Western Cape & Northern Cape

Home , Calvinia, Hondeklip Bay, Kleinzee, Langebaanweg

JUNO-GROMIS 400kV POWER LINE (WESTERN CAPE & NORTHERN CAPE)

DESK TOP STUDY PALAEONTOLOGY

Compiled by: Dr JF Durand (Sci.Nat.)

For: Nsovo Environmental Consulting Tel: +2711 312 9984 Cel: +2781 217 8130 Fax: 086 602 8821 Email: [email protected]

8 January 2017 1

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction……………………………………………………………………...... 3 2. Terms of reference for the report………………………………………………...... 4 3. Details of study area and the type of assessment……………………………………...7 4. Geological setting…………………………………………………………………………..8 5. Palaeontological potential of the study area…………………………..………………. 14 6. Conclusion and Recommendations………… ………………………………………..27

List of Figures:

Figure 1: Google Earth photo indicating the study area……...………………….………....7

Figure 2: Geology underlying the proposed Juno-Gromis Power Line (adapted from the 1: 1 000 000 Geology Map for South Africa, Geological Survey, 1970)…………………..8

Figure 3: Simplified geology of the study area (adapted from the 1:2 000 000 geology map - Council for Geoscience, 2008)………………………………………………………....9

Figure 4: West Coast pedogenic duricrusts (adapted from Partridge et al., 2009)….....10

Figure 5: Distribution of coastal Cenozoic sediments along the West Coast (adapted from Roberts et al., 2009)…………………………………………………………………….11

Figure 6: Stratigraphy of the West Coast Group (after De Beer, 2010)………………….12

Figure 7: Lithostratigraphy of the Cenozoic West Coast Group on the 3017 Garies geological map (from De Beer, 2010)……………………………………………………….13

Figure 8: Palaeontological Sensitivity Map of the study area (SAHRA)…………………14

Figure 9: Crassostra margaritacea (from Poppe & Poppe, 2015)………………………..15

Figure 10: Isognomon gariesensis from Kensley & Pether (1986)……………………….15

Figure 11: Donax haughtoni from Carrington & Kensly (1969)………………………...…16

Figure 12: Donax rogersi from Carrington & Kensly (1969)………………………………16

Figure 13: Representative sections showing the stratigraphy of the transgressive / regressive Avontuur Member and the Hondeklip Bay Member of the Alexander Bay Formation at Hondeklip Bay………………………………………………………………….17

Figure 14: Trigonephrus globulus (from: Poppe & Poppe, 2015) ……………………….19

Figure 15 Left: Geology of the Kleinzee area (adapted from the 2019 Springbok 1: 250 000 geological map (Council for Geoscience, 2001)). Right: Palaeontological sensitivity for the Kleinsee area (SAHRA)………………………………………………………………20

Figure 16.1: Geology of the Hondeklip Bay area (adapted from the 2019 Springbok 1: 250 000 geological map (Council for Geoscience, 2001))……………………………..21

Figure 16.2: Palaeontological sensitivity map for the Hondeklip Bay area (SAHRA)….21

Figure 17 Left: Geology of the Kotzesrus area (adapted from the 3017 Garies 1: 250 000 geological map (Council for Geoscience)). Right: Palaeontological sensitivity map for the Kotzerus area (SAHRA)……………………………………………………………....22

Figure 18 Left: Geology of the Brand se Baai area (adapted from Philander & Rozendaal, 2015). Right: Palaeontological sensitivity map for the Brand se Baai area (SAHRA)………………………………………………………………………………………..23

Figure 19 Left: Geology of the region northwest of Vredendal (adapted from the 3118 Calvinia 1:250 000 Geology Map). Right: Palaeontological sensitivity map for the area northwest of Vredendal (SAHRA)……………………………………………………………24 3

1. Introduction

This desk top study is to assess the impact of the proposed strengthening of Eskom’s power grid by the construction of a new 400kV transmission line between the Juno substation in the vicinity of Vredendal in the Western Cape and the Gromis substation west of Springbok in the Northern Cape.

The palaeontological heritage of South Africa is unsurpassed and can only be described in superlatives. The South African palaeontological record gives us insight in i.a. the origin of life, early vertebrates, mammals, dinosaurs and humans. Fossils are also used to identify rock strata and determine the geological context of the sub region with other continents and to study evolutionary relationships, sedimentary processes and palaeoenvironments.

The Heritage Act of South Africa stipulates that fossils and fossil sites may not be altered or destroyed. The purpose of this document is to detail the probability of finding fossils in the study area which may be impacted by the proposed development. The impact of the development can be ameliorated in several ways in the areas where fossils are common. 4

2. Terms of reference for the report

According to the South African Heritage Resources Act (Act 25 of 1999) (Republic of South Africa, 1999), certain clauses are relevant to palaeontological aspects for a terrain suitability assessment.

• Subsection 35(4) No person may, without a permit issued by the responsible heritage resources authority- • (a) destroy, damage, excavate, alter, deface or otherwise disturb any archaeological or palaeontological site or any meteorite; • (b) destroy, damage, excavate, remove from its original position, collect or own any archaeological or palaeontological material or object or any meteorite; • (c) trade in, sell for private gain, export or attempt to export from the republic any category of archaeological or palaeontological material or object, or any meteorite; or • (d) bring onto or use at an archaeological or palaeontological site any excavation equipment or any equipment which assist with the detection or recovery of metals or archaeological material or objects, or use such equipment for the recovery of meteorites. • Subsection 35(5) When the responsible heritage resources authority has reasonable cause to believe that any activity or development which will destroy, damage or alter any archaeological or palaeontological site is under way, and where no application for a permit has been submitted and no heritage resources management procedures in terms of section 38 has been followed, it may- • (a) serve on the owner or occupier of the site or on the person undertaking such development an order for the development to cease immediately for such period as is specified in the order; • (b) carry out an investigation for the purpose of obtaining information on whether or not an archaeological or palaeontological site exists and whether mitigation is necessary; • (c) if mitigation is deemed by the heritage resources authority to be necessary, assist the person on whom the order has been served under paragraph (a) to apply for a permit as required in subsection (4); and • (d) recover the costs of such investigation form the owner or occupier of the land on which it is believed an archaeological or palaeontological site is located or from the person proposing to undertake the development if no application for a permit is received within two weeks of the order being served.

South Africa’s unique and non-renewable palaeontological heritage is protected in terms of the NHRA. According to this act, heritage resources may not be excavated, damaged, destroyed or otherwise impacted by any development without prior assessment and without a permit from the relevant heritage resources authority. As areas are developed and landscapes are modified, heritage resources, including palaeontological resources, are threatened. As such, both the environmental and heritage legislation require that development activities must be preceded by an assessment of the impact undertaken by qualified professionals. Palaeontological Impact Assessments (PIAs) are specialist reports that form part of the wider heritage component of: 5

Heritage Impact Assessments (HIAs) called for in terms of Section 38 of the National Heritage Resources Act, Act No. 25, 1999 by a heritage resources authority. Environmental Impact Assessment process as required in terms of other legislation listed in s. 38(8) of NHRA; Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) required by the Department of Mineral Resources.

HIAs are intended to ensure that all heritage resources are protected, and where it is not possible to preserve them in situ, appropriate mitigation measures are applied. An HIA is a comprehensive study that comprises a palaeontological, archaeological, built environment, living heritage, etc specialist studies. Palaeontologists must acknowledge this and ensure that they collaborate with other heritage practitioners. Where palaeontologists are engaged for the entire HIA, they must refer heritage components for which they do not have expertise on to appropriate specialists. Where they are engaged specifically for the palaeontology, they must draw the attention of environmental consultants and developers to the need for assessment of other aspects of heritage. In this sense, Palaeontological Impact Assessments that are part of Heritage Impact Assessments are similar to specialist reports that form part of the EIA reports. The standards and procedures discussed here are therefore meant to guide the conduct of PIAs and specialists undertaking such studies must adhere to them. The process of assessment for the palaeontological (PIA) specialist components of heritage impact assessments, involves:

Scoping stage in line with regulation 28 of the National Environmental Management Act (No. 107 of 1998) Regulations on Environmental Impact Assessment. This involves an initial assessment where the specialist evaluates the scope of the project (based, for example, on NID/BIDs) and advises on the form and extent of the assessment process. At this stage the palaeontologist may also decide to compile a Letter of Recommendation for Exemption from further Palaeontological Studies. This letter will state that there is little or no likelihood that any significant fossil resources will be impacted by the development. This letter should present a reasoned case for exemption, supported by consultation of the relevant geological maps and key literature.

A Palaeontological Desktop Study – the palaeontologist will investigate available resources (geological maps, scientific literature, previous impact assessment reports, institutional fossil collections, satellite images or aerial photos , etc) to inform an assessment of fossil heritage and/or exposure of potentially fossiliferous rocks within the study area. A Desktop studies will conclude whether a further field assessment is warranted or not. Where further studies are required, the desktop study would normally be an integral part of a field assessment of relevant palaeontological resources.

A Phase 1 Palaeontological Impact Assessment is generally warranted where rock units of high palaeontological sensitivity are concerned, levels of bedrock exposure within the study area are adequate; large-scale projects with high potential heritage impact are planned; and where the distribution and nature of fossil remains in the proposed project area is unknown. In the recommendations of Phase 1, the specialist 6 will inform whether further monitoring and mitigation are necessary. The Phase 1 should identify the rock units and significant fossil heritage resources present, or by inference likely to be present, within the study area, assess the palaeontological significance of these rock units, fossil sites or other fossil heritage, comment on the impact of the development on palaeontological heritage resources and make recommendations for their mitigation or conservation, or for any further specialist studies that are required in order to adequately assess the nature, distribution and conservation value of palaeontological resources within the study area.

A Phase 2 Palaeontological Mitigation involves planning the protection of significant fossil sites, rock units or other palaeontological resources and/or the recording and sampling of fossil heritage that might be lost during development, together with pertinent geological data. The mitigation may take place before and / or during the construction phase of development. The specialist will require a Phase 2 mitigation permit from the relevant Heritage Resources Authority before Phase 2 may be implemented.

A ‘Phase 3’ Palaeontological Site Conservation and Management Plan may be required in cases where the site is so important that development will not be allowed, or where development is to co-exist with the resource. Developers may be required to enhance the value of the sites retained on their properties with appropriate interpretive material or displays as a way of promoting access of such resources to the public.

The assessment reports will be assessed by the relevant heritage resources authority, and depending on which piece of legislation triggered the study, a response will be given in the form of a Review Comment or Record of Decision (ROD). In the case of PIAs that are part of EIAs or EMPs, the heritage resources authority will issue a comment or a record of decision that may be forwarded to the consultant or developer, relevant government department or heritage practitioner and where feasible to all three.

3. Details of study area and the type of assessment:

The relevant literature and geological maps for the region in which the development is proposed to take place, have been studied for this desk top study.

Figure 1: Google Earth photo of the study area. The red line indicates the position of the proposed power line between Juno substation in the vicinity of Vredendal in the Western Cape and the Gromis substation west of Springbok in the Northern Cape

Geomorphologically the region is characterised by Quaternary sandy deposits which in places cover the much older underlying Namaqua Metamorphic Province. Duricrust is exposed in places. Most of the area is covered in wind-blown red sand and is renowned for its unique succulent diversity and Namaqualand flowers.

4. Geological setting

LEGEND: Symbol Geological unit Description Age Red aeolian sand Quaternary

Malmesbury Group of the Nama Quartzite, arkose, tillite, limestone, Namibian System shale, lava, tuff Namaqua Metamorphic Province Migmatite, gneiss, ultrametamorphic Namaquan rocks Juno Substation Gromis Substation Study area Figure 2: Geology underlying the proposed Juno-Gromis Power Line (adapted from the 1: 1 000 000 Geology Map for South Africa, Geological Survey, 1970)

The geology of the study area appears to be oversimplified in the 1:1 000 000 geological map (see Fig.2) and in fact on all the maps of the region which were printed pre-2010. According to this map there are basically two geological units in the study area – the non-fossiliferous Namaqua Metamorphic Province and the fossil poor red aeolian sand cover.

Study area

GEOLOGICAL LEGEND Lithology Geological Unit Age Sand, alluvium, calcrete West Coast Group Quarternary Kk Granite, basalt Koegelfontein Complex Cretaceous O-Dt Quartzitic sandstone Table Mountain Group Cambrian Mudrock, sandstone, limestone Vanrhynsdorp Group Namibian Ng Arenite, phylite, diamictite, lava, marble Gariep Supergroup Namibian Gneissose leucogranites Spektakel Suite Namaquan Augen orthogneisses (granitoids) Little Namaqualand Suite Namaquan Kb Quartzite, schist, gneiss Bushmanland Group Kheisian K5 Gneiss, granodiorite, adamellite Vioolsdrif Suite Kheisian

Figure 3: Simplified geology of the study area (adapted from the 1:2 000 000 geology map - Council for Geoscience, 2008)

The 2008 geology map in Fig. 3 provides more detailed information on the geology of the study area but is still lacking in detail with regard to useful detailed information about geological units which may be fossiliferous.

The pedocrete which occurs in large areas in the study region is not depicted on the two preceding geological maps. The remaining parts of the African Surface in the study area are capped by mature pedocretes (see Fig. 4). The pedocretes commonly overlies deeply kaolinised weathering profiles of up to 50m thick which formed during the wet Cretaceous weather conditions. The fluctuating weather patterns at the end of the Cretaceous included periods of cooling and desiccation which increased the pH in the soil that led to silica precipitation in the study area which produced silcrete. The silcrete in the study area varies from sand and pebbles cemented in a hard, secondary siliceous matrix to cemented scree deposits in which fossils are rarely present (Partridge et al., 2009).

Red line indicates the study area

Figure 4: West Coast pedogenic duricrusts (adapted from: Partridge et al., 2009)

The silcrete is overlain along the coastal area by sediments which belong to the West Coast group (see Fig. 5). These sands are economically important and in places are mined for diamonds, heavy minerals and phosphate (Roberts et al., 2009).

The 2019 Springbok (Council for Geoscience, 2001); the 3017 Garies (Council for Geoscience, 2010) and 3118 Calvinia 1:250 000 (Council for Geoscience, 2001) geological maps are relevant to the Juno-Gromis power line. Some of the oversimplification of the stratification of the marine deposits and aeolian sands in the study area is still evident on the 2019 Springbok 1:250 000 geological map where the sand cover underlying the proposed route is simply classified as semiconsolidated piedmont deposits and red sand (Fig, 15). On the 3118 Calvinia 1:250 000 geological map the marine and overlying aeolian sands are referred to as “white dune sand overlying calcareous, and gypsiferous soil” (see Fig. 19). The 3017 Garies 1:250 000 11 map (Figs. 16 and 17) depicts the stratification of the sandy layers covering the duricrust in the study area in more detail.

After the break-up of Gondwanaland during the Jurassic approximately 195 million years ago, sediments started to build up along the newly formed coastline bordering the young Atlantic Ocean. Cenozoic sediments (West Coast Group) were deposited upon the older metamorphic and igneous rocks along the West Coast (see Figs. 5 and 6).

Figure 5: Distribution of coastal Cenozoic sediments along the West Coast (adapted from Roberts et al., 2009)

Extensive research on the marine deposits which constitute the West Coast Group enabled geologists and palaeontologists to subdivide these sedimentary layers into distinct Formations and Members based on their physical properties and fossil content (Carrington & Kensley, 1969; Tankard, 1975a, 1975b; Tankard & Rogers, 1978; Siesser & Dingle, 1981; Hendey, 1983a, 1983b, 1983c; Pether, 1986, 1990, 1994a, 1994b; De Beer, 2010) (see Fig. 6). These units will be discussed in the next section..

Sedimentary deposits Age Era / Period / Epoch (years ago)

Witzand Formation 11 500 Holocene Swartduine Formation Swartlintjies Formation 1 800 000 Hardevlei Formation QUATERNARY

Curlew Strand Formation Pleistocene Koekenaap Formation Panvlei Formation Graauw Duinen Formation 24 000 000 Alexander Bay Formation Pliocene Hondeklip Bay Member NEOGENE CENOZOIC Avontuur Member Kleinzee Member Miocene Koningaas Formation 65 000 000 Oligocene PALEOGENE De Toren Formation

Figure 6: Stratigraphy of the West Coast Group (after De Beer, 2010)

Figure 7: Lithostratigraphy of the Cenozoic West Coast Group on the 3017 Garies geological map (from De Beer, 2010)

5. Palaeontological potential of the study area

The decision to propose a route that is located on the sand, alluvium and calcrete of the Sandveld and West Coast Groups was probably made because of construction or financial concerns. It is evident that the proposed route skirts the non-fossiliferous metamorphic and igneous rocks of the Namaqua Metamorphic Province (Fig. 3) but by doing so it is routed directly over the most fossiliferous part of this region (see Fig. 8).

The sedimentary marine deposits of the West Coast Group have yielded the remains of molluscs, crustaceans, marine vertebrates, invertebrate burrows and that of terrestrial vertebrates (Pether, 1994; Roberts et al., 2009).

Colour: Sensitivity: Red Very high Green Moderate Blue Low Grey Insignificant / zero Proposed route of power line

Figure 8: Palaeontological Sensitivity Map of the study area (SAHRA)

Alexander Bay Formation

The Alexander Bay Formation consists of three fossil-containing marine sedimentary units (Kleinzee Member, Avontuur Member and the Hondeklip Bay Member) (see Fig. 10) which occur along the length of the West Coast. The elevation maxima of these units occur at about 30 metres above mean sea level (mamsl), 50 mamsl and 100 mamsl respectively (Roberts et al., 2009). Each of these sedimentary layers contains unique warm-water (tropical) mollusc fossil shells which are used as biostratigraphical indicators (Pether et al., 2000). The oyster Crassostrea margaritacea (see Fig. 9) occurs in the upper two of these layers.

Figure 9: Crassostra margaritacea (from Poppe & Poppe, 2015)

Kleinzee Member (previously known as the 90 m package)

The sediments of this unit vary from the basal gravel with silcrete clasts to overlying red sand. Fossil teeth of suids, the bear-dog Agnotherium, the primitive elephantid Tetralophodon and a hominid have been found at Hondeklip Bay. The bivalve Isognomon gariesensis (see Figs. 10 and 13) occurs only in the Kleinsee Member and is used as a biostratigraphical tool (Roberts et al., 2009).

Figure 10: Isognomon gariesensis from Kensley & Pether (1986) 16

Avontuur Member (50 m package)

This sand and gravels of this unit were deposited during a period of sea regression from 50 mamsl. The Avontuur Member consists of fine-grained, greenish, lower shoreface sands of up to 8m thick which overlie basal gravels. Rare lenses with a high diversity of fossil shells occur in this unit. Vertebrate fossils include fish teeth and the bones of marine mammals. Abundant trace fossils are found in this unit. The jaw of the extinct pig Nyanzachoerus kanamensis which dates this layer to 7-5 Ma (Roberts et al., 2009). The bivalve Donax haughtoni (see Figs. 11 and 13) occurs only within this unit and is used as a biostratigraphical tool.

Figure 11: Donax haughtoni from Carrington & Kensly (1969)

Hondeklip Bay Member (30 m package)

This formation also known as the 30m package, consists of shelly marine gravels, was set down when the sea level declined from its highest level during the Pliocene Epoch (5-4 Ma). Warm water mollusc and coral remains have been discovered in this formation. Up to date no major land mammal fossil deposits have been discovered making it difficult to determine the age of this formation. The coarse sand shore deposits comprising the Hondeklip Bay Formation are covered by calcrete in places which in turn is overlain by the aeolian sand of the Graauw Duinen Formation or the Olifants River Formation, or younger dunes or colluvia.

The extinct mollusc Donax rogersi (the biozone indicator fossil for this formation, see Figs. 12 and 13), Chamelea krigei and large oyster shells have been discovered in the Hondeklip Bay Formation (Krige, 1927).

Figure 12: Donax rogersi from Carrington & Kensley (1969)

Figure 13: Representative sections showing the stratigraphy of the transgressive / regressive Avontuur Member and the Hondeklip Bay Member of the Alexander Bay Formation at Hondeklip Bay

Terrestrial deposits consisting of aeolian sand overlie the older marine deposits of the coastal plain over a large portion of the study area. Several layers of pedocretes of different ages and different compositions occur within the terrestrial sediments and in the upper layers of the marine sediments.

Graauw Duinen Formation

This mid Pliocene to early Quaternary aged unit consists of aeolian sand and overlies the early Pliocene Avontuur Formation and the mid-Pliocene Hondeklip Bay Formation. Scattered bones are found associated with palaeosurfaces, in blowouts, interdunal areas and pans. These include the remains of tortoises, moles, antelopes, hares, rodents, small carnivores and birds. There are also abundant terrestrial trace fossils and land snail shells in this formation (Almond & Pether, 2009).

Olifants River Formation

This unit overlies the Graauw Duinen Formation and consists of red aeolian sand and palaeosols. Trace fossils including root casts and termite burrows have been found in this formation. The upper part contains pedocretes. Early Stone Age and Middle Stone Age artefacts have been discovered in this unit which would suggest a middle to late Quaternary age (Roberts et al., 2009).

Panvlei Formation

The Panvlei Formation consists of sands, fluvial deposits and soils which were derived from the erosion of the bedrock and reworking of Cenozoic sediments (De Beer, 2010).

Koekenaap Formation

The coastal belt is extensively mantled by compact, unconsolidated red quartzose aeolian sands which were probably derived from older dunes. The Koekenaap Formation was deposited over large areas of the Namaqualand coastal plain during the Quaternary between 80 000 - 30 000 years ago (De Beer, 2010). Land snails and trace fossils may be found in this formation. Bones are rare within this unit and may be found in association with Late Stone Age artefacts on aeolian palaeosurfaces (Almond & Pether, 2009).

Curlew Strand Formation

This unit contains fossil shells which are mostly those of modern species but may contain recently extinct forms. Fossil bones of whales, dolphins, seals and sea birds have also been discovered in this deposit.

Hardevlei Formation

This Late Quaternary unit consists of unconsolidated pale red to pale yellow sand sheets that overlie the Koekenaap Formation (De Beer, 2010). When rare scattered bone are found it is usually on its basal contact and associated with Middle Stone Age and Late Stone Age artefacts (Almond & Pether, 2009).

Witzand Formation

This formation consists of mobile bioclastic- silicilastic sands which represent the most recent phase of Aeolian activity in the Sandveld Group. The sands are whitish grey to slightly reddish and comprise 20-85% detrital carbonate, mainly comminuted (crushed) sea shells, echinoid spicules, foraminifera and dune snail Trigonephrus globulus shells (Johnson et al., 2009) (see Fig. 14). The sediments of this formation was set down approximately 12 000 years ago during the Holocene.

Figure 14: Trigonephrus globulus (from Poppe & Poppe, 2015)

The density and distribution of the fossils of the different formations of the West Coast Group differ markedly. Dense lenses containing shell fossils may be found in marine deposits on the one hand while scattered bones may be found when dunes are moved by the wind to expose the palaeosurface below. Bone fossils are usually scarce but may be locally abundant in the case of a petrified hyena den.

The Palaeontological Sensitivity Map (SAHRA) (see Figs. 8, 15-19) attempts to reflect the palaeontological importance of the different regions of South Africa. Although the majority of the layers which constitute the West Coast Group contain fossils, certain geological formations are considered to be more palaeontologically sensitive. The Koekenaap Formation and the Graauwduine Formation are considered to be highly sensitive as can be seen in Figures 15 – 18. Unfortunately the so-called “white dune sand overlying calcareous, and gypsiferous soil” on the 3118 Calvinia 1:250 000 geological map has not been subdivided into the distinct geological formations that constitute the West Coast Group despite that part of it is considered to be highly sensitive palaeontologically (see Fig. 19).

The West Coast Group geological units have not yet been mapped north of latitude 30˚ South. The marine deposits and aeolian sand cover are simply referred to on the as “Semiconsolidated piedmont deposits, red sand” on the 2019 Springbok 1: 250 000 geological map (Council for Geoscience, 2001). The Palaeontological Sensitivity Map (SAHRA) is of little help here too as one can see in Fig. 15. The red area demarcating the area with Very High palaeontological importance to the south abuts along a straight line a blue swath to the north indicating an area with Low palaeontological importance. The answer to this discrepancy is obvious – the straight line indicates the junction between the two maps – the Springbok map to the north and the Gariep map to the south of latitude 30˚South. And whereas the West Coast Group sediments had been mapped on the Gariep map they have not been on the Springbok map.

In other words the area shown as having Low palaeontological importance in Fig. 15 should not be accepted as such. It is logical to assume that the same geological formations which occur south of 30˚South would continue north of 30˚South.

Q-s4 – Semiconsolidated piedmont deposits, red sand 30˚S

Study area

Figure 16.1: Geology of the Hondeklip Bay area (adapted from the 3017 Garies 1: 250 000 geological map (Council for Geoscience, 2010))

Figure 16.2: Palaeontological sensitivity map for the Hondeklip Bay area (SAHRA) 22

Figure 17 Left: Geology of the Kotzesrus area (adapted from the 3017 Garies 1: 250 000 geological map (Council for Geoscience, 2010)). Right: Palaeontological sensitivity map for the Kotzerus area (SAHRA)

Figure 18 Left: Geology of the Brand se Baai area (adapted from Philander & Rozendaal, 2015). Right: Palaeontological sensitivity map for the Brand se Baai area (SAHRA)

white dune sand overlying calcareous, and gypsiferous soil

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Roberts, D.L.; Botha, G.A.; Maud, R.R. & Pether, J. (2009) Coastal Cenozoic deposits. Ed. Johnson, M.R.; Anhaeusser, C.R. and Thomas, R.J. (2009) The geology of South Africa. The Geological Society of South Africa.

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Siesser, W.G. & Dingle, R.V. (1981) Tertiary sea level movements around southern Africa. Journal of Geology, 89:523-536.

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6. Conclusion and Recommendations:

The largest part of the proposed routes for the transmission lines traverse areas which are potentially fossiliferous. The nature and importance of the palaeontology of these regions vary from areas with negligible palaeontological importance to areas that are palaeontologically highly important.

Care should be given during constructions within fossiliferous areas such as the Cenozoic deposits. It is recommended that a palaeontological surface survey is conducted in these fossiliferous areas prior to construction.

Unfortunately it is impossible to predict where fossils may be discovered even in the areas demarcated as having high palaeontological significance. Bone fossils are sparse and scattered in the aeolian deposits but not ubiquitously – there are hotspots where hundreds if not thousands of bones may be found. Elandsfontein, Florisbad and Langebaanweg are good examples of this. These rich deposits of bones are the result of hyenas collecting and depositing carcases in their dens.

The significance of these Cenozoic deposits extend far beyond the study of the diversity and evolution of certain marine organisms – the sediments covering the marine strata contain the fossils of may extinct and extant groups of land living animals. The West Coast Group sediments are one of the richest sources of Quaternary mammals in South Africa. These fossils are extremely important because they record the Quaternary evolution and distribution of mammals including hominins. These fossils and the sediments they were deposited in also provide important information which enable scientists to understand the depositional, ecological and climatic changes that South Africa has undergone since the break-up of Gondwanaland. The biostratigraphical information derived from the distribution of the fossils is also important for geological and economic reasons.

It is highly concerning that the area north of 30˚ South is not adequately known geologically and palaeontologically to be able to demarcate areas of high or low palaeontological significance. The developer now has the unique opportunity to contribute to the development of this essential knowledge by supporting the efforts of the palaeontologist that has to be appointed to record the distribution of the fossils in the study area.

Mitigation

It is essential that an accredited palaeontologist with the necessary experience of Cenozoic deposits is appointed for the duration of this project to: a) Do a walkthrough the area demarcated for development to do a preliminary surface survey in order to identify and salvage exposed fossils. b) Be present during excavations in order to collect the fossils which will inevitably be uncovered during construction. c) Apply for a collecting permit from SAHRA, excavate and collect fossils and record their localities and transport fossils of significance to the Iziko / South African Museum for Natural History in Cape Town.

It is also important to keep in mind that excavations are not necessarily bad for palaeontology. In many cases we would not have known of a fossil’s existence if it was not exposed during mining or construction – the majority of homin sites in the Cradle of Humankind were once limestone mines for instance. Langebaanweg was once the site of a phosphate mine. The success of the palaeontological survey depends on the cooperation of the Environmental Control Officer and the support of the developer.

Palaeontological specialist: Dr JF Durand (Sci. Nat.) BSc Botany & Zoology (RAU), BSc Zoology (WITS), Museology Dipl. (UP), Higher Education Diploma (RAU), PhD Palaeontology (WITS)

Experience:

Urban development in Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site (Gauteng): Letamo, Honingklip, Windgat, Sundowners, Ekutheni Urban development at Goose Bay, Vereeniging, Gauteng Urban development on Portions 98, 99, 179, 236, 284 and 364 of the farm Waterkloof 306 JQ, Rustenburg, North West Province Upgrade of R21 between N12 and Hans Strydom Drive, Gauteng Vele Colliery, Limpopo Province De Wildt 50 MW Solar Power Station, Gauteng 10 MW PV Plant Potchefstroom, North West Province Omega 342 50MW Solar Power Station, Viljoenskroon, Free State Springfontein wind and solar energy facility, Free State Solar power plant, Bethal, Mpumalanga Diamond mine on Endora, Limpopo Province Development at Tubatse Ext.15, Limpopo Province Manganese mine south of Hotazel, Northern Cape Wind energy facility at Cookhouse, Eastern Cape Energy facility at Noupoort, Northern Cape Fluorspar mine near Wallmannsthal, Gauteng ESKOM power line, Dumo, KwaZulu-Natal ESKOM Gamma-Omega 765KV transmission line, Western Cape ESKOM 44KV power line at Elandspruit near Middelburg, Mpumalanga ESKOM Makopane Substation, Limpopo Province ESKOM Platreef Substation and power lines to Borutho MTS Substation, Limpopo Solar energy facility at Prieska, Northen Cape. Marang B - a 3 x 500MVA 400/132kV Main Transmission Substation east of Rustenburg, North West Province Upgrading of storm water infrastructure in Valencia, Addo, Eastern Cape 29

Development of a 10 MW Solar Energy facility on the Farm Liverpool 543 KQ Portion 2 at Koedoeskop, Limpopo Province Development of a fluorspar mine at Wallmannsthal, North of Pretoria Extension of limestone mine on the farms Buffelskraal 554 KQ Portion1 and Krokodilkraal 545 KQ, Limpopo Province Lesego Platinum Mine, Sekhukhune Area, Steelpoort, Limpopo Province Mine at Hotazel, Northern Cape Pollution control dams at Transalloys in Clewer, Emalahleni, Mpumalanga Erection of spill points on the Farm Kwikstaart 431 KQ Portion 2, Thabazimbi, Limpopo Province Construction of dam at Ethemba, Swaziland Construction of bridge at Busingatha, KwaZulu Natal Water Reticulation System - Kei Road and Berlin General, Eastern Cape Development at Kromdraai, COHWHS, West Rand Municipality, Gauteng Construction of Nhlezi Bridge, KwaZulu Natal Erection of spill point and dam on the Farm Faure 72 KQ Portion 8, Makoppa near Thabazimbi, Limpopo Province Colliery on the Farm Goedehoop near Piet Retief, Mpumalanga Erection of spill points on the Farm Diepwater 302 KQ Portions 4 -8 near Thabazimbi, Limpopo Province Construction of 2 MW photovoltaic power plant on the farm De Hoek 32, Pixley ka Seme District Municipality, Northern Cape Province Road upgrade near Magogo, KwaZulu/Natal Construction of haul road & waste dump: Lylyveld, Sishen, Northern Cape Construction of 4 weirs and a road culvert on Portion 3 of the Farm Roodekrans 133JT, Dullstroom Area, Mpumalanga Solar energy facility on Blaubospan near Groblershoop, Northern Cape Construction of road from Macengeni to Macijo, KwaZulu/Natal Construction of the John Taole Gaetsewe school in Dithakgong, Northern Cape Development at Duduza Township, Gauteng Construction of roads near Ndanyana KwaZulu/Natal Development of colliery on the farm Goedehoop near Piet Retief, Mpumalanga Construction of Tiger Solar power plant near Windsorton, Northern Cape Development of Amandelbult Open Cast Mine near Thabazimbi, Limpopo Development at The Shed in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site Development of 800 ha dry lands on Farm Hoylesdale 163 KQ portion 1, Makoppa, Thabazimbi Local municipality, Limpopo Province Solar energy facility on Blauwpospan near Groblershoop, Northern Cape. Development of the Doornhoek Fluorspar Mine near Zeerust, Northwest. Development on the Farm Haakdoringdrift, 373 KQ Portion 3, Thabazimbi, Limpopo Province. Erection of spill points on the Farm De Hoop, Koedoeskop, near Thabazimbi, Limpopo Province. Motherwell North Bulk Sewer, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Eastern Cape. Upgrade of Section 3 and 4 of the National Route R75, Eastern Cape. Development of Kranskloof Dam and Irrigation Project west of Mokopane, Limpopo. 30

Rural Road SAP Programme No P003-014-2016/1-11F: Centuli Clinic Replacement Eastern Cape Development at New Payne, Mthatha, Eastern Cape

Palaeontological research: Gauteng: Wonder Cave KwaZulu/Natal: Newcastle, Mooi River, Rosetta, Impendle, Himeville Underberg, Polela & Howick Districts, Sani Pass Eastern Cape: Cradock District, Algoa Basin Western Cape: Clanwilliam District Free State: Memel & Warden Districts Limpopo Province: Nyalaland (KNP), Vhembe Reserve, Pont Drift Zimbabwe: Sentinel Ranch, Nottingham