ECOLOGICAL BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT
THE PREVIOUSLY APPROVED KRUISVALLEI HYDROELECTRIC POWER GENERATION SCHEME IN THE ASH RIVER, FREE STATE PROVINCE February 2018
Prepared by: Prepared for:
Gerhard Botha (Pri Sci Nat: Ecology & Botany) Savannah Environmental (Pty) Ltd
1st Floor, Block 2, 5 Woodlands Drive
Office Park
PO Box 12500, Brandhof, 9324 Cnr Woodlands Drive & Western Service Road
Cell: 084 207 3454 Woodmead
Email: [email protected]
KRUISVALLLEI HYDROELECTRIC POWER GENERATION SCHEME, CLARENS ECOLOGICAL BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT FEBRUARY 2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Declaration of Consultant’s Independence ...... iii 1 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Project Background ...... 1 1.2 Proposed Activity ...... 2 1.3 Location ...... 3 1.4 Terms of reference ...... 4 1.5 Conditions of this report ...... 4 1.6 Limitations and Assumptions of the Study Approach ...... 5 1.2.1. General assumptions ...... 5 1.2.2. Limitations ...... 5 1.7 Relevant legislation and guidelines ...... 5 2 Study Area ...... 6 2.1 Climate and rainfall ...... 6 2.2 Physiography and soils ...... 9 3 Methodology ...... 11 3.1 Data scouring and review ...... 11 3.2 Site Visit ...... 12 3.3 Criteria used to assess sites ...... 13 3.4 Assessment of impacts ...... 15 4 Description of the affected environment ...... 17 4.1 Broad-Scale Vegetation Patterns ...... 17 4.2 Free State Biodiversity Plan (2015) ...... 22 4.3 Fine-Scale Habitats ...... 26 4.4 Species of Conservation Importance ...... 46 4.5 Alien Plants, Invasive Alien Plant Species and Weeds ...... 47 4.7 Site Sensitivity Assessment ...... 53 5 Impact Assessment ...... 58 5.1 Identification of Potential Impacts ...... 58 Assumptions ...... 58 5.2 Assessment of Impacts ...... 63 6 Discussion and Conclusion ...... 79 7 References ...... 86 8 Appendices: ...... 89
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Appendix 1. Listed Plant Species ...... 89 Appendix 2. List of potential mammal species that may occur within the study area 95 Appendix 3. List of potential reptile species that may occur within the study area 100 Appendix 4. Faunal and Floral Walk-Through Survey for the proposed Kruisvallei Hydroelectric 22kV Overhead Power Line ...... 103
FIGURES
Figure 1: Climate graph of Clarens...... 7 Figure 2: Location Map for the Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Power Generation Scheme (as provided by Savannah Environmental)...... 8 Figure 3: Schematic representation of the South African Red List categories. Taken from http://redlist.sanbi.org/redcat.php ...... 22 Figure 4: Vegetation types of study area and surrounding environment according to Mucina and Rutherford (2006)...... 24 Figure 5: Free State Critical Biodiversity Map...... 25 Figure 6: The different habitat units identified during the site visit in and around the proposed hydroelectric facilities ...... 41 Figure 7: The different habitat units identified during the site visit in and around the proposed Middle Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Facility...... 42 Figure 8: The different habitat units identified during the site visit in and around the proposed Lower Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Facility...... 43 Figure 9: The general cumulative state/condition of habitats with the footprint area for Lower Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Power Plant...... 46 Figure 10: The general cumulative state/condition of habitats with the footprint area for Lower Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Power Plant...... 46 Figure 11: Ecological Sensitivity Map of the proposed hydroelectric facilities ... 55 Figure 12: Ecological Sensitivity Map of the proposed Middle Kruisvallei Hydroelectric facility...... 56 Figure 13: Ecological Sensitivity Map of the proposed Lower Kruisvallei Hydroelectric facility...... 57
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DECLARATION OF CONSULTANT’S INDEPENDENCE
I, Gerhard Botha, as the appointed specialist hereby declare that I: » act/ed as the independent specialist in this application; » regard the information contained in this report as it relates to my specialist input/study to be true and correct, and » do not have and will not have any financial interest in the undertaking of the activity, other than remuneration for work performed in terms of the NEMA, the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014 and any specific environmental management Act; » have and will not have no vested interest in the proposed activity proceeding; » have disclosed, to the applicant, EAP and competent authority, any material information that have or may have the potential to influence the decision of the competent authority or the objectivity of any report, plan or document required in terms of the NEMA, the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014 and any specific environmental management Act; » am fully aware of and meet the responsibilities in terms of NEMA, the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014 (specifically in terms of regulation 13 of GN No. R. 326) and any specific environmental management Act, and that failure to comply with these requirements may constitute and result in disqualification; » have provided the competent authority with access to all information at my disposal regarding the application, whether such information is favourable to the applicant or not; and » am aware that a false declaration is an offence in terms of regulation 48 of GN No. R. 326.
Gerhard Botha Pr.Sci.Nat 400502/14 (Botanical and Ecological Science) February 2018
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THE PREVIOUSLY APPROVED KRUISVALLEI HYDROELECTRIC POWER GENERATION SCHEME IN THE ASH RIVER, FREE STATE PROVINCE ECOLOGICAL BASIC ASSESSMENT
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Project Background
The Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Power Generation Scheme will utilise water of the Ash River to generate electricity. The proposed project entails the development of the Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Power Generation Scheme, which was previously approved by DEA. The total generating capacity for the Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Power Generation Scheme will be 4.7MW. The Lower Kruisvallei Scheme will have a development footprint of approximately 8.98ha in extent. The Middle Kruisvallei Scheme will have a development footprint of approximately 20.40ha in extent.
The Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Power Generation Scheme will maximise electricity production by utilising water which is flowing from a higher elevation to a lower elevation. The flow rate of the Ash River depends on the release of water from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project as well as local runoff, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. The flow rate of the Ash River is approximately 15 – 37m³.
The Lower Kruisvallei Scheme is situated directly downstream of the Weir 34 (existing DWS weir). Middle Kruisvallei Scheme is situated directly downstream of the Weir 26 (existing DWS weir). The Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Power Generation Scheme will utilise the drop immediately below the existing weir which will effectively act as a diversion weir and will divert the water from the Ash River into the headrace canal.
The water is then routed through the headrace and into the powerhouse at a high speed. When the water reaches the turbine (located within the powerhouse) which is connected to an electrical generator, the turbine will rotate and create energy. A turbine (a double or single regulated highly flexible turbine for low head high flow sites) will be situated within each of the powerhouses. When the water passes through the turbines, the temperature of the water is expected to change by up to approximately 1,5ºC, it is most likely that the water temperature won’t be changed at all.
The water will then be routed through a powerhouse and the tailrace canal and back into the Ash River. All water diverted into the headrace canal is returned into the river via the tailrace canal at the same flow rate. The base-flow 1 will be
1 The flow rate of the Ash River between the point of abstraction and point of return.
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minimal, and will be according to the requirements of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). The electricity generated at the Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Power Generation Scheme will be evacuated via a 22kV power line to the existing Eskom Node Rural Substation.
1.2 Proposed Activity
The proposed facilities are envisaged to consist out of the following infrastructure:
The Proposed Lower Kruisvallei (“LK”) Hydroelectric Facility:
» Canal (Headrace and Intake): 550m in length » Hearace canal: • Length: 380m • Width (total): 33m • Width (no embankment): 17m • Height: 6.7m • Height (including embankment): 7.4m » Tailrace canal: • Length: 16m • Width (total): 30m • Width (no embankment): 13m • Height: 15m » Inlet sill: • Width (total): 15m • Height: 5m • Length: 170m » Powerhouse: • Width: 24m • Length: 24m • Height: 10m • Height underground: 16m » New Access road: • Length: 90m • Width: 4m » Temporary Coffer Dam: 150m in length
The Proposed Middle Kruisvallei (“MK”) Hydroelectric Facility:
» Canal (Headrace and Intake): 450m in length » Hearace canal: • Length: 240m • Width (total): 50m
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• Width (no embankment): 20m • Height: 6.4m • Height (including embankment): 7.4m » Tailrace canal: • Length: 160m • Width (total): 50m • Width (no embankment): 34m • Height: 7.7m » Inlet canal: • Width (total): 30m » Powerhouse: • Width: 30m • Length: 45m • Height: 10m • Height underground: 16m » New Access road: • Length: 750m • Width: 4m » Temporary Coffer Dam: 150m in length.
The main infrastructure associated with the project includes the following: » Laydown areas. » A power line connecting the Lower Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Facility to the Middle Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Facility. » Powerhouse, which will house the turbine, control room, office and ablution facilities » Penstock » Construction batching plant (to supply concrete to LK and MK during construction) » Internal road network » On-site construction offices (containers)
Please take note that the development of the power line does not from part of this Basic Assessment Process (BA) process and as such did not form part of this assessment. A walk-through survey has however been done to identify any conservation worthy faunal and floral species that may occur within the development footprint of the power line (See Appendix 4).
1.3 Location
The Proposed Middle Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Facility: » Kruisvallei 190
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The Proposed Lower Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Facility: » Kruisvallei 190 » Middelvallei 130
The proposed 22kV power line » Middelvallei 130 » Kruisvallei 190 » Spioenkop A1259 » Portion 0 of Node 77 » Portion 2 of Node 77 » Portion 0 of Goedehoop 743 » Portion 1 of Goedehoop 743 » Drupfontein 710 » Kleinzonderhout 280 » Remainder of Modderina 1116 » Portion 1 of Modderina 1116
The site is located approximately 13km north-west of the Clarens which is situated within the Dihlabeng Local Municipality and the greater Thabo Mofutsanyane District Municipality (refer to Figure 2).
1.4 Terms of reference
To conduct an ecological desktop and field study for a basic assessment of the selected study area where the establishment of the Middle and Lower Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Power Generation facilities is proposed and provide a professional opinion on ecological issues pertaining to the development footprint to aid in future decisions regarding the proposed project
1.5 Conditions of this report
Findings, recommendations and conclusions provided in this report are based on the authors’ best scientific and professional knowledge and information available at the time of compilation. No form of this report may be amended or extended without the prior written consent of the author. Any recommendations, statements or conclusions drawn from or based on this report must clearly cite or make reference to this report. Whenever such recommendations, statements or conclusions form part of a main report relating to the current investigation, this report must be included in its entirety.
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1.6 Limitations and Assumptions of the Study Approach
1.2.1. General assumptions
» This study assumes that the project proponents will always strive to avoid, mitigate and/or offset potentially negative project related impacts on the environment, with impact avoidance being considered the most successful approach, followed by mitigation and offset. It is further assumed that the project proponents will seek to enhance potential positive impacts on the environment. » GIS spatial datasets used as part of the field surveys (site demarcation) and analyses are accurate. » The project proponents will commission an additional study to assess the impact(s) if there is a change in the size, location and/or extent of the study area that is likely to have a potentially highly significant and/ or unavoidable impact on the natural environment. » This study and the methodology used represents a sufficiently conservative and cautious approach which takes the study limitations into account.
1.2.2. Limitations
The following refers to general limitations that affect the applicability of information represented within this report (also refer to Conditions of the Report):
» This report specifically focuses on the ecology of the area and immediate surroundings in terms of the phytosociology of the area. » The faunal species lists for the site are those which were observed at the site, as well as those which may occur in the area based on distribution records and habitat requirements. » Accuracy of the maps, routes and desktop assessments is based on the current 1:50 000 topographical map series of South Africa; » Accuracy of Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates was limited to 8m accuracy in the field. » A single survey limited the amount of biota identified at the site; » While every care is taken to ensure that the data presented are qualitatively adequate, inevitably conditions are never such that that is possible. The nature of the vegetation, seasonality, human intervention etc. limit the veracity of the material presented.
1.7 Relevant legislation and guidelines
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The following legislation was taken into account whilst compiling this report:
» National Environmental Management Act / NEMA (Act No 107 of 1998), and all amendments and supplementary listings and/or regulations » Environment Conservation Act (ECA) (No 73 of 1989) and amendments » National Environmental Management Act: Biodiversity Act / NEMA:BA (Act No. 10 of 2004) and amendments » National Forest Act 1998 / NFA (No 84 of 1998) » National Veld and Forest Fire Act (Act No. 101 of 1998) » Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act / CARA (Act No. 43 of 1983) and amendments » The Free State Nature Conservation Bill, 2007 » Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES) » Convention on Biological Diversity, 1995
2 STUDY AREA
2.1 Climate and rainfall
The climate associated with the study area has been derived from recorded and extrapolated climatic data (https://en.climate-data.org/location/25235/) for Clarens. The general climate can be described as warm and temperate with rainfall occurring mostly during the summer months although rainfall may occur throughout the year. Mean annual rainfall is about 764mm with January being the wettest month, averaging about 122mm, and June being the driest, with an average of only 11mm. The average annual temperature in Clarens is 13.7°C with January being the warmest (Ave. 18.9°C) and June being the coldest (Ave 7°C). Frost is frequent in winter, with mean frost days of 51.
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Figure 1: Climate graph of Clarens (https://en.climate-data.org/location/25235/).
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Figure 2: Location Map for the Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Power Generation Scheme (as provided by Savannah Environmental).
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2.2 Physiography and soils
Landscape Features According to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) the landscape can be described as slightly undulating to undulating landscape with relative rugged areas associated with steep talus slopes and kloofs of the mesas and other mountain flanks.
At a finer scale using a Google elevation profile for the study area can be described as a concave landscape consisting of a gradual valley-bottom section, with the Ash River forming the lowest part of the valley, and steeper, more undulating slopes to the west and east. The western boundary of the study area can be described as relative rugged comprising of moderate to steep east facing talus slopes of a low mountain. The south-eastern boundary is also relative undulating with steep west facing talus slopes of a small mesa. The remainder of the eastern portion of the study area (central and north-eastern portion) is more gradual, comprising of moderate steep slopes.
The Ash River has a relative low gradient (less than 0.2%), sloping in a largely northern direction. Similarly, the valley is relative flat with gentle slopes (less than 1.36%) towards the Ash River. The low gradient valley varies greatly in size throughout the study area and may become as broad as 408m (central portion of the study area). To the south the valley bottom section becomes slightly narrower, but to the north the valley is very narrow and confined between the rocky outcroppings (less than 30m). The morphology of the Ash River has been severely altered due to the impacts associated with the Ash River outfall. Throughout most of this portion of the river, the banks have been severely eroded, creating steep, almost vertical drops of more than 4 meters in some areas. Subsequently the river bed has been lowered increasing channelization throughout most of the river.
As mentioned the western portion of the study area is highly undulating with an average of 19% and maximum slopes reaching up to 45%. The south-eastern portion of the study area contains east facing slopes with an average slope of 44.18% and a maximum slope reaching up to 50%. The remainder of the eastern portion as mentioned contains a more gradual slope with an average of 9.7% (maximum slope less than 19%).
Geology and Soils
The bulk of the study group comprise of sandstone and mudstone of the Elliot formation whilst the northern most portion is covered by sandstones of the Molteno formation (both formation included in the Stormberg Group, Karoo Supergroup).
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» The Elliot formation mainly consists of multi-coloured mudstones and lesser sandstones, deposited on an arid to semi-arid flood plain.
» The Molteno formation consists of alternating sandstone and shale beds.
The underlying geology becomes exposed, especially along the borders of the study area as well as within the northern portion of the study area.
The bulk of the study area falls within the Bd 53 Landtype with small portions of the study area falling within Fa 630 land type, although this landtype is largely excluded from any of the development footprints with only a small portion of the internal power line that will traverse this landtype. Typically, Bd 53 includes soil forms such as Inhoek, Escourt and Katspruit for valley bottom sections where some accumulation has occurred and Dundee form where sandy alluvium has accumulated. The footslopes may be characterised by soil forms such as Kroonstad, Escourt, Avalon, Sterkspruit, Valsrivier or Bonheim, depending on the clay content and the source of soil formation. The midslopes may contain the following soil forms; Avalon, Longlands, Mispah or Glenrosa depending on the depth of the underlying geology. The upper slopes are typically characterised by either Mispha or Glenrosa.
Some of the valley bottom section located in close proximity to the Ash River is characterised by a relative black, dark top soil layer with a strong structure, high base status and dark colours even when dry (melanic properties). These topsoils rarely contain vertic properties as they have greater affinity. The melanic A horizon may overlay a wide variety of sub-surfaces. It is expected that the parent material is unconsolidated colluvium or alluvium with little evidence of soil formation beneath the melanic A horizon. The soil form containing such melanic A properties is Inhoek and it is expected that this soil form will be relatively scarce.
Where clay has accumulated within the B horizon soils are typically classified as Duplex soils. Such soils are also typically associated with the lower lying valley bottom areas close to the Ash River. Duplex soils have in common the development of strong structure in the B horizons and a marked increase in clay compared to the overlying horizon from which it is separated by a clear or abrupt boundary. The B horizon is often sufficiently hard and dense to be an impediment to both root growth and water movement and these soils commonly exhibit a high susceptibility to erosion (Fey, 2010). The orthic A horizon often has a weak structure and when it contains sufficient fine particles (especially silt and fine sand with some clay) it may become hard or very hard when dry – a feature known as hard-setting (Fey, 2010). The textural horizon contrast ensures that permeability is often limited by that of the B horizon (although surface crusting may also imped infiltration). Salinity may be evident in the more arid duplex soils, especially within or
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immediately below the B horizon. The amount of organic material is also generally low for this group. Soil forms containing these features are expected to be prominent along the lower lying areas associated with the Ash River (permanent to seasonal wet areas) as well as the other identified valley bottom wetland. Dominant soil forms expected include, Katspruit, Kroonstad and Estcourt.
Newly deposited alluvium along the flat floodplain sections is expected to comprise of immature soils that have formed from unconsolidated materials accumulated down-valley and Dundee form the prominent soil form.
Probably the largest extent of the study area (including some of the valley sections as well as footslopes and midslopes) are covered by sandy-loam soils with a orthic A horizon regularly overlying a yellow brown apedal B horizon and a soft plinthic B horizon or a E horizon and a soft plinthic horizon. Soil forms expected to be found within the study area includes Longlands (temporary saturated areas) and Avalon (deeper sandy-loam foot- and midslopes).
The midslopes and upper slopes regularly contain shallow soils, either merging into underlying weathering rock (Glenrosa) or overlies bedrock (Mispah). This bedrock regularly becomes exposed.
3 METHODOLOGY
3.1 Data scouring and review
Data sources from the literature were consulted and used where necessary in the study and include the following:
Vegetation: » Vegetation types and their conservation status were extracted from the South African National Vegetation Map (Mucina and Rutherford 2006) as well as the National List of Threatened Ecosystems (2011), where relevant. » Critical Biodiversity Areas for the site and surroundings were extracted from the Free State Biodiversity Plan ( http://bgis.sanbi.org/fsp/project.asp). » Information on plant and animal species recorded for the Degree Square (DS) 2828A was extracted from the SABIF/SIBIS database hosted by SANBI. This is a considerably larger area than the study area, but this is necessary to ensure a conservative approach as well as counter the fact that the site itself has probably not been well sampled in the past. » The IUCN conservation status (Table 2) of the species in the list was also extracted from the database and is based on the Threatened Species Programme, Red List of South African Plants (2013).
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» Freshwater and wetland information was extracted from the National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas assessment, NFEPA (Nel et al. 2011). This includes rivers, wetlands and catchments defined under the study.
Fauna » Lists of mammals, reptiles and amphibians which are likely to occur in the study area were derived based on distribution records from the literature and various spatial databases (SANBI’s SIBIS and BGIS databases). » Literature consulted includes Branch (1988) and Alexander and Marais (2007) for reptiles, Du Preez and Carruthers (2009) for amphibians, Friedmann and Daly (2004) and Skinner and Chimimba (2005) for mammals. » Apart from the literature sources, additional information on reptiles were extracted from the SARCA web portal, hosted by the ADU, http://vmus.adu.org.za » The faunal species lists provided are based on species which are known to occur in the broader geographical area, as well as a preliminary assessment of the availability and quality of suitable habitat at the site. » The conservation status of each species is also listed, based on the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria 2014 (See Figure 5) and where species have not been assessed under these criteria, the CITES status is reported where possible. These lists are adequate for mammals and amphibians, the majority of which have been assessed, however the majority of reptiles have not been assessed and therefore, it is not adequate to assess the potential impact of the development on reptiles, based on those with a listed conservation status alone. In order to address this shortcoming, the distribution of reptiles was also taken into account such that any narrow endemics or species with highly specialized habitat requirements occurring at the site were noted.
3.2 Site Visit
The site was conducted on the 8 th and 9 th of November 2017. During the site visit, the different biodiversity features, habitat, and landscape units present at the site were identified and mapped in the field. Specified features visible on the satellite imagery of the site were also marked for field inspection and were verified and assessed during the site visit. A walk-through-survey was done of the study site wherein all plant and animal species observed were recorded. Random plots (4X4m) were taken during the survey wherein all plants were recorded. Active searches for reptiles and amphibians were also conducted. All data samples were accompanied by GPS coordinates and was used in the compilation of the sensitivity map.
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3.3 Criteria used to assess sites
The broad-scale ecological sensitivity map of the site was produced by integrating the above information collected on-site with the available ecological and biodiversity information available in the literature and various spatial databases (SIBIS, BGIS). The ecological sensitivity of the different units identified in the mapping procedure was rated according to the following scale:
Table 1: Explanation of sensitivity rating Examples of Sensitivity Factors contributing to sensitivity qualifying features Indigenous natural areas that are highly CBA 1 areas positive for any of the following: Remaining areas of presence of threatened species vegetation type (Critically Endangered, Endangered, listed in Draft Vulnerable) and/or habitat critical for Ecosystem List of the survival of populations of NEM:BA as Critically threatened species. Endangered, High conservation status (low Endangered or proportion remaining intact, highly Vulnerable. fragmented, habitat for species that Protected forest are at risk). patches. Protected habitats (areas protected Confirmed presence according to national/provincial of populations of legislation, e.g. National Forests Act, threatened species. Draft Ecosystem List of NEM:BA, Integrated Coastal Zone VERY HIGH Management Act, Mountain Catchment Areas, Lake Areas Development Act).
May also be positive for the following: High intrinsic biodiversity value (high species richness and/or turnover, unique ecosystems). High value ecological goods and services (e.g. water supply, erosion control, soil formation, carbon storage, pollination, refugia, food production, raw materials, genetic resources, cultural value). Low ability to respond to disturbance (low resilience, dominant species very old). Indigenous natural areas that are positive for CBA 2 “critical HIGH any of the following: biodiversity areas”.
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Examples of Sensitivity Factors contributing to sensitivity qualifying features High intrinsic biodiversity value Habitat where a (moderate/high species richness threatened species and/or turnover). could potentially presence of habitat highly suitable occur (habitat is for threatened species (Critically suitable, but no Endangered, Endangered Vulnerable confirmed records). species). Confirmed habitat Moderate ability to respond to for species of lower disturbance (moderate resilience, threat status (near dominant species of intermediate threatened, rare). age). Habitat containing Moderate conservation status individuals of (moderate proportion remaining extreme age. intact, moderately fragmented, Habitat with low habitat for species that are at risk). ability to recover Moderate to high value ecological from disturbance. goods & services (e.g. water supply, Habitat with erosion control, soil formation, exceptionally high carbon storage, pollination, refugia, diversity (richness food production, raw materials, or turnover). genetic resources, cultural value). Habitat with unique species composition May also be positive for the following: and narrow Protected habitats (areas protected distribution. according to national/provincial Ecosystem legislation, e.g. National Forests Act, providing high value Draft Coastal Zone Management Act, ecosystem goods Mountain Catchment Areas Act, Lake and services. Areas Development Act) Indigenous natural areas that are positive for CBA 2 “corridor one or two of the factors listed above, but not areas”. a combination of factors. Habitat with high diversity (richness or turnover). Habitat where a MEDIUM- species of lower HIGH threat status (e.g. near threatened, rare) could occur (habitat is suitable but no confirmed records). MEDIUM- Degraded or disturbed indigenous natural LOW vegetation LOW No natural habitat remaining
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Any natural vegetation within which there are features of conservation concern will be classified into one of the high sensitivity classes (MEDIUM-HIGH, HIGH or VERY HIGH). The difference between these three high classes is based on a combination of factors and can be summarised as follows:
» Areas classified into the VERY HIGH class are vital for the survival of species or ecosystems. They are either known sites for threatened species or are ecosystems that have been identified as being remaining areas of vegetation of critical conservation importance. CBA1 areas would qualify for inclusion into this class. » Areas classified into the HIGH class are of high biodiversity value, but do not necessarily contain features that would put them into the VERY HIGH class. For example, a site that is known to contain a population of a threatened species would be in the VERY HIGH sensitivity class, but a site where a threatened species could potentially occur (habitat is suitable), but it is not known whether it does occur, is classified into the HIGH sensitivity class. The class also includes any areas that are not specifically identified as having high conservation status but, have high local species richness, unique species composition, low resilience or provide very important inclusion into this class, if there were no other factors that would put them into the highest class. » Areas classified into the MEDIUM-HIGH sensitivity class are natural vegetation in which there are one or two features that make them of biodiversity value, but not to the extent that they would be classified into one of the other two higher categories. CBA2 “corridor areas” would qualify for inclusion into this class.
3.4 Assessment of impacts
The Environmental Impact Assessment methodology assists in the evaluation of the overall effect of a proposed activity on the environment. This includes an assessment of the significant direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts. The significance of environmental impacts is to be assessed by means of the criteria of extent (scale), duration, magnitude (severity), probability (certainty) and direction (negative, neutral or positive).
» The nature , which includes a description of what causes the effect, what will be affected and how it will be affected. » The extent , wherein it is indicated whether the impact will be local (limited to the immediate area or site of development) or regional, and a value between 1 and 5 was assigned as appropriate (with 1 being low and 5 being high). » The duration , wherein it was indicated whether:
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• the lifetime of the impact will be of a very short duration (0 – 1 years) – assigned a score of 1; • the lifetime of the impact will be of a short duration (2 – 5 years) – assigned a score of 2; • medium-term (5 -15 years) – assigned a score of 3; • long term (> 15 years) – assigned a score of 4; or • permanent – assigned a score of 5; » The magnitude , quantified on a scale from 0 – 10, where 0 is small and will have no effect on the environment, 2 is minor and will not result in an impact on processes, 4 is low and will cause a slight impact on processes, 6 is moderate and will result in processes continuing but in a modified way, 8 is high (processes are altered to the extent that they temporarily cease), and 10 is very high and results in complete destruction of patterns and permanent cessation of processes. » The probability of occurrence, which describes the likelihood of the impact actually occurring. Probability was estimated on a scale of 1 -5, where 1 is very improbable (probably will not happen), 2 is improbable (some possibility, but low likelihood), 3 is probable (distinct possibility), 4 is highly probable (most likely) and 5 is definite (impact will occur regardless of any prevention measures). » The significance , was determined through a synthesis of the characteristics described above and can be assessed as LOW, MEDIUM or HIGH ; and » the status , which was described as either positive, negative or neutral. » the degree of which the impact can be reversed, » the degree to which the impact may cause irreplaceable loss of resources, » the degree to which the impact can be mitigated.
The significance was calculated by combining the criteria in the following formula:
S=(E+D+M)P where;
» S = Significance weighting » E = Extent » D = Duration » M = Magnitude » P = Probability
The significance weightings for each potential impact are as follows;
» < 30 points: LOW (i.e. where the impact would not have a direct influence on the decision to develop in the area), » 30 – 60 points: MEDIUM (i.e. where the impact could influence the decision to develop in the area unless it is effectively mitigated),
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» > 60 points: HIGH (i.e. where the impact must have an influence on the decision process to develop in the area). 4 DESCRIPTION OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
4.1 Broad-Scale Vegetation Patterns
Broad vegetation types
The study area is situated in the Grassland biome and Mesic Highveld Grassland Bioregion. The vegetation in and surrounding the study area is predominantly Eastern Free State Sandy Grassland (Gm4) with the more undulating hills and small mountains covered by Basotho Montane Shrubland (refer to Figure 6).
Mesic Highveld Grassland comprise predominantly of sour grassland and vary in structure and composition mainly according to geological and other substrate properties. The shrublands are found on outcrops of rock where the surface topography creates habitats in which woody vegetation is favoured above grasses. This may include protection from fire and grazing or conditions under which woody plants can access subterranean water supplies (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006).
Eastern Free State Sandy Grassland : The distribution of the vegetation type is spread across Free State Province, Lesotho, and marginally into KwaZulu-Natal Province: In the region of Ladybrand (western distribution) to the base of foothills of the Drakensberg (Maloti) and the Escarpment in the vicinity of Harrismith (eastern distribution) and Mafetent to the south. This vegetation type is found mainly at elevations between 1520m and 1800m (Mucina and Rutherford, 2006). This vegetation type has been described by Mucina and Rutherford (2006) as a closed grassland, dominated by Eragrostis curvula, Tristachya leucothrix and Themeda triandra , covering a landscape that can be described as flat to slightly undulating and undulating terrain with streams and rivers that drain the foothills of the Drakensberg. Other dominant species found within this vegetation unit include; Eragrostis capensis, E. racemosa, E. plana, Cymbopogon pospischilii, Elionurus muticus and Aristida junciformis . Numerous forbs species, especially those belonging to the Asteraceae family ( Helichrysum, Vernonia, Berkheya ), increase alpha biodiversity considerably.
Key species include graminoids such as Aristida junciformis subsp . Galpinii, Cymbopogon pospischilii, Digitaria monodactyla, D. tricholaenoides, Elionurus muticus, Eragrostis chloromelas, E. curvula, E. plana, E. racemosa, Harpochloa falx, Heteropogon contortus, Hyparrhenia hirta, Microchloa caffra, Monocymbium ceresiiforme, Setaria sphacelata, Themeda triandra, Tristachya leucothrix, Andropogon appendiculatus, A. schirensis, Aristida congesta, A. diffusa, Brachiaria serrata, Cymbopogon caesius, Cynodon dactylon, Cyperus obtusiflorus var .
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flavisimus, C. obtusiflorus var . obtusiflorus, Diheteropogon amplectens, Ehraharta capensis, Eragrostis capensis, Helictotrichon natalense, H. turgidulum, Koeleria capensis, Panicum glivum, Setaria nigrirostris, Trachypogon spicatus, Trichoneura grandiglumis ; Forbs: Barleria monticola, Berkheya onopordifolia var. onopordifolia, B. speciosa, Dicoma anomala, Helichrysum psilolepis, Acalypha angustata, A. peduncularis, Ajuga ophrydis, Anthospermum herbaceum, Berkheya pinnatifida, B. setifera, Crabbea acaulis, Cycnium racemosum, Dianthus basuticus, Haplocarpha scaposa, Hebenstretia dentata, H. dura, Helichrysum ammitophilum, H. aureonitens, H caespititium, H. nodifolium var. pilosellum, H. oreophilum, H. rugulosum, H. spiralepis, Hermannia depressa, Hirpicium armerioides, Ipomoea crasipes, I. pellita, Kohautia amatymbica, Lactuca inermis, Nolletia ciliaris, Pelargonium luridum, Pentanisia prunelloides subsp. Prunelloides, Selago densiflora, S. galpinii, Senecio coronatus, S. erubescens var. crepidifolius, S. inornatus, Sonchus nanus, Tolpis capensis, Trifolium burchellianum, Vernonia natalensis, V. oligocephala ; Geophytic Herbs: Boophone disticha, Crinum bulbispermum, Cyrtanthus stenanthus, Drimiopsis maculata, Eucomis autumnalis subsp. Autumnalis, Gladiolus dalenii, G. papilio, Hypoxis rigidula var. pilosissima, Ledebouria ovatifolia, Watsonia lepida, Xysmalobium involucratum, X. undulatum; Low Shrubs: Helichrysum melanacme, Anthospermum rigidum subsp. Pumilum, Euphorbia striata var. cuspidate, Gnidia kraussiana, Helichrysum dasycephalum, Polygala hottentotta, Tephrosia capensis var. acutifolia ; and Herbaceous Climber: Rhynchosia totta .
Basotho Montane Shrubland : The distribution of the vegetation type is spread across Free State Province, Lesotho, and very marginally into KwaZulu-Natal Province: Foothills of the west facing Drakensberg (also Maluti) and mainly on the slopes of mesas over a wide range in the vicinity of Zastron in the southwest, the surrounds of Mafeteng, Hobhouse, Maseru, Roma, Ladybrand, Clocolan, Excelsior, Ficksburg, Butha-Buthe, Fouriesburg, Paul Roux, Bethlehem, Phuthaditjhaba as far as Harrismith in the northeast. This shrubland unit cover extensive areas in deeply incised river valleys of western Lesotho. This vegetation type is found mainly at elevations between 1480m and 1940m (Mucina and Rutherford, 2006). This vegetation type has been described by Mucina and Rutherford (2006) as a tall shrubland that may become very dense in some areas and is dominated by broad- leaved mesophyllous shrubs such as Searsia erosa, Olea europaea subsp. africana, Euclea crispa subsp. crispa, Buddleja salviifolia, Leucosidea sericea, Searsia burchellii, Rhamnus prinoides, Scutia myrtina and Gymnopentzia buxifolia . These shrublands restricted to steep talus slopes and kloofs of the mesas and other mountain flanks.
Key species include graminoids such as , Andropogon appendiculatus, A. schirensis, Aristida congesta, Cymbopogon pospischilii, Cynodon dactylon, Elionurus muticus, Eragrostis chloromelas, E. plana, E. racemosa, Heteropogon contortus, Hyparrhenia
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hirta, Microchloa caffra, Setaria sphacelata, Themeda triandra, Tristachya leucthrix, Aristida diffusa, Brachiaria serrata, Digitaria tricholaenoides, Eragrostis capensis, E. curvula, Harpochloa falx, Pennisetum sphacelatum and Setaria nigrirostris ; Forbs: Ajuga ophrydis, Cineraria lyratiformis, Conyza dodocephala, Dicoma anomala, Haplocarpha scaposa, Helichrysum caespititium, H. nudifolium var. nudifolium, H. rugulosum, Hermannia depressa, Hibiscus microcarpus, Ipomoea crassipes, Nolletia ciliaris, Pollichia campestris,Selago densiflora, Senecio erubescens var. crepidifolius, Tolpis capensis and Vernonia oligocephala ; Geophytic Herbs: Hypoxis rigidula var. pilosissima; Low Shrubs: Anthospermum rigidum subsp. Pumilum, Euphorbia striata var. cupidata, Felicia filifolia subsp. filifolia, F. muricata, Gnidia capitata and Myrsine africana ; Tall Shrubs: Buddleja salviifolia, Euclea crispa subsp. ovata, Olea europaea subsp. africana, Diospyros whyteana, Heteromorpha, arborescens var. abysinica, Leucosidea sericea, Rhamnus prinoides, Searsia dentata, Trachonanthus minor and Herbaceous Climber: Rhynchosia totta .
According to Mucina & Rutherford (2006) the following Biogeographically Important Species (BIS) can be found within the two described vegetation types:
» BIS within Eastern Free State Sandy Grassland: Heteromma krookii (Low Escarpment endemic) » BIS within Basotho Montane Shrubland: Lessertia tenuifolia, Leucaena latisiliqua (Endemic)
Species list from POSA ( http://posa.sanbi.org , Grid reference 2828A and 2828AD) containing the species that have been recorded to date in the area was obtained. POSA generated species lists also contain updated Red Data species status according to the Red List of South African Plants published by SANBI in Strelitzia 25 (Raimondo et al . 2009, updated 2013). Only protected and red data species that may potentially occur in the study area have been listed (Table 2). Due to the fact that threatened species have historically been noted in the area, it is imperative that, during the construction phase, detailed searches for these rare/threatened and protected species are made during the appropriate time of year when plants are likely to be more visible.
A total of 596 species have been recorded in the 2828A Degree Grid according to the SANBI database. Of these 596 recorded species 48 species were Alien Plants whilst only six species contained Red Data Status. Within the 2828AD Quarter Degree Grid 136 species were noted with nine species being Alien Plants and only one species containing Red Data Status. It is highly unlikely that all of these species will occur within the project area.
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Table 2: The following red data species have been recorded within the 2828A & 2828AD Degree Grids according to the SANBI database (Species recorded within the 2828AD Quarter Degree Grid highlighted in Green): Species Family Threat Status Likelihood of occurrence within study Area Acalypha caperonioides var. EUPHORBIACEAE DDT Unlikely caperonioides Boophone disticha AMARYLLIDACEAE Declining Confirmed
Crinum bulbispermum AMARYLLIDACEAE Declining Highly Likely Hypoxis hemerocallidea HYPOXIDACEAE Declining Likely Alepidea longeciliata APIACEAE Endagered Slight Likelihood Argyrolobium campicola FABACEAE Near Threatened Unlikely
Conservation status of broad vegetation types
The vegetation types of South Africa have been categorized according to their conservation status which is, in turn, assessed according to the degree of transformation and rates of conservation. The status of a habitat or vegetation type is based on how much of its original area still remains intact relative to various thresholds. On a national scale these thresholds are as depicted in the table below, as determined by best available scientific approaches (Driver et al . 2005). The level at which an ecosystem becomes Critically Endangered differs from one ecosystem to another and varies from 16% to 36% (Driver et al . 2005).
Table 3: Determining ecosystem status (from Driver et al. 2005). *BT = biodiversity target (the minimum conservation requirement.
The National List of Ecosystems that are Threatened and in need of protection (GN1002 of 2011), published under the National Environment Management: Biodiversity Act (Act No. 10 of 2004), lists national vegetation types that are afforded protection on the basis of rates of transformation. The threshold for listing in this legislation is higher than in the scientific literature, which means there are fewer ecosystems listed in the National Ecosystem List versus in the scientific literature.
Table 3: Conservation status of the vegetation type occurring in and around the study area. Vegetation Type Conservation Status
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Driver et al ., National Target Conserved Transformed 2005; Mucina & Ecosystem List (%) (%) (%) Rutherford, (NEM:BA) 2006 Eastern Free State 24% 2% 44.7% Endangered Not Listed Sandy Grassland Basotho Montane 28% 2% 67.9% Vulnerable Not Listed Shrubland
According to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) Eastern Free State Sandy Grassland is classified as Endangered whilst Basotho Montane Shrubland is listed as Vulnerable. Neither one of these vegetation types are listed within the National List of Ecosystems that are Threatened and in need of protection (GN1002 of 2011), published under the National Environment Management: Biodiversity Act (Act No. 10 of 2004)) (refer to Figure 6).
Eastern Free State Sandy Grassland cover an extent of approximately 142 244.215 km 2. Approximately 55.3% of the original natural grassland remains of which only 2% is protected (statutory within: Qwaqwa and Golden Gate Highlands National Parks as well as in the Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve). Transformations of this vegetation type are mainly due to cultivation (maize) and building of dams (including Sterkfontein, Loch Athlone and Saulspoort). This vegetation type is furthermore vulnerable to invasion with numerous Alien Invasive Plant species (AIPs) replacing natural species and diminishing the agricultural and biodiversity value of these grasslands. Erosion is predominantly present in low to very low intensities (22% - 44%).
Basotho Montane Shrubland cover a total extent of approximately 3469.754km 2. This unit exhibits a patchy distribution embedded in wet/moist grasslands such as the Eastern Free State Sandy Grassland and Zastron Moist Grassland. Approximately 32.1% of the original natural shrubland remains of which only 2% is protected (statutory within: Qwaqwa and Golden Gate Highlands National Parks as well as in the Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve). Erosion occurs at a wide range of intensity.
Within the study area, approximately 68% (143ha) is covered by Eastern Free State Sandy Grassland and only 31.9% (67ha) is covered by Basotho Montane Shrubland. However, the proposed development itself will almost solely be restricted to Easter Free State Sandy Grassland. As will be described later most of this vegetation type within the study area has been severely transformed and disturbed, mainly due to cultivation, grazing pressure and erosion and as such it is highly unlikely that this development will have any significant impact on the status of the remaining natural extent of this vegetation type.
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Figure 3: Schematic representation of the South African Red List categories. Taken from http://redlist.sanbi.org/redcat.php
4.2 Free State Biodiversity Plan (2015)
The site falls within the planning domain of the Free State Province Biodiversity Conservation Assessment which maps Critical Biodiversity Areas and Ecological Support Areas within the Free State Province. The majority of the Study Area falls within a Terrestrial Tier 2 Ecological Support Area (ESA 2) aiming to act as a buffer for the ESA 1 and Tier 1 & 2 Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) located to the west of the study area.
Typically, natural features are classified according to the different categories on the basis of the following criteria’s:
» Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) that contain three types of areas: • Irreplaceable areas, which are essential in meeting targets set for the conservation of biodiversity in Free State. • Areas that are important for the conservation of biodiversity in Free State. • Conserved areas, which include all existing level 1 and 2 protected areas.
Level 1 and Level 2 protected areas are proclaimed in terms of relevant legislation (National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No 57 of
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2003) specifically for the protection of biodiversity (or for the purposes of nature conservation).
» Ecological Support Areas (ESAs). ESAs are an imperative part of the Free State Biodiversity Plan to ensure sustainability in the long term. ESAs are part of the entire hierarchy of biodiversity, but it is not possible to include all biodiversity features in them. Landscape features associated with ESAs (termed spatial surrogates for ESAs) that are essential for the maintenance and generation of biodiversity in sensitive areas, and therefore that require sensitive management were incorporated into Biodiversity Plan.
Approximately 97% (204ha) of the study area falls with the ESA 2 domain, whilst only 3% (6ha) falls within the ESA 1 domain. This ESA 1 area is excluded from the development footprint area. The CBA 1 area located to the west of the study area, has been classified as such due to the fact that this area comprises of natural Free State Sandy Grassland which is classified as Endangered according to Mucina & Rutherford (2006). Likewise, the CBA 2 area located north-west of the study area have been classified as such due to the presence of natural Basotho Montane Shrubland which is classified as Vulnerable.
Due to the relative small footprint of the proposed developments (Middle and Lower Kruisvallei Hydroelectric plants) as well as the fact that most of the study area is located on transformed and disturbed land (cultivation, grazing regime and erosion) the impact on this ESA 2 area is relatively low and will not influence the buffering capacity of this area.
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Figure 4: Vegetation types of study area and surrounding environment according to Mucina and Rutherford (2006).
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Figure 5: Free State Critical Biodiversity Map.
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4.3 Fine-Scale Habitats
During the site visit it was confirmed that the majority of the study area is consistent with a disturbed form of Eastern Free State Sandy Grassland with isolated patches of near-natural forms of this vegetation type. However, the extent of Basotho Montane Grassland within the study area is more restricted and smaller than illustrated within the Vegmap. This shrubland is restricted to the steeper talus slopes (west facing slopes of a mesa) located in the south-eastern corner of the study area as well as a small section along the central western boarder of the study area (east facing slope of a small hillock), where talus and outcroppings are prominent. The northern portion of the study area is characterised with flat rocky outcroppings forming a mosaic of sandstone pavements or terraces dominated by shrubby species and forbs in contrast to the surrounding grassland. These sandstone terraces show a close affinity to the Basotho Montane Grassland. Slopes containing deeper soils and less surface rock show close affinity to Eastern Free State Sandy Grassland with some element of Basotho Montane Grassland. Generally, the larger extent of moist grassland is characterised by a heterogenous vegetation cover which is mostly uniform in physiognomy and species composition. However, at a smaller more local scale a mosaic of smaller vegetation units does occur. These vegetation patches can be ascribed to changes in gradients of environmental factors, especially those relating to edaphic factors such as soil depth, soil types, clay content and moisture content. Other ecological factors influencing the expression of vegetation units include fire frequency, grazing regimes, hydrology and local disturbances. Du Preez (2010) mentioned a significant impact on the vegetation dynamics of the study area is grazing practices: “Cattle and game farming practices and fencing practices have resulted in successional changes to the vegetation. Palatable climax grass species have been selectively removed by the game and cattle over time. This usually results in an increase in unpalatable species.”
It is expected that the exological connectivity of the vegetation associated with the Ash River and as well as fringing habitats will not be greatly affected due to the small size of the development and the location of the porposed developments within a transformed and fractured landscape.
The major vegetation habitats that would be affected by the development are described in more below.
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Valley Bottom Wetlands
Due to the undulating nature of the landscape, especially to the west and east of the study area (where the landscape becomes more rugged), numerous small wetlands form within the lower lying area (valley bottoms). Most of these wetlands are surface-fed (over-bank and lateral flow). Where soils become deeper within the lower lying portions of these wetlands, groundwater discharge may also play a more important role. These wetlands are usually perpendicular to the Ash River and terminate into this system. These habitats are seasonal with most of the flow contained in channels. Channel erosion is a prominent feature within these systems, with the extent of erosion being highly variable. These systems are mostly in a semi-natural to slightly disturbed condition, with grazing, trampling and erosion being the most significant disturbances. The outer boundaries of these wetland systems are furthermore prone to invasion with Invasive Alien Plants such as Pyracantha angustifolia and Rosa rubiginosa . These wetlands are characterised by a strongly developed graminoid layer (grasses, sedges and rushes), with a few forbs and some larger shrubs fringing the outer boundaries.
Key species identified during the site visit include: Imperata cylindrica, Paspalum dilatatum, Eleocharis dregeana, Isolepis diabolica, Kyllinga erecta, Bromus catharticus, Juncus rigidus, Eragrostis planiculmis, Helictotrichon turgidulum, Setaria pallide-fusca, Berkheya onopordifolia, Ranunculus multifidus, Hypchaeris radicata, Oenothera rosea, Oxygonum dregeanum and Seriphium plumosum . Shrubs occurring along the fringes include; Passerina montana, Pyracantha angustifolia, Rosa rubiginosa and Leucosidea sericea .
These wetlands will be mostly avoided with minor disturbances relating to access and service roads between the two hydroelectric power facilities. It is highly likely that original farm roads will be mostly used and upgraded. Such development will not have a significant impact on the status and functionality of this habitat type.
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Photo 1: An example of one of the valley bottom wetlands identified within the study area.
Seepage wetland
Two seepages have been identified within the study area and are located in the northern portion of the study area. These two seepages differ slightly in terms of species composition. This variation in species composition is mostly due to geomorphological and hydrological variations. The seepage located west of the Ash River is dependent on both surface and ground water flow (Hydrology). This wetland is likely separated from the underlying aquifer by a lower permeability layer. Input is subsequently from groundwater seepage and surface runoff. This seepage is furthermore regarded as seasonally. The seepage wetland to the east of the Ash River on the other hand is predominantly groundwater-fed as this wetland is in direct contact with the underlying aquifer. Input is dominated by groundwater seepage, supplement by some surface runoff. This seepage is permanently or for long periods of time saturated. Outflow is predominantly in the form of surface flow into the Ash River system. The seasonal seepage to the west have been severely impacted and transformed and is surrounded by ploughed area (cultivation). The permanent wet seepage to the east however, is in a much more natural state.
Key species for permanent wet seepage identified during the site visit include; Imperata cylindrica, Kyllinga erecta var. erecta, Paspalum dilatatum, Bromus catharticus, Ranunculus multifidus, Eragrostis gummiflua, Helictotrichon turgidulum, Phargmites australis, Bulbostylis schoenoides, Isolepis costata, Isolepis sepulcralis, Juncus dregeanus, Andropogon appendiculatus, Cyperus rupestris,
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Harpachloa falx, Verbena bonariensis, Rumex lanceolatus, Helichrysum aureonitens, Cotula anthemoides and Hyparrhenia dregeana .
Key species for the seasonal wet seepage identified during the site visit include; Imperata cylindrica, Paspalum dilatatum, Seriphium plumosum, Bromus catharticus, Juncus oxycarpus, Haplocarpha scaposa, Hypchaeris radicata, Oenothera rosea, Pennisetum thunbergii, Eragrostis gummiflua, Helictotrichon turgidulum, Themeda triandra, Cyperus denudatus var. denudatus Helichrysum aureonitens and Pycreus macranthus.
The seepage to the west will be avoided, but the permanent seepage to the east will be impacted by the Lower Kruisvallei Hydroelectric development.
Photo 2: This seepage is largely fed by groundwater due to a low permeability layer overlying the aquifer.
Back flooded pools
These permanent inundated pools form behind the weirs due to the damming effects of these structures. As such these habitats can be regarded as artificial. Inundation is permanent as the Ash River receives a constant water supply via the outfall. These back flooded areas are characterised by hydrophytic graminoids and rushes with some aquatic herbs. These pools contain very slow moving to almost stagnant water. Due to the dense vegetation, especially reeds, bulrushes and Carex communities, sediments are trapped with notable sediment build up in some area, especially sandy and silty substrates. Organic build-up is mostly low and
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from local sources (local plant vegetation) and may form thin turf patches. Variation of species composition is predominantly determined by the depth of inundation with the deep pools being dominated by floating aquatic herbs such as, Potamogeton thunbergii whilst the slightly shallower areas are dominated by dense stands of Phragmites australis and Typha capensis . The shallow outer fringes are dominated by sedges such as Carex acutiformis, Isolepis diabolica and Juncus rigidus . These permanent pools as well as the fringing seasonal sedge/grasslands form important habitats for various faunal species as will be discussed later. Especially the weed component is characterised by a number of weeds and invasive alien plants such as Potamogeton thubergii, Berula erecta, Nasturtium officinale, Veronica anagallis-aquatica and Mentha aquatic .
Key species include: Phragmites australis, Typha capensis, Carex acutiformis, Isolepis diabolica, Juncus rigidus, Juncus exertus subsp. exertus, Eleocharis dregeana, Rumex lanceolatus, Schoenoplectus corymbosus, Fuirena hirsuta, Potamogeton thunbergii, Berula erecta, Nasturtium officinale, Veronica anagallis- aquatica, Persicaria serrulate, Plantago longissimi, Leersia hexandra and Mentha aquatica.
These pools will be partially, directly impacted by both hydroelectric developments which may alter the extent of flooding of these pools as well as the extent of the seasonally saturated fringe.
Photo 3: A back flooded section created due to artificial damming and flooding caused by a weir.
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Permanent wet (saturated) habitats (including sand bars and islands)
These areas are associated with the lower elevated fringes of the Ash River (including outer fringes of the back flooded pools) as well as areas where sand deposition has caused the elevation of some areas, resulting in only seasonally inundation with permanent soil saturation. Such elevated, mostly sandy areas, are typically found where stream flow is at its slowest such as the inside of river bends (sand bars/point bars) or where elevation has decreased sufficient enough and obstructions such as weirs have sufficiently dissipated the flow velocity to form points of sand accumulation within the watercourse channel (islands / braid bar). The permanent saturated zones adjacent the main channel (excluding the sand bars and islands) are those areas where channel erosion have not affected lateral inflow and where desiccation have not occurred. Channel erosion are a direct impact from the outfall which have intensified the volume of water flow and velocity along this historically non-perennial watercourse and has subsequently, significantly affected the extent of the hydrological zones fringing the channel, desiccating most of these zones (especially the seasonal and temporary saturated zones which will be discussed later). Typically, these areas are characterised by sedges and rushes such as; Isolepis diabolica, Jucus oxycarpus and Carex acutiformis , as well as relative large stands of Phragmites australis and Typha capensis . Numerous herbaceous weeds and invasive alien plants are found within this habitat such as Mentha aquatica, Plantago major, Rumex crispus, Veronica anagallis-aquatica and Berula erecta . A few isolated specimens of Salix babylonica (naturalised exotic) are also found within this habitat. The portions of the sand bars fringing faster flowing water are normally populated with Isolepis fluitans . This habitat forms part of the alluvial deposition zone of the river and subsequently contain a relative high clay and nutrient content as well as a higher pH content. Clay deposition have decreased along most of the river due to channel deepening and have been largely replaced by the deposition of sandy deposits.
Key species include; Phragmites australis, Typha capensis, Carex acutiformis, Imperata cylindrica, Paspalum dilatatum, Isolepis diabolica, Juncus oxycarpus, Ranunculus multifidus, Oenothera rosea, Verbena bonariensis, Rumex lanceolatus, Persicaria serrulata, Rumex crispus, Plantago major and Salix babylonica .
The majority of these habitats will be avoided by both of the proposed hydroelectric developments with minimal indirect impacts expected.
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Photo 4: Permanent saturated zone dominated by sedges (especially Carex acutiformis ), Typha capenses and Phragmites australis .
Seasonal wet (saturated) habitats
As already mentioned this habitat has been severely impacted by channel deepening (channel erosion), preventing lateral inflow into some of these areas and subsequently altering the hydrological nature of these areas (transitioning into a temporary/occasionally saturated zone). Other disturbances within this habitat include the invasion of Salix babylonica which may form dense patches, overgrazing through livestock (mainly cattle) and some ploughing (minimal encroachment into this habitat). Donga erosion and expansion of the channel (channel widening) into this hydrological zone also pose a slight threat. A fairly large patch of near-natural to natural vegetation is present just south of DWS Weir 34 (northern most weir) and occupy both sides of the channel. This vegetation type comprises of a combination of sedges and grass species such as Carex acutiformis, Bromus catharticus, Imperata cylindrica, Isolepis sepulcaris and Paspalum dilatatum . The forb layer is, as with the permanent saturated layer, dominated by weeds and invasive alien plants such as Hypochaeris radicata, Oenothera rosea, Ciclospermum leptophyllum, Cirsium vulgare, Plantago major, P. lanceolata, Verbena officionalis and Persicaria serrulata . This habitat forms part of the alluvial deposition zone of the river and subsequently contain a relative high clay and nutrient content as well as a higher pH content. Clay deposition have significantly decreased along most of the river due to channel deepening. Within a few localities clay deposition have been replaced with a more sandy content due to upstream erosion.
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Key species include: Imperata cylindrica, Paspalum dilatatum, Bromus catharticus, Ranunculus multifidus, Hypochaeris radicata, Oxygonum dregeanum, Pennisetum thunbergii, Eragrostis patentissima, Cyperus denudatus var. denudatus, Phragmites australis, Isolepis sepulcralis, Pycreus macranthus, Rumex lanceolatus, Cirsium vulgare, Plantago lanceolata, Verbena officionalis, V. bonariensis, Carex rigidifolius, Cyperus rigidifolius , Sporobolus africanus and Salix babylonica .
The largely intact (semi-natural) seasonally saturated communities will be avoided by the proposed development.
Photo 5: Seasonal saturated zone dominated by a thick sward of sedges and moisture loving grasses.
Temporary wet (saturated) habitats
As already mentioned this habitat has been severely impact by channel deepening (channel erosion), preventing lateral inflow into some of these areas and subsequently altering the vegetation and hydrological nature of these areas (saturation occurring very seldom). Probably the most significant impacts within the remaining habitats include grazing (high intensity) and transformation of land through ploughing. Overgrazing has led to the replacement of palatable species with largely unpalatable, more resistant species. Furthermore, these areas are prone to invasion with invasive alien trees and shrubs such as Salix babylonica, Pyracantha angustifolia and Rosa rubiginosa , with the intensity of invasion varying from low, to moderate low. This habitat is predominantly dominated by a dense tufted grassland ( Paspalum dilatatum, Pennisetum thunbergii, Helictotrichon turgidulum, Eragrostis planiculmis, E. patentissima, E. plana and Sporobolus
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africanus ) and a moderately developed forb layer ( Seriphium plumosum, Berkheya setifera, Hypochaeris radicata, Helichrysum aureonitens and Plantago lanceolata ) and a relatively low coverage of sedges ( Cyperus denudatus and Juncus oxycarpus ). Hyparrhenia dregeana may form isolated dense stands within this unit and was used to stabilise some of the river banks, especially around the weirs. Historically ploughed lands within the temporary saturated zone have been largely covered by grasses and forbs such as Bromus catharticus, Paspalum dilatatum, Eragrostus curvula, Plantago lanceolata, Cirsium vulgare, Schkuhria pinnata and Nidorella resedifolia . This habitat forms part of the alluvial deposition zone of the river, however, deposition was not as intense as within the seasonal and permanent saturated zones and subsequently the clay content is not as high as within some of these areas. As within the seasonal saturated zone alluvial deposition have significantly decreased along most of the river due to channel deepening.
Key species includes; Bromus catharticus, Paspalum dilatatum, Pennisetum thunbergii, Aristida junciformis, Eragrostis gummiflua, Helictotrichon turgidulum, Themeda triandra, Eragrostis planiculmis, E. patentissima, E. plana, Sporobolus africanus, Cynodon transvaalensis, Setaria incrassata, S. sphacelata var. torta, Cyperus denudatus, Seriphium plumosum, Juncus oxycarpus, Berkheya setifera, Haplocarpha scaposa, Ranunculus multifidus, Hypochaeris radicata, Oenothera rosea, Oxygonum dregeanum, Alepidea spp., Verbena bonariensis, Helichrysum aureonitens, Hyparrhenia dregeana, E. curvula, Circium vulgare, Schkuhria pinnata, Plantago lanceolata, Salix babylonica, Pyracantha angustifolia, Leucosidea sericeaAsclepias multicaulis, Kohautia amatymbica, Trifolium burchellianum, and Homeria pallida .
As mentioned most of this habitat have been transformed and disturbed, mainly due to desiccation, overgrazing and cultivation. Very limited semi-natural to slightly transformed areas will be impacted by the proposed developments. The bulk of the facilities will impact on the more severely disturbed and transformed areas such as the ploughed and historically ploughed areas.
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Photo 6: Intensely grazed temporary saturated zone dominated by resistant moisture loving grasses (not the ploughed land encroaching this zone as well as the farm road).
Riparian fringes (Leucosidea sericea and Salix babylonica riparian fringes)
A riparian tree community dominate a few localities along the stream bank, especially within clayey areas of the alluvial deposition zone. These riparian patches are dominated by the exotic tree Salix babylonica and is associated with shrubs such as Leucosidea sericea and Diospyros lycioides and graminoids such as Bromus catharticus and Paspalum dilatatum . A dense stand of Leucosidea sericea form an almost closed riparian fringe within the northern portion of the study area. This riparian fringe also contains shrubs such as Diospyros lycioides , Searsia pyroides , S. dentata and Halleria lucida, as well as the exotic tree Salix babylonica . This L. sericeae riparian patch occur in shallower soils surrounded by exposed pavements of sandstone outcroppings.
The northern portion of the Lower Kruisvallei Hydroelectric plant will impact on these riparian fringes whilst such riparian fringes is absent within the Middle Kruisvallei Hydroelectric footprint.
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Photo 7: Salix babylonica riparian fringe occupying alluvial deposits along the Ash river.
Photo 8: Leucosidea sericea riparian fringe occupying the fringes of the Ash river within the northern portion of the study area (note the large specimen of S. babylonica within this riparian fringe).
Moist grassland habitats
These moist grasslands resemble a semi-natural to transformed form of Eastern Free State Sandy Grassland and cover gently undulating slopes and lowlands
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fringing the hydrological zones associated with the Ash River. These areas contain moderately deep to deep sandy-loam soils with some clay accumulation (minimal) within the lower lying areas. Small variations in the clay content may result in small changes in species composition. Surface rock along the slopes is not prominent although gritty soils may be present in some localities, especially immediately below the steeper talus slopes. Transitional zones occur between the shrubby talus slopes and the grassy gentle undulating slopes. These areas (ecotones) contain elements of both habitats, although these areas tend to show closer affinity to the grassy habitat. The majority of this habitat type has undergone some form of transformation due to excessive long-term grazing. Overgrazing has led to the replacement of palatable species with largely unpalatable, more resistant species. Large portions of vegetation have furthermore been ploughed for cultivation purposes. Soil capping and sheet erosion is present within this habitat, although the extent of these disturbances is regarded as low to moderate low. Forbs of the Asteraceae and Fabaceae contribute to species diversity within this habitat. Weedy and alien invasive forbs such as Tagetes minuta, Schkuhria pinnata, Conyza bonariensis, Circium vulgare, Bidens pipinnata, Plantago lanceolata, Verbena officionalis, Verbena aristigera, Pseudognaphalium luteo- album, Chenopodium album and Malva parviflora are common within disturbed areas such as trampled patches, along the farm tracks, within fallow lands and on the edges of ploughed lands. Seriphium plumosum is probably the most significant weed with this grassland. Shrubs are sparse and mostly comprise of Leucosidea serices and the alien invasives Pyracantha angustifolia and Rosa rubiginosa.
Key species includes; Aristida junciformis, Helictotrichon turgidulum, Felicea muricata, Eragrostis curvula, E. plana, E. chloromelas, E. capensis, Hermania depressa, Helichrysum rugulosum, H. nudifolium, H. glomeratum, Senecio inornatus, Lessertia perennans, Gnidia krassiana, Berkheya setifera, Homeria pallida, Cymbopogon dieterlenii, Tristachya leucothrix and Seriphium plumosum .
Most of the hydroelectric facilities footprint will impact transformed areas of this habitat such as historically as well as recently ploughed lands. A very small portion of semi-natural grassland will be impacted.
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Photo 9: Moist grassland occupying a gentle sloping landscape (not the abundance of the grey shrubs, Seripheum plumosum , an indication of overgrazing).
Sandstone terraces (Outcroppings); Mesas and talus slopes.
These two habitat types are very similar in species composition and structure and resemble Basotho Montane Shrubland. The main ecological driving force for these similar habitat types are soil depth, or the lack thereof as well as the micro habitat and protection provided by boulders and large stones against veldfire, frost and solar radiation. Very slight variation between the two different vegetation types occurs. The talus slopes generally contain a slightly stronger woody component due to the abundance of larger boulders providing shelter and protection for such species. These habitats comprise of a mixture of dense wiry and tufted grass species and forb species. Dominant graminoids and forb species include; Aristida junciformis, Helictotrichon turgidulum, Eragrostis chloromelas, Cymbopogon dieterlenii, Elionurus muticus, Tristachya leucothrix, Aristida canescens, Eragrostis racemosa, Lotonis listii, Monsonia angustifolia, Senecio scitus, Berkeya radula, Gnidia krassiana, G. splendens, Helichrysum rugulosum, Felicea muricata, Arctotis arctotoides, Senecio coronatus, Helichrysum pilosellum, H. nudifolium, H. cephaloideum, Lessertia perennans, Argyrolobium spp., Gazania krebsiana Lessertia Xysmalobium involucratum and Asclepias multicaulis . Geophytes and succulents are also prominent and include geophytes such as Ledebouria cooperi, Hypoxis iridifolia, Ledebouria ovatifolia, L. cooperi, Albuca shawii, A. setosa, Boophone disticha and Raphionacme procumbens, and succulent species such as Kalanchoe spp., Crassula capitella, C. compacta, C. dependens, Delosperma spp. and Drosanthemum spp. These areas comprise of various micro habitats (e.g. soil
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pockets, cracks, shaded areas, moist areas and gravelly patches) and subsequently have a relative high diversity of species inhabiting this habitat. Deep soil pockets and boulder patches provide suitable habitat for larger shrubs such as Leucosidea sericea, Searsia dentata, Searsia pyroides, Halleria lucida, Asparagus africanus, Anthospermum rigidum and Gymnosporia tenuispina . The shade effect created by the larger shrubs and boulders comprise of ferns such as Cheilanthes eckloniana, C. hirta and Pallaea calomelanos . Areas where surface water collects and where moister is contained for longer periods of time are typically characterised by species such as Cynodon dactylon, Wahlenbergia undulata, Bryum spp. Anomobryum julaceum, Crassula dependens, Harpachloa falx, Cyperus repestris, Bulbostylis schoenoides, Themeda triandra, Eragrostis gummiflua, Eragrostis racemosa and Imperata cylindrical.
One conservation worthy species was recorded namely Boophone disticha which is listed as declining on the Red Data List.
Most of these habitats fall outside of the development footprint (for both hydroelectric facilities) apart for a small section of sandstone pavement which falls within the northern portion of the Lower Kruisvallei Hydroelectric footprint. This small area is regarded as acceptable loss and will not impact on any of the Boophone disticha species which have been recorded outside of any potential development area. These moist grasslands resemble a semi-natural to transformed form of Eastern Free State especially within the northern half of the study area the grassland is frequently broken by exposed sandstone bedrocks forming pavements or terraces dominated by a mixture of dwarf shrubby species as well as grasses.
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Photo 10 : An example of a relative steep talus slope dominated by a mixed grassland (abundance of forbs and dwarf shrubs).
Photo 11 : Sandstone terrace bordering the Leucosidea sericea riparian fringe.
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Figure 6: The different habitat units identified during the site visit in and around the proposed hydroelectric facilities
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Figure 7: The different habitat units identified during the site visit in and around the proposed Middle Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Facility.
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Figure 8: The different habitat units identified during the site visit in and around the proposed Lower Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Facility.
Due to the nature of the proposed developments, the impacts will be mostly concentrated around the Ash River and its associated habitats as extending
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somewhat into the fringing moist grasslands. However, as already described most of these habitat types contain some form of disturbance or transformation either in the form of overgrazing, erosion, invasion with invasive alien plants, change in flooding and saturation character and artificial flooding through weirs etc. Furthermore, large areas have been totally transformed through ploughing for cultivation purposes. Those areas that have been historically transformed (e.g. historically cultivated areas) have been re-vegetated with pioneer and sub-climatic species, containing a large number of weeds and alien plants. These areas contain almost no representation of the local natural grassland that once covered these areas. As for the Moist Grassland fringing the As River, long term grazing pressure have resulted in some transformation of the natural vegetation and as such can only barely be described as a semi-natural 2 form of Eastern Free State Sandy Grassland.
Due to the size of the proposed Hydroelectric facilities as well as their locations, minimal loss of natural and semi-natural vegetation will occur with most of the footprint areas comprising of disturbed and transformed areas such as ploughed and historically ploughed areas, areas with existing weirs and bridges as well as overgrazed areas. The footprint for Lower Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Power Plant will impact 3.767ha (42%) of already transformed and/or disturbed habitat; 0.8ha (8.9%) artificial habitat, whilst only 3.767ha (49%) comprise of natural to semi- natural habitat. For the Middle Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Plant, only 3.402ha (17%) comprise of natural to semi-natural habitat, whilst 16.589ha (83%) have already
2 Natural and Semi-Natural Vegetation refers to vegetation comprising, typically, of a stable vegetation cover (forming a dense basal cover) comprising of more than 80% indigenous vegetation (in terms of coverage). A coverage of between 80% and 90% indigenous vegetation is regarded as semi-natural whilst a coverage higher of 90% and higher is regarded as natural. Furthermore, the type of indigenous vegetation characterizing the area also determines the ecological condition of the area (e.g. natural, semi-natural, transformed etc.). Natural vegetation comprises of species (>90%) that is not only indigenous to the region but more specifically to the specific vegetation type. Such species is indicative of a stable condition (accustomed to the unique set of environmental factors – biological and inorganic). The relationship/balance between the different growth forms (e.g. grasses, forbs, dwarf shrubs etc.) as well as features such as Annual/Perennial, successional status (e.g. Climax, Sub-Climax, Pioneer), ecological status (e.g. Decreaser, Increaser1, Increaser2, Increar3) and productivity should be synonymous to a natural form of that specific vegetation type. Semi-natural vegetation typically may contain some exotics (less than 20%), however some retrogression in terms of indigenous species composition, basal cover and production have occurred. For a climatic climax grassland such as found within the study area, perennial grasses have decreased below 30% and the relationship between sweet and sour grasses have changed (increase in sweetness at the expense of sour grasses). Dwarf karroid shrubs (indigenous) may also increase in coverage. Probably the most significant feature within such a semi-natural climatic climax grassland is a change in the relationship between climatic, stable grass species and sub-climatic species (still indigenous). It is also important to take note that transformed/disturbed/degraded vegetation does not necessarily mean that the area is severely infested with invasive alien plants or is almost entirely devoid of indigenous vegetation, it rather refers to the degree of transformation that have occurred within the species composition, from a state of stability diagnostic of that specific vegetation type, following a disturbance and may have entirely occurred within the indigenous spectrum. Typically, within climatic climax grasslands severe disturbances or continual long-term disturbance will result in a decrease in basal cover (%) and productivity (kg/ha) and furthermore the replacement of most perennial climatic and sub-climatic species with annual pioneers and some perennial pioneer and sub-climatic species adaptable to such disturbances. Sweet grasses increase excessively to the detriment of sour grasses. The karroid element also becomes more prominent. This transformation may have occurred solely within the indigenous spectrum of the vegetation coverage.
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been transformed and/or disturbed. For a summary of the total coverage of the different habitat types comprising the footprint area refer to the tables and figures below.
Table 3: Habitats that will be impacted by the proposed Lower Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Facility and the approximate size (ha) and coverage (% of total area) of these habitats within the footprint area. (A = Artificial; N = Natural; SN = Semi-Natural; N to SN = Natural to Semi-Natural; T = Transformed and/or Disturbed
Approximate size of Coverage within Habitat Types Status impacted area (ha) footprint area (%)
Back Flooded Pools A 0.800 9.348 Sand Bars & Islands N 0.042 0.491 Permanent Wet Habitat N to SN 0.405 4.732 Seasonal Wet Habitat N to SN 0.061 0.713 Temporary Wet Habitat SN 0.704 8.226 Seepages N 0.128 1.496 S. babylonica Riparian T 0.190 2.220 L. sericea Riparian N 0.142 1.659 Moist Grassland SN 2.004 23.416 Sandstone Terraces N 0.918 10.727 Ploughed Land T 0.211 2.465 Historically Ploughed Land T 2.206 25.776 Weirs & Flow Obstructions T 0.747 8.731
Table 4: Habitats that will be impacted by the proposed Middle Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Facility and the approximate size (ha) and coverage (% of total area) of these habitats within the footprint area. (A = Artificial; N = Natural; SN = Semi- Natural; N to SN = Natural to Semi-Natural; T = Transformed and/or Disturbed
Approximate size of Coverage within Habitat Types Status impacted area (ha) footprint area (%)
Back Flooded Pools A 0.009 0.045 Main Channel T 0.402 2.010 Permanent Wet Habitat N 0.193 0.965 Seasonal Wet Habitat N/SN 0.013 0.065 Temporary Wet Habitat SN 2.004 10.020 Moist Grassland SN 1.192 5.960 Ploughed Land T 12.372 61.860 Historically Ploughed Land T 3.181 15.905 Weirs & Flow Obstructions T 0.634 3.170
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% Coverage of footprint area
8.918
41.993
49.092
Artificial Natural to Semi-Natural Transformed/Disturbed
Figure 9: The general cumulative state/condition of habitats with the footprint area for Lower Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Power Plant.
% Coverage of footprint area
0.05
17.01
82.95
Artificial Natural to Semi-Natural Transformed/Disturbed
Figure 10: The general cumulative state/condition of habitats with the footprint area for Lower Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Power Plant.
4.4 Species of Conservation Importance
Red Listed species (IUCN categories)
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Only one Red Data species was recorded within the study area namely Boophone disticha (Declining). However, as mentioned this species was recorded outside of the development footprint area of both hydroelectric facilities as well as their associtated infrastructure (access roads, laydown areas and batching plant etc.).
Protected plant species in terms of the Free State Nature Conservation Bill, 2007
Two species have been recorded which are listed within the bill namely; Gladiolus spp. and Cussonia paniculata . Both species were recorded outside of the development footprint area of both hydroelectric facilities and other associated infrastructure. However, the Gladiolus species was recorded within a sandstone outcrop which is located just north of the Lower Kruisvallei Hydroelectric footprint area and there is a likelihood for this species to occur within the sandstone outcroppings located within this facilities footprint area. If such species are identified by the appointed ECO/EO, relevant permits for the disturbance and/or relocation of such species should be obtained prior to the disturbance of the area. During a previous study conducted by Du Preez (2010) Gladiolus dalenii and Crinum bulbispermum were recorded. It is highly likely that the Gladiolus species recorded during this study is G. dalenii , however, definite identification is impossible as the individuals recorded had minimal foliage and was not in bloom (only recently reappeared following its dormant period). G. dalenii typically reaches full size and flowers in January – February. In terms of Crinum bulbispermum , there are sufficient habitat (temporary and seasonally saturated zones) for these species, however, no such species have been identified within the development footprint (for both facilities).
The majority of these habitats will be avoided by both of the proposed hydroelectric developments with minimal indirect impacts expected.
4.5 Alien Plants, Invasive Alien Plant Species and Weeds
Throughout the study area numerous weeds and exotics (alien plants) were noted as well as a few alien invasive plants (listed plants according to NEM:BA, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004): Alien Invasive Species List 2016). A total of 61 weeds, exotics and invasive alien plants were identified within the study area. Of these recorded species, 24 species were weeds, 24 were exotics and 11 species were listed within the NEM:BA Invasive Species List (7 species as Category 1b and 2 species as Category 2). These species are indicative of historic and current land disturbances, including overgrazing, trampling and soil disturbances associated with roads and ploughing activity.
Most of the identified habitats contained a number of weeds and alien plants, especially in the grass and forb growth form. The wetland habitats are typically
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invaded with species such as Bromus catharticus, Ciclospermum leptophyllum, Hypochaeris radicata, Oenothera rosea, Paspalum dilatatum, Plantago lanceolata, P. major, Tagetes minuta, Berula erecta and Senecio inornatus . Furthermore, overgrazed patches are characterised by grass species such as Eragrostis plana, E. micrantha, E. planiculmis and Sporobulus africanus . Historically ploughed lands within the temporary and seasonal zones are typically dominated by Bromus catharticus, Paspalum dilatatum, Eragrostis curvula, E. micrantha, Plantago lanceolata , and Nidorela resedifolia . Invasive alien species are relative low in total coverage and comprise mostly of Circium vulgare (Category 1b), Verbena bonariensis and V. officionalis (both Category 1b). The naturalised exotic tree Salix babylonica regularly occurs within the different wetland zones and may form locally dense riparian fringes. Furthermore, the shrubs, Pyracantha angustifolia and Rosa rubiginosa (both Category 1b) are regularly found throughout the wetland area, although these species never become very dense and dominant.
Aquatic habitats such as the back flooded pools and permanent inundated wetland areas are dominated by exotics plants within the forb layer and include; Mentha aquatica, Persicaria serrulata, Plantago lanceolata, Rumex crispus, Veronica anagallis-aquatica , and Berula erecta . Only one invasive alien plant was recorded within this habitat namely Nasturtium officinale (Category 2) which formed dense populations within a few isolated locations throughout these habitats.
The moist grassland habitat tends to comprise a number of herbaceous weeds especially within overgrazed areas. Seriphium plumosum may form moderately dense stands within such areas. Other dominant weeds and exotics include; Berkheya pinnatifida, Felicia muricata, Homeria pallida, Hypochaeris radicata, Oenothera tetraptera, Plantago lanceolata, Tagetes minuta, Kohautia amatymbica, Senecio inornatus as well as grasses such as Eragrostis plana, Eragrostis curvula, Hyparrhenia dregeana and Cynodon dactylon. Highly disturbed areas, such as eroded areas, fallow lands and areas bordering farm roads and ploughed lands are typically invaded with Circium vulgare (Category 1b), Bidens bipinnata, Bromus catharticus, Papaver aculeatum, Conyza bonariensis, Pseadognaphalium luteo album, Schkuhria pinnata, Tagetes minuta, Eragrostis curvula, Pentzia globose, Tragus racemose, T. berteronianus, Urochloa mosambicensis, Amaranthus thunbergii and Chloris virgata. The invasive alien plants; Xanthium strumarium, Argeomone ochroleuca and Datura vulgare (all Category 1b) were also recorded although these species where never abundant and were recorded in isolated locations, especially along the fringes of ploughed and fallow lands. Furthermore, the shrubs, Pyracantha angustifolia and Rosa rubiginosa (both Category 1b) are regularly found throughout this grassland area, although these species also never become very dense and dominant.
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The sandstone terraces as well as the mesas and talus slopes are probably the less disturbed areas with generally moderate-low levels of trampling and overgrazing as well as erosion. However, some isolated areas along the talus slopes have been relatively densely invaded with Rosa rubiginosa and Pyracantha angustifolia . Other weeds and exotics recorded within these habitats include; Bidens pilosa, Oenothera tetraptera, Aristida canescens, Geigeria burkei, Asparagus africanus and Tagetes minuta . Only one specimen of Opuntia ficus-indica (Category 1b) was recorded during the survey.
4.6 Fauna Survey
Mammals
The potential diversity of mammals within the study area is moderate with as many as 58 terrestrial mammals potentially occurring within the area. The diversity of habitat types found within the greater area, as well as within the study area itself provide a wide spectrum of niches that may potentially be occupied by these species. Habitat diversity within the greater environment includes grassy slopes, talus slopes, woodland pockets, mesas and plateaus of low mountains and hillocks, sandstone outcrops, grassy valleys, various forms of wetlands, riparian habitats and aquatic habitats associated with the Ash River as well as ploughed areas.
According to the ADU (2017) database the diversity of mammals within the 2828A Half Degree Grid and 2828AD Quarter Degree grid (QDG) is low to moderate with 13 species previously recorded with the 2828AD QDG and 32 species within the larger area (2828A). There are several factors present within and around the study area that reduce the potential occurrence of most of these species within the study area. Furthermore, most of the larger Bovine species and other larger mammalian species recorded within this degree grid, are animals that have been reintroduced into smaller reserves or form part of the agricultural practice (game farming), and do not occur within the municipal and communal grasslands. Such species include for example: Aepyceros melampus (Impala), Alcelaphus buselaphus (Hartebeest), Antidorcas marsupialis (Springbok ), Connochaetes gnou (Black Wildebeest), C. taurinus (Blue Wildebeest), Damaliscus pygargus (Blesbok), Hippotragus niger (Sable Antelope), Kobus ellipsiprymnus (Waterbuck), Tragelaphus strepsiceros (Greater Kudu) etc. Both Duiker ( Sylvicapra grimmia ) and Steenbok ( Raphicerus campestris ) are adaptable species that are able to tolerate high levels of human activity and are not likely to be highly sensitive to the disturbance associated with the development. Steenbok have been confirmed within the development footprint. Common Duiker, although not confirmed, will almost certainly also be present within the affected farm boundaries.
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Of the 13 species recorded within the affected QDG (2828AD), none were listed as Red Data species. However, within the greater environment (2828A DG) one species were recorded, containing Red Data status namely Serval – Leptailurus serval (Near Threatened). Such a species is likely to occur within the study area where suitable habitat is present (tall open grassland, normally near a water source).
Several factors present reduce the actual number of species present within the study area. This includes fractured landscape (fences of small grazing camps, roads etc.), surrounding agricultural practices (e.g. cultivation), the presence of large roads (such as R712 and S217) and other anthropogenic activities. The study area is highly fractured, especially cultivation practices creating small isolated islands of semi-natural habitats surrounded by cultivated lands. Most of these areas are associated with the wetland zones of the Ash River as well as the less arable steeper talus slopes, mesas and plateaus of the low mountains and hillocks. These areas, especially the grasslands associated with the wetlands and gradual slopes are relatively intensely grazed by livestock (cattle). Furthermore, ecological connectivity within the landscape have been greatly influenced by this fractured nature of the landscape as well as the alteration in the hydrological nature of the Ash River (increase in flow volume and velocity) largely preventing migration across (lateral) the River. Furthermore, it is expected that migration along the Ash River and associated as well as fringing habitats will not be greatly affected due to the small size of the development allowing for faunal species to simply move away from the development and utilize upstream as well as downstream habitats without any adverse impacts on migration patterns.
Most of these mammals recorded within the study area are mobile and will temporarily relocate if disturbed by human activity, e.g. construction. Once disturbance has subsided, some of these species will likely return to the general area (Refer to Appendix 2 for a list of potential species that may occur within the study area).
In general, the impact associated with the development on mammals can be regarded as low.
Reptiles
As a result of the wide range of habitats present within the study area as well as the surrounding environment the potential for a moderately rich reptilian representation is high.
However, only 6 reptilian species have been previously recorded within the 2828A Degree Grid (ADU 2017 database). Of the 6 reptilian species only 2 are regarded
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as regional endemics namely; Burchell’s Sand Lizard ( Lacertida pedioplanis burchelli ) and South African Slug-eater ( Duberria lutrix lutrix ).
No reptilian species have been recorded within the study area (refer to Appendix 3 for a list of potential species that may occur wihthin the study area).
In general, the impact associated with the development on reptiles can be regarded as low.
Amphibians
10 Amphibian species have been recorded within the 2828A degree grid namely: Amietophrynus capensis (Raucous Toad) Amietophrynus gutturali (Guttural Toad) Kassina senegalensis (Bubbling Kassina) Semnodactylus wealii (Rattling Frog) Xenopus laevis (Common Platanna) Amietia delalandii (Delalande’s River Frog) Amietia fuscigula (Cape River Frog) Cacosternum boettgeri (Common Caco) Strongylopus grayii (Clicking Stream Frog) and Tomopterna cryptotis (Tremelo Sand Frog) Of these 10 species, only 5 species were recorded within the 2828AD Quarter Degree Grid (ADU 2017 database) namely; Rattling Frog, Common Plantanna, Delalande’s River Frog, Cape River Frog and Clicking Stream Frog. None of these species have been listed within the Red Data List. Only one of these recorded species are regarded as a regional endemic namely Delalande’s River Frog ( Amietia delalandii )
Even though the main channel is relative hostile for such species due to the constant, high velocity flow of water with little vegetation cover, the associated back flooded areas and wetland habitats provide some valuable habitat for such amphibian species.
Four species have been recorded within the study area namely: Strongylopus grayii (Clicking Stream Frog), Amietophrynus rangeri (Raucous Toad), Semnodactylus wealii (Rattling Frog) and, Phrynobatrachus natalensis (Snoring Puddle Frog) None of these species are listed as a Red Data Species.
General faunal description of the study area.
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The main channel of the Ash River, as described earlier, is largely uninhabitable for faunal species due to the unstable and dynamic conditions associated with this system. However, the associated back flooded areas and wetland habitats (still intact) provide some valuable habitat for various faunal species. The reed and bulrush beds provide nesting habitat for Lesser Swamp Warbler ( Acrocephalus gracilirostris ), African Reed Warbler ( Acrocephalus baeticatus ), Levaillant’s Cisticola ( Cisticola tinniens ), Cape Weaver ( Ploceus capensis ), Southern Masked Weaver ( Ploceus velatus ), Southern Red Bishop ( Euplectes orix ). The reed and bulrush beds as well as the fringing tall sedge community provide foraging habitat for species such as Long-tailed Widowbird ( Euplectes progne ) and the Fan-tailed Widowbird ( Euplectes axillaris ). The open patches of water between the reed beds provide foraging as well as nesting habitat for waterfowl such as Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus ), Red-knobbed Coot ( Fulica cristata ), Yellow-billed Duck ( Anas undulata) and Hottentot Teal ( Anas hottentota ). The shallow inundated and semi- permanent fringes including mud flat provide foraging habitat for Hadeda Ibis (Bostrychia hagedash ), Black-headed Heron ( Ardea melanocephala ), Black-winged Stilt ( Himanotopus himantopus ), African Snipe ( Gallinago nigripennis ) and Tree- banded Plover ( Charadrius tricollaris ). Amphibian species recorded during the site visit within these pools included; Raucous Toad ( Amietophrynus rangeri ), Clicking Stream Frog ( Strongylopus grayii ) and possibly Tandy’s Sand Frog ( Tomopterna tandyi ). Mammal species that were found to utilise the shallower portions of these pools as well as the surrounding seasonal areas includes; African Marsh Rat (Dasymys incomtus ), White-tailed Mongoose ( Ichneumia albicauda ) and the Water Mongoose ( Atilax paludinosus ). Other mammal species with a likelihood to be associated with this habitat and the surrounding seasonal areas includes; Reddish- grey Musk Shrew ( Crocidura cyanea ), Greater Cane-rat ( Thryonomys swinderianus), Brants’s Climbing Mouse ( Dendromus mesomelas ), Multimammate Mouse ( Mastomys spp.), Southern African Vlei Rat ( Otomys irroratus ), Sloggett’s Rat ( Myotomys sloggetti ) and Cape Clawless Otter ( Aonyx capensis ).
Within the seasonally inundated sedge and grassy floodplains the Rattling Frog (Semnodactylus wealii ) and Snoring Puddle Frog ( Phrynobatrachus natalensis ) were recorded. These areas were furthermore also frequented by Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gamensis ).
The tall Hyparrhenia dregeana patches may potentially provide suitable habitat for Serval ( Leptailurus serval ).
Diversity within the exotic Salix babylonica riparian fringes were relative low although the large patch identified, in the centre of the study area contained signs of the African Mole-rat ( Cryptomys hottentotus ). No faunal activity was confirmed within the Leucosidea sericea riparian fringe, however this is suitable habitat for South African Hedgehog ( Atelerix frontalis ).
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Species recorded with the moist grassland included Steenbok ( Raphicerus campestris ), Yellow Mongoose ( Cynictis penicillata ), Black-backed Jackal ( Canis meomelas ) and Scrub Hare ( Lepus saxatilis ). Other species likely to occur within this habitat include; Cape porcupine ( Hystrix africaeaustralis ), Spring Hare (Pedetes capensis ) White-tailed Mouse ( Mystromys albicaudatus ) – Vulnerable, Suricate ( Suricata suricatta ). Tremitarias were not abundant within the study area and as such it is expected that species that are more or less dependent on these tremitarias for foraging as well as borrowing will have a lower potential of occurring within the study area. Such species include, Aardwolf ( Proteles cristatus ), Aardvark (Orycteropus afer ) and Lesser Dwarf Shrew ( Suncus varilla ).
Sandstone outcroppings and steep talus slopes was expected to yield indications of higher diversity than the surrounding moist grassland due to a wide variety of micro habitats. However, few indications of faunal diversity were present within these habitats. Signs of Hewitt’s Red Rock Rabbit ( Pronolagus saundersiae ) were found with the northern portion of the study area (sandstone outcroppings). Within some outcroppings Halleria lucida (tree fuchsia or white olive) was severely browsed and as such occurred as stunted forms. Rock Hyrax ( Procavia capensis ) are typically the culprits severely browsing these shrubs and maintaining them at such a height. A few specimens of Opistacanthus validus (Rock Scorpion) were found under numerous rocks and were quite abundant.
4.7 Site Sensitivity Assessment
The sensitivity map for the proposed hydroelectric power facilities are depicted below in Figures 11, 12 and 13.
For Middle Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Facility: The bulk of the facility will be located within ploughed lands and highly overgrazed and subsequently transformed patches of temporary saturated as well as moist grasslands. These areas have been classified as low sensitive and medium-low sensitive. Minimal development will occur within the medium-high sensitive, permanent saturated and back flooded habitats. These are artificial habitats which have been created due to the damming effect of the weir, however these areas provide some habitat for a moderate diversity of faunal species. These areas however are not regarded as important areas and furthermore, the minimal loss of these habitat will not greatly impact on the integrity of this area as such proposed loss of these habitats are regarded as acceptable.
For Lower Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Facility: This facility will traverse much the same habitat types than Middle Kruisvallei, with the bulk of the development
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occurring within historically ploughed lands as well as portions of highly overgrazed and transformed forms of the moist grassland habitat. The northern portion of the development will traverse a rocky outcrop which was relative species poor (flora and fauna) as well as a portion the seepage and the Leucosidea sericea riparian fringe which is regarded as medium-low sensitive. As within the case of Middle Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Facility, minimal development will occur within the medium-high sensitive, permanent saturated and back flooded habitats. The minimal loss of these habitat will not greatly impact on the integrity of this area as such proposed loss of these habitats are regarded as acceptable.
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Figure 11: Ecological Sensitivity Map of the proposed hydroelectric facilities
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Figure 12: Ecological Sensitivity Map of the proposed Middle Kruisvallei Hydroelectric facility.
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Figure 13: Ecological Sensitivity Map of the proposed Lower Kruisvallei Hydroelectric facility.
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5 IMPACT ASSESSMENT
5.1 Identification of Potential Impacts
ASSUMPTIONS The following is assumed and/or known: » A thorough ecological investigation of all footprint areas will be conducted to detect, and relocate where possible; all plant species of conservation concern by a suitably qualified botanist prior to commencement of construction. ••• Such investigation must be carried out at a time when the maximum amount of species is actively growing and thus visible. » Prior to development and after construction the development footprint will be routinely cleared of all alien invasive plants if detected. » The construction phase itself will be associated with clearing of vegetation within the development footprint only. » All removal of vegetation for construction purposes will be done mechanically, without the use of herbicides unless deemed absolutely necessary and with the authorisation of the ECO and/or EO. » A continuous vegetation layer is the most important aspect of ecosystem functionality within and beyond the project site. ••• A weakened or absent vegetation layer not only exposes the soil surface, but also lacks the binding and absorption capacity that creates the buffering functionality of vegetation to prevent or lessen erosion as a result of floods.
Potential ecological impacts resulting from the proposed development would stem from a variety of different activities and risk factors associated with the construction and operation phases of the project including the following: » Human presence and uncontrolled access to the site may result in negative impacts on fauna and flora through poaching of fauna and uncontrolled collection of plants for traditional medicine or other purpose. Construction Phase » Site clearing and exploration activities for site establishment » Vegetation clearing will impact listed plant species. Vegetation clearing would also lead to the loss of vegetation communities and habitats for fauna and potentially the loss of faunal species, habitats and ecosystems. On a larger and cumulative scale (if numerous and uncontrolled developments are allowed to occur in the future) the
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loss of these vegetation communities and habitats may potentially lead to a change in the ability of this vegetation type and associated features to fulfil its ecological responsibilities (functions). Although the above impact is most likely to be low. It is expected that the impact will be mostly local (concentrated within the proposed development areas and within the immediate surrounding areas). » Soil compaction and increased erosion risk would occur due to the loss of plant cover and soil disturbance created during the construction phase. This may potentially impact the downstream wetlands and aquatic habitats, mainly due to an increase of surface water and silt inflow from the surrounding disturbed areas, as well as the potential expansion of erosion gullies and rills into these systems. These potential impacts may result in a reduction in the buffering capacities of the landscape during extreme weather events. » Invasion by alien plants may be attributed to excessive disturbance to vegetation, creating a window of opportunity for the establishment of these alien invasive species. In addition, regenerative material of alien invasive species may be introduced to the site by machinery traversing through areas with such plants or materials that may contain regenerative materials of such species . » Presence and operation of construction machinery on site. This will create a physical impact as well as generate noise, potential pollution and other forms of disturbance at the site. » Increased human presence can lead to poaching, illegal plant harvesting and other forms of disturbance such as fire. Operation Phase » The facility will require management and if this is not done appropriately, it could impact adjacent intact areas through impacts such as erosion and the invasion of alien plant species. Cumulative Impacts » The loss of unprotected vegetation types on a cumulative basis from the broad area may impact the countries’ ability to meet its conservation targets. » Transformation of intact, sensitive habitats could compromise the ecological functioning of these habitats and may contribute to the fragmentation of the landscape and would potentially disrupt the connectivity of the landscape for fauna and flora and impair their ability to respond to environmental fluctuations. » The loss of biodiversity may be exacerbated. » Invasion of exotics and invasive species into the broader area may also potentially be exacerbated.
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The following impacts are identified as the major impacts that are likely to be associated with the development and which are assess for the development.
Impacts on vegetation and protected plant species
The most likely and significant impact will be on the vegetation. The proposed development will lead to the general loss of vegetation within the development footprint area.
Direct and Indirect Faunal impacts
Faunal species will primarily be affected by the overall loss of habitat. Increased levels of noise, pollution, disturbance and human presence may be detrimental to fauna. Sensitive and shy fauna would move away from the area, while some slow- moving species and species confined and dependant on specified habitats would not be able to avoid the construction activities and might be killed. Some mammals and reptiles may be vulnerable to illegal collection or poaching during the construction phase as a result of the large number of construction personnel that are likely to be present. This impact is highly likely to occur during the construction-phase and would also potentially occur with resident fauna within the facility after construction. Disturbance of faunal species can be maintained to a minimum and low significance by implementing effective mitigation measures.
Alien Plant Invasion
Major factors contributing to invasion by alien invader plants includes habitat disturbance and associated destruction of indigenous vegetation. Consequences of this may include:
» further loss and displacement of indigenous vegetation; » change in vegetation structure leading to change in various habitat characteristics; » change in plant species composition; » change in soil chemistry properties; » loss of sensitive habitats; » loss or disturbance to individuals of rare, endangered, endemic and/or protected species; » fragmentation of sensitive habitats; » change in flammability of vegetation, depending on alien species; » hydrological impacts due to increased transpiration and runoff; and » impairment of wetland function.
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Although the potential severity of this impact may be high, it can be easily mitigated through regular alien control.
Soil erosion and associated degradation of ecosystems
Soil erosion is a frequent risk due to vegetation clearance and disturbance associated with the construction phase of the development and may continue occurring throughout the operational phase. Hard impenetrable surfaces will generate an increase in runoff during intense rainfall events and may exaggerate the effects of erosion.
With effective mitigation measures in place including regular monitoring the occurrence, spread and potential cumulative effects of erosion may be limited to an absolute minimum.
Impacts on wetlands and watercourses
Construction will lead to some local, direct loss of or damage to wetlands and the watercourse itself. However, both of the facilities are located within already disturbed areas and the significance on these habitats are regarded as relative low to moderate low. This may potentially lead to downstream impacts that affect a greater extent of wetlands or impact on wetland function and biodiversity. Where these habitats are already stressed due to degradation and transformation, the loss may lead to increased vulnerability (susceptibility to future damage) of the habitat. Physical alteration to wetlands can have an impact on the functioning of those wetlands. Consequences may include:
• increased loss of soil; • loss of/or disturbance to indigenous wetland vegetation; • loss of sensitive wetland habitats; • loss or disturbance to individuals of rare, endangered, endemic and/or protected species that occur in wetlands; • fragmentation of sensitive habitats; • impairment of wetland function; • change in channel morphology in downstream wetlands, potentially leading to further loss of wetland vegetation; and • reduction in water quality in wetlands downstream.
Impacts on the Ecological Support Areas (as classified within the Free State Biodiversity Plan)
According to the Free State Biodiversity Plan the proposed developments falls within an ESA 2. Due to the relative small footprint of the proposed developments (Middle and Lower Kruisvallei Hydroelectric plants) as well as the fact that most of
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the study area is located on transformed and disturbed land (cultivation, grazing regime and erosion) the impact on this ESA 2 area is relative low and will not influence the buffering capacity of this area.
Cumulative impacts due to other Hydroelectrical Power Schemes along the Ash River.
Currently there are 4 other Hydroelectrical Power Schemes proposed and operational along the Ash River (within a 30km radius) namely: » Boston Hydroelectrical Power Scheme » Stortemelk Hydroelectrical Power Scheme; » Merino Hydroelectrical Power Scheme; and » Sol Plaatje Hydro Power Plant.
Probably the most significant impact is the potential change in the hydrological characteristics of the Ash River, especially downstream and may include changes in; » water chemistry, » turbidity, » pH, and » temperature (water quality) due to an increase in sediment input » These alterations may also be furthermore affected by the modification of the flow nature within these isolated areas. Such changes may indirectly result in downstream habitats becoming morphologically altered.
Another cumulative impact relating to these developments are the loss of habitats, especially wetland and riparian habitats locally as well as downstream. Such loss may in turn alter faunal and floral species composition and cause a general reduction in the areas biodiversity. Such loss of habitats and associated biota may be a consequence of: » Increase loss of soil; or » siltation of deeper pools and backflooded areas; » loss of/or disturbance to indigenous wetland and riparian vegetation; » loss of sensitive habitats and unique habitats; » fragmentation of habitats; » impairment of wetland functions; » change in channel morphology (including downstream), and a » reduction in water quality.
The extent, magnitude and significance of these impacts are greatly influence and largely overshadowed by current impacts present throughout the Ash River and most notably associated with the Ash River Outfall and agricultural practices along
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this river. Even without these proposed developments the Ash River is in a highly transformed and disturbed condition, with its hydrological and morphological character being highly modified. When including these developments, this current condition of the Ash River is not likely to further significantly deteriorate. Most of these developments are situated within already transformed habitats and it is likely that the impacts will be of a more local extent with a small cumulative impact.
5.2 Assessment of Impacts
The major impacts (identified above) that, may potentially or likely will occur, are assessed below, during the construction and operational phase as well as before and after mitigation. Due to the fact that both facilities will potentially occupy similar habitats the assessment of impact for these facilities will be very similar and as such the assessment done is applicable for both facilities. Furthermore, in terms of Decommissioning, the plant will rather be refurbished and upgraded to prolong its life. Subsequently most impacts relating to this phase will be similar to the construction phase with no additional impacts likely to occur.
Construction and Planning Phase Impacts
Impact 1: Impacts on vegetation and protected plant species Impact Nature : Impacts on vegetation would occur due to vegetation clearance associated with the construction of the facility and the situation will be maintained through the operational phase.
The most likely consequences include: » local loss of habitat (to an extent as a natural ground covering will be maintained where possible); » very small and local disturbance to processes maintaining local biodiversity and ecosystem goods and services; and » a potential loss of a few local protected species. Without Mitigation With Mitigation
Extent Local (2) Local (1)
Duration Permanent (5) Long-term (4)
Magnitude Moderate (6) Low (4)
Probability Highly Probable (4) Probable (3)
Significance Medium (52) Low (27)
Status Negative Slightly Negative
Reversibility Low Moderate
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Irreplaceable loss of resources Moderate loss of resources Slight loss of resources
To some extent. Areas of vegetation will be replaced with Can impacts be infrastructure and hard surfaces. The only recommended mitigated? mitigation is to ensure that all activities occur within the development footprint with no disturbance of vegetation outside of the development boundary. » An additional walkthrough by a botanical specialist will not be necessary prior to the commencement of vegetation clearance. However, it is recommended that the appointed ECO/EO are made aware of the potential species especially geophytes that were not actively growing during this survey. » Vegetation clearing to be kept to a minimum. No unnecessary vegetation to be cleared. » All construction vehicles should adhere to clearly defined and demarcated roads. No driving outside of the development boundary. » Construction activities within the back flooded habitat as well as the Leucosidea sericea riparian fringe should Mitigation be maintained to an absolute minimum (only within the pre-determined footprint area). Any activities or movement outside of the pre-determined area should be avoided as far as possible. » Rehabilitation of disturbed areas are crucial: Disturbed areas containing no infrastructure and hard surfaces should be rehabilitated with natural vegetation as soon as possible to avoid the potential of erosion. Natural indigenous species applicable to the specific habitat should be used and the area should be monitored on a monthly basis to ensure effective rehabilitation and to avoid erosion and the invasion with weeds and alien invasive species. Monitoring should continue until the level of rehabilitation is satisfactory. Cumulative impacts on vegetation are likely to be very low Cumulative Impacts given the fact that most habitats along the Ash River are already in a disturbed and transformed condition and given the limited expected footprint of the two facilities. Extent Local - Regional (3) Local (1)
Duration Long-term (4) Long-term (4)
Magnitude Moderate (6) Minor (3)
Probability Improbable (2) Improbable (2)
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Significance Low (26) Low (16)
Status Slightly negative Neutral
Reversibility High High
Irreplaceable loss of resources No loss No loss
Residual Impacts Some loss of vegetation is inevitable and cannot be avoided.
Impact 2: Faunal Impacts due to construction activities.
Impact Nature : Construction activities such as the operation of heavy machinery and the presence of construction personnel at the site could result in direct (e.g. road mortalities) and indirect impacts as a result of noise and dust pollution on terrestrial fauna at the site during construction.
The most likely consequences include: » reduction in area of occupancy of some of the affected species. Without Mitigation With Mitigation
Extent Local (1) Local (1)
Duration Long-term (4) Short-term (2)
Magnitude Low (4) Minor (2)
Probability Highly Probable (4) Probable (3)
Significance Medium (36) Low (15)
Status Negative Slightly Negative
Reversibility Medium High
Irreplaceable loss of resources Slight loss of resources No
Noise and disturbance during the construction phase cannot be avoided but would be transient in nature and with Can impacts be appropriate mitigation; no long-term impacts from the mitigated? construction phase can be expected if the development is strictly maintained within the pre-determined footprint area.
Mitigation » Site access should be controlled and no unauthorised persons should be allowed onto the site.
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» Any fauna directly threatened by the construction activities should be removed to a safe location by the ECO or other suitably qualified person. » The collection, hunting or harvesting of any plants or animals at the site should be strictly forbidden. Personnel should not be allowed to wander off the demarcated construction site. » Fires should not be allowed on site. » A firebreak should be maintained around the development boundary to avoid potential fires occurring within the facility from spreading into the surrounding grasslands, subsequently posing a threat to faunal species occurring within the surrounding environment. » All hazardous materials should be stored in the appropriate manner to prevent contamination of the site. Any accidental chemical, fuel and oil spills that occur at the site should be cleaned up in the appropriate manner as related to the nature of the spill. » All construction vehicles should adhere to a low speed limit to avoid collisions with susceptible species such as snakes and tortoises. » Construction activities within the back flooded habitat should be maintained to an absolute minimum (only within the pre-determined footprint area). Any activities or movement outside of the pre-determined area should be avoided as far as possible. The construction of the infrastructure would contribute to cumulative disturbance and habitat loss for fauna, but the Cumulative Impacts contribution would be very small and is not considered significant.
Extent Local (1) Local (1)
Duration Long-term (4) Long-term (4)
Magnitude Small (0) Small (0)
Probability Improbable (2) Improbable (2)
Significance Low (10) Low (10)
Status Neutral Neutral
Reversibility High High
Irreplaceable loss of resources No loss No loss
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Residual Impacts Residual impacts would be very low.
Impact 3: Potential Impacts on wetlands and watercourses .
Impact Nature : Construction may potentially lead to some direct or indirect loss of or damage to some wetland portions. These wetlands however, have already been altered and transformed, subsequently loosing much of its functions and services due to agricultural activities as well as the impacts associated with the Ash River outfall.
Impacts include » the spread / expansion of potential erosion areas from the development area into the wetlands; » further increase in the surface water budged of the wetlands, due to an increase in volume and velocity of surface water flow from the cleared construction areas into the downstream wetlands, and may result in the loss of natural wetland vegetation and formation of erosion gullies outside of the development footprint areas.
The potential for these impacts to occur can furthermore be eluded with diligent and effective mitigation measures in place.
Without Mitigation With Mitigation
Extent Local - Regional (3) Local (2)
Duration Long-term (4) Short-term (2)
Magnitude Moderate (7) Low (4)
Probability Highly Probable (4) Probable (3)
Significance Medium (56) Low (24)
Status Negative Neutral – Slightly Negative
Reversibility Low High Irreplaceable loss of Potential loss of important No resources resources. Can impacts be Yes. mitigated? » Any areas disturbed during the construction phase should be encouraged to rehabilitate as fast and effective as possible. » Natural indigenous species applicable to the specific habitat should be used and the area should be Mitigation monitored on a monthly basis by the Environmental Control Officer (ECO) to ensure effective rehabilitation and to avoid erosion and the invasion with weeds and alien invasive species. Monitoring should continue until the level of rehabilitation is satisfactory. » No unnecessary vegetation clearance may be allowed.
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» Any eroded areas observed should be rehabilitated as soon as possible. • Re-instate as much or the eroded area to its pre- disturbed, “natural” geometry (no change in inelevation and any banks not to be steepened). • Install protective works (e.g. gabions, reno- mattresses) to stabilise and protect unstable banks. • Earthern berms or plugs, rock packs or gabions may be used for the plugging of erosion gullies. • For the earthern structures used to fill erosion points, the soil used needs to be properly compacted to ensure this is not vulnerable to erosion • The area should then be allowed to re-vegetate itself (any activities and human movement within these areas should be avoided as far as possible). An increase in surface water flow as well as erosion from this these facilities as well as the Merino-, Boston- , Stortemelk- and Stortemelk Hydroelectric facilities and any other potential development within close proximity to the Ash River may potentially have a cumulative impact on Cumulative Impacts these systems through siltation, change in water quality, loss of vegetation and fragmentation or loss of habitat (immediate as well as downstream habitats). However, as mentioned this system is already in a highly altered condition, mainly due to the Ash River Outfall. Extent Local - Regional (3) Local (2)
Duration Long-term (4) Medium-term (3)
Magnitude Moderate (6) Low (4)
Probability Probable (3) Improbable (2)
Significance Medium (39) Low (18)
Status Negative Neutral
Reversibility High High
Irreplaceable loss of resources Limited loss of resources No loss
A limited area will be altered although these facilities is located within a largely disturbed area with limited Residual Impacts ecological functioning and as such the residual impact on functions and services will be very limited.
Impact 4: Potential increased erosion risk during construction .
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Impact Nature : During construction, there will be a lot of disturbed and loose soil at the site which will render the area vulnerable to erosion. Erosion is probably one of the greatest risk factors associated with the development and it is therefore critically important that proper erosion control structures are built and maintained over the lifespan of the project.
Without Mitigation With Mitigation
Extent Local (2) Local (1)
Duration Long term (4) Medium term (3)
Magnitude Moderate (6) Small (2)
Probability Highly Probable (4) Probable (3)
Significance Medium (48) Low (18)
Status Negative Negative
Reversibility Moderate High
Irreplaceable loss of resources Slight loss of resources No
Can impacts be Yes mitigated?
» Sediment barriers (sandbags, retaining walls etc.) should be placed appropriately in areas earmarked as high risk areas in order to prevent erosion as far as possible. » Any erosion problems observed should be rectified immediately and monitored thereafter to ensure that they do not re-occur. » All bare areas, affected by the development, should be re-vegetated with locally occurring species, to bind the soil and limit erosion potential. » Re-instate as much of the eroded area to its pre- Mitigation disturbed, “natural” geometry (no change in elevation and any banks not to be steepened) » Install protective works (e.g. gabions, reno-mattresses) to stabilise and protect unstable banks. » Earthern berms or plugs, rock packs or gabions may be used for the plugging of erosion gullies. » For the earthern structures used to fill erosion points, the soil used needs to be properly compacted to ensure this is not vulnerable to erosion. » Roads and other disturbed areas should be regularly monitored for erosion problems and problem areas should receive follow-up monitoring by the EO to assess the success of the remediation.
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» Silt traps should be used where there is a danger of topsoil or material stockpiles eroding and entering watercourses and other sensitive areas. » Topsoil should be removed and stored separately and should be reapplied where appropriate as soon as possible in order to encourage and facilitate rapid regeneration of the natural vegetation on cleared areas. » Practical phased development and vegetation clearing should be practiced so that cleared areas are not left un-vegetated and vulnerable to erosion for extended periods of time. Cumulative impacts within the surrounding environment due to the spread of erosion beyond the initial disturbed area and on steeper slopes or vulnerable soil types would continue to spread into intact areas even with a good Cumulative Impacts vegetation cover. Furthermore, the eroded material could enter the drainage and wetland system within the surrounding area and may impact on these systems through siltation of pools and changes in the chemistry and turbidity of the water.
Extent Local - Regional (3) Local (2)
Duration Long-term (4) Short duration (2)
Magnitude Moderate (7) Low (4)
Probability Probable (2) Improbable (2)
Significance Low (28) Low (16)
Status Negative Slightly Neutral
Reversibility High High
Irreplaceable loss of resources Limited loss of resources No loss
With appropriate avoidance and mitigation residual impacts Residual Impacts will be very low.
Operation Phase Impacts
Impact 1: Increased alien plant invasion during operation
Impact Nature : The disturbed and bare ground that is likely to be present at the site after construction will leave the site vulnerable to alien plant invasion for some time, and pose a potential threat to surrounding grasslands and wetlands.
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Without Mitigation With Mitigation
Extent Local (2) Local (1)
Duration Long-term (4) Short-term (2)
Magnitude Moderate (6) Minor (2)
Probability Highly Probable (4) Improbable (2)
Significance Medium (48) Low (10)
Status Negative Slightly Negative
Reversibility No High
Irreplaceable loss of Potential loss of resources No resources
Can impacts be Yes, to a large extent mitigated?
» A site-specific eradication and management programme for alien invasive plants should be included in the Operation Environmental Management Programme (OEMPr). » Regular monitoring by the EO for alien plants at the site should occur and could be conducted simultaneously with erosion monitoring. » When alien plants are detected, these should be controlled and cleared using the recommended control Mitigation measures for each species to ensure that the problem is not exacerbated or does not re-occur. » Clearing methods should themselves aim to keep disturbance to a minimum. » Chemical treatment of alien invasive species should be avoided as far as possible, especially within the wetlands. » No planting or importing any listed invasive alien plant species (all Category 1a, 1b and 2 invasive species) to the site for landscaping, rehabilitation or any other purpose. Cumulative impacts within the surrounding environment due to the spread and settlement of alien invasive species Cumulative Impacts beyond the initial disturbed area will lead to the replacement of natural indigenous vegetation and subsequently in natural grazing land etc.
Extent Local - Regional (2) Local (1)
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Duration Long-term (4) Short-term (2)
Magnitude Moderate (6) Small (0)
Probability Probable (3) Improbable (2)
Significance Medium (36) Low (6)
Status Negative Slightly Negative to Neutral
Reversibility Moderate High
Irreplaceable loss of resources Yes No
With appropriate avoidance and mitigation residual impacts Residual Impacts will be very low.
Impact 2: Faunal Impacts due to operation.
Impact Nature : The operation and presence of the facility may lead to disturbance or persecution of fauna within or adjacent to the facility.
Without Mitigation With Mitigation
Extent Local (1) Local (1)
Duration Long term (4) Long term (4)
Magnitude Minor (2) Small (1)
Probability Probable (3) Improbable (2)
Significance Low (21) Low (12)
Status Negative Negative
Reversibility Moderate Moderate
Irreplaceable loss of resources No No
Can impacts be Some aspects such as those relating to human activity can mitigated? be mitigated, but habitat loss cannot be mitigated
» No unauthorised persons should be allowed onto the site. Mitigation » Small faunal species should be prevented from entering the canal by using a screen/fence around the channel.
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» Any potentially dangerous fauna such as snakes or fauna threatened by the maintenance and operational activities should be removed to a safe location. » The collection, hunting or harvesting of any plants or animals at the site should be strictly forbidden. » All hazardous materials should be stored in the appropriate manner to prevent contamination of the site. Any accidental chemical, fuel and oil spills that occur at the site should be cleaned up in the appropriate manner as related to the nature of the spill. » All vehicles accessing the site should adhere to a low speed limit (40km/h max) to avoid collisions with susceptible species such as snakes and tortoises. The development would contribute to cumulative habitat Cumulative Impacts loss for fauna, but the contribution would be very small and is not considered significant.
Extent Local (2) Local (1)
Duration Long-term (4) Long-term (4)
Magnitude Minor (1) Small (0)
Probability Improbable (2) Very Improbable (1)
Significance Low (14) Low (5)
Status Negative Neutral
Reversibility High High
Irreplaceable loss of resources Yes No
Some habitat loss is an inevitable consequence of the Residual Impacts development and cannot be fully mitigated.
Impact 3: Increased erosion risk during operation.
Impact Nature : Increased erosion risk as a result of soil disturbance and loss of vegetation cover as well as increased runoff generated from hard impenetrable surfaces.
Without Mitigation With Mitigation
Extent Local (2) Local (1)
Duration Long term (4) Short term (2)
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Magnitude Moderate (6) Small (1)
Probability Probable (3) Improbable (2)
Significance Medium (36) Low (8)
Status Negative Slightly Negative
Reversibility Moderate High
Irreplaceable loss of resources Slight loss of resources No
Can impacts be Yes mitigated?
» All roads and other hardened surfaces should have runoff control features which redirect water flow and dissipate any energy in the water which may pose an erosion risk. » Regular monitoring for erosion after construction to ensure that no erosion problems have developed as Mitigation result of the disturbance. » All erosion problems observed should be rectified as soon as possible, using the appropriate erosion control structures and revegetation techniques. » All cleared areas should be revegetated, preferably with indigenous perennial grasses (no invasive plants may be used). The eroded material may enter the watercourse and downstream wetlands and may have significant impact on Cumulative Impacts these systems through siltation of pools and changes in the chemistry and turbidity of the water.
Extent Local - Regional (3) Local (1)
Duration Long-term (4) Very Short (1)
Magnitude Moderate (7) Small (0)
Probability Probable (3) Improbable (2)
Significance Medium (42) Low (4)
Status Negative Slightly Negative to Neutral
Reversibility Moderate Potential High
Irreplaceable loss of resources Yes No
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If erosion at the site is controlled, then there will be no Residual Impacts residual impact.
Cumulative Impacts
Impact 1: Reduced ability to meet conservation obligations and targets
Impact Nature : The loss of unprotected vegetation types on a cumulative basis from the broad area may impact the country’s ability to meet its conservation targets.
Overall impact of the Cumulative impact of the proposed project project and other projects considered in isolation in the area
Extent Local (1) Local (1)
Duration Long-term (4) Long-term (4)
Magnitude Small (1) Minor (2)
Probability Very Improbable (1) Improbable (2)
Significance Low (6) Low (14)
Status Negative Negative
Reversibility Low Low
Irreplaceable loss of resources Low Low
Confidence in findings High High
The loss or transformation of the small patch of semi- natural grassland and some portions of local wetlands Can impacts be associated with the Ash River cannot be avoided within mitigated? the development footprint area, although any disturbance of semi-natural grassland and wetlands outside of the footprint area can be successfully avoided. » The development footprint should be kept to a minimum and natural vegetation should be encouraged to return to disturbed areas. Mitigation » An open space management plan should be developed for the site, which should include management of biodiversity within the fenced area, as well as that in the adjacent rangeland.
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The loss of intact vegetation would persist for at least the Residual Impacts lifetime of the facility and probably longer as the full biodiversity value is unlikely to be restored.
Impact 2: Negative impact on the ecological support area.
Impact Nature : Disturbance, transformation and loss of habitat will potentially have a negative effect on the buffering capacity of the area as well as potential faunal movement.
Overall impact of the Cumulative impact of the proposed project project and other considered in isolation projects in the area
Extent Local (1) Local (1)
Duration Long-term (4) Long-term (4)
Magnitude Small (1) Minor (2)
Probability Very Improbable (1) Very Improbable (1)
Significance Low (6) Low (7)
Status Negative Negative
Reversibility Low Low
Irreplaceable loss of resources Low Low
Confidence in findings High High
Can impacts be mitigated? Yes
» The development footprint should be kept to a minimum and natural vegetation should be encouraged to return to disturbed areas. Mitigation » An open space management plan should be developed for the site, which should include management of biodiversity within the fenced area, as well as that in the adjacent rangeland. Due to the size of the proposed facilities and the fact that Residual Impacts these facilities are located on already disturbed areas the residual impact is expected to be very low.
Impact 3: Potential alteration in the hydrological characteristics of the Ash River as a result of numerous hydroelectrical developments within the Ash River.
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Impact Nature : Potential alteration in the hydrological characteristics of the Ash River, especially downstream and may include changes in; » water chemistry, » turbidity, » pH, and » temperature (water quality) due to an increase in sediment input.
These alterations may also be furthermore affected by the modification of the flow nature within these isolated areas. Overall impact of the Cumulative impact of the proposed project project and other considered in isolation projects in the area
Extent Local (1) Regional (3)
Duration Long-term (4) Long-term (4)
Magnitude Minor (2) Low (3)
Probability Improbable (2) Probable (3)
Significance Low (14) Medium (30)
Status Neutral to Slightly Negative Slightly Negative
Reversibility High Moderate to Low
Irreplaceable loss of resources Low Low to Moderate Potential
Confidence in findings High High
Can impacts be mitigated? Yes
» Refer to mitigation measures provided for: • Impacts on wetlands and watercourses; Mitigation • Potential increased erosion risk during construction; and • Increased erosion risk during operation Due to the size of the proposed facilities and the fact that Residual Impacts these facilities are located on already disturbed areas the residual impact is expected to be very low.
Impact 4: Potential loss of habitats, especially wetland and riparian habitats locally as well as downstream.
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Impact Nature : Loss of habitats, especially wetland and riparian habitats locally as well as downstream.
Such loss may in turn alter faunal and floral species composition and cause a general reduction in the areas biodiversity.
Such loss of habitats and associated biota may be a consequence of: » Increase loss of soil; or » siltation of deeper pools and backflooded areas; » loss of/or disturbance to indigenous wetland and riparian vegetation; » loss of sensitive habitats and unique habitats; » fragmentation of habitats; » impairment of wetland functions; » change in channel morphology (including downstream), and » a reduction in water quality. Overall impact of the Cumulative impact of the proposed project project and other considered in isolation projects in the area
Extent Local (1) Local (2)
Duration Long-term (4) Long-term (4)
Magnitude Minor (2) Low (4)
Probability Improbable (2) Probable (3)
Significance Low (14) Medium (30)
Status Neutral to Slightly Negative Slightly Negative
Reversibility High Moderate to Low
Irreplaceable loss of resources Low Low to Moderate Potential
Confidence in findings High High
Can impacts be mitigated? Yes
» Refer to mitigation measures provided for: • Impacts on vegetation and protected plant species; • Faunal impacts due to construction and operation; Mitigation • Potential impacts on wetlands and watercourses; • Potential increased erosion risk during construction; and • Increased erosion risk during operation
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Due to the size of the proposed facilities and the fact that Residual Impacts these facilities are located on already disturbed areas the residual impact is expected to be very low.
6 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
According to the classification of vegetation types of South Africa by Mucina and Rutherford (2006) the proposed footprint area of the Kruisvallei Hydroelectrical Power Generation Scheme (both Lower and Middle Kruisvallei Hydroelectrical facilities) is situated within Easter Free State Sandy Grassland which is classified as Endangered according to Mucina & Rutherford (2006), but is not listed within the List of Threatened Ecosystems (NEM:BA Act No 10 of 2004). Furthermore, this area is included within the Free State Biodiversity Plan as an Ecological Support Area. However, during the study it was determined that very little of this vegetation type remained within the study area, with most of the valleys are under cultivations. Other disturbances included fallow lands and historically cultivated lands which now have been reinstated with general grasses and weedy forbs. Small fragmented patches of Eastern Free State Sandy Grassland within the Ash River valley persist between these cultivated and transformed areas and are, and have been for a long time, subjected to intense grazing with livestock (cattle). This have resulted in some of the natural occurring species being replaced with more resilient and unpalatable grasses and weeds. As such it is highly unlikely that this development will have any significant impact on the status of the remaining natural extent of this vegetation type as well as the ability of this area to function as a ESA 2 area (provide buffering to the surrounding natural areas as well as potential migration routes).
In terms of plant species composition and growth patterns, nine vegetation units (habitats) were identified, of which seven units are associated with the aquatic and wetland zones and only two are associated with the terrestrial zone. All of the units associated with the terrestrial zone have been classified as low sensitivity due to the moderate to high levels of disturbance associated with these units and includes; transformation due to excessive long-term grazing, transformation due to cultivation, some soil capping as well as some localized sheet erosion and the invasion by weeds and alien invasive forbs. Most of the units associated with the temporary and seasonally saturated wetland zones have been classified as medium-low due disturbances such as channel alteration (deepening and erosion), hydrological alteration (lowering of flooding and saturation regimes and even the loss of such processes in some areas), grazing and trampling by livestock and invasion with invasive alien plants such as Salix babylonica and numerous herbaceous species. These disturbances have greatly altered (decreased) the ecological functions of these units. The permanently inundated vegetation units
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have been classified as Medium-High Sensitive, mainly due to the fact that these units provide valuable habitats for faunal species. These habitats will be minimally impacted by the proposed developments. Minimal loss of these habitat will not greatly impact on the integrity of this area as such proposed loss of these habitats are regarded as acceptable.
Due to the relative small size of the proposed hydroelectric as well as the location of the facilities, minimal loss of natural and semi-natural vegetation will occur as most of the developments will occur within disturbed and transformed habitats (42% for Lower Kruisvallei and 83% for Middle Kruisvallei). Only 3.767ha (49%) of semi-natural to natural vegetation will likely be impacted by the proposed Lower Kruisvallei development whilst only 3.402ha (17%) will likely be impacted by the proposed Middle Kruisvallei development.
With regards to species of conservation importance, only one Red Data species was recorded within the study area namely Boophone disticha (Declining), however this species occurred outside of the development footprint area of both hydroelectric facilities as well as their associated infrastructure. Apart from B. disticha, none of the species recorded within the Degree Grid (Table 2) were recorded within the study area. Furthermore, only two protected plant species (Free State Nature Conservation Bill, 2007) have been recorded within the greater namely; Gladiolus spp. and Cussonia paniculata. However, none of these species were recorded within the development footprint area of both hydroelectric facilities.
In terms of the hydrological character of the study area as well as potential wetlands, the proposed location of the two Hydroelectrical Power Generation facilities is located within a highly altered and transformed habitat. The Ash River was likely only a seasonal system before the Ash River outfall project (Lesotho Highlands Water Project). This development has greatly altered the hydrological as well as morphological character of this system, changing it to a perennial system transporting large volumes of water flowing at a relative high velocity. These alterations have exposed the channel and banks to servere erosion altering the channel bed and bank morphology. This in turn has resulted in the deepening of the channels resulting in a decrease in lateral flow into surrounding wetlands with some of the wetlands becoming desiccated. Other disturbances within the Ash River include numerous weirs resulting in some damming of water and the creation of artificial wetlands within the back flooded areas. Most of the seasonal and temporary wetlands are furthermore prone to overgrazing by livestock with some areas of the temporary zone being ploughed for cultivation purposes. The current location of the proposed Hydroelectric Power Generation Schemes, means that most wetland habitats will be avoided. Some impact on the artificial back flooded areas (behind the weirs) is likely to occur. The Lower Kruisvallei Hydroelectric facility will also impact on a small seepage wetland. Impact on these habitats are
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minimally and restricted to areas which have already been disturbed and altered. As such these areas are regarded as acceptable loss with the development not having a significant impact on the integrity and functions provided by the larger extent of wetlands and aquatic habitats. Impacts on these habitats can be mitigated and maintained to an absolute minimum by restricting all development areas within the pre-determined development area, avoiding any disturbances outside of this boundary, enforcing effective rehabilitation of disturbed areas, invasive alien plant management as well as erosion management.
A summary of the pre-and post mitigation significance ratings for the various impacts as identified is provided below. Probably the most significant impacts relating to the development is the loss of indigenous vegetation and the potential for erosion. Erosion is particularly troublesome within this area and may lead to downstream impacts including a change in water chemistry, increase in turbidity as well as siltation. These impacts can be largely avoided by regularly monitoring the area and by acting promptly on an identification of such a vulnerable area. Such actions include:
» Any areas disturbed during the construction phase should be encouraged to rehabilitate as fast and effective as possible. » Natural indigenous species applicable to the specific habitat should be used and the area should be monitored by the ECO on a monthly basis to ensure effective rehabilitation and to avoid erosion and the invasion with weeds and alien invasive species. Monitoring should continue until the level of rehabilitation is satisfactory. » No unnecessary vegetation clearance may be allowed. » Any eroded areas observed should be rehabilitated as soon as possible. • Re-instate as much of the eroded area to its pre-disturbed, “natural” geometry (no change in inelevation and any banks not to be steepened). • Install protective works (e.g. gabions, reno-mattresses) to stabilise and protect unstable banks. • Earthern berms or plugs, rock packs or gabions may be used for the plugging of erosion gullies. • For the earthern structures used to fill erosion points, the soil used needs to be properly compacted to ensure this is not vulnerable to erosion. • The area should then be allowed to re-vegetate itself (any activities and human movement within these areas should be avoided as far as possible).
Table 5: Summary of pre and post mitigation impact significance ratings for the different impacts and risk factors.
Phase Impact Significance Significance
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Pre Post Mitigation Mitigation
Impacts on vegetation and protected Medium (52) Low (27) plant species
Direct faunal impacts during construction Medium (36) Low (15) Construction Potential Impacts on wetlands and Medium (56) Low (24) watercourses
Increased erosion risk during Medium (48) Low (18) construction
Impacts on fauna due to operation Low (14) Low (5)
Increased erosion risk during operation Medium (36) Low (8) Operation Increased alien plant invasion during Medium (48) Low (10) operation
Overall Cumulative impact of the impact of the proposed project and project other considered in projects in isolation the area
Reduced ability to meet conservation Low (14) Low (6) targets.
Impact on ESA 2 areas and broad -scale Low (7) Low (6) ecological processes
Cumulative Potential alteration in the hydrological characteristics of the Ash River as a Impacts Low (14) Medium (30) result of numerous hydroelectrical developments within the Ash River.
Potential loss of habitats, especially wetland and riparian habitats locally Low (14) Medium (30) as well as downstream.
Due to the relatively limited extent of the proposed Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Power Generation Scheme (Lower and Middle Kruisvallei), as well as the location of the Scheme within disturbed habitats the overall impact of the development on the receiving environment is considered to be moderate without the implementation of mitigation measures.
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Furthermore, the extent, magnitude and significance of the cumulative impacts associated with Hydroelectric Power Schemes located within the Ash River are greatly influence and largely overshadowed by current impacts present throughout the Ash River and most notably associated with the Ash River Outfall and agricultural practices along this river. Even without these proposed developments the Ash River is in a highly transformed and disturbed condition, with its hydrological and morphological character being highly modified. When including these developments, this current condition of the Ash River is not likely to further significantly deteriorate. Most of these developments are proposed within already transformed habitats and it is likely that the impacts will be of a more local extent with a small, low significant cumulative impact.
Thus, from an ecological perspective there are no significant objections to the proposed development.
Proposed Mitigation measures to be included in the EMPr include:
1. Construction Phase 1.1. For impacts on vegetation and protected plant species: » Vegetation clearing to be kept to a minimum. No unnecessary vegetation to be cleared. » All construction vehicles should adhere to clearly defined and demarcated roads. No driving outside of the development boundary. » Construction activities within the back flooded habitat as well as the Leucosidea sericea riparian fringe should be maintained to an absolute minimum (only within the pre-determined footprint area). Any activities or movement outside of the pre-determined area should be avoided as far as possible » Rehabilitation of disturbed areas are crucial: Disturbed areas containing no infrastructure and hard surfaces should be rehabilitated with natural vegetation as soon as possible to avoid the potential of erosion. Natural indigenous species applicable to the specific habitat should be used and the area should be monitored on a monthly basis to ensure effective rehabilitation and to avoid erosion and the invasion with weeds and alien invasive species. Monitoring should continue until the level of rehabilitation is satisfactory. 1.2. For impacts on fauna » Site access should be controlled and no unauthorised persons should be allowed onto the site. » Any fauna directly threatened by the construction activities should be removed to a safe location by the ECO or other suitably qualified person. » The collection, hunting or harvesting of any plants or animals at the site should be strictly forbidden. Personnel should not be allowed to wander off the demarcated construction site. » Fires should not be allowed on site. » A firebreak should be maintained around the development boundary to avoid potential fires occurring within the facility from spreading into the
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surrounding grasslands, subsequently posing a threat to faunal species occurring within the surrounding environment. » All hazardous materials should be stored in the appropriate manner to prevent contamination of the site. Any accidental chemical, fuel and oil spills that occur at the site should be cleaned up in the appropriate manner as related to the nature of the spill. » All construction vehicles should adhere to a low speed limit to avoid collisions with susceptible species such as snakes and tortoises. » Construction activities within the back flooded habitat should be maintained to an absolute minimum (only within the pre-determined footprint area). Any activities or movement outside of the pre- determined area should be avoided as far as possible. 1.3. For potential impacts on wetlands and watercourses » Any areas disturbed during the construction phase should be encouraged to rehabilitate as fast and effective as possible. » Natural indigenous species applicable to the specific habitat should be used and the area should be monitored on a monthly basis by the Environmental Control Officer (ECO) to ensure effective rehabilitation and to avoid erosion and the invasion with weeds and alien invasive species. Monitoring should continue until the level of rehabilitation is satisfactory. » No unnecessary vegetation clearance may be allowed. » Any eroded areas observed should be rehabilitated as soon as possible. o Re-instate as much or the eroded area to its pre-disturbed, “natural” geometry (no change in inelevation and any banks not to be steepened). o Install protective works (e.g. gabions, reno-mattresses) to stabilise and protect unstable banks. o Earthern berms or plugs, rock packs or gabions may be used for the plugging of erosion gullies. o For the earthern structures used to fill erosion points, the soil used needs to be properly compacted to ensure this is not vulnerable to erosion o The area should then be allowed to re-vegetate itself (any activities and human movement within these areas should be avoided as far as possible). 1.4. For potential increased erosion risk » Sediment barriers (sandbags, sandbags, retaining walls etc.) in areas earmarked as high riske areas in order to prevent erosion as far as possible. » Any erosion problems observed should be rectified immediately and monitored thereafter to ensure that they do not re-occur. » All bare areas, affected by the development, should be re-vegetated with locally occurring species, to bind the soil and limit erosion potential. » Re-instate as much or the eroded area to its pre-disturbed, “natural” geometry (no change in elevation and any banks not to be steepened) » Install protective works (e.g. gabions, reno-mattresses) to stabilise and protect unstable banks.
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» Earthern berms or plugs, rock packs or gabions may be used for the plugging of erosion gullies. » For the earthern structures used to fill erosion points, the soil used needs to be properly compacted to ensure this is not vulnerable to erosion. » Roads and other disturbed areas should be regularly monitored for erosion problems and problem areas should receive follow-up monitoring by the EO to assess the success of the remediation. » Silt traps should be used where there is a danger of topsoil or material stockpiles eroding and entering watercourses and other sensitive areas. » Topsoil should be removed and stored separately and should be reapplied where appropriate as soon as possible in order to encourage and facilitate rapid regeneration of the natural vegetation on cleared areas. » Practical phased development and vegetation clearing should be practiced so that cleared areas are not left un-vegetated and vulnerable to erosion for extended periods of time. 2. Operation Phase 2.1. For increased alien plant invasion » A site-specific eradication and management programme for alien invasive plants should be included in the Operation Environmental Management Programme (OEMPr). » Regular monitoring by the EO for alien plants at the site should occur and could be conducted simultaneously with erosion monitoring. » When alien plants are detected, these should be controlled and cleared using the recommended control measures for each species to ensure that the problem is not exacerbated or does not re-occur. » Clearing methods should themselves aim to keep disturbance to a minimum. » Chemical treatment of alien invasive species within should be avoided as far as possible. » No planting or importing any listed invasive alien plant species (all Category 1a, 1b and 2 invasive species) to the site for landscaping, rehabilitation or any other purpose. 2.2. For faunal impacts » No unauthorised persons should be allowed onto the site. » Any potentially dangerous fauna such as snakes or fauna threatened by the maintenance and operational activities should be removed to a safe location. » The collection, hunting or harvesting of any plants or animals at the site should be strictly forbidden. » All hazardous materials should be stored in the appropriate manner to prevent contamination of the site. Any accidental chemical, fuel and oil spills that occur at the site should be cleaned up in the appropriate manner as related to the nature of the spill. » All vehicles accessing the site should adhere to a low speed limit (40km/h max) to avoid collisions with susceptible species such as snakes and tortoises. 2.3. For increased erosion risk
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» All roads and other hardened surfaces should have runoff control features which redirect water flow and dissipate any energy in the water which may pose an erosion risk. » Regular monitoring for erosion after construction to ensure that no erosion problems have developed as result of the disturbance. » All erosion problems observed should be rectified as soon as possible, using the appropriate erosion control structures and revegetation techniques. » All cleared areas should be revegetated, preferably with indigenous perennial grasses (no invasive plants may be used). 3. Cumulative Impacts 3.1. Reduced ability to meet conservation obligations and targets » The development footprint should be kept to a minimum and natural vegetation should be encouraged to return to disturbed areas. » An open space management plan should be developed for the site, which should include management of biodiversity within the fenced area, as well as that in the adjacent rangeland. 3.2. Negative impact on the ecological support area » The development footprint should be kept to a minimum and natural vegetation should be encouraged to return to disturbed areas. » An open space management plan should be developed for the site, which should include management of biodiversity within the fenced area, as well as that in the adjacent rangeland. 3.3. Potential alteration in the hydrological characteristics of the Ash River as a result of numerous hydroelectrical developments within the Ash River » Refer to mitigation measures provided within construction and operational phase. 3.4. Potential loss of habitats, especially wetland and riparian habitats locally as well as downstream » Refer to mitigation measures provided within construction and operational phase.
7 REFERENCES
Apps, P. (ed.). 2012. Smither’s Mammals of Southern Africa . A field guide. Random House Struik, Cape Town, RSA
Alexander, G. & Marais, J. 2007. A Guide to the Reptiles of Southern Africa . Struik Nature, Cape Town.
Anhaeusser, C.R., Johnson, M.R., Thomas, R.J. (2008). The Geology of South Africa. Council for Geosciences.
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Bates, M.F., Branch, W.R., Bauer, A.M., Burger, M., Marais, J., Alexander, G.J. & de Villiers, M. S. 2014. A tlas and Red List of the Reptiles of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland . Strelitzia 32. SANBI, Pretoria.
Branch W.R. 1998. Field guide to snakes and other reptiles of southern Africa . Struik, Cape Town.
CRITICAL BIODIVERSITY AREAS MAPS (PER MUNICIPALITY) AND GIS DATA AVAILABLE FROM: Biodiversity GIS (BGIS), South African National Biodiversity Institute, Tel. +27 21 799 8739 or CapeNature, Tel. +27 21 866 8000. Or on the web at: http://bgis.sanbi.org/fsp/project.asp
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, 2007. National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act 10 of 2004): Publication of lists of Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable and Protected Species. Government Gazette, Republic of South Africa
Du Preez, L. & Carruthers, V. 2009. A Complete Guide to the Frogs of Southern Africa . Struik Nature., Cape Town.
Friedmann, Y. & Daly, B. 2004. Red data book of the mammals of South Africa, a conservation assessment. Johannesburg, Endangered Wildlife Trust.
Marais, J. 2004. Complete Guide to the Snakes of Southern Africa. Struik Nature, Cape Town.
Mucina L. & Rutherford M.C. (eds) 2006. The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland . Strelitzia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria
Minter LR, Burger M, Harrison JA, Braack HH, Bishop PJ & Kloepfer D (eds). 2004. Atlas and Red Data book of the frogs of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. SI/MAB Series no. 9. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
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 25:1-668
Skinner, J.D. & Chimimba, C.T. 2005. The mammals of the Southern African Subregion. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Strohbach, M. 2013. Mitigation of ecological impacts of renewable energy facilities in South Africa. The Sustainable Energy Resource Handbook (Renewable Energy) South Africa 4: 41 – 47.
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Strohbach, M. 2013. Savannah Environmental (2013) Ecological Scoping Report: Proposed Gihon Solar Energy Facility South of Bela-Bela, Limpopo Province.
Tessema, A & Nzotta, U. 2014. Multi-Data Integration Approach in Groundwater Resource Potential Mapping: A Case Study from the North West Province, South Africa. WRC Report No. 2055/1/13. Water Research Commision.
Todd, S. 2015. Simon Todd Consulting (2015). Terrestrial Fauna & Flora Specialist Impact Assessment: Proposed Wolmaransstad 75 MW Solar Energy Facility in the North West Province.
Websites:
Animal Demography Unit (2017). MammalMAP Virtual Museum. Accessed at http://vmus.adu.org.za/?vm=MammalMAP on 2017-03-09
Animal Demography Unit (2017). ReptileMAP Virtual Museum. Accessed at http://vmus.adu.org.za/?vm=ReptileMAP on 2017-03-09 Animal Demography Unit (2017). FrogMAP Virtual Museum. Accessed at http://vmus.adu.org.za/?vm=FrogMAP on 2017-03-09
ADU, 2012. Animal Demography Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Cape Town. http://www.adu.org.za
BGIS: http://bgis.sanbi.org/website.asp
SANBI databases: http://posa.sanbi.org/searchspp.php http://SIBIS.sanbi.org
Climate: http://en.climate-data.org/location/10658/
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8 APPENDICES:
Appendix 1. Listed Plant Species
List of plant species of conservation concern which are known to occur in the vicinity of study area. The list is derived from the POSA website (*NE – Note Evaluated).
Colours Relate as follow: Threatened Status: Critically (CR), Endangered (EN), Vulnerable (VU), Near Threatened (NT), Critically Rare, Rare, Declining and Data Deficient (DDD), Not Evaluated (NE) AP = Alien Plant W = Weed Abbreviations 1b = Category 1b Alien Invasive Plant 2 = Category 2 Alien Invasive Plant Steep talus slopes, mesas and sandstone outcroppings Moist grassland Riparian fringe Temporary saturated habitats Colour Simbology for Habitats Seasonal saturated habitat Permanent saturated habitat Back flooded area and other permanent inundated areas Seep Valley-bottom wetland Growth Habitat Family Species Form Status
Poaceae Agrostis lachnantha Gramminoid Hyacinthaceae Albuca setosa Geophyte Hyacinthaceae Albuca shawii Geophyte Apiaceae Alepidea spp. (natalensis) Forb Amaranthus hybridus Amaranthaceae subsp. hybridus Forb AP Amaranthaceae Amaranthus thunbergii Forb AP Andropogon Poaceae appendiculatus Gramminoid Bryaceae Anomobryum julaceum Bryophyte Rubiaceae Anthospermum rigidum Dwarf Shrub Asteraceae Arctotis arctotoides Forb Papaveraceae Argemone ochroleuca Forb 1b Fabaceae Argyrolobium harveyanum Forb Poaceae Aristida canescens Gramminoid W Poaceae Aristida diffusa Gramminoid Aristida junciformis subsp. Poaceae galpinii Gramminoid Apocynaceae Asclepias aurea Gramminoid
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Apocynaceae Asclepias flexuosa Forb Apocynaceae Asclepias humilis Forb Apocynaceae Asclepias multicaulis Forb Asparagaceae Asparagus africanus Shrub W Fabaceae Asphalatus spp. Forb Asteraceae Berkeya radula Forb Asteraceae Berkheya onopordifolia Forb Asteraceae Berkheya pinnatifida Forb W Asteraceae Berkheya setifera Forb Aquatic Apiaceae Berula erecta Herb W Asteraceae Bidens bipinnata Forb AP Asteraceae Bidens pilosa Forb AP Amaryllidaceae Boophone disticha Geophyte Poaceae Brachiaria serrata Gramminoid Poaceae Bromus catharticus Gramminoid AP Bryaceae Bryum spp. Bryophyte Cyperaceae Bulbostylis burchellii Gramminoid Cyperaceae Bulbostylis schoenoides Gramminoid Cyperaceae Carex acutiformis Gramminoid Sinopteridaceae Cheilanthes eckloniana Lithophyte Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium album Forb AP Aquatic Gentianaceae Chironia palustris Herb Poaceae Chloris virgata Gramminoid W Chrysanthemoides Asteraceae monilifera Forb Ciclospermum Apiaceae leptophyllum Forb AP Asteraceae Circium vulgare Forb 1b Asteraceae Conyza bonariensis Forb AP Asteraceae Cotula anthemoides Forb Succulent Crasulaceae Crassula capitella Herb Succulent Crasulaceae Crassula compacta Herb Succulent Crasulaceae Crassula dependens Herb Araliaceae Cussonia paniculata Tree Poaceae Cymbopogon caesius Gramminoid Poaceae Cymbopogon dieterlenii Gramminoid Poaceae Cynodon dactylon Gramminoid W Poaceae Cynodon transvaalensis Gramminoid Cyperus denudatus var. Cyperaceae denudatus Gramminoid Cyperaceae Cyperus rigidifolius Gramminoid Cyperaceae Cyperus rupestris Gramminoid Solanaceae Datura ferox Forb 1b Succulent Mesembryanthemacea Delosperma spp. 1 Herb
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Delosperma/Drosanthemu Succulent Mesembryanthemacea spp. Herb Asteraceae Denekia capensis Forb Asteraceae Dicoma anomala Forb Poaceae Digitaria eriantha Gramminoid Poaceae Diheteropogon filifolius Gramminoid Ebenaceae Diospyros austro-african Shrub Cyperaceae Eleocharis dregeana Gramminoid Poaceae Elionurus muticus Gramminoid Poaceae Eragrostis caesia Gramminoid Poaceae Eragrostis capensis Gramminoid Poaceae Eragrostis chloromelas Gramminoid Poaceae Eragrostis curvula Gramminoid W Poaceae Eragrostis gummiflua Gramminoid Poaceae Eragrostis micrantha Gramminoid W Poaceae Eragrostis patentissima Gramminoid Poaceae Eragrostis plana Gramminoid W Poaceae Eragrostis planiculmis Gramminoid W Poaceae Eragrostis racemosa Gramminoid Poaceae Eragrostis trichophora Gramminoid Fabaceae Eriosema salignum Forb Ebenaceae Euclea crispa Shrub Succulent Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia clavarioides Herb Succulent Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia striata Herb Asteraceae Felicea filifolia Dwarf Shrub Asteraceae Felicea muricata Forb W Cyperaceae Fuirena hirsuta Gramminoid Asteraceae Gazania krebsiana Forb Asteraceae Geigeria burkei Forb W Asteraceae Gerbera piloselloides Forb Asteraceae Gerbera viridifolia Forb Thymelaeaceae Gnidia krassiana Forb Thymelaeaceae Gnidia splendens Dwarf Shrub Apocynaceae Gomphocarpus fruticosa Forb W Celastraceae Gymnosporia tenuispina Shrub Scrophulariaceae Halleria lucida Shrub Asteraceae Haplocarpha scaposa Forb Poaceae Harpachloa falx Gramminoid Selaginaceae Hebenstretia comosa Forb Asteraceae Helichrysum aureonitens Forb Asteraceae Helichrysum aureum Forb Helichrysum Asteraceae cephaloideum Forb Helichrysum Asteraceae chionosphaerum Forb
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Asteraceae Helichrysum glomeratum Forb Asteraceae Helichrysum nudifolium Forb Asteraceae Helichrysum pilosellum Forb Asteraceae Helichrysum rugulosum Forb Asteraceae Helichrysum spiralepis Forb Poaceae Helictotrichon turgidulum Gramminoid Malvacea Hermannia depressa Forb Malvacea Hermannia gerrardii Forb Poaceae Heteropogon contortus Gramminoid W Malvacea Hibiscus aethipicus Forb Iridaceae Homeria pallida Geophyte W Poaceae Hyparrhenia dregeana Gramminoid Asteraceae Hypochaeris radicata Forb AP Hypoxidaceae Hypoxis costata Geophyte Hypoxidaceae Hypoxis iridifolia Geophyte Poaceae Imperata cylindrica Gramminoid Cyperaceae Isolepis costata Gramminoid Cyperaceae Isolepis diabolica Gramminoid Cyperaceae Isolepis fluitans Gramminoid Cyperaceae Isolepis sepulcralis Gramminoid Scrophulariaceae Jamesbrittenia aurantiaca Forb Juncaceae Juncus dregeanus Rush Juncus exertus subsp. Juncaceae exertus Rush Juncaceae Juncus oxycarpus Rush Juncaceae Juncus rigidus Rush Succulent Crasulaceae Kalanchoe spp. Herb Achariaceae Kiggelaria africana Shrub Poaceae Koeleria capensis Gramminoid Rubiaceae Kohautia amatymbica Forb W Cyperaceae Kyllinga erecta var. erecta Gramminoid Hyacinthaceae Ledebouria cooperi Geophyte Hyacinthaceae Ledebouria ovatifolia Geophyte Poaceae Leersia hexandra Gramminoid Fabaceae Lessertia perennans Forb Rosaceae Leucosidea sericea Shrub Fabaceae Lotonis listii Forb Fabaceae Lotononis calycina Forb Malvacea Malva parviflora Forb Poaceae Melinis nerviglumis Gramminoid Aquatic Lamiaceae Mentha aquatica Herb AP Poaceae Merxmuellera disticha Gramminoid Poaceae Microchloa caffra Gramminoid Anemiaceae Mohria vestita Lithophyte
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Monocymbium Poaceae ceresiiforme Gramminoid Lobeliaceae Monopsis decipens Forb Geraniaceae Monsonia angustifolia Forb Myrsinaceae Myrsine africana Shrub Aquatic Brassicaceae Nasturtium officinale Herb 2 Scrophulariaceae Nemesia fruticans Forb Asteraceae Nidorela resedifolia Forb W Onagraceae Oenothera rosea Forb AP Onagraceae Oenothera tetraptera Forb AP Ophioglossum polyphyllum var. Ophioglossaceae polyphyllum Pteridophyta Succulent Cactaceae Opuntia ficus-indica Shrub 1b Polygonaceae Oxygonum dregeanum Forb Poaceae Panicum natalense Gramminoid Papaveraceae Papaver aculeatum Forb AP Poaceae Paspalum dilatatum Gramminoid AP Thymelaeaceae Passerina montana Shrub Pellaea calomelanos var. Sinopteridaceae calomelanos Pteridophyta Poaceae Pennisetum thunbergii Gramminoid Asteraceae Pentzia globosa Forb W Aquatic Polygonaceae Persicaria serrulata Herb AP Poaceae Phragmites australis Gramminoid Aquatic Plantaginaceae Plantago lanceolata Herb AP Plantaginaceae Plantago longissima Forb AP Plantaginaceae Plantago major Forb AP Poaceae Pognarthria squarrosa Gramminoid Polygalaceae Polygala rehmannii Forb Salicaceae Populus x canescens Tree 2 Aquatic Potamogetonaceae Potamogeton thunbergii Herb Pseudognaphalium luteo- Asteraceae album Forb AP Cyperaceae Pycreus macranthus Gramminoid Rosaceae Pyracantha angustifolia Shrub 1b Runanculaceae Ranunculus multifidus Forb Apocynaceae Raphionacme procumbens Geophyte Rosaceae Rosa rubiginosa Shrub 1b Polygonaceae Rumex crispus Forb AP Polygonaceae Rumex lanceolatus Forb Salicaceae Salix babylonica Tree AP Asteraceae Schkuhria pinnata Forb AP Schoenoplectus Cyperaceae corymbosus Gramminoid Anacardiaceae Searsia dentata Shrub
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Anacardiaceae Searsia discolor Shrub Anacardiaceae Searsia erosa Shrub Anacardiaceae Searsia pyroides Shrub Lycopo- Selaginellaceae Selaginella dregei diophyta Asteraceae Senecio consanguineus Forb Asteraceae Senecio coronatus Forb Asteraceae Senecio inornatus Forb W Asteraceae Senecio scitus Forb Asteraceae Seriphium plumosum Forb W Poaceae Setaria incrassata Gramminoid Poaceae Setaria pallide-fusca Gramminoid W Setaria sphacelata var. Poaceae sphacelata Gramminoid Setaria sphacelata var. Poaceae torta Gramminoid Poaceae Sporobolus africanus Gramminoid W Poaceae Sporobolus africanus Gramminoid W Asteraceae Tagetes minuta Forb AP Poaceae Themeda triandra Gramminoid Santalaceae Thesium natalense Forb Poaceae Tragus berteronianus Gramminoid W Poaceae Tragus racemosa Gramminoid W Fabaceae Trifolium burchellianum Forb Poaceae Tristachya leucothrix Gramminoid Typhaceae Typha capensis Bulrush Poaceae Urochloa mosambicensis Gramminoid W Verbenaceae Verbena aristigera Forb AP Verbenaceae Verbena bonariensis Forb 1b Verbenaceae Verbena officionalis Forb 1b Asteraceae Vernonia sutherlandii Forb Veronica anagallis- Aquatic Scrophulariaceae aquatica Herb AP Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia undulata Forb Asteraceae Xanthium strumarium Forb 1b Asteraceae Xanthium strumarium Forb 1b Xysmalobium Apocynaceae involucratum Forb Iridaceae Gladiolus spp. Forb
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Appendix 2. List of potential mammal species that may occur within the study area
List of plant species of conservation concern which are known to occur in the vicinity of study area. The list is derived from the POSA website (*NE – Note Evaluated).
Colours Relate as follow: » Threatened Status: Critically (CR), Endangered (EN), Vulnerable (VU), Near Threatened (NT), Critically Rare, Rare, Declining and Data Deficient (DDD), Not Evaluated (NE) » Protected according to Schedule 1 of the Free State Nature Conservation Bill (No 123 of 2007)
C = Confirmed HL = Highly Likely Abbreviations L = Likely SL = Slight Likelihood LO = Low Likelihood Steep talus slopes, mesas and sandstone outcroppings Moist grassland Riparian fringe Temporary saturated habitats Color Symbols for Habitats Seasonal saturated habitat Permanent saturated habitat Back flooded area and other permanent inundated areas Seep Valley-bottom wetland Scientific Name Common Name Additional notes
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Afrosoricida (Golden Moles) Sometimes associated with Chlorotalpa sclateri Sclater’s Golden Mole SL African Mole-rat Macroscelidea (Sengis or Elephant Shrews)
Elephatulus myurus Eastern Rock Sengi L Eulipotyphla (Hedgehogs and Shrews)
Atelerix frontalis South African Hedgehog LO LO HL Myosorex varius Forest Shrew L HL LO L L Crocidura maquassiensis Maquassie Musk Shrew SL LO Crocidura fuscomurina Tiny Musk Shrew LO LO LO LO Crocidura cyanea Reddish-grey Musk Shrew L L L L L L Crocidura flavescens Greater Red Musk Shrew LO LO LO LO LO Often associated with Suncus varilla Lesser Dwarf Shrew SL LO termite mounds Primates
Papio ursinus Chacma Baboon LO Lagomorpha (Hares and Rabbits)
Lepus saxatilis Scrub Hare C HL Pronolagus rupestris Smith’s Red Rock Rabbit C Rodentia (Rodents) Southern African Ground Xerus inauris Squirrel HL L Prefers dens shrub- and Graphiurus murinus LO woodlands Pedetes capensis Southern African Springhare HL LO Confirmed within a Salix babylonica riparian patch Cryptomys hottentotus African Mole-rat L C on deep sandy alluvium Hystrix africaeaustralis Cape Porcupine L C L LO LO LO Typically associated with Thryonomys dense Phragmites and swinderianus Greater Cane-rat LO L HL Typha beds
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Mystromys albicaudatus White-tailed Mouse LO HL Saccostomus campestris Pouched Mouse LO L LO LO LO Steatomys krebsii Krebs’s Fat Mouse L Dendromus melanotis Grey Climbing Mouse LO HL HL L LO LO L Dense rank vegetation Dendromus mesomelas Brants’s Climbing Mouse LO LO L L LO LO within wetlands Dense rank vegetation within wetlands, especially Dendromus mystacalis Chestnut Climbing Mouse L reed beds Gerbilliscus leucogaster Bushveld Gerbil L May also be found within Gerbilliscus brantsii Highveld Gerbil HL cultivated areas Micaelamys namaquensis Namaqua Rock Mouse HL L Prefers rocky areas covered by a denser shrub Aethomys ineptus Tete Veld Rat HL and trees cover Dasymys incomtus African Marsh Rat LO L HL C LO LO Mesic Four-striped Grass Rhabdomys dilectus Mouse HL HL L L HL Mus orangiae Free State Pygmy Mouse L May also be found within old ploughed lands and Mus minutoides Pygmy Mouse L HL LO LO LO overgrazed areas Highly adaptable and may colonize cultivated and historically cultivated areas, recently burned as Mastomys natalensis Natal Multimammate Mouse LO HL L well as overgrazed areas. Southern Multimammate Less adaptable than M. Mastomys coucha Mouse LO HL L natalensis Otomys angoniensis Angoni Vlei Rat LO L L LO L Myotomys sloggetti Sloggett’s Rat LO LO LO LO Carnivora (Carnivores)
Vulpes chama Cape Fox LO LO Otocyon megalotis Bat-eared Fox L
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Canis mesomelas Black-backed Jackal C HL HL L Aonyx capensis Cape Clawless Otter LO L L L Hydrictis maculicollis Spotted-necked Otter LO Mellivora capensis Honey Badger LO LO Poecilogale albinucha African Striped Weasel LO Ictonyx striatus Striped Polecat L HL LO LO L Prefers areas with dense Galerella sanguinea Slender Mongoose HL L shrubby vegetation Atilax paludinosus Marsh Mongoose L HL C LO Dense vegetation near water, Hyparrhenia Ichneumia albicauda Whit-tailed Mongoose LO C dregeana grassland Cynictis penicillata Yellow Mongoose L C C L L L Suricata suricatta Meerkat/Suricate L Genetta genetta Small Spotted Genet L LO LO Hyaena brunnea Brown Hyaena LO LO Dependent on presence of Proteles cristatus Aardwolf L termites Utilizes hollow termite Felis silvestris cafra African Wild Cat L L L L LO LO L mounds Felis nigripes Small Spotted Cat LO LO Prefers tall moist grassland e.g. Hyparrhenia dregeana grassland. Confirmed species just Leptailurus serval Serval LO HL HL L outside of the study area. Caracal caracal Caracal HL L Panthera pardus Leopard LO LO Tubilidentata (Aardvark) Dependent of presence of Orycteropus afer Aardvark HL HL termites Hyracoidea (Dassies or Hyrax)
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Procavia capensis Rock Dassie C Bovidae (Antelopes)
Redunca fulvorufula Mountain Reedbuck LO Pelea capreolus Grey Rhebok L Raphicerus campestris Steenbok C HL Sylvicapra grimmia Common Duiker LO HL L
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Appendix 3. List of potential reptile species that may occur within the study area
List of plant species of conservation concern which are known to occur in the vicinity of study area. The list is derived from the POSA website (*NE – Note Evaluated).
Colours Relate as follow: » Threatened Status: Critically (CR), Endangered (EN), Vulnerable (VU), Near Threatened (NT), Critically Rare, Rare, Declining and Data Deficient (DDD), Not Evaluated (NE) » Protected according to Schedule 1 of the Free State Nature Conservation Bill (No 123 of 2007)
C = Confirmed HL = Highly Likely Abbreviations L = Likely SL = Slight Likelihood LO = Low Likelihood Steep talus slopes, mesas and sandstone outcroppings Moist grassland Riparian fringe Temporary saturated habitats Color Symbols for Habitats Seasonal saturated habitat Permanent saturated habitat Back flooded area and other permanent inundated areas Seep Valley-bottom wetland Scientific Name Common Name Additional notes
REPTILES
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Family: Gekkonidae
Afroedura nivaria Drakensberg Flat Gecko SL Common Tropical House Hemidactylus mabouia Gecko LO LO Pachydactylus capensis Cape Thick-Toed Gecko HL LO LO Pachydactylus vansoni Van Son’s Thick-toed Gecko LO Family: Lacertidae
Nucras lalandii Delalande’s Sandveld Lizard L HL SL Pedioplanis burchelli Burchell’s Sand Lizard L Tropidosaura essexi Essex’s Mountain Lizard LO LO LO Family: Cordylidae
Chamaesaura aenea Coppery Grass Lizard SL SL Cordylus vittifer Common Girdled Lizard SL Pseudocordylus melanotus melanotus Common Crag Lizard SL LO Pseudocordylus melanotus subviridis Drakensberg Crag Lizard LO
Smaug giganteus Sungazer/Ouvolk LO Family: Gerrhosauridae Yellow-throated Plated Gerrhosaurus flavigularis Lizard L HL Family: Scinidae
Trachylepis capensis Cape Skink L L LO LO Trachylepis punctatissima Speckled Rock Skink HL SL L Trachylepis varia Variable Skink L SL L Family: Chamaeleonidae Prefers dense shrubby and Bradypodion Drakensberg Dwarf tree patches along the dracomontanum Chameleon LO slopes Family: Agamidae
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Agama aculeate distanti Eastern Ground Agama SL L Agama atra Southern Rock Agama L LO Family: Typhlopidae
Afrotyphlops bibronii Bibron’s Blind Snake LO SL LO SL Family: Leptotyphlopidae
Leptotyphlops scutifrons Peters’ Thread Snake L LO SL Family: Viperidae
Bitis arietans arietans Puff Adder HL HL LO SL Bitis atropos Berg Adder L Family: Lamprophiidae Black-headed Centipede- Often associated with old Aparallactus capensis eater LO L termitaria Boaedon capensis Brown House Snake L L SL LO LO LO Lamprophis aurora Aurora Snake LO L LO L LO LO Lamprophis guttatus Spotted Rock Snake L SL Lycodonomorphus rufulus Brown Water Snake L L Lycophidion capense capense Cape Wolf Snake SL Psammophis crucifer Cross-marked Snake L HL L Psammophylax rhombeatus rhombeatus Spotted Grass Snake HL HL SL SL Duberria lutrix lutrix South African Slug-Eater L L L Psedaspis cana Mole Snake L L L Family: Elapidae Hemachatus haemachatus Rinkhals L L L L Family: Colubridae Crotaphpeltis hotamboeia Red-lipped Snake LO SL L L L Dasypeltis scabra Rhombic Egg-eater L L
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Appendix 4. Faunal and Floral Walk-Through Survey for the proposed Kruisvallei Hydroelectric 22kV Overhead Power Line
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FAUNA AND FLORA WALK- THROUGH REPORT KRUISVALLEI HYDROELECTRIC 22KV OVERHEAD POWER LINE, CLARENS, FREE STATE PROVINCE DECEMBER 2017
Prepared by: Prepared for:
Gerhard Botha (Pri Sci Nat: Ecology & Botany) Savannah Environmental (Pty) Ltd
1st Floor, Block 2, 5 Woodlands Drive
Office Park
PO Box 12500, Brandhof, 9324 Cnr Woodlands Drive & Western Service Road
Cell: 084 2073454 Woodmead
Email: [email protected]
KRUISVALLEI HYDROELECTRIC 22KV OVERHEAD POWER LINE, CLARENS FAUNA AND FLORA WALK-THROUGH REPORT FEBRUARY 2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Declaration of Consultant’s Independence ...... iii 1 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Conditions of the report ...... 5 1.2 Scope and Purpose of the Report ...... 5 1.3 Limitations ...... 5 2 identification of listed and protected species ...... 5 3 Methodology ...... 6 4 Walk-through Results ...... 8 4.1 General habitats ...... 8 4.2 Recorded Conservation Worthy Species ...... 10 4.3 Faunal description ...... 10 4.4 Specific Issues noted ...... 11 4.4.1 Gully and Sheet Erosion north-east of the Node Rural Substation ...... 11 4.4.2 Patch of natural grassland containing numerous conservation worthy plant species ...... 13 4.4.3 Power line crossing a dense patch of Riparian woodland ...... 15 4.5 List of species of conservation concern...... 17 5 conclusion and recommendations ...... 26
FIGURES
Figure 1: Map showing the overall layout of the power line route associated with the Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Generating Plant (22kV Power Line to Node Rural Substation as well as Internal Power Line Route)...... 2 Figure 2: More detailed map focusing on the 22kV Power Line Route connecting the Hydroelectric Generating Plant to the Node Rural Substation...... 3 Figure 3: More detailed map focusing on the Internal Power Line Route between Middle- and Lower Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Generating Plants...... 4 Figure 4: General impression of the project area during the November survey (8 – 9 November 2017)...... 7 Figure 5: General impression of the project area during the February survey (8 – 9 February 2018)...... 7 Figure 6: Google Earth Image of the erosion system located just north-east of the Node Rural Substation...... 12 Figure 7: Gully and rill erosion just east of the proposed power line route...... 12 Figure 8: Point where the proposed 22kV power line will cross the area prone to sheet erosion...... 13
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Figure 9: Google Earth Image of grassland patch containing a high diversity of plant species including numerous conservation worthy species. Note the farm track running parallel to the farm fence as well as the proposed power line (blue line)...... 14 Figure 10: South western view of the grassland...... 14 Figure 11: This grassland contains a high diversity of forbs as well as geophytes such as Gladiolus crassifolius (pink flower)...... 15 Figure 12: Google Earth Image indicating the extent of the dense, tall riparian woodland regarded as sensitive...... 16 Figure 13: View of the dense riparian woodland as seen from a clearing in the woodland to the east...... 16 Figure 14: View of the dense riparian woodland as seen from the rocky outcropping to the north-east...... 17
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DECLARATION OF CONSULTANT’S INDEPENDENCE
I, Gerhard Botha, as the appointed specialist hereby declare that I: » act/ed as the independent specialist in this application; » regard the information contained in this report as it relates to my specialist input/study to be true and correct, and » do not have and will not have any financial interest in the undertaking of the activity, other than remuneration for work performed in terms of the NEMA, the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014 and any specific environmental management Act; » have and will not have no vested interest in the proposed activity proceeding; » have disclosed, to the applicant, EAP and competent authority, any material information that have or may have the potential to influence the decision of the competent authority or the objectivity of any report, plan or document required in terms of the NEMA, the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014 and any specific environmental management Act; » am fully aware of and meet the responsibilities in terms of NEMA, the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014 (specifically in terms of regulation 13 of GN No. R. 326) and any specific environmental management Act, and that failure to comply with these requirements may constitute and result in disqualification; » have provided the competent authority with access to all information at my disposal regarding the application, whether such information is favourable to the applicant or not; and » am aware that a false declaration is an offence in terms of regulation 48 of GN No. R. 326.
Gerhard Botha Pr.Sci.Nat 400502/14 (Botanical and Ecological Science) February 2018
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KRUISVALLEI HYDROELECTRIC 22KV OVERHEAD POWER LINE, CLARENS, FREE STATE PROVINCE FAUNA AND FLORA WALK-THROUGH REPORT
1 INTRODUCTION
The Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Power Generation Scheme will utilise water of the Ash River to generate electricity. The Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Power Generation Scheme will consist of two powerhouses, namely Middle Kruisvallei which will be situated on farm Kruisvallei 190 and Lower Kruisvallei which will be situated on a portion of farm Middelvallei 130 and farm Kruisvallei 190. The proposed project entails the development of the Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Power Generation Scheme. The total generating capacity for the Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Power Generation Scheme will be 4.7MW. The electricity generated at the Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Power Generation Scheme will be evacuated via a 22kV power line to the existing Eskom Node Substation.
The purpose of this walk-through is to identify any protected or threatened plant species or fauna of conservation concern occurring within the location of the proposed power line route. The identity and location of all listed and protected species is provided, which can be used as input for the vegetation clearing permit application that is required from the provincial authority before construction can commence. Recommendations for avoidance or search and rescue are provided as appropriate.
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Figure 1: Map showing the overall layout of the power line route associated with the Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Generating Plant (22kV Power Line to Node Rural Substation as well as Internal Power Line Route).
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Figure 2: More detailed map focusing on the 22kV Power Line Route connecting the Hydroelectric Generating Plant to the Node Rural Substation.
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Figure 3: More detailed map focusing on the Internal Power Line Route between Middle- and Lower Kruisvallei Hydroelectric Generating Plants.
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1.1 Conditions of the report
Findings, recommendations and conclusions provided in this report are based on the authors’ best scientific and professional knowledge and information available at the time of compilation. No form of this report may be amended or extended without the prior written consent of the author. Any recommendations, statements or conclusions drawn from or based on this report must clearly be cited or make reference to this report. Whenever such recommendations, statements or conclusions form part of a main report relating to the current investigation, this report must be included in its entirety.
1.2 Scope and Purpose of the Report
Conduct a faunal and botanical walk-through survey / assessment of the development footprint area of the proposed 22kV Overhead Power Line in order to:
» Provide a professional opinion on ecological issues relating to terrestrial fauna and flora within the footprint areas; » Serve as background information for any permits required for the disturbance to, destruction of, or removal of protected plants or trees; » Serve as additional ecological information for the Project Company, contractors and ECOs involved in the development. o This is also to facilitate micro-siting of footprint areas when they are demarcated, with the aim to further reduce negative impacts of the development. » Aid in future decisions and environmental management regarding the project.
* Please take note that wetlands and hydrological features do not form part of this assessment.
1.3 Limitations
The presence of annuals and geophytes were relative low due to the dry conditions and most likely also the different emergence cycles of geophytes. Conditions, however, at the time of the walk-through can still be regarded as favourable and have not impacted the ability of the study to locate and identify all potential species of conservation concern. Thus the results of the walk-through are therefore considered to be both representative and reliable and no additional studies are deemed necessary.
2 IDENTIFICATION OF LISTED AND PROTECTED SPECIES
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Plant species of conservation concern which may occur in the area were identified a priori as far as possible based on a species list for the broad area extracted from the SANBI SIBIS database for the quarter degree square; 2828AD as well as species list generated during previous studies within the study site.
Species of conservation concern were extracted from the following:
» The generated list based on their status according to Red List of South African plants version 2014.1 ( http://redlist.sanbi.org/ ), » Species listed as protected under the Free State Nature Conservation Ordinance (FSNCO ), Act No. 8 of 1969, » Protected Trees listed within the National Forest Act ( NFA ) (Nation Forest Act 1998; No 84 of 1998), » Species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora ( CITES ).
3 METHODOLOGY
Two site visits were conducted during the active growing season for most vegetation of this region (Figures 4 & 5). The first survey occurred between the 8th and 9 th of November 2017, and the second survey on the 8 th of February 2018. The proposed location of the route, as provided by the client was investigated. The proposed route was inspected and included a radius of at least 30m around the proposed line for any micro-siting as required. All protected species occurring within these buffer areas / development footprint areas (30m radius around power line) were noted and counted. Specific coordinates were taken for all conservation worthy species occurring within the development footprint areas and included all Boophone disticha species. For smaller geophytes and succulents, it is not always possible to locate all individuals as their density might be high and they may be very small with the result that they can only be seen from close. Their density is estimated from the walk-through which is considered to represent 80 - 90% of the sites, and which is deemed more than adequate to provide a reliable estimate of the total number of individuals affected.
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Figure 4: General impression of the project area during the November survey (8 – 9 November 2017).
Figure 5: General impression of the project area during the February survey (8 – 9 February 2018).
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4 WALK-THROUGH RESULTS
The proposed 22kV Overhead Power Line is approximately 12.6 km in length (excluding the internal power line) and runs in a predominantly south-eastern direction from the Middle Kruisvallei Hydroelectric scheme towards the Eskom Node Rural 88/22/11 kV Substation. For the first 1.55km the power line runs in a south- easterly direction, mostly parallel to the Ash River before crossing the S217 road (gravel). The Ash River will be crossed only once within this section. After crossing the S217 road the power lines will run in an almost easterly direction for approximately 6.96km, crossing the R712 road (tarred) and running for most of this distance parallel with an unknown provincial gravel road. Within the north- eastern corner of Portion 2 of the farm Node 77, the power line changes coarse and will run in a mostly south to south-easterly direction, crossing the S205 gravel road, towards Eskom Node Rural Substation (~3.9km).
The power line (from the MK scheme to the Node Substation) will cross the following properties: » Kruisvallei 190; » Spionkop A1259; » Portion 0 of Node 77; » Portion 2 of Node 77; » Portion 0 of Goedehoop 743; » Portion 1 of Goedehoop 743; » Drupfontein 710; » Kleinzonderhout 280; » Remainder of Modderina 1116. » Portion 1 of Modderina 1116
4.1 General habitats
The proposed overhead power line will traverse an undulating landscape comprising mostly of rolling hills and valleys and to a lesser extent the foot- and middle slopes of mesas as well as sandstone ridges. Prominent habitats that will be traversed includes: » Historically ploughed lands: Lands that haven’t been ploughed for longer than 10 years and contain a more or less stable vegetation cover, comprising of unpalatable tufted grasses and numerous herbaceous weeds. » Fallow lands: Lands that haven’t been ploughed recently but have not had enough time to be covered by a stable vegetation cover. These old cultivated lands comprise of some sub-climatic grasses but are dominated by pioneer grasses and forbs as well as weedy and invasive alien herbaceous plants.
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» Ploughed and Cultivated lands: These are either lands that have been ploughed within the past year or are currently under cultivation (mostly maize and wheat). » Valley Bottoms: The lower lying areas within this undulating landscape contain wet grasslands mostly fed by surface water during the rainy season. Key species identified during the site visit includes: Imperata cylindrica, Paspalum dilatatum, Kyllinga erecta, Bromus cahtarticus, Juncus rigidus, Eragrostis planiculmus, Helictotrichon turgidulum and Hyparrhenia dregeana . Wetter sections contain Phragmites australis and Typha capensis . Erosion, trampling and overgrazing are the most significant disturbance within these habitats and have transformed some of these areas. » Undulating moist grasslands: These grasslands mostly occupies gentle sloping plains and lower slopes of the hillocks and mesas. These grasslands are characterised by a dominant graminoid layer and a wide diversity of forbs, mostly belonging to the Asteraceae and Fabaceae families. Key grasses identified during the site visit includes: Aristida junciformis, Helictotrichon turgidulum, Eragrostis chloromelas, Cymbopogon dieterlenii and Tristachya leucothrix . The forb Seriphium plumosum may become encroaching and dominant in overgrazed areas. These grasslands occur as small patches of semi-natural refugia/islands surrounded by extensive areas of cultivated lands. Most of these grasslands have undergone some form of vegetation transformation due to long term grazing. » Sandstone terraces (outcroppings), mesas and talus slopes: These areas are characterised by shallow soils and abundance of surface rock, stones and boulders and normally occupy the higher lying geomorphological profiles of the landscapes (middle to upper slopes of mesas and hillocks as well as sandstone ridges). Due to the numerous micro-habitats created within these areas, species composition and diversity are also highly variable within these habitats. Typically, these areas comprise of a mixture of wiry tufted grasses and numerous forb species. Where sufficient protection is provided against frost and fire, shrubby species may become prominent. Key species identified during the site visit includes: Aristida junciformis, Eragrostis chloromelas, Elionurus muticus, Tristachya leucothrix, A. canescens, Eragrostis racemosa, Monsonia angustifolia, Gnidia krassiana, Helichrysum rugulosum, H. nudifolium and Delosperma spp. ( D. carolinense ). Shrubs that may be found within this area include: Leucosideae sericea, Searsia dentata, S. pyroides, S. erosa and Halleria lucida . Disturbances within these areas predominantly includes overgrazing and erosion although the extent of disturbances within this habitat is relative low in comparison to the other habitats.
Between 70 and 80% of the power line will traverse habitat that have in some way or another been disturbed and transformed. Small patches of semi-natural grassland occur as isolated islands surrounded by cultivated lands.
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4.2 Recorded Conservation Worthy Species
During the survey the following conservation worthy plant species were identified namely: » Boophone disticha, » Hypoxis hemerocallidea, » Eucomis autumnalis » Zantedeschia albomaculata » Kniphofia linearifolia » Gladiolus crassifolius » Gladiolus papilio » Watsonia spp . ( likely to be W. lepida) » The following Helichrysum species – H. aureum, H. chionospaerum and H. spiralepis.
All of these species are protected by the provincial legislation (Free State Nature Conservation Ordinance, No. 8 of 1969), Boophone disticha and Hypoxis hemerocallidea is also furthermore included within the Red List of South African plants version 2014.1 where these species are classified as declining.
Most of the above mentioned conservation species were associated with rocky areas (such as the talus slopes of mesas and exposed sandstone terraces) and moderate sloping climatic grasslands (undisturbed patches). Species such as Gladiolus papilio and Kniphofia linearifolia are typically associated with moist areas such as valley bottom wetlands and seeps.
4.3 Faunal description
As for the faunal component of the survey, a few burrows were present within the survey area. Most of the burrows were mainly small in size inhabited most likely by small rodents (likely Highveld Gerbil – Gerbilliscus brantsii ; Four-striped Grass Mouse – Rhabdomys pumilio and/or Forest Shrew – Myosorex varius ) and mongoose species. The few larger burrows noted are most likely Aardvark (Orycteropus afer ) burrows which are also likely utilised by porcupine ( Hystrix africaeaustralis ) and South African Hedgehog ( Atelerix frontalis ) very slight potential by Black-footed Cat ( Felis nigripes ) and Aardwolf ( Proteles cristatus ). Most of the burrows encountered within the study area had no indications of recent activities . Signs of Black-backed Jackal (Canis mesomelas ) have also been observed along the route. Other faunal species noted within the affected farm properties included Steenbok ( Raphicerus campestris ) and Scrub Hare (Lepus saxatilis ). Along the R712 (12km north of the point where the proposed power line
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will cross the road) a Serval ( Felis serval ) was recorded which was struck by a vehicle.
In terms of fauna, the following are species which potentially occur at the site and are listed species within the Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act (No. 9 of 2009).
Schedule 1. Protected Fauna:
» Felis nigripes - Black-footed cat/Miershooptier » Felis silvestris - African wild cat/Afrika wildekat » Ictonyx striatus - Striped polecat/Stinkmuishond » Mellivora capensis - Honey badger/Ratel » Otocyon megalotis - Bat-eared fox/Bakoorvos » Proteles cristatus – Aardwolf/Maanhaarjakkals » Orycteropus afer - Aardvark / Ant-bear Erdvark / Aardvark » Smaug giganteus – Sungazer / Giant Girdled Lizard / Ouvolk » Atelerix frontalis – Hedgehog / Krimpvarkie » Pronolagus rupestris – Smith’s red rock rabbit » Suricata suricata – Suricate / Meerkat » Pelea carpreolus – Grey rhebok / Vaal ribbok
Of relevance to the current study would be, burrows of any of the above species within the development footprint.
4.4 Specific Issues noted
4.4.1 Gully and Sheet Erosion north-east of the Node Rural Substation
The distal portion of the proposed 22kV Power Line (±800m north-east of the Node Rural Substation) crosses a wetland which is prone to moderate intense sheet erosion and forms part of a more extensive erosion prone area, subjected to gully and rill erosion. Service road and pylon placement as well as remediation of the disturbed areas will be important to prevent further exaggeration of the erosion features. It is recommended that pylons should not be placed within the eroded area and that the existing service road (for the existing power line) should be utilized. Where the existing service road crosses the erosion feature, necessary landscaping and remediation as well as erosion control measures should be implemented.
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Figure 6: Google Earth Image of the erosion system located just north-east of the Node Rural Substation.
Figure 7: Gully and rill erosion just east of the proposed power line route.
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Figure 8: Point where the proposed 22kV power line will cross the area prone to sheet erosion.
4.4.2 Patch of natural grassland containing numerous conservation worthy plant species
A small patch of natural grassland containing numerous conservation worthy species including a population of Zantedeschia albomaculata , Gladiolus crassifolius, Eucomis autumnalis and Watsonia lepida . Furthermore, this small grassland patch, occurring on a moderate west facing slope (±30° slope) contains a high diversity of plant species, mostly grasses and herbs.
This area is located within the latter half of the power line route (approximately 4.97km from the Node Rural Substation; Coordinates: -28.424464°; 28.428723°) and impacts within this grassland can be minimalised through the following mitigation measures:
An existing twin track farm road exists running parallel with the fence. This existing road should be used as the access and service road for the proposed power line. Any construction activities should take place in the area between the existing twin track and the farm fence.
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Construction activities, stockpiling and off-road driving within the area south of the twin track should be avoided.
Figure 9: Google Earth Image of grassland patch containing a high diversity of plant species including numerous conservation worthy species. Note the farm track running parallel to the farm fence as well as the proposed power line (blue line).
Figure 10: South western view of the grassland.
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Figure 11: This grassland contains a high diversity of forbs as well as geophytes such as Gladiolus crassifolius (pink flower).
4.4.3 Power line crossing a dense patch of Riparian woodland
Immediately after the proposed power line crosses the S217, the power line will pass through a dense portion of riparian woodland comprising mainly off Populus x canescens , Salix babylonica , Leucosidea sericea . Even though a large percentage of the woody coverage comprises alien trees, these species along with the herbaceous and grass layer provides a pivotal function in the form of soil stabilisation. This portion is characterised by some alluvial and locally weathered sandy soils overlying sandstone bedrock and weathered and transitions into deeper alluvial soils towards the Ash River’s channel. Crossing the riparian fringe at this point will be challenging and difficult to remediate exposing the area to potential erosion.
It is recommended that the route is adjusted by moving the line slightly northwards. Furthermore, it is recommended that no pylons and access roads may be placed within the delineated area. Construction activities must be avoided within this area.
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Figure 12: Google Earth Image indicating the extent of the dense, tall riparian woodland regarded as sensitive.
Figure 13: View of the dense riparian woodland as seen from a clearing in the woodland to the east.
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Figure 14: View of the dense riparian woodland as seen from the rocky outcropping to the north-east.
4.5 List of species of conservation concern
The tables below provide a description of the protected species found within the study area as well as the amount of species recorded and an estimated total that may be present within the study area.
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Forbs/Herbs
1. Helichrysum aureum
Protected: Free State Nature Conservation Ordinance
These species were recorded along the talus slope of the small mesa located almost at the southern end of the power line route.
TOTAL INDIVIDUALS Observed: 4 individuals
Estimated: 20 individuals
Any disturbance/impact/destruction of such protected species (Free State Nature Conservation Ordinance) will require a permit from the relevant provincial conservation authority.
2. Helichrysum chionosphaerum
Protected: Free State Nature Conservation Ordinance
These species were recorded along the talus slope of the small mesa located almost at the southern end of the power line. It occupied very shallow gritty areas.
TOTAL INDIVIDUALS Observed: 1 individuals Estimated: 10 individuals
Any disturbance/impact/destruction of such protected species (Free State Nature Conservation Ordinance) will require a permit from the relevant provincial conservation authority.
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3. Helichrysum spiralepis
Protected: Free State Nature Conservation Ordinance
These species were recorded along the talus slope of the small mesa located almost at the southern end of the power line.
TOTAL INDIVIDUALS Observed: 14 individuals Estimated: 30 individuals
Any disturbance/impact/destruction of such protected species (Free State Nature Conservation Ordinance) will require a permit from the relevant provincial conservation authority.
Geophytes
1. Boophone disticha
Protected: Free State Nature Conservation Ordinance and Red Data List (Declining)
These species prefer dry grasslands along the midslopes as well as rocky locations.
TOTAL INDIVIDUALS Observed: 4 individuals Estimated: 15 individuals
Large underground bulb. Can be difficult to locate if not actively growing (in dormant state).
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As only a few species of B. disticha is expected to occur within the development footprint areas, avoidance is possible and should be deemed the preferable option . This species should be marked and protected during the construction phase. Any addition species noted by the EO/ECO during the construction phase should be marked and avoided. Where the bulbs, of species missed during initial walk-through and EO/ECO inspections, are exposed during the grading of the construction areas, these bulbs should be removed from the topsoil and then be relocated.
Bulbs can easily be lifted and replanted. Should this be the case, a permit will be required from the relevant nature conservation authority (according to the Free State Conservation Ordinance). 2. Hypoxis hemerocallidea
Protected: Free State Nature Conservation Ordinance and Red Data List (Declining)
These species prefer dry grasslands, mostly along gentle to average slopes.
TOTAL INDIVIDUALS Observed: 1 individuals Estimated: 4 individuals
Large underground bulb. Can be difficult to locate if not actively growing (in dormant state).
As only a few individuals of H. hemerocallidea is expected to occur within the development footprint areas, avoidance is possible and should be deemed the preferable option. This species should be marked during the construction phase and damage to such a species should be avoided. Any additional individuals noted by the EO/ECO during the construction phase should be marked and avoided. Where the bulbs, of species missed during initial walk-through and EO/ECO inspections, are exposed during the grading of the construction areas,
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these bulbs should be removed from the topsoil and then be relocated.
Bulbs can easily be lifted and replanted (in the case where avoidance is not possible). Should this be the case, a permit will be required from the relevant nature conservation authority (according to the Free State Conservation Ordinance).
3. Eucomis autumnalis
Protected: Free State Nature Conservation Ordinance
Habitat: Rocky, grassy slopes
TOTAL INDIVIDUALS Observed: 3 individuals Estimated: 15 individuals
Large underground bulb. Can be difficult to locate if not actively growing (in dormant state). As only a few individuals of E. autumnalis is expected to occur within the development footprint areas, avoidance is possible and should be deemed the preferable option. This species should be marked and protected during the construction phase. Any addition species noted by the EO/ECO during the construction phase should be marked and avoided. Where the bulbs, of species missed during initial walk-through and EO/ECO inspections, are exposed during the grading of the construction areas, these bulbs should be removed from the topsoil and then be relocated.
Bulbs can easily be lifted and replanted (in the case where avoidance is not possible). Should this be the case, a permit will be required from the relevant nature conservation authority (according to the Free State Conservation Ordinance).
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4. Zantedeschia albomaculata
Protected: Free State Nature Conservation Ordinance
Sloping, rocky grasslands and woodland (riparian) fringes with moderate to light shade.
TOTAL INDIVIDUALS Observed: 2 Populations/clusters were recorded (between 8 and 12 individuals per population) Estimated: 40 individuals
Small to medium sized tubers and rhizomes. Can be difficult to locate if not actively growing (in dormant state). As only a few individuals of Z. albomaculata is expected to occur within the development footprint areas, avoidance is possible and should be deemed the preferable option. This species should be marked and protected during the construction phase. Any additional species noted by the EO/ECO during the construction phase should be marked and avoided. Where the bulbs, of species missed during initial walk-through and EO/ECO inspections, are exposed during the grading of the construction areas, these bulbs should be removed from the topsoil and then be relocated.
Bulbs can easily be lifted and replanted (in the case where avoidance is not possible). Should this be the case, a permit will be required from the relevant nature conservation authority (according to the Free State Conservation Ordinance). 5. Kniphofia linearifolia
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Protected: Free State Nature Conservation Ordinance
Habitat: Marshy areas, streambanks and mountain grassland
TOTAL INDIVIDUALS Observed: 2 individuals Estimated: 5 individuals
Medium sized rhizomes. Can be difficult to locate if not actively growing (in dormant state). This species should be marked and protected during the construction phase. Any addition species noted by the EO/ECO during the construction phase should be marked and avoided. Where the bulbs, of species missed during initial walk-through and EO/ECO inspections, are exposed during the grading of the construction areas, these bulbs should be removed from the topsoil and then be relocated.
Bulbs can easily be lifted and replanted (in the case where avoidance is not possible). Should this be the case, a permit will be required from the relevant nature conservation authority (according to the Free State Conservation Ordinance). 6. Gladiolus crassifolius
Protected: Free State Nature Conservation Ordinance
Sloping, rocky grasslands.
TOTAL INDIVIDUALS Observed: 2 Populations/clusters were recorded (Population 1: ±3 individuals; Population 2: ±7 individuals) Estimated: 20 individuals
This species can be effectively relocated. Any additional species noted by the EO/ECO during the construction phase should be marked and relocated.
Any disturbance/impact/destruction of such protected species (Free State Nature
Conservation Ordinance) will require a
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permit from the relevant provincial conservation authority. 7. Gladiolus papilio
Protected: Free State Nature Conservation Ordinance
Habitat: Marshy and damp grassland
TOTAL INDIVIDUALS Observed: 1 individual Estimated: 5 individuals
This species can be effectively relocated. Any additional species noted by the EO/ECO during the construction phase should be marked and relocated.
Any disturbance/impact/destruction of such protected species (Free State Nature Conservation Ordinance) will require a permit from the relevant provincial
conservation authority. 8. Watsonia spp . ( likely to be W. lepida)
Protected: Free State Nature Conservation Ordinance
Sloping, rocky grasslands.
TOTAL INDIVIDUALS Observed: 2 Populations/clusters were recorded (Population 1: ±8 individuals; Population 2: ±17 individuals) Estimated: 45 individuals
This species can be effectively relocated. Any additional species noted by the EO/ECO during the construction phase should be marked and relocated.
Any disturbance/impact/destruction of such protected species (Free State Nature Conservation Ordinance) will require a permit from the relevant provincial conservation authority.
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Faunal observations
1. Smaller Burrows
Burrows with a diameter of 5-6 cm. Possibly belong to either: Forest Shrew ( Myosorex varius ), Highveld Gerbil ( Gerbilliscus brantsii ); or Striped Mouse / Four-striped Grass Mouse ( Rhabdomys pumilio )
These burrows typically occurred singularly or in small groups of between three and six and occurred mainly between the following points along the proposed power line route: -28.423792°; 28.428022° -28.432333°; 28.440773°
Habitat varied between disturbed grassland fringed by ploughed land to semi-natural grassland.
2. Larger burrows
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Most likely that of Aardvark (Orycteropus afer ) and/or, Porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis ).
Dug up gnawed tuber, likely of Eucomis autumnalis . Responsible mammal: Porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis )
5 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
» The report indicates the approximate areas of occurrence of red data and protected species within the proposed development footprint areas (30m radius around each pylon). » A number of protected species have been mapped by GPS to help locate them, but it must be noted that the GPS accuracy is at best 3-5m, and most plants mapped are less than 15cm in diameter. » It will be important to appropriately demarcate footprint areas, especially pylon locations prior to construction, and then have a suitable EO/ECO contractor locate and remove/relocate all protected species.
» The following conservation worthy species have been noted namely; • Geophytes: o Boophone disticha, o Hypoxis hemerocallidea, o Eucomis autumnalis o Zantedeschia albomaculata
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o Kniphofia linearifolia o Gladiolus crassifolius o Gladiolus papilio o Watsonia spp . ( likely to be W. lepida) • Forbs: o The following Helichrysum species – H. aureum, H. chionospaerum and H. spiralepis.
» All of these species are protected by the provincial legislation (Free State Nature Conservation Ordinance, Act No. 8 of 1969), and furthermore, Boophone disticha and Hypoxis hemerocallidea are included within the Red List of South African plants version 2014.1 as declining species.
» Permits from the relevant authority (Free State Nature Conservation Ordinance, Act No. 8 of 1969) should be obtained for all species that will be affected by the development, prior to any form of disturbance.
» The Project Company is urged to align all access routes as far as possible with existing roads and twin tracks to avoid having access routes in close proximity to existing tracks. This would cause unnecessary damage to the environment, may start accelerated erosion and create a window of opportunity for additional alien plant invasions.
» Specific issues noted during the walk-through and which will require additional mitigation measures: • Area prone to gully and sheet erosion o Placement of pylons within these areas should be avoided as far as possible. o The existing service road should be utilised and the creation of additional tracks should be avoided. o Areas around access roads should be remediated and the necessary erosion control measures should be implemented. • Patch of natural vegetation containing a high diversity of species, including a number of conservation worthy species. o An existing twin track farm road exists running parallel with the fence. This existing road should be used as the access and service road for the proposed power line. o Any construction activities should take place in the area between the existing twin track and the farm fence. o Construction activities, stockpiling and off-road driving within the area south of the twin track should be avoided. o The formation and spread of erosion from the access road should be avoided through the implementation of necessary control measures. • The crossing of a dens, tall riparian woodland patch. o It is recommended that the route is adjusted by moving the line slightly northwards.
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o Furthermore, it is recommended that no pylons and access roads may be placed within the delineated area. o All construction activities must be avoided within this area.
» Species specific coordinates of some conservation worthy species noted within the inspected development footprint areas (30m radius).
Single Growth Species / Amount Species Longitude Latitude Height Form Cluster of (Cluster) Species
Helichrysum Mat- chionospaerum 28.449893° -28.448005° 0.15 cm forming Single Helichrysum aureum 28.449843° -28.448398° 40 cm Forb Cluster 2 Helichrysum aureum 28.377496° -28.415320° 40 cm Forb Single Helichrysum aureum 28.376990° -28.415315° 40 cm Forb Single Helachrysum spiralepis 28.449925° -28.448845° 20 cm Forb Cluster 4 Helachrysum spiralepis 28.449889° -28.448383° 20 cm Forb Cluster 2 Helachrysum spiralepis 28.450003° -28.448085° 20 cm Forb Single Helachrysum spiralepis 28.449712° -28.450003° 20 cm Forb Single Helachrysum spiralepis 28.449792° -28.448029° 20 cm Forb Single Helachrysum spiralepis 28.377667° -28.415231° 20 cm Forb Cluster 3 Helachrysum spiralepis 28.376619° -28.414939° 20 cm Forb Cluster 2 Boophone disticha 28.449957° -28.448347° 45 cm Geophyte Single Boophone disticha 28.443490° -28.444260° 45 cm Geophyte Single Boophone disticha 28.433951° -28.425213° 45 cm Geophyte Single Boophone disticha 28.428599° -28.425172° 45 cm Geophyte Single Hypoxis hemerocallidea 28.435906° -28.425567° 50cm Geophyte Single Eucomis autumnalis 28.429509° -28.424345° 50cm Geophyte Cluster 3 Gladiolus crassifolius 28.429459° -28.424307° 45cm Geophyte Cluster 3 Gladiolus crassifolius 28.42811° -28.423931° 45cm Geophyte Cluster 7 Watsonia spp. (W. lepida) 28.429115° -28.424236° 30cm Geophyte Cluster 8 Watsonia spp. (W. lepida) 28.428470° -28.424261° 30cm Geophyte Cluster 17 Zantedeschia albomaculata 28.427827° -28.423905° 50cm Geophyte Cluster 12
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Zantedeschia albomaculata 28.375353° -28.414889° 50cm Geophyte Cluster 8 Kniphofia linearifolia 28.427387° -28.423862° 70cm Geophyte Single Kniphofia linearifolia 28.427444° -28.423862° 70cm Geophyte Single Gladiolus papilio 28.427196° -28.423807° 70cm Geophyte Single
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