IMPROVEMENT OF NATIONAL ROUTE R510 SECTION 2 FROM KM 6.3 AT BIERSPRUIT BRIDGE AND ENDS AT KM 33.4 NEAR THABAZIMBI
ECOLOGICAL AND BIODIVERSITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Prepared for:
Royal HaskoningDHV (Pty) Ltd Fountain Square 78 Kalkoen Street, Monument Park Ext 2 Pretoria 0181
Under the direction of: The South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd Regional Manager Northern Region 38 Ida Street, Menlo Park 0081
Prepared by:
JOHANNESBURG Block D, Gillooly’s View Office Park (EOH Business Park), 1 Osborne Lane, Bedfordview, Johannesburg, 2007. (011) 607 8389 Also in Cape Town, East London, Grahamstown, Port Elizabeth and Maputo (Mozambique) www.cesnet.co.za or www.eoh.co.za
July 2017
Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 REVISIONS TRACKING TABLE
EOH Coastal and Environmental Services Report Title: Improvement of National Road R510 Section 2, from Bierspruit (km 6.4) to Thabazimbi (km 33.8), Limpopo Province: Ecological and Biodiversity Impact Assessment. Report Version: Draft v2 (RDK v1) Project Number: 209
Copyright This document contains intellectual property and proprietary information that is protected by copyright in favour of Coastal & Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd. (and the specialist consultants). The document may therefore not be reproduced, used or distributed to any third party without the prior written consent of Coastal & Environmental Services. Although this document is prepared exclusively for submission to the Royal Haskoning DHV South Africa, Coastal & Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd retains ownership of the intellectual property and proprietary information contained herein, which is subject to all confidentiality, copyright and trade secrets, rules intellectual property law and practices of South Africa.
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services i Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 ACRONYMS
BA Basic Assessment (in terms of NEMA) BSP Biodiversity Sector Plan CBA Critical Biodiversity Area CITES Conservation on International Trade in Endangered Species CP Conservation Plan CR Critically Endangered DAFF Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries DEA Department of Environmental Affairs DMR Department of Mineral Resources DT Moderate degraded Thornveld DWS Department of Water and Sanitation EAP Environmental Assessment Practitioner ECO Environmental Control Officer EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMPr Environmental Management Programme Report EN Endangered EOH EOH Coastal and Environmental Services EOH Enterprise Outsource Holdings (used interchangeably: EOH CES, CES) EOH CES EOH Coastal and Environmental Services (used interchangeably: EOH, CES) ESA Ecological Support Area GA General Authorization GRV Highly degraded grassy road verge IBA Important Bird Area IDF Integrated Development Framework IDP Integrated Development Plan IUCN International Unit for Conservation of Nature LC Least concern LCP2 Limpopo Conservation Plan version 2 (2011) LEMA Limpopo Environmental Management Act MEC Member of the Executive Council/Committee MM Mine Manager MOO Mine overburden overgrowth NBF The National Biodiversity Framework NBSAP The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan NEM:BA National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, (Act No. 10 OF 2004) NEMA National Environmental Management Act, 107 of 1998 as amended NEMPAA The National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act NFEPA National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas NHRA National Heritage Resources Act (Act No. 25 of 1999) NPA National Protected Area NPAES National Protected Areas Expansion Strategy NSBA The National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment NT Near Threatened NWA National Water Act POSA Plants of Southern Africa PPE Personal Protective Equipment RHDHV Royal Haskoning DHV RV Riparian vegetation SANBI South African National Biodiversity Institute SANRAL South African National Roads Agency Limited SCC Species of Conservation Concern SDF Spatial Development Framework
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services ii Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 VU Vulnerable WBR Waterberg Bioregional Plan (2015) WUL Water Use Licence WULA Water Use License Application
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services iii Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 DEFINITIONS
Environment The surroundings in which humans exist and which comprise (a) the land, water and atmosphere of the earth; and (b) micro-organisms, plant and animal life. Any part or combination of (a) and (b) and the interrelationships among and between them. The physical, chemical, aesthetic and cultural properties and conditions of the foregoing that can influence human health and well-being. Environmental impact The change to the environment resulting from an environmental aspect (an activity) on the environment, whether desirable or undesirable. An impact may be the direct or indirect consequence of an activity. Invasive Invasive alien species are animals, plants or other organisms introduced by man into places out of their natural range of distribution, where they become established and disperse, generating a negative impact on the local ecosystem and species. Monitoring A systematic and objective observation of an organisation’s activities and services conducted and reported on regularly. Rehabilitation Rehabilitation is defined as the return of a disturbed area to a state, which approximates the state (where possible), which it was before disruption. Rehabilitation for the purposes of this specification is aimed at post-reinstatement re-vegetation of a disturbed area and the assurance of a stable land surface. Re-vegetation should aim to accelerate the natural succession processes so that the plant community develops in the desired way, i.e. promote rapid vegetation establishment. Restoration Is the process of reconstituting a degraded system to its original state. Re-vegetation Re-vegetation implies restoration without the objective of reinstating a particular native ecosystem. In re-vegetation, any plant species would do (for instance, sowing a mixture of commercially available grasses on mine tailings for soil rehabilitation) although a commercial crop or timber producing trees are often used. Re-vegetation is the physical process of establishing a vegetation cover. Subsoil The soil horizons between the topsoil horizon and the underlying parent rock. Topsoil This is defined as the “A” horizon of the soil profile. Topsoil is the upper layer of soil from which plants obtain their nutrients for growth. It is often darker in colour, due to the organic (humic) fraction, but regardless of the fertility appearance, structure, agriculture potential, this profile constitutes the topsoil. The top 30cm of soil and include vegetative material. Weed An undesirable plant, typically an alien or non-native species, which exhibits robust growth and may provide competition for resources with the desired vegetation. Herpetofauna The reptiles and amphibians of a particular region, habitat, or geological period. Invasive alien plant Invasive plants are naturalized plants that produce reproductive offspring, often in very large numbers, at considerable distances from parent plants (approximate scales being more than 100 m in less than 50 years for taxa spreading by seeds and other propagules; more than 6 m/3 years for taxa spreading by roots, rhizomes, stolons or creeping stems) and thus have the potential to spread over considerable areas (Richardson et al. 2000).
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services iv Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 Clay fraction Fine-grained natural rock or soil material typically with a grain size of less than 0.002mm. The finest classification of soil components. Mineral and Petroleum The Act which makes provisions for equitable access to and sustainable Development Act development of the nation’s mineral and petroleum resources. Study Area A study area refers to the geographic region for which data is analyzed in a report and/or map, or where a particular development will occur. In this instance, specific to the N2 road (inclusive of reserve) between Caledon and Riviersonderend. Alluvial Made up of or found in the materials that are left by the water of rivers, floods, and others. No-go Areas Refers to areas that are highly sensitive and therefore no development or individual is allowed.
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services v Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. THE PROJECT TEAM ...... IX 1.1. Details of specialist ...... ix 1.2. Expertise ...... ix 1.3. Declaration ...... x 2. INTRODUCTION ...... 1 2.1. Background to the Study ...... 1 2.2. Project description and location ...... 1 2.3. Project details ...... 2 2.4. Alternatives ...... 3 2.5. Objectives and Terms of Reference...... 3 2.6. Approach ...... 4 2.7. Assumptions and Limitations ...... 5 3. ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY ...... 6 3.1. Species of conservation concern ...... 6 3.1.1 Plant SCC ...... 6 3.1.2 Animal SCC ...... 6 3.1.3 Sampling protocol ...... 7 3.1.4 Vegetation mapping ...... 7 3.1.5 Sensitivity assessment ...... 8 3.1.6 Biodiversity ...... 9 3.1.7 Protected Areas ...... 10 3.2. Impact assessment ...... 11 3.2.1 Impact rating methodology ...... 11 4 RELEVANT LEGISLATION ...... 13 5 DESCRIPTION OF THE BIOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT...... 15 5.1. Background and Literature review ...... 15 5.2. Climate ...... 15 5.3. Topography ...... 16 5.4. Geology ...... 20 5.5. Surface hydrology ...... 24 5.6. Land use ...... 29 5.7. Vegetation and Floristics ...... 30 5.7.1 SANBI classification (Mucina and Rutherford, 2012) ...... 30 5.8. Biodiversity conservation ...... 34 5.8.1 Limpopo Conservation Plan ...... 34 5.8.2 Waterberg Biodiversity Sector Plan ...... 35 5.8.3 Protected areas ...... 38 5.8.4 Threatened ecosystems...... 39 5.8.5 National Invasive Alien Plans ...... 39 5.8.6 Important Bird Areas ...... 39 5.8.7 Conservation Status of plant species: Rare, Endangered or Threatened species ...... 40 5.9. Animal species that may occur onsite ...... 41 5.9.1 Mammals: ...... 41 5.9.2 Lepidoptera...... 41 5.9.3 Reptiles ...... 42 5.9.4 Frogs ...... 42 5.9.5 Dung beetles ...... 43 5.9.6 Spiders and Scorpions ...... 43 6. SITE OBSERVATIONS AND DESCRIPTION ...... 44 6.1. Vegetation types and description ...... 44 6.1.1 Mine overburden overgrowth ...... 45 6.1.2 Highly degraded grassy road verge (GRV); ...... 48 6.1.3 Riparian vegetation ...... 50 6.1.4 Moderately degraded Thornveld (DT) ...... 54 6.2. Plant Species Observed ...... 63
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services vi Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 6.3. Alien invasive species observed ...... 63 6.4. Animal species observed ...... 64 7. SITE SENSITIVITY ...... 65 7.1. Conservation and Spatial Planning Tools ...... 65 7.2. NEMBA Threatened Ecosystems ...... 65 7.3. Vegetation ...... 65 7.4. Sensitivity map ...... 65 7.5. Recommendations ...... 71 7.5.1 High sensitivity areas ...... 71 7.5.2 Moderate sensitivity areas ...... 71 7.5.3 Low sensitivity areas ...... 71 7.6. Issues identified ...... 71 8. MANNER IN WHICH THE ENVIRONMENT MAY BE AFFECTED ...... 72 8.1. Impacts identified ...... 72 8.2. Impact assessment ...... 73 9. IMPACT STATEMENT, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS...... 79 9.1. Conclusions ...... 79 9.2. Current status ...... 79 9.3. Recommendations to be included in the Final EMPr ...... 79 9.4. Mitigation measures ...... 80 9.4.1 Planning & Design phase...... 80 9.4.2 Construction phase ...... 80 9.4.3 Operational phase ...... 81 9.5. Environmental Statement and Opinion of the Specialist...... 81 10. REFERENCES ...... 82
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 2.1: Locality of the proposed road R510 road upgrade project...... 2 Figure 5.1: Graphs (from left to right) showing the average monthly rainfall; average monthly midday temperature; and average monthly night-time temperatures for Thabazimbi (SA Explorer; 2015; 26 May 2017)...... 15 Figure 5.2: Northern region topography, facing northwards towards Thabazimbi...... 16 Figure 5.3: Southern region topography, facing southwards...... 17 Figure 5.4: Elevation profile of the R510, Section 2 (project region)(Source: RHDHV 2017)...... 17 Figure 5.5: Topography map of the of project region...... 18 Figure 5.6: Terrain types map of the project region (Source: AGIS, 2017)...... 19 Figure 5.7: Geology map of the project region (Source: RHDHV, 2017)...... 21 Figure 5.8: Generalised soil patterns map of the project region (Source: AGIS, 2017)...... 22 Figure 5.9: Land Type map of the project region (Source: AGIS, 2017)...... 23 Figure 5.10: Hydrology map of the proposed project region...... 25 Figure 5.11: River buffers (50m) and Wetland buffers (500m) for the project area. Due to scale the Bierspruit 50m buffer is not readily visible, however the extent shown here is indicative of the 50m boundary...... 26 Figure 5.12: River buffers (50m) and Wetland buffers (500m) for the project area, zoomed in to the areas where the road crosses into the buffer zones...... 27 Figure 5.13: Water use licence application locations for the project area...... 28 Figure 5.14: Land use of the project area...... 30 Figure 5.15: Mucina and Rutherford (2006) vegetation map of the Thabazimbi area...... 33 Figure 5.16: Terrestrial CBA’s and ESA’s for the project area, based on the Waterberg Bioregional Plan (2015). The thick black line represents the R510 section 2, for upgrade...... 36 Figure 5.17: Aquatic CBA’s and ESA’s for the project area, based on the Waterberg Bioregional Plan (2015). The thick black line represents the R510 section 2, for upgrade...... 37 Figure 5.18: Private Nature Reserves near or adjacent to the proposed development...... 38 Figure 5.19: Important Birding Areas in and around the project area...... 40 Figure 6.1: Vegetation types observed onsite (Section 1 of 4) and surrounding the site (500m buffer)...... 59 Figure 6.2: Vegetation types observed onsite (Section 2 of 4) and surrounding the site (500m buffer)...... 60 Figure 6.3: Vegetation types observed onsite (Section 3 of 4) and surrounding the site (500m buffer)...... 61 Figure 6.4: Vegetation types observed onsite (Section 4 of 4) and surrounding the site (500m buffer)...... 62
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services vii Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017
Figure 7.1: Ecological and Biodiversity Sensitivity map for the proposed road upgrade – section 1 of 4...... 67 Figure 7.2: Ecological and Biodiversity Sensitivity map for the proposed road upgrade – section 2 of 4...... 68 Figure 7.3: Ecological and Biodiversity Sensitivity map for the proposed road upgrade – section 3 of 4...... 69 Figure 7.4: Ecological and Biodiversity Sensitivity map for the proposed road upgrade – section 4 of 4...... 70 Table 8.1. Impacts identified during all phases of the proposed R510 road upgrade project...... 72
LIST OF TABLES
Table 3.1. Criteria used for the analysis of the sensitivity of the area...... 8 Table 4.1. Environmental legislation considered in the preparation of the Ecological and Biodiversity Assessment for the proposed road upgrade project, Thabazimbi, Limpopo Province...... 13 Table 5.1: Mucina & Rutherford (2014) conservation classification for the project region vegetation types...... 31 Table 5.2: List of potential plant SCC that may be found onsite ...... 40 Table 5.3: List of potential mammals that may be found onsite...... 41 Table 5.4: List of potential lepidopterans that may be found onsite...... 41 Table 5.5: List of potential reptiles that may be found onsite...... 42 Table 5.6: List of potential frogs that may be found onsite...... 42 Table 6.1. Alien invasive species present on site...... 63 Table 7.1. Criteria used for the analysis of the sensitivity of the R510 road upgrade project...... 65 Table 7.2: Issues identified during the sensitivity assessment of the proposed R510 road upgrade project. . 71 Table 8.2. Assessment of impacts during the Planning & Design Phase...... 74 Table 8.3. Assessment of impacts during the Construction Phase...... 75 Table 8.4. Assessment of impacts during the Operational Phase...... 78 Table 9.1. Assessment of pre- and post-mitigation impact significance...... 79
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services viii Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 1. THE PROJECT TEAM
1.1. Details of specialist
Mr Roy de Kock M.Sc., Pri. Nat. Sci. (Vegetation & Biodiversity Specialist; Report Reviewer)
Roy is a Senior Consultant holding a BSc Honours in Geology and an MSc in Botany from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth. His MSc thesis focused on Rehabilitation Ecology using an open-cast mine as a case study. He has been working for EOH since 2010, and is based at the East London branch where he focuses on Vegetation, Biodiversity, Ecological and Agricultural Assessments, Geological and Geotechnical analysis, Environmental Management Plans, mining applications and various environmental impact studies. Roy has worked on numerous projects in South Africa and Africa at large. Roy is registered with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professional (SACNASP).
Mr Gideon Raath Pri. Nat Sci. (Vegetation & Biodiversity Specialist; Report Production)
Environmental Consultant, holds an MSc (Geography and Environmental Management; SU), a BSc Honours (Ecology and Environmental Studies - Cum laude; Wits) and a BSc (Geography and Environmental Management; UJ). His MSc thesis focussed on the hydrological impact on the spatial distribution of invasive Eucalyptus trees along the Breede River, while his honours thesis evaluated ethnobotanical relationships around the Rio Tinto copper mine in Phalaborwa. Most recently he has worked Monitoring & Evaluation Project Manager for the City of Cape Town's invasive species unit. Gideon works from the Cape Town office, and is interested in invasion ecology and the management of groundwater pollution through phytoremediation.
1.2. Expertise
Relevant projects Roy and Gideon have worked on include:
Name of project Description of responsibility Date completed City of Johannesburg Biodiversity Vegetation and Ridgeline Biodiversity Study January 2017 Assessment and Conservation MP for 4 Nature Reserves Terreco Butterworth Bypass Botanical and Biodiversity Assessment Oct 2016 Alternatives EIA (EC) Terreco Idutywa Bypass Alternatives Botanical and Biodiversity Assessment Oct 2016 EIA (EC) SANRAL Caledon N2 Section 3 road Ecological Impact Assessment August 2015 upgrade SANRAL N2 between Tetyana & Sitebe Ecological Impact Assessment June 2015 Komkulu EIA (EC) ACSA East London Airport Vegetation Botanical & Biodiversity Impact Assessment February 2014 Study (EC) SANRAL R61 Baziya to Mthatha EIA (EC) Ecological Impact Assessment November 2014
SANRAL Rehabilitation of the N9, Ecological Impact Assessment June 2013 Middelburg (EC)
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services ix Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 1.3. Declaration
I, Roy de Kock, declare that, in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), as amended and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014; I act as the independent specialist in this application; I will perform the work relating to the application in an objective manner, even if this results in views and findings that are not favourable to the applicant; I declare that there are no circumstances that may compromise my objectivity in performing such work; I have expertise in conducting the specialist report relevant to this application, including knowledge of the Act, Regulations and any guidelines that have relevance to the proposed activity; I will comply with the Act, Regulations and all other applicable legislation; I have no, and will not engage in, conflicting interests in the undertaking of the activity; I undertake to disclose to the applicant and the competent authority all material information in my possession that reasonably has or may have the potential of influencing - any decision to be taken with respect to the application by the competent authority; and - the objectivity of any report, plan or document to be prepared by myself for submission to the competent authority; all the particulars furnished by me in this report are true and correct; and I realise that a false declaration is an offence in terms of regulation 48 and is punishable in terms of section 24F of the Act.
______
Mr Roy de Kock
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services x Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 2. INTRODUCTION
2.1. Background to the Study
South African National Roads Agency Soc. (SANRAL) has appointed Royal Haskoning DHV Engineering (RHDHV) as project managers for the proposed road upgrade of Section 2 of the R510, between Thabazimbi and Bierspruit, Limpopo Province. RHDHV then subcontracted EOH Coastal & Environmental Services (EOH) as the Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP). The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) applications submitted for this project include a 1) Basic Assessment and Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) for environmental authorisation, 2) licencing application for water use (National Water Act Section 21 C & I application, and 21 A), and 3) a Basic Assessment and Environmental Management Programme for borrow pit mining permit, as per Section 22(1) of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (Act No 28 of 2002).
As part of the EIA, an Ecological and Biodiversity Assessment report was commissioned by the proponent, conducted by Mr Roy de Kock and Mr Gideon Raath of EOH. This document thus forms part of the suite of documents for submission to both the DMR and DEA, as part of the Basic Assessment process, and aims to assess the current ecological (faunal and floral) conditions on site and determine the impact the upgrade are likely to present to the environment. Sensitive areas will are highlighted and specific mitigation measures provided, for inclusion into the EMPr, for consideration by the authorities.
• All minor culverts that are not able to pass the required flow for a Class 3 road be upgraded; • All the culverts affected by provision of the 13.4 m – 16.8 m wide cross section be lengthened • accordingly; and • Replacement of side drains due to the new vertical alignment.
2.2. Project description and location
The project is located on the National Route R510, Section 2 is located between Northam and Thabazimbi in the Limpopo Province (Figure 2.1). The site is contained within the Thabazimbi Local Municipality, and the Waterberg District Municipality. The project starts at km 6.3 just before the Bierspruit Bridge and ends at km 33.4 at the informal Mine intersection. The total length of the project is 27.1 km of single carriageway road with an existing surfaced width of 7 m. The carriageway is to be widened to accommodate passing lanes, where required, thus resulting in a carriageway that varies from 13,4 m to 16,8 m surfaced width, with two to four 3,7 m lanes and 3 m or 1,0 m surfaced shoulders respectively. Included in the project are five river bridges and two roads over rail bridges that must be widened to accommodate the road cross section improvement.
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 1 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017
Figure 2.1: Locality of the proposed road R510 road upgrade project.
2.3. Project details
The project aims to upgrade the existing road surface, based on the condition assessment, in order to promote safe road conditions and reduce road fatalities. As such, general construction as pertaining to roadworks will form part of this project, such as:
• Clearing and grubbing; • Cut and fill; • Quarrying/Blasting of material; • Screening of source material; • Layering and compaction of material; • Bitumen spread and compaction; • Erection of sign posts, barriers and railings; and • Installation of road markings and studs.
The specific, major aspects of this project include the following works:
• General widening of the existing road cross section to a minimum width of 13.4 m, comprising • 2 x 3.7 m wide traffic lanes and 2 x 3.0 m wide surfaced shoulders; • Provision of 11.6km (6.4 km northbound and 5.2 km southbound) passing lanes with 3.0 m paved shoulders be provided; • Exclusive turning lanes are provided at the future brickyard access via R510 at chainage km12.4; • Strengthening of the existing pavement structure; • The existing horizontal alignment will be maintained; • Vertical realignment of the R510 to improve the vertical clearance of the overpass bridge located at km7.182;
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 2 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 • Upgrade of the R510/ Zwartkop intersection to include a dedicated right turning lane and refuge islands; • Upgrade of the R510/R511 intersection to include a dedicated right turning lane and refuge islands; • All rivers structures will be widened between 0.325 m – 1.825 m on each side respectively; • C013 Bierspruit 6 where the inlet and outlet structures, (that have failed structurally) need to be replaced and the culvert will be lengthened at the same time; • The bridges will receive new New-Jersey barriers and will be rehabilitated; • All of the major culverts will receive new guardrails on top and will be rehabilitated; and • The B3663 Rail over Road Bridge at km7.180 will receive pier protection in the form of New Jersey Barriers.
2.4. Alternatives
No site alternatives are proposed, as the project is an upgrade of existing infrastructure. Technology alternatives are furthermore determined by the most cost effective and feasible solution, and as such technology alternatives are also not provided. No deviation of the road was proposed, and so layout alternatives were further also negated.
2.5. Objectives and Terms of Reference
Taking into account the purpose of the specialist studies, the following activities are to be undertaken at a minimum:
The following terms of reference were used as a guideline for the objectives of this study:
• Identify any significant landscape features of rare or important vegetation/faunal associations such as seasonal wetlands, seeps or rocky areas that might support rare or important species. • Place the project area within the biodiversity context of the wider area (i.e. provide the “broad overview”). • Provide a detailed description of the ecological (fauna and flora) environment within the area and immediately surrounding the footprint of the proposed road and consider terrestrial fauna and flora. • Review relevant legislation, policies, guidelines and standards. • An assessment of the potential direct and indirect impacts resulting from the proposed SANRAL N2-S3 upgrade and associated infrastructure, both on the footprint and the immediate surrounding area during construction and operation; • A detailed description of appropriate mitigation measures that can be adopted to reduce negative impacts for each phase of the project, where required; and • Checklists of faunal groups identified in the region to date, highlighting sensitive species and their possible areas of distribution. • This aspect of the report will specifically include the identification of – • Areas of high biodiversity; • The presence of species of conservation concern; • Habitat associations and conservation status of the identified fauna and flora; • The presence of areas sensitive to invasion by alien species; and • The presence of conservation areas and sensitive habitats where disturbance should be avoided or minimised.
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 3 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 2.6. Approach
The study site and surrounding areas were assessed using a two-phased approach. Firstly, a desktop assessment of the site was conducted in terms of current vegetation classifications and topography of the area. This included the identification of:
• Wetlands and riparian zones; • Slopes; • Sensitive Vegetation; • Drainage lines; • Climate and soil; • Protected Areas • Biodiversity indicators
Slopes were identified with the aid of a topographical map showing contour lines. Sensitive vegetation was identified through the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) vegetation classification system (Mucina & Rutherford; 2012). Drainage lines were further identified through the use of SANBI and National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (NFEPA) wetland and river layers. In combination, protected areas layers were used, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (RAMSAR) sites, and the Ecological Support Areas (ESA) and Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA) layers available for the region were included from the 2013 Limpopo Conservation Plan version 2 (2013). The 2015 Waterberg Bioregional Plan (WBR) was also used, where appropriate. Climate, slope, soil and geology information was obtained from current literature and spatial planning tools (such as the AGIS online maps).
Following the Desktop Assessment, the second approach corresponds to the site assessment, performed by EOH representatives on the 15-16 May 2017, in order to identify and assess the possible sensitive areas that are within and around the proposed site.
Field work consisted of Random Sampling Method, sampling along the length of the entire road. This method was employed due to the relative advantages, namely that of the ability to rapidly characterise vegetation samples across a large area (MDNR 2013). Plots were selected based on the results of the desktop analysis, and aimed at identifying all possible vegetation communities along the section of road. In addition, specific focus was placed on wetland or riparian communities, as these generally represented the less disturbed habitats, and would consequently be areas of greater Species of Conservation Concern (SCC) presence.
Subsequently, relevés were conducted at each drainage crossing between the start and end points of the project, with plot sizes between 5m2 and 10m2 depending on the width of the road reserve available at any given spot. Samples were collected (Leaves, fruit, flowers and stems) from plants in the road reserve where they were not readily classified. Consequently, an attempt was made to identify all species found along all the plots along the road, avoiding duplication or regions where there where clearly no Species of Conservation Concern (SCC) or where little diversity existed (for example, the mowed regions immediately adjacent to the asphalt). Classification of species was then further conducted away from site using the sampled plant material, in order to facilitate identifications.
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 4 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 Identity was established employing the methods and key contained in the field guide trees of Southern Africa (Van Wyk & Van Wyk 2011), Lesley Henderson - alien weeds and invasive plants (2001), as well as Clive Bromillow - problem plants of South Africa (2001), in addition to literature and internet searches for specific species, as well as using online tools such as iSpot and Weeds and Invasive Plants from the AGIS. Consultation with other botanically trained colleagues and identification through searching of existing plant databases and knowledgebase further contributed to the off-site identification. As no statistical analysis was required for this report, this method of survey and identification served the greatest area in the least amount of time, while providing an overall characterisation and sample of the vegetation communities and sensitive vegetation. In addition, this method allowed for more targeted sampling in areas of known sensitivity, such as riverine or wetland zones, while avoiding bare or denuded regions. Finally, literature from related studies and studies in close proximity to the proposed site was used to supplement the site assessment process, where possible.
2.7. Assumptions and Limitations
This report is based on currently available information and, as a result, the following limitations and assumptions are implicit:–
The data analysed in this report is based on a single site survey of plant and animal species conducted in May 2017. This therefore does not allow for seasonal trends to be assessed, however, the vegetation condition on site was still good with the onset of recent rainfalls, and winter temperatures had not set in at the time of the survey. The fieldwork timing was therefore suitable to the level of study required for this project. Species of conservation concern are difficult to find and difficult to identify due to seasonal variations, thus species described in this report do not comprise an exhaustive list. It is likely that additional species of conservation concern may be encountered during construction and operation of the development. The ecology of the site was assessed on a sample basis, and as such is a representative selection of the site only. Due to the limited field time, and the roaming/nocturnal nature of many faunal species, certain species may have gone undetected. The report is based on a project description taken from design specifications that have not yet been finalised, and which are likely to undergo a number of iterations and refinements before it can be regarded as definitive;
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 5 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 3. ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY
The aim of this assessment is to identify areas of ecological importance and to evaluate these in terms of their conservation importance. In order to do so, the ecological sensitivity of the area is assessed as well as an identification of potential animal and plant Species of Conservation Concern (SCC) that may occur in habitats present in the area.
The aim of this study is to identify areas of high sensitivity and those that may be subject to significant impacts from the project. It is important to note that an aquatic impact assessment has been conducted separately and as such those areas of ecological importance will be included in the sensitivity section of that report. Aspects that would increase impact significance include:
Presence of plant SCC. Presence of animal SCC. Vegetation types (which also constitute faunal habitats) of conservation concern. Areas of high biodiversity. The presence of process areas: o Ecological corridors o Complex topographical features (especially steep and rocky slopes that provide niche habitats for both plants and animals).
It is not the aim of this study to produce a complete list of all animal and plant species occurring in the region, but rather to examine a representative sample. It is however, important to note that areas of high sensitivity as well as SCC have been identified as far as possible, either from records from the site or a review of their habitat requirements, and whether or not these habitats occur within the site.
3.1. Species of conservation concern
3.1.1 Plant SCC
Data on the known distribution and conservation status for each potential plant SCC needs to be obtained in order to develop a list of SCC. These plant species are those that may be impacted significantly by the proposed activity. In general these will be species that are already known to be threatened or at risk. Efforts to provide the conservation status (‘red list’ status) of individual species may provide additional valuable information on SCC (see http://www.iucnredlist.org/).
3.1.2 Animal SCC
Animal SCC in terms of the project area is defined as:
Threatened species: 1. Animal species listed in the Endangered or Vulnerable categories in the revised South African Red Data Books (SA RDB – amphibians, du Preez and Carruthers, 2009; reptiles, Branch 1988; birds, SA Birding, 2008; terrestrial mammals, Apps, 2000); and/or 2. Species included in other international lists (e.g., 2010 International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Animals).
Species that are afforded special protection, which are protected by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna) are also regarded as SCC (see http://www.cites.org/).
Definitions: The following definitions of the conservation status of animal and plant SCC are provided (Source: SANBI Red Data List):
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Critically Endangered (CR) - A taxon is Critically Endangered when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Critically Endangered (see Section V of the Red Data List), and it is therefore considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Endangered (EN) - A taxon is Endangered when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Endangered (see Section V of the Red Data List), and it is therefore considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Vulnerable (VU) - A taxon is Vulnerable when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Vulnerable, and it is therefore considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. Near Threatened (NT) - A taxon is Near Threatened when it has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable now, but is close to qualifying for or is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future. Sensitive species - Species not falling in the categories above but listed in: o Appendix 1 or 2 of the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Endemic species - Species endemic to South Africa, and more specifically Eastern Cape. Least concern (LC) – A taxon is of Least Concern when it does not qualify for any of the other categories. Widespread and abundant taxa are typically listed in this category.
3.1.3 Sampling protocol
Vegetation: The entire road length and borrow pit site were inspected to evaluate the vegetation of the study area and to provide more detailed information on the plant communities present. The site inspection took into account the amount of time available for the study and limitations such as the seasonality of the vegetation.
Vegetation within the entire site were assessed and surveyed and vegetation communities were then described according to the dominant species recorded from each type. These were mapped and assigned a sensitivity score.
Animals: The assessment of animals was based on a general observation of species noted onsite during the site assessment, but with particular consideration of known potential animal SCC.
3.1.4 Vegetation mapping
Mucina and Rutherford (2012) developed the National Vegetation Map as part of a South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) funded project: “It was compiled in order to provide floristically based vegetation units of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland at a greater level of detail than had been available before.” The map was developed using a wealth of data from several contributors and has allowed for the best national vegetation map to date, the last being that of A. Cocks developed over 50 years ago. This SANBI Vegetation map project has two main aims:
To determine the variation in and units of southern African vegetation based on the analysis and synthesis of data from vegetation studies throughout the region, and To compile a vegetation map. The aim of the map was to accurately reflect the distribution and variation on the vegetation and indicate the relationship of the vegetation with the environment. For this reason the collective expertise of vegetation scientists from universities and state departments were harnessed to make this project as comprehensive as possible.
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 7 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 The map and accompanying book describes each vegetation type in detail, along with the most important species including endemic species and those that are biogeographically important. This is the most comprehensive data for vegetation types in South Africa.
This is compared to actual conditions of vegetation observed onsite during the site assessment through mapping from aerial photographs, satellite images, literature descriptions (e.g. SANBI, LCP2 and the WBR) and related data gathered on the ground.
3.1.5 Sensitivity assessment
This section of the report explains the approach to determining the ecological sensitivity of the study area on a broad scale. The approach identifies zones of high, moderate and low sensitivity according to a system developed by EOH and used in numerous ecological studies. It must be noted that the sensitivity zonings in this study are based solely on ecological characteristics and social and economic factors have not been taken into consideration. The sensitivity analysis described here is based on 11 criteria which are considered to be of importance in determining ecosystem and landscape sensitivity. The method predominantly involves identifying sensitive vegetation or habitat types, topography and land transformation (Table 3.1).
Although very simple, this method of analysis provides a good, yet conservative and precautionary assessment of the ecological sensitivity.
Table 3.1. Criteria used for the analysis of the sensitivity of the area. HIGH CRITERIA LOW SENSITIVITY MODERATE SENSITIVITY SENSITIVITY 1 Topography Level, or even Undulating; fairly steep Complex and uneven slopes with steep slopes 2 Vegetation Extent Extensive Restricted to a particular Restricted to a specific or habitat type in region/zone locality / site the region 3 Conservation Well conserved Not well conserved, Not conserved – has a status independent of moderate conservation high conservation value Fauna, flora and conservation value value habitats 4 SSC None, although No endangered or One or more Presence and occasional regional vulnerable species, some endangered and quantity endemics indeterminate or rare vulnerable species, or endemics more than 2 endemics or rare species 5 Habitat Extensive areas of Reasonably extensive Limited areas of this fragmentation preferred habitat areas of preferred habitat habitat, susceptible to loss of viable present elsewhere in elsewhere and habitat fragmentation populations region not susceptible susceptible to to fragmentation fragmentation 6 Biodiversity Low diversity, or Moderate diversity, and High species diversity, Contribution species richness moderately high species complex plant and richness animal communities 7 CBA & ESA No CBA or ESA within ESA found within project CBA found in project project region region regions. In this case, both CBA and ESA were found in the project area. 8 Erosion potential Very stable and an Some possibility of Large possibility of
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HIGH CRITERIA LOW SENSITIVITY MODERATE SENSITIVITY SENSITIVITY Instability of the area not subjected to erosion or change due to erosion, change to the region erosion. episodic events. site or destruction due to climatic or other factors. 9 Rehabilitation Site is easily There is some degree of Site is difficult to Potential of the rehabilitated. difficulty in rehabilitation rehabilitate due to the area or region of the site. terrain, type of habitat or species required to reintroduce. 10 Disturbance Site is very disturbed There is some degree of The site is hardly or Caused by human or degraded. disturbance of the site. very slightly impacted habitation or upon by human other influences disturbance. (Alien invasives) 11 Water bodies No water bodies No water bodies found Includes all water found bodies (eg. wetlands, perennial rivers, non- perennial rivers, drainage systems etc.)
A sensitivity map was also developed with the aid of a satellite image so that the sensitive regions and vegetation types could be plotted (see Chapter 6). The following was also taken into account:
3.1.6 Biodiversity
National: The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, (Act No. 10 OF 2004)(NEM:BA) provide a list of sensitive ecosystems that is in need of protection (National List of Ecosystems that are Threatened and in need of Protection – GN 1002 of 2011).
The purpose of listing threatened ecosystems is primarily to reduce the rate of ecosystem and species extinction. This includes preventing further degradation and loss of structure, function and composition of threatened ecosystems. The purpose of listing protected ecosystems is primarily to preserve witness sites of exceptionally high conservation value. For both threatened and protected ecosystems, the purpose includes enabling or facilitating proactive management of these ecosystems. It is likely that ecosystem listing will also play a symbolic and awareness-raising role; however, this is not the primary purpose of listing ecosystems. These ecosystems are classified into the following categories:
Critically Endangered (CR) Ecosystems, being ecosystems that have undergone severe degradation of ecological structure, function or composition as a result of human intervention and are subject to an extremely high risk of irreversible transformation; Endangered (EN) Ecosystems, being ecosystems that have undergone degradation of ecological structure, function .or composition as a result of human intervention, although they are not critically endangered ecosystems; Vulnerable (VU) Ecosystems, being ecosystems that have a high risk of undergoing significant degradation of ecological structure, function or composition as a result of human intervention, although they are not critically endangered ecosystems or endangered ecosystems; Protected Ecosystems, being ecosystems that are of high conservation value or of high national or provincial importance, although they are not listed as critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 9 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 GN. R. 898 of 2014 further lists regulations for the management of Alien and Invasive Species (AIS). AIS are classified into the following categories:
Category 1a Listed Invasive Species - species which must be combatted or eradicated; Category 1b Listed Invasive Species - species which must be controlled; Category 2 Listed Invasive Species - species which require a permit to carry out a restricted activity within an area specified in the Notice or an area specified in the permit; Category 3 Listed Invasive Species - as species which are subject to exemptions;
Provincial: The Limpopo Conservation Plan version 2 (2013) is intended to help guide land-use planning, environmental assessments and authorisations; and natural resource management in order to promote sustainable development. The plans falls under the Bioregional Plan facility of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) (No. 10 of 2004), and assists regional decision making authorities towards land use management. It has been developed to further the awareness of the unique biodiversity in the area, the value this biodiversity represents to people and promote the management mechanisms that can ensure its protection and sustainable utilisation.
The purpose of this document is to ensure that biodiversity information can be accessed and utilized by local municipalities within the Limpopo Province to inform land use planning and development as well as decision making processes within the respective district municipalities. To achieve this, this biodiversity profile information has been incorporated into the environmental planning section of the Spatial Development Frameworks (SDF's) for each of the local municipalities in the district. This information includes maps and land use guidelines, which form part of the Integrated Development Plans (IDP’s) of the municipalities. Thus, it is hoped that environmental considerations will be better taken into account within land use planning processes, especially within the identified Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA) – which are areas that have been identified through conservation planning processes as irreplaceable, as well as key to the maintenance of ecosystem services.
Regional:
The Waterberg Bioregional Plan (2015) is a Bioregional Plan formed specifically for the Waterberg region, encompassing the entire Waterberg District Municipality in the Limpopo Province. This Bioregional Plan was developed in 2014/2015 based on analyses performed, and data sets available at that time. The plan further delineates and updates Critical Biodiversity Areas (Aquatic and Terrestrial), as well as Ecological Support Areas (Aquatic and Terrestrial) to a finer scale for the region. This plan was further included into this report where applicable.
3.1.7 Protected Areas
The National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act (No 57 of 2003; NEMPAA) was developed to provide for the protection and conservation of ecologically viable areas representative of South Africa’s biological diversity and its natural landscapes and seascapes.
The goal of the National Protected Areas Expansion Strategy (NPAES) is to achieve cost-effective protected area expansion for ecological sustainability and increased resilience to climate change. It sets targets for protected area expansion, provides maps of the most important areas for protected area expansion, and makes recommendations on mechanisms for protected area expansion. The NPAES has classified protected areas into three categories: formally protected areas, informally protected areas and focus areas. Focus areas are large, intact and unfragmented areas suitable for the creation or expansion of large protected areas.
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 10 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 3.2. Impact assessment
3.2.1 Impact rating methodology
CRITERIA CATEGORIES EXPLANATION Negative impact on affected biophysical or human Negative Overall nature environment. Positive Benefit to the affected biophysical or human environment. Are caused by the action and occur at the same time and Direct place. Are caused by the action and are later in time or farther removed in distance, but still reasonably foreseeable. May Indirect or include growth inducing effects related to induced changes Secondary in the pattern of land use, population density or growth rate, and related effects on air and water and other natural Type systems, including ecosystems. Is the impact on the environment, which results from the incremental impact of the action when added to other past, present and reasonably foreseeable future actions. Cumulative Cumulative impacts can result from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over a period of time. Immediate area of activity incorporating a 50m zone which Site extends from the edge of the affected area. Spatial Extent over Area up to and/or within 10km of the “Site” as defined Local which impact may above. be experienced Regional Entire community, drainage basin, landscape, etc. National South Africa Impact would last for the duration of activities such as land Short-term clearing, land preparation, fertilising, weeding, pruning and thinning. Quickly reversible. Impact would after the project activity such as harvesting. Duration of impact Medium-term Reversible over time. Impact would continue beyond harvesting/extraction of the Long-term trees Permanent Impact would continue beyond decommissioning. Low, Medium, Based on separately described categories examining High Negative whether the impact is destructive or benign, whether it Severity destroys the impacted environment, alters its functioning or Low, Medium, slightly alters the environment itself. High Positive The impact can be completely reversed with the Completely implementation of correct mitigation and rehabilitation Reversible measures. The impact can be partly reversed providing mitigation Reversibility Partly Reversible measures are implemented and rehabilitation measures are implemented. The impact cannot be reversed, regardless of the mitigation Irreversible or rehabilitation measures. Resource will not The resource will not be lost or destroyed provided be lost mitigation and rehabilitation measures are implemented. Irreplaceable Loss Resource may be Partial loss or destruction of the resource will occur even partly destroyed though all management and mitigation measures are
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CRITERIA CATEGORIES EXPLANATION implemented. Resource cannot The resource cannot be replaced no matter which be replaced management or mitigation measures are implemented. Unlikely <40% probability Probability of Possible 40% probability occurrence Probable >70% probability Definite >90% probability Relatively easy and cheap to manage. Specialist expertise or equipment is generally not required. High or The nature of the impact is understood and may be Completely mitigated through the implementation of a management Mitigatable plan or through ‘good housekeeping’. Regular monitoring needs to be undertaken to ensure that any negative Mitigation Potential consequences remain within acceptable limits. Management of this impact requires a higher level of [i.e. the ability to expertise and resources to maintain impacts within manage or acceptable levels. Such mitigation can be tied up in the Moderate or mitigation an impact design of the Project. Partially given the necessary The significance of the impacts after mitigation is likely to be Mitigatable resources and low to moderate. feasibility of May not be possible to mitigate the impact entirely, with a application.] residual impact(s) resulting. Will not be possible to mitigate this impact entirely regardless of the expertise and resources applied. Low or The potential to manage the impact may be beyond the Unmitigatable scope of the Project. Management of this impact is not likely to result in a measurable change in the level of significance. Negligible - Largely of LOW mitigation potential, after considering the Low other criteria. Impact Significance Largely of MODERATE mitigation potential, after considering Moderate the other criteria. Largely of HIGH mitigation potential, after considering the Substantial other criteria.
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 12 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 4 RELEVANT LEGISLATION
The proposed road upgrade at Thabazimbi will be subject to the requirements of various items of South African legislation. These are described below (Table 4.1).
Table 4.1. Environmental legislation considered in the preparation of the Ecological and Biodiversity Assessment for the proposed road upgrade project, Thabazimbi, Limpopo Province.
Title of Environmental Implications for rehabilitation of the upgrade and legislation, policy or construction of the road and borrow pit guideline Constitution Act (No. 108 Obligation to ensure that the proposed development will not result in of 1996) pollution and ecological degradation; and Obligation to ensure that the proposed development is ecologically sustainable, while demonstrating economic and social development. National Environmental The developer must apply the NEMA principles, the fair decision-making and Management Act (NEMA) conflict management procedures that are provided for in NEMA. (No. 107 of 1998) The developer must apply the principles of Integrated Environmental Management and consider, investigate and assess the potential impact of existing and planned activities on the environment, socio-economic conditions and the cultural heritage. Environmental Impact The activity triggers activities listed in NEMA GN R983 & GN R985, requiring Assessment Regulations certain specialist studies. This study forms part of that suite of documents. 2014: Government Notice Specific, targeted mitigation measures must be supplied by this report for No. R 982, No. R. 983 and inclusion into the EMPr reporting of the Basic Assessment process. No. R. 985 (Act No. 107 of 1998) National Environment The proposed development must conserve endangered ecosystems and Management: Biodiversity protect and promote biodiversity; Act (No. 10 of 2004) Must assess the impacts of the proposed development on endangered ecosystems; No protected species may be removed or damaged without a permit; The proposed site must be cleared of alien vegetation using appropriate means. National Environmental The objective of this Act is to provide for the protection and conservation of Management: Protected ecologically viable areas representative of South Africa’s biological diversity Areas Act (No. 57 of 2003) and its natural landscapes and seascapes.
In terms of Section 50 (1)(a)(ii) of this Act, the management authority may “Carry out or allow an activity in the reserve aimed at raising revenue”. However, Section 50 (2) states that such activity may not negatively affect the survival of any species in, or significantly disrupt the integrity of the ecological system of the nature reserve. Furthermore, in terms Section 51 (a), the Minister or MEC is responsible for the regulations or restrictions of the development and other activities in a protected environment, “which may be inappropriate for the area, given the purpose for which the area was declared”. National Heritage Heritage and Archaeological Resources: In terms of Section 38 (subject to Resources Act, 1999 the provisions of subsections (7), (8) and (9) of the National Heritage (Act No. 25 of 1999) Resources Act (Act No. 25 of 1999) [NHRA], any person who intends to undertake a development categorised as: The construction of a road, wall, power line, pipeline, canal or other similar form of linear development or barrier exceeding 300 m in length; The construction of a bridge or similar
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Title of Environmental Implications for rehabilitation of the upgrade and legislation, policy or construction of the road and borrow pit guideline structure exceeding 50 m in length, must at the very earliest stages of initiating such a development, notify the responsible heritage resources authority and furnish it with details regarding the location, nature and extent of the proposed development. Mineral and Petroleum Borrow pit activities will trigger permit requirements derived from the Resources Development MPRDA, and consequently the ecological report must include an assessment Act 28 of 2002 of the borrow pit region, and provide mitigation measures and a sensitivity assessment for the area. National Water Act (No. This Act provides details of measures intended to ensure the comprehensive 36 of 1998) protection of all water resources, including the water reserve and water quality. This proposed development will likely trigger the need for a water- use license according to Sections 21 (c) and (i) of the Act. National Forest Act (84 of Requires that a permit be obtained should any coastal forests be removed 1998) during the construction phase of the project.
The following guidelines and documents are relevant to the project:
District Municipality Waterberg District Municipality Integrated Development Plan (2015-2016). Waterberg Spatial Development Framework (2009).
Local municipality Thabazimbi Local Municipality Integrated Development Plan (2016-2021). Thabazimbi Municipality Integrated Spatial Development Framework (2007).
Limpopo Province The Limpopo Conservation Plan version 2 (2013); The Waterberg Bioregional Plan (2015). Limpopo Spatial Development Framework (2015).
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 14 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 5 DESCRIPTION OF THE BIOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
The study sites and surrounding areas were described using a two-phased approach. Firstly, a desktop assessment of the site was conducted in terms of current vegetation and animal classifications and biodiversity programmes and plans. This was followed by a site visit in order to assess the actual ecological state, current land-use, identify potential sensitive ecosystems and identify plant species associated with the proposed project activities (see Chapter 6).
5.1. Background and Literature review
Published literature on the ecology of the area was referenced in order to describe the study site in the context of the region and the Eastern Cape Province. The following documents/plans are referenced:
SANBI vegetation (Mucina & Rutherford, 2012); The Limpopo Conservation Plan version 2 (2013); The Waterberg Bioregional Plan (2015); The National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (NFEPA); National Protected Areas Act (NO. 57 of 2003; NEMPAA) ; National Protected Areas Expansion Strategy (NPAES); Review of the SANBI Red Data List (Animals and Plants); Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES); International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN); Limpopo Environmental Management Act 2003, Act 7 of 2003; National Biodiversity Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) List of Threatened or Protected Species; National Biodiversity Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) List of Alien Invasive Vegetation; and Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) List of Protected Trees.
5.2. Climate
The R510 road section is situated in the Limpopo region which is typically a semi-arid region. The climate can be classified, as “moderate”, with cool dry winters and hot wet summers (Figure 5.1). Thabazimbi receives approximately 529 mm of rain each year, mainly during the mid-summer periods (summer rainfall region). Lowest rainfall – 0 mm usually occur in June, with the maximum (rainfall occurring in January. (SAExplorer, 2017). Mean annual temperature for the project region ranges from 21°C in June to 30.8°C in January, with the coldest temperate of 2.9°C on average during the night recorded during July.
Figure 5.1: Graphs (from left to right) showing the average monthly rainfall; average monthly midday temperature; and average monthly night-time temperatures for Thabazimbi (SA Explorer; 2015; 26 May 2017).
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 15 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 5.3. Topography
The topography of the region (Figure 5.2 - 5) can be separated into two different sections, namely that of the northern regions (Figure 5.2), which is more elevated and consists of a few low-lying mountains, in comparison to the southern region (Figure 5.3), which is primarily very flat. The elevation variance throughout the project region varies greatly, due mainly to the low-lying mountains in the northern region. Regardless, the road itself was designed to deviate very little in terms of elevation, and as such seems to mostly follow the low-lying areas with little height difference. The route passes through flat to rolling terrain, crossing the Crocodile River at approximately km 27.5. The maximum elevation is 1000 m and the lowest at the river crossing is 946 m above mean sea level. The route follows a north easterly direction with curves along the way. Topography in the northern region (northernmost section) varies from 910 - 1240m above means sea level, and in the southern region between 930 – 1000m above mean sea level. An elevation profile can be seen in Figure 5.5 below with terrain types in Figure 5.6 below.
Figure 5.2: Northern region topography, facing northwards towards Thabazimbi.
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Figure 5.3: Southern region topography, facing southwards.
Figure 5.4: Elevation profile of the R510, Section 2 (project region)(Source: RHDHV 2017).
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Figure 5.5: Topography map of the of project region.
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Figure 5.6: Terrain types map of the project region (Source: AGIS, 2017).
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5.4. Geology
According to the published 1:250 000 scale Geological Map 2426 Thabazimbi, the proposed route of the R510 Section 2 improvement is underlain by three main geological units, viz. the Bushveld Igneous Complex, the Pretoria Group and the Chuniespoort Group.
The residual norite/gabbro soils of the Bushveld Complex, which are known to be highly active clays, will be removed and replaced with appropriate backfill material.
The design of road widenings in the Bierspruit and Crocodile River floodplains need to take into account the potential impact of soft in-situ clayey soils, as mentioned in the final preliminary design report, produced by RHDHV (2017)
Dolomite stability investigations should be conducted along the lengths of road underlain by dolomite to classify the road in terms of risk for sinkhole development. These should include a combination of gravity surveys and percussion drilling (RHDHV, 2017).
The final preliminary design report, produced by RHDHV (2017), found the following for the geology in the region:
"The Bushveld Igneous Complex comprises gabbro, norites, anorthosite and localised areas of pyroxenite. This formation occurs from the start of the proposed route in the south until approximately km 16.7. The residual norite/gabbro soils of the Bushveld Complex are known to be highly active and these soils are referred to in layman’s terms as ‘black turf.’ The black soil cover along the southern portion of the route is very distinct and has an average thickness of up to 1m.
The Magaliespoort, Daspoort and Timeball Hill sedimentary and volcanic formations form part of the larger Pretoria Group. The Magaliespoort Formation comprises quartzite and shale with localised areas of dolomitic limestone. This formation occurs at km 16.7 to km 18.9 and again from km 20.5 to km 21.0. The Daspoort Formation comprises micaceous shale, ferruginous quartzite and andesitic lava. These rocks occur at km 19.6 to km 20.5 and again at km 30.0 to km 31.3. The Timeball Hill Formation comprises quartzite and shale and occurs between km 22.4 and km 28.4; and km 31.3 and km 33.3. The Pretoria Group thus occurs from km 16.7 to km 28.4 and again at km 30.0 to km 33.3.
The Chuniespoort Group essentially consists of dolomite, chert and shale, with banded ironstone and limestone in the upper portion of the group. This group occurs at km 28.4 to km 30.0 and again at km 33.3 to the end of the route. These rocks have a notorious reputation for the development of a karst subsurface landscape, associated with a highly irregular and voided bedrock profile. The soil cover often comprises highly erodible soils, which can readily erode by downward percolating water to create leached or voided zones, which may result in the formation of sinkholes and subsidences. Several dolerite intrusions occur along the proposed route. These intrusions occur mainly in the Pretoria Group rocks.
A portion of the route in the southern portion is situated within the flood plain of the Bierspruit, which drains northwards towards the Crocodile River. Relatively thick, clayey alluvium can be expected in these zones. The area affected by soils associated with the Bierspruit extends approximately between km 18.7 to km 22.0. Similar clayey soil conditions can be expected at the Crocodile River crossing and particularly to the north thereof where the road remains in the flood plain for a distance of up to 3km. The entire dolomite area is covered by these transported soils. The area affected by the Crocodile River alluvial soils extends approximately from km 27.3 to 30.3." (Source: RHDHV 2017).
The soil pattern maps indicate that the project area occurs on mainly on red soils with high base status ( the red sections in Figure 5.7), while the remainder occur on strongly structured cracking soils, mainly dark coloured, dominated by swelling clays (vertic soils, the turquoise sections on Figure 5.8). The land types identified in the study region are 'ag' and 'db' (AGIS, 2017) (Figure 5.9).
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Figure 5.7: Geology map of the project region (Source: RHDHV, 2017).
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Figure 5.8: Generalised soil patterns map of the project region (Source: AGIS, 2017).
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Figure 5.9: Land Type map of the project region (Source: AGIS, 2017).
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province 23 Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 5.5. Surface hydrology
Figures 5.10 and 5.11 indicate the location of the rivers and wetlands within the project area. No dams (natural or artificial) within 50m of the road were found within the region, thus their exclusion. The main rivers in the region are the Crocodile River, and a secondary tributary named the Bierspruit River. The project area crosses both these two rivers towards the north, with scattered wetland units occurring throughout. Towards the north of the project area (near the foothills of the mountainous region), construction will occur within 500m of the wetlands associated with the Crocodile and Bierspruit Rivers.
Based on a detailed culvert inspection carried out during January 2008 (RHDHV, 2016), this project requires the upgrade or replacement of various culverts, side drains and subsurface drains across the proposed road section, which will be conducted in accordance with the Drainage Manual of the NRA from 2007, as part of this upgrade project. Blocked or defect subsurface drains shall either be cleared or replaced.
The hydrology maps (Figures 5.10 and 5.11) further show that the southern study area (nearer Amandelbult) does not contain any water crossings or wetlands in close proximity to the site. EIA and DWS guidelines state activities within 32m (EIA) and 100m, or within the 1:100 year floodline (DWS) of watercourses, and within 500m of wetlands, require water use licencing (or general authorisation – based on a risk assessment approach). Based on a precautionary approach, the 100m DWS guideline will be employed for rivers in this project. These requirements are not triggered within the southern portion of the road, but are in the northern section (near Thabazimbi).
Two river crossings are found within the project area, within 100m meters of the Crocodile River. These two refer to the bridge crossings of the road over the river at these locations. The proposed changes to the road across the Crocodile River will necessitate bridge design changes and construction within the river course (specifically works on buttresses). This area, coupled with the sensitive nature of the Crocodile River, will require a WULA for the works, in order to authorise construction activities within a water resource
Water uses applicable to this development, based on the project description, include the following:
A: Taking of water from a water source; C: Impeding or diverting the flow of water in a watercourse; and I: Altering the bed, banks, course or characteristics of a watercourse.
In the context of this development, a water use licence application will be required, as numerous wetlands are located within close proximity (certainly closer than 500m) of various proposed works for the road upgrade (Figure 5.12), as well as construction abstraction being proposed from the Crocodile River (Croc1 and/or Croc2 on Figure 5.13), which is a section 21A water use. Four points were identified as drainage lines (wetlands and rivers) crossing the road section of the study area. These locations will need to be included into the water use licence for authorisation, and are shown below in Figure 5.13. Please note: Alterations to culverts were not included due to their location being unavailable at the time of writing. The locations thus require refinements once the final culvert locations are made known.
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Figure 5.10: Hydrology map of the proposed project region.
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Figure 5.11: River buffers (50m) and Wetland buffers (500m) for the project area. Due to scale the Bierspruit 50m buffer is not readily visible, however the extent shown here is indicative of the 50m boundary.
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Figure 5.12: River buffers (50m) and Wetland buffers (500m) for the project area, zoomed in to the areas where the road crosses into the buffer zones.
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Figure 5.13: Water use licence application locations for the project area.
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province 28 Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 5.6. Land use
The primary land use (Figures 5.14) within the local area is a mixture of mainly agriculture, in the forms of crop-or game farming, combined with mining. Three separate mines have been identified from available background information, and large bands of the surface area along the road are currently exposed and being mined or used for transport and stockpiling of mined material. Regardless of the large mining influence in the area, dense thicket and open woodland dominates the area surrounding the road reserve. It was clear from the site visit and the aerial imagery that on-going maintenance activity on the road through the mowing of the road verge occurs regularly.
Other land use activities in the area include the occurrence of mine buildings, informal settlements (especially nearer Amandelbult and Thabazimbi towns), a golf course near Thabazimbi, a few wetlands and river crossings near and underneath the road, maize farming and other crops, woodlots (milling) and an electrical substation.
An important other land use within the broader region is the existence of a railroad adjacent to the road, which runs parallel and near the road for most of the length of the study area, from the south near Amandelbult to the mountainous region in the north, near Thabazimbi. This railroad may be impacted by construction activities, where the activities occur in close proximity to the line.
The following land use features are evident in close proximity to the road:
Yellow Areas: Built environment, usually residential homes or large buildings. In this case, refers to the permanent mining infrastructure. Green Areas: Thicket or dense bush. This may refer to the surroundings outside the road reserve. Olive Areas: Grassland. This refers primarily to the road reserve areas and surrounding grassy landscapes. Light purple Areas: Cultivated crops.
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Figure 5.14: Land use of the project area.
5.7. Vegetation and Floristics
5.7.1 SANBI classification (Mucina and Rutherford, 2012)
According to SANBI (Mucina and Rutherford, 2012) the vegetation types found in the area include Dwaalboom Thornveld, surrounded by Waterberg Mountain Bushveld (Figure 5.15, Savanna biome). The grasses along the route affect the visibility of some road signs and functionality of the culverts between maintenance actions, which may affect the road safety.
The Savanna Biome is South Africa's largest biome occurring in over 46% of the country, primarily in the Lowveld and Kalahari areas (Mucina and Rutherford, 2012). The biome is characterised by a grassy ground layer, composed of mainly C-4 type grasses (where the growing season is hot – such as in the north of the country), to a lesser extent C-3 grasses (where growing seasons are colder – such as along the eastern coastline) (Mucina and Rutherford, 2012). The shrub-tree layer varies from 1 to 20 m in height. Overgrazed areas often exhibit a larger tree canopy and cover (Mucina and Rutherford, 2012).
Their respective vegetation types with their relevant conservation classifications is shown in Table 5.1 below.
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 30 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 Table 5.1: Mucina & Rutherford (2014) conservation classification for the project region vegetation types. Project Area vegetation type Mucina & Rutherford (2014) conservation status Dwaalboom Thornveld Least Threatened Waterberg Mountain Bushveld Least Threatened
The different vegetation types are summarised below:
Dwaalboom Thornveld
Distribution: The distribution of this vegetation type is predominantly the Limpopo and North-West Provinces, between the Dwarsberg ridges and west of the Crocodile River, as well as north of the Pilanesberg to the Northam area (Mucina & Rutherford 2006).
Vegetation and Landscape Features: Dwaalboom Thornveld can be found mostly on plains, and is characterised by scattered, low to medium high, deciduous microphyllous trees and shrubs with a few broad-leaved tree species, as well as a virtually closed herbaceous under layer, composed of grass species (Mucina & Rutherford 2012). Acacia tortilis and A. nilotica are prominent on medium clayey soils.
High clay content in this vegetation type may exclude certain woody species. On the sandy clay loam soils, A. erubescens is the most dominant tree species (Mucina & Rutherford 2012). Soil type variances across the vegetation types create landscape scale patches of alternating vegetation dominance.
Geology and Soils: Dwaalboom Thornveld grows well on vertic, black, ultramafic clays produced from norite and gabbro, often along small streams. Land types under which this type grows is mainly 'Ea' and 'Ae' soil types (Mucina & Rutherford 2012).
Conservation: This vegetation types is considered as least threatened, with a conservation target of 19% in 2006, with 6% statutorily conserved (in the Madikwe Game Reserve), with a further 14% transformed by primarily agriculture. Dwaalboom Thornveld is primarily used for extensive cattle grazing (Mucina & Rutherford 2012), though contemporary land use includes game farming.
Waterberg Mountains Bushveld
Distribution The Waterberg Mountains Bushveld is distributed in and around the Waterberg Mountains, including the foothills, escarpment and tablelands of the southern Lephalale region (Mucina & Rutherford 2012). Areas near Thabazimbi and Boshofsberge have also been found to display this vegetation type.
Vegetation and Landscape Features The Waterberg Mountains Bushveld is found in rugged mountains with vegetation grading ranging from high slopes to rocky-mid and foot slope Savanna in the low-lying areas or deeper sands of the plateaus. Grass layers in this vegetation type is moderately well developed, to well developed (Mucina and Rutherford, 2012).
Geology and Soils The Waterberg Mountains Bushveld grows predominantly on sandstone, subordinate conglomerate or siltstone and shale. Soil preferences are dystrophic, acidic sandy, loamy to gravelly soil (Mucina & Rutherford 2012).
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Conservation The conservation status of this vegetation type is considered as Least Threatened, with a target of 19%, of which 6% is conserved in the Marakele National Park and 4% transformed by agriculture (Mucina & Rutherford 2012).
Vegetation Summary
Although two vegetation types have been discussed, the road section traverses only Dwaalboom Thornveld while the Waterberg Mountain Bushveld is confirmed to the steeper sections surrounding the study area. As such, impacts will only occur in the Dwaalboom Thornveld. This vegetation type has a lower conservation priority status, combined with fairly large areas already statutorily conserved. From the above indicators, vegetation concerns for this project type may be limited due to the relative widespread distribution of this vegetation type and the amount of already conserved sections. Regardless, development within this vegetation type should aim to reduce and limit impact and to protect biodiversity.
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Figure 5.15: Mucina and Rutherford (2006) vegetation map of the Thabazimbi area.
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province 33 Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 5.8. Biodiversity conservation
South Africa's policy and legislative framework for biodiversity is well developed, providing a strong basis for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. South Africa is one of the few countries in the world to have a Biodiversity Act and a National Biodiversity Institute.
Key components of the national policy and legislative framework for biodiversity include:
The White Paper on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa's Biological Diversity (1997) The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004) (NEMBA) NEMBA List of Ecosystems in need of Protection NEMBA List of Threatened or Protected Species NEMBA List of Alien Invasive Species The National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003) (NEMPAA) The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) (2005) The National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment (2004, currently being reviewed and updated) (NSBA) The National Biodiversity Framework (2008) (NBF) The National Protected Area Expansion Strategy (2008) (NPAES) Important Bird Areas (2015) (IBA)
In addition to national legislation, some of South Africa's nine provinces have their own provincial biodiversity legislation, as nature conservation is a concurrent function of national and provincial government in terms of the Constitution (Act 108 of 1996). The Waterberg Bioregional Plan (2015) is the only provincial biodiversity sector plan and only covers the Waterberg District Municipality.
5.8.1 Limpopo Conservation Plan
The Waterberg Biodiversity Sector Plan classifies large areas of the surrounding land to the road as Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs()., Regions to the north of the study site (Figure 5.16 and 5.17) is classified as irreplaceable while the remainder of the road (the section after the Bierspruit confluence) is deemed Ecological Support Areas, or ESAs (optimal, as opposed to irreplaceable).
It is clear from the CBA map (Limpopo Conservation Plan v2 2013), that the majority of the study area is located within the CBA 2 classification. Approximately 87.5% (30.1 km) of the area occurs within CBA 2, with the remainder (12.5% or 3.7km) occurring in CBA 1. CBA 1 areas are found in the mountainous northern sections of the study area, and according to the CBA category description (Ref???), this area should be managed to maintain land in a natural state, with limited or no biodiversity loss. Degraded areas must be rehabilitated to a natural or near natural state, and managed with no further degradation.
The remainder of the study areas is found in CBA 2, where the management objectives are:
To maintain land in a natural state with limited or no biodiversity loss, To maintain current agricultural activities, Ensure that land use is not intensified Activities are managed to minimise impact on threatened species.
This area represents that majority of the study area, and falls predominantly to the southern region of the study area.
Based on the presence of CBA 1 and CBA 2 vegetation within the study area, a site visit should be conducted to confirm biodiversity classes.
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5.8.2 Waterberg Biodiversity Sector Plan
The Waterberg Bioregional Plan does not deviate much from the CBA categories discussed above, with only minor differences. The northern section of the study area is covered to a greater extent by CBA 1, which in this case is classified as irreplaceable. The remainder of the study area of approximately 50% is classified as CBA 2 – (optimal), or as Ecological Support Areas (ESAs – natural). All these areas have significant ecological value, and development should aim to maintain and conserve this ecological potential as far as possible.
Furthermore, the Aquatic CBA map of the Waterberg Bioregional Plan shows that the study area intersects an aquatic CBA only where the road comes in close proximity to the Bierspruit River (towards the north of the study area). Further footprint of the project coincided with the aquatic ESA, which surround the river channels and are represented by riparian zones. The study area does not intersect much of the aquatic CBA, but cannot be said not to overlap in this regard. Consideration of the impact of road construction and operation, as well as design for –, and minimisation of the impacts in this region must be considered in the design planning documentation.
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Figure 5.16: Terrestrial CBA’s and ESA’s for the project area, based on the Waterberg Bioregional Plan (2015). The thick black line represents the R510 section 2, for upgrade.
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Figure 5.17: Aquatic CBA’s and ESA’s for the project area, based on the Waterberg Bioregional Plan (2015). The thick black line represents the R510 section 2, for upgrade.
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5.8.3 Protected areas
The nearest National Protected Area (NPA) as described by the 2010 National Protected Area Expansion Strategy (NPAES) lie towards the Marakele National Park (Figure 5.18), about 13km towards the North-East of the site. A few private nature reserves are however, located adjacent to – or in close proximity – of the site. These are the Thabazimbi Private Nature Reserve (near Thabazimbi town), and the Buffelsfontein Private Nature Reserve. Both reserves are outside of the road reserve, and thus do not interact with the project, however, caution should be included in the EMPr regarding the access and control of site staff near these properties – as part of a cautionary approach. Protected areas as determined in the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (NEM: PAA) are further afield, and will not interact with this project in any manner.
Figure 5.18: Private Nature Reserves near or adjacent to the proposed development.
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5.8.4 Threatened ecosystems
There are no threatened ecosystem listed by the NEM:BA List of Threatened Ecosystems in or near the proposed development.
5.8.5 National Invasive Alien Plans
No large densities were identified in the Thabazimbi and surrounding areas.
5.8.6 Important Bird Areas
As seen in Figure 5.19, the entire of the road section falls into an Important Bird Area (IBA), named the Northern Turf Thornveld IBA (SA009). This is a region that covers 56 090 ha, and is characterised by flat plains on black vertic clays derived from basalt, the area is widely used for wheat, maize, sunflower and livestock farming. The region is not formally protected.
According to BirdLifeSA (2017), the region has the following birding characteristics:
"This area holds the core of the remaining resident South African population of Yellow-throated Sandgrouse Pterocles gutturalis. The sandgrouse inhabit short, open grasslands, fallow fields and recently burnt veld, especially on black clay soils near water. Other important birds in the IBA include Secretary bird Sagittarius serpentarius, Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori, Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus and Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni. The only globally threatened species is Black-winged Pratincole; regionally threatened species are Yellow-throated Sandgrouse and Lanner Falcon. Common biome-restricted species include Kurrichane Thrush Turdus libonyanus, White-throated Robin-Chat Cossypha humeralis, Burchell's Starling Lamprotornis australis, White-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris talatala and the fairly common Kalahari Scrub Robin Erythropygia paena."
BirdLifeSA (2017) identified mining and the mining are footprint as one of the major threats to birds in this region. While there is value in this statement, the nature of road upgrade projects is such that there is no inherent, large impact factor, especially considering the fact that the upgrade will commence on a previously established road, and habitat considerations are therefore diminished, while the obstruction represented by the roads (and the incidences of road fatalities) greatly diminished by the long time period over which this road has already existed.
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Figure 5.19: Important Birding Areas in and around the project area.
5.8.7 Conservation Status of plant species: Rare, Endangered or Threatened species
The following list of potential plant Species of Conservation Concern (SCC) were derived from current literature for vegetation found in the area as well as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red Data list, the South African Red Data List, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) protected trees, National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA), Limpopo Environmental Management Act (LEMA) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The results are summarised in Table 5.2 while a full species list appears in Appendix A.
Table 5.2: List of potential plant SCC that may be found onsite
Family Species Threat status Lifecycle Leguminosae Chamaecrista absus Not Evaluated (NE) (SANBI)* Annual Combretum hereroense Combretaceae Not Evaluated (NE) (SANBI)* Perennial Combretaceae Combretum imberbe Forestry Act inclusion (DAFF) Perennial Zamiaceae Encephalartos eugene-maraisii Endangered (EN) (SANBI) Perennial Sapindaceae Erythrophysa transvaalensis Reduced Risk (IUCN) Perennial Oxygonum dregeanum subsp. Polygonaceae canescens var. pilosum Not Evaluated (NE) (SANBI)* Perennial Fabaceae Peltophorum africanum Not Evaluated (NE) (SANBI)* Perennial Poaceae Schmidtia pappophoroides Not Evaluated (NE) (SANBI)* Perennial Anacardiaceae Sclerocarya birrea Forestry Act inclusion (DAFF) Perennial
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Family Species Threat status Lifecycle Fabaceae Vachellia erioloba Forestry Act inclusion (DAFF) Perennial Sapindaceae Erythrophysa transvaalensis LEMA protected species Perennial Malvaceae Grewia rogersii LEMA protected species Perennial *Due to a precautionary approach, these species have been included into this table despite their threat status not being determined.
5.9. Animal species that may occur onsite
The following list of potential animal SCC were derived from current literature for vegetation found in the area as well as the international IUCN Red Data list, the South African Red Data List, and CITES. The results are summarised in Table 5.3 - 6 while a full species list appears in Appendix A.
5.9.1 Mammals:
There are 15 confirmed mammalian species which occur in the broader Thabazimbi area, namely:
Table 5.3: List of potential mammals that may be found onsite. Scientific name Common name IUCN Threat status Nycteris macrotis Large eared slit faced bat LC Orycteropus afer Aardvark LC Canis mesomelas Black-backed Jackal LC Equus quagga Plains Zebra NT Tragelaphus strepsiceros Greater Kudu LC Giraffa camelopardalis The South African Giraffe VU Connochaetes taurinus Blue wildebeest LC Paraxerus cepapi Smith's Bush Squirrel LC Syncerus caffer Cape Buffalo LC Pedetes capensis South African Spring Hare LC Damaliscus lunatus Common Tsessebe LC Mellivora capensis Honey Badger LC Aepyceros melampus Impala LC Genetta maculata Common Large-spotted Genet LC Sylvicapra grimmia Bush Duiker LC
5.9.2 Lepidoptera
A large variety and number of butterflies and moths are known to occur within the region, and a complete list may be found in Appendix A. Of all the butterflies and moths listed, none evaluated were found to be of conservation concern. A summary of the species and genera likely to occur on site is provided below.
Table 5.4: List of potential lepidopterans that may be found onsite.
Scientific name Common name IUCN Threat status Utetheisa pulchella Crimson Speckled Footman Not Evaluated (NE) Synclera traducalis Variegated Pearl Not Evaluated (NE) Compsoctena aedifica Pale Baglet Not Evaluated (NE) Scotinochroa inconsequens Dark Satin Slug Not Evaluated (NE) Acrapex aenigma - Not Evaluated (NE) Cometaster pyrula Faint Owl Not Evaluated (NE) Cyligramma latona Cream-striped owl Not Evaluated (NE) Eublemma anachoresis The Banner Not Evaluated (NE)
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Hypopyra capensis Red Tail Not Evaluated (NE) Sphingomorpha chlorea Sundowner Moth Not Evaluated (NE) Xanthodes graellsi Yellow Drab Not Evaluated (NE) Antheua tricolor Tricoloured Frill Not Evaluated (NE) Phalera imitata Imitating Buff Tip Not Evaluated (NE) Aurivillius divaricatus - Not Evaluated (NE) Arniocera erythropyga Fire Grid Burnet Not Evaluated (NE) Pinacopteryx eriphia Zebra white Least Concern (SABCA 2013) Colotis spp. Varied Least Concern (SABCA 2013) Vanessa cardui - Least Concern (SABCA 2013) Heteropsis perspicua Eyed bush brown Least Concern (SABCA 2013) Charaxes zoolina Club-tailed charaxes Least Concern (SABCA 2013) Charaxes phaeus Demon charaxes Least Concern (SABCA 2013) Byblia ilithyia Spotted joker Least Concern (SABCA 2013) Axiocerses amanga Bush scarlet Least Concern (SABCA 2013)
5.9.3 Reptiles
A wide variety of reptiles are known to occur within the project area, all of least concern conservation status (amongst the evaluated ones). A summary is provided below:
Table 5.5: List of potential reptiles that may be found onsite.
Scientific name Common name IUCN Threat status Dispholidus typus Northern Boomslang Not evaluated Homopholis arnoldi Arnold's Velvet Gecko Least Concern (SARCA 2014) Leptotyphlops scutifrons Peters' Thread Snake Least Concern (SARCA 2014) Pelomedusa subrufa Marsh Terrapin Not evaluated Varanus niloticus Water Monitor Not evaluated Gerrhosaurus v. validus Giant Plated Lizard Not evaluated Varanus albigularis Rock Monitor Least Concern (SARCA 2014) Geochelone pardalis Leopard Tortoise Least Concern (IUCN) Matobosaurus validus Common Giant Plated Lizard Least Concern (SARCA 2014) Lygodactylus capensis CommonLeast Dwarf Conce Geckorn (SARCA 2014) Least Concern (SARCA 2014) Cordylus vittifer Common Girdled Lizard Least Concern (SARCA 2014) Chamaeleo dilepis Common Flap-neck Chameleon Least Concern (SARCA 2014)
5.9.4 Frogs
A few species of frogs are likely to occur within the project area. Migrating frogs are especially threatened by virtue of large amounts of deaths possibly occurring while migrating across the road at night.
Table 5.6: List of potential frogs that may be found onsite.
Scientific name Common name IUCN Threat status Hyperolius marmoratus Painted reed frog Least Concern Chiromantis xerampelina Grey foam nest tree frog Least Concern Schismaderma carens African red toad Least Concern Sclerophrys gutturalis African common toad Least Concern Phrynomantis bifasciatus Banded Rubber Frog Least Concern Hemisus marmoratus Mottled Shovel-nosed Frog Least Concern Pyxicephalus edulis African Bullfrog, Edible Bullfrog Least Concern Amietia quecketti or Amietia Common River Frog, Angola River Not evaluated angolensis Frog
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Xenopus l. laevis Common platanna Not evaluated Breviceps a. adspersus Bushveld Rain Frog Not evaluated Pyxicephalus adspersus Giant Bullfrog Least Concern Phrynomantis b. bifasciatus Banded Rubber Frog Not evaluated Phrynobatrachus natalensis Snoring Puddle Frog Least Concern Bufo rangeri Raucous Toad Least Concern
5.9.5 Dung beetles
There are numerous species of dung beetle which occur within the Thabazimbi area, contained in the following genera:
Copris Garreta Heliocopris Onitis Onthophagus Sarophorus Scarabaeus
5.9.6 Spiders and Scorpions
Baboon spider species (Theraphosidae family) are likely to be found the study area. Baboon spiders are protected under the National Management Biodiversity: Threatened and Protected Species Act 2008. Two confirmed species is known within the area, namely:
Ceratogyrus darling (Rear horned baboon spider) Idiothele nigrofulva (Trapdoor baboon spider)
Scorpion species that are likely to occur within the site include:
Opisthacanthus sp., Parabuthus sp (in particular P. granulatus and P. transvaalicus), Uroplectes spp. and
All Opisthacanthus species are protected by the National Management Biodiversity: Threatened and Protected Species Act, 2008.
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 43 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 6. SITE OBSERVATIONS AND DESCRIPTION
While national level vegetation and animal maps have described broad vegetation types and habitats, local conditions and micro-habitats (rainfall, soil structure, rocky outcrops, etc.) can result in variations in plant composition and animal occurrence. A site investigation was therefore conducted during 15-16 May 2017 in order to confirm desktop findings, to assess the ecological state, current land-use, identify potential sensitive ecosystems and identify plant and animal species associated with the proposed project activities. The site visit also served to inform potential impacts of the proposed project and how significantly it would impact on the surrounding ecological environment.
6.1. Vegetation types and description
Four (4) distinct vegetation units were observed within and surrounding the proposed Thabazimbi study site (Figure 6.1 - 4) namely:
1. Mine overburden overgrowth (MOO); 2. Highly degraded grassy road verge (GRV); 3. Riparian vegetation (RV); and 4. Moderately degraded Thornveld (DT).
A map showing the different vegetation units found onsite are shown in Figure 6.2. A 500m buffer around the entire project area was included. The vegetation types are described below.
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6.1.1 Mine overburden overgrowth
Vegetation growth on the remains of an old mine discard heap. Grasses mostly, with large open areas with rocks and loose soil due to no vegetation cover. Trees are limited to a few hardier species. Vegetation occurs on a flat, sandy landscape, Mostly degraded with little diversity and abundance of sensitive taxa, Heavily invaded by invasive alien grasses.
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6.1.2 Highly degraded grassy road verge (GRV);
Vegetation limited to large strips of indigenous and exotic grass species with a handful of tree species where they have not been cleared during regular road maintenance; Mowing of the entire road reserve restricted species development and promotes grass dominance; Alien grasses present.
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6.1.3 Riparian vegetation
Near low lying wetlands or river crossings. Vegetation predominantly reeds (Phragmites australis) or grassy species; No SCC observed. Alien Acacia spp. lined riparian zone at the Crocodile River crossing.
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6.1.4 Moderately degraded Thornveld (DT)
Moderately degraded Thornveld occurred in the immediately south of the mining rehabilitation area; Vegetation has a moderately developed herbaceous and shrub layer, with a well-developed Acacia canopy layer, The vegetation unit has been previously impacted by nearby mining activity and shows reduced diversity and abundance, while vegetation cover remains good.
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Figure 6.1 below illustrates the different vegetation units observed onsite.
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Figure 6.1: Vegetation types observed onsite (Section 1 of 4) and surrounding the site (500m buffer).
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Figure 6.2: Vegetation types observed onsite (Section 2 of 4) and surrounding the site (500m buffer).
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Figure 6.3: Vegetation types observed onsite (Section 3 of 4) and surrounding the site (500m buffer).
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Figure 6.4: Vegetation types observed onsite (Section 4 of 4) and surrounding the site (500m buffer).
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services Proposed road 62upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 6.2. Plant Species Observed
A total of 58 species were identified within and around the proposed Thabazimbi road upgrade section and borrow pit area (Appendix 1). The dominant vegetation type (Dwaalboom thornveld) consisted predominantly of grass species (Aristida, Digitaria, Eragrostis and Panicum spp.), which were mowed along the entire road reserve as a result of consistent maintenance clearing by SANRAL. As none of the grass species likely to occur within the area, or those identified, are regarded as sensitive, the ecological value of the fairly small diversity of species, the low conservation status and the routine mowing along the reserve meant a drastically reduced sensitivity for this section of the road. One invasive Syringa tree (Melia azedarach) was observed near a farm entrance along the road, and a few indigenous trees (mainly Vachellia tortilis and Combretum imberbe) have remained (where they were not cleared for maintenance). Apart from these, the road reserve is composed entirely of maintained short grasses.
The borrow pit location was dominated by a mixture of mainly Dwaalboom Thornveld and Waterberg Mountain Bushveld species, and was moderately degraded from prior mining activity. A large, mining spoil heap remained towards the south of the borrow pit location, which consisted of disturbed earth and overburden. This section had steep side slopes, covered by pioneer species and invasive grass (Pennisetum setaceum), and had low species diversity. The surface of the heap remained predominantly bare, with little to no vegetation cover, with isolated stances of Vachellia tortilis or otherwise covered by Pennisetum setaceum patches. The heap itself did not contain any species of high conservation value and does not contribute significantly to the plant diversity of the region.
Of all the species identified as possible SCC within both road reserve and mining site, only two species were found on site. These were:
Vachellia erioloba (Camel thorn)– DAFF protected species; Combretum imberbe (Leadwood) – DAFF protected species.
These two species will thus require a permit for their removal, should that be required. No other potential SCCs were observed along the road verges or within the borrow pit location.
6.3. Alien invasive species observed
There are a number of alien species present onsite, particularly along the drainage line and existing gravel roads, as well as on the overburden heap at the borrow pit site. Alien species present on site and their category according to the NEMBA AIS Regulations (published 1 August 2014) are presented below (Table 6.1). The CARA alien invasive list is only referenced were an alien invasive species that does not appear on the NEMBA list appears on the CARA list. In this case there were no such species.
As alien invasive plants are commonly found onsite, it is advised that an alien invasive management plan is created and implemented during the construction phase and that active management of alien species listed as category 1b species in impacted areas is carried out.
The following list includes species that was identified on site.
Table 6.1. Alien invasive species present on site.
Species Common name Comment Category 1b
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Species Common name Comment 1) According to NEMBA category 1b Listed species are those species listed as such by notice in terms of section Fountain Grass Pennisetum setaceum 70(1)(a) of the Act as species which must be contained.
2) A landowner upon whose land a Category 1 b Listed Invasive Species occurs and which species is under the landowner's control must:
(a) comply with the provisions of section 73(2) of the Act; and Melia azedarach Cape Syringa (b) contain the listed invasive species in compliance with section 75 (1), (2) and (3) of the Act;
3) If an Invasive Species Management Programme has been developed in terms of regulation 7, a landowner must control the listed invasive species in accordance with such programme.
4) A landowner contemplated in sub-regulation (2) must Xanthium spinosum Spiny coclebur allow an authorised official from the Department to enter onto the land to monitor, assist with or implement the containment of the listed invasive species, or compliance with the Invasive Species Management Programme contemplated in regulation 7.
Uncategorised Prosopis glandulosa Honey mesquite Although classified as weed species, these species don’t occur Alternanthera pungens Paperthorn on the Alien and Invasive Species Regulations List. Bidens bipinnata* Blackjacks
6.4. Animal species observed
Various animals (birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals) were observed within the Thabazimbi project area as well as within 3km of the site. A complete list is given in Appendix 2.
Animal search and rescue will be requires for amphibians, reptiles and mammals prior to commencement of any construction activities onsite. Any species found onsite must be relocated to a similar habitat in the vicinity. Relocation of birds will not be required.
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 64 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 7. SITE SENSITIVITY
7.1. Conservation and Spatial Planning Tools
Several conservation planning tools are available for the study areas. These tools allow for the potential identification of any sensitive and important areas from a vegetation perspective at the early stage of a development and allow for the fine-tuning of plans and infrastructure layouts.
The following tools were identified and are discussed below:
NEMBA Threatened Ecosystems; SANBI Vegetation.
These tools together with the field survey have been used to assess the sensitivity of the study area. Sensitivity of the proposed R510 road upgrade as well as the surrounding environment is shown on a sensitivity map (Figures 7.1 - 4 below).
7.2. NEMBA Threatened Ecosystems
NEMBA provides a list of threatened terrestrial ecosystems. This was established as little attention has historically been paid to the protection of ecosystems outside of protected areas. The purpose of listing threatened ecosystems is primarily to reduce the rate of ecosystem and species extinction. This includes preventing further degradation and loss of structure, function and composition of threatened ecosystems.
The Thabazimbi project area does not occur within the NEMBA threatened ecosystem listing however, and as such this listing does not apply to this development.
7.3. Vegetation
Vegetation within the road reserve was deemed to be low sensitivity, due to the maintenance action, low species diversity, low conservation status of the species present and the absence of any SCC within the reserve. Vegetation within the borrow pit area, were split into two different sensitivies; one low and one moderate. Low sensitive was accorded to the overburden heap, as this region exhibit no SCC, low species diversity and abundance, as well as being highly invaded by exotic species. The nearby moderately impacted Thornveld however, contained species of some conservation value (though not very sensitive), and exhibited greater development, abundance and diversity, with less invasive species. This section was subsequently afforded a moderate sensitivity, for which more stringent mitigation measures would be required.
7.4. Sensitivity map
A sensitivity map was developed based on the allocations made in Sections 7.1 – 7.4, for the entire study area (Figure 7.1 - 4). Table 7.1 below summarises the sensitivity allocation for each criteria:
Table 7.1. Criteria used for the analysis of the sensitivity of the R510 road upgrade project. HIGH CRITERIA LOW SENSITIVITY MODERATE SENSITIVITY SENSITIVITY 1 Topography Level, or even Undulating; fairly steep Complex and uneven slopes with steep slopes 2 Vegetation Extent Extensive Restricted to a particular Restricted to a specific or habitat type in region/zone locality / site the region 3 Conservation Well conserved Not well conserved, Not conserved – has a
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 65 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017
HIGH CRITERIA LOW SENSITIVITY MODERATE SENSITIVITY SENSITIVITY status independent of moderate conservation high conservation value Fauna, flora and conservation value value habitats 4 SSC None, although No endangered or One or more Presence and occasional regional vulnerable species, some endangered and quantity endemics indeterminate or rare vulnerable species, or endemics more than 2 endemics or rare species 5 Habitat Extensive areas of Reasonably extensive Limited areas of this fragmentation preferred habitat areas of preferred habitat habitat, susceptible to loss of viable present elsewhere in elsewhere and habitat fragmentation populations region not susceptible to susceptible to fragmentation fragmentation 6 Biodiversity Low diversity, or Moderate diversity, and High species diversity, Contribution species richness moderately high species complex plant and richness animal communities 7 CBA & ESA No CBA or ESA within ESA found within project CBA found in project project region region regions. In this case, both CBA and ESA were found in the project area. 8 Erosion potential Very stable and an Some possibility of Large possibility of Instability of the area not subjected to erosion or change due to erosion, change to the region erosion. episodic events. site or destruction due to climatic or other factors. 9 Rehabilitation Site is easily There is some degree of Site is difficult to Potential of the rehabilitated. difficulty in rehabilitation rehabilitate due to the area or region of the site. terrain, type of habitat or species required to reintroduce. 10 Disturbance Site is very disturbed There is some degree of The site is hardly or Caused by human or degraded. disturbance of the site. very slightly impacted habitation or upon by human other influences disturbance. (Alien invasives) 11 Water bodies No water bodies No water bodies found Includes all water found bodies (eg. wetlands, perennial rivers, non- perennial rivers, drainage systems etc.)
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 66 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017
Figure 7.1: Ecological and Biodiversity Sensitivity map for the proposed road upgrade – section 1 of 4.
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services Proposed road 67upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017
Figure 7.2: Ecological and Biodiversity Sensitivity map for the proposed road upgrade – section 2 of 4.
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services Proposed road 68upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017
Figure 7.3: Ecological and Biodiversity Sensitivity map for the proposed road upgrade – section 3 of 4.
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services Proposed road 69upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017
Figure 7.4: Ecological and Biodiversity Sensitivity map for the proposed road upgrade – section 4 of 4.
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services Proposed road 70upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 7.5. Recommendations
Various mitigations are recommended (based on the level of sensitivity of the affected area) to reduce the impacts of the proposed road upgrade and borrow pit development on the surrounding natural environment.
7.5.1 High sensitivity areas
All surface water bodies and drainage areas is classified as high sensitive areas (coloured red in Figure 7.1 - 4) this includes dams, wetlands, drainage systems, rivers & streams. These areas will require authorisation from the Department of Water & Sanitation (DWS) prior to commencement of activities.
7.5.2 Moderate sensitivity areas
All intact natural vegetation is considered as “moderately sensitivity” due to the presence of SCC (coloured orange in Figure 7.1 - 4). A Search & Rescue (S&R) exercise must be conducted prior to commencement of activities in these areas. The relevant vegetation permits must also be applied for.
7.5.3 Low sensitivity areas
These areas are considered as severely disturbed or transformed by human activities, including dumping, mowing and sand removal. These areas are suitable for development but may have some SCC present. An S&R exercise will not be required but any SCC observed during construction must be reported to the appointed ECO during construction.
7.6. Issues identified
The following issues (Table 7.2) were identified during the sensitivity assessment of the proposed new ring road around Butterworth. These issues are applicable for both ring road alternatives.
Table 7.2: Issues identified during the sensitivity assessment of the proposed R510 road upgrade project. ISSUES IDENTIFIED DESCRIPTION OF IMPACTS Loss of moderately degraded The clearing of natural vegetation will lead to the permanent loss of Thornveld moderately degraded Thornveld at the borrow pit site. The clearing of natural vegetation for the proposed upgrade may lead to the destruction of habitats and the loss of unidentified plant SCC. Loss of SCC The clearing of natural vegetation for the proposed upgrade may lead to the destruction of habitats and the loss of unidentified animal SCC. The lack of an effective alien vegetation management plan may lead to the Control of alien plant species large scale alien plant invasion. Rehabilitation of disturbed areas Poor rehabilitation of disturbed areas after construction may lead to the permanent degradation of ecosystems as well as allow invading alien vegetation species to expand.
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 71 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 8. MANNER IN WHICH THE ENVIRONMENT MAY BE AFFECTED
8.1. Impacts identified
Ecological and Biodiversity impacts that were identified during the Planning and Design, Construction and Operational Phases of the proposed road upgrade and borrow pit project are described below (Table 8.1). These issues are applicable for all proposed alternatives.
Table 8.1. Impacts identified during all phases of the proposed R510 road upgrade project.
Phases Issue Description of Impact
Loss of moderately The planning & design for the clearing of natural vegetation will degraded lead to the permanent loss of moderately degraded Thornveld Thornveld The planning & design for the clearing of natural vegetation may lead to the destruction of habitats and the loss of identified and Loss of SCC unidentified plant SCC. Planning & Design The planning & design for the clearing of natural vegetation may lead to the destruction of habitats and the loss of identified and unidentified animal SCC. Control of alien Not applicable to this phase plant species Rehabilitation of Not applicable to this phase disturbed areas Loss of moderately During construction the clearing of natural vegetation will lead to degraded the permanent loss of moderately degraded Thornveld Thornveld During construction the clearing of natural vegetation may lead to the destruction of habitats and the loss of identified and unidentified plant SCC. Loss of SCC During construction the clearing of natural vegetation may lead to the destruction of habitats and the loss of identified and unidentified animal SCC. Construction During the construction phase the lack of an effective alien Control of alien vegetation management plan may lead to the large scale alien plant plant species invasion. During construction poor rehabilitation of disturbed areas may lead Rehabilitation of to the permanent degradation of ecosystems as well as allow disturbed areas invading alien vegetation species to expand. Animal fatalities During construction, vehicles, crew and materials may increase from construction animal fatalities through opportunistic hunting, collisions, accidents activity or baiting and trapping. Loss of moderately degraded Not applicable to this phase Thornveld Loss of SCC Not applicable to this phase During the operational phase the lack of an effective alien Control of alien vegetation management plan may lead to the large scale alien plant Operational plant species invasion. Rehabilitation of Not applicable to this phase disturbed areas Animal fatalities from construction Not applicable to this phase activity
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 72 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 8.2. Impact assessment
The impacts identified in Section 8.1 are assessed in terms of the criteria described in Section 3.2 and are summarised in the tables below (Table 8.2, 8.3 & 8.4)
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 73 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 Table 8.2. Assessment of impacts during the Planning & Design Phase.
SIGNIFICANCE POTENTIAL OVERALL SPATIAL MITIGATION TYPE DURATION SEVERITY REVERSIBILITY IRREPLACABLE LOSS PROBABILITY MITIGATION MEASURES IMPACTS NATURE EXTENT POTENTIAL Without With Mitigation Mitigation FOR ALL ALTERNATIVES Loss of moderately degraded Thornveld The planning & Negative Direct, Site Permanent Medium Irreversible Resource is available Definite High Demarcate all design for the indirect, negative elsewhere with sensitive vegetation clearing of natural cumulative moderate prior to vegetation will lead rehabilitation commencement of to the permanent potential activities. MODERATE - LOW - loss of approx. 15ha Construction footprint of moderately must be kept to an degraded Thornveld absolute minimum. at the Borrow pit site Loss of SCC The planning & Negative Direct, Site Permanent Medium Irreversible Resource may be Unlikely High or All plant SCC must be design for the indirect, negative partly destroyed Completely relocated or removed clearing of natural cumulative Mitigable from the construction may lead to the footprint by a destruction of qualified botanist habitats and the loss prior to of identified and commencement of unidentified plant activities. MODERATE - LOW - SCC. The relevant permits must be obtained from the relevant departments in order to remove plant SCC prior to commencement of activities. The planning & Negative Direct, Site Permanent Medium Irreversible Resource may be Probable High or All animal SCC must design for the indirect, negative partly destroyed Completely be relocated or clearing of natural cumulative Mitigable removed from the may lead to the construction footprint destruction of by a qualified habitats and the loss specialist prior to of identified and commencement of unidentified animal activities. MODERATE - LOW - SCC. The relevant permits must be obtained from the relevant departments in order to remove animal SCC prior to commencement of activities.
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province 74 Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 Table 8.3. Assessment of impacts during the Construction Phase.
SIGNIFICANCE POTENTIAL OVERALL SPATIAL MITIGATION TYPE DURATION SEVERITY REVERSIBILITY IRREPLACABLE LOSS PROBABILITY MITIGATION MEASURES IMPACTS NATURE EXTENT POTENTIAL Without With Mitigation Mitigation FOR ALL ALTERNATIVES Loss of moderately degraded Thornveld During construction Negative Direct, Site Permanent Medium Irreversible Resource cannot be Definite Moderate or Construction activities the clearing of indirect, negative replaced Partially for each local natural vegetation cumulative Mitigatable development project will lead to the must be limited to the permanent loss of approved designated approx. 15ha of footprint for that moderately specific development degraded Thornveld i.e. construction (Borrow pit) materials, vehicular storage, construction camps etc. An Environmental Control Officer (ECO) must be appointed to oversee construction activities; Construction activities must be limited to the absolute necessary within the borrow pit MODERATE - LOW - footprint. Demarcate all sensitive vegetation prior to commencement of activities. The site must be micro-sited on foot prior to commencement of construction activities, by a qualified botanist, in order to identify any SCC that may have gone unidentified during the initial survey. Any SCC identified will have to be relocated or removed Loss of SCC During construction Negative Direct, Site Permanent Medium Irreversible Resource may be Probable High or The impacted areas the clearing of indirect, negative partly destroyed Completely must be surveyed natural vegetation cumulative Mitigatable MODERATE - LOW - prior to topsoil may lead to the removal in order to destruction of
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SIGNIFICANCE POTENTIAL OVERALL SPATIAL MITIGATION TYPE DURATION SEVERITY REVERSIBILITY IRREPLACABLE LOSS PROBABILITY MITIGATION MEASURES IMPACTS NATURE EXTENT POTENTIAL Without With Mitigation Mitigation habitats and the loss locate and capture of identified and any SCC within the unidentified plant area and relocate SCC. them. During construction Negative Direct, Site Permanent Medium Irreversible Resource may be Probable High or All identified SCC must the clearing of indirect, negative partly destroyed Completely be relocated to similar natural vegetation cumulative Mitigatable habitats outside the may lead to the construction and destruction of operational footprint. habitats and the loss Removal of both of identified and plants and animals unidentified animal must be undertaken SCC. by a professional and qualified specialist. The contractor’s workers must not poach or trap wild MODERATE - LOW - animals. The contractor’s workers must not harvest natural vegetation. Any SCC overlooked by Search and Rescue must be reported to the ECO and relocated by a qualified specialist/trained representative during construction Control of alien plant species During construction Negative Direct, Local Medium Medium Completely Resource may be Probable High or An Alien Management the clearing of indirect tern negative reversible partly destroyed Completely Plan must be natural vegetation Mitigatable developed and creates ‘open’ implemented during habitats that will the construction favour the phase to reduce the establishment of establishment and undesirable alien spread of undesirable plant species in alien plant species. areas that are HIGH - LOW - The Alien typically very Management Plan difficult to eradicate must be approved by and may pose a the ECO prior to threat to implementation. neighbouring Alien plants must be natural ecosystems. removed from the site through appropriate methods such as hand pulling, application of
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SIGNIFICANCE POTENTIAL OVERALL SPATIAL MITIGATION TYPE DURATION SEVERITY REVERSIBILITY IRREPLACABLE LOSS PROBABILITY MITIGATION MEASURES IMPACTS NATURE EXTENT POTENTIAL Without With Mitigation Mitigation chemicals, cutting etc. on a regular basis. Removal must occur prior to plants developing seeds.
Rehabilitation of disturbed areas During construction Negative Direct, Local Short tern Medium Completely Resource may be Probable High or All impacted areas poor rehabilitation Indirect, negative reversible partly destroyed Completely must be rehabilitated of disturbed areas cumulative Mitigatable immediately after may lead to the construction is permanent completed in that degradation of local area. ecosystems as well Only topsoil from the as allow invading immediate area must alien vegetation be used for species to expand. rehabilitation. If none available alternative methods must be HIGH - LOW - investigated and implemented like hydro-seeding, planting etc. The method must be approved by the ECO prior to commencement. All impacted areas must be restored as per a Rehabilitation Management Plan. Animal fatalities During construction, Negative Direct, Local Short Term Low Irreversible Resource may be Probable Low potential Train all staff on site vehicles, crew and Indirect Negative partly destroyed for mitigation regarding the proper materials may increase management and animal fatalities response should through opportunistic animals be hunting, collisions, accidents or baiting encountered; and trapping. Search and clear the construction region LOW - LOW - prior to work commencing, relocating animals where found; No animal shall be killed or hurt where possible; No hunting, baiting or trapping shall be
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province 77 Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017
SIGNIFICANCE POTENTIAL OVERALL SPATIAL MITIGATION TYPE DURATION SEVERITY REVERSIBILITY IRREPLACABLE LOSS PROBABILITY MITIGATION MEASURES IMPACTS NATURE EXTENT POTENTIAL Without With Mitigation Mitigation allowed;
Table 8.4. Assessment of impacts during the Operational Phase.
SIGNIFICANCE POTENTIAL OVERALL SPATIAL MITIGATION TYPE DURATION SEVERITY REVERSIBILITY IRREPLACABLE LOSS PROBBILITY MITIGATION MEASURES IMPACTS NATURE EXTEND POTENTIAL Without With Mitigation Mitigation FOR ALL ALTERNATIVES Control of alien plant species During the Negative Direct, Local Long term Medium Completely Resource may be Probable High or An Alien Management operational phase indirect, negative reversible partly destroyed Completely Plan must be the lack of an cumulative Mitigatable developed and effective alien implemented during vegetation the operational phase management plan to reduce the may lead to the establishment and large scale alien spread of undesirable plant invasion. alien plant species. MODERATE - LOW - Alien plants must be removed from the site through appropriate methods such as hand pulling, application of chemicals, cutting etc. as in accordance to the NEMBA: Alien Invasive Species Regulations.
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province 78 Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 9. IMPACT STATEMENT, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
9.1. Conclusions
The following table (Table 9.1) summarises the change in impacts from pre- to post- mitigation for the R510 road and borrow pit development.
Table 9.1. Assessment of pre- and post-mitigation impact significance.
PRE-MITIGATION POST-MITIGATION UN- UN- LOW MODERATE HIGH LOW MODERATE HIGH KNOWN KNOWN Planning and . 3 . . 3 . . . Design Construction 1 3 2 . 6 . . . Operational . 1 . . 1 . . . TOTAL 1 7 2 . 10 . .
9.2. Current status
A total of 146 plant species were identified within and around the proposed road area (Appendix 1). Dwaalboom Thornveld, a savannah landscape is, the dominant vegetation type onsite. Of these 146 species, only 10 are listed as potential SCC. (Table 5.1). These species are all either not evaluated by the SANBI red data list, or protected by the DAFF, IUCN, NEMBA or LEMA regulations and listings. The implication is that these species will require a permit for their removal or transplant prior to construction.
There are a number of alien and invasive species present onsite, particularly along the drainage lines and existing gravel roads, as well as the soil works near the old borrow pit site. Alien and invasive species found on site as well as their category according to the NEMBA Alien and Invasive Species Regulations (published 1 August 2014) are presented in Table 6.1.
As alien and invasive plants are commonly found onsite, it is advised that an alien and invasive management plan is drafted and implemented during the construction phase and that active management of alien and invasive species listed as category 1b in impacted areas is carried out.
9.3. Recommendations to be included in the Final EMPr
The following recommendations must be included into the final EMPr:
Plant Permits must be obtained from Department of Economic Development, Environment & Tourism, for the following plant SCC identified onsite:
Family Species Threat status Combretaceae Combretum imberbe DAFF listed Fabaceae Vachellia erioloba DAFF listed Malvaceae Dombeya rotundifolia IUCN listed: RR/LC
Animal Permits must be obtained from Department of Economic Development, Environment & Tourism for the following animal SCC identified onsite:
Taxon(Scientic name) Taxon (common name) Conservation Status Ceratogyrus darlingi Rear horned baboon spider
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 79 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017
Idiothele nigrofulva Trapdoor baboon spider
A Search & Rescue operation to remove & relocate plant and animal SCC, must be conducted by a competent and qualified specialist prior to commencement of construction activities in all natural scrubland areas. Any SCC found must be immediately relocated to areas close by but outside the proposed road upgrade footprint. If any local plants or SCC are kept for rehabilitation purposes, these species must be kept in a local nursery managed by a qualified botanical specialist for the duration of construction. The ECO must be immediately notified if any SCC is identified during construction. An Alien and Invasive Plant Management Plan must be developed prior to construction and implemented during construction & rehabilitation of the proposed development. A Rehabilitation Management Plan must be developed for both construction & operational phases.
9.4. Mitigation measures
All the mitigation measures provided below are to be implemented during construction and rehabilitation of the proposed road upgrade project. As no separate issues were identified for each alternative proposed, mitigation measures remain similar for all alternatives.
9.4.1 Planning & Design phase
All animal SCC must be relocated or removed from the construction footprint by a qualified specialist prior to commencement of activities; All plant SCC must be relocated or removed from the construction footprint by a qualified botanist prior to commencement of activities; The relevant permits must be obtained from the relevant departments in order to remove plant SCC prior to commencement of activities; The relevant permits must be obtained from the relevant departments in order to remove animal SCC prior to commencement of activities; Construction footprint must be kept to an absolute minimum; and Demarcate all sensitive vegetation prior to commencement of activities.
9.4.2 Construction phase
Alien plants must be removed from the site through appropriate methods such as hand pulling, application of chemicals, cutting etc. on a regular basis; All identified SCC must be relocated to similar habitats outside the construction and operational footprint; All impacted areas must be rehabilitated immediately after construction is completed in that local area. All impacted areas must be restored as per a Rehabilitation Management Plan; An Alien Management Plan must be developed and implemented during the construction phase to reduce the establishment and spread of undesirable alien plant species. The Alien Management Plan must be approved by the ECO prior to implementation; An Environmental Control Officer (ECO) must be appointed to oversee construction activities; Animal fatalities; Any SCC overlooked by Search and Rescue must be reported to the ECO and relocated by a qualified specialist/trained representative during construction; Construction activities for each local development project must be limited to the approved designated footprint for that specific development i.e. construction materials, vehicular storage, construction camps etc; Construction activities must be limited to the absolute necessary within the borrow pit footprint;
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 80 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017
Control of alien plant species; Demarcate all sensitive vegetation prior to commencement of activities; Loss of SCC; No animal shall be killed or hurt where possible; No hunting, baiting or trapping shall be allowed; Only topsoil from the immediate area must be used for rehabilitation. If none available alternative methods must be investigated and implemented like hydro-seeding, planting etc. The method must be approved by the ECO prior to commencement; Rehabilitation of disturbed areas; Removal must occur prior to plants developing seeds; Removal of both plants and animals must be undertaken by a professional and qualified specialist; Search and clear the construction region prior to work commencing, relocating animals where found; The contractor’s workers must not harvest natural vegetation; The contractor’s workers must not poach or trap wild animals; The impacted areas must be surveyed prior to topsoil removal in order to locate and capture any SCC within the area and relocate them; The site must be micro-sited on foot prior to commencement of construction activities, by a qualified botanist, in order to identify any SCC that may have gone unidentified during the initial survey. Any SCC identified will have to be relocated or removed; and Train all staff on site regarding the proper management and response should animals be encountered.
9.4.3 Operational phase
Alien plants must be removed from the site through appropriate methods such as hand pulling, application of chemicals, cutting etc. as in accordance to the NEMBA: Alien Invasive Species Regulations; and An Alien Management Plan must be developed and implemented during the operational phase to reduce the establishment and spread of undesirable alien plant species.
9.5. Environmental Statement and Opinion of the Specialist
The ecological impacts of all aspects for the proposed R510 road upgrade project were assessed and considered to be ecologically acceptable, provided that the mitigation measures provided in this report are implemented. Implementation of recommended mitigation measures is an important element of the mitigation strategy and will reduce all identified impacts to LOW negative.
None of the proposed alternatives are considered to be Fatally Flawed. Impacts on the natural environment were the same for all alternatives.
The No-Go option refers to the proposed R510 road upgrade not being constructed. This option will therefore have no impact (positive or negative) on the local vegetation and biodiversity if it is not constructed.
The road upgrade project aims to improve the condition of the existing road surface, and as such no further cumulative impact from this project will occur that was not introduced years earlier from the original construction of the road. A negligent cumulative impact is thus anticipated from this development.
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 81 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 10. REFERENCES
COWLING, R.M. AND HILTON-TAYLOR C. (1994). Patterns of plant diversity and endemism in southern Africa: an overview. Strelitzia 1: 31-52.
GOOD, R. 1974. The Geography of Flowering Plants 4th edn. Longmans, London.
IUCN. 2012. Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN Species Survival Commission, Cambridge Available: http://www.iucnredlist.org/ (Accessed 03/08/2012).
MUCINA, L. & RUTHERFORD, M.C. (eds). 2006. The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitzia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
MYERS, N. 1990. The biodiversity challenge: expanded hot-spot analysis. Environmentalist 10: 243-256.
RUTHERFORD, M.C.; MUCINA, L.; LOTTER, M.C.; BREDENKAMP, J; SMIT, J.H.L; SCOTT-SHAW, C.R.; HOARE, D.B.; GOODMAN, P.S.; BEZUIDENHOUT, H.; SCOTT, L.; ELLIS, F.; POWRIES, L.W.; SIEBERT, F.; MOSTERT, T.H.; HENNING, B.J.; VENTER, C.E.; CAMP, K.G.T.; SIEBERT, S.J.; MATTHEWS, S.; BURROWS, J.E.; DOBSON, L.; VAN ROOYEN, N.; SCHMIDT, E.; WINTER, J.D.; DU PREEZ, P.; WARD, R.A; WILLIAMSON, S. AND HURTER, J.H. 2006. Savanna Biome IN The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitzia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
VAN WYK, A.E. and SMITH, G. 2001. Regions of floristic endemism in southern Africa. Umdaus Press, Pretoria. 199pp.
WHITE, F. 1983. The vegetation of Africa: a description memoir to accompany the Unesco?AETFAT/UNSO vegetation map of Africa. Natural Resources Research. Unesco. Paris.
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 82 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 APPENDIX 1 VEGETATION LIST
Growth Family Form Taxon name SANBI IUCN DAFF* NEMBA ONSITE LEMA Abutilon austro- Malvaceae Low Shrubs africanum LC NE N N X Albizia Fabaceae Small Trees tanganyicensis LC NE N N Succulent Aloaceae Shrubs Aloe chabaudii LC NE N N Asphodelace ae Small Trees Aloe excelsa LC NE N N X Woody Ancylobotrys Apocynaceae Climbers capensis LC NE N N Anthephora Poaceae Graminoids pubescens LC NE N N Anthospermum rigidum subsp. Rubiaceae Low Shrubs rigidum LC NE N N Scrophularia Aptosimum ceae Low Shrubs elongatum LC NE N N X Poaceae Graminoids Aristida bipartita LC NE N N Poaceae Graminoids Aristida congesta LC NE N N X Poaceae Graminoids Aristida diffusa LC NE N N X Poaceae Graminoids Aristida stipitata LC NE N N X Asparagacea Asparagus spp. e Herb (see photos) X Acanthaceae Low Shrubs Barleria affinis LC NE N N Asteraceae Herbs Berkheya insignis LC NE N N Blepharis Acanthaceae Shrub integrifolia LC NE N N Bothriochloa Poaceae Graminoids insculpta LC NE N N X Poaceae Graminoids Brachiaria serrata LC NE N N Caesalpiniac eae Small Trees Burkea africana LC NE N N X Chamaecrista Fabaceae Herbs mimosoides LC NE N N Chamaecristia Fabaceae Small Trees absus NE NE N N Chorisochora Acanthaceae Soft Shrub transvaalensis LC NE N N Clerodendrum Lamiaceae Small Shrub ternatum LC NE N N Combretacea Combretum e Small Trees apiculatum LC NE N N X Combretacea Combretum e Tall Shrubs hereroense NE NE N N X Combretacea Combretum e Small Trees imberbe LC NE Y N X
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 83 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 Combretacea Combretum e Tall Shrubs moggii LC NE N N Combretacea e Small Trees Combretum molle LC NE N N Combretacea Combretum e Tall Shrubs nelsonii LC NE N N X Combretacea Combretum e Small Trees zeyheri LC NE N N X Coptosperma Rubiaceae Tall Shrubs supra-axillare LC NE N N Euphorbiace ae Small Trees Croton gratissimus LC NE N N Cussonia Araliaceae Small Trees transvaalensis LC NE N N Cymbopogon Poaceae Graminoids pospischilii LC NE N N X Dichapetalac Geoxylic Dichapetalum eae Suffrutices cymosum LC NE N N Dichrostachys Fabaceae Tall Shrubs cinerea LC LC N N X Poaceae Graminoids Digitaria eriantha LC NE N N X Diospyros lycioides Ebenaceae Tall Shrubs subsp. lycioides LC NE N N X Diplorhynchus Apocynaceae Tall Shrubs condylocarpon LC NE N N Dombeya Malvaceae Small Trees rotundifolia LC RR/LC N N X Elephantorrhiza Leguminosae Tall Shrubs burkei LC NE N N Poaceae Graminoids Elionurus muticus LC NE N N Encephalartos Zamiaceae Small Tree eugene-maraisii EN EN N VU Englerophytum Sapotaceae Small Trees magalismontanum LC NE N N Enneapogon Poaceae Graminoids scoparius LC NE N N X Poaceae Graminoids Eragrostis curvula LC NE N N Poaceae Graminoids Eragrostis pallens LC NE N N X Poaceae Graminoids Eragrostis rigidior LC NE N N Poaceae Graminoids Eragrostis superba LC NE N N Erythrophysa Sapindaceae Tall Shrub transvaalensis LC RR/LC N N X Euclea crispa Ebenaceae Tall Shrubs subsp. crispa LC NE N N Ebenaceae Tall Shrubs Euclea undulata LC NE N N X Convolvulace Evolvulus ae Herbs alsinoides LC NE N N Proteaceae Small Trees Faurea saligna LC NE N N Compositae Low Shrubs Felicia muricata LC NE N N Moraceae Small Trees Ficus burkei LC NE N N Moraceae Small Trees Ficus glumosa LC NE N N
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Asteraceae Tall Shrubs Geigeria burkei LC NE N N Asteraceae Herbs Geigeria elongata LC NE N N Malvaceae Small shrub Grewia bicolor LC NE N N Malvaceae Tall Shrubs Grewia flava LC NE N N Malvaceae Small Trees Grewia monticola LC NE N N X Malvaceae Tall Shrubs Grewia rogersii LC NE N N X Haemanthus Amaryllidace Geophytic humilis subsp. ae Herbs humilis LC NE N N Helichrysum Asteraceae Low Shrubs kraussii LC NE N N Boraginacea Heliotropium e Herbs ciliatum LC NE N N Amaranthac Hermbstaedtia eae Herb fleckii LC NE N N X Heteropyxid Heteropyxis aceae Small Trees natalensis LC NE N N Hibiscus meyeri subsp. Malvaceae Herbs transvaalensis LC NE N N Hirpicium Asteraceae Low Shrubs bechuanense LC NE N N X Hypoxidacea Geophytic e Herbs Hypoxis rigidula LC NE N N Fabaceae Small Trees Indigofera filipes LC NE N N Gramineae Graminoids Ischaemum afrum LC NE N N Acanthaceae Herbs Justicia flava LC NE N N Succulent Kalanchoe Crassulaceae Shrubs rotundifolia LC NE N N X Kohautia caespitosa subsp. Rubiaceae Herbs brachyloba LC NE N N Amaranthae Kyphocarpa ceae Herbs angustifolia LC NE N N Anacardiace ae Small Trees Lannea discolor LC NE N N Thymelaeace Lasiosiphon ae Tall Shrubs kraussiana LC NE N N Molluginace Limeum ae Herbs fenestratum LC NE N N Molluginace ae Herbs Limeum viscosum LC NE N N Phytolaccace Lophiocarpus aea Low Shrubs tenuissimus LC NE N N Succulent Lopholaena Asteraceae Shrubs coriifolia LC NE N N Poaceae Graminoids Loudetia simplex LC NE N N Monsonia Geraniaceae Low Shrubs angustifolia LC NE N N Mosdenia Poaceae Graminoid leptostachys LC NE N N
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 85 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 Nidorella Compositae Herbs hottentotica LC NE N N X Ochnaceae Small Trees Ochna pretoriensis LC NE N N Ochnaceae Small Trees Ochna pulchra LC NE N N X Olea capensis Oleaceae Tall Shrubs subsp. enervis LC NE N N Olea europaea Oleaceae Tall Shrubs subsp. africana LC NE N N Oxygonum dregeanum subsp. Polugonacea canescens var. e Herb pilosum NE NE N N Panicum Poaceae Graminoids maximum LC NE N N X Chrysobalan Geoxylic Parinari capensis aeae Suffrutices subsp. capensis LC NE N N Malvaceae Low Shrubs Pavonia burchellii LC NE N N X Peltrophorum Fabaceae Tall Tree africanum NE NE N N Poaceae Graminoids Perotis patens LC NE N N Proteaceae Small Trees Protea caffra LC NE N N Protea welwitschii Proteaceae Low Shrubs subsp. welwitschii LC NE N N Phyllanthace Pseudolachnostylis ae Small Trees maprouneifolia LC NE N N Woody Vitaceae Climbers Rhoicissus revoilii LC NE N N Herbaceous Rhynchosia Leguminosae Climber minima LC LC N N X Schizachyrium Poaceae Graminoids sanguineum LC NE N N X Schmidtia - - pappopohoroides NE NE N N Anacardiace ae Tall Tree Sclerocarya birrea LC NE Y N Anacardiace ae Small Trees Searsia lancea LC NE N N X Anacardiace Searsia pyroides ae Tall Shrubs var. pyroides LC NE N N Anacardiace Searsia rigida var. ae Low Shrubs dentata LC NE N N Poaceae Graminoids Sehima galpinii LC NE N N Fabaceae Small Trees Senegalia caffra LC NE N N X Senegalia Fabaceae Small Trees erubescens LC NE N N X Fabaceae Small Trees Senegalia fleckii LC NE N N X Senegalia Fabaceae Small Trees mellifera LC NE N N X Senegalia mellifera subsp. Fabaceae Small Trees detinens LC NE N N X Fabaceae Small Trees Senegalia LC NE N N X
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 86 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 nigrescens Poaceae Graminoids Setaria incrassata LC NE N N Poaceae Graminoids Setaria sphacelata LC NE N N Solanum Solanaceae Low Shrubs delagoense LC NE N N X Loganiaceae Tall Shrubs Strychnos pungens LC NE N N Portulacacea Succulent e Shrubs Talinum caffrum LC NE N N Tarchonanthus Asteraceae Tall Shrubs camphoratus LC NE N N Combretacea e Small Trees Terminalia sericea LC NE N N X Poaceae Graminoids Themeda triandra LC NE N N X Trachypogon Poaceae Graminoids spicatus LC NE N N Tristachya Poaceae Graminoids leucothrix LC NE N N Typhaceae Marsh Herb Typha capensis LC LC N N X Fabaceae Tall Tree Vachellia erioloba LC NE Y N X Vachellia Fabaceae Small Trees erubescens LC NE N N X Vachellia hebeclada subsp. Fabaceae Tall Shrubs hebeclada LC NE N N X Fabaceae Small Trees Vachellia nilotica LC NE N N X Fabaceae Tall Tree Vachellia robusta LC NE N N X Vachellia Fabaceae Low Shrubs tenuispina LC NE N N X Vachellia tortilis subsp. Fabaceae Small Trees Heteracantha LC NE N N X Vangueria Rubiaceae Small Trees infausta LC NE N N Vangueria Rubiaceae Small Trees parvifolia LC NE N N Vangueria Rubiaceae Tall Shrubs triflorum LC NE N N Lamiaceae Tall Shrubs Vitex rehmannii LC NE N N Xerophyta Velloziaceae Herbs retinervis LC NE N N Ziziphus Rhamnaceae Small Trees mucronata LC NE N N X
INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES
Family Growth Form Taxon name On site Poaceae Graminoids Pennisetum setaceum X Meliaceae Small Trees Melia azedarach X Fabaceae Small Trees Prosopis glandulosa X Bignoniaceae Woody vine Dolichandra unguis-cati X Amaranthaceae Herb Alternanthera pungens X
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Asteraceae Small shrub Bidens bipinnata X Poaceae Graminoids Pennisetum clandestinum X
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 88 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017 APPENDIX 2 ANIMAL LISTS
List of birds observed onsite:
Common_name Taxon_name Pentad LEMA On-site Shikra Shikra Accipiter badius Sparrowhawk Little Accipiter minullus Myna Common Acridotheres tristis X Swamp-warbler Lesser Acrocephalus gracilirostris Sandpiper Common Actitis hypoleucos Jacana African Actophilornis africanus Kingfisher Malachite Alcedo cristata Goose Egyptian Alopochen aegyptiacus X Finch Red-headed Amadina erythrocephala Waxbill Orange-breasted Amandava subflava Crake Black Amaurornis flavirostris Weaver Thick-billed Amblyospiza albifrons Weaver Red-headed Anaplectes rubriceps Teal Cape Anas capensis Teal Red-billed Anas erythrorhyncha Teal Hottentot Anas hottentota Shoveler Cape Anas smithii Duck African Black Anas sparsa Duck Yellow-billed Anas undulata Darter African Anhinga rufa Penduline-tit Cape Anthoscopus minutus Pipit African Anthus cinnamomeus Pipit Buffy Anthus vaalensis Apalis Bar-throated Apalis thoracica Swift Little Apus affinis Swift White-rumped Apus caffer Hawk-eagle African Aquila spilogaster Heron Grey Ardea cinerea Heron Goliath Ardea goliath Heron Black-headed Ardea melanocephala Heron Purple Ardea purpurea Heron Squacco Ardeola ralloides Owl Marsh Asio capensis Batis Chinspot Batis molitor Ibis Hadeda Bostrychia hagedash X Flycatcher Marico Bradornis mariquensis Flycatcher Pale Bradornis pallidus Rush-warbler Little Bradypterus baboecala Buffalo-weaver Red-billed Bubalornis niger Eagle-owl Verreaux's Bubo lacteus Egret Cattle Bubulcus ibis
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 89 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017
Oxpecker Red-billed Buphagus erythrorhynchus Thick-knee Spotted Burhinus capensis Buzzard Steppe Buteo vulpinus Heron Green-backed Butorides striata Wren-warbler Barred Calamonastes fasciolatus Lark Sabota Calendulauda sabota Sandpiper Curlew Calidris ferruginea Stint Little Calidris minuta Camaroptera Green-backed Camaroptera brachyura Camaroptera Grey-backed Camaroptera brevicaudata Woodpecker Golden-tailed Campethera abingoni Nightjar Freckled Caprimulgus tristigma Coucal Burchell's Centropus burchellii Chat Familiar Cercomela familiaris X Scrub-robin White-browed Cercotrichas leucophrys Scrub-robin Kalahari Cercotrichas paena Kingfisher Pied Ceryle rudis Sunbird Amethyst Chalcomitra amethystina Plover Kittlitz's Charadrius pecuarius Plover Three-banded Charadrius tricollaris Greenbul Yellow-bellied Chlorocichla flaviventris Cuckoo Diderick Chrysococcyx caprius Cuckoo Klaas's Chrysococcyx klaas Stork Abdim's Ciconia abdimii Stork White Ciconia ciconia Stork Black Ciconia nigra Starling Violet-backed Cinnyricinclus leucogaster Sunbird Marico Cinnyris mariquensis Sunbird White-bellied Cinnyris talatala Snake-eagle Brown Circaetus cinereus Snake-eagle Black-chested Circaetus pectoralis Cisticola Desert Cisticola aridulus Cisticola Rattling Cisticola chiniana Neddicky Neddicky Cisticola fulvicapilla Cisticola Zitting Cisticola juncidis Cisticola Levaillant's Cisticola tinniens Cuckoo Great Spotted Clamator glandarius Cuckoo Jacobin Clamator jacobinus Cuckoo Levaillant's Clamator levaillantii Mousebird Speckled Colius striatus Pigeon Speckled Columba guinea Dove Rock Columba livia Roller Lilac-breasted Coracias caudatus Roller European Coracias garrulus Roller Purple Coracias naevius Shrike Magpie Corvinella melanoleuca Crow Pied Corvus albus
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 90 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017
Go-away-bird Grey Corythaixoides concolor X Robin-chat White-throated Cossypha humeralis Quail Common Coturnix coturnix Starling Wattled Creatophora cinerea Canary Black-throated Crithagra atrogularis Canary Yellow-fronted Crithagra mozambicus Cuckoo Black Cuculus clamosus Cuckoo African Cuculus gularis Cuckoo Red-chested Cuculus solitarius Courser Temminck's Cursorius temminckii Palm-swift African Cypsiurus parvus Duck White-faced Dendrocygna viduata Francolin Crested Dendroperdix sephaena Woodpecker Cardinal Dendropicos fuscescens Woodpecker Bearded Dendropicos namaquus Drongo Fork-tailed Dicrurus adsimilis Puffback Black-backed Dryoscopus cubla Egret Great Egretta alba Egret Little Egretta garzetta Egret Yellow-billed Egretta intermedia Kite Black-shouldered Elanus caeruleus Bunting Golden-breasted Emberiza flaviventris Bunting Cinnamon-breasted Emberiza tahapisi Eremomela Yellow-bellied Eremomela icteropygialis Eremomela Burnt-necked Eremomela usticollis Sparrowlark Chestnut-backed Eremopterix leucotis Waxbill Common Estrilda astrild Waxbill Black-faced Estrilda erythronotos Bishop Yellow-crowned Euplectes afer Widowbird White-winged Euplectes albonotatus Bishop Southern Red Euplectes orix Widowbird Long-tailed Euplectes progne Shrike Southern White-crowned Eurocephalus anguitimens Falcon Amur Falco amurensis Kestrel Lesser Falco naumanni X Kestrel Greater Falco rupicoloides Kestrel Rock Falco rupicolus Coot Red-knobbed Fulica cristata Moorhen Lesser Gallinula angulata Moorhen Common Gallinula chloropus Owlet Pearl-spotted Glaucidium perlatum Waxbill Violet-eared Granatina granatina Vulture Cape Gyps coprotheres Kingfisher Brown-hooded Halcyon albiventris Kingfisher Woodland Halcyon senegalensis Fish-eagle African Haliaeetus vocifer Stilt Black-winged Himantopus himantopus
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 91 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017
Warbler Icterine Hippolais icterina Swallow Lesser Striped Hirundo abyssinica Swallow White-throated Hirundo albigularis Swallow Greater Striped Hirundo cucullata Swallow Pearl-breasted Hirundo dimidiata Martin Rock Hirundo fuligula Swallow Barn Hirundo rustica Swallow Red-breasted Hirundo semirufa Honeyguide Greater Indicator indicator Honeyguide Lesser Indicator minor Bittern Little Ixobrychus minutus Firefinch Jameson's Lagonosticta rhodopareia Firefinch African Lagonosticta rubricata Firefinch Red-billed Lagonosticta senegala Starling Burchell's Lamprotornis australis Starling Cape Glossy Lamprotornis nitens X Shrike Crimson-breasted Laniarius atrococcineus Boubou Southern Laniarius ferrugineus Fiscal Common (Southern) Lanius collaris Shrike Red-backed Lanius collurio Shrike Lesser Grey Lanius minor Stork Marabou Leptoptilos crumeniferus Korhaan Red-crested Lophotis ruficrista Barbet Black-collared Lybius torquatus Bush-shrike Grey-headed Malaconotus blanchoti Kingfisher Giant Megaceryle maximus Flycatcher Southern Black Melaenornis pammelaina Goshawk Southern Pale Chanting Melierax canorus Goshawk Gabar Melierax gabar Bee-eater European Merops apiaster Bee-eater White-fronted Merops bullockoides Bee-eater Southern Carmine Merops nubicoides Bee-eater Blue-cheeked Merops persicus Bee-eater Little Merops pusillus Kite Yellow-billed Milvus aegyptius Lark Rufous-naped Mirafra africana Wagtail African Pied Motacilla aguimp Wagtail Cape Motacilla capensis Flycatcher Spotted Muscicapa striata Stork Yellow-billed Mycteria ibis Tit-flycatcher Grey Myioparus plumbeus Pochard Southern Netta erythrophthalma Brubru Brubru Nilaus afer Guineafowl Helmeted Numida meleagris X Night-Heron Black-crowned Nycticorax nycticorax Dove Namaqua Oena capensis Starling Red-winged Onychognathus morio
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 92 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017
Oriole Black-headed Oriolus larvatus Oriole Eurasian Golden Oriolus oriolus Quailfinch African Ortygospiza atricollis Scops-owl African Otus senegalensis Tit-babbler Chestnut-vented Parisoma subcaeruleum Tit Ashy Parus cinerascens Tit Southern Black Parus niger Sparrow Southern Grey-headed Passer diffusus Sparrow House Passer domesticus X Sparrow Cape Passer melanurus Sparrow Great Passer motitensis Peacock Common Pavo cristatus Petronia Yellow-throated Petronia superciliaris Cormorant Reed Phalacrocorax africanus Cormorant White-breasted Phalacrocorax carbo Ruff Ruff Philomachus pugnax Flamingo Greater Phoenicopterus ruber Wood-hoopoe Green Phoeniculus purpureus Warbler Willow Phylloscopus trochilus Spoonbill African Platalea alba Goose Spur-winged Plectropterus gambensis Sparrow-weaver White-browed Plocepasser mahali Weaver Village Ploceus cucullatus X Masked-weaver Lesser Ploceus intermedius Masked-weaver Southern Ploceus velatus Finfoot African Podica senegalensis X Tinkerbird Yellow-fronted Pogoniulus chrysoconus Parrot Meyer's Poicephalus meyeri Eagle Martial Polemaetus bellicosus X Harrier-Hawk African Polyboroides typus Swamphen African Purple Porphyrio madagascariensis Prinia Black-chested Prinia flavicans Prinia Tawny-flanked Prinia subflava Helmet-shrike White-crested Prionops plumatus Thrush Groundscraper Psophocichla litsipsirupa Spurfowl Natal Pternistis natalensis Spurfowl Swainson's Pternistis swainsonii Sandgrouse Double-banded Pterocles bicinctus Sandgrouse Yellow-throated Pterocles gutturalis X Bulbul African Red-eyed Pycnonotus nigricans Bulbul Dark-capped Pycnonotus tricolor Pytilia Green-winged Pytilia melba Quelea Red-billed Quelea quelea Avocet Pied Recurvirostra avosetta Scimitarbill Common Rhinopomastus cyanomelas Courser Bronze-winged Rhinoptilus chalcopterus Martin Brown-throated Riparia paludicola
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 93 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017
Secretarybird Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius Duck Comb Sarkidiornis melanotos Stonechat African Saxicola torquatus Hamerkop Hamerkop Scopus umbretta Flycatcher Fiscal Sigelus silens Mannikin Bronze Spermestes cucullatus Finch Scaly-feathered Sporopipes squamifrons Flycatcher Fairy Stenostira scita Turtle-dove Cape Streptopelia capicola Dove Red-eyed Streptopelia semitorquata X Dove Laughing Streptopelia senegalensis Ostrich Common Struthio camelus Crombec Long-billed Sylvietta rufescens Grebe Little Tachybaptus ruficollis Swift Alpine Tachymarptis melba Tchagra Brown-crowned Tchagra australis Tchagra Black-crowned Tchagra senegalus Bush-shrike Orange-breasted Telophorus sulfureopectus Paradise- flycatcher African Terpsiphone viridis Cliff-chat Mocking Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris Ibis African Sacred Threskiornis aethiopicus Hornbill Red-billed Tockus erythrorhynchus Hornbill Southern Yellow-billed Tockus leucomelas Hornbill African Grey Tockus nasutus Vulture Lappet-faced Torgos tracheliotus X Barbet Crested Trachyphonus vaillantii Barbet Acacia Pied Tricholaema leucomelas Sandpiper Wood Tringa glareola Sandpiper Marsh Tringa stagnatilis Babbler Southern Pied Turdoides bicolor Babbler Arrow-marked Turdoides jardineii Thrush Kurrichane Turdus libonyanus Thrush Karoo Turdus smithi Wood-dove Emerald-spotted Turtur chalcospilos Owl Barn Tyto alba Hoopoe African Upupa africana Waxbill Blue Uraeginthus angolensis Mousebird Red-faced Urocolius indicus Lapwing Blacksmith Vanellus armatus Lapwing Crowned Vanellus coronatus Lapwing African Wattled Vanellus senegallus Indigobird Village Vidua chalybeata Indigobird Dusky Vidua funerea Whydah Pin-tailed Vidua macroura Paradise-whydah Long-tailed Vidua paradisaea Indigobird Purple Vidua purpurascens
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 94 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017
Whydah Shaft-tailed Vidua regia White-eye Cape Zosterops virens
List of amphibians observed onsite:
Taxonomic Common IUCN ONSITE Hyperolius marmoratus Painted reed frog LC Chiromantis xerampelina Grey foam nest tree frog LC Schismaderma carens African red toad LC Sclerophrys gutturalis African common toad LC Phrynomantis bifasciatus Banded Rubber Frog LC Hemisus marmoratus Mottled Shovel-nosed Frog LC Pyxicephalus edulis African Bullfrog, Edible Bullfrog LC Amietia quecketti or Amietia angolensis Common River Frog, Angola River Frog NE Xenopus l. laevis Common platanna NE Breviceps a. adspersus Bushveld Rain Frog NE Pyxicephalus adspersus Giant Bullfrog LC Phrynomantis b. bifasciatus Banded Rubber Frog NE Phrynobatrachus natalensis Snoring Puddle Frog LC Bufo rangeri Raucous Toad LC
List of reptiles that may occur on site:
Subspec Red list Family Genus Species Common name ies category Southern Tree Least Concern Agamidae Acanthocercus atricollis atricollis Agama (SARCA 2014) Chamaeleonid Common Flap-neck Least Concern Chamaeleo dilepis dilepis ae Chameleon (SARCA 2014) Least Concern Colubridae Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia Red-lipped Snake (SARCA 2014) Least Concern Colubridae Dasypeltis scabra Rhombic Egg-eater (SARCA 2014) Northern Colubridae Dispholidus typus viridis Not evaluated Boomslang Spotted Bush Least Concern Colubridae Philothamnus semivariegatus Snake (SARCA 2014) semiannu Eastern Tiger Least Concern Colubridae Telescopus semiannulatus latus Snake (SARCA 2014) Common Girdled Least Concern Cordylidae Cordylus vittifer Lizard (SARCA 2014) Least Concern Elapidae Dendroaspis polylepis Black Mamba (SARCA 2014) Least Concern Elapidae Naja annulifera Snouted Cobra (SARCA 2014) Mozambique Least Concern Elapidae Naja mossambica Spitting Cobra (SARCA 2014) Unidentified Gekkonidae Not listed Gekkonidae Chondrodactyl Least Concern Gekkonidae turneri Turner's Gecko us (SARCA 2014) Common Tropical Least Concern Gekkonidae Hemidactylus mabouia House Gecko (SARCA 2014) Arnold's Velvet Gekkonidae Homopholis arnoldi Not evaluated Gecko
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 95 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017
Common Dwarf Least Concern Gekkonidae Lygodactylus capensis capensis Gecko (SARCA 2014) Gerrhosaurida Yellow-throated Least Concern Gerrhosaurus flavigularis e Plated Lizard (SARCA 2014) Gerrhosaurida Common Giant Least Concern Matobosaurus validus e Plated Lizard (SARCA 2014) Holub's Sandveld Least Concern Lacertidae Nucras holubi Lizard (SARCA 2014) Common Purple- Least Concern Lamprophiidae Amblyodipsas polylepis polylepis glossed Snake (SARCA 2014) Brown House Least Concern Lamprophiidae Boaedon capensis Snake (SARCA 2014) Least Concern Lamprophiidae Gonionotophis nyassae Black File Snake (SARCA 2014) Short-snouted Least Concern Lamprophiidae Psammophis brevirostris Grass Snake (SARCA 2014) Western Yellow- Least Concern Lamprophiidae Psammophis subtaeniatus bellied Sand Snake (SARCA 2014) Least Concern Lamprophiidae Pseudaspis cana Mole Snake (SARCA 2014) Leptotyphlopid Peters' Thread Leptotyphlops scutifrons scutifrons Not listed ae Snake sundevall Sundevall's Least Concern Scincidae Mochlus sundevallii ii Writhing Skink (SARCA 2014) Least Concern Scincidae Trachylepis capensis Cape Skink (SARCA 2014) Speckled Rock Least Concern Scincidae Trachylepis punctatissima Skink (SARCA 2014) Least Concern Scincidae Trachylepis varia Variable Skink (SARCA 2014) Lobatse Hinged Least Concern Testudinidae Kinixys lobatsiana Tortoise (SARCA 2014) Least Concern Testudinidae Stigmochelys pardalis Leopard Tortoise (SARCA 2014) albigulari Least Concern Varanidae Varanus albigularis Rock Monitor s (SARCA 2014) Least Concern Viperidae Bitis arietans arietans Puff Adder (SARCA 2014) Least Concern Testudinidae Geochelone pardalis Leopard Tortoise (IUCN) Pelomedusida e Pelomedusa subrufa Marsh Terrapin Not evaluated Varanidae Varanus niloticus Water Monitor Not evaluated Gerrhosaurida e Gerrhosaurus v. validus Giant Plated Lizard Not evaluated
List of mammals observed onsite:
Taxonomic Common IUCN LEMA On-site Aepyceros melampus Impala LC X Canis mesomelas Black-backed Jackal LC X Chlorocebus pygerythrus Vervet monkey LC X Connochaetes taurinus Blue wildebeest LC Damaliscus lunatus Common Tsessebe LC Equus quagga Plains Zebra NT Galago moholi lesser bush baby LC Genetta maculata Common Large-spotted Genet LC Giraffa camelopardalis The South African Giraffe VU
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 96 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province Ecological & Biodiversity Assessment – June 2017
Mellivora capensis Honey Badger LC Nycteris macrotis Large eared slit faced bat LC Orycteropus afer Aardvark LC Papio ursinus Chacma baboon LC Paraxerus cepapi Smith's Bush Squirrel LC Pedetes capensis South African Spring Hare LC Sylvicapra grimmia Bush Duiker LC X Syncerus caffer Cape Buffalo LC Tragelaphus strepsiceros Greater Kudu LC X
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 97 Proposed road upgrade, Limpopo Province