted. Transmission lines are above the ground and the only impact is at the pylon bases. Pipelines can result in more negative but there would be limited loss of natural habitat overall so cumulative impacts would be negligible. Sensitive restoration of vegetation along the pipeline routes would also serve to mitigate the negative impacts even further.

10. Conclusions and Recommendations

Both pipelines are feasible and would result in Low Negative impacts on Saldanha Flats Strandveld and their construction is supported from a botanical viewpoint. Of the five options for the transmission lines, they would all have a Low Negative to Very Low Negative impact on Saldanha Flats Strandveld so there is not much difference between them from a botanical perspective. However, I would say that Transmission Line 5 would have the lowest impact and that is the one I would recommend. Alternatively, Transmission Line 3, then Transmission Lines 1 & 2 and lastly i.e. least desirable would be Transmission Line 4.

Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

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Botanical Scoping Assessment: Assegai LPG-powered Power Generation with associated infrastructure, Saldanha IDZ, Western Cape Province ______

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Mucina, L., Rutherford, M.C., & Powrie, L.W. (eds.). 2005. Vegetation map of South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland 1:1 000 000 scale sheet maps. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. ISBN 1-919976-22-1.

Mucina, L., & Rutherford, M.C. (Eds.). 2006. The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitzia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

Pence. G. Q. K. 2014. Western Cape Biodiversity Framework 2014 Status Update: Critical Biodiversity Areas of the Western Cape. Unpublished CapeNature project report. Cape Town, South Africa. 48

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Pence, G.K.Q. 2017. The Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan: Technical Report. , Cape Town: Unpublished Report.

Pool-Stanvliet, R., Duffell-Canham, A., Pence, G., Smart, R. 2017. Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan Handbook. Stellenbosch: CapeNature.

Raimondo, D., Von Staden, L., Foden, W., Victor, J.E., Helme, N.A., Turner, R.C., Kamundi, D.A. & Manyama, P.A. (eds) 2009. Red List of South African plants 2009. Strelitzia 25. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

Rebelo, A.G., Boucher, C., Helme, N., Mucina, L. & Rutherford, M.C. 2006. Fynbos Biome. In: Mucina, L. & Rutherford, M.C. 2006. (eds.) The Vegetation of South Africa. Lesotho & Swaziland. Strelitzia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. pp. 53 – 219.

Roberts, D.L., Botha, G.A., Maud, R.R. & Pether, J. Coastal Cenozoic Deposits. In: Johnson, M.R., Anhaeusser, C.R. & Thomas, R.J. (eds), The Geology of South Africa. The Geological Society of South Africa (Johannesburg) and the Council for Geoscience (Pretoria), pp. 605--628.

South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), 2018, Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland [vector geospatial dataset] 2012. Available from the Biodiversity GIS website http://bgis.sanbi.org/ .

______Report submitted: 5 October 2020

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Appendix 1: Impact Assessment Methodology

Method of Assessing Impact Significance

The identification and assessment of environmental impacts is a multi-faceted process, using a combination of quantitative and qualitative descriptions and evaluations. It involves applying scientific measurements and professional judgement to determine the significance of environmental impacts associated with the proposed project. The process involves consideration of, inter alia: the purpose and need for the project; views and concerns of interested and affected parties (I&APs); social and political norms, and general public interest.

Identification and Description of Impacts

Identified impacts are described in terms of the nature of the impact, compliance with legislation and accepted standards, receptor sensitivity and the significance of the predicted environmental change (before and after mitigation). Mitigation measures may be existing measures or additional measures that were identified through the impact assessment and associated specialist input. The impact rating system considers the confidence level that can be placed on the successful implementation of mitigation.

Evaluation of Impacts and Mitigation Measures

Introduction

Impacts are assessed using SLR’s standard convention for assessing the significance of impacts, a summary of which is provided below. In assigning significance ratings to potential impacts before and after mitigation the approach presented below is to be followed. 1. Determine the impact consequence rating: This is a function of the “intensity”, “duration” and “extent” of the impact (see Section 0). The consequence ratings for combinations of these three criteria are given in Section 0.

2. Determine impact significance rating: The significance of an impact is a function of the consequence of the impact occurring and the probability of occurrence (see Section 0). Significance is determined using the table in Section 0.

3. Modify significance rating (if necessary): Significance ratings are based on largely professional judgement and transparent defined criteria. In some instances, therefore, whilst the significance rating of potential impacts might be “low”, the importance of these impacts to local communities or individuals might be extremely high. The importance/value which interested and affected parties attach to impacts

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will be highlighted, and recommendations should be made as to ways of avoiding or minimising these perceived negative impacts through project design, selection of appropriate alternatives and / or management.

4. Determine degree of confidence of the significance assessment: Once the significance of the impact has been determined, the degree of confidence in the assessment will be qualified (see Section 0). Confidence in the prediction is associated with any uncertainties, for example, where information is insufficient to assess the impact.

Criteria for Impact Assessment

The criteria for impact assessment are provided below. Criteria Rating Description Criteria for ranking of Negligible change, disturbance or nuisance. The impact affects the INTENSITY ZERO TO the environment in such a way that natural functions and (SEVERITY) of VERY LOW processes are not affected. People / communities are able to environmental impacts adapt with relative ease and maintain pre-impact livelihoods. Minor (Slight) change, disturbance or nuisance. The impact on LOW the environment is not detectable or there is no perceptible change to people’s livelihood. Moderate change, disturbance or discomfort. Where the affected environment is altered, but natural functions and processes continue, albeit in a modified way. MEDIUM People/communities are able to adapt with some difficulty and maintain pre-impact livelihoods but only with a degree of support. Prominent change, disturbance or degradation. Where natural functions or processes are altered to the extent that they will HIGH temporarily or permanently cease. Affected people/communities will not be able to adapt to changes or continue to maintain-pre impact livelihoods. Criteria for ranking the SHORT TERM < 5 years. DURATION of impacts MEDIUM TERM 5 to < 15 years. > 15 years, but where the impact will eventually cease either LONG TERM because of natural processes or by human intervention. Where mitigation either by natural processes or by human PERMANENT intervention will not occur in such a way or in such time span that the impact can be considered transient. Criteria for ranking the Impact is confined to project or study area or part thereof, e.g. LOCAL EXTENT / SPATIAL limited to the area of interest and its immediate surroundings. SCALE of impacts Impact is confined to the region, e.g. coast, basin, catchment, REGIONAL municipal region, etc. Impact is confined to the country as a whole, e.g. South Africa, NATIONAL etc. INTERNATION Impact extends beyond the national scale. AL Criteria for Where the possibility of the impact to materialise is very low determining the IMPROBABLE either because of design or historic experience, i.e. ≤ 30% chance of occurring. 51

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Criteria Rating Description PROBABILITY of Where there is a distinct possibility that the impact would occur, POSSIBLE impacts i.e. > 30 to ≤ 60% chance of occurring. Where it is most likely that the impact would occur, i.e. > 60 to ≤ PROBABLE 80% chance of occurring. Where the impact would occur regardless of any prevention DEFINITE measures, i.e. > 80% chance of occurring. Criteria for LOW ≤ 35% sure of impact prediction. determining the DEGREE OF MEDIUM > 35% and ≤ 70% sure of impact prediction. CONFIDENCE of the HIGH > 70% sure of impact prediction. assessment Criteria for the NONE No change in impact after mitigation. DEGREE TO WHICH Where the significance rating stays the same, but where IMPACT CAN BE VERY LOW mitigation will reduce the intensity of the impact. MITIGATED - the Where the significance rating drops by one level, after mitigation. degree to which an LOW impact can be reduced / Where the significance rating drops by two to three levels, after MEDIUM enhanced mitigation. Where the significance rating drops by more than three levels, HIGH after mitigation. Criteria for LOSS OF Where the activity results in a loss of a particular resource but RESOURCES - the LOW where the natural, cultural and social functions and processes degree to which a are not affected. resource is permanently Where the loss of a resource occurs, but natural, cultural and affected by the activity, MEDIUM social functions and processes continue, albeit in a modified i.e. the degree to which way. a resource is Where the activity results in an irreplaceable loss of a resource. irreplaceable HIGH

Determining Consequence

Consequence attempts to evaluate the importance of a particular impact, and in doing so incorporates extent, duration and intensity. The ratings and description for determining consequence are provided below. Rating Description Impacts could be EITHER: of high intensity at a regional level and endure in the long term; VERY HIGH OR of high intensity at a national level in the medium term; OR of medium intensity at a national level in the long term. Impacts could be EITHER: of high intensity at a regional level and endure in the medium term; OR of high intensity at a national level in the short term; HIGH OR of medium intensity at a national level in the medium term; OR of low intensity at a national level in the long term; OR of high intensity at a local level in the long term; OR of medium intensity at a regional level in the long term. Impacts could be EITHER: of high intensity at a local level and endure in the medium term; MEDIUM OR of medium intensity at a regional level in the medium term; OR of high intensity at a regional level in the short term; 52

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Rating Description OR of medium intensity at a national level in the short term; OR of medium intensity at a local level in the long term; OR of low intensity at a national level in the medium term; OR of low intensity at a regional level in the long term. Impacts could be EITHER of low intensity at a regional level and endure in the medium term; OR of low intensity at a national level in the short term; LOW OR of high intensity at a local level and endure in the short term; OR of medium intensity at a regional level in the short term; OR of low intensity at a local level in the long term; OR of medium intensity at a local level and endure in the medium term. Impacts could be EITHER of low intensity at a local level and endure in the medium term; VERY LOW OR of low intensity at a regional level and endure in the short term; OR of low to medium intensity at a local level and endure in the short term. OR Zero to very low intensity with any combination of extent and duration.

Determining Significance

The consequence rating is considered together with the probability of occurrence in order to determine the overall significance using the table below. PROBABILITY IMPROBABLE POSSIBLE PROBABLE DEFINITE

VERY LOW INSIGNIFICANT INSIGNIFICANT VERY LOW VERY LOW LOW VERY LOW VERY LOW LOW LOW MEDIUM LOW LOW MEDIUM MEDIUM HIGH MEDIUM MEDIUM HIGH HIGH

CONSEQUENCE VERY HIGH HIGH HIGH VERY HIGH VERY HIGH

In certain cases it may not be possible to determine the significance of an impact. In these instances the significance is UNKNOWN.

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Protocol ref Terrestrial Biodiversity Specialist Assessment Report Content Section / Page

3.1.1. contact details of the specialist, their SACNASP registration number, their field Page 2 of expertise and a curriculum vitae;

3.1.2. a signed statement of independence by the specialist; Page 4

3.1.3. a statement on the duration, date and season of the site inspection and the Page N/A relevance of the season to the outcome of the assessment;

3.1.4. a description of the methodology used to undertake the site verification and Page 15 impact assessment and site inspection, including equipment and modelling used, where relevant;

3.1.5. a description of the assumptions made and any uncertainties or gaps in Page 15 knowledge or data as well as a statement of the timing and intensity of site inspection observations;

3.1.6. a location of the areas not suitable for development, which are to be avoided N/A during construction and operation (where relevant);

3.1.7. additional environmental impacts expected from the proposed development; N/A

3.1.8. any direct, indirect and cumulative impacts of the proposed development; Page 40--46

3.1.9. the degree to which impacts and risks can be mitigated; Page 46

3.1.10. the degree to which the impacts and risks can be reversed; Page 40--45

3.1.11. the degree to which the impacts and risks can cause loss of irreplaceable Page 40--45 resources;

3.1.12. proposed impact management actions and impact management outcomes Page N/A proposed by the specialist for inclusion in the Environmental Management Programme (EMPr);

3.1.13. a motivation must be provided if there were development footprints identified as Page N/A per paragraph 2.3.6 above that were identified as having a "low" terrestrial biodiversity sensitivity and that were not considered appropriate;

3.1.14. a substantiated statement, based on the findings of the specialist assessment, Page 46 regarding the acceptability, or not, of the proposed development, if it should receive approval or not; and

3.1.15. any conditions to which this statement is subjected. N/A

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Appendix 3: Curriculum Vitae

Dr David Jury McDonald Pr. Sci. Nat.

Name of Company: Bergwind Botanical Surveys & Tours CC. (Independent consultant) Work and Home Address: 14 A Thomson Road, Claremont, 7708 Tel: (021) 671-4056 Mobile: 082-876-4051 Fax: 086-517-3806 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.bergwind.co.za Profession: Botanist / Vegetation Ecologist / Consultant / Tour Guide Date of Birth: 7 August 1956

Employment history:

• 19 years with National Botanical Institute (now SA National Biodiversity Institute) as researcher in vegetation ecology.

• Five years as Deputy Director / Director Botanical & Communication Programmes of the Botanical Society of South Africa

• Fifteen years as private independent Botanical Specialist consultant (Bergwind Botanical Surveys & Tours CC)

Nationality: South African (ID No. 560807 5018 080) Languages: English (home language) – speak, read and write Afrikaans – speak, read and write

Membership in Professional Societies:

• International Association for Impact Assessment (SA) • South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (Ecological Science, Registration No. 400094/06) • Field Guides Association of Southern Africa

Key Qualifications:

• Qualified with a M. Sc. (1983) in Botany and a PhD in Botany (Vegetation Ecology) (1995) at the University of Cape Town. • Research in Cape fynbos ecosystems and more specifically mountain ecosystems. • From 1995 to 2000 managed the Vegetation Map of South Africa Project (National Botanical Institute). • Conducted botanical survey work for AfriDev Consultants for the Mohale and Katse Dam projects in Lesotho from 1995 to 2002. A large component of this work was the analysis of data collected by teams of botanists. • Director: Botanical & Communication Programmes of the Botanical Society of South Africa (2000—2005), responsible for communications and publications; involved with conservation advocacy particularly with respect to impacts of development on centres of plant endemism. 55

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• Further tasks involved the day-to-day management of a large non-profit environmental organisation. • Independent botanical consultant (2005 – to present) over 300 projects have been completed related to environmental impact assessments in the Western, Southern and Northern Cape, Karoo and Lesotho. A list of reports (or selected reports for scrutiny) is available on request.

Higher Education

Degrees obtained and major subjects passed: B.Sc. (1977), University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg Botany III Entomology II (Third year course)

B.Sc. Hons. (1978) University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg Botany (Ecology /Physiology)

M.Sc. - (Botany), University of Cape Town, 1983. Thesis title: 'The vegetation of Swartboschkloof, Jonkershoek, Cape Province'.

PhD (Botany), University of Cape Town, 1995. Thesis title: 'Phytogeography endemism and diversity of the fynbos of the southern Langeberg'.

Certificate of Tourism: Guiding (Culture: Local) Level: 4 Code: TGC7 (Registered Tour Guide: WC 2969).

Employment Record:

January 2006 – present: Independent specialist botanical consultant and tour guide in own company: Bergwind Botanical Surveys & Tours CC August 2000 - 2005 : Deputy Director, later Director Botanical & Communication Programmes, Botanical Society of South Africa January 1981 – July 2000 : Research Scientist (Vegetation Ecology) at National Botanical Institute January 1979—Dec 1980 : National Military Service

Further information is available on my company website: www.bergwind.co.za